JP2008284041A - Game machine, handle and fraudulence detection method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a game machine with a handle probably operated illegally known by people surrounding the game machine or block the illegal operation of the handle without disturbing player's game. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine which has a shooting part 508 for shooting game balls into a playing area of a game board has a cup member held by players and is provided with a handle making the shooting part 508 shoot the game balls when the shooting operation is conducted with the cup member held by the players, a degree of deformation detection part 901 which continuously detects the degree of the deformation of the cup member to be generated by the players' holding, a determination part 903 which determines whether the players hold the cup member or not from the result of the detection by the degree of the deformation detection part 901, and an output part 905 for outputting the result of the determination made by the determination part 903. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a handle that is directly touched and operated by a player, a handle provided in the gaming machine, and a fraud detection method for detecting an unauthorized handle operation in the gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines having a handle for launching a game ball into a game area of a game board have been widely used. The handle is provided so as to protrude from the gaming machine main body to the player side (ie, forward direction). By positioning the player so as to hold a predetermined rotation angle while holding the handle and usually rotating clockwise, the game balls are continuously arranged at predetermined intervals in the game area of the game board. Fired. The game ball is configured to fire continuously only while the handle is held at a predetermined firing position.

  In such a gaming machine, a coin or the like is sandwiched in the gap of the handle that is positioned at the launch position of the game ball, and the use in a state where the position of the handle is fixed by means other than the player's hand is excluded, For fairness of the game, it is necessary for the player to directly operate the handle by the correct operation method.

  As described above, there is a conventional technology including a human body contact detection device for detecting whether or not a player is correctly operating a handle (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). This prior art detects, for example, a change in capacitance of the touch unit provided on the handle, and fires a game ball only when it is detected that the player is in contact with the touch unit. This technology has been devised.

JP 2004-329275 A

  However, in the conventional technology described above, even if a coin or the like is sandwiched between the gaps of the handle that is positioned at the launch position of the game ball and the position of the handle is fixed by means other than the player's hand, touch There is still a problem that the player cannot operate the handle by the correct operation method because the capacitance can be changed and the game ball can be launched just by touching the part (illegal handle operation). It was.

  In addition, in stores where pachinko machines and other gaming machines are installed, a plurality of gaming machines are arranged in a limited space, and the gaming machines and the players (customers) or the players (customers) are in close proximity. In many cases, it is not easy to find an illegal handle operation such as inserting a coin etc. in the gap of the handle from the back of the player who is playing the game. If an employee patrolls the store at a high frequency or looks into the player's hand, there is a problem that the player is given a feeling of discomfort or pressure being “monitored”.

  In order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, the present invention makes it easy to find a gaming machine in which an illegal handle operation may be performed without interfering with the player's game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine, a handle, and a fraud detection method capable of informing the surroundings or suppressing an illegal handle operation.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a gripping member that a player grips in a gaming machine including a launching unit that launches a game ball in a game area of a game board, When a launch operation is performed in a state where the grip member is gripped by the player, a handle that causes the launcher to launch the game ball, and the player generates the handle A deformation amount detecting means for continuously detecting the deformation amount of the gripping member; and a determination means for determining whether or not the player is gripping the gripping member based on a detection result by the deformation amount detecting means; And output means for outputting the determination result determined by the determination means. According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not the player is playing the game while holding the holding member.

  In addition, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, in the above invention, the determination unit causes the game to be performed when the player holds the deformation pattern of the gripping member based on a detection result by the deformation amount detection unit. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the pattern is substantially the same as the pattern of microvibration caused by the muscle strength generated by the person. According to the present invention, it can be determined whether or not a human is operating the handle.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the deformation amount detecting means is a unimorph piezoelectric element that deforms in response to an external force applied to the gripping member. According to the present invention, the configuration can be simplified.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes, in the above-described invention, a firing control unit that controls a launching operation of the game ball by the launching unit, and the launching control unit is not substantially identical by the output unit. Is output, the launching operation of the game ball by the launching unit is stopped. According to the present invention, when an illegal handle operation is performed, it is possible to regulate playing a game.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes, in the above-described invention, an effect unit that performs a predetermined effect, and the effect unit is used for fraud notification when a determination result that is not substantially the same is output by the output unit. It is characterized by executing the production. According to this invention, when an illegal handle operation is performed, it is possible to inform the store clerk of the store where the gaming machine is installed to that effect.

  Further, the handle according to the present invention is provided in a gaming machine including a launching unit that launches a game ball in a game area of a game board, and the game is performed with respect to the launching unit when a launch operation is performed by a player. A handle for firing a ball, a gripping member gripped by a player, and a deformation amount detecting means for continuously detecting a deformation amount of the gripping member generated by the player gripping the gripping member; A determination means for determining whether or not the player is holding the grip member based on a detection result by the deformation amount detection means; and a determination result determined by the determination means for the gaming machine. Output means for outputting. According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not the player is operating the handle while holding the grip member.

  The fraud detection method according to the present invention includes a launching unit that launches a game ball into a game area of a game board, and a gripping member that the player grips, and the launch operation is performed while the player grips the gripping member. A fraud detection method for detecting fraudulent handle operation in a gaming machine comprising: a handle for launching the game ball to the launching unit when the launching unit is made, wherein the gripping member is gripped, A firing operation detecting step for detecting that the steering operation is performed on the handle; a deformation amount detecting step for continuously detecting a deformation amount of the gripping member that occurs when the player grips the handle; and the firing operation detection While it is detected that a launch operation is being performed by the process, the player holds the grip member based on the detection result detected by the deformation amount detection process. A determination step of determining whether or not lifting, characterized in that it comprises a, and an output step of outputting a determination result being determined by the determination step. According to this invention, it is possible to determine whether or not the player is playing a game illegally without holding the holding member.

  According to the gaming machine, the handle, and the fraud detection method according to the present invention, it is possible to easily find a gaming machine in which an illegal steering operation is performed without interfering with the game of the player, There is an effect that it is possible to inform the surroundings or to suppress an illegal handle operation.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention, a handle provided in the gaming machine, and an unauthorized detection method for detecting an unauthorized handle operation in the gaming machine will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game board 101. A display unit 102 is provided on the surface of the game board 101. The display unit 102 can be configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays a predetermined image by being driven and controlled by an effect control unit (see reference numeral 507 in FIG. 5). For example, every time a game ball wins a specific winning opening (start winning opening 103), the display unit 102 displays a plurality (for example, three) of symbols while sequentially switching, and stops switching the symbols after a predetermined time. Perform processing.

  Each time a gaming ball wins a specific winning opening (start winning opening 103), the gaming machine generates a random number in a main control unit (not shown) and appropriately generates a jackpot state according to the generated random number. When the big hit state occurs, a specific symbol (for example, “777” in which three “7” s are arranged in a straight line) is displayed on the display unit 102, and then a predetermined big hit effect is performed. Predetermined jackpot effects include opening / closing the big winning opening 101a provided at the lower position of the game board 101, displaying an image for the jackpot effect on the display unit 102, and outputting the sound for the jackpot effect from a speaker (not shown) To do.

  In the game board 101, a launching unit (see reference numeral 508 in FIG. 5) is disposed at a lower position of the special winning opening 101a. The launching unit launches a game ball for gaming, and the game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 104a and 104b and passes through the upper position of the game board 101 to play the game. The region 105 is reached. The launcher includes a solenoid for launching a game ball into the game area 105, and intermittently launches the game ball into the game area 105 every time the solenoid is energized. A game ball is launched into the game area 105 of the game.

  A plurality of nails and windmills (all of which are not shown) are provided in the game area 105, and the game ball that has reached the game area 105 falls in various directions by the nails and the windmill. . In the game area 105, a winning gate 106 for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When it is detected that the game ball has passed the winning gate 106, the start winning opening 103 is opened for a predetermined time.

  Also, in the game area 105, a normal winning port 107 is provided for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls when a game ball is won. The game balls that are falling in the game area 105 fall to the start winning opening 103 and the normal winning opening 107 according to the dropping path. At the bottom of the game area 105, a collection port 108 is provided for collecting game balls that have not won the start winning port 103 or the normal winning port 107.

  In addition, in the game area 105, an LED for performance and an accessory for performance are provided. The effect LED is controlled to be lit or blinked by an effect control unit (see reference numeral 507 in FIG. 5 described later). The effect object is configured to be operated by a motor or the like (not shown), and is operated by the power of the motor controlled by the effect control unit.

  A handle 109 is disposed at a position below the lower end of the game board 101. The handle 109 is operated by the player and, while being operated, causes the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. In FIG. 1, the handle 109 protrudes from the board surface position of the game board 101 in the forward direction of the player.

  FIG. 2-1 is a perspective view showing the handle 109. The handle 109 includes a base 211 fixed to the main body of the gaming machine, a cup member 212 provided on the base 211, and a rotation lever member 213. The rotation lever member 213 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the handle 109 so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) around the axis centering the protruding direction of the handle 109 as the axis direction with respect to the base portion 211. .

  The handle 109 causes the player to fire the game ball when the rotary lever member 213 is positioned at a predetermined launch position by the player rotating the rotary lever member 213 clockwise. . The rotating lever member 213 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 2 when viewed from the player by an urging member (not shown) such as a coil spring. Thereby, the player rotates the rotating lever member 213 while applying a force against the urging force of the urging member to the rotating lever member 213.

  The rotating lever member 213 has a ring shape that is fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 211. A plurality of protrusions 213 a having a shape that allows a player who rotates the rotation lever member 213 to hook a finger are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the rotation lever member 213. The cup member 212 has a shape (for example, a substantially hemispherical shape) that fits in the palm of the player's hand when the player applies a force to the rotary lever member 213 to rotate the rotary lever member 213. The cup member 212 is provided with an emblem 212a on which, for example, a trademark of a gaming machine manufacturer (“P” in FIG. 2A) is provided.

  FIG. 2-2 is a perspective view showing the cup member 212. In FIG. 2B, the cup member 212 is made of, for example, hard plastic. The material of the cup member 212 is not limited to hard plastic, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that deforms (distorts or bends) in a small amount when held by an operator, such as metal or wood.

  The cup member 212 includes a screw receiving portion 221 provided with a screw hole (see reference numeral 303 in FIG. 3) into which a screw (not shown) is screwed, and the screw inserted from the base 211 side is screwed into the screw hole. By fixing, the base 211 is fixed. The cup member 212 is deformed when the player applies a force to the rotating lever member 213 to rotate the rotating lever member 213, and is elastic enough to return to the original shape when the player releases the handle 109. It is formed of the material which has (for example, plastic etc.).

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the cup member 212. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the cup member 212 is viewed from the base 211 side in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 3, the trademark “P” provided on the emblem 212 a is inverted, and the inverted trademark “P” is virtually viewed because it is viewed from the opposite side to FIG. 2-1. Shown with lines.

  In FIG. 3, a unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is provided inside the cup member 212 using the displacement amount as a detection means. The unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is fixed to a rectangular substrate 302, and is fixed to the inside of the cup member 212 by fixing both ends of the substrate 302 to the inner surface of the cup member 212. The unimorph piezoelectric element 301 has a structure in which a thin plate-shaped piezoelectric element and a metal plate are bonded together (see reference numerals 401 and 402 in FIG. 4). When the substrate 302 is deformed and the metal plate is deformed, the metal plate A voltage value corresponding to the deformation amount of the plate is output. Since the unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is a known technique, its detailed description is omitted.

  In place of the unimorph piezoelectric element, a pressure-sensitive element that outputs a voltage corresponding to the applied pressure, such as various known piezoelectric elements other than the unimorph piezoelectric element, a semiconductor, or a resistance strain sensor, may be provided as a detecting means for the displacement amount. Is possible. These pressure-sensitive elements such as various piezoelectric elements, semiconductors, and resistance strain sensors are also well-known techniques, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  Although the attachment position of the unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is not particularly limited, it is attached to the side of the cup member 212 in FIG. That is, when the player operates the handle 109, the player's fingers (a part of the palm) are touched. Specifically, for example, the rotary lever member 213 is rotated to a position where a game ball is launched. It may be a place where the base part of the player's finger touches in the state where the player's finger touches, or a place around the place where the base part of the player's finger touches.

  The substrate 302 is fixed to the inside of the cup member 212 by fixing two sides that are in the vertical position when attached to the handle 109 to the inner surface of the cup member 212. The unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is not limited to the side of the cup member 212, but can be used for cups such as a place where the player's fingers (a part of the palm) touch or a place where the player touches when the player operates the handle 109. It suffices if the member 212 is provided at a location where the member 212 is deformed.

  When the player holds the handle 109 to operate the handle 109 during the game, the cup member 212 in the palm of the player is deformed so as to be distorted. The unimorph piezoelectric element 301 outputs different voltage values according to the deformation of the cup member 212. The gaming machine can determine whether or not the player is holding the handle 109 based on the change in the voltage value output by the unimorph piezoelectric element 301. In FIG. 3, the code | symbol 303 is the screw hole mentioned above.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the substrate 302 and each part attached to the substrate 302. In FIG. 4, the unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is attached to the substrate 302 in a state where the entire surface of the metal plate 402 to which the piezoelectric element 401 is attached is fixed to the substrate 302. Thereby, the deformation of the substrate 302 can be satisfactorily transmitted to the metal plate 402 in the unimorph piezoelectric element 301.

  The substrate 302 is provided with an amplifier 403 that amplifies the voltage value output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 301. Thereby, a signal of 20 Hz or less can be extracted by a subsequent circuit or software processing. The amplifier 403 can be realized by, for example, an impedance conversion element. Since the impedance conversion element is a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In a state in which the gaming machine is waiting for a game, the voltage value output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is 0 (zero (or equivalent to zero)) (see FIG. 6). When the player applies force to the rotating lever member 213 in order to rotate the rotating lever member 213 (gripping and rotating), the cup member 212 formed of, for example, a hard plastic material is slightly visible. Deform.

  The unimorph piezoelectric element 301 is deformed according to the slight deformation of the cup member 212 and outputs a voltage value according to the deformation amount of the cup member 212 (see FIG. 7). On the substrate 302, together with the unimorph piezoelectric element 301, based on the voltage value output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 301, a determination mechanism unit (reference numeral 500 in FIG. 5) for determining whether or not the player is holding the handle 109. Is provided).

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the determination mechanism unit. In FIG. 5, the determination mechanism unit 500 includes a unimorph piezoelectric element 301, an amplifier 403, a band pass filter 502, a comparator 503, a pulse generation unit 504, and a level detection unit 505.

  The band-pass filter 502 filters the voltage value amplified by the amplifier 403, excludes components below 5 Hz and components above 20 Hz, and passes them to the comparator 503 side. As a result, it is possible to extract a component due to microvibration (biological surface fine vibration) from the voltage value components amplified by the amplifier 403.

  The comparator 503 includes a storage area (not shown) that stores a predetermined threshold, compares the predetermined threshold stored in the storage area with a signal obtained by filtering, and compares the comparison result with the pulse generation unit 504 in the subsequent stage. Output to. The predetermined threshold is a minimum value among values that can be determined to be microvibration generated by the player when the player plays a game with a correct handle operation, and is a value that can be arbitrarily set.

  Further, the comparator 503 stores the signal obtained by filtering for a predetermined time in the storage area provided in the comparator 503, and then compares the stored signal for the predetermined time with a predetermined threshold. Good. The comparator 503 is not limited to having a storage area for storing a predetermined threshold, but compares a predetermined threshold input from the outside of the comparator 503 with a signal obtained by filtering, and compares the comparison result with a subsequent stage. May be output to the pulse generator 504. Then, the comparator 503 outputs the signal obtained by filtering and the comparison result to the pulse generation unit 504 at the subsequent stage.

  Based on the comparison result output from the comparator 503, the pulse generator 504 generates a pulse having a period equal to or higher than the detection minimum frequency when the signal obtained by the filtering is larger than a predetermined threshold. The lowest detection frequency is the lowest frequency that can be detected when the player correctly operates the handle 109 among the micro-vibration frequencies emitted by the player. The lowest detection frequency is the frequency having the longest period among the periods of the micro vibration waveform pattern that can be detected when the player correctly operates the handle 109.

  The pulse generation unit 504 superimposes the generated pulse on the signal obtained by filtering and outputs it to the subsequent level detection unit 505. By superimposing the generated pulses, the high level of the signal output from the pulse generator 504 can be maintained when the signal obtained by filtering is larger than a predetermined threshold.

  The level detection unit 505 detects the level of the signal output from the pulse generation unit 504 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result. Specifically, when the signal output from the pulse generation unit 504 is at a high level (or higher than the high level), the level detection unit 505 outputs a normal grip signal. On the other hand, when the signal output from the pulse generator 504 is at a low level, the level detector 505 outputs an abnormal grip signal. The normal grip signal or the abnormal grip signal output from the level detection unit 505 is input to the prize ball control unit 506 or the effect control unit 507.

  The prize ball control unit 506 performs prize ball control during the game. Although not shown, the prize ball control unit 506 functions as a ROM that stores a prize ball control processing program, a CPU that executes a program stored in the ROM, and a work area for data during arithmetic processing of the CPU. It is configured with a RAM and the like. Although not shown, the prize ball control unit 506 communicates with the main control unit and a motor (or a control board that controls driving of the motor) provided in the payout unit (not shown). "I / F").

  The prize ball control is a control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of winning a prize to a payout unit (not shown). Although not shown, the payout unit includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. In the prize ball control, the prize ball control unit 506 detects a game ball launch operation instruction given to the launch unit 508 by a player's handle operation, and controls the launch of the game ball.

  The launching unit 508 launches a game ball for gaming, and includes a sensor that detects a handle operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the player's handle operation is detected by the sensor of the launching unit 508, the prize ball control unit 506 intermittently fires the game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected handle operation, A game ball is sent out to the game area 105.

  In addition, the prize ball control unit 506 controls the launching operation of the game ball in the launch unit 508 according to the signal output from the level detection unit 505. Specifically, when the award ball control unit 506 detects a firing operation of the handle 109 in a state where a normal grip signal is output from the level detection unit 505, for example, the award ball control unit 506 operates the firing unit 508 to fire a game ball. . Specifically, the award ball control unit 506 does not perform the operation of the firing unit 508 when detecting the firing operation of the handle 109 in a state where an abnormal grip signal is output from the level detection unit 505, for example. In this case, the game ball is not fired even when the handle 109 is operated so that the rotary lever member 213 is positioned at the firing position.

  The production control unit 507 performs production control during the game. Although illustration is omitted, the effect control unit 507 includes a CPU that executes effect processing, a ROM that stores various image data such as programs, background images, design images, and character images, and a work area for data during the arithmetic processing of the CPU. And a VRAM for writing image data to be displayed on the display unit 102. Moreover, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the production | generation control part 507 drives the motor (or motor which operates the main control part, the display part 102, LED for production (or the board | substrate which carries out lighting control of LED), and the actor for production. And an I / F that communicates with the control board).

  In the effect control, the CPU reads a program stored in the ROM and performs various image processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, character image display processing, and lighting LED lighting (flashing) processing. This is control for performing the effect process. When executing various types of image processing, necessary image data and the like are read from the ROM and written to the VRAM.

  In addition, the effect control unit 507 performs effect processing according to the signal output from the level detection unit 505. Specifically, the effect control unit 507 performs normal effect processing when, for example, a normal grip signal is output from the level detection unit 505. On the other hand, when a firing operation of the handle 109 is detected in a state where an abnormal grip signal is output from the level detection unit 505, a fraud notification effect process is performed. The fraud notification effect processing is, for example, lighting (flashing) an LED provided on the game board 101 in a pattern different from the normal effect processing, or outputting a predetermined sound for notifying the fraud from a speaker (not shown). To do.

  The prize ball control unit 506 and the effect control unit 507 are controlled by a main control unit (not shown). The main control unit includes a ROM that stores a program, a CPU that executes basic processing in accordance with the progress of game content based on the program stored in the ROM, and a RAM that functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the CPU. It is configured with.

  Although illustration is omitted, the determination mechanism unit 500 determines whether or not the steering wheel operation is correct (implements each function of the amplifier 403, the bandpass filter 502, the comparator 503, the pulse generation unit 504, and the level detection unit 505). It consists of a ROM that stores a program, a CPU that executes a process for determining whether or not the steering wheel operation is correct based on the program stored in the ROM, and a RAM that functions as a data work area when the CPU performs arithmetic processing. And an I / F that communicates with the effect control unit 507 and the prize ball control unit 506.

  Note that the functions realized by the amplifier 403, the bandpass filter 502, the comparator 503, the pulse generator 504, and the level determination unit 505 are not limited to those realized by a single microcomputer. You may implement | achieve by combining the microcomputer (circuit) implement | achieved separately.

  6, 7, and 8 are graphs showing the waveform pattern of the voltage signal output from the bandpass filter 502. 6 shows a case where the player does not touch the handle 109, FIG. 7 shows a case where the player holds the handle 109, and FIG. 8 shows a case where only the player's finger touches the handle 109. Yes.

  Even in a stationary state, humans generate vibrations (tremors of the body) in a frequency band of 20 Hz or less called microvibration (microvibration of the living body surface). This microvibration is conspicuous in a state where muscle strength is generated, such as when force is applied to the body. As described above, the gaming machine is configured to rotate the rotating lever member 213 to fire the game ball against the urging force of the urging member, so that the game is performed while the rotating lever member 213 is rotated. Microvibration is inevitably emitted from the palm or finger of the person.

  As described above, the cup member 212 that slightly deforms to the extent that it cannot be visually recognized by the player's palm or fingers is further reduced to the extent that the amount of deformation cannot be visually recognized over time due to microvibration generated by the player. Change. The unimorph piezoelectric element 301 outputs a change in the deformation amount of the cup member 212 as a change in voltage value.

  Due to the structure of the handle 109, for example, the player holds the rotating lever member 213 together with the cup member 212, presses the palm against the cup member 212, and rotates the rotating lever member 213 with the position of the hand fixed. This makes it easier to perform these operations. By using the handle 109 having such a structure, it is possible to reliably detect microvibration emitted by the player without making the player aware of it.

  6 and 7, when the player is holding the handle 109 (state of FIG. 7), the band pass is compared with the case where the player is not touching the handle 109 (state of FIG. 6). There is a clear difference in the voltage signal output from the filter 502. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the bandpass filter is also applied when the player is touching the handle 109 (state of FIG. 8) compared to when the player is not touching the handle 109 (state of FIG. 6). Although there is a slight difference in the voltage signal output from 502, the difference is small compared to the difference when the player is holding the handle 109 (the state of FIG. 7). As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, it is possible to determine whether or not the player is holding the handle 109 based on the voltage signal output from the band pass filter 502.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present invention. In FIG. 9, the gaming machine includes, as functional components, a deformation amount detection unit 901, a deformation amount storage unit 902, a determination unit 903, a comparison value storage unit 904, an output unit 905, and a firing control unit 906. , A launching unit 508 and a rendering unit 907.

  The deformation amount detection unit 901 continuously detects the deformation amount of the cup member 212 that is generated when the player holds the handle 109. Specifically, the deformation amount detection unit 901 can realize its function by, for example, the unimorph piezoelectric element 301, the amplifier 403, and the band-pass filter 502 that constitute the determination mechanism unit 500 shown in FIG. That is, specifically, the deformation amount detection unit 901 can realize its function by, for example, the unimorph piezoelectric element 301 and the microcomputer constituting the determination mechanism unit 500 shown in FIG.

  The deformation amount storage unit 902 is information representing the deformation amount of the cup member 212 detected by the deformation amount detection unit 901 (for example, graphic (or numerical value) information representing the waveform pattern as shown in FIGS. Specifically, the deformation amount storage unit 902 can realize its function by, for example, a storage area included in the comparator 503. That is, the deformation amount storage unit 902 Specifically, for example, the function can be realized by a memory such as a ROM or a RAM provided in a microcomputer constituting the determination mechanism unit 500 shown in FIG.

  The determination unit 903 determines whether or not the player is holding the cup member 212 based on the detection result by the deformation amount detection unit 901 stored in the deformation amount storage unit 902. The determination unit 903 uses the comparison value stored in the comparison value storage unit 904 to determine whether or not the player is holding the cup member 212.

  The comparison value storage unit 904 stores figure (or numerical value) information representing a basic pattern of a waveform that can be detected when the player is holding the cup member 212 as a comparison value. The basic pattern is a waveform pattern that represents microvibration caused by muscle strength generated by the player when the player holds the handle 109. The determination unit 903 determines whether the waveform pattern represented by the waveform information stored in the deformation amount storage unit 902 matches the basic pattern (or is within a predetermined error range).

  The comparison value storage unit 904 stores the above-described predetermined threshold as a comparison value. Based on the detection result by the deformation amount detection unit 901, the determination unit 903 determines whether the graphic (or numerical value) information representing the waveform pattern stored in the deformation amount storage unit 902 exceeds a predetermined threshold. To do. Specifically, the comparison value storage unit 904 can realize its function by, for example, a storage area included in the comparator 503 described above. That is, the comparison value storage unit 904 can specifically realize the function by a memory such as a ROM or a RAM included in the microcomputer constituting the determination mechanism unit 500 shown in FIG.

  That is, based on the detection result by the deformation amount detection unit 901, the determination unit 903 has graphic (or numerical value) information representing the waveform pattern stored in the deformation amount storage unit 902 exceeding a predetermined threshold, and By determining whether the waveform pattern represented by the waveform information stored in the deformation amount storage unit 902 matches the basic pattern (or within a predetermined error range), the player can determine whether the cup member 212 It is determined whether or not it is gripped (correct handle operation).

  Specifically, for example, the function of the determination unit 903 can be realized by the comparator 503, the pulse generation unit 504, and the level detection unit 505 described above. Specifically, the determination unit 903, for example, a program stored in a memory such as a ROM or a RAM included in the microcomputer included in the determination mechanism unit 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 is executed by a CPU included in the microcomputer. By doing so, the function can be realized.

  The output unit 905 outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit 903. Specifically, the output unit 905 outputs a normal grip signal when the determination unit 903 outputs a determination result that the steering operation is correct. On the other hand, when the determination unit 903 outputs a determination result indicating that the handle operation is not correct (incorrect handle operation), an abnormal grip signal is output.

  The output unit 905 can be realized by a function of outputting the detection result in the level detection unit 505 described above. In other words, the output unit 905 can specifically realize the function by, for example, an I / F configuring the determination mechanism unit 500 illustrated in FIG.

  Further, the output unit 905 may output the determination result determined by the determination unit 903 by displaying it on the display unit 102 or may be output by generating a predetermined sound from a speaker (not shown). Then, it may be output by lighting (flashing) the LED for production in a pattern different from the normal gaming state.

  The launch control unit 906 controls the launch operation of the game ball by the launch unit 508. When a normal grip signal is output from the output unit 905, the launch control unit 906 performs a game ball launching operation according to the operation of the handle 109, and when an abnormal grip signal is output, the launch control unit 906 performs a game by the launch unit 508. Stops the ball launching. Specifically, the firing control unit 906 can realize its function by, for example, a prize ball control unit 506 shown in FIG.

  The production unit 907 performs a predetermined production. When the normal grip signal is output from the output unit 905, the effect unit 907 performs a normal effect according to the presence or absence of winning at the start winning opening 103, and when the output unit 905 outputs an abnormal grip signal. A fraud alerting effect is executed. Specifically, the effect unit 907 can realize its function by, for example, the effect control unit 507 shown in FIG.

  When an abnormal grip signal is output by the output unit 905, an error message such as “Please call a clerk” is displayed on the display unit 102 by the rendering unit 907, and the game control unit 906 generates a game ball by the launch unit 508 The firing operation may be stopped. This makes it possible for the store clerk to check for gaming machines that may have been operated illegally without being noticed by the player (customer) and without increasing the size of the game. Appropriate responses can be taken accordingly.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the gaming machine. In FIG. 10, first, it waits until there is a firing instruction to the launching unit 508 (step S1001: No). In step S <b> 1001, it is determined whether or not a firing instruction has been given to the firing unit 508 by determining whether or not the rotating lever member 213 of the handle 109 is positioned at a predetermined firing position.

  In step S1001, when there is a firing instruction to the launching unit 508 (step S1001: Yes), the waveform information, the comparison value, and the predetermined threshold stored in the deformation amount storage unit 902 are obtained (step S1002). Using the waveform information, the comparison value, and the predetermined threshold, it is determined whether or not the firing instruction in step S1001: Yes is a firing instruction by a correct handle operation (step S1003).

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the firing instruction is a correct steering operation (step S1003: Yes), a normal grip signal is output (step S1004), and the shooting unit 508 is driven and controlled by the prize ball control unit 506. The launch operation is started (step S1005), and the above-described normal effect is executed by the effect control unit 507 (step S1006).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the firing instruction for the firing unit 508 has been canceled (step S1007). In step S1007, it is determined whether or not the firing instruction to the firing unit 508 has been released by determining whether or not the rotating lever member 213 of the handle 109 has returned to the standby position under the biasing force of the biasing member. To do.

  In step S1007, when the firing instruction to the launching unit 508 has not been canceled (step S1007: No), the process returns to step S1002 to acquire the waveform information, the comparison value, and the predetermined threshold stored in the deformation amount storage unit 902. (Step S1002), and the processing from Step S1003 to Step S1007 is repeated. On the other hand, in step S1007, when the firing instruction for the launching unit 508 is canceled (step S1007: Yes), a series of processing ends.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the firing instruction is not a correct steering operation (incorrect steering operation) (step S1003: No), an abnormal grip signal is output (step S1008), and the launching unit 508 launches. The operation is stopped (step S1009), and the above-described fraud notification effect is executed by the effect controller 507 (step S1010).

  Then, while executing the fraud notification effect, the process proceeds to step S1007 to determine whether or not the firing instruction for the launching unit 508 has been canceled (step S1007). Thereby, even when an illegal handle operation is performed, the game ball can be launched at the time of switching to the correct handle operation. Thereby, for example, when clothes are caught on the handle 109 and the rotary lever member 213 is accidentally rotated, the normal game can be enjoyed from the time when the game by the correct handle operation is started.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, when a correct handle operation is performed, by detecting the deformation amount of the cup member 212 that is deformed without the player being conscious, It is possible to determine whether or not a game is being played by a correct handle operation.

  At this time, by using a waveform pattern resulting from microvibration to determine whether or not the steering wheel is correctly operated, it can be determined whether or not a human is operating the steering wheel, and the unimorph piezoelectric element 301 can be By using it, the configuration can be simplified.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment according to the present invention, when an illegal handle operation is performed, the gaming machine is restricted from performing a game or an illegal handle operation is performed. It is possible to inform the store clerk, etc. of the store that installed Thereby, without disturbing the game of the player, it is possible to inform the surroundings of the gaming machine that is likely to be illegal handle operation, or it is possible to suppress the illegal handle operation. There is an effect. Further, it is possible to reduce the loss on the store side due to the winning ball being paid out by an illegal handle operation.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the handle 109 that can be used to determine whether or not the handle operation is correct can be used by being attached to various gaming machine main bodies. This makes it possible for a store clerk or the like of the store where the gaming machine is installed to perform an illegal steering operation in a gaming machine that involves a steering wheel operation that causes a part of the steering wheel 109 to be deformed during gaming, such as an operation of rotating the rotary lever member 213. Can be found.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine, the handle, and the fraud detection method of the embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine that may be illegally manipulated without interfering with the game of the player. This can be notified to the surroundings of the gaming machine, or an illegal handle operation can be suppressed.

  The fraud detection method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, a gaming machine, a handle, and a fraud detection method according to the present invention include a gaming machine including a handle that a player directly touches and operates, a handle provided in the gaming machine, and an unauthorized handling operation in the gaming machine. In particular, a gaming machine equipped with a handle that is operated by a player applying force to the handle when playing a game correctly, such as a pachinko gaming machine, is provided in the gaming machine. It is suitable for a fraud detection method for detecting an illegal handle operation in a handle and a gaming machine.

It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows a handle | steering-wheel. It is a perspective view which shows a cup member. It is a top view which shows a cup member. It is explanatory drawing which shows each part attached to the board | substrate and a board | substrate. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a judgment mechanism part. It is a graph which shows the waveform pattern (the 1) of the voltage signal output from the band pass filter. It is a graph which shows the waveform pattern (the 2) of the voltage signal output from the band pass filter. It is a graph which shows the waveform pattern (the 3) of the voltage signal output from the band pass filter. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game machine concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a gaming machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 301 Unimorph piezoelectric element 403 Amplifier 500 Judging mechanism part 502 Band pass filter 503 Comparator 504 Pulse generation part 505 Level detection part 508 Emitting part 901 Deformation amount detection part 902 Deformation quantity memory | storage part 903 Judgment part 904 Comparison value memory | storage part 905 Output part 906 Launch control unit 907 Production unit

Claims (7)

In a gaming machine comprising a launcher that launches a game ball into the game area of the game board,
A handle that includes a gripping member to be gripped by a player, and when the launching operation is performed in a state where the gripping member is gripped by the player,
Deformation amount detection means for continuously detecting the deformation amount of the grip member generated by the player gripping;
Determining means for determining whether or not the player is holding the holding member based on a detection result by the deformation amount detecting means;
Output means for outputting the judgment result judged by the judgment means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   The determination means is based on a detection result by the deformation amount detection means, and a deformation pattern of the gripping member is substantially the same as a microvibration pattern caused by the muscular strength generated by the player by gripping by the player. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deformation amount detecting means is a unimorph piezoelectric element that deforms according to an external force applied to the gripping member. A launch control means for controlling the launch operation of the game ball by the launch unit;
The launch control unit stops the launch operation of the game ball by the launch unit when a determination result that is not substantially the same is output by the output unit. The gaming machine described in one. Providing directing means to perform a predetermined directing,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the output means outputs a determination result that is not substantially the same, the effect means executes an effect for fraud notification. . A handle is provided in a gaming machine including a launching unit that launches a game ball in a game area of a game board, and causes the launching unit to launch the game ball when a launch operation is performed by a player,
A gripping member to be gripped by the player;
Deformation amount detection means for continuously detecting the deformation amount of the gripping member generated when the player grips the gripping member;
Determining means for determining whether or not the player is holding the holding member based on a detection result by the deformation amount detecting means;
Output means for outputting the determination result determined by the determination means to the gaming machine;
A handle characterized by comprising. A launcher that launches a game ball into the game area of the game board; and a gripping member that is held by the player, and the launcher performs a launching operation while the player holds the gripping member. A fraud detection method for detecting an illegal handle operation in a gaming machine including a handle for firing the game ball,
A firing operation detecting step of detecting that a firing operation is performed on the handle in a state where the gripping member is gripped;
A deformation amount detecting step for continuously detecting the deformation amount of the gripping member generated by the player gripping;
Whether or not the player is gripping the grip member based on the detection result detected by the deformation amount detection step while the launch operation is detected by the launch operation detection step. A judging process for judging
An output step of outputting the determination result determined by the determination step;
A fraud detection method comprising:

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