JP4410115B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of selecting a lottery table having different winning probabilities by selecting one set value from a plurality of set values.

  Slot machines that are installed and used in amusement halls such as pachinko parlors are called pachislot machines, and given a certain value to the medal used as the game medium, the medals earned through the game can be used for various prizes. Can be exchanged. In the pachi-slot machine, one lottery table is selected from a plurality of types of lottery tables with different winning probabilities, and a game is executed using the selected lottery table. When the winning is drawn, for example, a bonus game with a large number of medals can be performed. Therefore, when the lottery table is changed, the payout rate representing the average ratio of the number of medals that can be obtained by playing the game is changed with respect to the number of medals used in the game, and the player is given a profit. Probability changes.

  For example, the winning probability of winning is divided into six levels from the lowest value to the highest value, and each winning probability is assigned to six setting values of 1 to 6. In order to change the winning probability, the setting value corresponding to each winning probability is changed one-on-one. Note that the higher the set value, the higher the winning probability, and the lower the set value, the lower the winning probability (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In order to select the set value, the operation of selecting the set value is performed in a state where the front door constituting the front portion of the pachislot machine is unlocked and the front door is opened. The key for opening the front door is managed on the game hall side, and a general player cannot change the set value. The game hall manager carefully determines the set values for each pachislot machine, and maintains a balance between the business profit and the player's profit so that the player can enjoy the game fairly. I have to. In addition, there is a pleasure that the player plays a game by guessing a pachislot machine having a high setting value, and the setting value is also important in terms of exciting the game.
JP 2004-135844 A

  However, in the pachislot machine, for example, the key to unlock the front door described above is duplicated, and the set value is selected illegally by opening the door with the duplicated key during the business hours of the amusement hall. Is a problem. Goto acts are becoming more and more malicious every year, and while the loss of profits at the amusement hall has increased, players have become more dissatisfied with the inability to play games fairly.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a go-to action that illegally selects a set value.

The gaming machine of the present invention sets a lottery table to be used when a game is executed by a setting change operation for selecting one of a plurality of lottery tables having different winning probabilities, and corresponds to the set lottery table A setting means for outputting the set value signal is incorporated in the housing, and an operation unit necessary for the setting change operation is provided by opening the front door supported by the housing so as to be freely opened and closed via a hinge. In the gaming machine exposed to the front of the front, the set value display device having a display surface on which the set value signal is received and the set value corresponding to the set value signal is displayed is located on the back surface of the front door rather than the center is the display surface at a position offset in the hinge side is fixed toward the hinge side, and wherein the display surface the more widely open the front door is to be directed to the operation unit side That.

Further, the set value display device is attached to the front door so as to be freely rotatable, a rotation range is restricted by a rotation restricting means provided on the front door, and the display is displayed when the front door is fully opened. It is possible to rotate the surface to a position in which the surface is oriented in a direction parallel to the front surface of the housing .

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the setting value display device for displaying the setting value associated with the lottery table used for the game among the plurality of lottery tables having different winning probabilities is provided via the hinge on the housing. Since the display surface of the set value is provided at the position on the back side of the door, which is pivotably mounted, facing the hinge, the set value cannot be confirmed simply by opening the door small. It is necessary to open it. Thereby, when a fraudulent person changes a setting value, the operation | movement which opens a door can be made conspicuous, and it becomes easy for the employee of a game hall, etc. to discover fraud. Therefore, the fraudulent person cannot select a set value that is advantageous to him / her, and the effect of preventing a gossip that selects the set value illegally can be obtained.

  In addition, since the set value display device is provided at a position closer to the hinge from the center position of the door, the fraudulent person opens the door than when the set value display device is provided at a position away from the hinge. Even when taking a posture where the head is close to the hinge with the angle of opening widened and the display surface is looked into, it becomes difficult to see the display surface of the set value display device. The operation of confirming the set value can be made more conspicuous, and the effect of preventing the goto action can be further enhanced.

  In addition, since the set value display device is rotatably supported and can be fixed after the orientation of the display surface is determined, a plurality of gaming machines are installed side by side at a narrow interval, and the opened doors are adjacent to each other. Even if the angle at which the door can be opened to make it easier to touch the game is relatively small, the display area of the setting value display device should not be difficult for the game hall administrator to confirm the setting value. The orientation can be adjusted. Further, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized person from rotating the set value display device so that the set value can be easily seen by simply opening the door.

  In addition, since the set value display device is rotatably supported and the range in which the set value display device rotates is restricted, the angle at which the door can be opened is relatively small as described above. However, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the display surface of the set value display device so that it is not difficult for the administrator of the game hall to check the set value. In addition, since the angle at which the set value display device rotates can be reduced, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized person from rotating the set value display device greatly and opening the door a little to make it easy to see the set value.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine (game machine) 10 includes a housing 13 including a storage box 11 and a front door (door) 12 rotatably attached to the front surface of the storage box 11. The front door 12 includes an upper door 12a provided at the upper portion and a lower door 12b provided at the lower portion. A transparent display window 14 is provided on the upper door 12a. A reel unit having a first reel 15a, a second reel 15b, and a third reel 15c is provided in the back of the display window 14. Plural kinds of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel 15a to the third reel 15c, and when the reels stop, three symbols per reel are displayed outside through the display window 14. In the slot machine 10, a total of nine symbols are displayed when each reel is stopped, and a total of five winning lines are set, with three winning lines connecting the positions where each symbol stops linearly and two diagonally. ing. A liquid crystal display device 16 is provided on the right side of the display window 14 and displays various game effect images such as, for example, notifying the type of winning combination won using animation.

  As will be described in detail later, the slot machine 10 has six types of lottery tables with different winning probabilities by electronic lottery, and a game is executed using any one lottery table. When a lottery table with a high winning probability is used, the payout rate, which is the ratio of the number of medals to be paid out, is higher than the number of medals used in the game, and the probability of giving a profit to the player is high. Become. As is well known, each lottery table is divided into six stages of winning probability and corresponds to six kinds of set values. This set value is composed of settings 1 to 6, and the winning probability is high and the payout rate is high in the order of the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → setting 3 → setting 4 → setting 5 → setting 6.

  The lower door 12b is provided with a 1-bet button 18 that is operated at the start of the game and inserts medals one by one, and a MAX-bet button 19 that inserts the maximum number of medals by 3 at a time. Yes. Also, a payout button 20 for paying out credited medals, a medal insertion slot 21 for inserting medals when playing a game, and starting a game by rotating the first reel 15a to the third reel 15c. Alternatively, a start lever 22 that is operated when the set value selected when the set value is selected, a first stop button 23 to a third stop button 25 for stopping the rotating reel, and the like are provided. In addition, a medal tray 26 is provided on the lower door 12 b, and medals obtained when winning a prize are paid out from the payout opening 27 to the medal tray 26.

  A door key cylinder 28 is provided on the side of the front surface of the lower door 12b. When a door key, which is a dedicated key, is inserted into the door key cylinder 28 and rotated, the locking of the lower door 12b is released and the lower door 12b can be opened. When the lower door 12b is opened, this is detected, and the insertion of medals is not accepted, and it is impossible to play a game even when medals are inserted. Further, when the lower door 12b is rotated and the lower front portion of the storage box 11 is opened, the engagement between the storage box 11 and the upper door 12a can be released, and the upper door 12a can be rotated. become.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a set value display device 34 for displaying the set values of the slot machine 10 is provided on the back side of the lower door 12b. The setting value display device 34 displays a setting value when a setting selection operation unit 35 provided in the storage box 11 is operated. The setting selection operation unit 35 is provided behind the closed lower door 12b, and is exposed to the outside when the lower door 12b is rotated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the front of the setting selection operation unit 35, a setting selection key cylinder 36 that is operated in advance when a setting value is selected, a power switch 37 that switches on / off the power of the slot machine 10, and a setting A setting value selection button 38 for selecting a value is provided. A setting selection key 39 is inserted into the setting selection key cylinder 36. When the setting selection key cylinder 36 is operated to rotate the inserted setting selection key 39, the setting selection key cylinder 36 rotates between two positions of an off position and an on position. The setting selection key cylinder 36 has a built-in sensor for detecting that it has been turned to the on position and the off position. When the setting selection key cylinder 36 is turned to the ON position, the setting value selection operation is permitted, and the operation of the setting value selection button 38 is validated. Further, the current set value of the slot machine 10 is displayed on the set value display device 34.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the set value display device 34 includes a display device main body 43 having a seven-segment display surface 42 for displaying set value numbers, and a flat plate shape integrally provided at the bottom of the display device main body 43. Mounting plate 44. The mounting plate 44 protrudes behind the display device main body 43 on the side opposite to the display surface 42. The set value display device 34 is supported by a flat support surface (support means, fixing means) 45 provided on the lower door 12b, and is attached to the lower door 12b. The support surface 45 has a screw hole 46. A through hole (supporting means) 44 a is formed in the mounting plate 44 (fixing means) at a position behind the display device main body 43. A screw 47 is passed through the through hole 44 a, and the screw 47 is attached to the screw hole 46. When the screw 47 is tightened, the set value display device 34 is fixed to the lower door 12b by the mounting plate 44. When the screw 47 is loosened, the mounting plate 44 is supported on the support surface 45 so as to be rotatable about a screw shaft (support means) 47 a of the screw 47. Since the head (fixing means) 47b of the screw 47 is larger than the through hole 44a, the mounting plate 44 is sandwiched between the support surface 45 and the head 47b of the screw 47, and the set value display device 34 is fixed.

  The rotation restricting projection (regulating means) 48 integrally formed with the lower door 12b protrudes from the side end of the support surface 45, and has an L shape with the tip portion formed upward. The rotation restricting protrusion 48 restricts the range of rotation of the set value display device 34 that is rotatably supported on the support surface 45. As shown in FIG. 5, the setting value display device 34 is rotated in a range where one side edge of the mounting plate 44 contacts the back surface of the lower door 12 b and the other side edge of the mounting plate 44 is This is a range up to a position where the rotation restricting protrusion 48 comes into contact. When the mounting plate 44 is in a position in contact with the back surface of the lower door 12b, the display surface 42 is difficult to see unless the lower door 12b is rotated significantly. Further, when the mounting plate 44 is in a position in contact with the rotation restricting projection 48, the display surface 42 is easy to see even if the angle of rotating the lower door 12b is relatively small. The position where the mounting plate 44 is fixed is preferably determined in accordance with the size of the pivotable angle of the lower door 12b.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the lower door 12b is connected with the storage box 11 by a hinge 50 provided at one end thereof. The set value display device 34 is attached so that the display surface 42 faces the hinge 50 that is the center of rotation of the lower door 12b. Further, the set value display device 34 is provided at a position closer to the hinge 50 than the center position of the lower door 12b. In order to confirm the set value displayed on the display surface 42, the angle of rotation when the lower door 12b is opened is increased, the head is brought close to the vicinity of the hinge 50, and the display surface 42 is looked into.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when a setting value is selected, a setting value selection button 38 is pressed. On the display surface 42 of the setting value display device 34, every time the setting value selection button 38 is pressed, six levels of setting values are set 1 → setting 2 → setting 3 → setting 4 → setting 5 → setting 6 → setting 1 .. Are displayed in order so as to make a round in order. After the setting value selection button 38 finishes selecting the setting value, the selected setting value is confirmed by operating the start lever 22. When the setting selection key cylinder 36 is turned to the off position using the setting selection key 39 after the selected setting value is confirmed, the setting value displayed on the setting value display device 34 disappears, and the setting value selection is completed. When the lower door 12b is closed and locked, it becomes possible to play a game in the slot machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the operation of the slot machine 10 is basically controlled by a CPU (setting means) 60. The CPU 60 executes the game program stored in the ROM area of the memory 61, and functions as the control unit 62, the electronic lottery unit 70, and the winning combination determining unit 71.

  The medal sensor 63 detects a medal inserted from the medal slot 21 and inputs a medal detection signal to the control unit 62. The control unit 62 counts the number of medals based on the detection signal from the medal sensor 63. When the 1-bet button 18 or the MAX-bet button 19 is operated, the control unit 62 consumes 1 or 3 inserted medals and determines the number of activated winning lines. In order to play a game, in addition to actually inserting medals into the medal slot, medals that have been credited in advance can be used.

  The start signal sensor 64 inputs a start signal to the control unit 62 when the start lever 22 is operated. The stop button sensors 66a to 66c input a stop signal for each reel to the control unit 62 when the first stop button 23 to the third stop button 25 are operated. The reel driving unit 65 rotates the first reel 15a to the third reel 15c by a reel start signal output from the control unit 62 in response to the start signal. The first reel 15a to the third reel 15c are stopped by a reel stop signal output from the control unit 62 in response to the stop signal.

  The electronic lottery unit 70 receives a start signal, samples a random value, and draws one random value every time a game is started. The random value selected by lottery is input to the winning combination determining unit 71. The winning combination determining unit 71 determines what winning combination is awarded in the currently executed game according to the input value. When the determined winning combination is aligned on the winning line, the control unit 62 determines that the winning is achieved, and causes the hopper device 67 to pay out a prescribed number of medals according to the type of winning combination, or to the credit counter. Credit the medal by adding the specified number.

  The winning combination determination unit 71 is provided with a plurality of lottery tables in which all random numbers generated in the electronic lottery unit 70 are grouped into a plurality of numerical ranges and a winning combination is assigned to each group. There are six types of lottery tables, a first lottery table 73a to a sixth lottery table 73f, according to the type of set value. Each lottery table is loaded with a special prize role that shifts to a bonus game where a large number of medals can be obtained, such as the well-known big bonus mode, regular bonus mode, assist time mode, etc. A winning combination such as a replay combination that can obtain the right to play the next game with the same number of effective pay lines and a loss is assigned. Each lottery table is used for determining whether the random number sampled by the electronic lottery unit 70 belongs to each winning combination or lost group.

  In the first lottery table 73a to the sixth lottery table 73f, for example, the probability of shifting to a bonus game is different from each other, and random numbers are grouped so that the winning probabilities of the small roles are equal in all the lottery tables. The conditions for shifting to the bonus game include, for example, when a special winning combination is directly won, when a specific small role is continuously won a predetermined number of times, when a loser is continuously drawn a predetermined number of times, If there are times when the game has been played a number of times and the conditions for shifting to the bonus game are satisfied, a game with a special prize combination can be performed. In the slot machine 10, the probability of shifting to a bonus game that is advantageous to the player represents the winning probability in each lottery table, and the payout rate depends on which lottery table is used to execute the game. change.

  In the first lottery table 73a to the sixth lottery table 73f, the first lottery table 73a has the lowest payout rate corresponding to the set value of “1”, and the sixth lottery table 73f corresponds to the set value of “6”. The highest payout rate. In the second lottery table 73b to the fifth lottery table 73e, the winning probability is a numerical value between the first lottery table 73a and the sixth lottery table 73f, and the lottery table corresponding to a higher set value has a higher payout rate. The slot machine 10 has a first lottery table 73a when setting 1 is selected, a second lottery table 73b when setting value 2 is selected, a third lottery table 73c when setting value 3 is selected, and a setting value 4 The game is executed using the fourth lottery table 73d when selected, the fifth lottery table 73e when set value 5 is selected, and the sixth lottery table 73f when set value 6 is selected.

  The control unit 62 sends a set value signal to the set value display device 34 on condition that a detection signal indicating that the setting selection key cylinder 36 has been turned to the ON position is input. The set value display device 34 displays a set value corresponding to the type of the lottery table set in the winning combination determining unit 71.

  Next, the operation of the present invention will be described. When selecting the set value of the slot machine 10, the door key is inserted into the door key cylinder 28 of the lower door 12b, and the locking of the lower door 12b is released. When the lower door 12b is opened, the setting selection operation unit 35 inside the slot machine 10 is exposed to the outside. In addition, the control unit 62 cancels the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 21 in response to the opening of the lower door 12b, and does not rotate the first reel 15a to the third reel 15c even if the start lever 22 is operated. Disable state.

  The power switch 37 is turned on, the setting selection key 39 is inserted into the setting selection key cylinder 36, and the setting selection key cylinder 36 is turned to the ON position. The setting selection key cylinder 36 sends a detection signal indicating that it has been turned to the ON position to the control unit 62. The control unit 62 receives the detection signal from the setting selection key cylinder 36, reads the setting value stored in the memory 61 as a parameter for designating the lottery table used for the game, and displays the setting value signal corresponding to the setting value signal. To device 34. The control unit 62 validates the set value selection button 38 and enters a state in which selection of the set value by the operation of the set value selection button 38 is accepted. The current setting value of the slot machine 10 is displayed on the display surface 42 of the setting value display device 34.

  In order to confirm the set value displayed by the set value display device 34, the lower door 12b is opened widely and the display surface 42 is looked into from the vicinity of the hinge 50. When the setting value selection button 38 is pressed, the control unit 62 sends a setting value signal corresponding to a setting value one step higher than the current setting value to the setting value display device 34 every time the setting value selection button 38 is pressed. Switch the setting value.

  When an arbitrary setting value is selected by pressing the setting value selection button 38 and the start lever 22 is operated, the selected setting value is confirmed. That is, the setting value stored in the memory 61 is rewritten as a parameter for designating a lottery table used for the game. When the selection of the setting value is completed in this way, the setting selection key cylinder 36 is turned to the off position, and the setting selection key 39 is pulled out. When the setting selection key cylinder 36 rotates to the off position, the control unit 62 turns off the setting value display device 34 and the displayed setting value disappears.

  When the lower door 12b is closed and the lower door 12b is locked by the door key cylinder 28, this is detected by the control unit 62, and the slot machine 10 shifts to a playable state. When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 and the start lever 22 is operated, a random number sampling by the electronic lottery unit 70 and a winning combination determination by the winning combination determining unit 71 are performed. The winning combination determining unit 71 determines a winning combination using a lottery table corresponding to the selected setting value. In addition, the reel driving unit 65 rotates the first reel 15a to the third reel 15c. When the first stop button 23 to the third stop button 25 are respectively pressed, the reel driving unit 65 causes the first reel 15a to the third reel so that the winning combination or the loss determined by the winning combination determining unit 71 is established. 15c is stopped.

  A fraudster who tries to change the setting value of the slot machine 10 so that an advantageous game can be performed, for example, unlocks the lower door 12b using a door key or a special device that is duplicated during the business hours of the game hall. Then, the lower door 12b is opened small, and the setting selection key cylinder 36 is turned to the ON position. At this time, although the set value is displayed on the set value display device 34, the set value display device 34 is provided at a position on the back side of the lower door 12b, and the display surface 42 faces the hinge 50. If the door 12b is kept small open, the set value cannot be confirmed. The fraudster needs to open the lower door 12b widely and look into the display surface 42 in order to confirm the set value. Since the operation is a peculiar operation that is greatly different from that of a general player, it is easily found that an illegal act is performed by a store clerk or the like of the game hall. When the game hall manager confirms the set values of the slot machine 10, the lower door 12b may be opened as large as possible so that the displayed set values are easy to see and the set values may be selected.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A suitable change is possible. For example, the set value display device 34 is fixed by tightening one screw 47, and is loosely supported so as to be supported on the support surface 45 so as to be rotatable about the screw shaft 47a. However, the set value display device 34 may be fixed by a plurality of screws. When a plurality of screws are used, one screw can be removed, the other screws can be removed, and the set value display device 34 can be rotated to adjust the orientation of the display surface 42 before the other screws can be attached. It is preferable to make it. Further, as a fixing means for fixing the set value display device 34, the mounting plate 44 and the support surface 45 are not limited to the configuration in which the mounting plate 44 is sandwiched between the support surface 45 having the screw hole 46 and the head 47b of the screw 47. The position of the set value display device 34 may not be changed after the adhesive is applied between the two and the orientation of the display surface is determined.

  As a support means for rotatably supporting the set value display device 34, the support surface 45 is not limited to the configuration in which the mounting plate 44 inserted through the screw shaft 47 a of the screw 47 is supported on the flat support surface 45. Further, it is possible to form a protrusion perpendicular to the protrusion, and provide a cap or the like at the tip of the protrusion in a state where the attachment plate 44 is inserted through the protrusion to prevent the attachment plate 44 from coming off. In addition, a connector for connecting the set value display device 34 and the lower door 12b to each other for the exchange of the set value signal is provided, and when the display surface 42 does not face the hinge 50, the lower door 12b and the set value are provided. The connectors of the display device 34 may not be connected to each other. The state in which the display surface 42 faces the hinge 50 represents a state in which the angle formed between the normal line of the display surface 42 and a straight line connecting the setting value display device 34 to the hinge 50 is smaller than 90 degrees. Furthermore, this angle is preferably less than 45 degrees.

  The set value display device 34 is not limited to a 7-segment display device that emits light from an LED, but is a dot matrix type liquid crystal display device or a number of lamps (LEDs, etc.) corresponding to the type of the set value on the display surface. A display device or the like in which the number of lamps that emit light corresponding to the set value is changed may be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to a slot machine such as a pachislot machine, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine as long as it is a gaming machine that can change the winning probability of winning.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a slot machine. It is a perspective view of the slot machine which opened the lower door. It is a perspective view of a setting selection operation part. It is a perspective view of a setting value display device. It is a top view which shows the range which the setting value display apparatus rotates. It is a top view which shows the state which the lower door opened. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a display surface changes when selecting a setting value. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

Explanation of symbols

10 Slot machines (game machines)
12b Lower door (door)
34 Setting Value Display Device 35 Setting Selection Operation Unit 38 Setting Value Selection Button 42 Display Surface 44 Mounting Plate (Supporting Means)
44a Through hole 45 Support surface (support means, fixing means)
46 Screw hole 47a Screw shaft (support means)
47b Head (fixing means)
48 Rotation restriction projection (regulation means)
50 Hinge 60 CPU (setting means)
70 Electronic lottery unit 71 Winning role determining unit 73a First lottery table 73b Second lottery table 73c Third lottery table 73d Fourth lottery table 73e Fifth lottery table 73f Sixth lottery table

Claims (2)

A lottery table used at the time of game execution is set by a setting change operation for selecting one of a plurality of lottery tables having different winning probabilities, and a set value signal corresponding to the set lottery table is output. A gaming machine in which setting means is incorporated in the housing, and an operation unit necessary for the setting change operation is exposed to the front of the housing by opening a front door that is supported by the housing so as to be opened and closed via a hinge. In
A set value display device having a display surface on which the set value signal is received and a set value corresponding to the set value signal is displayed is displayed on the back surface of the front door at a position biased toward the hinge side from the center. A gaming machine, characterized in that the surface is fixed toward the hinge side, and the display surface is directed toward the operation portion as the front door is greatly opened . The set value display device is pivotally attached to the front door and has a rotation range restricted by a rotation restricting means provided on the front door. When the front door is fully opened, the display surface is The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine can be turned to a position facing a direction parallel to the front surface of the housing .

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