JP4883723B2 - Game machine and abnormality detection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a gaming board provided with a gaming area where a game ball is launched, and an abnormality detection method for detecting an abnormality in the gaming machine.

  Conventionally, there is a gaming machine provided with a gaming board provided with a gaming area where a game ball is launched. The game board is covered by an outer frame (hereinafter referred to as “glass frame”) in which a glass plate or the like is fitted, and the game area is provided between the board surface of the game board and the glass frame. The gaming machine pays out a winning ball corresponding to the winning when the gaming ball launched into the gaming area wins a predetermined winning opening.

  In such a gaming machine, fraudulent acts that vibrate the game ball through the game board by hitting the glass frame and win the game ball in the winning opening are rampant. The vibration applied to the gaming machine by the action of hitting the glass frame (tapping action) or the like can be detected using various conventional techniques (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2002-119744 A

  However, the conventional technology described above has a problem in that the direction of vibration that can be detected is limited, and it may not be detected depending on the direction of vibration. In addition, in the above-described conventional technology, for example, when a large vehicle passes by the side of a store where a gaming machine is installed, and the entire store vibrates, it detects the vibration of the entire gaming machine caused by the vibration of the store. There is a problem that it is difficult to accurately detect.

  In addition, in the conventional technology described above, if an employee visits the store frequently or stands in the vicinity of the player in order to detect and prevent a beating action, the player is “supervised”. There was a problem of giving a feeling of pressure and discomfort.

  In order to eliminate the above-mentioned problems caused by the prior art, the present invention makes it easy to find a gaming machine suspected of cheating without being affected by the location of the gaming machine or the progress of the game, or suppresses cheating. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and an abnormality detection method that can be performed.

  In addition, the present invention makes it easy to find a gaming machine suspected of fraud without causing discomfort to a player who is playing a normal game or hindering the game, or to suppress fraud. An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine and an abnormality detection method that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including a gaming board provided with a gaming area in which a gaming ball is launched, wherein the board surface of the gaming board and the gaming board are Based on the detection result of at least one curvature variation of the supporting member to be supported and the detection result by the detecting means, the curvature of at least one of the board surface of the gaming board and the supporting member that supports the gaming board is It is characterized by comprising a judging means for judging whether or not it has fluctuated by a predetermined threshold value or more and an output means for outputting a judgment result judged by the judging means. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect that at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member that supports the game board is curved.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the determination means determines whether or not the predetermined means has fluctuated more than the predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect that at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member that supports the game board is curved by an impact applied instantaneously by hitting or the like.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the detection means is a substantially disc-shaped unimorph piezoelectric element or bimorph piezoelectric element. According to the present invention, the unimorph piezoelectric element or the bimorph piezoelectric element alone can detect the curvature of at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member that supports the game board regardless of the bending direction of the board surface of the game board. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect that the board surface of the game board is curved while simplifying the configuration.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the detection means is provided in the vicinity of a winning opening where a game ball launched into the gaming area wins. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect that at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member that supports the game board is curved in the vicinity of the winning opening directly related to the illegal prize ball.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes, in the above invention, a launching unit that launches a game ball into the game area, and the launching unit supports the curvature of the board surface of the game board and the game board by the output unit. The game ball launching operation is stopped when a determination result in which at least one of the supporting members fluctuates more than a predetermined threshold is output. According to the present invention, it is possible to regulate the progress of a game in a gaming machine that may be cheated.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes, in the above-described invention, a rendering unit that performs a predetermined rendering, and the rendering unit includes at least a board surface of the gaming board and a support member that supports the gaming board by the output unit. When any one of the curvatures fluctuates by a predetermined threshold or more is output, an abnormality notification effect is executed. According to the present invention, a store clerk or the like of a store in which a gaming machine is installed can be informed without making the surroundings of the gaming machine that may be fraudulent be aware of.

  An abnormality detection method according to the present invention is an abnormality detection method for detecting an abnormality of the gaming board in a gaming machine including a gaming board provided with a gaming area in which a gaming ball is launched, the board surface of the gaming board and At least one of a detection step for detecting the amount of curvature variation of at least one of the support members that support the game board, and a board surface of the game board and a support member that supports the game board based on a detection result of the detection step A determination step for determining whether or not the curvature fluctuates by a predetermined threshold value or more, and an output step for outputting the determination result determined by the determination step. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect that at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member that supports the game board is curved.

  According to the gaming machine and the abnormality detection method of the present invention, at least one of the board surface of the gaming board and the support member that supports the gaming board is curved without being affected by the installation location of the gaming machine or the progress of the game. Since this can be detected with high accuracy, it is possible to easily detect a tapping action on a gaming machine or a fraud caused by a tapping action, or to suppress the fraud.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine and the abnormality detection method of the present invention, a gaming machine suspected of fraudulent activity without causing discomfort to a player who is playing a normal game or hindering the game is discovered. This has the effect of facilitating or suppressing fraud.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine and an abnormality detection method for the gaming machine according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
First, an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1-1 to 1-9 are explanatory views showing an example of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1-1 to 1-9, the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a game board 101. A display unit 102 is provided on the surface of the game board 101. For example, every time a game ball wins a specific winning opening (start winning opening 103), the display unit 102 displays a plurality (for example, three) of symbols while sequentially switching, and stops switching the symbols after a predetermined time. Perform processing.

  The display unit 102 displays a predetermined image by being driven and controlled by an effect control unit provided on the effect control board. The effect control board and the effect control unit will be described later. The display unit 102 can be configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The gaming machine makes a jackpot determination each time a game ball wins a specific winning opening (start winning opening 103), and appropriately generates a jackpot state according to the jackpot determination result. For example, when a big hit state occurs, a specific symbol (for example, “777” in which three “7” s are arranged in a straight line) is displayed on the display unit 102, and then a predetermined big hit effect is performed. Predetermined jackpot effects include opening and closing the big winning opening 101a provided at the lower position of the game board 101, displaying an image for the jackpot effect on the display unit 102, and outputting sound for the jackpot effect from the speaker. To do.

  In the game board 101, a ball delivery mechanism 111 is arranged at a lower position of the special winning opening 101a. The ball delivery mechanism unit 111 launches a game ball for a game, and the game ball launched by driving the ball delivery mechanism unit 111 moves up between the rails 104a and 104b and moves to the upper position of the game board 101. The game area 105 is reached via. The ball delivery mechanism 111 includes a solenoid 111a for launching a game ball into the game area 105, and intermittently launches the game ball into the game area 105 every time the solenoid 111a is energized. Thus, a game ball is launched into the game area 105 of the game board 101.

  A plurality of nails and windmills (all of which are not shown) are provided in the game area 105, and the game ball that has reached the game area 105 falls in various directions by the nails and the windmill. . In the game area 105, a winning gate 106 for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the gaming machine detects that the game ball has passed the winning gate 106, the gaming machine opens the start winning opening 103 for a certain period of time.

  In the game area 105, a normal winning opening 107 is provided. The game balls that are falling in the game area 105 fall to the start winning opening 103 and the normal winning opening 107 according to the dropping path. The gaming machine pays out a predetermined number of winning balls according to the winning position by controlling the winning ball payout device 127 when the gaming ball wins the start winning opening 103, the normal winning opening 107, or the like. At the bottom of the game area 105, a collection port 108 is provided for collecting game balls that have not won the start winning port 103 or the normal winning port 107.

  Further, in the game area 105, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for production and an effect for production are provided (both are not shown). The effect LED is controlled to be turned on or blinked by the effect control unit. The effect object is configured to be operated by a motor or the like (not shown), and is operated by the power of the motor controlled by the effect control unit.

  A glass frame 110 is provided on the outer periphery of the game area 105 of the game board 101. The glass frame 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 105 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the front side (player side) of the glass frame 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of this embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the glass frame 110. By making the gaming machine stand out, it is possible to enhance the deterrence against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

  A handle 109 is attached to the glass frame 110. The handle 109 is disposed at a lower position than the lower end of the game board 101 and protrudes from the board surface position of the game board 101 to the front side (player side) of the gaming machine. The handle 109 is operated by a player, and while being operated, the solenoid 111a is energized to cause the ball delivery mechanism 111 to fire a game ball. The ball delivery mechanism 111 changes the momentum at which the game ball is launched in accordance with the operation amount (rotation angle) of the handle 109.

  Further, a ball delivery mechanism 111 is attached to the glass frame 110. The ball delivery mechanism 111 is provided at a position on the back surface of the glass frame 110 and the back surface of the tray 112. The tray 112 and the ball delivery mechanism 111 are communicated with each other by a ball passage rail 113. The ball passage rail 113 is inclined so that the ball delivery mechanism unit 111 side is lower than the tray 112 side, so that the game balls move from the tray 112 toward the ball delivery mechanism unit 111 one by one. It is configured. Thereby, the ball delivery mechanism unit 111 can launch the game balls sent from the tray 112 one by one. The game ball fired by the ball delivery mechanism 111 falls in a space formed between the game board 101 (the game area 105 in the game board 101) and the glass frame 110.

  The glass frame 110 supports a glass plate 114 that covers the front side (player side) of the game board 101. The glass plate 114 is fixed to the back side of the glass frame 110 by glass plate fixing hooks 115 provided at a plurality of locations (for example, three locations) on the back side of the glass frame 110. The glass plate 114 is detachably fixed to the glass frame 110 by a glass plate fixing hook 115. An iron plate 116 is attached to the back side of the glass frame 110, whereby the strength of the glass frame 110 can be increased.

  The glass frame 110 is connected to an outer frame (machine frame) 117 via a connection mechanism 118 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine), and left and right using the connection mechanism 118 as a fulcrum. The other end side of the direction (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine) can be rotated in a direction in which the outer frame 117 is brought into and out of contact with the outer frame 117. The glass frame 110 covers the game board 101 together with the glass plate 114, and can rotate like a door with the connection mechanism 118 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 117 including the game board 101. On the other end side of the glass frame 110, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 110 to the outer frame 117 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 110 is basically locked during the game, and is opened only in a specific situation such as when a game ball is clogged in the game area 105 or during maintenance of the gaming machine.

  The outer frame 117 includes a game board holding frame 119 that supports the game board 101. The game board holding frame 119 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the outer frame 117 so that the outer peripheral surface is in contact with (in contact with) the inner peripheral surface of the outer frame 117. The front and back sides of the outer frame 117 and the game board holding frame 119 are opened so that the back side of the game board 101 is opened while the game board 101 is supported by the game board holding frame 119 so as to face the glass plate 114. Has been. The outer frame 117 can be formed using a metal material such as aluminum, and the game board holding frame 119 can be formed using wood or the like. The outer frame 117 and the game board holding frame 119 may be formed using the same material, or may be formed using different materials. Further, the outer frame 117 and the game board holding frame 119 may each be formed using a plurality of types of materials such as metal materials and wood.

  The outer frame 117 and the glass frame 110 are in contact with each other so as to surround the game board 101, thereby preventing a tool such as a driver or other members from being inserted between the outer frame 117 and the glass frame 110. is doing. A board for connecting external terminals, a payout control board, a speaker 120, a power supply board, and the like are attached to the outer frame 117. Various boards such as an external terminal connection board, a payout control board, and a power supply board are covered with an outer end case 121, a payout control board case 122, and a power supply board cover 123, respectively. By covering the various control boards with the outer end case 121, the payout control board case 122, and the power supply board cover 123, it is possible to prevent unauthorized operations from being performed on the various control boards from the outside, thereby improving security. Can do.

  On the back surface of the game board 101, a board unit including a main control board, a prize ball control board, an effect control board, and the like is provided. The illustration of each control board is omitted. The board unit is covered with the case 124, which makes it difficult to perform unauthorized operations on the board unit from the outside, thereby improving security. Further, a power plug 125 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch 126 are provided on the back side of the game board 101. The main control board in the board unit is equipped with a CPU and a memory to realize a main control unit. The memory mounted on the main control board stores a program for controlling basic operations in the gaming machine.

  The main control board is provided with an I / F (interface) for inputting / outputting data to / from a CPU mounted on the main control board. This I / F is connected to various proximity sensors that detect the game balls won in the start winning opening 103 and the normal winning opening 107, and the CPU mounted on the main control board receives output signals from the various proximity sensors. Based on this, it is determined whether or not there is a game ball winning at the start winning opening 103 or the normal winning opening 107.

  When the CPU mounted on the main control board determines that a game ball has been won at the start winning opening 103 or the normal winning opening 107, a control signal for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls via the I / F. Is output to the prize ball control board. The prize ball control board is equipped with a CPU and a memory to realize a prize ball control unit. The CPU mounted on the prize ball control board controls the prize ball payout device 127 so as to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls based on a signal from the CPU mounted on the main control board.

  In addition, the CPU mounted on the main control board receives a game ball at the start winning port 103 based on an output signal from a proximity sensor (not shown) that detects a game ball won at the start winning port 103. The jackpot is determined when it is determined that the At the time of jackpot determination, the CPU mounted on the main control board acquires a jackpot determination value using a random number generated every predetermined time from the start of the gaming machine, and determines the acquired jackpot determination value in advance. It is determined whether or not the received jackpot value matches. Then, a case where the jackpot determination value matches the jackpot value is determined as a jackpot, and a jackpot signal for generating a jackpot state is output to the effect control board via the I / F. Further, the case where the jackpot determination value does not match the jackpot value is determined as a loss, and a loss signal is output to the effect control board via the I / F.

  The effect control board is equipped with a CPU and a memory to realize an effect control unit. The memory mounted on the effect control board stores a program for controlling the effect operation. The CPU mounted on the effect control board executes the jackpot effect or the loss effect based on the jackpot signal or the loss signal output from the CPU mounted on the main control board. For example, the CPU mounted on the effect control board drives and controls the display unit 102 so that the jackpot effect image or the lose effect image is displayed on the display unit 102 during the jackpot effect or the lose effect.

  In addition, the CPU mounted on the effect control board drives and controls, for example, a lighting LED or a blinking motor or a motor that operates an effect accessory when a jackpot effect or a loss effect. In addition, the CPU mounted on the effect control board drives and controls the speaker so that, for example, a sound in accordance with the display image on the display unit 102 is output when the jackpot effect or the loss effect.

(Unimorph piezoelectric element configuration and mounting position)
Next, the configuration and mounting position of the unimorph piezoelectric element will be described. FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2 are explanatory views showing a unimorph piezoelectric element. FIGS. 2-3 is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the attachment position of a unimorph piezoelectric element. FIG. 2-3 shows a state in which the game board 101 is viewed from the player side. 2A and 2B, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 has a structure in which a thin plate-shaped piezoelectric element 211 and a metal plate 212 are bonded together, and the piezoelectric element 211 is deformed (strained). In this case, a voltage value corresponding to the generated deformation amount is output.

  The piezoelectric element 211 and the metal plate 212 in the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 preferably have a substantially disk shape. The diameter of the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 of this embodiment is preferably about 10 mm, for example. By making the piezoelectric element 211 and the metal plate 212 in the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 into a disc shape, the object member (for example, the board surface of the game board 101) to which the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is attached is curved in any direction. The curvature variation amount of the target member can be accurately detected without being influenced by the direction.

  The unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is, for example, in a state in which the plate surface of the metal plate is in close contact with the board surface (back side) of the game board 101 (so that the contact area between the game board 101 and the metal plate 212 increases). It is good to fix to. The unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is provided so that the plate surface of a substantially disk-shaped metal plate is parallel to the board surface of the game board 101. In this case, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 outputs a voltage value corresponding to the amount of deformation that has occurred when the board surface of the game board 101 is deformed (strained). By attaching the metal plate 212 of the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 in close contact with the game board 101, a voltage value corresponding to the amount of deformation of the board surface of the game board 101 can be accurately output. The configuration for detecting the curvature variation of the board surface of the game board 101 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 2-1 shows the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 and its surroundings in a normal gaming state, and FIG. 2-2 shows the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 and its surroundings in an abnormal detection state. In FIG. 2A, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 in the normal gaming state maintains a parallel planar shape along the board surface of the gaming board 101. In contrast, in FIG. 2B, in the abnormality detection state in which the board surface of the game board 101 is curved, the metal plate 212 in the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is deformed along with the curve of the board surface of the game board 101, and is attached to the metal plate 212. The combined piezoelectric element 211 is deformed. In the state shown in FIG. 2B, since a voltage value corresponding to the deformation amount of the piezoelectric element 211 is output, distortion of the board surface of the game board 101 can be accurately detected based on this voltage value.

  The unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is preferably provided on the back side of the game board 101, for example. In FIG. 2C, as an example of a preferable mounting position of the unimorph piezoelectric element 210, the vicinity of the start winning opening 103 and the vicinity of the start winning opening 103 are shown. Specifically, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is preferably provided, for example, in a circle indicated by reference numeral 201 in FIG. A bold line 202 in FIG. 2-3 indicates the outer shape of the outer frame 117.

  The mounting position of the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is preferably provided, for example, in the vicinity of the start winning opening 103 through which a game ball launched into the game area 105 wins, but is not particularly limited. As an example of a preferable mounting position of the unimorph piezoelectric element 210, in addition to the mounting position shown in FIG. 2C, specifically, for example, a position in the vicinity of the normal winning opening 107, or a game ball is in the game area 105. The position on the back side of the path through which the game ball can pass from the position where the game ball is passed to the start winning opening 103, the big winning opening 101a or the normal winning opening 107 is preferable. Further, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 may be provided on the glass plate 114 covering the game board 101.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game board 101 is directly supported by the game board holding frame 119, but the game board holding frame 119 is supported by the outer frame 117, and the glass plate 114 is supported by the outer frame 117. Since the strength of the outer frame 117 can be increased by attaching to the frame, for example, as described above, it may be attached to the glass frame 110, may be attached to the game board holding frame 119, or may be attached to the outer frame 117. Also good. Moreover, you may attach to members other than these.

  For example, you may attach to the glass frame 110. FIG. Specifically, it may be attached to the iron plate 116 on the back surface of the glass frame 110, for example. By attaching the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 to a flat portion such as the iron plate 116, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 can be stably attached. Since the position of the one end side of the glass frame 110 is always fixed by a connecting portion with respect to the outer frame 117, when an attempt is made to pry the glass frame 110 open, an external force that tries to pry the other end side of the glass frame 110 is applied. It is assumed to work. In such a situation, it is considered that the glass frame 110 is subjected to a force that bends the other end of the glass frame 110 toward the front side, and the same force is also applied to the iron plate 116, and the unimorph piezoelectric element 210. By attaching to the iron plate 116, it is possible to accurately detect that the glass frame 110 is about to be opened.

  The unimorph piezoelectric element 210 may be attached to a game board holding frame 119 that supports the game board 101, for example. Specifically, for example, it may be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the game board holding frame 119. Furthermore, the game board holding frame 119 may be attached at a position facing the iron plate 116. As described above, when the iron plate 116 is bent when the glass frame 110 is to be pry open, a large load is applied to the bending position serving as a fulcrum, and this weight is applied to the game board holding frame 119 (or via the glass frame 110). It is assumed that the outer frame 117) is added. In such a situation, it is considered that a portion of the game board holding frame 119 (or the outer frame 117) is subjected to a load, and the glass frame 110 is tried to be opened by attaching the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 to the game board holding frame 119. It can be detected with high accuracy.

  Moreover, you may attach the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 to the outer frame 117 which hold | maintains the game board holding frame 119, for example. Specifically, for example, it may be in the vicinity of the iron plate 116 for the reason described above. Specifically, for example, in the game board holding frame 119 that supports the game board 101, it is the other end side in the left-right direction (for example, right side facing the gaming machine), and is a big prize opening 101a or a start prize opening. It is good to attach to the position which becomes the same height as 103. When opening the glass frame 110, for example, a tool such as a screwdriver or a member equivalent thereto is inserted between the glass frame 110 and the outer frame 117 and used like a lever. In such a situation, it is considered that a large weight is applied to the position that serves as a lever fulcrum in the outer frame 117, and the outer frame 117 (or the glass frame 110) is deformed by this weight, and the unimorph piezoelectric element is assumed to be deformed. By attaching 210 to the outer frame 117, it is possible to accurately detect that the glass frame 110 is about to be opened. Kill.

  A bimorph piezoelectric element can be used in place of the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 for detecting the curvature variation of the board surface of the game board 101. The bimorph piezoelectric element has a structure in which thin plate-shaped piezoelectric elements are bonded to both surfaces of a metal plate, and outputs a voltage value corresponding to the deformation amount of the game board 101 when the game board 101 is deformed. Also in the bimorph piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element and the metal plate have a substantially disk shape. Since the bimorph piezoelectric element is a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted here. In this embodiment, the case where the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is attached in a state where the curvature variation of the board surface of the game board 101 can be detected will be described as an example.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration for detecting the curvature variation of the board surface of the game board 101. In FIG. 3, the curvature variation of the board surface of the game board 101 can be detected using the curvature variation detection unit 300. The curvature variation detection unit 300 includes a unimorph piezoelectric element 210, an amplifier 302, a bandpass filter 303, a comparator 304, and an abnormality reporter 305.

  The amplifier 302 amplifies the voltage value output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 210. The band-pass filter 303 filters the voltage value amplified by the amplifier 302, excludes components other than 10 Hz to 1 KHz, and passes them to the comparator 304 side. The voltage value resulting from the beating action is approximately in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 1 KHz. By excluding components other than 10 Hz to 1 KHz by the bandpass filter 303, the voltage action component amplified by the amplifier 302 can be used for the beating action. Only the attributed components can be extracted.

  The hitting action is an action that causes external gaming machine 101 to vibrate by applying an external force to a part of the gaming machine such as outer frame 117 and glass plate 114, and the component resulting from the hitting action fixes the outer peripheral part to outer frame 117. This is a voltage value output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 when the game board 101 is deformed by the vibration of the game board 101 in a state of being played (see FIG. 4).

  The comparator 304 includes a storage area (not shown) for storing a comparison threshold value, and compares the comparison threshold value stored in the storage area with the voltage signal obtained by filtering. Then, the comparator 304 outputs a signal corresponding to the comparison result to the abnormality reporter 305 at the subsequent stage. The predetermined threshold represents the maximum amplitude (predetermined threshold) and time width (predetermined time) of the peak in the voltage signal represented as a waveform pattern by the voltage value and time. For example, “maximum amplitude: ± 0.6 V” and For example, “time width: 0.5 msec” is set.

  The threshold value for comparison is not limited to the voltage value and time, and may be, for example, the appearance frequency per unit time of a peak that satisfies a predetermined condition. In this case, in addition to the voltage value and the time width that define the peak that satisfies the predetermined condition, the storage area stores information about the unit time and the number of times as a comparison threshold value. The comparison threshold value can be arbitrarily set, for example, when a gaming machine is manufactured.

  Specifically, the comparator 304 compares, for example, a voltage signal obtained by filtering with a predetermined threshold (for example, ± 0.6 V), and a peak having a maximum amplitude of ± 0.6 V or more exists as a result of the comparison. A signal indicating that is output to the anomaly reporting device 305 at the subsequent stage. Further, the comparator 304 compares, for example, a predetermined threshold having a maximum amplitude of ± 0.6 V or more of the voltage signal obtained by filtering with the peak width (0.5 msec), and the comparison result is 0.5 msec or more. When there is a peak, a signal indicating that may be output to the abnormality reporter 305 at the subsequent stage.

  The abnormality notification device 305 outputs an abnormality notification signal based on the output result from the comparator 304. For example, when a pulse signal is output from the comparator 304, the abnormality notification device 305 outputs an abnormality notification signal to a speaker (not shown), so that an “error has occurred. Please call an attendant.” And so on. In addition, for example, when a pulse signal is output from the comparator 304, an abnormality notification signal is output to the effect control board, so that an effect for abnormality notification is performed on an effect control board (not shown).

  The amplifier 302, the bandpass filter 303, the comparator 304, and the abnormality notifier 305 in the curvature variation detection unit 300 are programs that realize the functions of the amplifier 302, the bandpass filter 303, the comparator 304, and the abnormality notifier 305. This is realized by a microcomputer that includes a ROM that stores data, a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes based on a program stored in the ROM, and a RAM that functions as a data work area when the CPU performs arithmetic processes. be able to.

  Note that the functions realized by the amplifier 302, the bandpass filter 303, the comparator 304, and the abnormality notifier 305 are not limited to those realized by a single microcomputer. For example, the functions of the respective parts are realized separately. You may implement | achieve by combining a microcomputer (circuit).

  Next, components caused by the beating action on the gaming machine will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a graph showing a waveform pattern of a voltage signal output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 210. FIG. 4 shows a voltage signal output by the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 when there is a beating action on a gaming machine (particularly the outer frame 117). In FIG. 4, when there is a beating action on the gaming machine, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 outputs a voltage signal whose voltage value greatly changes instantaneously.

  When an external force is applied to the game board 101 in a direction crossing the board surface of the game board 101 by a beating action on the gaming machine, the board surface of the game board 101 vibrates so as to change the curvature of the board surface. As described above, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is provided so that the substantially disk-shaped metal plate constituting the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is in close contact with the game board 101. When 101 vibrates in the direction intersecting the board surface (curvature fluctuation), the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is deformed along with the curvature fluctuation of the board surface of the game board 101.

  In this way, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 outputs a voltage signal whose voltage value changes greatly instantaneously when there is a beating action on the gaming machine. Note that the act of hitting the gaming machine is not limited to the action of hitting the glass frame. For example, the act of opening the glass frame to expose the game board 101 to the outside and directly hitting the game board 101 can be cited as the action of hitting the gaming machine.

  When there is a beating action on a gaming machine, specifically, for example, a voltage signal output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 has a peak with a maximum amplitude of ± 0.6 V and a width (time) of 0.5 msec or more. To do. In FIG. 4, the constant amplitude in the vicinity of 0 potential is hum (noise) caused by the power supply frequency.

  Next, a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the gaming machine includes a detection unit 501, a determination unit 502, a storage unit 503, a timer 504, an output unit 505, a launch unit 506, and an effect unit 507.

  The detecting unit 501 detects the curvature variation amount of the board surface of the game board 101. Specifically, the detection unit 501 amplifies the voltage signal output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 by the amplifier 302 and filters the voltage signal obtained by filtering the band signal by the bandpass filter 303. Detect as quantity. Specifically, the detection unit 501 can realize its function by, for example, the unimorph piezoelectric element 210, the amplifier 302, and the band-pass filter 303 that constitute the curvature variation detection unit 300 shown in FIG.

  That is, based on the voltage signal output from the unimorph piezoelectric element 210, the detection unit 501 stores a program stored in a memory such as a ROM or a RAM included in the microcomputer included in the curvature variation detection unit 300 illustrated in FIG. The function can be realized by executing a program related to the detection of the curvature variation amount by a CPU included in the microcomputer.

  Based on the detection result by the detection unit 501, the determination unit 502 determines whether or not the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 has fluctuated by a predetermined threshold value or more. The determination unit 502 determines whether or not the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 has fluctuated more than the comparison threshold based on a predetermined threshold (comparison threshold) stored in the storage unit 503. Specifically, the storage unit 503 can realize its function by a memory such as a ROM and a RAM provided in the microcomputer. For example, when a pulse signal is output from the comparator 304, the determination unit 502 determines that the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 has fluctuated by a comparison threshold value or more.

  Further, the determination unit 502 determines whether or not the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 has fluctuated more than a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time based on the time counted by the timer 504. Specifically, the timer 504 can be realized by a timer function of a CPU included in a microcomputer constituting the curvature variation detection unit 300 shown in FIG. 3, for example.

  For example, when a pulse signal is output from the comparator 304, the determination unit 502 determines whether or not the peak time width that triggered the output of the pulse signal is within a predetermined time, and is within the predetermined time. In this case, it is determined whether or not the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 fluctuates more than a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 502 determines that the gaming board 101 has a peak with a maximum amplitude of ± 0.6 V or more and a time width of 0.5 msec or more as a result of comparison by the comparator 304. It is determined that the curvature of the board surface fluctuated by a predetermined threshold value or more.

  Specifically, the determination unit 502 relates to curvature determination of the board surface of the game board 101 among programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or a RAM included in the microcomputer constituting the curvature variation detection unit 300 shown in FIG. The function can be realized by executing the program by a CPU included in the microcomputer.

  The output unit 505 outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit 502 to the launch unit 506 and the effect unit 507. For example, when a pulse signal is output from the comparator 304, the output unit 505 outputs a determination result to the launch unit 506 and the rendering unit 507 by causing the abnormality reporter 305 to output an abnormality report signal. That is, the abnormality notification signal is output when the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 fluctuates by a predetermined threshold value or more.

  Specifically, the output unit 505, for example, a program related to the output of the determination result among the programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or a RAM provided in the microcomputer constituting the curvature variation detection unit 300 shown in FIG. The function can be realized by executing the CPU included in the microcomputer.

  The launch unit 506 launches a game ball into the game area 105 when the handle 109 is operated by a player or the like. The launching unit 506 stops the game ball launching operation when the output unit 505 outputs a determination result that the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 fluctuates by a predetermined threshold or more. Specifically, the launching unit 506 can realize its function by, for example, the ball delivery mechanism unit 111.

  The production unit 507 performs a predetermined production. The production unit 507 performs, for example, a normal production according to whether or not there is a winning at the start winning opening 103, and performs a big hit production when the big hit state is reached. In addition, when the output unit 505 outputs a determination result that the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 has fluctuated by a predetermined threshold or more, the effect unit 507 executes an effect for abnormality notification. Specifically, for example, the effect for reporting the abnormality is to increase the light emission luminance of the LED for the effect, increase the blinking frequency more than usual, or keep lighting.

  In addition, for example, an abnormality notification production may be output from an unillustrated speaker, for example, “Peepy” sound unrelated to the progress of the production, or “An error has occurred. Please call the store clerk”. This is done by outputting guidance. The rendering unit 507 can realize its function by executing a program stored in a memory such as a ROM and a RAM constituting the rendering control unit by a CPU included in the microcomputer.

  Next, the processing procedure of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, the process waits until there is a firing instruction to the ball delivery mechanism 111 by operating the handle 109 (step S601: No). When there is a firing instruction (step S601: Yes), a voltage signal output from the bandpass filter 303 is acquired (step S602).

  Then, the voltage value in the voltage signal acquired in step S602 is compared with a comparison threshold value to determine whether or not the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 has fluctuated more than the comparison threshold value (step S603). When it does not fluctuate more than the comparison threshold value (step S603: No), the process proceeds to step S606.

  On the other hand, in step S603, when it fluctuates more than the comparison threshold value (step S603: Yes), it is determined whether the time width of the peak formed by the voltage signal fluctuated more than the comparison threshold value is within a predetermined time ( Step S604). When the time width of the peak formed by the voltage signal that has fluctuated more than the comparison threshold value is not within the predetermined time (step S604: No), the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S604, when the time width of the peak formed by the voltage signal that has fluctuated more than the comparison threshold is within the predetermined time (step S604: Yes), an abnormality notification effect is performed (step S605). Then, it is determined whether or not the firing instruction for the ball delivery mechanism unit 111 has been canceled while performing (executing) an abnormality notification effect (step S606).

  In step S606, when the firing instruction to the ball delivery mechanism 111 has not been released (step S606: No), the process returns to step S602 to acquire the voltage signal output from the bandpass filter 303, and steps S603 to S606. Repeat the process up to. On the other hand, when the firing instruction to the ball delivery mechanism unit 111 is canceled (step S606: Yes), a series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect that the board surface of the gaming board 101 is curved by attaching the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 to the gaming board 101. Thereby, it is possible to accurately find a gaming machine that may be cheated by curving the board surface of the gaming board 101.

  Specifically, when the entire store vibrates due to, for example, a large vehicle passing by the store, the entire gaming machine vibrates together with the store. However, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment, the entire gaming machine vibrates. It is possible to detect only the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 without detecting. Also, specifically, for example, when the game board 101 is locally vibrated, for example, when game balls launched into the game area 105 collide with each other in the game area 105 and bounce back and collide with the game board 101. This local vibration is not detected, and only the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 can be detected.

  Specifically, for example, a game ball falling in the game area 105 hits the game nail, and the game nail vibrates due to this and the game board 101 may vibrate. Such vibration is vibration (longitudinal vibration) having a vibration direction in a plane parallel to the board surface direction of the game board 101, and this longitudinal vibration does not affect the curvature fluctuation of the board surface of the game board 101. That is, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment, it is possible to detect only the curvature of the board surface of the gaming board 101 without being affected by this longitudinal vibration.

  As a result, it is possible to accurately detect that the board surface of the gaming board 101 is curved without being influenced by the installation location of the gaming machine or the progress of the game, etc. Can be easily discovered or fraud can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect that the board surface of the gaming board 101 is curved without monitoring the player by a store clerk visiting the store. Therefore, it is easy to find a gaming machine suspected of fraudulent activity without causing discomfort to a player who is playing a normal game or causing trouble in the game, or fraud can be suppressed.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, it is accurately detected that the board surface of the gaming board 101 is bent by an impact (striking action) applied instantaneously by hitting the outer frame 117 or the like. be able to. Further, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, by using the unimorph piezoelectric element 210, the curvature of the board surface of the game board 101 can be made by one unimorph piezoelectric element 210 regardless of the bending direction of the board surface of the game board 101. Can be detected. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect that the board surface of the game board 101 is curved while simplifying the configuration.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, a winning opening (start winning opening 103, large winning opening 101a or normal winning opening 107 for winning a game ball which is struck by the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 in the game area 105 is provided. ), It is accurately detected that the board surface of the game board is curved in the vicinity of the winning opening directly related to the winning ball, and the winning at each winning opening is correct or incorrect. Can be accurately detected.

  In the above, the case where the unimorph piezoelectric element is attached in a state in which the curvature variation of the board surface of the game board 101 can be detected as an example has been described. For example, when the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is attached to the glass frame 110, It is possible to accurately detect that the glass frame 110 is curved. Thereby, it is possible to accurately find a gaming machine that may be cheated by curving the glass frame 110.

  Further, when the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is attached to the game board holding frame 119, it is possible to accurately detect that the game board holding frame 119 is curved. Thereby, it is possible to accurately find a gaming machine that may be cheated by curving the game board holding frame 119. Further, when the unimorph piezoelectric element 210 is attached to the outer frame 117, it is possible to accurately detect that the outer frame 117 is curved. Thereby, it is possible to accurately find a gaming machine that may be cheated by bending the outer frame 117. As described above, when it is configured to detect that a portion other than the board surface of the game board 101 is curved, the glass frame 110 is used to perform an illegal act directly on the game board 101, that is, before the game board 101 is illegally acted. It is possible to accurately detect a gaming machine in which fraud may be caused by curving the outside at the time of trying to pry up.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment according to the present invention, it is possible to regulate the progress of the game in the gaming machine that may have been cheating, and because the prize ball is paid out by the illegal winning The loss on the store side can be reduced. In addition, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment according to the present invention, the store clerk or the like of the store where the gaming machine is installed without making the surroundings of the gaming machine possibly fraudulent be aware of the gaming machine. This makes it possible to make it known, and it is also possible to reduce the loss on the store side due to the winning ball being paid out by illegal winning.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine and the abnormality detection method of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily detect a tapping action on a gaming machine and a tampering by the tapping action, or to suppress the tampering.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of the embodiment according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect that the board surface of the gaming board 101 is curved without monitoring the player by a store clerk visiting the store. Therefore, it is easy to find a gaming machine suspected of fraudulent activity without causing discomfort to a player who is playing a normal game or causing trouble in the game, or fraud can be suppressed.

  And by making it easier to find gaming machines suspected of fraudulent activity without causing discomfort to the players who are playing normal games or hindering the games, or by suppressing fraud, The loss on the store side due to the payout of the winning ball due to the illegal winning can be reduced without making the player who feels uncomfortable.

  The abnormality detection method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the gaming machine and the abnormality detection method according to the present invention include a gaming machine including a gaming board provided with a gaming area where a game ball is launched, a gaming board in the gaming machine, and a support member that supports the gaming board. It is useful for an abnormality detection method for detecting at least any one of the above, and is particularly suitable for a gaming machine in which a game board is covered with a glass frame such as a pachinko gaming machine and an abnormality detection method for the gaming machine.

It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 5) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 6) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 7) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 8) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 9) which shows an example of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows a unimorph piezoelectric element. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows a unimorph piezoelectric element. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the attachment position of a unimorph piezoelectric element. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure which detects the curvature fluctuation of the board surface of a game board. It is a graph which shows the waveform pattern of the voltage signal output from the unimorph piezoelectric element. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the game machine of embodiment concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Game board 105 Game area 110 Glass frame 114 Glass plate 116 Iron plate 117 Outer frame (machine frame)
119 Game board holding frame 210 Unimorph piezoelectric element 211 Piezoelectric element 212 Metal plate 501 Detection unit 502 Judgment unit 503 Storage unit 504 Timer 505 Output unit 506 Launch unit 507 Production unit

Claims (6)

In a gaming machine having a gaming board provided with a gaming area in which gaming balls are launched,
Detecting means for detecting a curvature variation amount of at least one of a board surface of the game board and a support member supporting the game board;
Judging means for judging whether or not the curvature of at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member supporting the game board has fluctuated more than a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time based on a detection result by the detection means; ,
Output means for outputting the judgment result judged by the judgment means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the detecting means is a substantially disc-shaped unimorph piezoelectric element or bimorph piezoelectric element. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the detection means is provided in the vicinity of a winning opening for winning a game ball launched into the gaming area. Comprising launching means for launching a game ball in the game area;
The launching means launches the game ball when the output means outputs a judgment result in which at least one of the curvature of the board surface of the game board and the support member supporting the game board fluctuates by a predetermined threshold value or more. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the operation is stopped. Providing directing means to perform a predetermined directing,
When the output means outputs a determination result that the curvature of at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member supporting the game board has fluctuated by a predetermined threshold value or more, the effect means The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the game machine is executed. An abnormality detection method for detecting an abnormality of the gaming board in a gaming machine provided with a gaming board provided with a gaming area where a game ball is launched,
A detection step of detecting a curvature variation amount of at least one of a board surface of the game board and a support member supporting the game board;
A determination step of determining whether or not the curvature of at least one of the board surface of the game board and the support member supporting the game board has fluctuated more than a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time based on a detection result of the detection step; ,
An output step of outputting the determination result determined by the determination step;
An abnormality detection method comprising:

Images