JP6670101B2 - Information display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display device provided with a display unit capable of displaying game information on a gaming machine.

  In stores such as pachinko parlors and slot stores, information display devices (call lamp devices, etc.) capable of displaying information relating to gaming at gaming machines are generally installed corresponding to gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines. It is a target.

  In connection with this, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an invention relating to an information display device that can be controlled to an energy saving mode in which power consumption is reduced by reducing the number of types of game information to be displayed as compared to the normal mode.

JP 2013-31515 A

  As disclosed in Patent Literature 1, there is an invention related to an information display device that can be controlled to an energy saving mode for reducing power consumption, but it is appropriate to change the mode or cancel the mode. There is no mention of any. In particular, there is room for consideration as to when it is appropriate to change the energy saving mode to the normal mode and when it is appropriate to cancel the energy saving mode. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information display device that can be controlled to a state in which power consumption is reduced from a normal state. It is another object of the present invention to propose a new method for suitably changing the state and a new method for suitably releasing the state with reduced power consumption.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. In addition, reference numerals used in the description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention and drawings used below will be appended for reference, but the components of the present invention are not limited to those with the reference numerals.

The invention according to Means 1 is
Game information (gaming history information: comprehensive gaming history information, personal gaming history information, detailed gaming history information) on gaming machines (pachinko machine 2, enclosed pachinko machine 2 ', slot machine 1000, gaming point type slot machine 1000', etc.) Etc.) (information display device 120, data display device 4, card unit 3, call lamp device, etc.) provided with display means (display portion 125, first display portion 430, display portion 355, etc.) capable of displaying the same. And
Operation means (such as an operation unit 1220);
State control means (control unit 1210 and the like) controllable between a first state (normal mode and the like) and a second state (power saving mode and the like) with lower power consumption than the first state;
With
The state control means includes:
When a display switching operation of the game information is performed on the operation means (G13 in FIG. 24; Yes), the state can be changed from the second state to the first state (G17 in FIG. 24),
Specific information transmitted from an external device (inter-unit counting unit 5, hall computer 6, other data display device 120, etc.) (inter-unit counting unit 5: card insertion signal, deposit signal, consumption signal, etc., hall computer 6: all at once) Other data display devices 120: big hit running effect signal, corresponding pachinko machine 2: start signal, big hit signal, probable change signal, time-saving signal, etc.) (G13 in FIG. 24; Yes), the state can be changed from the second state to the first state (G17 in FIG. 24).
An information display device characterized in that:
According to this, it is possible to suitably change the state from the state where the power consumption is reduced to the normal state.

The invention according to Means 2 is
Game information (gaming history information: comprehensive gaming history information, personal gaming history information, detailed gaming history information) on gaming machines (pachinko machine 2, enclosed pachinko machine 2 ', slot machine 1000, gaming point type slot machine 1000', etc.) Etc.) (information display device 120, data display device 4, card unit 3, call lamp device, etc.) provided with display means (display portion 125, first display portion 430, display portion 355, etc.) capable of displaying the same. And
Operation means (such as an operation unit 1220);
State control means (control unit 1210 and the like) controllable between a first state (normal mode and the like) and a second state (power saving mode and the like) with lower power consumption than the first state;
With
The state control means includes:
When the game information display switching operation is performed on the operation means (G13 in FIG. 24; Yes), the second state can be released (G17 in FIG. 24).
Specific information transmitted from an external device (inter-unit counting unit 5, hall computer 6, other data display device 120, etc.) (inter-unit counting unit 5: card insertion signal, deposit signal, consumption signal, etc., hall computer 6: all at once) Other data display devices 120: big hit running effect signal, corresponding pachinko machine 2: start signal, big hit signal, probable change signal, time-saving signal, etc.) (G13 in Fig. 24; Yes), Ri releasable der the second state (G17 in FIG. 24),
A state can be changed from the first state to the second state when an operation on the operation means is not performed for a predetermined time;
It is possible to vary the predetermined time according to the state of the gaming machine,
An information display device characterized in that:
According to this, it is possible to suitably release the state in which the power consumption is reduced.

The invention according to Means 3 is
An information display device according to means 1 or 2, wherein
The state control means transmits a signal transmitted from another device (a correspondingly provided gaming machine, a correspondingly provided unit, etc.) to a signal for a predetermined period (mode control setting data in FIG. 10: energy saving mode change time, etc.). An information display device characterized by changing the state to the second state when not receiving (G5 in FIG. 24; Yes → G7).
According to this, it is possible to suitably change the state to the second state on condition that no signal transmitted from another device is received for a predetermined period.

The invention according to Means 4 is
An information display device according to any one of means 1 to 3,
The state control unit changes the state to the second state when the operation on the operation unit is not performed for a predetermined period (the mode control setting data in FIG. 10: energy saving mode change time or the like) (G5 in FIG. 24; (Yes → G7).
According to this, it is possible to suitably change the state to the second state on condition that no operation is performed on the operation means for a predetermined period.

The invention according to Means 5 is
An information display device according to means 1, wherein
The state control means changes the state from the first state at different times (mode control setting data in FIG. 10: energy saving mode re-change time, etc.) according to the trigger for changing the state from the second state to the first state. An information display device characterized by changing the state to the second state again (G9 in FIG. 24; Yes → G11).
According to this, it is possible to change the state from the first state to the second state again at a suitable timing according to the trigger for changing the state from the second state to the first state.

The invention according to Means 6 is
An information display device according to means 2, wherein:
The state control means changes the state to the second state again at a different time (mode control setting data in FIG. 10: energy saving mode re-change time, etc.) according to the trigger for releasing the second state (FIG. 10). 24 G9; Yes → G11).
According to this, it is possible to change the state to the second state again at a suitable timing according to the timing of releasing the second state.

The invention according to Means 7 is
An information display device according to any one of means 1 to 6,
A change condition setting means (processing for C7 in FIG. 22) capable of setting change conditions (mode control setting data in FIG. 10: energy saving mode change time, etc.) for the state control means to change the state to the second state. The information display device further includes a unit 1211).
According to this, it is possible to set a change condition for changing the state to the second state, and it is possible to flexibly change the state to the second state.

The invention according to Means 8 is
An information display device according to means 7, wherein
The gaming machines include a plurality of types (mode control setting data in FIGS. 10 to 12: model name, etc.),
The change condition setting means sets the change conditions (mode control setting data in FIGS. 10 to 12: energy saving mode change time, etc.) according to the type of the gaming machine provided (C7 in FIG. 22). An information display device characterized in that:
According to this, it is possible to flexibly change the state to the second state according to the type of the gaming machine provided correspondingly.

The invention according to Means 9 is
An information display device described in the means 7 or 8,
The information display device is characterized in that the change condition setting means sets a change time (an energy saving mode change time or the like) until the state control means changes the state to the second state as the change condition.
According to this, it is possible to set a change time until the state is changed to the second state, and it is possible to change the state to the second state at a suitable timing.

The invention according to Means 10 is
An information display device according to any one of means 1 to 6,
The state control means sets change information (energy saving mode change time and the like) for changing the state to the second state distributed from a predetermined distribution device (a management device such as the hall computer 6) (FIG. 17). Information display device setting data 691: mode control setting data 6916) to change the state to the second state.
According to this, by distributing the setting information from the distribution device, it is possible to collectively set change conditions in a plurality of information display devices.

The invention according to Means 11 is
An information display device according to means 10, wherein
The gaming machines include a plurality of types (mode control setting data in FIGS. 10 to 12: model name, etc.),
The state control means performs the setting information (mode control setting data in FIGS. 10 to 12: model name, etc., display device setting data 691 in FIG. 17, mode control setting data in accordance with the type of the gaming machine). 6916 etc.) to change the state to the second state.
According to this, it is possible to flexibly change the state to the second state according to the type of the gaming machine provided correspondingly.

The invention according to Means 12 is
An information display device according to the means 10 or 11, wherein
The state control means changes the state to the second state based on the setting information using a change time (e.g., an energy saving mode change time) until the state is changed to the second state as the change condition. An information display device characterized by the following.
According to this, it is possible to set a change time until the state is changed to the second state, and it is possible to change the state to the second state at a suitable timing.

The invention according to Means 13 is
An information display device according to means 9, wherein:
The gaming machine is a gaming machine that can be controlled to one of a third state (game mode) and a fourth state (demonstration state, energy saving state, etc.) that operates with less power consumption than the third state. ,
The change condition setting means may include a time longer than a time until the gaming machine changes the state to the fourth state (mode control setting data in FIG. 10: demo state transition time, energy saving mode change time, and the like). Is set as the change time.
According to this, it is possible to set a suitable change time in accordance with the timing at which the gaming machine is controlled to reduce power consumption.

The invention according to Means 14 is
An information display device according to means 12, wherein:
The gaming machine is a gaming machine that can be controlled to one of a third state (game mode) and a fourth state (demonstration state, energy saving state, etc.) that operates with less power consumption than the third state. ,
The state control means sets a time longer than the time until the gaming machine changes the state to the fourth state (mode control setting data in FIG. 10: demo state transition time, energy saving mode change time, etc.). An information display device, wherein a state is changed to the second state based on the setting information as the change time.
According to this, it is possible to set a suitable change time in accordance with the timing at which the gaming machine is controlled to reduce power consumption.

The invention according to Means 15 is
An information display device according to any one of means 1 to 14,
The operation means includes a specific operation button (a call button 1221, a screen switching button, etc.) capable of emitting light at a predetermined luminance,
The light emission control means does not lower the brightness when the specific operation button is caused to emit light even when the state is changed to the second state by the state control means (operation button emission setting for FIG. 14). Data: luminance in a normal mode, luminance in an energy-saving mode, and the like).
According to this, even when the state is changed to the second state, the brightness of the specific operation button does not decrease, so that it is possible to prevent the operability from decreasing.

The invention according to Means 16 is
An information display device according to means 15, wherein:
The gaming machine is a gaming machine installed in a store,
The information display device is characterized in that the specific operation button is a call button (a call button 1221 or the like) for allowing a player playing with the gaming machine to call a store clerk.
According to this, it is possible to prevent the operability of the call button from being reduced.

The invention according to Means 17 is
An information display device according to means 15, wherein:
The game information includes game history information (combined game history information, individual game history information, detailed game history information, and the like) in the gaming machine,
The information display device is characterized in that the specific operation button is a game history confirmation button (a screen switching button or the like) for a player playing with the gaming machine to confirm the game history information.
According to this, it is possible to prevent the operability of the game history confirmation button from being reduced.

The invention according to Means 18 is
An information display device according to any one of means 1 to 17,
A connection terminal (such as a USB port 1270) to which an external terminal (such as the mobile terminal 12) can be connected;
Power supply means (power supply unit 1280 or the like) capable of supplying power to the external terminal via the connection terminal;
Further comprising
The power supply unit restricts power supply to the external terminal while being controlled to the second state by the state control unit (H3 in FIG. 25: energy saving mode → H7, H11; Yes → H13; Yes → H17) An information display device characterized in that:
According to this, while being controlled to the second state, by limiting power supply to the external terminal connected to the connection terminal, the effect of reducing power consumption can be enhanced.

The invention according to Means 19 is
Display game information (general game history information, personal game history information, detailed game history information, etc.) on gaming machines (pachinko machine 2, enclosed pachinko machine 2 ', slot machine 1000, gaming point type slot machine 1000', etc.) An information display device (data display device 120, data display device 4, card unit 3, call lamp device, etc.) provided with possible display means (display unit 1230, first display unit 430, display unit 355, etc.); A control device capable of controlling the display device (a management device such as the hall computer 6, a mode control device, and the like), and
The information display device includes an operation unit (an operation unit 1220 and the like),
The control device is capable of controlling the information display device to a first state (eg, a normal mode) and a second state (eg, an energy saving mode) that consumes less power than the first state (eg, a processing unit 610). )
The state control means includes:
When a display switching operation of the game information is performed on the operation means, the state can be changed from the second state to the first state,
When the information display device receives specific information transmitted from an external device, the state can be changed from the second state to the first state,
It is a game system characterized by the above.
According to this, it is possible to suitably change the state from the state where the power consumption is reduced to the normal state.

The invention according to Means 20 is
Display game information (general game history information, personal game history information, detailed game history information, etc.) on gaming machines (pachinko machine 2, enclosed pachinko machine 2 ', slot machine 1000, gaming point type slot machine 1000', etc.) An information display device (data display device 120, data display device 4, card unit 3, call lamp device, etc.) provided with possible display means (display unit 1230, first display unit 430, display unit 355, etc.); A control device capable of controlling the display device (a management device such as the hall computer 6, a mode control device, and the like), and
The information display device includes an operation unit (an operation unit 1220 and the like),
The control device is capable of controlling the information display device to a first state (eg, a normal mode) and a second state (eg, an energy saving mode) that consumes less power than the first state (eg, a processing unit 610). )
The state control means includes:
The second state can be released when a display switching operation of the game information is performed on the operation unit,
When the information display device receives specific information transmitted from an external device, the second state can be released.
It is a game system characterized by the above.
According to this, it is possible to suitably release the state in which the power consumption is reduced.

It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 1st game system. It is a figure showing an example of a signal and the flow of information in the 1st game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the external structure of a pachinko machine and the counting device between tables. It is a figure which shows an example of a functional structure of an inter-unit counting unit. It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of a hall computer. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a display content setting table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a display mode setting table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of display screen data. It is a figure showing an example of the data composition of special display classified data. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a mode control setting table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of mode control setting data. It is a figure showing another example of mode control setting data. It is a figure showing an example of the table composition of a special display setting table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of an operation button light emission setting table. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a lamp emission setting table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a device correspondence table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of display device setting data. It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of a ball management computer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a data display device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a data display device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a management process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a data display apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a display control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a mode control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a power supply control process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a light emission control process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of processing between units. It is a figure showing an example of a display screen of a data display device. It is a figure showing an example of a display screen of a data display device. It is a figure showing an example of a display screen of a data display device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of another data display device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of another data display device. It is a figure showing an example of an eaves object. It is a figure showing an example of a display screen of a display. It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 2nd game system. It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 3rd game system. It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 3rd game system. It is a figure showing an example of the system configuration of the 4th game system. It is a figure showing an example of the appearance composition of a card unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of operation button light emission setting data.

  Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. However, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the embodiments described below.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. Gaming system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a first gaming system 1A according to the first embodiment.

  The first gaming system 1A is a plurality of pachinko machines 2 that are a kind of gaming machines installed on a gaming island (not shown), and is an information display device and a kind of gaming device that are provided corresponding to each of the pachinko machines 2. A certain data display device 120, a gaming device provided corresponding to each pachinko machine 2, a counter counting unit 5 which is a type of a counting device and a recording medium processing device, and a hall computer 6 which is a type of a management device; It is provided with a ball management computer 8 which is a type of management device for managing the number of balls stored and the number of balls possessed by the player.

  The pachinko machine 2 according to the present embodiment is capable of playing using a game ball (pachinko ball), which is a kind of game medium, and variably displays and displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) that can identify each of them. A variable display means (for example, a special symbol display) for deriving and displaying the result is provided, and when the display result derived and displayed on the variable display means becomes a specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol), a specific game advantageous to the player The gaming machine is controlled to a state (for example, a jackpot gaming state).

  At a predetermined position above each of the pachinko machines 2, a data display device 120 for displaying various information such as game information related to the game with the pachinko machines 2 and store information related to the business of the store by a color liquid crystal screen is installed. I have. Since the data display device 120 is a terminal that discloses information to a player or a player, the data display device 120 can be paraphrased as an information disclosure terminal.

  In the present embodiment, the data display device 120 uses the display device setting data 691 that is the setting data (setting information) for the data display device 120 distributed from the hall computer 6 and uses the display unit included in the device itself. The display setting of 1230 and the light emission setting of the light emitting unit 1250 (the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252) included in the own device are performed. Here, the setting refers to determining the operation of the own device so as to perform a specific operation. In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 2 provided corresponding to the data display device 120 is referred to as “corresponding pachinko machine 2”, and the inter-unit counting unit 5 provided corresponding to the data display device 120 is referred to as “pachinko machine 2”. This is referred to as “corresponding unit 5”.

  In the present embodiment, the setting data (setting information) of the data display device 120 is described as being distributed by the hall computer 6 which is a type of management device. A kind of ball management computer 8 may distribute the setting data. In addition, a management device such as a member management computer that manages member information of a player who has registered as a member or a card management computer that manages card information of a game card possessed by the player is installed in a store. May distribute the setting data.

  The data display device 120 includes a display unit 1230 that is a display unit that can display game information on the corresponding pachinko machine 2, and a control unit 1210 that is a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit 1230. The data display device 120 includes an operation unit 1220 having a call button 1221 and a touch panel 1222 as operation means.

  The control unit 1210, which is a state control unit, can control its own device to an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, which is the first state, and performs a game information display switching operation on the operation unit 1220. The mode is changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, and when the specific information transmitted from the external device is received, the mode is changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

  Here, the “mode” refers to a mode in which the data display device 120 is operated in a state where power consumption is different, and is a concept embodying the operation state of the data display device 120. Further, “changing the mode” means changing the state in which the data display device 120 is operated in one mode to the state in which the data display device 120 is operated in another mode. In the present embodiment, as described above, the data display device 120 will be described as being controllable to two types of modes: a normal mode and an energy saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode. The normal mode corresponds to a “first state”, and the energy saving mode corresponds to a “second state”.

  Here, various methods are conceivable as a method for realizing the energy saving mode. In the present embodiment, (1) display on the display unit 1230 when the energy saving mode is controlled, compared to when the normal mode is controlled. Power consumption is reduced by reducing the number of types of game information, (2) reducing brightness when displaying game information on the display unit 1230, and (3) reducing brightness when causing the light emitting unit 1250 to emit light. This will be explained as follows. Note that another method of reducing power consumption will be described later in a modified example.

  The “external device” is a concept including all communicable devices other than the own device, and is provided corresponding to another pachinko machine 2 in addition to a device of a different type from the data display device 120. The data display device 120 is also included in this. Here, devices of a type different from the data display device 120 include devices such as the corresponding unit 5, the hall computer 6, and the ball management computer 8.

  The “specific information” means information that can be specified from a signal or data transmitted from an external device. In the present embodiment, the identification information includes information that can be identified from a unit signal transmitted from the corresponding unit 5 and information that can be identified from a management signal transmitted from the hall computer 6. Specific examples of these will be described later.

  In addition, the data display device 120 is configured to be able to display a special display on the display unit 1230 separately from the display of the game information.

  Here, the special display is a display that is specially executed in response to establishment of a predetermined special display execution condition when game information is displayed. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine error display for notifying an error that has occurred in the corresponding pachinko machine 2, a display device error display for notifying an error that has occurred in its own device, and a notification that a big hit has occurred in the pachinko machine 2 A large hit effect display, a simultaneous effect display for performing simultaneous effects such as a running effect on the plurality of data display devices 120, and an anti-sagging display for alerting a player playing with the pachinko machine 2 to dive into the game. The special display includes a display for forgetting to remove a game card from the inter-counter counting unit 5 and a display for indicating a loan rate for notifying a lending rate of game balls in the pachinko machine 2. included.

  The inter-unit counting unit 5 includes a counting and paying unit 380 that is provided alongside the left (or right) side of each of the pachinko machines 2 and counts the number of game balls obtained by a player playing the pachinko machines 2. It is composed. The counting and payout unit 380 is a device that counts and takes in pachinko balls, stores the counted pachinko balls, and repays the stored pachinko balls to the player by a predetermined number in accordance with a pachinko ball payback operation by the player. is there.

  The hall computer 6 manages each pachinko machine 2 installed in the store in an integrated manner. Further, the hall computer 6 comprehensively manages the data display device 120 and the inter-unit counting unit 5 provided for each pachinko machine 2.

  The ball management computer 8 manages the number of counted balls (also referred to as the number of local counted balls) counted in the inter-unit counting unit 5 and records the number of balls in a possessed ball card possessed by the player so that the player can use the ball again. Manage the number of balls held.

  Each of the pachinko machines 2 is configured to be individually identifiable by a stand number, and the pachinko machine 2, the data display device 120 and the inter-stand counting unit 5 are connected to the hall computer 6 and the ball management computer 8 via the stand terminal 10. It is connected. In addition, in this figure, for simplicity, four pachinko machines 2 are installed on the game island.

[1-2. Signal and information flow]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of signals and information between the devices of the first gaming system 1A. In this figure, for simplification of the description, illustration of the terminal 10 is omitted.

  From the pachinko machine 2, a pachinko machine signal including a jackpot signal, a signal during probable change, a signal during time reduction, a driving signal, a prize ball signal, a start signal, a pachinko machine illegal signal, and a pachinko machine abnormal signal is transmitted to the data display device 120 and the hall. Output to the computer 6.

The big hit signal is a signal that is set to an output state when the big hit game state is controlled.
The probable changing signal is a signal that is set to an output state when controlled to the probable state, which is a high probability state.
The mid-hour signal is a signal that is brought into an output state when it is controlled to the high-base state, which is a time-saving state.
The driving signal is a pulse signal of a predetermined width that is set to an output state each time a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is counted by the out-ball counter.
The start signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined width which is set to an output state when the display result of the special figure variable display section is derived and displayed.
The prize ball signal is a pulse signal of a predetermined width which is set to an output state each time a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out.

The pachinko machine illegal signal is a type of error signal in the pachinko machine 2, and is a signal that is output when some irregularity occurs in the pachinko machine 2.
The pachinko machine abnormality signal is a kind of error signal in the pachinko machine 2 and is a signal that is set to an output state when any abnormality occurs in the pachinko machine 2.
These signals will be described later.

  From the inter-unit counting unit 5, unit signals including a card insertion signal, a card ejection signal, a deposit signal, a consumption signal, a ball payout signal, a unit illegal signal, and a unit abnormal signal are sent to the data display device 120 and the hall computer 6. Is output.

The card insertion signal is a signal that is set to an output state when a game card is received, and a signal including a reception ID such as a card ID or a member ID recorded on the received game card is output.
The card ejection signal is a signal that is output when the accepted gaming card is ejected.
The deposit signal is a signal that is output when a deposit is made by the player. The deposit signal can be a signal output in units of a specific amount (for example, 100 yen).
The consumption signal is a signal that is output when the remaining amount is consumed. The consumption signal can also be a signal output in units of a specific amount (for example, 100 yen).
The ball payout signal is a signal which is set to an output state when the game balls are paid out to the pachinko machine 2, and outputs a signal indicating that the game balls have been paid out and the number of balls of the paid out game balls.

The unit illegal signal is a type of error signal in the inter-unit counting unit 5, and is a signal that is set to an output state when some irregularity occurs in the inter-unit counting unit 5.
The unit abnormality signal is a kind of an error signal in the inter-unit counting unit 5 and is a signal that is set to an output state when some abnormality occurs in the inter-unit counting unit 5.
These signals will be described later.

  From the hall computer 6, display device setting data 691 for the data display device 120 to perform various settings is output to the data display device 120. In addition, a management device including a simultaneous production signal for causing the data display device 120 to perform simultaneous performance, a periodic notification signal for performing periodic notification, and an energy saving mode release signal for releasing the energy saving mode from the hall computer 6. The signal is output to the data display device 120.

  The inter-counter counting unit 5 outputs an authentication request signal for requesting authentication of the dimming card inserted into the own device to the ball management computer 8. The authentication request signal includes a unit ID, which is the ID of the own device, and a card ID recorded on the possession card.

  The ball management computer 8 performs an authentication process according to the authentication request signal output from the inter-unit counting unit 5, and transmits an authentication signal to the inter-unit counting unit 5. The authentication signal includes an authentication result (OK / NG).

[1-3. Configuration of pachinko machine]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the pachinko machine 2.
The pachinko machine 2 includes a glass door frame 22 formed in a frame shape, and a hitting supply tray 23 on a lower surface of the glass door frame 22. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hit ball supply tray 23, and a lower plate 24 for storing game balls overflowing from the hit ball supply tray 23 is provided below the hit ball supply tray (upper plate) 23. A hit ball operation handle (hereinafter, referred to as a “hit ball operation knob”) 25 for firing a hit ball is provided.

  A game board 26 is detachably mounted behind the glass door frame 22. A game area 27 is provided on the front of the game board 26. In a lower area on the right side of the game area 27, there is provided a special figure variable display section 28 for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information called "special symbols".

  Also, in the center of the game area 27, a plurality of types of identification information called “effect symbols” are variably displayed and an effect video is displayed, and a plurality of types of identification information called “ordinary symbols” are displayed. And a variable display device 30 for variably displaying the identification information. The gaming board 26 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 44, a plurality of passing gates 31, a starting winning port 34, and a variable winning ball apparatus 36. An out port 46 for collecting the water is formed.

  When a hit ball is won in each of the winning openings (that is, the condition for granting is satisfied), a prize ball corresponding to each winning opening is paid out by an unillustrated ball-cutting and paying-out device, and paid out by the ball-cutting and paying-out device. The prize ball signal (one pulse for every 10 balls) corresponding to the issued prize ball number (number of provided balls) is output to the outside, whereby the prize ball number is notified to the outside.

  The number of hit balls that have won each winning opening and the number of hit balls collected in the out opening 46 are counted by an out-ball counter (not shown) provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2, and the counted hit balls are counted. By outputting a driving signal (one pulse for every 10 balls) according to the number of balls to the outside, the number of balls to be driven is notified to the outside.

  A hit ball shot by a hammer (not shown) that is swung by operating the hit ball operation knob 25 enters the game area 27 through the hit ball rail, and then flows down the game area 27. At this time, game balls whose firing force is too weak to reach the game area 27 are recirculated to the lower plate 24 through a recirculation path (not shown).

  Further, when the driven ball driven into the game area 27 passes through the passing gate 31, the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device 30 starts to variably start.

  When the display result after the variable display operation of the variable display device 30 becomes a predetermined special display result (for example, O), the movable piece 35 provided in the starting winning opening 34 is opened for a predetermined time, and the starting winning opening is opened. 34 is opened (opened), and a game ball can be won in the starting winning opening 34. That is, after the normal start condition of passing through the passage gate 31 is satisfied, the normal start condition that allows the start of the variable display of the normal symbol (for example, when the variable display of the normal symbol is not executed and the movable piece 35 is controlled to open. The variable display of the ordinary symbol is executed based on the establishment of the game pattern, and when a predetermined special display result is derived and displayed as a display result, it is possible to win a game ball in the starting winning opening 34. (Start conditions for variable display of special symbols can be satisfied).

  Also, when a game ball wins in the starting winning opening 34, the special symbol variable display section 28 starts variable display (variable display) of the special symbol and the effect variable display section 29 starts effect display. Then, after that, the special symbol in the special figure variable display section 28 stops, and when the stop display result becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, a big hit symbol), the left, The variable display of the middle and right effect symbols also stops. Then, the display mode of the effect symbol is also set to a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), so that a specific game state (big hit game state) is generated and a big hit signal is output. , The occurrence of the jackpot is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol in the special figure variable display section 28 is stopped, a start signal having a predetermined pulse width is output, and the variable display (variable display) of the special symbol in the special figure variable display section 28 is executed. Will be notified. That is, after the start condition of winning the game ball into the start winning opening 34 is satisfied, a start condition for permitting the start of the variable display of the special symbol (for example, the variable display of the special symbol is not executed and the big hit game The variable state of the special symbol is executed based on the fact that the state has not been controlled), and when a predetermined big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a display result, the big hit game state advantageous to the player is achieved. Controlled.

  When the big hit game state occurs in this way, the open / close plate 40 provided in the variable winning ball device 36 is opened to open the big winning port (open state), and the game ball enters the big winning port. Becomes possible. When a game ball wins in the special winning opening, more award balls are awarded than when a game ball wins in another winning opening. Then, after the opening and closing plate 40 provided on the variable winning ball device 36 is opened and the big winning opening is opened (opened), a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of game balls are passed. If the earlier condition among the winnings (for example, 10) is established, the opening / closing plate 40 is closed and the big winning opening is closed (closed state), and it is impossible to win the game ball in the big winning opening. Becomes

  If a hit ball that has entered the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 36 in the open state wins in the specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by a V count switch (not shown), the open state of that time. After the completion of the control, the repetition continuation control for controlling the closed state to the open state is performed. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 15 times.

  It should be noted that the variable prize ball device 36 in which the specific prize area (V pocket) is not provided is changed from a closed state (a state where the special winning opening is closed) to an open state (a special winning opening) for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). (A state in which is open) may be executed repeatedly. The open state ends when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) wins, whichever is earlier, is satisfied. The number of executions of the repetition continuation control for controlling the variable winning ball device 36 from the closed state to the open state is set to be different depending on, for example, a plurality of specific game states (big hit game states). A hit with 15 executions of the continuation control may be referred to as a 15 round big hit, and a hit with 2 executions of the repetition continuation control may be referred to as a 2 round big hit. In other words, in the big hit gaming state, the repetition continuation control is performed a number of times according to the type of the big hit gaming state, so that a state in which a game ball can be awarded to the big winning port becomes possible, which is advantageous for the player. Period.

  Also when a ball is won in the special winning opening (that is, when the grant condition is satisfied), a prize ball corresponding to the winning is paid out by a ball-cutting and paying-out device (not shown), and the ball is paid out by the ball-cutting and paying-out device. A prize ball signal (one pulse for every 10 balls) corresponding to the prize ball number (number of balls provided) is output to the outside, whereby the prize ball number is notified to the outside.

  When the display result of the special figure variable display unit and the display result of the effect symbol of the effect variable display unit are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination of big hit symbols, a big hit game state occurs as described above. In some cases, the reach state may occur in a state before the stop display is performed.

  When the special symbol and the effect symbol variably displayed on the special figure variable display unit 28 and the effect variable display unit 29 are stopped and displayed in a combination of the symbols matching the type of the predetermined probability variation symbol, the above-described repetition continuation control is performed. After the "big hit game state" ends, the probability of a big hit again becomes a probability fluctuation state in which the probability state becomes a higher probability state than the normal game state (low probability state). The probability change state is referred to as a “probable change big hit” in distinction from the big hit, and during the probability change state after the end of the probability change big hit, the occurrence of the probability change state is notified to the outside by setting the in-progress signal to the output state.

  In other words, in the probability fluctuation state, the ratio controlled in the big hit gaming state is higher than that in the normal gaming state, which is an advantageous period for the player. For example, during the period from the end of the jackpot gaming state related to the probability change jackpot to the time when the jackpot gaming state related to the next jackpot is controlled, the probability variation state is controlled. In addition, after the big hit gaming state related to the probable big hit, before the control to the big hit gaming state related to the next big hit, a variable display that does not result in a specific display result of a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) is executed. The probability fluctuation state may be terminated based on the fact that it has been performed (the so-called ST machine may be used).

  When the special symbol and the effect symbol variably displayed on the special figure variable display portion 28 and the effect variable display portion 29 are stopped and displayed in a combination of symbols other than the predetermined probability variation symbol, the "big hit" by the repetition continuation control described above is performed. After the end of "", until the variable display reaches a predetermined number of times on the special figure variable display section 28 and the effect variable display section 29, or until the next big hit occurs, the special symbol and the effect on the special figure variable display section 28 The variable display time (variable time) of the effect symbols on the variable display unit 29 is reduced to a time-saving state in which the special symbol time-saving control is executed, compared to the normal game state (non-time-saving state). During the time reduction state, the occurrence of the time reduction state is notified to the outside by setting the signal during the time reduction to the output state.

  When the special symbol time reduction control is executed, the start condition becomes easy to be satisfied, and the frequency at which the variable display of the special symbol is executed is increased, so that it is easy to be controlled to the big hitting game state. Become. Further, in the time reduction state, the normal symbol time reduction control in which the variable display time (variation time) of the normal symbol is shorter than in the normal game state (non-time reduction state) may be executed. When the normal symbol time reduction control is executed, the normal start condition is more easily satisfied, and the frequency at which the normal symbol is variably displayed is increased (the frequency at which the special display result is derived and displayed increases), so that the movable piece 35 is opened. Since the frequency of the control is increased, an advantageous period which is advantageous for the player is obtained. Further, in the time saving state, the normal symbol probability changing control may be executed to increase the ratio of the normal symbol display result to the special display result as compared with the normal gaming state (non-time saving state).

  When the normal symbol probability changing control is executed, the frequency at which the special display result is derived and displayed increases, and the frequency at which the movable piece 35 is controlled to open increases, which is an advantageous period for the player. Further, in the time reduction state, the period during which the movable piece 35 is controlled to be opened may be extended, or the opening extension control for increasing the number of times of opening may be executed. When the opening extension control is executed, the winning frequency to the starting winning opening 34 is increased, so that an advantageous period for the player is obtained. In the time reduction state, at least one of the above-described special symbol time reduction control, ordinary symbol time reduction control, ordinary symbol probability change control, and opening extension control may be executed.

  The time-saving state is, for example, a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times) after the end of the jackpot game state related to the normal jackpot (a jackpot that is not a probable variable jackpot) and before being controlled to the jackpot game state related to the next jackpot. The processing is ended based on the execution of the variable display that does not result in the specific display result of ()). In this embodiment, the probable change state is accompanied by a time-saving state, except when the probable change state is controlled to be described later. As described above, in this embodiment, the period in which at least one of the big hit gaming state, the probability fluctuation state, and the time reduction state is controlled is an advantageous period.

  The pachinko machine 2 of the present embodiment is equipped with an information output board (not shown) for outputting each of these signals to the outside, and the information output board and an external device are connected via a signal cable (not shown). From the information output board, an external output signal including a jackpot signal, a signal during probable change, a signal during time reduction, a start signal, and a prize ball signal is output to an external device via a signal cable. In addition to these signals, out balls are counted by an out ball counter (not shown), and each time the counted value of the out balls reaches a predetermined ball number (for example, 10 balls), the driving of a predetermined pulse width is performed. A signal is output from the out ball counter to an external device.

  The big hit signal is a signal indicating that a big hit has occurred and also a signal indicating that the big hit game state is being controlled. Control is performed so that the big hit signal is turned on while the big hit game state is being controlled, and the big hit signal is turned off while the big hit game state is not controlled. Thereby, it is possible to specify that a big hit has occurred in the external device connected to the pachinko machine 2 and that the pachinko machine 2 is controlled to the big hit game state.

  The probability changing signal is a signal indicating that the rate of occurrence of the big hit is controlled to the probability change state (high probability state) higher than the normal state (low probability state). Control is performed such that the probable-change signal is turned on during the period in which the probable-change state is controlled, and the probable-change signal is turned off during the period in which the probable-change state is not controlled. Thereby, it is possible to specify that the external device connected to the pachinko machine 2 is controlled to be in the stable state. In addition, when the game is controlled to be in the probable change state with the end of the big hit game state, it is possible to specify the occurrence of the probable change big hit with these gaming machines. In addition, when the jackpot gaming state is not controlled to be in the positive change state with the end of the jackpot gaming state, it is possible to specify the occurrence of the normal jackpot with these gaming machines. As a result, on the gaming device side, it is possible to total the number of occurrences of the big hits, and the breakdown of the probability change big hits and the normal big hits.

  The time saving medium signal is a signal indicating that the variable display device is controlled to be in a time saving state (high base state) for reducing the variable display time. Control is performed such that the signal during the time reduction is set to the ON state during the period in which the time reduction state is controlled, and the signal during the time reduction is set to the OFF state during the period when the signal is not controlled to the time reduction state. This makes it possible to specify that the gaming machine connected to the pachinko machine 2, such as the data display device 120 or the hall computer 6, is controlled to be in the time saving state.

  In addition, when the game is controlled to the probable change state with the end of the big hit game state but is not controlled to the time saving state, it is possible to specify the occurrence of the latent probable big change with these gaming devices. Here, the latent probability changing big hit is a big hit in which the opening pattern of the big winning prize is a big hit which is common to the small hit and which is controlled to a certain changing state (high probability state) after the big hit gaming state ends. The small hit means a control mode in which the gaming state is not changed after the opening of the special winning opening, although the special winning opening is opened in a specific opening pattern (for example, opening for 0.5 seconds twice). Say. Therefore, it is difficult for a player to specify whether a small hit has occurred or a latent probability change big hit has occurred simply by opening a special winning opening in a specific opening pattern. On the other hand, in the gaming device connected to the pachinko machine 2, it is possible to specify that the latent probable change state is difficult for the player to grasp based on the fact that the player is in the time-reducing state despite the probable change state.

  The pachinko machine 2 outputs a pachinko machine illegal signal. The game control board (also referred to as a main control board) of the pachinko machine 2 has, for example, a high-frequency signal detection function, a magnetism detection function, and a vibration detection function as a function of detecting a player's fraud. For the high-frequency signal detection function, for example, a technique as disclosed in JP-A-2002-239169 can be applied.

  More specifically, when the switches provided in the first start winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening are high-frequency oscillation type through proximity switches, a signal monitoring circuit connected to each switch. When an abnormal high-frequency signal is detected in any of the signal monitoring circuits, a pachinko machine illegal signal indicating the possibility of illegal operation is output to the outside via an external output board. Similarly, if an abnormal magnetism is detected by the magnetic detection function or an abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration detection function, a pachinko machine illegal signal is output to the outside via the external output board.

  In addition, when the number of winnings in each winning opening within a predetermined period exceeds a reference value (for example, when the number of winnings in the first starting winning opening becomes 10 or more within 10 seconds), or in a big hit game state. Despite the presence, if a winning in the special winning opening is not detected for a predetermined period (for example, the longest opening time in one round of 29 seconds), an abnormality such as a malfunction or a clogging of a ball may be detected via the external output board. A pachinko machine abnormality signal indicating the possibility is output to the outside.

  The pachinko machine 2 of the present embodiment has a control for counting and paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on a prize ball signal output based on a prize from a game control board for controlling a game in the pachinko machine 2. A prize ball control board (not shown) for performing control for counting and renting out 125 game balls as payout units based on the number of balls possessed by the player counted by the card unit 3. It is possible to lend game balls in multiples of the payout unit of 125 balls.

  The pachinko machine exemplified in this embodiment is a variable display means (for example, a special figure variable) for deriving and displaying a display result after starting variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and effect symbols) each of which can be identified. Display unit 28 and effect variable display unit 29), and when a predetermined specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display means, a specific game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player is set. This is an example of a gaming machine that controls and after a specific game state ends, controls the game state to a normal state or a high-probability state in which the probability that the display result of the variable display means becomes the specific display result is higher than that in the normal state.

In addition, the pachinko machine exemplified in the present embodiment has a variable display device (for example, a special display device that derives and displays a display result after starting variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and effect symbols) that can identify each of them. When the display result of the variable display of the identification information on the figure variable display unit 28 or the effect variable display unit 29) becomes a predetermined specific display result, a first game state (open state) advantageous to the player and a game The variable winning means (special variable winning ball device for switching the special winning opening between the open state and the closed state) that can be changed to any of the second game state (closed state) disadvantageous to the player is changed to the first state. A gaming machine,
First game state control means for controlling the variable winning means to a first state for a predetermined number of times of changing the state to the first state for a predetermined period (for example, a big hit game state in which opening of a maximum of 30 seconds is performed 15 times);
A second game state in which the variable winning means is changed to the first state in at least one of a period shorter than the predetermined period and a number smaller than the predetermined number of times (for example, a big hit game in which opening of a maximum of 0.5 seconds is performed twice); After executing the state (big hit game state accompanying the latent probability change big hit)), the game state is controlled to the high probability state in which the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result more than the normal state. Game state control means,
After executing a third gaming state (for example, a small hitting gaming state in which opening for a maximum of 0.5 seconds is performed twice) in which the variable winning means is changed in the same manner as the second gaming state, the variable winning means is changed to the first gaming state. Third game state control means for controlling to a game state before changing to a state,
Determine whether to control to the first gaming state, whether to control to the second gaming state, and whether to control to the third gaming state before deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display. Predetermined means to
This is an example of a gaming machine including: an effect state control unit that controls a specific effect state in which the effect state is the same after being controlled to the second game state and after being controlled to the third game state.

  In such a gaming machine, the opening pattern of the special winning opening is common and the effect mode is common between the case where the latent probability change big hit occurs and the case where the small probability hit occurs, so that the player has the latent probability change big hit. It is a configuration that makes it difficult to grasp whether the occurrence or the small hit has occurred.

Further, the pachinko machine exemplified in the present embodiment is:
A player plays a game by firing a game medium to a game area,
A variable prize device (movable piece 35) provided in the game area and capable of changing between a disadvantageous state (closed state) where the game medium is difficult to win or cannot win, and an advantageous state (open state) where the game medium is easy to win. (So-called electric tulip))
Based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the normal start area (passage gate 31) provided in the game area, a plurality of types of normal identification information (normal symbols) that can identify each of them are variably displayed and the variable Ordinary identification information variable display control means for performing control to derive and display the display result of the display on the ordinary identification information variable display device (variable display device 30);
A variable control for changing the variable winning device to an advantageous state based on a display result derived and displayed on the variable display device for normal identification information being a predetermined display result (a lighting state of an LED indicating a hit). Winning device control means,
Based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition (for example, termination of the jackpot game state of the jackpot type with the high base state (eg, the jackpot type other than the latent probability change jackpot)), the low rate at which the variable winning device is set in the advantageous state is low. This is an example of a gaming machine comprising: a high base state control unit that controls a variable winning device from a base state (normal state: low base state) to a high base state in which the ratio of making the variable winning device an advantageous state is high.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, when a latent probability change big hit occurs in a low base state, a high probability low base state is set after the big hit game state ends, and when a small hit occurs, a low probability is set after the small hit game state ends. Since the low-probability state is set, if the player is controlled to the low-base state after the opening control of the special winning opening, whether the latent probability change big hit has occurred (whether it is controlled to the high-probability low-base state) or It is difficult to determine whether a small hit has occurred (whether the low-probability, low-base state is being controlled).

  Note that the output paths of the symbol determination signal, the jackpot signal, the during-hours-saving signal, and the during-probability-change signal are not limited to those shown in the present embodiment. Any of these signals may be output from the main control board. For example, a variable display unit (for example, a special symbol display) for deriving and displaying a display result after starting variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) each of which can be identified is connected to the main control board. When a predetermined specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display means, the variable display means is controlled to a specific game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player. Then, after the end of the specific game state, the game state is controlled to the normal state or a high probability state in which the probability that the display result of the variable display means becomes the specific display result is higher than that in the normal state. Then, the main control board outputs a symbol confirmation signal each time the variable display is executed by the variable display means, and outputs a big hit signal when being controlled to the specific game state, and is controlled to the high probability state. If it is, a signal during probable change is output, and if it is controlled to the high base state, a signal during time reduction is output.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, when a latent probability change big hit occurs in the low probability low base state, after the big hit game state ends (after the big winning prize port is opened twice for a maximum of 0.5 seconds), the certain change signal is generated. The ON signal is turned off and the signal is turned off during working hours. If a small hit occurs in the low-probability, low-base state, the small hitting game state is over (after the large winning opening has been opened twice for a maximum of 0.5 seconds). The signal is OFF, and the signal during time reduction is OFF. For this reason, the external device to which the signal is input can determine whether or not the state is in the latent probability change state (the signal during probable change ON and the signal during time reduction) based on the signal during probable change and the signal during time reduction.

[1-4. Configuration of counting unit between tables]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the inter-unit counting unit 5, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the inter-unit counting unit 5.

  The front plate of the inter-unit counting unit 5 is formed in a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the vertical direction, and includes a ticket issuing button 551, a payout button 552, and a seat release button 553 in the center of the front of the inter-unit counting unit 5. An operation button 550 and a card insertion slot 560 for a player to insert / remove a ball card are provided.

  When the player presses the ticketing button 551, a ball holding card in which the number of balls possessed (number of balls held) of the player at that time is issued from the card insertion slot 560. When the player presses the payout button 552, a predetermined number of unit balls (for example, a multiple of 25 balls: 125 balls, etc.) of the number of possessed balls is paid back to the pachinko machine 2, and the returned pachinko balls are used. Thus, the player can play the game. In addition, when the player presses the away button 553, ticketing / return of the ball holding card from the inter-counter counting unit 5 is regulated, and ball lending and ball payout by the ball holding card being accepted are regulated.

  In the pachinko machine 2, a ball lending button for lending game balls to a position near a ball payout tray from which game balls are paid out, and a return button for returning a ball card from the inter-chamber operation unit 5 are provided. It is usually done. For this reason, the inter-counter counting unit 5 may issue a diving card from the card insertion slot 560 in response to the pressing operation of the return button provided on the pachinko machine 2.

  The card insertion slot 560 is connected to a diving card reader / writer (R / W) 570 built in a position corresponding to the card insertion slot 560, and is inserted from the card insertion slot 560 by the diving card R / W 570. The reading and writing of the record information such as the card ID and the number of balls held on the held ball card are performed.

  A control unit 500 for controlling the operation of the inter-unit counting unit 5 is provided at a substantially central position of the inter-unit counting unit 5 so as to be easily connected to each unit constituting the inter-unit counting unit 5. The control unit 500 controls various operations of the inter-unit counting unit 5.

  In addition, the pachinko balls are counted and taken into the lowermost position of the inter-table counting unit 5, and the counted pachinko balls are counted for the maximum fraction, that is, the pachinko balls having a fraction less than the unit of the payout unit balls in the corresponding pachinko machine 2. Is provided. Hereinafter, “fraction less than unit” is referred to as “fraction”.

  Note that, unlike the present embodiment, instead of storing and paying out the game balls in the count payout unit 380 of the inter-counter counting unit 5, a conventionally known game ball storage and circulation device is configured on a game island, Game balls may be paid out from the game ball storage and circulation device.

  To the counting and dispensing unit 380, a horizontally long box-shaped connection box 340 arranged between the lower plate 24 of the pachinko machine 2 and a repair board of a game island is connected.

  The connection box 340 is formed on the end side of the connection box 340 and has a relatively large height in the height direction (not shown) and a relatively small height in the height direction. And a path box (not shown) formed so as to connect the connecting part with the connecting part.

  The connection box 340 is connected to the counting and dispensing unit 380, so that the terminal box is located below the lower plate 24. On the upper surface of the terminal box, pachinko balls discharged from the lower plate 24 are provided. A charging section 345 having a hopper shape to be charged is formed. In addition, the lower end of the front surface of the terminal box has an open / close shutter that is openable and closable by a player and is normally urged to be in a closed state, and the fraction paid out (returned) from the counting and paying unit 380. A return port 342 for discharging the pachinko ball is provided.

  In addition, at the upper position in the route box, a two-way flow is provided so as to be inclined toward the counting and dispensing unit 380, and guides the pachinko balls thrown into the insertion section 345 to the counting and dispensing unit 380 under natural flow. A counting passage 343 composed of a road is provided. A return passage 344 is provided below the counting passage 343 so as to be inclined toward the return opening 342, and guides the pachinko balls discharged from the counting and dispensing unit 380 to the return opening 342 under natural flow. I have.

  In addition, a counting lever 341 is provided at the upper position on the front surface of the terminal box so that the player can slide the counting box. The opening / closing shutter 346 provided at the entrance to the counting passage 343 is opened.

  Inside the counting and dispensing unit 380 to which the connection box 340 is connected, the counting and paying unit 380 is connected to the counting passage 343 and is provided so as to be inclined from the front side of the between-unit counting unit 5 toward the inside of the between-unit counting unit 5. A counting sensor (not shown) for detecting and counting pachinko balls flowing down the inflow path is provided at each end of the inflow path. The pachinko balls that have flowed into the counting and dispensing unit 380 through the passage 343 are detected and counted by the counting sensor. When the counting is performed by the counting sensor, a detection signal of a predetermined pulse is output from the counting and paying unit 380 to the control unit 500 in response to the detection of one pachinko ball. The control unit 500 adds "1" to the player's local counting ball number every time the detection signal is input.

  When the number of balls held by the player increases, the pachinko ball discharged from the pachinko machine 2 flows into the counting passage 343 from the lower plate 24 as needed by keeping the count lever 341 pulled by the player. In the case where the number is increased at any time by being counted by the counting payout unit 380, when the player does not pull the counting lever 341, the pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 are stored in a lower plate, and the pachinko machine is kept to some extent. When the ball is accumulated, the counting lever 341 is pulled, whereby the accumulated pachinko balls flow into the counting passage 343 at once, and are counted by the counting and paying-out unit 380 to increase at a stretch.

  Further, when the number of balls held by the player decreases, pachinko balls are refunded to the player by the player's refund operation, and the number of possessed balls stored each time one refund operation is performed is stored. Is subtracted by the number of unit balls described above. However, if the refund operation is performed when the number of possessed balls is equal to or less than the unit ball number, the possessed ball number is set to “0”.

  Further, the inter-unit counting unit 5 and the pachinko machine 2 are used for a lending-related signal associated with the lending of a predetermined number of pachinko balls as a lending unit, and for paying out a predetermined number of pachinko balls as a payout unit. The associated payout-related signal can be transmitted and received. The lending-related signals include a lending request signal for causing the pachinko machine 2 to lend game balls from the inter-chamber counting unit 5, a terminal terminal lending completion signal and a car READY signal output from the pachinko machine 2, a car counting Signals such as a unit READY signal and a terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal are included. Also, the pachinko machine 2 outputs game signals such as a big hit signal, a probable changing signal, a short time signal, a prize ball signal, a start signal, and the like, and an out ball counter provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2. The driving signal can be received.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-counter counting unit 5 includes a counting and dispensing unit 380, a control unit 500, an operation button 550, a sound output unit 560, a possessed card insertion / discharge unit 565, and a possessed card R / W570, a first communication unit 571, and a second communication unit 572.

  The control unit 500 includes a processing unit 510 including a processor such as a CPU and a DSP and a circuit element such as an ASIC; a storage unit 520 including a storage device such as a ROM and a RAM; And a clock unit 530 capable of outputting calendar information and the like.

  The storage unit 520 stores an inter-unit counting unit processing program 521 that is read by the processing unit 510 and executed as the inter-unit counting unit process. The inter-unit counting unit processing will be described later using a flowchart.

  The storage unit 520 includes reception card data 523 in which information such as a card ID and personal customization data of a diving card being received is recorded, and data of the number of local counted balls counted by the counting and paying unit 380. Local count ball count data 525 is stored.

  The first communication unit 571 is a communication device for exchanging data and transmitting / receiving signals with the data display device 120, and includes, for example, a wired communication module for performing communication via a wired cable. .

  The second communication unit 572 is a communication device for exchanging data and transmitting / receiving signals with the ball management computer 8, and includes, for example, a wired communication module for performing communication via a wired cable. . The second communication unit 580 transmits the card data 533 of the player and the local counted ball number data 525 to the ball management computer 8 under the control of the processing unit 510.

  In the above description, for convenience, the first communication unit 571 and the second communication unit 572 are separately illustrated and described as two communication units, but the first communication unit 571 and the second communication unit 572 are not illustrated. May be configured as one communication unit. The same applies to communication units in other various devices.

[1-5. Functional configuration of hall computer]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the hall computer 6.
The hall computer 600 includes a processing unit 610, an input unit 620, a display unit 625, a sound output unit 630, a clock unit 635, a first communication unit 640, a second communication unit 650, a ROM 670, and a hard disk 680. And a RAM 690, and each unit is connected via a bus.

  The processing unit 610 includes a CPU and a processor such as a DSP that comprehensively controls each unit of the hall computer 6 according to various programs such as a system program stored in the ROM 670, and a control unit including an electric and electronic element such as an ASIC. Device and arithmetic device. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 610 includes a setting data generation unit 611, a game information tally unit 613, and a sales tally unit 615 as main functional units.

  The setting data generation unit 611 is a functional unit that operates according to the setting data generation program 671a stored in the ROM 670, generates display device setting data 691 described later, and stores the generated display device setting data 691 in the RAM 690. To store.

  The game information totaling unit 613 is a functional unit that totalizes the game information of each pachinko machine 2, and stores the totaled game information in the game totaling database 687 of the hard disk 680 as game totaling data.

  The sales totaling unit 615 is a functional unit that totalizes the sales information of each pachinko machine 2, and stores the totaled sales information in the sales management database 689 of the hard disk 680 as sales management data.

  The input unit 620 is an input unit including, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a signal (operation signal) of a pressed key or button to the processing unit 610. In accordance with the operation input from the input unit 620, an instruction operation such as editing data of various databases stored in the hard disk 680 is performed.

  The display unit 625 is a display device that performs various displays based on a display control signal output from the processing unit 610, and includes an LCD and the like. The display unit 625 displays data contents of various databases stored in the hard disk 680 and the like.

  The sound output unit 630 is a sound output device such as a speaker that outputs various sounds based on a sound output control signal output from the processing unit 610. The sound output unit 630 outputs, for example, a warning sound or the like for notifying the administrator when calling for attention or when an abnormality occurs.

  The clock unit 635 is an internal clock provided in the hall computer 600, and includes, for example, a crystal oscillator including a crystal oscillator and an oscillation circuit. The clock time (including the date) of the clock unit 635 is output to the processing unit 610.

  The first communication unit 640 is a communication device for performing communication with the pachinko machine 2, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable. The first communication unit 640 receives game signals such as a large hit signal, a signal during probable change, a signal during a time reduction, a driving signal, a prize ball signal, and a start signal from the pachinko machine 2. In addition, in addition to these game signals, a safe signal indicating the number of safe balls or an out-ball signal indicating the number of out-balls may be received.

  The second communication unit 650 is a communication device for performing communication with the data display device 120, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable. The second communication unit 650 transmits (distributes) the display device setting data 691 to the data display device 120 under the control of the processing unit 610.

  The ROM 670 is a read-only nonvolatile storage device, and stores various programs such as a system program of the hall computer 6. In the present embodiment, the ROM 670 stores a management program 671 that is read by the processing unit 610 and executed as management processing. The management program 671 includes, as a subroutine, a setting data generation program 671a executed as a setting data generation process.

  Note that it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the hall computer 6 does not include the ROM 670 as a storage device. In this case, the various programs described above may be stored in the hard disk 680, for example.

  The hard disk 680 is a readable and writable nonvolatile storage device, and stores various data relating to display settings of the data display device 120 and various databases relating to games in the pachinko machine 2. More specifically, a display content setting table 681, a display mode setting table 682, a mode control setting table 683, a special display setting table 684, an operation button light emission setting table 685, and a lamp light emission setting table A table 686, a device correspondence table 687, a game total database 688, and a sales management database 689 are stored.

The display content setting table 681 is a table for setting the display content of the data display device 120, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
The display content setting table 681 stores a pachinko machine ID, a model name, a mode, a display screen, and a special display in association with each other.

The pachinko machine ID is a number (ID) for uniquely identifying each pachinko machine 2, and is assigned to each pachinko machine 2 individually.
The model name is the model name of the pachinko machine 2 of the pachinko machine ID.
The mode is a mode in which the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 is controlled, and includes a “normal mode” and an “energy saving mode”.
The display screen is a type of screen to be displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120.
The special display is the content of the special display to be displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120.

This will be specifically described.
The model name of the pachinko machine 2 whose pachinko machine IDs are P1 to P20 is “Pachinko XXX”. In the mode “normal mode”, (1) a general game history screen, (2) an individual game history screen, and (3) a menu screen are defined as display screens.

  (1) The comprehensive game history screen is a screen for displaying comprehensive game history information on the pachinko machine 2. In this comprehensive game history screen, it is determined that the comprehensive game history information is to display the total number of large jackpots, the total number of probability variable jackpots, the total number of regular large jackpots, the total number of start times, the total payout graph, and the total large hit history graph. I have.

The total number of jackpots is the total number of all jackpots (probable jackpots, normal jackpots) generated by the pachinko machine 2.
The total number of probability change jackpots is the total number of probability change jackpots generated by the pachinko machine 2.
The total number of ordinary jackpots is the total number of ordinary jackpots generated by the pachinko machine 2.
The total number of starts is the total number of starts in the pachinko machine 2.
The overall payout graph is a graph showing the transition of the overall payout of the pachinko machine 2.
The comprehensive big hit history graph is a graph of the number of big hits that occurred in the pachinko machine 2 in a past predetermined period (for example, for the past one week).

  (2) The personal game history screen is a display screen for displaying personal game history information of the pachinko machine 2. On this personal game history screen, it is defined that the number of personal jackpots, the number of individual probable jackpots, the number of individual regular jackpots, the number of individual start, the personal ball graph and the personal ball image are displayed as personal game history information. I have.

The number of individual jackpots is the total number of all jackpots (probable jackpots, normal jackpots) of the individual player generated by the pachinko machine 2.
The number of personal variable jackpots is the total number of personal variable jackpots generated by the player in the pachinko machine 2.
The number of individual normal jackpots is the total number of individual normal jackpots generated by the player in the pachinko machine 2.
The number of individual start times is the total number of start times of the individual player in the pachinko machine 2.
The individual payout graph is a graph showing the transition of payouts of the individual player of the pachinko machine 2.
The personal ball image is an image of the ball held by the individual player in the pachinko machine 2. The personal ball image is displayed, for example, by associating 1000 shots of the number of balls to one dollar box and 10000 shots to one special box, and increasing or decreasing the number of dollar boxes and special boxes according to the increase or decrease in the number of balls. You can make it.

  (3) The menu screen is a display screen on which a player playing with the pachinko machine 2 performs menu selection. On the menu screen, as menu information, to explain to the player the volume and light amount adjustment for enabling the player to adjust the volume and light amount of the data display device 120, and how to use the data display device 120. And a display customization for enabling a player to freely customize a position, a size, a color, and the like at which various kinds of information are displayed on the data display device 120.

  Further, for the pachinko machine 2 with the pachinko machine ID “P1 to P20”, the mode “energy saving mode” also includes, as display screens, (1) a general game history screen, (2) an individual game history screen, (3) a menu screen, However, the display content displayed on each display screen is different from the mode “normal mode”.

  Specifically, (1) the total game history screen is set to display the total number of large jackpots, the total number of probability change jackpots, the total number of normal large hits, and the total number of start times as total game history information.

  Also, (2) the personal game history screen is set to display the number of personal jackpots, the number of individual probable jackpots, the number of individual normal jackpots, and the number of personal starts as personal game history information.

  Also, (3) the menu screen is set to display volume / light amount adjustment and usage instructions as menu information.

  That is, the display content of each display screen is determined so that the type of game information displayed in the energy saving mode is smaller than the type of game information displayed in the normal mode. In the energy saving mode, power consumption is reduced by reducing the types of game information to be displayed as compared to the normal mode. In addition, by doing so, it is possible for the player to easily recognize that the operation mode is controlled to the energy saving mode.

  In the energy saving mode, it is assumed that the player may feel inconvenience by reducing the types of game information to be displayed compared to the normal mode, so it is not always necessary to reduce the types of game information to be displayed. The type of game information to be displayed in the energy saving mode may be the same as that in the energy saving mode.

  For each mode, the special display contents include (1) big hit effect display, (2) simultaneous effect display, (3) regular notification display, (4) immersion prevention display, (5) card forgetting display, ( 6) gaming machine error display, (7) display device error display, and (8) loan rate display.

  (1) The jackpot effect display is a display related to an effect that celebrates the occurrence of a jackpot when a jackpot occurs in the pachinko machine 2. The big hit effect display includes a big hit effect image, a big hit effect image, and the like. For the purpose of celebrating the occurrence of a big hit in one pachinko machine 2, a big hit effect display is executed as a special display.

  (2) Simultaneous effect display is a display relating to simultaneous effect performed simultaneously among a plurality of data display devices 120. The simultaneous effect display includes display of simultaneous effect video, simultaneous effect image, and the like. The simultaneous production display is executed as a special display for the purpose of increasing the player's willingness to play by performing simultaneous production in cooperation with the plurality of data display devices 120.

The following two methods are mainly considered as a method for realizing the simultaneous production.
(1) The management device instructs each data display device 120 to execute a simultaneous effect.
(2) Each data display device 120 independently performs simultaneous production.

  In the method (1), for example, the hall computer 6 that is a management device outputs a simultaneous production signal instructing each data display device 120 to execute a simultaneous production. Each data display device 120 executes the simultaneous production at the timing when the simultaneous production signal is input from the hall computer 6. In this case, it is desirable that the hall computer 6 simultaneously output a simultaneous production signal to each data display device 120 so that the timing of the simultaneous production does not shift.

  In the method (2), each data display device 120 executes a simultaneous effect based on the time elapsed inside or the elapsed time since power-on. More specifically, the simultaneous effect is executed at a timing when the time reaches a predetermined time or at a timing when the elapsed time from when the power is turned on reaches a predetermined time. In this case, it is desirable to turn on the power of the data display devices 120 all at once so that the timing of the simultaneous production does not shift.

  In this case, the processing related to the simultaneous production may be programmed in the data display device 120 in advance so that any of the above methods (1) and (2) can be applied.

  Further, the hall computer 6 may set which of the above methods (1) and (2) is to be used to execute the simultaneous production. In this case, the setting data which determines which processing is applied to the data display device 120 from the hall computer 6 to realize the simultaneous production is included in the display device setting data 691 described later, and each data display is performed. What is necessary is just to distribute to the apparatus 120.

  In the present embodiment, the simultaneous effect display includes a big hit running effect display. The jackpot running effect celebrates the jackpot on the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 in the case where the jackpot 2 exists in the pachinko machine 2 of the same model or the game island. This is an effect that displays a special video. It is possible to determine whether there is a big hit pachinko machine 2 among the pachinko machines 2 of the same model or the game island by determining whether a big hit signal is input from the same model or the pachinko machine 2 of the same game island. it can.

  In addition, when a big hit occurs in a plurality of pachinko machines 2 of the same model or the same gaming island, and a big hit signal is input from the plurality of pachinko machines 2 with a time difference, a big hit running effect is being performed for one of the pachinko machines 2. If so, a new jackpot running effect may be newly executed during the running big hit running effect, or a new big hit running effect may be executed after the running big hit running effect ends. If a big hit occurs in another pachinko machine 2 during the big hit running effect, the execution of a new big hit running effect may be omitted.

  The big hit running effect can be realized by displaying a big hit image on the data display device 120 with a certain time difference from one end of the gaming island to the other end. The jackpot running effect is effected with a certain time difference. However, since it is still an effect performed simultaneously by the plurality of data display devices 120, in the present embodiment, the jackpot running effect is one of the simultaneous effects. It will be described as one. The content of the jackpot running effect and various effects described later can be determined for each model of the pachinko machine 2 or each game island.

  Unlike the jackpot running effect, when a big hit occurs in the pachinko machine 2 provided corresponding to the data display device 120, a fanfare sound celebrating the big hit is displayed on the individual data display device 120. You may make it output from the apparatus 120 as a specific sound.

  Also, when the number of balls possessed by the player increases with the occurrence of a big hit, such as 1,000, 2,000, 3,000,..., The number of balls exceeds 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, etc. It is also possible to display a breakthrough display of the number of possessed balls on the display unit 1230 or execute a breakthrough effect in which the sound output unit 450 outputs a sound of a breaking notice of the possessed ball number as a specific sound. In addition, the number of possessed balls when executing the breakthrough effect may be in units of 1000 shots, 5000 shots, or 10000 shots.

  (3) The periodic notification display is a display related to a notification that the data display device 120 periodically performs. The regular announcement display includes various CM videos, CM images, and the like. The regular announcement display is executed as a special display for the purpose of advertising various products and services.

  (4) The inset prevention display is a display that alerts the player playing with the pachinko machine 2 of the intrusion into the game. The inset prevention display includes a display of a message, video, image, or the like that warns the inset. For the purpose of preventing the player from investing in the game and making a large investment, the anti-immersion display is executed as a special display.

  (5) The card forgetting display is a display that alerts a player playing with the pachinko machine 2 that he or she has forgotten to take a ball card from the inter-counter counting unit 5. This card forgetting display includes a message, a video, an image, or the like, which alerts the user to forget to take the ball. For the purpose of preventing a player from forgetting to take a ball and matching the theft, a card-forgotten display is executed as a special display.

  (6) The gaming machine error display is a display indicating that an error including an abnormality or a fraud has occurred in the pachinko machine 2. The abnormality of the gaming machine includes a failure of the gaming machine, opening of the door, clogging of the gaming machine, and the like, and illegality of the gaming machine includes so-called goto action. A game machine error display is executed as a special display for the purpose of promptly calling a store clerk when an abnormality or fraud occurs in the game machine.

  (7) The display device error display is a display that indicates that an error including an abnormality or illegality has occurred in the data display device 120. The abnormality of the display device includes a failure of the display device, detection of an illegal operation on the display device, and the like. A display device error display is executed as a special display for the purpose of promptly calling a store clerk when an abnormality or fraud occurs on the display device.

  (8) The loan rate display is a rate at which the game balls of the pachinko machine 2 are lent, and includes the display of the loan rates of 4 yen pachinko, 2 yen pachinko, and 1 yen pachinko. For the purpose of allowing a player to know the lending rate of a gaming machine for performing a game, a lending rate display is executed as a special display.

  For the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the same model, for example, a display screen to be displayed as a default can be defined as a general game history screen or a menu screen. By doing so, the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the same model can display a common screen for all devices, and can improve the appearance.

  In the present embodiment, the various effects related to the special display will be described as being executed in the same manner regardless of whether the effect is controlled in the normal mode or the energy saving mode. This is a special effect that is different from the normal effect, because the effect related to the special display is more important than the normal display, so that the player can surely recognize the content. This is because it is necessary.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that, when the special display is displayed while being controlled in the energy saving mode, the energy saving mode is maintained even after the display of the special display is completed.

  Note that, unlike the present embodiment, in order to reduce the power consumption in the energy saving mode, the mode of the effect is not changed, but the brightness of the image or video for the effect is reduced as compared with the normal mode. You may. Although different from the present embodiment, the end of the special display is set as a normal mode change condition which is a condition for changing the mode from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. May be changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode when the operation is completed.

  In the special display, the same display content may be determined regardless of the model of the pachinko machine 2 or the game island, or different display content may be determined for each model or each game island. . Further, even when the same display content is defined as the special display, the display mode of the special display may be determined so that the display is performed in a different mode for each model or each game island.

  In addition, it is preferably for each model or gaming island, but in addition to this, for example, for each lending rate of game balls (4 yen, 2 yen, 1 yen, etc.) in the pachinko machine 2 or the type of the pachinko machine 2 ( Different special display contents and display modes may be determined for each type of gaming machine (max type, middle type, sweet digital, etc.) and for each type of gaming machine (pachinko machine, slot machine, etc.).

  Further, the special display may notify the player of the content by a message, may notify the player of the content by an image or a video, or may notify the player of the content by a combination of these. You may do it.

  The display mode setting table 682 is a table for setting a display mode in which display content is to be displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120. FIG. 7 shows an example of the table configuration. .

  The display mode setting table 682 stores display screen-specific data and special display-specific data for each pachinko machine ID and model name.

The data for each display screen is data determined for each display screen defined in the display content setting table 681 (see FIG. 6), and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG.
In the data for each display screen, a display screen, a mode, display contents, (position, size, color), and luminance are defined in association with each other.

The type of the display screen defined in the display content setting table 681 is defined for the display screen. These display screens are display screens that are sequentially switched and displayed when a screen switching icon displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120 is tapped.
In the mode, a mode (normal mode, energy saving mode) in which the data display device 120 is controlled is defined.
The display content defines the display content displayed in the mode on the display screen.
For the position, size, and color, the position, size (size), and color of display of the display content on the display screen are determined.
The luminance defines the luminance when the display content is displayed in the position, size, and color on the display screen.

This will be specifically described.
The data for each display screen shown in FIG. 8 is data for the display screen “comprehensive game history screen”. The number of normal jackpots, the total number of starts, the total payout graph, the total hit history graph, the service icon, and the screen switching icon are defined. The comprehensive game history screen is, for example, a screen displayed as an initial display screen (default display screen).

  “The number of total big hits” to “the total big hit history graph” are total game history information defined in the mode “normal mode” of the display content setting table 681, and “service icons” and “screen switching icons” are touch panels. By performing a tap operation on 1222, the icon is used by the player to provide a service or switch screens, and is an icon that is always displayed on the display unit 1230. These icons are one type of operation information for the player to perform various operations.

  In the position, size, and color, the position, size, and color for displaying the display content “the number of total big hits” to “screen switching icon” on the general game history screen are individually determined. Therefore, all of them are shown as “****” in the drawings.

  The brightness is set to “100%” for all of the display contents “the number of total big hits” to “screen switching icon”.

  Next, in the mode “energy saving mode”, the display contents include “total number of big hits”, “total probability of changing big hits”, “total number of normal big hits”, “total start times”, “service icon”, “screen switching icon” Is stipulated. “The number of total jackpots” to “the number of total starts” are total game history information defined in the mode “energy saving mode” of the display content setting table 681.

  Also, in the position, size, and color, the position, size, and color at the time of displaying the display content “the number of total big hits” to “screen switching icon” on the general game history screen are individually determined. For the sake of simplicity, all figures are shown as “****” in the drawings.

  In the brightness, “50%” is set for the display contents “the number of total big hits” to “the total number of start times”, and “100%” is set for the “service icon” and the “screen switching icon”. ing.

  The feature is that the brightness when displaying in the energy saving mode is lower than the brightness when displaying in the normal mode for the comprehensive game history information, whereas the operation information is displayed in the energy saving mode The point is that the luminance at the time of the display is the same as the luminance at the time of displaying in the normal mode.

  In the energy saving mode, the power consumption can be reduced by lowering the brightness of the comprehensive game history information than in the normal mode. On the other hand, if the brightness of the operation information is reduced, it becomes difficult for the player to visually recognize the operation information, and the operation may be difficult.Therefore, from the viewpoint of operability and convenience, the brightness may be reduced even in the energy saving mode. I try not to change it.

The special display-specific data is data determined for each special display defined in the display content setting table 681 (see FIG. 6), and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG.
The special display-specific data shown in this figure is data relating to the simultaneous production of the special display. The special display, the type, the production No., the production video, the mode, and the brightness are defined in association with each other. I have.

In the special display, a simultaneous effect among the special displays defined in the display content setting table 681 is defined.
Simultaneous production is defined for the type.
In the effect No., the number of the simultaneous effect of the type is defined.
In the effect video, data of the video used in the simultaneous effect of the type is defined.
In the mode, a mode (normal mode, energy saving mode) in which the data display device 120 is controlled is defined.
The luminance is defined as the luminance when the effect video is displayed in the simultaneous effect of the type.

This will be specifically described.
A plurality of effects such as “big hit running effect”, “live effect”,.
In the performance No. “1” of the jackpot running performance, “Movie_R1” is defined as a performance video. The brightness is set to “100%” in the “normal mode”, and the brightness is set to “80%” in the “energy saving mode”.
[0000]
In the production No. “1” of the live production, “Movie_L1” is defined as the production video. Then, the luminance “100%” is set for the “normal mode”, and the luminance “60%” is set for the “energy saving mode”.

The mode control setting table 683 is a table for the data display device 120 to set the mode control, and FIG. 10 shows an example of the table configuration.
The mode control setting table 683 stores mode control setting data defined for each pachinko machine ID and model name.

  In the mode control setting data, the pachinko machine ID, the model name, the presence / absence of the demonstration state, the demonstration state transition time, the presence / absence of the energy saving mode, and the energy saving mode change time are defined.

  The presence or absence of the demonstration state is the presence or absence of the demonstration state in the corresponding pachinko machine 2. The demonstration state is a state that is shifted when a predetermined period has elapsed since it was determined that no game was played in the pachinko machine 2.

  Here, whether or not a game is played in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 can be determined based on, for example, whether or not a pachinko machine signal transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 has been received. If the pachinko machine signal is received from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, it can be determined that the player is playing the game (during the game), and if the pachinko machine signal is not received any more, the player Is not playing a game (non-game).

  Here, among the pachinko machine signals transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, the pachinko machine signal used for the above-mentioned game determination may be a signal such as a start signal or a prize ball signal. Whether or not a game is being played on the corresponding pachinko machine 2 can be easily determined based on whether or not the start signal and the prize ball signal are continuously received from the corresponding pachinko machine 2.

  In addition to the start signal and the prize ball signal, the corresponding pachinko machine 2 transmits to the data display device 120 a signal capable of specifying the launch information of the game ball (a signal indicating that the game ball has been fired or a game ball). Signal indicating the firing intensity of the game ball), and whether or not the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is playing a game based on whether or not a signal capable of specifying the firing information of the game ball is received. May be determined.

  In addition, in addition to the above, a game is performed by the corresponding pachinko machine 2 depending on whether or not a lending button provided in the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is pressed, whether or not a lending-related signal transmitted from the corresponding unit 5 is received. It may be determined whether or not there is any.

  In the demonstration state, for example, a demonstration image prepared by the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 2 is displayed. Specifically, in the demonstration state, an image (for example, a still image) whose brightness is lower than that of an image normally displayed is displayed as a demonstration image, and the pachinko machine 2 is performing a variable display or an effect display. (Hereinafter, referred to as “game state”). The gaming state of the pachinko machine 2 corresponds to a “third state”, and the demonstration state of the pachinko machine 2 corresponds to a “fourth state”.

  The demo state transition time is a time from when it is determined that the game is not performed in the pachinko machine 2 to when the pachinko machine 2 transitions to the demonstration state.

  The presence or absence of the energy saving mode is the presence or absence of the energy saving mode in the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2.

  The energy saving mode change time is a time required for changing the mode from the normal mode to the energy saving mode in the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2. The data display device 120 changes the mode from the normal mode to the energy saving mode when the pachinko machine signal transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 or the unit signal transmitted from the corresponding unit 5 is not received for a predetermined period. The data display device 120 changes the mode from the normal mode to the energy saving mode when the operation on the operation unit 1220 is not performed for a predetermined period. In this case, the operation on the operation unit 1220 may be any operation, and the type of operation does not matter.

  In the initial setting, the data display device 120 is set to, for example, the “normal mode”. In the present embodiment, the condition for changing the mode from the normal mode to the energy saving mode after the mode is changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode will be referred to as “energy saving mode re-change condition”. The condition in which the period determined by the energy saving mode change time is the above-described predetermined period is the “energy saving mode change condition”.

  The energy saving mode change time is set to a time longer than the demo state transition time. In other words, the time required for the data display device 120 to change from the normal mode (first state) to the energy saving mode (second state) is displayed on the corresponding pachinko machine 2 from the state of playing the game (third state). The demo state transition time and the energy saving mode change time are set so as to be longer than the time until the state is controlled to the state (fourth state). This is because when the pachinko machine 2 is shifted to the demo screen, it is considered that the player has interrupted the game or ended the game, but the game is interrupted and the data display device 120 is operated. This is because it is also conceivable to check the game history.

  When the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is shifted to the demonstration state, no pachinko machine signal is transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 to the data display device 120 because no game is played in the corresponding pachinko machine 2. For this reason, when the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is shifted to the demonstration mode while the data display device 120 is controlled in the normal mode, if the operation of the operation unit 1220 is not performed, the demo state of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is not changed. The data display device 120 also shifts to the energy saving mode so as to follow the shift to.

  The mode control setting data defines a normal mode return opportunity and an energy saving mode re-change time in association with each other.

  The normal mode return opportunity is an opportunity to return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. In the present embodiment, the data display device 120 saves energy when a screen switching operation for switching the game history screen being displayed is performed on the operation unit 1220 or when specific information transmitted from an external device is received. Return from mode to normal mode (change mode).

  In other words, the data display device 120 saves energy by performing a screen switching operation for switching the game history screen being displayed on the operation unit 1220 or receiving specific information transmitted from an external device. A condition for changing the mode from the mode to the normal mode (hereinafter, referred to as “normal mode change condition”) is set, and when the normal mode change condition is satisfied, the mode is changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

The normal mode return trigger includes the device type and the trigger type.
The device type includes the own device and the external device, and the trigger type includes the type of the trigger for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Further, the opportunity type is classified into a case where it is determined that the pachinko machine 2 is playing a game and a case where it is determined that the game is not playing a game.

  The energy saving mode re-change time is a time from when the energy saving mode is returned to the normal mode to when the normal mode is changed to the energy saving mode again. That is, the condition in which the period determined by the energy saving mode re-change time is the above-mentioned predetermined period is the “energy saving mode re-change condition”.

This will be specifically described.
The mode control setting data at the top of FIG. 10 is data relating to the pachinko machine ID “P1 to P20” and the model name “Pachinko XXX”. The presence or absence of the demonstration state of the pachinko machine 2 is defined as “present”, and the transition time to the demonstration state is defined as “10 seconds”. In addition, “present” is set as the energy saving mode of the data display device 120, and “15 seconds” is set as the energy saving mode change time. That is, as described above, a time longer than the demo state transition time is determined as the energy saving mode change time.

  In addition, when returning to the normal mode, “own device”, “hole computer”, and “unit” are defined as device types.

  In the device type “own device”, “screen switching operation” is defined as the opportunity type, and “40 seconds (after screen switching)” as the energy saving mode re-change time in “during game” and “non-game , "20 seconds (after screen switching)" is defined as the energy saving mode re-change time. If the data display device 120 returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode by detecting the screen switching operation, the data display device 120 may perform the screen switching operation during the game, or when the player is searching for a platform on which to play the game. It is assumed that a screen switching operation has been performed.

  In the former case, it is considered that the player checks the game history on the game history screen. On the other hand, in the latter case, it is considered that the player does not always start the game on the platform. Therefore, when a game is being played, the energy saving mode re-change time corresponding to the game is changed to the energy saving mode corresponding to the non-game so that the player can sufficiently secure a time for checking the game history. It is longer than the re-change time.

  In the device type “Hall computer”, “simultaneous effect signal”, “periodic notification signal”, and “energy saving mode release signal” are defined as trigger types.

  Regarding the trigger type “all-round production signal”, “20 seconds (after the all-round production)” as the energy-saving mode re-change time during “playing” and “immediate (all-round production) as the energy-saving mode re-change time during“ non-game ” Later) ”are defined respectively. During the game, since the player may check the game history on the data display device 120, instead of immediately re-changing to the energy-saving mode after the end of the simultaneous production, a certain amount of time is provided, It changes to the energy saving mode again. On the other hand, during a non-game, since the possibility that the player operates the data display device 120 is low, the mode is immediately changed to the energy saving mode immediately after the simultaneous production is completed.

  As for the trigger type “periodic notification signal”, “20 seconds (after the periodic notification)” as the energy saving mode re-change time during “game”, and “immediate (periodic notification)” as the energy-saving mode re-change time during “non-game” Later) ”are defined respectively. During the game, since the player may check the game history on the data display device 120, instead of immediately changing to the energy saving mode immediately after the end of the periodic notification, a certain amount of time is provided, It changes to the energy saving mode again. On the other hand, during a non-game, since the possibility that the player operates the data display device 120 is low, the mode is immediately changed to the energy saving mode after the regular notification is finished.

  Regarding the trigger type “energy saving mode release signal”, “30 seconds (after energy saving mode is released)” as the energy saving mode re-change time during “game”, and “10 seconds” as the energy save mode re-change time during “non-game” (After canceling the energy-saving mode). " When returning from the energy-saving mode to the normal mode by the energy-saving mode release signal transmitted from the hall computer 6, since the higher-level management device forcibly returns to the normal mode, the simultaneous production signal and the periodic notification signal are transmitted. A longer time is set as the energy saving mode re-change time as compared with the case of receiving.

  In the device type “unit”, “card insertion signal”, “payment signal”, and “consumption signal” are defined as the trigger type.

  For the trigger type “card insertion signal”, “60 seconds (after card insertion)” is defined as the energy saving mode re-change time. When the data display device 120 returns to the normal mode from the energy saving mode by receiving the card insertion signal from the corresponding unit 5, the player has just started the game, and it is assumed that the player plays the game with the ball. You. At the start of the game, the player is likely to frequently operate the data display device 120 to check the game history. Therefore, a longer time than when the consumption signal is received is set as the energy saving mode re-change time.

  For the trigger type “payment signal”, “60 seconds (after payment)” is set as the energy saving mode re-change time. When the data display device 120 returns to the normal mode from the energy saving mode by receiving the deposit signal from the corresponding unit 5, the player has just started the game, and it is assumed that the player plays the game with the remaining amount. At the start of the game, the player is likely to frequently operate the data display device 120 to check the game history. For this reason, a longer time than when the consumption signal is received is determined as the energy saving mode re-change time.

  For the trigger type “consumption signal”, “30 seconds (after consumption)” is set as the energy saving mode re-change time. When the data display device 120 returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode by receiving the consumption signal from the corresponding unit 5, the player has been playing a game for a certain period of time and frequently operates the data display device 120. It is considered that the possibility of confirming the game history is low. Therefore, a shorter time than when a card insertion signal or a deposit signal is received is determined as the energy saving mode re-change time.

  Further, in the mode control setting data, for the energy saving mode re-change time, a time longer than the energy saving mode change time is determined for the one determined to be at the start of the game or during the game. This is because, after returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode in response to various triggers determined as the normal mode return trigger, it is necessary to secure a certain amount of time for operating in the normal mode.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the mode control setting data.
The mode control setting data is data relating to the pachinko machine ID “P21 to P40” and the model name “Pachinko YYY”. The presence or absence of the demonstration state of the pachinko machine 2 is defined as “present”, and the transition time to the demonstration state is defined as “20 seconds”. In addition, “existence” is set as the energy saving mode of the data display device 120, and “25 seconds” is set as the energy saving mode change time. In addition, when returning to the normal mode, “own device”, “hole computer”, and “unit” are defined as device types. Also in this case, as in FIG. 10, a time longer than the demo state transition time is determined as the energy saving mode change time.

  In the device type “own device”, “screen switching operation” is defined as the opportunity type, and “in game” is “50 seconds (after screen switching)” as the energy saving mode re-change time, and “non-game , "30 seconds (after screen switching)" is defined as the energy saving mode re-change time.

  In the device type “Hall computer”, “simultaneous effect signal”, “periodic notification signal”, and “energy saving mode release signal” are defined as trigger types.

  Regarding the trigger type “all-round production signal”, “30 seconds (after the all-round production)” as the energy-saving mode re-change time during “playing” and “immediate (all-round production) as the energy-saving mode re-change time during“ non-game ” Later) ”are defined respectively.

  Regarding the trigger type “periodic notification signal”, “30 seconds (after periodic notification)” as the energy saving mode re-change time during “game” and “immediate (periodic notification) as energy-saving mode re-change time during“ non-game ” Later) ”are defined respectively.

  Regarding the trigger type “energy-saving mode release signal”, “40 seconds (after energy-saving mode release)” as the energy-saving mode re-change time during “game”, and “20 seconds” as the energy-saving mode re-change time during “non-game” (After canceling the energy-saving mode). "

  In the device type “unit”, “card insertion signal”, “payment signal”, and “consumption signal” are defined as the trigger type.

For the trigger type “card insertion signal”, “60 seconds (after card insertion)” is defined as the energy saving mode re-change time.
For the trigger type “payment signal”, “60 seconds (after payment)” is set as the energy saving mode re-change time.
For the trigger type “consumption signal”, “30 seconds (after consumption)” is set as the energy saving mode re-change time.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of the mode control setting data.
The mode control setting data is data relating to the pachinko machine ID “P41 to P60” and the model name “Pachinko ZZZ”. Then, “absence” is set as the presence or absence of the demo state of the pachinko machine 2 and “absence” is set as the demo state transition time. Further, “absence” is set as the energy saving mode of the data display device 120 and “absence” is set as the energy saving mode change time. That is, the pachinko machine 2 having the model name “Pachinko ZZZ” is a model that does not shift to the demonstration screen, and the data display device 120 corresponding to the model is determined to operate only in the normal mode (not operate in the energy saving mode). ing.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the mode control setting data in FIGS. 10 to 12, the presence or absence of the energy saving mode in the data display device 120, the time until the normal mode is changed to the energy saving mode, and the return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode The hall computer 6 can freely set and change various kinds of information such as the time when the pachinko machine 2 returns to the normal mode and the time until the mode is changed to the energy saving mode again.

  In the mode control setting data described above, it has been described that the time longer than the demo state transition time is set as the energy saving mode change time.However, the same length of time as the demo state transition time is set as the energy saving mode change time. It may be. That is, a time longer than the demo state transition time of the pachinko machine 2 may be determined as the energy saving mode change time of the data display device 120.

  If it is determined that the game has not been played for a certain period of time after the corresponding pachinko machine 2 has shifted to the demonstration state, an energy-saving screen with a lower brightness than the demonstration screen is displayed, or the screen is completely displayed. By turning off the light, the state may be shifted to a state in which the power consumption is further reduced from the demonstration state (hereinafter, referred to as an “energy saving state”). Alternatively, the state may be shifted directly to the energy saving state without going through the demonstration state.

  In the above description, the presence or absence of the energy saving mode of the data display device 120 and the energy saving mode change time may be determined according to the presence or absence of the energy saving state of the pachinko machine 2 instead of the presence or absence of the demonstration state of the pachinko machine 2. In this case, the energy saving state transition time is determined as the time until the pachinko machine 2 transitions to the energy saving state, and the time longer than the energy saving state transition time of the pachinko machine 2 is changed to the energy saving mode change of the data display device 120. The time may be determined.

  Further, the data display device 120 is set to the “energy saving mode” instead of the normal mode in the initial setting, and after returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, the energy saving mode re-change time determined according to the normal mode return trigger. May be changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode again.

The special display setting table 684 is a table for setting a special display to be displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
The special display setting table 684 stores special display setting data for each pachinko machine ID and model name.

  In the special display setting data, the pachinko machine ID, the model name, the priority, and the special display are stored in association with each other.

Numerical values “1” to “8” are stored in the priority. The smaller the numerical value, the higher the display priority.
In the special display, in order of priority, "Gaming machine error display", "Display device error display", "Decrease prevention display", "Card forgotten display", "Big hit effect display", "Simultaneous effect display" , "Periodic notice display", and "lending rate display" are stored.

  In the present embodiment, the data display device 120 performs control to display the special display on the display unit 1230 in accordance with satisfaction of a special display execution condition that is an execution condition determined for each special display. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the execution of the special display, the special display is ended.

  Further, when the special display execution condition is satisfied, the data display device 120 determines whether or not the special display having a higher priority than the special display corresponding to the special display execution condition is being executed. If the special display is being executed, the execution of the special display corresponding to the special display execution condition is restricted. Conversely, if a special display having a lower priority than the special display corresponding to the special display execution condition is being executed, the special display being executed is terminated, and the special display corresponding to the special display execution condition is ended. Is displayed.

  Note that, unlike the present embodiment, when a special display having a higher priority than the special display corresponding to the established special display execution condition is being executed, the process waits until the running special display ends, After the execution of the special display, the special display corresponding to the special display execution condition may be displayed. If the special display having a lower priority than the special display corresponding to the established special display execution condition is being executed, the special display being executed is interrupted, and the special display corresponding to the special display execution condition is stopped. After the execution, the interrupted execution of the special display may be resumed.

The operation button light emission setting table 685 is a table for setting light emission of operation buttons included in the operation unit 1220 of the data display device 120. FIG. 14 shows an example of the table configuration.
The operation button light emission setting table stores operation button light emission setting data for each pachinko ID and model name.

  In the operation button light emission setting data, the pachinko machine ID and the model name are stored, and for the operation buttons physically provided in the data display device 120, a button type indicating the type of the operation button, a mode of the data display device 120, The emission color of the operation button and the luminance at which the operation button emits light in the emission color are defined in association with each other.

This will be specifically described.
The operation button light emission setting data at the top of FIG. 14 is data relating to the pachinko machine ID “P1 to P20” and the model name “Pachinko XXX”. Then, for the call button 1221 physically provided in the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2, “red” as the emission color, “100%” as the luminance in the normal mode, and “100%” as the luminance in the energy saving mode “100%” is defined as the luminance.

  Looking at the operation button light emission setting data, the call button 1221 emits light at a luminance of “100%” regardless of whether the mode of the data display device 120 is the normal mode or the energy saving mode. It is defined that the brightness when the call button 1221 emits light is not reduced even in the mode. The reason for this is that the call button 1221 is an operation button that is frequently operated by a player to call a clerk at the time of changing a dollar box or the like, so that operability is prevented from being reduced. is there.

  In the operation button light emission setting data described above, the same color (for example, “red”) is determined as the light emission color corresponding to the mode of the data display device 120, but different colors (e.g., “red”) according to the mode of the data display device 120. For example, “red” in the normal mode and “yellow” in the energy saving mode) may be defined as the emission colors.

The lamp light emission setting table 686 is a table for setting light emission of the light emitting unit 1250 (the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252) included in the data display device 120, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
In the lamp light emission setting table 686, the pachinko machine ID, the model name, the common light emission pattern, the special display, the individual light emission pattern, the mode, and the luminance are defined in association with each other.

  In the common light emitting pattern, a pattern that causes the light emitting unit 1250 to emit light in common in the data display device 120 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 is defined. In the common light emission pattern, for example, a pattern at which timing or time interval the light emitting unit 1250 is caused to emit light is stored. This common light emission pattern is a light emission pattern determined for each model of the pachinko machine 2.

  In the individual light emitting pattern, a pattern for causing the light emitting unit 1250 to individually emit light for the special display in the data display device 120 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 is defined. In this individual display pattern, for example, a pattern of what color the left light emitting unit 1250 emits light is stored. This individual light emission pattern is a light emission pattern determined for each type of special display.

  In the mode, a “normal mode” and an “energy saving mode” are defined for each special display. In addition, the luminance when the light emitting unit 1250 emits light in the mode is defined as the luminance.

This will be specifically described.
For example, for the pachinko machine 2 with the pachinko machine IDs “P1” to “P20” and the model name “Pachinko XXX”, “Pattern A” is defined as the common light emission pattern. And, as special displays, "Gaming machine error display", "Display device error display", "Decrease prevention display", "Card forgotten display", "Big hit effect display", "Simultaneous effect display", "Regular notification display" , "Lending rate display" are defined, and "Pattern A-1" to "Pattern A-8" are defined as corresponding individual light emission patterns. In other words, for example, an individual light emitting pattern that causes the light emitting unit 1250 to emit light in a different color is determined according to the type of the special display.

  In addition, for each special display, luminance “100%” is set in the normal mode, and luminance “50%” is set in the energy saving mode. That is, in the energy saving mode, the power consumption is reduced by setting the luminance when the light emitting unit 1250 emits light at the time of the special display to half of that in the normal mode.

The device correspondence table 687 is a table that defines the correspondence between the pachinko machine 2, the data display device 120, and the inter-unit counting unit 5, and an example of the table configuration is shown in FIG.
In the device correspondence table 687, the pachinko machine ID, the model name, the corresponding display device ID, and the corresponding unit ID are defined in association with each other.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the display device setting data 691.
The display device setting data 691 includes a data display device ID 6911 that is the ID of the data display device 120, a corresponding pachinko machine ID 6912 that is the ID of the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the data display device 120, and a Corresponding unit ID 6913 which is the ID of the corresponding inter-unit counting unit 5, display content setting data 6914, display mode setting data 6915, mode control setting data 6916, special display setting data 6917, and operation buttons Light emission setting data 6918 and lamp light emission setting data 6919 are included.

  The display content setting data 6914 is data for setting the display content of the data display device 120 of the data display device ID. Specifically, from among the data records defined in the display content setting table 681, the data record defined for the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the data display device ID is determined based on the device correspondence table 687. It is extracted and used as display content setting data 6914.

  The display mode setting data 6915 is data for setting the display mode of the data display device 120 of the data display device ID. Specifically, based on the device correspondence table 687, data defined for the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the data display device ID is selected from the display mode setting data defined in the display mode setting table 682. The extracted data is used as display mode setting data 6915.

The mode control setting data 6916 is data for setting the mode control of the data display device 120 of the data display device ID. Specifically, from the mode control setting data defined in the mode control setting table 683, the data defined for the pachinko machine ID corresponding to the data display device ID is determined based on the device correspondence table 687. The extracted mode control setting data 6915 is used.
Are extracted and used as display mode data 6915.

  The special display setting data 6917 is data for setting a special display of the data display device 120 of the data display device ID. Specifically, from the special display setting data defined in the special display setting table 684, data defined for the display device ID corresponding to the data display device ID is determined based on the device correspondence table 687. The extracted data is used as special display setting data 6917.

  The operation button light emission setting data 6918 is data for setting light emission of the operation button of the data display device 120 of the data display device ID. Specifically, the display device ID corresponding to the data display device ID is determined from the operation button light emission setting data defined in the operation button light emission setting table 685 based on the device correspondence table 687. The data is extracted and used as operation button light emission setting data 6918.

  The lamp light emission setting data 6919 is data for setting the light emission of the light emitting unit of the data display device 120 of the data display device ID. Specifically, a record of data defined for the display device ID corresponding to the data display device ID is extracted from the data defined in the lamp emission setting table 686 based on the device correspondence table 687. Thus, the light emission setting data 6919 is used.

  The game tally database 688 is a database in which game tally data for each pachinko machine 2 counted by the game information tallying unit 613 is stored.

  The sales total database 689 is a database in which total data related to sales in the pachinko machine 2 installed in the store is stored. The sales total database 689 stores sales total data obtained by totaling information on the sales of the stores. For example, the number of splits (the number of machine splits and the number of premiums), the payout rate, the customer delay rate, the sales balls, the premium balls, Data such as prize amount and gross profit are totaled and stored by the sales totaling unit 615.

[1-6. Functional configuration of ball management computer]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the ball management computer 8.
The ball management computer 8 includes a processing unit 810, an input unit 820, a display unit 830, a communication unit 840, a clock unit 850, and a storage unit 860.

  The processing unit 810 is a control device and an arithmetic device that comprehensively controls each unit of the ball management computer 8 according to various programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit 860, and includes a processor such as a CPU and a DSP, an ASIC, and the like. And an integrated circuit.

  The input unit 820 is an input unit including, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a signal (operation signal) of a pressed key or button to the processing unit 810.

  The display unit 830 is a display device that performs various types of display based on a display control signal output from the processing unit 810, and includes an LCD and the like. The display unit 830 displays the contents of data of various databases stored in the storage unit 860 and the like.

  The communication unit 840 is a communication device for performing communication with the inter-unit counting unit 5, and includes, for example, a wired communication module that performs communication via a wired cable. Communication unit 840 receives the authentication request signal from inter-unit counting unit 5.

  The clock unit 850 is an internal clock included in the ball management computer 8, and includes, for example, a crystal oscillator including a crystal oscillator and an oscillation circuit. The clock time (including the date) of the clock unit 850 is output to the processing unit 810 as needed.

  The storage unit 860 stores a ball management program 861 executed by the processing unit 810 as ball management processing, possessed card management data 865, and unit management data 867.

  The ball holding card management data 865 is data managed for each ball holding card, and includes, for example, a ball holding card ID assigned to a ball holding card possessed by a player and a date and time when the ball holding card was issued. A certain issue date and time and the number of balls possessed by the player are stored in association with each other.

[1-7. Configuration of Data Display Device]
[1-7-1. Appearance configuration]
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the data display device 120.
The data display device 120 is mounted on a ramp plate provided at the upper part of the side surface of the gaming island so as to be openable and closable, and is installed above each pachinko machine 2 corresponding to each pachinko machine 2.

  The data display device 120 includes a display unit 1230 which is a display unit having a liquid crystal display at a central portion. Further, the data display device 120 includes a left frame LED 1251 and a right frame LED 1252, which are light emitting means, on the left and right sides of the player (as viewed from the side facing the gaming machine). Specifically, a left frame LED 1251 is provided on a left portion adjacent to the display portion 1230, and a right frame LED 1252 is provided on a right portion adjacent to the display portion 1230. That is, the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252 are provided around the display unit 1230.

  Each of the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252 is an LED module configured by covering a large number of LEDs with a lamp cover portion formed of a transparent resin material. The luminous bodies of the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252 emit light in a luminescent color specified by the control of the processing unit 1211 and the LED driver 1252 described below. A display unit 1230 constituted by a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided at a central portion between the left frame lamp 122 and the right frame lamp 123, and a call button 1221 operable by a player is provided in a lower frame portion.

  The call button 1221 is a button pressed by a player who is playing a game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2 to call a clerk. The call button 1221 is configured to be able to call a clerk by a pressing operation even when the data display device 120 is controlled in either the normal mode or the energy saving mode.

  The left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252 emit light in the above-described common light emission pattern in normal display, and emit light in the above-described individual light emission pattern when the special display is displayed. The display unit 1230 is configured to be able to display game information in the pachinko machine 2 and to be able to display a special display in accordance with establishment of a special display execution condition.

  The data display device 120 is equipped with a control unit that checks the input status of various signals in the own device and performs control for totaling game information and executing a jackpot running effect. Here, the big hit running effect is executed when a big hit running effect signal is input from the hall computer 6. When the big hit running effect is executed, an image effect of displaying a character on the display unit 1230 is executed after executing a light emitting effect of causing the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252 to emit light.

  The big hit running effect is not limited to being performed based on the big hit running effect signal transmitted from the hall computer 6. For example, the big hit running effect may be performed based on the big hit signal transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2. Is also good. The jackpot running effect may be realized by sequentially transmitting the jackpot running effect signal between the adjacent data display devices 120.

  In addition, the data display device 120 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which LEDs as light emitting means are provided on the left and right sides of the display unit 1230, but the installation position of the light emitting means is not limited to this. For example, LEDs may be provided above or below the display unit 1230, or LEDs may be provided at four locations on the left, right, upper, and lower sides of the display unit 1230.

[1-7-2. Functional configuration]
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the data display device 120.
The data display device 120 includes a control unit 1210, an operation unit 1220, a display unit 1230, a sound output unit 1240, a light emitting unit 1250, a first communication unit 1261, a second communication unit 1262, and a third communication unit. 1263, a short-range wireless communication unit 1265, a USB port 1270, a clock unit 1275, a power supply unit 1280, and a storage unit 1290.

  The control unit 1210 is a control device that comprehensively controls each functional unit included in the data display device 120. For example, the control unit 1210 includes a processing unit 1211 including a processor such as a CPU and a DSP, and a power supply unit 1280. A power control unit 1212 for controlling the power supplied to the function unit.

  The operation unit 1220 is an operation device for the player to perform various operations on the own device, and includes a call button 1221 and a touch panel 1222.

  The display unit 1230 is a display device having a display such as an LCD, and displays various types of information under the control of the processing unit 1211. The touch panel 1222 is integrated with the display portion 1230 to form a touch screen.

  The sound output unit 1240 is a sound output device including a speaker or the like, and outputs various sounds under the control of the processing unit 1211.

  The light-emitting unit 1250 is a light-emitting device including an LED or the like, and is provided on a left frame LED 1251 provided on a left housing frame of the display unit 1230 and on a right housing frame of the display unit 1230. A right frame LED 1252 is provided.

  The first communication unit 1261 is a communication device that includes a wired communication module and the like, and performs communication with the corresponding pachinko machine 2. The first communication unit 1261 receives a pachinko machine signal from the corresponding pachinko machine 2.

  The second communication unit 1262 is a communication device that includes a wired communication module and the like, and performs communication with the corresponding unit 5. The second communication unit 1262 receives a unit signal from the corresponding unit 5.

  The third communication unit 1263 is a communication device that includes a wired communication module and the like, and performs communication with the hall computer 6. The third communication unit 1263 receives the management device signal and the display device setting data 691 from the hall computer 6.

  The short-range wireless communication unit 1265 is a communication device that includes a wireless communication module and the like, and performs short-range wireless communication with the setting remote controller 14 possessed by a store clerk. The short-range wireless communication unit 1265 receives a vacant space information display signal for displaying the vacant space information on the display unit 1230 from the setting remote controller 14.

  The USB port 1270 is a connection terminal configured to be able to connect a USB-standard external terminal, and is configured to be able to connect the external terminal to the USB port 1270 using a communication cable such as a USB cable. The external terminals mainly include a mobile terminal 12 such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a PDA, and a tablet terminal owned by the player.

  The clock unit 1275 is an internal clock of the data display device 120, and outputs a measured time (timed time) to the processing unit 1211.

  The power supply unit 1280 is a power supply device connected to each function unit included in the data display device 120, and supplies power to each function unit of the data display device 120 under the control of the power supply control unit 1212.

  The storage unit 1290 is a storage device including a memory such as a ROM, an EEPROM, and a RAM. The storage unit 1290 stores a display device processing program 1291 that is read by the processing unit 1211 and executed as display device processing. The storage unit 1290 stores effect data 1293 for the data display device 120 to perform various effects, and display device setting data 691 received from the hall computer 6.

[1-8. Processing flow]
[1-8-1. Hall computer processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of management processing executed by the processing unit 610 of the hall computer 6 according to the management program 671 stored in the ROM 670.
First, the processing unit 610 executes the processing of the loop A for each of the data display devices 120 (A1 to A7). The process of loop A is a process that is sequentially executed for each data display device 120.

  In the processing of loop A, the processing unit 610 performs setting data generation processing according to the setting data generation program 671a stored in the ROM 670 (A1).

  More specifically, the setting data generation unit 611 includes a display content setting table 681, a display mode setting table 682, a mode control setting table 683, a special display setting table 684, and an operation button stored in the hard disk 670. Based on the light emission setting table 685, the lamp light emission setting table 696, and the device correspondence table 687, display device setting data 691 for the data display device 120 is generated using the above-described method. Then, the processing unit 610 stores the generated display device setting data 691 in the RAM 690 (A3).

  Next, the processing unit 610 transmits the generated display device setting data 691 to the data display device 120 (A5). Then, the processing unit 610 shifts the processing to the next data display device 120.

  When the processing of the loop A is completed, the game information totaling unit 613 totals the game data of each pachinko machine 2, and stores the totaled game data in the game total database 688 of the hard disk 680 (A7).

  Next, the processing unit 610 determines whether or not the execution condition of the big hit running effect is satisfied (A11). The execution condition of the jackpot running effect is to input a jackpot signal from any type of pachinko machine 2. If it is determined that the execution condition is satisfied (A11; Yes), the big hit running effect signal is transmitted to the data display device 120 corresponding to the model of the pachinko machine 2 (A13).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution condition of the jackpot running effect has not been satisfied (A11; No), the processing unit 610 determines whether or not another simultaneous effect execution condition has been satisfied (A15). Is determined (A15; Yes), the simultaneous presentation signal corresponding to the established execution condition is transmitted to the data display device 120 (A17).

  Note that, although different from the present embodiment, when the data display device 120 performs the simultaneous production, the simultaneous display is not performed based on the simultaneous production signal transmitted from the hall computer 6, but the clock included in the data display device 120 is provided. The simultaneous production may be performed based on the output result of the unit 1275. For example, the simultaneous effect may be performed each time the elapsed time from when the power of the data display device 120 is turned on reaches a certain time.

  After A13 or A17, the processing unit 610 determines whether or not it is a regular notification timing (A19). The periodic notification timing can be determined, for example, as a timing at a fixed time interval (for example, every three hours or every six hours). When there are a plurality of types of content to be periodically notified, timings at different time intervals may be defined as the periodic notification timings.

  If it is determined that it is the periodic notification timing (A19; Yes), the processing unit 610 transmits a periodic notification signal to the corresponding data display device 120 (A21).

  Next, the processing unit 610 determines whether it is time to release the energy saving mode of the data display device 120 (hereinafter, referred to as “energy saving mode release timing”) (A23). The energy saving mode release timing can be defined, for example, as a timing at regular time intervals (for example, every 6 hours) or a timing at which the store manager performs an operation to release the energy saving mode.

  If it is determined that it is the energy saving mode release timing (A23; Yes), the processing unit 610 transmits an energy saving mode release signal to the data display device 120 (A25).

  Next, the processing section 610 determines whether or not to end the processing (A27). For example, if the power of the hall computer 6 is turned off when the store is closed, it is determined that the process is to be ended. If it is determined that the processing is to be continued (A27; No), the processing unit 610 returns the processing to A9. If it is determined that the processing is to be ended (A27; Yes), the processing unit 610 ends the management processing.

[1-8-2. Processing of data display device]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of data display device processing executed by the processing unit 1211 of the data display device 120 according to the data display device processing program 1291 stored in the storage unit 1290.

  First, the processing unit 1211 determines whether or not it is the set timing of the own device (C1). The setting timing can be, for example, the timing when the power of the own device is turned on. The setting timing in this case may be determined by confirming whether or not a set flag indicating that the display contents and the operation contents of the own device have been set is set to “ON”. The set flag is set to “ON” after a display setting process and an operation setting process, which will be described later, are executed, and is set to “OFF” when the power of the data display device 120 is turned off at the time of closing a store or the like. It only has to be cleared.

  If it is determined that it is the setting timing (the setting completion flag is determined to be “OFF”) (C1; Yes), the processing unit 1211 requests the hall computer 6 for the display device setting data 691, and The display device setting data 691 is obtained from (C3).

  In this case, the data display device 120 may establish communication with the hall computer 6 and request the display device setting data 691, or the data display device 120 and the hall computer 6 can always communicate. In this state, the hall computer 6 may automatically distribute the display device setting data 691 to the data display device 120.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 performs a display setting process. Specifically, the display content to be displayed on the display unit 1230 is determined with reference to the display content setting data 6914 included in the display device setting data 691, and the determined display content can be displayed (display Standby state). The processing unit 1211 refers to the display mode setting data 6915 included in the display device setting data 691 to determine the display mode to be displayed on the display unit 1230, and may display the display content in the determined display mode. A possible state (display standby state). Also, the processing unit 1211 refers to the special display setting data 6917 included in the display device setting data 691 to determine the priority of the special display to be displayed on the display unit 1230, and displays the display content in the determined priority. In a state where it is possible to

  Next, the processing unit 1211 performs a mode control setting process (C7). Specifically, a mode that can be controlled by the own device is determined with reference to the mode control setting data 6915 included in the display device setting data 691, and the own device can be controlled in the determined mode.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 executes a light emission setting process (C9). Specifically, with reference to the operation button light emission setting data 6918 and the lamp light emission setting data 6919 included in the display device setting data 691, the light emission mode of the operation unit 1220 and the light emission mode of the light emission unit 1250 are determined. The operation unit 1220 and the light emitting unit 1250 can be caused to emit light in the emitted light mode.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 sets a default display screen to be displayed on the display unit 1230 as a default display screen (C11). Specifically, for example, the general game history screen is set as a default display screen. The display screen set as the default display screen can be set arbitrarily. However, in order to improve the appearance, the data display device 120 provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the same model has the same display screen. It is desirable to set the screen as the default display screen.

  Thereafter, the processing unit 1211 performs a game determination process (C13). Specifically, based on the pachinko machine signal transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 and the unit signal output from the corresponding unit 5, it is determined whether or not the player is playing a game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2. For example, when a pachinko machine signal is not input from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 for a certain period of time or when a unit signal is not received from the corresponding unit 5 for a certain period of time, it is determined that a game is not being played.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 performs a display control process (C15). Further, the processing unit 1211 executes a light emission control process (C17). Further, the processing unit 1211 executes a power supply control process (C19).

  Thereafter, the processing unit 1211 determines whether or not to end the processing (C21). If it is determined that the processing is to be continued (C21; No), the processing returns to C1. If it is determined that the process is to be terminated (C21; Yes), the data display device process is terminated.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the display control process.
First, the processing unit 1211 controls the display unit 1230 to display the default display screen set in C11 (E1).

  Next, the processing unit 1211 executes a screen display control process (E3). Specifically, control is performed to switch the display screen in accordance with an operation to switch the display screen being displayed (hereinafter, referred to as “screen switching operation”).

  After that, the processing unit 1211 executes a special display control process (E5). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special display execution condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the special display execution condition is satisfied, the special display is displayed on the display unit 1230.

  Here, the special display execution condition can be determined, for example, as follows.

(1) Big hit effect display "Big hit signal from corresponding pachinko machine ON"

(2) Simultaneous staging display "Simultaneous staging signal ON from hall computer"

(3) Periodic notification display "Regular notification signal from hall computer ON"

(4) Inset prevention display (A) "The big hit signal OFF & fluctuation count from the corresponding pachinko machine has reached the specified count."
(B) "Stable change signal from compatible pachinko machine ON → OFF"
(A) is a case where a so-called slippage occurs. The specified number of times can be set to, for example, “1000 times”. When the reentrancy occurs, the player becomes unrecognized and may continue playing the game and make an excessive investment.
(B) is a case where the probable change state ends. When the probable change state ends, the game returns to the normal state, and if the game is continued as it is, there is a risk that the acquired payouts may be consumed and the player may be damaged, so the inset prevention display is executed.

(5) Forgotten card display (A) “Punching signal from compatible pachinko machine ON → OFF & lapse of specified time”
(B) "The signal during the probable change from the corresponding pachinko machine ON → OFF & the number of possessed balls has reached the specified number of balls"
(A) is a case where a fixed time has elapsed since the player stopped driving the game ball. In this case, there is a possibility that the player has temporarily stopped the game due to a rest break or the like. Therefore, in order to prevent the game card from being stolen due to the player forgetting to take the game card and leaving the seat, a card missing display is executed. As the specified time, a time such as one minute can be set.
(B) is a case where the number of possessed balls is equal to or more than a certain number in a state where the probable change state is completed. When the player obtains many payouts according to the probable change state and the probable change state ends, in order to prevent the game card from being stolen and causing the player to lose money, the card forgetting notification is executed. The number of balls, such as "10000 shots", can be set as the prescribed number of balls.

(6) Gaming machine error display "Pachinko machine abnormal signal ON from corresponding pachinko machine ON or pachinko machine illegal signal ON"

(7) Display device error display "Abnormal detection or fraud detection of own device"

(8) Lending rate display "Detection of lending rate display operation"

  Next, the processing unit 1211 executes a mode control process described later (E7).

  Thereafter, the processing unit 1211 determines whether or not the vacant space information display signal has been received from the setting remote controller 14 (E9). Execute (E11).

  Specifically, for example, a message or an image indicating that the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is an empty stand is displayed on the display unit 1230. At this time, even if the own device is controlled in either the normal mode or the energy saving mode, the vacant space information is displayed in a common notification mode. That is, when displaying a message or an image indicating that the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is an empty stand on the display unit 1230, the content and brightness of the message are not changed depending on the mode.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 determines whether or not the vacant space information is being displayed on the display unit 1230 (E13). If it is determined that the vacant space information is being displayed (E13; Yes), the vacant space information display termination condition Is determined (E15).

  If it is determined that the condition is satisfied (E15; Yes), the processing unit 1211 performs control to end the display of the vacant space information being displayed on the display unit 1230 (E17). Then, the processing unit 1211 ends the display control process.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the mode control process.
First, the processing unit 1211 determines the current mode (G1), and if it determines that the mode is the “normal mode” (G1: normal mode), determines the mode setting type (G3). Specifically, it is determined whether the currently set normal mode is “initial setting” set as a default or “return setting” by returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. When the normal mode return trigger is stored in the storage unit 1290 (G13 described later), it can be determined that the return setting is made.

  If it is determined that the mode setting type is “initial setting” (G3; initial setting), the processing unit 1211 determines whether the energy saving mode change condition is satisfied (G5). Specifically, referring to the mode control setting data 6916 included in the display device setting data 691, the elapsed time from the control to the normal mode is changed to the energy saving mode change specified in the mode control setting data 6916. It is determined whether the time has been reached.

  If it is determined that the energy saving mode change condition is satisfied (G5; Yes), the processing unit 1211 executes the energy saving mode change control (G7). Specifically, the display content defined in the display content setting data 6914 of the display device setting data 691 is changed to the position, size, and color defined in association with the energy saving mode of the display mode setting data 6915. The display setting is performed so that the display unit 1230 displays the image with the brightness and the brightness. In addition, the light emission setting is performed so that the call button 1221 emits light with the light emission color and luminance defined in association with the energy saving mode of the operation button light emission setting data 6918. In addition, the light emission setting is performed so that the light emitting unit 1250 emits light at the luminance defined in association with the energy saving mode of the lamp light emission setting data 6919.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode setting type is “return setting” (G3; return setting), the processing unit 1211 determines whether the energy saving mode re-change condition is satisfied (G9). Specifically, with reference to the mode control setting data 6916 included in the display device setting data 691, the elapsed time after returning to the normal mode is used as a trigger for returning to the normal mode stored in the storage unit 1290. It is determined whether the corresponding energy saving mode re-change time has been reached.

  If it is determined that the energy saving mode re-change condition is satisfied (G9; Yes), the processing unit 1211 executes the energy saving mode re-change control (G11). Specifically, the display content defined in the display content setting data 6914 of the display device setting data 691 is changed to the position, size, and color defined in association with the energy saving mode of the display mode setting data 6915. The display setting is performed so that the display unit 1230 displays the image with the brightness and the brightness. In addition, the light emission setting is performed so that the call button 1221 emits light with the light emission color and luminance defined in association with the energy saving mode of the operation button light emission setting data 6918. In addition, the light emission setting is performed so that the light emitting unit 1250 emits light at the luminance defined in association with the energy saving mode of the lamp light emission setting data 6919.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is the “energy saving mode” (G1: energy saving mode), the processing unit 1211 determines whether the normal mode change condition is satisfied (G13). Specifically, an opportunity to return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode occurs based on the device type and the trigger model set as the normal mode return opportunity in the mode control setting data 6916 included in the display device setting data 691. It is determined whether or not it has been performed.

  When it is determined that the normal mode change condition is satisfied (G11; Yes), the processing unit 1211 temporarily stores the opportunity to return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode in the storage unit 1290 as the normal mode return opportunity ( G15).

  Next, the processing unit 1211 executes the normal mode change control (G17). Specifically, the display content defined in the display content setting data 6914 of the display device setting data 691 is changed to the position, size, and color defined in association with the normal mode of the display mode setting data 6915. The display setting is performed so that the display unit 1230 displays the image with the brightness and the brightness. In addition, the light emission setting is performed so that the call button 1221 emits light with the light emission color and luminance defined in association with the normal mode of the operation button light emission setting data 6918. In addition, the light emission setting is performed so that the light emitting unit 1250 emits light at the luminance defined in association with the normal mode of the lamp light emission setting data 6919.

  After G7, G11 or G17, the processing unit 1211 determines whether or not the store close time has come based on the elapsed time of the clock unit 1275 (G19). If it is determined that the store close time has come (G19; Yes), the processing unit 1211 determines whether the currently set mode is the normal mode (G21).

  If it is determined that the currently set mode is the normal mode (G21; Yes), the processing unit 1211 executes the energy saving mode change control (G23). That is, when the store closes, it is forcibly shifted from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. Then, the processing unit 1211 ends the mode control process.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the power supply control process.
First, the processing unit 1211 determines whether or not the portable terminal 12 has been connected to the USB port 1270 (H1). If it is determined that the mode is detected (H1), the processing unit 1211 determines the currently set mode (H3), and if it is determined that the mode is the “normal mode” (H3; normal mode), The power supply start control for causing the unit 1280 to start supplying power to the portable terminal 12 is executed (H5).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is the “energy saving mode” (H3: energy saving mode), the processing unit 1211 supplies power to notify the player that power cannot be supplied to the connected mobile terminal 12. An unreporting process is executed (H7). Specifically, for example, a message indicating that power cannot be supplied is displayed on display unit 1230, or a sound indicating that fact is output from sound output unit 1240.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 12 is connected to the USB port 1270 (H9). If it is determined that the mobile terminal 12 is connected (H9; Yes), the processing unit 1211 sends the mobile terminal 12 It is determined whether power is being supplied to the power supply 12 (H11).

  If it is determined that power is being supplied (H11; Yes), the processing unit 1211 determines whether the mode has been changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode in the mode control process (H13), and if it has been determined that the mode has been changed. If (H13; Yes), power supply interruption notification processing for notifying the player that power supply to the connected portable terminal 12 is to be interrupted is executed (H15). Specifically, for example, a message indicating that power supply is to be interrupted is displayed on display unit 1230, or a sound indicating that is output from sound output unit 1240.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 executes power supply interruption control for causing the power supply unit 1280 to interrupt power supply to the portable terminal 12 (H17). Then, the processing unit 1211 ends the power supply control process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that power is not being supplied (H11), the processing unit 1211 determines whether the mode has been changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode in the mode control process (H19), and if it has been determined that the mode has been changed. If (H19; Yes), a power supply restart notification process for notifying the player that power supply to the connected portable terminal 12 is to be restarted is executed (H21). Specifically, for example, a message indicating that power supply is to be restarted is displayed on display unit 1230, or a sound indicating that fact is output from sound output unit 1240.

  Next, the processing unit 1211 executes power supply restart control for causing the power supply unit 1280 to restart power supply to the portable terminal 12 (H23). Then, the processing unit 1211 ends the power supply control process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the light emission control process.
The processing unit 1211 refers to the light emission mode setting data 6917 included in the display device setting data 691 to determine a common light emission pattern corresponding to the model of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 (I1). Further, the processing unit 1211 refers to the light emission mode setting data 6917 to determine an individual light emission pattern corresponding to the type of special display corresponding to the special display execution (I3).

  Next, the processing unit 1211 determines the current mode (I5), and if it determines that the mode is the “normal mode” (I5; normal mode), the common light emission pattern and the individual light emission determined in I1 and I3, respectively. The pattern, the luminance determined in association with the normal mode of the operation button light emission setting data 6918 included in the display device setting data 691, and the luminance determined in association with the normal mode of the lamp light emission setting data 6919. Based on the current brightness, control is performed to cause the call button 1221 and the light emitting unit 1250 (the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252) of the operation unit 1220 to emit light (I7).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is the “energy saving mode” (I5; energy saving mode), the processing unit 1211 stores the common light emission pattern and the individual light emission pattern determined in I1 and I3 and the display device setting data 691 respectively. Based on the luminance defined in association with the energy saving mode in the included operation button light emission setting data 6918 and the luminance defined in association with the energy saving mode in lamp emission setting data 6919, the operation unit 1220 Control is performed to cause the call button 1221 and the light emitting unit 1250 (the left frame LED 1251 and the right frame LED 1252) to emit light (I9).

  After performing the process of I7 or I9, the processing unit 1211 ends the light emission control process.

[1-8-3. Processing of inter-unit counting unit]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the inter-unit counting unit process executed by the inter-unit counting unit 5 according to the inter-unit counting unit processing program 521 stored in the storage unit 520.

  First, the processing unit 510 determines whether or not a possessed card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 560 (J1). If it is determined that the card has been inserted (J1; Yes), a card authentication process is executed (J3). ). Specifically, it outputs an authentication request signal including the card ID recorded on the inserted dime card to the ball management computer 8 and acquires an authentication result from the ball management computer 8.

  If it is determined that the authentication result is OK (J5; Yes), processing unit 510 determines whether there is personal customization data (J7), and if it determines that there is personal customization data (J7; Yes), possesses the personalized data. The reception card data including the ball count data and the personal customization data is output to the corresponding data display device 120 (J9). If it is determined that there is no personal customization data (J7; No), processing unit 510 outputs reception card data including possessed ball count data to corresponding data display device 120 (J11).

  If it is determined that the authentication result is NG (J5; No), the processing section 510 executes a card return process of returning the inserted ball-holding card from the card insertion slot 560 (J13).

  Next, the processing unit 510 determines whether or not a card return operation has been performed (J15), and if it is determined that the card return operation has been performed (J15; Yes), the card return for returning the ball card being accepted from the card insertion slot 560. The processing is executed (J17).

  Thereafter, the processing unit 510 determines whether or not a payout operation has been performed (J19). If it is determined that the payout operation has been performed (J19; Yes), the processing unit 510 executes a payout process (J21). Specifically, a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 2 is executed. Then, the processing unit 510 updates the possessed ball count data (J23).

  Next, processing unit 510 determines whether or not a leaving operation has been performed (J25), and if it has been determined that the operation has been performed (J25; Yes), performs a leaving process (J27). Specifically, while controlling the return of the ball card currently accepted, ball lending, ball refund, and consumption of the remaining amount are regulated.

  Thereafter, the processing unit 510 determines whether or not to end the processing (J29). If it is determined that the processing is to be continued (J29; No), the processing returns to J1. If it is determined that the process is to be terminated (J29; Yes), the inter-unit counting unit process is terminated.

[1-9. Display screen]
FIGS. 28 to 30 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120. FIG.

FIG. 28 (1) is a diagram showing an example of the comprehensive game history screen.
This comprehensive game history screen is a display screen displayed in the normal mode on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the model “Pachinko XXX”, and is displayed based on the display screen data of FIG. Things.

  On this general game history screen, as the general game history information, “the number of total big hits”, “the total number of probability change big hits”, “the total number of normal big hits”, “the total number of start times”, and “the total payout graph” And a "comprehensive big hit history graph" are displayed.

  In addition, a service icon for the player to select a service and a screen switching icon for switching the screen are displayed at the lower left of the integrated game history screen. When the service icon is tapped, the display screen is switched to a service selection screen (not shown), and the player can select a service from this service selection screen. Also, when the screen switching icon is tapped, the currently displayed screen can be sequentially switched to another screen.

FIG. 28 (2) is a diagram showing an example of the comprehensive game history screen.
This comprehensive game history screen is a display screen displayed in the energy saving mode on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the model “Pachinko XXX”, and is displayed based on the data for each display screen in FIG. Things.

  On this general game history screen, “general big hit number”, “general positive variable hit number”, “general normal big hit number”, and “general start number” are displayed as general game history information. In addition, a service icon for the player to select a service and a screen switching icon for switching the screen are displayed at the lower left of the integrated game history screen.

FIG. 29A is a diagram illustrating an example of the special display.
FIG. 29 (1) is a display screen displayed when the execution condition of the big hit effect display is satisfied during the display of the comprehensive game history screen, and a message of “big hit ♪” and a character image are displayed in the center of the screen. The big hit effect display is displayed.

FIG. 29 (2) is a diagram showing another example of the special display.
FIG. 29 (2) is a display screen displayed when the execution condition of the game machine error display is satisfied while the general game history screen is being displayed. In the center portion of the screen, "A failure has occurred in the pachinko machine. .Please call the clerk. "Is displayed.

FIG. 29C is a diagram illustrating another example of the special display.
FIG. 29 (3) is a display screen displayed when the execution condition of the display device error is satisfied while the general game history screen is being displayed. In the center part of the screen, "An error has occurred in the display device. Please call the clerk. "Is displayed on the display device.

FIG. 30A shows another example of the special display.
FIG. 30 (1) is a display screen displayed when the execution condition of the anti-dipping display is satisfied during the display of the comprehensive game history screen. In the center part of the screen, "Be careful not to be too enthusiastic about the game. Please check. "Message is displayed.

FIG. 30 (2) is a diagram showing another example of the special display.
FIG. 30 (2) is a display screen displayed when the execution condition of the card forgetting display is satisfied during the display of the general game history screen. . "Message is displayed.

FIG. 30C is a diagram illustrating another example of the special display.
FIG. 30 (3) is a display screen displayed when the execution condition of the loan rate display is satisfied during the display of the comprehensive game history screen (E17 in FIG. 24; Yes). Is 540 yen → 125 coins. "Is displayed.

[1-10. Effect]
In the first gaming system 1A, a data display device 120 is provided corresponding to the pachinko machine 2. The data display device 120 includes a display unit 1230 that is a display unit that can display game information on the correspondingly provided pachinko machine 2.

The data display device 120 includes an operation unit 1220 that is an operation unit, and a control unit 1210 that is a state control unit that can control a normal mode and an energy saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode. The control unit 1210 can change the mode from the energy saving mode to the normal mode when a screen switching operation for switching the display of the game history screen to the operation unit 1220 is performed. When the specific information transmitted from the device is received, the mode can be changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.
According to this, it is possible to suitably change the mode from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

[1-11. Modification]
The information display device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the data display device 120 described in the above embodiment.

FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 are diagrams illustrating an example of an external configuration of a data display device 4 which is an example of another information display device.
The data display device 4 includes a first display section 430 that displays at least game information based on information output from the pachinko machine 2 for a player playing with the pachinko machine 2, and a player playing with the pachinko machine 2 And a second display unit 440 for displaying information for other players, that is, for surrounding players.

  Further, in the data display device 4, a speaker as a sound output unit 450 is installed at the center of the upper surface of the housing so that the sound output port faces the front. In addition, the installation position of the speaker can be appropriately changed in design. For example, the speaker may be installed at a right or left position on the upper surface of the housing or a predetermined position on the side of the housing of the data display device 4.

  In the following description, with the player playing with the pachinko machine 2 as a reference, the front and rear directions with respect to the player are the front and rear directions, the right and left directions with respect to the player as the left and right directions, and the player as the reference. The upward direction and the downward direction are respectively defined as the vertical direction.

  FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B are perspective views of the data display device 4. The housing of the data display device 4 has a base 4A having a rectangular shape that is horizontally long in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and a door configured to protrude forward from the right end and the left end of the base 4A. 4B. The left and right door portions 4B are designed so that the width thereof is half the width of the base portion 4A.

  FIG. 31C is a front view of the data display device 4. A first display section 430 having a rectangular shape that is horizontally long in the left-right direction when viewed from the front is formed on the front surface of the base section 4A. The first display unit 430 is formed in a direction facing the player, and a player playing with the pachinko machine 2 can visually recognize the first display unit 430 from the playing position. That is, the first display unit 430 is formed in a direction in which the player can visually recognize the game from a game position where the player plays.

  FIG. 31D is a right side view of the data display device 4. On one of the left and right surfaces of the door portion 4B, a second display portion 440 for displaying information for players other than the player playing the pachinko machine 2 is formed. The second display unit 440 is formed on the right side of the right door 4B as viewed from the player, and is formed on the left side of the left door 4B as viewed from the player. That is, the second display section 440 is formed on the outer surface of each door section 4B, and the player cannot visually recognize the second display section 440 from the gaming position. On the other hand, a player other than the player who does not view the pachinko machine 2 in front, for example, a player who selects the pachinko machine 2 that starts the game by looking over the pachinko machine 2 of the game island from the end of the game island is , The second display portion 440 can be visually recognized.

  As shown in FIG. 31 (2), the left and right door portions 4B are configured to be folded inward and stored. Specifically, the left and right door portions 4B can be folded inward by the hinge portions 4C, respectively. Since the width of each of the left and right doors 4B is designed to be half of the width of the base 4A excluding the hinge 4C, when the left and right doors 4B are closed, the door 4B just overlaps with the base 4A. At this time, the left and right door portions 4B are parallel to the base portion 4A, and the first display portion 430 is covered with the left and right door portions 4B. As described above, since the left and right doors 4B can be folded inward, the left and right doors 4B are folded when the data display device 4 is installed on or removed from the game island. The installation work and the removal work can be performed easily.

  The second display unit 440 is formed on an outer surface that cannot be visually recognized by the player when the door unit 4B is open, but when the door unit 4B is closed, the player displays the second display unit 440. It will be visible from the front. As described above, the data display device 4 is configured such that the first display unit 430 is visible to the player but the second display unit 440 is not visible to the player (while a player other than the player is visible). 1 state (a state in which the second display section 440 is perpendicular to the first display section 430), and the first display section 430 is invisible to the player, but the second display section 440 is not displayed. It is also possible to set a second state (a state in which the second display section 440 is parallel to the first display section 430) in which the player can visually recognize the player.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the second display unit 440. In the present embodiment, the second display unit 440 is configured so that a transparent plastic lid 447 that covers the entirety of the second display unit 440 is detachable. The display surface of the second display unit 440 protrudes from the housing surface with the door unit 4B opened (the right door unit 4B projects to the right, and the left door unit 4B projects to the left). ), And an outward fitting step 441 that forms a step between the housing surface of the second display unit 440 and the display surface of the second display unit 440 is provided.

  The plastic lid 447 shown in FIG. 32 is a lid member having a peripheral wall 443 protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 442. The plastic lid 447 has a tray shape in which the bottom plate 442 and the peripheral wall 443 are integrally formed of a translucent plastic material. Have. An inward fitting step 444 that forms a step between the surface of the bottom plate 442 on which the peripheral wall 443 protrudes and the end surface (the tray-shaped edge surface) of the peripheral wall 443 is provided. When the joint portion 444 is fitted with the outward fitting step portion 441, the inner surface of the inward fitting step portion 444 is engaged with the outer surface of the outward fitting step portion 441, and the plastic lid 447 The second display unit 440 is configured to be integrated.

  Further, a POP advertisement 445 for notifying various kinds of information to a player can be inserted into a concave portion formed by the bottom plate 442 and the peripheral wall 443 of the plastic lid 447. In the POP advertisement 445, for example, information about the business of the shop where the pachinko machine 2 is installed and information about an event held in the shop can be posted.

  FIG. 32 shows, as an example of the POP advertisement 445, a POP advertisement 445 indicating that the day is a ladies' day, which is one of the event days. When the POP advertisement 445 is inserted into the concave portion of the plastic lid 447 and the inward fitting step 444 is fitted to the outward fitting step 441 of the door 4B, the POP advertisement 445 is connected to the bottom plate 442. The display screen of the second display unit 440 is supported by being sandwiched between the display surface of the second display unit 440 and the display screen of the second display unit 440.

  Further, since the plastic lid 447 has a light transmitting property, the inserted POP advertisement 445 can be visually recognized by a player from the outside via the bottom plate 442. The pachinko machine 2 in which the POP advertisement 445 for Ladies' Day is displayed on the corresponding data display device 4 becomes a stand exclusively for women, and only women can play games.

  In addition, the POP advertisement is not limited to the notification of the above-mentioned event data. For example, new stand information indicating that the pachinko machine 2 installed corresponding to the data display device 4 is a new stand, It is possible to post various information such as information indicating a pachinko machine, a pachinko machine for two yen, a pachinko machine for one yen, and information indicating the model name of the pachinko machine 2.

  By making the plastic cover 447 attachable to the second display portion 440 in this manner, it is possible to prevent a player from visually recognizing information for a player other than the player. In addition, by attaching the plastic lid 447 with the POP advertisement interposed, the surrounding players can check information on the store and the pachinko machine 2. In addition, when the second display unit 440 is covered with the POP advertisement or the like in this manner, when the second display unit 440 displays that the latent probability change state is present, the display is displayed to the player other than the player. When the player does not want to show it to the player, the display itself on the second display unit 440 can be made invisible.

  Here, in order to set the second display unit 440 so as not to display that it is in the latent probability change state, the hall computer 6 or each data display device 4 is in the second display unit 440 in the latent probability change state. It is necessary to perform a setting process for not displaying the fact. On the other hand, when the second display unit 440 is covered with a cover such as a POP advertisement, such a setting process is not required, and it is temporarily displayed on the second display unit 440 that the state of the latent probability is changed. However, this can be prevented from being visually recognized by a player and a player other than the player.

  In addition, for example, on an event day such as Ladies Day, only the player (for example, a female customer) targeted for the event is operated such that the POP advertisement or the like is removed and the second display unit 440 can be visually recognized. Is also good. Furthermore, when a player (for example, a female customer) targeted for such an event plays a game, the POP advertisement or the like is removed and the door 4B is folded inward (the second state described above). After making the second display unit 440 visible to the player, the second display unit may display a latent probability change state. According to this, only a specific player such as an event target person can visually recognize the display content of the second display unit 440.

  Although the plastic cover 447 is illustrated in FIG. 32 as a cover for covering the second display unit 440 of the data display device 4, the cover is not limited to this. If the cover is used as a cover, the cover is not limited to the plastic cover 447 but may be a glass cover or a wooden cover. Further, as a cover other than the lid, an eaves surrounding the second display portion 440 may be the cover according to the present invention. The eaves can be, for example, colored plastic, vinyl, or wooden eaves.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the eaves body in this case.
An eaves body 448 is configured to be detachable so as to surround the entirety of the door portion 4B on which the second display portion 440 is formed. Specifically, an eaves body 448 formed in a U-shape in a front view so as to surround a surface of the door portion 4B other than the adhesive surface of the hinge portion 4C is configured to be attachable to the door portion 4B. By attaching such an eaves body 448 to the door portion 4B, it is possible to create a state in which the second display portion 440 is more invisible to the player playing the gaming machine.

  In addition, the eaves body 448 may have a bottomed structure having a bottom surrounding the inner surface of the door portion 4B, or may have a bottomless structure having no bottom. When the structure with the bottom is adopted, since the inner surface of the door 4B is also surrounded by the eaves 448, the player cannot visually recognize even the inner surface of the door 4B. Can be created as if they were isolated.

  Further, the above-mentioned cover does not necessarily need to be a cover that covers the entirety of the second display unit 440, and may be a cover that partially covers the second display unit 440. For example, a cover that covers only the central portion of the second display unit 440 may be used, or a cover that covers the right half, the left half, the upper half, and the lower half of the second display unit 440 may be used. Further, a cover that covers the periphery of the second display unit 440 may be used.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the second display unit 440 of the data display device 4.
FIG. 34 (1) is a diagram showing an example of the empty stand information screen.
The vacant machine information screen displays vacant machine information indicating that the pachinko machine 2 is an empty machine. Specifically, a message "Now you can play" is displayed in the center of the screen, along with a message "Free space". By this message, the player can know that the pachinko machine 2 is currently empty and can be played.

FIG. 34 (2) is a diagram showing an example of the big hit screen.
On the big hit screen, big hit information indicating that the pachinko machine 2 is in a big hit is displayed. Specifically, a flame is displayed at the center of the screen, and a message of “under big hit” indicating that the pachinko machine 2 is under big hit is displayed therein. With this message, the player can know that the pachinko machine 2 is currently in a big hit.

FIG. 34 (3) is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen during the change in the latent probability.
In the latent probability changing screen, latent probability change information indicating that the pachinko machine 2 is performing the latent probability change is displayed at the center of the screen. More specifically, a jagged balloon is displayed at the center of the screen, and a message “Under latent latency change” is displayed therein. Also, a message "Now is your chance!" Is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  Since the second display section 440 cannot be visually recognized from the player's playing position, the player cannot know that the latency is changing. On the other hand, the player can look at the second display unit 440 to know that the pachinko machine 2 is changing the latency. In other words, the watching customer knows that the platform is in the chance state, but the player continues the game without knowing that the platform is in the chance state. Also, if a player quits playing without knowing that the latency is changing, the player in the vicinity knows that the platform is in a chance state, and sits on the platform to play the game. A big hit can be expected by doing. As a result, a new interest that cannot be realized by the conventional call lamp device can be created.

FIG. 34 (4) is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen during the time reduction.
In this time saving screen, time saving information indicating that the pachinko machine 2 is working in time reduction is displayed at the center of the screen. Specifically, a cloud-shaped balloon is displayed in the center of the screen, and a message of “time saving” is displayed therein. At the bottom of the screen, a message "Sorry.

  Since the second display section 440 cannot be viewed from the player's playing position, the player cannot know that the time is being reduced. On the other hand, the watching patron can look at the second display unit 440 to know that the pachinko machine 2 is in a reduced working time and is less likely to hit a big hit.

  Note that the data display device 4 has no light emitting means, but similarly to the data display device 120 described in the first embodiment, around the first display unit 430 (right, left, upper, lower). An LED may be provided on the (side) side as a light emitting means, and similarly to the data display device 120, the control unit of the data display device 4 may execute control for causing the LED to emit light.

[2. Other Embodiments]
Embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described. The same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will not be repeated.

[2-1. Gaming machine]
In the above embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is described as a pachinko machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to this.

[2-1-1. Slot machine]
The gaming machine according to the present invention may be a slot machine 1000 in which a player plays a game using a game medal.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of signals and information in the second gaming system 1B, which is a gaming system when the gaming machine is a slot machine 1000.

  In the second gaming system 1B, similarly to the first gaming system 1A in the first embodiment, the data display device 120 and the inter-unit counting unit 5 are provided corresponding to the slot machine 1000. The slot machine 1000 corresponding to the data display device 120 is called “corresponding slot machine 1000”.

  From the slot machine 1000, a slot signal including a medal IN signal, a medal OUT signal, a bonus signal, an ART signal, an illegal slot signal and an abnormal slot signal is output to the data display device 120, the inter-unit counting unit 5, and the hall computer 6. You.

The medal IN signal is a signal that is output when a medal is inserted into the medal slot of the slot machine 1000 and a BET operation is performed, and a pulse signal corresponding to the number of medals specified by the medal IN signal output command. Are output at predetermined time intervals.
The medal OUT signal is a signal that is set to an output state when a medal is paid out from the slot machine 1000, and pulse signals for the number of medals specified by the medal OUT signal output command are provided at predetermined time intervals. Is output.

The bonus signal is a signal that is set to an output state when controlled to a bonus state, which is a kind of advantageous state for the player. The bonus includes a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB).
The ART signal is a signal that is set to an output state when controlled to an assist replay time (state (ART state)), which is a kind of advantageous state for the player. The time includes an assist time (AT) and a replay time (RT) in addition to the ART.

The slot illegal signal is a type of error signal, and is a signal for notifying that the illegal operation has occurred in the slot machine 1000.
The slot abnormality signal is a type of error signal, and is a signal for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the slot machine 1000.

  From the inter-unit counting unit 5, a unit signal including a card insertion signal, a card ejection signal, a deposit signal, a consumption signal, a medal payout signal, a unit illegal signal, and a unit abnormal signal is output to the data display device 120. Further, the inter-unit counting unit 5 outputs an authentication request signal to the medal management computer 16. Then, the medal management computer 16 outputs the authentication result to the inter-unit counting unit 5. Also, the personalized data is output from the data display device 120 to the inter-unit counting unit 5.

  From the hall computer 6, display device setting data 691 is output to the data display device 120. Further, from the hall computer 6, a management device signal including a simultaneous effect signal, a periodic notification signal, and an energy saving mode release signal is output to the data display device 120.

[2-1-2. Enclosed pachinko machine and gaming point type slot machine]
In the above-described embodiment, when a pachinko machine is loaded with a game ball from the hit ball supply tray 3 and a game ball fired in the game area wins in the input area, a prize ball is paid out to the hit ball supply tray or the surplus ball tray. Although described as a conventional pachinko machine 2, an enclosed pachinko machine 2 '(hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine 2' (hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine 2 ') capable of playing a game without having to insert a game ball from outside the game machine or pay out the game ball to the outside of the game machine. , "Enclosed pachinko machine").

  A gaming machine is a conventional slot machine in which medals are paid out from a medal payout slot when a medal is inserted from a medal insertion portion and a credit is returned by operating a settlement switch or operating a settlement switch. The gaming machine is not limited to the gaming machine, and it is possible to play a game without having to insert medals from outside the gaming machine or pay out medals to the exterior of the gaming machine. .).

FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 are diagrams showing an example of the system configuration of a third gaming system 1C to which an enclosed pachinko machine 2 'and a gaming point type slot machine 1000' are applied as gaming machines.
In the third gaming system 1C, an enclosed pachinko machine 2 'and a gaming point type slot machine 1000' are provided as gaming machines.

  The enclosed pachinko machine 2 'has a game ball enclosed therein, and a player operates a hitting operation handle to drive a firing motor to drive a game ball into the game area one by one to play a game. It is configured as follows.

  Here, the launch of the game ball is detected by a ball-up switch electrically connected to the payout control board 2B including a microcomputer (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.). Out of the game balls hit into the game area, the out ball that has entered the out mouth flows down the out ball down flow path and is detected by an out ball detection switch provided in the middle thereof. Further, the foul ball that has returned without the launched game ball jumping out of the game area flows down through the foul ball return path, and is detected by a foul ball detection switch provided in the middle thereof. Both the out ball detection switch and the foul ball detection switch are electrically connected to the payout control board 2B.

  In addition, all winning balls (for example, the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, the large winning opening, the winning opening of the ordinary winning device) which are won at the rear of the gaming machine are collected and passed through the collected balls. Guided to the route. Similarly, out balls and foul balls are also guided to the collection ball passage path. A fired ball detection switch electrically connected to the payout control board 2B is provided in the collected ball passage path. Therefore, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the firing ball detection switch. The game ball that has passed through the collection ball passage route is returned to the hit ball firing position. Then, when the player operates the hit ball operation handle, the game ball at the hit ball firing position is hit into the game area again. When the number of detected ball switches is equal to the number of game balls hit by the firing motor, it can be determined that all the hit game balls have been collected.

  As described above, the ball raising switch, the out ball detection switch, the foul ball detection switch, and the firing ball detection switch are all electrically connected to the payout control board 2B, and the operation of each switch in the payout control board 2B. That is, it is possible to detect the passage of the game ball. Also, the game balls that have won each winning opening are detected by a winning sensor provided corresponding to each winning opening. The winning sensor is electrically connected to the main control board 2A including a microcomputer (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.), and the main control unit that detects a winning by the winning sensor can specify a winning port where the game ball has won. A winning signal is transmitted to the payout control board 2B. It should be noted that the payout control board 2B is provided with a winning opening type (for example, a first starting winning opening, a second starting winning opening, a large winning opening, a normal winning device, etc.) from the main control board 2A when the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'is powered on. The winning opening information including the winning opening) and the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning opening (the number of payout balls when a game ball wins in each winning opening) is received from the main control board 2A. Based on the winning signal, it is possible to specify the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning opening in which the game ball has won.

  A card unit 1100 is provided next to the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'and a gaming point type slot machine 1000' described later as a gaming device corresponding to the gaming machine. Note that an inter-unit counting unit may be provided instead of the card unit 1100.

  On the front side (player side) of the card unit 1100, a bill insertion slot 1103, a display 1102 provided at a protruding portion formed so as to protrude from the front side of the device to the front side of the device, and a prepaid card (a non-member registered member). A card insertion slot 1101 and the like into which a visitor card that can be used by a member player and a membership card that can be used by a registered member player can be inserted are provided.

  A player inserts a prepaid card into the card insertion slot 1101 and associates the card with a card ID read by a card reader / writer (hereinafter, referred to as a card R / W) to manage the prepaid card managed by a balance management device (not shown). Using the remaining amount, a game can be played on a gaming machine communicably connected to the card unit 1100. In addition, the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 1103 is authenticated and identified by a currency identifier (not shown), and the amount corresponding to the identified type is the card ID of the prepaid card accepted by the card R / W 327. And is added to the prepaid balance managed by the balance management device.

  The card unit 1100 is provided with a card unit control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a “CU control unit”) 1120 including a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 1120 is a main control function unit of the card unit 1100, and includes a CPU serving as a control center, a ROM storing programs for operating the CPU, control data, and the like, and a RAM serving as a work area of the CPU. And an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The above-described currency discriminator and card R / W 327 are electrically connected to the CU control unit 1120. The display 1102 outputs display data converted by the display control unit 1110 which is electrically connected to the CU control unit 1120.

  The CU control unit 1120 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with the hole server 1230 that performs security management. The hall server 1230 is communicably connected to the hall computer 1200. A security board (not shown) for communicating with the payout control board 2B of the pachinko machine 2 'while ensuring security is connected to the CU control unit 1120. This security board is a security monitoring function unit of the card unit 1100. The card unit 1100 is provided with a connection portion to the pachinko machine 2 'of the enclosing method. These connecting portions are constituted by, for example, connectors. Serial communication is performed between the payout control board 2B and the CU control unit 1120, and serial communication is performed between the CU control unit 1120 and the hall server 1230 via a not-shown terminal.

  When a player plays a game with the enclosed pachinko machine 2 ′, he operates the ball lending button provided on the enclosed pachinko machine 2 ′ or the card unit 1100, and manages the remaining amount in association with the card ID of the prepaid card to be used. A part or all of the prepaid balance managed by the device is converted into “the number of game balls” to start the game. That is, the value owned by the player is converted into a game value usable for the game. For example, a prepaid value of 500 yen can be converted into 125 game balls. The number of game balls is stored in the CU control unit 1120, transmitted to the payout control board 2B of the pachinko machine 2 ', and stored in the RAM of the payout control board 2B.

  When the launch of the game ball is detected by the ball raising switch, the payout control board 2B stores the number of balls in play stored in the RAM (the number of balls not detected by the fired ball detection switch after firing, and the payout control board 2B floats in the game area). One is added to the number of floating balls that are present, and one is added to the value of a subtraction counter (a storage area for the number of balls to be subtracted from the number of game balls). When the payout control board 2B receives the winning signal from the main control board 2A, the payout control board 2B counts the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening indicated by the winning signal in an addition counter (storage area of the number of balls to be added to the number of game balls). Add to the value. When a foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch, the payout control board 2B adds 1 to the value of the addition counter and subtracts 1 from the number of balls in play. In addition, the payout control board 2B subtracts 1 from the number of balls being played when it is detected that the shot balls have been recovered by the shot ball detection switch.

  The payout control board 2B manages the number of in-game balls in this manner. If the number of in-game balls becomes an abnormal value, there is a possibility of clogging or improper operation. Notify. In the payout control board 2B, when the value of the subtraction counter or the value of the addition counter is updated, the CU control unit 1120 is instructed to update the value of the subtraction counter (the number of balls to be subtracted) or the value of the addition counter after the update. Send the value (additional ball count). Then, in the payout control board 2B, the updated value of the subtraction counter is subtracted from the stored "number of game balls", and the value of the subtraction counter is cleared to zero. Further, the updated value of the addition counter is added to the stored “number of game balls”, and the value of the addition counter is cleared to zero. On the other hand, when the CU control unit 1120 receives the value of the decrement counter (the number of decrement balls), the CU control unit 1120 adds up the value of the received decrement ball to the total decrement ball number stored in the RAM, and stores “the number of game balls”. Is subtracted from the received number of balls. Further, when the value of the addition counter (number of added balls) is received, the value of the received number of added balls is added to the total number of added balls stored in the RAM, and the added ball received in the stored “number of game balls” is stored. Add numbers.

  In this way, the CU control unit 1120 updates the “number of game balls”, and the “number of game balls” is displayed on the display 1102 so that the player can check the number. The CU control unit 1120 updates the “number of game balls” stored in the CU control unit 1120 and the “number of game balls” stored in the payout control board 2B received from the payout control board 2B. Is checked, and if they do not match, control to change to an error state is performed. The enclosed pachinko machine 2 'is provided with a display for displaying game information such as the number of game balls, and the "number of game balls" stored in the payout control board 2B is displayed on the enclosed pachinko machine 2'. You may do so. The display of the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ′ may be connected to the display control unit 1120, and the “number of game balls” stored by the CU control unit 1120 may be displayed on the display.

  The “number of game balls” can be converted into the “number of possessed balls” in accordance with the operation of the player (for example, in response to the operation of a settlement button (not shown) or the return operation of a prepaid card). The “number of ball games” is managed by the ball game server in association with the card ID of the prepaid card, and is changed to “the number of game balls” in accordance with the operation of the player (for example, the operation of a ball game play button not shown). Can be converted. Also, the “number of balls” of the member player is converted into the “number of balls” after the business closes on the day or by the game store clerk on the day.

  When the payout control board 2B of the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'is electrically connected to the CU control unit 1120, the main chip ID recorded on the main chip of the main control board 2A is the payout control board 2B and the CU control. The information is transmitted to the hall server 1230 and the hall computer 1200 via the unit 1120. The transmitted main chip ID is managed by the hall computer 1200 in association with the machine number of the enclosing pachinko machine 2 '. This makes it possible to manage the game information in the main control board unit (game board unit), not in the enclosure type pachinko machine 2 'housing unit. If the main chip ID includes information that can specify the model of the pachinko machine 2 ', the hall computer 1200 can associate the machine number with the model of the pachinko machine 2'. Become.

  In addition, the CU control unit 1120 communicates with the hall server 1230 at a predetermined timing (for example, at predetermined time intervals), and transmits the total number of added balls and the total number of subtracted balls. The hall computer 1200 communicates with the hall server 1230 to update the “safe number” in the game data table based on the total added balls received from the hall server 1230, and to update the “safe number” based on the total subtracted balls received from the hall server 1230. Update the "number of outs" in the game data table.

  Here, since the format of the output data output from the gaming machine (the enclosed pachinko machine 2 ′, the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′) differs depending on the gaming machine maker, the CU control unit 1120 outputs the various formats. The data is calculated (converted) into a predetermined format and output to the hall server 1230 via the terminal. The setting data for the calculation (conversion) is input to the CU control unit 1120 and stored. The "predetermined format" is, for example, the assignment of output pins for transmission information and the output length of signals.

  Further, since the data reception format differs depending on the specifications and settings of the hall computer 1200, the hall server 1230 changes the format of the output data output from the card unit 1100 to a format that matches the data reception format of the hall computer 1200. , And transmits it to the hall computer 1200.

  Here, when the data output format of the card unit 1100 matches the data reception format of the hole computer 1200, the format conversion by the hole server 1230 can be unnecessary. In this case, the card unit 1100 and the hall computer 1200 may be communicably connected without the intervention of the hall server 1230.

  Further, even if the data output format of the card unit 1100 does not match the data reception format of the hole computer 1200, a terminal intervening between the card unit 1100 and the hole computer 1200 is transmitted from the card unit 1100 to the terminal. When a format conversion function of converting the format of output data to be output into a format that matches the data reception format of the hall computer 1200 and transmitting the format to the hall computer 1200 is provided, the format conversion by the hall server 1230 may be unnecessary. it can. In this case, the card unit 1100 and the hall computer 1200 may be communicably connected via the terminal without passing through the hall server 1230.

  The enclosed pachinko machine 2 'is provided with a first start winning opening and a second starting winning opening, and a first special display is displayed on the first variable display portion based on a winning of a game ball in the first starting winning opening. The symbol is variably displayed, and the second special symbol is variably displayed on the second variable display portion based on the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning opening. Then, when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display executed in the first variable display unit, or the specific display is performed as the display result of the variable display executed in the second variable display unit. When the result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed, it is controlled to a specific game state (big hit game state).

  In the third gaming system 1C, the jackpot pachinko machine 2 'outputs a jackpot signal, a probable changing signal, a time saving medium signal, a driving signal, a start signal, an added ball number signal, a subtracted ball number signal, a look-ahead signal, and a firing intensity detection. The signal, the special winning opening winning signal, the accessory operation signal, the pachinko machine illegal signal, and the pachinko machine abnormal signal are output to the data display device 120 as the pachinko machine signal. Among them, the jackpot signal, the signal during the probability change, the signal during the time reduction, the driving signal, the start signal, the pachinko machine illegal signal, and the pachinko machine abnormal signal are substantially the same as the signals described in the above-described embodiment.

The additional ball number signal is a signal indicating the additional ball number indicated by the value of the additional count updated in the payout control board 2B.
The subtraction ball number signal is a signal indicating the number of subtraction balls indicated by the value of the subtraction count updated in the payout control board 2B.

  The look-ahead signal is a jackpot lottery based on the winning of the game ball into the starting winning opening, and in the case of winning a jackpot, before the special symbol is variably displayed on the variable display portion, the occurrence of the jackpot is read ahead. It is a signal that suggests. The data display device 120 determines that a big hit will occur in the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ′ based on the look-ahead signal output from the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ′ before the special symbol is variably displayed on the variable display section. Can be identified.

  The firing intensity detection signal is a signal that enables the launch area of the game ball to be specified when the player hits the game ball left and right according to the game state. In the enclosing pachinko machine 2 ', the first starting winning opening is a game when a left-handed shot of launching a game ball to a game area on the left side of the player (hereinafter, referred to as "left game area") is performed. A game ball wins at a higher rate than when the player hits right to launch a game ball in the right game area (hereinafter, referred to as “right game area”) as viewed from the player, or the game is played in the left game area. A game ball can be won only when the ball is fired. Further, a variable winning ball device for forming a second starting winning port is provided, and the variable winning ball device is closed or opened by tilt control of the movable wing piece. The winning of the game ball becomes possible, or the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning opening becomes easier in the open state than in the closed state.

  Further, a left gate and a right gate are provided in the left game area and the right game area, respectively, as pass areas through which game balls can pass. When the player is hitting left, the game ball passes through the left gate, the variable display of the normal symbol is started, and when the winning symbol is derived and displayed, the variable winning ball device is opened. It can be expected that the game ball will win the second starting winning opening. Also, when the player is making a right hit, the variable display of the normal symbol is started by the game ball passing through the right gate, and when the winning symbol is derived and displayed, the variable winning ball device is opened. It is in a state, and it can be expected that the game ball will win the second start winning opening. In other words, the variable winning ball device may be in an open state in both the case of performing left-handing and the case of performing right-handing, and it can be expected that a game ball wins in the second starting winning opening. .

  In the big hit game state, a special variable winning ball device (a so-called attacker) that forms a special winning opening is controlled to be opened, and a game ball can be won in the special winning opening. The number of times of opening control or the opening control period of the special variable winning ball device differs depending on the type of big hit. This special variable prize ball device is located at a position where guided game balls can easily win due to the arrangement of the guide members and the game nails when the player hits right rather than left.

  Here, in the high-probability state, the probability of being in the big hit gaming state (the probability that the variable display result of the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit is the specific display result) is higher than in the low probability state, and the high base In the state, the probability that the winning symbol is derived and displayed as a result of the variable display of the normal symbol is higher than in the low base state (the variable symbol display time is shortened, and the opening time of the variable winning ball device is extended. ).

  When the game state is the normal state (low probability / low base state), the special variable prize ball device is not opened, and even if the game ball is passed through the right gate, the variable prize ball device is frequently opened. Therefore, the player hits the game ball leftward to aim at the left game area, and makes the game ball win the first start winning opening. When the gaming state is the high base state (high probability / high base state or low probability / high base state), when the game ball is passed through the right gate, the variable winning prize ball device is frequently opened, so that the right game area is opened. A right-handed shot of aiming and hitting a game ball is performed, and the game ball is made to win a second starting winning opening. In the big hit game state, the special variable prize ball device is opened, so that the player hits the game ball rightward to aim at the right game area and makes the special prize ball device win.

  Here, the game ball fired from the hitting ball firing device in response to the player operating the hitting ball operation handle enters the game area through a hitting rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area, and thereafter, , Coming down the game area. In this case, a launch intensity sensor is provided which detects the rotation angle (rotation amount) of the hit ball operation handle, converts information on the detected rotation angle into a launch intensity detection signal indicating the launch intensity based on the signal level, and outputs the signal. An emission intensity detection signal from the intensity sensor is output. Such a launch intensity sensor includes, for example, a rotary encoder that detects a rotation angle of a hit ball operation handle and outputs an analog signal of a level determined according to the detected angle, and a signal conversion output device.

  The data display device 120 can specify the firing area in which the game ball has been fired, based on the firing intensity signal output from the enclosure-type pachinko machine 2 '. Specifically, if the firing intensity is less than the predetermined threshold intensity, it is specified that a game ball has been fired in the left game area by left hitting, and if the firing intensity is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold intensity, It is specified that a game ball is fired in the right game area by hitting.

  In the present embodiment, the threshold intensity used by the data display device 120 to specify the above-mentioned emission region can be set by the hall computer 1200 for each data display device 120. Then, the threshold strength setting data, which is the setting data of the threshold strength, is distributed. That is, the hall computer 1200 corresponds to a distribution device capable of distributing setting information associated with a signal that can specify a launch area, which is information used to specify a launch area. The data display device 120 specifies the launch area using the threshold intensity setting data distributed from the hall computer 1200.

  The specific winning opening winning signal is a signal indicating that the game ball has won the specific winning opening. Specifically, a signal indicating the time or the number of the game balls winning the first start winning port and a signal indicating the time or the number of the game balls winning the second start winning port are each a specific winning port signal. Is output. The feature is that the number and time of winning game balls can be specified for each specific winning opening.

  The accessory operation signal is a signal indicating the operation of the accessory provided in the enclosing pachinko machine 2 '. The accessory includes a movable wing piece included in the variable winning ball device described above, and a signal indicating that the movable wing piece is in a closed state and a signal indicating that the movable wing piece is in an open state, Each is output as an accessory operation signal.

  The gaming point type slot machine 1000 'converts the prepaid value into a "gaming point" by a corresponding card unit 1100 and uses it in a game, similarly to the enclosure type pachinko machine 2'. The “game point” corresponds to the “number of game balls” in the pachinko machine 2 ′ of the enclosure type. That is, the player's possession value is converted into possession game points that can be used for the game. For example, a prepaid value of 1,000 yen can be converted into 50 owned game points (game point 1 corresponds to one medal). This gaming point is stored in the CU control unit 1120.

  In such a gaming point type slot machine 1000 ', the number of bets is set using the gaming points. When setting the number of bets using “game point = 1” corresponding to one medal, when operating the one-piece BET switch and setting the maximum number of bets determined according to the game state, Operates the MAXBET switch. The start of rotation of each reel according to the operation of the start switch and the stop of rotation of each reel according to the operation of each stop button are the same as in the slot machine 1000 of the medal insertion system.

  Here, when the start switch is operated, the game point corresponding to the set bet amount becomes the subtraction point, and the subtraction point is added to the value of the subtraction counter stored in the RAM of the game control board 1000A. When all reels are stopped, one game is completed, and when a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped on the activated pay line as a display result of each reel, a prize is generated. The game points determined according to the winning are the added points, and the added points are added to the value of the addition counter stored in the RAM of the game control board 1000A.

  Further, in the game control board 1000A, when the value of the subtraction counter or the value of the addition counter is updated, the value of the updated subtraction counter (subtraction points) or the value of the updated addition counter is notified to the CU control unit 1120. (Additional points) is transmitted. Then, the game control board 1000A subtracts the updated value of the subtraction counter from the stored "game point", and clears the value of the subtraction counter to zero. Further, the updated value of the addition counter is added to the stored "game point", and the value of the addition counter is cleared to zero. On the other hand, when the CU control unit 1120 receives the value of the subtraction counter (the number of subtraction points), the CU control unit 1120 cumulatively adds the value of the received subtraction point to the total number of subtraction points stored in the RAM and receives the value from the stored “game points”. Subtract points. When the value of the addition counter (the number of addition points) is received, the value of the received addition point is cumulatively added to the total addition point stored in the RAM, and the received addition ball number is added to the stored “game points”. .

  Further, the CU control unit 1120 communicates with the hall server 1230 at a predetermined timing (for example, every time the total addition points and the total subtraction points are updated), and transmits the total addition points and the total subtraction points. The hall computer 1200 updates the “safe number” of the game data table based on the total added points received from the CU control unit 1120 via the hall server 1230, and updates the “safe number” received from the CU control unit 1120 via the hall server 1230. The "out number" of the game data table is updated based on the subtraction points.

  As described above, the card unit 110, which is a gaming device, is capable of communicating with the gaming machine and the hall computer 1200, and includes a transmission unit (CU control unit 1120) for transmitting information generated by the gaming machine to the hall computer 1200. The transmission means includes an information conversion means (external communication unit) for relaying to a device (a hall server, a base terminal) for converting or transmitting the information generated by the gaming machine to the hall computer 1200 and transmitting or converting the information.

  In the third gaming system 1C, a BET signal, a bonus signal, an ART signal, an ART preparation signal, an addition point signal, a subtraction point signal, an illegal slot signal, and an abnormal slot signal are transmitted as slot signals from the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′. The data is output to the data display device 120. Among them, the bonus signal, the ART signal, the illegal slot signal, and the abnormal slot signal are the same signals as described above.

The BET signal is a signal that is output when a bet amount is set using a game point.
The ART preparation signal is a signal that is set to an output state when it is determined that a control to the ART state is made by winning.

  An ordinary slot machine includes two control units, a main control unit and a sub control unit, and the sub control unit generally controls the ART state. In addition, although it is possible to output a signal from the main control unit to the sub-control unit, it is not possible to output a signal from the sub-control unit to the main control unit. It is generally a one-way street. For this reason, in a normal slot machine, the main control unit determines, for example, whether or not there is a regularity in the order in which the switches of the player are pressed, in order to specify that the sub control unit has controlled to the ART state. When it was determined that the control was performed, it was necessary to specify that the control was performed in the ART state. In other words, the main control unit cannot specify that it has been controlled to the ART state unless it has been controlled to the ART state by the sub control unit.

  Further, in the ordinary slot machine 1000, an external output board is connected to the main control unit, and generally outputs an ART signal indicating that it has been controlled to the ART state according to the control of the main control unit. . As described above, since the main control unit cannot specify that it has been controlled to the ART state unless it has been controlled to the ART state by the sub-control unit, it is necessary to control the ART state in a look-ahead manner. A identifiable signal could not be output from the external output board.

  However, the gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′ in the third gaming system 1 </ b> C has a high degree of freedom in design, and can be designed so that the main control unit controls the ART state instead of the sub control unit. . In this case, unlike a normal slot machine, the main control unit outputs a signal from the external output board that can specify that the control is to be performed in the ART state in a pre-reading manner when the control to the ART is determined by winning. Can be done. This signal is the ART preparation signal in the present embodiment.

The addition point signal is a signal indicating the addition point indicated by the value of the addition count updated in the game control board 1000A.
The subtraction ball number signal is a signal indicating a subtraction point indicated by the value of the subtraction count updated in the game control board 1000A described above.

  Further, in the third gaming system 1C, similarly to the above-described embodiment, signals such as a simultaneous production signal, a periodic notification signal, an emergency signal, and the like can be output from the hall computer 1200 to the data display device 120. . When these signals are input from the hall computer 1200, the data display device 120 performs simultaneous production, periodic notification, and emergency notification.

  In the third gaming system 1C, with respect to the table data, an external device installed outside the store, for example, a server installed at a card company can manage the table data of the gaming machines in each store. For this reason, the data display device 120 and the card unit 1100 receive not only the table data of the gaming machines installed in the own store but also the table data of the gaming machines installed in the other stores by receiving the table data of the gaming machines installed in other stores from the server of the card company. It is also possible to display stand data of gaming machines installed in other stores.

  In the third gaming system 1C, the data display device 120 and the card unit 1100 can display commercials of a gaming machine, a manufacturer of the gaming machine, a store, and the like. In addition, it is possible to display not only these commercials but also commercials of products and services that are not directly related to the gaming machine or the store. In this case, for example, the server installed in the above-mentioned card company counts the number of times a CM is played by a player's operation on a gaming device installed in the store for each of the stores, and counts these. By managing, the degree of interest of the player for each product or service can be grasped.

  In the third gaming system 1C, a signal that can be specified to be controlled to be in an advantageous state is controlled, a look-ahead signal to notify that the pachinko machine is controlled to be in a jackpot game state, and a slot machine is controlled to be in an ART state. Although the ART preparation signal notifying that the control is performed is described above, the signal that can specify that the control is performed in an advantageous state is not limited thereto. For example, in a pachinko machine, a signal notifying that the vehicle is controlled to be in a probable state, a time saving state, or a latently probable state may be a signal that can specify that the vehicle is controlled to be in an advantageous state. The signal notifying that control is performed in a chance time state (AT state or RT state) other than ART or a BB state or RB state may be a signal that can specify that control is performed in an advantageous state.

  In addition, the enclosing pachinko machine 2 'can specify firing information including the number of firings per unit time of the game ball, the firing time, the firing frequency, and the like, in addition to the firing intensity specified from the firing intensity detection signal. The data display device 120 is configured to transmit signals, and the data display device 120 uses the information that can specify the launch information transmitted from the pachinko machine 2 ′ based on the launch information of the game ball (the launch intensity and the number of launches per unit time). , Firing time, firing frequency, etc.), and may be displayed on the display unit 1230 as game information.

  Also, the pachinko machine 2 'in the enclosing method tabulates winning information of the game balls (for example, information on the number of winnings in each specific winning opening, frequency of winning in each winning opening, etc.) based on the specific winning opening signal. Alternatively, the game information may be displayed on the display unit 1230.

  It should be noted that the data display device 120 also aggregates various types of information in the case of receiving various signals included in the slot signal from the corresponding gaming point type slot machine 1000 ′ in the same manner as the above-mentioned enclosing type pachinko machine 2 ′. Can be displayed as game information.

[2-2. Information display device]
In the above embodiment, the information display device according to the present invention has been described as the data display device 120 or the data display device 4 for displaying game information or the like on a large liquid crystal display, but the information display device is not limited to this. Absent. For example, an old-type call lamp device including a display unit configured by a small display that simply displays game information and the like and including a call button for calling a clerk at the side thereof is an information display according to the present invention. It may be a device.

  Further, in addition to the above, a game device such as an inter-counter counting unit or a card unit provided with a display unit and including a display unit and a recording medium processing device may be an information display device according to the present invention. It is possible.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the fourth gaming system 1D in this case. The same components as those of the first gaming system 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

  The fourth gaming system 1D is a kind of gaming machines installed on a gaming island (not shown), a plurality of pachinko machines 2, and an information display device and a gaming device provided for each of the pachinko machines 2. A certain data display device 120, an information display device provided corresponding to each pachinko machine 2, a game device, a counting device, a card unit 3 which is a type of a recording medium processing device, and a hall computer 6 which is a type of a management device And a ball management computer 8 which is a type of management device for managing the number of balls stored and the number of balls held by the player.

  The card unit 3 is installed at a predetermined side position of the pachinko machine 2 in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine 2, and is issued as a game card to a general player who has not registered as a member. The membership card is received on a visitor card having a prepaid function, which is a recording medium to be recorded, or on a recording medium issued to a member player who has registered as a member at the game hall. The visitor card and the membership card are composed of IC cards.

  The card unit 3 that has received these gaming cards executes a ball lending process of lending gaming balls to the player according to the remaining value, which is the valuable value of the player specified from the gaming card. In addition, a ball payout process of paying out game balls to the player is executed in accordance with the number of game media possessed by the player specified from the gaming card.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the card unit 3.
On the front surface of the card unit 3, a multi-function lamp 301 constituted by a full-color LED and illuminated in a plurality of colors so as to be able to notify the state of the card unit 3 and the like, and a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting a bill. And a payout button 311 for receiving a counting and payout operation for paying out the counted number of balls, a card insertion slot 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, and a projecting front side of the apparatus from the front of the apparatus. The formed display portion 355 is provided.

  The display unit 355 has a liquid crystal display 313 integrally formed with a touch panel 314, and is configured to be able to input each display item displayed on the liquid crystal display 313 by touching the touch panel 314. Further, the display unit 355 is provided with an IR light receiving unit 315 that receives an infrared signal from the setting remote controller 14 held by a staff at the game arcade, converts the infrared signal into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal.

  The ball storage data is not recorded directly on the member card, but is stored in the ball management computer 8 installed in the store in association with the ID (member card ID / member ID), and the corresponding ball storage can be searched based on the ID. Have been. On the other hand, the description is made assuming that the possessed ball is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, instead of such a management method, both the above-mentioned accumulated ball and the possessed ball may be stored in the ball management computer 8 in association with the card number. In addition, the possessed ball may be stored in the ball management computer 8 in association with the card number.

  The timing of storing the ball in the card (member card, visitor card) or the ball management computer 8 may be the timing each time the counting button is operated and the counting process is performed, or may be the timing every fixed time. It may be a good time to return the card.

  When the player finishes the game and receives a card from the card unit 3, the ball held in the card unit 3 is temporarily stored as a ball in the ball management computer 8, so that the player When a card is inserted into the same or another card unit 3 again on the same day as the day on which the card is received, only the ball held for the day once stored as a ball is stored again in that card unit 3 and the card is retained. A game ball may be added within the range of the ball to enable the player to play the game.

[2-3. Management device / distribution device]
In the above embodiment, the management device / distribution device according to the present invention has been described as a hall computer. However, instead of the hole computer, the ball management computer 8 and the medal management computer 16 are used as the management device / distribution device according to the present invention. Is also good.

  Further, a member management computer that manages member information and a card management computer that manages card information may be used as the management device / distribution device according to the present invention. Further, a computer having two or more functions among these management computers may be used as the management device / distribution device according to the present invention.

  Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, the process of generating and distributing the display device setting data 691 in the management process executed by the hall computer 6 is performed by the ball management computer 8, the member management computer, It may be executed by a management device such as a card management computer.

[2-4. Gaming system]
The gaming system described in the above embodiment is merely an example of the gaming system for realizing the present invention, and it is needless to say that the design can be appropriately changed.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the processing unit 1211 included in the data display device 120 has been described as functioning as a state control unit and controlling by switching between the normal mode and the energy saving mode. However, the processing unit of the upper management device such as the hall computer 6 functions as a state control unit, and outputs a mode control signal for controlling each of the data display devices 120 to each of the normal mode and the energy saving mode. By doing so, switching between the normal mode and the energy saving mode in the data display device 120 may be realized. In this case, a device (mode control device) for controlling the mode of the data display device 120 may be configured separately from the management device described in the above embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gaming system is configured such that the signal output from the gaming machine is directly input to the information display device or the gaming device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be input to the management device, and these signals may be indirectly input to the information display device or the game device via the management device to form a gaming system.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the gaming machine has been described as including the counting and paying-out unit 380 as the counting means. However, the gaming machine may not be provided with the counting means. For example, the hall computer 6 may calculate the number of payout balls and the number of difference balls based on the pachinko machine signal output from each pachinko machine 2.

  Specifically, for example, for each of the pachinko machines 2, the hall computer 6 is based on the prize ball signal output from the pachinko machine 2 and the driving signal (out signal) output from the out ball counter 16. The number of difference balls may be calculated, and information such as the number of counted balls and the number of difference balls may be output to the gaming machine.

[2-5. Game information]
In the above embodiment, the information display device is described as displaying game history information (combined game history information, individual game history information, and the like), trial hit game information, and information such as the shooting intensity of a game ball as game information. However, information that can be displayed as game information is not limited to such information.

  Depending on the store where the gaming machine is installed, there are stores that allow entry between gaming machines with different lending rates. Taking a pachinko machine as an example, this includes a ride from 4 yen pachinko to 1 yen pachinko and a ride from 1 yen pachinko to 4 yen pachinko. Therefore, for example, information relating to payout of the accumulated ball (or possessed ball) in the pachinko machine 2 having different lending rates may be displayed as game information.

  Specifically, information such as the number and time of the paid-out balls in the boarding and the number of paid-out balls may be displayed as game information. For example, such information is tabulated by a management device such as the ball management computer 8, and the tabulated information is indirectly output from the management device to the information display device via a unit (card unit or inter-unit counting unit). Or output directly from the management device to the information display device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the information display device has been described as being capable of displaying two types of game history information, that is, general game history information and individual game history information, as game history information. However, in addition to this, detailed game history information, which is more detailed information of one game history information, may be displayed as game history information.

  More specifically, regarding the number of jackpots (overall, probability change, normal) included in the game history information, not only the number of jackpots on the current day but also the number of jackpots for a predetermined period in the past (for example, for the past three days) as detailed game history information. You may make it display, and about a payout graph, you may make it display not only the present sunrise ball graph but a daily payout graph or a payout graph according to stand as detailed game history information.

[2-6. Cancel energy saving mode]
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the mode is changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode when the normal mode change condition is satisfied. However, instead of the normal mode change condition, an energy saving mode canceling condition that is a condition for canceling the energy saving mode may be defined, and the energy saving mode may be canceled when the energy saving mode canceling condition is satisfied.

  Here, "mode release" means that the state in which the information display device is operating in one mode is canceled. Canceling the energy saving mode means simply canceling the energy saving mode, and is a different concept from changing the mode. In other words, the cancellation of the energy saving mode does not necessarily require the mode to be changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. That is, the mode change (mode shift) is not required. For example, the power saving may be canceled by canceling the energy saving mode. It is included in this. However, changing the mode from the energy-saving mode to the normal mode is still the same as canceling the energy-saving mode. include.

  In this case, the same condition as the normal mode change condition can be defined as the energy saving mode release condition. That is, the fact that a screen switching operation for switching the game history screen being displayed on the operation unit 1220 or that the specific information transmitted from the external device has been received may be defined as the energy saving mode release condition. it can.

[2-7. Specific information]
In the above embodiment, the management device signal transmitted from the hall computer 6 and the unit signal transmitted from the corresponding unit 5 have been described as the specific information transmitted from the external device. However, the specific information transmitted from the external device is However, it is not limited to these.

  Specifically, a gaming machine provided corresponding to the information display device may be an external device, and information that can be identified from a signal transmitted from the gaming machine may be the identification information. For example, information specified from a specific signal among the pachinko machine signals transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 provided corresponding to the data display device 120 is used as the specific information, and the data display device 120 receives the specific information. In this case, the mode may be changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, or the energy saving mode may be canceled.

  More specifically, for example, information that can be specified from a start signal transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 may be used as the specific information. The fact that the start signal is transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 means that the corresponding pachinko machine 2 has changed. For this reason, when operating in the energy saving mode, the data display device 120 changes the mode from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, adds “1” to the start count of the game history information, and updates it. Then, the display may be updated.

  In addition, information that can be specified from a jackpot signal, a signal during probable change, or a signal during time reduction transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 may be used as the specific information. The fact that the corresponding pachinko machine 2 has transmitted the big hit signal, the signal during the probability change, and the signal during the time reduction means that the corresponding pachinko machine 2 has been controlled to the big hit game state, the probability change state, and the time reduction state, respectively. Therefore, when the data display device 120 is operating in the energy saving mode, the mode is changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, and then the number of jackpots, the number of jackpots, and the number of time saving jackpots in the game history information are changed. The display may be updated by adding “1” to each of them and updating them.

  When the data display device 120 stops receiving the specific information from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, it means that the player has interrupted or ended the game. Therefore, when the specific information is no longer received from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, the mode is promptly changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, thereby preventing wasteful power consumption.

  In addition to the above, for example, the setting remote controller 14 held by the store clerk may be an external device, and a signal transmitted from the setting remote controller 14 may be the specific information. For example, a store clerk operates the setting remote controller 14 to generate a normal mode change signal for changing the mode of the data display device 120 from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, and an energy saving mode release signal for canceling the energy saving mode. The data is transmitted to the data display device 120. Then, when the data display device 120 receives the normal mode change signal or the energy saving mode cancel signal from the setting remote controller 14, the mode may be changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, or the energy saving mode may be canceled. .

  When an error such as an abnormality or a failure occurs in the data display device 120, a store clerk checks the data display device 120. When the inspection is completed, the store clerk operates the setting remote controller 14 to issue an error release signal. Is transmitted to the data display device 120, and when the data display device 120 receives the error release signal from the setting remote controller 14, the mode may be changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, or the energy saving mode may be canceled. Good.

[2-8. Energy saving mode change time]
In the embodiment described above, the energy saving mode change time is determined for each type of gaming machine (for example, for each type of pachinko machine 2), but this is merely an example. For example, the energy saving mode change time may be determined based on the popularity ranking of gaming machines and the like.

  For example, for an information display device corresponding to a popular model (recommended model) positioned higher in the popularity ranking, the energy saving mode change time is shorter than for an information display device corresponding to an unpopular model positioned lower in the popularity ranking. A longer setting may be made so that the more popular the model, the longer the mode in which the mode is changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode in the corresponding information display device.

  Also, in a state where the player has determined that the game is being played, for example, when the corresponding unit determines that the game is not being performed even though the corresponding card is accepting the game card, the player leaves the seat due to a toilet break or the like. It is thought that it is doing. Therefore, after the data display device 120 receives the card insertion signal from the corresponding unit and determines in the normal mode that the card is not being played in spite of not receiving the card ejection signal from the corresponding unit, the setting is performed. By changing the time longer than the current energy saving mode change time to the energy saving mode change time, the mode may not be changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode until the player returns to the seat.

[2-9. Return to normal mode]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in the mode control setting data (FIG. 10 and the like), items of “playing” and “non-playing” are determined for each of the trigger types of the normal mode return trigger, and It has been described that different energy saving mode re-change times are set depending on whether the game is being played or not being played. However, the item “during game” and “during non-game” may not be set, and a common energy-saving mode re-change time may be set regardless of whether the game is being played or not being played.

  As described above, for example, when the data display device 120 changes the mode from the energy saving mode to the normal mode based on the specific information transmitted from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, the specific information is not received from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 In this state, it is determined that the player has interrupted or ended the game, and the mode can be promptly shifted to the energy saving mode. For this reason, if the reception of the specific information from the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is defined as the normal mode return trigger, a different energy saving mode re-change time for another normal mode return trigger depending on whether the game is being played or not being played. It is not necessary to set.

[2-10. Reduction of power consumption]
In the above embodiment, mainly in the energy saving mode, the brightness when displaying the game information on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120 is lower than that in the normal mode, and the brightness when the light emitting unit 1250 emits light is set in the normal mode. Power consumption in the energy saving mode. In addition, in the energy saving mode, power consumption is reduced by reducing the types of game information to be displayed as compared with the normal mode. However, besides this, for example, in the energy saving mode, the volume output from the sound output unit 1240 may be lower than in the normal mode, so that the power consumption may be reduced. These power consumption reduction techniques may be applied alone or in any combination.

  In addition to the above, various methods for realizing the energy saving mode can be considered. Specifically, for example, similar to the pachinko machine 2 that can shift to the demonstration screen described in the above embodiment, in the energy saving mode, a low-brightness demonstration image is displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120. The power consumption in the energy saving mode may be reduced.

  Further, in the energy saving mode, the data display device 120 is set to a standby state (sleep state), the running program and data are stored in the memory, and the power supply is stopped, thereby reducing the power consumption in the energy saving mode. Good.

  In the energy saving mode, the power consumption may be reduced in the energy saving mode by suspending the data display device 120 and storing the running programs and data in a hard disk or the like and stopping the power supply. In this case, since the memory is not activated, power consumption can be further reduced as compared with the standby state.

  In addition, a power supply system that includes a power supply device and a power supply path for supplying power to each of the data display devices 120 in the store is configured. Is transmitted to the power supply device. Then, the power supply device may adjust the power supplied to each of the data display devices 120, so that the power consumption of each of the data display devices 120 may be reduced.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the special display is displayed on the display unit 1230 of the data display device 120, the effect mode in the special display is not changed in the energy saving mode. This has been described as lowering the brightness of the image.

  However, the power consumption may be reduced by displaying a moving image (video) as a special display in the normal mode, but displaying a still image in the energy saving mode, for example. Further, in the energy saving mode, the power consumption may be reduced by lowering the volume of the effect sound output from the sound output unit 1240 or reducing the amount of the effect light emitted by the light emitting unit 1250 compared to the normal mode. Good.

[2-11. Operation button light emission control]
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the brightness of a specific operation button (for example, a call button) among the operation buttons included in the data display device 120 is not reduced even in the energy saving mode. However, unlike this, in the energy saving mode, the power consumption may be reduced by lowering the brightness of the specific operation button (for example, the call button) compared to the normal mode. Specifically, the brightness when the call button emits light may be set to “100%” in the normal mode, and the brightness when the call button emits light may be set to “50%” in the energy saving mode.

  Further, the emission color of the specific operation button (for example, the call button) may be changed between the normal mode and the energy saving mode. For example, the call button may emit red light in the normal mode, but the call button may emit yellow light in the energy saving mode.

  Further, a light emission pattern for emitting a specific operation button (for example, a call button) may be changed between the normal mode and the energy saving mode. For example, while the call button is turned on in the normal mode, the call button may be blinked in the energy saving mode.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as a game history confirmation unit for the player to switch the display screen and confirm the game history, the screen switching icon is displayed on the display unit 1230 integrally formed with the touch panel 1222. explained. In addition, as a service request unit for a player to request a service, a service icon is displayed on the display unit 1230 integrally formed with the touch panel 1222. However, instead of such a configuration, a game history confirmation unit such as a screen switching button and a game history confirmation button, and a service request unit such as a service icon are provided to the data display device 120 as physical buttons capable of emitting light. It may be provided.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation button light emission setting data in this case.
The data structure of the operation button light emission setting data is the same as the data structure of the operation button light emission setting data stored in the operation button light emission setting table 685 in FIG. 14, but the contents of the data are partially different. .

  Specifically, in the operation button light emission setting data, a “call button” and a “game history confirmation button” are defined as the button types. For the game history confirmation button, “green” is set as the emission color, “100%” is set as the luminance in the normal mode, and “100%” is set as the luminance in the energy saving mode.

  Looking at the operation button light emission setting data, the game history confirmation button emits light at a luminance of “100%” regardless of whether the mode of the data display device 120 is the normal mode or the energy saving mode, that is, It is defined that the brightness at the time of emitting the game history confirmation button is not reduced even in the energy saving mode. The reason for this is that the game history confirmation button is an operation button that is frequently operated by the player to confirm the game history, so that operability is prevented from deteriorating.

[2-12. Lamp emission control]
In the above embodiment, the light emission control of the light emitting unit 1250 of the data display device 120 has been described as being executed in accordance with the contents defined in the lamp light emission setting table 686 (see FIG. 15). That is, in the energy saving mode, the brightness when the light emitting unit 1250 emits light is lower than in the normal mode. However, the luminance when the light emitting unit 1250 emits light may not be reduced even in the energy saving mode.

  In this case, for example, in the lamp light emission setting table 686 shown in FIG. 15, the brightness corresponding to the normal mode and the energy saving mode may be set to “100%”. By doing so, even in the energy saving mode, it is possible to perform the effect of causing the light emitting unit 1250 to emit light in the same manner as in the normal mode, and it is possible to prevent the player's willingness to play the game.

[2-13. Multi-stage energy saving mode]
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the data display device 120 can be controlled to two types of modes: the “normal mode” and the “energy saving mode”. However, the energy saving mode may be controllable into a plurality of energy saving modes.

  Specifically, for example, the data display device 120 can be controlled to three types of modes: a “normal mode”, a “first energy saving mode”, and a “second energy saving mode”, and the operation on the data display device 120 is stopped. The mode may be changed stepwise to a mode with lower power consumption in accordance with a period from the end or a period after the specific information transmitted from the external device is not received.

  In addition, the setting is made so that the data display device 120 is always controlled to the energy saving mode, and the energy saving mode is released even when the display switching operation is performed or when the specific information transmitted from the external device is received. It may not be done.

[2-14. Mode control setting]
In the above embodiment, the mode control setting table 683 is prepared in the hall computer 6, and the mode control setting data generated using the mode control setting table 683 is distributed to the data display device 120. The description has been given assuming that the data display device 120 performs the setting of the mode control. In this case, the mode control setting table 683 can freely change the content of the data by the operation input by the store manager. .

  However, in addition to this, for example, when a new gaming machine (new model) is introduced, information necessary for setting the mode of the data display device 120 (for example, information on the presence or absence of the demonstration state and the energy saving state of the gaming machine) May be acquired from the gaming machine, the mode control setting data may be automatically generated based on the acquired information, and the mode control setting table 683 may be updated.

  In addition, in addition to the above, the hall computer 6 is communicably connected to a server device or the like provided by a game machine manufacturer, so that information necessary for mode setting of the data display device 120 is obtained from the server device. The mode control setting data may be automatically generated based on the acquired information, and the mode control setting table 683 may be updated.

[2-15. Settings on Information Display Device]
In the above embodiment, the information display device according to the present invention has been described as performing display, light emission, and mode settings based on display device setting data distributed from the management device (distribution device). In this case, collective setting may be performed for all data display devices 120 installed in the store, collective setting may be performed for each game island, or individual setting may be performed for each data display device 120. It may be performed. In particular, it is effective to make the setting for each game island where the same type of gaming machine is installed.

  Further, the information display device may perform setting based on a signal that can specify that a setting operation has been performed on the operation unit of the information display device, or display device setting data may be stored in the storage unit of the information display device. May be stored in advance, and the information display device may enable the setting by the store employee performing the setting execution operation from the operation unit.

  Further, the store manager or the employee may allow the information display device to perform the setting by transmitting a setting signal from the setting remote controller 14 to the information display device.

  Furthermore, it is possible to download setting information from an external device (for example, a server installed at a card company) installed outside the store using a communication network such as the Internet, and based on the downloaded setting information, Information display devices and settings may be made possible.

  In addition, it is desirable that the setting of the information display device is basically performed by a store employee during non-business hours, such as after the store is closed or before the store is started. That is, a non-business mode may be defined in the program of the device as a mode related to the setting of the information display device, and the information display device may be set to the non-business mode.

[2-16. recoding media]
The recording medium possessed by the player and usable for the game in the gaming machine is not limited to the gaming card such as the possessed ball card described in the above embodiment. For example, the recording medium may be a mobile phone such as a smartphone owned by the player, or a player terminal such as a tablet terminal or a PDA.

  More specifically, for example, when a smartphone, which is an IC-compatible player terminal, is held over an IC reader provided in a gaming device, the recording medium is accepted, and the player deposits the electronic money to the gaming machine. It may be possible to play with. In addition, when the card return button is pressed, the reception cancellation standby state is set, and when the same smartphone as the smartphone being accepted in this reception cancellation standby state is held over the IC reader, the reception of the recording medium is canceled. You may.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming system 1A 1st gaming system 1B 2nd gaming system 1C 3rd gaming system 1D 4th gaming system 2 Pachinko machine 2 'Enclosure type pachinko machine 3 Card unit 4 Data display device 5 Inter-unit counting unit 6 Hall computer 8 Ball management computer 10 Terminals 16 Medal management computer 120 Data display device 1000 Slot machine 1000 'Game point type slot machine 1100 Card unit

Claims (3)

An information display device including a display means capable of displaying game information in a gaming machine,
Operating means;
State control means controllable between a first state and a second state having lower power consumption than the first state;
With
The state control means includes:
The second state can be released when a display switching operation of the game information is performed on the operation unit,
When receiving the specific information transmitted from the external device, Ri releasable der the second state,
When the operation on the operation means is not performed for a predetermined time, the state can be changed from the first state to the second state,
It is possible to vary the predetermined time according to the state of the gaming machine,
An information display device, characterized in that: The information display device according to claim 1 ,
An information display device, further comprising a change condition setting means capable of setting a change condition for the state control means to change the state to the second state. The information display device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A connection terminal to which an external terminal can be connected,
Power supply means capable of supplying power to the external terminal via the connection terminal;
Further comprising
The information display device, wherein the power supply unit restricts power supply to the external terminal while being controlled to the second state by the state control unit.

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