JP4674917B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that cannot be sold unless it is certified by a predetermined third-party organization.

Conventionally, the sale of gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines) that may be irritated is the third based on the “Rules on the Authorization and Format of Game Machines (National Public Security Commission Regulation No. 4)” It is not possible to conduct an examination by a person institution, that is, an examination that meets all the technical standards stipulated in the regulations.
By the way, in the above technical standards, for example, the number of game balls (hereinafter referred to simply as “balls” in some cases) in terms of the performance of the launching device (the second in Table 2 of the same rule) “shoots over 100 game balls per minute. "If it is not possible to do" or "standard game machine performance related to the acquisition of game balls (b. Many inspection items have been defined such as “not to be able to acquire more game balls”. For this reason, it is a fact that it takes a lot of labor and time to inspect each individual gaming machine, not to mention the increase in the inspection cost at a third party organization, and also from the delay of the inspection Inconvenience has been pointed out that it is difficult to market gaming machines.

In the case of performing the above inspection, for example, even when performing inspection of the above two standards (the second table of the same rule separate table A, B), at least information indicating the release of the game ball, the winning entry to the winning opening is indicated. Information and information on the number of prize balls are needed. By giving this information to the inspection device, “if it is not capable of firing more than one hundred game balls per minute” and “if one game ball wins a winning opening, It is possible to test “not to be able to acquire a greater number of game balls”.
The above inspection also requires game information (game state information such as a jackpot signal and game control information such as a solenoid drive signal) output by the game control device during normal operation of the game machine. In normal operation, information that is not output from anywhere may be required.
An example of such a conventional gaming machine is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1.
JP 11-226221 A

  However, conventional gaming machines have a configuration that is specialized for gaming applications exclusively in amusement stores. In other words, they do not have a configuration that can provide information necessary for inspection in a third-party organization (inspection). It does not have a dedicated terminal for retrieving information or all necessary sensors). For this reason, at the time of inspection at a third-party organization, at least sensors for detecting the information must be attached one by one, and if there is no appropriate attachment location, a hole is made in the member. There was a problem that it was very laborious and inefficient.

In recent pachinko machines, the signals of each sensor can be used for inspection, but there is no dedicated part for taking out the output of these sensors for inspection. There is a similar problem in that it is inefficient due to the time and effort required for inspection because all sensors must be reconnected to the inspection device, and not all sensors are located in easy-to-handle positions.
In addition, some recent pachinko machines are equipped with a terminal for outputting game information to a management computer of a game store, etc., and it is conceivable to divert this terminal for inspection, After all, it is necessary to remove the signal cable and reconnect it to the inspection apparatus.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and enables a lot of information necessary for inspection of gaming machines to be easily extracted for inspection, thereby reducing inspection labor and improving efficiency. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes a winning detection means for detecting a winning in a winning opening provided in the gaming board,
Based on the output of the winning detection means, a game control device that generates game information for managing and controlling the progress of the game, and has an arithmetic processing unit that performs game control in the gaming machine,
A discharge control device capable of driving a discharge device based on a winning detection of the winning detection means and giving a player a prize ball corresponding to a winning opening;
In a gaming machine comprising a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball discharged from the discharging device,
The game control device includes:
A dedicated inspection information extraction unit for extracting the game information and the output of the winning detection means as inspection information;
Information indicating that a prize ball has been detected by the prize ball detection means is input to the game control device,
The inspection information extraction unit
It is composed of a through hole group formed on the circuit board of the game control device, or a wiring pattern, and a predetermined signal terminal that can be connected to an external inspection device at the time of inspection of the gaming machine can be attached.
It is configured to be able to take out signals from the front stage of the input port and the rear stage of the output port of the game control device,
In the preceding stage of the input port of the game control device, a winning ball is detected by a signal input from the winning detection means to the arithmetic processing unit of the game control device and the winning ball detection means input to the game control device. The information indicating that is taken out without going through the arithmetic processing unit,
In the subsequent stage of the output port of the game control device, it is configured to take out game information output from the arithmetic processing unit of the game control device,
The gaming program for controlling the gaming machine executed by the arithmetic processing unit is inspected even in a state where the predetermined signal terminal is attached to the inspection information extraction unit and a state where the predetermined signal terminal is removed. The information processing apparatus includes an editing process for processing and generating a signal output via the output port as information .
Here, the “game information” means information (excluding information output only for inspection) output from the game control device in the normal operating state of the gaming machine, and at least game state information (for example, , A jackpot signal indicating a jackpot state) and game control information (for example, a solenoid drive signal for driving a solenoid for actuating an accessory on the game board).
The gaming machine according to claim 2 is characterized in that information indicating that a winning ball has been detected by the winning ball detecting means is also input to the discharge control device.
The gaming machine according to claim 3 is characterized in that the inspection information take-out portion is housed in a transparent or translucent case housing the circuit board so as to be seen through.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, in the preceding stage of the input port of the game control device, the signal input from the winning detection means to the arithmetic processing unit of the game control device and the winning ball detection means input to the game control device. Information indicating that a winning ball has been detected can be taken out without going through the arithmetic processing unit, and game information output from the arithmetic processing unit of the game control device is taken out after the output port of the game control device. be able to.
Therefore, at the time of inspection at a third party organization or the like, a required inspection can be performed simply by extracting information from the inspection information extraction unit without attaching an inspection sensor. As a result, the labor of inspection can be reduced and the inspection efficiency can be improved.
In addition, the inspection information that can be extracted from the inspection information extraction unit includes game information generated by the game control device in addition to the output of the sensor such as the winning detection means, so all information necessary for the inspection is included. Or, since most of the main information can be extracted, the inspection sensor mounting operation and the cable reconnection operation described at the beginning do not occur at all (or hardly occur). Further, it is not necessary to process and generate other necessary information (information corresponding to game information) from the output of a sensor such as a winning detection means by an inspection device such as a third party organization.
In addition, since the signal of each sensor can be taken out as it is, it is very easy to perform inspection substantially the same as the inspection performed by attaching each sensor for inspection (conventional method) (that is, attaching each sensor for inspection). , Without having to reconnect cables). In addition, the game program for controlling the gaming machine executed by the arithmetic processing unit includes inspection information even when the predetermined signal terminal is attached to and removed from the inspection information extraction unit. Since it is configured to include an editing process for processing and generating a signal to be output via the output port, there is an advantage that the circuit configuration is simplified while the game information can be extracted exclusively for inspection.
Further, since the game information output from the game control device is taken out from the output side of the output port of the game control device, there is an advantage that the circuit configuration is simplified while the game information can be taken out exclusively for inspection.
Furthermore, since the inspection information extraction unit is provided in the game control device, a cable connecting unit for inspection can be dispensed with, and a cable between the unit and the game control device can be dispensed with, thereby reducing costs. Can do.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
First, the first embodiment will be described.
A. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming board 1 of a pachinko gaming machine. A gaming area 3 surrounded by a guide rail 2 is formed in a substantially circular area on the front surface of the gaming board 1.
The game area 3 includes, for example, a special symbol display device 4 having a display screen 4a for variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information (hereinafter referred to as special figures), and a special winning opening 5b opened and closed by an opening / closing door 5a. The variable winning device 5, a normal variable winning device 6 (so-called ordinary electric power) having a pair of left and right opening / closing members 6 a and functioning as a special figure starting port, and a normal symbol (described later) located at the front center of the normal variable winning device 6 Hereinafter, a normal symbol display 7 for displaying a normal symbol), a normal symbol starting port 8a, 8b of the left and right one through-chucker type, and two general winning ports 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b each for the left and right, A plurality of hitting direction changing members 11 a to 11 d called windmills, side lamps 12 a and 12 b for electric decoration, out holes 13, lamps 14 a and 1 provided on both sides and the lower side of the special variable winning device 5 Such as b and decoration 15 is provided.

Four special figure start memory displays 17 are provided at the upper part of the center case 16 that decorates the periphery of the display screen 4a, and around the normal symbol display 7 located in front of the normal variable winning device 6 is provided. Four common start memory displays 18 are provided.
In addition, one general winning port 19 is provided at the center position of the upper end surface of the center case 16, and one general winning port 20 a, 20 b is provided on both upper surfaces of the special variable winning device 5. It has been. Therefore, in the case of the illustrated game board 1, seven independent general winning ports are provided in total as indicated by reference numerals 9 a, 9 b, 10 a, 10 b, 19, 20 a, 20 b.

  The special symbol display device 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) capable of displaying still images and moving images in color, but may be a cold cathode tube type display (CRT) or mechanical display means. It may be a display device having (for example, a rotating drum mechanism). The normal symbol display 7 is, for example, a display having a 7-segment display unit for displaying a one-digit number and made of liquid crystal or LED. In this case, the normal symbol (ordinary diagram) is a one-digit number. It is. The special figure start memory display 17 displays the number of special start memories. Similarly, the general figure start memory display 18 displays the number of general start memories.

The game area 3 of the game board 1 is usually provided with a number of obstacle nails such as a ceiling nail and an armored nail, but is omitted here except for a part in order to prevent complication of the drawing. Moreover, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted similarly, the game board 1 may be provided with other various decoration lamps, LEDs, and the like. For example, in the case of the game board 1 of the present embodiment, a remaining ball presence / absence indicator 21 that displays the presence / absence of a remaining winning ball (difference between the expected number of winning balls and the actual number of winning balls) is provided in the upper right corner. Yes. Instead of the remaining award ball presence / absence indicator 21, a remaining award ball number display for displaying the number of remaining award balls may be provided, or both of them may be provided.
Further, in the present invention, the configuration of the game area 3 in the game board 1 may be any configuration, and any configuration can be taken. It may be a pachinko gaming machine belonging to a type other than “first type”. In this embodiment, an example applied to a type belonging to the so-called “first type” will be described.

  Here, the special variable winning device 5, the normal variable winning device 6 and the general winning ports 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 19, 20a, 20b provided on the game board 1 are balls in any of these winning ports. When is entered, a predetermined number (a number not exceeding 15) of winning balls is paid out, which is a winning opening directly related to the acquisition of game balls. Also, the normal symbol start ports 8a and 8b are through-chucker type start ports, and when a normal map change game described later is executed and the normal map hits (for example, the normal map stops at "7"). The pair of opening / closing members 6a of the normal variation winning device 6 which is one of the above-described winning openings is opened in a reverse letter C to encourage winning to the normal variation winning device 6. Therefore, in the present specification, the term “winning” is used as a collective term for the special variable winning device 5, the normal variable winning device 6, and the general winning ports 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 19, 20a, 20b provided in the game board 1. "Mouth" will be used.

  In addition, sensors (indicated by reference numerals 31 to 37 and 40 to 42 in FIG. 5) are provided at appropriate positions on the back side “downside” of the winning holes. Further, the normal symbol starting ports 8a and 8b are provided with general starting gate sensors (indicated by reference numerals 38 and 39 in FIG. 5) for detecting game balls passing therethrough. In addition, a launch ball detection sensor (indicated by reference numeral 43 in FIG. 5) for detecting a launch ball that is driven into the game board 1 through the guide rail 2 is also provided. 3 is provided at an appropriate position where each ball can be reliably detected without being doubled (without double detection), for example, at the entrance of the game area 3. These sensors 31 to 43 are, for example, pass-type magnetic sensors that detect the passage of the game ball, but may be other types, for example, optical sensors. Note that “downward” is a convenient term meaning an appropriate position where a ball that has entered the corresponding winning opening can be detected.

  Here, the sensors 31 to 37 are winning ball detection sensors that independently detect the winning balls of the seven general winning holes 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 19, 20a, and 20b. The sensor 38 is a normal start gate sensor that detects a winning ball (passing ball) of the normal symbol starting port 8a on the left side of the board surface, and a sensor 39 receives the winning ball (passing ball) of the normal symbol starting port 8b on the right side of the panel surface. It is a common figure starting gate sensor to detect, the sensor 40 is a special figure starting sensor for detecting a winning ball of the normal variation winning device 6, and a sensor 41 is a general winning ball among the winning balls 5 b of the special varying winning device 5. The sensor 42 is a count sensor that detects a winning ball, and the sensor 42 is a continuation sensor that detects a continuously winning (so-called V winning) ball among the winning balls of the large winning opening 5b of the special variable winning device 5.

  That is, the gaming board 1 of the present embodiment includes seven winning ball detection sensors 31 to 37, two normal start gate sensors 38 and 39, one special start sensor 40, and one special start sensor 40. It has a count sensor 41, one continuation sensor 42, and one firing ball detection sensor 43, and these sensors (however, except for the usual start gate sensors 38 and 39 and the firing ball detection sensor 43). ) Is a prize for each winning opening provided in the game board 1, that is, the special variable winning device 5, the normal variable winning device 6, and the general winning ports 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 19, 20a, 20b individually. A winning detection means for detecting is configured.

B. Next, FIG. 2 is a view showing a back mechanism of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a gaming machine 100). Although the illustrated gaming machine 100 is a so-called CR machine with a card-type ball lending machine 100a (CR sand unit), it is not limited to this.
In FIG. 2, a game control device 101 is provided on the left side of the gaming machine 100 toward the back mechanism, a sound control device 102 and a discharge control device 103 are provided below, and further below that. A launch unit 104 and a launch control device 105 are provided. Further, a decoration control device 106 and a display control device 107 are provided near the center of the back mechanism, and a power supply unit 108 is provided below the decoration control device 106 and the display control device 107. In this case, a power supply device 150 described later in FIG. 5 is a device realized by a circuit board or the like in the power supply unit 108 in this case.

The game control device 101 performs various controls necessary for the game, and a control board for realizing this control function is mounted in a predetermined case. The sound control device 102 generates various sound effects corresponding to the gaming state and outputs them from a speaker (not shown) disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine 100. A control board for realizing the control function is mounted. The discharge control device 103 controls various electric parts (for example, an electric drive source of the discharge unit 112 described later) necessary for discharging the sphere, and a control board for realizing this control function in a predetermined case Has been implemented.
The launch unit 104 is a mechanism for firing a ball in response to an operation of a launch operation knob (not shown) provided at the lower front of the gaming machine 100. The launch control device 105 controls various electrical components necessary for launching the sphere (for example, an electrical drive source of the launch unit 104), and a control board for realizing this control function is mounted on a predetermined case. ing. The decoration control device 106 controls the operation (turning on, turning off, or blinking) of decorative lamps disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine 100, and a control board for realizing this control function in a predetermined case. Has been implemented.
The display control device 107 controls the center character according to the command output from the game control device 101, and displays a predetermined image on the front display portion of the center character (that is, the display screen 4a of the special symbol display device 4). Therefore, a control board for realizing this control function is mounted in a predetermined case. The power supply unit 108 (power supply device 150) receives power (for example, AC 24V power) from the outside of the gaming machine 100, and each part of the gaming machine 100, for example, the game control device 101, the sound control device 102, and the discharge control device. 103, the firing unit 104, the firing control device 105, the decoration control device 106, the display control device 107, and the like generate various power sources and supply them to each.

On the path from the vicinity of the upper part of the back mechanism of the gaming machine 100 to the vicinity of the lower part via the vicinity of the right end (on the path for storing and discharging game balls), a storage tank 109, a lateral guide path 110, The bending connection unit 111 and the discharge unit 112 are provided in order.
In addition, a ball discharge port 114 is provided at the lower part of the back mechanism of the gaming machine 100, and above the ball discharge port 114, a winning ball collecting shelf (not shown) and a winning ball descent basket (not shown) are provided. Is provided. Note that the winning ball assembly shelf and the winning ball falling underside are hidden behind the members and cannot be seen.

  The storage tank 109 stores balls before being discharged in advance, and a shortage of balls in the storage tank 109 is detected by a replenishment sensor (not shown). It has become. The sphere stored in the storage tank 109 is guided to the discharge unit 112 by the guide path 110 and the bending connection unit 111 (half-end sensor unit), and the discharge unit 112 uses the specified sphere discharge command signal (discharge control device 103). The required number is discharged to a not-illustrated upper plate provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 100 (the discharge here includes prize ball discharge and ball rental discharge).

The discharge unit 112 includes a game ball channel (not shown) that is basically formed in the vertical direction so that the game ball flows down by gravity, and a payout unit 112a (shown in FIG. 5) provided above the game ball channel. The same applies hereinafter) and a flow path switching unit 112b provided at the lower part of the game ball flow path. At the lower part of the flow path switching unit 112b, there is provided a discharge ball detection means for detecting a game ball to be discharged. As this discharge ball detection means, a ball rental detection for detecting a game ball discharged as a rental ball. A sensor 112e and a prize ball detection sensor 112f for detecting a game ball discharged as a prize ball are provided, among which a prize ball detection sensor 112f (more precisely, a first prize ball detection sensor and a second prize ball detection sensor). ) Corresponds to the game value detecting means of the present invention.
The game ball flow path is such that the game ball guided from the storage tank 109 by the guide path 110 and passed through the bending connection unit 111 flows down from the upper end side, and at a branch portion (not shown) formed in the flow path switching unit 112b. There is a prize ball flow path (not shown) for passing a game ball discharged as a prize ball, one of which branches into two, and the other is a loan for passing a game ball discharged as a ball for rental. It is a spherical channel (not shown). The branch portion is provided with a flow path switching valve (not shown) that can swing to a position where either the prize ball flow path or the rental ball flow path is closed with respect to the upstream side of the game ball flow path. When the path switching valve is driven by the channel switching solenoid 112g and swings to one of the positions, the game balls discharged to the downstream side of the game ball channel are It is configured to pass through either one of them.
The discharge unit 112 of this embodiment is a two-row type in which two rows of the game ball flow paths are provided, and the components (flow path switching valve, discharge ball detection means, etc.) associated with the game ball flow paths are also included. Corresponding to this, two sets are provided.

The payout unit 112a includes two sprockets (not shown) corresponding to two rows of game ball flow paths, a single ball discharge motor 112c (for example, a pulse motor) that collectively drives them, and the ball discharge motor. A gear mechanism (not shown) for transmitting the rotational output of 112c to the sprocket, and a stop member (not shown) for preventing inadvertent rotation of the sprocket due to gravity (ie, inadvertent discharge of the game ball). And a stopper solenoid 112d for driving the stop member.
The sprocket is arranged so that the outer peripheral portion is partially located in the game ball channel from an opening (not shown) provided in the upper part of the game ball channel, and between the teeth on the outer periphery (that is, the valleys). The game ball K is sized so that one game ball K fits into the part), and the game ball always passes through the sprocket with the rotation of the sprocket (that is, the sprocket must be rotated). For example, the game ball cannot pass through the opening.
The ball discharge motor 112c is for driving and controlling the operation of rotating the sprocket 41 by a predetermined amount (predetermined angle or predetermined rotation amount) to discharge a predetermined number of game balls downstream. The ball discharge motor 112c is controlled by the discharge control device 103.
The stop member is swingable so that the tip side on which the claw is formed moves forward and backward with respect to the gear of the gear mechanism. The base end of the stop member is biased by, for example, a tension spring (not shown), and the direction of the biasing force is set to press the claw against the outer periphery of the gear. Further, when the pawl of the stop member is pressed against the outer periphery of the gear, it engages with the teeth of the gear to prevent the rotation of the gear mechanism (that is, the rotation of each sprocket).
The stopper solenoid 112d is disposed on the back side of the stop member, generates a force to attract the stop member (a force to retreat from the gear) when excited, and releases the stop member in a non-excited state. Is. The stopper solenoid 112d is also controlled by the discharge control device 103.

In the dispensing unit 112a configured as described above, when the stopper solenoid 112d is operated (excited) under the control of the discharge control device 103, the leading end side of the stop member swings in the backward direction due to the attracting force described above. The state where the claw is engaged with the outer periphery of the gear is released, and the sprocket becomes rotatable. In this rotatable state, the ball discharge motor 112c is operated under the control of the discharge control device 103 and the sprocket rotates by a predetermined amount in the discharge direction, so that a corresponding number of game balls are sent downstream. , It will flow down the game ball channel due to gravity. Immediately after a predetermined amount of game balls are discharged in this manner, the rotation of the ball discharge motor 112c is stopped by the control of the discharge control device 103, and the stopper solenoid 112d is immediately inactivated (non-excited state). Returned. As a result, the front end side of the stop member is swung in the forward direction by the biasing force, and the pawl is engaged with the outer periphery of the gear, and the rotation of the sprocket is blocked and the amount of gravity exceeding the predetermined amount by the action of gravity. A malfunction that causes the game ball to flow down is reliably prevented. It should be noted that there is a power failure while the game balls are being discharged (that is, during the prize ball discharge or the rental ball discharge), and the operation of the ball discharge motor 112c and the stopper solenoid 112d is stopped by the power failure processing by the discharge control device 103. The flow of the game ball is immediately prevented by the action of the stop member described above.
Next, the ball rental detection sensor 112e is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a ball rental) that passes through the above-described ball rental channel, and the prize ball detection sensor 112f passes through the above-mentioned prize ball channel 32. It is a sensor that detects a game ball (that is, a prize ball) to be played. The detection outputs of these sensors 112e and 112f are input to the discharge control device 103, and among these sensors, the detection output of the prize ball detection sensor 112f is also input to the game control device 101. Further, one of these sensors 112e and 112f is provided for each game ball flow path corresponding to the fact that there are two game ball flow paths. In FIG. The sensor 112f is referred to as a first prize ball detection sensor 112f, and the other prize ball detection sensor 112f is referred to as a second prize ball detection sensor 112f.

Next, the winning ball that has entered the special variation winning device 5, the normal variation winning device 6 and the general winning ports 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 19, 20a, 20b of the game board 1 and the out ball that has entered the out hole 13 are: , Collected on the above-mentioned winning ball collective shelf provided on the back of the game board 1 and returned to the island facility from the ball discharge port 114 via the above-mentioned winning ball sink, The ball waiting on the upstream side of 112 is also returned to the island facility from the ball discharge port 114 by driving a ball removal solenoid (not shown) at the end of the business of the amusement store.
Whether there is a waiting ball (generally about 100 balls) on the upstream side of the discharge unit 112 is detected by a half-end sensor 111a (also referred to as a spare ball sensor or the like) provided inside the bending connection unit 111. It has come to be.

In FIG. 2, what is indicated by reference numeral 117 is a base frame. This base frame body 117 is formed as an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin, and is detachably attached to a metal frame 119 fixed to the back side of the front frame (not shown) of the gaming machine 100. The front frame is a frame-like frame provided on the front side of the gaming machine 100, and is attached to the wooden machine frame 118 on which the pachinko machine 100 is installed so as to be opened and closed. .
In the base frame body 117, some of the components described above, that is, in the case of the present embodiment, the discharge control device 103, the firing unit 104, the firing control device 105, the storage tank 109, the bent A connection unit 111, a discharge unit 112, a winning ball collective shelf (not shown), a winning ball falling basket (not shown), a ball discharge port 114, and the like are detachably attached. Hereinafter, these component parts attached to the base frame body 117 are referred to as “frame attachment parts” for convenience.

  A game board storage section 120 is formed on the metal frame 119, and the game board 1 (see FIG. 1) is detachably attached to the game board storage section 120. Further, on the back side of the game board 1, other than the components attached to the base frame 117 among the above-described components, that is, in the case of the present embodiment, the game control device 101, the sound control device 102, the decoration A control device 106, a display control device 107, a power supply unit 108, and the like are detachably attached. Hereinafter, the components attached to the game board 1 are referred to as “board attachment parts” for convenience.

  Here, the above-described examples of “frame mounting component” and “panel mounting component” are merely examples. The “board mounting part” may be a component part that depends exclusively on the model of the game board 1, and the “frame mounting part” is any other part, that is, a part that does not depend on the model (in other words, various types of gaming boards). 1 can be used in common. By classifying “frame mounting parts” and “board mounting parts” based on this concept, in the illustrated gaming machine 100, the gaming board 1 is removed from the gaming board storage section 120 of the metal frame 119. By removing the “board mounting parts” attached to the game board 1, that is, component parts such as the game control device 101, the sound control device 102, the decoration control device 106, the display control device 107, and the power supply unit 108 are combined. Can be removed. In this case, the game board 1 corresponds to a model-dependent member.

  By the way, the frame mounting component and the panel mounting component are not limited to the components illustrated above. Other parts are also included. For example, the frame mounting parts include the ball lending machine connection unit 121 and the first cable connection unit 123 for amusement shop in addition to the above-described constituent parts, and the board mounting parts include the above-described configuration. In addition to the parts, a second cable connection unit 124 for an amusement store, an inspection cable connection unit 125, and the like are included.

These connection units are for connecting a signal cable from an external device or the like. Specifically, the ball lending machine connection unit 121 connects the signal cable from the ball lending machine 100a, and the first for a game store. The cable connection unit 123 and the second amusement store cable connection unit 124 connect a signal cable from a management computer (also referred to as a management device) of the amusement store, and the inspection cable connection unit 125 is an inspection by a third party. This is for connecting a signal cable from the apparatus, and in particular, this inspection cable connection unit 125 corresponds to an inspection information extraction unit of the present invention, and its terminals (terminal group 125d of inspection connector 125c described later, or The through-hole group 125e) formed in the printed circuit board 125a constitutes the inspection information extraction unit of the present invention. It is an element.
The inspection device is not limited to a third party. Prior to the inspection by a third-party organization, the manufacturer of the gaming machine performs the same inspection, so the inspection device of the manufacturer may be used. For the sake of simplicity, the following is represented by a third-party inspection device.

Each of the connection units 121 to 125 includes a receiving connector having a shape matching the cable connector of the connection partner. For example, the first cable connecting unit 123 for a game store is provided with several connectors 123a, and a required signal is exchanged between the game store management computer and the game machine 100 via the connectors 123a. It has become.
The signals exchanged with the game store management computer via the amusement store first cable connection unit 123 are signals necessary for each “frame mounting component” and signals generated by each “frame mounting component”. For example, a firing stop signal (input signal) for the launch control device 105, a ball break signal (output signal) indicating a shortage of stored balls in the storage tank 109, a ball lending signal (output signal) indicating the number of rented game balls ), A prize ball number signal (output signal) indicating the number of prize balls paid out, a gold frame opening signal (output signal) indicating opening of a gold frame (glass frame) of the gaming machine 100, and the like. The gold frame is a frame that is attached to the front side of the front frame (not shown) so as to be opened and closed and supports a clear member (usually glass) that covers the front surface of the game board 1. In the case, illustration is omitted.

  On the other hand, the second cable connection unit 124 for gaming machines also includes several connectors (described later), and exchanges required signals between the gaming machine management computer and the gaming machine 100 via the connectors. It is like that. Signals exchanged with the game store management computer via the game store second cable connection unit 124 are basically generated by the game control device 101 which is one of the “board mounting components”. The direction of the signal is a direction from the gaming machine 100 to the management computer (an output signal when viewed from the gaming machine 100). Examples of the output signal include a symbol determination number signal indicating the number of fluctuations of the special figure, a jackpot signal indicating the state of the jackpot, a probability fluctuation signal indicating the jackpot and the high probability of the ordinary figure or the special chart, fraud monitoring An error signal or the like when the result is determined to be invalid corresponds.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the second cable connecting unit 124 for game shop and the cable connecting unit 125 for inspection. These two connection units 124 and 125 are made of individual printed circuit boards 124 a and 125 a, and the respective printed circuit boards 124 a and 125 b are fitted into the recesses 127 a of the predetermined base member 127, and further, ribs integrated with the base member 127. They are positioned by 127b to 127e and fixed by screws 127f and 127g.
The printed circuit board 124a of the second cable connection unit 124 for the game store is provided with a connector 124b for connecting the cable 128 from the game control device 101, and a signal cable (not connected to the game store management computer). Connectors 124c to 124e are provided for connection. Here, for example, the connector 124c is for a symbol determination frequency signal, the connector 124d is for a jackpot signal, and the connector 124e is for a probability variation signal, for example.

  On the other hand, the printed circuit board 125a of the inspection cable connection unit 125 is provided with a connector 125b for connecting the cable 129 from the game control device 101 and the signal cable 130 (exactly from the inspection device of the third party organization). Is provided with a connector 125c (hereinafter referred to as an inspection connector 125c) for connecting a connector 130a) provided at the tip of the signal cable 130. In this case, the inspection connector 125c is of the board direct attachment type. For example, the terminal group 125d of the inspection connector 125c is inserted into a through hole group 125e (see FIG. 4) formed on the printed circuit board 125a and soldered. Or, the terminal group 125d of the inspection connector 125c is soldered and fixed to a printed wiring pattern (not shown) of the printed circuit board 125a, and the inspection connector 125c is not shown at the time of inspection in a third party organization or the like. The connector 130a of the inspection cable 130 extending from the inspection apparatus is connected and used.

Note that the inspection connector 125c may be fixed by a manufacturing company of the gaming machine 100 or by a third party. That is, the inspection connector 125c may be attached to a third party organization, or the through hole group 125e or the printed wiring pattern may be exposed to a third party organization. In the former case, work at a third-party organization (fixing work of the inspection connector 125c) is required, which is inferior in work efficiency, but since the inspection connector 125c is not attached to the finished game machine 100, In addition to avoiding cable connection mistakes and unauthorized information acquisition using the inspection connector 125c at the delivery store, there is no need to worry about the presence of unused connectors (inspection connectors 125c) when the gaming machine 100 is installed. Benefits are gained.
Moreover, it is good also as a structure which does not use the connector 125c for a test | inspection. This is because, for example, inspection information can be extracted from the exposed portion by bringing a probe such as a logic analyzer into contact with the exposed portion of the printed pattern.

C. Control System FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control system in the gaming machine 100. In FIG. 5, a game control device 101 is an oscillation of a game arithmetic processing device (game microcomputer) 160 made up of a one-chip microcomputer for performing an accessory control necessary for a pachinko game and the like, and a high-precision oscillator (for example, an XTAL oscillator). A clock generation circuit (CLK) 161 that obtains a predetermined clock by dividing the frequency, an input / output processing unit 162, and a reset pulse width generation circuit 163 are included. The game processing unit 160 includes a CPU 160a that executes a game control program, which will be described later, a ROM 160b that stores the program, a working memory (RAM 160c), and the like in one chip, and is manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip. Has been.
The CPU 160 generates and outputs game control information (for example, a solenoid drive signal) in order to control the progress of the game on the game board 1 based on the outputs of the various sensors including the above-described winning detection means. When necessary, it generates and outputs game state information (for example, a jackpot signal) indicating the game state, and generates game value information (such as prize ball data described later) for supplying game value to the player. Function to send.
The RAM 160c has a memory area for storing game value information, and at least this memory area can be backed up by a battery. This battery backup configuration will be described later.

The input / output processing unit 162 is a circuit that performs input processing and output processing. As shown in FIG. 6, the input / output processing unit 162 is an input interface 162a, an inverter 162b, an input port 162c, a bus buffer 162d, an output port 162e, and an output interface. 162f. The output port 162e is connected to the CPU 160a via the bus buffer 162d.
The inverter 162b is a conversion circuit (for example, a knot circuit) that inverts the signal of each sensor input in the negative logic form via the input interface 162a to the positive logic form.
The input interface 162a includes the above-described sensors provided on the game board 1, that is, seven winning ball detection sensors 31 to 37, two normal start gate sensors 38 and 39, and one special figure start sensor. 40, one count sensor 41, one continuation sensor 42, and one firing ball detection sensor 43 are input with detection signals, a half-end sensor 111 a, a prize ball payout number detection sensor 112 f, and an overflow sensor 171. Each detection signal from the metal frame sensor 172 is input.
In addition, the signal of each sensor is taken out from the input / output processing unit 162 as it is and is output to a predetermined terminal (terminal A described later) of the inspection cable connection unit 125 (details will be described later).

  From the output port 162e, each winning port provided in the game board 1 has a driving source, that is, each driving source of the special variable winning device 5 or the ordinary variable winning device 6 (a large winning port solenoid shown in FIG. 6). 5a and a normal electric accessory solenoid 6a), a drive signal (solenoid output signal) is output, and a display signal for displaying a normal symbol on the normal symbol display 7 is output. The necessary information (e.g., the sound control device 102, the discharge control device 103, the launch control device 105 (not shown in FIG. 5), the decoration control device 106, and the display control device 107) Control signal and data; for example, a prize ball control information including prize ball data) is output to the discharge control device 103, and the first cable connection unit 1 for amusement store 3, the required external output signal is output to each of the second cable connecting unit 124 and the test cable connection unit 125 for the game arcade. The contents of the inspection information output to each terminal of the inspection cable connection unit 125 will be described later.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge control device 103 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 204 for obtaining a predetermined clock, and an input / output interface 205.
The CPU 201 performs processing necessary for game ball discharge (including prize ball discharge and rental ball discharge), the ROM 202 stores a program and the like necessary for discharge control, and the RAM 203 is used as a work memory. The RAM 203 has a memory area for storing game value information, and at least this memory area can be backed up by a battery. This battery backup configuration will be described later.
The input / output interface 205 receives prize ball control information (such as prize ball data) from the game control device 101, and also receives detection signals from the above-described ball rental detection sensor 112e and prize ball detection sensor 112f. Yes. Further, a drive signal is output from the input / output interface 205 to the above-described ball discharge motor 112c and the stopper solenoid 112d. Further, although not shown in FIG. A display signal is being output to the winning ball number indicator.
The discharge control device 103 sequentially adds and stores prize ball data (game value information) of the prize ball control information transmitted from the game control device 101 to the memory area of the RAM 203, and based on the addition storage of the memory area. To perform the required discharge process.

Next, the power supply device 150 includes a DC5V generation circuit (logic power supply circuit) 151, a power failure detection circuit 152, and a backflow prevention diode 153.
The DC5V generation circuit 151 is supplied with DC12V from the power supply device 150. The DC5V generation circuit 151 converts DC12V into DC5V and supplies power necessary for the operation of each element such as the CPUs 160a and 201. However, DC5V is supplied from the DC5V generation circuit 151 to the RAMs 160c and 203 via the diode 153 functioning as an irreversible means and through the wirings 154a, 154b and 155a, 155b. Further, DC5V from the DC5V generation circuit 151 is also supplied to a capacitor (super capacitor) 156 disposed inside the power supply device 150. The capacitor 156 is connected to the RAMs 160c and 203 via wirings 154a and 154b and 155a and 155b.

Here, the capacitor 156 is a backup power source and is charged through the diode 153 during normal operation (non-power failure), and backs up the RAMs 160c and 203 during a power failure. That is, the capacitor 156 supplies backup power to the RAMs 160c and 203 in order to hold the stored contents of the RAMs 160c and 203 (particularly, the memory area described above).
The power failure detection circuit 152 detects that the power supply to the DC5V generation circuit has been cut off (for example, detected as a power failure when DC32V drops to a predetermined voltage). After outputting the signal, a reset signal is forcibly input to the CPUs 160c and 201 to stop the operation of these CPUs (that is, the operation of each microcomputer). With such a configuration, each CPU is stopped at a voltage at which each CPU can operate normally at the time of a power failure (before it completely goes down), and each CPU becomes unstable due to the power failure, so that the RAM 160c, 203 Can prevent problems such as undefined values being written to

D. Details of Inspection Information Extraction Unit FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of signals output to the terminals of the above-described inspection cable connection unit 125 (that is, the inspection information extraction unit of the present invention) and the extraction configuration of these signals. is there. In FIG. 6, what is indicated by reference numeral 141 is a connector terminal group (for example, a terminal of the jackpot signal connector 124d) in the above-described second cable connection unit 124 for amusement store.
The terminals of the inspection cable connection unit 125 (the terminal group 125d of the inspection connector 125c described above or the through-hole group 125e formed on the printed board 125a) are classified into four types (terminals A to D) in this case. Among these, the terminal A corresponds to the first type inspection signal terminal of the present invention, the terminal B corresponds to the second type inspection signal terminal of the present invention, and the terminals C and D correspond to the third type inspection signal terminal of the present invention. Equivalent to.

Terminal A (first type inspection signal terminal) includes various sensors (the above-described sensors 31 to 37 and 40 to 42 corresponding to winning detection means, normal start gate sensors 38 and 39, a launch ball detection sensor 43, and a game value detection). The output of the prize ball detection sensor 112f or the like as a means can be taken out as it is, and in this case, an independent terminal is provided for each signal of each sensor. Here, “take out as it is” means to take out raw data from the front side (input side) of the input port 162c without going through the CPU 160a (arithmetic processing unit) in the game control apparatus 101. In this case, each terminal belonging to this terminal A is connected to the output side of the inverter 162b (input side of the input port 162c) in the input system from the corresponding sensor, and the signal from each sensor (that is, each sensor signal). ) Is input to the input port 162c and output to the corresponding terminal of the terminal A.
Thus, when the output signal of each sensor can be taken out as raw data, the inspection that is substantially the same as the inspection (conventional method) in which each sensor is purposely attached for inspection by the third party engine described above is extremely It can be easily performed (ie, without attaching each sensor for inspection or reconnecting a cable). Further, since the signals of the respective sensors can be taken out as they are, there is an advantage that the signals of the respective sensors can be reliably read without being affected by the arithmetic processing means (in this case, the CPU 160a), and the inspection reliability can be maintained high. .

In FIG. 6, in order to avoid complication, the input system of each sensor and the connection line from the input system to the terminal A branching as described above are illustrated by one line. Needless to say, there are a plurality of systems and connection lines corresponding to each sensor as necessary. The same applies to the output system and connection lines to the other terminals B to D.
In this case, at least the following signals are output to the terminal A. That is, the start opening prize signal which is the output of the special figure starting sensor 40, the gate passing signal which is the output of the ordinary figure starting gate sensors 38 and 39, the normal winning opening winning signal which is the output of the winning ball detection sensors 31 to 37, and the continuation. There are a specific area passing signal that is an output of the sensor 42, a prize ball signal that is an output of the prize ball detection sensor 112f, a firing ball signal that is an output of the firing ball detection sensor 43, and the like.

The terminal B (second type inspection signal terminal) is connected to the output port 162e, and is a terminal group to which signals (inspection signals) processed and generated for inspection by the CPU 160a based on the signals of the sensors are output.
In this case, at least the following signals are output to the terminal B. That is, a special electric accessory operating signal (first type special electric accessory operating signal) indicating an open state of the open / close door (large winning opening) 5a of the special variable winning device 5 and an opening / closing member 6a of the normal variable winning device 6 There are a normal electric accessory operating signal indicating an open state, a continuous action device operating signal output during a jackpot, a normal symbol per signal indicating a normal symbol, and the like.

The terminal C (the third type inspection signal terminal) is connected to a line branched from the output side line (output line) of the output port 162e in the game control information output system of the game control device 101, and outputs the game control information. It is a terminal group that can take out.
In this case, at least the following signals are output to the terminal C. That is, it corresponds to the solenoid output signal of the first type special electric accessory release signal corresponding to the solenoid output signal of the special variable winning device 5 (large winning opening solenoid 5a) and the solenoid output signal of the normal variable winning device 6 (normal electric accessory solenoid 6a). There is a normal electric accessory release signal.
The terminal D (type 3 inspection signal terminal) is connected to a line branched from the output side line (output line) of the output port 162e in the game state information output system of the game control device 101, and the game state information It is a terminal group that can take out the output of.
In this case, the signal output to the terminal D is at least a special symbol jackpot signal (a signal indicating a special symbol hit).
The signals output to the terminals C and D are used for inspection by branching out and outputting signals output from gaming needs regardless of the necessity of inspection.

E. Next, an outline of a game performed in the gaming machine 100 of this example will be described.
When a game ball driven into the game area 3 through the guide rail 2 wins the normal variation winning device 6 which also serves as a start port (chucker) for the special figure, a plurality of display screens 4a of the special symbol display device 4 are displayed. In a variable display area (for example, three locations on the top and bottom or left and right), a display (so-called variable display) in which a number of special figures (consisting of numbers, characters, symbols, patterns, etc.) are changed (for example, scroll display) is performed. A display game is played. If the result of this variable display game (the combination of the stopped special figures) is a specific display result (for example, a doublet such as “777”), a game value called a big hit is given. In terms of control, for example, on condition that the game ball has been won at the start opening of the special figure (starting condition), various random number values such as jackpot random numbers (game value determination random numbers) are extracted and stored, The extracted and stored random number value is compared with a predetermined determination value at the time of determination. Based on the comparison determination result, whether or not to perform a stop symbol (whether or not to make a big hit) or perform a reach action in advance. The change display is started in response to the determination.

  In addition, when so-called time reduction (time reduction) control is performed, the time from the start to the end of the special figure fluctuation is shortened from the normal time, and the frequency of the special figure fluctuation display game is substantially reduced by that amount. It is advantageous to increase. Further, if the probability of jackpot is set to a high probability by so-called probability variation control, the probability of hitting the jackpot more than usual increases.

When the big hit is reached, an opening operation is performed in which the open / close door 5a of the special variable winning device 5 is temporarily opened for a period of up to, for example, 10 winnings within a range not exceeding a prescribed time (for example, 30 seconds). . Then, this release operation is performed a plurality of times, for example, up to 16 rounds on condition that continuous winning balls are detected (detection of winning balls by the continuous sensor 42).
Also, during the above-mentioned variation display game of the special figure or during the big hit, when a game ball is further won in the normal variation prize winning device 6, the special figure start memory display 17 is turned on and in this case, up to four are stored and the variable display is performed. After the game or jackpot is over, the above-described special display variable display game is repeated based on the memory (that is, the start memory).

On the other hand, when the game ball wins (passes) the normal symbol start openings 8a and 8b during the game, the normal symbol change by the normal symbol display (in this case, a single digit number) of the normal symbol display 7 changes. A display game is played. And if this variable display game result (stopped usual figure) is a predetermined | prescribed aspect (for example, "7"), it will be in the state provided with the game value called per common figure.
In this normal state, a game is held in which the pair of opening and closing members 6a of the normal variation winning device 6 is held in an open state in which the pair of opening and closing members 6 are opened in a reverse C shape, for example, for about 0.5 seconds. As a result, it becomes easier for the game ball to win the normal variation winning device 6, and accordingly, the possibility that the number of executions of the variable display game of the special figure will increase and a big hit will increase.
Further, during the above-mentioned variable display game, when a game ball is further won in the normal symbol start ports 8a and 8b, the general diagram start memory display 18 is turned on and in this case, up to four are stored. After the end of the variation display game, the usual variation display game is repeated based on the memory.

F. Operation of Control System Next, control of the gaming machine 100 of this example performed by the above-described control system will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a game program executed by the game arithmetic processing device (game microcomputer) 160 of the game control device 101. This control process is performed one sequence at a predetermined reference time (for example, 2 ms). That is, in the remaining time processing S22 of the final step, every time the reset signal of the reference time interval is input to the gaming microcomputer 160, the processing is executed from step S1.

  When the process is started, a power-on determination process for determining whether or not the power is turned on is first performed in step S1, and if the power is turned on, an initialization process is performed to determine whether the ROM 160b is normal or RAM 160c. Initialization of the work area, setting of I / O registers, setting processing of registers in the system, initialization of flags, and the like are performed. If the power is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S2 where input processing is performed and a signal from the input / output processing unit 162 is captured. Thereby, required input information (detection signals of the half-end sensor 111a, the overflow sensor 171, the metal frame sensor 172, the shot ball detection sensor 43, the prize ball detection sensor 112f, and the like) is acquired. Next, an output process is performed in step S <b> 3, and a game information signal (game control information or game state information) is output to the input / output processing unit 162. Thereby, each instrument on the game board 1 connected to the input / output processing unit 162 is driven, and for example, the special variation winning device 5 is driven. Further, various inspection information is output to the terminals B to D of the inspection cable connection unit 125 described above.

Next, one of steps S4 to S11 is sequentially performed in a time division manner. The outline of steps S4 to S11 is as follows.
<Step S4: Discharge Control Information Editing Process>
In the discharge control information editing process, the prize ball control information transmitted from the gaming microcomputer 160 to the discharge control device 103 is edited.
<Step S5: Discharge Control Device Communication Process>
In the discharge control device communication process, a process for transmitting prize ball control information from the gaming microcomputer 160 to the discharge control device 103 is performed.
<Step S6: Voice control device communication process>
In the voice control device communication processing, processing for transmitting a voice control signal (for example, a control signal for a sound effect of a gaming game) from the gaming microcomputer 160 to the sound control device 102 is performed.
<Step S7: Decoration Control Device Communication Process>
In the decoration control device communication process, a process for transmitting a decoration control signal from the gaming microcomputer 160 to the decoration display control device 106 is performed. As a result, various decorative lamps, LEDs, and the like on the game board 1 are illuminated so as to produce a game.

<Step S8: Display Control Device Communication Process>
In the display control device communication processing, processing for actually outputting a predetermined display control signal to the display control device 107 is executed based on the transmission information setting performed in display control device transmission information editing processing S20 described later. (That is, processing for transmitting the command data set in the transmission area is executed). Thereby, a plurality of special figures are variably displayed in a plurality of columns on the display screen 4a of the special symbol display device 4, and a fluctuating display game is performed.
<Step S9 to Step S11: Through Process>
In the through processing, these steps are passed through without performing any processing.

  Next, in the illustrated game program, after the above time-sharing process is performed, a random number generation process is performed in step S12. In the random number generation process, a random number related to the special drawing and a random number related to the normal drawing are updated. The random numbers related to the special figure include, for example, a big hit random number (random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit), a reach random number (a random number for determining reach mode), a big hit stop symbol random number (for determining a big hit stop symbol) Random numbers). In the generation of random numbers, the special figure and ordinary random numbers are updated by incrementing, for example, “1”. Therefore, each time this routine is repeated, the random numbers of the special figure and the usual figure change, and the random number extraction value for the big hit or the usual figure keeps the at randomness.

Next, sensor input processing is performed in step S13. Here, the input from the winning ball detection sensors 31 to 37, the ordinary figure start gate sensors 38 and 39, the special figure start sensor 40, the count sensor 41 and the continuation sensor 42 are monitored, and based on the input signals from these sensors. Processing such as updating the starting memory of special figure fluctuations and normal figure fluctuations, extracting random numbers related to special figures and general figures, storing the number of winning balls, and setting the round continuation at the time of big hit.
Next, one of steps S14 to S21 is sequentially performed in a time division manner. The outline of steps S14 to S21 is as follows.

<Step S14: Special symbol game processing>
In the special symbol game process, processing corresponding to any one of start memory monitoring, symbol stop monitoring and jackpot processing before scrolling the special symbol is performed.
<Step S15: Normal symbol game processing>
In the normal symbol game process, when the game ball wins (passes) the normal symbol start ports 8a and 8b, the variable display game by the variable symbol display of the normal symbol display 7 (in this case, a single digit number). The process for the common map is performed when the normal map is reached.
<Step S16: Symbol Variation Processing>
In the symbol variation process, a process of scrolling the special symbol is performed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the symbol variation is stopped and either a big hit or missed.

<Step S17: Decoration Control Information Editing Process>
In the decoration control information editing process, the decoration control information transmitted from the gaming microcomputer 160 to the decoration display control device 106 is edited (for example, how the decorations of the side lamps 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, etc. are made). I do.
<Step S18: Solenoid editing process>
In the solenoid editing process, the solenoid drive signal transmitted from the gaming microcomputer 160 to the special variation winning device 5 (large winning opening solenoid 5a) and the normal variation winning device 6 (ordinary electric accessory solenoid 6a) is edited. The solenoid drive signal edited here is output from the output port 162e through the processing of step S3, and is transmitted to the big prize opening solenoid 5a and the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 6a. Also output to the terminal C of the cable connection unit 125.
<Step S19: Fraud monitoring process>
In the fraud monitoring process, no-count monitoring and other fraud monitoring are performed for the special variable winning device 5, and in the case of fraud, for example, an error signal is externally managed in an external terminal information editing process in step S21 described later. Editing is performed to output to the device.

<Step S20: Display Control Device Transmission Information Editing Process>
In the display control device transmission information editing process, the display control information (display control signal consisting of command data) transmitted from the gaming microcomputer 160 to the display control device 107 is edited (that is, the command data is selected and transmitted to the transmission area). set).
<Step S21: External Terminal Information Editing Process>
In the external terminal information editing process, editing of the game terminal external terminal information transmitted from the game microcomputer 160 to the management computer or the like via the game shop first cable connection unit 123 or the game shop second cable connection unit 124 is performed. In addition, the above-described inspection signal to be transmitted to the inspection device of the third party organization via the inspection cable connection unit 125 is edited (that is, information is processed and generated).
The contents of the game terminal external terminal information and the inspection signal are as described above.

Since it comprised as mentioned above, according to this Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(1) Aside from the cable connection units for the game stores (the first cable connection unit 123 for the game store and the second cable connection unit 124 for the game store), the cable connection unit dedicated to the inspection, that is, the inspection cable connection unit 125 ( Since the inspection information extraction unit is provided, as shown in FIG. 8, when the gaming machine 100 is installed in the game store, the cable connection unit for the game store (the first cable connection unit 123 for the game store and the game store). The second cable connection unit 124) and the management computer of the amusement store, etc., while the inspection cable connection unit 125 and the inspection device are connected when the inspection is performed by a third party. You can use it.
Accordingly, with respect to the inspection information output to the terminal group 125d (the above-described terminals A to D) of the inspection cable connection unit 125, the connection work (and required inspection work) of the inspection cable 130 is performed at a third party organization or the like. In other words, the inspection sensor mounting operation and the cable reconnection operation described at the beginning do not occur, and as a result, inspection labor and efficiency can be improved.

(2) In this case, in addition to the output of sensors such as winning detection means, game information generated by the game control device 101 is included in the inspection information that can be extracted from the inspection cable connection unit 125 (inspection information extraction unit). In addition, a signal processed for inspection by the game control device 101 is included. That is, since all information or main information necessary for the inspection can be almost taken out, the inspection sensor attaching operation and the cable reconnecting operation described at the beginning do not occur at all (or hardly occur). Further, it is not necessary to process and generate other necessary information (information corresponding to game information) from the output of a sensor such as a winning detection means by an inspection device such as a third party organization.
(3) In addition, the inspection cable connection unit 125 receives the first type inspection signal terminal (terminal A) from which the sensor output of the winning detection means and the like can be taken out, and the signal processed for inspection by the game control device 101. A second type inspection signal terminal (terminal B) that can be taken out and a third type inspection signal terminal (terminals C and D) from which game information can be taken out are provided. For this reason, the connection of the inspection cable 130 for extracting each information can be very easily performed by the mounting work of the connector 125c as described above (or the work of bringing a probe such as a logic analyzer into contact). Therefore, the inspection efficiency can be greatly improved.

(4) In the case of the present embodiment, all the outputs (outputs to the first type inspection signal terminal (terminal A)) of each sensor such as the winning detection means are output as raw data as they are. For this reason, as described above, it is extremely easy to perform inspection substantially the same as the inspection (conventional method) in which each sensor is purposely attached for inspection by a third-party organization (that is, each sensor for inspection). Without having to reattach the cable or reconnect the cable). Further, since the signals of the respective sensors can be taken out as they are, there is an advantage that the signals of the respective sensors can be reliably read without being affected by the arithmetic processing means (in this case, the CPU 160a), and the inspection reliability can be maintained high. .
(5) In the present embodiment, the third type inspection signal terminals (terminals C and D) from which game information can be taken out are terminals connected to a line branched from the original output line of game information. In other words, since the game information that is originally output is simply diverted for inspection, the circuit configuration is simplified while the structure is provided with a takeout unit that allows game information to be extracted exclusively for inspection. is there.

(6) Further, if the inspection connector 125c is not attached to the inspection cable connection unit 125, it is necessary to attach the inspection connector 125c on the gaming machine side in a third party or the like, and the efficiency is increased. However, since the inspection connector 125c is not attached to the finished game machine 100, it is possible to avoid mistakes in cable connection and illegal information acquisition using the inspection connector 125c in the game store of the customer. The effect that the presence of the unused connector (inspection connector 125c) does not have to be troubled when the machine 100 is installed can be obtained.
(7) Also, if the inspection connector 125c is not attached to the inspection cable connection unit 125 in the same manner as described above, the attachment position of the inspection connector 125c (to the exposed portion of the print pattern) at a third party organization or the like. It is also possible to make an inspection by bringing a probe such as a logic analyzer into contact with each other, and in this case, an effect of eliminating the need for attaching a connector for connecting an inspection cable is obtained.
(8) Further, in this embodiment, since the inspection cable connection unit 125 constituting the inspection information extraction unit is separated from the amusement shop cable connection units 123 and 124, a cable connection error is caused when installing in the amusement shop. Can be prevented.
(9) Further, in this embodiment, since the inspection cable connection unit 125 constituting the inspection information extraction unit is provided on the model-dependent member, the inspection information extraction unit is also provided when the model is changed (game board replacement). They can be exchanged together, improving the ease of model change.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the features of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since the other structure may be the same as that of the 1st form example, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inspection information extraction unit of the present invention includes four inspection terminal groups 411 to 411 provided on a circuit board (not shown) constituting the game control device 101. 414. Each of the inspection terminal groups 411 to 414 is a through hole group formed on the circuit board in this case, but may be composed of a wiring pattern, a pin-shaped electrode, or the like. Separate inspection connectors 421 to 424 (shown in FIG. 10) can be attached to each of the inspection terminal groups 411 to 414, and in this case, four inspection cables (not shown) are connected via these connectors. It is possible.
Note that the attachment of each inspection connector and the wiring of each inspection cable may be performed, for example, by temporarily removing the unit case 402 (shown in FIG. 10) of the game control device 101, or by opening the unit case 402. You may go through. Here, the opening may be provided in advance, or may be processed and provided at the time of inspection, or a cut line or the like may be processed in advance so that the opening can be easily provided manually.
And each through hole of each test terminal group 411-414 (or each pin terminal of each test connector 421-424 inserted in these through holes) is taken out for the test as illustrated in FIG. Each of the signals is assigned to one of the various signals and functions as a terminal for extracting each signal (that is, a test signal terminal constituting the test information extracting unit of the present invention). Excluding common terminal or ground terminal for reading signals).

Each inspection terminal group 411 to 414 (or each inspection connector 421 to 424) may be divided for each type of inspection signal terminal (for example, the inspection terminal group 411 is a terminal shown in FIG. 6). A may correspond to all A and the through hole group 412 may correspond to all terminals B shown in FIG. 6), but various types may be mixed (for example, corresponding to one connector 421). The inspection terminal group 411 may belong to the terminal A or may belong to the terminal B).
Further, among the through holes of each of the inspection terminal groups 411 to 414, there may be those in which no signal is actually output. In other words, the inspection signals to be taken out differ depending on the model of the gaming machine, but multiple models (for example, all models or specific multiple models) are provided in order to facilitate modification to other models and to share parts and designs. As many through-holes as the number corresponding to all the inspection signals necessary for the inspection are provided, and those not required for the model may be left unused.
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the circuit board constituting the game control apparatus 101 is housed and provided in the unit case 402. The unit case 402 is made transparent or semi-transparent so that the circuit board is mounted. You may comprise so that at least main part (for example, mounting parts, such as main memory) of the surface and the said test terminal groups 411-414 can be seen through in the accommodation state. In this way, it can be easily confirmed that unauthorized modification has not been performed and that information has not been illegally extracted from the inspection terminal groups 411 to 414.
In addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained with the configuration of the second embodiment. That is, since the inspection control unit 101 is provided in the game control device 101, the inspection cable connection unit (the above-described inspection cable connection unit 125) can be made unnecessary, and the cable between the unit and the game control device 101 can be used. (Cable 129 in FIG. 3) can also be dispensed with, and thus the merit that the cost can be reduced is obtained.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, you may change as follows.
For example, an inspection connector or a terminal group constituting an inspection information extraction unit may be provided in the unit case 402 of the game control device 101.
Moreover, the test | inspection information extraction part of this invention is good also as a structure which can be covered with a cover member so that attachment or detachment is possible. In this case, by removing the lid member, the inspection at a third party organization can be performed without any trouble, while the inspection information take-out part is hidden by the lid member at the time of installation in the amusement store. In addition to avoiding unauthorized information acquisition, there is an effect that there is no need to worry about the presence of unused terminals and unused connectors when installing a gaming machine.

Further, the inspection information that can be extracted from the inspection information extraction unit is not limited to that exemplified in the above-described embodiment. For example, a gaming machine error state signal generated by the gaming control device 101, a normal symbol hold 1st to 4th hold signal (a signal corresponding to the number of holds in the normal diagram start memory display 18), a normal symbol high probability state Signal (probability fluctuation signal indicating normal high probability), normal symbol fluctuation time reduction state signal (signal indicating normal time short-time control), normal electric equipment release extended state signal (normal gaming state and probability variable gaming state) If the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory is different, the signal that is output for an extended time different from normal), the special electric accessory winning signal (detection signal of the count sensor 41), the special symbol hold 1 Individual signal to reserved fourth signal (signal corresponding to the number of reserved special display start memory display 17), special symbol high probability state signal (probability variation signal indicating high probability of special diagram), special symbol variation time Abbreviated status signal May be included such as a signal) indicating.
In addition, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a front view of a game board. It is a back view of a gaming machine. It is an enlarged view of a cable connection unit for inspection. It is an enlarged view of a cable connection unit for inspection (without a connector for inspection). It is a figure which shows the control system of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the terminal connection structure of the cable connection unit for a test | inspection. It is a flowchart of a game control program. It is a figure which shows the utilization condition of the cable connection unit for a test | inspection. It is a figure which shows the control system (2nd form example) of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the unit (2nd form example) of a game control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 101 Game control apparatus 103 Discharge control apparatus 112e Prize ball payout number detection sensor (game value detection means)
123 First cable connection unit for amusement shop 124 Second cable connection unit for amusement shop 125 Cable connection unit for inspection (inspection information extraction unit)
125c inspection connector 125d terminal group (type 1 to type 3 inspection signal terminal)
125e Through hole group (1st to 3rd inspection signal terminals)
411-414 Inspection terminal group (1st type-3rd type inspection signal terminal)

Claims (3)

A winning detection means for detecting winning in a winning opening provided on the game board;
Based on the output of the winning detection means, a game control device that generates game information for managing and controlling the progress of the game, and has an arithmetic processing unit that performs game control in the gaming machine,
A discharge control device capable of driving a discharge device based on a winning detection of the winning detection means and giving a player a prize ball corresponding to a winning opening;
In a gaming machine comprising a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball discharged from the discharging device,
The game control device includes:
A dedicated inspection information extraction unit for extracting the game information and the output of the winning detection means as inspection information;
Information indicating that a prize ball has been detected by the prize ball detection means is input to the game control device,
The inspection information extraction unit
It is composed of a through hole group formed on the circuit board of the game control device, or a wiring pattern, and a predetermined signal terminal that can be connected to an external inspection device at the time of inspection of the gaming machine can be attached.
It is configured to be able to take out signals from the front stage of the input port and the rear stage of the output port of the game control device,
In the preceding stage of the input port of the game control device, a winning ball is detected by a signal input from the winning detection means to the arithmetic processing unit of the game control device and the winning ball detection means input to the game control device. The information indicating that is taken out without going through the arithmetic processing unit,
In the subsequent stage of the output port of the game control device, it is configured to take out game information output from the arithmetic processing unit of the game control device,
The game program for controlling the gaming machine executed by the arithmetic processing unit is inspected even when the predetermined signal terminal is attached to and removed from the inspection information extraction unit. An amusement machine comprising an editing process for processing and generating a signal output through the output port as information . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein information indicating that a prize ball has been detected by the prize ball detection means is also input to the discharge control device. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inspection information extraction unit is stored in a transparent or translucent case for storing the circuit board so as to be seen through.

Images