JP4500578B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot machine) and a pachinko machine.

  Conventionally, in a slot machine that is a gaming table, the internal winning probability of jackpot (big bonus etc.) can be changed in multiple stages (for example, setting 1 to setting 6) as a setting value for game execution Designed. In the amusement store, one set value is set in the amusement stand according to the business condition and the business is conducted.

  However, a situation occurs in which a malicious person steals the eyes of the store clerk and changes it to a setting value that is advantageous to himself, illegally gains gaming profit, and causes a considerable loss to the gaming shop. It was. For example, a fraudulent act that surrounds the game stand with multiple people so that it becomes a blind spot from a store clerk or surveillance camera, opens the game stand door with a joint key, and operates a setting button, and an electronic circuit board and a setting button for game control There is a fraudulent act of connecting a tampered device to change the set value during this period and sending a signal to change the set value from the tampered device to the electronic circuit board. I was bothering my head.

  Therefore, the setting button and wiring harness (wiring for electrically connecting the setting button and the electronic circuit board) are stored in the storage box, and the tampering device for the setting button and wiring from outside the storage box. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-250954 A

  However, the illegally modified equipment and the response to this is a weasel, and the fraudulent person may obtain a game machine and create a new illegally modified equipment, and a key is also used for the storage box there is a possibility. That is, in the game machine described in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the problem is not drastically solved and fraudulent acts cannot be suppressed. In addition, adopting a structure that stores the setting buttons and wiring harness in the storage box will increase the cost of the gaming machine, and it is difficult to recognize that this is a desirable solution even for game shops that introduce many gaming machines. There is also.

  In view of the problems as described above, the present invention provides a gaming machine that can effectively suppress an illegal act related to a change in setting value without making a significant design change to the current gaming machine. Objective.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is equipped with various game machine devices in the game machine body, executes a game based on a set value, and can change a predetermined setting. Only in the case where it is determined that the condition is satisfied, in the gaming machine having the setting value changing means that enables the setting value to be changed,
Having a connection determining means for determining whether or not the game table device is connected;
The setting value changing means determines that one of the setting value changeable conditions has been achieved when the connection determining means determines that the gaming machine is not connected .

The invention according to claim 2, the gaming table according to claim 1, before Symbol set value changing means, if it is determined that there is connection of the gaming table device by the connection determination means, The set value is updated to the current set value .

The invention according to claim 3, the gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the setting value changing means, if it is determined that there is connection of the gaming table device by pre SL connection determination means, The setting value is changed to a predetermined low setting value .

Further, the invention according to claim 4 has a notifying means for notifying the outside in the gaming table according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The set value changing means, the determination result by the previous SL connection determination means and whether the gaming table device is connected to be notified by the notification means.

The invention according to claim 5, the gaming table according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, a plurality of types of the pattern is performed, a plurality of reels for rotating,
Whether or not the internal winning of the plurality of types of winning combinations is determined by lottery, the winning is determined based on whether or not the combination of the pictures displayed when the plurality of reels are stopped is a predetermined combination, and the game medium A medal payout device for paying out medals,
As a game machine device,
The connection determination means determines whether or not the medal payout device is connected .

According to the gaming machine of claim 1, the game machine has connection determination means for determining whether or not the game machine device is connected, and the setting value changing means determines that the game machine device is not connected by the connection determination device. Since it is determined that one of the setting value changeable conditions has been achieved , the gaming machine device is in an appropriate connection state that satisfies the setting value changeable condition in order to change the setting value. Need to be made. Therefore, simply instructing the setting value changing means to change only the setting value does not change the setting value, and is effective against an illegal setting value change. In addition, since the gaming machine device provided in the gaming machine main body is directly connected to other gaming machines or indirectly through a connecting part provided in the gaming machine main body, the connection state is set value changing means. Is relatively easy to determine as one of the setting value changeable conditions, and is effective in cost reduction.

In addition , in order to change the set value, an operation for temporarily removing the connection is necessary in order to disconnect the gaming machine device to be determined by the connection determining means. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to change the set value illegally, if the front door is opened to the extent that the surroundings are not known, it is substantially impossible to remove the game table device from the game table body so that the set value changeable condition is satisfied. Because it is possible, the deterrent effect of such fraud is tremendous.

According to the gaming table of claim 2 , the setting value changing means updates the setting value to the current setting value when it is determined by the connection determining means that the gaming machine device is connected. Even when an unauthorized player or the like tries to change the setting value by operating an inappropriate setting button, the setting value is not changed, and unauthorized tampering can be prevented.

According to the gaming machine of claim 3 , the setting value changing means changes the setting value to a predetermined low setting value when the connection determining means determines that the gaming machine device is connected. Therefore, if the value displayed on the setting value display is changed by an unauthorized player operating the setting button inappropriately, it will be changed to a low setting value and an attempt will be made to change the setting value illegally. Penalties will be imposed, which will be a deterrent against unauthorized tampering.

In addition, according to the gaming table according to claim 4 , the game machine has a notification means for performing notification to the outside, and the setting value changing means determines whether or not the game table device is connected based on a determination result by the connection determination means. Since the notification means informs the user, if an unauthorized change in the set value is made, the game store clerk or the like is promptly notified, and prompt action can be taken, so that unauthorized tampering can be prevented.

In addition, according to the gaming machine according to claim 5 , a plurality of types of pictures are applied, a plurality of reels to be rotated and a plurality of types of winning combinations are judged by lottery, and a plurality of reels are stopped. the combination of sometimes displayed picture may determine winning based on whether a combination of predetermined comprises a paying out the medal payout device medals are game media, as amusement machine device, connection determination means Since the presence / absence of connection of the medal payout device is determined, a large number of medals are stored during operation in the amusement store, so the total weight of the medal payout device becomes very heavy. Since it is difficult to change the connection status of the device so that it is not known to the surroundings, it is difficult for the setting value changing means to determine that all the setting value changeable conditions are satisfied. Change value And substantially impossible to allow a state, it is possible to prevent unauthorized tampering.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a slot machine is described as an example of a gaming machine, but it can also be applied to a pachinko machine or other gaming machines.

<Configuration of slot machine>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 100 includes a front door 101 and a game table main body 102. Three reels (a left reel 111, a middle reel 112, and a right reel 113) that display a combination of symbols are displayed from a reel display window 110 that is opened at the center of the front door 101 of the slot machine 100.

  A plurality of types of symbols (for example, “Red 7”, “White 7”, “BAR”, “Watermelon”, “Bell”, “Cherry”, “Rep”, etc.) are applied to the outer peripheral surface of each reel 111-113. From the viewpoint of the player, there are generally three symbols for each reel, and a total of nine symbols can be seen through the reel display window 110 when the reels 111 to 113 are stopped. That is, by rotating the reels 111 to 113, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies.

  In the present embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  The winning line display lamp 125 is a lamp that indicates which winning line is valid among the winning lines that serve as a reference for determining whether or not winning is won for each game. Whether or not to win a prize is determined by a combination of symbols arranged on an effective winning line. The effective winning line varies depending on the number of game media (for example, medals, which will be described as medals hereinafter) inserted into the slot machine 100.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the case of having five winning lines, when one medal is inserted, only the center of the winning line display lamp 125 is lit, and one of the middle horizontal winning lines is activated. Is done. When two medals are inserted, the center of the winning line display lamp 125 and the lamps positioned above and below it are turned on, and three lines including the upper and lower horizontal winning lines are activated. When three medals are inserted, all the winning line display lamps 125 are turned on, and five lines including two diagonal winning lines are activated. Accordingly, the activated winning line 114 is clearly indicated to the player by the winning line display lamp 125.

  The stored number display unit 121 is a display unit that displays the number of medals stored in the slot machine 100. The game number display 122 is, for example, a display that displays the number of general games in a big bonus game. The payout number display 123 is a display that displays the number of medals when a medal is paid out to the player as a result of the game. The effect display lamp 126 is a lamp used for the effect to enhance the interest of the game.

  The medal slot 136 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game.

  The medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 are button-type switches (so-called bet buttons) for inserting an electrically stored medal into the slot machine 100 instead of inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 136. It consists of a button 130 and a three-sheet insertion button 131 (MAX bet button). By pressing these buttons, one or three medals are inserted into the slot machine 100 in one game.

  The start lever 132 is a lever that starts rotation of the reels 111 to 113.

  The stop buttons 133 to 135 are buttons for stopping each of the rotating reels 111 to 113, and the left reel 111 corresponds to the pressing of the center stop button 134 in response to the pressing of the left stop button 133. Thus, the middle reel 112 can be individually stopped in response to the right stop button 135 being pressed.

  The side lamp 141, the waist lamp 142, the lower lamp 143, and the upper lamp 144 are effects lamps for exciting the game, and are turned on / off / flashing according to the game state. The title panel 140 is illuminated by a title panel lamp (not shown).

  The medal discharge port 160 is a discharge port for discharging medals paid out by winning, and the medals paid out by winning are accumulated in the medal tray 161.

  The sound hole 150 at the center and the sound holes 151, 151 on the upper left and right are holes for outputting sound from a speaker (not shown) provided inside the game stand to the outside.

  The locking hole 170 is a lock for opening and closing the front door 101 of the slot machine 100. For example, when an error occurs in the slot machine 100 or when an internal setting is changed, a hall attendant inserts a predetermined key into the locking hole 170 to open and close the front door 101.

  In addition, in the central part of the upper part of the slot machine 100 (above the reel display window 110), various information relating to the game (game screen on which a character or the like appears to increase the game, or when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 100) An LCD 180 capable of displaying an error screen or the like for displaying the content of the error is provided.

<Internal configuration>
Next, the internal configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game table main body 102 equipped with various game table devices (the front door 101 is omitted in the figure).

  A substantially horizontal reel fixing base 210 is arranged inside the game table main body 102, and the reel unit 250 is fixed at a position where the reels 111 to 113 face the back surface of the reel display window 110. In the lower space of the reel fixing base 210, as a game stand device, a power supply device 230 that supplies driving power to each unit, medals inserted from the medal insertion port 136 are stored, and medals are transferred from the medal payout opening 160 to the tray 161. A medal payout device 260 for paying out medals, and a medal auxiliary storage 270 for receiving and storing overflowing medals from the medal payout device 260 are stored.

  The medal auxiliary storage 270 is provided with, for example, a medal auxiliary storage sensor 271 on the bottom plate of the game table main body 102 for detecting that the medal auxiliary storage 270 is placed at an appropriate position where the overflowing medal can be received. The medal auxiliary storage 270 is pulled out from the appropriate position (in the present invention, this is referred to as “the medal auxiliary storage 270 is in an appropriate connection state with respect to the game table main body 102”). In this case, the state (a state in which the medal auxiliary storage 270 is disconnected from the gaming table main body 102) can be determined based on the detection information of the medal auxiliary storage sensor 271.

  A main control unit 300 that mainly realizes a game control function is fixed to an upper back surface (for example, a portion above the reel unit 250) inside the game table main body 102. The main control unit 300 contains a circuit board in a case, and is directly or indirectly connected to various game table devices equipped in the game table main body 102 to output a game control signal or the like. Collect various information necessary for game control and the like. The main control unit 300 also has a function that can determine the connection state with the main game machine.

  Furthermore, a setting key switch 241 that is operated by inserting a setting key on the lower side of the reel fixing base 210 (for example, the side where the front door 101 is opened and the right side in FIG. 2), and the slot machine 100 A power switch 242 for turning on / off the main power supply, a setting value display 243 for displaying a setting value for determining the probability of internal winning in various winning combinations (big bonus, regular bonus, etc.), a setting button for changing the setting value 244, a reset switch 245 for initializing the slot machine 100 is provided.

  The main control unit 300 has a function for controlling the change of the set value by the setting button 244 (details will be described later). When all the predetermined set value changeable conditions are satisfied, the main control unit 300 If it is determined, the set value can be changed. In the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the main control unit 300 determines the connection state of the gaming machine device as one of the setting value changeable conditions.

<Connection state of game machine device>
Here, the connection state of the medal payout device 260, the reel unit 250, and the medal auxiliary storage 270 exemplified as main game table devices will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of a connection state of the medal payout device 260. The medal payout device 260 is connected to the power supply device 230 via the harness 262, and in order to disconnect this connection, the medal payout device 260 must be pulled out and inserted in the back. Further, in order to pull out the medal payout device 260 to the front opening side of the game table main body 102 so that a work space for removing the harness 262 from the power supply device 230 is created, the front door 101 must also be largely opened. Accordingly, it is impossible to disconnect the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230 by simply opening the front door 101 to the extent that the surrounding people do not notice.

  In addition, in the slot machine 100 in operation, since many medals are stored in the medal payout device 260, the medal payout device 260 is very heavy, and this is not known to the surroundings. Thus, it is difficult to disconnect the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230.

  As described above, as one of the setting value changeable conditions that have not been adopted in the conventional game machine, changing the connection state of the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230 (removing the harness 262) should be adopted. For example, when an illegal player tries to change the set value illegally so as to be advantageous to the player, it is difficult to predict from the conventional model, and the work of making an intention (work to take out the medal payout device 260 and remove the harness 262) is necessary. Therefore, since the hurdle for performing the setting value change operation illegally becomes high, a high deterrent effect against illegal acts can be expected.

  When the connection between the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230 is disconnected, the main control unit 300 indicates that the drive signal cannot be transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the medal payout device 260 (the signal path is cut off). Since the determination can be made, the main control unit 300 can determine the electrical connection state of the medal payout device 260 even if the power supply device 230 is interposed. Thus, if one of the gaming table devices is connected to the main control unit 300, the main control unit 300 can determine the connection state between the gaming table devices.

  Further, as described above, the main control unit 300 can determine the connection state between the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230 via the signal line (relay signal line) connecting the power supply device 230 and the main control unit 300. In such a configuration, by disconnecting the relay signal line from the game machine device to the main control unit 300 without disconnecting the game machine devices, the game machine devices are disguised as if the game machine devices were disconnected. there is a possibility. In addition, without connecting the gaming machine device and the main control unit 300 directly, the gaming machine device is connected to a relay device (such as a relay board provided in the gaming machine main body 102), and the relay device and the main control unit 300 are relayed to each other. Also in the case of connecting with a wire, the connection of the game machine device to the main control unit is cut off without disconnecting the game machine device and the relay device, so that the game machine device is removed from the game machine main body 102. May be disguised. Therefore, it is desirable to configure so that it is necessary to open the front door 101 greatly in order to cut off the relay signal line connected to the main control unit 300.

  FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of a connection state of the reel unit 250. The reel unit 250 is connected to the main control unit 300 via the harness 251, and in order to disconnect this connection, the reel unit 250 has to be pulled out and inserted into the back. Further, in order to pull out the reel unit 250 to the front opening side of the game table main body 102 so that a work space for removing the harness 251 from the main control unit 300 is created, the front door 101 must also be largely opened. Therefore, it is not possible to perform the work of disconnecting the connection between the reel unit 250 and the main control unit 300 only by opening the front door 101 to the extent that the surrounding people do not notice.

  As described above, as one of the setting value changeable conditions that have not been adopted in the conventional game machine, changing the connection state of the reel unit 250 and the main control unit 300 (removing the harness 251) should be adopted. For example, when an illegal player tries to change the set value illegally so as to be advantageous to the player, it is difficult to predict from the conventional model, and an intentional work (work to take out the reel unit 250 and remove the harness 251) is required. Therefore, since the hurdle for performing the setting value changing operation illegally increases, a high deterrent effect can be expected.

  Note that, when the reel unit 250 and the main control unit 300 are directly connected, there is an advantage that the main control unit 300 can directly determine the connection state of the reel unit 250, but depending on the position of the main control unit 300. There is also a possibility that the harness 251 can be removed without pulling out the reel unit 250, that is, the connection state of the reel unit 250 can be changed without greatly opening the front door 101. In such a case, the reel unit 250 is connected to the relay board provided on the inner surface of the game table device or the inner wall surface of the game table main body 102 by connecting the reel unit 250 to the reel unit 250. In order to change the connection state, an operation for pulling out the reel unit 250 from the inside of the game table main body 102 is necessary, and it is desirable to set the structure so that the front door 101 is largely opened in order to perform this operation.

  FIG. 3C is a connection state explanatory diagram of the medal auxiliary storage 270. As described above, the medal auxiliary storage 270 is in a position where the overflowing medal from the medal payout device 260 can be stored when it is in an appropriate connection state with respect to the game table main body 102. The control unit 300 can be determined by a signal from the medal auxiliary storage sensor 271. Therefore, in order to break this connection, the medal auxiliary storage 270 must be pulled out and moved to a position where the medal auxiliary storage sensor 271 cannot detect the medal auxiliary storage 270. Further, since the medal auxiliary storage 270 is stored in a narrow space between the side wall of the game table main body 102 and the medal payout device 260, in order to make the medal auxiliary storage 270 not detected by the medal auxiliary storage sensor 270, In order to carry out this work, the front door 101 must be greatly opened. Therefore, it is impossible to change the connection state between the medal auxiliary storage 270 and the game table main body 201 only by opening the front door 101 to the extent that the surrounding people do not notice.

  As described above, as one of the setting value changeable conditions that have not been adopted in the conventional game machine, the connection state between the medal auxiliary storage 270 and the game machine main body 102 is changed (the medal auxiliary storage 270 is changed). If it is adopted that it is pulled out from the proper position and not detected by the medal auxiliary storage sensor 271), when the illegal player tries to change the setting value in an advantageous manner for himself, Since it is difficult to predict and a task of making an intention (work of pulling out the medal auxiliary storage 270 to a position where it cannot be detected by the medal auxiliary storage sensor 271) is necessary, the hurdle for performing an operation for changing the set value illegally increases. A high deterrent effect can be expected.

  It should be noted that the position where the medal auxiliary storage 270 is placed in the gaming machine main body 102, that is, the physical connection state between the medal auxiliary storage 270 and the gaming machine main body 102 is mainly used as detection information of the medal auxiliary storage sensor 270. The main control unit 300 determines the connection state between the medal auxiliary storage 270 and the game table main body 102 by this, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the medal payout device 260 and the reel unit described above are not limited thereto. Similarly to 250, the main control unit 300 may determine the connection state of the medal auxiliary storage 270 by connecting / disconnecting an electrical signal path such as a harness. Even in such a case, the front door 101 is used to change the connection state of the medal auxiliary storage 270 so that the connection state cannot be changed unless the medal auxiliary storage 270 is pulled out to the front opening side of the game table main body 102. It is desirable to set it to a structure that requires a large opening.

  The medal payout device 260, the reel unit 250, and the medal auxiliary storage 270 are examples of game machine devices that can change the connection state, and are not limited to this, and the front door 101 must be opened largely. Anything can be used as long as the connection state cannot be changed. However, since the medal payout device 260, the reel unit 250, and the medal auxiliary storage 270 described above all have a mounting structure that can be moved only in the front-rear direction, an operation of pulling out when the connection state is changed is required. Since the operation of opening the front door 101 greatly in order to perform the pulling-out operation is essential, it is easy to set the structure so that the front door 101 is opened largely in order to change the connection state.

  Moreover, the change of an electrical connection state is not restricted to what removes the exclusive harness mentioned above, For example, it is good also as a structure as shown in FIG. This is because a floating connector 263 adopting a floating structure is provided on the bottom plate of the game table main body 102 so as to absorb a shift at the time of connection, and a connector (not shown) provided on the medal payout device 260 is attached to the floating connector 263. It is made to connect. Each terminal of the floating connector 263 is connected to the power supply device 230 through an appropriate wiring. Further, a pair of left and right guide members 265 and 265 are provided on the bottom plate of the game table main body 102, and guide pieces 266 and 266 provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the medal payout device 260 are arranged in the front-rear direction along the guide members 265 and 265. The medal payout device 260 can be easily moved back and forth and aligned with the floating connector 263.

  In such a connection structure, the physical connection state in which the medal payout device 260 is in an appropriate position with respect to the game table main body 102, and the electrical connection between the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230 via the floating connector 263. The connection status can be changed at the same time. That is, when the medal payout device 260 is in an appropriate position with respect to the game table main body 102, the medal payout device 260 is also connected to the power supply device 230 via the floating connector 263 (see FIG. 4A). When 260 is pulled out to the front opening side of the game table main body 102, the connector on the medal payout device 260 side is disconnected from the floating connector 263, and the electrical connection with the power supply device 230 is also disconnected (FIG. 4B). )reference).

  In addition, according to this connection structure, there is an advantage that the labor for removing the connector manually is not required and the workability in moving the heavy medal payout device 260 is improved, but the medal payout device from the floating connector 263 is improved. In order to disconnect the electrical connection by disconnecting the 260 connector, it is only necessary to pull out the medal dispensing device 260 toward the front by a very small distance (approximately 1 cm depending on the connector structure such as the length of the connector pin). There remains a concern that the connection state of the medal payout device 260 may be changed without greatly opening the front door 101. However, even if the moving distance at a position close to the axis-attached side of the front door 101 (left side facing the front of the slot machine 100 in this embodiment) is short, the opening angle of the front door 101 is large. Since it is relatively easy to adjust, the connection state of the medal payout device 260 may be difficult to change so as not to notice that the front door 101 is open. In addition, a stopper mechanism for fixing the medal payout device 260 to the bottom plate of the game table main body 102 is provided on the back side (the shaft attachment side of the front door 101). It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which 101 is largely opened and a hand must be inserted.

<Control block>
Next, the configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The control unit according to the present embodiment controls the entire control unit 300 to which a signal that can determine the connection state of the various gaming machine devices described above is input, and a sub-control that performs control related to effects for exciting the game. A control device 400 and an LCD display control unit 500 that performs display control of the LCD 180 are configured.

<Main control unit 300>
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as “Main CPU”) 310 serves as a center of control in the slot machine 100, and exchanges control signals and data with peripheral units via the bus 370.

  The random number generator 311 generates a random number, and includes a plurality of counters, a clock oscillator, a frequency divider, a latch circuit, and the like. The random value generated by the random number generator 311 is stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 313 via the bus 370 and is sent to the Main CPU 310 as necessary. There are a plurality of types of random number values, and each is used according to the processing content.

  The Main CPU 310 has a medal sensor 320 that detects a medal inserted from the insertion slot of the medal insertion block 134 via the input interface 360 and the bus 370, a start lever sensor 321 that detects an operation of the start lever 132, and a stop button 133- When any one of 135 is pressed, a stop button sensor 322 that detects which stop button is pressed, and when any one of the medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 is pressed, which medal insertion button is pressed is detected. The medal insertion button sensor 323 to be operated, the medal auxiliary storage 270 to detect whether or not the medal auxiliary storage 270 is in an appropriate position in the game table main body 201, and the setting value that is the internal winning probability of BB, RB, etc. Setting key to insert and operate setting key to enable Switch 241, setting button 244 or the like which is operated for changing the set value is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 6, setting values that can be changed by operating the setting button 244 are provided from setting 1 to setting 6, and from setting 1 that is the most unfavorable for the player (lowest attraction rate) to the player Can be set in 6 steps up to setting 6 which is the most advantageous (the highest payout rate). In this way, the winning probability of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) is varied for each set value, the occurrence frequency of the winning combination is adjusted, and the predetermined payout rate (the number of medals inserted by the player) (The ratio of the number of medals acquired by the player), the main control unit 300 controls the game so that the set value is important for the game store sales, and the set value is illegally changed and is high. If a game is played with setting values (for example, setting 3 to setting 6), there is a considerable damage for the game shop. Therefore, it is important for the slot machine 100 to prevent the setting values from being illegally operated. . In the table of FIG. 6, only the probabilities of BB and RB are shown, but there are also a small combination and the like as a winning combination determined by internal lottery. About these, it is good also as the same probability with all the setting values, and good also as a different probability for every setting value.

  A ROM (read-only memory) 312 is one of storage means for storing programs for performing various controls, various table data to be described later, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 has a work area for programs processed by the Main CPU 310 and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like.

  In addition, a reel motor control unit 331 that controls a reel motor that rotates and stops the reels 111 to 113 in the reel unit 250 and a reel medal payout device control unit 332 that controls the medal payout device 260 include an input / output interface 330 and The main CPU 310 is connected via a bus 370. Therefore, the Main CPU 310 can determine whether the reel unit 250 and the medal payout device 260 are in an electrically connected state or in a disconnected state.

  The determination as to whether or not the game machine is connected is performed for each timer interrupt process executed by the Main CPU 310 every predetermined time (for example, 1.877 ms), and the detection result is displayed at the designated bit position in the RAM 313. Write. During a normal game, based on the detection result of the medal payout device 260, if the medal payout device 260 is not connected, an error notification process is performed, and the medal payout device 260 cannot pay out a medal for winning. Make sure that no games are executed.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 has a function that can determine the connection state of the gaming table devices (reel unit 250 and medal payout device 260) controlled by the main control device 300, and has a connection state determination function. There is no need to provide it separately. Of course, even if there is no connection state determination function, a connection state determination function can be added relatively inexpensively and easily as the medal auxiliary storage sensor 271 is provided for determining the connection state of the medal auxiliary storage 270. it can. Further, the medal payout device 260 and the main control unit 300 may be connected by relaying the power supply device 230 or directly. The connection with the main controller 300 may be either direct or indirect for other game machine devices.

  The effect lamps / displays 341 include lamps such as the winning line display lamp 125 shown in FIG. 1, various displays such as the stored number display 121, the game number display 122, and the payout number display 123. These are collectively shown, and are connected to the Main CPU 310 via the output interface 340 and the bus 370.

  The output interface 350 transmits various commands to the input interface 430 of the sub control device 400 based on instructions from the Main CPU 310.

<Sub-control device 400>
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as SubCPU) 410 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface 430 and the bus 470, and controls the sub-control device 400 as a whole according to the contents of the received commands. To do.

  The ROM 411 is one of storage means for storing programs, data, and the like for controlling the sub-control device 400 as a whole. The RAM 412 has a work area for programs processed by the SubCPU 410, and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like.

  A backlight 421 connected to the SubCPU 410 via the output interface 420 and the bus 470 is a light that illuminates the reel image, and is turned on / flashing / turned off in accordance with an instruction from the SubCPU 410. The effect light-emitting display unit 422 connected to the SubCPU 410 via the output interface 420 and the bus 470 collectively represents the side lamp 141, the waist lamp 142, the lower lamp 143, the upper lamp 144 and the like. Turns on / flashes / extinguishes.

  The sound source signal forming unit 460 forms and outputs a sound source signal based on the control signal and data delivered from the SubCPU 410. The sound source signal is amplified by the amplifier 461 and then output as sound from the speaker 462.

  The output interface 450 transmits various control data to the LCD display control unit 500 based on an instruction from the SubCPU 410. Based on this control data, the LCD display control unit 500 controls the display of the LCD 180. The LCD display control unit 500 will be described in detail below.

<LCD display control unit 500>
The LCD SubCPU 510 receives various commands transmitted from the sub-control unit 400 via the input interface 530 and the bus 570, specifies image data according to the contents of the received command, and sets image data to be displayed on the LCD 180. Directs to video display processor (hereinafter VDP) 550.

  The ROM 511 is one of storage means for storing a control program, data, and the like for the LCD SubCPU 510.

  The VDP 550 reads the designated image data from the externally connected ROM 552, performs drawing processing, converts the image data into RGB signals, outputs the RGB signal, and outputs the signal via the output interface 553 to display on the LCD 180.

  As one of the setting value changeable conditions that allow the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 to change the setting value, the connection state of the reel unit 250 and the medal payout device 260 or the installation of the medal auxiliary storage 270 is performed. The state was determined. That is, in the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the main control unit 300 sets a setting value that allows a setting value to be changed only when it is determined that a predetermined setting value changeable condition is satisfied. The function as “changing means” and the function as “connection determining means for determining whether or not the gaming machine device is connected” are realized.

<Game execution processing>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the game execution process of the slot machine 100.

  In step S71, medal acceptance processing is performed. In the medal acceptance process, whether or not a medal is inserted into the medal slot 136 is determined based on a detection signal from the medal sensor 320. When the insertion of a medal is detected, the winning line display lamp 125 on the left side of the reel display window 110 is turned on / flashes in accordance with the number of inserted medals.

  In addition, for example, when medals are electronically stored and stored in the slot machine 100, the medals can be inserted by pressing the medal insertion buttons 130 and 131. The maximum number of cards that can be thrown in a single game is three. At this time, the main control unit 300 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control unit 400 so that the sub control unit 400 recognizes the medal insertion. The sub-control unit 400 performs an effect for generating a medal insertion sound based on the medal insertion command.

  In step S <b> 72, the presence / absence of operation of the start lever 132 by the player is determined based on the detection signal of the start lever sensor 321. If the operation of the start lever 132 is not detected, the operation waits until the start lever 132 is operated. When the main control unit 300 detects the operation of the start lever 132 by a signal from the start lever sensor 321, a start lever reception command is transmitted to the sub control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 performs an effect of generating a start sound or the like based on the start lever reception command.

  When the start lever 132 is operated, the process proceeds to step S73, and the Main CPU 310 acquires a random number from the random number generator 311. Random lottery is performed based on the acquired random numbers. Here, the internal lottery of each winning combination is mainly performed.

  In step S74, the reels 111 to 113 are rotated. In this reel rotation process, drive pulses are supplied to the drive sources (stepping motors) of the reels 111 to 113 in the reel unit 250 at an appropriate timing to rotate all the reels 111 to 113 simultaneously or randomly.

  After that, when a predetermined time has elapsed and all the reels have been rotated at a constant speed, the process proceeds to step S75, and a reel stop process for receiving an operation of the stop buttons 133 to 135 by the player is performed. In this reel stop process, the stop button sensor 322 detects which stop button 133-135 is the stop button operated by the player, and the reels 111-113 corresponding to the stop buttons 133-135 operated by the player. Stop one of them. The reel stop position is determined in advance based on the lottery result in step S73, and reel stop control is performed based on the stop position data.

  When all the reels 111 to 113 are stopped, the process proceeds to a winning determination process in step S76, and a predetermined symbol combination corresponding to an internal winning winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114 on the reel display window 110. The winning determination of the winning combination is performed depending on whether or not all are stopped. A winning effect command corresponding to the winning determination result is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 to perform an effect operation corresponding to the winning situation. Note that the winning effect command includes commands such as BB, RB, a small part, an accessory, a replay, and a loss depending on the winning combination.

  If it is determined that there is a winning as a result of the winning determination, a medal payout process in step S77 is performed to pay out a medal having a predetermined number of payouts corresponding to the winning winning combination from the medal payout outlet 160 to the tray 161. Do.

  In the game state update process in step S78, the game state is updated based on the winning determination result. If the BB is won as a result of the winning determination, a BB game is set and the BB game is executed from the next game. When winning an RB and when winning an accessory game during the BB game, an accessory game state is set and executed from the next game.

  By executing the above-described series of processing steps, one game is completed, and thereafter the same procedure is repeated.

<Setting value change processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the setting value changing process performed by the main control unit 300. Note that the setting value change process is executed only once immediately after the slot machine 100 is turned on (or reset). Further, in the setting value changing process shown in this figure, the game stand device that performs the connection state determination is the medal payout device 260, and the medal payout device 260 is not connected (connection to the power supply device 230 is disconnected). Judgment is made as one of the setting value changeable conditions.

  In step S801, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 241 that can be changed between ON and OFF by inserting a setting key is ON. If the setting key switch 241 is OFF, the setting value is changed. The process ends without executing the operation. On the other hand, if the setting key switch 241 is ON, the slot machine 100 is activated in the setting value change mode, and the following processing is performed.

  First, in step S802, in order to change the set value, at least the current set value is stored and maintained, and other stored values in the RAM are cleared, and the current set value is blinked and displayed on the set value display 243. (Step S803). The reason why the set value is displayed blinking on the set value display 243 is to make it easier for the operator to understand that the set value is not being set.

  Subsequently, whether or not the start lever 132 is received is determined based on whether or not a signal from the start lever sensor 321 is detected by operating the start lever 132, which is an operation for determining the set value (step S804). If the start lever 132 has not been received yet, it is determined whether or not an operation from the setting button 244, which is an operation for changing the setting value, has been received (step S805). The process returns to the reception determination of the start lever 132 in step S804.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S805 that the setting button 244 has been received, it is determined whether or not the medal payout device 260 is connected (step S806), and it is determined that the medal payout device 260 is not connected. If it is assumed that the front door 101 is opened widely and the medal payout device 260 is pulled out and then the connection with the power supply device 230 is cut off, the set value is updated (step S807), and the set value display The setting value to be displayed blinking on the device 243 is changed to the updated setting value (step S808). The setting value is updated by, for example, adding “1” to the current setting value to change the setting value. If the current setting value is “6”, the setting value is changed to “1”. ”And periodically update between the set value 1 and the set value 6.

  After updating the display in step S808, the process returns to step S804 again to wait for reception of the start lever 132. If it is determined that the start lever 132 has been received, the current setting value (setting value display 243) is displayed. The setting value blinking displayed on) is confirmed as a new setting value, stored in the RAM 313, the new setting value is lit on the setting value display 243 (step S809), and the setting key switch 241 is turned on. It waits until it is changed from OFF to OFF (step S810).

  If it is determined in step S810 that the setting key switch 241 has been changed to OFF, the setting value display 243 is turned off, and the setting value changing process ends.

  As described above, the setting value cannot be changed simply by starting the slot machine 100 in the setting value change mode and operating the setting button 244. That is, the operation of opening the front door 101 widely as a setting value changeable condition is performed. In the determination of whether or not the game table device is connected, which is achieved by the connection state change work of the game table device (work to disconnect the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230), it is determined that the game table device is not connected ( Since the medal paying device control unit 332 determines that the medal paying device 260 is not connected), it is practically impossible to change the setting value so as not to be known to the surroundings, and an illegal setting value change is made. It is effective against. Moreover, the medal payout device 260 has a function that allows the medal payout device control unit 332 of the main control unit 300 to determine the connection state as a standard, so that this is determined as one of the setting value changeable conditions. It is relatively easy to configure the slot machine 100, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, when the operation of the setting button 244 is accepted in step S805, it is determined that the medal payout device 260 is connected in the setting value changeable condition determination (game table device connection determination) performed in step S806. In this case, the setting value is not updated based on the operation of the setting button 244, the process jumps to step S809, and the current setting value (the setting value flashed on the setting value display 243) is set as a new setting value. Determine.

  Thus, since the presence or absence of connection of the medal payout device 260 is checked every time the setting button 244 is pressed during the setting change, the medal payout device 260 is removed only at the start of the setting change, and then the front door 101 It is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as changing the setting value from the outside of the game table by closing. In the case where the medal payout device 260 is determined to be connected and the setting value is forcibly fixed (when an appropriate setting value fixing operation by the operation of the start lever 132 has not been performed), the current setting value is set. Instead of determining the new setting value, setting 1 that is most disadvantageous to the player may be determined as a new setting value to deal with an illegal setting value change. Further, when the set value is forcibly confirmed, error notification may be performed by visual display on the LCD 180 or sound output from the sound holes 151 and 151 by the speaker 462 (see FIG. 9). .

  It should be noted that the process for determining whether or not the medal payout device 260 is connected (game table device connection state determination process, which is one of the setting value changeable conditions) is not limited to being performed each time the setting button 244 is operated. For example, error notification (display or audio output) is performed immediately after shifting to the setting value change mode in step S801, and if the absence of connection of the medal payout device 260 cannot be confirmed as a setting value changeable condition at this time, it is set as it is. It is good also as a process which completes a value change process. In addition, as a setting value changeable condition, it is not determined only for the connection state with respect to one game table device, but for all of a plurality of predetermined game table devices (for example, the reel unit 250 and the medal auxiliary storage 270). On the other hand, if no connection is confirmed, the setting value may not be changed.

<Example of setting value change>
Next, a setting value change work example will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. 10 showing the setting value change work in time series. Note that the setting value is set to “setting 2” in the slot machine 100 that is the target of the setting value change work.

  To change the setting value, first, with the power of the slot machine 100 turned off, the medal payout device 260 and the power supply device 230 are disconnected, the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 241, and the setting is changed from OFF. In this state, the power switch 242 is turned on to activate the slot machine 100.

  When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on, the setting key switch 241 is ON as described above, so that the setting value change mode is entered, and the setting value display 243 displays the setting value 2 that is the current setting value in a blinking manner. Is done. In addition, as a display state of the set value display 243 in FIG. 10, a hatched range means a blinking state in which lighting and extinguishing are repeated.

  After all the setting value changeable conditions are satisfied and the setting value can be changed, every time the setting button 244 is pressed, the display of the setting value display 243 is updated (setting 2 → setting 3 → setting 4). → Change in the order of setting 5). The setting value is updated at the rising edge of the detection pulse of the setting button 244.

  As described above, when the start lever 132 is operated in a state where the setting 5 as a new setting value is displayed on the setting value display 243, the setting value 5 is determined as a new setting value, and the setting value display The display of 243 changes from blinking to lighting. Note that the setting value confirmation operation is also performed at the rising edge of the detection pulse of the start lever sensor 321.

  Finally, by returning the setting key switch 241 from ON to OFF, the setting value display 243 is extinguished, the setting value change mode ends, and the slot machine 100 returns to a state in which a normal game is possible. However, if the medal payout device 260 is not connected to the power supply device 230, the game is not performed as an error state, and it is necessary to perform an operation for connecting the medal payout device 260 to the power supply device 230.

It is a front view of a slot machine which is an example of a game table. It is a front view of the slot machine in a state where the front door is opened. It is a connection state explanatory diagram of the game machine device in the slot machine. It is connection state explanatory drawing of the medal payout apparatus which is an example of a game stand apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of the main control of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing of the lottery probability classified by setting value. It is a flowchart which shows the game execution process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the setting value change process which a main control part performs. It is explanatory drawing of alerting | reporting operation | movement performed with respect to the error which occurred during the setting change. It is a timing chart which shows the example of work of setting value change.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Slot machine 101 Front door 102 Game stand main body 230 Power supply device 241 Setting key switch 243 Setting value display 244 Setting button 250 Reel unit 251 Harness 260 Medal payout device 262 Harness 263 Floating connector 270 Medal auxiliary storage 271 Medal auxiliary storage sensor 300 Main control unit

Claims (5)

Only when it is determined that various game machine devices are installed in the game machine body, a game is executed based on the set value, and a predetermined setting changeable condition is satisfied, the setting value is changed. In a game machine having setting value changing means that enables
Having a connection determining means for determining whether or not the game table device is connected;
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting value changing means determines that one of the setting value changeable conditions has been achieved when the connection determining means determines that the gaming machine is not connected . Before Symbol set value changing means, if it is determined that there is connection of the gaming table device by the connection determination means, according to claim 1, characterized in that updating the set value to the current set value Game console. The set value changing means, if it is determined that there is connection of the game machine apparatus by prior Symbol connection determination means, wherein the claim 1, characterized in that changing to a low set value that defines the set value in advance The game table described in 1. Having an informing means for informing outside,
The set value changing means, the determination result by the previous SL connection determination means, either whether the gaming table device is connected of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to the notification by the notification means The game table according to claim 1 . Multiple types of patterns are applied, and multiple reels are driven to rotate.
Whether or not the internal winning of the plurality of types of winning combinations is determined by lottery, the winning is determined based on whether or not the combination of the pictures displayed when the plurality of reels are stopped is a predetermined combination, and the game medium A medal payout device for paying out medals,
As a game machine device,
It said connection determination means, gaming table according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the determining the presence or absence of connection of the medal payout device.

Images