JP2006130001A - Management device of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately discover fraudulent actions using a button or the like operable by a general player. <P>SOLUTION: A prescribed period immediately before a big winning is set as a period under consideration (S380 and S382) on the basis of the history information of big winning signals received from a pachinko game machine and variation shortening signals accompanying the operation of a variation shortening switch, the continuous ON time and the number of times of ON of the variation shortening signals are computed on the basis of the history information of the variation shortening signals in the period under consideration and whether they are a normal value or an abnormal value is judged (step S384 and S386). The operation contents of a variation shortening switch are judged as a normal operation when both of them are the normal value (S388), and they are judged as an abnormal operation when one of them is the abnormal value (S390). As a result, the fraudulent actions using the variation shortening switch or the like operable by the general player are appropriately discovered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine management device, and more particularly to a management device that manages the state of a gaming machine.

Conventionally, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines, various controls such as winning detection, big hit determination, and execution of special games have been performed by a one-chip CPU mounted on a main control board. There is a problem with fraudulent acts such as replacing the so-called “illegal ROM”) and setting the jackpot probability to an abnormally high probability. For such fraudulent products, for example, playing a game according to a predetermined rule (for example, winning a specific winning opening in a state where a specific symbol is displayed on the symbol display device, etc.), the jackpot probability is abnormally high. It is programmed to be set to a probability. Various measures have been taken to prevent such illegal acts. For example, a CCD camera is provided on the front side of the pachinko machine, and when the opening of the pachinko machine door is detected, What is photographed has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-62293 A

  However, in such a gaming machine, an action such as “opening a door” which is not normally performed by a player can be handled, but an action performed by a general player cannot be handled. On the other hand, in recent gaming machines, there is a tendency to provide various buttons for allowing a player to select a game mode, and the probability of jackpot is abnormal using the operation of buttons performed by such general players. There may also be fraudulent products programmed to be set with high probability. Therefore, it is desirable to deal with fraudulent acts using such button operations.

  An object of the gaming machine management apparatus of the present invention is to enable a more appropriate discovery of fraud using a button or the like that can be operated by a general player.

  The gaming machine management device of the present invention employs the following means in order to achieve the above-described object.

Means 1. The gaming machine management device of the present invention,
A control unit that executes a special game advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is established, and controls the progress of the game; an operation unit that outputs a predetermined operation signal to the control unit in accordance with an operation by the player; An external output means for externally outputting a management signal including the predetermined operation signal output from the operation means to the control means;
Signal receiving means for receiving a management signal output from an external output means of the gaming machine;
An abnormal operation determining means for determining an abnormal operation of the operating means of the gaming machine based on the received management signal;
A determination result output means for outputting the determination result;
It is a summary to provide.

  In the gaming machine management device of the present invention, a predetermined operation signal output to the control means when the player operates the operation means is received as a management signal from the gaming machine, and based on the received predetermined operation signal. The abnormal operation of the operating means is determined and output. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably determine an abnormal operation of the operation means by the player. As a result, it is possible to more easily discover fraudulent acts that are accompanied by operation of the operating means.

  Mean 2. The gaming machine management device according to means 1, wherein the abnormal operation determining means is configured to detect the gaming machine when an output mode of the predetermined operation signal is out of a predetermined normal range in the received management signal. A management device for a gaming machine, which is means for determining that the operation means is abnormally operated.

  Means 3. The gaming machine management device according to means 2, wherein the output mode of the predetermined operation signal includes at least one of output frequency, output timing, and continuous output time. In this way, it is possible to determine that the operation means is abnormally operated when the output frequency, output timing, or continuous output time of the predetermined operation signal is outside the predetermined normal range.

  Means 4. 4. The gaming machine management device according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the management signal includes a special game execution signal indicating execution of the special game, and the abnormal operation determination means is based on the received management signal. A gaming machine management device that is means for determining an abnormal operation of the operating means of the gaming machine based on the predetermined operation signal in a predetermined period with reference to a timing at which the special game is executed. In this way, it is possible to determine an abnormal operation based on the operation content of the operation means in a predetermined period with the timing at which the special game is executed as a reference. As a result, many of the fraudulent acts that are accompanied by the operation of the operating means are aimed at the execution of special games, so that the fraudulent acts can be found more easily. Here, examples of the “predetermined period based on the timing at which the special game is executed” include a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes) immediately before the timing at which the special game is executed. It may be a period including or not including the timing at which the game is executed.

  Means 5. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, further comprising a fluctuation display means for variably displaying an identification element when a predetermined starting condition is established, wherein the operation means is the fluctuation display means in accordance with an operation by a player. A variation content switching switch for outputting a variation switching instruction signal for instructing switching of the variation display content to the control means, and the control means of the gaming machine switches the variation display content in response to the reception of the variation switching instruction signal. A gaming machine which is means for controlling the variation display means to be performed. By doing so, it is possible to more easily detect an illegal act using the change content changeover switch by more reliably determining an abnormal operation of the change content changeover switch by the player. Here, examples of the “switching of the variable display contents” include switching of the type of the identification element and the background.

  Means 6. The gaming machine management device according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the gaming machine includes a fluctuation display means for variably displaying an identification element in accordance with establishment of a predetermined starting condition, and the gaming machine operating means includes: A variation time shortening switch that outputs a variation shortening instruction signal for instructing a shortening of the variation display time by the variation display means to the control means in accordance with an operation by the player, and the control means of the gaming machine is the variation shortening instruction signal. A gaming machine management device which is means for controlling the fluctuation display means so that the fluctuation display time of the identification element is shortened in response to reception of. In this way, it is possible to more easily detect an illegal act using the variable time reduction switch by more reliably determining an abnormal operation of the variable time reduction switch by the player.

  Mean 7 6. The gaming machine management device according to claim 6, wherein the management signal includes a variation display execution signal indicating whether or not the variation display of the identification element by the variation display means is being executed, and the abnormal operation determination means. Is a means for determining an abnormal operation of the variation time shortening switch based on the variation shortening instruction signal during a period when the variation display of the identification element by the variation display means is not being executed based on the received management signal Management device. In this way, it is possible to more easily find unnatural operation contents such as an operation of the change time reduction switch during a period when the change display of the identification element is not being executed.

  Means 8. 8. A gaming machine management device according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein an operating means of the gaming machine is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine.

  Means 9. The gaming machine management device according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein the gaming machine comprises a payout means for paying out a game medium used for a game, and the operating means of the gaming machine is operated in accordance with an operation by a player. A lending switch for outputting a lending instruction signal for instructing lending of a medium to the control means, wherein the control means of the gaming machine controls the paying means so that the gaming medium is paid out upon receipt of the lending instruction signal. A management device for gaming machines as means. In this way, it is possible to more easily detect fraud using the variable time reduction switch by more reliably determining an abnormal operation of the lending switch by the player.

  Means 10. 10. A gaming machine management device according to any one of means 1 to 9, wherein said gaming machine comprises lending unit control means for controlling a lending unit capable of taking in and out a lending prepaid card for a gaming medium used in a game. The operation means is a card return switch that outputs a card return instruction signal for instructing the return of the lending prepaid card inserted in the lending unit in accordance with the operation by the player to the control means, A control device for a gaming machine, wherein the control means is a means for controlling the lending unit control means so that the lending prepaid card inserted in the lending unit is returned upon receipt of the card return instruction signal. In this way, it is possible to more easily detect an illegal act using the card return switch by more reliably determining an abnormal operation of the card return switch by the player.

  Means 11. A gaming machine management device according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein the gaming machine management device is built in the gaming machine.

  In the present invention, in addition to the form of the gaming machine management device described above, a gaming system may be provided that includes the gaming machine described above and the gaming machine management device of the present invention that manages the gaming machine.

  Note that the gaming machine can be applied to various gaming machines such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine, and a combination of the pachinko machine and the slot machine.

  As a basic configuration of a pachinko machine as a gaming machine, an operation handle is provided, and a game ball is launched into a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the handle, and the game ball is arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. The display of the identification element on the display means starts as a prerequisite to winning the mouth, and the prize opening located at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner during the occurrence of a special gaming state. As a result, a game ball can be won, and a valuable value (including not only a prize ball but also writing to a magnetic card) is given according to the number of winning balls. These pachinko machines have a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes game balls. Can also be present.

  As a basic configuration of the slot machine as a gaming machine, “display means for confirming and displaying the identification element after variably displaying the identification element string composed of a plurality of identification elements for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state; The variation of the identification element is started due to the operation of the operation means for operation (for example, the operation lever), and the variation of the identification element is caused by the operation of the operation means for the stop (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has passed. And a special gaming state generating means for generating a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the definite identification element at the time of stopping is a specific identification element. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals. In such a slot machine, a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game media such as coins and medals, and a normal game that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the game media It is also possible that a state exists.

The basic configuration of a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine as a gaming machine and a slot machine is, “After variably displaying an identification element sequence consisting of a plurality of identification elements for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state. The change of the identification element is started due to the operation of the display means for confirming and displaying the identification element, and the operation means for operation (for example, the operation lever), and the predetermined element is caused by the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, stop button) Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the identification element is stopped with the lapse of time and the confirmed identification element at the time of stoppage is a specific identification element In addition, a game ball is used as a game medium, and a predetermined number of game balls are required at the start of variation of the identification element, and many game balls are generated when a special game state occurs. It can be mentioned gaming machine "in which a is configured to be Desa are. Such gaming machines include a special gaming state (a big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of gaming balls, and a normal gaming state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the gaming balls. There may be different types of gaming states.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine 20 managed by a hall computer 10 functioning as a game machine management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 shows a game board 30 of the pachinko machine 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connection of the pachinko machine 20 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 20 according to the embodiment includes a game board 30 covered with glass fitted in a front frame 22, an upper tray 24 and a lower tray 26 for storing game balls, and a special symbol display device. 40, a fluctuation shortening switch 27 that is turned on when the player wants to shorten the time of symbol fluctuation displayed on the board 40, a launching handle 28 for launching a game ball to the game board 30, and a main control for controlling the entire pachinko machine 20. Device 70 (see FIG. 3). Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 20 is attached with a CR unit 29 that identifies the balance of the prepaid card inserted by the player and instructs the pachinko machine 20 to pay out the game ball. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 includes a normal symbol display device 32 arranged at the upper center of the game board 30, and a normal symbol start that detects the passage of the game ball respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the game board 30. Normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b having mouth switches 36a and 36b, a special symbol display device 40 arranged below the normal symbol display device 32, and a game ball arranged below the special symbol display device 40 A start opening 42 having a special symbol start opening switch 44 for detecting the winning of a prize, a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 which is attached to the start opening 42 and can be opened and closed, and a large opening which can be opened and closed. A winning port 50, four normal winning ports 60a to 60d arranged at the left and right lower portions of the game board 30, and an out port 69 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports are provided.

  The normal symbol display device 32 includes symbols “a” and “x” 32a and 32b which are displayed in a variable manner by switching lighting of a lamp (not shown) provided behind, and symbols “a” and “x” 32a, And four normal symbol variation holding lamps 33a to 33d arranged on the upper side of 32b. The symbols “a” and “x” 32a and 32b start to be changed when it is detected that the game ball has won the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b. And the change display is finished in a state where either of the symbols 32a and 32b of "x" is lit. The normal symbol variation holding lamps 33a to 33d receive the game balls in the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the variation display of the symbols “O” and “X” by the normal symbol display device 32. By turning on one by one from the left side every time, and every time the fluctuation display of the symbols 32a and 32b of “O” and “X” by the normal symbol display device 32 is started, it is turned off in the reverse order of lighting. The number of times of winning the normal symbol display device operation gates 34a and 34b during the variable display is shown as the number of times of holding up to four times.

  The tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 46 provided at the start opening 42 opens the tulip for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) as a hit when the fluctuation display by the normal symbol display device 32 stops at the symbol 32a. It is structured as a thing.

  The special symbol display device 40 is configured as a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by the display control device 96 shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 40 normally displays three symbols L, M, and R, which are composed of characters and numbers, and the game ball starts. These three symbols L, M, and R are variably displayed when it is detected that a winning is made in the mouth 42. When the predetermined fluctuation time is over, the three symbols L, M, and R are stopped in the order of symbol L, symbol R, and symbol M, and the symbols L, M, and R match. Sometimes a special game video is displayed as a big hit. An example of the special game moving image is shown in FIG.

  The game board 30 is provided with four special symbol variation holding lamps 41 a to 41 d between the normal symbol display device 32 and the special symbol display device 40. The special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d are used for the game ball to start the opening 42 during the variation display of the three symbols L, M, and R by the special symbol display device 40 and during the display of the special game animation. Each time a prize is won, the lights are turned on one by one in order from the left side, and each time the three symbols L, M, and R are displayed by the special symbol display device 40, the lights are turned off in the reverse order of lighting. The number of balls won in the starting port 42 during the variable display or during the display of the special game moving image is shown as the number of reserved balls up to four.

  The special winning opening 50 is normally in a closed state that does not accept a game ball. When a big hit is made, there are an open state in which the special winning opening driving device 52 shown in FIG. It is driven to be repeated based on a predetermined condition. The grand prize opening 50 has a 10 count switch 54 (see FIG. 3) that counts the winnings of game balls and a V count that detects that a game ball has won the V zone 56 provided in the center of the big prize opening 50. A switch 58 (see FIG. 3) is attached.

  In addition to this, the game board 30 includes a rail 62 that guides the launched game ball on an arc, lamp windmills 64a and 64b arranged on the left and right shoulders that lead to the center of the game board 30, and a normal symbol display device operation gate. A total of eight indicators 68a to 68h attached to both sides of the windmills 66a and 66b and the special symbol display device 40 arranged in the vicinity of 34a and 34b are also attached. In addition, illustration was abbreviate | omitted about the several nail which guides and plays a game ball and raises the game property.

  The main controller 70 is configured as a microcomputer centered on a CPU 72. In addition to a power supply circuit 73 that supplies power to the CPU 72, a ROM 74 that stores processing programs, a RAM 76 that temporarily stores data, a predetermined data A clock circuit 78 that outputs a rectangular wave having a frequency and an input / output processing circuit 80 are connected by a bus 82. The main controller 70 includes a fluctuation shortening signal from the fluctuation shortening switch 27, a winning signal from the normal symbol starting port switches 36a and 36b, a starting signal from the special symbol starting port switch 44, a count signal from the 10 count switch 54, A V signal from the V count switch 58, an input signal from another input device 88 such as a normal winning switch or a winning ball count switch, and the like are input via the input / output processing circuit 80. Further, the main control device 70 turns on the driving signal to the normal symbol display device 32, the driving signal to the special winning opening driving device 52, the normal symbol variation holding lamps 33a to 33d and the special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d. A signal, a drive signal to the ordinary electric accessory 46, a control signal to the voice control device 95 to which the speaker 86 is connected, a control signal to the display control device 96 that controls the display of the special symbol display device 40, a game ball A payout control signal to the payout control device 90 to which the payout motor 92 for paying out is connected, a drive signal to the other output device 89, and the like are output via the input / output processing circuit 80. Note that the lighting signals to the indicators 68 a to 68 h are output from another output device 89.

  The hall computer 10 of the embodiment is configured as a computer that manages each pachinko machine 20 installed in the hall. As shown in FIG. 6, the frame external terminal board 98 and the panel external terminal board 99 are used. The pachinko machine 20 is communicably connected. The hall computer 10 receives a prize ball signal that is output every time 10 prize balls (prize balls) are paid out by winning a game ball, and a door opening signal that is output when the opening of the front frame 22 is detected (see FIG. (Not shown), an out signal (not shown) that is output every time ten balls are collected to the out port 69 is detected via the frame external terminal board 98, and during the big hit A jackpot signal that is output, a special symbol determination signal (not shown) that is output every time the fluctuation of the special symbol stops, a fluctuation shortening signal that is output from the fluctuation shortening switch 27 to the main controller 70, etc. Input is made via a terminal board 99. As shown in the figure, the fluctuation shortening signal is output from the fluctuation shortening switch 27 to the main control device 70 and to the board external terminal board 99 via the branched communication path. It is input to the computer 10. Therefore, even when the main controller 70 is replaced with an unauthorized product, the fluctuation shortening signal output from the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is output to the hall computer 10 as it is without passing through the main controller 70. It will be.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 20 thus configured will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main routine executed by the main controller 70. This routine is repeatedly executed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 msec).

[Main routine]
When the main routine is executed, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 performs the start winning process (step S100) illustrated in FIG. 8, the variation start process (step S102) illustrated in FIG. 9, and the variation end process illustrated in FIG. (Step S104), the counter update process illustrated in FIG. 11 (Step S106), the prize ball command transmission process illustrated in FIG. 18 (Step S108) is executed, and then the lost symbol counter update process illustrated in FIG. S110) is repeatedly executed. For ease of explanation, first, the counter update process and the lost symbol counter update process will be described, and then other processes will be described.

[Counter update processing]
In the counter update process, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 72 of the main controller 70 executes a process of incrementing each of the internal random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C2, the per symbol counter C3, and the variation pattern counter C4. (Step S240). The internal random number counter C1 is a counter used when determining whether or not it is a big hit. In the embodiment, 0 to 629 are sequentially incremented by one. The reach random number counter C2 is a counter used when determining whether or not a reach game is to be performed. In the embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is incremented by 1 in order from 0 to 11. When the winning symbol counter C3 determines the symbols (winning symbols) at the time of the fluctuation stop of the three symbols L, M, and R of the left, middle, and right that are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the big hit In this embodiment, 0 to 11 are incremented by 1 in order. The variation pattern counter C4 is a counter that is used to determine a pattern for variably displaying the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40. Are sequentially incremented by one. When each counter is updated in this way, each counter is stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S242), and the counter update process is terminated.

[Lose symbol counter update processing]
In the lost symbol counter update process, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 72 of the main controller 70 first executes a process of incrementing the lost symbol left counter Cl (step S250). The lost symbol left counter Cl is the left of the three symbols L, M, and R at the time when the fluctuation is stopped (lost symbol) which is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of losing. The counter is used when determining the symbol L. In the embodiment, the counter is incremented by 1 in order from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 from the number of symbols. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the lost symbol left counter Cl is 0 (step S252). If the lost symbol left counter Cl is 0, the lost symbol right counter Cr is incremented (step S254). The lost symbol right counter Cr is the right of the three symbols L, M, and R at the time when the fluctuation is stopped (lost symbol) that is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of losing. In the embodiment, the counter R is incremented by 1 in order from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting the value 1 in the same manner as the lost symbol left counter Cl. Similarly, it is determined whether or not the lost symbol right counter Cr is 0 (step S256). If the lost symbol right counter Cr is 0, the lost symbol counter Cm is incremented (step S258). Here, the losing symbol counter Cm is a symbol when the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right, which are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40 when losing, are stopped (losing symbol). The counter is used when determining the symbol M of the symbols, and in the embodiment, in the same way as the lost symbol left counter Cl and the lost symbol right counter Cr, the value from 0 to the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of symbols in order. Increment by one.

  When each of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cr, Cm is incremented, or when it is determined in step S252 that the lost symbol left counter Cl is not 0, or when it is determined in step S256 that the lost symbol right counter Cr is not 0. Determines whether the lost symbol left counter Cl and the lost symbol right counter Cr match (step S260). When the lost symbol left counter Cl and the lost symbol right counter Cr do not match, the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr are stored in the lost symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S262), and this routine is executed. finish. On the other hand, when the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr match, it is determined whether or not the losing symbol counter Cm also matches (step S264). When the losing symbol left counter Cl and the losing symbol right counter Cr match but the losing symbol counter Cm is different, the losing symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr are stored in the losing reach symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76. (Step S266), this routine is finished. When all the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr match, this routine is not performed because the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, and Cr are not stored in the lost symbol buffer or the lost reach symbol buffer. finish.

  This lost symbol counter update process is repeatedly performed during the idle time until the main routine is executed every elapse of a predetermined time, as can be understood from the flowchart of the main routine illustrated in FIG. Accordingly, other counters such as the internal random number counter C1 and the reach random number counter C2 count up each time the main routine is executed, whereas the lost symbol left counter Cl is added to the loop every time the main routine is executed. Counts up every time a process is executed.

[Start-up winning process]
In the start winning process, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 72 of the main controller 70 first determines whether or not the game ball has won (step S200). This determination is made based on whether or not the special symbol start opening switch 44 is turned on, whether or not the 10-count switch 54 is turned on, and whether or not a switch (not shown) that detects winning of the normal winning openings 60a to 60d is turned on. be able to. If it is determined that the game ball has been won, the number of winning balls N0 is incremented by 1 (step S201), and it is determined whether the winning of the game ball is a win at the start port 42 (step S202). If it is determined that the winning is to the mouth 42, it is further checked whether or not the number of reserved balls N is less than 4 (step S203). As described above, in the embodiment, the number of reserved balls is up to four.

  When the number of reserved balls N is less than 4, the number of reserved balls N is incremented by 1 (step S204), and one of the special symbol variation holding lamps 41a to 41d is lit in order from the left (step S206). The internal random number counter value, the reach random number counter value, the winning symbol counter value, the lost symbol counter stored in the buffer set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 in step S242 of the counter updating processing or in step S262 of the losing symbol counter updating processing in FIG. Similarly, the value is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the reserved ball storage area set in the predetermined area of the RAM 76 (step S208). An example of the structure of the reserved ball storage area is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the holding ball storage area is composed of one execution area and four holding areas that can store an internal random number counter value, a reach random number counter value, a winning symbol counter value, and a lost symbol counter value one by one. ing.

  After the processing for storing each counter value in the reserved ball storage area is completed, or when it is determined in step S200 that no game ball has been won, the winning of the game ball is not a win at the start port 42 in step S202. Or when the number of reserved balls N is not determined to be less than 4 in step S203, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls N is greater than 0 (step S210), and the special symbol display device 40 is determined. In step S212, it is determined whether or not the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right are being variably displayed, or whether or not a big hit is being made. When the number of reserved balls N is not 0, and the special symbol display device 40 is not in a variable display or in a big hit, the value 1 is set in the change permission flag F1 (step S214), this routine is terminated, and the stored balls If the number N is 0, the special symbol display device 40 is in a variable display, or is in a big hit, the routine is terminated without setting the change permission flag F1.

[Variation start processing]
In the change start process, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first executes a process of determining whether or not the change permission flag F1 is a value 1 (step S220). When the variation permission flag F1 is not a value 1, whether the number of reserved balls N is a value 0, or the special symbols display device 40 is displaying three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right, or a big hit It is determined that it is in any case, and this routine is terminated.

  When the fluctuation permission flag F1 is 1, the special symbol fluctuation holding lamps 41a to 41d are turned off one by one from the right (step S222), the number N of reserved balls is decremented by a value 1 (step S224), and the stored balls are stored. A process for shifting the data stored in the area is performed (step S226). This data shift process is a process for shifting the data stored in the four reserved areas of the reserved ball storage area illustrated in FIG. 13 by one block to the execution area side. That is, this is a process of moving the data in the reserved area A to the execution area, the data in the reserved area B to the reserved area A, the data in the reserved area C to the reserved area B, and the data in the reserved area D to the reserved area C.

  Next, after the three symbols L, M, and R of the left, middle, and right are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 40, the stop symbol command for setting the symbol when the variable display is stopped and the left by the special symbol display device 40, A display command determination process including the middle and right three pattern L, M, and R variation pattern commands is performed (step S227), and the determined display command is displayed via the input / output processing circuit 80 to the display control device 96. (Step S228), the value 0 is set in the variation permission flag F1, and the value 1 is set in the shortening permission flag F2 to accept the ON operation of the variation shortening switch 27 by the player (step S229). End the routine. Upon receiving the display command, the display control device 96 displays the three symbols L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right of the special symbol display device 40 in accordance with the variation pattern command of the display commands, and confirms later. When the command is received, the fluctuation display of the three symbols L, M and R on the left, middle and right of the special symbol display device 40 is stopped according to the stop symbol command. Note that the display command determination processing in step S227 is performed using the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

[Display command decision processing]
In the display command determination process, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is a big hit ( Step S300). This jackpot determination is performed by determining whether or not the value of the internal random number counter C1 is a jackpot value, for example, “7” or “322”. In the embodiment, since the internal random number counter C1 sequentially counts up from 0 to 629, the probability of jackpot is 1/315. When it is determined that a big hit, the value of the winning symbol counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is set as a stop symbol command (step S310), and the big hit hour variation pattern command determination process illustrated in FIG. (Step S312), this routine is terminated. In the big hit hour variation pattern command determination process, the value of the variation pattern counter C4 stored in the buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S340). When the variation pattern counter C4 is less than 20, the pattern B is changed to the variation pattern. When the variation pattern counter C4 is 20 or more and less than 60, the pattern C is set as a variation pattern command (step S344). When the variation pattern counter C4 is 60 or more, the pattern D is set as a variation pattern command. Setting is made (step S346). Each pattern will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S300 that it is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the value of the reach random number counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area is a reach hit (step S302). This reach determination is performed by determining whether or not the value of the reach random number counter C2 is a value per reach, for example, “7”. In the embodiment, the reach random number counter C2 is sequentially counted up from 0 to 11, so the probability per reach is 1/12. If it is determined that the reach is reached, the values of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr stored in the lost symbol buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 are set as stop symbol commands (step S320). An example of losing reach variation pattern command determination processing is performed (step S322), and this routine is terminated. In the loss-reach fluctuation pattern command determination process, as in the big hit hour fluctuation pattern determination process, the value of the fluctuation pattern counter C4 stored in the buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 76 is checked (step S350), and the fluctuation pattern counter is determined. When C4 is less than 50, pattern B is set as a variation pattern command (step S352), and when variation pattern counter C4 is 50 or more and less than 90, pattern C is set as a variation pattern command (step S354), and variation pattern counter C4 If it is 90 or more, the pattern D is set as a variation pattern command (step S356). If it is determined in step S302 that it is not per reach, the values of the lost symbol counters Cl, Cm, Cr stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area are set as stop symbol commands (step S330), and the pattern A Is set as a variation pattern command (step S332), and this routine is terminated.

  In the embodiment, each variation pattern is set as follows. In pattern A, the left symbol L is stopped after seven seconds after the three symbols L, M, and R of the left, middle, and right are started to be displayed on the special symbol display device 40, and the right symbol R is displayed after eight seconds. It is set as a pattern in which the middle symbol M stops after 9 seconds. Pattern B starts the left, middle, and right three symbols L, M, and R on the special symbol display device 40, then stops the left symbol L after 7 seconds and the right symbol R after 8 seconds. It is set as a so-called normal reach pattern in which the middle symbol M is variably displayed at a low speed for 7 seconds when the left symbol L and the right symbol R coincide when stopped. The pattern C is set as a so-called super-reach pattern that stops after the variable symbol display of the medium symbol M is stopped at the high speed for another 5 seconds without stopping the variable symbol M at the stop timing of the medium symbol M of the pattern B. The pattern D is a so-called special reach that stops at the symbol before or after the winning symbol after the variable symbol is displayed at a low speed for another 10 seconds at the stop timing of the middle symbol M at the stop timing of the pattern C. It is set as a pattern. In super reach and special reach, not only the three symbols L, M, and R of left, middle, and right are variably displayed, but also a predetermined reach game is performed.

  In the embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the pattern D is more easily set in the big hit fluctuation pattern command determination process than in the loss change fluctuation pattern command determination process. In the time variation pattern command determination processing, the pattern B is easier to set than the big hit time variation pattern command determination processing. That is, special reach is likely to be set in the big hit fluctuation pattern command determination process, and normal reach is likely to be set in the lost reach fluctuation pattern command determination process. By setting in this way, the game is improved and the interest is improved.

[Change end processing]
In the change end process, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether or not a big hit is being made (step S230). Here, the big hit includes a special game displayed on the special symbol display device 40 at the time of the big hit and a predetermined time after the special game ends. The predetermined time after the end of the special game is set as, for example, the time required for adjusting each state of the pachinko machine 20. If it is determined that the jackpot is not being hit, the jackpot signal is output OFF to the panel external terminal board 99 to which the hall computer 10 is connected (step S231), and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern has ended. (Step S232). This processing is performed by determining whether or not the time has elapsed since each variation pattern has a variation time set for each pattern. When the fluctuation time has ended, the stop symbol set for stopping and checking the fluctuation display is transmitted as a confirmation command to the display control device 96 (step S234). Then, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (step S236). When a big hit is made, a big hit execution command is transmitted to the display control device 96, the big winning opening driver 52, etc. (step S238), and this routine is terminated. Here, since the determination of the big hit in step S236 is performed in the display command determination process (FIG. 14) in step S227 in the variation start process, the determination result may be used, or the execution area of the reserved ball storage area It is good also as what determines using the value of the internal random number counter C1 stored in this. If it is determined in step S230 that the jackpot is being hit, a jackpot signal is output ON to the panel external terminal board 99 to which the hall computer 10 is connected (step S239), and this routine is terminated. In step S232, the fluctuation time is changed. When it is determined that it has not been completed, the fluctuation shortening process illustrated in FIG. 17 is executed and this routine is terminated. When it is determined that the big hit is not a big hit in step S236, this routine is immediately terminated. Here, the variation shortening process illustrated in FIG. 17 will be described.

[Variation reduction processing]
In the variation shortening process, as shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 72 of the main control device 70 first determines whether the value of the shortening permission flag F2 is 0 or 1 (step S360), and when the value of F2 is 0, that is, the variation. When the shortening is not permitted, this routine is finished. When the value of F2 is 1, that is, when the variation shortening is permitted, it is determined whether or not the variation shortening switch 27 is turned on (step S362). If not, the routine ends. On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is turned on in step S362, a confirmation command is transmitted to the display control device 96 (step S364), and it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, similarly to steps S236 and S238 of the fluctuation end process. At the same time, a big hit execution command is transmitted to the display control device 96, the big winning opening driver 52, etc. (steps S366 and S368), and this routine is terminated. As described above, when the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is turned on by the player in a state in which the fluctuation shortening is permitted, the confirmation time is transmitted regardless of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation display is stopped. It shortens.

[Prize ball command transmission processing]
In the winning ball command transmission process, as shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 72 of the main controller 70 first checks the value of the winning ball number N0 incremented in step S201 of the start winning process in FIG. 8 (step S370). When the winning ball number N0 is larger than the value 0, the winning ball number N0 is decremented by the value 1 (step S372), and processing for setting the number n of winning balls to be paid out to the upper tray 24 and the lower tray 26 is performed (step S372). Step S374). Here, in the embodiment, the number of winning balls n is determined by the type of winning opening where the game ball has won (in the embodiment, the start opening 42, the large winning opening 50, the normal winning openings 60a to 60d) and the number of winning balls n. It is assumed that the number of prize balls n is derived and set from the start opening that has won a prize based on this relation in advance. Then, a process of transmitting a prize ball command for instructing the payout of the set number n of prize balls to the payout control device 90 is performed (step S376), and this routine is finished. In the payout control device 90 that has received the prize ball command, the payout motor 92 is driven and controlled so that the number of prize balls n set as the prize ball command is paid out. The signal is output to the hall computer 10 via the frame external terminal board 98. The prize ball signal is output, for example, by outputting a 100 msec ON signal as the prize ball signal every time ten prize balls are paid out.

  Next, the operation of the hall computer 10 of the embodiment, particularly, the operation when determining the abnormal operation of the fluctuation shortening switch 27 of the pachinko machine 20 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an abnormal operation determination process executed by the hall computer 10. This process is executed at a predetermined timing (for example, a timing when a predetermined instruction is given by an administrator of the hall computer 10 or a predetermined time).

[Abnormal operation determination processing]
In the abnormal operation determination process, as shown in FIG. 19, first, the hall computer 10 executes a process of reading the jackpot signal history information and the fluctuation shortening signal history information received from the pachinko machine 20 (step S380). These pieces of information are accumulated in a hard disk (not shown) of the hall computer 10 each time a jackpot signal, a fluctuation shortening signal, or the like is received from the pachinko machine 20, and stored as a history for each pachinko machine 20. An example of the history of the jackpot signal and the history of the fluctuation shortening signal is shown in FIG. Note that the period of the history information to be read can be set to read only the history information for the current day or to read the history information for a specified period.

  Then, based on the read history information, a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes) immediately before the jackpot timing (that is, the timing at which the jackpot signal switches from OFF to ON) is set as the attention period. The history information of the fluctuation shortening signal is extracted (step S382). An example of the set attention period is shown in FIG.

  When the history information of the fluctuation shortening signal of the attention period is thus extracted, in order to determine whether or not an abnormal operation of the fluctuation shortening switch 27 has been performed during this attention period, the continuous shortening time of the fluctuation shortening signal or each attention period is determined. The number of times of ON (the number of times of switching from OFF to ON) is calculated to determine whether it is a normal value or an abnormal value (steps S384 and S386). In the embodiment, a threshold value for determining the continuous ON time and the number of ON times is determined in advance, and it is determined whether the threshold value is a normal value or an abnormal value by comparing the calculated continuous ON time and the ON frequency. did. For example, “30 seconds” is set as the threshold value of the continuous ON time, and it is determined as an abnormal value when there is a continuous ON time of “30 seconds” or more, or “50 times” is set as the threshold value of the ON number in each attention period. It is determined as an abnormal value when the set number of ON times equal to or greater than “50 times” exists.

  When both the continuous ON time and the number of ONs are normal values, the operation content of the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is determined as a normal operation (step S388). The abnormal operation is determined (step S390), the determination result is output (step S392), and the abnormal operation determination process is terminated. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the determination result output to the monitor of the hall computer 10. This example is an example in which an abnormal operation related to the continuous ON time is determined, and as illustrated, information (sima No. or stand No.) specifying the pachinko machine 20 in which the abnormal operation is determined and the content of the abnormal operation. In addition to displaying, the base (race rate other than during the big hit) and the number of jackpots are displayed as reference information. It should be noted that the output form of the determination result is not limited, and it is of course possible to print out on a predetermined sheet, for example.

  According to the hall computer 10 of the embodiment described above, a fluctuation shortening signal output to the main control device 70 by the player operating the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is input via the board external terminal board 99, Abnormal operation of the fluctuation shortening switch 27 can be determined based on the history of the fluctuation shortening signal. Therefore, even if the main control device 70 is replaced with a fraudulent product and a fraudulent act such as setting the jackpot probability to an abnormally high probability in accordance with the operation of the variation shortening switch 27, the variation shortening output from the variation shortening switch 27 is performed. An abnormal operation can be determined based on the continuous ON time and the number of ON times of the signal. As a result, it is possible to make it easier to find an illegal act accompanied by the operation of the fluctuation shortening switch 27. Furthermore, it is considered that many of the fraudulent acts performed with the operation of the fluctuation shortening switch 27 are aimed at a big hit, and an abnormal operation is determined based on the history of the fluctuation shortening signal in a predetermined period immediately before the big hit timing. Therefore, it is possible to detect fraud more appropriately.

  In the hall computer 10 according to the embodiment, a fluctuation shortening signal output to the main control device 70 when a player operates the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is input from the pachinko machine 20 to determine an abnormal operation. As long as a predetermined operation signal is output to the main control device 70 in response to an operation by a user, an operation signal regarding other switches and buttons may be input from the pachinko machine 20 to determine an abnormal operation. For example, a game ball can be lent according to the balance of a change content switching switch for changing display contents (types of symbols L, M, R, background, etc.) by the special symbol display device 40 or a prepaid card balance inserted in the CR unit 29. An operation signal output in response to an operation such as a lending switch for instructing, a card return switch for instructing the return of a prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 29, a firing stop button for temporarily stopping the launch of a game ball, etc. It is good also as what inputs from the machine 20 and determines abnormal operation.

  In the hall computer 10 of the embodiment, the abnormal operation is determined based on the history of the fluctuation shortening signal in a predetermined period immediately before the jackpot timing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is normally operated. Determining an abnormal operation based on a history of fluctuation shortening signals during a period (for example, a period when the variable display by the special symbol display device 40 is stopped) or a period when the number of prize balls exceeds a predetermined number Or an abnormal operation may be determined based on the history of the fluctuation shortening signal over the entire period.

  In the hall computer 10 of the embodiment, the abnormal operation of the fluctuation shortening switch 27 is determined based on the continuous ON time and the number of ON times of the fluctuation shortening signal, but the abnormal operation is determined based on the output mode of the fluctuation shortening signal. It may be anything, and it may be determined that abnormal operation is based on other information, or may be determined using various statistical methods.

  In the embodiment, the management device for the gaming machine according to the present invention that determines the abnormal operation of the variation shortening switch 27 based on the history of the variation shortening signal has been described as a form of the hall computer 10, but such a gaming machine management device is a pachinko machine. 20 may be incorporated in the apparatus.

  In the embodiment, the pachinko machine 20 which is a type of pachinko machine belonging to the “first type (seven machine)” has been described as an example. However, a gaming machine that executes a special game advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Of course, it can also be applied to pachinko machines of the type belonging to “Type 2 (feathers)” and “Type 3 (rights)”, as well as slot machines and pachinko machines. It can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a fusion machine in which a machine and a slot machine are fused.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, it can be implemented in the form.

It is the external view which looked at the pachinko machine 20 from the front. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a game board 30 of a pachinko machine 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating electrical connection of a pachinko machine 20. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display figure displayed on the special symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the special game animation displayed on the special symbol display apparatus 40. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection between the pachinko machine 20 and the hall computer 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a main routine executed by a main control device 70. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a start winning process executed by a main control device 70. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change start process executed by a main control device 70. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change end process executed by a main control device 70. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of counter update processing executed by a main control device 70. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a lost symbol counter update process executed by a main control device 70. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a holding ball storage area. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of display command determination processing executed by a main control device 70. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a big hit hour variation pattern command determination process executed by a main control device 70; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a loss reach variation pattern command determination process executed by a main control device 70; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation shortening process executed by a main control device 70. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a prize ball command transmission process executed by a main control device 70. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an abnormal operation determination process executed by the hall computer 10. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of log | history information of a jackpot signal or a fluctuation shortening signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the attention period of a fluctuation shortening signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the determination result of the abnormal operation determination process output to the monitor of the hall computer.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Hall computer, 20 Pachinko machine, 22 Front frame, 24 Upper tray, 26 Lower tray, 27 Fluctuation reduction switch, 28 Launch handle, 29 CR unit, 30 Game board, 32 Normal symbol display device, 32a, 32b “○” and Symbol “x”, 33a to 33d Normal symbol variation holding lamp, 34a, 34b Normal symbol display device operation gate, 36a, 36b Normal symbol start switch, 40 Special symbol display device, 41a to 41d Special symbol variation retention lamp, 42 Start port, 44 Special symbol start port switch, 46 Normal electric accessory, 50 Grand prize port, 52 Grand prize port drive device, 54 10 count switch, 56 V zone, 58 V count switch, 60a-60d Regular prize port, 62 Rail, 64a, 64b Ramp windmill, 66a, 66b Windmill 68 68a-68h Indicator, 69 Out port, 70 Main control device, 72 CPU, 73 Power supply circuit, 74 ROM, 76 RAM, 78 Clock circuit, 80 Input / output processing circuit, 82 Bus, 86 Speaker, 88 Other input device , 89 Other output devices, 90 payout control device, 92 payout motor, 95 voice control device, 96 display control device, 98 frame external terminal plate, 99 external board for board.

Claims (4)

A control unit that executes a special game advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is established, and controls the progress of the game; an operation unit that outputs a predetermined operation signal to the control unit in accordance with an operation by the player; An external output means for externally outputting a management signal including the predetermined operation signal output from the operation means to the control means;
Signal receiving means for receiving a management signal output from an external output means of the gaming machine;
An abnormal operation determining means for determining an abnormal operation of the operating means of the gaming machine based on the received management signal;
A determination result output means for outputting the determination result;
A gaming machine management device comprising:   The abnormal operation determination means is means for determining that the operation means of the gaming machine is an abnormal operation when an output mode of the predetermined operation signal is out of a predetermined normal range in the received management signal. The gaming machine management device according to claim 1. A gaming machine management device according to claim 1 or 2,
The management signal includes a special game execution signal indicating execution of the special game,
The abnormal operation determination means determines an abnormal operation of the operation means of the gaming machine based on the predetermined operation signal in a predetermined period based on the timing at which the special game is executed based on the received management signal. Means,
A management device for gaming machines. A gaming machine management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The gaming machine includes a variation display means for variably displaying the identification element as a predetermined start condition is established,
The operating means of the gaming machine is a variation time shortening switch that outputs a variation shortening instruction signal instructing shortening of a variation display time by the variation display means to the control means in accordance with an operation by a player.
The control means of the gaming machine is a means for controlling the variation display means so that the variation display time of the identification element is shortened with the reception of the variation shortening instruction signal.
A management device for gaming machines.

Images