JP2007135714A - Game machine and communication error reporting method and program of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the reporting of abnormality as communication error when caused in the transmission of a command. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with the main control part 40 which executes an electronic lottery to determine win or loss from the establishment of prescribed requirements, a variable display device 30a containing a display device LCD for displaying identifying display information pertaining to the result of the win/loss lottery and a sub control part 40b which receives a command transmitted from the main control part and works to display identifying display information on a display device from the command. The sub control part includes a loss pattern memory part 40b-1 which is previously stored with a display pattern for making the specific display on the display device and works to make the specific display on the display device from a display pattern from the loss pattern memory part when it is judged that the abnormality is caused in the transmission of the command. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of notifying an error when an error occurs in communication between a main control unit and a sub-control unit in a gaming machine such as a ball game machine (pachinko machine), a notification method thereof, and the method The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to execute.

  In recent years, the operation control of a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine has become complicated, and in order to realize the complicated operation control, an electronic success / failure lottery based on the establishment of a predetermined condition is executed and the entire gaming machine is A control command (hereinafter referred to as a command) is transmitted from a main control unit (also referred to as a main board) that performs operation control to a sub-control part (also referred to as a sub board) or various peripheral devices. Yes. The sub-control unit or the peripheral device receives a command from the main control unit and operates based on the received command.

  For example, in a ball game machine, a variable display is provided at the center or slightly above the game area of a game board provided on the front surface, and has one or more variable display units such as an effect display lamp or a liquid crystal display (LCD). Although a device (center accessory) is provided, the effect display lamp and the LCD of the variable display device operate in response to a command from the main control unit. The LCD of the variable display device variably displays a specific symbol (such as “777”) related to the big hit state, and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the start chucker (start winning device) as the predetermined condition is satisfied, the displayed pattern fluctuates for a predetermined time, and when the game ball passes the start chucker (start winning device) The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery selected in is displayed on the LCD and stopped. When the symbol after the LCD fluctuation is stopped is a winning symbol such as “777”, a special game called “big hit” is started, and the opening / closing plate of the attacker is opened a predetermined number of times.

  In the gaming machine as described above, when a command communication failure occurs, the peripheral device side does not operate at all or performs an operation different from a desired operation. In conventional gaming machines, it has not been possible to distinguish whether such malfunctions or malfunctions are due to poor communication of control commands, or due to other causes such as device failures or program bugs.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-170345 “Game Machine”

  Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that reliably grasps and notifies a command communication failure and prevents any subsequent progress of the game even if a communication failure occurs. The invention according to Patent Document 1 receives a variation pattern designation command and a symbol stop command, and when three symbol designation commands, which are the numbers to be transmitted, are not received, of the three symbol designation commands. It is determined that at least one of the commands has been missing a command, and the previous symbol is displayed instead of the symbol that should be displayed with this missing symbol designation command, and the message “Communication error occurred” is displayed. Is. According to the invention according to Patent Document 1, even if at least one of the symbol designation commands is lost, the symbol display is performed, there is no problem in the progress of the game, and a communication failure notification can be performed.

According to the invention according to Patent Document 1, the previous output is displayed when a communication error occurs.
However, displaying the previous outcome in this way may give the player a sense of downgrade (disappointment). For example, when the previous hit is a win, a communication error occurs, so that the previous output, that is, the win is displayed again. Specifically, when “3” or “7” is displayed on the left symbol, the player expects that he / she is hit. Looking at such an LCD display, the player has a sense of expectation that it is a win, but actually the internal state of the gaming machine is not a win (it is merely displaying the previous outcome) ) So the expectation will be betrayed in subsequent games. This may cause the player to lose interest and eventually reduce the popularity of the gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can provide a gaming machine capable of notifying a player of a downgrade (disappointing feeling) and a communication error notification method and program for the gaming machine. The purpose is to provide.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a main control unit that executes electronic determination of lottery based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and identification display information relating to the result of the lottery (for example, “777” when winning) In this way, a variable display device including a display device for displaying a display with three numbers aligned) and a command transmitted from the main control unit are received, and the identification display information is displayed on the display device based on the command. A sub-control unit
The sub-control unit displays a display pattern for causing the display device to perform a specific display (for example, display of three discrete numbers that do not mean winning such as “246”). Including a detachment pattern storage unit that stores in advance data and commands that can be decoded and executed by the CPU)
When the sub-control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the sub-control unit reads the display pattern from the off-pattern storage unit and performs the specific display on the display device based on the read display pattern. It is characterized by making it.

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a main control unit that executes electronic determination of lottery based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and a variable display device that includes a display device for displaying identification display information related to the result of the success / failure lottery, A sub-control unit that receives a command transmitted from the main control unit and displays the identification display information on the display device based on the command,
The sub control unit indicates a first jackpot pattern for causing the display device to display a first jackpot state, and a second jackpot state that is a gaming state more advantageous than the first jackpot state. A hit variation pattern storage unit that stores in advance a second hit pattern for causing the display device to perform display;
When the sub-control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the sub-control unit reads the second hit pattern from the variation pattern storage unit, and part or all of the display mode constituting the second hit pattern The display device is configured to display a dislocation pattern that does not include a display mode.
When the display mode is composed of a combination of a plurality of stop symbols that are sequentially stopped and displayed, it is preferable that the first stop symbol to be stopped first is a symbol that is not included in the display mode constituting the second hit pattern.

The main control unit designates a change pattern designation command for causing the sub control unit to perform a specific effect on the display device, and a symbol designation for designating a symbol (for example, a number such as “777”) displayed on the display device. The command and a symbol stop command to stop the change of the symbol after elapse of a predetermined fluctuation time are transmitted in order,
The sub control unit may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command when any of the following (A) to (D) is satisfied.
(A) When the symbol stop command is received without receiving the symbol designation command after receiving the variation pattern designation command. (B) The symbol designation command is received even though the variation pattern designation command is not received. Alternatively, when the symbol stop command is received (C) when the symbol stop command is received even though the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are not received (D) predetermined from reception of the variation pattern designation command If the symbol designation command or the symbol stop command is not received even though the specified time has elapsed

The main control unit causes the sub control unit to perform a specific effect on the display device, a variation pattern designation command, a symbol designation command for designating a symbol displayed on the display device, and a predetermined variation time lapse Send the symbol stop command to stop the symbol change later in order,
The sub-control unit stores a consistency determination table storing in advance a combination of the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command (for example, a combination of a jackpot variation pattern designation command and a symbol designation command displaying “777”). Part
The sub-control unit refers to the consistency determination table storage unit and determines that the content of the received variation pattern designation command and the content of the symbol designation command do not match (for example, a jackpot variation pattern designation command However, when the symbol designation command displays “246”, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command.

The main control unit sequentially transmits a preceding command and a subsequent command to the sub control unit, and a predetermined bit of the preceding command is always a predetermined first value (for example, “ 1 "), and the predetermined bit of the subsequent command is always a predetermined second value (eg" 0 "),
The sub-control unit, when the first value and the second value do not appear alternately in the predetermined bits of a plurality of commands received in order (for example, 1, 0, 1, 0, It is also possible to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command (when it is not...).

The off pattern storage unit stores a plurality of the display patterns (for example, stores display patterns 1 to 6 corresponding to communication errors 1 to 6, respectively)
When the sub-control unit determines that an abnormality in the transmission of the command has occurred, the sub-control unit may read a display pattern that is different for each mode of the abnormality from the off-pattern storage unit and display the display pattern.

  The display pattern stored in the detachment pattern storage unit is a display pattern (for example, “246”) of identification display information indicating that the main control unit has not won the winning lottery.

A clock device that outputs one or both of date data and time data; and
A storage unit for storing output data of the timepiece device and a display mode displayed on the display device;
When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the sub-control unit displays the output data of the timepiece device when the abnormality has occurred and the display device when it has determined that the abnormality has occurred. The displayed display mode may be stored in the storage unit.
Further, the sub-control unit causes the display device to display the output data of the clock device and the display mode stored in the storage unit within an initial setting time of either turning on or resetting the gaming machine. It is preferable.

A communication error notification method for a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a main control unit that executes electronic determination of lottery based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and a display device for displaying identification display information related to the result of the lottery. A variable display device, and a sub-control unit that receives a command transmitted from the main control unit and causes the display device to display the identification display information based on the command, and the sub-control unit includes the display device Is a method of notifying a communication error in a gaming machine including an out-of-pattern storage unit that stores a display pattern for performing a specific display in advance,
Receiving the command;
Decoding the received command;
When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the step of reading the display pattern from the outlier pattern storage unit;
And causing the display device to perform the specific display based on the read display pattern.

The present invention is for causing a computer to execute the above method.
The program according to the present invention is recorded on a recording medium, for example.
Examples of the medium include EPROM devices, flash memory devices, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks, CDs (including CD-ROMs and Video-CDs), DVDs (DVD-Videos, DVD-ROMs, DVD-s). RAM), ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.
A medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, a program) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. is there.

  According to the present invention, when the variable display device is provided with the detachment pattern storage unit that stores in advance a display pattern (detachment pattern) for performing a specific display, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in command transmission. Instead of displaying the previous command, the display pattern is read from the off-pattern storage unit and displayed so that a communication error is notified without giving the player a sense of downgrade (disappointment). I was able to do that.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
An outline of the structure of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the external structure of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The outer frame 50 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.
The main body member 51 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 50 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame via a hinge portion 51a. The main body member 51 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside thereof.
The opening frame door 52 is mounted on the front surface of the main body member 51 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside is an opening. It is a door member.
A transparent plate member made of glass or resin is provided at the opening of the opening frame door 52, and an electrical decoration 52a, a speaker 52b, and the like are attached in the vicinity of the opening.
A game board (not shown in FIG. 1), which will be described later, is detachably attached to the main body member 51 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 51. After the game board is mounted on the main body member 51, the game area can be observed from the opening.

The door 53 with a ball tray is a door member that has at least a ball tray for storing a game ball that is attached to the lower side of the main body member 51 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be locked and openable. In addition, the following members are attached to the door with a ball tray in the present embodiment.
(1) A ball tray in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 48 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle for performing an operation of launching the stored game ball guided to the launch drive device 48 to a game area provided on the game board surface 11.
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit provided with buttons for instructing a read-in related to reading a paid card and a lending process related to a borrowed game ball.
(4) A storage ball discharge operation button for a ball tray for releasing the game ball stored in the ball tray into a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

Next, an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, reference numeral 40 denotes a main control unit that is provided via the main body member 51 or the game board 11 or a support member attached thereto, and performs electrical game control processing to generate main processing information. .
40b is provided via the main body member 51 or the game board 11 or a support member provided to the main body member 51 or the like, and performs control to perform predetermined output mode processing by obtaining processing information generated by the main control unit 40. It is a sub-control unit.
A payout control unit 42 performs payout control of prize balls.
43 is a game ball payout device for paying out game balls.
Reference numeral 44 denotes a lamp control unit that controls a lamp (not shown) and the electric decoration 52a.
An acoustic control unit 46 generates sound by controlling and driving the speaker 52b.
49 is a device for controlling the firing drive device 48, and is a launch control device for controlling the launch of a game ball to a game area provided on the board surface via a rotary operation handle.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a board surface of the game board 10. The board surface 11 changes the direction of the guide rail 12, the discharge port (out port) 13 for guiding the game ball that has fallen through the substantially circular game area defined by the guide rail 12, and the direction of the game ball moving in the game area It is a rectangular board surface provided with a plurality of obstacles 14 such as caulking nails and windmills.

  The game area of the board surface 11 described above is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by the guide rail 12 (including a sliding part for sliding the game ball and a regulation part for regulating the game ball), and the movement of the game ball that has been launched It is an area that regulates the range. A restricting portion is provided to follow the sliding portion. The sliding portion is arranged on the board surface 11 in a spiral as a whole.

  The discharge port (out port) 13 is a collection opening provided at a position where the game balls thrown into the game area converge.

  The game nails as the obstacles 14 are a plurality of rod-shaped members that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface 11 in order to make the movement direction irregular by contacting with the game ball or to restrict the movement direction.

Reference numeral 30a denotes a variable display device (center accessory) that is provided at the center or slightly above the game area and has one or more variable display units such as an effect display lamp and a liquid crystal display device LCD.
30b is a through chucker (winning chucker) as a winning part.
30c is a normal winning device having a normal winning opening.
30d is a start chucker (start winning device) having a start winning opening.
30e is an attacker having a big prize opening.
In the following description, 30b to 30e may be collectively referred to as a winning opening 30.

The start winning device of the start chucker 30d is also called a specific winning device, and the big winning device of the attacker 30e is also called a special winning device.
The start chucker (start winning device) 30d is provided with movable pieces on both sides for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, and a winning display that allows a player to acquire a winning ball while performing variable display by winning a gaming ball. Device.
The attacker (large winning device) 30e is driven and controlled by a movable door that has an open state that exposes the winning port and a closed state that closes the winning port. Compared to other winning devices by winning game balls This is a winning device that allows more prize balls to be obtained.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit that performs electrical game control processing and generates main processing information. The control unit 40 receives a signal from a ball passage detector (not shown) that moves (flows down) the game area and detects the game balls that have passed through the winning holes 30b to 30e, and responds to the passing of the gaming balls through the winning holes 30b to 30e. A winning determination unit 40a for performing lottery / determination. For example, the winning determination unit 40a extracts a random number at the timing of the game balls passing through the winning openings 30b to 30e, determines that the winning is determined when the random number is within a predetermined range, and determines that the winning is not performed otherwise. To do. The random number is generated by a counter, for example.

  Reference numeral 40b denotes a sub-control unit that turns on the effect display lamp of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a and displays an image related to the effect on the liquid crystal display device LCD. The sub-control unit 40b, in accordance with the result of the electronic winning / losing lottery based on the establishment of a predetermined condition in the winning determination unit 40a provided in the control unit 40 (for example, winning of a game ball to the start winning device 30d, etc.) The identification display information (display that three numbers such as “777” displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a are produced in a row) is variably displayed (the number changes like a slot machine, for example). It is also a display control device that performs a stop display after being performed. Further, the sub-control unit 40b determines the identification lighting information (variable) according to the result of the electronic determination of whether or not the winning condition determination unit 40a satisfies the predetermined condition (for example, the passing of the game ball to the predetermined passing log). This is a display control device that performs stop display after variably displaying the display device (center accessory) 30a, which is lit and displayed on the effect display lamp.

  The liquid crystal display device LCD of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and also displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the start chucker (start winning device) 30d, the displayed symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and the lottery is drawn when the game ball start chucker (start winning device) 30d passes. The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery is displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD and stopped. The attacker 30e includes an opening / closing plate that can be opened forward. When the symbol after the fluctuation stop of the liquid crystal display device LCD is a winning symbol such as “777”, a special game called “big hit” is started, and the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e is opened a predetermined number of times. Yes. After the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e is opened, the opening / closing plate is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls are won.

42 is a payout control unit that receives the signal of the winning determination unit 40a and controls the game ball payout device 43 according to the game balls passing through the winning holes 30b to 30e and / or according to the lottery / determination result. .
43 is a game equipped with a drive source that pays out a predetermined number of game balls according to the passing of the game balls of the winning ports 30b to 30e and / or the results of the lottery / determination as a result of achieving the winning conditions. A ball dispensing device.
Reference numeral 44 denotes a lamp control unit for controlling lighting of the lamp / electric decoration 52a and the like provided on the gaming board 10 or the gaming machine casing.
An acoustic control unit 46 generates sound effects / sounds through a speaker 52b provided in the gaming board 10 or the gaming machine casing.

  The winning devices 30b, 30c, and 30d in which the game balls are provided in the game area are each provided with a ball passage detector (switch) (not shown) so that the passage of the game ball can be detected. When the position of any of the winning devices 30b, 30c, 30d is passed, the ball passage detector detects this, and in response to this, the winning determination unit 40a performs a predetermined lottery / determination process. For example, when the ball passage detector detects that the game ball has passed through the through chucker (winning chucker) 30b, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when winning, the start chucker (starting winning device) 30d is released for a predetermined time. That is, a pair of movable pieces provided opposite to each other on both the left and right sides of the start chucker (start winning device) 30d are opened outward. At the same time, the effect of winning is displayed on the variable display device (center accessory) 30a. Then, when it is detected that the game ball has passed the start chucker (starting winning device) 30d, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when winning, the big winning device of the attacker 30e is released.

  As described above, the sub-control unit 40b displays the identification display information on the liquid crystal display of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a according to the result of the electronic winning / losing lottery based on the establishment of the predetermined condition in the winning determination unit 40a. After the effect display (variable display) is displayed on the device LCD, the stop display is performed, and the identification lighting information is displayed in the effect display lamp of the variable display device (center accessory) 30a according to the result of the electronic success / failure lottery. After lighting up with, stop display is performed. These controls are executed by the sub-control unit 40b based on the command received from the main control unit 40.

  The command sent from the main control unit 40 to the sub control unit 40b includes a variation pattern designation command for causing the liquid crystal display device LCD to perform a specific effect, and a symbol designation for designating a symbol such as “7, 7, 7”. When a command (consisting of three, left, middle, and right), a symbol stop command for stopping the symbol change after the lapse of the variation time, and a variation pattern designation command are not transmitted, the state is predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) ) A customer waiting command to be transmitted when it has passed, and a hit command notifying the start of hit. Transmission of commands from the main control unit 40 to the sub control unit 40b is performed based on a predetermined procedure (protocol) (details will be described later).

  In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the sub-control unit 40b determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in command transmission. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in command transmission, the sub-control unit 40b specifies the identification display information. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD. For this reason, the sub-control unit 40b includes a detachment pattern storage unit 40b-1 that stores the specific pattern in advance. In addition, since the case of command inconsistency is included as a communication error, a pattern (or matching pattern) that is inconsistent between the contents of the fluctuation pattern designation command received to judge it and the contents of the symbol designation command ) Is stored in advance.

  One of the procedures for determining whether or not there is a communication error is to determine whether or not a subsequent command is received without receiving a preceding command. For example, in a command consisting of 2 bytes, the most significant bit of the preceding command is always defined as 1 (for example, 92H, A1H, etc.), and the most significant bit of the subsequent command is always defined as 0. (For example, 01H to 0FH), a communication error can be determined by examining the received most significant bit (if normal, the most significant bit of the received 2-byte command is 1, 0, 1, 0,... ·become that way). As described above, the bits defining 0 and 1 are not limited to the most significant bit, but may be other bits such as the least significant bit. In short, the bits to be used need only be determined in advance. Another method for determining the communication error will be described in detail later.

  The sub-control unit 40b according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention displays from the out-of-pattern storage unit 40b-1 when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in command transmission, that is, when it is determined that the command has not been received correctly. A pattern (one of which is stored when a plurality of display patterns are stored) is read out, and a specific display is performed on the liquid crystal display device LCD based on the read display pattern. The procedure for determining that it has occurred and the details of the display pattern stored in the off-pattern storage unit 40b-1 will be described later.

  A command transmission procedure from the main control unit 40 to the sub control unit 40b will be described with reference to FIG.

  The command for displaying the identification display information as a result of the electronic determination of lottery on the liquid crystal display device LCD is as shown in FIG. That is, it includes a variation pattern designation command, left / middle / right symbol designation commands (these three may be collectively referred to as a symbol designation command) and a symbol stop command, which are transmitted from the main control unit 40 to the sub-control unit 40b. Sent to. For example, each command is an identifier for identifying a command classification and includes 1-byte digital information and 1-byte digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed. These commands are transmitted in time series as shown in FIG. That is, the variation pattern designation command is the first and the symbol stop command is the last.

  The variation pattern designation command is for instructing how long a special symbol (identification information) should be stopped after the special symbol is varied and the variation starts.

  The left symbol designation command designates a special symbol left stop symbol. The middle symbol designation command designates a stop symbol in the special symbol. The right symbol designation command is for designating a special symbol right stop symbol.

The symbol stop command is for stopping a special symbol.
These commands are always necessary no matter how the variation mode of the variation display changes according to the game situation, and the main control unit 40 is in a game situation that starts the symbol variation display. These five commands are transmitted to the sub-control unit 40b at a predetermined timing in one variation display control.

  That is, when a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the start chucker (starting winning device) 30d is satisfied, the main control unit 40 first transmits a variation pattern designation command for starting symbol variation, and then A command for designating the left stop symbol is transmitted, a command for designating the middle stop symbol is transmitted, and a command for designating the right stop symbol is transmitted. Then, a command for stopping all symbols is transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of fluctuation. Receiving these commands, the sub-control unit 40b performs fine display control such as change in fluctuation speed to perform a series of fluctuation display control, and ends the fluctuation display control after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of fluctuation.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, at the time of a communication error, which will be described later, regardless of the temporary stop symbol before the communication error, “2”, “4”, “6”, that is, stored in the disconnection pattern storage unit 40b-1 It stops at the displayed display pattern (identification display information), and does not perform LED lighting (identification lighting information) or sound output (acoustic effect) at all. Since a pattern in which numbers such as “7”, “7”, and “7” are aligned means winning, an out-of-pattern other than such aligned patterns (the above “2” and “4”) is stored in the out-of-pattern storage unit 40b-1. One or a plurality of “6” or the like is stored in advance.

  For example, a pattern as shown in FIG. 6A is normally displayed, but a message indicating a communication error in FIG. 6B is displayed when a communication error occurs. When returning, a detachment pattern is always displayed as shown in FIG. 6C (the detachment pattern is displayed even if the result of the internal lottery wins). As a result, a communication error in the gaming machine can be notified to the hall staff, and the player is not given a downgrade feeling without displaying a winning pattern. Instead of a message indicating a communication error, a communication error symbol that can be understood only by hall personnel may be displayed. As shown in FIG. 6D, communication errors may be superimposed on the display pattern.

  After a communication error, when a change pattern designation command or a customer waiting command (a command that is sent when a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) elapses when the change pattern command is not sent) is returned, As shown in FIG. 6C, the process returns with “2”, “4”, and “6” regardless of the temporary stop symbol before the communication error. When the jackpot-related command returns, “2” (left symbol) is referred to (for example, “2”, “2”, “2” is displayed).

  In the first embodiment of the invention, in what case a communication error is determined will be described with reference to FIG. In Embodiment 1 of the invention, when either condition of FIG. 7A or 7B (a part surrounded by a thick frame) is satisfied, it is determined as a communication error.

(1) Communication error 1 in FIG.
When a symbol stop command is received without receiving a symbol designation command after receiving a variation pattern designation command.

(2) Communication error 2 in FIG.
When the symbol designation command is received and the symbol stop command is received even though the variation pattern designation command is not received.

(3) Communication error 3 in FIG.
When the symbol stop command is received even though the variation pattern designation command and symbol designation command are not received.

(4) Communication error 4 in FIG.
A case where a symbol designation command is not received even though a predetermined time (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed since the reception of the variation pattern designation command (the failure to receive the symbol designation command within a specified time is called a timeout). It should be noted that a communication error can also be caused when the symbol stop command is not received even though a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the variation pattern designation command and symbol designation command (communication in FIG. 7B). Error 5).

(5) Communication error 6 in FIG.
When the contents of the received variation pattern designation command do not match the contents of the symbol designation command. For example, even though the content of the received variation pattern designation command shows an out-of-range variation pattern, the content of the received symbol designation command is the jackpot symbol stop information such as “7” “7” “7”. Cases apply. In the consistency determination table 40b-2, a combination of a deviation variation pattern and a winning symbol stop information is stored in advance, and the sub-control unit 40b determines the combination of the received variation pattern designation command content and the symbol designation command content. It is checked whether it is included in the consistency determination table 40b-2, and when the combination is found in the table, it is determined as inconsistent. In addition, a combination in which the contents of the variation pattern designation command and the contents of the symbol designation command are stored in advance in the consistency determination table 40b-2, and the received combination of the contents of the variation pattern designation command and the contents of the symbol designation command is stored. If it is not found in the table, it may be determined as inconsistent.

  Next, a specific procedure for determining a communication error in the sub-control unit 40b in FIG. 7A will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When a command is received, it is decoded (S1), and the type of command is determined (S2).
If the received command is a symbol stop command (when it is at least one of the left, middle, and right symbol designation commands) or a symbol stop command, it means that a variation pattern designation command has not been received, so it is determined as a communication error. Then, a predetermined communication error process is executed (S3). Alternatively, as described above, when the most significant bit of the preceding command is always defined as 1 and the most significant bit of the subsequent command is always defined as 0, the most significant bit of the received 2-byte command is 1 When it is not 0, it is determined as a communication error (the same applies to S8 and S13). For example, a message as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed. After returning from a communication error, when returning with a change pattern designation command or the above-described customer waiting command, the return is made with “2”, “4”, and “6” regardless of the temporary stop symbol before the communication error. Specifically, as communication error processing, as described above, at least one removal pattern is read from the removal pattern storage unit 40b-1 and displayed (FIG. 6C). Note that the communication error detected in the processing of S1, S2, and S3 corresponds to communication error 2 or 3 in FIG.

  When the received command is a variation pattern designation command, a process for receiving a symbol designation command (all of the left, middle and right symbol designation commands) is executed. That is, waiting for command reception (S4), when receiving a command (YES in S5), decoding the command (S7), and storing the command as correct when the command is a symbol designating command, When the command is a symbol stop command, it means that a symbol stop command has been received without receiving all symbol designation commands, so that it is determined as a communication error, and predetermined communication error processing is executed (S8, S3). .

  As shown in FIG. 5, since there are three types of symbol stop commands: left, middle and right symbol designation commands, the processes of S4 to S8 are repeated three times and received in order. When a symbol stop command is received without receiving at least one of the left, middle and right symbol designation commands, communication error processing is executed (S8, S3). Note that the communication error detected in the processes of S4 to S8 corresponds to the communication error 1 in FIG.

  If a command is not received within a predetermined time (for example, 100 ms) while waiting for command reception (S4) after receiving a variation pattern designation command, a timeout occurs (YES in S6) and a communication error occurs. Processing is executed (S3). Note that the communication error detected in the process of S6 corresponds to the communication error 4 in FIG.

  When all of the variation pattern designation command and the symbol pattern designation command are received, a process for receiving the symbol stop command is executed. That is, waiting for reception of a command (S9), when receiving a command (YES in S10), decoding the command (S12), and storing the command as correct when the command is a symbol stop command, When the command is another command, it is determined as a communication error, and a predetermined communication error process is executed (S13, S3).

  If a command is not received within a predetermined time in the state of waiting for receiving a command after receiving the last symbol designating command (S9), a timeout occurs (YES in S11) and communication error processing is executed. (S3). Note that the communication error detected in the process of S11 corresponds to the communication error 5 in FIG.

  When a variation pattern designation command, all of the symbol designation commands, and a symbol stop command are received, no communication error has occurred. Therefore, a predetermined process corresponding to the received command is executed (S14).

  In FIG. 8, the process of S14 is executed after receiving all commands, but the process may be executed every time a valid command is received. In this case, the communication error determination process of FIG. 8 is performed during the execution of the process.

  Next, a specific procedure for determining a communication error in the sub-control unit 40b in FIG. 7B will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The process of FIG. 9 is executed between S13 and S14 of FIG. 8, for example.

  The contents of the variation pattern designation command and the contents of the left, middle and right symbol designation commands are compared (S21), and it is determined whether there is consistency between them (S22). Specifically, it is checked whether or not the combination of the contents of the received variation pattern designation command and the contents of the symbol designation command is included in the consistency determination table 40b-2, and it is determined as inconsistent when the combination is found in the table. To do. If there is a mismatch (NO in S21), communication error processing is executed (S3). If there is a match, a predetermined process corresponding to the received command is executed (S14).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the prior art may give the player a sense of downgrade (disappointment) at the time of the big hit by displaying the previous outcome. Such a thing disappears. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a communication error occurs, “2”, “4”, and “6” are always displayed, so that there is no sense of expectation and therefore a downgrade feeling is felt. Nothing will happen. Even if the internal state of the gaming machine when a communication error occurs is hit, a distant eye is displayed or a jackpot display is made with reference to a symbol at a specific position (for example, “2” in the left symbol). In the former case, the outcome and the actual internal winning state (winning) are different, but since it develops advantageously in subsequent games, the player feels good and there is no problem.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, even when a communication error occurs, the player is not downgraded, and the player's interest is not impaired. The popularity of the gaming machine including the device according to the first embodiment of the invention can be maintained and improved.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
Outliers respectively corresponding to the above-described communication error 1 to communication error 6 are stored in advance in the outlier pattern storage unit 40b-1, and a specific outlier corresponding to each type of communication error is displayed. Good. With this configuration, not only the occurrence of a communication error but also the display pattern can be changed for each mode of the communication error. In the above example, it becomes possible to know from the display on the liquid crystal display device LCD which one of the communication errors 1 to 6 has occurred.

For example, the following display pattern is stored in advance in the detachment pattern storage unit 40b-1.
(1) Communication error 1: “2” “4” “6”
(2) Communication error 2: “4” “6” “2”
(3) Communication error 3: “6” “2” “4”
(4) Communication error 4: “2” “6” “4”
(5) Communication error 5: “4” “2” “6”
(6) Communication error 6: “6” “4” “2”

  When it is determined in the processing of FIGS. 8 and 9 that a communication error has occurred, a display pattern corresponding to the type is selected from (1) to (6). For example, if YES in S6 of FIG. 8, it is a communication error 4, so that “2”, “6” and “4” in (4) are displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6 (d), when a communication error is displayed in a superimposed manner on a display pattern and the state is continued for a certain time or more, confirmation by a hall attendant becomes easy.
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, more accurate error display can be performed.

Embodiment 3 of the Invention
Although the first embodiment of the present invention includes the detachment pattern storage unit, the hit variation pattern storage unit described below may be included instead.

  That is, the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, is a main control unit 40 that executes an electronic determination of lottery based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and identification display information related to the result of the lottery A variable display device 30a including a display device LCD for displaying a display, a sub-control unit 40b that receives a command transmitted from the main control unit 40, and displays the identification display information on the display device based on the command; The sub-control unit includes a first winning pattern for causing the display device to display a first jackpot state, and a second jackpot that is more advantageous than the first jackpot state. A hit variation pattern storage unit 40b-3 that stores in advance a second hit pattern for causing the display device to display a state is provided, and the sub control unit When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the second hit pattern is read from the variation pattern storage unit, and the outlier pattern that becomes a display mode that does not include a part of the display mode constituting the second hit pattern is It is characterized by being displayed on a display device.

  According to the third embodiment of the invention, the sub-control unit 40b reads the contents of the hit variation pattern storage unit 40b-3 (which is also provided in the past) even when communication is abnormal, and the hit change pattern (particularly advantageous). The display mode (combination of symbols) that is reminiscent of (second hit pattern) is not performed. For example, when it is determined that the display mode displayed on the liquid crystal display device LCD includes a part of the display mode constituting the second winning pattern, a part (symbol) of the display mode is skipped and another pattern is displayed. Like that. For example, when the display mode (optionally generated) to be displayed when communication is abnormal is “2, 7, 7”, since “7” is included in the display mode of the second hit pattern, it is skipped and the second hit The pattern is replaced with another pattern that is not a part of the display mode constituting the pattern, for example, “4” and “6”.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the above processing. When determining that the communication is abnormal, the sub-control unit 40b generates an arbitrary disconnection pattern (S30). For example, three symbols are randomly selected under the condition that the three symbols are not aligned. Next, the contents of the hit variation pattern storage unit 40b-3 are read (S31). Then, it is determined whether or not the generated deviation pattern includes a part of the second hit pattern (S32). Even if the three symbols are not aligned, the player will have a sense of expectation if the display mode is close to the winning pattern (particularly the second winning pattern) such as “2, 7, 7”. Therefore, such a display mode is eliminated by the process of S32. When the generated detachment pattern includes a part of the second hit pattern (YES in S32), the detachment pattern is generated again in S30. Instead of this, the symbol of the detachment pattern corresponding to a part of the second winning pattern may be replaced with a symbol not included in the second winning pattern.

  When the display mode is a combination of symbols for sequentially stopping and displaying a plurality of stop symbols, at least the first stop symbol to be stopped first is set as a symbol not included in the display mode constituting the second hit pattern. You may do it.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing. A first stop symbol to be initially stopped as a detachment pattern is arbitrarily selected (S40). For example, it is assumed that a symbol is randomly selected and is “7”. Next, the first stop symbol of the second hit pattern is read (S41). It is assumed that the first stop symbol of the second hit pattern is, for example, “3” “5” “7”. It is determined whether the first stop symbol of the detachment pattern is the same as the first stop symbol of the second winning pattern (S42). In the above example, both coincide with “7” (YES in S42). Therefore, the process of S40 is executed again. It is assumed that the first stop symbol obtained as a result is “2”. Then, since the first stop symbol of the disengagement pattern is not included in the first stop symbol of the second hit pattern (NO in S42), the second stop symbol to be stopped next is arbitrarily selected as the disengagement pattern (S43), Further, the third stop symbol to be finally stopped as the detachment pattern is arbitrarily selected (S43). Then, the generated detachment pattern is displayed. That is, the first to third stop symbols are stopped and displayed in order (S44).

  According to the process of FIG. 12, since the symbol determination process of S42 is executed only for the first stop symbol, the processing load is small, which is advantageous in mounting.

  In addition, you may apply the process of S42 to both or any one of a 2nd stop symbol and a 3rd stop symbol. When the process of S42 is applied to all of the first to third stop symbols, the result is almost the same as the result of the process of FIG.

  According to the third embodiment of the invention, the player is not given an unnecessary sense of expectation for the second jackpot state (probability change).

  As in the second embodiment of the invention, a unique outlier corresponding to each type of communication error may be displayed. For example, the first stop symbol to be displayed for each type of communication error may be determined in advance.

Embodiment 4 of the Invention
The gaming machine according to any one of the first to third embodiments of the invention further stores a clock device that outputs one or both of date data and time data, output data of the clock device, and a display mode displayed on the display device. A storage unit, and when the sub-control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the output data of the timepiece device when the abnormality has occurred and the abnormality has occurred You may make it memorize | store the display aspect displayed on the said display apparatus in the said memory | storage part.

  The stored output data of the timepiece device and the display mode are displayed on the display device LCD at an appropriate timing. For example, the sub-control unit causes the display device to display the output data and the display mode of the clock device stored in the storage unit within an initial setting time when the gaming machine is turned on or reset.

  FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a gaming machine according to Embodiment 4 of the invention. The communication abnormality information storage unit 40b-4 stores the output data of the timepiece device and the display mode. The clock device 40b-5 is an IC such as a commercially available real-time clock (RTC), for example, and outputs one or both of date / time data and time data.

  When the sub-control unit 40b determines that the communication is abnormal, the sub-control unit 40b acquires the output data of the timepiece device 40b-5 and stores the output data in the storage unit 40b-4, and also stores the disconnection pattern stored in the disconnection pattern storage unit 40b-1. Alternatively, the display mode determined according to the processing of FIG. 11 or 12 and displayed on the display device LCD is stored in the storage unit 40b-4. Then, the contents of the storage unit 40b-4 are displayed on the display device LCD at an appropriate timing (for example, during initial setting).

  FIG. 14 shows an example of content display in the storage unit 40b-4 during the initial setting. A display during initial setting is performed (FIG. 4A), and then the sub-control unit 40b reads the contents of the storage unit 40b-4, and when communication abnormality information exists after the previous initial setting, “Communication error occurred during previous operation” is displayed ((b) in the figure). Further, the specific mode of communication abnormality is indicated by a specific display mode such as “2, 4, 6” or “2, 6, 8”, and the date and time of occurrence thereof is displayed ((c) and (d) in FIG. )). Then, the contents of the storage unit 40b-4 are cleared.

  According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the hall clerk can confirm the presence / absence of communication abnormality and the content thereof at the time of initial setting such as when the power is turned on, which is very useful for maintenance management of the gaming machine.

  In the above description, the bullet ball game machine has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to other game machines such as a revolving game machine (slot machine).

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

It is a perspective view which shows the surface structure of a game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game machine. It is a figure (front view) which shows the mode of the board surface seen from the player. It is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of command transmission. It is explanatory drawing of the display mode of the communication error which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 4 is a list of communication errors according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the communication error determination process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the communication error determination process (command consistency determination process) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the symbol determination process at the time of the communication error which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the symbol determination process at the time of the other communication error which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the display mode of the communication error which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 game board 11 board 12 guide rail 13 outlet (out)
14 Obstacle 30 Winning entrance 30a Variable display device (center role)
30b Through chucker (winning chucker)
30c Regular winning device 30d Start chucker (starting winning device)
30e Attacker (Large winning device)
40 Control Unit 40a Winning Determination Unit 40b Sub Control Unit 40b-1 Outgoing Pattern Storage Unit 40b-2 Consistency Determination Table 40b-3 Hit Fluctuation Pattern Storage Unit 40b-4 Communication Abnormal Information Storage Unit 40b-5 Clock Device 42 Payout Control Unit 43 Game ball payout device 44 Lamp control unit 46 Sound control unit 48 Firing drive device 49 Firing control device 50 Outer frame 51 Main body member 52 Opening frame door 52a Lighting 52b Speaker 53 Door with ball tray LCD Liquid crystal display device

Claims (12)

Transmitted from the main control unit that executes electronic lottery determination based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, a variable display device that includes a display device for displaying identification display information related to the result of the success / failure lottery, and the main control unit A sub-control unit that receives a command and displays the identification display information on the display device based on the command,
The sub-control unit includes a removal pattern storage unit that stores in advance a display pattern for causing the display device to perform a specific display,
When the sub-control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the sub-control unit reads the display pattern from the off-pattern storage unit and performs the specific display on the display device based on the read display pattern. A gaming machine characterized by Transmitted from the main control unit that executes electronic lottery determination based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, a variable display device that includes a display device for displaying identification display information related to the result of the success / failure lottery, and the main control unit A sub-control unit that receives a command and displays the identification display information on the display device based on the command,
The sub control unit indicates a first jackpot pattern for causing the display device to display a first jackpot state, and a second jackpot state that is a gaming state more advantageous than the first jackpot state. A hit variation pattern storage unit that stores in advance a second hit pattern for causing the display device to perform display;
When the sub-control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the sub-control unit reads the second hit pattern from the variation pattern storage unit, and part or all of the display mode constituting the second hit pattern A gaming machine, wherein a display pattern that does not include a display pattern is displayed on the display device.   When the display mode is composed of a combination of a plurality of stop symbols that are sequentially stopped and displayed, the first stop symbol that is stopped first is a symbol that is not included in the display mode that constitutes the second hit pattern. The gaming machine according to claim 2. The main control unit causes the sub control unit to perform a specific effect on the display device, a variation pattern designation command, a symbol designation command for designating a symbol displayed on the display device, and a predetermined variation time lapse Send the symbol stop command to stop the symbol change later in order,
The sub-control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command when any of the following (A) to (D) is satisfied. Game machines.
(A) When the symbol stop command is received without receiving the symbol designation command after receiving the variation pattern designation command. (B) The symbol designation command is received even though the variation pattern designation command is not received. Alternatively, when the symbol stop command is received (C) when the symbol stop command is received even though the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are not received (D) predetermined from reception of the variation pattern designation command If the symbol designation command or the symbol stop command is not received even though the specified time has elapsed The main control unit causes the sub control unit to perform a specific effect on the display device, a variation pattern designation command, a symbol designation command for designating a symbol displayed on the display device, and a predetermined variation time lapse Send the symbol stop command to stop the symbol change later in order,
The sub-control unit includes a consistency determination table storage unit that stores in advance a combination of the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command,
When the sub-control unit refers to the consistency determination table storage unit and determines that the content of the received variation pattern designation command does not match the content of the symbol designation command, an abnormality occurs in the transmission of the command The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the game has been completed. The main control unit sequentially transmits a preceding command and a command subsequent thereto to the sub control unit, and a predetermined bit of the preceding command is always a predetermined first value, The predetermined bit of the subsequent command is always a predetermined second value;
The sub-control unit detects that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command when the first value and the second value do not appear alternately in the predetermined bits of the plurality of commands received in order. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the game machine is determined. The detachment pattern storage unit stores a plurality of the display patterns,
The sub-control unit, when it is determined that an abnormality in the transmission of the command has occurred, reads a display pattern that differs depending on the mode of the abnormality from the off-pattern storage unit and causes the display to be performed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display pattern stored in the detachment pattern storage unit is a display pattern of identification display information indicating that the main control unit has not won the winning lottery. A clock device that outputs one or both of date data and time data; and
A storage unit that stores output data of the timepiece device and a display mode displayed on the display device;
When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the sub-control unit displays the output data of the timepiece device when the abnormality has occurred and the display device when it has determined that the abnormality has occurred. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the displayed display mode is stored in the storage unit.     The sub-control unit causes the display device to display the output data of the timepiece device and the display mode stored in the storage unit within an initial setting time of either turning on or resetting the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to claim 9, which is characterized by: Transmitted from the main control unit that executes electronic lottery determination based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, a variable display device that includes a display device for displaying identification display information related to the result of the success / failure lottery, and the main control unit A sub-control unit that receives a command and displays the identification display information on the display device based on the command, and the sub-control unit previously displays a display pattern for causing the display device to perform a specific display. A method of notifying a communication error in a gaming machine including a stored off-pattern storage unit,
Receiving the command;
Decoding the received command;
When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the step of reading the display pattern from the outlier pattern storage unit;
A gaming machine communication error notification method comprising: causing the display device to perform the specific display based on the read display pattern. Transmitted from the main control unit that executes electronic lottery determination based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, a variable display device that includes a display device for displaying identification display information related to the result of the success / failure lottery, and the main control unit A sub-control unit that receives a command and displays the identification display information on the display device based on the command, and the sub-control unit previously displays a display pattern for causing the display device to perform a specific display. A program for causing a computer to execute a communication error notification method for a gaming machine including a stored off-pattern storage unit,
Receiving the command;
Decoding the received command;
When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transmission of the command, the step of reading the display pattern from the outlier pattern storage unit;
A program for causing a computer to execute the step of causing the display device to perform the specific display based on the read display pattern.

Images