JP2002346044A - Board case for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize the opening/closing fact of a case to prevent illegal unsealing when it is a case single body and an illegal act to a control board in the mounted state to a game board in a board case for the game machine for storing the control board of the game machine. SOLUTION: This board case 4 for the game machine is provided with a locking means 41 for locking and releasing an openable/closable cover body; a detecting means 42 for detecting the open state of the cover body; a counting means 43 for counting and displaying the detected result; and an auxiliary power source 45 used as a power supply source at least when there is no power supply from the outside. Even when it is the case single body, if the cover body is opened/closed, the opening/closing frequency is displayed as opening/ closing history on the counting means 43.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a board case for a game machine for accommodating a control board used in a game machine typified by a so-called pachislot machine and a pachinko machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, gaming machines such as pachislot machines and pachinko machines have a CPU (Central Processing Uniform).
t), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Ac)
A control board on which electronic components such as a cess memory) are mounted is mounted, and the game operation is controlled by the control board. Therefore, when a ROM or the like in which a program for controlling a game operation is stored is replaced, different game contents can be realized. From this, the illegal R
This must be prevented for OM exchange and the like.

[0003] Therefore, the control board of the gaming machine is usually
It is mounted inside the gaming machine while being housed in the gaming machine substrate case. By sticking a sealing paper to the gaming machine substrate case, it is possible to cope with illegal acts such as ROM replacement. In other words, if the sealing paper is damaged, it is assumed that an illegal act has been performed, thereby enabling early detection and suppression of the illegal act.

However, the board case for a gaming machine may need to be opened and closed a plurality of times for a valid reason (for inspection by a predetermined organization, etc.). for that reason,
If the sealing paper is attached to the gaming machine substrate case, the sealing paper must be re-stretched each time it is properly opened and closed, which is extremely troublesome. In addition, even if the sealing paper is affixed, if the sealing paper is peeled off so as not to be damaged and the sealing paper is affixed again after the wrongdoing, or if the sealing paper itself is forged and affixed, it is not clear whether there is any wrongdoing. There is also a risk of disappearing.

In order to solve such difficulties, in recent years, a gaming machine substrate case having a plurality of (for example, four) caulking portions has been proposed. The caulking part is provided to seal the gaming machine substrate case,
It is configured such that the sealed state cannot be released without destruction. Therefore, in the case of a gaming machine substrate provided with a swaged portion, when the sealed state is released, the trace (destruction trace of the swaged portion) always remains, which is more effective than the case where the sealing paper is attached. Early detection and suppression of actions becomes possible. Moreover, by providing a plurality of caulking portions, it is possible to cope with legitimate plural times of opening and closing.

[0006]

However, in the case of a gaming machine substrate case having a plurality of caulking portions, it is essential to break the caulking portion for sealing and to caulk a new caulking portion each time when opening and closing the board case. Therefore, it is effective in preventing fraudulent acts, but lacks in easiness of work for a valid reason. Furthermore, even if it is possible to open and close a plurality of times, the number of times is limited to the number of swaged portions, and therefore, it is not necessarily preferable in consideration of, for example, reusability by recycling. .

[0007] A board case for a game machine is usually used by being installed in a game machine installed in a game arcade. However, for the sake of distribution, it is necessary to deal with the case alone containing a control board. In some cases. Therefore, there is a need for a gaming machine substrate case that can effectively prevent fraudulent acts even in the distribution stage of the case alone.

Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to recognize the fact of opening and closing in order to effectively prevent both unauthorized opening of the case alone and unauthorized act on the control board in a state where the case is attached to the gaming machine. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine board case capable of securing the easiness of opening and closing work in the case of justifiable reason and further maintaining high reusability.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a board case for a gaming machine devised to achieve the above object, and accommodates a control board for controlling a game of the gaming machine. More specifically, a lid provided so as to be openable and closable, locking means for locking the lid in a closed state and releasing the lock in response to unlocking by a key body, and a state relating to opening and closing of the lid. Detecting means for detecting, counting and displaying one or both of the number of times the lid is opened and the number of times the lid is opened based on the detection result by the detecting means; It is characterized by comprising a counting means, and an auxiliary power supply means for supplying power to the detecting means and the counting means when there is no external power supply.

According to the gaming machine board case having the above structure,
When the lid is opened or can be opened, this is detected by the detecting means, and the counting result is displayed by the counting means. Therefore, by referring to the display by the counting means, the cumulative number of facts regarding the opening and closing of the lid can be determined. In addition, when there is no external power supply, the power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the detection means and the counting means. ) When the power supply (commercial power supply) is not turned on. In addition, the number of recognizable facts related to opening and closing depends on the display mode (for example, the number of digits) on the counting means, and is not limited to a small number. Furthermore, if there is a key body, the lid can be unlocked in response to unlocking by the key body, so that the lid can be easily opened.

[0011]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine board case according to the present invention. However, in the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a board case for a game machine used for a pachislo machine will be described as an example.

[Description of Schematic Configuration of Pachislot Machine]
Prior to the description of the gaming machine substrate case according to the present invention, the configuration of a standard pachislot machine equipped with the gaming machine substrate case will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an example of a pachislot machine. As shown in the figure, the pachislot machine 1
Is composed of a front panel section 2 and a box-shaped cabinet section 3 that supports the front panel section 2 so that it can be opened and closed.

On the front panel 2, 3 symbols are displayed on each reel.
A symbol display window 21 capable of displaying each frame, a lamp portion 22a (one bet lamp, two bet lamp, three bet lamp, etc.) located on the left side of the symbol display window 21, and a right side of the symbol display window 21 (Eg, insert medal lamp, win lamp, bonus game lamp, big bonus game lamp, game over lamp, replay lamp, etc.) and a display unit 23 (a credit display unit) located below the symbol display window 21. , A payout display section, a bonus game number display section, etc.), a liquid crystal panel section 24 positioned above the symbol display window 21 to enhance a game effect by displaying various images, and a medal for inserting a medal as a game medium. The slot 25 and operation buttons operated by the player (one bet button 26a, two bet buttons 26b,
A MAX bet button 26c, a start lever 27a, a stop button 27b provided for each reel, a medal payout port 28a for discharging medals, and a medal tray 28b for discharging the medals are provided. A medal slot 2 is provided on the back side of the front panel 2.
5 is provided with a medal determination device (not shown) for determining the authenticity and the number of inserted medals.
Note that, instead of the liquid crystal panel unit 24, a so-called accessory device that enhances the effect of playing a game by operating a mechanical mechanism may be provided above the symbol display window 21.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of an example of a pachislot machine. Inside the cabinet part 3, three reels 31a to 31a to which a plurality of symbols are printed on the outer peripheral surface are provided.
31c, a medal payout device 33 having a hopper 32 capable of storing a large number (for example, 200) of medals, a speaker 34 for outputting various sound effects, and a power supply box 35 for supplying power to each unit. Have been. Of these, the medal payout device 33 pays out the medals stored in the hopper 32 to the medal payout opening 28a one by one by the number of medals stored in the hopper 32 by the operation of a medal payout motor and a medal blocker solenoid (not shown). Is configured.

A board case for a game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "board board case") accommodating a control board for performing various game controls including the rotation control of the reels 31a to 31c inside the cabinet section 3. 4) is attached.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control board housed in the board case. As shown in the figure, a CPU 51 for controlling the operation of the entire pachislot machine 1, a ROM 52 storing a predetermined program to be executed by the CPU 51,
A RAM 53 used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes a predetermined program, a clock generation circuit 54 for generating a reference clock signal required for the operation of the CPU 51,
Are arranged.

The CPU 51 includes an input port 55
And a medal payout sensor 36b for detecting the presence / absence of medals into the medal insertion slot 25 and the number of medals to be inserted, a medal payout sensor 36b for detecting the presence / absence of medals to be paid out by the medal payout device 33 and the number of medals, and a hopper. Medal storage status in 32 (for example, whether or not it is full)
Medal full sensor 36c for detecting the
31c is connected to a reel position detection sensor 36d functioning as an index sensor to recognize whether or not the operation of the pachislot machine 1 is normal, that is, whether or not an error has occurred.

Further, the CPU 51 is also connected via an input port 55 to a stage setting key switch 36e and a reset switch 36f, which are switches operated by a store clerk at the game arcade. The stage setting key switch 36e is operated to change the stage setting of the game winning rate that affects the result of the game in the pachislot machine 1. The reset switch 36f is operated to perform a reset process for returning the operation state of the CPU 51 to the initial state.

The CPU 51 is also provided with a reel drive motor (stepping motor) serving as a drive source for each of the reels 31a to 31c in the cabinet section 3 via an output port 56.
37a, a medal payout motor 37b and a medal blocker solenoid 37c which are driving sources of the medal payout device 33, and also are connected to the lamps 22a, 22b and the display 23 of the front panel 2. Thereby, the CPU 51 determines that each of the reels 31a to 31
c, medal payout device 33, each lamp unit 22a, 22
An operation instruction can be given to b and the like.

The above-described CPU is provided on the control board 5.
51 and the like, a random number generating circuit 57 for generating random numbers required for the CPU 51 to perform an internal lottery on which the game result is determined, and a liquid crystal sound board for controlling image display and the like on the liquid crystal panel unit 24 6, a data transmission circuit 58 for transmitting various information as required, and the data transmission circuit 58
And a transmission timing control circuit 59 that manages the timing of information transmission by the communication device.

[Description of the outline of the game in the pachislot machine]
Next, a procedure of a game using the pachislot machine 1 configured as described above and an outline of an operation of the pachislot machine 1 at that time will be described. The processing operation described below is
It is mainly realized by the CPU 51 executing a predetermined program in the ROM 52.

When playing a game using the pachi-slot machine 1, the player first inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 25.
At this time, in the front panel unit 2, the insert medal lamp of the lamp unit 22b is turned on to urge the player to insert medals.

When a medal is inserted, the medal insertion slot 25
The medal discriminating device connected to the device judges whether or not the inserted medal is valid. The medals determined to be acceptable in the medal determination device according to predetermined conditions are counted as valid medals and sent to the hopper 32. On the other hand, failed medals are returned from the medal payout opening 28a without being counted.

When the number of valid medals is counted, the CPU 51 recognizing the count turns on the lamp 22a of the front panel 2 in accordance with the number of medals counted.
For example, if the counted number is one, the one-betting lamp is turned on to notify the player that the betting number has been set to one. If the counted number is two, the one betting lamp and the two betting lamp are turned on, and the player is notified that the betting number has been set to two. If the counted number is three, the one-betting lamp, the two-betting lamp, and the three-betting lamp are all turned on, and the player is notified that the betting number has been set to three. Thus, the ramp portion 22a
It also has a role of displaying an effective line on each of the reels 31a to 31c.

If the counted number is four or more,
The CPU 51 causes the credit display unit of the display unit 23 of the front panel unit 2 to digitally display the number exceeding three. Display by credit display (credit display)
Is incremented and updated by one each time a medal is inserted. If a medal is inserted while the insert medal lamp is turned off for the reason that the number of credits reaches a preset limit number (for example, 50) or the like, the medal is not counted and the medal payout port 28a is not counted. Will be returned from.

If the display on the credit display portion is already 1 or more, the player can press the bet buttons 26a to 26c without inserting new medals, and the pachislot machine 1 It is possible to play using. That is, when the display of the credit display section 25a is 1 or more, the one-bet button 2
When the button 6a is pressed, the CPU 51 updates the credit display by subtracting 1 and turns on the single bet lamp. Further, if the credit display after the subtraction update is not 0, the two bet lamp and the three bet lamp are sequentially turned on each time the one bet button 26a is pressed. In addition, when the display of the credit display section is 2 or more, 2
When the sheet bet button 26b is pressed once, the CPU 51
Updates the credit display by two and turns on the two bet lamp. If the display on the credit display unit is three or more, the CPU 51 turns on all the lamp units 22a in response to the pressing of the MAX bet button 26c, and sets the bet number to three. As described above, the setting of the number of bets is performed not only by inserting medals but also by betting buttons 26a to 26
It is also possible to perform this by pressing c.

In addition, a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 25,
Alternatively, one bet button 26a, two bet buttons 2
When the 6b or MAX bet button 26c is pressed, a sound effect is output from the speaker 34 every time the medal is inserted or each time the button is pressed.

When the player operates the start lever 27a to request the start of the game every time a medal is inserted or after setting the bet amount by pressing a button, the CPU 41 gives an operation instruction to the reel drive motor 37a to give three reels 31a. ~ 3
1c is rotated to start variable display of symbols. Also at this time, a sound effect is output from the speaker 34 in response to the operation of the start lever 27a.

When the start lever 27a is operated, the CPU 51 performs an internal lottery based on which a game result is determined. The internal lottery means that a lottery is performed inside the pachi-slot machine 1 prior to the end of the game, in order to determine the outcome of the game, that is, to determine the winning combination of the game.

In the CPU 51, such an internal lottery is performed.
This is performed using a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 57. That is, when the start lever 27a is operated (start of the game), the CPU 51 stores the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 57 and the winning determination table in which the correspondence between the random number value and the numerical range of the winning combination is described in advance. Then, it is determined to which numerical range the generated random number belongs. Thus, C
The PU 51 specifies a winning combination derived from the generated random numbers for determination of the winning.

At this time, the winning determination table, which is the basis for determining the winning combination, defines a numerical range for each of the plurality of winning combinations, but the magnitude of the numerical range differs for each winning combination. As a result, a difference occurs in the winning probability for each winning combination. For example, the winning probability is low because the numerical range for “Big Bonus”, which is one of the winning combinations described in detail later, is low, but the winning probability is high because the numerical range for “out” is large.

The winning determination table which is the basis of the winning combination determination includes a plurality of tables each having a different numerical range for each winning combination, that is, a table having different winning probabilities (hereinafter referred to as "game winning ratios") for each winning combination. However, one of them is selected by switching the step setting key switch 36e. Therefore, the CPU 51 performs an internal lottery using the winning determination table selected by the stage setting key switch 36e.

That is, the internal lottery is determined according to which numerical range in the winning determination table selected by the stage setting key switch 36e the random number generated by the random number generating circuit 57 belongs. Which winning combination is hit is determined based on the game winning rate in the selected winning determination table, so that the winning combination is not extremely influenced by the skill of the player, for example, during the business hours of the game hall during one day. The total medal payment rate will be maintained substantially constant.

However, the selectable winning determination table is
Both are set in advance and stored in the ROM 52. Therefore, if the ROM 52 is exchanged improperly, the medal payment rate is greatly affected, and as a result, there is a possibility that the game hall may be damaged. For this reason, it is necessary to reliably prevent unauthorized exchange of the ROM 52 and the like.

Thereafter, when the player presses the stop button 27b, the CPU 41 individually stops the reels 31a to 31c corresponding to the respective stop buttons 27b. However, if the player does not press the stop button 27b, the reels 31a to 31a-3
1c is automatically stopped. At the same time, a sound effect is output from the speaker 34 in the same manner as when the rotation of the reels 31a to 31c is started.

At this time, the CPU 41 controls each reel 31a.
When stopping the reels 31a to 31c,
31c is controlled. The pull-in control means controlling the stop timing of each of the reels 31a to 31c so as to follow the result of the internal lottery.

For example, when stopping each of the reels 31a to 31c in response to the pressing of the stop button 27b, the CPU 51 determines that each of the reels 31a to 31c is within a predetermined time (for example, 190 msec) after the pressing of the stop button 27b.
Although 1a to 31c are stopped, the time until the stop is not necessarily uniform, and the stop symbols are adjusted so as to follow the result of the internal lottery within a predetermined time range. As a result, for example, the stop position of each of the reels 31a to 31c can be adjusted by a maximum of four frames, and if the result of the internal lottery is “losing”, the player pushes the stop button 27b at the timing of generating a “hit”. Even if pressed, the symbols are not aligned on the winning determination line. On the other hand, if the result of the internal lottery is “hit”, the reels 31a to 31c are stopped so that the corresponding symbols are aligned on the winning determination line.

The pull-in control of each of the reels 31a to 31c can be realized because the reel drive motor 37a for driving each of the reels 31a to 31c is constituted by a stepping motor. In other words, the CPU 41 controls each of the reels 31a to 31a through pulse control of the reel drive motor 37a and the detection result by the reel position detection sensor 36d.
Since the displayed symbols on the winning determination line 31c can always be grasped, the above-described pull-in control can be performed.

When all the reels 31a to 31c stop,
The CPU 51 ends one game, compares the combination of symbols arranged on the activated line (winning determination line) of the symbol display window 21 at that time with a predetermined “winning combination”, and determines the result of the game, that is, It is determined whether or not there is a prize. At this time, if the number of bets is one, one horizontal row in the middle row displayed on the symbol display window 21 is a winning determination line. If the number of bets is two, the upper, middle, and lower three horizontal rows displayed in the symbol display window 21 are the winning determination lines. If the number of bets is three, a total of five rows of three horizontal rows and two diagonally opposite rows displayed on the symbol display window 21 are the winning determination lines.

The game results are roughly classified into "hit", "losing", and "re-game". Examples of the "hit" include "small hit (small role winning)", "medium hit (regular bonus winning)", and "big hit (big bonus winning)".

If the game result is "hit", the CPU 5
In any case, the display unit 23 and the medal payout motor 3 are provided so that credit display addition or medal payout from the medal payout opening 28a is performed for a predetermined number of sheets.
7b, an operation instruction is given to the medal blocker solenoid 37c and the like. In addition, a sound effect is output from the speaker 34 in accordance with the medal return from the medal payout opening 28a.

More specifically, if the game result is "small winning" of "winning", a predetermined number (for example, 2 to 2) according to the small winning symbols arranged on the winning determination line
Credits or medals are returned for 15 cards). In this case, the player is notified that the game result is a small win by the lighting of the win lamp of the lamp portion 22b in the front panel portion 2. Further, the number of paid out medals is notified by digital display of the payout display section of the display section 23.

If the regular bonus symbols (for example, the symbol of "BAR") are aligned on the winning determination line, the game result is "regular bonus winning" in "winning", and the predetermined number (for example, In addition to the payout of 15 medals, the next and subsequent games can be played as a game called a “regular bonus game”. In this case, the player can turn on the bonus game lamp of the lamp section 22b on the front panel section 2 by turning on the bonus game lamp.
It is notified that the game result is a regular bonus prize.

At the time of the regular bonus game, a game state advantageous to the player continues from the next game of the regular bonus prize until the end condition described later expires. In the regular bonus game, only one bet per game is allowed, but by arranging a predetermined symbol (for example, a symbol of "JAC") on a winning determination line (hereinafter, this is referred to as "JAC winning"). A predetermined number (for example, 15) of medals are paid out.

Then, in the regular bonus game, a predetermined number of games (for example, up to 12 times) ends, or
When the AC winning has occurred a predetermined number of times (for example, eight times), it is determined that the end condition has expired, and the game returns to the normal game state. During the regular bonus game, the front panel 2
The number of times that the JAC winning can be obtained is notified by digital display of the bonus game number display section of the display section 23 of FIG. Since this notification is the number of times a JAC winning can be obtained, the digital display is subtracted every time a JAC winning occurs.

Also, a big bonus symbol (for example, "7"
If the symbols are aligned on the winning determination line, the game result is “big bonus prize” in “winning”, and in addition to paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of medals, The game can be played as a game called a “big bonus game”. In this case, the player is notified that the game result is a big bonus prize by lighting of the big bonus game lamp of the lamp section 22b on the front panel section 2.

At the time of the big bonus game, a game state which is more advantageous to the player than at the time of the regular bonus game continues from the next game of the big bonus prize until the end condition described later expires. In the big bonus game,
As in the case of a normal game, a medal payout is obtained by the occurrence of a small role prize or a regular bonus prize, but the prize probability becomes higher than usual.

Then, a predetermined number of games (for example, up to 30 times)
Ends, or when a regular bonus prize is generated a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), the big bonus game ends and the game mode returns to the normal game state, assuming that the end condition has expired. During the big bonus game period (except during the regular bonus game during the big bonus game period), the number of remaining games is notified by digital display of the bonus game number display section of the display section 23. Since this notification is the number of remaining games of the big bonus game, the digital display is subtracted every time each game in the big bonus game period is completed.

Unlike the case of the "winning" described above, when the same symbols are not aligned at all on the winning determination line, the CPU 51 determines that the game result is "losing", and informs the player. It does not give any gaming benefits.

If the symbols on the winning determination line are re-game symbols, the CPU 51 determines that the game result is "re-game" corresponding to a so-called draw, and does not pay out medals. This enables the player to play the game again without inserting a new medal or performing a betting operation. In this case, the fact that the game result is a replay is notified to the player by turning on the replay lamp of the lamp unit 22b on the front panel unit 2.

In this way, when one game is completed, the game result is determined, and the game result is notified, the player:
The next game will be performed continuously while corresponding to the notified game result. However, the notification of the game result or the like is not necessarily limited to the above-described mode.
Needless to say, this may be performed in combination with the blinking of b or the output of sound effects from the speaker 34.

[Description of First Embodiment of Board Case for Gaming Machine] Next, a first embodiment of the board case 4 accommodating the control board 5 for performing the above-described game control will be described. . FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a gaming machine substrate case.

The substrate case 4 is formed of a container-shaped case main body having an opening and a lid covering the opening, and the lid is provided so as to be openable and closable. And
The control board 5 is accommodated in the space defined by the case body and the lid.

The size of the cover is a size corresponding to the control board 5, that is, a size that can easily store the control board 5 in the board case 4 and take out the control board 5 from the inside of the board case 4. It is conceivable that it is. However, the electronic component may be provided corresponding to the size of a predetermined electronic component mounted on the control board 5 such as the ROM 52 so that only the electronic component can be replaced.

The substrate case 4 is provided with a mechanical key cylinder 41 since the lid can be freely opened and closed, and the key cylinder 41 locks the lid in a closed state. ing. That is, the key cylinder 41
If there is a key body 41a suitable for the key, it is possible to lock the lid in a closed state, or to release the lock by the key cylinder 41 by unlocking to open the lid. The key cylinder 41 and the key body 41a may use a well-known technique, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The lid of the board case 4 can be locked by the key body 41a even if it can be locked by the key cylinder 41.
Anyone can open it. for that reason,
It is not always preferable from the viewpoint of preventing improper acts on the control board 5. From this, the board case 4 described here counts the number of times the lid has been opened, in addition to the key cylinder 41, the open / close detector 42 that detects that the lid has been opened. Display 43 for displaying the information, and an opening / closing control unit 44 for controlling these operations.
And an auxiliary battery 45 functioning as an auxiliary power supply.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the open / close detection section. In the illustrated example, the open / close detection unit 42 is a micro switch 42a whose contact is turned ON / OFF according to the opening / closing of the lid.
2 shows a case in which the configuration is made by using. With this configuration, the opening / closing detection unit 42 can electrically detect that the lid is in the open state. In addition,
Needless to say, the open / close detection unit 42 may be configured using another technology (for example, a photoelectric sensor or a proximity switch).

Also, in FIG.
Is for counting and displaying the number of times the lid has been opened, so that it is assumed that the display contents are arranged so as to be visible from outside the substrate case 4. In addition, it is preferable that the case body be colored so that the periphery of the open / close detection unit other than the count display unit 43 cannot be visually recognized from the outside.
Further, at least the count display 43 is provided on the control board 5.
It is preferably provided separately. This is to prevent the counting result of the number of times that the lid has been opened from being reset, for example, even when the control board 5 is replaced, so that the result remains as the opening / closing history of the lid. It is. Note that the open / close detector 42 and the like other than the count display 43 may be provided on the control board 5.

It is conceivable that such a count display 43 is constituted by using, for example, an electromagnetic counter or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display. When an electromagnetic counter is used, the rotary display is moved by energizing the electromagnetic coil to count and display the number of times the lid has been opened. Is displayed. However, even if the counting result is always displayed,
No power is consumed during the display. Meanwhile, LED
When the display is used, the versatility and flexibility of the display mode are increased, but the display of the counting result always involves power consumption. Therefore, when an LED display is used, for example, the counting result is counted only while a button (not shown) provided along with the LED display is being pressed or for a certain period of time after the button is pressed. It is conceivable to reduce the power consumption by displaying the display and limiting the display period only when requested.

The opening / closing control section 44 includes these opening / closing detecting sections 42
And to control the operation of the count display 43. That is, in the opening / closing control section 44, when the opening / closing detection section 42 detects the open state of the lid, a signal to that effect is sent to the count indicator 43 and the number of times the lid has been opened is displayed. Further, when the count display 43 is an LED display, it is determined whether there is a display request by pressing a button, and if there is a display request, the fact is notified to the count display 43, and at that time, Is displayed.

The auxiliary battery 45 supplies power to the open / close detector 42, the count display 43, and the open / close controller 44. However, the auxiliary battery 45 only needs to supply power at least when power is not supplied from outside the substrate case 4. In other words, the auxiliary battery 45 may always supply power to the open / close detection unit 42, the count display 43, and the open / close control unit 44, or the board case 4 is attached to the pachislot machine 1. Power box 3 in cabinet 3
5, the power may be supplied from the auxiliary battery 45 only in other cases. Auxiliary battery 4
As 5, it is conceivable to use a primary battery such as a lithium battery or to use a rechargeable secondary battery. When a secondary battery is used, when power is supplied from the power supply box 35, charging may be performed using the power. When a primary battery such as a lithium battery is used, the opening / closing control unit 44 becomes inoperable when the battery voltage decreases. Therefore, when a non-rechargeable primary battery is used, it is preferable that only the auxiliary battery 45 be easily replaced. That is,
It is preferable that the auxiliary battery 45 can be easily replaced even when the lid is in the locked state.

According to the board case 4 of this embodiment configured as described above, when the lid is opened, this is detected by the open / close detection section 42 and the count result is displayed by the count display 43. Is displayed. Therefore, by referring to the display on the count display 43, the cumulative number of times of opening and closing of the lid can be known. That is, when the lid is opened, the trace is always left, so that early detection and suppression of fraud can be effectively performed.

In addition, when there is no external power supply, power is supplied from the auxiliary battery 45. Therefore, the display on the count display 43 shows the fact that the lid is opened and closed when the board case 4 is in a single state. Will be reflected. Therefore, the control board 5
In the distribution stage in which the board case 4 accommodating the above is traded alone, fraudulent acts can be effectively prevented. This can happen, for example, outside of business hours after installation in the store (eg at night)
The same can be said for when the power supply (commercial power supply) is not turned on.

In the board case 4 of the present embodiment, even if the lid is opened and closed for a valid reason while enabling the early detection and suppression of fraud by displaying on the count display 43, for example, Unlike the conventional method using the swaged portion, it is not necessary to break the swaged portion and to perform new swaging of the swaged portion each time. That is, as long as the key body is provided, the lock of the lid can be released in accordance with the unlocking by the key body, so that the operation is very easy as compared with the related art.

Further, the number of recognizable times of the fact that the lid is opened and closed depends on the display mode (for example, the number of digits) on the count display 43, and is limited to a small number, for example, as in the conventional case using a caulking portion. The upper cover is not opened or closed, and the swaged portion is not broken.
For this reason, it can be said that the reusability by recycling is significantly higher than in the past.

As described above, according to the substrate case 4 of the present embodiment, the fact that the lid is opened and closed can be recognized, so that the case alone can be illegally opened and the case attached to the pachislot machine 1 can be recognized. It is possible to effectively prevent both misconduct with respect to the control board 5 and to secure easiness of opening and closing work in the case of justifiable reason, and to maintain high reusability.

[Explanation of Second Embodiment of Board Case for Gaming Machine] Next, a second embodiment of the board case will be described. However, here, only the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the gaming machine board case.

The substrate case 4 'described here is significantly different from the first embodiment in that a so-called electronic lock is used. More specifically, a card reading unit 46 and a lock release unit 47 provided in place of the key cylinder 41 in the first embodiment, and an opening / closing control having a function different from that of the opening / closing control unit 44 in the first embodiment. The function as an electronic lock is realized by the unit 48.

The card reading section 46 reads predetermined code information (for example, information such as a character string and a number string) magnetically recorded on the card key 46a from a card key 46a composed of a magnetic card and functioning as a key body. Then, the contents are notified to the opening / closing control unit 48. However, the card reading unit 46 is not limited to a unit that reads information from a magnetic card, as long as it acquires information necessary for unlocking an electronic lock. Code reading (password) is performed using a keyboard. It may be something to be input.

The unlocking section 47 locks the lid in the closed state and releases the locked state in accordance with an instruction from the opening / closing control section 48. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the lock release unit. In the illustrated example, the lock release unit 47 is configured using a solenoid 47a that operates by energizing the electromagnetic coil. With this configuration, the unlocking unit 47 includes the solenoid 47
By fitting the pin portion 47b of a in the opening 4a provided integrally with the lid, the lid in the closed state is locked. Further, the locked state of the lid can be released by operating the pin portion 47b to release the fitted state with the opening 4a.

More specifically, in the unlocking portion 47, a guide (chamfering) process is applied to the tip of the pin portion 47b of the solenoid 47a, and the pin portion 47b is movable in a state of being biased in one direction. Supported. That is, the locking portion between the pin portion 47b of the solenoid 47a and the opening 4a of the lid is formed in a latch shape. As a result, when the lid is closed, the lock release section 47 locks the lid as it is, without the need to energize the solenoid 47a, the pin portion 47b is fitted into the opening 4a. Therefore, at the same time as the lid is closed, the lid is securely locked. Then, when releasing the locked state, it is necessary to energize the solenoid 47a. The lock release section 47 may of course be configured using a drive source other than the solenoid 47a.

In FIG. 6, the open / close control unit 48
In addition to the function described in the first embodiment, it has a function of determining whether or not to permit unlocking of the lid by the unlocking unit 47. This determination may be made based on the code information read from the card key 46a by the card reading unit 46 and the unlocking permission code information held in advance by the opening / closing control unit 48. Specifically, for example, if the two pieces of information match each other, the opening / closing control unit 48 permits unlocking of the lid.

According to the board case 4 ′ of the present embodiment configured as described above, the card reading section 46 is
When the code information magnetically recorded in the opening / closing section is read, the code information is notified to the opening / closing control section 48.
Then, the code information is compared with unlock permission code information stored in advance. Then, if they match each other, the opening / closing control unit 48 permits unlocking of the lid and issues an energization instruction to the lock releasing unit 47. Therefore, when there is a request for unlocking by the card key 46a and permission for unlocking by the opening / closing control unit 48 is given, the unlocking unit 47 unlocks the lid by energizing the solenoid 47a.

When the lid is unlocked by the opening / closing controller 48, the lid can be opened. However, when the lid is in the open state, as described in the first embodiment, this is detected by the open / close detector 42, and the count result is displayed on the count display 4.
3 is indicated. From this, the fact that the lid is opened and closed can be recognized in the board case 4 ′ of the present embodiment as well, so that the case alone can be tampered with and the control board 5 attached to the pachislot machine 1 can be controlled. It is possible to effectively prevent both fraudulent activities and fraudulent activities, to secure the easiness of opening and closing work in the case of justifiable reasons, and to maintain high reusability.

Further, in the board case 4 'of this embodiment,
Card reading unit 46, unlocking unit 47, and opening / closing control unit 4
Even if an electronic lock consisting of 8 is used, since the auxiliary battery 45 is provided in the board case 4 ', the board case 4' can be traded not only in the state attached to the pachislot machine 1 but also in the case alone. Even at the distribution stage, the function as the electronic lock is not lost.

The reason why the lid of the board case 4 ′ needs to be opened for a proper reason is that there is usually a state before the distribution stage in which the case is traded alone, and a state after the case is attached to the pachislot machine 1. Limited to That is, in general, in the distribution stage in which a case is traded alone, the lid is not opened for a valid reason. Therefore, it is considered that the opening and closing of the lid in the distribution stage of the case alone is all due to fraud, and in order to effectively prevent this, the following function may be added to the opening and closing control unit 48. Conceivable.

The opening / closing control section 48 includes
There is provided a memory area for specifying the state of the board case 4 'having the above. In this memory area, for example, information “0” is written in advance. The information “0” is information indicating a state before the distribution stage in which a case is traded alone.

When determining whether to permit unlocking of the lid, the open / close control unit 48 compares the information magnetically recorded in the card key 46a with the information previously held by the open / close control unit 48. The determination is made based on the contents of the information written in the memory area in addition to the comparison result. For example,
In a state where the information “0” is written in the memory area, the unlocking of the lid is not permitted even if the code information of the card key 46a matches the held unlocking permission code information.

Thereafter, the board case 4 'is attached to the pachislot machine 1, and when the pachislot machine 1 is powered on or at least one game operation is performed, the open / close control unit 48
Can recognize this based on the notification from the control board 5, and accordingly, rewrites the information written in the memory area to information "1". That is, the opening / closing control unit 48 writes the information “1” in the memory area on condition that the control board 5 in the board case 4 ′ is turned on at least once and activated. In this state, when there is an unlocking request by the card key 46a, the opening / closing control unit 48 writes the information “1” instead of “0” in the memory area.
If the code information 6a matches the unlocking permission code information held, unlocking of the lid is permitted.

In this way, after the lid is closed in the state of the substrate case 4 ′ alone, the substrate case 4 ′ is attached to the pachislot machine 1 and the control case accommodated in the substrate case 4 ′ is set. Unless the substrate 5 is operated, unlocking of the lid is not permitted. Therefore, in the distribution stage of the case alone, even if the card key 46a is obtained illegally, the lid of the board case 4 'cannot be opened, which is very effective in preventing fraud.

[Description of Third Embodiment of Gaming Machine Board Case] Next, a third embodiment of the board case will be described. However, here, only differences from the above-described second embodiment will be described.

Although the board case 4 'described here also uses a so-called electronic lock, the opening / closing control section 48 holds a plurality of unlocking permission code information in advance, and the unlocking by the plurality of card keys 46a. It is different from the above-described second embodiment in that it can handle a lock. Then, when there is an unlocking request by the card key 46a, the opening / closing control unit 48 determines whether the code information of the card key 46a matches the unlocking permission code information among the plurality of unlocking permission code information. Different conditions to allow unlocking of the body.

For example, the open / close control unit 48
If the code information a does not match any of the plurality of unlocking permission code information, the unlocking of the lid is not naturally permitted. If the code information of the card key 46a matches a part of a plurality of unlock permission code information (hereinafter, referred to as a “normal key”; there may be a plurality of normal keys), the open / close control unit 48. As described in the second embodiment, unlocking of the lid is permitted on condition that the control board 5 in the board case 4 'is turned on at least once and activated. That is, with the normal key, the lid of the board case 4 'cannot be opened in the distribution stage of the case alone.

On the other hand, if the code information of the card key 46a matches a specific one of a plurality of unlock permission code information (hereinafter, referred to as a “master key”), the open / close control unit 48 stores the information in the memory area. Regardless of the written information, that is, without assuming that the control board 5 has been turned on at least once and activated, unlocking of the lid is permitted. In other words, with the master key, the lid of the board case 4 'can be opened even in the distribution stage of the case alone.

As described above, if two or more types of unlocking permission code information (unlockable card keys 46a) are provided and the conditions for unlocking the lid are different for each type, each type of card key can be obtained. Since different uses can be given to the respective 46a, it is possible to effectively prevent fraudulent activities and to improve the convenience of a store clerk or the like of a game arcade handling the board case 4 '.

In each of the above-described first to third embodiments, the open / close detecting section 42 detects that the lid is in the open state, and the count display 43 counts the number of times. Although the case of displaying is described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the open / close detector 42
Is the one that detects the state related to the opening and closing of the lid,
The present invention is not limited to the open state of the lid, and may detect, for example, a state where the lid can be opened. In this case, the open / close detection unit 42 is provided with the solenoid 4 in the lock release unit 47.
It is sufficient to detect whether or not the lid is unlocked based on the operation state of 7a and the lid can be opened.
Therefore, in this case, regardless of whether or not the lid is actually opened, the count indicator 43 displays the state of the lid when, for example, the solenoid 47a operates and the latched state is released. The opening / closing history is counted.
Further, the opening / closing detection unit 42 may detect both that the lid has been opened and that the lid can be opened. In this case, even if a failure occurs in any one of the detection means or the like, the count display 43 can count the opening / closing history of the lid without being affected by the failure.

In each of the first to third embodiments described above, the case where the count display 43 displays only the number of counts as the opening / closing history of the lid has been described as an example. It is conceivable to leave other information in accordance with this. As other information, for example, the time when the lid is opened and closed (date and time, etc.), the code information of the card key which requested the opening and closing (the name of the manager of the card key can be known by this), etc. Can be In this case, these pieces of information are recognized by the opening / closing control sections 44 and 48 using a notification from the card reading section 46 and a clock function (not shown) and stored in a memory area managed by the opening / closing control sections 44 and 48. The data is accumulated, and can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel unit 24 according to the operation of the administrator. If a communication means (not shown) to an external computer is attached, the computer of the store can centrally manage the board case opening / closing information of each gaming machine.

In each of the first to third embodiments described above, the case where the present invention is applied to the substrate cases 4 and 4 ′ used in the pachislot machine 1 has been described as an example. The invention is not limited to this. That is, on the condition that the game medium is inserted, the player is allowed to play a game,
As long as the game medium is refunded in accordance with the game result, the same applies to other game machines. A typical example of another gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

[0089]

As described above, according to the gaming machine substrate case of the present invention, the fact that the lid is opened and closed can be recognized so that unauthorized opening of the case alone and the Both improper acts on the control board in the mounted state can be effectively prevented. Also,
Even if fraudulent acts are prevented, it is possible to sufficiently secure the easiness of opening and closing work for a justifiable reason. In addition, it can be said that the reusability by recycling is significantly higher than in the past.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an example of a gaming machine using a gaming machine board case according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of an example of the gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control board accommodated in the gaming machine board case according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a gaming machine board case according to the present invention.

5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of an open / close detection unit provided in the gaming machine board case according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A illustrates a case where the lid is in a closed state, and FIG. It is a figure showing the case of an open state.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the gaming machine board case according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a specific example of a lock release section provided in the gaming machine board case according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Pachislot machine, 4, 4 '... Board case for gaming machine, 5 ...
Control board, 41 ... Key cylinder, 41a ... Key body, 42 ...
Open / close detection unit, 43: count display unit, 44: open / close control unit, 45: auxiliary battery, 46: card reading unit, 46a: card key, 47: unlocking unit, 48: open / close control unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A game machine board case for accommodating a control board for performing game control of a game machine, comprising: a lid provided so as to be openable and closable; A lock unit that releases the lock in response to unlocking by the body, a detection unit that detects a state related to opening and closing of the lid, and a number of times that the lid is opened based on a detection result by the detection unit. Counting means for counting and displaying one or both of the number of times the lid can be opened, and supplying power to the detecting means and the counting means at least when there is no external power supply A substrate case for a gaming machine, comprising: 2. The board case for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said lid is provided corresponding to a size of said control board. 3. The gaming machine board case according to claim 1, wherein said lid is provided corresponding to a size of a predetermined electronic component mounted on said control board. 4. The board case for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said locking means has a latching portion for locking said lid formed in a latch shape. 5. An opening / closing control unit for determining whether to permit unlocking of the lid by the locking unit, wherein the locking unit receives an unlocking request by the key body and the opening / closing control 5. The board case for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said cover is unlocked when said means is permitted. 6. The opening / closing control means, after the gaming machine substrate case provided with the opening / closing control means is mounted on the gaming machine, the control board housed in the gaming machine substrate case is turned on at least once. On condition that it has been activated,
The board case for a game machine according to claim 5, wherein unlocking of the lid is permitted. 7. The opening / closing control means, when the information held in advance by the opening / closing control means and the information registered in the key body requesting the unlocking match, unlocks the lid. 7. The board case for a gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein permission is given. 8. The opening / closing control means holds a plurality of pieces of information in advance, and unlocks the lid body based on which information registered in a key body for which an unlocking request is made matches. 8. The board case for a game machine according to claim 5, wherein the permitted conditions are different. 9. The gaming machine board case according to claim 1, wherein said counting means is provided separately from said control board. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said counting means always displays the counted number.
A substrate case for a gaming machine according to any one of the preceding claims. 11. The board case for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said counting means displays the number of times counted only when requested. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power supply is a replaceable primary battery, and is replaceable even when the lid is in a locked state.
A substrate case for a gaming machine according to the item.