JP2012166006A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing erroneous put-out of balls caused by an illegal act with radio wave or the like and a contact failure of a signal line.SOLUTION: The game machine includes a game region provided with a prize hole, and a game control device that gives a game value to a player according to prize winning of a game ball entering the prize hole. The game machine also includes an illegality detecting means for outputting an illegality signal when detecting an illegal state of illegally generating a game ball prize-winning signal, and a ball detecting means for outputting a voltage level in a predetermined range when detecting the game ball entering the prize hole. The game control device includes a game control means for controlling a game in general, and a detected information transmission means having a function of detecting abnormality based on the voltage level input from the ball detecting means, outputting an abnormality signal in the case of detecting abnormality, and outputting, to the game control means, a prize-winning signal that can specify whether the game ball has entered the prize hole based on the voltage level output from the ball detecting means. The game control means acquires the prize-winning signal, the abnormality signal and the illegality signal at the same timing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game board having a game area on the front surface, a ball detection sensor that detects a winning of a game ball in a winning opening provided in the game board, and a game ball based on detection of the game ball by the ball detection sensor The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a control device for instructing the payout.

  A pachinko gaming machine as an example of a conventional gaming machine includes a gaming board having a gaming area in which a gaming ball is driven in front, and a start winning detection for detecting a winning of a gaming ball at a starting port provided in the gaming board. Fluctuation that generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player when a variable display device starts a variable display of a plurality of symbols on the basis of detection of a game ball by the sensor and the start winning detection sensor and stops in a predetermined combination Some have a game control device that controls the execution of a display game.

  In addition, pachinko gaming machines generally include a ball detection sensor that detects the winning of a game ball in a winning opening provided in the game area on the front of the game board, and controls the game based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detection sensor The device instructs the ball payout control device to pay out a game ball as a prize (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a gaming machine equipped with such a ball detection sensor, for example, paying attention to outputting a detection signal with a sphere even if there is no game sphere, Then, there is a risk that a fraudulent act called a radio wave got that illegally pays out a ball will be performed. Therefore, in recent years, a technology has been put into practical use in which a gaming machine is provided with a radio wave sensor for detecting unauthorized radio waves to monitor fraud.

JP 2007-75404 A

  However, some conventional gaming machines provided with sensors for detecting unauthorized radio waves detect the detection signal of the ball detection sensor at a timing different from the detection timing of the radio wave sensor by the game control device. In the case of a control system in which the detection timings of the two sensors do not coincide with each other, no radio wave is emitted at the detection timing of the radio wave sensor, and a radio wave is emitted in accordance with the detection timing of the sphere detection sensor. , It may not be possible to effectively prevent the ball from being paid out without being detected as illegal. In this way, conventional gaming machines do not always have sufficient countermeasures against fraudulent acts, and there is a possibility that unexpected fraud will be caused to the amusement shop due to the fraudulent acts.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is possible to prevent an amusement store from suffering an unexpected disadvantage by preventing erroneous ball payout due to fraudulent acts such as radio waves. The purpose is to provide a machine.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
In a gaming machine having a gaming area provided with a winning opening, and a game control device that gives a specific gaming value to a player in accordance with winning of a game ball in the winning opening,
An unauthorized detection means for detecting an unauthorized state that illegally generates a game ball winning signal and outputting an unauthorized signal when the unauthorized state is detected;
A ball detection means for outputting a voltage level within a predetermined range when a game ball won in the winning opening is detected;
The game control device includes:
Game control means for overall control of the game;
An abnormality can be detected based on a voltage level input from a signal wiring electrically connected to the sphere detection means, and an abnormality signal is output when an abnormality is detected, and the voltage output from the sphere detection means Detection information transmission means having a function of outputting to the game control means a winning signal that can specify whether or not a game ball has won the winning opening based on the level,
The game control means acquires the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal at the same timing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game control device operates abnormally on the basis of a voltage level input from a game control means for comprehensively controlling a game and a signal wiring electrically connected to the ball detection means. When the abnormality is detected, an abnormality signal is output, and a winning signal that can specify whether or not the game ball has won the winning opening based on the voltage level output from the ball detecting means Detection information transmission means having a function of outputting to the game control means, and the game control means obtains the illegal signal and the abnormal signal at the same timing as the acquisition of the winning signal. The winning signal can be reliably detected. In addition, it is possible to prevent a goth act of receiving game value by acts such as illegal radio wave irradiation or intentional contact failure.

The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The game control device includes:
A plurality of input port circuits that collectively output a plurality of input signals to the game control means based on an instruction from the game control means;
The fraud signal output from the fraud detection means and the winning signal and the abnormal signal output from the detection information transmission means are connected to be input to the same input port circuit,
The game control means acquires the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal from the same input port circuit at the same timing.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when a plurality of input port circuits that collectively output a plurality of input signals to the game control means are provided, the fraud signals and detection information output from the fraud detection means By connecting so that the winning signal and the abnormal signal output from the transmission means are input to the same input port circuit, the game control means acquires the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal at the same timing. Because of this, it is possible to reliably detect winning signals generated due to irregularities such as fraud and poor contact, and to receive game value by acts such as illegal radio wave irradiation or intentionally causing poor contact. Can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, in a gaming machine having a gaming area in which a winning opening is provided and a gaming control device that gives a player a specific gaming value in accordance with winning of a game ball in the winning opening, There is an effect that it is possible to prevent an amusement store from suffering an unexpected disadvantage by preventing the wrong ball from being paid out by cheating.

It is a front view which shows one Embodiment of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the game board in the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system and game control apparatus which are provided in the back surface of the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the specific procedure of a main process among the game control performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the latter half part of the specific procedure of a main process among the game controls performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific procedure of a timer interruption process among the game controls performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of input processing executed during the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a switch reading process executed during the input process of FIG. 8. 6 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the potential of the input voltage of a circuit that receives a signal from a proximity switch and various determination levels. It is the timing chart which showed the relationship between the irradiation timing of the unauthorized radio wave with respect to a proximity switch, and the waveform of the signal from a proximity switch. It is the circuit diagram which showed the 1st Example of the connection system of a ball | bowl detection switch, and the detection system of a detection signal. It is the circuit diagram which showed the 1st modification of the connection system of the ball | bowl detection switch of 1st Example, and the detection system of a detection signal. It is a timing chart which shows the timing of the various signals in the game control apparatus to which the modification of FIG. 13 is applied. It is the circuit diagram which showed the 2nd modification of the connection system of the ball | bowl detection switch of 1st Example, and the detection system of a detection signal. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the error monitoring process in the timer interruption process of FIG. 7 performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of the embodiment. It is the circuit diagram which showed the 2nd Example of the detection system of the detection signal from a ball | bowl detection switch. It is a timing chart which shows the timing of the various signals in the game control apparatus to which the embodiment of FIG. 17 is applied. It is the circuit diagram which showed the modification of 2nd Example. It is the circuit diagram which showed the 3rd Example of the detection system of the detection signal from a ball | bowl detection switch.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a front frame 12, and the front frame 12 is assembled to a main body frame (outer frame) 11 via a hinge 13 so as to be openable and closable. The game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in a storage portion (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. Further, a glass frame 15 having a cover glass (transparent member) 14 covering the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame (inner frame) 12.

  Further, an illuminating device (moving light) 16 having a built-in lamp and motor and a lamp (LED) 17 for paying out abnormality notification are provided in the upper part of the glass frame 15. Further, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, there are provided a frame decoration device 18 with a built-in lamp and the like for emitting light for decoration and production, and a speaker (upper speaker) 19a for emitting sound (for example, sound effects). Yes. Further, a speaker (lower speaker) 19 b is also provided below the front frame 12.

  In addition, at the lower part of the front frame 12, an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown hitting ball launcher, and game balls paid out from a ball payout device provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out. There are provided a dish tray outlet 22, a lower dish 23 for storing game balls paid out in a state in which the upper dish 21 is full, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. Further, an effect button 25 having a built-in operation switch for receiving an operation input from the player is provided on the upper edge of the upper plate 21. Further, a key 26 for opening and locking the front frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12.

In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device directs the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 toward the game area 32 on the front surface of the game board 30. And fire. Further, when the player operates the effect button 25, an effect or the like in which the player's operation is intervened is performed in the variable display game (decoration special map variable display game) on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). Can do.
Further, on the front surface of the glass frame 15 above the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 27 that is operated when a player receives a ball lending from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a prepaid card to be discharged from the card unit of the ball lending machine. A discharge button 28 for operating the balance, a balance display section (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card, and the like are provided.

Next, an example of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 of the present embodiment.
On the surface of the game board 30, a substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by the guide rail 31 is formed. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at the four corners of the game board 30. In the game area 32, a center case 40 provided with a display device 41 is disposed substantially at the center. The display device 41 is attached to a recessed portion provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the display area of the display device 41 and is formed to protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 41.

  The display device 41 is configured by a device having a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (CRT). A plurality of pieces of identification information (special symbols), a character that produces a special figure variation display game, a background image that enhances the effect, and the like are displayed in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed), and a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special diagram variation display game is played. In addition, an image for an effect based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

On the left side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, a normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided. Three general winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 40.
In each of the general winning ports 35,..., Winning port switches 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) are arranged as ball detecting means for detecting game balls that have entered the general winning ports 35.

A start winning opening 36 is provided below the center case 40 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game, and a game ball easily flows into the upper portion by opening a reverse “C” shape at the top. An ordinary variable winning device (general power) 37 having a pair of movable members 37b and 37b for converting into a state and having a second start winning port is disposed therein.
The pair of opening / closing members 37b, 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 always holds a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. However, since the start winning port 36 is provided above the normal variation winning device 37, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state.

When the result of the normal variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, it is opened in a reverse “C” shape by a general electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) as a driving device, and a normal variation prize is awarded. The device 37 can be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which a game ball easily flows.
Further, a special variable winning device (large winning mouth) 38 that can be converted into a state where a game ball is not accepted and a state where it is easy to accept depending on the result of the special figure changing display game is arranged below the normal variable winning device 37. Yes.

The special variable winning device 38 has an attacker-type opening / closing door that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted toward the front side. The winning opening is closed (blocked state unfavorable for the player) to the open state (state advantageous to the player).
That is, the special variable prize winning device 38 includes, for example, a big prize opening opened and closed by an open / close door driven by a big prize opening solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. Is converted from a closed state to an open state, thereby facilitating the inflow of game balls into the special winning opening, and a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player.

In addition, a count switch 38a (see FIG. 3) as a ball detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the big prize opening is disposed inside the big prize opening (winning area).
Below the special variable winning device 38, there is provided an out port 39 for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port.

  Also, outside the game area 32 (for example, at the top of the game board 30), the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game that form the special figure fluctuation display game, and the winning for the normal figure start gate 34 are awarded. A collective display device 50 is provided for executing a universal map display game with a trigger at one location.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) 51 and a second special figure for a first special figure fluctuation display game configured by a 7-segment display (LED lamp) or the like. A second special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 2 display) 52 for a fluctuation display game is provided. In addition, a fluctuation display section (common figure display) for a general-purpose variable display game configured by LED lamps, a memory display section for informing the start memory number of each variable-display game also configured by LED lamps, and a game state There is provided an LED display unit 53 including a display unit for notifying, an error display unit for displaying an error, and a round display unit for displaying the number of rounds at the time of a big hit (the number of opening / closing of the special variable winning device 38).

  The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display is, for example, while the fluctuation display game is being executed, that is, while the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is being performed on the display device 41, Display blinking drive to indicate that it is changing. When the result of the game is “out of”, for example, the central segment is turned on as a result mode of out of game, and when the result of the game is “win”, the result of out of game (special result mode) is not. A game result is displayed with a result mode other than the result mode (for example, a number such as “3” or “7”) in a lit state.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launcher (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction change members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 32, and the normal start gate 34 and the general winning opening 35 The winning prize opening 36, the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the special variable prize winning device 38 is won, or it flows into the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 35, the start winning opening 36, the normal variation winning apparatus 37, or the special variable winning apparatus 38, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is awarded by the payout control apparatus 200. It is discharged from the controlled dispensing unit to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 12.

On the other hand, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) including a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. When a game ball that has been driven into the area 32 passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a and a usual figure change display game is played.
In addition, the normal variation display game cannot be started, for example, the normal variation display game has already been played and the normal variation display game has not been completed, When 37 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the general figure start gate 34, if it is less than the upper limit of the normal figure start memory number, the general figure start memory number is added (+1) and the general figure start memory number is increased. One figure start memory is stored. The number of memorized start prizes is displayed on the memory display unit for notifying the number of start prizes in the LED display unit 53 of the collective display device 50.

In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.
The general-purpose variable display game is executed by a variable display unit (standard map display) of the LED display unit 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (normal diagrams, normal symbols) in the lit state, and indicating a shift in the unlit state, and the normal identification information is displayed by blinking this LED. Fluctuation display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.

  Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, which is displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure change display game is a specific result, the pair of movable members 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). It becomes a state. This makes it easier for a game ball to win a second start winning opening inside the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the number of times the second special figure changing display game is executed increases.

  When the common random number value extracted at the time of detecting passage to the general figure start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the normal figure display of the LED display unit 53 stops in the winning state and enters the winning state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 37 is in a state in which the movable member 37b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3). It is converted and the winning of the game ball is allowed.

  The winning ball to the starting winning port 36 and the winning ball to the normal variation winning device 37 are respectively detected by the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a provided inside. The game ball that has won the start winning opening 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the first special figure variable display game, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4), and is awarded to the normal variable winning device 37. The played game balls are detected as start winning balls for the second special figure variation display game, and stored with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) as a limit.

  In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted. Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special chart start memory is displayed on the memory display section for notifying the start winning number of the collective display device 50 and also displayed on the display device 41 of the center case 40.

The game control device 100 is configured to display a special figure 1 display or a special figure 2 display (variation) provided in the collective display device 50 based on a winning at the start winning opening 36 or the normal variation winning award device 37, or their start memory. The first or second special figure variation display game is played on the display device.
The first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures, identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game for displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 41 is executed. ing.
As a result of the special figure variation display game, when the display form of the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display becomes a special result form, it becomes a big hit and a special game state (so-called big hit state). Become. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 is also a special result mode.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 41, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 performs a variable display game with a decorative special symbol corresponding to the number of special figure starting memories, and various effect displays such as the appearance of a character are performed to improve interest.

  Note that the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display game is not to be executed independently or simultaneously. Is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 may use different display devices and different display areas in the first special map variable display game and the second special map variable display game, or use the same display device and display area. However, the decoration special figure variation display game is displayed so as not to be executed independently or simultaneously. Further, the special game variable display game may be executed only by the display device 41 without providing the game machine 10 with the special map 1 display and the special map 2 display.

Further, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game. That is, if there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the second special figure fluctuation display game is It is supposed to be executed.
In addition, in the state where the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started and the number of start memories is zero, the start winning opening 36 (or the normal fluctuation prize winning device 37) is entered. When the game ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the first special figure variation display game (second special figure) is immediately added based on the start memory. (Variable display game) is started, and at this time, the start memory number is subtracted by one.

On the other hand, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the first or second special figure fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game has ended. If the game ball is won in the start winning opening 36 (or the normal variable prize winning device 37) in a state that is not in the special game state or in the special game state, the start memory number is 1 if the start memory number is less than the upper limit number. By adding, one start memory is stored. Then, in a state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started (the end of the previous special figure fluctuation display game or the special game state) (End), the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) is started based on the stored start memory.
In the following description, when the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, the count The switch 38a is a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that includes a magnetic detection coil and detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. Has been. A micro switch having a mechanical contact is used for the front frame opening detection switch 58 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10 and the game frame opening detection switch 59 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like. be able to.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) for comprehensively controlling games, and a gaming microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a gaming microcomputer) 111 is provided. The CPU unit 110 includes an input unit 120 having an input port, an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, and the like, and a data bus 140 connecting the CPU unit 110, the input unit 120, and the output unit 130.

  The CPU section 110 receives signals (starting winning detection signals) from a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and a proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 in the input section 120. An inversion circuit 112 composed of an inverter or the like that is logically inverted and input to the gaming microcomputer 111 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator are provided to generate a clock for a CPU operation clock, a timer interrupt, and a random number generation circuit. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 is included. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a predetermined level of DC voltage such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 so as to be operable. Is done.

  The power supply apparatus 400 includes a normal power supply including an AC-DC converter that generates the DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power source, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC 12V and DC 5V from the DC 32V voltage, and the like. Unit 410, backup power supply unit 420 for supplying power supply voltage to the internal RAM of gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch to inform gaming control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of power failure A control signal generation unit 430 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 100, that is, the main control device 100. You may comprise so that it may provide on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

  The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly, the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM is held even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when the voltage drops below 17V, for example, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

  The game microcomputer 111 constitutes a game control means for comprehensively controlling the game. Specifically, the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written as needed.

  The ROM 111B stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C stores a work area for the CPU 111A and various signals and random number values during game control. Used as As the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

In addition, the ROM 111B stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern that defines, for example, the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the production contents, and the presence or absence of the reach state.
The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine the variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. Further, the fluctuation pattern table includes a loss fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is lost, a big hit fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is per 15R or 2R, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a second half variation pattern table and a first half variation pattern table.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player (special gaming state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. This means a display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition for the special result mode.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on a display device corresponding to a special figure fluctuation display game fluctuates a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas on the display device. After displaying, when the display of the result mode is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle, the condition that becomes the special result mode is satisfied in the left and right variable display areas (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state in which the identification information is obtained (except for the special result mode) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state.

  This reach state includes a plurality of reach productions, and the possibility that a special result mode is derived (different reliability) includes normal reach, special 1 reach, special 2 reach, special 3 reach, Premier reach etc. are set. In addition, · BR> M reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premier reach. In addition, this reach state is included in a variable display mode at least in a case where a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). That is, when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when it is out of date), it may be included in the variable display mode. Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state that is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes a game control program in the ROM 111B, generates control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, and generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoid and the display device, thereby playing the gaming machine. 10 overall control is performed.
Although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 is a jackpot determining random number for the special figure variation display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol, a variation pattern in the special figure variation display game (various reach and reach). A random number generation circuit for generating a variation pattern random number for determining a variation display game in a variation display without a game), a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game, and the like from the oscillation circuit 113 Based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal), a clock generator is provided that generates a timer interrupt signal for a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A and a clock that gives the update timing of the random number generation circuit.

  Further, the CPU 111A acquires any one variation pattern table from among a plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as a state, the number of start memories, etc., one of the variation pattern tables is selected and acquired. To do.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. , Control for paying out a prize ball. In addition, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on the ball rental request signal from the card unit, and performs control for paying out the ball.

The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, and a general winning port. The switches 35a to 35n and the count switch 38a are connected via the relay terminal board 80, and a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches is input, and 0V-5V A proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 for converting the signal into a positive logic signal is provided.
Proximity I / F 121 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. It has a function of detecting an abnormal state, and is configured to output an abnormal signal when an abnormality is detected. In the proximity I / F 121, in order to realize such an abnormality detection function, a voltage comparison circuit (comparator) that compares an input voltage with a reference voltage as a predetermined determination level, and a determination result of the voltage comparison circuit as an abnormality signal An output circuit (driver) for outputting is provided.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3, all the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are supplied to the second input port 122 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140 and are not shown from the main board 100 via the relay board 70. It is designed to be supplied to the test test equipment. In addition, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are input to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 in addition to the second input port 122. It is configured. The inversion circuit 112 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 detects that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, the detection signal can be directly input to the gaming microcomputer 111 without providing the inverting circuit 112. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the gaming microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

Further, the input unit 120 includes a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36 converted by the proximity I / F 121, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, a gate switch 34a, and a general winning port switch. In addition to the second input port 122 that takes in signals from the count switches 38a and supplies them to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, a first input port 123 is provided.
The data held in the second input port 122 is read by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by decoding the address assigned to the second input port 122 by the gaming microcomputer 111. be able to.

In the first input port 123, a fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 56 provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10, a vibration sensor switch 57, a front frame opening detection provided on the glass frame 15 of the gaming machine 10, etc. A signal from a game frame open detection switch 59 provided on the switch 58 and the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like is sent via the relay terminal board 80 and a status signal indicating a payout abnormality from the payout control device 200 or before the payout. A shot ball cut switch signal indicating a lack of game balls and an overflow switch signal indicating an overflow are input. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).
Each signal held in the first input port 123 is read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140 by asserting the enable signal CE2 by decoding the address assigned to the first input port 123. It is configured as follows.

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 124 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 and the like. The circuit 124 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 400, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once inputted to the first input port 123 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 is limited.

On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test board. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70.
The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122 and 123 of the input unit 120. Data set to each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but each data of the input unit 120 is input immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 111 is reset.

The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs a 4-bit data signal output to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating validity / invalidity of the data, and a data strobe signal SSTB output to the effect control device 300. 1 and a second output port 132 for generating an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 by parallel communication.
In addition, the data strobe signal from the first output port 131 is input to the output unit 130 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control apparatus 100 from the side of the effect control apparatus 300, that is, in order to guarantee one-way communication. A unidirectional buffer 133 that outputs an 8-bit data signal from the SSTB and the second output port 132 is provided. A buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 via a relay board 70 for data indicating special symbol information of the variable display game to a test firing test apparatus of an accredited organization (not shown) and a signal indicating the probability status of jackpot. The output buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game store. A detection signal output from the proximity I / F 121, such as a start port switch, that is not required to be processed is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134.

  On the other hand, detection signals such as the magnetic sensor switch 56 and the vibration sensor switch 57 that cannot be supplied to the test firing test device as they are are once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. An error signal indicating that the control is not possible is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 134 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits a signal line of a switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. ing. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and is connected to the data bus 140 to open a special variation winning device 38 (a large winning opening solenoid) 38b and a solenoid (normal electric solenoid) 37c to open a movable member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37. The third output port 135 for outputting the opening / closing data of the LED and the ON / OFF data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected. A fourth output port 136 for outputting ON / OFF data of the segment line connected to the anode terminal, and a fifth output port 137 for outputting information related to the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 79 are provided. It has been. Information relating to the gaming machine 10 output from the external information terminal 79 is supplied to, for example, an information collection terminal installed in a game store or a game hall internal management device (not shown).

  Further, the output unit 130 receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135, and receives the solenoid driving signal and the opening / closing data signal of the power solenoid 37c to generate the solenoid driving signal. A first driver (drive circuit) 138a for outputting, a second driver 138b for outputting an on / off drive signal for a digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 outputted from the third output port 135, and a fourth output port 136 The external information signal supplied to the external device such as the management device from the third driver 138c and the fifth output port 137 for outputting the ON / OFF drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the external information A fourth driver 138d for outputting to the terminal 79 is provided.

  The first driver 138a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 138b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. The third driver 138c that outputs 12V causes a current to flow to the anode terminal of the LED via the segment line, and the second driver 138b that outputs the ground potential extracts the current via the segment line from the cathode terminal. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 79 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. Note that the buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output board 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be capable of bi-directional communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in the case of a general general-purpose microprocessor, and therefore, ports such as the input ports 122 and 123 are not provided.

Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG.
The production control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 composed of an amusement chip (IC) as with the game microcomputer 111, and a video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 that performs video control exclusively under the control of the 1st CPU 311. , VDP (Video Display Processor) 313 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the 2nd CPU 312 and various melody and sound effects are reproduced from the speakers 19a and 19b. The sound source LSI 314 for controlling the sound output is provided.

The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are connected to program ROMs 321 and 322 each composed of a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program executed by each CPU. Is connected to an image ROM 323 storing character images, video data, and a command list, and an audio ROM 324 storing audio data is connected to the sound source LSI 314.
The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 111, decides the contents of the presentation, instructs the video control microcomputer 312 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 314 about the reproduced sound. Then, processing such as lighting of the decoration lamp, motor drive control, and production time management is executed. RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are provided in the respective chips. Note that the RAM that provides the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are serially connected. Data transmission / reception is performed, and data transmission / reception is performed in parallel with the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the VDP 313. By transmitting and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the case of serial. The VDP 313 includes an ultrahigh-speed VRAM (video RAM) 305 used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 323, and a drawing circuit for drawing image data. 306, a display circuit 308 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method, and the like are provided. The VDP 313 will be described in detail later.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 313 to the main control microcomputer 311 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 41 and the lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the front frame 12 and the game board 30. In addition, the VDP 313 notifies the video control microcomputer 312 that it is waiting to receive an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 312 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT is input. Further, the video control microcomputer 312 receives from the main control microcomputer 311 a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 312 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 311 and the tone generator LSI 314 in order to transmit and receive commands and data in the handshake method.

  Note that the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 uses a CPU that is faster or more expensive than the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311. By providing a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 separately from the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 alone. It is possible to display on the display device 41, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are used. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to separately develop the control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of the new model.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 that receives the effect control command transmitted from the game control device 100. A variation start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 via the command I / F 331 are used as an effect control command signal. Receive. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 331 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control command is composed of 16 bits, and the 16-bit effect control command is transmitted as the 8-bit data bus and the strobe signal SSBT. ) And the latter half command (ACTION), the strobe signal SSBT is transmitted by rising twice, and the receiving side takes in the command in synchronization with the rising edge of the SSB.

  The effect control device 300 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 332 for driving and controlling a panel decoration device 42 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), and the front frame 12. Frame decoration LED control circuit 333 for driving and controlling a frame decoration device (for example, the frame decoration device 18 and the like) having LEDs (light emitting diodes) and board effects provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A board effect motor / SOL control circuit 334 for driving and controlling a device (for example, an electric accessory that enhances effect effects in cooperation with effect display on the display device 41), and a motor (for example, the moving device) provided on the front frame 12 A frame effect motor control circuit 335 for driving and controlling the light 45 is provided. Note that these control circuits 332 to 335 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 via an address / data bus 304.

  Further, the effect control device 300 includes an on / off state of a switch 25a built in the effect button 25 provided on the front frame 12 and an effect motor switch for detecting the initial position of the motor in the panel effect device 44. A switch input circuit 336 for detecting and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311; an amplifier circuit 337a including an audio power amplifier for driving an upper speaker 19a provided on the front frame 12; An amplifier circuit 337b for driving the lower speaker 19b is provided.

  The game control device 100 transmits a variation command (decoration symbol holding number command, decoration symbol designation command, variation pattern command), which will be described later, to the effect control device 300 in a predetermined order when the decoration special symbol variation display game is performed. Then, when receiving the variation command, the production control device 300 performs command analysis under the control of the 1st CPU 311, and as a result of the analysis, the decoration design 1 parameter information based on the design design 1 designation command and the design design 1 hold number command. The (decorative symbol information and number-of-holds information) is stored in the ornament symbol 1 parameter information storage area of the RAM of the 2nd CPU 312. It is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol 2 parameter information storage area.

  On the other hand, the command analysis is performed by the 1st CPU 311 for the variation pattern command among the variation commands. As a result of the analysis, the variation pattern command is transmitted to the 2nd CPU 312, and under the control of the 2nd CPU, the decoration symbol 1 or 2 parameter information is read from the ornament symbol 1 or 2 parameter information storage area, and the ornamental special symbol variation is performed by the VDP. Image processing in the display game is performed, and the display device 41 performs variable display of symbols in the decorative special figure variable display game.

  The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply apparatus 400 drives a motor or a solenoid to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control apparatus 300 having the above-described configuration and electronic components controlled thereby. DC32V for driving the display device 41 composed of a liquid crystal panel, DC5V serving as the power supply voltage for the command I / F 331, DC18V for driving the LED and speaker, and a reference for these DC voltages It is configured to generate a voltage of NDC 24V used to turn on the monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 or the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, DC 3. The effect control device 300 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3V or DC 1.2V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply apparatus 400 includes a main control microcomputer 311, a video control microcomputer 312, a VDP 313, a sound source LSI 314, control circuits 332 to 335 for driving and controlling lamps and motors, speakers, and the like. Are supplied to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b, which are in a reset state. In this embodiment, the general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 312 is used to generate and supply a reset signal to the VDP 313. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 312 and the VDP 313 can be improved.

Next, game control performed in the game control apparatus 100 will be described.
The CPU 111A of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number for determining the hit of the usual figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the usual figure start gate 34, and the ROM 111B. Is compared with the determination value stored in, and a process for determining whether or not the normal-game fluctuation display game is hit is performed. Then, in the LED display unit 53, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time, a process for displaying a general symbol variation display game to be stopped is performed. If the result of this general-purpose variable display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the LED display unit 53, the general-purpose solenoid 37c is operated, and the open / close members 37b and 37b of the normal variable prize-winning device 37 are operated for a predetermined time. The opening control is performed as described above (for example, for 0.3 seconds).
In addition, when the result of the normal map change display game is out of control, the LED display unit 53 is controlled to display the result form of out-of-game.

  Further, a start winning (starting memory) is stored based on an input of a detection signal of a game ball from a starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning port 36, and based on this start memory, the first special figure variation display game is stored. The random number value for jackpot determination is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process for determining whether or not the first special figure variation display game is missed is performed.

In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variation winning device 37, and based on this start memory, for the big hit determination of the second special figure variable display game A random number value is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the second special figure variation display game is missed is performed.
Then, the CPU 111 </ b> A of the game control device 100 outputs control information (production control command) including the determination results of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game to the presentation control device 300. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display of the collective display device 50, a process for displaying a special figure fluctuation display game to stop display is performed.

Further, the effect control device 300 performs a process of displaying a decoration special figure variation display game corresponding to the special figure variation display game on the display device 41 based on the control signal from the game control device 100.
Furthermore, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b, the process of controlling the light emission of various LEDs, and the like are performed.

Then, when the result of the special figure variation display game is a win, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays a special result mode on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display and generates a special game state. I do.
In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111A performs control to allow the game ball to flow into the special winning opening by, for example, opening the open / close door of the special variable winning apparatus 38 by the special winning opening solenoid 38b.

Then, a condition that either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the grand prize opening or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1 second) elapses from the opening of the big prize opening is achieved. Opening the grand prize opening until one is made is defined as one round, and control (cycle game) is performed to continue (repeat) this for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times).
When the result of the special figure variation display game is out of control, control is performed to display the result form of the deviation on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display.

In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a probability change state as a game state after the special game state ends based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game.
This probability variation state is a state (high probability state) in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. In addition, the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game, regardless of which one of the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game results in a certain variation state. Both display games are in a probable state.

In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a short time state as a game state after the special game state is ended based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game.
In this time-short state, control is performed so that the normal-variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 are in the time-short operation state. Specifically, in the short-time state, the execution time of the above-described usual-variable display game is controlled to be a second variable display time shorter than the first variable display time (for example, 10 seconds is 1 second). Thus, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled to be substantially increased. Further, in the short time state, when the normal variation winning device 37 is released as a result of the normal variation display game being won, the release time becomes a second release time longer than the first release time in the normal state. (For example, 0.3 seconds is 1.7 seconds). In the short-time state, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 is not the first opening number of one time but a plurality of times of two or more times (for example, (3 times) the second number of times of opening.

It should be noted that the execution time of the normal variation display game is set to the second variation display time (for example, 1 second), and the release mode of the normal variation winning device 37 is the second release time (for example, 1.7). Second), and the number of times of opening with respect to one hit result of the normal variation display game is the second number of times of opening (for example, 3 times), either one or both may be performed. May be. In the short-time operation state, control may be performed so that the probability of a hit result of the normal-variable display game is higher than that in the normal operation state.
As a result, the game ball can easily win the normal variation winning device 37, and the second special figure variation display game can be easily started.
In addition, the time variation operation state of the probability variation state, the normal variation display game, and the normal variation prize winning device 37 can be generated independently, and both can be generated at the same time, or only one can be generated. Is possible.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the gaming microcomputer (gaming microcomputer) 111 of the gaming control apparatus 100 that executes gaming control as described above will be described. The control processing by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly includes main processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 7 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing]
First, the main process will be described. The main process is started when the power is turned on. In this main process, as shown in FIG. 5, an interrupt vector setting process (step S1) for setting a jump destination vector address to be executed when an interrupt occurs is first performed after an interrupt prohibition process (step S1). S2), a stack pointer setting process (step S3) for setting a stack pointer that is the start address of an area in which a value of a register or the like is saved when an interrupt occurs, and an interrupt mode setting process (step S4) for setting an interrupt processing mode. )I do.

  Next, in order to wait for the program of the payout control apparatus (payout board) 200 to start up normally, for example, a time of 4 msec is waited (step S5). As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 rises first and sends the command to the payout control device 200 before the payout control device 200 starts up, thereby avoiding the payout control device 200 from losing the command. be able to. Thereafter, access to a readable / writable RWM (read / write memory: RAM 111C) such as a RAM or EEPROM is permitted, and all output ports are set to OFF (no output) (steps S6 and S7). In addition, the serial port ((port previously installed in the gaming microcomputer 111) is not used in this embodiment because it is in parallel communication with the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300). Processing is performed (step S8).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the initialization switch in the power supply device 400 is turned on (step S9). If it is determined that the initialization switch is off (step S9; No), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (step S10). (Step S11; Yes), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (Step S12). Next, if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (step S13; Yes), the checksum of the predetermined area in the RWM is calculated (step S14), and the calculated checksum and the checksum at the time of power interruption are calculated. Compare (step S15) and determine whether they match (step S16). And when it corresponds (step S16; Yes), it transfers to step S17 of FIG. 6, and performs the process at the time of recovering normally from a power failure.

  When the initialization switch is determined to be on (step S9; Yes), or when it is determined that the check data in the power failure inspection area is not normal data (step S11; No or step S13; No), the checksum Is determined to be not normal (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. 6 to perform initialization processing.

  In step S17 of FIG. 6, all the power failure inspection areas are cleared, the checksum area is cleared (step S18), and the area related to error and fraud monitoring is reset (step S19). Next, an area for storing the gaming state in the RWM is examined to determine whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (step S20). If it is determined that the probability is not high (step S20; No), steps S21 and S22 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the probability is high (step S20; Yes), the ON information is saved in the high probability notification flag area (step S21), and the high probability notification LED (for example, provided in the batch display device 50) The ON (lighted) data of the error indicator is saved in the segment area (step S22). And the process (step S23) which transmits the command at the time of the power recovery corresponding to the process number prepared in order to rationally perform the below-mentioned special figure game process is performed (step S23), and it progresses to step S29 .

On the other hand, when jumping from step S9, S11, S13, S16 to step S24, all work areas before the access prohibited area are cleared (step S24), and all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared. (Step S25), the initial value upon power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (Step S26). And the time value of the period which outputs the external information regarding RWM clear is set (step S27), the command at the time of power-on is transmitted to the effect control apparatus 300 (step S28), and it progresses to step S29. In step S29, a process of starting a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) is performed.

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator divides an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113, and a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A based on the divided signal. And a CTC circuit for generating a signal CTC that gives a trigger for updating a random number to be supplied to the random number generation circuit.

After the CTC activation process in step S29, a process for activating and setting the random number generation circuit is performed (step S30). Specifically, the CPU 111A performs setting of a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Then, the values of the predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are changed to various initial value random numbers (random numbers for determining the big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, big hit symbol random number 2) Then, after saving the initial value (start value) of a random number (winning random number) for determining the normal hit in a predetermined area of the RWM (step S31), the interruption is permitted (step S32). CPU used in this embodiment
Since the random number generation circuit in 111A is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register changes every time the power is turned on, this value can be used as an initial value (start value) of various initial value random numbers by software. It is possible to break the regularity of the generated random numbers and make it difficult for a player to obtain an illegal random number.

  Subsequently, an initial value random number update process (step S33) is performed to update the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers. In the present embodiment, although not particularly limited, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number (big hit random number) generated in a random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number is a soft random number generated by software.

  After the initial value random number update process in step S33, the number of times the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply 400 is read and checked via the port and the data bus is set (step S34), and the power failure monitoring signal is ON. It is determined whether or not there is (step S35). If the power failure monitoring signal is not ON (step S35; No), the process returns to the initial value random number update process (step S33). That is, when no power failure has occurred, the initial value random number update processing and the power failure monitoring signal check (loop processing) are repeated. By permitting an interrupt before the initial value random number update process (step S33) (step S32), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is executed with priority, and the timer interrupt Can be prevented from being interrupted by waiting for the initial value random number update process.

  Note that the initial value random number update process in step S33 includes a method of performing an initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. In order to avoid execution of the value random number update process, when performing the initial value random number update process in the main process, it is necessary to disable the interrupt and then update to cancel the interrupt. If the initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process is not performed in the main process and only the main process is performed, there is no problem even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is an advantage that it is simplified.

  If the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes), it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is in the ON state for the number of checks set in step S34 (step S36). And when the ON state of the power failure monitoring signal is not continued for the number of checks (step S36; No), the process returns to the determination of whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes). Further, when the power failure monitoring signal is ON for the number of checks (step S36; Yes), that is, when it is determined that a power failure has occurred, processing for temporarily prohibiting interruption (step S37), all A process of outputting OFF data to the output port (step S38) is performed.

  Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (step S39), and the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (step S40). Further, after performing the process of calculating the checksum when the RWM is turned off (step S41) and the process of saving the checksum (step S42), the process of prohibiting access to the RWM (step S43) is performed. Wait until the gaming machine is powered off. In this way, the check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area and the checksum at the time of power shutdown is calculated, so that whether or not the information stored in the RWM before the power shutdown is correctly backed up can be checked. This can be determined when the power is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 7 is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, a register saving process (step S51) is performed in which a value held in a predetermined register is first transferred to the RWM. In the Z80 microcomputer used as the gaming microcomputer in this embodiment, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register. Next, an input process (step S52) for taking in inputs from various sensors (start port 1 switch 36a, start port 2 switch 37a, usual gate switch 34a, count switch 38a, etc.), that is, reading the state of each input port. )I do. Then, based on the output data set in various processes, an output process (step S53) for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening SOL38b, general electric power SOL37c) and the like is performed.

  Next, a command transmission process (step S54), a random number update process 1 (step S55), and a random number update process 2 (steps) for outputting commands set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 300, the payout control device 200, and the like. S56) is performed. Thereafter, it is monitored whether there is a signal input from the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the usual gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a... 35n, and the count switch 38a. A switch monitoring process for updating the winning ball counter to be performed (step S57) is performed. Also, a special figure game process (step S58) for performing a process relating to the special figure variation display game and a general figure game process (step S59) for performing a process relating to the common figure variation display game are performed.

  Next, a segment LED editing process (step S60) that is provided in the gaming machine 10 and that drives a segment LED that displays various types of information related to display of special figure variation games and games as a ball detection switch. An error monitoring process (step S61) is performed in which detection signals from the prize opening switches 35a to 35n, the count switch 38a, and the like are checked to determine whether there is any abnormality. Then, external information editing processing (step S62) is performed in which signals to be output to various external devices are set in the output buffer. Subsequently, a process of clearing the interrupt request and declaring the end of the interrupt (step S63), a process of restoring the register data saved in step S51 (step S64), and a process of permitting the interrupt (step S64) Step S65) is performed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated. The error monitoring process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

[Input processing]
Next, details of the input process (step S42) in the timer interrupt process described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8A, in the input process, first, parameter preparation for reading the state of the detection signal of the switch taken into the input port 1, that is, the first input port 123 is performed (step S421). Then, a switch reading process is performed (step S422).
Subsequently, after preparing a parameter for reading the state of the signal taken into the input port 2, that is, the second input port 122 (step S423), the switch reading process (step S424) is executed. Thus, since the signal of the input port 1 is read after the signal of the input port 1 is read, a delay occurs.

[Switch read processing]
Next, details of the switch reading process (steps S422 and S424) in the above-described input process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8B, in the switch reading process, first, the input port specified by the parameter prepared in step S422 or S424, that is, the first input port 123 or the second input port 122 is fetched. The state of the received signal is read (step S251). If there is an unused bit in the 8-bit port, the bit state is cleared (step S252). Subsequently, the read state of the input port 1 or 2 is saved (stored) in the port input state 1 of the switch control area 1 or 2 in the RWM (step S253). Then, it waits for the delay time (0.1 ms) until the second reading to elapse (step S254).

  When the delay time (0.1 ms) elapses, a second reading of the state of the signal taken into the first input port 123 or the second input port 122 is performed (step S255). If there is an unused bit in the 8-bit port, the bit state is cleared (step S256). Subsequently, the read state of input port 1 or input port 2 is saved (stored) in port input state 2 of switch control area 1 or 2 (step S257). Then, a bit, that is, a signal changed by the first reading and the second reading is detected (step S258).

  Thereafter, a bit that can be determined by the current two readings, that is, the processing of steps S251 to S258 is extracted (step S259). On the other hand, for bits that cannot be determined by two readings, the values read in the switch reading process at the previous interruption are extracted (step S260). As a result, it is possible to obtain a signal state from which noise due to chattering of the switch or the like is removed. Next, the values extracted in steps S259 and S260 are combined and saved in the RWM as the final state of the reading process (step S261). Thereafter, a bit whose definite state has changed to a high level is detected, saved in the RWM as detection of the rising edge of the corresponding signal, and the switch reading process is terminated (step S262).

  When the timer interrupt cycle is short (for example, 2 ms), the switch reading is performed once for each interrupt processing, and the signal changes by comparing the result with the previous reading. There is a method for determining whether or not the switch has been made. However, if the switch state read by the previous interrupt is lost before the next interrupt processing, the correct determination may not be made. On the other hand, it is possible to avoid the above-described problems by performing the switch reading process twice in one interrupt process at a predetermined time difference as in the present embodiment.

  Next, the ball detection switch used in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The ball detection switch 60 according to the present embodiment is a magnetic proximity sensor including a coil that detects a change in a magnetic field due to a game ball made of a magnetic material. As shown in FIG. 9A, a magnetic material exists in the vicinity. However, the coil 61 in which the inductance value L changes, the detection circuit 62 for detecting the change in the inductance value L of the coil 61, and an external terminal to which the power supply voltage terminal and the ground terminal of the detection circuit 62 are connected. A V + terminal 63 and a V− terminal 64 and a Zener diode 65 and a transistor 66 connected in series between the terminals 63 and 94 are provided, and these components are sealed in a resin package.

  The Zener diode 65 is an element for guaranteeing a minimum operating voltage necessary for the detection circuit 62 to operate by the Zener voltage Vz. The detection circuit 62 can be configured by a circuit that forms an LC resonance type oscillation circuit together with the coil 61, and an oscillation detection circuit that includes, for example, a low-pass filter that detects whether the oscillation circuit is oscillating. The oscillation detection circuit 62 outputs a high level signal when there is no magnetic material, ie, a game ball in the vicinity of the coil 61, and outputs a low level signal when there is a game ball. Is done. The output of the detection circuit 62 is applied to the base terminal of the transistor 66, and the transistor 66 is turned on or off according to the output of the detection circuit 62.

  As can be seen from FIG. 9A, the transistor 66 is an open collector transistor whose collector is connected to the V + terminal 63 via the diode 65. Therefore, in the proximity sensor of this embodiment, the V + terminal 63 is connected to the power supply voltage terminal Vsw via the pull-up resistor 67. Thereby, when the detection circuit 62 detects that there is no game ball in the vicinity of the coil 61 and outputs a high level signal, the transistor 66 is turned on and the pull-up resistor 67 draws a large current, thereby The potential of the V + terminal 63 is low.

  When the detection circuit 62 detects the presence of a game ball in the vicinity of the coil 61 and outputs a low level signal, the transistor 66 is turned off and the current flowing through the pull-up resistor 67 is reduced. The potential of the V + terminal 63 becomes high. Accordingly, the inter-terminal voltage Vout of the sensor changes according to the presence or absence of a game ball as shown in FIG. 9C. Therefore, the presence or absence of a game ball, that is, approach / separation can be detected by monitoring the voltage Vout between the terminals of the sensor by the control device.

  The resistance value Rp of the pull-up resistor 67 is the voltage drop of the resistor 67 at that time, that is, the voltage of the V + terminal 63 due to IHi · Rp when the current flowing into the V + terminal 63 when the transistor 66 is turned on is IHi. The potential (= Vsw−IHi · Rp) is set to be lower than a predetermined determination level VL. If the current flowing into the V + terminal 63 when the transistor 66 is turned off (= the operating current of the detection circuit 62) is ILo, the determination level VH is generated by the voltage drop of the resistor 67 at that time, that is, ILo · Rp. It is set to a value lower than the potential of the V + terminal 63 (= Vsw−ILo · Rp).

Next, a determination method in the gaming machine of the present embodiment using the output voltage Vout of the proximity switch having the above characteristics will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 show the potential of the input voltage Vin and various determination levels of the circuit that receives the signal from the proximity switch described above.
In the determination operation on the side of the circuit receiving the signal from the proximity switch (for example, the proximity I / F 121 in FIG. 3), the determination level VL for detecting “no ball” and the determination level for detecting “ball present” In addition to VH, a disconnection determination level Vop having a potential higher than the determination level VH and lower than the power supply voltage Vsw and a short circuit determination level Vsh for detecting a short circuit between the V + terminal and the V− terminal are provided. . For example, when the power supply voltage Vsw is set to 12V, Vop is set to 11.5V, VH is set to 10V, VL is set to 7.0V, and Vsh is set to values such as 4.0V.

  Specifically, for example, if a disconnection occurs at a location as indicated by reference symbol A in FIG. 9, no current flows into the detection circuit 62 or the transistor 66 in the proximity switch 60. ) Has a high input impedance, almost no current flows through the pull-up resistor 67. Therefore, since the input voltage Vin of the determination circuit (proximity I / F 121) becomes a potential close to the power supply voltage Vsw as in the period T2 in FIG. 10A, the disconnection determination level is higher than the “sphere present” determination level VH. By providing Vop, the disconnection state can be detected.

  If a short circuit occurs between the V + terminal and the V− terminal, the input voltage Vin of the determination circuit (proximity I / F 121) is equal to the ground potential GND (0V) as in the period T3 in FIG. ), A short-circuit state can be detected by providing a disconnection determination level Vsh lower than the “no sphere” determination level VL. The period T1 in FIG. 10A is the potential of the input voltage Vin in the detection state with a sphere, and the periods other than the periods T1, T2, and T3 are the potential of the input voltage Vin in the detection state without a sphere when the sensor is normal.

  In the present embodiment, the potential of the input voltage Vin in the sphere presence detection state is set to a high level for the following reason. That is, when considering the case where the power supply voltage drops momentarily due to the influence of the light source (hereinafter referred to as “power supply interruption”), if the potential in the sphere presence detection state is low level, the sensor (proximity switch) ) To the low level of the output is very fast, and there is a risk of determining that there is a ball when the voltage drops due to a momentary power interruption. On the other hand, if the potential in the sphere presence detection state is set to a high level, even if the power supply voltage temporarily drops due to a momentary power interruption and the output of the sensor (proximity switch) changes to a low level, This is because it is not determined that there is a ball.

  In addition, in the open collector output format, if the potential in the sphere presence detection state is set to a high level, the potential of the signal line L1 is abrupt due to the time constant of the pull-up resistor 67 even if noise is added to the power supply voltage. Therefore, it is not erroneously determined that there is a sphere due to noise. In other words, it is possible to reverse the logic and set the potential of the sphere presence detection state to a low level. However, if this is done, a pull-up resistor against the change of the potential of the signal line L1 in the falling direction. Therefore, the input voltage Vin is likely to change toward the low level due to noise and the possibility of erroneous detection increases. However, by setting the potential in the detection state with a sphere to such a high level, The trouble can be avoided.

  Next, malfunction caused by half-insertion of the connector and countermeasures for preventing it will be described. Conventionally, in gaming machines, the cable end as a signal line for transmitting the detection signal of the proximity switch has been connected to the board via a connector. Therefore, in a system in which a pull-up resistor as shown in FIG. 9A is provided on the board, if the connector is in the half-inserted state, it normally becomes the same state as the disconnection when the terminal is separated, and the above disconnection Although it is detected by the determination level Vop, if the time that the terminal is separated is short, as in the period T4 shown in FIG. 10 (B), the disconnection detection level Vop is exceeded but exceeds the determination level VH. When a signal having such a waveform is input, the control board may erroneously determine that a plurality of ball detection signals have been input and output a plurality of ball payout command signals. There is.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, a relay terminal board to which a first cable serving as a signal line that includes the pull-up resistor and transmits the detection signal of the proximity switch is connected is provided, and the relay terminal board is interposed therebetween. Thus, a pull-down resistor is provided on the control board to which the second cable as a signal line for transmitting a signal to the control device side is connected. As a result, even if the connector of the second cable is in the half-inserted state, the input voltage Vin of the determination circuit (proximity I / F 121 in FIG. 3) is determined as a short circuit as in the period T5 shown in FIG. Since the waveform crosses the level Vsh and does not repeatedly cross the “no-sphere” determination level VL, it can be prevented from being erroneously determined as a detection signal with a sphere, and the waveform crosses the short-circuit determination level Vsh. This makes it possible to determine that there is an abnormality.

  Note that the connector of the first cable is unlikely to be half-inserted from the first, and it also makes it difficult to intentionally make a half-insertion by providing the relay terminal board on the back of the control board. It is possible to make it difficult for a waveform such as the period T4 shown in FIG. Therefore, a countermeasure for preventing the erroneous determination of the presence of a ball as a result of the connector of the second cable being half inserted as described above is effective. The reason will be described in a specific example later.

  Next, frauds caused by radio waves and countermeasures for preventing them in this embodiment will be described. Some sensors have been provided with sensors for detecting unauthorized radio waves in order to prevent fraud due to radio waves. However, in the discrimination circuit that uses the proximity switch and the sphere detection method as described above and detects the presence of a sphere based on the signal from the sphere detection switch, a signal input to the determination circuit when a radio wave is irradiated toward the proximity switch Since the level exceeds the disconnection detection level Vop, fraud can be detected without providing a sensor for detecting unauthorized radio waves.

  However, when the irradiation time of the illegal radio wave is short, as shown in FIG. 11, there is a signal that does not exceed the disconnection detection level Vop although the level of the signal input to the determination circuit exceeds the “with sphere” determination level VH. It has been found that if such short-time radio wave irradiation is repeated, it may be detected that there is a sphere when it coincides with the detection timing t0. Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the above-described complete illegality is achieved by devising the input port to which the signal data from the sphere detection switch is input and the data read timing of the port. Even if radio wave irradiation is performed, it can be determined that the detection signal is abnormal.

In the following, a specific embodiment will be described in which a countermeasure for preventing malfunction by half-insertion of a connector and a countermeasure for preventing illegality by radio wave gotten are taken.
FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of the connection method of the sphere detection switch and the detection method of the detection signal. In FIG. 12, reference numerals 60a, 60b,... 60h are attached to a ball detection switch using an open collector output proximity switch having the above-described configuration, 80 is a relay terminal board, and each ball detection switch 60a, 60h... 60h are connected to the relay terminal board 80 by independent cables 71a, 71b... 71h, and further connected to the game control device 100 by a second cable 72 having a plurality of signal lines.

  The reason why the independent cables 71a, 71b... 71h are used as the switch-side cables is that the ball detection switches 60a, 60b... 60h are provided at different positions on the game board. In the present embodiment, connectors 81a, 81b,... 81h connectable to the connectors 73a, 73b,... 73h at the ends of the cables 71a, 71b,. Connector 82 to which the side connector 74 can be connected, signal lines 83a, 83b... 83h made of printed wiring connecting the connectors 81a, 81b... 81h and the connector 82, and ground lines for applying a ground potential to each connector. 84a and 84b are provided.

  The connector 74 on the start end side of the second cable 72 and the connector 82 on the relay terminal board 80 are integrated connectors common to a plurality of signals. The reason why the integrated connector is used is that the connection work is easier than when separate connectors are used. However, when such an integrated connector is used, there is a problem that a half-inserted state is likely to occur because the insertion resistance is larger than when using independent connectors such as connectors 81a, 81b,. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to make it possible to detect the half-inserted state, the pull-up resistors Rp1, Rp1 connected between the signal lines 83a, 83b,... 83h and the power supply voltage terminal VSW are connected to the relay terminal board 80. Rp2... Rp8 is provided. The pull-up resistors Rp1, Rp2,... Rp8 have been conventionally provided on the game control device 100 side.

  On the board of the game control device 100, an integrated connector 94 that can be connected to the connector 77 on the terminal end side of the second cable 72 is provided. The connector 94 and an interface chip for a proximity switch (proximity I / F) There are provided signal lines 91a, 91b,... 91h made of printed wiring connecting the input terminals A1, A2,. Pull-down resistors Rd1, Rd2,... Rd8 connected between the signal lines 91a, 91b,... 91h and the ground terminal GND are provided.

  Further, ICs constituting the input ports 122 and 123 (see FIG. 3) are mounted on the board of the game control apparatus 100, and the output terminals Y1, Y2... Y8 of the proximity I / F 121 and the input port 122 are mounted. Are provided with signal lines 92a, 92b,... 92h made of printed wiring for connecting the input terminals A1, A2,. Therefore, the proximity I / F 121 functions as a detection information transmission unit. The proximity I / F 121 has a function of detecting an abnormality of the input signal and an error terminal E that outputs a signal notifying the abnormality, and a signal line that connects the error terminal E and the input terminal A1 of the input port 123. 92i is provided. Since the output of the proximity I / F 121 is an open collector, a pull-up resistor group PR3 connected between the signal lines 92a, 92b... 92i and the power supply voltage terminal Vcc is provided.

  Further, signal lines 93a, 93b... 93h for inputting signals from other detection switches (not shown) such as the front frame opening detection switch 58 in FIG. 3 to the input terminals A2, A3. Is also provided. The output terminals Y1, Y2,... Y8 of the input ports 122, 123 are connected to the signal lines of the data bus 140, and the CPU 111A (FIG. 3) of the gaming microcomputer 111 receives the data of each port via the data bus 140. It can be read out. CE1 and CE2 are chip enable signals generated by decoding addresses assigned to the input ports 122 and 123, and an IC (port) in which the chip enable signal is set to a valid level receives data on the data bus 140. Is controlled to output. Although not particularly limited, TL-PP153 is used for the sphere detection switch 60, 2STB155PP is used for the proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121, 74HC244 is used for the input ports 122 and 123, and the like. Can be considered.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the relay terminal board 80 is provided with the pull-up resistors Rp1, Rp2,... Rp8, and the game controller 100 is provided with the pull-down resistors Rd1, Rd2,. Therefore, even if the connector 74 on the start end side or the connector 77 on the end end side of the second cable 72 is half-inserted or improperly half-inserted, the input voltage Vin of the proximity I / F 121 as the determination circuit is As in the period T5 shown in FIG. 10B, the waveform crosses the short circuit determination level Vsh lower than the “no sphere” determination level VL, so that it can be determined as abnormal. Even when the second cable 72 is disconnected, an abnormality can be determined by the input voltage Vin of the proximity I / F 121 becoming the ground potential.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, in a gaming machine having a gaming area provided with a winning opening, and a game control device that gives a player a specific gaming value in accordance with the winning of a game ball to the winning opening.
A ball detection unit that outputs a voltage level within a predetermined range when a game ball won in the winning opening is detected, and a relay board that relays a signal between the ball detection unit and the game control device,
The game control device has a game control means for comprehensively controlling a game, and a winning signal that can specify whether or not a game ball has won a prize based on a voltage level output from the ball detecting means. A detection information transmission means for outputting to the game control means, and a signal line connecting the ball detection means and the game control means to a pull-up resistor for applying a predetermined voltage to the ball detection means When the electrical connection between the game control device and the relay board is cut off, the detection information transmission means is connected to the signal wiring connecting the relay board and the detection information transmission means. A pull-down resistor for holding the voltage level input to the game ball at a voltage level at which the game ball is not detected is connected, the pull-up resistor is disposed on the relay board, and the pull-down resistor is connected to the game control It can be seen that contains invention to arrange the device.

  According to the invention as described above, when the electrical connection between the game control device and the relay board is cut off in the signal wiring connecting the relay board and the detection information transmission means, Since a pull-down resistor for holding the voltage level input to the detection information transmission means at a voltage level at which the game ball is not detected is connected, the ball detection means for detecting the game ball won in the winning opening Even when a contact failure or disconnection occurs in wiring or the like, an erroneous game ball winning detection signal is not input to the game control means, so that incorrect game value can be prevented from being given. At the same time, it is possible to prevent a goth act of receiving a payout of a game ball as a game value by operating the signal line of the ball detection sensor.

  FIG. 13 shows a first modification of the first embodiment. In the first modification, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, an abnormal signal output from the error terminal E of the proximity I / F 121 is input to the input terminal A1 of the input port 123. It is configured to input to A8. Thus, by inputting the abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 to the same input port 122 as the input port to which the detection signals from the ball detection switches 60a, 60b,. The read timing of the signal state by the CPU and the read timing of the state of the abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 are the same. As a result, there is an advantage that it is easier to detect fraud due to radio wave goto.

  That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 12 in which an abnormal signal from the proximity I / F 121 is input to the input port 123, the read timings t1 and t2 of the input port 122 and the input port 123 are as shown in FIG. Because of the difference, the reading timing of the detection signal of the sphere and the abnormal signal are also different, so that illegal radio waves are irradiated before and after the read timing t1 of the input port 122, and the illegal radio waves are not irradiated at the read timing t2 of the input port 123. By doing so, it is possible to avoid being detected as an error. Since the reading of the sphere detection signal is executed in the input process S52 of the timer interrupt process of FIG. 7, the read timing of the input port is periodically generated in response to the timer interrupt clock.

  On the other hand, in the first modification of FIG. 13, since the abnormal signal is input to the same input port as the detection signal of the sphere, as shown in FIG. Since the reading timing of the abnormal signal is the same, even if an illegal radio wave is irradiated to the proximity switch and the ball detection signal is output, it is detected as an error and the prize ball can be prevented from being paid out. The number of sphere detection signals that can be input to the input port 122 in this modification is one less than the number of sphere detection signals that can be input to the input port 122 in the embodiment of FIG.

  Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, the proximity I / F 121 as the detection information transmission unit can detect an abnormality based on the voltage level input from the signal wiring electrically connected to the sphere detection unit. The game control device includes a plurality of input port circuits that collectively output a plurality of input signals to the game control means based on an instruction from the game control means. And the abnormality signal and the winning signal output from the detection information transmitting means are input to the same input port circuit, and the game control means sets the winning signal and the abnormal signal to the same The invention is obtained from the same input port circuit at the same timing.

  According to the above invention, even when the game control device includes a plurality of input port circuits, the abnormal signal and the winning signal output from the detection information transmitting means are input to the same input port circuit, Since the control means is configured to detect the abnormal signal (detection SW abnormality) in synchronization with the detection of the winning signal, the winning signal generated due to the abnormality of the ball detecting means or the signal transmission path can be reliably detected. Can do. In addition, it is possible to prevent an erroneous game value from being given, and to prevent a goth act of receiving a game ball as a game value by operating a signal line of a ball detection sensor. it can.

  FIG. 15 shows a second modification of the first embodiment. In the second modification example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, an abnormal signal output from the error terminal E of the proximity I / F 121 is input to the input terminal A1 of the input port 123. This is configured to input to both A8 and the input terminal A8 of the input port 123. Similarly to the first modification, this modification also inputs an abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 to the same input port 122 as the input port to which the detection signals from the sphere detection switches 60a, 60b,. By doing so, the timing of reading the state of the signal by the CPU via the data bus is the same as the timing of reading the state of the abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121, which makes it easier to detect fraud due to radio waves. There are advantages.

  In addition, when an abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 is also input to the input port 123 to which a signal from another detection switch that does not pass through the proximity I / F is input, a detection signal due to fraud or abnormality is generated. There is an advantage that it becomes easier to detect. Further, since the abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 is input to A8 at the same input terminal of the input ports 122 and 123, the monitoring process of the abnormal signal related to the input ports 122 and 123 can be simplified. There is also an advantage that the scale of the program can be reduced.

  Accordingly, in the above embodiment, the signal output from the proximity I / F 121 as the detection information transmission means includes a plurality of winning signals corresponding to the plurality of ball detection means, and is output from the detection information transmission means. When the winning signal is input to a plurality of input port circuits, the abnormal signal is transmitted to all the input port circuits to which the winning signal is transmitted. The invention includes acquiring the winning signal and the abnormal signal at the same timing for each input port circuit.

  And according to the said invention, even when the winning signal from a ball | bowl detection means is transmitted to the several input port of a game control apparatus, it is detected information transmission means to all the input port circuits to which a winning signal is transmitted. Since the output abnormal signal is transmitted, an abnormal signal (detected SW abnormality) is detected in synchronization with the detection of the winning signal. Therefore, the winning signal generated by the abnormality of the ball detecting means or the signal transmission path is detected. It can be detected reliably. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wrong game value from being given, and to prevent the act of receiving the game ball as the game value by operating the signal line of the ball detection sensor. be able to.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a specific procedure of the error monitoring process S61 in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 7 executed by the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device.
In this error monitoring process, first, the number of repetitions is set to “2” (step S611). Next, a switch control area allocated in the RAM for storing data indicating the state of each input signal of the input ports 122 and 123 (the rising edge of the port read in steps S422 and S424 in FIG. 8 is stored). Is set (step S612). Then, the value of the input port corresponding to the switch control area in which the head address is set is acquired (step S613), and the abnormality detection which is the input of A8 is performed by taking the logical product of the acquired value and the binary code “10000000”. Bit Y8 is extracted (step S614). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality (step S615).

If it is determined in step S615 that there is no abnormality (= No), the process proceeds to step S616, the address of the switch control area set in step S612 is updated (+1), and the number of repetitions set in step S611 is subtracted. (-1) is performed (step S617).
In the next step S618, it is determined whether or not the number of repetitions is “0”. If it is determined that the number of repetitions is not “0” (= No), the process returns to step S613 and the above processing is repeated to be “0” (= If it is determined Yes, the error monitoring process is terminated. The input port 1 is monitored when the number of repetitions is “2”, and the input port 2 is monitored when the number of repetitions is “1”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S615 that there is an abnormality (= Yes), that is, if at least one abnormality detection bit Y8 of the input ports 122 and 123 indicates an abnormality (= 1), the process proceeds to step S619. After preparing the notification command, the command setting process (step S620) is executed to transmit the abnormality notification command to the effect control device 300, and the error monitoring process ends. If it is determined in step S615 that there is an abnormality (= Yes), the monitoring timer is activated. If an abnormality is repeatedly detected over a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S619, and an abnormality notification command is transmitted. Abnormality notification may be performed.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, the game microcomputer 111 as the game control means includes a work area capable of storing information necessary for game control, and the work area is arranged and detected so that addresses are continuous. And a signal storage area for storing the winning signal and the abnormal signal for each of the plurality of input port circuits, and when the abnormal signal is input to the plurality of input port circuits, all of the abnormal signals are transmitted. In the input port circuit of the present invention, the invention is configured such that the abnormal signal is transmitted to the same bit.
According to this invention, when an abnormal signal is input to a plurality of input port circuits, the abnormal signal is transmitted to the same bit in all input port circuits to which the abnormal signal is transmitted. In this case, since the determination value defining the monitoring bit can be used in common, the program can be simplified.

17 and 18 show a second embodiment of the detection method of the detection signal from the sphere detection switch.
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, a latch circuit 125 including a flip-flop (D-FF) capable of latching an abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 error terminal E is provided. The output of 125 is input to the input terminal A1 of the input port 123. Therefore, in this embodiment, the latch circuit 125 functions as an abnormal signal holding unit. Although not particularly limited, it is conceivable to use 74HC273 or the like for the latch circuit.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the other input terminals A2 to A8 of the input port 123 are fixed to the ground potential. However, similarly to the embodiment, the configuration is such that detection signals from other switches are input. May be. Similarly to FIG. 15, the abnormal signal E output from the proximity I / F 121 may be input to the same input terminal A8 of the input ports 122 and 123. The latch circuit 125 that latches the abnormal signal E is cleared by a clear signal supplied from the CPU when power is turned on or when an error is recovered.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 12 in which the abnormal signal from the proximity I / F 121 is input to the input port 123, as shown in FIG. 18A, the read timings t1 and t2 of the input port 122 and the input port 123 are shown. Therefore, the reading timing of the detection signal of the sphere and the abnormal signal are also different, and illegal radio waves are irradiated before and after the reading timing t1 of the input port 122, and the illegal radio waves are not irradiated at the reading timing t2 of the input port 123. By doing so, it is possible to avoid being detected as an error.

  On the other hand, when the second embodiment of FIG. 17 is applied, the abnormal signal is latched by the latch circuit 125 and the output signal is input to the input port 123, so that FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the abnormal signal becomes high level also at the read timing t2 of the input port 123. Therefore, even if an unauthorized radio wave is irradiated to the proximity switch in synchronization with the read timing t1 of the input port 122 and an unauthorized ball detection signal is output, the error can be detected by the CPU. Further, even when an improper radio wave is irradiated at a timing that is not the read timing t1 of the input port 122 or an abnormality such as a short circuit or disconnection occurs and is detected by the proximity I / F 121, also at the read timing t2 of the input port 123 Abnormality can be detected.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, the game control device includes the latch circuit 125 as the abnormal signal holding means for holding the abnormal signal output when the proximity I / F 121 as the detection information transmitting means detects an abnormality, The abnormal signal held by the abnormal signal holding means is configured to be input to the input port circuit even after the abnormal signal output from the detection information transmitting means has changed to a state that is not abnormal, and the game control means An invention that enables acquisition of an abnormal signal is included.
According to this invention, since the detection information transmission unit includes the abnormal signal holding unit that holds the abnormal signal that is output when the abnormality is detected, the sphere detection unit or Even when an abnormality occurs in the signal transmission path, the abnormal state can be reliably detected, so that it is possible to prevent the game value from being erroneously given due to an abnormality such as poor contact.

  FIG. 19 shows a modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, the logic of detection signals of a plurality of proximity switches output from the proximity I / F 121 is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 17 in which the abnormal signal from the proximity I / F 121 is directly input to the latch circuit 125. An OR gate 126 that takes the logical product of the output of the OR gate 126 and the abnormal signal from the proximity I / F 121 is provided, and an abnormal signal is output when any of the sphere detection signals is output. If so, the latch circuit 125 is configured to latch. In addition, the output of the latch circuit 125 is input to the input terminal A8 of the input port 123, and the abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 is also input to the input terminal A8 of the input port 122.

  According to this modification, only the abnormal signal output when there is a sphere detection signal is latched, so that an abnormal sphere detection signal is detected while avoiding erroneous latching of the abnormal signal due to noise or the like. Can be surely prevented. Further, since the abnormality signal is input to the same input terminal A8 of the input ports 122 and 123, the abnormality output from the proximity I / F 121 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. Although the signal is input to the input terminal A8 of the input port 122 in addition to the AND gate 127, the monitoring process of the abnormal signal by the program can be simplified. As in FIG. 17, a configuration in which the output of the latch circuit 125 is input only to the input port 123 is also possible. In that case, the input terminal is not limited to A8, and may be another terminal. Alternatively, the latch circuit 125 may be cleared immediately after an abnormal signal is read from the input port 123 via the data bus.

FIG. 20 shows a third embodiment of the detection method of the detection signal from the sphere detection switch.
In the third embodiment, in addition to the ball detection switches 60a to 60g, radio wave sensors 55a and 55b and cables 71i and 71j for transmitting the signals of the sensors are provided, and detection signals from the radio wave sensors 55a and 55b are input. An OR gate 126 is provided, and the output of the OR gate 126 is input to the same input terminal A7 of the input ports 122 and 123.

  An abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 is also input to the same input terminal A8 of the input ports 122 and 123. In this embodiment, since the radio wave sensors 55a and 55b are provided, when an illegal radio wave is detected, if a detection signal from the sphere detection switch is input, the CPU uses the illegal sphere detection signal. It can be determined that there is. Therefore, in this embodiment, the latch circuit 125 as the latch means functions as an illegal signal holding means.

  In this embodiment, a magnetic sensor or a vibration sensor may be used instead of the radio wave sensors 55a and 55b. In FIG. 20, the detection signals from the radio wave sensors 55a and 55b are directly input to the OR gate 126. However, depending on the type of sensor, an interface circuit is provided in front of the OR gate 126, and the interface circuit is connected to the detection circuit. In some cases, the detection signal may be input to the OR gate 126. Further, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 19, a circuit for latching the output of the OR gate 126 may be provided. Note that the OR of the abnormal signal output from the proximity I / F 121 and the output from the OR gate 126 may be input to the same input terminal of the input ports 122 and 123.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, in a gaming machine having a gaming area provided with a winning opening, and a game control device that gives a player a specific gaming value in accordance with the winning of a game ball to the winning opening.
A fraud detection unit that illegally detects a game ball winning signal and outputs a fraud signal when the fraud state is detected; and when a game ball won in the winning opening is detected, a voltage level within a predetermined range is detected. Sphere detecting means for outputting,
The game control device has a game control means for comprehensively controlling a game, and a winning signal that can specify whether or not a game ball has won a prize based on a voltage level output from the ball detecting means. It is understood that the invention includes a detection information transmission means for outputting to the game control means, wherein the game control means acquires the winning signal and the illegal signal at the same timing.

  According to the invention as described above, the game control device determines whether or not the game ball has won the winning opening based on the game control means for overall control of the game and the voltage level output from the ball detection means. Detection information transmission means for outputting a winning signal that can be specified to the game control means, and a plurality of input ports that collectively output a plurality of inputted signals to the game control means based on instructions from the game control means And the game control means obtains the winning signal and the illegal signal at the same timing, so that the illegally generated winning signal can be reliably detected, and the game value is given illegally. Goto action can be prevented.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control device has a plurality of input ports that collectively output a plurality of input signals to the game control means based on instructions from the game microcomputer 111 as the game control means. Provided with a circuit, connected to input the fraud signal output from the fraud detection means and the winning signal output from the detection information transmission means to the same input port circuit, the game control means, The invention includes obtaining the winning signal and the illegal signal from the same input port circuit at the same timing.
According to this invention, even when a plurality of input port circuits for collectively outputting a plurality of input signals to the game control means are provided, the fraud signals output from the fraud detection means and the detection information transmission means are output. Since the game control means can acquire the winning signal and the illegal signal at the same timing by connecting the winning signal to the same input port circuit, the winning signal generated by the illegal operation can be obtained. It is possible to reliably detect, and to prevent an act of illegally receiving a game value.

In the above embodiment, the signal output from the proximity I / F 121 as the detection information transmission means includes a plurality of winning signals corresponding to the plurality of ball detection means, and is output from the detection information transmission means. When inputting the winning signal to a plurality of input port circuits, the illegal signal is transmitted to all the input port circuits to which the winning signal is transmitted, and the gaming microcomputer 111 as a game control means The invention includes obtaining the winning signal and the illegal signal at the same timing for each input port circuit.
According to this invention, even when configured to transmit the winning signal from the ball detecting means to a plurality of input port circuits, the game control means can detect the illegal signal (radio wave, magnetic fraud) in synchronization with the detection timing of the winning signal. Therefore, a winning signal generated due to fraud can be reliably detected, thereby preventing an act of illegally receiving a game value.

In the above embodiment, the gaming microcomputer 111 as a game control means includes a work area capable of storing information necessary for game control, and the work area is arranged and detected so that addresses are continuous. A signal storage area for storing the winning signal and the illegal signal for each of the plurality of input port circuits, and when the abnormal signal is input to the plurality of input port circuits, all of the illegal signals are transmitted. In the input port circuit, the invention is configured such that the illegal signal is transmitted to the same bit.
According to this invention, when an abnormal signal is input to a plurality of input port circuits, the abnormal signal is transmitted to the same bit in all input port circuits to which the abnormal signal is transmitted. In this case, since the determination value defining the monitoring bit can be used in common, the program can be simplified.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control device includes a flip-flop as a fraud signal holding means for holding a fraud signal output from the radio wave sensors 55a and 55b as the fraud detection means, which is held by the fraud signal holding means. The present invention includes an invention in which the illegal signal is configured to be input to the input port circuit even after the illegal signal is changed to a state in which the illegal signal is not detected, and the illegal signal can be acquired by the game control means.
According to this invention, since the fraud signal holding means for holding the fraud signal output from the fraud detection means is provided, even if fraud is performed at a timing other than the detection timing of the fraud signal (radio wave, magnetic fraud), Since the state can be reliably detected, it is possible to prevent the game value from being erroneously given due to the goto action.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in a gaming machine having a gaming area provided with a winning opening, and a game control device that gives a player a specific gaming value in accordance with the winning of a game ball to the winning opening,
Fraud detection means for detecting an unauthorized state that illegally generates a game ball winning signal and outputting an unauthorized signal when the unauthorized state is detected,
The game control device is capable of detecting an abnormality based on a voltage level input from a game control means for overall control of the game and a signal wiring electrically connected to the ball detection means, and has detected an abnormality. A function of outputting an abnormal signal to the game control means and outputting a winning signal that can specify whether or not a gaming ball has won the winning opening based on the voltage level output from the ball detecting means. And a detection information transmission means, wherein the game control means acquires the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal at the same timing.

  According to the invention as described above, the game control device operates abnormally on the basis of the voltage level input from the game control means for comprehensively controlling the game and the signal wiring electrically connected to the ball detection means. When the abnormality is detected, an abnormality signal is output, and a winning signal that can specify whether or not the game ball has won the winning opening based on the voltage level output from the ball detecting means Detection information transmission means having a function of outputting to the game control means, and the game control means obtains the illegal signal and the abnormal signal at the same timing as the acquisition of the winning signal. The winning signal can be reliably detected. In addition, it is possible to prevent a goth act of receiving game value by acts such as illegal radio wave irradiation or intentional contact failure.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control device includes a plurality of input port circuits that collectively output a plurality of input signals to the game control means based on an instruction from the game control means, The fraud signal output from the fraud detection means and the winning signal and the abnormal signal output from the detection information transmission means are connected to be input to the same input port circuit, the game control means, The invention includes obtaining the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal from the same input port circuit at the same timing.
According to this invention, even when a plurality of input port circuits for collectively outputting a plurality of input signals to the game control means are provided, the fraud signals output from the fraud detection means and the detection information transmission means are output. Since the game control means can acquire the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal at the same timing by connecting the winning signal and the abnormal signal to be input to the same input port circuit. In addition, it is possible to reliably detect winning signals generated due to abnormalities such as poor contact, and to prevent goto acts that receive game value by acts such as illegal radio wave irradiation or intentional contact failure. it can.

In the above embodiment, the signal output from the detection information transmitting means includes a plurality of winning signals corresponding to the plurality of ball detecting means, and the winning signal output from the detection information transmitting means is When inputting to a plurality of input port circuits, the abnormal signal and the illegal signal are transmitted to all the input port circuits to which the winning signal is transmitted, and the game control means is provided for each input port circuit. The invention includes acquiring the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal at the same timing.
According to this invention, even when the winning signal from the ball detecting means is transmitted to the plurality of input ports of the game control device, the detection information is transmitted to all the input port circuits to which the winning signal is transmitted. Since the abnormal signal output from the means and the illegal signal from the fraud detection means are transmitted, the abnormal signal (detection SW abnormality) and the illegal signal (radio wave, magnetic fraud) are detected in synchronization with the detection of the winning signal. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect a winning signal generated due to abnormality or fraud in the ball detecting means or the signal transmission path. In addition, it is possible to prevent an erroneous game value from being given due to a failure, and to prevent an act of receiving a game ball as a game value by operating a signal line of a ball detection sensor. be able to.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control means includes a work area capable of storing information necessary for game control, the work area is arranged so that addresses are continuous, and the detected winning signal and A signal storage area for storing the abnormal signal and the illegal signal for each of the plurality of input port circuits, and when the abnormal signal is input to the plurality of input port circuits, all the abnormal signals are transmitted. The invention includes an input port circuit configured such that the abnormal signal and the illegal signal are transmitted to the same bit.
According to this invention, when an abnormal signal and an illegal signal are input to a plurality of input port circuits, the abnormal signal and the illegal signal are transmitted to the same bit in all the input port circuits to which the abnormal signal and the illegal signal are transmitted. Therefore, when abnormality or fraud is determined by the program, the determination value that defines the monitoring bit can be used in common, so that the program can be simplified.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control device includes an abnormality signal holding means for holding an abnormality signal output when the detection information transmission means detects an abnormality, and an illegal signal output from the fraud detection means. An abnormal signal holding means for holding the abnormal signal held by the abnormal signal holding means, even after the abnormal signal output from the detection information transmitting means has changed to a non-abnormal state. The abnormal signal can be obtained by the game control means, and the illegal signal held by the illegal signal holding means is transferred to the input port circuit even after the illegal signal is changed to a state where the illegal signal is not detected. The present invention includes an invention that is configured to be input and that can acquire the fraudulent signal by the game control means.
According to this invention, the abnormality information holding means for holding the abnormal signal output when the detection information transmitting means detects the abnormality and the illegal signal holding means for holding the illegal signal output from the fraud detection means are provided. Even when the fraud is performed at a timing other than the detection timing of the abnormal signal and the fraudulent signal, the abnormality and fraud of the sphere detection means can be reliably detected. As a result, it is possible to prevent the goto action and to prevent damage to the amusement shop due to the goto action.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment, the embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example and is not restrictive. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the magnetic proximity switch does not include the pull-up resistor as the sphere detection sensor has been described, but it is also possible to use a magnetic proximity switch that includes the pull-up resistor. You may comprise so that the terminal connector of the cable from a switch may be directly connected to the connector of a game control apparatus, without providing the relay terminal board | substrate 80. FIG.

In the above embodiment, the magnetic proximity switch is used as the sphere detection sensor. However, if the output is an open collector type, other types of sensors and switches such as a photoelectric sensor and a microswitch sensor are used. It can also be applied when used.
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a 2-wire proximity sensor is used has been described. However, a 3-wire proximity sensor can also be used. In this case, a pull is applied to the signal line to which the detection signal is transmitted. You may comprise so that an up resistance may be connected.
Furthermore, in the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and other game balls such as an arrangement ball gaming machine and a sparrow ball gaming machine are used. It can also be applied to other game machines.

10 gaming machine 30 gaming board 32 gaming area 34 general start gate (starting area)
35 General prize opening 38 Special variable prize winning device 55a, 55b Radio wave sensor (fraud detection means)
60 Sphere detection switch (sphere detection means)
80 Relay terminal board (relay board)
100 Game control device 111 Game microcomputer (game control means)
111C RAM (work area, signal storage area)
121 Interface chip for proximity switch (proximity I / F: detection information transmission means)
122, 123 Input port 125 Latch circuit (abnormal signal holding means, illegal signal holding means)
200 Dispensing control device

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine having a gaming area provided with a winning opening, and a game control device that gives a specific gaming value to a player in accordance with winning of a game ball in the winning opening,
An unauthorized detection means for detecting an unauthorized state that illegally generates a game ball winning signal and outputting an unauthorized signal when the unauthorized state is detected;
A ball detection means for outputting a voltage level within a predetermined range when a game ball won in the winning opening is detected;
The game control device includes:
Game control means for overall control of the game;
An abnormality can be detected based on a voltage level input from a signal wiring electrically connected to the sphere detection means, and an abnormality signal is output when an abnormality is detected, and the voltage output from the sphere detection means Detection information transmission means having a function of outputting to the game control means a winning signal that can specify whether or not a game ball has won the winning opening based on the level,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal are acquired at the same timing. The game control device includes:
A plurality of input port circuits that collectively output a plurality of input signals to the game control means based on an instruction from the game control means;
The fraud signal output from the fraud detection means and the winning signal and the abnormal signal output from the detection information transmission means are connected to be input to the same input port circuit,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control unit acquires the winning signal, the abnormal signal, and the illegal signal from the same input port circuit at the same timing.

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