JP7731310B2 - Game information display device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game information display device.

Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1 below, for example, gaming machines have been proposed that include a stop function that forcibly stops play when a player has won a certain number of balls. Such a stop function prevents players from winning excessively large numbers of balls, thereby preventing excessive gambling.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-80047

However, in gaming machines equipped with a stop function, if the number of balls dispensed at the start of play is close to the stop value, the number of balls that can be won thereafter will inevitably be reduced, which significantly reduces the player's motivation to play and ultimately leads to a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a gaming information display device that can maintain an appropriate operating rate for gaming machines while preventing excessive encouragement of gambling.

The gaming information display device of the present invention is a device attached to a gaming machine that can selectively activate either a normal state or a special state with a high probability of a jackpot, and transitions to a stop state where play is no longer possible when the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player reaches a predetermined stop value. This gaming information display device can display various gaming information related to the corresponding gaming machine.

The gaming information display device of the present invention is capable of identifying the current value and the difference between the current value and the stop value, and is capable of displaying at least two of the current value, stop value, and difference value. Furthermore, the gaming information display device of the present invention is capable of identifying the average gaming value that a player can acquire during a period of consecutive jackpots, and if the difference value is smaller than this average value, it can notify the player that they should refrain from playing.

When the current value approaches the stop value, the game information display device of the present invention compares the difference value with the average value and notifies the player whether or not to stop playing. Therefore, this game information display device can prevent a situation in which a player reaches a stop state without gaining sufficient gaming value, resulting in dissatisfaction, even if a jackpot occurs.

In this way, the gaming information display device of the present invention is a device with the excellent characteristics of being able to provide players with a certain level of satisfaction while suppressing excessive gambling motivation by setting a stop state, and ultimately maintaining an appropriate operating rate for the gaming machine.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an amusement center management system including a game information display device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game information display device. FIG. 2 is a front view of a game information display screen during a game by the game information display device. A front view of the game information display screen when the game is stopped by the game information display device. FIG. 10 is a front view of the game information display screen when the game information display device recommends avoiding a game.

The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples.
Example 1
This example relates to a gaming information display device 1 attached to a gaming machine 2 that can selectively generate either a normal state in which the probability of a jackpot occurring is low, or a special state in which the probability of a jackpot occurring is high, and that transitions to a stop-play state in which play is no longer possible when the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player reaches a predetermined upper limit, i.e., a stop-play value. The gaming information display device 1 can display various types of gaming information related to the gaming machine 2. This content will be explained using Figures 1 to 9.

First, we will explain the gaming parlor where the gaming information display device 1 of this example is installed. In the gaming parlor, a lending device 43 that lends gaming balls and other gaming media required for play, and a gaming information display device 1, etc. are installed separately for each gaming machine 2, such as a pachinko gaming machine or a pachislot gaming machine (not shown). Furthermore, one relay device 42 is installed for every two gaming machines. The relay device 42 is a communication device that mediates communication between each gaming machine 2, lending device 43, gaming information display device 1, and management device 41. One relay device 42 is installed for every two gaming machines.

A management device 41 is installed in the management space within the amusement center to manage the various devices within the amusement center. The amusement center also has a prize exchange counter (not shown) and a prize exchange terminal that allows players to exchange their winnings for prizes.

In the amusement center, an in-house network 40 is constructed, connecting a management device 41 and all relay devices 42, etc. The amusement center uses this in-house network 40 to configure an amusement center management system 4, with the management device 41 at its center. This amusement center management system 4 includes gaming machines 2, rental devices 43, and game information display devices 1, all of which are connected to the relay devices 42.

The management device 41 is a computer device that manages the operating status of all equipment installed in the gaming facility (including gaming machines 2, rental devices 43, and gaming information display devices 1). The management device 41 has functions such as sending various setting information required for the operation of each device to each device, and collecting, storing, and managing operating data that indicates the playing status of each gaming machine 2 and player playing history data.

The setting information transmitted by the management device 41 includes, for example, a stop value to be transmitted to the gaming machine 2 and the game information display device 1 .
The gaming history data managed by the management device 41 includes the player's deposit balance, and the balls held and balls saved, which represent the gaming value the player has acquired. In the gaming parlor, the value owned by each player is managed in association with the gaming card. The management device 41 stores, as card information, information on the player's value owned, which is associated with the card ID, which is the identification information of the gaming card.

The gaming information display device 1 is a display device that is individually installed for each gaming machine 2. This gaming information display device 1 is installed above the corresponding gaming machine 2. The gaming information display device 1 receives various gaming signals output from the gaming machine 2 via a relay device 42 and creates and displays various gaming information. Furthermore, the gaming information display device 1 can also display various information received from the management device 41 and remote control 48.

The gaming machine 2 is a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a pachislot gaming machine (not shown). In this example, a pachinko gaming machine is illustrated, in which games are played by firing gaming balls, which are gaming media and also gaming value, and gaming balls are paid out depending on winning. The gaming machine 2 transmits various gaming signals to the relay device 42 as games are played. As will be described in more detail below, gaming signals output by the pachinko gaming machine include a gaming medium consumption signal indicating an out, a gaming medium grant signal indicating a safe result, a start signal indicating the execution of a jackpot lottery, and a jackpot signal indicating a jackpot state.

The lending device 43 is installed individually for each gaming machine 2 and performs various processes related to the player's possessions, such as providing gaming media necessary for play and issuing gaming cards (an example of a recording medium, not shown) that record the player's possessions, such as the balls held and the remaining deposit balance. This lending device 43 is placed to the side of the gaming machine 2, in the gap between it and an adjacent gaming machine 2.

Below, (A) the pachinko gaming machine and (B) the game information display device will be described in detail.
(A) Pachinko Game Machine A pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachinko game machine 2) is a game machine in which balls are used as a gaming medium. This pachinko game machine 2 is a so-called seven-machine in which a jackpot lottery is held in response to a winning entry into a starting slot, and a jackpot state (jackpot) occurs when predetermined jackpot conditions are met in response to the winning entry.

The pachinko gaming machine 2 illustrated in Figure 2 has a roughly circular playing area 230 into which balls are shot. Decorative lamp units 236 are located on both sides of the upper part of the playing area 230, and a speaker 231 is located on the lower left side of the playing area 230. Below the playing area 230, an upper tray 250 and a lower tray 237 are provided in two tiers, one above the other. An operating handle 235 for shooting balls into the playing area 230 is erected on the right side of the lower tray 237 as viewed from the player's side.

In the play area 230, the first and second starting holes 21 and 22, the passing gate 24, the opening and closing large prize opening 260, etc. are arranged around the display device 29 including the LCD display unit 290. At the bottom of the play area 230, there is an outlet hole 238 for collecting balls that have flown down without winning. On the left periphery of the play area 230, the special chart 1 display unit 281, the special chart 2 display unit 282, and the regular chart display unit 283, which are seven-segment displays, are arranged along the outer edge.

The passing gate 24 is a gate that detects passing balls, and is located in the area to the left of the display device 29 when viewed from the player's side. The passing gate 24 only allows balls to pass, and is not set to pay out prize balls. When the passing gate 24 detects a passing ball, a random number for the regular symbol lottery (hereinafter referred to as the regular symbol lottery) is extracted, and the regular symbol lottery is executed. The result of this regular symbol lottery is displayed by the regular symbol display unit 283 described above.

The first starting gate 21 is the starting gate that triggers the drawing of the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the first special symbol drawing). The second starting gate 22 is the starting gate that triggers the drawing of the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the second special symbol drawing). The results of the first special symbol drawing and the second special symbol drawing are displayed on the special symbol 1 display unit 281 or the special symbol 2 display unit 282.

The first start opening 21 is located directly below the display device 29 and is a so-called navel-type start opening in which the winning rate does not fluctuate. The number of balls paid out in response to a winning ball entering the first start opening 21 is three.

The second start hole 22 is an electric chute type start hole located directly below the first start hole 21. Attached to the opening 220 of the second start hole 22 is an electric tulip 221, which has a pair of movable blades that rotate to allow a ball to enter the second start hole 22. This electric tulip 221 operates in response to a win in the regular lottery (regular win), opening the second start hole 22. The opening time of the second start hole 22 varies depending on the game state. In the special mode, it is 3 seconds, while in the normal mode it is 0.2 seconds. The number of balls paid out in response to a ball entering the second start hole 22 is 3.

The large prize device 26 is a variable prize device known as an attacker, which opens the large prize opening 260. This attacker 26 is located below the second starting opening 22. The attacker 26 has a horizontally elongated rectangular large prize opening 260 and a cover member 261 that opens downward and rotates to open and close the large prize opening 260. In the attacker 26, the cover member 261 is normally flush with the surface of the board that forms the play area 230, and the large prize opening 260 is closed. When the cover member 261 rotates toward you, the large prize opening 260 is opened. The number of balls paid out when a ball enters the large prize opening 260 is 15.

The attacker 26 enters an open state when a jackpot state (10R jackpot state, 5R jackpot state) occurs as a result of a jackpot in the first or second special symbol lottery. In the jackpot state, the round process in which the attacker 26 is open is repeatedly executed until 30 seconds have passed or 10 balls have entered the prize draw. In the 10R jackpot state, the round play is repeated 10 times, and in the 5R jackpot state, the round play is repeated 5 times.

As shown in Figure 2, the display device 29 has a liquid crystal display (effect display) 290 located approximately in the center. The liquid crystal display 290 displays various screens for effecting the game and displays information related to the game. The results of the first and second special symbol draws (hereinafter referred to as special symbol draws) are displayed on the special symbol 1 display 281 or special symbol 2 display 282, and are also displayed clearly to the player by the LCD display 290 displaying symbol changes for effect. In the probability variable state, this symbol change time is shortened, and the number of special symbol draws per unit time increases. As will be explained in more detail later, the probability variable state is triggered by the end of the 10R jackpot state.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 2 will be explained using Figure 3. The pachinko gaming machine 2 is centered around the main control unit 20. In addition to the components described above, the main control unit 20 is electrically connected to a payout control unit 33 that controls the payout mechanism 339 that pays out the balls, a launch control unit 34 that controls the launcher 349 that shoots the balls, winning ball or passing ball detection sensors 311-314, a special symbol 2 solenoid 322 that opens the second starting hole 22, a large prize opening solenoid 324 that opens the attacker 26, a presentation control unit 35 that controls game presentations, a setting operation unit 327 that performs various settings, and a signal output unit 284 that outputs various game signals to the outside. Furthermore, a power supply circuit unit 328 for supplying power is connected to the main control unit 20.

As shown in Figure 3, the sensors for detecting winning or passing balls include a special prize 1 winning sensor 311 that detects winning balls at the first starting gate 21 (see Figure 2), a special prize 2 winning sensor 312 that detects winning balls at the second starting gate 22, a regular prize starting sensor 313 that detects passing balls at the passing gate 24, and a special prize sensor 314 that detects winning balls at the special prize gate 260.

The presentation control unit 35 functions as a sub-controller for controlling game presentation operations, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown). The presentation control unit 35 is electrically connected to an amplifier 351 that drives the speaker 231 and the decorative lamp unit 236, and is communicatively connected to a display control unit 36 that controls the display screen of the LCD display unit 290. The ROM of the presentation control unit 35 stores various processing programs to be executed by the CPU, as well as a presentation lottery lottery table that determines the type of notification presentation used to notify the winner of the special drawing lottery.

The setting operation unit 327 is an operation unit operated by arcade employees and the like to make various settings, and is located inside the pachinko gaming machine 2. Using the setting operation unit 327, it is possible to set, for example, the stop value.

As shown in Figure 3, the main control unit 20 includes a CPU 201, memory elements such as ROM 202 and RAM 204, a random number generation unit 207 that generates random numbers within a predetermined range, a random number extraction unit 206 that extracts random numbers for the lottery, and an I/O (Input/Output) 205 that serves as an input/output interface. The ROM 202 stores various processing programs to be executed by the CPU 201, as well as a lottery table shared by the first and second special lottery draws (hereinafter referred to as the lottery table for the special lottery draw) and a lottery table for the regular lottery draw.

The lottery table for the regular lottery is a lottery table that specifies the winning random numbers for the regular lottery. There are two types of lottery tables available for the regular lottery: one that applies to regular lottery under normal conditions, and one that applies to regular lottery under special conditions.

The lottery table for the special chart lottery is a lottery table in which the winning random number for the jackpot is specified as the winning random number for the special chart lottery. There are two lottery tables available for the special chart lottery: a lottery table for the jackpot lottery under normal conditions, and a lottery table for the jackpot lottery under special variable conditions. There is no difference between the lottery tables used for the first special chart lottery and the second special chart lottery. Therefore, the probability of winning a jackpot in the first special chart lottery and the second special chart lottery is the same.

In this example, the pachinko gaming machine 2 wins a jackpot through the first special chart lottery and the second special chart lottery. While the probability of winning a jackpot through the first special chart lottery and the second special chart lottery in normal mode is 1/300, in the special chart state the probability of winning a jackpot is significantly higher at 1/30. In this way, the special chart state offers a significantly higher jackpot expectation than the normal mode, making it extremely advantageous. When a jackpot is won, regardless of whether it is the first special chart lottery or the second special chart lottery, there is a 50% chance that it will be either a 10R jackpot or a 5R jackpot. After the 10R jackpot state ends, the machine can transition to the special chart state, while after the 5R jackpot state ends, the machine transitions to the normal mode.

As shown in Figure 3, RAM 204 is a readable and writable memory element used as a work area for CPU 201 and for temporary writing. The memory area of RAM 204 includes a memory area for reserved random numbers (special reserve), which are random numbers used in the special lottery, and a memory area for reserved random numbers (regular reserve) for the regular lottery. Note that the special reserves resulting from winning at first starting port 21 and the special reserves resulting from winning at second starting port 22 are each reserved up to a maximum of four, which is the maximum number of reserves.

In addition, the memory area of RAM 204 has storage areas for the number of balls held on the day, which is the current value of the game value acquired by the player and is used to determine whether to stop the game, the minimum difference in the number of balls on the day, the current (latest) difference in the number of balls, a preset stopping value, etc. The number of balls held on the day, which is an example of a current value, is the difference in the number of balls that corresponds to the difference (gap) between the current (latest) difference in the number of balls and the minimum difference in the number of balls on the day. The stopping value can be set by the setting operation unit 327, as described above. Hereinafter, the number of balls held on the day will be referred to as the number of balls held, as appropriate.

The pachinko gaming machine 2 in this example can be set to either a fixed-rate mode with a limit, or an unlimited-rate mode without a limit. A storage area for flag data corresponding to the operating mode can be provided in the storage area of RAM 204, or the unlimited-rate mode can be set by setting a sufficiently large limit value. In this case, there is no need to provide a storage area corresponding to the operating mode.

The main control unit 20 realizes the functions of the following means by having the CPU 201 execute a program read from the ROM 202 .
(1) Lottery means: A means for executing a special lottery, which is an example of a jackpot lottery, or a regular lottery.
(2) Jackpot state generating means: means for generating a jackpot state (10R, 5R) depending on whether the jackpot lottery (special drawing lottery) is successful or not.
(3) Stop state setting means: A means for transitioning to a stop state in which play is not possible when the number of balls held, which is an example of the current value of the game value acquired by the player, reaches the stop value. In the stop state, the handle operation of the operating handle 235 is disabled, and the game balls cannot be shot.

Furthermore, the RAM 204 of the main control unit 20 has the following functions as a storage unit.
(4) Game value storage means: a means for storing the minimum difference in number of balls on the day, the current (latest) difference in number of balls, the number of balls held, etc.
(5) End value storage means: means for storing the end value set by the setting operation unit 327.

The pachinko gaming machine 2 outputs the following gaming signals from the signal output unit 284 to the outside as operating information as the game progresses. The gaming signals are input to the gaming information display device 1 and management device 41 via the relay device 42. Note that the signals output by gaming machines vary depending on the model, and the signals below are just examples.

(1) Out signal: A signal output from an out box (not shown) that collects consumed balls, and is an example of a game medium consumption signal that indicates the number of game media (game balls) consumed in a game. In the pachinko game machine 2 of this example, one pulse is output for every 10 consumed balls, so the "number of out signals x 10" can be specified as the out (value consumed in a game). Note that this signal may also be output from the pachinko game machine 2.
(2) Safe signal: An example of a game medium grant signal indicating the number of game media granted as a result of winning. In the pachinko game machine 2 of this example, one pulse is output for every 10 balls paid out in response to a win, so "number of safe signals x 10" can be identified as safe (value acquired by the player). Note that a refill signal output from a ball refill device (not shown) may also be used as the safe signal.
(3) Start signal: A signal indicating that a special drawing lottery, which is an example of a jackpot drawing lottery, has been carried out.
(4) Big Win Signal: A signal indicating a big win state. This is a status signal that is output at a certain level while a big win state is occurring, so that the output of the big win signal can be identified as a big win state.
(5) Probability change signal: An example of a special state signal indicating a probability change state, which is an example of a special state. The probability change signal is a state signal whose level is output when a probability change state occurs, so the output of the probability change signal can be identified as a probability change state.
(6) Stop signal: A signal indicating that the state has been changed to the stop state.

Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 2 configured as above will be explained along with the flow of the game.
When the operating handle 235 is rotated clockwise, the pachinko gaming machine 2 shoots balls with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation. The shot balls flow down the play area 230 in which the passing gates 24 and the like are arranged. Balls that do not win a prize are collected from an outlet hole 238 provided at the bottom of the play area 230.

If a ball passes through the passage gate 24 while flowing down, a lottery is held to select a lottery random number for the normal lottery from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 207. The lottery random number is compared with the lottery table for the normal lottery to determine whether the normal lottery will be a success or failure. If the normal lottery is a success, the electric tulip 221 is released, making it possible for the ball to enter the second starting hole 22. As mentioned above, the opening time of the electric tulip 221 is 0.2 seconds in normal mode and 3 seconds in special mode.

When the specified start condition of a ball entering the first (second) start hole 21 (22) is met, the main control unit 20 executes the first (second) special symbol lottery by extracting a random number for the lottery. The random number for the lottery for the first (second) special symbol lottery is temporarily stored in a memory area of RAM 204 as a first (second) special symbol reserve. However, if the number of reserved first (second) special symbols is four (the upper limit of reserved symbols), the new first (second) special symbol reserve is erased without being stored.

The number of reserved special drawings is displayed in the reserved special drawing display area 295 in the bottom right corner, as shown on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 290 in the example of Figure 4 (a). In this reserved special drawing display area 295, the number of reserved first special drawings and the number of reserved second special drawings are displayed side by side as a two-digit number. The upper digit 295L indicates the number of reserved first special drawings, and the lower digit 295R indicates the number of reserved second special drawings.

When the pattern change in the special symbol notification area 291 has stopped and a jackpot state is not occurring, the main control unit 20 reads out the first special symbol reserve or the second special symbol reserve and executes the pattern change as a notification effect indicating whether the special symbol lottery was won or lost. At this time, the main control unit 20 reads out the second special symbol reserve in priority over the first special symbol reserve. Therefore, the first special symbol reserve is only read out when the second special symbol reserve is zero.

The main control unit 20 selects a lottery table for the special symbol lottery that corresponds to the current game state, and executes the special symbol lottery by comparing the read-out special symbol reserve (random number for the special symbol lottery). The effect control unit 35 executes the above-mentioned effect lottery using the special symbol reserve. This effect lottery determines the type of notification effect, including reach effects, the pattern change time, etc.

The result of the special drawing lottery is displayed on the special drawing 1 display unit 281 or the special drawing 2 display unit 282, and is also clearly announced in the special drawing notification area 291 (Figure 4(a)) on the LCD display unit 290. In the special drawing notification area 291, the result of the special drawing lottery is announced by the combination of three-digit number patterns that are displayed statically after the three-digit number patterns used for the effect are displayed in a variable manner.

The special symbol notification area 291 notifies the results of the special symbol lottery according to the combination of three-digit Arabic numerals used for the effect. A triple-digit repeat is the jackpot symbol that indicates a jackpot. Furthermore, among the jackpot symbols, combinations of odd numbers such as "333" and "777" are the symbols that indicate a 10R jackpot, while combinations of even numbers such as "222" and "444" are the symbols that indicate a 5R jackpot.

If the jackpot is a 10R jackpot, a 10R jackpot state occurs in which the above round process is repeated 10 times. When the 10R jackpot state ends, a probability variable state occurs in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery increases. If a jackpot occurs again in this probability variable state, the jackpot state will occur continuously, resulting in a consecutive win. As described above, 1R ends when balls enter the attacker 26 10 times. Since 15 balls are paid out per win in the jackpot slot 260, the difference in the number of balls in 1R is approximately 140 balls (150 balls - 10 balls).

When in the special probability state, the display screen shown in Figure 4(b) is displayed on the LCD display unit 290. On this display screen, the words "Special probability state in progress!" are displayed in the upper game status display area 297, indicating that the special probability state is in progress, and the number of balls won display field 293 in the lower left corner shows the difference in the number of balls since the first jackpot, which is a jackpot under normal conditions. Here, the difference in the number of balls is the number of balls paid out, which is the number of balls awarded for winning, minus the number of balls consumed in the game (number of balls fired, number of balls inserted), and indicates the number of balls won by the player.

If the jackpot is a 5R jackpot, a 5R jackpot state occurs in which the above round process is repeated five times. When the 5R jackpot state ends, the game transitions to the normal state. If a 5R jackpot is won during a winning streak, the normal state occurs as the 5R jackpot state ends, and the winning streak ends.

(B) Gaming Information Display Device The gaming information display device 1 (FIGS. 1 and 5) is a device that displays various information related to the corresponding gaming machine. The gaming information display device 1 receives various setting information and information related to the corresponding gaming machine from the management device 41, as well as game signals output by the corresponding gaming machine. The gaming information display device 1 then creates and displays various display information based on the received setting information, game signals, etc. The gaming information display device 1 receives the setting information, game signals, etc. via a relay device 42.

The setting information received from the management device 41 includes, for example, the model name of the corresponding gaming machine 2, the machine number serving as identification information, game performance such as jackpot probability and number of balls paid out during a jackpot, the stop value, which is the number of balls held until the machine stops playing, and the average difference in the number of balls per first hit for that model. Here, a first hit refers to a jackpot that occurs under normal conditions, and the difference in the number of balls (number of balls paid out - number of balls fired) during the period from the time the jackpot occurs until the machine returns to normal conditions is the difference in the number of balls per first hit. The average difference in the number of balls per first hit is an average value calculated by the management device 41 for all models based on performance over the past 10 days. Alternatively, the relay device 42 or gaming information display device 1 may calculate the value for only the corresponding gaming machine.

The game information display device 1 is equipped with a liquid crystal display unit 13 consisting of a large liquid crystal display. Below the screen 130 of the liquid crystal display unit 13, a call button 141, a remote control light receiving unit 147, a group of various operation buttons 145, etc. are arranged, and a lamp unit 12 is arranged to surround the upper half.

As shown in Figure 6, the gaming information display device 1 is electrically configured around the control unit 10. The control unit 10 includes a CPU 101 that executes software to perform various calculations, ROM 102 and RAM 104 as memory means, and an I/O unit 105 that inputs and outputs signals. Electrically connected to the control unit 10 are a transmitter/receiver unit 108 that transmits and receives signals to and from the outside, an LCD display unit 13, a lamp unit 12 with an employee call function, a call button 141, a group of operation buttons 145, and a remote control receiver 147.

The game information display device 1 has the functions of the following means.
(1) Game information generating means: A means for generating various game information by tallying up the number of times the game signal output by the pachinko game machine 2 is received, etc.
(2) Current value determination means: means for determining the current value of the game value. In this example, the current value is exemplified as the number of balls held, which corresponds to the difference (gap) between the current (latest) difference in the number of balls and the minimum difference in the number of balls for that day.
(3) Average value determination means: means for determining the average value of the difference in the number of balls, which is the average magnitude of the gaming value that a player can acquire during the consecutive win period (consecutive jackpot period) from the time when the first win occurs until the game returns to the normal state after alternating between the special state and the jackpot state. The average value determination means in this example determines the average value of the difference in the number of balls during the consecutive win period based on information acquired from the management device 41. Note that in the pachinko game machine 2 in this example, a 10R jackpot is the condition for the special state to occur, so a 10R jackpot under normal state corresponds to the first win.
(4) Difference value determination means: A means for determining the difference value between the number of balls held (an example of the current value of the game value acquired by the player) and the stopping value.
(5) Play stop determination means: means for determining whether the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 2 has transitioned to a play stop state. The play stop determination means determines whether the pachinko gaming machine 2 has transitioned to a play stop state in response to receiving a play stop signal.
(6) Display means: A means capable of displaying at least two of the number of balls held, the stop value, and the difference value, which are examples of current values.
(7) Notification means: A means for comparing the average value determined by the average value determination means with the difference value determined by the difference value determination means, and if the difference value is smaller than the average value, notifying the player that he or she should avoid playing the game.

Of the above means, means (1) to (5) are means realized by the control unit 10, for example, by the CPU 101 executing a software program read from the ROM 102. Means (6) and (7) are means realized by the liquid crystal display unit 13, which displays various information.

The gaming information display device 1 is capable of displaying various types of gaming information for the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 2. The display screen configuration and display content of the gaming information display device 1 will be explained below with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

The following examples of what is displayed on the display screen 130 of the game information display device 1 are explained using examples of the game information display screen during play (Figure 7), the game information display screen when play is stopped (Figure 8), and the game information display screen when play avoidance is recommended (Figure 9). The game information display screens in Figures 7 to 9 share the same screen specifications, but the display situations are different.

On the left edge of each game information display screen, from top to bottom, there is a display field for the number of jackpots today 161, a display field for the number of jackpots the day before 162, a display field for the number of jackpots the day before last 163, a display field for the current start 164, and a display field for the cumulative start 165. To the right and above these display fields is a graph display field 160 that displays a ball difference graph, also known as a slump graph, and below that is a message display field 168.

The current start display field 164 is a display field for the number of starts since the opening of business, which is reset to zero and restarted after each jackpot. The cumulative start display field 165 is a display field for the cumulative number of starts since the opening of business.

The ball difference trend graph shows the trend in the difference in balls (number of balls paid out - number of balls consumed) since the start of business in the form of a line graph. In the ball difference trend graph, the difference (gap) between the minimum difference in balls, which corresponds to the lowest point, and the current (latest) difference in balls is displayed as the number of balls held, which is an example of the current value of the game value acquired by the player. For example, on the display screen during play (Figure 7), the number of balls held is displayed as 26,530 balls, and the remaining difference in balls, which is an example of the difference between the number of balls held and the stopping value, is displayed as 3,470 balls (30,000 balls - 26,530 balls). Note that when the current difference in balls is the minimum, the number of balls held is zero.

On the game information display screen (Figure 7) during play, the message display field 168 displays information such as the fact that the limit value, which is the upper limit at which play will stop, is 30,000 balls, the number of balls in hand (26,530 balls), the difference in the number of balls remaining until play will stop (3,470 balls), and the average difference in the number of balls per first win (2,350 balls).

In the example shown in Figure 7, the difference in the number of balls remaining until play ends (3,470 balls) exceeds the average difference in the number of balls per first win (2,350 balls) by more than 1,000 balls, so a text message encouraging play to continue or begin, such as "Do your best to aim for the end of play!!", is displayed in message display field 168. With this kind of display, the player is not at risk of play ending immediately when the first win occurs, and can be informed that there is still a chance to win at least the average difference in the number of game balls in response to the first win.

On the game information display screen (Figure 8) during play suspension, the number of balls held is displayed as 30,000. This 30,000 balls matches the stop value, which is the upper limit for the number of balls held, and it can be seen that play has been suspended because the number of balls held has reached the stop value. Also, on the game information display screen (Figure 8) during play suspension, the number of balls held has reached the stop value and play has been suspended, and a message informing the player that play is no longer possible is displayed in message display field 168.

The game information display screen (Figure 9) when a player is advised to avoid playing is a screen that notifies the player that they should avoid playing before the number of balls held reaches the limit value, i.e., before the game is stopped. In the message display field 168 of the game information display screen when a player is advised to avoid playing, data such as the number of balls held is 28,050 compared to the limit value of 30,000 balls, the difference in the remaining number of balls is 1,950 balls, and the average difference in the number of balls per first win is 2,350 balls is displayed.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the difference in the number of balls remaining until play ends (1,950 balls) is less than the average difference in the number of balls per first win (2,350 balls), so a text message recommending avoiding or ending play, such as "We recommend playing on another machine!!", is displayed in message display field 168. Such a display can inform the player in advance that even if they hit their first win, they may not receive a sufficient payout. This can prevent a situation in which a first win occurs but the game ends without receiving a sufficient payout, leaving the player dissatisfied.

As described above, the game information display device 1 in this example is capable of selectively generating either a normal state in which the probability of a jackpot occurring is low, or a special state in which the probability of a jackpot occurring is high. It is a device attached to a pachinko game machine 2 that transitions to a stop-play state in which play is no longer possible when the current value of the game value acquired by the player (e.g., the number of balls held) reaches a predetermined upper limit, or a stop-play value.

The game information display device 1 of this example is capable of identifying the number of balls in hand, which is an example of a current value, and the difference between the number of balls in hand and the stopping value (an example is the number of remaining balls), and is capable of displaying at least two of the number of balls in hand, the stopping value, and the difference in the remaining number of balls. Furthermore, the game information display device 1 of this example is capable of identifying the average value of game value (an example is the average difference in the number of balls) that a player can obtain during a period of consecutive jackpots (an example is a consecutive winning streak), and if the difference in the remaining number of balls is smaller than this average, it can notify the player that they should refrain from playing.

When the number of balls held is approaching the limit, the game information display device 1 of this example compares the remaining difference in the number of balls with the average value described above to notify the player whether or not to stop playing. This prevents a situation in which a player reaches a limit without gaining sufficient game value even if a jackpot occurs, leaving the player dissatisfied.

In this way, the gaming information display device 1 of this example is a device with excellent characteristics, as it can prevent excessive gambling motivation by setting a stop state, while giving players a certain level of satisfaction, and ultimately maintaining an appropriate operating rate for the gaming machine.

The following configurations may be adopted instead of or in addition to the configuration of this embodiment. Also, the following configurations may be adopted in appropriate combination.
The types of game information that can be displayed by the game information display device 1 are not limited to those in this example, and various types of game information can be displayed. For example, the probability of a jackpot occurring, the number of first jackpots, the number of consecutive jackpots, the number of times a jackpot has stopped playing in the last month, etc. may be displayed.

The machine numbers of other gaming machines that are recommended for play may also be displayed along with a message recommending avoidance (ending) of play. When the gaming information display device 1 as the above-mentioned notification means issues a notification that play should be avoided, the gaming information display device 1 may also be provided with a function as recommended gaming machine notification means that notifies the player of the machine numbers (an example of identification information) of other gaming machines that are recommended for play. Furthermore, at least one of the number of balls held and the difference in remaining balls for the recommended machine number may also be displayed together. By notifying other gaming machines that are recommended for play as recommended gaming machines, it is possible to reduce the frustration of players who need to temporarily end play because the limit is approaching, and to motivate players to play on a new gaming machine.

In this example, the upper limit of the number of balls held (current (latest) difference in number of balls - minimum difference in number of balls) is set as the stop value, but this is not limited to this and various stop values can be set. For example, instead of the number of balls held, the upper limit of the difference in number of balls (number of balls paid out - number of balls consumed) could be set as the stop value.

When the machine transitions to a stopped state, it is made unavailable for play, but it may be possible to subsequently cancel the stopped state and return to a playable state. For example, the gaming machine may be provided with a stoppage cancellation means that, when the machine transitions to a stopped state, resets the number of balls held, which is an example of the current value of the play value, to zero, then cancels the stopped state and returns to a playable state. By providing such a stoppage cancellation means in the gaming machine, it will be possible to resume operation after the machine has reached a stoppage, improving the operating rate.

The stoppage release means may be, for example, a means for returning the machine to a playable state by having the gaming facility perform a specified stoppage release operation at any time, or a means for automatically releasing the stoppage state when a specified time has elapsed after transitioning to the stoppage state. When the stoppage state is released, calculation of the number of balls held may be restarted from a state reset to zero. In this case, the game information display device 1 may be provided with a stoppage release determination means for determining whether the stoppage state has been released after determining a transition to the stoppage state. For example, the stoppage release determination means may determine that the stoppage state has been released when, after determining a transition to the stoppage state, it receives again a signal indicating the operation of the gaming machine, such as a gaming medium consumption signal.

In this example, the average difference in the number of balls per first hit is displayed, but the maximum difference in the number of balls per first hit and the minimum difference in the number of balls per first hit may also be displayed together.
Apart from the stop value, a limit value may be set for the difference in the number of balls per first win. For example, the stop value may be set to 30,000 balls, and the difference in the number of balls per first win limit may be set to 3,000 balls. In this case, when the difference between the current value and the stop value is less than the difference in the number of balls limit, it may be recommended to avoid playing.

In this example, the gaming information display device 1 is attached above the gaming machine, but it may also be attached to the side or below the gaming machine, or it may be attached integrally to the gaming machine, or the functions of the gaming information display device 1 may be incorporated into the gaming machine 2 or the rental device 43.

In this example, a pachinko gaming machine 2 that pays out gaming balls in response to winnings has been used as an example of a gaming machine, but gaming machines are not limited to this. It may also be an enclosed pachinko gaming machine that awards gaming points in response to winnings. It may also be a pachislot gaming machine or a jump ball gaming machine. The gaming value used in the game may be electronic points, as well as physical balls, medals, etc.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above as examples, these specific examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies that incorporate various modifications, alterations, or appropriate combinations of the specific examples, utilizing publicly known technology and the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

1 Game information display device 10 Control unit (game information generating means, current value specifying means, average value specifying means, difference value specifying means, stoppage determining means)
13 Liquid crystal display unit (display means, notification means)
130 Display screen 160 Graph display field 168 Message display field 2 Pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine)
20 Main control unit (lottery means, jackpot state generating means, play stop state setting means, game value storage means, play stop value storage means)
327 Setting operation unit 4 Gaming facility management system 40 In-flight network 41 Management device 42 Relay device 43 Ball lending device

Claims (3)

A gaming information display device is attached to a gaming machine that can selectively generate either a normal state in which the probability of a jackpot occurring is low or a special state in which the probability of a jackpot occurring is high, and that is configured to transition to a stop state in which play is not possible when the current value of the game value acquired by the player reaches a predetermined stop value, and that can display various gaming information related to the gaming machine.
a current value specifying means for specifying the current value of the game value;
an average value specifying means for specifying an average value of game value that a player can obtain during a continuous jackpot period from the time when a jackpot occurs in the normal state, until the normal state is restored after the special state and the jackpot are alternately repeated;
a difference value specifying means for specifying a difference value between the current value of the game value and the stop value;
a display means capable of displaying at least two of the current value, the stop value, and the difference value;
A game information display device characterized by comprising: a notification means for comparing the average value determined by the average value determination means with the difference value determined by the difference value determination means, and if the difference value is smaller than the average value, notifying the player that he should avoid playing the game. The gaming information display device of claim 1 further comprises a recommended gaming machine notification means that, when the notification means issues a notification that a game should be avoided, notifies the player of the identification information of other gaming machines that are recommended for play. The gaming information display device of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gaming machine is equipped with a stop release means that, when the gaming machine has transitioned to the stop state, resets the current value of the gaming value to zero, releases the stop state, and returns the gaming machine to a playable state.