JP2005058676A - Control system of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the security of a game machine by changing the monitoring level of the game machine accordingly. <P>SOLUTION: A monitoring program and table data composed of a preset value n and a standard time Tn are stored in a memory 32 of a slot machine 3. When the preset value of a security level is entered by an information storage device 4 the preset value n is output to the slot machine 3 and stored in the RAM area of the memory 32. The slot machine 3 activates a monitoring program every prescribed time and the standard time Tn that corresponds to the preset value n stored is read. This standard time Tn is compared with a detected time T of an input token sensor to determine whether a detected signal from the input token sensor is normal and an error signal is output to the information storage device 4 in case of abnormality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system for a gaming machine such as a slot machine that is installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

  In game arcades where pachinko machines, slot machines, and other gaming machines are installed, an information management device that can exchange information by connecting to these gaming machines is installed in the game hall, and signals related to gaming in the gaming machines are managed as information In many cases, a game system is constructed that collects and stores input signals that are input to a device. In such a game hall, a service is provided that provides game information such as game history for each gaming machine collected and accumulated by the information management device to the player using a dedicated terminal installed in the game hall. There are many.

  For example, in the case of a slot machine, the game-related signals include, for example, a signal indicating that the mode has shifted to the BB mode or the RB mode, a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted, and a signal indicating that a medal has been paid out. These signals are transmitted to the information management apparatus via a circuit board called an external concentration terminal board provided in the slot machine. As a result, the information management device can manage the status and information of each slot machine based on the signal output from the external concentrated terminal board.

  In such a slot machine, for example, a medal sensor is provided in the selector, and when a medal is detected by the medal sensor, the detection time of the medal is monitored and the detection time is within a preset reference time. If the detection signal from the medal sensor is output for a reference time or longer, it is determined that the token is jammed and an error is displayed. In addition, a medal sensor is provided in the hopper device, the medal paid out by this medal sensor is detected, and when the detection time of the medal is longer than the monitoring time, it is determined that the medal is jammed and an error display is performed. .

  However, since the monitoring time is constant, for example, a plastic plate such as celluloid is inserted from a medal slot, for example, and the detection by the medal sensor is illegally performed within the monitoring time to increase the count value of the medal counter. There is a problem in that an act of inserting a wire or the like from a medal payout port, illegally changing the detection time of the medal sensor, and paying out medals exceeding the number of payouts.

  In order to solve these problems, for example, it is conceivable to shorten the monitoring time. However, if the monitoring time is shortened, for example, when the slot machine is not sufficiently maintained or the sensitivity of the medal sensor is lowered. In addition, an error is displayed immediately, and the player cannot play the game with peace of mind, which is annoying. In addition, it is conceivable that a plurality of monitoring times are stored and set for each slot machine. However, in addition to the problem that it takes time to set each slot machine, the monitoring time is set for the slot machine itself Therefore, there is a problem in that an operation unit for the operation is required and the cost for manufacturing the slot machine is increased. In addition, by providing a new operation unit, the wiring inside the slot machine is increased, which is likely to cause a new illegal action.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and management of gaming machines that can improve the security of gaming machines by appropriately changing the monitoring level of gaming machines. The purpose is to provide a system.

  The gaming machine management system of the present invention comprises at least one gaming machine and an information management device that receives information from the gaming machine, and the gaming machine detects a payout medium to be paid out. Means for detecting the inserted game medium, monitoring means for monitoring the detection time of the game medium by at least one of the payout detection means or the input detection means, and the detection time of the game medium Storage means for storing a plurality of reference times serving as a reference for determining whether or not it is normal, time selection means for selecting one of the plurality of reference times stored in the storage means, and the time selection means The reference time selected by the monitoring means is compared with the detection time of the game medium monitored by the monitoring means, and it is determined that an error occurs when the detection means exceeds the reference time. A determination means; and an alarm means for outputting an error signal to the information management apparatus when an error is determined, the information management apparatus comprising: a level selection means for selecting a set value of a monitoring level; and the error signal Display means for performing display based on the error signal when the information is received, the information management device transmits the set value selected by the level selection means to the gaming machine, and the time selection The means selects one of the plurality of reference times based on the received set value.

  The gaming machine preferably includes relay means for relaying information transmitted to the information management device and a set value transmitted from the information management device. Moreover, it is preferable that the said relay means is provided with the display part which displays the setting value of the said monitoring level.

  The gaming machine management system of the present invention comprises at least one gaming machine and an information management device that receives information from the gaming machine, and the gaming machine detects a payout medium to be paid out. Means for detecting the inserted game medium, monitoring means for monitoring the detection time of the game medium by at least one of the payout detection means or the input detection means, and the detection time of the game medium Storage means for storing a plurality of reference times serving as a reference for determining whether or not it is normal, time selection means for selecting one of the plurality of reference times stored in the storage means, and the time selection means The reference time selected by the monitoring means is compared with the detection time of the game medium monitored by the monitoring means, and it is determined that an error occurs when the detection means exceeds the reference time. A determination means; and an alarm means for outputting an error signal to the information management apparatus when an error is determined, the information management apparatus comprising: a level selection means for selecting a set value of a monitoring level; and the error signal Display means for performing display based on the error signal when the information is received, the information management device transmits the set value selected by the level selection means to the gaming machine, and the time selection Since the means selects one of the plurality of reference times based on the received setting value, the security setting value of the gaming machine arranged in the game hall can be easily set by the information management device. Further, by changing this set value, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the output error signal is due to an illegal action, and it is possible to detect an illegal action at an early stage. Furthermore, by using the management system of the present invention, it is possible to set a monitoring level according to the needs of each game hall in each game hall.

  In addition, since the gaming machine includes relay means for relaying information transmitted to the information management device and setting values transmitted from the information management device, information is exchanged collectively. Therefore, wiring and the like between the gaming machine and the information management device can be performed together. In addition, since the relay means includes a display unit for displaying the set value of the monitoring level, when a game shop clerk opens the door of the gaming machine due to abnormality or maintenance of the gaming machine, the monitoring level is displayed. The set value of can be confirmed.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a gaming machine management system using the present invention. The management system 2 has a configuration in which at least one slot machine 3 and an information management device 4 are connected by a communication line 5. Note that the communication line 5 can exchange information between the slot machine 3 and the information management device 4, and for example, an apparatus that transmits an electric signal, an apparatus that transmits an optical signal, or the like may be used as appropriate. . In addition, the information management device 4 is provided with a monitor 4 a that displays game information of the slot machine 3. The monitor 4a may use an appropriate display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display. The slot machines 3 arranged in the game hall are assigned numbers to the respective slot machines so that the information management apparatus 4 can easily manage them.

  FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the slot machine 3. In the slot machine 3, a display window 8 is provided on the front door 7 of the housing 6, and a first reel 9 a, a second reel 9 b, and a third reel 9 c are rotatably incorporated in the back of the display window 8. As is well known, various symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of the first to third reels 9a to 9c at a constant pitch, and three symbols per reel are observed through the display window 8 when the reels are stopped.

  A liquid crystal screen 10, which is a liquid crystal display, is disposed on the side of the display window 8. The liquid crystal screen 10 is controlled by a liquid crystal screen controller 40 (see FIG. 3). On the liquid crystal screen 10, an image according to the game state, an effect image by a moving image, an image notifying that the right to win the winning combination has been given to the player, and the like are displayed. Although details will be described later, an external concentration terminal plate 12 described later is disposed inside the housing 6, and game information is output to the information management device 4 via the external concentration terminal plate 12. The information from the information management device 4 is input. Thereby, the external concentration terminal board 12 functions as a relay means.

  When 1 to 3 medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 15 on the front surface of the slot machine 3 and the start lever 16 for starting the game is operated, the first to third reels 9a to 9c start to rotate. Then, by operating the first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c, the first to third reels 9a to 9c corresponding to the buttons are individually stopped.

  On the operation panel provided with the first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c, a single bet button 18, a MAX bet button 19, a payout button 20, and the like that are operated when a game is played with a medal credited. Various operation buttons are provided.

  A medal tray 21 is provided at the lower portion of the housing 6, and the medal tray 21 stores a payout medal paid out from the medal payout port 22 when a prize is obtained in the game.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation of the slot machine 3 is basically controlled by the control unit 30. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory (storage means) 32 having a ROM area and a RAM area. The ROM area of the memory 32 stores a control program such as a game execution program, and control data necessary for executing these programs, as well as a monitoring program described later, and when executing this monitoring program. The reference time Tn and the like necessary for the above are stored. Note that a plurality of reference times Tn (n: a set value of the security level) are provided so that each time is different. These reference times Tn correspond to the set value n of the security level (monitoring level) output from the information management device 4, and the set value n and the reference time Tn are associated with the ROM area of the memory 32. Table data is stored. In the following, the security level setting value n is set to three types 1 to 3, the reference value T1 of the setting value 1 is 200 ms, the reference time T2 of the setting value 2 is 300 ms, and the reference time T3 of the setting value 3 is 500 ms. explain.

  On the other hand, the RAM area of the memory 32 temporarily stores processing data (for example, a flag when BB or RB is elected) when the control program is executed, as well as the security output from the information management device 4 The set value n of the level is stored and rewritten when new processing data or data of the set value n is obtained.

  The inserted medal sensor 34 functioning as an insertion detecting unit is provided inside the selector and detects an appropriate medal distributed by the selector among medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 15. A medal detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is input to the CPU 31.

  The medal credit function is switched on / off every time the payout button 20 is pushed. When the credit function is used, a medal insertion operation is performed by operating the 1 bet button 18 or the MAX bet button 19 described above, and the bet number is sequentially subtracted from the credit number. Further, when a game is performed and a winning with a payout of medals is obtained, the payout medal is also credited, and the credited medals are paid out to the medal tray 22 when the payout button 20 is operated.

  Sensors are provided inside the 1-bet button 18 and the MAX-bet button 19, and a signal is input to the CPU 31 when each button is pressed. The CPU 31 determines the number of 1 to 3 medals inserted prior to the start of the game based on a detection signal from the insertion medal sensor 34 or an input signal from either the 1 bet button 18 or the MAX bet button 19. And determine the number of activated winning lines. In addition, the number of medals betted each time a game is started is accumulated and counted by a counter provided in the CPU 31. The number of credits is counted by another credit medal counter (not shown).

  The start switch sensor 35 is turned on when the start lever 16 is operated, and inputs a game start signal to the CPU 31. When the game start signal is received, the CPU 31 rotates the first to third reels 9a to 9c based on the game execution program stored in the ROM area of the memory 32 and starts the game process. Data and the like are temporarily stored in the RAM area of the memory 32.

  The drive and stop control of each reel is performed by the symbol part drive control part 36. For example, a reel drive controller is preferably used as the symbol part drive control part. Each of the first to third reels 9a to 9c is fixed to a drive shaft of an individual stepping motor 37a to 37c, and each reel is controlled by controlling the driving of each stepping motor 37a to 37c.

  Since the stepping motors 37a to 37c rotate at a rotation angle corresponding to the number of supplied drive pulses, the CPU 31 controls the rotation angle of the first to third reels 9a to 9c by controlling the number of supplied drive pulses. The stop position of the reel can be determined by stopping the supply of the drive pulse. Each reel is integrally formed with reflection signal portions 38a to 38c at the reference position, and the photosensors 39a to 39c photoelectrically detect the passage of each reflection signal portion for each rotation. Detection signals from the photosensors 39a to 39c are input to the CPU 31 as a reset signal for each reel.

  The CPU 31 is provided with a pulse counter for each of the stepping motors 37a to 37c, and counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 37a to 37c. When the reset signal is input from the photosensors 39a to 39c, the count value of the corresponding pulse counter is cleared. Therefore, the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle within one rotation of each reel is stored in each pulse counter while being sequentially updated.

  A symbol table is stored in the ROM area of the memory 32. In the symbol table, the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle from the reference position of each reel and the symbol representing each symbol arranged on the reel at a constant pitch are stored. A code is associated. Therefore, by monitoring the count value of the pulse counter for each reel, it is possible to identify, for example, which symbol has moved on the central pay line, and to what extent the reel is further rotated. It can be predicted whether the symbol of will move on the winning line.

  Sensors are provided inside the first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c, and a reel stop signal is input to the CPU 31 when the first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c are operated. The start lever 16 is operated to start the rotation of all reels. When these rotations reach a steady speed, the operation of the first to third stop buttons 17a to 17c is validated. Thereafter, the stop control of the corresponding first to third reels 9a to 9c is started by operating these.

  The liquid crystal screen controller 40 controls an image displayed on the liquid crystal screen 10 in accordance with a signal input from the CPU 31.

  When the winning combination is won, the medal payout unit 41 pays out the number of payout medals corresponding to the winning combination to the medal tray 21 or adds the specified number to the credit counter. A payout table in which the number of payout medals is determined for each type of winning combination is stored in the ROM area of the memory 32, and the CPU 31 reads this to drive the medal payout unit 41. For example, a medal hopper is preferably used as the medal payout unit 41. The medal payout unit 41 is provided with a payout medal sensor (payout detection means) 42 for detecting a payout medal. The medal paid out is counted by the detection signal from 42, and the operation of the medal paying unit 41 is stopped when the count value matches the payout number.

  The time monitoring unit (monitoring means) 45 reads the monitoring program stored in the ROM area of the memory 32 via the CPU 31 and executes the monitoring program. The monitoring program is provided to determine whether or not the medal detection signal detected by the inserted medal sensor 34 is normal. Below, it demonstrates based on the flowchart of FIG.

  When the monitoring program is executed in the time monitoring unit 45, the time monitoring unit 45 determines whether or not a detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is input. When the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is input, the value T of the timer 46 is added. Then, after reading the security level setting value n from the RAM area of the memory 32 via the CPU 31, the time monitoring unit 45 reads the reference time Tn corresponding to the setting value n from the ROM area of the memory 32, It is determined whether or not the value T of the added timer 46 is within the reference time Tn.

  When the value T of the timer 46 is within the reference time Tn, the time monitoring unit 45 determines that the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is normal, and ends the monitoring program. On the other hand, when the value T of the timer 46 exceeds the set reference time Tn, the time monitoring unit 45 determines that the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is an error, and the information management device via the CPU 31. An error signal is output to 4. When the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is not input when the monitoring program is executed, the CPU 31 resets the value of the timer 46. Accordingly, the time monitoring unit 45 functions as a time selection unit and a determination unit, and the CPU 31 functions as an alarm unit.

  The external concentration terminal board (relay means) 12 serves as a board for relaying the signal processed by the control unit 30 when the signal is output to the information management apparatus 4. Examples of the signal shown here include a signal indicating that the mode has shifted to the BB mode or the RB mode, a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted, and a signal indicating that a medal has been paid out. Further, when the security level is set by the information management device 4, the security level setting value n is input to the control unit 30 via the external concentration terminal board 12. Reference numeral 48 denotes an I / O port.

  The external concentration terminal board 12 includes a first LED 50, a second LED 51, and a third LED 52. The first to third LEDs 50 to 52 display the setting value n of the security level of the slot machine 3, and the light emission control of these LEDs is performed by the CPU 31. Hereinafter, an example in which the set value n of the security level is 1 to 3 will be shown. For example, when the security level is level 1, the first LED 50 emits light, when the security level is level 2, the second LED 51 emits light, and when the security level is level 3, the third LED 52 emits light. Reference numeral 53 denotes a driver. Since these LEDs 50 to 52 are arranged inside the slot machine 3, they cannot be seen by the player who plays the game. Thereby, 1st-3rd LED50-52 functions as a display part which displays the setting value of a security level.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the information management device 4 is basically controlled by a control unit 57 including a CPU 55 and a memory 56. The CPU 55 controls the information management device 4 based on the information management execution program stored in the ROM area of the memory 56. The information management device 4 receives game information (shift to BB, RB mode, medal insertion number, medal payout number, etc.) from all slot machines 3 arranged in the game hall, and these data are stored in the slot. Grouped by machine. These data are displayed on the monitor 4a as a graph or a table by the information management execution program.

  A security level setting program is stored in the ROM area of the memory 56. This security level setting program is for setting the security level of the slot machine 3 arranged in the game hall. The security setting program is executed by operating an input device such as a keyboard 58, for example. When this security setting program is executed, selection items such as the number of the slot machine 3 whose security level is to be changed and the security level are displayed on the display unit 4a, and the person in charge of the game hall operates the keyboard 58, for example, The above item is selected, and the number of the slot machine 3 whose security level is to be changed and the security level setting value n are changed. When the above items are changed, the security level setting program ends, and the CPU 55 outputs the security level setting value n to the corresponding slot machine 3. When an error signal is input from the slot machine 3, the CPU 55 reads an error processing program and displays an error on the monitor 4a. Reference numeral 59 denotes a monitor screen controller which controls an image displayed on the monitor 4a in accordance with a signal output from the CPU 47. As a result, the CPU 55 and the keyboard 28 function as level selection means, and the monitor 4a functions as display means.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine management system of the present invention will be described. When the main power supply of the slot machine 3 is turned on, the CPU 31 executes a monitoring program every predetermined time (20 ms). When this monitoring program is executed, the time monitoring unit 45 determines whether or not a detection signal is output from the inserted medal sensor 34. When no detection signal is output from the inserted medal sensor 34, the CPU 31 initializes the timer 46 and ends the monitoring program.

  On the other hand, when a detection signal is output from the inserted medal sensor 34, the timer value is added, and the security level setting value n stored in the RAM area of the memory 32 is read to read out the ROM area of the memory 32. Then, the reference time Tn corresponding to the read set value n is read out. When the reference time Tn is read from the ROM area of the memory 32, the time monitoring unit 45 compares the read reference time Tn with the value T of the timer 46, and determines whether or not the value of the timer 46 is within the reference time Tn. judge.

  As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a case where the setting value n of the security level is 1 and the monitoring program is executed every 20 ms will be described. If a detection signal is output from the inserted medal sensor 34 when the monitoring program is executed, 20 is first added to the value of the timer 46 (initial value 0). In this case, since the set value n is 1, the reference time T1 is 200 ms, the value T (= 20) of the timer 46 is compared with the reference time T1 (= 200), and the value T of the timer 46 T ≦ reference Time T1 is reached. Thereby, it is determined that the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is normal, and the monitoring program ends. This monitoring program is executed every 20 ms. For example, when a medal is inserted and the time when the medal is detected by the inserted medal sensor 34 is 150 ms, when the monitoring program is executed for the eighth time, the inserted medal sensor 34 Therefore, the CPU 31 initializes the value T of the timer 46 (the value of the timer 46 is 0).

  On the other hand, if the maintenance merit is not so much and the sensitivity of the inserted medal sensor 34 is deteriorated and the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is output for 250 ms when the medal is inserted, even if the monitoring program is executed 10 times, The detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is output. In this case, the time monitoring unit 45 determines that the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is abnormal. In response to this, the CPU 31 outputs an error signal to the information management device 4. When the CPU 55 of the information management device 4 receives the error signal, it displays the number of the slot machine that output the error signal on the display unit 4a. Similarly, when an illegal act using the inserted medal sensor 34 is performed (when the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is continuously output), an error signal is output to the information management device 4. .

  Further, when the security level of the slot machine 3 is set to the set value 2, the reference time T2 = 300 ms, and even if the slot machine is poorly maintained, the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor is within the reference time T2. Since it stops, it is determined that there is an error only when an illegal act is performed on the inserted medal sensor 34, and an error signal is output to the information management device 4. The same applies when the security level of the slot machine 3 is set to the set value 3 (reference time T3 = 500 ms). As a result, it is possible to detect an illegal act or poor maintenance early.

  For example, if the security level of the slot machine 3 is the set value 1 and error signals are frequently input to the information management device 4, the game hall manager operates the input device of the information management device 4 to Change the security level of the slot machine. In this case, for example, when the number of the slot machine whose security level is to be changed and the set value n of the security level are input and confirmed, the CPU 55 stores the number of the slot machine 3 input in the RAM area of the memory 56. And the set value n are temporarily stored. Then, the CPU 55 starts up the transmission program and outputs the changed security level setting value n to the corresponding slot machine 3. Thereby, for example, when the security level is set to the setting value 1 and the error signal is frequently output, the error signal is not frequently output from the slot machine 3 by changing to the setting value 2. Since an error signal is output only in the case of an illegal act or a medal clogging, an illegal act or a medal clogging can be detected early.

  In addition, since the slot machine 3 and the information management device 4 exchange information via the external concentrated terminal board 12, it is possible to improve the security of the slot machine while maintaining the conventional configuration. Become.

  When the front door 7 of the slot machine 3 is opened during maintenance or error processing, among the first to third LEDs 50 to 52 provided on the external concentration terminal board 12, the LED corresponding to the set value n of the corresponding security level Is emitted, only the game shop clerk can confirm the set value n.

  In the present embodiment, the security of the inserted medal sensor provided in the selector has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the output time of the detection signal from the payout medal sensor provided in the hopper device may be monitored. Is possible. As a result, it is possible to improve the security regarding the insertion of medals and the payout of medals.

  In the present embodiment, the setting value of the security level is set in three stages, but it is not necessary to limit to this, and an appropriate number can be set. Also, the reference time corresponding to the set value need not be limited to this embodiment, and may be arbitrarily set by, for example, a game hall administrator.

  In addition, although the interval for executing the monitoring program is set to 20 ms, it is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate. It is also possible to change the interval at which this monitoring program is executed in association with the security level setting.

  In this embodiment, the change of the security level of one slot machine has been described. However, a plurality of setting values may be changed collectively.

It is a perspective view which shows the management system of the slot machine of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a slot machine. It is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a monitoring program. It is a functional block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an information management apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the detection time of a medal, and reference time.

Explanation of symbols

2 Management system 3 Slot machine 4 Information management device 12 External concentration terminal board 15 Coin slot 31, 55 CPU
32,56 Memory 34 Inserted medal sensor 45 Time monitoring unit 46 Timer

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine management system comprising at least one gaming machine and an information management device for receiving information from the gaming machine,
The gaming machine is
A payout detecting means for detecting a game medium to be paid out;
An input detection means for detecting an input game medium,
Monitoring means for monitoring a detection time of the game medium by at least one of the payout detection means and the input detection means;
Storage means for storing a plurality of reference times serving as a reference for determining whether or not the detection time of the game medium is normal;
Time selection means for selecting one from a plurality of reference times stored in the storage means;
A determination unit that compares the reference time selected by the time selection unit with the detection time of the game medium monitored by the monitoring unit, and determines that an error occurs when the detection unit exceeds the reference time. When,
An alarm means for outputting an error signal to the information management device when an error is determined;
With
The information management device includes:
Level selection means for selecting the set value of the monitoring level;
Display means for performing display based on the error signal when the error signal is received;
The information management device transmits the setting value selected by the level selection means to the gaming machine,
The gaming machine management system, wherein the time selection means selects one of the plurality of reference times based on the received set value.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a relay unit that relays information transmitted to the information management device and a setting value transmitted from the information management device. Management system.   The gaming machine management system according to claim 2, wherein the relay unit includes a display unit that displays a set value of the monitoring level.

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