JP2005261647A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collect, maintain and monitor various internal information without directly touching a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: An error signal transmitted from a CPU (central processing unit) 13a of a main control device 13 is transmitted to a voice control device 14c, where the signal is converted to an electric signal of a pattern corresponding to the error signal. An ultrasonic wave corresponding to the electric signal is generated from an ultrasonic wave generator 52 and is received by an ultrasonic receiver. After the ultrasonic wave is received, the pattern of the ultrasonic wave is analyzed by a sound wave analyzer. In this way, the occurrence of an error, or the like, in the game machine can be grasped without sensing the error by a player. In addition to the detection of errors, an fraudulent act can be discovered and the information on the number of game balls, or the like can be collected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball game machine.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls.

  By the way, in the above ball game machines, various information regarding the ball game machine housing, such as error information of the ball game machine and the number of remaining game balls, are externally used for maintenance and fraud prevention of the ball game machine. Need to be collected from.

  Note that the related prior art recognized by the applicant is not related to the literature known invention, so prior art document information is not described.

  However, in conventional ball game machines, various information related to the housing of the ball game machine such as error information of the ball game machine and the number of remaining game balls cannot basically be collected during the game. In addition, the various types of information cannot be obtained unless the ball and ball game machine is in direct contact with the ball and ball game machine, such as by opening the door or back cover.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to prevent a game played by a player without obstructing a game played by a player and without directly contacting a ball game machine or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can acquire various types of internal information related to the maintenance of the ball game machine and the like, and can monitor for fraud prevention.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a conversion device that converts various internal information in a gaming machine into an electrical signal having a predetermined pattern corresponding to the information, and the electrical signal from the conversion device is superordinate to the conversion device. An ultrasonic generator for converting into sound waves and transmitting the sound from the gaming machine to the outside, the converter having a control unit, which was output when the various internal information was output Control is performed to convert the internal information into an electrical signal having a predetermined pattern, and control is performed to convert the electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic generator and transmit it.

  In such a configuration, various internal information in the gaming machine is converted into an electric signal having a predetermined pattern corresponding to the information, and the converted electric signal is transmitted from the gaming machine as an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined pattern. The transmitted ultrasonic waves are received by an ultrasonic receiver, and the pattern is analyzed by a sound wave analysis device, whereby the type and content of the received information can be specified. Therefore, various information related to the gaming machine can be collected without being perceived by the player and without directly touching the gaming machine.

  The ultrasonic generator may be a speaker provided in the gaming machine. In such a configuration, it is not necessary to newly add an ultrasonic generator, and an ultrasonic wave can be mixed with a sound wave output from a speaker and output.

  The various internal information may include identification information for distinguishing the gaming machine from other gaming machines. In such a configuration, since it is possible to distinguish which gaming machine has transmitted ultrasonic waves from a plurality of gaming machines, various information in the plurality of gaming machines can be collected. .

  According to the present invention, various internal information is transmitted from the gaming machine as ultrasonic waves of a predetermined pattern, so that the gaming machine information can be collected without being perceived by the player and without directly touching the gaming machine. .

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a gaming machine (for example, a ball) that is installed in a place such as a game machine-installed store and that allows a player to play a game based on supply of gaming media (for example, a gaming ball or medal). The structure and operation of a gaming machine or a spinning machine) will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is easy to win the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 so that the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. This is a bullet ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine). However, the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment. For example, in the Law on the Optimization of Customs Business and the Law on the Suitability of Business (Fair Management Optimization Act) and the Law Enforcement Regulations, the pachinko game It can also be applied to those classified as a machine or a revolving game machine.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. The gaming machine has an internal structure including a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock mechanism 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26 and configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a transparent plate member 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening 27, and in the vicinity of the opening 27, an electric decoration 29 or an ultrasonic generator to be described later is provided. A speaker 30 that can be used together with 52 is attached.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. In addition, although mentioned later in detail, the sub control apparatus 14 has the symbol control apparatus 14a, the lamp control apparatus 14b, the audio | voice control apparatus 14c, and the payout control apparatus 14d.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a prize area distribution item, an effect, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. A moving object for operation) is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. In the present embodiment, although described in detail later, the movable object control device 17 includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  Further, in the game area 31, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker). 38, 46, an out port 39, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 40, a specific reservation number display lamp 41, a passage reservation number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, and the like.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device. it can.

  The LED display device 35 has identification information according to a result of an electronic determination of whether or not electronic lottery is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the passing of a game ball to a predetermined passage). As a display control device, the identification lighting information is variably displayed by LEDs and then stopped.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. The specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are also included in the predetermined winning port 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 is any of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and reducing the opening range of the winning opening, and the game ball wins the winning opening. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state in which the winning opening is exposed and a closed state in which the winning opening is closed. Is a winning opening that allows a player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in response to winning a winning opening. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The predetermined passages 38 and 46 are structures provided with a predetermined number at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and gates through which the falling game balls pass.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail has a plurality of rod shapes that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by making contact with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies a hold state related to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A launch drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the firing control device 22, and the firing drive device 23 are as described above, and therefore the description thereof is omitted below. To do.

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), and a generated process. A RAM (Random Access Memory: rewritable storage unit) 13c that temporarily stores information and deletes stored information, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates periodic signals, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine. This is a device that performs processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, or the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice. Further, as will be described later, the voice control device 14c as a conversion device having a control unit (not shown) converts an error signal or the like into an electric signal having a predetermined pattern, and controls the ultrasonic generator 52 to change the predetermined pattern. Control to generate ultrasonic waves.

  The payout control device 14d is a device that performs control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the game ball payout device 15 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Further, the payout control device 14d refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and determines a predetermined value. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection. It is constituted by a sensor 47g. Each of the detection sensors includes a specific winning opening 2, a special winning opening 3, a winning specific area (for example, an area on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning opening 3), predetermined passing openings 38, 46, other winning openings 37, awards. It is provided in the vicinity of the ball passage 20a and the ball passage 49a of the ball passage member 49 where ball clogging is likely to occur, and detects whether or not a game ball has passed in each place.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13, the sub control device 14, and the movable object control device 17.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. Then, when the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 checks the following necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activated state.

  Specifically, first, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not a switch (not shown) for clearing processing information stored in the RAM 13c is in an on state. When the switch is on, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 deletes the processing information stored in the RAM 13c such as prize ball information and game history information as unnecessary residual data, and stores predetermined processing information in the RAM 13c. It is checked whether or not it can be stored normally. If the check result indicates that the data can be stored normally, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 permits the shift to the main routine process and notifies the sub control device 14 of the start of the main control activation. Process information etc. are generated.

  On the other hand, if the switch is not on, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not the backup flag is set. If the backup flag is set, the same check and Permits transition to main routine processing. On the contrary, when the backup flag is not set, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not the processing information (the contents of the storage area) stored in the RAM 13c is broken and stores it in the RAM 13c. When it is determined that the processed information is not “broken”, the same check as described above and permission to shift to the main routine are performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing information stored in the RAM 13c is “broken”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 generates an error such as an unexpected power failure, failure, or processing error before the power is turned on. It is determined that the error has occurred, and after the error cancellation recovery process is performed, control is performed to start the process from the point of power-off when the error occurred.

  Further, when an error signal from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 is sent to the voice control device 14c, it is converted into an electric signal having a predetermined pattern corresponding to the type of the error signal. This electrical signal is sent to the ultrasonic generator 52, and a predetermined pattern of ultrasonic waves is generated by the ultrasonic generator 52 to notify the outside that an error has occurred in the gaming machine.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, preparation ball payout processing. , External information management processing, and output management processing.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, each process of the main routine process will be described in detail.

"Random number update process"
The random number update process is a process of setting a lottery game process and a random number generation range composed of a group of a plurality of predetermined numerical groups for each individual type, and generating a random number based on this setting. The random number in this embodiment is a random number generation program in which a random number generation range corresponding to each lottery game process is set (for example, the random number generation range for determination of success / failure is 0 to 699, the random number generation range for determining the variation pattern is 0 to 39, the random number generation range for display symbol determination is 0 to 11 etc.), and means a numerical value when the numerical value is updated by +1 within the random number generation range according to the timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). . The random number update process is not limited to a software process by a control program stored in the ROM 13b of the main control device 13, but a random number update process based on a random number generation unit that is a physical device provided outside. This random number may be taken into the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 to perform a random number extraction control process.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception process includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the detection sensor 47g according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving the input information from the sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as from which detection sensor the input signal is, Performs processing such as counting management of the number of game balls and time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until the start of control processing based on the winning, such as abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, and normal symbol control processing described later , The lamp management process, and the prize ball payout process, the process result can be used appropriately.

"Abnormality monitoring process"
The abnormality monitoring process includes error processing information in the input management process, such as a capacity over error when the game ball is stored in the ball tray 9, a ball clogging error when the game ball flows, and a failure error when executing the control process. Is generated according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds), and when error processing information is generated, notification processing information of an output mode corresponding to the error processing information is generated. It is processing to do. In this abnormality monitoring process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also generates notification process information of an output mode for error cancellation when the process information for error state cancellation is received by the input management process.

  Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated notification processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the notification processing information as an error notification output mode in the abnormality monitoring processing (for example, RAM 13c). To remember. Note that the notification process information stored for transmission to the sub-control device 14 side means, for example, a “preceding command number” meaning an abnormality monitoring process in a normal gaming state and an error output mode of notification to be executed. It consists of a combination with the “following command number”. Hereinafter, the processing information generated in the main routine processing is a combination of a “preceding command number” meaning what processing in what gaming state and a “following command number” meaning a predetermined output mode to be executed (hereinafter, Simply referred to as a number or a command number).

  The CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also transmits notification processing information of an output mode corresponding to the error processing information to the voice control device 14c of the sub control device 14.

"Special symbol control process"
In the special symbol control process, an electronic winning / losing lottery is performed in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, and in the case of winning, a normal game This is a process for making it easier for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 so that a game state (a big hit game state) advantageous to the player can be achieved. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the result of the determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. That is, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 responds to the win in order to shift to the advantageous gaming state (a) the movable door 45 provided so as to be closed with respect to the special prize winning port 3. Either an open state, (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3 The closing of the movable door 45 is controlled on condition that the above condition is satisfied. Further, (c) any of the game balls won in the opened state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3. On the condition that the winning specific area detection sensor 47c has been tested, the movable door 45 is continuously opened, and (d) the movable door 45 is opened and closed with the transition of the same condition as described above. A predetermined upper limit (for example, 16 times) is achieved Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning opening 2 are enlarged to expand the opening range, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning opening 2 . In this normal symbol control process, the LED display device 35 also performs a process of controlling display of identification information called a normal symbol.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of the identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

In the normal symbol control process, in order to obtain the advantageous gaming state,
(A) The pair of movable pieces 44 that are configured to reduce the opening range with respect to the specific winning opening 2 are operated to expand the opening range for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) (specific winning opening) 2)
(B) Then return to the original state,
Processing information for instructing to perform the above process a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

"Lamp management process"
The lamp management process monitors whether there is processing information related to lamp lighting, such as winning process information generated in the input management process, according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds), and the lamp lighting This is a process for generating light emission processing information that is an output mode corresponding to the processing information when there is processing information related to the processing information. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated light emission processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the light emission processing information in the storage means so as to be executed as a lighting notification output mode in the lamp management processing. .

"Preparation ball payout processing"
In the preparation ball payout process, there is processing information related to prize ball payout such as winning process information generated in the input management process, or processing information related to ball payout is generated from the ball lending signal control device 16. This is a process of generating payout operation information that is an output mode corresponding to the payout processing information when there is processing information relating to the payout or ball payout. . Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated payout operation information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the payout operation information in the storage means to be executed as an output mode of the payout operation in the preparation ball payout process. To do. Further, in this process, when the payout operation information is generated, the operation time related to the game ball payout control and the number of times for each operation of paying out one game ball are counted by a predetermined counting means. The total value is set by the CPU 13a of the main controller 13, and execution management of the payout operation is performed. The preparation ball is a game ball prepared in advance for paying out a prize ball or paying out a ball.

"External information management process"
The external information management process determines whether the storage information stored in the storage means generated for transmission to the sub-control device 14 side is storage information necessary when managing outside the gaming machine, This is processing for transmitting stored information to be managed according to the determination result to the centralized management device 48 side.

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine process of the sub-control device 14 is a main control program stored in advance in the ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d. In accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the frequency derivation circuit unit 13d, a basic routine for repeatedly executing a control execution process including read update, write storage, or deletion of the storage That is. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is being received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process It is determined which processing information (preceding command) and what kind of output mode the processing information (subsequent command number) is executed.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the voice control device 14c when processing information is received will be described.

"Operation of voice control device"
If the received processing information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal game state of special symbol control, or a jackpot shift instruction number, the voice control device 14c performs voice data in the normal game state for special symbol control. Voice data corresponding to the set voice data is set from the table 30 and / or the speaker 30 provided on the member such as the frame door from the table. The sound is generated through the sound generator 51 so that

  When the received information is stored information in special symbol control for a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous to the player, the voice control device 14c performs voice in the advantageous gaming state or the privilege gaming state. With reference to the data table, audio data having an audio mode different from the normal gaming state is set.

  If the received information is stored information of a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control, or a small hit transition instruction number, the voice control device 14c is for normal symbol control. The voice data corresponding to the variation pattern number or the small hit transition instruction number is set from the voice data table in the normal gaming state, and the setting is made from the speaker 30 provided on the board surface relation and / or the frame door relation member. The sound is generated through the sound generator 51 so that the sound form according to the sound data is obtained.

  When the received information is stored information in the normal symbol control for the game advantageous state or the bonus game state for the player, the voice control device 14c adds the stored information to the voice data table to be referenced. The audio data corresponding to the audio mode is set.

  Furthermore, when the received information is other storage information such as processing information related to an error in a predetermined gaming state or processing information related to a preparation ball payout, the voice control device 14c stores the stored information in a reference voice data table. Audio data that is an audio mode according to information is set.

  Next, the operations in the voice control device 14c and the ultrasonic generator 52 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S1, the voice control device 14c receives an error signal transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13. The error signal includes signals such as an over capacity error and a clogged error described in the abnormality monitoring process, but is not limited to these error signals, and includes various other error signals. Also good. In addition to the error signal, in order to grasp the number of game balls in the gaming machine, the number of paid-out balls and the number of game balls detected by various detection sensors may be included. Furthermore, a detection signal for detecting a case where an illegal act is performed may be included.

  Next, in step S2, these signals are converted into electric signals having a predetermined pattern by the voice control device 14c. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, depending on the type and content of the signal, such as signals A to C, etc., which type of error signal, for example, information on the number of game balls, or a signal when an illegal act is found As described above, the electric signal is converted into an electric signal having a predetermined pattern associated in advance. These electrical signals are sent from the voice control device 14c to the ultrasonic generator 52, and in step S3, the ultrasonic generator 52 generates ultrasonic waves having a pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern of electric signals from the gaming machine. Called outside. At this time, it is desirable to include identification information (ID) unique to the gaming machine in the signal in order to distinguish from which gaming machine the ultrasonic wave is generated among the plurality of gaming machines.

  Here, as the ultrasonic generator 52, a dedicated ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves can be used. Alternatively, an ultrasonic wave may be generated by the speaker 30 that is provided in the gaming machine and generates voice, music, and the like, and the number of parts can be reduced. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, ultrasonic waves having a pattern corresponding to an electric signal having a predetermined pattern can be mixed with sound waves in an audible frequency band that can be heard by humans and simultaneously generated. The mixing of the sound wave and the ultrasonic wave is controlled by the control unit of the sound control device 14c. In addition, although the case where the ultrasonic wave was 40000 Hz was illustrated as an example, the ultrasonic wave of various frequencies can be used without being limited to this frequency. By using ultrasonic waves, the generation of noise is suppressed, and there are advantages that the player cannot hear. Instead of using ultrasonic waves, it is also possible to use low frequency sound waves.

  The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 52 are received by an ultrasonic receiver (not shown) in step S4. In step S5, the received ultrasonic wave is extracted and analyzed by an ultrasonic wave analysis device (not shown), and an error is identified and notified according to the analysis result (step S5). S6). These ultrasonic receivers and sound wave analysis devices can be installed in a gaming machine installation store. Thereby, the occurrence of an error of the gaming machine can be grasped without the player perceiving it. In addition, even when a fraudulent act is performed, it is possible to find a fraudulent act without being perceived by a fraudulent person. Furthermore, by using a small and portable ultrasonic receiving device and sound analysis device, the store clerk possesses such a portable ultrasonic receiving device and sound analysis device. It can respond quickly.

  Next, a case where an error or the like is notified by ultrasonic waves will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, after a game in a gaming machine is started, if an error or an illegal act occurs in the gaming machine in step S10, an electric signal having a pattern corresponding to the signal is immediately generated by the voice control device 14c, and step S11 is performed. The ultrasonic generator 52 transmits ultrasonic waves of a predetermined pattern. In FIG. 11, a frame indicated by a broken line is an operation that the player cannot recognize. Conventionally, when an error signal is detected from a gaming machine, as shown in step S12, waiting for the detection of the error signal, for example, to be accumulated five times, for example, when the error signal is exceeded, if the error signal is exceeded, the gaming machine is installed The store side is notified and the game machine is stopped (step S13).

  In contrast, in the present invention, when an error or the like is detected once, an ultrasonic wave of a predetermined pattern is immediately transmitted without waiting for further accumulation of the error or the like. Therefore, the occurrence of an error can be grasped in advance without being recognized by the player, and even when an illegal act is performed, the illegal act can be detected early without being perceived by the illegal person. Thereafter, as in the conventional case, when the detection of the error signal or the like exceeds five times, an error or the like is notified to the gaming machine installation store side, and the operation of stopping the gaming machine is performed (step S13).

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable object control device 17 will be described by dividing it into operations of a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, and a prize area distribution drive device.

"Operation of movable piece drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device has reduced the opening range of the specific winning opening 2 in response to generating the small hit transition instruction number in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a drive unit such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 is expanded for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and then contracted again. A command for instructing to execute the enlargement execution process for applying a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

  In addition, in the processing by the main control device 13, when the small hit transition instruction number in the gaming state or the privilege gaming state advantageous to the player for normal symbol control is generated, the movable piece driving device may A pair of movable pieces 44 whose opening range has been reduced with respect to 2 is extended from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, and then expanded and reduced again, such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece drive device A command for transmitting a predetermined voltage to the drive unit and instructing the enlargement execution process to be increased from once to twice, for example, is generated.

  Further, in the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device is provided with a solenoid provided in the effect moving object driving device in response to generating processing information including lamp management control or prize ball payout control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to the drive unit such as and the like, and a command for performing an effect operation that becomes an appropriate fluctuation state for a predetermined time is generated.

"Operation of movable door drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable door drive device is a solenoid provided in the movable door drive device in response to generating a jackpot transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a drive unit such as. And the said movable door drive device operates the movable door 45 closed with respect to the said special winning opening 3, and makes it an open state, and predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) passes since it becomes an opening, or If any condition for winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is awarded to the special winning opening 3, a command for instructing execution processing to be closed again is generated.

  Further, on the condition that any of the game balls won during the opening state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3 and is detected by the winning specific area detecting sensor 47c, The movable door driving device causes the movable door 45 to be closed again and repeats opening and closing the movable door 45 when the same condition as described above is satisfied until a predetermined upper limit is reached. A command for instructing application of a predetermined voltage is generated.

  When a jackpot transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated during execution of the opening / closing process in the movable door driving device, the jackpot transition is performed until the opening / closing process is completed. The control process based on the generation of the instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

"Operation of winning area distribution drive device"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the prize area allocation driving device is provided in the prize area distribution in the special prize opening 3 in response to generating a command for opening the special prize opening 3. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a driven object such as a solenoid, and a command to move the open-state so as to be a seesaw motion corresponding to a specific winning area allocation is generated.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the description and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a front perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of the operation | movement in an audio | voice control apparatus and an ultrasonic generator. It is the schematic which shows a various signal pattern. It is the schematic which shows an example of an ultrasonic wave and a sound wave. It is a flowchart in the case of notifying an error etc. by ultrasonic waves.

Explanation of symbols

  7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device, 13a ... CPU, 13b ... ROM, 13c ... RAM, 14 ... Sub control device, 14c ... Voice control device, 31 ... Game area, 34 ... Variable display device, 35 ... LED display Device: 46 ... Predetermined passage port, 47d ... Passing ball detection sensor, 52 ... Ultrasonic generator

Claims (3)

A conversion device that converts various internal information in the gaming machine into electrical signals of a predetermined pattern corresponding to each information;
An ultrasonic generator that converts the electrical signal from the converter into an ultrasonic wave and transmits the ultrasonic signal to the outside from the gaming machine;
The conversion device includes a control unit, and when the various internal information is output, the control unit performs control to convert the output internal information into an electric signal having a predetermined pattern, and converts the electric signal to the electric signal. A gaming machine that performs control by converting to ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic generator. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The ultrasonic generator is a speaker provided in the gaming machine, and the control unit performs control for mixing and transmitting the sound wave generated from the speaker and the ultrasonic wave. . A gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The various internal information includes identification information for distinguishing the gaming machine from other gaming machines.

Images