JP2006020929A - Signal processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a signal processor capable of being installed between various kinds of game machines and a calling lamp device which is a display device and outputting signals indicating a winning role to the calling lamp device regardless of the kind of signals outputted by the controller of the game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The signal processor (multi-box 17) installed between a board 11 which controls a slot machine 3 or the like and the display device 1 for outputting winning role signals to the display device 1 incorporates a plurality of winning role decision programs and can select the winning role decision program corresponding to the model of the game machine. For the game machine which does not output the winning role signals of assist time or the like, a difference between the number of fed coins or the like and the number of putout coins is calculated and the winning role is decided. For the game machine which indicates the winning role by an AT lamp 19 installed on a door 5, lighting is detected by a photosensor 21 and processed and the winning role is decided. A decision method using the lighting information of the AT lamp 19 and the number of the fed/putout coins or the like together is provided as well. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal processing device that is installed between a control device of a game machine such as a pachislot machine or a slot machine and a display and outputs a winning combination signal to the display without depending on the model of the game machine.

  In general, a game machine, like a pachislot machine, a slot machine, etc., displays a plurality of symbol rows variably with a rotor or the like, and the symbol sequence when the variable display is stopped under a predetermined condition is 1 Determine the outcome of the game win or loss. In addition, among the winning prizes, there are winning roles such as big wins (Big Bonus: BB), medium hits (Regular Bonus: RB), small hits, small hits concentrated in a short time, etc. The medals, coins, etc. are paid out according to the winning combination.

Also proposed are a call lamp device that turns on the illumination lamp according to the winning role, displays the winning information, and a center management system that sends and manages winning information to a center computer that manages a plurality of game machines in the amusement hall. (See Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-169951 A

  However, there are various types of game machines, old and new, and the types of signals output from the control device of the game machine differ depending on the model or manufacturer. For example, there are a few new models that individually output a BB signal indicating a big bonus, an RB signal indicating a regular bonus, an AT signal indicating an assist time, and the like. However, many models output the BB signal and RB signal but do not output the AT signal, or the signal output by the control device of the game machine, such as indicating only that the assist time has been reached by the control lamp in the game machine. There are various forms.

  A signal output from the control device of the game machine is generally input to a calling lamp device which is a display device, used for lighting an illumination lamp, displaying winning information, and the like, and further sent to a center computer for a plurality of games. Used for machine management. At this time, since the signal output from the control device of the game machine differs depending on the model of the game machine, there is a problem that, depending on the model, the illumination lamp of the calling lamp device does not turn on or the winning information cannot be displayed. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to develop a device for relaying a signal between the control device and the calling lamp device for each old and new game machine of each manufacturer.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and its purpose can be placed between various game machines and displays, and the types of game machines and signals output by control devices of game machines. It is an object of the present invention to provide a signal processing device capable of outputting a signal indicating a winning combination to a display regardless of the type of the item.

  The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a signal processing device used in a game machine, comprising: a processing means for inputting a signal output from a game machine and determining the start and end of a winning combination; and a processing means. Output means for sending a winning combination signal indicating the start and end of the determined winning combination to the display of the game machine, and outputting an winning combination signal by inputting an output signal that differs depending on the type of the game machine. This is a featured signal processing apparatus. Pachislot machines, such as pachislot machines and slot machines, have winning roles such as assist time, regular bonus, and big bonus.

  The processing means has a plurality of determination methods for determining the start and end of the winning combination, and the determination method can be set according to the type of signal output by the game machine. For example, when the gaming machine outputs the number of coins and coins to be paid out and the number of coins to be inserted, the winning combination starts when the calculated value of the number of coins to be paid out and the number of coins inserted within a predetermined number of games exceeds a reference value. After that, when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of throws-in within a predetermined number of games falls below the reference value, it is determined that the winning combination is finished. The predetermined number of games and the reference value can be set.

  In addition, when the gaming machine indicates the winning combination by turning on the control lamp, it is determined that the winning combination is started by detecting the lighting of the control lamp, and then the end of the winning combination is detected by detecting that the control lamp is turned off. You may judge. Alternatively, when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of input exceeds the reference value and the lighting of the control lamp is detected, it is determined that the winning combination starts, and then the calculated value of the number of payouts and the input number is the reference value. It is determined that the winning combination is finished when the control lamp is turned off or below. After the determination of the winning combination start, the winning combination may be determined to end when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of inserted items falls below the reference value and the control lamp is turned off.

  On the other hand, when the game machine outputs a winning combination signal, it is determined that the winning combination starts when the winning combination signal is input, and thereafter, when the input of the winning combination signal disappears, it is determined that the winning combination ends.

  As described above, the signal processing device of the present invention has a plurality of winning combination determination methods, and can determine the determination method to be used. As a result, it is possible to deal with various game machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, and to select a judgment method according to the type of control signal output by each game machine and to output a winning combination signal Is possible.

  The signal processing device of the present invention can be placed or attached in the vicinity of various types of game machines, and is installed between the control device of each game machine and the calling device which is a display. Regardless of the type of machine or the type of signal output by the control device of the gaming machine, it is possible to determine the start and end of the winning combination and output the winning combination signal to the calling device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the signal processing device of the present invention is called a multi-box. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the slot machine 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing the relationship between the multi-box 17 and the display device 1 and the substrate 11, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the multi-box 17, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the remote controller 23, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of setting processing of the multi-box 17, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the start determination criterion setting program, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the AT end determination criterion setting program, and FIG. 9 is processing when the payout / input number (OUT / IN) is used. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when using the payout / injection number (OUT / IN), and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process flow when using the optical sensor. Chart, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when using an optical sensor and the number of payout / injections (OUT / IN), and FIG. 13 is a case of using an optical sensor and the number of payout / injections (OUT / IN). FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the assist time signal (AT) is used.

  In the present embodiment, the slot machine 3 will be described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the multi-box 17 according to the present embodiment can be switched to another gaming machine such as a pachinko by switching the setting before use. Is also applicable. The slot machine 3 rotates a plurality of (for example, three) rotors 9 and decides winning / losing by a combination of patterns displayed when the rotor 9 stops, and the number of medals and coins corresponding to the winning combination It is a device that discharges etc. to the player.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a door 5 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface of the slot machine 3, and a display device 1 having a display function, an illumination function, a calling function, and the like is provided above the door 5. ing. Inside the slot machine 3 with the door 5 open, a rotor 9, a substrate 11, a coin hopper 13, a discharge unit 14, a multi-box 17 and the like are provided. The rotor 9 is three rotating rotors, and a pattern is displayed on the surface.

  The three rotors 9 rotate separately from each other, and the number of medals to be paid out is determined by the combination of the patterns when the rotation stops. The door 5 is provided with a window 7, and the player checks the display of the rotor 9 through the window 7 provided on the door 5.

  A substrate 11 is installed on the rotor 9. The substrate 11 is composed of an electronic circuit such as a CPU and a memory, and performs rotation control of the rotor 9, management of the number of medals inserted, calculation of the number of medals discharged, and the like. When the number of medals discharged is calculated, the calculated number of medals are discharged from the coin hopper 13 to the outside of the machine. That is, the winning combination is determined based on the combination of the patterns when the rotation of the rotor 9 is stopped, and the number of medals discharged according to the winning combination is calculated. For example, the winning combination includes a big bonus (BB) for big hits, a regular bonus (RB) for medium hits, and a small win, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out respectively. In addition, there is a period in which the small hits are concentrated and the payout medals gradually increase, and this is called assist time (AT).

  In general, the board 11 outputs the number of coins inserted and paid-out and a winning combination signal, and uses this signal to display information on the winning combination on the display device 1 or to light an illumination lamp or the like. I will let you. The signal output from the board 11 differs in type, number of signals, and combination depending on the model and manufacturer of the slot machine 3. For example, a BB signal indicating a big bonus state, an RB signal indicating a regular bonus state, and an AT signal indicating an assist time state , An IN signal indicating the number of medals inserted, an OUT signal indicating the number of medals paid out, and the like. In the case of the new model board 11, there are models that output all these signals, but there are many models that output only a part of these signals. In addition, there are few models that output an AT signal indicating the assist time state. On the other hand, when the assist time state is reached, there is a model in which the AT lamp 19 attached to the door 5 of the slot machine 3 is turned on instead of outputting the AT signal.

  The display device 1 attached to the upper part of the slot machine 3 includes an electric lamp, a display device such as a liquid crystal, and the electric lamp and a control unit of the display device. The display device 1 uses the medal insertion / payout number information (IN / OUT information) and the winning combination information (BB, RB information, etc.) to display them, as well as the number of past payouts, the number of jackpots, etc. Information is displayed and the illumination lamp is turned on according to the winning combination. This display device 1 can be attached to or replaced with the slot machine 3 alone.

  If the signal output from the substrate 11 is constant regardless of the model of the slot machine 3, various displays and lighting of the illumination lamp can be performed by inputting the output signal of the substrate 11 to the display device 1 as it is. . However, actually, the signal output from the board 11 differs depending on the model, such as a model that does not output a signal indicating the assist time state, a model that notifies the assist time state by turning on the AT lamp 19, and the output signal of the board 11 remains as it is. When input is made to the display device 1, the winning combination such as the assist time may not be displayed accurately.

  In order to solve such a problem, the multi-box 17 is installed in the vicinity of the slot machine 3. The multi box 17 is attached to, for example, the board 11 or the curtain plate portion of the slot machine 3 that is the upper part of the display device 1. The multi-box 11 receives the output signal of the board 11 as input, determines the start and end of the winning combination, adds a signal indicating the winning combination to the signal input from the board 11 and outputs the signal to the display device 1. When the substrate 11 notifies the assist time state by turning on the AT lamp 19, an optical sensor 21 for detecting the lighting of the AT lamp 19 is provided in the vicinity of the AT lamp 19, and an output signal of the optical sensor 21 is sent to the multi-box 17. By inputting, the multi-box 17 determines the assist time state, and outputs an AT signal to the display device 1.

  When the multi-box 17 is installed in the slot machine 3, the output signal of the board 11 differs depending on the model of the slot machine 3, so that the processing content of the multi-box 17 needs to be set. The processing contents of the multi-box 17 are set using the remote controller 23.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-box 17 is connected to the substrate 11 by a cable 37. The cable 37 sends the output signal of the board 11 to the multi-box 17. In addition, the multi-box 17 includes an input portion of the cable 41 connected to the optical sensor 21. In the case of a slot machine model in which the assist time state is indicated by the AT lamp 19, the AT lamp 19 connected to the substrate 11 is turned on. A signal from the optical sensor 21 for detecting the signal is sent to the multi-box 17 through the cable 41.

  The output signal of the multi-box 17 is sent to the display control board 33 of the display device 1 through the cable 39. The display control board 33 displays winning combination information and the like on the display unit 31 according to a signal output from the multi-box 17. The display control board 33 is connected to the center computer 35 by a cable 43. Various information of the slot machine 3 is sent to the center computer 35 through the cable 43, and the center computer 35 manages a plurality of slot machine. In addition, the remote controller 23 transmits the setting information of the multi-box 17 by wireless communication such as infrared rays.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-box 17 includes a one-chip microcomputer 83, a light receiving element 53, a setting display unit 55, an amplifier 51, and the like. The one-chip microcomputer 83 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like, and receives the output signal of the board 11 of the slot machine 3 and the signal of the optical sensor 21, and determines the start / end of the winning combination, etc. It has processing means and output means such as a winning combination signal. Further, the one-chip microcomputer 83 receives a remote control input signal 79 sent from the remote controller 23 detected by the light receiving element 53 as an input, and uses a determination program for determining the start / end of a winning combination, which will be described later, Setting processing is performed, and setting information is displayed on the setting display unit 55. The setting process and determination program are written in advance in the ROM of the one-chip microcomputer 83. The reference value used in the determination program is set in the RAM of the one-chip microcomputer 83.

  Input signals to the one-chip microcomputer 83 include, for example, the number of medals inserted (IN input 57), the number of medals paid out (OUT input 59), a signal indicating a regular bonus state (RB input 61), and a big bonus state. A signal sent from the board 11 of the slot machine 3 for each game, a signal sent from the optical sensor 21, and a light receiving element through a cable 37 consisting of a signal (BB input 63), an assist time signal (AT input 65), etc. Remote control input 79 sent from 53. The type of signal sent from the cable 37 varies depending on the model of the slot machine 3, and there are various cases such as when all the above signals are sent or when the AT input signal 65 indicating the assist time is missing. Since the signal output from the optical sensor 21 is weak, it is amplified by the amplifier 51 provided in the multi-box 17 and then input to the one-chip microcomputer 83.

  On the other hand, the one-chip microcomputer 83, for example, the number of medals inserted (IN output 67), the number of medals paid out (OUT output 69), a signal indicating a regular bonus state (RB output 71), a signal indicating a big bonus state ( BB output 73), a signal indicating the assist time (AT output 75), a display output 81, and the like. Each output signal except the display output 81 is sent to the display control board 33 of the display device 1 by the cable 39. The display output 81 is connected to, for example, a setting display unit 55 provided in the multi-box 17 and controls the setting display unit 55 to display setting information of the one-chip microcomputer 83 and the like. The setting display unit 55 includes, for example, two 7-segment displays, and displays a number indicating a determination program set in the one-chip microcomputer 83 and a numerical value such as a reference value used in the determination program.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of an example of the multi-box 17 shown in FIG. The multi-box 17 is attached to a curtain plate portion or the like of the slot machine 3 and includes a setting display unit 55 including a 7-segment display 2 and a light receiving element 53. Further, a connector for connecting, for example, a cable 37 for various input signals (57, 59, 61, 63, 65) is provided on the left side surface of the multi-box 17, and various output signals (67, 69) are provided on the right side surface. 71, 73, 35) are provided with connectors for connecting the cable 49. Further, a cable 41 is connected from the optical sensor 21 to the multi-box 17.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the remote controller 23 includes a control unit 91 including a CPU and a memory, a transmission unit 95 that outputs an infrared signal and the like, and a button 93 including numbers 0 to 9 and the like. When the multi-box 17 is installed in the slot machine 3, the remote controller 23 is used for setting work such as a determination program and a reference value. That is, the installer inputs the number and reference value of the determination program used for determining the winning combination with the button 93, and the transmission unit 95 transmits the number and reference value under the control of the control unit 91. The setting display unit 55 described above can also be provided on the remote control 23 side. In this case, a transmission unit is provided on the multi-box 17 side, and a reception unit and a setting display unit are provided on the remote control 23 side.

  Next, the setting process of the multi box 17 will be described. The setting processing program is stored in the ROM of the one-chip microcomputer 83 and is activated when the installer of the multi-box 17 installs the multi-box 17 in the slot machine 3. As shown in FIG. 6, first, a number I indicating a determination method used for determination of start / end of the assist time is input using the button 93 of the remote control device 23 (step 501).

  Here, it is assumed that there are four methods (I = 1, 2, 3, 4) for determining the start / end of the assist time, and each determination program is already stored in the memory of the one-chip microcomputer 83. To do. The four types of determination programs are a program using OUT / IN input (57/59) (I = 1), a program using optical sensor input 77 (I = 2), an optical sensor input 77, and OUT / IN, respectively. A program (I = 3) using the inputs (57, 59) and a program (I = 4) using the AT input 65.

  A program that uses the OUT / IN input (57/59) when the board 11 of the slot machine 3 outputs the medal payout number signal OUT and the insertion number signal IN but does not output the signal AT indicating the assist time ( I = 1) is selected by the installer. When the installer inputs “1” on the remote control device 23 (I = 1 in step 502), first, setting is made so that the OUT / IN use program stored in the memory of the one-chip microcomputer 83 is activated (step 503), a display output 81 is output so as to display on the setting display section 55 that the determination program of I = 1 has been set (step 504).

  Next, criteria for determining the start and end of the assist time are set (steps 505 and 506). That is, the assist time start determination criterion setting (step 505) is executed according to the flow of processing shown in FIG. 7, and the assist time end determination criterion setting (step 506) is executed according to the flow of processing shown in FIG.

  In setting the assist time start determination criterion, as shown in FIG. 7, the installer first inputs the AT start determination reference value T1 for determining the start of the assist time (AT) by remote control (step 541). The reference value T1 is a value relating to the difference between the number of paid out medals (OUT) and the number of inserted medals (IN), and is set to an appropriate value by the installer. The input reference value T1 is set in the RAM, and the set reference value T1 is displayed on the setting display unit 55 (step 542). Further, in order to set an interval for determining the start of the assist time, when a reference game number N1 is input by remote control (step 543), the reference game number N1 is set in the RAM and displayed on the setting display unit 55 (step 544). ). The default value T1 and the reference game number N1 may be stored in advance in the memory of the one-chip microcomputer 83, and may be input by the remote controller 23 when there is a change.

  Next, the assist time end criterion is set in the same manner (step 506). That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the installer first inputs the AT end determination reference value T2 for determining the end of the assist time (AT) by remote control (step 551). The reference value T2 is a value relating to the difference between the number of medals paid out (OUT) and the number of inserted medals (IN), and is set to an appropriate value by the installer. The input reference value T2 is set in the RAM, and the set reference value T2 is displayed on the setting display unit 55 (step 552). Further, in order to set an interval for determining the end of the assist time, when the reference game number N2 is input by remote control (step 553), the reference game number N2 is set in the RAM and displayed on the setting display unit 55 (step 554). ). The default value T2 and the reference game number N2 may also be stored in advance in the memory of the one-chip microcomputer 83 and input by the remote controller 23 when there is a change.

  As described above, the AT start determination reference value T1, the AT end determination reference value T2, the AT start determination reference game number N1, and the AT end determination reference game number N2 can be set to different values, thereby determining the AT start. In addition, it is possible to accurately determine the end of AT. Moreover, T1 = T2 or N1 = N2 may be sufficient. With the above setting process, the setting for the OUT / IN use program is completed.

  In the case of a model in which the substrate 11 of the slot machine 3 does not output an AT signal indicating the assist time and indicates the assist time by turning on the AT lamp 19 attached to the upper portion of the door 5 at the assist time, the optical sensor 21 is used. The installer selects a program (I = 2) that uses the optical sensor input 77 that is the output signal. When the installer inputs “2” on the remote controller 23 (I = 2 in Step 502), the setting is made so that the program that uses the optical sensor is activated (Step 510). “2” indicating that the setting has been made is displayed (step 511), and the setting process is terminated.

  When the substrate 11 of the slot machine 3 outputs an OUT / IN signal and the AT lamp 19 is turned on at the assist time, the OUT / IN use program (I = 1) or the optical sensor use program (I = 2) However, it is also possible for the installer to select a program that uses both the OUT / IN signal and the light detection signal of the AT lamp 19 (I = 3). When the installer inputs “3” on the remote controller 23 (I = 3 in Step 502), the setting is made so that the optical sensor / OUT / IN signal combination program is activated (Step 520). “3” indicating that the use program has been set is displayed (step 521). Further, as in the case of the program using the OUT / IN signal (I = 1), the assist time (AT) start determination criterion setting process (step 522) and the assist time (AT) end determination criterion setting process are performed. (Step 523) is executed. That is, the AT start determination reference setting process is performed according to FIG. 7, the AT start determination reference value T1 and the AT start determination reference game number N1, and the AT end determination reference setting process is performed according to FIG. And the number N2 of AT end determination games is set by the installer by remote control input.

  On the other hand, when the board 11 of the slot machine 3 outputs an AT signal, the multi-box 17 does not need to determine the assist time, and the installer uses the AT input 65 sent from the board 11 as the AT output 75 as it is. What is necessary is just to input I = 4 which is an AT input use program to be output by remote control. In the case of I = 4 (I = 4 in step 502), the AT input use program is set (step 530), “4” indicating the setting is displayed (step 531), and the setting process is terminated. .

  Next, the flow of processing of each assist time determination program will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the OUT / IN input (59/57) use program, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of processing when the OUT / IN input is used. This program is executed when the installer selects I = 1. In the OUT / IN input usage program, first, the start of the assist time is determined, and after the start is detected, the end of the assist time is determined.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, the AT output of the one-chip microcomputer 83 is turned off (step 600). Next, an AT start determination process is performed. First, it waits for an OUT / IN signal (59/57) to be input. The OUT / IN signal (59/57) is input from the board 11 of the slot machine 3 for each game. After the IN signal 57 and the OUT signal 59 are input (step 601), the total number of medals paid out between the past N1 games is calculated as SOUT, and the total number of medals inserted between the past N1 games is calculated as SIN (step 602). ). Here, N1 is the number of AT start determination reference games set in the AT start determination reference setting process of FIG.
Then, the difference between the total medal payout total SOUT and the total throw-in SIN within the reference game number N1 is calculated as the AT determination value S (step 603). This AT determination value S is compared with the AT start determination reference value T1 set in the AT start determination reference setting process of FIG. 7 (step 604), and if the AT determination value S is larger than the reference value T1 (step 604). yes), it is determined that the assist time (AT) has started, and the AT output 75 is turned on (step 605).
On the other hand, when the AT determination value S is equal to or less than the reference value T1 (no in step 604), it is determined that it is not the assist time, and the OUT / IN signal (59/57) for the next game is returned to the input standby state ( Steps 601) and 601 to 604 are repeated.

The explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 10 shows an example in which the AT start determination reference game number N1 = 10 and the AT start determination reference value T1 = 40. In the first game, three medals are inserted (IN = 3), but medals are not paid out (OUT = 0). At this time, the medal payout total number SOUT = 0 and the medal insertion total number SIN = 3. Therefore, the AT determination value S = −3 and the assist time is not determined (No in step 604). Then, the process returns to the signal processing for the next game (step 601). In the second game, three medals are inserted (IN = 3), but no medals are paid out (OUT = 0). The medal insertion total number SIN = 6, the medal payout total number SOUT = 0, the AT determination value S = −6, and it is not the assist time. When this is repeated until the tenth game is reached, the total number of medals inserted SIN = 30, the total number of medals paid out SOUT = 54, and the AT determination value S = 24. However, this also does not reach the reference value T1 = 40, and is not an assist time.
In the next eleventh game, the total medal insertion number SIN (= 30) and the total medal payout total number SOUT (= 64) for 10 games (N1 = 10) from the second game to the eleventh game are calculated, and the AT determination value S = 34 <reference value T1 = 40, which is also not the assist time. Further, in the twelfth game, the medal insertion total number SIN (= 30) and the medal payout total number SOUT (= 74) for the ten games (N1 = 10) from the third game to the twelfth game are calculated. Here, AT determination value S = 44> reference value T1 = 40, and it is determined that the assist time has started (yes in step 604). Then, the AT output is turned on (step 605).
As described above, for the first to tenth games, the difference between the total medal payout count SOUT up to that game and the medal insertion number SIN is set as the AT determination value S. From the eleventh game onward, the total medal payout amount between the past N1 games. The difference between SOUT and the total number of medals inserted SIN between the past N1 games is set as an AT determination value S, and compared with the AT start determination reference value T1 to determine the start of the assist time (AT).

When the assist time starts, next, a process for determining the end of the assist time is executed (steps 606 to 609). First, when the OUT / IN signal (59/57) of the next game is input (step 606), the total number of medals paid out between the past N2 games is calculated (SOUT). Calculate (SIN) (step 607), where N2 is the number of AT end determination games set by the AT end determination reference setting process of Fig. 8. Then, the medal payout total number SOUT and the medal insertion total number SIN The difference is calculated as an AT end determination value S (step 608), and then this AT end determination value S is compared with the AT end determination reference value T2 set by the AT end determination reference setting process of FIG. 609).
When the AT end determination value S is larger than the AT end determination reference value T2 (yes in step 609), it is determined that the assist time is still in effect, and the next game OUT / IN signal (59/57) input process Return to (step 606). On the other hand, when the AT end determination value S is equal to or less than the AT end determination reference value T2 (No in Step 609), it is determined that the assist time has ended.
When the assist time is over, the process returns to step 600, the AT output is turned off, the process returns to the process for determining the start of the next assist time, and the processes from step 600 to step 609 are repeated while the slot machine is operating. Execute.

The above assist time end process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the AT end determination reference game number N2 = 10 and the AT end determination reference value T2 = 40. Since it is determined that the assist time starts in the twelfth game, the assist time end determination process is executed from the thirteenth game. In the thirteenth game, IN = 3 and OUT = 6, the total number of medals inserted between the past N2 games (10 games) SIN = 30, and the total number of medals paid out between the past N2 games SOUT = 80. Since the AT end determination value S is 50 and is larger than the AT end determination reference value T2 (= 40), it is determined that the assist time is still in effect.
The same process is repeated, and the assist time continues in the fourteenth game to the seventeenth game because the AT end determination value S is larger than the AT end determination reference value T2. In the 18th game, IN = 3 and OUT = 0, the total number of medals inserted between past N2 games SIN = 30, and the total number of medals paid out between past N2 games SOUT = 68. Therefore, the AT end determination value S = 38, and it is determined that the assist time has ended when the AT end determination reference value T2 or less.
When the assist time ends, a process for determining the start of the next assist time is started (step 600), and after the nineteenth game, the processes from step 600 to step 609 are repeated while the slot machine 3 is in operation.
With the above processing, assist time start and end processing using the OUT / IN input (59/57) is executed.

  FIG. 11 shows a flow of processing of a program that uses the input 77 from the optical sensor. This program is executed when the installer sets I = 2. The optical sensor 21 installed in the door 5 of the slot machine 3 detects the lighting of the AT lamp 19 that is turned on at the assist time, and sends a signal to the multi-box 17 via the cable 41. In the multi-box 17, the amplifier 51 amplifies this signal, and the one-chip microcomputer 83 is input to the one-chip microcomputer 83 as an optical sensor input signal 77 that can detect on / off. In the program, the state of the optical sensor input 77 is checked (step 801). If the optical sensor input 77 is on (yes in step 801), the AT output 75 of the one-chip microcomputer 83 is turned on (step 802). If the optical sensor input 77 is off (No in Step 801), the AT output 75 is turned off (Step 803). The processes in steps 801 to 803 are repeatedly performed while the slot machine 3 is in operation.

Next, a combined program of the optical sensor input 77 and the OUT / IN input (59, 57) will be described. This program is executed when the installer sets I = 3. As shown in FIG. 12, as in the case of the OUT / IN input usage program described in FIG. 9, first, the AT output 75 of the one-chip microcomputer 83 is set to OFF (step 900). Next, an AT start determination process is performed. First, after waiting for the input of the OUT / IN signal (59/57), the total number of medals paid out between the past N1 games is calculated after the input (step 901). Also, SOUT is calculated, and the total number of medals inserted between the past N1 games is calculated as SIN (step 902). Here, N1 is the number of AT start determination reference games set in the AT start determination reference setting process of FIG.
Then, the difference between the total medal payout total SOUT and the total throw-in SIN within the reference game number N1 is calculated as the AT determination value S (step 903). This AT determination value S is compared with the AT start determination reference value T1 set in the AT start determination reference setting process of FIG. 7 (step 904). Up to this point, the processing flow of the OUT / IN input usage program of FIG. 9 is the same.
If the AT determination value S is equal to or less than the reference value T1 (no in step 904), it is determined that it is not the assist time, and the process returns to the OUT / IN input process (step 901) for the next game. When the AT determination value S exceeds the reference value T1 (yes in step 904), the state of the optical sensor input 77 is further checked (step 905). When the optical sensor input 77 is in the off state (no in step 905), it is determined that the AT determination value S exceeds the reference value T1 but is not the assist time, and the OUT / IN input of the next game is determined. Returning to the processing (step 901). If the optical sensor input 77 is on (yes in step 905), it is determined that the assist time is reached, and the AT output 75 is set on (step 906). The AT start is determined by the above processing.

After the assist time is started and the AT output 75 is set to ON, an assist time end determination process is performed (steps 907 to 911). That is, first, the state of the optical sensor input 77 is checked. If the optical sensor is in the off state (no in step 907), it is determined that the assist time has ended, the process returns to step 900, and the AT output is turned off. Then, a process for determining the start of the next assist time is performed. If the optical sensor is on (yes in step 907), an assist time end determination process using OUT / IN input is performed (steps 908 to 911). That is, after the OUT / IN signal (59/57) is input (step 908), the total number of medals paid out between the past N2 games is calculated as SOUT, and the total number of medals inserted between the past N2 games is calculated as SIN. (Step 909). Here, N2 is the number of AT start determination reference games set in the AT start determination reference setting process of FIG.
Then, the difference between the total medal payout total SOUT and the total throw-in SIN within the reference game number N2 is calculated as the AT determination value S (step 910). This AT determination value S is compared with the AT end determination reference value T2 set in the AT end determination reference setting process of FIG. 8 (step 911). When the AT determination value S in the AT end determination reference game number N2 is larger than the AT end determination reference value T2 (yes in step 911), it is determined that the assist time is continued, and the process returns to step 907. Continue the process of determining the end of the assist time. On the other hand, if the AT determination value S is equal to or less than the AT end determination reference value T2 (no in step 911), it is determined that the assist time has ended, the process returns to step 900, the AT output is turned off, and the next assist time is reached. Processing to determine the start is performed. The processes in steps 900 to 911 are repeatedly performed while the slot machine 3 is in operation.

  In the assist time end determination process described above, the assist time is determined when the optical sensor input 77 is turned off after the assist time starts, or when the AT determination value S within the AT end determination reference game number N2 is equal to or less than the AT end determination reference value T2. It is determined that the process has ended. On the other hand, when the optical sensor input 77 is off and the AT determination value S within the AT end determination reference game number N2 is equal to or less than the AT end determination reference value T2, it may be determined that the assist time has ended. These two types of AT end determination methods are conceivable, but the installer may set one of them when setting the multi-box 17 shown in FIG. That is, after selecting and setting the photosensor / OUT / IN combined program of I = 3 in step 502 of FIG. 6, it is possible to set which AT end determination method is selected between step 521 and step 522. What should I do?

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the assist time ends when the optical sensor input 77 is off and the AT determination value S within the AT end determination reference game number N2 is equal to or less than the AT end determination reference value T2. It is. Steps 900 to 906 show the flow of processing for determining AT start, and are the same as those in FIG. After the AT start is determined and the AT output is turned on (step 906), the second AT end determination is executed.

That is, after the OUT / IN signal (59/57) is input (step 917), the total number of medals paid out between the past N2 games is calculated as SOUT, and the total number of medals inserted between the past N2 games is calculated as SIN. (Step 918).
Then, the difference between the total medal payout total SOUT and the total throw-in SIN within the reference game number N2 is calculated as the AT determination value S (step 919). The AT determination value S is compared with the AT end determination reference value T2 set in the AT end determination reference setting process of FIG. 8 (step 920).
When the AT determination value S in the AT end determination reference game number N2 is larger than the AT end determination reference value T2 (yes in step 920), it is determined that the assist time is continued, and the process returns to step 917. Continue the process of determining the end of the assist time. On the other hand, when the AT determination value S is equal to or less than the AT end determination reference value T2 (No in Step 920), the state of the optical sensor input 77 is checked (Step 921). If the optical sensor input is on (yes in step 921), it is determined that the assist time is continuing, and the process returns to step 917 to continue the process of determining the end of the assist time. On the other hand, if the optical sensor input is in the off state (no in step 921), it is determined that the assist time has ended, and the process returns to step 900 to turn off the AT output and determine the start of the next assist time. Do.

  Finally, a program that uses the AT input 65 will be described. This program is executed when the installer sets I = 4. As shown in FIG. 14, the state of the AT input 65 is checked (step 1001). If the AT input 65 is on ("ON" in step 1001), the assist time is determined and the AT output 75 is on. (Step 1002). On the other hand, if the AT input 65 is in the off state (“OFF” in step 1001), it is determined that the assist time is not reached, and the AT output 75 is set in the off state (step 1003). The processing from step 1001 to step 1003 is repeatedly performed while the slot machine 3 is in operation.

  As described above, by storing a plurality of assist time determination programs in the memory of the one-chip microcomputer 83 in the multi-box 17, regardless of the type of signal output from the board 11 of the slot machine 3, The start and end of the assist time can be determined and output to the display device 1. The display device 1 receives the AT output 75 via the cable 39, and can display information related to the assist time and light the illumination regardless of the model of the slot machine 3. The AT output 75 information received from the multi-box 17 by the display device 1 can be sent to the center computer 35 via the cable 43, and assist time information can be used for management processing in the center computer 35. It becomes possible.

  As described above, the one-chip microcomputer 83 determines the assist time and outputs the AT output 75. Signals such as the medal payout number OUT output 69 and the medal insertion number IN output 67 are also displayed via the cable 39. Output to 1. When a signal RB input 61 indicating a regular bonus and a signal BB input 63 indicating a big bonus are input to the one-chip microcomputer 83 from the board 11 of the slot machine 3, these signals are input to the RB output 71, The BB output 73 is output to the display device 1 via the cable 39.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible, and these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the winning combination relating to the assist time is determined has been described, but the winning combination determining process for the regular bonus or the big bonus can be performed in the multi-box 17.

In this embodiment, the application of the multi-box 17 to a slot machine is described. However, the present invention can be applied not only to a slot machine but also to various game machines such as a pachinko machine. In such a case, in the multi-box setting process shown in FIG. 6, the type of game machine to which the multi-box 17 is applied is set before the remote control input of the AT determination method number I in step 501. For example, a game machine in which the multi-box 17 is installed by inputting a letter “S” from the remote controller 23 when applied to a slot machine, and a letter “P” or the like when applied to a pachinko machine. Set the type.
When the slot machine is selected in “S”, the setting process for the slot machine shown in FIG. 6 is performed. On the other hand, when a pachinko machine is selected with “P”, a setting process for the pachinko machine similar to the setting process of the slot machine machine of FIG. 6 is performed. The setting processing program for the pachinko machine and the winning combination determination program for the pachinko machine are all stored in the one-chip microcomputer 83 in the multi-box 17, and the same multi-box 17 can be changed according to the type of game machine. It can be applied to other game machines.

  The signal processing device of the present invention is installed between the control device and the calling device of each game machine such as a slot machine or pachislot machine, so that the output of the control device of the game machine is output regardless of the manufacturer or model. Regardless of the type of signal to be played, it is possible to determine the winning combination such as the assist time and output the winning combination signal to the calling device which is a display.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the slot machine 3 concerning embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the relationship between the multi-box 17 and the display apparatus 1 and the board | substrate 11. Configuration diagram of multi-box 17 The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the multi box 17 Configuration diagram of remote control 23 The flowchart which shows the flow of the setting process of the multi box 17 The flowchart which shows the flow of AT start judgment standard setting processing The flowchart which shows the flow of AT end judgment standard setting processing Flow chart showing the flow of processing when using the payout / injection quantity (OUT / IN) Explanatory diagram of processing that uses payout / injection quantity (OUT / IN) Flow chart showing the flow of processing when using an optical sensor Flowchart showing the flow of processing when using an optical sensor and the number of payout / input (OUT / IN) Flowchart showing the flow of the second processing when using the optical sensor and the number of payout / injection (OUT / IN) A flowchart showing a flow of processing when an assist time signal (AT) is used.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ......... Display apparatus 3 ......... Slot machine 11 ......... Substrate 17 ......... Multi-box 19 ......... AT lamp 21 ......... Optical sensor 23 ......... Remote control device

Claims (13)

A signal processing device used in an amusement machine,
Processing means for determining the start and end of the winning combination with the signal output by the game machine as an input;
Output means for sending a winning combination signal indicating the start and end of the winning combination determined by the processing means to the display of the game machine,
The signal processing apparatus characterized in that the winning combination signal is output by using the signal which varies depending on the model of the game machine as an input.   The processing means has a plurality of determination methods for determining the start and end of a winning combination, and the determination method can be set according to the type of signal output by the game machine. Signal processing device.   The processing means inputs the number of payouts and the number of throws output by the game machine, and determines that the winning combination starts when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of throws exceeds a reference value. 3. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the winning combination is determined to end when the calculated value with the number of inserted pieces falls below a reference value.   The processing means determines that the winning combination is started by detecting lighting of the control lamp when the game machine indicates the winning combination by lighting the control lamp, and then wins when detecting that the control lamp is turned off. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that the combination has ended.   The processing means, when the game machine indicates a winning combination by lighting a control lamp, and when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of throwing exceeds a reference value and the lighting of the control lamp is detected, 3. The winning combination is determined to be ended when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of inputs falls below a reference value or when the control lamp is turned off. Signal processing equipment.   The processing means, when the game machine indicates a winning combination by lighting a control lamp, and when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of throwing exceeds a reference value and the lighting of the control lamp is detected, 3. The winning combination is determined to be terminated when the calculated value of the number of payouts and the number of thrown-ins falls below a reference value and the control lamp is turned off. Signal processing equipment.   The processing means receives the winning combination signal output by the game machine as input, determines that the winning combination starts with the input of the winning combination signal, and then ends the winning combination when the input of the winning combination signal disappears The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein   The number of payouts and the number of inserted coins are respectively the number of medals and coins paid out to a player within a predetermined number of games, and the number of coins inserted by the player. 5. The signal processing apparatus according to 5 or 6.   7. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reference value can be set.   The signal processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined number of games can be set.   8. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the winning combination is an assist time, a regular bonus, a big bonus, or the like.   The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is a pachinko game machine.   The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is a slot machine.

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