JP2001113013A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of being easily inspected on whether a various game operation device reliably makes a prescribed operation or not in a verification test at a verification agency and on whether it is fraudulently modified or not at a market. SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with the game operation device operated according to the game state and a control device controlling the game operation device. The game machine is also provided with an auxiliary control device for controlling the operation of the game operation device with the control signal from the control device, and a data output circuit 53 is provided at least on one of the control device and the auxiliary control device. The image display control board 50 of the variable display device 11 of the game machine is provided with the data output circuit 53 outputting the inspection data for inspecting the content of the output of the variable display device 11. Since the data output circuit 53 is provided, this game machine can be electrically connected to an inspection apparatus simply by a cable or the like, and an inspection can be simplified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine equipped with a game operation device that operates according to the state of a game, and a control device for controlling the game operation device. And a pachinko game machine equipped with a variable display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a game machine equipped with a game operation device such as an electric decoration device, a sound output device, and a variable display device, and a control device for controlling the game operation device has become widespread.

[0003] As such a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine is known. In a pachinko gaming machine, when a player fires a pachinko ball and wins a predetermined winning opening, the control device is set to a predetermined probability. A lottery lottery is performed, a control signal is output to each game operation device, a symbol displayed on the variable display device is changed, an electric decoration device is blinked, and a sound output device is configured to output a sound effect, Gives the glamor of pachinko games.

In such a pachinko gaming machine, since the lottery drawing by the control device must not be wrong, in order to put the pachinko gaming machine on the market, it is generally necessary to pass a certification test at a certification organization. And
Further, after the device is put on the market, a control device or mechanism for preventing unauthorized modification in the market is mounted.

[0005]

However, the performance of pachinko gaming machines in recent years has become complicated and sophisticated in order to improve the playability, and complicated image display, various illuminations, and sound output have been required. In order to cope with the complicated prize device operation and the like, some game operation devices are provided with dedicated control devices as control means for controlling each game operation device. Therefore, at the above-mentioned certification organization, a wide variety of inspections will be performed on the performance of pachinko gaming machines, so as a pachinko gaming machine development manufacturer, of course, we will develop pachinko gaming machines that are attractive to gaming stores and players In addition, there is a demand for the development of a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a function capable of reliably and easily checking the performance of the pachinko gaming machine. Further, it is not always clear how the pachinko gaming machine actually put on the market is handled, and there is a long-felt need for a detection means that can easily determine whether or not the pachinko gaming machine has been tampered with.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine having a game operation device that operates in accordance with the state of a game and a control device for controlling the game operation device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of easily performing an inspection as to whether or not a predetermined operation is reliably performed, and an inspection as to whether or not an unauthorized modification is performed in a market.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a game machine according to the present invention includes a game operation device that operates according to a game state, and a control device that controls the game operation device. And a data output means for outputting inspection data for inspecting the contents of the output of the gaming operation device.

Here, as the game operation device, for example, in the case of a pachinko game machine, a variable display device installed at the center of the game board, an electric decoration device provided around the game board, and a sound effect during the game. An audio output device or the like for outputting is conceivable.

The data output means outputs inspection data for inspecting the contents of the electric signals to be output from these game operation devices. For example, in the case of a variable display device, an image output signal is output. Is output as test data, and if the device is a sound output device, a sound output signal is output as test data.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention further comprises an auxiliary control device for controlling the operation of the gaming operation device in accordance with a control signal from the control device, and at least one of the control device and the auxiliary control device. It is characterized in that one of the devices is provided with the data output means.

Here, the auxiliary control device directly controls the operation of the above-mentioned game operation device, and may be integrated with the electric device as a unit or may be individually attached to the game machine. Is also good.

According to the present invention, since the gaming machine is provided with the data output means, the output signal output to each gaming operation device can be easily used as the inspection data, and can be easily used by the inspection organization. Easily determine whether each gaming device is performing a predetermined operation during the certification test and whether the gaming machine has been tampered with in the market without checking the operation of each gaming device itself. can do.

In the above, the game operation device is a variable display device for displaying a predetermined symbol based on a control signal from a control device, and the data output means outputs inspection data of the variable display device. Preferably, it is

Here, the variable display device is constituted by a plurality of drums having a plurality of types of symbols formed on a surface thereof.
Based on a control signal from the control device, such a drum is rotated to display a combination of predetermined symbols, or on a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel based on a control signal from the control device. It is conceivable that a predetermined symbol is configured to be displayed as an image.

That is, the above-mentioned variable display device is an important part of a pachinko gaming machine for displaying the result of a lottery drawing by a control device. A control signal for displaying a symbol is composed of a large number of data. In order to check whether each game operation device such as a variable display device is performing a predetermined operation at the time of the certification test in the above and whether there is any unauthorized modification in the market thereafter, all data must be inspected . In particular, when the variable display device includes an image display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays a symbol as an image based on a control signal, and an image display control unit that drives and controls the image display unit, Since the image display control unit outputs a display output signal to the image display unit, the data becomes enormous. Therefore, in such a variable display device, by providing the data output unit, it is possible to perform the same inspection as checking the output image itself of the variable display device by checking the data output from the data output unit. Therefore, inspection can be greatly facilitated.

The data output means is preferably provided in a variable display device.

That is, since the data output means is provided in the variable display device, both can be handled integrally, and the inspection work can be simplified.

Further, when the variable display device includes an image display unit and an image display control unit, the data output unit is provided on an image display control board constituting the image display control unit. Is preferred.

With this configuration, it is not necessary to use a harness or the like in the electrical connection between the image display control unit on the image display control board and the circuit element constituting the data output means, so that the wiring can be simplified. Further, since the size of the variable display device does not increase in the thickness direction, the thickness of the variable display device can be reduced.

Further, the image display control board forming the image display control section and the data output board forming the data output means may be formed as separate circuit boards.

That is, since the data output means is necessary only at the time of inspection without being directly related to the progress of the game of the gaming machine, the data output means is installed on the gaming machine only at the time of inspection by configuring as a separate circuit board. In the case of mass production after the inspection, the production can be performed without the data output means, so that the production cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. In addition, since the circuit elements constituting the data output unit can be physically separated from other parts by being provided separately, the circuit characteristics of the data output board against noise, static electricity, and the like can be improved. . Further, since the size of the image display control board, which has been increased due to the complicated display function, can be avoided, a compact variable display device can be configured.

The data output board includes an image output signal obtaining circuit for obtaining an image output signal output from the image display control board, and an image output signal obtained by the image output signal obtaining circuit. It is preferable to employ a data output board provided with an image output signal connector for outputting.

That is, since the data output board can be configured with the minimum necessary configuration of the image output signal acquisition circuit and the image output signal connector, the structure of the data output board can be easily simplified and downsized. Also, by integrating the output function of the inspection data on one board as described above, it is possible to standardize the board as an inspection board, and easily inspect various kinds of gaming machines using the data output means according to the present invention. be able to.

It is preferable that the data output board and the image display control board are directly electrically connected by connection terminals provided respectively.

That is, by being directly connected by the connection terminals as described above, these substrates can be stored without taking up space on the back surface side of the variable display device. Also,
At the time of electrical connection, wiring by a harness or the like is eliminated, so that the wiring is not complicated, and the influence of noise and the like can be reduced.

Further, the above-mentioned image display control board performs a central processing unit (CPU) for arithmetically processing a control signal from the control unit, and a display output to an image display unit based on the control signal from the central processing unit. When a display control integrated circuit (display control IC) for outputting a signal is provided, it is preferable that the data output board is disposed near the CPU and the display control IC.

That is, in the image display control board, as an image output signal serving as inspection data, there is a display output signal for displaying a design on an image display section based on a jackpot signal or the like from a control device. Is passed between the CPU and the display control IC. Therefore, by arranging the data output board near the CPU and the display control IC, the image output signals required for these inspections can be easily taken out using the wiring on the board. The arrangement of the acquisition signal lines is simplified, the increase in the size of the image display control board can be minimized, and the influence of noise and the like can be reduced.

The data output board described above is preferably arranged at a position that does not hide circuit elements provided on the image display control board when the variable display device is viewed from the back.

That is, since the data output board is disposed at a position not concealing the circuit elements of the image display control board as described above, unauthorized modification or the like by exchanging the circuit elements on the image display control board can be prevented. Can be easily checked.

The relative positions of the data output board, the image display control board, and the image display section of the variable display device may be as follows.

(1) It is conceivable that the image display control board and the data output board are arranged substantially orthogonally to each other on the back surface of the image display section.

That is, since the data output board is arranged so as to be hard to cover the circuit elements on the image display control board by the substantially orthogonal arrangement, it is easy to check the above-mentioned illegal modification by replacing the circuit elements. ,preferable. Also,
If one of the two substrates is arranged along the display surface of the image display unit, the other substrate is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the display surface. Therefore, although the two substrates are combined, the external dimensions in the direction along the display surface can be reduced, and both substrates can be compactly stored in the variable display device.

(2) When the image display control board and the data output board are arranged substantially orthogonal to each other, the data output board may be arranged so as to overlap the surface of the image display control board.

That is, by arranging in this manner, the data output board can be arranged on the image display control board surface so as not to protrude, so that the outer shape in the direction along the display surface of the image display section is provided. The size can be further reduced, which is more preferable in terms of space saving. Further, as described above, when the data output board is to be arranged near the central processing unit (CPU) or the display control integrated circuit (display control IC) on the image display control board, the CPU or the display control IC is used. The data output board can be arranged in close proximity.

(3) It is conceivable to arrange the data output board substantially at right angles to the display surface of the image display unit.

That is, by arranging in this manner, the outer shape of the variable display device in the direction along the display surface of the image display unit can be reduced, so that when the variable display device is mounted on the back of the game board, space is required. I will not take it.

(4) It is conceivable to arrange the data output board substantially in parallel with the image display control board.

That is, by arranging in this manner, the dimension in the thickness direction of the variable display device orthogonal to the display surface of the image display unit can be reduced, so that the variable display device can be easily made thinner. Even when the back surface of the variable display device is covered with a transparent case or the like, the case does not become unnecessarily large or the shape does not become complicated.

Further, when the data output board is arranged substantially parallel to the image display control board, the data output board is arranged at a position where the circuit elements on the image display control board are not concealed. It is possible to immediately confirm whether or not tampering has been performed by the exchange.

In the case where the variable display device has a fluorescent tube arranged as a back light source on the back of the image display unit constituting the variable display device, the above-described data output means operates from the terminal portion of the fluorescent tube. It is preferred that they are spaced apart.

That is, if the data output means is arranged apart from the terminal portion of the fluorescent tube, the insulation distance from the high-voltage terminal portion can be increased. Therefore, by arranging the data output means in this way, it is possible to make the data output means less susceptible to high-frequency noise generated at the terminal portion of the rear light source, and to output appropriate inspection data from the data output means.

In particular, when the data output board is arranged substantially parallel to the image display control board, the data output board may be arranged on the surface of the image display control board opposite to the surface facing the fluorescent tube. preferable.

With this configuration, it is possible to increase the insulation distance from the terminal portion of the fluorescent tube, and it is possible to reduce the influence of noise as described above.

[0044]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (1) Overall Configuration of Gaming Machine An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a gaming board 2 of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming board 2 of this pachinko gaming machine has:
A variable display device 11 that variably displays a plurality of rows of symbols is arranged at a substantially central position on the surface of the board, and a lamp display device 12 and an LED device 13 that blink with the operation of the variable display device 11 are arranged therearound. I have. The winning opening 14 and the big winning opening 1 are provided below the variable display device 11.
5 and an outlet 16 are provided. Although not shown in FIG. 1, around the game board 2, a speaker serving as an audio output device for generating a sound effect and a launch device for launching a pachinko ball are provided around the operation of the variable display device 11. Etc. are provided.

On the back of the game board 2, as shown in FIG.
In addition to the variable display device 11, a main control device 17, a lamp control device 18 as an auxiliary control device, and a voice control device 19
Are arranged in a gap portion of a supply path for the game board 2 for pachinko balls. Although not shown, a payout device that pays out a pachinko ball corresponding to a prize ball is provided on the back surface of the gaming board 2 when a pachinko ball wins the winning opening 14 or the grand prize 15.

The main controller 17 is configured by mounting electrical components such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, and a drive circuit component on a wiring board such as a printed board. When the pachinko ball fired from the above-described firing device wins the pachinko ball in the winning opening 14 arranged below the variable display device 11 of the game board 2, the main control device 17
A predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out from the payout device as prize balls, and a lottery lottery is started. At the same time, a control signal is also output to the variable display device 11, the lamp control device 18, and the sound control device 19 to cause these devices to perform a predetermined operation.

The main controller 17 outputs predetermined control signals to the variable display device 11, the lamp control device 18 and the voice control device 19 in accordance with the result of the lottery such as the big hit, the middle hit, the small hit and the like. Each device performs a display operation based on the control signal.

The lamp controller 18 is a main controller 1
7 is a portion for controlling the blinking of the lamp display device 12 and the LED device 13 based on the control signal from the controller 7. Although not illustrated, the circuit board includes a ballast, an inverter, and an auxiliary CPU for controlling these components. It is configured. Further, the voice control device 19 is a portion that outputs a sound effect from a speaker provided around the game board 2 based on a control signal from the main control device 17, and selects a type of the sound effect, volume control, and the like. In order to perform the above, an auxiliary CPU is provided similarly to the lamp control device 18.

(2) Configuration of Variable Display Device As shown in FIG. 3, the variable display device 11 includes a liquid crystal panel unit 30 serving as an image display unit, and a backlight 40 serving as a back light source of the liquid crystal panel unit 30. An image display control board 50 for controlling an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel unit 30 based on a control signal from the main controller 17, and a front case 61 and a back case 62 that house and integrate these. An outer case 60 is provided.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal panel unit 30 is connected to a liquid crystal panel as a light modulator for modulating a light beam from the backlight 40, a transparent substrate of the liquid crystal panel, and a liquid crystal inside the transparent substrate. A driver IC for driving the elements, a diffusion plate provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel to make the light flux from the backlight 40 uniform over substantially the entire surface, and an EMI covering the outer peripheral portion of the liquid crystal panel.
(Electromagnetic interference) is configured to include a metal panel shield frame.

The backlight 40 includes a U-shaped fluorescent tube 41 serving as a main body of a back light source, and a reflection case 4 for reflecting a light beam from the fluorescent tube 41 toward the liquid crystal panel unit 30.
2, and a backlight board 43 for supplying power to the terminal portion 41A of the fluorescent tube 41.

The outer case 60 includes a metal front case 61 and a transparent plastic back case 62. The front case 61 displays an image formed by the liquid crystal panel unit 30 on the game board 2. 61A is formed.

The image display control board 50 is constructed by mounting various circuit elements on a board main body 51 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the board main body 51 includes an image display control circuit 52 and It is divided into a data output circuit 53.

The image display control circuit 52 includes the main controller 17
Is provided to display a predetermined symbol on the liquid crystal panel unit 30 based on a control signal from the
A connector 521, an auxiliary CPU 522, an image control IC 523, a reset IC 524 (see FIG. 5) mounted thereon,
Firmware ROM (Read Only Memory)
525, and CGROM (Character Ge)
nerator Read Only Memory)
526.

The connector 521 is connected to a cable connected to the main controller 17, is supplied with power via the main controller 17, and receives control signals from the main controller 17. The auxiliary CPU 522 includes a connector 52
This is a part for controlling the operation of other circuit elements based on a control signal input through the control circuit 1. Image control IC 523
Is CG based on a control signal from the auxiliary CPU 522.
This is a portion that calls up a predetermined symbol stored in the ROM 526 and outputs a display output signal to the liquid crystal panel unit 30. Note that the reset IC 524 is provided for resetting the auxiliary CPU 522, and the firmware ROM 525 stores a program developed on the auxiliary CPU 522.

A data output circuit 53 constituting a data output means obtains a signal necessary for inspection from a signal output from the image display control circuit 52, and uses the obtained image output signal as inspection data to an external inspection device. It is a portion for outputting, and includes a plurality of image output signal acquiring ICs 531. The signal input terminal of the image output signal acquisition IC 531 is
As shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary CPU 522 and the image control IC 523 are connected at an intermediate portion of an address data signal line, a data signal line, and an enable signal line which connect the image control IC 523,
The signals flowing through these signal lines can be obtained as they are. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the acquired image output signal is output to an external inspection device via a cable from an image output signal connector mounted on the data output circuit 53. As shown in FIG. 4, this image output signal connector is not usually mounted on a mass-produced model, and is mounted on the board body 51 so that the image output signal connector can be easily mounted at the time of inspection. Terminal mounting portion is formed.

Here, the image output signal output from the data output circuit 53 is a symbol state appearing on the liquid crystal panel unit 30, for example, a signal indicating that the symbol is changing.
In addition to a signal indicating that the combination of the symbols to be displayed is determined, the signal includes a signal indicating that the symbol of each digit is fluctuating, data representing the symbol of each digit, and a large number of data including color data of the symbol. Each data is composed of one or a plurality of bits. For this reason, the image output signal acquiring ICs 531 are configured to be able to acquire, for example, 8-bit data per unit, and are provided in the data output circuit 53 as many as the number of image output signal data that can be acquired. The image output signal connector includes signal lines corresponding to the number of pieces of data acquired by the plurality of image output signal acquisition ICs 531.

As shown in FIG. 6, the image output signal obtaining I
Between the C531 and the image output signal connector 532,
A surge absorbing circuit 533 is provided. The surge absorbing circuit 533 includes a plurality of varistors 533A corresponding to the number of signal lines of the image output signal acquiring IC 531. Each varistor 533A has one end connected to a signal line connected to each terminal of the image output signal acquisition IC 531 and the other end connected to a GND formed on the back surface of the substrate body 51.
(Ground) is electrically connected to the pattern portion.
This GND pattern extends to the end of the substrate body 51,
The metal front case 6 constituting the above-described exterior case 60
1 and is electrically connected.

When a surge current flows from the image output signal connector 532 to the signal line, most of the surge current is released from the varistor 533A from the front case 61 via the GND pattern to protect the image output signal acquisition IC 531. It has become.

(3) Configuration of Function Inspection Device The variable display device 11 of such a pachinko gaming machine is inspected using a function inspection device. The function inspection device 8
As shown in FIG. 7, a personal computer main body 8a and a keyboard 8
c and an input device such as a mouse 8d, and a display 8b
And an output device such as a printer 8e and a personal computer 8a
And an output terminal (not shown) connected to the connector 521 of the variable display device 11 for transmitting a control signal and an input terminal (not shown) for obtaining an image data output signal from the data output circuit 53. Is done.

Inspection data necessary for the function inspection of the variable display device 11 is installed in the personal computer 8a.
For example, the personal computer 8a includes, as test data of the variable display device 11, various control signals for display output from the main control device 17 to the variable display device 11, and the variable display device 1
List data defining correspondence with the design data in one CGROM 526 is stored.

(4) Operation of Pachinko Machine and Inspection Procedure Using Data Output Circuit 53 When an inspection is performed by such a function inspection device 8, the operation of the pachinko game machine in an actual game will be described. It looks like this:

(1) After turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine,
When the pachinko ball is fired from the launching device and the pachinko ball wins in the winning opening 14 arranged below the variable display device 11,
The main controller 17 starts the lottery lottery and outputs a control signal to the variable display device 11, the lamp controller 18 and the voice controller 19 to the effect that the lottery lottery has started.

(2) The variable display device 11, the lamp control device 18 and the voice control device 19 start predetermined operations based on the control signal. For example, the variable display device 1
If it is 1, the control signal indicating that the lottery lottery has started is:
First, it is input to the auxiliary CPU 522. Auxiliary CPU 52
2 is an address data signal based on the control signal,
Image control I comprising data signal and enable signal
The control signal for C is output to the image control IC 523. The image control IC 523 outputs the symbol data stored in the CGROM 526 to the liquid crystal panel unit 30 based on the signal from the auxiliary CPU 522, and displays an image indicating that the lottery is being performed on the image display unit, for example, when the symbol is changed. Display the image in the state of being. Note that the lamp control device 18 and the voice control device 19 also use the lamp display device 12 and the L display to notify the player that lottery is being performed.
It blinks the ED device 13 or outputs a sound effect from a speaker.

(3) When the lottery lottery ends, the main control unit 17 outputs a control signal indicating that the lottery lottery has ended,
A signal representing the result of the lottery is output to the variable display device 11, the lamp control device 18, and the voice control device 19.

(4) In the variable display device 11 having received the output signal from the main control device 17, the auxiliary CPU 522 sends a control signal for the image control IC based on the result of the lottery drawing and the result of the lottery to the image control IC 523. Output.
The image control IC 523 outputs symbol data indicating the result of the lottery to the liquid crystal panel unit 30 based on these signals, and performs the symbol display according to the result of the lottery.

When the operation of the variable display device 11 accompanying the operation of the pachinko gaming machine described above is inspected by the function inspection device 8, the following procedure is performed.

(5) Connector 521 of the variable display device 11
And an image output signal connector 53 of the data output circuit 53.
2 and connect these cables to input / output terminals provided in the function test device 8.

(6) When the function testing device 8 is activated and the keyboard 8c, the mouse 8d, etc. are operated, the display 8b
Above, the list data corresponding to the variable display device 11 is displayed. When the user operates the keyboard 8c and the mouse 8d to select a portion of the image data to be displayed from the displayed list data, the function inspection device 8 outputs the selected image data from the main control device 17. A control signal having the same signal format as that of the control signal is output to the variable display device 11.

(7) As a result, it is possible to confirm whether or not an image based on the image data selected by the variable display device 11 is to be displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit 30. That is, if the image data of the location selected by the variable display device 11 is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit 30, the variable display device 11 performs a correct display operation dependently in response to the control signal of the main control device 17. You can check the function test of the thing.

(8) Conversely, the image other than the image data at the location selected by the variable display device 11 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel unit 30.
Is displayed on the display surface, the variable display device 11 performs an incorrect display operation in a dependent manner in response to the control signal from the main control device 17, and the variable display device 11 receives a fraudulent modification or the like. You can visually check the functional test that you are.

(9) At this time, signals between the auxiliary CPU 522 and the image control IC 523 in the image display control circuit 52 of the variable display device 11 are acquired by a plurality of image output signal acquiring ICs 531 of the data output circuit 53, and the image output is performed. The signal is output from the image output signal connector 532. The image output signal is sent to the function inspection device 8 via a cable.
Is input to

(10) This image output signal is output to the function inspection device 8
By confirming that the inspection data list data installed in the variable display device 11
The function inspection device 8 can determine whether or not there is any abnormality in the display operation of without looking at the actually displayed screen.

(5) Effects of the First Embodiment According to the above-described first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) Variable display device 11 for pachinko machine
Is provided with the data output circuit 53, the image output signal of the variable display device 11 can be used as inspection data only by connecting a cable to the image output signal connector 532 of the data output circuit 53. Check the output image of the variable display device itself to see if the variable display device is performing the specified operation reliably during the certification test at the certification organization, and whether the pachinko gaming machine has been tampered with in the market. By checking the data output from the data output means, it is possible to make a determination easily with a computer. In particular, the image output signal serving as the inspection data of the variable display device 11 is composed of a large number of data, and all of the data need to be inspected. Therefore, the provision of the data output circuit 53 has a great effect of facilitating the inspection. .

(2) Since the data output circuit 53 is provided on the image display control board 50 constituting the variable display device 11, both can be handled integrally, and the inspection work can be simplified. it can. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to use a harness or the like in the electrical connection between the image display circuit 52 and the data output circuit 53 on the image display control board 50, the wiring between them can be simplified, and the variable display device Since the size of the variable display device 11 does not increase in the thickness direction, the thickness of the variable display device 11 can be reduced.

(3) The data output circuit 53 is composed of the image output signal acquiring IC 531, the image output signal connector 532, and the surge absorbing circuit 533, and the data output circuit 53 can be configured with a minimum necessary configuration. Therefore, the structure of the data output circuit 53 can be easily simplified and downsized. In addition, since the data output circuit 53 includes the surge absorbing circuit 533, even if a surge current flows from the connector or the terminal mounting portion, the surge current can be discharged to GND via the surge absorbing circuit 533, and the image output signal can be obtained. I
C531 can be protected.

(4) Since the data output circuit 53 is arranged separately from the image display control circuit 52 on the substrate body 51, the circuit elements of the data output circuit 53 hide the circuit elements on the image display control circuit 52. Never do. Therefore, it is possible to easily check unauthorized alteration or the like by exchanging circuit elements or the like on the image display control board as viewed from the back of the gaming machine.

(6) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the parts or members already described, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In the first embodiment, the data output circuit 53 serving as the data output means is formed on the board main body 51 of the image display control board 50 separately from the image display control circuit 52.

On the other hand, the variable display device 71 according to the second embodiment is different from the variable display device 71 in that a data output board 73 separate from the image display control board 72 is used as data output means as shown in FIG. I do.

In the first embodiment, the image output signal connector 532 is not provided for the mass production type as shown in FIG. Connector 532 for image output signal
Was attached so that inspection data could be output.

On the other hand, the variable display device 71 according to the second embodiment is different in that an image output signal connector 532 for connecting a cable is provided on the data output board 73 in advance.

The image display control board 72 is mounted with the same circuit elements as those constituting the image display control circuit 52 according to the first embodiment, and is provided on the display surface on the back side of the liquid crystal panel unit serving as the image display section. Are arranged along. The data output board 73 is arranged along the upper edge of the image display control board 72 (upper left portion in the figure), and the image display control board 7
2 are arranged substantially orthogonally. The data output board 73 includes a board connection terminal 731, and is provided near the upper end of the image display control board 72.
1 and is electrically connected. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the signal line connecting the image output signal acquisition IC 531 and the image output signal connector 532 constituting the data output board 73 is connected to a surge line as in the first embodiment. An absorption circuit is interposed.

The variable display device 71 according to the second embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment.

(5) Since the data output board 73 is formed separately from the image display control board 72, the data output board 73 is detached during normal use, and the image is displayed on the data output board 73 only during inspection. The inspection can be performed by attaching to the control board 72, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. In addition, since the circuit elements on the data output board 73 and the circuit elements on the image display control board 72 can be physically separated from each other, the circuit characteristics of the data output board 73 against noise, static electricity, and the like can be improved. Can be improved.

(6) The data output board 73 is an image output signal acquisition IC 531 and an image output signal connector 532
That is, since the data output board 73 is constituted by the minimum necessary circuit elements and the like, the structure of the data output board 73 can be easily simplified and downsized. In addition, by integrating the inspection data output function on one board as described above, the data output board 73 can be standardized as an inspection board, and various gaming machines can be easily inspected.

(7) Board connection terminals 72 provided with data output board 73 and image display control board 72, respectively.
1, 731 so that they are directly electrically connected,
These substrates 72 and 73 can be stored without taking up space on the back side of the variable display device 71. In addition, when the two substrates 72 and 73 are electrically connected to each other, wiring is not performed by a harness or the like, so that the wiring is not complicated and the influence of noise and the like can be reduced.

(8) Since the data output board 73 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the image display control board 72 and the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit, the data output board 73 There is no hiding.
Therefore, it is possible to easily check the presence or absence of unauthorized modification by replacing the circuit element on the image display control board 72 from the back of the pachinko gaming machine.

(9) By arranging both substrates 72 and 73 substantially orthogonal to each other, if one substrate 72 is arranged along the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit, the other substrate 73 is orthogonal to this display surface. Are arranged in the direction of Therefore, both substrates 7
Since the outer dimensions of the combination of 2, 73 can be reduced in the direction along the display surface, no space is required for mounting the variable display device 71 on the back of the game board.

(7) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The variable display device 71 according to the second embodiment
In the above, the data output board 73 was arranged along the upper edge of the image display control board 72.

On the other hand, in the variable display device 81 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 3 is provided on the image display control board 82. That is, the data output board 73 is connected to the variable display device 8.
1 is arranged so as to overlap the surface of the image display control board 82 when viewed from the back. The difference is that the board connection terminal 821 for connection to the data output board 73 provided on the image display control board 82 is arranged near the auxiliary CPU 522 and the image control IC 523 constituting the image display control board 82. .

The variable display device 8 according to the third embodiment
1 is different from the first embodiment in that the data output board 73 is arranged apart from the backlight board 43 constituting the backlight. That is, in this example, the plurality of image control ICs 523 constituting the data output board 73 are arranged apart from the fluorescent tube connection terminals 431 of the backlight board 43. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
The backlight board 43 provided with 31 is arranged along one edge of the image display control board 72, and the data output board 73 is arranged on the image display control board 72 opposite to the one edge. Thus, the image output signal acquiring IC 531 mounted on the data output board 73 is arranged in a state where a sufficient distance is secured from the fluorescent tube connection terminal 431 on the backlight board 43.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects described in the first and second embodiments.

(10) The image output signal serving as inspection data is
It is transferred between the auxiliary CPU 522 and the image control IC 523. Therefore, the board connection terminals 8 are provided near the signal lines of the auxiliary CPU 522 and the image control IC 523.
By providing the data output board 73 and connecting the data output board 73 thereto, it is possible to easily obtain an image output signal using the wiring of the signal line, thereby simplifying the routing of the signal line for obtaining the image signal. As a result, the increase in the size of the image display control board 82 can be minimized, and the influence of noise and the like can be reduced.
Further, the data output board 73 can be arranged closer to the auxiliary CPU 522 and the image control IC 523 on the image display control board 82.

(11) The data output board 73 is a fluorescent tube connection terminal 43 of the backlight board 43 constituting a backlight.
1, the data output board 7
3, the insulation distance between the image output signal acquisition IC 531 and the fluorescent tube connection terminal 431 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of the high frequency noise generated at the fluorescent tube connection terminal 431 of the backlight on the image output signal acquiring IC 531, and to reduce the influence of the data output board 7.
3 can output an appropriate image output signal with less noise, and the connected image control board 82
The influence on the above circuit can also be reduced.

(8) Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, the data output board 7
Reference numeral 3 is arranged substantially orthogonal to the image display control board 72.

On the other hand, the variable display device 91 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the variable display device 91 in that the data output board 93 is arranged substantially parallel to the image display control board 92 as shown in FIG. For this reason, although illustration is omitted in FIG.
One of the board connection terminals for connecting the image display control board 92 and the data output board 93 is provided on the front surface of the image display control board 92, and the other is provided on the back side of the data output board 93. Further, the data output board 93 is provided with a fluorescent tube 41 forming
It is arranged on the side opposite to the side facing (see FIG. 3).

According to the variable display device 91 according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment and the effects (5) to (7) described in the second embodiment. Has the following effects.

(12) Since the image display control board 92 is arranged along the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit, and the data output board 93 is arranged substantially parallel to the image display control board 92, variable display is possible. Since the size of the device 91 in the thickness direction can be reduced, the variable display device 91 can be easily made thinner. Even when the back surface of the variable display device 91 is covered with a transparent back case or the like, the case is unnecessary. It does not become too large or complicated in shape.

(13) Since the data output board 93 is disposed on the surface of the image display control board 92 opposite to the surface facing the fluorescent tube 41, the insulation distance from the terminal portion 41a of the fluorescent tube 41 is increased. As a result, the influence of high-frequency noise generated at the terminal portion 41 of the fluorescent tube 41 on the image output signal acquiring IC 531 can be reduced, and an appropriate image output signal with less noise is output from the data output board 93. In addition, the influence on the circuit on the connected image control board 92 can be reduced.

(9) Modifications of Embodiment The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the following modifications.

In the above embodiments, the image display control board 5
Although 0, 72, 82 and 92 are arranged along the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit on the back side of the liquid crystal panel unit, the invention is not limited to this. That is, as in the variable display device 101 shown in FIG. 11, the image display control board 102 is disposed substantially orthogonal to the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit,
The data output board 103 may be arranged substantially parallel to the image display control board 102. In short, the arrangement of the image display control board and the data output board with respect to the liquid crystal panel unit may be appropriately set according to the space on the back of the game board.

In each of the above embodiments, each of the variable display devices 11, 71, 81, 91, and 101 includes the liquid crystal panel unit 30, and is configured to display a predetermined symbol on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel unit. But it is not limited to this. That is, the variable display device is constituted by a plurality of drums having a plurality of symbols formed on the surface, and based on a control signal from the main control device, these drums are rotated to display a predetermined combination of symbols. And a CRT (CathodeRay T).
ube), PDP (Plasma Display P)
anel), 7 segment LED, dot matrix L
The variable display device may be constituted by an ED or the like.

In each of the above embodiments, a so-called direct-type backlight is used as the back light source of the liquid crystal panel unit 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a so-called edge type backlight may be used as the back light source. In this case, the luminous flux emitted from the fluorescent tube disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal panel and on the side of the liquid crystal panel is guided and diffused by a light guide plate disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal panel, and the liquid crystal panel unit. Is illuminated on the back.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the game operation device that outputs the inspection data is the variable display devices 11, 71,
81, 91 and 101, but not limited to this. That is, the present invention can be applied to any control device incorporated in a pachinko game machine, such as a voice control device for controlling a speaker or the like that outputs a sound effect, a lamp control device for controlling an electric decoration device, and the like.

In each of the above embodiments, the data output means 53, 73, and 8 are used to inspect the pachinko gaming machine.
Although the third and third embodiments are used, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine requiring inspection of a slot machine or the like.

In each of the above embodiments, the signal output terminal is a connector. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a contact type connection terminal or the like may be attached at the time of inspection.

In addition, specific structures, shapes, and the like when the present invention is implemented may be other structures and the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0113]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention as described above,
Since the data output means is provided, an output signal output to each game operation device can be easily used as inspection data, and each game operation device reliably performs a predetermined operation at the time of a certification test at a certification organization. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the gaming machine has been tampered with in the market without checking the operation itself of each gaming operation device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an elevation view illustrating a structure of a game board of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view showing a structure of a back surface of the game board in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure of the variable display device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a structure of an image display control board in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an image display control board in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a data output board in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a function inspection device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement of an image display control board and a data output board of a variable display device constituting a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement of an image display control board and a data output board of a variable display device constituting a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement of an image display control board and a data output board of a variable display device constituting a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement of an image display control board and a data output board of a variable display device constituting a gaming machine which is a modification of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 71, 81, 91, 101 Variable display device 30 Image display unit (liquid crystal panel unit) 41 Fluorescent tube 52, 72, 82, 92, 102 Image display control unit 53, 73, 83, 93, 103 Data output unit 431 Terminal part of fluorescent tube 531 Image output signal acquisition circuit 532 Image output signal connector 522 Central processing unit (auxiliary CPU) 523 Display control integrated circuit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Norihisa Nakamura 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Inside Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Tadashi Akatsu 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Seiko -Epson Corporation F-term (reference) 2C088 DA09 DA21

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A game machine comprising: a game operation device that operates according to a state of a game; and a control device that controls the game operation device. A gaming machine comprising data output means for outputting inspection data. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an auxiliary control device for controlling an operation of said gaming operation device by a control signal from said control device, wherein said auxiliary control device comprises: A gaming machine comprising at least one of the data output means. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming operation device is a variable display device that displays a predetermined symbol based on a control signal from the control device, and the data output means includes: A gaming machine for outputting inspection data of the variable display device. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein said data output means is provided on said variable display device. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the variable display device is provided on an image display section for displaying the symbols as an image, and is provided on a back surface of the image display section, and controls driving of the image display section. A game display machine comprising: an image display control unit configured to perform the image display control unit, wherein the data output unit is provided on an image display control board that configures the image display control unit. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the variable display device is provided on an image display section for displaying the symbol as an image, and is provided on a back surface of the image display section, and controls driving of the image display section. And an image display control board that forms the image display control section, and a data output board that forms the data output means are configured as separate circuit boards, respectively. A gaming machine characterized by: 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said data output board comprises an image output signal acquisition circuit for acquiring an image output signal output from said image display control board, and said image output signal acquisition circuit. A game machine comprising: an image output signal connector for outputting the obtained image output signal to the outside. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the data output board and the image display control board are directly electrically connected by connection terminals provided respectively. A gaming machine. 9. A game machine according to claim 6, wherein said image display control board is a central processing unit for processing a control signal from said control unit, and said central processing unit. A display control integrated circuit that outputs a display output signal to the image display unit based on a control signal from a device, wherein the data output board is disposed near the central processing unit and the display control integrated circuit. A gaming machine characterized by the following. 10. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said data output board is provided on said image display control board when said variable display device is viewed from the back. A gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine is disposed at a position where the game machine is not hidden. 11. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said image display control board and said data output board are arranged substantially orthogonally to each other on a back surface of said image display section. A gaming machine characterized by the following. 12. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein said data output board is disposed so as to overlap with a surface of said image display control board when said variable display device is viewed from a back surface. A gaming machine. 13. A game machine according to claim 6, wherein said data output board is disposed substantially orthogonal to a display surface of said image display section. Gaming machine. 14. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said data output board is disposed substantially in parallel with said image display control board. 15. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the variable display device includes a fluorescent tube arranged as a back light source on a back surface of an image display unit constituting the variable display device. A gaming machine, wherein the data output means is disposed apart from a terminal portion of the fluorescent tube. 16. The gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein the variable display device includes a fluorescent tube arranged as a back light source on a back surface of an image display unit constituting the variable display device, and the data output board includes: A gaming machine, wherein the image display control board is arranged on a surface opposite to a surface facing the fluorescent tube.