JP2008049058A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can detect abnormality of the number of paid out game media and a fraudulent act. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine (1) is equipped with a token selector (80), cancel chute (811), a token hopper (63), and a payout chute (812). A main control circuit (71) uses a first token detecting part (806) to count the number of tokens charged through a token charging port (10), uses a second token detecting part (807) to count the number of tokens selected and stored by a token selector (80) and sets the difference between the number of tokens counted by both detecting parts as a first cancel number. The number of tokens paid out through the token hopper (63) is counted by a payout token detecting part (638), the number of tokens delivered through a token payout port (82) is counted by a chute-passing-token detecting part (814), and the difference between the number of tokens counted by these two detecting parts is set as a second cancel number. The difference between the first cancel number and the second cancel number is calculated and, if the difference equals to or exceeds 1, an abnormality signal is output. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. When an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as a “start operation”) is detected on the condition that a display is displayed so that the player can visually recognize the symbol and a medal is inserted, rotation of each reel is started. A start switch for outputting a requested signal, a stop switch for outputting a signal for requesting a stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel when an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”) is detected, and A gaming machine comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the stepping motor based on signals output from the start switch and the stop switch, and rotates and stops each reel. Pachi has been known that. Normally, in such a pachislot machine, it is determined whether or not a prize is won based on a combination of symbols displayed by the plurality of display windows, and if it is determined that a prize is won, medals are paid out from the hopper and stored in the medal receiving part. It is done.

  Currently, in the mainstream pachislot machine, when a start operation by a player is detected, an internal lottery is performed, and based on the result of this lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player, the reel rotation is stopped. Done. In other words, it is a condition that a result related to winning is obtained by internal lottery (hereinafter, the internal lottery result type is referred to as “internal winning combination”), and the stop operation is performed at an appropriate timing. In other words, a winning will be established.

In such a pachislot machine, a gaming machine casing is provided with a medal selector for selecting medals inserted from the slot and a hopper for paying out medals based on the result of the internal winning and the player's operation. (See Patent Document 1).
Further, the cancel chute extends from the medal selector and the hopper to the payout exit, and the medal selected by the medal selector and the medal paid out by the hopper are discharged from the payout exit through the cancel chute.

In other words, the medal selector selects the authenticity of the inserted medal, and if it is determined that the inserted medal is a regular medal, the medal is counted and the credit value is increased and stored in the hopper. If it is determined that the token is a medal, the medal is discharged to the cancel shot. Thereby, the medal selector counts only regular medals.
Further, when the player presses the C / P button, the inserted medal is discharged to the cancel chute. Thereby, even if a player accidentally inserts a medal, the inserted medal can be returned.

The hopper is provided with a bucket in which medals are parked, pays out the stored medals, and counts the medals to be paid out to decrease the credit value.
JP 2006-81699 A

By the way, in the gaming machine as described above, there is a case where an illegal act called Clemish Goto is performed.
Clemence-type goto is a process of inserting a processed cell into the medal selector from the slot and operating the sensor of the medal selector using the infrared diode provided in this cell to maximize the credit value. Let me pay out.
For example, if 50 medals are canceled and 30 medals are cancelled, the remaining is 20. However, if 30 are illegally counted using the goto device, the credit value is 50. After that, the C / P button is pressed, 50 sheets are paid out, and 30 sheets are obtained illegally.
Although the Clement-type Goto increases the credit value in spite of the fact that no medals are actually inserted in this way, and gains medals illegally, it is difficult to find this Clement-type Goto, There is a need for a gaming machine that can detect such fraud.

  Also, when medals are paid out from the hopper, the medals to be paid out are counted and the credit value is decreased, but when the medals are caught in the cancel shot, the number received by the player does not match the number to be paid out, There is a risk of the player suffering a disadvantage. Therefore, a gaming machine that can detect such an abnormality in the number of paid-out medals is desired.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of detecting an abnormality in the number of paid-out game media and an illegal act.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and includes a first counting means, a second counting means, a payout number counting means, a passage passage number counting means, and an abnormality detecting means. To do.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A housing (for example, a later-described case 60) provided with an insertion port (for example, a later-described medal insertion port 10) and a payout port (for example, a later-described medal payout port 82), and the inside of the case A game medium selecting means (for example, a medal selector 80 described later) for selecting a game medium to be stored from among the game media input from the input slot, and extending from the game medium selecting means to the payout opening. A first passage (for example, a cancel chute 811 described later), a payout means (for example, a medal hopper 63 described later) provided inside the casing and extending from the payout means, A gaming machine (for example, a gaming machine 1 to be described later) having a second path (for example, a payout chute 812 to be described later) that joins the path, and a first count that counts game media that is input from the insertion port. Stages (for example, a first medal detection unit 806 and a main control circuit 71 described later) and second counting means (for example, a second medal detection described later) for counting game media sorted and stored by the game medium sorting unit. Section 807 and main control circuit 71), a payout number counting means (for example, payout medal detection section 638 and main control circuit 71 described later) for counting game media to be paid out by the payout means, and discharged from the payout exit A passage passage number counting means for counting game media (for example, a shoot passage medal detection unit 814 and a main control circuit 71 described later), and a difference between a count value of the first count means and a count value of the second count means. A first cancellation number is calculated, and a difference between the count value of the payout number counting means and the count value of the passage passage number counting means is calculated as a second cancellation number, and the first cancellation number and the second cancellation number are calculated. A gaming machine comprising: an abnormality detection means (for example, a main control circuit 71 described later) that calculates a difference from the number of cancellations and outputs an abnormality signal when the difference is a predetermined value or more. .

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the first counting means, the second counting means, the payout number counting means, the passage counting means, and the abnormality detecting means are provided. The first cancel number is a theoretical number of game media discharged from the game medium selecting means to the first passage, and the second cancel number is an actual number of game media discharged to the first passage. Therefore, the first cancellation number should theoretically match the second cancellation number.

  When the count value of the second counting means is increased by the Clement-type goto device, the first cancellation number increases, but the second cancellation number does not increase. Therefore, when the difference between the first cancellation number and the second cancellation number is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, an irregularity can be easily detected by outputting an abnormality signal by the abnormality detection means.

  Further, when the game medium is paid out, even if the game medium is caught in the first passage or the second passage, the second cancellation number and the first cancellation number do not coincide with each other. When the difference from the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, an abnormality signal is output by the abnormality detection means, whereby an abnormality in the number of payouts of game media can be detected.

According to the present invention, when the number counted by the second counting means by the Clement-type goto device increases, the first cancellation number increases, but the second cancellation number does not increase. Therefore, when the difference between the first cancellation number and the second cancellation number is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, an abnormality signal is output by the abnormality detection means. Thereby, fraudulent acts can be easily detected.
Further, when the game medium is paid out, even if the game medium is caught in the first passage or the second passage, the second cancellation number and the first cancellation number do not coincide with each other. When the difference from the number exceeds a predetermined value, an abnormality signal is output by the abnormality detection means. Thereby, an abnormality in the number of payouts of game media can be detected.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium such as a coin or a medal, a game ball, a token, or the like, or a game medium such as a card that stores information on gaming value given to a player. In the following description, it is assumed that medals are used as game media.

A housing 60 forming the entire gaming machine 1 includes a box-shaped cabinet 61 and a front door 2 that opens and closes the cabinet 61.
On the front surface of the front door 2, a panel display portion 2a, a liquid crystal display portion 2b, and a fixed display portion 2c having substantially vertical surfaces are formed. In addition, behind the front door 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on each outer peripheral surface are provided in a horizontal row so as to be freely rotatable. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  Inside each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the vertical three rows of symbols (that is, the total number of symbols) displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R described later are displayed. The circuit board for LED accommodation is installed on the back side of 9 symbols (not shown). Each of the LED storage circuit boards has three (that is, nine in total) LED storage portions, and a plurality of LED lamps are provided therein.

  This LED lamp illuminates the rear surface side of the reel sheet mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with white light. More specifically, areas corresponding to display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R described later are illuminated. This reel sheet is configured to have translucency, and light emitted by the LED lamp is transmitted to the front side of the reel sheet.

  A substantially horizontal plane pedestal 4 is formed below the panel display 2a, the liquid crystal display 2b, and the fixed display 2c. On the right side of the pedestal 4, a medal slot 10 for inserting medals is provided. The inserted medals are credited (ie, stored) or consumed to play the game. Also, on the left side of the pedestal unit 4, a 1-BET for selecting the number of medals consumed to play one game out of credited medals (hereinafter referred to as “inserted number”) by pressing operation. A switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided.

  The 1-BET switch 11 selects “1” as the number of inserted sheets by a single pressing operation. The 2-BET switch 12 selects “2” as the number of inserted sheets by a single pressing operation. The maximum BET switch 13 is selected with “3” as the number of inserted sheets by one pressing operation.

  When these BET switches 11 to 13 are pressed, the display line is activated (details will be described later). The operation of pushing the BET switches 11 to 13 and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 10 are hereinafter referred to as “insertion operation”. In addition, an operation unit 17 is provided above the BET switches 11 to 13. The operation unit 17 is operated to display information such as a game history on the liquid crystal display unit 2b.

A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 4 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are discharged from the medal payout opening 82 at the lower front, and the discharged medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 5 described later.
A medal receiving portion 5 for receiving a medal discharged from the medal payout opening 82 is provided at the lower front portion of the front door 2.
Speakers 9 </ b> L and 9 </ b> R that output sound effects related to game effects are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving unit 5.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, a start lever 6 is rotated in a predetermined angle range to rotate the reel by a player's operation and start changing the symbols in the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R described later. It is pivotally attached. The operation in which the player tilts the start lever 6 in order to start changing the symbol is hereinafter referred to as “start operation”.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 6 at the center of the front surface of the pedestal portion 4. In the embodiment, one game (ie, unit game) basically starts when a start operation is performed, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (that is, the stop button operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is the first stop operation, and the stop operation performed after the first stop operation is the first stop operation. The stop operation performed after the second stop operation and the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. In addition, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS, which will be described later, are arranged behind the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. These stop switches detect pressing operation of the corresponding stop button (that is, stop operation).

  With reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the structure inside the housing 60 will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the front door 2.

  A main control circuit 71 described later is provided on the upper portion of the front door 2. A liquid crystal display device 131 described later is provided below the main control circuit 71. A sub-control circuit 72 described later is provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 131.

  The liquid crystal display device 131 protects the liquid crystal panel formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. For example, a protective glass composed of a translucent member, a table carrier package on which an IC for driving a liquid crystal panel is mounted, and a flexible substrate connected to a terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel.

  The liquid crystal display device 131 is provided on the front side from the display area of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as viewed from the front (that is, on the front side of the display surface). Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 131 are arranged at a predetermined interval.

  Further, below the liquid crystal display device 131 in the front door 2, a medal selector 80 as a game medium selecting unit and a chute 81 provided at the lower end of the medal selector 80 are provided.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration inside the cabinet 61.

A middle board 62 is provided inside the cabinet 61, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R described above are arranged on the middle board 62.
Also, below the middle board 62, a medal hopper 63 as a payout means and a power supply device 64 for supplying power to each component are provided.
The medal hopper 63 includes a bucket 631 that opens upward and stores medals, and a payout mechanism 632 that pays out medals stored in the bucket to the chute 81. When the front door 2 is closed, the bucket 631 of the medal hopper 63 is connected to the medal selector 80, and the payout mechanism 632 of the medal hopper 63 is connected to the chute 81.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the payout mechanism 632 of the medal hopper 63.

The payout mechanism 632 is provided at the lower end of the bucket 631 and includes a rotor disk 633 that is rotatably supported and a base 635 in which a motor 634 that rotates the rotor disk 633 is incorporated.
In the rotor disk 633, circular medal receiving holes 636 into which medals are fitted are formed at regular intervals along the peripheral edge.

  According to the payout mechanism 632, when the motor 634 is rotationally driven to rotate the rotor disk 633, the medals in the bucket 631 are fitted into the medal receiving holes 636 of the rotor disk 633 and discharged by the rotation of the rotor disk 633. Move to position. The medal that has moved to the discharge position is discharged from the discharge port 637 to the chute 81.

  In addition, the medal hopper 63 is provided with a payout medal detection unit 638 for counting the payout medals. The payout medal detection unit 638 detects medals discharged from the payout mechanism 632.

  FIG. 5 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the medal selector 80.

The medal selector 80 is connected to the medal insertion slot 10, selects a medal to be stored from medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 10, and selects the selected medal, that is, the medal to be stored, as a medal guide 801 (see FIG. 2). The medals that are discharged and not stored are discharged to the chute 81.
The medal selector 80 includes a base 803 formed with a medal rail 802 through which medals pass, a select plate 804 for guiding the inserted medals to the medal guide 801 side or the chute 81 side, and the inserted medals are smaller than the standard size. A medal pusher 805 for pushing the medal toward the chute 81.

When the medal selector 80 determines that the inserted medal is a regular medal, the medal is counted, and the credit value is increased and discharged to the medal guide 801. The discharged medals are guided and stored by a medal guide 801 in a bucket 631 of a medal hopper 63 described later.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserted medal is an illegal medal, the medal selector 80 discharges this medal to the chute 81.
Further, when the player presses the C / P button, the position of the select plate 804 is moved, and the inserted medal is discharged to the chute 81.

  Further, the medal selector 80 includes a first medal detection unit 806 as a first counting means for detecting medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 10 and medals selected by the medal selector 80 and stored in the medal hopper 63. And a second medal detection unit 807 as a second counting means for detection.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the chute 81 guides the medals discharged from the medal selector 80 and the medal hopper 63 to the medal receiving portion 5 provided outside the housing 60. The chute 81 extends downward from the medal selector 80 and reaches the medal payout outlet 82 as a first cancel chute 811 and extends downward from the payout mechanism 632 of the medal hopper 63 to join the cancel chute 811. As a payout chute 812.

  A common chute 813 is located downstream from the junction of the cancel chute 811 and the payout chute 812, and a chute passing medal detector 814 is provided on the common chute 813.

The chute passing medal detection unit 814 detects a medal that passes through the common chute 813 and is discharged from the medal payout outlet 82, and is a discharge mechanism 815 that has the same configuration as the payout mechanism 632 of the medal hopper 63 described above. And a shoot pass medal detection unit 816 having the same configuration as the payout medal detection unit 638.
In the discharge mechanism 815, when the rotor disk rotates, medals falling from above are fitted in the medal receiving holes of the rotor disk and moved to the discharge position by the rotation of the rotor disk. The medal that has moved to the discharge position is discharged downward from the discharge port. The shoot passing medal detection unit 816 detects medals discharged downward.

  The panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c will be described with reference to FIG.

  The panel display unit 2a includes a bonus game information display unit 16, BET lamps 17a to 17c, a payout display unit 18, and a credit display unit 19. The bonus game information display unit 16 includes 7-segment LEDs, and displays information related to the bonus game in a bonus game (for example, a big bonus game described later and a regular bonus game described later). The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b, and the maximum BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of inserted sheets.

  The 1-BET lamp 17a lights up when the number of inserted sheets is one. The 2-BET lamp 17b lights up when the number of inserted sheets is two. The maximum BET lamp 17c is lit when the number of inserted sheets is three. The payout display unit 18 and the credit display unit 19 are each composed of a 7-segment LED, and display the number of medals paid out and the number of credited medals when a winning is established.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2b includes display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R, and an effect display area 23. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 2b is the pattern displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated and stopped (that is, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped). Based on the combination mode), the operation of the liquid crystal display device 131 changes.

  The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and display symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and various displays for effects.

  The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction as display lines. These five display lines are activated when the player pushes the BET switches 11 to 13 described above or when the player inserts medals into the medal slot 10 (validated display lines). (Hereinafter referred to as “effective line”).

  Here, each display window 21L, 21C, 21R is provided with three symbol display areas (that is, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage) in the vertical direction (ie, vertical direction). That is, the left reel 3L upper, the left reel 3L middle, the left reel 3L lower, the middle reel 3C upper, the middle reel 3C middle, the middle reel 3C lower, the right reel 3R upper, the right reel 3R middle, and the right reel 3R lower The symbol display area is provided. When the variation of the symbols in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R stops, the symbols are stopped and displayed in each of the symbol display areas provided in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. Each of the display lines 8a to 8e connects one symbol display area in each of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R.

  The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are displayed at least when the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating, and when the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R can be pressed. It becomes a transmissive state so that the symbols on 3C and 3R can be visually recognized.

  The window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R are provided so as to surround the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R, and represent the window frames of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R disposed in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. It is a thing.

  The effect display area 23 is an area other than the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R in the area of the liquid crystal display unit 2b. This effect display area 23 is an image for informing that a bonus (for example, BB1 and BB2 described later) has been determined as an internal winning combination, an image for increasing the interest of the game, and the player advantageously proceeds with the game. Information necessary for the display is displayed.

  The fixed display part 2c is an area in which a predetermined figure, picture or the like is drawn. It may be possible to display one still image or moving image by connecting a figure, a picture or the like drawn on the fixed display unit 2c with an image displayed in the effect display area 23.

  FIG. 7 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”. Information on the correspondence between each symbol and code number is stored in a ROM 32 described later as a symbol arrangement table (not shown). The code number is information for identifying the position of the symbol on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "Red 7 (design 91)", "BAR (design 92)", "Bell (design 93)", "Watermelon (design 94)", "Cherry (design 95) ”,“ Replay (symbol 96) ”, and“ blank (symbol 97) ”are displayed. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  In the embodiment, BB1, BB2, cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and lose are provided as internal winning combinations. Hereinafter, BB1 and BB2 are collectively referred to as “BB (big bonus)”. Cherry, bell, and watermelon are collectively referred to as “small role” hereinafter.

  The gaming state of the embodiment basically includes a general gaming state and a regular bonus gaming state (hereinafter, abbreviated as “RB gaming state”) constituting a regular bonus game which is a bonus game. The gaming state is the type of internal winning combination that may be determined in the internal lottery process described later for determining the internal winning combination, the probability that the internal winning combination is determined in the internal lottery process described later, and the maximum sliding piece. The state is distinguished by the number, whether or not the bonus game is activated, and the like.

  In the general gaming state, the expected value of the gaming value given to the player with respect to the unit gaming value betted on the game (for example, one medal consumed to play one game) is more than “1”. It is a small gaming state, which is a disadvantageous gaming state for the player.

  In the general gaming state, when BB is determined as an internal winning combination in the internal lottery process described later, a combination of symbols corresponding to BB (ie, “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “BAR-BAR-BAR”). ") May be allowed to be displayed along the active line across one or more games.

  Here, when the combination of symbols corresponding to BB is displayed along the active line, a big bonus game composed of a plurality of regular bonus games starts (activates). This big bonus game ends on the condition that the number of medals paid out (hereinafter referred to as “paid out number”) exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 350).

  The RB gaming state is a gaming state in which the expected value of the gaming value given to the player with respect to the unit gaming value bet on the game is larger than “1”, which is an advantageous gaming state for the player. is there. This RB gaming state can be identified by turning on or off an RB operating flag described later.

  Further, the RB gaming state starts on condition that a BB operating flag described later is on. In this RB gaming state, the number of unit games that can be performed in the RB gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “the number of possible games”) is 0, or the number of winnings that can be performed in the RB gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “winning”). The process is terminated on condition that the number of possible times is 0).

  FIG. 8 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (that is, actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control signals transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 131, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101 and a sub-control circuit 72 for controlling the lamps 102 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and a circuit for extracting a random number value is added thereto. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33.

  The CPU 31 executes a program stored in the ROM 32 to perform processing relating to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the operation of each actuator. The CPU 31 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 for generating a random number, and a sampling circuit 37 for extracting a random value from the generated random number. It is connected. Note that the CPU 31 may be configured to execute generation of random numbers and extraction of random number values. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 may be omitted, but may be left for preliminary use.

  The ROM 32 stores a program (for example, FIG. 12 described later) executed by the CPU 31 and fixed data. In the ROM 32, for example, an internal lottery table (FIGS. 9 and 10 to be described later) for determining an internal winning combination based on the extracted random number value and a display for determining a reel stop mode according to a stop operation. An expected combination storing area (not shown) and the like are stored. In addition, various control signals to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. Note that commands and information are not transmitted from the sub control circuit 72 to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  The RAM 33 is used for temporarily storing data when the CPU 31 executes the program. The RAM 33 stores, for example, information on an internal winning combination, current gaming state, and the like.

  In the circuit of FIG. 8, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, maximum BET lamp 17c) and bonus game information. The display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19, and the like, the hopper 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to the command of the hopper driving circuit 41, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated. There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R.

  Further, by outputting a pulse (for example, an excitation signal) to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a motor drive circuit 39 that controls the rotation operation of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, and a hopper drive circuit that controls the operation of the hopper 40. 41, the lamp driving circuit 45 that controls turning on and off of the BET lamps 17a, 17b, and 17c, and the display by the display unit (that is, the bonus game information display unit 16, the payout display unit 18, the credit display unit 19 and the like) are controlled. A display unit drive circuit 48 is connected to the CPU 31. These drive circuits each receive a control signal output from the CPU 31 and control the operation of each actuator.

  Further, as means for generating an input signal transmitted to the microcomputer 30 in order for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal, a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, 1-BET switches 11, 2- There are a BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, a C / P switch 14, a reel position detection circuit 50, a payout completion signal circuit 51, a first medal detection unit 806, a second medal detection unit 807, and a shoot pass medal detection unit 814.

  The start switch 6S detects an operation in which the start lever 6 is tilted, and outputs a game start command signal for instructing the start of the game. The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS generate stop command signals for instructing to stop changing the symbols in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 receives a pulse from a reel rotation sensor provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and supplies a signal for detecting the rotation position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 completes payout of medals when the total number of medals detected by the payout medal detection unit 638 (that is, the number of medals paid out from the payout mechanism 632 of the medal hopper 63) reaches a specified value. Generate a signal to detect.

The first medal detection unit 806 detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 10 as described above.
As described above, the second medal detection unit 807 detects the medals selected by the medal selector 80 and guided to the medal hopper 63 and stored.
The shoot passing medal detection unit 814 detects medals passing through the common chute 813.

  The CPU 31 counts the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 10 based on the signal from the first medal detection unit 806, selects it by the medal selector 80 based on the signal from the second medal detection unit 807, and stores it in the medal hopper 63. Count medals. Further, medals paid out by the medal hopper 63 are counted based on a signal from the payout medal detection unit 638, and medals discharged from the medal payout port 82 are counted based on a signal from the shoot passing medal detection unit 814. The CPU 31 checks whether or not fraud has been performed or whether or not a failure has occurred by checking the consistency of these counted medals.

  In the circuit of FIG. 8, the random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 generates the random number generator 36 at an appropriate timing after the operation of tilting the start lever 6. One random number value is extracted from the random number. The random number value extracted in this way is stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 33. For example, an internal winning combination or the like based on an internal lottery table (FIGS. 9 and 10 to be described later) stored in the ROM 32 is used. Referenced to determine.

  The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R basically rotate once by outputting a pulse (that is, an excitation signal) a predetermined number of times (for example, 336 times) to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The number of pulses output to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 as a pulse count value.

  On the other hand, a reset pulse is obtained from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R every rotation. When this reset pulse is input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50, the pulse count value stored in the RAM 33 is updated to "0". As a result, the count value of the pulse corresponds to the rotation position within one rotation range for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The symbol arrangement table stored in the ROM 32 is used for associating the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol arrangement table, the code number assigned sequentially for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with respect to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated (reference position) corresponds to each code number. A symbol code that is information indicating a symbol is associated with the symbol.

  The ROM 32 stores a symbol combination table (FIG. 11 described later). The above symbol combination table is used for the display combination and player described later after stopping all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when performing control to stop the rotation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R. Is referred to in order to determine the profit (for example, the number of medals to be paid out) given to the.

  When the internal winning combination is determined by the internal lottery process described later based on the extraction of the random number value, the CPU 31 sends the stop switch 7LS, 7CS, 7RS from the timing when the player operates the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. A signal for controlling the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39 on the basis of the input signal and the determined stop table (not shown).

  If the combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is displayed along the active line, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the payout mechanism 632 of the medal hopper 63. . At that time, the payout completion signal circuit 51 counts the number of medals to be paid out from the payout mechanism 632, and inputs the medal payout completion signal to the CPU 31 when the count value reaches the designated number. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the payout mechanism 632 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the medal payout process.

  As means for generating an input signal transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, there are the operation unit 17 and the volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and is a means for adjusting the volume output from the speakers 9L and 9R. The sub-control circuit 72 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R to the volume corresponding to the transmitted input signal based on the input signal transmitted by the volume control unit 103.

  With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, an internal lottery table used in an internal lottery process described later will be described. FIG. 9 shows a general gaming state internal lottery table used in the general gaming state. FIG. 10 shows an RB gaming state internal lottery table used in the RB gaming state.

  The internal lottery table is provided for each gaming state and includes information on a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the winning number. The CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the internal lottery table (an internal lottery process described later).

  Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the extracted random number value is within a numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number in the internal lottery process (step S7 in FIG. 12 described later). Random numbers extracted from random numbers in the range of “0” to “65535” are won in descending order from the same winning number as the predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as “lottery number”) until the winning number becomes “0”. It is determined whether or not it is within a numerical range indicated by a lower limit value and an upper limit value corresponding to the number.

  When this random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value, the winning number corresponding to this numerical range is won (that is, determined). And, the winning number won and the information of the internal winning combination corresponding to this winning number (that is, “flag (data)” provided corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations in order to identify the internal winning combination) are defined. An internal winning combination is determined based on the internal winning combination determination table (not shown).

  In the embodiment, in the internal winning combination determination table, the internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number “0” is lost, the internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number “1” is cherry, and the winning number is “2”. Bell as internal winning combination, watermelon as internal winning combination corresponding to winning number “3”, replay as internal winning combination corresponding to winning number “4”, and internal winning combination corresponding to winning number “5” Information corresponding to BB1 is defined as an internal winning combination corresponding to BB2 and the winning number “6”.

  Further, the internal lottery table is set so that the numerical ranges defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations that may be won (that is, determined) are overlapped. Therefore, a plurality of internal winning combinations may be determined by one lottery. For example, when the number of inserted coins is three and the random number value extracted in the general gaming state is “1900”, the extracted random number value is within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value. The numbers are “3” and “6”.

  Accordingly, in this case, both the winning numbers “3” and “6” are won, and both the watermelon and BB1 are determined as the internal winning combination based on the internal winning combination determination table. Moreover, since the numerical ranges defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value corresponding to each of cherry and BB2 are set to overlap, both cherry and BB2 are determined as an internal winning combination in one lottery. Is allowed.

  If the random number is never within the numerical range indicated by the lower limit value and the upper limit value until the winning number becomes “0”, the winning number becomes “0”, and the loss is determined as an internal winning combination. In the embodiment, the loss is not an internal winning combination associated with a profit (for example, a medal payout) given to the player. In addition, the symbol combination corresponding to the loss can be considered to be an arbitrary symbol combination different from the symbol combination corresponding to the plurality of roles provided in advance, but in the embodiment, it corresponds to the loss. Assume that no combination of symbols is provided.

  With reference to FIG. 11, the symbol combination table used for determining the display combination and determining the payout number corresponding to the determined display combination will be described.

  The symbol combination table includes a display combination to be described later and information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination. The display combination is basically information (that is, data) for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the active line. The display combination is provided corresponding to a predetermined combination of symbols and profits given to the player (for example, paying out medals, operation in a gaming state).

  When the symbol combination “Cherry-ANY-ANY” is displayed along the effective line, the cherry becomes a display combination. When the inserted number is one or two, fifteen medals are paid out, and when the inserted number is three, four medals are paid out. “ANY” indicates an arbitrary symbol. When a combination of symbols “bell-bell-bell” is displayed along the active line, the bell serves as a display combination. When the inserted number is 1 or 2, 15 medals are paid out, and when the inserted number is 3, 8 medals are paid out.

  When a combination of symbols “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed along the active line, the watermelon becomes a display combination and 12 medals are paid out. When the symbol combination “replay-replay-replay” is displayed along the active line, the replay becomes a display combination and medals are automatically inserted. In other words, in the next game after the game in which the replay is displayed, the same number of medals as those inserted in the previous game are automatically inserted, so that the player can perform the start operation without performing the insertion operation. Can do.

  When a combination of symbols “red 7-red 7-red 7” is displayed along the active line, BB1 becomes a display combination and the big bonus game is activated. When the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” is displayed along the active line, BB2 becomes a display combination and the big bonus game is activated.

  The control operation of the main CPU (that is, the main control circuit 71) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1). Specifically, the CPU 31 initializes the storage contents of the RAM 33 and the like. Subsequently, the CPU 31 deletes (that is, clears) a designated storage area (for example, information on a storage area for storing information on an internal winning combination) in the RAM 33 (step S2). Specifically, the CPU 31 erases data in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game.

  In step S3, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation monitoring process, and subsequently performs a process in step S4. In this bonus operation monitoring process, the CPU 31 operates the RB gaming state based on the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag. The BB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not to operate the RB gaming state. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state.

  Specifically, when the BB operating flag is on, the CPU 31 updates the RB operating flag to on when the RB gaming state ends, and performs processing so that the RB gaming state starts again. Do. That is, after the symbol combination corresponding to BB is displayed along the active line, the RB gaming state is set until the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. In addition, the CPU 31 stores an initial value (for example, 12 times) of the possible number of games and an initial value (for example, 8 times) of the possible number of winnings in the RAM 33.

  In step S4, the CPU 31 performs medal acceptance / start check processing, and then performs processing in step S5. Here, the CPU 31 turns on the BET lamps 17a to 17c, processing for updating the information on the number of inserted sheets based on inputs (signals) from the start switch 6S, the second medal detection unit 807, or the BET switches 11 to 13. Processing to turn off, processing to transmit a bet command and a demo command to the sub-control circuit 72, and the like are performed. The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the bet command performs control to display an image as an effect performed at the time of the making operation on the liquid crystal display unit 2b. The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the demo command performs a control to display a so-called demo image on the liquid crystal display unit 2b.

  In step S5, the CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area, and then performs the process of step S6. The random value extracted in this process is used in the internal lottery process (step S7 described later).

  In step S6, the CPU 31 performs a gaming state monitoring process, and subsequently performs the process of step S7. In this gaming state monitoring process, the CPU 31 determines (shifts) the gaming state based on the RB operating flag. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on. If the RB operating flag is on, an identifier (information) indicating the RB gaming state is stored in the RAM 33 in advance. Store in the area. On the other hand, if the RB operating flag is off, an identifier (information) indicating the general gaming state is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33.

  In step S7, the CPU 31 performs the internal lottery process described above, and subsequently performs the process of step S8. In this internal lottery process, the CUP 31 determines the number of lotteries corresponding to the gaming state. Specifically, when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, the CUP 31 determines “3” as the number of lotteries.

  On the other hand, when the gaming state is the general gaming state, the CUP 31 basically determines “6” as the number of lotteries. However, if the combination of symbols corresponding to BB is allowed to be displayed along the active line over one or more games, the CUP 31 determines “4” as the number of lotteries. Therefore, when it is allowed over one or a plurality of games that a combination of symbols corresponding to BB is allowed to be displayed along the activated line, “5” or “6” is not determined as the winning number. Or BB2 is not determined as an internal winning combination.

  In step S8, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a start command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S9. The start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In step S9, the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels, and subsequently performs the process of step S10.

  In step S10, the CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process, and subsequently performs a process of step S11. In this reel stop control process, the CPU 31 performs control to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the internal winning combination or the timing of the stop operation by the player.

  In step S11, the CPU 31 determines the display combination and the number of payouts based on the symbol combination table, and subsequently performs the process of step S12. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines the display combination and the number of payouts based on the combination of symbols displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and the symbol combination table (FIG. 11).

  In step S12, the CPU 31 performs a process of transmitting a display combination command to the sub control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of step S13. This display combination command includes information on the display combination determined in step S11. Receiving the display combination command, the sub-control circuit 72 performs control to display an image as an effect performed after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped on the liquid crystal display unit 2b.

  In step S13, the CPU 31 performs a medal payout process, and then performs the process of step S14. Here, the CPU 31 performs processing for transmitting a command for controlling the speakers 9L and 9R to the sub-control circuit 72. The sub-control circuit 72 controls the speakers 9L and 9R so that a sound effect is output when receiving this command.

  In step S14, a shot passing medal number check process is performed. The shoot passing medal number check process will be described in detail later.

  In step S15, the CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter for counting information on the bonus end number based on the payout number, and then performs the process of step S16. If the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the counter is subtracted according to the number of medals paid out. In step S16, the CPU 31 determines whether either the RB operating flag or the BB operating flag is on. If this determination is YES, the process of step S17 is subsequently performed, and if NO, the process of step S18 is subsequently performed.

  In step S17, the CPU 31 performs a bonus end check process, and then performs a process of step S18. In the bonus end check process, the CPU 31 ends the bonus game when the bonus game end condition is satisfied. In the embodiment, the CPU 31 performs the RB end process or the BB end process on the condition that the combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is displayed along the active line.

  Specifically, when the value of the bonus end number counter is “0”, the CPU 31 performs the RB end time process and the BB end time process, and the information on the number of wins possible is “0” or the information on the number of games allowed When “0” is “0”, processing at the end of RB is performed. In the RB end process, the CPU 31 clears an RB operating flag, information on the number of winnings possible, information on the number of times allowed to play, and the like. In the BB end process, the CPU 31 clears the BB operating flag, the bonus end number counter, and the like.

  In step S18, the CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process, and subsequently performs a process of step S2. In this bonus operation check process, the CPU 31 starts the bonus game when the bonus game start condition is satisfied. In the embodiment, the CPU 31 operates on the condition that the combination of symbols corresponding to BB (“red 7-red 7-red 7” or “BAR-BAR-BAR”) is displayed along the active line. Perform time processing.

  In the BB operation process, the CPU 31 updates the BB operation flag corresponding to BB1 or BB2 to ON, and sets a predetermined value (for example, “350”) defined in advance as the initial value of the bonus end number counter.

  With reference to FIG. 13, the shot passing medal number check process will be described.

  First, in step S <b> 21, the CPU 31 counts the number of medals (A) inserted from the medal insertion slot 10 based on a signal from the first medal detection unit 806, and uses a signal from the second medal detection unit 807 to determine a medal. The number of medals (B) selected by the selector 80 and stored in the medal hopper 63 is counted, and the difference (AB) is calculated as the first cancellation number (E1).

  Next, in step 22, the CPU 31 counts the number of medals (D) to be paid out by the medal hopper 63 based on the signal from the payout medal detection unit 638, and uses the signal from the shoot passing medal detection unit 814 to determine the medal payout exit. The number of medals discharged from 82 (C) is counted, and the difference (C−D) is calculated as the second cancellation number (E2).

  In step 23, a difference (E2-E1) between the first cancellation number and the second cancellation number is calculated, and it is determined whether or not this difference is a predetermined value, here, 1 or more. When this determination is YES, an abnormal signal is output (step 24).

For example, it is assumed that when a player inserts 50 medals, 30 medals are canceled and the credit value is 20, and a game is played in this state and 300 medals are paid out by winning.
In this case, since the number of medals (A) inserted from the medal insertion slot 10 is 50 and the number of medals (B) stored in the medal hopper 63 is 20, the first cancellation number (E1) is 30. . On the other hand, since the medal number (D) paid out by the medal hopper 63 is 300 and the medal number (C) discharged from the medal payout outlet 82 is 330, the second cancel number (E2) is 30. Since E2−E1 = 0, no abnormal signal is output.

Next, when the player inserts 50 medals, 30 medals are cancelled, and then the 30 credits are counted illegally using the goto device, and the credit value is set to 50. Assume that a game is played in this state, and 300 medals are paid out by winning.
In this case, the number of medals (A) inserted from the medal insertion slot 10 is 50, and the number of medals (B) considered to be stored in the medal hopper 63 is actually 20 although it is actually 20. The first cancellation number (E1) becomes 0. On the other hand, since the medal number (D) paid out by the medal hopper 63 is 300 and the medal number (C) discharged from the medal payout outlet 82 is 330, the second cancel number (E2) is 30. Since E2−E1 = 30, an abnormal signal is output.

The gaming machine 1 as described above has the following effects.
When the number of medals counted by the second medal detection unit 807 is increased by the Clement-type goto device, the first cancellation number (E1) is increased, but the second cancellation number (E2) is not increased. Therefore, when the difference between the first cancellation number (E1) and the second cancellation number (E2) is 1 or more, an illegal action can be easily detected by outputting an abnormal signal.

  In addition, when the medal is paid out, even when the medal is caught on the cancel chute 811 or the payout chute 812, the second cancel number (E2) and the first cancel number (E1) do not coincide with each other. When the difference between (E1) and the second number of cancellations (E2) is 1 or more, an abnormality in the medal payout number can be detected by outputting an abnormality signal.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and parrots in addition to the gaming machine 1 as in the present embodiment. Furthermore, a game can be executed by applying the present invention even in a game program in which the operation of the gaming machine 1 described above is executed in a pseudo manner for a home game machine. In that case, a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The front view which shows schematic structure of a front door. The front view which shows schematic structure of a cabinet. The disassembled perspective view which shows schematic structure of the payout mechanism of a medal hopper. The side view which shows schematic structure of a medal selector. The figure which shows the panel display part, liquid crystal display part, and fixed display part of a liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows an internal lottery table. The figure which shows a symbol combination table. The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart of a shoot passage medal number check process.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 10 medal slot 60 housing 63 medal hopper 71 main control circuit 80 medal selector 638 payout medal detector 806 first medal detector 807 second medal detector 811 cancel chute 812 payout chute 814 shoot pass medal detector

Claims (1)

A housing provided with an inlet and a discharge outlet;
A game medium selecting means for selecting a stored medium from among the game media that are provided in the housing and are input from the input port;
A first passage extending from the game medium sorting means to the payout port;
A payout means provided inside the housing for paying out game media;
A gaming machine comprising: a second passage extending from the payout means and joining the first passage,
First counting means for counting game media inserted from the insertion port;
Second counting means for counting game media sorted and stored by the game media sorting means;
A payout number counting means for counting the game media to be paid out by the payout means;
Passage passage number counting means for counting game media discharged from the payout port;
The difference between the count value of the first counting means and the count value of the second counting means is calculated as a first cancellation number, and the difference between the count value of the payout number counting means and the count value of the passage passage number counting means Is calculated as a second cancellation number, a difference between the first cancellation number and the second cancellation number is calculated, and if this difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, an abnormality detection means for outputting an abnormality signal, A gaming machine characterized by comprising.

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