JP2004181047A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent fraudulent acts from being repeated by different means by using a system in which whether a fraudulent means is effective or ineffective is unclear. <P>SOLUTION: The subject game machine has a winning ball passage 17 on the rear side of a game board 1, and two detectors 18 and 19 are disposed on the passage 17. The first detector 18 detects passage of a game ball near a pattern variation starting hole 3 and the second detector 19 detects passage of the game ball on the downstream side of the first detector 18. A CPU (central processing unit) on a main control board determines a jackpot with the operation of the first detector 18 as an initiator and transmits a variation starting command to a pattern display device. The time from the start of operation of the first detector 18 to the start of operation of the second detector 19 is measured, and whether the detection operation is normal or abnormal is determined based on the measured time. If it it detected that the operation is abnormal, a countermeasure against the abnormality is taken so that a jackpot game should not be executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to a player when a gaming ball wins a symbol starting port.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As this type of gaming machine, a first-type or third-type pachinko machine is known. The game board of the first class pachinko machine is provided with a symbol starting port and a symbol display device, and a prize detector for detecting that a game ball has won a prize is provided at the back of the symbol starting port. When the winning detector operates, the control device determines whether or not to perform a jackpot game by randomly selecting a random value, and transmits a symbol change start command to the symbol display device. If the result of the determination is a big hit, after the symbol display device stops changing the symbol, the variable winning device repeatedly opens a big winning port to execute a big hit game that gives the player a high profit. Since the big hit game is triggered by the operation of the prize detector, this type of pachinko machine uses a wireless device or flash device to transmit illegal electromagnetic waves or light pulses toward the symbol starter, and wins the prize Fraud that causes the detector to malfunction has occurred.
[0003]
In order to prevent fraudulent acts using a wireless device or a flash device, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a prize sphere detector including two sensors of different types such as a magnetic sensor and an optical sensor, and an optical sensor and a mechanical sensor. Have been proposed, and when both sensors operate, it is detected that a game ball has won. In addition, in order to prevent a fraudulent act of attaching a fraudulent board, Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which a first detector is provided near a symbol starting port, and a second detector is stored inside a protective cover of a control device. A technique is disclosed in which a symbol change is started when the first detector operates and a jackpot determination is performed when the second detector operates.
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2002-65958.
[Patent Document 2] JP-A-2000-202107.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, since the winning detector is composed of two types of sensors, the detector is expensive, and there is a problem that assembling at the time of manufacturing and maintenance and inspection are troublesome. In addition, since the two sensors are arranged in an overlapping manner, fraudsters are limited to only one point to be crafted, and finding effective methods relatively easily by trying multiple means alternately or simultaneously. can do. In addition, the symbol does not start to change unless both sensors operate at the same time. Therefore, the validity / invalidity of the fraudulent means is immediately known. According to the technique of Patent Literature 2, since the game ball passes through the section from the first detector to the second detector in a substantially constant time, it is not possible to estimate the arrangement interval of the two detectors from the passing time. Therefore, the system was inadequate as a fraud prevention system.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent repetition of a fraudulent act of changing a fraudulent means by using a system in which the validity / invalidity of fraudulent means is difficult to understand.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Functions / Effects]
In order to solve the above problem, the invention of claim 1 provides a symbol display device and a symbol starting port on the surface of the game board, and the detecting means detects a game ball winning the symbol starting port, and In response to the operation, the control means determines whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player, and in the gaming machine for causing the symbol display device to start changing the symbol, on the back side of the gaming board, the symbol starting port A winning ball passage for letting the winning game ball flow down is provided, and the detecting means detects a passing of the game ball on the winning ball passage near the symbol starting port, and a winning ball downstream of the first detector. A second detector for detecting the passage of a game ball on the passage, wherein the control means transmits a symbol change start command to the symbol display device in response to the operation of the first detector, and the first detector operates. Time from when the second detector operates until the time Based detection operation of the game ball to determine whether it is normal or abnormal by detecting means, and executes the abnormality countermeasure process when it is determined abnormal.
[0007]
In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the game ball wins the symbol starting port, after the first detector operates, the second detector operates after the elapse of a predetermined time, and the difference between the times when both detectors operate, that is, the time, Is measured. If the measurement time is within a preset time, it is determined that the detecting means has normally operated based on the winning of the game ball, and thereafter the normal game is continued. On the other hand, if only the first detector operates and the measurement time exceeds the set time, or if both detectors operate simultaneously and the measurement time is less than the set time, the detection means is abnormal due to an illegal radio wave or the like. Is performed, and an abnormality countermeasure process that causes a result contrary to the intention of the wrongdoer is executed. Therefore, even if a fraudulent act is performed, it is possible to avoid damage to the game store. Further, when the first detector operates, the symbol change starts as usual, so that the wrongdoer misunderstands that the present means was effective and does not try another means. As a result, it is possible to prevent repetition of the fraudulent act of changing the means. It is also possible to detect clogging of game balls in the winning ball passage based on the difference between the operation times of the two detectors.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the abnormality countermeasure process includes a process for not executing the big hit game. For example, triggered by the operation of the first detector, different random numbers are acquired from the normal processing counter and the abnormal processing counter. The normal processing counter includes a random number value that is a big hit, and the abnormal counter does not include a random number value that is a big hit (the random number value is all lost). When the normal operation of the detecting means is determined, the random number value obtained from the normal processing counter is randomly selected, and it is determined whether or not to execute the big hit game as usual. When the abnormal operation is determined, the random number value obtained from the abnormal processing counter is randomly selected, and all the results of the misconduct are led to a lost game. Alternatively, a jackpot or a loss is determined in response to the operation of the first detector, and when an abnormal operation of the detector is determined, the determination result of the jackpot is invalidated to determine the loss. In this case, since the determination of the symbol change and the jackpot are performed as usual, the wrongdoer cannot detect the existence of the fraud prevention system, and the success or failure of the wrongdoing becomes unclear.
[0009]
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of stopping fraud, it is also effective to use a fraud prevention system to warn fraudsters. The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that the abnormality countermeasure process includes a process for causing the symbol display device to keep the symbol change indefinitely. Specifically, when an abnormal operation of the detecting means is determined, a variation pattern in which the symbol variation time is not specified is selected, and the symbol variation is continued indefinitely. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the abnormality countermeasure process includes a process for operating an alarm device. As the alarm, a lamp, a buzzer, a sound generator, and the like can be used.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that a passing time changing means for changing a time for a game ball to pass through a section from the first detector to the second detector for each game ball is provided in the winning ball passage. . According to this configuration, since the time during which the game ball passes through the winning ball path becomes longer or shorter, or changes for each game ball, the arrangement interval and operation timing of the two detectors cannot be predicted from the outside. . Therefore, even if the emission direction of the illegal radio wave is changed, it is extremely difficult to cause the two detectors to malfunction at regular timing, and it is possible to more effectively prevent illegal acts. In this regard, it is preferable to change the passage time irregularly rather than regularly.
[0011]
The following specific configuration can be adopted as the passage time changing means.
The passage time changing means according to the invention of claim 6 is characterized in that a branch portion is provided downstream of the first detector for branching the winning ball path into a long path and a short path.
The passage time changing means according to the invention of claim 7 is characterized in that a flow path switching member for switching a flow path of a game ball to a long path or a short path is provided at a branch portion.
The passage time changing means according to the invention of claim 8 is characterized in that it has a projection provided inside the winning ball passage.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a passage time changing means, comprising: a movable element that can move in and out of a winning ball passage; and a solenoid that drives the movable element.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a passage time changing means including a rotating body that rotates inside a winning ball passage, and a motor that drives the rotating body.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a first-class pachinko machine will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, on the surface of the game board 1, a symbol display device 2 is installed substantially at the center, and a plurality of symbols each using numbers and pictures are displayed in a variable (scroll) manner on a liquid crystal display in three display areas. . Under the symbol display device 2, a normal electric accessory 4 provided with a symbol starting port 3 is provided. When a game ball wins the symbol starting port 3, the symbol display device 2 starts changing symbols. A general winning opening 5 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the ordinary electric accessory 4, and a variable winning device 7 is installed below the ordinary electric accessory 4. Then, when a predetermined big hit symbol is displayed on the symbol display device 2, the variable winning device 7 continuously opens the big winning port 8 by the door member 6 a predetermined number of times, and executes a big hit game advantageous to the player. I do.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 2, a casing 11 is attached to the lower portion of the back surface of the game board 1. On the left and right sides of the casing 11, a sleeve lower portion 12 for letting a game ball winning the general winning opening 5 flow down, and a general winning opening 5 And a sleeve detector 13 for detecting a game ball that has won the game. In the central part of the casing 11, a central inflow part 14 for flowing a game ball which has won the special winning opening 8, a large winning opening detector 15 for detecting a game ball passing through the general area of the special winning opening 8, A specific area detector 16 for detecting a game ball passing through a specific area of the winning opening 8 is provided. At the center of the casing 11, a winning ball passage 17 through which a game ball winning the symbol starting port 3 flows down is formed in a bent shape capable of bypassing the large winning port 8.
[0014]
At the upper end of the winning ball passage 17, a first detector 18 for detecting the passage of a game ball near the symbol starting port 3 is provided. At the lower end of the winning ball passage 17, a second detector 19 that detects the passage of a game ball downstream of the first detector 18 is provided. In the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the same type of proximity switch is used for the first detector 18 and the second detector 19. For this reason, the detecting means can be configured at low cost, and can be easily assembled at the time of manufacturing and maintenance work at the time of operation. The game balls flowing into the inside of the casing 11 from the respective winning ports are collected from the casing 11 to a game island facility outside the machine through a guide passage (not shown).
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 3, a main control board 21 is provided in the electric control system of the pachinko machine, and a microprocessor 22 is mounted on the main control board 21. The microprocessor 22 is provided with a CPU 23 for controlling devices of each part of the pachinko machine, a ROM 24 for recording various control programs, control data, and the like, and a RAM 25 for temporarily storing calculation results, setting data, and the like by the CPU 23. I have. The main control board 21 is connected with a symbol control board 26 for controlling the symbol display device 2, a variable winning device 7, and a firing control board 27. The firing control board 27 confirms the operation of the firing handle. A firing switch 28 and a firing motor 29 for driving a firing hammer are connected.
[0016]
Further, the main control board 21 is connected to the left and right sleeve detectors 13, the special winning opening detector 15, and the specific area detector 16 via the board relay board 30, and performs the first detection on the winning ball passage 17. The detector 18 and the second detector 19 are directly connected. Then, the CPU 23 as a control means, based on the operation of the first detector 18, randomly selects the random number value obtained from the counter, determines whether or not to execute the big hit game, and displays the symbol variation on the symbol display device 2. Is transmitted to the symbol control board 26. Further, the CPU 23 measures the time from when the first detector 18 operates to when the second detector 19 operates, and based on the measured time, the detecting operation of the game ball by both the detectors 18 and 19 is normal. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality, and when the abnormality is determined, an abnormality countermeasure process for not executing the big hit game is executed.
[0017]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the above-described series of processes in detail. The CPU 23 executes the symbol start-up process in response to an interrupt signal generated, for example, every 2 milliseconds. In this process, the CPU 23 first checks the operation of the first detector 18 (S1), and when the first detector 18 is turned on, starts the process for measuring the elapsed time T thereafter (S2). . Next, one random value is obtained from the normal processing counter (S3), another random value is obtained from the abnormal processing counter (S4), and the two random values are stored in the RAM 25 (S5). Here, for example, the normal processing counter counts a total of 300 from 0 to 299, and “177” is a random number value that is a big hit. On the other hand, the abnormal processing counter counts a total of 300 from 0 to 300, all of which are random numbers that cause loss.
[0018]
Next, the CPU 23 checks whether or not the elapsed time T after the operation of the first detector 18 is within a preset upper limit time, for example, within 5 seconds (S6). The operation of the detector 19 is confirmed (S7). When the second detector 19 is turned on, it is checked whether or not the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than a preset lower limit time, for example, 0.1 second (S8). If the elapsed time is 5 seconds or less and 0.1 seconds or more for a normal winning, it is determined that both the detectors 18 and 19 operate normally, and the random number value of the normal processing counter is read from the RAM 25. (S9). If only the first detector 18 is operated due to an illegal radio wave or the like and the elapsed time T exceeds 5 seconds (S6: No), or if both the detectors 18 and 19 are operated simultaneously, If the time T is shorter than 0.1 second (S8: No), the abnormal operation (malfunction) of the detectors 18 and 19 is determined, and the random number value of the abnormal processing counter is read (S10).
[0019]
Subsequently, the CPU 23 randomly selects a random number value and determines whether or not it is a big hit (S11). Here, when the random number value of the normal processing counter is selected by lottery, a big hit or a loss is determined as usual, and a big hit flag which is a trigger for operating the variable winning device 7 is set according to the big hit determination result (S12). A big hit symbol is determined (S13), and a lost symbol is determined according to the determination result of the loss (S14). On the other hand, when the random number value of the abnormality processing counter is randomly selected, all the determination results are lost, and the lost symbol is determined (S14). Thereafter, the CPU 23 determines a fluctuation pattern including a fluctuation time of the big hit symbol or the lost symbol (S15), transmits a corresponding symbol fluctuation start command to the symbol control board 26 (S16), and proceeds to the next symbol display process. Transition.
[0020]
Therefore, according to the pachinko machine of this embodiment, when the detectors 18 and 19 malfunction due to an illegal radio wave or the like, an abnormal countermeasure process for leading all the jackpot determination results to a loss is executed, so that an illegal act is performed. Also, it is possible to avoid the damage on the game store side. In addition, since the operation of the first detector 18 triggers the determination of the symbol change and the jackpot as usual, the fraudster misunderstands that the current fraudulent means is effective and does not try another means. . As a result, it is possible to prevent repetition of a fraudulent activity in which the means is changed, without the fraudster noticing the existence of the fraud prevention system.
[0021]
<Modification example of abnormality countermeasure processing>
The abnormality countermeasure process is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be implemented with the following modifications.
(1) As shown in FIG. 5, when the elapsed time T exceeds 5 seconds (S25: No), or when the elapsed time T is less than 0.1 second (S27: No), a big hit occurs. The determination (S29) is canceled, and a lost symbol is immediately determined (S32). In this case, the abnormality countermeasure processing can be executed using one type of counter.
(2) The jackpot determination is performed as usual, but when the abnormal operation of the detectors 18 and 19 is determined, even if the determination result is a jackpot, the result is invalidated (the jackpot flag is not set) and the jackpot symbol is changed. Replace with the missing pattern.
[0022]
(3) When an abnormal operation of the detectors 18 and 19 is determined, a pattern fluctuation pattern whose fluctuation time is not specified is selected in place of a normal pattern fluctuation pattern, and, for example, three patterns are scrolled at a high speed. , Continue special variations indefinitely and warn fraudsters.
(4) When an abnormal operation of the detectors 18 and 19 is determined, a drive signal is output to an alarm device such as a lamp, a buzzer, and a sound generator.
(5) If the second detector 19 does not operate even after 10 seconds have elapsed after the operation of the first detector 18, it is determined that the winning ball passage 17 has been clogged, and the three symbols continue to fluctuate. An abnormality is notified by a lamp or the like.
(6) The abnormality countermeasure processing of the above embodiment and the abnormality countermeasure processing of each of the above-described modified examples are appropriately combined and executed.
[0023]
<Example of changing the winning ball passage>
Next, some modified examples of the winning ball passage 17 will be described. These modifications are characterized in that a passing time changing means is added to the winning ball passage 17 and the time that the game ball passes through the section from the first detector 18 to the second detector 19 is changed for each game ball. And The passage time changing means irregularly changes the passage time of the game ball so as to make the arrangement interval and operation timing of the first and second detectors 18 and 19 unpredictable from the outside. Therefore, even if the fraudulent person changes the emission direction of the fraudulent radio wave, it becomes extremely difficult to cause the two detectors 18 and 19 to malfunction at regular timing, and fraudulent behavior can be more effectively prevented. . 6 to 11, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 indicate the same members as those in the embodiment.
[0024]
The passing time changing means shown in FIG. 6 includes a branch portion 17c that branches the winning ball path 17 into a long path 17a and a short path 17b immediately below the first detector 18. Second detectors 19a and 19b are provided at the lower ends of the long path 17a and the short path 17b, respectively, and function in the same manner as the second detector 19 of the above embodiment. The game ball P that has passed through the first detector 18 is randomly guided from the branch portion 17c to the long road 17a side or the short road 17b side according to the speed, direction, rotation status, and the like at the time of winning. For this reason, the passing time from the first detector 18 to the second detector 19 changes irregularly for each game ball.
[0025]
The passage time changing means shown in FIG. 7 includes a swingable wing-shaped flow path switching member 32 for switching the flow path of the game ball P to the long path 17a or the short path 17b at the branch portion 17c of the winning ball path 17, A motor 33 for driving the member 32 is provided. The game ball P having passed through the first detector 18 is randomly guided from the branch portion 17c to the long path 17a side or from the branch portion 17c to the short path 17b side, depending on the direction of the flow path switching member 32 at that time. Is done.
[0026]
The passing time changing means shown in FIG. 8 is configured by providing a plurality of protrusions 35 on the inner wall surface of the winning ball passage 17 between the first and second detectors 18 and 19. The game ball P that has passed through the first detector 18 collides with the projection 35 while flowing down the winning ball passage 17 and passes through the second detector 19 in a decelerated state. Then, the passing time of the game ball P changes irregularly according to the degree of the collision.
[0027]
The passing time changing means shown in FIG. 9 includes a movable element 37 that can freely move in and out of the winning ball passage 17 and a solenoid 38 that drives the movable element 37. The mover 37 is swingably supported on the casing 11 by a shaft 39, the solenoid 38 is attached to the casing 11 via a bracket 40, and the plunger 41 of the solenoid 38 is connected to the mover 37 via a connector 42. When the game ball P wins with the tip of the mover 37 projecting into the winning ball passage 17, the game ball P is temporarily captured by the mover 37, and the time to pass through the second detector 19 is delayed. . Therefore, the passing time can be changed irregularly for each game ball according to the winning timing of the game ball P and the operation timing of the mover 37.
[0028]
The passage time changing means shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a rotating body 44 that rotates inside the winning ball passage 17 and a motor 45 that drives the rotating body 44. The rotating body 44 is supported by a housing 47 at a lower end with a support shaft 46, is connected to a motor shaft 48 at an upper end, and has a spiral portion 49 at an intermediate portion. The motor 45 rotates at a relatively low speed while changing the rotation speed, and the rotating body 44 temporarily captures the game ball P by the spiral portion 49, so that the time when the game ball P passes through the second detector 19 is reduced. It is changing irregularly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the game board showing a winning ball passage and a detector.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an electric control system.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality countermeasure processing method.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the abnormality countermeasure processing method.
FIG. 6 is a main part rear view of the game board showing a winning ball passage provided with a passage time changing means.
FIG. 7 is a rear view showing a modification of the passage time changing means.
FIG. 8 is a rear view showing another modification of the passage time changing means.
FIG. 9 is a rear view showing still another modification of the passage time changing means.
FIG. 10 is a rear view showing still another modification of the passage time changing means.
11 is a detailed view of the passage time changing means of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 gaming board 2 symbol display device 3 symbol starting port 7 variable winning device 17 winning ball passage 17 a long path 17 b short path 17 c branching section 18 first detector 19 second detector 22 microprocessor 23 CPU
32 flow path switching member 33 motor 35 projection 37 mover 38 solenoid 44 rotating body 45 motor P game ball

Claims (10)

A symbol display device and a symbol starting port are provided on the surface of the game board, and the detecting means detects a game ball which has won the symbol starting port, and the operation of the detecting means triggers the control means to play a big hit game advantageous to the player. In a gaming machine that determines whether or not to implement, and causes the symbol display device to start changing the symbol,
On the back side of the game board, a prize ball passage is provided for letting a game ball winning a symbol starting port flow down,
A first detector for detecting the passage of a game ball on a prize ball passage near a symbol starting port; and a second detector for detecting the passage of a game ball on a prize ball passage downstream of the first detector. Including a detector,
The control means transmits a symbol change start command to the symbol display device in response to the operation of the first detector, and measures a time from when the first detector operates to when the second detector operates, and the measurement is performed. A gaming machine characterized in that it detects whether the detecting operation of the game ball by the detecting means is normal or abnormal based on the detected time, and executes an abnormality countermeasure process when the abnormality is determined. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality countermeasure processing includes processing for not performing the big hit game. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality countermeasure process includes a process for causing the symbol display device to keep the symbol change indefinitely. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality countermeasure process includes a process for operating an alarm device. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a passage time changing means for changing a time required for the game ball to pass through a section from the first detector to the second detector for each game ball in the winning ball path. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the passing time changing means includes a branching portion that branches the winning ball path into a long path and a short path downstream of the first detector. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein a flow path switching member for switching a flow path of the game ball to a long path or a short path is provided at the branch portion. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the passage time changing means includes a protrusion protruding into a winning ball passage. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the passage time changing means includes a movable element that can move in and out of the winning ball path, and a solenoid that drives the movable element. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the passing time changing means includes a rotating body that rotates inside the winning ball passage, and a motor that drives the rotating body.

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