JP2005137622A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine where possibility of occurrence of regularity at the moment of switching the operating state of a game is reduced and a load on software (CPU) is reduced. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with: an electric game device 200; and an electric game device control means for controlling the operating state of the game by the electric game device. The game machine is provided with: an electric charge storage device 210 which has electric charge stored therein or which can store electric charge; and a voltage value detection means 220 for detecting the value of voltage to the electric charge stored in the electric game device. The electric game device control means is provided with a game operation state switch control means 230 for carrying out control of switching the operating state of the game of the electric game device with the value of voltage to the electric charge stored in the electric charge storage device 210 detected by the voltage value detection means 220. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some electrical gaming devices of gaming machines, for example, symbol display devices, have a plurality of gaming operating states with different properties, and there are gaming machines that switch each gaming operating state with software (CPU). . A gaming machine that switches the game operating state by software includes, for example, a random number generating means and a random number extracting means, and the game operating state is switched when the random number extracting means extracts a random number for switching the game operating state. There is a game machine.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-285611

  However, in game machines that switch the game operating state by software, the probability of random number generation that triggers switching the game operating state is determined, so the game operating state switching must be performed with a certain probability Therefore, there is a possibility that regularity may occur in the occurrence of the trigger for switching the operation state of the game. In addition, since processing for generating and extracting random numbers is performed on software, there is a risk that a load on software (CPU processing) may be applied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a configuration in which an opportunity for switching the operation state of a game in an electric game device is generated without depending on software (CPU), and the operation state of the game is switched. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the possibility of regularity in generating an opportunity for switching the operating state and reduce the load on the software (CPU).

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a gaming machine comprising an electric gaming device and an electric gaming device control means for controlling an operation state of a game of the electric gaming device, the electric charge is accumulated or the electric charge can be accumulated. And a voltage value detecting means for detecting a voltage value with respect to the charge accumulated in the charge accumulating device, wherein the electric gaming machine control means is detected by the voltage value detecting means. In addition, game operation state switching control means is provided for performing control to switch the operation state of the game of the electric gaming device according to the value of the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the voltage value detecting means detects the voltage due to detecting that the voltage with respect to the electric charge accumulated in the electric charge accumulating device is a predetermined value. Voltage value detection information transmitting means for transmitting information having a predetermined value to the electric gaming machine control means is provided, and the electric gaming machine control means includes the voltage transmitted by the voltage value detection information transmitting means. It is characterized by comprising voltage value detection information receiving means for receiving information whose detected value is a predetermined value.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the game operation state switching control means receives the voltage value detection information received from the voltage value detection information transmission means as to whether the detected value of the voltage is a predetermined value. The operation state of the game is switched due to reception by the means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the electric gaming machine is provided with a notifying means for notifying an operating state of the game.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, there is provided voltage value change control means capable of changing a voltage value with respect to the charge accumulated in the charge accumulation device for a predetermined time. And

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the voltage value change control device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the voltage value change control means is capable of changing a change in a voltage value with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device in a predetermined time by an arbitrary operation. An operation means is provided.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the voltage value change control means controls the change amount of the increase or decrease of the voltage value with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device so as to be changeable. It is characterized by.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the voltage value information data stored in the charge storage device is converted into information data for the electric game device control means. Data conversion control means, and the electrical gaming machine control means is characterized in that the gaming operation state switching control means is operable by information data for the electrical gaming machine control means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the electrical gaming machine control means for controlling the operating state of the game of the electrical gaming machine, the charge storage device that stores or can store charges, and stores in the charge storage device Voltage value detecting means for detecting a voltage value with respect to the charged charge, and the electric gaming machine control means is configured to detect the charge stored in the charge storage device detected by the voltage value detecting means. By providing a game operation state switching control means for performing a control to switch the operation state of the game of the electric gaming device according to the voltage value, the possibility of occurrence of regularity in the occurrence of an opportunity to switch the operation state of the game is reduced. At the same time, it is possible to reduce the load on the software.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the voltage value detecting means detects that the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device is a predetermined value, so that the detected value of the voltage is a predetermined value. Voltage value detection information transmitting means for transmitting the information to the electrical gaming apparatus control means, and the electrical gaming apparatus control means has the detected value of the voltage transmitted by the voltage value detection information transmitting means. By providing voltage value detection information receiving means for receiving information having a predetermined value, information indicating that the detected value of the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device is a predetermined value is transmitted from the voltage value detecting means. Is possible.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the game operation state switching control means receives the information that the detected value of the voltage transmitted by the voltage value detection information transmitting means is a predetermined value, and the voltage value detection information receiving means receives the information. By switching the operation state of the game due to the fact, it is possible to switch the operation state of the game according to the voltage value with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device.

  According to the invention of claim 4, by providing the electric game device with a notification means for notifying the operation state of the game, the player can recognize the operation state of the game.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the charge stored in the charge storage device is provided by providing the voltage value change control means capable of changing the voltage value for the charge stored in the charge storage device over a predetermined time. It is possible to change the rate of change of the voltage value with respect to, and to change the timing (trigger) for switching the operation state of the game.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the voltage value change control means includes voltage value change operation means that allows a change in a voltage value for a charge accumulated in the charge accumulation device in a predetermined time to be changed by an arbitrary operation. By providing, the value of the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device can be arbitrarily changed, and the timing (trigger) for switching the operation state of the game can be easily changed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the voltage value change control means controls the change in the amount of increase or decrease in the voltage value with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device so as to be changeable. It is possible to change the rate of increase or decrease of the voltage value with respect to the charge accumulated in the device, and it is possible to change the timing (trigger) for switching the operation state of the game.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided data conversion control means for converting information data of a voltage value with respect to charges stored in the charge storage device into information data for the electric game device control means, Since the gaming operation state switching control means is operable by the information data for the electrical gaming apparatus control means, the intelligent gaming apparatus control means is information on the voltage value with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device. Data can be converted into information data for the electric gaming machine control means.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing simplified electric control in the gaming machine, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration for switching the gaming operation state in the gaming machine, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific configuration in the first embodiment for switching the gaming operation state in the gaming machine, and FIG. 6 is the gaming machine. 7 is a table showing the signal level of each output pin with respect to the threshold voltage in FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific configuration for switching the game operation state in the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is for game operation state switching in the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific configuration for switching the game operation state in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10 is an arrangement pattern of each means for switching the game operation state in the present invention. FIG.

  A gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that uses a game ball as a gaming medium, and includes a gaming area composed of an outer rail 4 and an inner rail 5 arranged on the edge of the gaming board 3. 6 is provided on the game board 3. On the center line of the game area 6, a symbol display device 9, a start winning port 10, a special winning port 15 and an out port 17 are arranged in order from the upper part to the lower part. Ramp windmills 18a and 18b, left and right gates 19 and 22 for normal symbol variation on the center left and right, windmills 22a and 22b on the left and right sides below, and left sleeve winning port 23 and right sleeve winning port 25 on the outside and below A left drop winning opening 27 and a right drop winning opening 29 are arranged below the left dropping winning opening 27. In the game area 6, a guide nail J is installed to prevent the free flow of game balls that have been driven into the game area 6 or to change the flow direction to a random direction.

  Further, on the front side of the gaming machine 1, a lamp indicator 35 (left side lamp 35a, right side lamp 35b), an upper ball tray 36 for receiving the game balls that have been paid out, and saturation of the upper ball tray 36 A lower ball tray 37 for receiving game balls at times, a speaker 38 for generating sound effects, and a ball launching device 64 for projecting and launching game balls toward the game area 6 in response to the player's launch operation are provided. Further, a prepaid card unit 66 is connected. A game ball launched by the ball launching device 64 is driven into the game area 6 through between the outer rail 4 and the inner rail 5. Reference numeral F1 denotes an outer frame of the gaming machine, F2 denotes a front frame attached to the outer frame F1, and G denotes a glass frame attached to the front frame F2 by a hinge so as to be opened and closed. The main parts will be described below.

  The symbol display device 9 includes a frame portion 9a, a special symbol display portion 42 surrounded by the frame portion 9a, and a normal symbol display portion 43 incorporated at the lower left of the special symbol display portion 42. The special symbol display unit 42 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal, a dot matrix, or an LED display device. In this embodiment, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD module). The normal symbol display unit 45 uses a part of the liquid crystal display as a display area.

  The special symbol display unit 42 is capable of variably displaying symbols, and has a special symbol display region divided into a left side display region, a central display region, and a right side display region arranged side by side. A special symbol for the jackpot determination result is displayed in the display area. In the left display area, the left special symbol, the central display area, the middle special symbol, the right special area, the right special symbol can be displayed in a variable display and stop display. Is displayed, thereby notifying the player of the determination result. The special symbols displayed in the left display area, the central display area, and the right display area in this embodiment are “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11”, respectively. 12 types of designs. The special symbol display unit 42 can display images different from the special symbols, for example, other symbols different from the special symbols, character images, background images, character images, and the like in addition to the special symbols. The other symbols, character images, background images, character images, and the like can be variably displayed due to predetermined conditions such as the start of variation of special symbols.

  In the special symbol display section 42, a game for displaying a special symbol, a background image, or the like is performed as described above. The special symbol display unit 42 corresponds to the “electric game device” in claim 1 and corresponds to “notification means for notifying the operation state of the game” in claim 4 in this embodiment. The special symbol display unit 42 (electric game device) is provided with at least two game operation states at least partially different from each other, that is, a first game operation state and a second game operation state as game operation states. Yes. The phrase “at least partly different from each other” means that there are parts different from each other in at least part of the game. In the present embodiment, only the display mode displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is different, and it relates to the advantage to the player such as the probability for the big hit of the game and the number of game balls paid out (the number of prize balls paid out) at the time of winning. A first game operation state and a second game operation state that do not affect the game content are set. In the first game operating state in this embodiment, a background image of the night atmosphere is displayed on the special symbol display section 42, whereas in the second game operating state, a background image of the day atmosphere is displayed, and Is displayed to inform the player of the operating state of the game (that is, whether the first game operating state or the second game operating state). The contents of the first game operation state and the second game operation state differ depending on the electric game device. In addition, the first game operating state and the second game operating state differ in game contents related to advantages for the player, such as the probability of jackpot occurrence, the number of prize balls paid out, or the variation time of special symbols. It may be.

  The normal symbol display unit 43 can change and display a normal symbol consisting of a symbol or a picture as a small hit determination symbol. The normal symbols (small hit determination symbols) displayed in the normal symbol display section 43 in this embodiment are changed and stopped and displayed as 10 of “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9”. It is a street symbol, and is changed and stopped due to a predetermined condition.

  The start winning opening 10 is provided with two movable pieces (feather-like objects) 10a and 10b, and a substantially vertical parallel state and a substantially V-shaped (reverse C-shaped) are formed by a starting winning opening solenoid on the back. It is possible to change between the expanded states. When the movable pieces 10a and 10b are in a substantially vertical parallel state, it becomes difficult for a game ball to enter the start winning opening 10 through the movable pieces 10a and 10b, whereas the movable pieces 10a and 10b expand. When in the open state, it becomes easy for the game ball to enter the start winning opening 10 through the movable pieces 10a and 10b. In the present embodiment, the movable pieces 10a and 10b are in a substantially vertical state at the normal time, and after the normal symbol (small hit determination symbol) of the normal symbol display unit 43 is changed, the movable pieces 10a and 10b are in a specific normal symbol determined in advance. When the final stop is displayed and the small hit (per normal symbol) is displayed, the expanded state is achieved.

  Also, a special symbol variation start switch (start winning port sensor) for detecting a game ball that has entered (winned) the start winning port 10 is provided on the back of the game board 3. When a winning game ball (winning ball) is detected, a big hit determination random number for determining a big hit of the game is acquired, and the special symbol display unit 42 changes the special symbol. Started (a kind of notification of the operational state of the game). Then, when the acquired jackpot determination random number is a jackpot, the special symbol display unit 42 stops displaying the special symbol in a specific symbol combination and displays the jackpot (the game operation state). A special game that is advantageous to the player as compared with the normal game up to the jackpot is executed together with a kind of notification.

  The normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21 correspond to a small winning start winning opening, and a game ball is placed on the back of the game board 3 on both the gates 19, 21. It is equipped with a normal symbol variation start switch for detecting that the ball has entered the ball. When a game ball is detected by the normal symbol variation start switch, a random number for determining a small hit for determining the small hit of the game is acquired, and the variation of the normal symbol is started in the normal symbol display unit 43. When the acquired small hit determination random number is a small hit, the small symbol is displayed by stopping the normal symbol display with a specific symbol on the normal symbol display unit 43, and the start winning opening 10 The movable pieces 10a and 10b are expanded.

  The left sleeve winning port 23 and the right sleeve winning port 25 include a left sleeve winning port detection switch and a right sleeve winning port detection switch for detecting a winning ball (game ball). 27 and a right drop winning opening 29 are provided with a left drop winning opening detection switch and a right falling winning opening detection switch for detecting a winning ball (entering game ball) on the back of the corresponding game board.

  The special prize opening 15 includes an opening / closing plate 61 that is opened and closed by a special prize opening opening solenoid on the back of the game board. The big prize opening 15 is normally in a state in which the opening / closing plate 61 is closed, and a part of the big prize opening 15 is opened when the big prize opening 15 is opened so as to be able to win (win). Specific area winning opening 63 is provided. Further, the specific area winning opening 63 is provided with an open / close door (not shown) that is opened and closed by a specific area opening solenoid in a predetermined condition. The specific area winning opening 63 is provided with a specific winning ball detection switch (specific area sensor) for detecting a winning ball (entering game ball) to the specific area winning opening 63, and a big winning is obtained by detecting the winning ball. The right to continue opening the mouth 15 is established. A winning ball count switch (count sensor) for detecting a winning ball that has won the big winning port 15 and has not won the specific area winning port 63 is provided in the approximate center of the big winning port 15. ing.

  The special winning opening 15 receives a game ball that is opened on the opening and closing plate 61 and falls on the surface of the gaming area 6 in the special gaming state, and makes it possible to win (win) a prize. When there is a prize at the big prize opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls by the prize ball payout device. The open / close plate 61 of the big prize opening 15 has a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls detected after elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) or detected by the winning ball count switch (count sensor). It will be closed when it becomes.

  Further, when the special winning ball detection switch detects the winning ball to the specific area winning port 63 within about 2 seconds after the grand winning port 15 is opened or within the close of the big winning port 15, the big hit is repeated again. The right to continue is generated, and the opening / closing plate 61 is repeatedly opened a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, a maximum of 15 or 13 times).

  The launching device 64 is configured so that the launching motor inside the gaming machine is actuated by the operation of the operation lever 65, so that the game ball is ejected. The launch ball fired by the launch device 64 is guided to the game area 6 through a launch ball guide path formed between the outer guide rail 4 and the inner guide rail 5 erected on the game board surface. The game ball guided to the game area 6 by the firing ball guide path falls while rolling and wins (enters) the start winning port 10 and each winning port, or wins anywhere ( If it does not enter, it is discharged from the out port 17 to the back side of the game board 3.

  Further, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, there are provided a plurality of control boards (a control circuit is incorporated in the board) and devices for controlling the game. FIG. 2 shows the back side of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing electric control of the gaming machine. As the main control board, a main control board 100, a display control board 110, a lamp control board 120, a payout control board 130, a voice control board 140, a power supply board 150, a launch control board 160, and the like are shown. Reference numeral 131 denotes a payout device (a rental ball payout device and a prize ball payout device). The display control board 110 excluding the main control board 100, the lamp control board 120, the payout control board 130, the voice control board 140, the power supply board 150, and the launch control board 160 correspond to sub-control boards. Reference numeral 241 denotes a game operation state change-over switch (corresponding to “voltage value changing operation means” in claim 6).

  The main control board 100 corresponds to main control means, and in this embodiment, together with the display control board 110, corresponds to “electric gaming machine control means” of claim 1. The main control board 100 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a program, a RAM that functions as a work memory for the CPU, a one-chip microcomputer 101 that includes a ROM that stores a game control program, and the one-chip computer 101 and a display The control board 110, the lamp control board 120, the payout control board 130, the voice control board 140, etc. are configured by the input / output circuits 102, 103, etc., and the initial setting means, the data acquisition means, and the jackpot determination that function by executing the program Means, special game execution means, storage means, data reading means, storage control means, and small hit determination means.

  The CPU includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various registers, various flags, etc., and performs calculation control, as well as generation of random values used for game control, such as generation of jackpots (special game state) by special symbols, Random numbers that determine the occurrence of small hits based on normal symbols, and control signals (commands) for sub-control boards such as the display control board 110 and other control devices are generated according to a program.

  The RAM temporarily stores a storage area for the detection signal of the special symbol variation start switch (start winning prize sensor), a detection signal for the normal symbol variation start switch, a storage area for various random numbers generated by the CPU, and various data. A storage area and flag to be stored in the memory, and a work area for the CPU. The ROM stores not only game control programs, control data, and control signals (commands), but also jackpot and jackpot determination values.

  In addition, the one-chip microcomputer 101 periodically receives an initial reset circuit for initializing various control information when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and a game control program stored in the ROM 74 of the one-chip microcomputer 101 ( In this example, a periodic reset circuit that is executed every 2 msec) is provided. A control signal (command) output from the main control board 100 controls various sub-control boards and devices via the input / output circuits 102 and 103.

  The display control board 110 corresponds to the “electric game device control means” according to claim 1 together with the main control board 100 in this embodiment, and includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. It is connected to the main control board 100 and is connected to the special symbol display unit 42 and the normal symbol display unit 43 of the symbol display device 9 through an output circuit. The display control board 110 receives from the main control board 100 a variation pattern of special symbols, a special symbol for stopping, and control signals (commands) for various gaming states, and in the special symbol display unit 42 based on the received control signals. The game operating state is controlled and the normal symbol display section 43 is controlled. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the CPU of the display control board 110 corresponds to a game operation state switching control means, and the display control board 110 has a voltage value detection means connected to the CPU. 220 and a charge storage device 210 connected to the voltage value detection means 220. A voltage value change control means 240 is connected to the charge storage device 210 from outside the display control board 110.

  The lamp control board 120 is connected to the lamp indicator 35 (left side lamp 35a, right side lamp 35b), and performs light emission control of the lamp indicator 35 (left side lamp 35a, right side lamp 35b).

  The payout control board 130 controls the payout of game media (prize balls and rental balls) by the payout device (ball rental payout device and prize ball payout device) 131, and the launch control board 160 is connected to the launch control. It controls the launch of game balls by the device 64 and controls the prepaid card unit 66 in addition.

  The sound control board 140 corresponds to sound control means, and is connected to a speaker 38 as sound generation means, and generates sound from the speaker 38 based on a sound control signal (command) received from the main control board 100. Control.

  The main control board 100 is connected to various sensors, switches, solenoids and the like via an input / output circuit or a relay path. In addition, a power supply board 150 is connected to the main control board 100.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention has a configuration for controlling the operating state of the game by controlling the operating state of the game of the electric gaming device (in the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 42). . FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration for switching the operation state of the game. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a charge storage device 210 that stores charges or can store charges, a voltage value detection means 220 that detects a voltage value with respect to the charges stored in the charge storage device 210, Game device control means (in this embodiment, the electric game device control means corresponds to the main control board 100 and the display control board 110, of which the display control board 110 is a game operation state switching control means). (Corresponding to the CPU of the display control board 110) 230, and depending on the value of the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device 210, the electric game device 200 (in the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit) 42) the game operation state switching control means 230 switches the game operation state. In this embodiment, the display on the special symbol display unit 42 can be switched between a first game operation state consisting of a background image of a night atmosphere and a second game operation state consisting of a background image of a night atmosphere. ing.

  The charge storage device 210 is not particularly limited as long as it can store charges. For example, a primary battery that cannot be charged only by discharging, a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged, a capacitor (including an electric double layer capacitor), or the like. Can be mentioned. As the voltage value detecting means, a known battery remaining amount detecting IC or a device using a comparator can be used.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the voltage value detection means 220 detects that the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device 210 is a predetermined value, so that the detected value of the voltage is predetermined. Voltage value detection information transmitting means (corresponding to the “voltage value detection information transmitting means” of claims 2 and 3) for transmitting information as a value to the electric gaming machine control means (the display control board 110 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, it corresponds to the output port of the voltage value detecting means 220.) 221 is provided, and the electric gaming machine control means (the display control board 110 in this embodiment) includes the voltage value detection. The voltage value detection information receiving means (which corresponds to the “voltage value detection information receiving means” according to claims 2 and 3) and receives information that the voltage transmitted by the information transmitting means 221 is a predetermined value. And a corresponds to the input port of the CPU of the display control board 110.) 231. Then, due to the fact that the voltage value detection information receiving means has received information that the detected value of the voltage transmitted by the voltage value detection information transmitting means 221 is a predetermined value, the gaming operation state switching control means 230 The game operation state is switched (that is, the first game operation state is switched to the second game operation state, or the second game operation state is switched to the first game operation state).

  The voltage value detection means 220 is information data of a voltage value with respect to charges stored in the charge storage device 210 (“voltage value information data with respect to charges stored in the charge storage device” of claim 8). Correspondingly, analog data in this embodiment is used as information data for the electrical gaming machine control means (in this embodiment, the display control board 110) ("information data for electrical gaming machine control means" in claim 8). And a data conversion control means (corresponding to the “data conversion control means” in claim 8) 222 for converting into digital data in this embodiment. The voltage value detection information transmission means 221 transmits the voltage value detection information reception means 231 to the electric game device control means (in this embodiment, the display control board 110). Control is performed based on the received data in. The data conversion control means converts the analog data into digital data, and the game operation state can be switched by the game operation state switching control means.

  Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is a voltage value change control means that can change the value of the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device 210 in a predetermined time (the “voltage value change control means” in claims 5 and 6). 240), and the voltage value change control means 240 changes the voltage value change rate (change amount of increase or decrease) with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device 210, whereby the electric game The switching time regarding the operation state of the game of the device (in the present embodiment, the special symbol display section 42) can be adjusted. Further, the voltage value change control means 240 is a voltage value change operation means (a voltage value change operation means according to claim 6) that allows a change in a voltage value for a charge accumulated in the charge accumulation device 210 at a predetermined time to be changed by an arbitrary operation. It corresponds to “value change operation means”, and in this embodiment, it corresponds to a game operation state changeover switch 241 on the back of the gaming machine), so that the electric gaming machine (in this embodiment, the special symbol display section 42) It is possible to arbitrarily adjust the switching timing (trigger) regarding the operation state of the game.

  FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of a configuration for switching the operation state of the game in the special symbol display section 42. In the first embodiment, the special symbol display unit 42 constitutes the electric gaming machine, the main control board 100 and the display control board 110 constitute the electric gaming machine control means, and further the display control. The CPU of the board 110 constitutes the gaming operation state switching control means 230, and the display control board 110 has a voltage value detection means 220 using a comparator and a charge storage device comprising a 9V stacked alkaline dry battery (primary battery). 210 is provided. The voltage value detection means 220 is connected to the CPU of the display control board 110, and the voltage value detection means 220 is connected to a charge storage device 210 made of a 9V stacked alkaline battery (primary battery).

  A voltage value change control means 240 is connected from the outside of the display control board 110 to the charge storage device 210 composed of the 9V stacked alkaline dry battery (primary battery). The voltage value change control means 240 includes a game operation state changeover switch (corresponding to “voltage value change operation means”) 241 provided on the back surface of the game 1 and the game operation state changeover switch 241. Through the load means R connected to the charge storage device 210 of the 9V stacked alkaline battery, and the amount of change in the voltage value with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device 210 can be arbitrarily controlled (the game operating state). It can be changed by the operation of the changeover switch 241).

  The load means R includes a first load resistor Ra and a second load resistor Rb whose connection with the charge storage device 210 is switched by the game operation state changeover switch 241. The first load resistor Ra (5 kΩ in this embodiment) and the second load resistor Rb (10 kΩ in this embodiment) are composed of light emitting means (LEDs) in this embodiment, but are not limited thereto. For example, you may comprise by the backup means provided when the external power supply with respect to the gaming machine 1 is cut off. By operating the game operation state changeover switch 241 at the game store side, the charge storage device 210 can be set to any one of the three patterns of connecting to either Ra or Rb or not connecting to either. ing. The charge storage device 210 of the 9V stacked alkaline battery discharges (consumes) the electrical energy (charge) in the charge storage device 210 by being connected to Ra or Rb, and is connected to the Ra. The amount of electric energy (charge) to be discharged (consumed) is different from that in the case of being connected to Rb, and as described in claim 6, a predetermined voltage value with respect to the charge accumulated in the charge accumulation device 210 is determined. The change in time can be changed by an arbitrary operation, and, as described in claim 7, a decrease in the value of the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device 210 (in the case of a charge storage device capable of charge / discharge) The change amount of decrease or increase) can be controlled to be changeable. Further, when the charge storage device 210 of the 9V stacked alkaline battery is not connected to either Ra or Rb, almost no electric energy (charge) is discharged (consumed), and the charge storage device 210 in the charge storage device 210 It is possible to substantially maintain electric energy (charge).

  The voltage value detection means 220 is constituted by voltage value information data (in this embodiment, analog data in this embodiment) with respect to the charges accumulated in the charge storage device 210 (in this embodiment, electrical energy of a 9V stacked alkaline battery). Information detected by the data conversion control means in the voltage value detection means 220 (information in the present embodiment is constituted by digital data). The output port of the voltage value detection means 220 (corresponding to the “voltage value detection information transmission means” of claim 2) to the input port of the display control board 110 (“voltage value of claim 2”). Detected information receiving means "".

  In the comparator of the voltage value detection means 220, Vth1 to Vth4 are each set to a predetermined value (corresponding to “predetermined value” in claim 2). In the present embodiment, Vth1 is set to 8V, Vth2 is set to 7V, Vth3 is set to 6V, and Vth4 is set to 5V as the predetermined values. Then, the electric charge accumulated in the electric charge accumulating device 210 (electric energy of the 9V stacked alkaline battery) is discharged and reduced by the load means Ra and Rb of the voltage value change control means 240, thereby reducing the electric charge. The value of the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the storage device 210 decreases (in this embodiment, the voltage decreases from the maximum voltage 9 V corresponding to the maximum electrical energy in the 9 V stacked alkaline battery), and the voltage of 8 V is detected by the voltage value. Until it is detected by the means 220, OUT1 to OUT4 are set to L, and when a voltage value of 8V (corresponding to a predetermined value) is detected, OUT1 is set to H, OUT2 is set to L, OUT3 is set to L, and OUT4 is set to L. The information data (digital data) for controlling the electrical gaming device is transmitted from the output port of the voltage value detecting means 220 to the CP of the display control board 110. It is sent to the input port. FIG. 6 shows signal levels (H or L) of OUT1 to OUT4 with respect to the value of the detection voltage.

  When information data (digital data) for controlling an electrical gaming machine whose detected value by the voltage value detecting means 220 is a predetermined value (8 V in this embodiment) is received at the CPU input port of the display control board 110, When the background image currently displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is a daytime atmosphere (second game operation state), the main control is displayed on the background image of the night atmosphere (first game operation state). The background image of the night atmosphere is displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 by switching between the circuit 200 and the display control board 210. In this embodiment, during the period in which the voltage value of the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) decreases from 9V to 8V, the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline) is connected to the first load resistor Ra (5 kΩ). When a (battery) is connected, it takes 80 hours (about 3 days), so that the background image changes from day to night after about 3 days.

  When the charge accumulated in the charge storage device 210 (in this embodiment, the electrical energy of the 9V stacked alkaline battery) further decreases and 7V is detected by the voltage value detection means 220, the OUT1 is set to H, OUT2 H, OUT3 is L, and OUT4 is L. Information data (digital data) for controlling the electronic gaming device is transmitted from the output port of the voltage value detecting means 220 to the input port of the CPU of the display control board 110. The Then, the information data (digital data) for controlling the electrical gaming machine whose detected value transmitted from the voltage value detecting means 220 is a predetermined value (7 V in this embodiment) is stored in the CPU of the display control board 110. When received at the input port, if the background image currently displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is a night atmosphere (first game operation state), a day atmosphere background image (second game operation state) ) By the main control circuit 200 and the display control board 210, and the background image of the daytime atmosphere is displayed on the special symbol display unit 42. In the present embodiment, during the period when the voltage value of the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) decreases from 9V to 7V, the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline) is applied to the first load resistor Ra (5 kΩ). When a battery is connected, it takes 240 hours (about 10 days), and after the previous background image is switched to night, the background image changes from night to day after about 7 days from the previous switching. It becomes.

  Further, when the electric charge accumulated in the charge accumulating device 210 (in this embodiment, the electric energy of the 9V stacked alkaline battery) decreases and 6V is detected by the voltage value detection means 220, the OUT1 becomes H , OUT2 is H, OUT3 is H, and OUT4 is L. Information data (digital data) for controlling the electronic gaming device is output from the output port of the voltage value detection means 220 to the input port of the CPU of the display control board 110. When transmitted and received at the CPU input port of the display control board 110, if the background image currently displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is the atmosphere of the day (second game operating state), the night The background image of the night atmosphere (the first game operating state) is switched by the main control circuit 200 and the display control board 210, the background image of the night atmosphere The display on the special symbol display unit 42. During the period when the voltage value of the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) decreases from 9V to 6V, the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) is connected to the first load resistor Ra (5 kΩ). When connected, it takes 304 hours (about 12 days), so after the previous background image was switched from night to day, the background image changed from day to night after about 2 days from the previous switch. Become.

  Further, when the electric charge accumulated in the electric charge accumulating device 210 (electric energy of the 9V stacked alkaline battery in this embodiment) decreases and 5V is detected by the voltage value detecting means 220, the OUT1 is changed to H , OUT2 is H, OUT3 is H, and OUT4 is H. Information data (digital data) for controlling the electronic gaming device is transmitted from the output port of the voltage value detection means 220 to the input port of the CPU of the display control board 110. When the background image currently displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is the night atmosphere (first game operating state) when received at the CPU input port of the display control board 110, Switching to the background image of the atmosphere (second game operating state) by the main control circuit 200 and the display control board 210, the background image of the daytime atmosphere Serial displayed on the special symbol display unit 42. During the period in which the voltage value of the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) decreases from 9V to 5V, the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) is connected to the first load resistor Ra (5 kΩ). Since it takes 340 hours (about 14 days), the background image changes from night to day after the previous background image is switched from noon to night after about 2 days from the previous switching.

  When the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) 210 is connected to the second load resistor Rb (10 kΩ), the time taken to decrease from 9V to 8V is 160 hours (about 6 days) The game operation state is switched after about 6 days, and the time taken to decrease from 9V to 7V is 408 hours (about 20 days), and the game is about 14 days after the previous background image switching. It takes 608 hours (about 24 days) for the operating state to be switched and further lowered from 9V to 6V, and the gaming operating state is switched about 4 days after the previous background image switching, and from 9V to 5V. It takes 688 hours (about 28 days) for the period to decrease to about 4 days after the previous background image switching. In this way, there are at least two loads having different resistances, and when the voltage value change control means (operation of the game operation state changeover switch 241) is connected to any one of the loads, the voltage value decreases (charge / discharge is possible). In the case of a charge storage device, the amount of change in increase or decrease is changed, and as a result, the value of the voltage corresponding to the stored charge within a predetermined time differs depending on the connected load. It is possible to change the switching timing (trigger) of the operating state. In the present embodiment, the change amount of the increase or decrease of the voltage value corresponding to the electric charge accumulated by the connected load among the plurality of loads is changed. By arranging a plurality of charge storage devices having different maximum voltage values corresponding to the stored charges and connecting to any one of the plurality of charge storage devices by the voltage value change control means, a predetermined time The voltage values corresponding to the accumulated charges may be different.

  Since the charge storage device 210 composed of the 9V stacked alkaline battery is a primary battery, the electric energy (charge) once reduced cannot be increased by charging, but is used up, but is replaced with a new 9V stacked alkaline battery. By doing so, it becomes possible to switch the game operating state again.

  When using a non-rechargeable charge storage device such as a primary battery, for example, for a certain type of gaming machine after a specific period (for example, 1-2 weeks after the sale of a gaming machine or the opening of a new gaming store) If the game operating state is switched, the switching of the game operating state can be used for a store opening event on the game store side.

  Further, in the embodiment, the game operation state changeover switch 241 capable of maintaining the voltage value of the charge storage device 210 by releasing the connection between the charge storage device 210 and the load resistor by an operation on the game store side. Is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1, for example, when the gaming operation state switching switch 241 is operated once at the time of the first gaming operation state switching after the opening event ends, the charge storage device 210 and the load The connection of the resistor is released to maintain the voltage value of the charge storage device 210, and the game operation state changeover switch 241 is operated again at a subsequent event time to connect the charge storage device 210 and the load resistor, If the rate at which the voltage value of the charge storage device 210 decreases is changed, the operating state of the game can be switched in accordance with the event on the game store side. The ability.

  With the above configuration, for example, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the CPU when switching the operation state of the game on the following software. For example, when switching the operation state of a game after one week on the software, the clock function for storing the time when the operation state of the game is switched, and calculating and storing the period of one week therefrom, and the clock Since it is necessary to provide a backup function that does not erase stored information by function when the power of the gaming machine is turned off, the processing of the CPU is burdened, but according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the software added to such a CPU It is possible to reduce the upper load.

  Further, when a plurality of gaming machines of the present invention are installed, the amount of electric energy (charge) in the charge storage device 210 decreases depending on the gaming machine stand, and the operating state of the game is different for each stand. Since the switching time (trigger) changes, the player can select a table having a plurality of game operating states with one model, and the preference is enhanced.

  In the embodiment, the charge storage device 210 made of the 9V stacked alkaline battery (primary battery) is provided on the display control board (sub-control board) 110 and is not replaceable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the electric energy stored in the primary battery is consumed, the game operation state may be switched again by making the primary battery replaceable. With this configuration, it is possible to switch the game operating state any number of times in one model.

  In the above embodiment, Ra = 5 kΩ and Rb = 10 kΩ are set, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other values may be set. In the above embodiment, the predetermined voltage values Vth1, Vth2, Vth3, and Vth4 are set to 8V, 7V, 6V, and 5V. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other values. . Further, in the embodiment, the value of the detected value that the voltage value detecting means 220 transmits the signal of the detected value of the voltage is based on the four locations Vth1, Vth2, Vth3, and Vth4. It is not limited, and two locations Vth1 and Vth2 or other locations may be used. In the above embodiment, the game operation state is set to two types. However, the game operation state is not limited to this. For example, three types of “daytime”, “evening”, and “night” are set and the time of Vth1 is set. Then, “day to evening”, “evening to night” at the time of Vth2, “night to day” at the time of Vth3, and “day to evening” at the time of Vth4. Furthermore, in the embodiment, a converter is used as the voltage value detection means 220, but a battery remaining amount detection IC may be used.

  The game operation state switching configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is that the voltage value change control means 240 changes the voltage value relative to the charge of the charge storage device (9V stacked alkaline battery) 210. In this embodiment, instead of the game operation state changeover switch 241 on the back side of the gaming machine, it is performed by software control. In the case of this second embodiment, when a specific gaming state is reached (for example, after the end of jackpot, etc.), the rate of decrease in the voltage value is changed, and the electric gaming device as a result is changed accordingly. The special symbol display unit 42 switches the operation state of the game.

  The configuration of the game operation state switching of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 uses a 1.5V type dry battery (primary battery) as the charge storage device 210 and a battery remaining amount detection IC as the voltage value detection means 220. What is used is used, and the electric game device is the special symbol display section 42, and the voltage value change control means is not provided. According to the third embodiment, it is possible to naturally switch the operation state of the game with a simpler configuration.

  In the configuration of the game operation state switching of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the charge storage device 210 is a rechargeable battery (a secondary battery or a capacitor including an electric double layer capacitor), and the voltage value detecting means 220 is a battery. A device using a remaining amount detection IC is used, and the electric game device is the special symbol display unit 42, and the voltage value change control means is not provided. According to the fourth embodiment, when the electric energy (charge) of the charge storage device 210 is exhausted, it can be recharged, so that the operation state of the game can be switched any number of times. is there. In addition, since the voltage value with respect to the electric charge (electric energy) accumulated in the charge accumulating device 210 decreases to a predetermined value by discharging or increases by charging, the number of times that the operation state of the game is increased more than the primary battery. It is possible to switch. In addition, when a capacitor including an electric double layer capacitor is used as the charge storage device 210, the charge / discharge speed of electric charge (electric energy) is faster than that of the secondary battery. The time will be early.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented by appropriately changing a part of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the electric game device is the special symbol 42 of the symbol display device 9, but is not limited thereto, and may be a lamp device, a speaker, or the like. Further, in the above embodiment, only the game state in terms of expression is switched, and the internal state of the game (game value, etc.) such as the occurrence of jackpots or the number of prize balls paid out is not switched. You may make it switch regarding a state (game value etc.).

  In the embodiment, all of the charge storage device 210, the voltage value detection means 220, and the game operation state switching control means 230 are disposed on the display control board (sub-control board) 110. Instead, there are various types of arrangements as shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the symbol A indicates the charge storage device 210, B indicates the voltage value detection means 220, and C indicates the game operation state switching control means 230. Further, the display control board 110, the lamp control board 120, the sound control board 140, and the like correspond to the sub control boards.

  (1) in FIG. 10 shows that the charge storage device A, the voltage value detection means B, and the game operation state switching control means C are all arranged on one main control board. Control is performed so as to notify the operational state of the game by switching the operational state of the game of the game machine. (2) in FIG. 10 shows that the charge storage device A, the voltage value detecting means B, and the game operation state switching control means C are all arranged on one sub control board, and the game operation state switching control means C of the sub control board is directly connected with electricity. Control is performed so as to notify the operational state of the game by switching the operational state of the game of the game machine. (3) in FIG. 10 shows that the charge storage device A, the voltage value detection means B, and the game operation state switching control means C are all arranged on one main control board, and the sub-control is performed from the game operation state switching control means C on the main control board. Control is performed so that the operating state of the game is switched by switching the operating state of the game of the electrical gaming device via the board. (4) in FIG. 10 shows that the charge storage device A, the voltage value detection means B, and the game operation state switching control means C are all arranged on one main control board, and the sub-control is performed from the game operation state switching control means C of the main control board. Control is performed so as to switch the operation state of the game of the electric gaming device through the board to notify the operation state of the game, and the operation of the game of the electric gaming device directly from the game operation state switching control means C of the main control board. Control is performed so that the operating state of the game is notified by switching the state. With this configuration, it is possible to switch the operating states of at least two types of games. For example, one can simply switch the background as the game operating state, the other can switch the game internal state as the game operating state, and simultaneously switch the two game operating states. . 10 (5), the charge storage device A, the voltage value detecting means B are arranged on one main control board, and the game operation state switching control means C are arranged on one sub control board. In (6) of FIG. 10, the charge storage device A, the voltage value detection means B, and the game operation state switching control means C are arranged on different control boards. (7) in FIG. 10 has the charge storage device A, the voltage value detection means B, and the game operation state switching control means C arranged on the main control board and the sub control board, respectively. Control is performed so that the game operating state is switched from the game operating state switching control means C to notify the operating state of the game. With this configuration, it is possible to switch the operating states of at least two types of games. For example, one can simply switch the background as the game operating state, the other can switch the game internal state as the game operating state, and simultaneously switch the two game operating states. . Further, the present invention is not limited to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, but can be applied to other game machines such as a slot machine.

1 is a front view showing an entire gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a reverse view of the gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows simply the electric control in the game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition for game operation state switching in the same gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the specific structure in the 1st Example for the game operation state switching in the same gaming machine. It is a table | surface which shows the signal level of each output pin with respect to the threshold voltage in the game machine. It is a figure which shows the specific structure for the game operation state switching in a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the specific structure for the game operation state switching in a 3rd Example. It is a figure which shows the specific structure for the game operation state switching in 4th Example. It is a block diagram which shows the arrangement pattern of each means etc. for game operation state switching in this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Game board 6 Game area 9 Symbol display apparatus 10 Start winning opening 42 Special symbol display part 200 Electric game apparatus 210 Charge storage apparatus 220 Voltage value detection means 230 Game operation state switching control means 240 Voltage value change control means

Claims (8)

An electrical gaming device;
An electrical gaming device control means for controlling an operating state of the game of the electrical gaming device;
In a gaming machine equipped with
A charge storage device that stores charge or can store charge;
Voltage value detection means for detecting a voltage value for the charge stored in the charge storage device,
A game in which the electrical gaming device control means performs control to switch the operation state of the game of the electrical gaming device according to a voltage value with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device detected by the voltage value detection means. A gaming machine comprising operating state switching control means. The voltage value detecting means detects information indicating that the detected value of the voltage is a predetermined value as a result of detecting that the voltage with respect to the charge stored in the charge storage device is a predetermined value. Voltage value detection information transmitting means for transmitting to the control means,
The electrical gaming machine control means comprises voltage value detection information receiving means for receiving information that the detected value of the voltage transmitted by the voltage value detection information transmitting means is a predetermined value. The gaming machine according to 1.   The game operation state switching control unit is configured to receive the information on the detected value of the voltage transmitted by the voltage value detection information transmitting unit being a predetermined value by the voltage value detection information receiving unit. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the operating state is switched.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical gaming device is provided with a notification unit that notifies an operating state of the game.   5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a voltage value change control unit capable of changing a voltage value with respect to the electric charge stored in the charge storage device for a predetermined time.   6. The voltage value change control means includes voltage value change operation means that allows a change in voltage value for a charge accumulated in the charge accumulation device at a predetermined time to be changed by an arbitrary operation. The gaming machine described in 1.   The voltage value change control means controls the change amount of the increase or decrease of the voltage value corresponding to the charge stored in the charge storage device so as to be changeable. Gaming machine. Data conversion control means for converting information data of voltage values for charges stored in the charge storage device into information data for the electrical gaming machine control means,
8. The electric game apparatus control means according to claim 1, wherein the game operation state switching control means is operable based on information data for the electric game apparatus control means. 9. Game machines.

Images