JP2000189642A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of correctly grasping an actually generated communication error by a manager. SOLUTION: When information communication is performed from a game control circuit board box to a liquid crystal display unit (a variable display device) 13a, the generation of errors on the liquid crystal display unit 13a side is monitored and displayed on a liquid crystal 13a1, and therefore, the installation situation in which errors are frequently generated can be extremely easily detected even if the device are seemingly operated without trouble.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a variable display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of pachinko game machine, only a control signal is output from a game control circuit board in order to control a game control circuit board so as to prevent improper operation. Inputting signals to the game control circuit board is not permitted. The same applies to a simple acknowledgment. Even if the game control circuit board outputs a control signal to the variable display device, no response can be obtained.

[0003] In this case, even if a communication error occurs between the game control circuit board and the variable display device, the game control circuit board cannot detect and retransmit the error. Therefore, conventionally, even if a communication error occurs by repeatedly transmitting the same control signal, an abnormal operation is prevented.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional pachinko gaming machine, the same control signal is repeatedly transmitted to prevent abnormal operation even if a communication error occurs. Not enough. In addition, when the device is actually installed in a hall, there is almost no error, so no abnormal operation occurs, or although an error frequently occurs, the abnormal operation does not happen by repeated transmission. It was unknown.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that allows an administrator or the like to correctly grasp a communication error that is actually occurring.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a predetermined game mechanism, a game control circuit board for controlling game contents in the game mechanism, and a game in the game mechanism are provided. A game machine including a variable display device for performing display corresponding to the content, wherein the game control circuit board and the variable display device are connected so that information can be communicated, and An error detecting means for detecting a communication error to the apparatus and a warning display means for displaying a predetermined warning according to the occurrence of the error detected by the error detecting means are provided.

In the invention according to claim 1 configured as described above, the error detecting means detects a communication error from the game control circuit board to the variable display device, and the error detecting means detects the communication error. The warning display means performs a predetermined warning display according to the generated error. That is, when the game control circuit board controls the game content, the display corresponding to the game content is performed on the variable display device, but at this time, when the communication from the game control circuit board to the variable display device is performed, The resulting communication error is displayed on the variable display device.

Here, the game mechanism can be a general pachinko game mechanism using a game ball, and can also be applied to a pachislot machine. As a game control circuit board, if it is a pachinko machine, one that detects the winning of a game ball to a predetermined winning opening and pays out a prize ball or controls a symbol matching game using a variable display device etc. I do. The present invention is also applicable to a pachislot machine using a variable display device, since information communication is performed from the game control circuit board to the variable display device.

The variable display device generally performs pattern matching display by dot matrix display, and can perform not only the original pattern but also an additional display in various modes. As a specific display element, a large number of independent L
The present invention can be applied to an arrangement in which EDs are arranged vertically and horizontally, an arrangement using a liquid crystal display plate, an arrangement using a CRT, and the like. In addition, display control is performed based on control signals from the game control circuit board, but it is not simply using the control signal as it is, but inputting data such as display control commands, interpreting this and displaying it. However, even if the control signal is used as it is, the present invention can be applied to a device having a function of appropriately modifying the control signal. Communication of information between the game control circuit board and the variable display device is preferable not only in one direction but also in a two-way case in that a communication error is displayed. That is, it is because the administrator can grasp whether the environment is such that no communication error occurs even in the two-way communication, or whether the environment frequently retransmits the communication error. However, one aspect of the present invention naturally includes a case where only one-way information communication from the game control circuit board to the variable display device is permitted. There is no way to detect the occurrence of an error, and the effect of the present invention is great.

The error detecting means detects an error in a control signal from the game control circuit board, and for example, the game control circuit board can make a determination based on the number of times the control signal is input. If the one-way communication is restricted on the game control circuit board, the same control signal is often repeatedly transmitted so that no abnormality occurs in the game control even if a communication error occurs. Therefore, if the same control signal should be received only twice, although the same control signal should be repeated three times, it can be detected that a communication error has occurred.

That is, when the game control circuit board transmits the same control signal a plurality of times and the variable display device operates on the premise that the same control signal is transmitted a plurality of times, the same control signal is transmitted. It is possible to detect a communication error on the assumption that is transmitted a plurality of times. In this sense, by providing the error detection means in the variable display device, the error detection means can be realized with a lean configuration only on the variable display device side.
Of course, other detections of communication errors are possible. For example, the variable display device obtains statistical information on the received control signal, and the game control circuit board side periodically transmits statistical data on the transmitted control signal. Then, the variable display device may compare and examine the statistical data with the statistical information obtained by itself to determine whether or not they match.

On the other hand, the warning display means displays a warning,
The display mode can be changed as appropriate. For example, the display mode may be selectable, and a separate communication error display screen may be displayed for the display of the normal game content, or the communication error content may be partially displayed while displaying the game content. May be. In the latter case, an error message or the like may be clearly displayed, or the message may be embedded in a part of the background screen. Also, the message may be displayed not only in general characters but also in a symbol so that the player does not know what it means. In this way, it is possible to prevent the game from being disturbed despite the fact that it is always displayed during the game. The warning display means may display another display element or the like, but can be easily realized by using a variable display device. That is, the warning means is configured to display on the variable display device, so that another display element is not required externally, and the configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated. Of course, it is also possible to use another display element or the like. For example, it is also possible to display an indicator provided on the back of the game board or on a management device remote from the game board. Furthermore, as long as the display is performed by another display element as described above, the variable display device is not limited to a device capable of displaying an arbitrary symbol, and can be applied to a gaming machine employing a mechanical symbol display device.

Further, a warning display can be made by means of erasing the screen, or the screen may be reduced in size. It is also possible to write a communication error on an information medium and read it by another device to receive a warning. In this case, the warning display corresponds to writing a communication error on a magnetic medium or the like. Needless to say, the method of displaying a communication error is not necessarily limited to a substantial device, and it can be easily understood that the method functions as the method. The invention in this case includes a predetermined game mechanism, a game control circuit board for controlling game contents in the game mechanism, and a variable display device for performing display corresponding to the game contents in the game mechanism. The board and the variable display device is a communication error display method in a gaming machine connected to be able to communicate information,
A configuration including an error detection step of detecting a communication error from the game control circuit board to the variable display device, and a warning display step of performing a predetermined warning display according to the occurrence of the error detected in the error detection step. Becomes Further, the idea of the invention is not limited to this, and software may be used, and the present invention naturally exists on a recording medium on which such software is recorded. The invention in this case comprises a predetermined game mechanism, a game control circuit board for controlling game contents in the game mechanism, and a variable display device for performing display corresponding to the game contents in the game mechanism. The board and the variable display device are a medium in which a communication error display program in a gaming machine connected to be able to communicate information is recorded, and an error for detecting a communication error from the game control circuit board to the variable display device. The configuration includes a detection step and a warning display step of performing a predetermined warning display according to the occurrence of an error detected in the error detection step.

Of course, the recording medium may be a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or any recording medium to be developed in the future. Also, the duplication stages of the primary duplicated product, the secondary duplicated product, and the like are equivalent without any question. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the case where the present invention is used even when the supply is performed using a communication line. further,
The concept of the present invention is not completely different even when part is software and part is realized by hardware, and part is stored on a recording medium and read as needed as needed. Such a form may be adopted.

[0015]

As described above, according to the present invention, since a communication error is detected and displayed, whether a communication error frequently occurs due to a large obstacle such as noise at the actual installation location, or whether the communication error occurs. It is easy to determine whether or not the environment is suitable for generating no error, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is effective for troubleshooting.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

In the figure, a rectangular frame-shaped front frame 11 is disposed in front of a pachinko gaming table 10, and various mechanisms are mounted on the front frame 11. When viewed from the front side, the metal frame 12 is formed, and the game board 13 can be visually recognized through the glass door frame 12a on the upper side, and the front plate 14 is arranged below the upper face 14a. Is supported. Further, below the metal frame 12, an operation handle 15 and a lower plate 16 are attached.

A prize ball tank 17 is supported on the upper side on the back side of the gaming table 10, and various game ball processing mechanisms including a mechanism plate 18a are mounted below the prize ball tank 17. Among them, a liquid crystal display unit 13a is arranged at the center rear side of the game board 13, and a prize ball collecting gutter 18b for collecting prize balls, a protective cover 18c, and the like are arranged on the periphery thereof. A mounting space 19 for mounting a game control circuit board box 20 for controlling the game console 10 is secured beside the liquid crystal display unit 13a, and the game control circuit board box 20 is mechanically attached to a bracket (not shown). In the state of being fixedly engaged with the
It will be housed and supported inside.

The game control circuit board box 20 is formed of a transparent resin in the shape of a box, accommodates the game control circuit board 21 therein, and leads out the cables connected to the game control circuit board 21 to the outside. The liquid crystal display unit 13a and the game control mechanism can be controlled. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. The game control circuit board 21 accommodated in the game control circuit board box 20 is equipped with a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, and sensors for detecting a winning ball classified by the type of winning port in the gaming mechanism. 2
2, an electric accessory 23, a prize ball payout device 24, and lamps 25 are connected. Then, the winning sphere is sent to the sensors 22.
, The prize ball is paid out for the winning by the prize ball payout device 24, the lamps 25 are blinked, and the electric accessory 23 is driven.

A liquid crystal display unit 13a is connected to the game control circuit board 21 via a communication cable 26. The liquid crystal display unit 13a includes a liquid crystal 13a1 and a display controller 13a2. The display controller 13a2 receives communication data from the game control circuit board 21 as described later, interprets the communication data, and generates an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal 13a1 based on the interpretation result. Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow of game control executed by the microcomputer of the game control circuit board 21, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show schematic flows of display control executed by the display controller 13a2.

The microcomputer of the game control circuit board 21 starts the execution of the flow shown in FIG. 4 when the power is turned on. The initialization is a process of setting initial values in various registers and the like, and subsequently, in step 110, the detection status of the sensors 22 is monitored. However, when monitoring the sensors 22, an interrupt is made at the time of winning, and a flag is set in the interrupt routine, while the main routine determines whether or not there is a winning based on the flag. ing.

In step 120, various judgments relating to game control are made by referring to the flag. For example,
Even if the winning is for the normal winning opening, the player only needs to drive the winning ball payout device 24 to pay out a predetermined number of winning balls. At the same time as the payout, a process such as performing a jackpot determination or determining a display symbol is performed. When a big hit occurs, the electric accessory 23 is driven to make it easier to win a prize. Of course, if there is a prize in parallel with these, the lamps 25 are flickered to improve the interest of the game.

The lamps 22, electric accessory 23, prize ball payout device 24, and lamps 25 are directly connected to the game control circuit board 21, and are directly driven or input. . However, data communication is performed with respect to the liquid crystal display unit 13a, and not the control signal representing the display screen on the liquid crystal 13a1, but the command data on which the display screen is generated is transmitted as the display control signal. By the way, it is not permitted to input a signal line from the outside to the game control circuit board 21 except for the sensors 22, and it is not possible to send an acknowledgment from the liquid crystal display unit 13 a even for command data. .
Therefore, the game control circuit board 21 cannot determine whether the command data has been correctly received by the liquid crystal display unit 13a.
At 0, the command data is transmitted three times.

On the other hand, the liquid crystal display unit 13a, which is a variable display device, waits for the input of the display control signal. FIG. 5 shows the processing of the microcomputer in the display controller 13a2. When the power is turned on, initialization is executed in step 200, and in step 210, it is monitored whether or not the display control signal has been input. If the input is made, an error monitoring process is executed in step 220. Originally, the same command data should have been transmitted three times in the display control signal. Therefore, step 220
Then, it monitors whether the same command data is input three times, ends two times, or ends once. Specifically, it is possible to wait for a certain period of time and determine whether or not the data has been received three times during that time. Alternatively, the transmission order is included in each command data, and the transmission order of the input command data is correctly set to “1”. , "2" and "3" may be determined.

If an error has occurred, it is indicated by a flag, and in the following step 230, the presence or absence of the error is determined based on the flag and the processing branches. That is, if there is no error, the screen display processing of step 250 is executed as it is, and if there is an error, the error information is updated in step 240 and the screen display processing of step 250 is executed. In the case of the present embodiment, the updating of the error information is a process of accumulating the total number of errors after the power is turned on, a process of updating the number of errors in the immediately preceding hour, and a process of updating the number of errors in the immediately preceding minute. These are stored as integer data in an internal register.

Then, with such preparations, step 2
At 50, a screen display process is executed. FIG. 6 shows the flow of this screen display processing. First, in step 300, it is determined whether or not to display system information. The system information display is a mode that can be selected by a control key (not shown) provided in the game control circuit board box 20. Normally, a mode other than the system display is selected. FIG. 7 shows a game screen for symbol matching in a normal state, in which numbers are displayed in symbols such as three houses, and when a prize is placed in the starting opening, each numerical value changes like a slot machine. It will be adjusted. If it is determined in step 300 that something other than the system display is selected, such a game screen is generated in step 310.

In the case of the normal screen display processing, the process is terminated. However, in the present embodiment, the error information is updated first, and in step 320, it is determined whether or not the error display is performed based on the error information. Is determined with reference to a predetermined flag. The setting of this flag may be set using an external switch, or may be selected by default. In the present embodiment, the error information is not displayed as such information itself, but is embedded and displayed in a symbol. Referring to FIG. 7, a clock is displayed on the roof of each house, and the time of the clock indicates an error. In this example, it is 1 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 9 o'clock from the left, and “139”
Alternatively, error information is represented by “1”, “3”, and “9”. Obviously, the display of the error information is not limited to such a clock display, but may be displayed by the number of decorations displayed outside the numerical value frame as shown in FIG. In any case, these are ordinary graphics that are not displayed to the player at all, even if they are normally displayed, and are sometimes displayed and sometimes not displayed. Even if an error is always displayed by embedding the information on the screen, the player cannot know the meaning of the error.

Of course, there are cases where it is not preferable that the player can always know if he or she wants to know. In such a case, the error display mode may be selected only when necessary. On the other hand, regardless of the presence or absence of the embedding of the error information, the display is performed by the liquid crystal display unit 13a in step 340, and if the system display is selected in step 300, the book after the system information screen is generated in step 350. At step 340, the system screen is displayed. FIG. 9 shows an example of the system screen. In addition to general information such as the number of jackpots and the number of winnings in the time immediately after the power is turned on, the total number of errors, the number of errors in the last hour, The number of errors per minute can be displayed.

In the above example, the error is monitored on the premise that the command data is transmitted three times. However, the error monitoring is not limited to this, and the statistics on the command data transmitted on the game control circuit board side are used. While seeking information,
The variable display device may also collect the received command data and compare them at appropriate intervals to monitor for errors. FIG. 10 shows a main part flow of such a game control circuit board, and FIG. 11 shows a main part flow of the corresponding variable display device.

In FIG. 10, steps 132 to 138 are added in place of step 130 in the flow shown in FIG. 4. In step 132, the display control signal is transmitted a predetermined number of times. Tally. In step 136, it is determined whether or not it is time to transmit the statistical data, which is the result of summing the transmission histories. Statistical data is not required for control, so it does not need to be sent very frequently.
An appropriate interval such as a degree may be provided.

On the other hand, on the variable display device side, FIG.
Instead of steps 220 to 240 shown in FIG.
Of steps 222 to 228 shown in FIG. When a control signal as command data is input, it is determined in step 222 whether it is statistical data,
If the data is not statistical data, the data is totaled as command data in step 228, and the screen display processing in step 250 is executed. However, when the statistical data is transmitted about once every three minutes, the process goes to step 22 through the determination of step 222.
In step 226, the contents of the statistical data transmitted in step 4 are compared with the statistical data calculated in step 4, and the error information is updated in step 226. Then, since the screen display processing of step 250 is executed, the screen display is performed based on the updated error information. Needless to say, the timing of transmitting the statistical data can be changed as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 4, since the display is controlled as described above, various drive signals are sent out at step 140 in order to pay out prize balls or blink the lamp in accordance with the display. In the present embodiment, the case where only one-way communication from the game control circuit board 21 to the liquid crystal display unit 13a is permitted is described, but it is not necessarily limited to this, as described above. For example, if an acknowledgment is not obtained even if data is transmitted from the game control circuit board 21 side, it is determined that a communication error has occurred, and this information is stored, and the error occurrence information is sorted out as appropriate. Output to the liquid crystal display unit 13a. As described above, the game control circuit board box 20 is moved to the liquid crystal display unit (variable display device).
When information is communicated to the device 13a, the occurrence of an error is monitored on the liquid crystal display unit 13a and displayed on the liquid crystal 13a1, so that the error frequently occurs even if the surface seems to be operating without any problem. It becomes possible to detect such an installation situation very easily.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a game control circuit board box and a variable display device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a game control circuit board.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the variable display device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a screen display process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen display in which error information is embedded in a game state screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen display in which error information is embedded in a game state screen in a modified example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen display of system information.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main part of a game control circuit board according to a modification.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main part of a variable display device according to a modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game table 11 ... Front frame 12 ... Gold frame 12a ... Glass door frame 13 ... Game board 13a ... Liquid crystal display unit 13a1 ... Liquid crystal 13a2 ... Display controller 14 ... Front plate 14a ... Upper plate 15 ... Operation handle 16 ... Lower plate 17 ... Premium ball tank 18a ... Mechanism plate 18b ... Winning ball collecting gutter 18c ... Protective cover 19 ... Mounting space 20 ... Game control circuit board box 21 ... Game control circuit board 22 ... Sensors 23 ... Electric accessory 24 ... Prize ball payout device 25 lamps 26 communication cable

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game control circuit board comprising: a predetermined game mechanism; a game control circuit board for controlling game contents in the game mechanism; and a variable display device for performing display corresponding to the game contents in the game mechanism. And the variable display device are gaming machines connected so that information can be communicated, and an error detection unit that detects a communication error from the game control circuit board to the variable display device, and the error detection unit A gaming machine comprising: warning display means for performing a predetermined warning display according to a detected error occurrence.