JP4540385B2 - Game machine evaluation system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine evaluation system that performs aggregation / calculation and consistency determination based on a signal indicating the state of a gaming machine and command data for control.

In recent years, the operation control of a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine has become complicated, and in order to realize the complicated operation control, the main CPU that controls the operation of the entire gaming machine controls various peripheral devices. Some are configured to send commands. Then, the sub CPU on the peripheral device side receives the control command, and performs the control operation of the peripheral device based on the received control command. As a gaming machine information management device that obtains a signal indicating a gaming state from such a gaming machine and performs counting, calculation, and management, a special symbol starting port that is output from a terminal dedicated to the gaming machine information management device of the gaming machine is used. There are signals that collect prize winning detection signals, symbol determination count detection signals, jackpot detection signals, launch ball detection signals, and discharge ball detection signals, etc., for counting, calculation and management. For example, for conventional pachinko machines In the test apparatus, an apparatus that acquires a signal to be inspected from each connector of a main board and a symbol control board of a pachinko gaming machine is disclosed (see, for example, pages 4 to 7 and FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1). ). The inspection target signal includes a game ball signal that is a signal relating to a game ball, an operation signal that is generated when an accessory or tulip opens or closes, a symbol signal sent from the symbol control board, or a main board sent There are a gaming machine error status signal, a normal symbol display device error signal and a special symbol display device error signal sent from the symbol control board. In addition, this conventional pachinko machine testing device is equipped with a launch lever control device, which determines the progress of the game based on a signal from the pachinko machine during the test, and the actual player operates the launch lever. To control the position of the launch lever.
JP 2001-149620 A

  However, in such a conventional pachinko gaming machine testing device, since there are few items that can be aggregated, calculated, and managed, it is impossible to grasp detailed gaming machine information, and in the gaming machine. There is a problem that it is impossible to grasp the operation status of the operating signal, command data that is a control command, and the like.

  In addition, the launch lever control device provided in the conventional pachinko gaming machine test device as described above is separate from the test device main body and is very large, When testing a gaming machine, a large space for installing the test apparatus main body and the launch lever control apparatus must be secured.

  Since this launch lever control device actually rotates the launch lever, it takes a lot of time to install when the size and shape differ for each type of gaming machine. In addition, since the launch lever is directly rotated by motor control, it is impossible to perform agile operation control.

  Furthermore, since one testing device main body and a launch lever control device are connected to one pachinko gaming machine, when testing a plurality of pachinko gaming machines simultaneously, the number of these pachinko gaming machines There was a problem that the test apparatus main body and the firing lever control apparatus had to be prepared by the amount, and the cost was increased.

  In addition, when performing an evaluation test of a plurality of pachinko machines, it is preferable to perform the evaluation at a predetermined time. For this reason, the test start time must be recorded in some form and the end time must be designated. The operator must always monitor the test time.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and is a command that is a control command transmitted from the main CPU that controls the operation of the entire gaming machine to various peripheral devices in the gaming machine. The data and the signal indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine based on the control operation of the peripheral device performed according to the command data received by the sub CPU on the peripheral device side are collected in real time, and the aggregation / calculation and consistency of the data are collected. It is an object to obtain a gaming machine evaluation system capable of performing the characteristics and evaluation of a gaming machine strictly and efficiently by making a determination and performing automatic launch control of a gaming ball.

  In addition to the above-mentioned purpose, a gaming machine capable of strict and efficient characteristic / evaluation of the gaming machine by automatically discriminating the start and end times of the gaming machine evaluation without monitoring by the operator The purpose is to obtain an evaluation system.

The invention according to claim 1 is an evaluation of a plurality of gaming machines comprising main control means for controlling game operation and sub-control means for controlling operation of peripheral devices based on control commands from the main control means. A gaming machine evaluation system comprising a timer activation control means for instructing the start and end of the gaming machine evaluation by counting with a timer , wherein the gaming machine evaluation apparatus comprises the timer activation control means. At the time of instructing the start of the gaming machine evaluation, the selection of the control command transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means and the setting of the firing conditions may be completed, which may differ depending at least on the specifications of the gaming machine, and the timer start control When an instruction to end the gaming machine evaluation by means is made, the end of the gaming machine evaluation is delayed until a predetermined gaming state is ended.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the start of the gaming machine evaluation is timed by the timer, the gaming machine evaluation is not immediately started at this time, and the selection and launch of the acquisition command based on at least the specification of the gaming machine is performed. Start after setting the conditions.

  Further, when the end of the gaming machine evaluation is timed by the timer, the gaming machine evaluation is not immediately ended at this time, but is delayed until the predetermined gaming state is ended.

  Thereby, in each gaming machine, the evaluation time can be obtained in a state where all the conditions are unified, and monitoring by an operator or the like becomes unnecessary, and the working efficiency of gaming machine evaluation can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, main control means (main control unit 200) for performing game operation control, sub-control means (CPU 1020) for controlling operation of peripheral devices based on control commands from the main control means, In a gaming machine evaluation system for evaluating a plurality of gaming machines provided with a control device, provided for each of the plurality of gaming machines and output from each of a main control means and a sub-control means of the corresponding gaming machine A plurality of relay control units configured to sequentially store command information related to commands and game state information indicating a game state, and a gaming machine evaluation device (gaming machine information management device 1610), the plurality of relay control units In response to the information collection request signal from the gaming machine evaluation device, each of them transmits transmission means with its own identifier added to the stored information (step S1955). A launch control means (steps S1940, S1945) for controlling the launch of a game ball in a corresponding gaming machine based on whether the stored information satisfies a set condition, and the gaming machine evaluation The apparatus instructs the start and end of the gaming machine evaluation by a timer, and at the time of the gaming machine evaluation start instruction, the initial setting process may differ depending on at least the specifications of the gaming machine. Selection of a control command to be transmitted to the sub-control means and setting of the firing condition are completed, and at the time of instructing the end of the gaming machine evaluation, a timer activation that delays the end of the gaming machine evaluation until a predetermined gaming state is ended A receiver that receives the storage information sent by transmitting the information collection request signal to the control means and each relay control unit; (Steps S1840, S1850) and consistency determining means (Step S1870) for determining consistency between the information based on the command information and the game state information indicated by the received stored information. It is characterized by that.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, whether or not both pieces of information are consistent based on the command information including the control command from the main control means and the gaming state information indicating the gaming state from the peripheral device. Therefore, the characteristics and evaluation of the gaming machine can be strictly performed from the viewpoint of the operation inside the gaming machine, etc., and the effectiveness as reference data at the time of gaming machine development can be improved. . In addition, since the launch control means performs the launch control of the game ball in the corresponding gaming machine based on whether the stored information stored therein satisfies the set condition, the characteristics / evaluation of the gaming machine can be efficiently performed. It can be carried out.

  Also, in the gaming machine evaluation device, when the start of the gaming machine evaluation is timed by the timer, the gaming machine evaluation is not immediately started at this time, the acquisition command is selected based on the specifications of the gaming machine, and the launch condition is set. Start after completion.

  Further, when the end of the gaming machine evaluation is timed by the timer, the gaming machine evaluation is not immediately ended at this time, but is delayed until the predetermined gaming state is ended.

  Thereby, in each gaming machine, the evaluation time can be obtained in a state where all the conditions are unified, and monitoring by an operator or the like becomes unnecessary, and the working efficiency of gaming machine evaluation can be improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, in each of the plurality of relay control units, initial backup data stored in a storage medium provided in the gaming machine is initialized. , And is operated at the start of the evaluation of the gaming machine to initialize the backup data.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the gaming machine evaluation is performed, if there is past backup data, the collected information is affected, and an appropriate evaluation may not be obtained. For this reason, it is necessary to initialize the backup data stored in the storage medium provided in the gaming machine, but this initialization is performed by an operation different from the evaluation system provided in the gaming machine by the operator. Therefore, work efficiency was bad. Therefore, by providing the relay control unit with initialization means for initializing the backup data stored in the storage medium, the backup data is automatically initialized, and the work efficiency can be improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the second or third aspect, the storing is performed in response to an operation of an operation unit for performing a change instruction operation provided in the consistency determining unit. It is characterized by further comprising a changing means for changing the setting condition for the information.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by changing the setting condition for the stored information by the changing means, it is possible to perform the launch control of the game ball corresponding to the model, function, performance, etc. of the gaming machine.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the consistency determining means associates the command information with information corresponding to the gaming state information. It is characterized in that consistency is determined with reference to the registered contents of the registered table.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the consistency is determined with reference to the registered content of the table in which the command information and the information corresponding to the gaming state are registered in association with each other. Processing can be executed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the command information and the gaming state according to the fifth aspect of the invention according to an operation of an operation unit for performing an update instruction operation provided in the consistency determining unit. An update means for updating the registered contents of the table registered in association with the information corresponding to the information is further provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since the registration content of the table in which the command information and the information corresponding to the gaming state information are registered in association with each other can be updated by the updating means, the model or function of the gaming machine, Correspondence can also be determined in response to a setting change in gaming operation control of a gaming machine.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a real-time display means for displaying the result determined by the consistency determining means in real time. It is a feature.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, since the result determined by the consistency determination means is displayed in real time by the real time display means, the result of the aggregation / calculation and consistency determination / confirmation processing is immediately confirmed with the person in charge. In addition, even when an error is notified, it can be immediately confirmed, and it is possible to respond promptly as appropriate.

  The above-described operation can be realized by recording a program on a computer-readable recording medium and executing the program recorded on the recording medium by the computer. Examples of such recording media include semiconductor recording media such as ROM and IC card, magnetic recording media such as FD and HD, and optical recording media such as CDROM and DVDROM. In addition, this program can be downloaded from the information processing apparatus via the communication network and installed in the gaming machine, the gaming machine evaluation apparatus, or the relay control unit.

  As described above, in the present invention, in the gaming machine, command data that is a control command transmitted from the main CPU that controls the operation of the entire gaming machine to various peripheral devices and the sub CPU on the peripheral device side receive the command data. A signal indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine based on the control operation of the peripheral device performed according to the command data is collected in real time, and the data is aggregated / calculated, consistency is determined, and automatic launch control of the game ball is performed Therefore, it has an excellent effect that the characteristics / evaluation of the gaming machine can be strictly and efficiently performed.

  Further, in addition to the above effects, it is possible to determine the start and end times of the evaluation of the gaming machine automatically without monitoring by the operator, and to accurately and efficiently perform the characteristics / evaluation of the gaming machine. Have

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the gaming machine side will be described, and then the gaming machine evaluation system side will be described to facilitate the understanding of the present invention.
(Amusement machine side)
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. The game board 10 has three display areas (left, middle, and right) in the approximate center, and each display area contains a row of identification information that is independently composed of figures and characters. The special symbol display device 100 that can display the variation in the arrangement pattern is arranged, and a special symbol starting port 104 is disposed immediately below the special symbol starting port 104, and normal symbol operation is performed on both sides of the special symbol starting port 104. Gates 102 are provided. Further, the pair of opening / closing members 120 and 120 are provided so as to be opened and closed apart so as to form the special symbol starting port 104.

  Further, a special prize opening 106, a normal symbol display device 108, and an out port 114 are arranged in this order below the special symbol starting port 104, and further, a lamp is placed on both sides of the special symbol starting port 104 diagonally. Display devices 110 and 110 are provided, and lamp display devices (more specifically, LED devices) 112 and 112 are also provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the game board 10.

  Then, a game ball is won at the special symbol starting port 104 and a random number lottery is performed, and when the random number selected is a big hit value, a variable display of at least one identification information is started in each display area. A pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed by the special symbol display device 100, and the big winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined pattern so that a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player is achieved. In addition, this gaming machine is configured to have a probability variation function that improves the next jackpot probability when a big jackpot is achieved in a specific symbol combination (for example, three symbols are odd-numbered). ing. The special symbol display device 100 can display the reach state in the display area. This reach state is a symbol stop display as “XXY (where Y is changing)” with symbols (left symbol, middle symbol in this embodiment) other than the final symbol (right symbol in this embodiment). It is to be done. In this reach, all symbols may or may not be finally aligned.

  Further, when the normal symbol operation gate 102 detects the passing of the game ball, a random number lottery is performed, and when the lottery random number is a small hit value, the display unit of the normal symbol display device 108 is displayed in a predetermined pattern (for example, “7”). Or “3”), and then, when the opening / closing member 120 is in the open state and the game ball wins the special symbol starting port 104, the random number lottery is performed in the same manner, and the random number selected is a big hit. When it is a value, variable display in each display area is started, and then a predetermined display pattern (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is displayed by the special symbol display device 100, and the big prize opening 106 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern. It becomes a big hit state which is controlled and advantageous for the player. On the other hand, hitting balls that are not won are discharged through the out port 114. In addition, this gaming machine is configured to have a probability variation function that improves the probability of the next big hit when the odd symbol is a big hit at the outcome.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing only the main part of the gaming machine in which gaming machine control is performed according to the progress of such a game. The main control unit 200 includes a microprocessor incorporating a CPU, and stores a variety of control commands including at least various commands for controlling the special symbol display device 100, which will be described later. An area 202, a ROM 201 for storing a control program describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, control data, and the like, and a RAM 203 in which a work area is formed are provided to form an integrated one-chip microcomputer.

  The main control unit 200 includes a special symbol start switch 304 that is provided inside the special symbol start port 104 and detects a winning of the game ball in the special symbol start port 104 via the input port 210, and the inside of the normal symbol operation gate 102. Are connected to a normal symbol operation switch 306 for detecting a game ball passing through the gate, and a big winning opening switch 308 for detecting a winning of the gaming ball in the big winning opening 106 provided in the special winning opening 106. The main control unit 200 can receive each detection signal.

  A large number of peripheral devices are connected to the main control unit 200 via the output port 215. In other words, the main control unit 200 has three display units for displaying special symbols and characters via the output port 215, each of which can be independently variably displayed and can be realized by an LCD or the like. 100, lamp display devices 110 and 112 for controlling the lighting of lamps, sound effect generating device 116 for generating sound effects, for example, a normal symbol display device 108 realized by a 7-segment display device, and opening / closing members 120 for opening and closing are controlled. A start opening solenoid 300 for controlling the opening and closing and a large winning operation solenoid 302 for controlling opening / closing of the wide opening / closing member of the large winning opening 106 are connected.

  The main control unit 200 can transmit a control command for controlling each peripheral device. The main control details 200 transmit a predetermined number of control commands to the special symbol display device 100, the lamp display device 110 (112), the sound effect generator 116, and the normal symbol display device 108 at a predetermined timing. These peripheral devices can perform detailed control by their own CPU without relying on the main control unit 200 based on the received command. The peripheral device is provided with an output terminal (not shown) so that one or more signals indicating the operation state can be output to a tester (not shown) outside the gaming machine. On the other hand, the tester provided outside the gaming machine is configured to be able to collect signals from peripheral devices, and can analyze the collected data.

  The main control unit 200 is connected to a power supply circuit 212 for supplying power and a reset circuit 213 that outputs a reset signal every predetermined time. Further, the main control unit 200 is connected to the reset circuit 213. A pulse signal generated by the periodic timer counter is input, and a monitor signal for monitoring the current supply status from the power supply circuit 212 is input.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control command sent from the main control unit 200 to the peripheral device is executed with a mode (MODE) which is an identifier for identifying the command classification and is 1-byte long digital information. It is an event (EVENT) which is digital information of 1 byte length indicating the content (function) of the command. 6 to 9 show a part of the command data for control on the command data table area 202 stored in the ROM 201, in particular, a command when the special symbol display device 100 is assumed as a peripheral device.

  As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, the display control command indicates that “special symbols are changed, and how long after the change starts, the special symbols (identification information) are to be stopped. "Varying pattern designation command", "Left design designation command to designate stop symbol for special symbol left", "Middle design designation command to designate stop symbol in special design", "Right design to designate stop symbol to the right of special design" There are “designation command” and “design stop command for stopping special design”. These commands are always necessary no matter how the change mode of the change display changes according to the game situation, and the main control unit 200 has entered a game situation in which the symbol change display is started. Sometimes, these five commands are transmitted to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing in one variation display control. Further, the symbol stop command may be prepared in correspondence with the left, middle and right symbol designation commands.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a special symbol display device 100 that is one of the peripheral devices. The special symbol display device 100 supplies a power to the data receiving circuit 1140 (including a voltage converting circuit for converting the data level) for receiving a strobe signal and a command from the main control unit 200, and the voltage converting circuit and the like. A power supply circuit 1160, a CPU 1020 (display control means) that generates control data necessary for display control based on the received command and outputs the control data to the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060, and an operation procedure of the CPU 1020 are described. A program ROM 1040 having a built-in program, a RAM 1090 functioning as a work area or a buffer memory, an image processing LSI (VDP) 1960 that performs image expansion processing, and image data expanded by the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 Storing video RAM 1080 and image processing L Character ROM 1180 storing data necessary for image development by I (VDP) 1060, LCD panel interface circuit 1100 for receiving and transmitting image data temporarily stored in video RAM 1080, and this LCD panel interface And an LCD panel 1120 for outputting a display image using the image data sent from the circuit 1100.

  The CPU 1020 has nine types of signals indicating the operating state of the special symbol display device 100 (a left symbol changing signal, a middle symbol changing signal, a right symbol changing signal, a symbol changing signal, a symbol, which will be described later) An output terminal 1200 is provided to enable output of a determination signal, a symbol display device error signal, left symbol data, middle symbol data, and right symbol data) to an information processing system tester for gaming machines outside the gaming machine described later. The external system is capable of collecting nine types of signals indicating this operation state by being electrically connected to the output terminal 1200. Of these nine types of signals, the left symbol changing signal, the middle symbol changing signal, the right symbol changing signal, the symbol changing signal, the symbol determination signal, and the symbol display device error signal are one bit and one operating state. The left symbol data, the middle symbol data, and the right symbol data are information indicating one operation state with a plurality of bits.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the character ROM 1180 includes a ROM title area, a ROM management information area, a character image data area that stores actual character data, a palette data area that stores character color data, and a character The character data is stored in the character image data area in a state compressed by a specific compression method, and further includes a scenario data area in which information defining motion of the character is stored. As shown, the palette data area stores a plurality of types in which color numbers and color codes are paired.

  Then, when the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 gives the control data generated in response to the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 to the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060, the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 The character data acquired from the image data area is decompressed and colored with the color data acquired from the palette data area, and the image data temporarily developed at the position on the video RAM 1080 specified by the information acquired from the scenario data area By storing and temporarily storing the stored data to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100, the LCD panel 1120 performs various image displays including a change in the variable display speed.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing command transmission / reception timing. As described above, the command consists of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and a 1-byte length event (EVENT). In this example, the main control unit 200 generates a strobe signal generated by itself when the command changes. Mode (MODE) information is transmitted in response to the first rise of (DUSTB), and event (EVENT) information is transmitted in response to the second rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB). In response to this, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device, which is one of the peripheral devices, generates an interrupt when the strobe signal (DUSTB) is transmitted, receives the command by this interrupt processing, and receives it in the RAM 1090. Store.

  Next, normal control operations performed by the main control unit 200 and the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (game control general flowchart) and FIG. 11, and then a timing chart and a schematic diagram will be described. The characteristic operation control of the present invention will be described with reference to the explanatory drawings so as to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. The series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the main control unit 200, but is executed from the top step using a reset signal supplied from the reset circuit 213 every predetermined time (for example, 4 msec) as a trigger.

  First, when the power supply circuit 212 is activated by a power switch (not shown), the main control unit 200 is activated, and it is determined whether or not the first process has been executed since the power was turned on (step S110). . In the case of the first process after the power is turned on (Yes), the process proceeds to Step S200. In other cases (No), the process proceeds to Step S120.

  In step S200, a storage area clearing process is executed as an initialization process of the RAM 203. Next, in step S210, data for performing an initial control process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. On the other hand, in step S120, the count value of various random number generation loop counters (not shown) for determining big hits, small hits, etc., which are formed in the RAM 203, is incremented. In step S130, various values used for game machine control are incremented. Update the timer value of the timer.

  Next, in step S140, input port processing for reading and storing the detection signals output from the special symbol start switch 304, the normal symbol operation switch 306, and the special prize opening switch 308 into a register in the terminal (not shown) via the input port 203 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S150, and a switch check process for grasping the data read and stored in the port input process is executed.

  Next, in step S160, the switch 304, 306, 308, etc. is checked for disconnection or short circuit. If these faults have occurred (Yes), the process proceeds to step S220. In this case (No), the process proceeds to step S180 (step S170).

  In step S180, data necessary for display control of the normal symbol display device 107 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the display control command of the special symbol display device 100 (described above with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9). Command) is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the timer values of the various timers are reduced (step S190). In step S180, the main control unit 200 determines a necessary mode and event command in accordance with the game control with reference to the command data table area 202, and sets digital information indicating the determined mode and event in the RAM 203. Store in the area.

  Next, in step S195, in order to control the opening / closing member 120 of the special winning opening 106 and the special symbol starting opening 104 in a predetermined pattern, the start opening operating solenoid 300 and the special winning opening operating solenoid 302 are driven and controlled. In step S220, a prize ball setting process for outputting control information for causing a prize ball payout device (not shown) to perform a payout operation is executed. In steps S230, 240, and 250, a game machine management device (not shown) is executed. External information processing for outputting various game data, a lamp control process for storing the lamp display devices 110 and 112 in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 for controlling the lighting of the lamp display devices 110 and 112 corresponding to the gaming state, and a sound effect generator 116 A command for controlling the sound effect generation corresponding to the state is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. Executing the sound effect processing for storing.

  Next, in step S260, the data stored in the RAM 203 in each process is output to the corresponding device via the output port 215 (port output processing), and the device that receives this performs a control operation based on this. First, a strobe signal is output to the special symbol display device 100, and the mode and event data stored in the RAM 203 in step S180 are transmitted as shown in FIG. Thus, for example, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are transmitted to the special symbol display device 100 from the main control unit 200 and received.

  In step S270, a reset waiting process is executed until a reset signal is input from the reset circuit 213. If a reset signal is input, the process proceeds to step S110 to continue the gaming machine control. The reset waiting process includes updating the various random number generation counters described above.

  Next, the normal operation of the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 that has received the command will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer, initializes the RAM 1090, initializes itself such as register clear, etc., and determines in step S1102 whether a new command has been input. If it is determined that a new display control command has been input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1104. Otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S1110.

  In step S1104, in the interrupt processing described with reference to FIG. 5, the command received by the data receiving circuit 1140 is copied to the RAM 1090, and it is checked whether or not the command is normal. Next, the CPU 1020 determines the start address of a processing table (not shown) in order to obtain a necessary command for performing fine display control independently of the main control unit 200, and then in step S1108, the image In order to output to the processing LSI 1060, data in a necessary area of the RAM 1090 is updated.

  Next, in step S1110, based on the symbol control data set in the RAM 1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090 to set the symbol display position. In S1112, the data necessary for the symbol speed control is acquired from a speed table (not shown) built in the program ROM 1040 and set in the RAM 1090. Next, in step S1114, the symbol offset value is calculated based on the velocity data. Update and prepare to perform symbol variation at the set speed.

  Next, in step S1116, animation data is acquired from an animation processing table (not shown) in which animation processing data set in the RAM 1090 is stored, and preparation for displaying a background image is performed. The VDP output buffer is set to determine whether the output permission flag is “1” (step S1118).

  If the output permission flag is not “1” (No), the process returns to step S1102 to repeat the series of processes. On the other hand, if the output permission flag is “1” (Yes), in step S1120, VDP output is performed. The data set in the buffer is output to the image processing LSI 1060. In response to this, the image processing LSI 1060 acquires data in the character ROM 1180 and develops the image. The image developed data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080 and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100 to be sent to the LCD panel 1120. Is displayed.

  FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are examples of the transmission timing of a command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100, and are explanatory diagrams of the transmission command. As can be understood with reference to these drawings, the main control unit 200 When a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol starting port 104 is satisfied, first, “a command for designating a time from the start of symbol variation to the stop of symbol variation is transmitted ( 1) A command for designating a left stop symbol is transmitted after the elapse of T1 (2), and a command for designating a middle stop symbol is transmitted after the elapse of T2 (3). A command for designating a right stop symbol is transmitted (4), and a command (3) for halting all symbols after a lapse of T time from the start of fluctuation is transmitted. The CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 that has received the command performs a series of fluctuation display control by performing fine display control such as fluctuation speed change before the time specified in 1 elapses. After the elapse of time, the variable display control is terminated.

  Next, an operation example on the gaming machine side of the present invention will be described by employing a special symbol display device 100 as an example of a peripheral device. The operation of the CPU 1020 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. The CPU 1020 receives the variation pattern designation command and starts symbol variation in the special symbol display device 100 in the gaming machine, and also includes a left symbol variation signal, a middle symbol variation signal, a right symbol variation signal, and a symbol variation signal. The signal is output from the OFF level (eg, 0 (V)) to the ON level (eg, 5 (V)) to the system side (FIGS. 15 (f) to (i)). That is, this is information indicating one operation state with a single bit.

Next, when the left symbol designation command, middle symbol designation command, and right symbol designation command are received in sequence, the left symbol data, middle symbol data, and right symbol data specified by these commands are sent to the system side when the command is received. ((FIG. 15 (l) to (n)), that is, this is information indicating one operation state by a plurality of bits. When a symbol stop command is received, a symbol determination signal (FIG. 15 ( j)) is output from the OFF level to the ON level (100 msec) to the system side, and the left symbol changing signal, middle symbol changing signal, right symbol changing signal and symbol changing signal are switched from the ON level to the OFF level. At this time, in the gaming machine, the stop display with the designated symbol is performed in the display area of the device 100. In this case 0, Since the command missing has not occurred, the symbol display device error signal (FIG. 15 (k)) remains OFF level.
(System side)
An embodiment on the gaming machine evaluation system side will be described below. FIG. 16 is a block configuration diagram of a gaming machine evaluation system 1600 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine evaluation system 1600 includes a gaming machine information management device 1610, a HUB 1620, relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c, gaming machines 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c, and a printer 1650.

  The gaming machine information management device 1610 is connected to the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c via the HUB 1620 so that they can communicate with each other. Each of the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c has an IP address indicated by the communication protocol TCT / IP and is connected so as to be communicable.

The relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c are connected to each of the gaming machines 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c, and sequentially transmit command data and gaming state signals related to control commands output from the main control unit 200 and the CPU 1020, respectively. It is configured to be storable. Here, the command data includes various commands such as the variation pattern designation command, the symbol designation command, or the symbol stop command described above with reference to FIGS. The gaming state signal is a signal indicating a gaming state of the gaming machine, such as a symbol changing signal or a symbol confirmation signal.

  The gaming machine information management device 1610 requests the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c to transmit commands and gaming state signals via the HUB 1620, and transmits them from the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c. It has a function to receive commands and gaming state signals.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the gaming machine information management device 1610. The gaming machine information management device 1610 performs processing on the I / F (interface) 1611 that can communicate with the HUB 1620, the CPU 1612 that can perform predetermined operation processing by executing various programs, and the CPU 1612. From an HD (Hard Disk) 1613 for storing programs and data, an input device 1614 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a CRT 1615 capable of displaying data, a CDROM drive 1616 capable of reading programs and data from a CDROM, and an FD An FD drive 1617 capable of reading programs and data is provided, and each component bus 1618 is connected so that necessary information can be communicated with each other. The CPU 1612 executes the program recorded on the HD 1613 so that the following operations can be executed.

  In addition, a timer management control unit 1619 is connected to the component element bus 1618. The timer management control unit 1619 is connected to an operation input device 1621 which is a user interface with an operator, and instructs to start and end the evaluation system.

  The timer management control unit 1619 is provided with a timer 1619A, which measures time based on the start time and end time from the operation input device 1621.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the start time comes by the time of the timer 1619A, information collection is not started immediately, and as a previous step, communication confirmation with the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, 1630c (that is, (Confirmation of establishment of LAN connection between gaming machine management device 1610 and relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c), selection of acquisition command, launch stop condition (for example, number of reserved memories, reach entry, probability change (including time reduction), Depending on the type of pachinko machine, whether or not the launch intensity has been changed is set, and after this setting is completed, the execution of the evaluation (collection of information) is actually started (steps in the flowchart of FIG. 18). S1810 to S1830).

  Also, when the timer 1619A reaches the end time, information collection is not immediately ended, and the current gaming state (for example, during a big game, during symbol changes, verification of the number of prize balls and actual payout number, hold The digestion state of the memory and the like are confirmed, and the end is instructed when each of them becomes a predetermined state (steps 1966 to 1967 in the flowchart of FIG. 19).

  In other words, the evaluation ends when the protagonist finishes when the protagonist is active, and when the symbol changes, the evaluation ends when the symbol change stops, and the number of award balls matches the actual number of payouts The time point is the end of the evaluation, and the time point when the reserved memory is completely consumed is the end of the evaluation.

  Further, in the gaming machine information management device 1610, the data table 2100 of the variation time as shown in FIG. In this data table 2100, the variation pattern designated by the command data is associated with the symbol change time in the variation pattern. For example, the fluctuation pattern 1 indicates that the fluctuation time is “aaa” seconds. The gaming machine information management device 1610 uses the data table 2100 to determine whether, for example, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern 1 of the data table 2100 matches the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern 1 calculated by the arithmetic processing described later. It is possible to execute a process for determining whether or not it is consistent.

  Furthermore, the HD 1613 stores setting information in which command data and game state signals stored in the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c set conditions that should be satisfied when performing the launch control of a game ball described later. Has been. This setting information includes information on a specific gaming state, that is, information for instructing to stop firing by a certain variation pattern designation command, the number of reserved symbols (the number of winning balls in the special symbol starting port 104 where the symbol variation is held) In a state in which the value reaches a predetermined upper limit value). When the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c store the command data and the game state signal, and match these with the conditions included in the setting information, the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c execute the launch control of the game ball.

  The relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c have a function of converting and outputting the accumulated commands and gaming state signals into a data format that can be discriminated by the gaming information management device 1610. The relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c have a function of transmitting the stored information with an IP address that is its own identifier added to the stored information in response to a signal from the gaming machine information management device 1610. The relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c further include storage units 1631a, 1631b, and 1631c that store information transmitted from the gaming machine information management device 1610.

  The relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c include launch control relay boards 1635a, 1635b, and 1635c that are communicably connected to the launch control boards of the gaming machines 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c to which the relay controllers 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c are connected, respectively. Yes. The launch control relay boards 1635a, 1635b, and 1635c send a launch stop signal and a launch intensity setting voltage signal to the gaming balls 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c based on the signals output from the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c. Has a function of transmitting to the launch control board. For example, launch stop signals, ground ON / OFF, launch intensity setting voltage signals, launch volume power on / off signals, etc. are provided as contact signals in a circuit using a relay, and these signals are sent to the game ball. Launch control.

  The relay controllers 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c can control the launch of the game ball by outputting signals to the gaming machines 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c via the launch control relay boards 1635a, 1635b, and 1635c. .

The printer 1650 has a function of printing data such as a result of determination of aggregation / arithmetic processing and consistency by the gaming machine information management device 1610.
(Operation)
Next, the overall operation of the gaming machine evaluation system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the gaming machine information management device 1610 is activated when the power is turned on, and performs various initial setting processes (step S1810).

  The initial settings are (1) information collection start and end time settings, (2) game information settings for launch control, and (3) collection command data settings.

  Next, the gaming machine information management device 1610 performs a connection request wait process from the relay control unit 1630a (step S1815). Here, in order to facilitate understanding, it is assumed that the connection request waiting process is limited to the relay control unit 1630a and the subsequent processes are performed.

  Next, when the gaming machine information management device 1610 receives a connection request from the relay control unit 1630a and succeeds in the connection (YES in step S1820), the gaming machine information management device 1610 transmits a connection success to the relay control unit in step S1821. The following processing is executed. If the connection with the relay control unit 1630a fails (NO in step S1820), the connection request waiting process is continuously performed (step S1815).

  The gaming machine information management device 1610 transmits each setting information stored in the HD 1613 to the relay control unit 1630a according to the success of the connection and starts the information collection start waiting time timer in the timer management control unit 1619 (step S1825). , S1830).

  In the next step S1831, it is determined whether or not the timer has expired (the information collection start time has been reached). If an affirmative determination is made in step S1831, the process proceeds to the next step S1835. If the determination in step S1831 is negative, the process loops until an affirmative determination is made.

  Next, the relay control unit 1630a starts information collection processing from the gaming machine while the game is in progress (step S1835). This information collection start process will be described in detail later in the description of the operation of the relay control unit.

  Next, the gaming machine information management device 1610 transmits a transmission request for a gaming state signal and command data to the relay control unit 1630a, and performs reception waiting processing (step S1840).

  Next, when the gaming machine information management device 1610 receives a gaming state signal and command data from the relay control unit 1630a (YES in step S1850), the gaming machine information management device 1610 transmits a message indicating successful reception to the relay control unit 1630a (step S1855). ). If the game state signal and the command data have failed to be received (NO in step S1850), a transmission request is transmitted again to the relay control unit 1630a (step S1845), and the reception waiting process is continued (step S1845). Step S1840).

  Next, the gaming machine information management device 1610 performs a gaming machine state signal and command data type determination process (step S1860). The gaming machine information management device 1610 determines the type of gaming machine status signal and command data and stores them individually in the HD 1613.

  Next, the gaming machine information management device 1610 performs a tallying / calculation process of the gaming machine state signal and command data (step S1865). The gaming machine information management device 1610 performs, for example, graphing based on a plurality of gaming machine status signals and command data, and grouping for each type of symbols that are stopped and displayed to obtain the number of appearances and the appearance rate do. In the calculation process, based on the detection time data of the symbol change ON signal and the symbol OFF signal detection time data of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol indicating that the symbol is changing, from the gaming machine state signal, the left symbol and the middle symbol The time during the symbol variation of the right symbol is calculated.

  Next, the gaming machine information management device 1610 performs a matching determination process between the gaming machine state signal and the command data (step S1870). This matching determination process is executed by referring to the data table 2100 and comparing the symbol variation time associated with the variation pattern specified by the command data with the symbol variation time calculated in step S1860. For example, it is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern 1 in the data table 2100 matches the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern 1 calculated in step S1860.

  If the symbol variation time set in the data table 2100 matches the symbol variation time calculated in step S1860, it is determined that the gaming machine is operating normally and the next process is executed. If they do not match, an error is notified.

  At this time, the gaming machine information management device 1610 compares the left symbol data, middle symbol data, and right symbol data acquired when the symbol confirmation signal is detected with the symbol designating command data included in the command data, and performs matching confirmation. . This matching check is executed by determining whether the left symbol data, the middle symbol data, and the right symbol data match the symbol designated by the symbol designation command and the color data of the symbol. If they match, it is determined that the device is operating normally and the next process is executed. If they do not match, an error is notified.

  Further, the gaming machine information management device 1610 executes a confirmation process as to whether or not the command data is operating normally. In this confirmation process, there is no omission of command transmission / reception in a command exchanged between the start of change and the stop of change of one symbol, that is, a change pattern designation command, a symbol designation command, a symbol stop command, etc. included in command data. It is executed by confirming. If there is an omission, an error is notified, and if there is no omission, the next process is executed.

  At this time, if there is a lack of command transmission / reception, it is also confirmed whether or not the symbol display device error signal is ON. If it is not in the ON state, an error is notified that the special symbol display device 100 is not operating normally.

  Next, the gaming machine information management device 1610 outputs the result of the aggregation / calculation and consistency determination processing to the CRT 1615 (step S1875). The person in charge of this system can confirm the result of the aggregation / calculation and consistency determination processing by referring to the CRT 1615. The output of the CRT 1615 as a result of the aggregation / calculation and consistency determination processing is performed in real time according to the reception of the gaming state signal and command data in progress of the game, the aggregation / calculation, the consistency determination / confirmation processing (that is, It has a real-time display function.) As a result, the person in charge of this system can immediately confirm the results of the aggregation / calculation and consistency determination / confirmation processing, and can also confirm immediately when an error is notified and respond promptly and appropriately. Is possible.

  Next, when the input device 1614 inputs the information collection end time based on the time of the timer (YES in step S1880), the gaming machine information management device 1610 determines that the information collection end is the relay control unit. It transmits to 1630a (step S1885). At this time, the fact that the game ball launch control is stopped simultaneously with the end of information collection is also transmitted. If the person in charge of the system does not input that the information collection is to be ended and does not end (NO in step S1880), the game state signal and the command data transmission request are transmitted again to the relay control unit 1630a and waiting for reception. Processing is performed (step S1840).

  When the completion is received from the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c (YES in step S1886), the gaming machine information management device 1610 uses the printer 1650 to count, calculate, and match the printout by the reception input device 1614. The result of the sex determination process is printed (step S1890). If a negative determination is made in step S1886, the processing loops until reception is completed.

  In this way, the gaming machine information management device 1610 totals and calculates the gaming state signal and command data, and executes processing for determining and confirming the consistency of these gaming state signals and command data. Compared with, the characteristics and evaluation of the gaming machine can be performed strictly.

  In addition, since the start time and end time of information collection are automatically determined by the timer 1619A of the timer management control unit 1619, and the start operation and end operation are performed, it is unnecessary to monitor the operator. Processing can be automated.

  In the above description, the gaming machine information management device 1610 has been described as executing processing only in the relay control unit 1630a. However, similar processing is performed on the relay control units 1630b and 1630c, and similar effects are obtained. Can do. Also, the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c are simultaneously processed, and the results of the aggregation / calculation and consistency determination / confirmation processing are output to the CRT 1615 or printed out to output the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, Comparison, confirmation, etc. may be performed every 1630c.

  In addition, the data table 2100 referred to in the consistency determination processing in step S1865 can be updated in accordance with the operation of the input device 1614 for giving a change instruction by the person in charge of the system (that is, having an update function). is doing.). Thereby, it is possible to perform the consistency determination process corresponding to the model or function of the gaming machine and the setting change of the gaming operation control of the gaming machine.

  Next, the operation process of the relay control unit 1630a will be described in detail. First, the relay control unit 1630a is activated by turning on the power, and performs various initial setting processes (step S1910).

  Next, the relay control unit 1630a transmits a connection request to the gaming machine information management device 1610 (step S1915). At this time, a connection request is transmitted together with the IP address of the relay control unit 1630a. This enables communication with the gaming machine information management device 1610.

  When the fact that the connection is successful is received from the gaming machine information management device 1610 (YES in step S1920), the setting information received from the gaming machine information management device 1610 is simultaneously stored in the storage unit 1631a (step S1925). If the connection success is not received (NO in step S1920), the connection request is transmitted again to the gaming machine information management device 1610.

  Next, the relay control unit 1630a starts a process of collecting information such as a game state signal and command data from the gaming machine (step S1930). At this time, the relay control unit 1630a transmits a signal for launching the game ball to the gaming machine 1640a via the launch control relay board 1635a, and launches the ball game ball to start the game.

  Then, when command data or a game state signal is transmitted from the main control unit 200 and the CPU 1020 according to the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1640a, the relay control unit 1630a receives and accumulates them as information collection processing. (Step S1985).

  Here, this information collection processing is performed as follows. That is, for the game state signal, the relay control unit 1630a can monitor various input signals to monitor the input port state by sampling at regular intervals, and if there is a change in the signal to be received, the input port information is displayed. Acquire and accumulate. The change of the signal to be received is, for example, when the signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state or vice versa.

  As for the command data, the relay control unit 1630a can receive the interrupt signal at the time of transmission / reception using the interrupt signal of the command data inside the gaming machine 1640a, and the command data is received at the reception timing of the interrupt signal. Acquire and accumulate.

  And here, relay control part 1630a performs launch control of a game ball based on the received game state signal and command data (Steps S1940 and S1945). That is, if it is determined whether or not the received game state signal or command data satisfies the conditions included in the setting information stored in the storage unit 1631a, the firing stop signal, the firing strength setting voltage signal, etc. The signal is transmitted to the launch control relay board 1635a, and further, a signal is sent from the launch control relay board 1635a to the gaming machine 1640a, and the launch control of the game ball is performed. For example, when the received command data is a variation pattern designation command whose symbol display is a predetermined pattern (for example, a reach state in which up to two symbols are arranged), it is assumed that it matches a specific gaming state included in the condition, In this case, control to stop firing is performed.

  Also, here, even when the received command data is a variation pattern designation command whose symbol display is a predetermined pattern (for example, a reach state in which up to two symbols are arranged), a certain state (for example, determined from the gaming state signal) When the special symbol start port 104 is in an open state in a probability variation state in which the big hit probability is improved, etc., control is performed to continuously fire. Thus, since the relay control unit 1630a automatically controls the launch of the game ball via the launch control relay board, it is not necessary for the person in charge of this system to perform the launch operation of the game ball, and the gaming machine can be efficiently Characteristics and evaluation tests can be performed.

  Next, the relay control unit 1630a performs processing for converting the received gaming state signal and command data into a data format that is for communication using a predetermined communication protocol and that can be easily determined by the gaming information management device 1610. Execute (step S1950). By this processing, the gaming machine information management device 1610 can easily classify the gaming state signal and the command data, and can execute aggregation / calculation processing and consistency determination / confirmation processing.

  Next, the relay control unit 1630a adds an IP address, which is its own identifier, to the accumulated gaming state signal and command data in response to the gaming state signal and command data transmission request from the gaming machine information management device 1610. (Step S1955).

  Next, when the relay control unit 1630a receives a message indicating that the gaming state signal and command data have been successfully received from the gaming machine information management device 1610 (YES in step S1960), the relay control unit 1630a executes the following process. When the fact that reception of the gaming state signal and command data has failed from the gaming machine information management device 1610 is received (NO in step S1960), processing for transmitting the gaming state signal and command data is executed again.

  Next, when the relay control unit 1630a receives the end of information collection from the gaming machine information management device 1610 (YES in step S1960), the relay control unit 1630a proceeds to step S1965 and ends the collection of information from the gaming machine information management device 1610. It is determined whether information (command) has been received. For example, taking the determination by the flag as an example, the flag is reset (0) when not received, and the flag is set (1) when received.

  If the determination in step S1965 is negative (flag = 0), the process returns to step S1935 and the process is continued. If the determination in step S1965 is affirmative (flag = 1), the process proceeds to step S1966.

  In step S1966, the end condition from the gaming machine information management device 1610 determines the set state (whether or not the end condition is set) before starting information collection. This is executed by determining the received end condition setting data. If the determination in step S1966 is affirmative (end condition is not set), the process proceeds to step S1967, and a negative determination (end condition is set). ), The process proceeds to step S1968.

  In step S1967, a game ball launch stop process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S1971. In this case, after the game ball is stopped, information collection is immediately terminated even if the player is playing a big role or changing symbols.

  In step S1968, it is determined whether or not the current role is a major player. If the determination is affirmative (the major player), the game ball is not stopped and the process returns to step S1935 to continue the processing.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1968 (a gaming state other than a major player), the process proceeds to step S1969.

  In step S1969, a game ball launch stop process is performed (along with sending launch stop information transmitted to the launch control relay boards 1635a, 1635b, and 1635c), and then the process proceeds to step S1970 to determine whether the end condition is satisfied. Make a decision.

  If the determination in step S1970 is negative (end condition incomplete) (for example, during symbol change, symbol hold memory not used, etc.), it is determined that data to be collected has not been collected, and the process returns to step S1935 to continue processing. To do.

  If the determination in step S1970 is affirmative (end condition complete), it is determined that all data to be collected has been collected, and the process proceeds to step S1971.

  In step S1971, in the relay control units 1630a, 1630b, and 1630c, information (completion processing completion command) that notifies that all the data to be collected has been completed and all the conditions for ending the data collection are satisfied is managed by the gaming machine information. Send to device 1610. Further, after the completion processing completion command is transmitted, the LAN connection is disconnected from the gaming machine information management device 1610 side.

  In the above description, the operation processing executed by the relay control unit 1630a has been described. However, similar processing is performed in the relay control units 1630b and 1630c.

  Furthermore, the setting information stored in the HD 1613, which sets the conditions relating to the game ball launch control, can be changed according to the operation of the input device 1614 for a change instruction by the person in charge of the system. By changing the setting information, it is possible to realize appropriate control for launching a game ball at any time according to the gaming state of the gaming machine and the model, function, and performance.

  In short, as shown in FIG. 20, the relay control unit 1630 receives and accumulates command data and game state signals output from the main control unit 200 and the CPU 1020, and the gaming machine information management device 1610 receives these from the relay control unit 1630. Command data and gaming state signals are acquired by a transmission request, and aggregation / calculation and consistency determination / confirmation processing are executed.

  The totaling / calculation and consistency determination / confirmation processing by acquiring the command data and the gaming state signal as described above are the command data and game acquired by the relay control unit 1630 from the main control unit 200 as shown in FIG. The gaming machine information management device 1610 may perform based on an operation state signal indicating an operation state corresponding to the gaming state of the machine.

  In this case, the consistency determination process is executed with reference to the operation state signal data table 2300 as shown in FIG. 23 stored in the HD 1613. In this data table 2300, various operation state signals are associated with command data. For example, in the operation state signal indicating the big hit state, the command data corresponds to the one indicating the stop symbol display “7, 7, 7”.

  In this embodiment, in the launch control relay boards 1635a, 1635b, and 1635c in the system configuration in FIG. 16, the main function is to control the launch of the gaming machines 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c. In addition, the game machines 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c are provided with a function of outputting a RAM clear signal for initializing a storage medium (RAM) that stores backup data such as payout data of pachinko balls in the event of a power failure. You may do it.

  That is, the item (4) RAM clear automatic control setting is included in the items of the initial setting processing (steps (1) to (3) described above) in step S1810 of FIG. 18 executed before the start of information collection by the timer management control unit 1619. Add

  This eliminates the need for the operator to clear the RAM for each gaming machine 1640a, 1640b, and 1640c, thereby improving work efficiency.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the relay control unit 1630a receives from the CPU 1020 and the main control unit 200 the game state signal and the command data that is the control command operating in the gaming machine, and manages the gaming machine information. Since it is transmitted to the device 1610 and the gaming machine information management device 1610 performs a totaling / calculating process and a process for determining and confirming the consistency of these gaming state signals and command data, it is compared with the prior art. Therefore, it is possible to strictly perform the characteristics and evaluation of gaming machines from the viewpoint of operation control of the entire gaming machine, operations inside the gaming machine, etc., and increase the effectiveness as reference data when developing gaming machines. Is possible.

In addition, the relay control unit 1630a automatically receives a game state signal and command data which is a control command operating in the gaming machine from the CPU 1020 and the main control unit 200, and automatically according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1640. Since the game ball launch control is performed, it is not necessary for the person in charge of the system to perform the game ball launch operation, and the characteristic / evaluation test of the game machine can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, by changing the setting information stored in the HD 1613 by the operation of the person in charge of this system, it is possible to perform the launch control of the game ball in accordance with the gaming state, model, function, performance, etc. of the gaming machine. . Since the launch control relay board 1635a connected to the gaming machine 1640a is composed of a board, it is not necessary to secure a special wide space for installation.

  Since the relay control unit 1630 is connected to each gaming machine 1640, and each of these relay control units is connected to one gaming machine information management device 1610, all the gaming machine information management devices 1610 use all the gaming machine information management devices 1610. Information on gaming machines can be grasped, and efficiency can be improved and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, it can be used as an effective device as a management device in pachinko halls, and as an inspection device during game machine development at a manufacturer.

  Furthermore, the operator can manage the entire system by measuring time by using a timer by inputting the information collection start time and end time from the operation input device 1621 to the timer 1619A of the timer management control unit 1619. That is, when the desired start time is reached, the necessary initial settings are executed to start collecting information, and when the desired end time is reached, whether or not there is an end prohibition condition in the current gaming machine 1640a, 1640b, 1640c The game can be terminated when the termination prohibition condition disappears. Therefore, even if the operator is not monitoring, information collection can be automatically executed for a desired time, and work efficiency can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, it cannot be overemphasized that it may change and change suitably with respect to these embodiment in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. In the above description, the special symbol display device 100 is taken as an example of the peripheral device, and its operation has been described. However, the same applies to the lamp device 110 (112) and the sound effect generator 116, which are other peripheral devices. Thus, the present invention can be applied. A CPU (not shown) of the sound effect generating device 116, for example, a command (start command) that specifies the start of sound effect generation from the main control unit 200, a command (pattern command) that specifies the generation pattern, and a command (end) that specifies the generation end. When the command is received and sound output control is performed, the present invention can be applied by associating the start command, pattern command, and end command with the variation pattern designation command, symbol designation command, and symbol stop command, respectively.

It is typical explanatory drawing of a game board. It is a control block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a block block diagram of a special symbol display device. It is explanatory drawing of a character ROM memory map and palette data. It is a timing chart which shows the timing of command transmission / reception. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in a command data table area | region. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in a command data table area | region. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in a command data table area | region. It is explanatory drawing of the command stored in a command data table area | region. It is a general flowchart for demonstrating game control operation | movement of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating control operation of CPU of a special symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of a command. It is a timing chart which shows the command transmission timing for a symbol display. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating command transmission. It is a timing chart for explaining operation of an embodiment of the invention. It is a block block diagram by the side of a game machine evaluation system. It is a block block diagram of a gaming machine information management device. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating the whole operation | movement of the game machine evaluation system in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement process of the relay control part of the gaming machine evaluation system in this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of a relay control part. It is explanatory drawing of a data table. It is a schematic block diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of a relay control part. It is explanatory drawing of a data table.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game board 100 Special symbol display apparatus 102 Normal symbol operation gate 104 Special symbol start port 106 Large prize opening 108 Normal symbol display device 110 Lamp display device 112 Lamp display device 114 Out port 116 Sound effect generator 120 Opening / closing member 200 Main control part 201 ROM
202 Command data table area 203 RAM
210 Input Port 213 Reset Circuit 212 Power Supply Circuit 215 Output Port 300 Start Port Actuation Solenoid 302 Large Winning Action Solenoid 304 Special Symbol Start Switch 306 Normal Symbol Operation Switch 308 Large Winning Port Switch 1020 CPU
1040 Program ROM
1060 Image processing LSI
1080 video RAM
1090 RAM
1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD panel 1140 Data receiving circuit 1160 Power supply circuit 1180 Character ROM
1200 Output terminal 1600 Game machine evaluation system 1610 Game machine information management device 1611 I / F
1612 CPU
1613 HD
1614 Input device 1615 CRT
1616 CDROM drive 1617 FD drive 1619 Timer management control unit 1619A Timer 1620 HUB
1621 Operation input device 1630 Relay control unit 1640 Game machine 1650 Printer 2100 Data table 2300 Data table

Claims (7)

In a gaming machine evaluation system for evaluating a plurality of gaming machines, comprising main control means for performing game operation control and sub-control means for controlling operation of peripheral devices based on control commands from the main control means,
A gaming machine evaluation device comprising a timer activation control means for instructing the start and end of the gaming machine evaluation by counting with a timer ;
The gaming machine evaluation device is
When the start instruction of the gaming machine evaluation by the timer activation control means , the selection of the control command transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means and the setting of the firing condition may be completed, which may differ depending on at least the specifications of the gaming machine. ,
A gaming machine evaluation system that delays the end of the gaming machine evaluation until a predetermined gaming state is ended when the timer activation control means instructs to end the gaming machine evaluation. In a gaming machine evaluation system for evaluating a plurality of gaming machines, comprising main control means for performing game operation control and sub-control means for controlling operation of peripheral devices based on control commands from the main control means,
Provided for each of the plurality of gaming machines, command information related to control commands output from each of the main control means and sub-control means of the corresponding gaming machine and gaming status information indicating the gaming status can be stored sequentially It has a plurality of relay control units configured and a gaming machine evaluation device,
Each of the plurality of relay control units is
In response to the information collection request signal from the gaming machine evaluation device, transmission means for transmitting the stored information with its own identifier added, and whether or not the stored information satisfies the setting condition And a launch control means for controlling the launch of a game ball in a corresponding gaming machine,
The gaming machine evaluation device
The start and end of the gaming machine evaluation is instructed by a timer, and at the time of the gaming machine evaluation start instruction, the initial setting process may vary depending on at least the specifications of the gaming machine. A timer activation control means for delaying the end of the gaming machine evaluation until completion of the predetermined gaming state upon completion of selection of a control command to be transmitted and setting of the firing condition and instructing the end of the gaming machine evaluation ,
Receiving means for receiving stored information sent by transmitting the information collection request signal to each relay control unit;
Consistency determining means for determining consistency between these information based on the command information and the gaming state information indicated by the received storage information;
A gaming machine evaluation system characterized by comprising:   Each of the plurality of relay control units is provided with initialization means for initializing backup data stored in a storage medium provided in the gaming machine, and operates at the start of evaluation of the gaming machine to perform backup. 3. The gaming machine evaluation system according to claim 2, wherein data is initialized.   The change means for changing a setting condition for the stored information in response to an operation of an operation unit for performing a change instruction operation provided in the consistency determination means. Item 4. The gaming machine evaluation system according to Item 3. The consistency determination means includes
The consistency determination is performed by referring to registration contents of a table in which the command information and information corresponding to the gaming state information are registered in association with each other. The gaming machine evaluation system described.   In response to an operation of an operation unit for performing an update instruction operation provided in the consistency determination unit, the registered contents of the table in which the command information and the information corresponding to the gaming state information are registered in association with each other are updated. 6. The gaming machine evaluation system according to claim 5, further comprising update means.   The gaming machine evaluation system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising real-time display means for displaying a result determined by the consistency determination means in real time.

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