JP2000202134A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect and report the abnormal situation of a game machine such as a fault of a prize winning sensor and a passing-through sensor, the occurrence of ball jamming or the occurrence of an illegal behavior. SOLUTION: When a game ball enters a prize-winning port, a counter is counted up (step S30, S32) and when the game ball entered the prize-winning port passes through the prescribed position of an ejecting passage, the counter is counted down (step S34, S36). Thus, the difference between the number of the game balls entered the prize winning port and the number of the ejected game balls is known by a count value. Then, when the count value amounts to a prescribed value, an abnormal situation is reported (step S38, S40). When the abnormal situation is reported, it is possible to know that the occurrence of the fault of the prize winning sensor and the passing-through sensor, ball jamming, the illegal behavior, etc. At the time of specifying the cause of the abnormal situation and repairing it, the prize balls are precisely dispensed to prevent illegal dispensation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine and, more particularly, to a technique for notifying an abnormal situation such as a failure of a winning sensor or a passing sensor, the occurrence of a clogged ball, or the occurrence of a fraud.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or an arrangement ball machine, a winning sensor is provided in a winning opening, and a passing sensor is provided in a discharge passage. When there are a plurality of winning ports, a winning sensor is provided at a specific winning port, and no winning sensors are provided at other winning ports. That is, since a general pachinko machine pays out two or more types of prize balls (for example, 5 and 15), it is only necessary to detect a pachinko ball that pays out one of the prize balls. Then, after paying out one prize ball number (for example, 15) for the number of pachinko balls detected by the prize sensor among the number of winning pachinko balls, the other prize ball for each of the remaining pachinko balls is paid out. Pay out a number (for example, 5). For example, 10
Assume that three pachinko balls have won, of which three pachinko balls have won a particular winning opening. In this example, 15 prize balls for each of the three balls (ie, a total of 45 balls)
After the payout, five prize balls (i.e., a total of 21 balls) are paid out for seven balls.

[0003]

However, in a conventional gaming machine, if a winning sensor or a passing sensor fails or if a ball is clogged in a discharge passage due to a winning pachinko ball, payout of award balls is incorrectly performed. Become. Further, when the winning sensors are provided in all the winning ports, it is conceivable that an improper act such as replacement of the winning sensors is performed, and an illegal payout is performed. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and detects and notifies an abnormal situation of a gaming machine such as failure of a winning sensor or a passing sensor, occurrence of clogging of a ball, occurrence of an illegal act, and the like. Aim.

[0004]

Means for solving the problem 1 Means for solving the problem is as described in claim 1. here,
The terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention. (1) The number of “winning openings” may be one or more. (2) Similarly, the number of “discharge passages” may be one or plural. (3) "Abnormal situation" means a state in which a gaming machine cannot play a normal game, such as a failure of a winning sensor or a passing sensor, occurrence of clogging of a ball, or occurrence of an illegal act.

According to the means 1, the winning sensor outputs a winning signal when the game ball wins, and the passing sensor outputs a passing signal when the game ball passes. The counter receiving the winning signal or the passing signal output in this way increases or decreases the count value. Then, when the count value of the counter reaches a predetermined value, the notifying unit notifies an abnormal situation. When an abnormal situation is notified, it is known that a failure of the winning sensor or the passing sensor, the occurrence of a clogged ball, the occurrence of an illegal act, or the like has occurred in the gaming machine. If the cause of the abnormal situation is specified and repairs are performed, the prize balls can be correctly paid out, and illegal payout can be prevented.

[0006]

Means 2 for solving the problem Means 2 for solving the problem are as described in claim 2. here,
The term "required period" described in claim 2 is a predetermined or indefinite period, and the predetermined period includes a fixed period and a specified period. The fixed period is a period that cannot be changed by setting or the like, and the designated period is a period that can be changed by setting or the like.

[0007] According to the means 2, the timer receiving the winning signal starts counting time, and outputs an interrupt signal when a required period has elapsed. Then, the notifying unit that has received the interrupt signal output from the timer acquires the count value of the counter, and notifies an abnormal situation when the count value reaches a predetermined value.
That is, if the game ball that has passed the winning sensor does not pass the pass sensor within a required period, it is interpreted that an abnormal situation has occurred in the gaming machine. Since the occurrence of the abnormal situation is constantly monitored in this way, the occurrence of the abnormal situation can be quickly notified.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment 1] First, Embodiment 1 is an application of the present invention to a first-type pachinko machine, which is one of gaming machines, and will be described with reference to FIGS. The first embodiment is a mode in which an interrupt signal is received to perform abnormality determination.
Here, FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board surface of a first-type pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the counter processing, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the abnormality determination processing. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing changes over time of a winning signal, a passing signal, and the like.

First, on the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, a multifunction device 14, a large winning opening 38, a first type starting opening 80, a general winning opening, lamps 18 and the like are appropriately arranged. . Obstacles such as nails and windmills are not shown. The first type starting port 80 has a movable wing piece (so-called tulip), a starting port sensor 82, a solenoid 78, and the like. When a pachinko ball wins in the first kind starting port 80, a prize ball is paid out in the same manner as a normal winning port. The movable wing piece of the first type starting port 80 is opened and closed by a solenoid 78. The gate 30 has a gate sensor 32, and the gate 72 has a gate sensor 70. Pachinko balls at gates 30, 72
Does not pay out the prize ball, unlike the first type starting port 80. Here, the starting port sensor 82 is the first type starting port 8.
Pachinko balls that have won 0 are detected. Gate sensor 3
2 and 70 detect pachinko balls that have passed through the gates 30 and 72, respectively. Note that, for example, a proximity sensor, a microswitch, an optical sensor (a light emitting element and a light receiving element), or the like is used as the starting port sensor 82 and the gate sensors 32 and 70.

[0010] The big winning opening 38 is provided with a lid 50,
The lid 50 is opened and closed by a solenoid 60. The special winning opening 38 has a V zone 44 (specific area),
The V zone 44 has a V zone sensor 46. And, the pachinko ball is a big winning opening opening period (for example, 20 seconds)
When the player wins the game, the jackpot game is played a predetermined number of times (for example, 16
Round). A number display 48 is provided below the special winning opening 38, and the number display 48 displays the number of rounds using, for example, a 7-segment LED. A winning number display 54 is provided on the left and right sides of the special winning opening 38, and the winning number display 54 displays the winning number during the round using, for example, an LED. General winning ports include winning ports 17, 26, 34, 40, 64, 68, and 76.
Etc. are provided. The winning ports 40 and 64 are provided adjacent to the special winning port 38. The winning opening 17 has a winning opening sensor 16. Similarly, winning openings 26, 34, 40,
64, 68, and 76 are winning opening sensors 28, 36, respectively.
42, 62, 66, and 74. These winning opening sensors 16, 28, 36, 42, 62, 66, 74 are, for example, proximity sensors, microswitches, optical sensors (light emitting elements and light receiving elements), and the like. To detect.

The composite device 14 is also called a “center accessory”, and includes a holding ball lamp 22 for a special symbol, a normal symbol display 2
0, a special symbol display 24 and the like. Special symbol display 2
4 above, a predetermined number (for example, 4)
). The special design holding ball lamp 22 displays up to four pachinko balls that have won the first kind starting port 80 during the design change of the special design display 24. Normally, for example, a 7-segment LED is used for the symbol display 20.
It usually displays symbols (for example, alphanumeric characters and symbols). Normally, the symbol starts to fluctuate when a pachinko ball passes through the gates 30 and 72, and then stops. Then, when the stopped normal symbol matches the hit symbol (for example, “7”),
The movable wing piece of the first type starting port 80 opens for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds). It should be noted that the ordinary symbol display 20 may be another display capable of displaying ordinary symbols, such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT, an LED display, a plasma display, or the like. The special symbol display 24 uses, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays special symbols (for example, pictures, alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc.), decorative symbols, and the like. When a pachinko ball wins in the first-type start-up opening 80, the special symbol starts to fluctuate, and then stops and is displayed. In addition,
As the special symbol display 24, another display capable of displaying a special symbol or the like, such as a CRT, an LED display, or a plasma display, may be used. Further, a mode in which the normal symbol and the special symbol are displayed on the same display (for example, the special symbol display 24) may be adopted.

On the other than the game board surface 12, a lower plate for temporarily storing pachinko balls including award balls, an ashtray for holding cigarette butts, a speaker for producing sound effects and music, and a player's hand touching the handle. Touch sensor to detect whether or not
It has a metal frame sensor for detecting the opening of the glass frame. A display such as a light bulb or an LED is used for the lamps 18, and the display is not limited to the illustrated position but is disposed at an appropriate position according to the game content of the pachinko machine 10. Further, on the inner side of the pachinko machine 10, there is a collective path 58 indicated by a broken line.
The collecting passage 58 corresponds to a “discharge passage”, and the winning opening 17,
It is a passage for collecting pachinko balls B having won prizes on 26, 34, 40, 64, 68, 76, etc., and thereafter discharging the pachinko balls B.
The collecting path 58 has a passage sensor 56 for detecting the passage of the pachinko ball B.

Next, the configuration and operation of the main control unit for realizing a pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 includes:
It is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIG.
The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (processor) 110, a timer 102a, a ROM 104, a RAM 106, an input processing circuit 108, an output processing circuit 112, and a display control circuit 11.
4, a communication control circuit 116 and the like. The CPU 110
The pachinko game in the pachinko machine 10 is controlled according to a game control program stored in the ROM 104.
The game control program includes a program for implementing counter processing, abnormality determination processing, and the like, which will be described later. ROM1
04 stores various data for realizing a pachinko game, such as a jackpot value, in addition to the game control program. An EPROM is generally used for the ROM 104, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used. RAM 106 is a battery 107
The data is backed up and stored even if the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. The RAM 106
Stores various data such as a counter and various random numbers, or input / output signals. The RAM 106 includes a DRAM and an SR.
EEPROM that uses AM but does not require battery 107
Alternatively, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory may be used. Note that the ROM 104 and the RAM 106 correspond to recording media.

The timer 102a starts counting time in response to a command from the CPU 110, and outputs an interrupt signal INT to the CPU 110 after a designated period has elapsed. Further, the timer 102a outputs a count signal to change (increase or decrease) the random number value, and performs period management such as a symbol variation period. The input processing circuit 108 includes winning opening sensors 16, 28, 36, 42, 62, 66, 74 (shown as "winning opening sensors 16, 28, etc." in the figure), gate sensors 32, 70, V zone sensor 46, Each of the signals (for example, pulses) sent from the winning opening sensor 52, the passing sensor 56, the starting opening sensor 82, and the like is converted into a data format that can be processed in the main control unit 100.
18 to the CPU 110, the RAM 106, and the like. Hereinafter, the winning opening sensors 16, 28, 36, 42, 62, 6
6, 74, V zone sensor 46, special winning opening sensor 52,
A signal output from the starting port sensor 82 or the like is referred to as a “prize signal”.
Call. In addition, a signal output from the passage sensor 56 is called a “pass signal”, and a signal output from the gate sensors 32 and 70 is called a “gate signal”. The output processing circuit 112, which has received the operation data sent from the CPU 110 via the bus 118, performs signal conversion, outputs the signal to various operating devices, and operates the various devices. The various devices include devices provided in the pachinko machine 10, such as the solenoids 60 and 78.

The display control circuit 114 receives display data sent from the CPU 110 via the bus 118, and performs necessary display on the ordinary symbol display 20 and the special symbol display 24. Further, the display control circuit 114 controls the holding ball lamp 2
2 displays the number of lamps corresponding to the number of reserved balls (for example, 0 ≦ reserved ball number ≦ 4), displays the number of rounds on the number-of-times indicator 48, or turns on / off the lamps 18 as appropriate. And so on. Here, the number of reserved balls is the number of pachinko balls that have won the first-type starting port 80 while the special symbol is fluctuated and displayed on the special symbol display 24. The communication control circuit 116 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the frame control unit 300 (in addition to a hall computer or the like). Each of the above components is connected to the bus 118.

The frame control unit 300 is configured around a CPU similarly to the main control unit 100, and its contents are well known, so that detailed description is omitted. The frame control unit 300 controls firing of a pachinko ball required for performing a pachinko game, outputs sound effects, music, and the like from a speaker, or performs inspection of door opening by a metal frame sensor at an appropriate timing. . Also, the frame control unit 300 is electrically connected to the prize ball payout unit 200, and award a prize ball according to a communication command (prize ball command, payout command, etc.) received from the main control unit 100. This is performed for the ball payout unit 200. Prize ball payout part 2
Reference numeral 00 is mainly composed of a pulse motor, and the details thereof are publicly known, so that detailed description is omitted. The prize ball payout unit 20
0 pays out the pachinko balls stored in the ball tank and supplied through the passage by the number based on the commanded payout signal. In relation to the term "notifying means" described in the claims, the CPU 110, the special symbol display device 24, the lamps 18, the speaker, and the like correspond.

Next, a processing procedure for realizing the present invention in the pachinko machine 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In each of the count processing and the abnormality determination processing shown in these figures, the CPU 110 executes the game control program stored in the ROM 104 at an appropriate timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds) in the main control unit 100 shown in FIG. It is realized by doing. In this specification, “counting up” generally means increasing the count value by 1, but includes a case where the count value is increased by 2 or more as appropriate according to a game state or the like. In addition, "counting down" is the same as counting up except that the count value is reduced.

The counting process shown in FIG. 3 performs a process of increasing or decreasing the count value of the counter in accordance with an event in which a pachinko ball wins a winning opening or passes through a collective road. First, it is determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won a winning opening [Step S10]. The winning prize is a special winning prize 38, V zone 4
4. First kind opening 80, general winning opening 17, 26, 3
All winning ports except the out port, such as 4,40,64,68,76, can be applicable. In this case, the winning opening sensors 16, 28, 36, 42, 62, 66, 74 shown in FIG.
If a detection signal sent from the V zone sensor 46, the special winning opening sensor 52, the passing sensor 56, the starting opening sensor 82, or the like is received, it is determined that a winning is made (YES), and if no detection signal is received, no winning is made (NO). ). If the pachinko ball wins the winning opening (YES), the timer 1
02a is reset [Step S12], and the counter is counted up [Step S14]. Timer 1
More specifically, the reset of 02a sets the timing (for example, 7 seconds, hereinafter referred to as “interruption timing”) at which the interrupt signal INT is output after the timer 110 starts counting, and issues a command to start timing at the CPU 110. Bus 118 from
Through the timer 102a. The above-mentioned timing is a period (interval) longer than the time when a pachinko ball that has won one of the winning ports passes through the passage sensor 56 of the collecting path 58 unless an abnormal state occurs in the pachinko machine 10. In addition, since the number of pachinko balls to be won in the winning opening differs greatly between the normal game and the big hit game, the timing may be longer (for example, 10 seconds) in the big hit game. In the following description, the setting of the interrupt timing is simply referred to as “time setting”, and the command to start timing is referred to as “time counting command”. The counter initializes the count value with an initial value (for example, 0) at power-on or reset in advance, or counts up the current count value. On the other hand, if the pachinko ball has not won the winning opening (NO), the process proceeds to step S16 without doing anything.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the pachinko ball having won the winning opening has passed a predetermined position [Step S1].
6]. As shown in FIG. 1, the winning pachinko ball falls on the collecting path 58 and moves along the collecting path 58. In step S16, a determination is made based on whether or not the vehicle has passed through a passage sensor 56 provided at a predetermined position on the collecting path 58. That is, if the detection signal sent from the passage sensor 56 shown in FIG. 2 is received, it is determined that the signal has passed (YES), and if not, the signal is not passed (NO). If the pachinko ball passes through the passage sensor 56 (Y
ES), and count down the counter [Step S1
8], the counter processing ends. The countdown is normally performed with the same value as the countup in step S14, but may be performed with a different value. On the other hand, if the pachinko ball has not passed through the passage sensor 56 (NO), the counter processing ends without doing anything.

Next, when the interrupt timing set in step S12 is reached, the timer 102a outputs an interrupt signal INT to the CPU 110. Upon receiving the interrupt signal INT, the CPU 110 temporarily suspends the process currently being executed and executes the abnormality determination process. Hereinafter, specific processing contents of the abnormality determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. In the abnormality determination processing shown in FIG. 4, first, it is determined whether or not the count value of the counter has reached a first predetermined value (for example, count value ≧ 1) (step S20). Then, when the count value of the counter reaches the first predetermined value (YES), an abnormal state is notified [step S22], and the abnormality determining process ends. The first predetermined value may be a fixed value set in advance, or may be a specified value set by CPU 110. The notification of the abnormal state displays characters such as "occurrence of abnormality" and "Error" on the special symbol display 24, for example. The abnormal display allows a player or a person related to a hall (game hall) to recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine 10. In addition, as a notification method of the abnormal state,
It is not limited to a mode in which an abnormal situation is displayed on a display, but lamps 1
8 includes a mode of lighting in a specific lighting (including blinking) pattern, a mode of outputting a sound effect from a speaker, and a mode of stopping firing of a pachinko machine. Or you may notify by combining these aspects arbitrarily. On the other hand, when the count value of the counter has not reached the first predetermined value (NO in step S20), it is determined that the counter is normal, and the abnormality determination processing is terminated without doing anything.

Next, when the above-described count processing and abnormality determination processing are executed, temporal changes in the winning signal, the passing signal, the count value of the counter, and the like become a time chart as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In the example of FIG. 5, the pachinko ball has won one of the winning ports at time t10. At this time, the winning signal is output as a pulse, and the count value of the counter receiving the pulse counts up by one from the current value. This means that at times t16, t18, t26, t3
2, t34 and t36. The winning pachinko ball has passed through the passage sensor 56 of the collecting path 58 at time t12. At this time, the passing signal is output as a pulse, and the count value of the counter receiving the pulse counts down by one from the current value. This is the same for times t20, t22, and t28.

Further, the timer 102a receiving the winning signal at time t10 is stopped (shown as "OFF" in the figure).
From the time measurement state (indicated as “ON” in the figure), and starts measuring the time.
When the interrupt timing reaches 4, an interrupt signal INT is output. When the interrupt signal INT is output in this manner, the timer 1
02a returns to a stop state. This means that at time t16, t
18, t26, t32, t34, and t36, respectively, and the timer 102a operates at times t24 and t3.
An interrupt signal INT is output at 0 and t40. Note that time t
In the case of 16, t34, and t36, the game is in the timing state by receiving the winning signal, but receives the next winning signal before reaching the interrupt timing. At this time, the timer 102a starts counting again from the beginning, and does not output the interrupt signal INT.

Here, time t14, t24, t30, t4
Focusing on each interrupt timing of 0, it is at time t40 that the count value of the counter reaches the first predetermined value. Therefore, at time t40, step S22 of the abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 4 is executed, and an abnormal state is notified.
In this way, it is possible to notify a player or a person related to a game arcade of occurrence of an abnormal situation of the pachinko machine 10 such as failure of a winning sensor or a passing sensor, occurrence of clogging of a ball, occurrence of fraud, and the like. Normally, the pachinko ball that has won one of the winning ports passes through the passage sensor 56 of the collecting path 58 before reaching the interrupt timing. If the winning pachinko ball does not pass through the passage sensor 56 even after the elapse of the interrupt timing, whether the winning sensor or the passage sensor has failed, whether the ball has been clogged in each winning opening, the collective path 58, or the like, Alternatively, it can be interpreted that cheating has been performed or either. Since the cause of the occurrence of the abnormal situation can be specified by the person in the hall or the like looking at the pachinko machine 10, in the present invention, the occurrence of the abnormal situation is quickly notified.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the winning sensor outputs a winning signal when the pachinko ball (game ball) wins, and the passing sensor 56 outputs the passing signal when the pachinko ball passes. Output. Here, the winning sensors are winning opening sensors 16, 28, 36, 42, 62, 6
6, 74, V zone sensor 46, special winning opening sensor 52,
The starting port sensor 82 and the like correspond. The CPU 110 (notifying means) which receives the winning signal or the passing signal output through the input processing circuit 108 increases or decreases the count value of the counter. Then, when the count value of the counter reaches the first predetermined value (predetermined value) (Y in step S20 shown in FIG. 4).
ES), the CPU 110 reports an abnormal situation (step S22 shown in FIG. 4). When an abnormal situation is notified, it is known that a failure of the winning sensor or the passing sensor, the occurrence of clogged balls, the occurrence of illegal acts, etc. have occurred in the pachinko machine 10 (game machine). If the cause of the abnormal situation is specified and the repair is performed in this way, the payout of the prize balls can be accurately performed, and the illegal payout can be prevented. Further, in response to claim 2, the timer 102a receiving the winning signal starts counting time, and outputs an interrupt signal INT when an interrupt timing (required period; period Δt) based on the time setting elapses. And timer 1
CPU 1 that has received the interrupt signal INT outputted from
10 (notifying means) acquires the count value of the counter (step S20 shown in FIG. 4), and notifies an abnormal situation when the count value reaches the first predetermined value (step S22 shown in FIG. 4). That is, if the pachinko ball that has passed the winning sensor does not pass through the passing sensor 56 within the period Δt, it is interpreted that an abnormal situation has occurred in the pachinko machine 10. Since the occurrence of the abnormal situation is constantly monitored in this way, the occurrence of the abnormal situation can be quickly notified.

[Embodiment 2] Next, Embodiment 2 is an application of the present invention to a first-class pachinko machine as in Embodiment 1, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. I do.
The second embodiment is a mode in which abnormality determination is always performed irrespective of an interrupt signal. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the content of the abnormality determination processing. FIG. 7 is a time chart showing changes over time of a winning signal, a passing signal, and the like. In addition,
The configuration and the like of the pachinko machine 10 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, in the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described for the sake of simplicity.

The abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 6 is performed by the CPU 110 executing a game control program stored in the ROM 104 at an appropriate timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds) in the main control unit 100 shown in FIG. Is achieved. First, it is determined whether or not the pachinko ball has won the winning opening [Step S30], and if the pachinko ball has won the winning opening, the counter is counted up [Step S32]. Here, step S30 corresponds to step S10 in FIG. 3, and step S32 corresponds to step S14 in FIG. Further, it is determined whether or not the pachinko ball that has won the winning opening has passed a predetermined position [Step S3.
4] If the pachinko ball has passed the predetermined position, the counter is counted down [step S36]. Here, step S34 corresponds to step S16 in FIG.
6 respectively correspond to step S18 in FIG.

Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the counter has reached the second predetermined value (for example, count value ≧ 20) [Step S38]. If the count value of the counter has reached the second predetermined value, an abnormality is detected. Notify the status [Step S4
0]. Here, step S38 corresponds to step S20 in FIG.
Step S40 corresponds to step S22 in FIG. The second predetermined value may be a fixed value set in advance, or may be a specified value set by CPU 110. On the other hand, when the pachinko ball has not won the winning opening (NO in step S30), when the pachinko ball has not passed the predetermined position (NO in step S34), or when the count value of the counter has reached the second predetermined value. If not (NO in step S38), the process proceeds to the next step without doing anything.

When the above-described abnormality determination processing is executed, temporal changes in the winning signal, the passing signal, the count value of the counter, and the like become a time chart as shown in FIG. 7, for example. The winning signal and the passing signal are almost the same as in the example of FIG. 5 for easy comparison. In the example of FIG. 7, at times t10 and t1
6, t18, t26, t32, t34, t36, t38
, Each of the pachinko balls has won one of the winning holes. At this time, the winning signal is output as a pulse,
The count value of the counter receiving the pulse counts up one by one from the current value. The winning pachinko balls have passed through the passage sensors 56 on the collective road 58 at times t12, t20, t22, and t28, respectively. At this time, the passing signal is output as a pulse, and the count value of the counter receiving the pulse counts down by one from the current value.

However, from time t32 to time t38,
Pachinko ball won one of the winning openings,
8 has not passed through the passage sensor 56. Therefore, the count value of the counter gradually increases,
At time t36, the count value of the counter has reached the second predetermined value. Therefore, at time t36, step S40 of the abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 6 is executed, and an abnormal state is notified. In this way, it is possible to notify a player or a person related to a game arcade of occurrence of an abnormal situation of the pachinko machine 10 such as failure of a winning sensor or a passing sensor, occurrence of clogging of a ball, occurrence of fraud, and the like.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, a winning sensor outputs a winning signal when a pachinko ball (game ball) wins, and a passing sensor 56 outputs a passing signal when a pachinko ball passes. Output. Here, the winning sensors are winning opening sensors 16, 28, 36, 42, 62, 6
6, 74, V zone sensor 46, special winning opening sensor 52,
The starting port sensor 82 and the like correspond. The CPU 110 (notifying means) which receives the winning signal or the passing signal output through the input processing circuit 108 increases or decreases the count value of the counter. Then, when the count value of the counter reaches the second predetermined value (predetermined value) (Y in step S38 shown in FIG. 6).
ES), the CPU 110 reports an abnormal situation (step S40 shown in FIG. 4). When an abnormal situation is notified, it is known that a failure of the winning sensor or the passing sensor, the occurrence of clogged balls, the occurrence of illegal acts, etc. have occurred in the pachinko machine 10 (game machine). If the cause of the abnormal situation is specified and the repair is performed in this way, the payout of the prize balls can be accurately performed, and the illegal payout can be prevented.

[Embodiment 3] Next, Embodiment 3 is one in which the present invention is applied to a first-class pachinko machine as in Embodiment 1, and will be described with reference to FIGS. I do. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which abnormality determination is mainly performed by hardware. Here, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the abnormality determination unit. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing temporal changes of a winning signal, a passing signal, and the like. The configuration of the pachinko machine 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, in the third embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described for the sake of simplicity.

The configuration of the control unit shown in FIG. 8 is different from the configuration of the control unit shown in FIG. 2 in the following point. First, an abnormality determining unit 102b is provided instead of the timer 102a. The abnormality determination unit 102b is configured by hardware such as a logic circuit, and an example of the configuration is illustrated in FIG. Second, the signals output from some of the sensors are input to the abnormality determination unit 102b, and the signals output from all the sensors are input to the input processing circuit 1.
08. Some sensors are winning opening sensor 1
6, 28, 36, 42, 62, 66, 74, the V zone sensor 46, the special winning opening sensor 52, the starting opening sensor 82, and the like.

Next, an example of the configuration of the abnormality determining unit 102b will be described with reference to FIG. The abnormality determination unit 10
2b has a counter 150 and a timer 152.
The timer 152 sets the interrupt timing according to the time setting received from the CPU 110 via the bus 118, and starts counting the time according to the timekeeping command. Then, when the timer reaches the interrupt timing after starting to count, the timer 152 outputs a determination signal to the counter 150. The counter 150
The count value is initialized to an initial value (for example, 0) according to a reset signal received from the PU 110 via the bus 118. The counter 150 counts up the count value in response to the winning signal, and counts down the count value in response to the passing signal. Then, upon receiving the determination signal from the timer 152, it is determined whether or not the current count value has reached a third predetermined value (for example, count value ≧ 1). If the current count value has reached the third predetermined value, Set the interrupt signal INT to C
Output to PU110. Note that the third predetermined value may be a preset fixed value or a designated value set from CPU 110.

Next, in the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, the CPU 110 transmits a reset signal to the counter 150 and transmits a reset signal to the timer 152 and a time setting command to the timer 152 in an initialization process performed at the time of power-on or reset. To communicate. Then, the CPU 110, which has received the interrupt signal INT from the counter 150 during the pachinko game, executes step S22 shown in FIG. 4 (or step S40 shown in FIG. 6) to notify an abnormal state. This will be described with reference to a time chart shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, similarly to the example of FIG. 5, the times t10, t16, t18, t26, t3
At 2, t34 and t36, the pachinko ball has won one of the winning ports. At this time, the winning signal is output as a pulse, and the counter 150 receiving the pulse receives the signal.
Increments the count value by one from the current value.
Also, the winning pachinko balls are at times t12, t20, t2.
2 and t28, the passage sensor 5 of the collective path 58
Passing 6 At this time, the passing signal is output as a pulse, and the counter 150 receiving the pulse counts down the count value by one from the current value.

Further, at times t10, t16, t18, t
The timer 152 that has received the winning signal at 26, t32, t34, and t36 is stopped (“OF” in the figure).
F ”) to a timing state (indicated as“ ON ”in the figure) and start timing, and times t14 and t2 at which an interrupt timing (required period; period Δt) based on the time setting has elapsed.
At t4, t30, and t40, when the interrupt timing is reached, a determination signal is output (shown as "OVER" in the figure), and thereafter, the operation returns to the stop state. The counter 150 receiving the determination signal determines the current count value, and at time t40 when the count value reaches the third predetermined value, the interrupt signal INT
Is output. Since the abnormal state is notified at time t40 in this manner, the fact that an abnormal state of the pachinko machine 10 such as the failure of the winning sensor or the passing sensor, the occurrence of clogging of the ball, the occurrence of fraud, etc. is notified to the player or the playground. It is possible to notify related persons and the like. At times t16, t34, t3
The change at 6 is similar to the example of FIG.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the winning sensor outputs a winning signal when a pachinko ball (game ball) wins, and the passing sensor 56 outputs a passing signal when the pachinko ball passes. Output. The counter 150 that has received the winning signal or the passing signal output in this way increases or decreases the count value. The timer 152 is provided by the CPU 11
The timer starts counting from 0, and outputs a discrimination signal to the counter 150 when the time set interrupt timing is reached. Then, the counter 150 receiving the determination signal
When the current count value reaches a third predetermined value (predetermined value), the CPU 110 (notifying means) notifies an abnormal situation.
When the abnormal situation of the pachinko machine 10 is notified in this way, it can be understood that the failure of the winning sensor or the passing sensor, the occurrence of clogging of the ball, the occurrence of fraud, etc. have occurred in the pachinko machine 10.
If the cause of the abnormal situation is identified and repaired,
Prize balls can be paid out accurately, and illegal payout can be prevented. Further, in response to claim 2, the timer 152 that has received the timing command starts counting time, and when an interrupt timing by time setting is reached (after a required period has elapsed),
The determination signal is output to the counter 150. The counter 150 that has received the determination signal outputs an interrupt signal INT to the CPU 110 when the current count value reaches a third predetermined value.
Then, the CPU 110 that has received the interrupt signal INT notifies an abnormal situation. That is, if the pachinko ball that has passed the winning sensor does not pass through the passing sensor 56 before reaching the interrupt timing after the timer 152 starts counting time, it is interpreted that an abnormal situation has occurred in the pachinko machine 10. Since the occurrence of the abnormal situation is constantly monitored in this way, the occurrence of the abnormal situation can be quickly notified.

In the third embodiment, the counter 150 determines whether or not the current count value has reached the third predetermined value. Instead of this mode, the following modes (a1) and (a2) can be implemented. Even in these modes, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

(A1) The configuration of the abnormality determining unit 102b shown in FIG. 9 is changed to the configuration shown in FIG. In this configuration example, the abnormality determination unit 102b includes the counter 160 and the abnormality determination circuit 16
2. It has a timer 164. That is, the counter 15
An independent abnormality determination circuit 162 is provided separately from the abnormality determination function at 0. The timer 164 sets the interrupt timing according to the time setting received from the CPU 110 via the bus 118, and starts counting the time according to the timekeeping command. Then, when the timer reaches the interrupt timing after starting to count the time, the timer 164 outputs a determination signal to the abnormality determination circuit 162. The counter 160 initializes the count value to an initial value according to a reset signal received from the CPU 110 via the bus 118. The counter 160 counts up the count value in response to the winning signal, and counts down the count value in response to the passing signal. Further, the counter 16
A value of 0 outputs the current count value to the abnormality determination circuit 162. The abnormality determination circuit 162 operates upon receiving the determination signal, and determines whether the current count value has reached the third predetermined value. If the current count value has reached the third predetermined value, the abnormality determination circuit 162 outputs the interrupt signal INT to the CPU 11.
Output to 0.

(A2) The configuration of the abnormality determining unit 102b shown in FIG. 9 is changed to the configuration shown in FIG. That is, the abnormality determining unit 102b includes the timer 170 and the counter 172.
The counter 172 initializes the count value to an initial value according to a reset signal received from the CPU 110 via the bus 118. The counter 172 counts up the count value in response to the winning signal, and counts down in response to the passing signal. The timer 170 is a CPU
The interrupt timing is set according to the time setting received from 110 via the bus 118, and time counting is started according to the time counting command. Then, when the timer reaches the interrupt timing after starting to count, the timer 170 outputs an interrupt signal INT to the CPU 110. Upon receiving the interrupt signal INT, the CPU 110 executes the abnormality determination process shown in FIG. In step S20, the CPU 110 acquires the current count value from the counter 172, and determines whether the count value has reached the third predetermined value.

[Embodiment 4] Next, Embodiment 4 is an application of the present invention to a first-class pachinko machine as in Embodiment 1, and will be described with reference to FIGS. I do. In the fourth embodiment, a prize ball is paid out when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off during the game. Here, FIG. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the collective path 58. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a power shutoff process, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a power return process. Since the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described in the fourth embodiment to simplify the description.

13 (A) and 13 (B), a solenoid 84 is provided in the collecting passage 58 on the upstream side of the passage sensor 56. The operation of the solenoid 84 is controlled by the main control unit 100 shown in FIG. 2, and has a shutter 84a which moves forward and backward by the control. That is, the shutter 84a is in an open state in which the pachinko ball B shown in FIG.
Is switched to a closed state in which the pachinko ball B shown in FIG. Further, the shutter 84a is set to an open state during the pachinko game, and is set to a closed state while the power is shut off. Therefore, when the power supply is cut off, the solenoid 84 is closed.
It is desirable to use In addition, the shutter 84a implements a closing member described later.

Next, a process performed by the main control unit 100 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off during a game will be described with reference to FIGS. here,
FIG. 14 shows the contents of the power shut-off process performed when the power is shut off, and FIG. 15 shows the contents of the power restoring process performed when the power is restored thereafter.

In the power-off process shown in FIG. 14, first, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, the data stored in the RAM 106 is saved and stored (step S50). The data to be stored includes at least data for continuing the pachinko game after the power is restored (especially prize ball data relating to payout of prize balls). The winning ball data includes the number of unpaid winnings corresponding to the number of winning balls. For example, the number of award balls is 6
If the number is 10, 10 or 15, the number of unpaid prizes for 6 prize balls, the number of prizes unpaid for 10 prize balls, and the number of unpaid prizes for 15 prize balls And save respectively. Note that the RAM 106 is backed up by the battery 107 or the RAM 106
If a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory is used, the process in step S50 is unnecessary.
Thereafter, the shutter 84a is set to the closed state shown in FIG. 13B (step S52), and the power cutoff process ends.
Any solenoid 84 that closes the shutter 84a when the power is cut off may be used. Not limited to this mode, the shutter 84a may be closed using electric power stored in a battery, a capacitor, or the like in advance when power is supplied.

In the power restoration process shown in FIG. 15, first, the data saved in step S50 is restored [step S6
0]. When the RAM 106 is backed up by the battery 107 or when a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory is used as the RAM 106, the processing in step S60 is unnecessary. And shutter 8
4a to the open state shown in FIG. 13 (A) [Step S6
2], count the number of unpaid winnings [Step S6
4]. Here, while counting the number of unpaid winnings, it is desirable to prevent the pachinko balls from being fired even if the player operates the steering wheel, in order to avoid confusion with the pachinko balls winning after returning. Then, step S6
If the count number counted in step 4 is 1 or more (YES in step S66), prize balls are paid out for all the prize balls in accordance with the unpaid winning numbers [steps S68, S
70, S72], and the power return process ends. In the above example, the prize balls are paid out for the number of unpaid prize balls for 15 prize balls, the prize balls are paid for the prize balls for 10 prize balls, and the unpaid prize number for 6 prize balls. Only pay out prize balls. In this payout order, many prize balls can be performed in a shorter time, but the order of the number of prize balls is arbitrary. In the power return process shown in FIG. 15, a prize ball is paid out within the range of the count number counted in step S64.
The prize ball may be paid out based on the prize ball data returned in step S60. If the count number counted in step S64 is 0 (N in step S66)
O), the power return process is terminated without paying out the prize balls.

In the conventional pachinko machine, when the power is cut off, R
Since the data stored in the AM 106 is lost, the prize balls cannot be paid out, or even if the prize balls can be paid out, the number of unpaid winnings with respect to the number of prize balls is not known. Also, the pachinko game cannot be continued in the game state at the time of power-off. According to the fourth embodiment, not only when the power is cut off for repair or the like, but also when a power failure or instantaneous interruption (a phenomenon in which the power is shut off momentarily) occurs during a game, the number of unpaid winnings is more accurate. Award balls can be paid out. Further, since the data necessary for the pachinko game is stored, the pachinko game can be continued in the gaming state at the time of power-off after the power is restored. Further, the fourth embodiment can be applied to the first to third embodiments. In this case, the pachinko machine 10
In addition to the notification of the abnormal state that has occurred, the pachinko game can be continued in the game state when the prize ball is paid out or the power is cut off accurately.

[Other Embodiments] The above-described pachinko machine 1
In 0 (gaming machine), the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied may be implemented. (1) In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of these forms, other types of pachinko machines and gaming machines other than pachinko machines having a winning sensor and a passing sensor (for example, arrange ball machines, game machines, etc.)
The present invention can be similarly applied to Even with these gaming machines, an abnormal state that has occurred in the gaming machine can be notified. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the pachinko game can be continued in the gaming state when the prize ball is paid out or the power is cut off.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, one winning sensor is provided for each winning opening. Instead of this mode, a plurality of winning sensors may be provided for each winning opening. It is more desirable to use different types of sensors (for example, a proximity sensor and an optical sensor) as the plurality of winning sensors provided in each winning opening. When a plurality of winning sensors are connected in parallel, it is possible to further reduce non-payment of a prize ball due to occurrence of a failure of the winning sensor. Further, signals output from the plurality of winning sensors are digitized by A / D conversion, and a logical product and a logical sum are obtained. If all the winning sensors are normal, the logical product and logical sum match,
If a failure or the like occurs in any of the winning sensors, the logical product and the logical sum do not match. Therefore, it is possible to detect that a failure or the like has occurred in the winning sensor based on whether the logical product and the logical sum match. By specifying the winning sensor in which a failure or the like has occurred in this way and informing the gaming field related person or the like, repairs and the like become easy.

(3) The pachinko machine 10 (game machine) may have means for detecting clogged balls. As the means, for example, a detection sensor is provided in a discharge passage at a portion where ball clogging is likely to occur, and a signal detection process for detecting whether or not a signal is continuously output from the detection sensor for a predetermined period (for example, one minute). Execute Specifically, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are provided as detection sensors, and light is emitted from the light-emitting element at regular intervals (for example, 5 seconds), and reflected light reflected on a clogged pachinko ball (game ball) is reflected by the light-receiving element. Try to catch. When it is determined in the signal detection process that the signal has been continuously output from the detection sensor for a predetermined period, a notification is given to a person related to the game arcade. In this way, it is known to amusement arcade related persons that the pachinko machine 10 is clogged with balls,
Subsequent measures become easier. It is more preferable to combine this with the identification of the winning sensor in which the failure or the like has occurred in the above (2). That is, when no failure or the like occurs in the winning sensor and no clogging of the ball occurs, it can be determined that the player has committed an improper act. At this time, if a person related to the amusement arcade is notified that the wrongdoing has been performed, the subsequent measures are facilitated.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the timer 1
A hardware timer such as 02a or a timer 152 was used. Instead of this mode, a software timer that operates in the same manner as the timer using the CPU 110 may be used. Further, it is more preferable to record and save the elapsed time from the start of counting by the hardware timer and the software timer on a recording medium. As a recording medium, in addition to the RAM 106, the RAM of the prize ball payout unit 200
Magnetic memory (hard disk, magneto-optical disk, flexible disk, etc.), cards (prepaid card, IC card, paper card, etc.) Etc.) or printed matter on which characters and symbols are printed. This allows the pachinko machine 10 to continue operating from the elapsed time saved after the power is restored, not only when the power is cut off for repair or the like, but also when a power failure or momentary interruption occurs during the game. For this reason, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine 10 even if the power is shut off.

(5) Pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment
In the pachinko machine 10 according to the second embodiment, the abnormality is always determined irrespective of the interrupt signal. One pachinko machine 10 may perform a mode of performing the abnormality determination in response to the interrupt signal and a mode of performing the abnormal determination at all times. In a normal game, the number of pachinko balls winning in the winning opening is relatively small, and in a jackpot game, the number of pachinko balls winning in the winning opening is relatively large.
For this reason, for example, in a normal game, an abnormality is determined by receiving an interrupt signal, and in a big hit game, an abnormality is always determined. In this way, an abnormal state that can occur in the pachinko machine 10 can be determined more reliably.

[0051]

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. This embodiment includes not only the embodiments of the invention described in the claims but also other embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be enumerated below, and related description will be given as necessary.

[Aspect 1] In the gaming machine described in claim 1, when the power is turned off, the current gaming state and / or
Or a gaming machine that stores prize ball data on a recording medium. [Relevant Description of Aspect 1] According to the present aspect, since the current game state and / or prize ball data is stored in the recording medium, when the power is restored, the game and payout of prize balls are performed using the data. Can be. Therefore, even if the power is cut off, the game can be continued after the return and the prize ball can be paid out more accurately.

[Embodiment 2] A gaming machine according to Embodiment 2, further comprising a closing member provided in the discharge passage and closing the discharge passage when power is cut off. [Related Description of Mode 2] According to this mode, when the power supply is cut off, the closing member closes the discharge passage, so that the winning game balls can be stored. Then, by returning the prize balls by the number of the winning game balls after the power is restored, the payout of the prize balls can be performed more accurately.

[0054]

According to the present invention, it is possible to detect and notify an abnormal situation of a gaming machine such as a failure of a winning sensor or a passing sensor, a clogged ball, or an illegal action.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board surface of a first-class pachinko machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of a counter process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the content of an abnormality determination process.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing temporal changes of a winning signal, a passing signal, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the content of an abnormality determination process.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing temporal changes of a winning signal, a passing signal, and the like.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an abnormality determination unit.

FIG. 10 is a time chart showing temporal changes of a winning signal, a passing signal, and the like.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an abnormality determination unit.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an abnormality determination unit.

FIG. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a collective path.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a power cutoff process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a power return process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 26, 34, 40, 64, 68, 76 Winning opening 28, 36, 42, 62, 66, 74 Winning opening sensor 38 Large winning opening 56 Passage sensor 58 Assembly path (discharge passage) 100 Main Control unit 102a Timer 104 ROM 106 RAM 107 Battery 110 CPU 200 Prize ball payout unit 300 Frame control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Koji Tsuchikawa No. 1 Nishinokawa, Okimura, Nishiharu-cho, Nishi-Kasugai-gun, Aichi F term in Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. 2C088 BA09 BC45 BC53 CA08 CA28

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A winning sensor provided in a winning opening and outputting a winning signal when a game ball wins, and a discharging passage provided in a discharging passage for discharging a winning game ball from the winning opening. A gaming machine comprising: a passing sensor that outputs a signal; a counter that increases or decreases a count value in response to a winning signal and a passing signal; and a notifying unit that notifies an abnormal situation when the count value of the counter reaches a predetermined value. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a timer that starts counting time when a winning signal is received, and outputs an interrupt signal when a required period has elapsed after receiving the winning signal. The means is a gaming machine that receives the interrupt signal output from the timer and acquires the count value of the counter.