JP2007037593A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To evade an adverse affect caused by the abnormality of the operation of a variable winning device in a second class game machine. <P>SOLUTION: Inside the variable winning device 91 of a game board 5, a distribution mechanism for deciding whether or not it is a big winning on the basis of the movement of a game ball is provided. The distribution mechanism is swung for a prescribed number of times in an entry to a start winning port, and the distribution mechanism is provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not it is swung normally. When the abnormality of the operation of the distribution mechanism is detected, the game machine reports that by the lighting of a lamp or the like. In such a manner, the situation that a game is continued while the big winning is easily generated or it is not generated at all by the stop of the distribution mechanism in an abnormal posture is evaded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for avoiding adverse effects caused by malfunction of a gaming machine.

  Gaming machines that launch game balls and win a prize opening are roughly classified into a first type and a second type depending on the difference in the mechanism that determines what is called a big hit. The first type is to determine whether or not it is a big win by electronically drawing a lottery at the start opening. In the second type, a pair of movable pieces of the variable winning device is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined period when the start opening is won, and it is determined whether or not a big hit is made by a physical movement of the game ball entering the variable winning device. Is. A special winning opening through which a game ball in the variable winning device should pass in order to win is called a specific area or a V winning opening.

  Some of the second type gaming machines include a movable distribution mechanism for distributing the destinations of game balls in the variable winning device. The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a mechanism that determines whether or not to win a game ball in a variable winning device by distributing a swinging distribution mechanism.

  In gaming machines, it is required to prevent malfunction of the variable winning device and prevention of illegal acts on the variable winning device. Conventionally, techniques for monitoring game balls won in a variable prize apparatus and game balls discharged from the variable prize apparatus have been proposed as a countermeasure (such as the technique described in Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-290489 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-77435

  However, in the conventional technology, the operation of the variable winning device has not been sufficiently monitored. In the second type of gaming machine, whether or not a big win is generated is affected by the operation of the variable winning device. For example, if the distribution mechanism is abnormally stopped in a state where a big win is generated, the player can easily generate a big win simply by making a winning in the variable winning device. If an abnormal stop occurs in a state where no big win is generated, even if a winning is made in the variable winning device, no big win can occur. In either case, it cannot be said that the game state is fair. Such a problem is common to not only the second type but also general gaming machines including a variable winning device that is affected by whether or not a big hit is made by a movable distribution mechanism. An object of the present invention is to avoid the adverse effects caused by the abnormal operation of the variable winning device in such a gaming machine.

  The present invention is directed to a gaming machine used in a game in which a game ball launched by a launcher is awarded in a predetermined winning opening. This gaming machine is provided with a game board, a variable winning device, and a start winning opening installed on the front surface of the gaming board as one of winning holes. The variable winning device is installed on the front surface of the game board and opens when the game ball passes through the start winning opening. The variable winning device has a specific area. When a game ball that has entered the variable winning device passes through a specific area, a big hit is made. Such a gaming machine corresponds to a so-called second type gaming machine.

  In the variable winning device, there is provided a movable distribution mechanism for distributing the destinations of game balls among a plurality of paths having different probabilities of reaching a specific area. The gaming machine of the present invention further includes a detection sensor for detecting the operating state of the distribution mechanism. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of abnormal operation of the distribution mechanism. As a result, when an abnormal operation is detected, it is possible to perform a preset abnormality process, thereby avoiding various adverse effects due to an abnormal operation of the variable winning device. Examples of the abnormal process include a process of notifying an abnormality or stopping the operation of the gaming machine. The abnormality notification can take various forms such as lamp display and sound generation, but it is preferable to mainly use the lamp display rather than the sound in order to avoid affecting the game.

  The detection sensor can be provided at various sites. As a preferred example, it may be provided at a location where the movable range of the movable portion provided in the distribution mechanism is substantially maximum. By providing in such a place, even if the sensitivity and resolution of the sensor are relatively low, there is an advantage that it is possible to accurately detect the presence or absence of abnormal operation.

  As another example, for example, when a swinging member that performs the sorting by swinging the sorting mechanism is provided, the detection sensor may be provided at the movable end of the swinging member. Since such a part has a relatively large movable range, the presence or absence of an abnormal operation can be detected relatively easily. Further, when the distribution mechanism is actually configured, the movable end side is often not provided with a shaft or drive mechanism for supporting the distribution mechanism, and there is an advantage that a space for providing a detection sensor can be easily provided.

  Further, when the swinging member of the sorting mechanism is pivotally supported by the intermediate portion, a driving mechanism for swinging may be provided at one end of the swinging member, and a detection sensor may be provided at the other end. . By doing so, it is possible to efficiently arrange the drive mechanism and the detection sensor. The portion to be pivotally supported does not have to be at the center of the swinging member, and may be a portion deviated from the center to one as long as the drive mechanism and the detection sensor can be arranged at both ends.

  A gaming machine is usually provided with a main control board for controlling the gaming machine and a sub-control board for controlling the effect operation during the game in accordance with a command from the main control board. In such a case, after the output result from the detection sensor is received by the main control board, it can be configured to transmit to the sub-control board. The operation of the variable winning device is an important matter from the viewpoint of realizing a fair game. Also, it is normal for the main control board to have various anti-fraud measures. Therefore, by setting the operation detection result once to the main control board as described above, it is possible to suppress fraud between the main control boards. And according to the said structure, the sub control board | substrate can determine the presence or absence of abnormality of operation | movement of a distribution mechanism by receiving an output result. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormal operation only by applying a relatively light load for transferring a signal to the main control board.

  When an abnormal operation is detected in the distribution mechanism, a new game ball is prevented from entering the variable winning device in place of or in combination with the above-described processing such as notification. You may do it. As a prevention mechanism that performs such a function, for example, the control of prohibiting the opening of the variable winning device even when winning at the start winning opening, and the opening operation of the variable winning device regardless of whether or not the winning at the starting winning opening is made. It can be a circuit or a program for performing control to stop. By doing so, it is possible to avoid playing an unfair game.

  When the prevention mechanism is provided, the number of winnings to the start winning opening during the operation of the prevention mechanism may be stored. By doing so, after the operation of the distribution mechanism is restored, it becomes possible to activate the memorized number of winnings and operate the variable winning device, and the winning at the starting winning port is completely ignored. Can be avoided.

  In the present invention, the entering and exiting of the game ball in the variable winning device may be monitored. This monitoring makes it possible to determine whether or not there is a game ball in the variable winning device. In this case, when it is determined that there is a game ball in the variable winning device, it may be detected whether or not the distribution mechanism operates abnormally. By doing so, it is possible to reduce a load related to detection of the presence or absence of abnormality.

  The present invention does not have to have all the above-described features, and some of them may be omitted or combined as appropriate. The present invention may be configured as a gaming machine abnormality detection method or a gaming machine control method in which the above-described abnormality detection is performed by a computer. Further, it can be configured as a computer program for realizing the abnormality detection method and control method, or can be configured as a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. Here, as a recording medium, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, an internal storage device of a computer (RAM, ROM, etc. Various types of computer-readable media such as a memory) and an external storage device can be used.

A pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a “pachinko machine”) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in the following order.
A. Game machine configuration:
A1. overall structure:
A2. Game area structure:
A3. Variable winning device structure:
A4. Mechanism and operation of first rolling effect device 95:
A5. Structure and operation of the third rolling effect device 101:
A6. Configuration of the game board 5:
A7. Control hardware configuration:
B. Variable winning device control processing:
C. Variation:

A. Game machine configuration:
A1. overall structure:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a pachinko machine 1 as an embodiment. The state where the outer frame 2, the main body frame 3, and the front frame 4 are opened is shown. In order to avoid complication of the drawing, the decorative members in the game area are not shown. These frames are connected by a hinge mechanism 7 so as to be opened and closed.

The outer frame 2 is formed in a vertically long rectangular frame shape by wooden frame members on the upper, lower, left and right sides. The outer frame 2 may be formed of a light metal such as resin or aluminum. A lower receiving plate 6 that receives the lower surface of the main body frame 3 is provided at the front lower portion of the outer frame 2.

The main body frame 3 has a shape that fits on the upper side of the lower receiving plate 6. The front frame 11 that defines the outer shape of the main body frame 3 is a rectangular frame made of a synthetic resin material. A speaker mounting plate 17 and a speaker 18 are mounted on the left side of the front lower portion of the front frame body 11. A game ball launch rail 19 is attached to the lower portion at an angle. A lower front plate 30 is mounted under the front frame 11. A lower tray 31 for storing game balls is provided at a substantially central portion of the lower front plate 30, an operation handle 32 is provided on the right side, and an ashtray 33 is provided on the left side. The lower plate 31 is provided with a ball discharge lever 34 for discharging the game ball downward.

A game board 5 is attached to the main body frame 3. The game board 5 has a square plate shape that can be fitted into the main body frame 3 from the front. On the front surface of the game board 5 (hereinafter also referred to as “board surface”), a guide rail 78 including an outer rail 76 and an inner rail 77 for guiding game balls is provided. The inside of the guide rail is a game area 37. A gap is provided between the launch rail 19 and the guide rail 78 for discharging the game ball that has returned from the guide rail 78 due to insufficient launch momentum to the lower plate 31.

The front frame 4 is attached by a hinge mechanism 36 so that it can be opened and closed. A substantially circular opening window 38 is formed in the front frame 4 in accordance with the game area 37 of the game board 5. A rectangular window frame 39 larger than the opening window 38 is provided on the rear side of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 50 such as a glass plate or a transparent resin plate is mounted.

A locking device 70 for locking the outer frame 2, the main body frame 3, and the front frame 4 in the closed state is mounted on the free end side of the front frame body 11. The main body frame locking hook 72 of the locking device 70 locks the outer frame 2 and the main body frame 3 by engaging with the closing tool 71 of the outer frame 2. The door locking hook 74 engages with the closing tool 73 of the front frame 4 to lock the front frame 4 and the main body frame 3. These locking and unlocking can be performed by key operation of the cylinder lock 75.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1. The front frame 4, the main body frame 3, and the outer frame 2 are closed. The main body frame 3 and the outer frame 2 are connected by a hinge mechanism 7 having an outer frame side hinge device 14 and a main body frame side hinge device 15 shown on the upper left and lower sides in the drawing.

An upper plate 51 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 4, and a button 60 for operation by the player is provided on the left side of the upper plate 51. Around the opening window 38, a side decoration device 52 is mounted on the left and right sides, and an acoustic lighting device 53 is mounted on the top. The side decoration device 52 has a configuration in which a lamp substrate is disposed inside and is covered with a side decoration body 54 formed of a synthetic resin material. A plurality of horizontally long slits are arranged in the side decorative body 54, and a lens 55 is incorporated in each slit. The acoustic illumination device 53 is a unit that includes a transparent cover body 56, a speaker 57, a speaker cover 58, and the like.

The lower front plate 30 provided at the lower portion is provided with the lower tray 31 and the ashtray 33 provided with the ball discharge lever 34 and the operation handle 32 as described above. Above that, a cylinder lock 75 is provided.

A2. Game area structure:
FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing the configuration of the game area 37. A windmill 90 is provided at an appropriate position in the game area 37. Many obstacle nails are also arranged in a gauge, but the illustration is omitted. In the center of the game area 37, a variable winning device 91 is provided.

The variable winning device 91 has a frame-shaped decorative body, and after the game balls flowing down along the game board 5 are taken into the back side of the variable winning device 91 at the upper edge or the left and right side edges of the variable winning device 91, A passage (hereinafter referred to as a “warp passage”) is provided for discharging again from the middle or lower edge of the device 91 to the game board surface.

Above the variable winning device 91, a variable winning device winning port 92 for taking a game ball into the variable winning device is provided so as to be openable and closable. A swingable first rolling effect device 95 is provided at the center of the variable winning device 91. The game ball taken in from the prize winning opening 92 for the variable prize winning device rolls in either the left or right direction in the figure according to the swing of the first rolling effect device 95 and is released from the right end or the left end.

At the right end of the first rolling effect device 95, there is a jackpot winning port 93 or a loser winning port 94, and a third rolling effect device 101 for guiding the game ball to one of the winning ports 93, 94 while rotating. It has been. At the left end of the first rolling effect device 95, there is provided a second rolling effect device 100 that strikes the game ball in the right direction in the figure. A fourth rolling effect device 102 for guiding the hit game ball to the third rolling effect device 101 is provided.

An effect display device 115 is disposed inside the variable winning device 91. The effect display device 115 displays an effect such as an image such as a moving image or an operation of a movable member. As the effect display device 115, a liquid crystal display device, an EL display device, a plasma display device, a CRT, or the like can be used.

Below the variable winning device 91, there are provided a second start winning port 97 and a pair of first starting winning ports 96 and a general winning port 98 arranged on the left and right sides thereof. When a game ball enters the first start winning opening 96, the variable winning device winning opening 92 is opened and closed once at a predetermined interval. When a game ball enters the second start winning port 97, the variable winning device winning port 92 opens and closes twice at predetermined intervals.

A3. Variable winning device structure:
FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the winning opening 92 for the variable winning device. The prize winning opening 92 for the variable prize winning device is configured to imitate the mouth of the character body 455 having a large opening, and creates an atmosphere in which a game ball is swallowed by the character body 455. In the center of the mouth of the character body 455, a ball entrance 457 for introducing a game ball into the variable prize device is provided, and a pair of movable pieces 456 are provided on the left and right. On the back surface of the character body 455, a passage for discharging the game ball that has passed through the ball entrance 457 from the delivery port 458 is provided. A count sensor 459 is provided in this passage, and it is possible to detect whether or not a game ball has entered the variable winning device.

The movable piece 456 includes a main movable piece 472 and a sub movable piece 474. When the left and right main movable pieces 472 are rotated by a pair of solenoids arranged on the back surface of the variable winning device 91, the main movable piece 472 and the sub movable piece 474 are respectively in an open state indicated by a solid line in FIG. The closed state shown by can be taken. Since the rotation axes of the main movable piece 472 and the sub movable piece 474 are deviated, the main movable piece 472 slides relative to the sub movable piece 474 as it rotates.

A4. Mechanism and operation of first rolling effect device 95:
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the mechanism and operation of the first rolling effect device 95. The first rolling effect device 95 is a mechanism in which a guide member 491 extending in the left-right direction swings around a rotation support shaft 492.

A rolling surface 490 on which the game ball can roll is provided on the upper surface of the guide member 491. On the front side of the rolling surface 490 (the player side with respect to the gaming machine), a dam portion 495 that prevents the game ball from dropping is provided over the entire length of the guide member 491. The rolling surface 490 is inclined so that the front side is lowered. Thereby, the game ball B rolls along the weir 495 without impinging on the swing of the guide member 491 upon hitting the delivery port 458 or the like.

A rotation driving means 493 for swinging the guide member 491 is provided at the left end of the guide member 491. The rotation driving means 493 includes a crank portion 496 that is operated by rotation of a motor, and a link portion 498 that transmits the movement of the crank portion 496 to a pin 497 provided at one end of the guide member 491. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when the motor is rotated, the guide member 491 swings about the rotation support shaft 492.

The right end of the guide member 491 is provided with a swing detection sensor 494 that detects a swing state. At the right end of the guide member 491, a swing detection unit 499 that is a detection target of the swing detection sensor 494 is attached. The swing detection sensor 494 is disposed at a position where the swing detection unit 499 is detected in a state where the guide member 491 is in a substantially horizontal position.

Although various sensors can be used as the swing detection sensor 494, a photo sensor is used in this embodiment. The swing detection sensor 494 can detect that the swing detection unit 499 provided at one end of the guide member 491 has passed the horizontal position and blocked light entering the swing detection sensor 494 during swinging. . The guide member 491 can be free when it is not swung, but in this embodiment, the guide member 491 is held in a state where the rotation driving means 493 side is lowered, that is, in the state of FIG. 5B. . Although not shown, the guide member 491 is biased to the state of FIG. 5B by a spring.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the game ball B in the first rolling effect device 95. For convenience of explanation, the description will be made assuming that the counterclockwise swing is positive and the clockwise swing is negative. It is assumed that the game ball B is supplied to the rolling surface 490 while the guide member 491 is swinging at a predetermined cycle. At this time, for example, when the guide member 491 tilts to the right side in the figure (FIG. 6A), the game ball B rolls in the right end direction of the guide member 491.

Thereafter, when the guide member 491 swings in the forward direction and tilts to the left (FIG. 6 (A)), the rolling direction of the game ball B changes to the left. However, since there is an influence of inertial force when rolling in the right direction, the rolling direction of the game ball B is reversed to the left after a while after the inclination direction of the guide member 491 is changed. It is.

Similarly, the game ball B moves in the left-right direction according to the swing of the guide member 491 (FIGS. 6C to 6F) and approaches one end of the guide member 491. Eventually, it is discharged from the end portion of the guide member 491 (see (G) in the figure). The swing of the guide member 491 may adopt a mode in which the cycle is changed or the swing is sometimes stopped in addition to a mode in which a constant cycle is maintained.

A5. Structure and operation of the third rolling effect device 101:
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the third rolling effect device 101. FIG. 7A shows a front view, and FIG. 7B shows an exploded perspective view of the rotating portion. The third rolling effect device 101 distributes and guides the game balls sent from the first rolling effect device 95 or the second rolling effect device 100 to either the jackpot winning port 93 or the lost winning port 94. is there.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the third rolling effect device 101 is provided with a rotating body 552. The rotating body 552 is rotationally driven around the rotating shaft 553 by the rotating body motor 326. The rotation position of the rotator 552 is detected by the rotation detector 554.

Around the rotating body, a plurality of storage portions 550 for storing game balls are arranged. The accommodating portion 550 is a U-shaped groove that is open on the front side and the radially outer side. As the accommodating portion 550, three types of first accommodating portion 550a having a short length extending from the outer periphery of the rotating body 552 toward the central portion thereof, a long second accommodating portion 550b, and a specific accommodating portion are prepared. The difference in length between the second storage portion 550b and the first storage portion 550a is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball. Four first accommodating portions 550a are arranged in the circumferential direction at intervals of 90 °. Three second accommodating portions 550b are arranged in the middle between the first accommodating portions 550a.

The specific accommodating portion 550c is attached to the specific accommodating portion in the remaining one region (the lowermost region in the drawing) sandwiched between the first accommodating portions 550a. When the specific accommodation member 550c is attached, the specific accommodation portion is open in both the front-rear direction of the rotating body 552, but is closed in the radial direction. As will be described later, the specific accommodation member 550 c acts to guide the game ball to the big hit winning opening 93. Both the first storage portion 550 a and the second storage portion 550 b act to guide the game ball to the lost winning opening 94.

A protrusion 560 that protrudes forward in the axial direction is attached to the rotating body 552. The outer periphery of the projecting portion 560 is recessed in a U shape in accordance with the shape of the second housing portion 550b and the specific housing portion. In the present embodiment, the rotating body 552, the protruding portion 560, and the specific housing member 550c are separate members, but they may be integrally formed.

On the back side of the rotator 552, a big hit guiding portion 556 having a big hit winning opening 93 is provided. The big hit guiding portion 556 is formed with a passage for guiding the game ball that has entered the big hit winning opening 93 to the big hit winning sensor 330.

  As shown to Fig.7 (a), the partition part 561 is provided in the 3rd rolling effect production apparatus 101. As shown in FIG. The partition part 561 includes a first accommodation area where game balls can enter any of the first accommodation part 550a, the second accommodation part 550b, and the specific accommodation part, and a second accommodation in which accommodation in the first accommodation part 550a is prevented. An annular member that partitions the region.

The partition portion 561 has an annular partition plate 564 in which an insertion hole 562 into which the protruding portion 560 is fitted is formed. Around the insertion hole 562, a covering portion 565 configured with an upright wall that covers a part of the outer periphery of the protruding portion 560 is provided. On the left side of the insertion hole 562 in the drawing, a substantially L-shaped wall portion 566 that guides the game ball from the guide member 491 to the insertion hole 562 is provided so as to stand upright on the partition plate 564. A fan-shaped opening 563 is provided at a lower portion of the partition plate 564 so as to be opposed to the first housing portion 550a.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the partition plate 564 is attached in a state where the rotating body 552, the protruding portion 560, and the specific accommodation member 550c are assembled. At this time, the partition plate 564 is in a state where the rotating body 552 is covered from the front at the outer peripheral portion of the protrusion 560. As a result, the game ball supplied to the vicinity of the protruding portion 560 on the front side of the partition plate 564 is accommodated only in either the second accommodation portion 550b or the specific accommodation portion. As described above, the specific accommodating portion acts to guide the game ball to the big hit winning opening 93, and in this case, the big win comes out with a probability of a quarter. On the other hand, the game ball supplied to the lower opening 563 is accommodated in any of the first accommodation portion 550a, the second accommodation portion 550b, and the specific accommodation portion. In this case, the jackpot comes out with a probability of 1/8.

Below the right end of the right end portion of the guide member 491, there is provided a second rectifying means 500b that receives the released game ball and rectifies its movement. The second rectifying means 500b is formed to imitate the bowl of the character body 504, and has a cup shape with an open top. The game ball is rectified while swirling and dropping while drawing a spiral trajectory in the second rectifying means 500b and sent to the third rolling effect device 101. By this rectifying action, smooth delivery of the game ball from the guide member 491 to the third rolling effect device 101 can be realized.

FIG. 7A also shows a schematic configuration of the fourth rolling effect device 102. The fourth rolling effect device 102 is a mechanism for guiding the game ball hit by the second rolling effect device 100 to the third rolling effect device 101. The fourth rolling effect device 102 may be called from the second rolling effect device 100 side (hereinafter also referred to as “upstream side”) to the third rolling effect device 101 side (hereinafter referred to as “downstream side”). A guide surface 571 that is gently inclined. The length of the guide surface 571 is substantially the same as that of the guide member 491. An arcuate rocking surface 572 is provided at the downstream end of the guide surface 571 along the lower edge of the opening 563 of the third rolling effect production device 101. In the present embodiment, the guide surface 571 is shown as a smooth surface, but the guide surface 571 may be provided with a plurality of irregularities.

Based on Fig.7 (a), operation | movement of the 3rd rolling effect production apparatus 101 is demonstrated. First, it is assumed that the game ball is released from the right end portion of the guide member 491 in a state where the rotating body 552 rotates at a predetermined speed in the clockwise direction. This game ball is supplied to the third rolling effect device 101 via the second rectifying means 500b. Since the game ball is prevented from entering the first storage portion 550a by the partition portion 561, the game ball is stored in either the second storage portion 550b or the specific storage portion. The game ball is initially located on the axial center side, but when the rotating body 552 rotates 90 ° or more, it moves to the outer peripheral side by gravity.

The game ball hit by the second rolling effect device 100 rolls on the guide surface 571, reciprocates left and right on the rocking surface 572, and then is provided in the rotating body 552 through the opening 563. It is accommodated in any of the accommodating portions 550.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the movement of the game ball in the housing portion 550. FIG. 8A shows a state where the game ball is accommodated in the specific accommodation portion and is located at the lowermost end. FIG. 8B shows a state in which the rotating body 552 has rotated from this state, and the specific accommodation portion has reached the opening position of the big hit winning opening 93. As described above, the rear side of the specific housing portion is not blocked. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 8B, the game ball enters the big hit winning opening 93 and is detected by the big hit winning sensor 330 through the big hit guiding portion 556 as indicated by an arrow in the figure. Since the specific housing portion is not opened radially outward, the game ball cannot enter the lose prize winning hole 94.

FIG. 8C shows a state in which a game ball is stored in the storage unit 550 other than the specific storage unit. FIG. 8D shows a state in which the rotating body 552 has rotated from this state, and the housing portion 550 has reached the lose prize opening 94 that opens to the cylindrical portion 558. Since the housing portions 550 other than the specific housing portion are opened in the radial direction, the housing portion 550 is detected by the lost winning sensor 329 through the lost guiding portion 557 including the cylindrical portion 558 and the guiding portion 559. Since the storage units 550 other than the specific storage unit are not opened on the rear side, the game balls cannot enter the jackpot winning opening 93.

As described above, in the third rolling effect device 101, the big hit or the loss is determined depending on whether the game ball is stored in the specific storage unit or the other storage unit 550. In other words, in the present embodiment, whether or not the big hit is largely depends on the movement of the game ball. Therefore, if there is a game ball in the variable winning device 91 and the game machine is vibrated by a method such as hitting the transparent plate 50, a big hit may easily occur due to the influence. In particular, the influence of vibration when the game ball rolls on the guide member 491 is large. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, a mechanism for notifying such an action as a fraudulent act in a broad sense is provided.

A6. Configuration of the game board 5:
The state of the surface of the game board 5 is shown in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the game board 5 is provided with a game area 37, and a variable winning device 91 is attached to the center thereof. Below that, winning openings 96 to 98 are provided.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the game board 5. An attachment hole 91h for attaching the variable winning device 91 is formed near the center. When the variable winning device 91 is attached here, the guide member 491 and the third rolling effect device 101 described above come to the positions indicated by broken lines, respectively.

A lamp driving substrate 370 is attached to the lower portion of the attachment hole 91h. The lamp driving board 370 is a relay board for a control signal for displaying a decorative lamp provided in the gaming machine 1. An enlarged view of the lamp driving substrate 370 is shown below the figure. A vibration sensor 371 is attached to the left side in the figure.

As the vibration sensor 371, for example, a sensor used for a fan heater or a gas meter can be used. A hard ball is provided inside the vibration sensor 371, and an electrode is provided around it. When the hard ball touches the electrode by vibration, the contact is turned on, so that vibration in two horizontal directions can be detected with the game board 5 attached. Instead of the vibration sensor 371, an acceleration sensor or an impact sensor can be used. However, it is preferable to use a vibration sensor for the purpose of this embodiment to detect improper vibration, and from the viewpoint of detecting vibration that affects the game ball, It is preferable to use a vibration sensor using a hard ball.

In the present embodiment, the vibration sensor 371 is provided to detect an excitation action of hitting the transparent plate 50 of the gaming machine 1. In the present embodiment, there is a high possibility of being vibrated in the vicinity of the third rolling effect device 101 that finally determines whether or not it will be a big hit. The vibration sensor 371 can be installed in various parts, but according to the position shown in the figure, there is an advantage that unauthorized vibration can be easily distinguished from vibration caused by other causes.

The vibration sensor 371 does not need to be attached to the lamp drive board 370, and may be attached to another control board or may be installed independently. However, if it is attached to the lamp driving board 370 or other control board, there is an advantage that wiring of the power supply line and the detection signal line to the vibration sensor 371 becomes easy. In gaming machines, the control board is usually sealed with a separate cover in order to avoid fraud. On the other hand, since the lamp driving substrate 370 is a relay substrate, a strong seal is often not applied. Accordingly, the lamp driving board 370 is suitable for mounting a new additional part such as the vibration sensor 371 or a part that may need to be adjusted and inspected even after the gaming machine 1 is assembled.

  The lamp driving substrate 370 is provided with a cover 380 made of a transparent resin so as to cover the periphery and the back surface thereof. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cover 380. A state in which the cover 380 alone is viewed from the game board 5 side is shown. A lamp driving substrate 370 is accommodated under the cover 380. Since this state is a state seen from the game board 5 side, the back side of the lamp driving substrate 370 can be seen. The vibration sensor 371 is located on the right side in this figure.

  An upper cover portion 382 having a U-shaped side cross section is formed on the upper portion of the cover 380. The upper cover portion 382 covers the variable winning device 91 and the control board disposed on the back surface thereof. However, in order to prevent fraud, it is required to seal with an individual case in addition to the upper cover portion 382. The upper cover portion 382 may be integrated with a portion that accommodates the lamp driving substrate 370 or may be separate.

  On both sides of the cover 380, a passage 381 is formed for flowing game balls won in the winning openings 96 to 98. By using the cover 380 having such a shape, the path of the game ball and the cover of the lamp driving board 370 can be used together, and the number of parts can be reduced and the structure of the game machine can be simplified.

A7. Control hardware configuration:
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a gaming machine as an embodiment. The mechanism that controls the operation of the gaming machine is shown. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming machine is controlled by distributed processing of each control board such as the main control board 300, the payout control board 310, the sub control board 350, the display control board 373, and the like. The main control board 300, the payout control board 310, and the sub control board 350 are each configured as a one-chip microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and perform various control processes according to programs recorded in the ROM. Realize. However, the processing capacity of the CPU is higher for the sub control board 350 and the display control board 373 than for the main control board 300. By doing this, the processing capability of the sub control board 350 and the display control board 373 is sufficiently secured, so that the processing of the main control board 300 is limited to relatively simple judgment processing and processing with a light load such as command output. be able to. The display control board 373 includes a display control CPU, RAM, ROM, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates symbols to be displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 374 and drives and controls each cell of the LCD 374. .

  In the gaming machine of the embodiment, the input from the outside to the main control board 300 is restricted in order to prevent various frauds. The main control board 300 and the sub-control board 350 are connected by a parallel electric signal having a 4-bit data line. The main control board 300 and the payout control board 310 are bidirectional serial electric signals because of the necessity of control processing. Connected with. The payout control board 310 and the sub control board 350 operate in accordance with commands from the main control board 300, respectively. The display control board 373 operates in response to a command from the sub control board 350.

  In the main control board 300, a winning detector 301 for detecting a winning of a ball in the winning openings 96 to 98, a swing detection sensor 494 provided in the variable winning device, and that a game ball has entered the variable winning device. Detection results such as a count sensor 459 to be detected are input. Further, from the main control board 300, a control signal for the solenoid 302 for releasing the variable winning device winning port 92 of the variable winning device 91 is output.

  Other controls during the game are performed via the payout control board 310 and the sub-control board 350. The payout control board 310 controls the launch and payout of the ball being played in the following procedure. The launch of the sphere is controlled directly by the launch control board 312. That is, when the player operates the operation handle 32, the launch control board 312 controls the launch motor 313 to launch a ball. The payout control board 310 indirectly controls the launch of the sphere by sending a launch control signal to the launch control board 312.

  When a command indicating that a prize has been won during the game is received from the main control board 300, the payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 315 to pay out a specified number of balls while counting the number of balls. The payout control board 310 detects the shortage of spheres stored for payout by the ball break switch 314, and outputs a ball shortage detection signal to the sub control board 350 via the main control board 300. In response to this signal, the sub control board 350 turns on a predetermined part of the frame decoration lamp 376.

  The sub control board 350 controls effects such as voice, display, and lamp lighting during the game. These effects vary according to the status during the game, such as during normal times, when winning a prize, or when winning a big hit. When an effect command corresponding to each status is transmitted from the main control board 300, the sub-control board 350 activates a program corresponding to each command to realize the effect instructed from the main control board 300. . Further, the sub control board 350 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation of the variable winning device 91, as will be described later. When an abnormality is detected, the abnormality is notified using the frame decoration lamp 376 and the speaker 351.

  In this embodiment, the sub control board 350 directly controls the speaker 351 as shown in the figure. A plurality of speakers 351 may be connected. A liquid crystal display device (hereinafter referred to as “LCD”) 374 is controlled via a display control board 373. The lamps to be controlled by the sub-control board 350 include a panel decoration lamp 372 provided on the game board surface and a frame decoration lamp 376 provided on the frame. The sub-control board 350 is connected to these lamps 372 and 376 via a lamp driving board 370 and a lamp relay board 375, and each lamp can blink individually.

  A vibration sensor 371 and a latch 371a are attached to the lamp driving board 370. The rise and fall of the detection signal of the vibration sensor 371 is held in the latch 371a. Only one of them may be held. The CPU of the sub control board 350 reads the detection result of the vibration sensor 371 by sampling the state of the latch 371a when performing the vibration detection process. The CPU clears the latch 371a every time the state of the latch 371a is read. Based on the detection signal thus read, the CPU determines the presence or absence of unauthorized vibration, and if it is determined that an illegal act has been performed, the frame decoration lamp 376 is lit to notify.

B. Variable winning device control processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the variable winning device control process. The process executed by the main control board 300 and the sub-control board 350 when winning the start winning ports 96 and 97 is shown.

  When there is a winning at the start winning ports 96 and 97, the main control board 300 transmits an operation command for notifying the start of the operation of the variable winning device 91 to the sub control board (step S10). When receiving this command (step S20), the sub control board 350 continues to wait for a command from the main control board 300.

  The main control board 300 starts swinging the guide member 95, transmits a signal detected by the swing detection sensor 494 to the sub-control board 350 (step S11), and releases the special winning opening (step S12). . The grand prize opening is released once for 0.4 seconds when winning at the starting prize opening 96, and once for 0.4 seconds when winning at the starting prize opening 97, 2 at intervals of 0.4 seconds. Run once.

  A signal detected by the swing detection sensor 494 during the swing is received by the sub-control board 350 (step S21). In this embodiment, as described above, only one-way communication can be performed from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 350. Therefore, the sub-control board 350 does not send back an acknowledge to the above detection result. In addition, since it is not possible to inquire from the sub control board 350 to the main control board 300 whether or not the detection of the oscillation has been completed, the sub control board 350 accepts the above detection result only during the predetermined time T3. This is performed (step S22). When the predetermined time T3 has elapsed, the sub-control board 350 proceeds to the next process. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time T3 is 3 seconds, but other settings are possible.

  When the release of the big prize opening is completed a predetermined number of times (step S12), the main control board 300 closes the big prize opening (step S13) and waits for a predetermined time T1 to elapse (step S14). In the present embodiment, the predetermined time T1 is set to 1.5 seconds based on the standard time required for the game balls won in the variable winning device 91 to be discharged, but other settings are possible.

  When the waiting time T1 has elapsed, the main control board 300 determines whether or not the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 91 matches the number of game balls discharged from the variable winning device 91 ( Step S15). As described above, the entrance / exit of the game ball to / from the variable winning device 91 is detected by various sensors. The sensors include a count sensor 459, a lose prize sensor 329 (see FIG. 8) provided at the lose prize opening 94, a big win prize sensor 330 (see FIG. 8) provided at the big win prize opening 93, and a lose prize opening. The sensor (not shown) provided in 94 is included. If the two match, the main control board 300 stops swinging of the guide portion 95 (step S18), and the control process ends.

  On the other hand, if the two do not match, the process waits until the results match until a predetermined time T2 is reached (step S16). In the present embodiment, the predetermined time T2 is set to 13 seconds based on the upper limit period during which the game ball is considered to remain in the variable winning device 91, but other settings are possible.

  If the alignment is not achieved after the time T2, it is determined that the variable winning device 91 has malfunctioned or improperly operated, and the main control board 300 transmits an alignment error command to the sub-control board 350.

  When receiving the alignment error command (step S23), the sub control board 350 performs an abnormality notification process (step S26). As the abnormality notification processing, lighting or blinking of the frame decoration lamp 376 and utterance of a notification sound from the speaker 351 can be taken. Only one of them may be performed.

  When the alignment error command is not received (step S23), the sub-control board 350 performs a swing abnormality determination (step S24). In this embodiment, when a winning is made at the start winning opening 96, 97, the guide portion 95 swings twice. Therefore, when the swing is accurately performed, the swing detection sensor 494 should detect the passage of the end portion of the guide portion 95 four times. The sub-control board 350 determines that there is no abnormality when the swing detection result (see step S21) received from the main control board 300 matches this specified number, and that there is an abnormality in other cases. judge. However, the abnormality determination method is not limited to this. For example, if the swing detection result is received even once, it may be determined that there is no abnormality. Further, in the present embodiment, it is only necessary to avoid stopping the swinging of the guide portion 95 in a state where the guide portion 95 is in the lower right state of FIG. 5, that is, in a state where a game ball is likely to win the big hit winning opening 93. From the viewpoint, it may be determined that there is no abnormality when it is detected that the guide portion 95 has shifted from the lower right to the horizontal or lower left state. On the contrary, when it is detected that the guide unit 95 is stopped at a lower right, it may be determined that there is an abnormality.

  When it is determined that there is an abnormality (step S25), the sub control board 350 performs an abnormality notification process (step S26). This process may be the same process as when a matching error command is received (step S23), or may be a different process. In this embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in the swing, a beep sound is generated for 30 seconds and the frame decoration lamp 376 is lit for 5 minutes. By limiting the beep sound to a very short time and using it as an auxiliary notification method, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed and to give other players the impression that the player has been cheating. Considered not to give. The abnormality notification process is not limited to the above-described aspect, but can take various forms.

  According to the gaming machine of the embodiment described above, in the type of gaming machine in which the possibility of a big hit is greatly affected by the guide unit 95 functioning as a swinging distribution mechanism, the abnormal operation of the distribution mechanism The presence or absence of can be detected. As a result, it is possible to suppress the possibility of an unfair game being performed due to an abnormal operation of the distribution mechanism.

C. Variation:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a variable winning device control process as a modification. Only the process executed by the main control board 300 is shown. In the modification, an example in which the main control board 300 determines whether or not there is an abnormal operation of the distribution mechanism is shown. As a result, if there is a winning at the start winning opening at the time of abnormality determination, the number of winnings can be held, and the variable winning device 91 can be operated according to the number of winning when returning from the abnormality. Become.

  The variable winning device control process in the modified example is started by winning a winning winning opening. First, the main control board 300 increases the number of holdings N by 1 (step S1). The reserved number N is an unprocessed number in which the operation of the variable winning device 91 is not performed among the winning numbers to the start winning opening. The fact that this process has started means that there has been a winning at the start winning opening, and at this point, the number of holds N is increased.

  Next, the main control board 300 inspects the abnormality flag, and when it is on (step S2), the variable winning device control process is terminated without performing any process. The abnormality flag is a flag indicating that an abnormality in the operation of the variable winning device 91 is detected in the previous control process. As a result, if an abnormality is detected in the variable winning device 91, even if the winning prize opening is won, the variable winning device 91 is not operated, and the variable winning device control process is performed in a state where only the holding number N is increased. Will be completed.

  If the abnormality flag is not on (step S2), the main control board 300 reduces the number of holds N by 1 and then follows the control process described in the embodiment (steps S10 to S17 in FIG. 12). 91 is operated. Thereafter, the main control board 300 makes a swing abnormality determination (step S30). The determination method is the same as that performed by the sub-control board in the embodiment (see step S24 in FIG. 12). Even in the modification, this determination can be performed by the sub control board, but it is necessary to provide a means for transmitting the determination result to the main control board.

  When determining that there is an abnormality, the main control board 300 transmits an abnormality notification command to the sub-control board 350 and turns on the abnormality flag (step S32). In response to this command, the sub control board 350 can perform a notification process similar to the abnormality notification process described in the embodiment (step S26 in FIG. 12). When no abnormality is found, these processes are skipped. Thereafter, the main control board 300 stops the swinging of the guide portion 95 (step S33).

  The main control board 300 repeatedly executes the above processing until the number of holds N becomes 0 (step S34). Thus, for example, when an abnormality is detected and then recovered by an operation of an attendant or the like, the operation of the variable prize winning device 91 is repeatedly executed according to the number of holds at that time. However, holding the number of unprocessed winnings as the number of reserves is not an essential process, and it is possible to adopt a configuration that is omitted.

  According to the process of the modified example, when an abnormality is found in the variable winning device 91, the operation of the variable winning device 91 can be prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the game being continued in an unfair state. Furthermore, by holding the number of unprocessed winnings as the number of reserves, there is also an advantage that it is possible to avoid the disadvantage for the player that the winning at the start winning opening is wasted due to the abnormality of the distribution mechanism.

  In the modified example, an example is shown in which the operation of the variable winning device 91 is prohibited in the processing after detecting the winning at the starting winning opening. It is also possible to adopt a method of prohibiting the operation of the variable winning device 91 by preventing the execution of.

  As mentioned above, although the various Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to these Examples, and can take a various structure in the range which does not deviate from the meaning. For example, in the embodiment, two types of gaming machines have been described as examples. However, the present embodiment is not limited to two types, and can be applied to general gaming machines having a mechanism that operates mechanically and distributes the destination of game balls. is there.

It is a perspective view showing the whole pachinko machine 1 composition as an example. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a configuration of a game area 37. FIG. It is an enlarged front view of the winning opening 92 for the variable winning device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mechanism and operation | movement of a 1st rolling effect apparatus. FIG. 66 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the game ball B in the first rolling effect device 95. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 3rd rolling effect apparatus. FIG. 52 is an explanatory view showing the movement of a game ball in the housing portion 550. 2 is a rear view of the game board 5. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a structure of a cover 380. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the game machine as an Example. It is a flowchart of a variable winning device control process. It is a flow chart of variable prize device control processing as a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Outer frame 3 ... Main body frame 4 ... Front frame 5 ... Game board 6 ... Bottom plate 7 ... Hinge mechanism 11 ... Front frame body 14 ... Outer frame side hinge tool 15 ... Main body frame side hinge tool 17 ... Speaker mounting plate 18 ... Speaker 19 ... Launch rail 30 ... Lower front plate 31 ... Lower plate 32 ... Operation handle 33 ... Ashtray 34 ... Ball discharge lever 36 ... Hinge mechanism 37 ... Game area 38 ... Opening window 39 ... Window frame 50 ... Transparent Plate 51 ... Upper plate 52 ... Side decoration device 53 ... Acoustic illumination device 54 ... Side decoration body 55 ... Lens 56 ... Transparent cover body 57 ... Speaker 58 ... Speaker cover 60 ... Button 70 ... Locking device 71 ... Closure 72 ... Main body Frame locking hook 73 ... Closure tool 74 ... Door locking hook 75 ... Cylinder lock 76 ... Outer rail 77 ... Inner rail 78 ... Guide rail 90 ... Windmill 91h ... Mounting hole 91 ... Variable winning device 2 ... variable prize winning device 93 ... jackpot winning prize 94 ... loser winning prize 95 ... first rolling production device 96 ... first starting winning prize 97 ... second starting winning prize 98 ... general winning prize 100 ... second prize Motion rendering device 101 ... Third rolling rendering device 102 ... Fourth rolling rendering device 115 ... Production display device 300 ... Main control board 301 ... Winning detector 302 ... Solenoid 310 ... Dispensing control board 312 ... Launch control board 313 ... Launch Motor 314 ... Ball break switch 315 ... Dispensing motor 326 ... Rotating body motor 329 ... Loss winning sensor 330 ... Big hit winning sensor 350 ... Sub control board 351 ... Speaker 370 ... Lamp drive board 371 ... Vibration sensor 371a ... Latch 372 ... Panel Decoration lamp 373 ... Display control board 374 ... LCD
375 ... Lamp relay board 376 ... Frame decoration lamp 380 ... Cover 381 ... Passage 382 ... Upper cover 455 ... Character body 456 ... Movable piece 457 ... Ball inlet 458 ... Delivery port 459 ... Count sensor 472 ... Main movable piece 474 ... Sub movable Piece 490 ... Rolling surface 491 ... Guide member 492 ... Rotation support shaft 493 ... Rotation drive means 494 ... Oscillation detection sensor 495 ... Weir part 496 ... Crank part 497 ... Pin 498 ... Link part 499 ... Oscillation detection part 500b ... second rectification means 504 ... character body 550 ... accommodating portion 550a ... first accommodating portion 550b ... second accommodating portion 550c ... specific accommodating member 552 ... rotating body 553 ... rotating shaft 554 ... rotation detecting portion 556 ... guide portion 557 ... losing Guide part 558 ... Cylindrical part 559 ... Guide part 560 ... Projection part 561 ... Partition part 562 ... Insertion hole 5 3 ... opening 564 ... partition plate 565 ... cover 566 ... wall portion 571 ... guide surfaces 572 ... Yuradomen

Claims (8)

A gaming machine used for a game in which a game ball launched by a launcher is awarded to a predetermined winning opening,
Game board,
A variable winning device installed on the front surface of the game board, having a pair of movable pieces, and opening the movable pieces under a predetermined condition;
A start winning opening that is installed on the front surface of the game board as one of the winning openings and opens the movable piece by passing a game ball;
A game ball that has entered the variable winning device, a specific area that should pass to become a big hit,
A movable distribution mechanism for distributing the destination of the game ball among a plurality of paths having different probabilities of reaching the specific area in the variable winning device;
A gaming machine comprising: a detection sensor for detecting an operation state of the distribution mechanism. A gaming machine according to claim 1,
The detection sensor is a gaming machine provided at a location where a movable range of a movable portion provided in the distribution mechanism is substantially maximum. A gaming machine according to claim 1,
The sorting mechanism includes a swinging member that performs the sorting by swinging;
The detection sensor is a gaming machine provided at a movable end of the swing member. A gaming machine according to claim 1,
The sorting mechanism includes a swinging member pivotally supported at an intermediate portion so as to perform the sorting by swinging;
One end of the swing member is provided with a drive mechanism for the swing,
The detection sensor is a gaming machine provided at the other end of the swing member. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A main control board for controlling the gaming machine, and a sub-control board for controlling an effect operation during the game according to a command from the main control board;
The main control board transmits an output result by the detection sensor to the sub control board,
The sub-control board receives the output result, and determines whether or not the operation of the distribution mechanism is abnormal. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A gaming machine comprising a prevention mechanism for preventing a new game ball from entering the variable prize apparatus when an abnormal operation is detected in the distribution mechanism. A gaming machine according to claim 6,
A number-of-wins storage unit that stores the number of winnings to the start winning port during operation of the prevention mechanism;
A gaming machine comprising: a restoration control unit that activates the winning number stored in the winning number storage unit and operates the variable winning device after the operation of the distribution mechanism is restored. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A monitoring unit that monitors the entry and exit of game balls in the variable winning device;
A gaming machine that is validated when an output result of the detection sensor is determined that a game ball is present in the variable winning device based on the monitoring result.