JP5420232B2 - Game machine and magnet detection sensor device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that can perform a predetermined game using a gaming ball, and a magnet detection sensor device that can be mounted on the gaming machine.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result in the variable display device, the game state (game The state of the machine, more specifically, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled) is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player.

  The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display that is determined in advance as a display result of variable display of special symbols (identification information) that is started in the variable display device based on the winning of a game ball in the start winning opening (starting area) When the mode is derived and displayed, a “big hit” occurs. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  As described above, when a game ball wins a prize area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. Further, when the game ball wins the start area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, and the variable display of identification information that may cause a big hit gaming state is started. The material of the game ball used in the pachinko gaming machine is steel. Therefore, an illegal act of guiding the game ball to the winning area (including the starting area) by the magnet may be performed.

  In order to detect fraud using a magnet, there is a gaming machine with a built-in magnet detection function (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The magnet detection function built in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a drive mechanism that moves the magnetic sensor in order to eliminate the magnetic detection impossible range of the reed switch as the magnetic sensor for detecting the magnet. Yes.

JP 2008-17889 A (paragraphs 0016-0022)

  When a reed switch is used as the magnetic sensor, the detection range of magnetism (magnetic field) is narrow, and depending on the direction of the magnet (direction of the lines of magnetic force), there is a possibility that magnetism by the magnet cannot be detected. Like the described gaming machine, it is necessary to move the magnetic sensor over a relatively wide range. Then, it is necessary to secure a space for securing the moving range in the gaming machine, but the gaming machine has many circuits and mechanism parts for realizing the original function, so the moving range is secured. It is not easy to do. If an attempt is made to secure the movement range, there is a possibility that the arrangement of circuits and mechanical parts for realizing the original function is restricted and the arrangement of the circuits and mechanical parts may become impossible. In addition, when a reed switch is used, when a strong magnetic field is applied, the contact remains in contact, and the magnet detection function may be impaired.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of accurately detecting the presence of a magnet over a wide range while preventing a restriction on the arrangement of a circuit and a mechanism unit for realizing an original function in the gaming machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a magnet detection sensor device.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of performing a predetermined game using a game ball, and has an impedance caused by a magnetic field externally applied to an amorphous wire arranged along two axes orthogonal to each other. A magnetic sensor configured to detect a change and output a detection voltage based on each change amount (for example, magnetic field detection element 130: see FIG. 24), and a detection clock output from the magnetic sensor as a drive clock for driving the magnetic sensor An averaging unit having a function of sampling and averaging at intervals longer than the signal period, and a detection voltage output by the averaging unit with respect to a reference value (for example, a reference value output by the third averaging unit 273) Magnet determination means (for example, error determination unit 251) that determines that a magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine when it is detected that a predetermined determination value (for example, a threshold value) is exceeded. , When power supply to the gaming machine is started, and inputs the detected voltage averaging unit outputs the reference value setting means for setting a value of the detection voltage input as an initial value of the reference value (e.g., configuration update 271), the reference value setting means sets the initial value of the reference value, and each time a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) elapses, the detection voltage and average output by the averaging unit at that time point past detection voltage (e.g., the detection voltage of each minute of the past 7 minutes) unit is output, characterized in that updating the reference value to a value determined based on (see FIG. 28).

  A game frame (for example, a game frame 2A) installed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, and a game board (for example, a plurality of game parts attached to a predetermined plate-like body that is detachably attached to the game frame) , A game board 6), and an effect image display device (for example, an effect display device 9) is provided as a game part on the game board, and effect control means (for example, effect control micro) is provided for controlling the image display device. The effect control board on which the computer 100) is mounted is a gaming machine installed on the back side of the image display device, and the magnetic sensor may be mounted on the effect control board (see FIG. 9A).

  The magnet determination means is an input unit for inputting a sensitivity setting signal that can specify any one of the setting values of a plurality of stages (for example, four stages) for setting the sensitivity of the determination of the magnet determination means. (For example, the input terminals of SELECT 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 22) and a determination value for determining that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine according to the setting value specified by the sensitivity setting signal input to the input unit ( For example, it may be configured to include sensitivity setting means for setting a threshold value (for example, a part for internally setting sensitivity in accordance with a sensitivity setting signal in the error determination unit 251).

  The sensitivity setting means, when a first stage setting value (for example, a sensitivity selection signal indicating “low” sensitivity) is input to the input unit among the plurality of stage setting values, the first determination value ( For example, a threshold value 150) is set, and a second stage setting value (for example, a sensitivity indicating “medium” sensitivity) that is a setting value higher than the first stage setting value among a plurality of stage setting values. When the selection signal is input to the input unit, a first determination value and a second determination value (for example, 68 as a threshold value) are set as the determination values, and the magnet determination means When the set value is input to the input unit, the determination using the first determination value and the determination using the second determination value may be performed in an overlapping manner (see FIG. 30).

A magnet detection sensor device according to the present invention is configured to detect a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied to an amorphous wire arranged along two axes orthogonal to each other and output a detection voltage based on each change amount. Averaging having a function of sampling and averaging a magnetic sensor (for example, magnetic field detecting element 130: see FIG. 24) and a detection voltage output from the magnetic sensor at intervals longer than the cycle of the drive clock signal for driving the magnetic sensor. And a detection voltage output from the averaging unit is detected to exceed a predetermined determination value (for example, a threshold value) with respect to a reference value (for example, the reference value output from the third averaging unit 273). If it is, the magnet judging means judges that the magnet is present near the gaming machine (e.g., the error determination unit 251) and, when the power supply is started for the game machine, And inputs the detected voltage disproportionation unit outputs, the reference value setting means for setting a value of the detection voltage input as an initial value of the reference value (for example, setting updating unit 271) and a reference value setting means, after setting the initial value of the reference value, a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) each time has elapsed, the detection voltage and the averaging unit outputs the past detection voltage output by the averaging unit at the time (e.g., The reference value is updated to a value determined on the basis of the detected voltage every minute for the past 7 minutes (see FIG. 28).

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the gaming machine detects a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied from the outside to the amorphous wires arranged along two axes orthogonal to each other, and outputs a detection voltage based on each change amount. And an averaging unit that samples and averages a detection voltage output from the magnetic sensor at an interval longer than a cycle of a drive clock signal that drives the magnetic sensor, and a detection voltage output from the averaging unit. When it is detected that a predetermined judgment value is exceeded with respect to the reference value, a magnet judgment means for judging that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine, and an averaging unit when power supply to the gaming machine is started settings There enter the detection voltage outputted, a reference value setting means for setting a value of the detection voltage input as an initial value of the reference value, the reference value setting means, the initial value of the reference value And then, every time a predetermined time elapses, and the configuration for updating the reference value to the value determined on the basis of the detection voltage and the past detection voltage averaging unit has output the output from the averaging unit at the time Therefore, the magnetic field can be detected regardless of the direction of the magnet, and the presence of the magnet can be accurately detected over a wide range.

  In the invention according to claim 2, since the magnetic sensor is mounted on the effect control board, the magnetic sensor is not installed in the game area of the game board, so that the arrangement of the mechanical parts for realizing the original function is not restricted. Can be.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the magnet determination means inputs an input of a sensitivity setting signal that can specify any one of the setting values of a plurality of stages for setting the sensitivity of the determination of the magnet determination means. And a sensitivity setting means for setting a determination value for determining that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine according to a setting value specified by the sensitivity setting signal input to the input unit. Therefore, the determination value can be set according to the type of gaming machine, and the detection accuracy can be increased according to each type of gaming machine.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the sensitivity setting means sets the first judgment value as the judgment value when the first stage setting value is inputted to the input unit among the plurality of stage setting values, and the plurality of stages. When the second stage setting value, which is a higher sensitivity setting value than the first stage setting value, is input to the input unit, the first determination value and the second determination value are used as the determination values. When the setting value of the second step is input to the input unit, the magnet determination unit performs the determination using the first determination value and the determination using the second determination value in an overlapping manner. Even if a high sensitivity setting value is set, the presence of a magnet will be detected using a low sensitivity setting value, and a wide range is set when a high sensitivity setting value is set. Thus, the presence of the magnet can be detected with high accuracy.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the magnet detection sensor device detects a change in impedance due to a magnetic field externally applied to an amorphous wire arranged along two axes orthogonal to each other, and detects a detection voltage based on each change amount. A magnetic sensor configured to output, an averaging unit that samples and averages a detection voltage output from the magnetic sensor at an interval longer than a cycle of a driving clock signal that drives the magnetic sensor, and a detection that the averaging unit outputs When it is detected that the voltage exceeds a predetermined judgment value with respect to the reference value, the magnet judgment means for judging that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine and the average when the power supply to the gaming machine is started and inputs the detected voltage unit outputs, and a reference value setting means for setting a value of the detection voltage input as an initial value of the reference value, the reference value setting means, the reference value After setting the period value, updates the reference value every time a predetermined time period elapses, the value determined on the basis of the detection voltage and the past detection voltage averaging unit has output the output from the averaging unit at the time Since it was set as the structure which carries out, it can detect a magnetic field irrespective of the direction of a magnet, and can detect presence of a magnet accurately over a wide range.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various game parts attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, an effect display device 9 is provided as a game component composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD). The display screen of the effect display device 9 has a decorative symbol display area for performing variable display of decorative symbols in synchronization with variable symbol special display. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of decorative symbols. In the decorative symbol display area, for example, three pieces of decoration (production) identification information “left”, “middle”, and “right” are variably displayed so as to move from top to bottom, for example. In the decorative symbol display area, there are “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas (symbol display lines) 9L, 9C, and 9R. The positions of the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R are effect display. The display screen of the device 9 may not be fixed, and the three areas of the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the special control indicator 8 performs variable display of the special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, so that the progress of the game can be grasped. Can be easier.

  A special symbol display 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the lower part of the game board 6. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the special symbol display 8 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape, for example. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 may be configured to variably display, for example, a number from 00 to 99 (or a two-digit symbol).

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be won at the second start winning opening 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning port 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening. When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

  On the side of the special symbol display 8 is a special four-display unit that displays the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening, that is, the number of reserved memories (holding memory is also referred to as starting memory or starting prize memory). A symbol hold storage indicator 18 is provided. If the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a or the second start opening switch 14a, the number of reserved memories does not reach the upper limit value. (Provided that it is a valid start prize), the number of reserved memories is increased by one. In addition, the number of indicators that are turned on in the special symbol storage memory indicator 18 is increased by one. If the special symbol variable display can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends and the start condition is satisfied), the special symbol variable display on the special symbol display unit 8 is started. That is, the variable display of the special symbol corresponds to winning at the start winning opening. Each time variable display on the special symbol display 8 is started, the number of indicators that are turned on in the special symbol storage memory display 18 is reduced by one.

  In addition, the display screen of the effect display device 9 is provided with an area for displaying the number of reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as a reserved storage display unit 18c).

  The special symbol variable display is a variable display start condition after the start condition which is the variable display execution condition is satisfied (for example, the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14). (For example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the special symbol variable display is not executed and the big hit game is not executed) When the display time elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result means that the symbol (example of identification information) is finally stopped (determined).

  In the special symbol display 8, when a predetermined time (fluctuation time) elapses after the special symbol variable display is started, the special symbol variable display result is stopped (derived display). If it is decided to win, a special special symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed. If it is determined to be off, special symbols other than the jackpot symbol are stopped and displayed. When the big hit symbol is derived and displayed, the gaming state is controlled to the big hit gaming state as the specific gaming state. In this embodiment, as an example, numbers indicating “3” and “7” are jackpot symbols and symbols indicating “−” are off symbols.

  When the big winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 8, the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball device 20 generates a predetermined number (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, ten) winning balls. Until that time, a round is started in which the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is changed to the first state that is advantageous to the player. The number of rounds is, for example, 15.

  In addition, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the gaming state is controlled to the short time state. In the short time state, the variation time of the special symbol in the variable display of the special symbol is shortened compared to the normal state (the state that is not the probability variation state or the short time state). The time-short state is, for example, when one of the conditions is satisfied first, that is, the variable display of a special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) and the variable display result is “big hit”. To finish. In addition, after the big hit state is ended, the normal state may be set instead of the time reduction state.

  When it is determined to control the gaming state to the probability changing state, the gaming state is controlled to the probability changing state after the big hit gaming state ends. The probability variation state continues until, for example, a jackpot symbol is derived and displayed as a variable display result. A special symbol stop symbol derived and displayed when it is determined to control the gaming state to the big hit gaming state is referred to as a big hit symbol. The special symbol stop symbol that is derived and displayed when it is determined not to control the gaming state to the big hit state is referred to as an outlier symbol.

  Further, in the probability variation state, the probability of determining a big hit is higher than in the low probability state (normal state). For example, it is 10 times. Specifically, in the probability variation state, the number of determination values determined to be a big hit when it matches the value of the random number for jackpot determination is 10 times that in the normal state. In addition, the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased. That is, the second start winning opening 14 is easy to open, and a start winning is likely to occur. Specifically, in the probability variation state, the number of determination values determined to be a hit when it matches the value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is larger than that in the normal state. Further, in addition to increasing the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol, the number of opening or the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is increased, or the number of opening and the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is increased. You may increase. Further, even in the short time state, the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, the number of opening or the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is increased, and the number of opening and opening of the variable winning ball device 15 is increased. You may spend more time.

  The effect display device 9 performs variable display of decorative symbols as symbols for decoration (for effects) during the special symbol variable display time by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 and the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. When the special symbol display 8 stops and displays the big hit symbol, the effect display device 9 stops and displays the combination of decorative symbols reminiscent of the big hit.

  In the display area of the effect display device 9, on the basis of the start condition being satisfied, the variation of the decorative symbols is started in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas. For example, “left” → The stop symbols of the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed (derived display) in the order of “right” → “middle”.

  The period from the start of variable display of decorative symbols until the stop symbol is derived and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas (variable display period = variable time). The variable display state may be a predetermined reach state. The reach state is a display state in which the decorative symbols that are not yet stopped and displayed when the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the display area of the effect display device 9 constitute a part of the jackpot combination, or This is a display state in which all or part of the decorative symbols change synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination. The display effect in the reach state is reach effect display (reach effect).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and the opening / closing plate is opened by the solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (a big hit gaming state) that occurs when a specific display result (a big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 8. By controlling to the state, the big winning opening which becomes the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  The game area 6 is also provided with winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, 39 for paying out a predetermined number of premium game balls determined in advance based on winning of the game balls. The game balls won in the winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided on the right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . And when the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 Opening time and opening times are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  On the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs (which may be lamps) 25 that are displayed blinking during the game, and at the bottom there is an out port 26 through which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken in. . In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A frame LED (which may be a lamp) 28 provided on the front frame is provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. If the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a or the second start opening switch 14a, it can start the variable symbol special display. The special symbol display 8 starts variable display of the special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of the decorative symbol.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 2 also shows a payout control board 37, an effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (a special symbol process flag or the like) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  Also, an input driver circuit for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a and 39a to the game control microcomputer 560. 58 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a special symbol display 8 that variably displays special symbols (variable display), a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, a special symbol hold memory display 18 and a normal symbol hold memory. Display control of the display 41 is performed.

  An information output circuit (not shown) that outputs an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. The effect control command is received, and display control of the effect display device 9 for variably displaying the decorative design is performed.

  The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 performs display control of the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board, the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side, and the like via the lamp driver board 35. The sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled via the sound output board 70.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control. When only the effect control board 80 is provided, the circuits and the like mounted on the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 shown in FIG. 3 are also mounted on the effect control board 80.

  The effect control board 80 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and an RAM for storing information related to effects such as an effect control process flag. The RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the production control microcomputer 100 is not backed up. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. VRAM is a buffer memory for developing image data. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9 via the frame memory.

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for reading out necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores in advance character image data and moving image data to be displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including decorative symbols), and background image data. ROM. The VDP 109 reads image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means. An output port 571 shown in FIG. 3 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the LED to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter provided on the frame side such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED. Further, an electric current is supplied to the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  For example, digital data of sound effects (including sound and music) within a predetermined period is stored in the sound data ROM 704 as control data corresponding to sound number data. For example, PCM data is used as the digital data. In this case, the sound effect for one second is represented by 8 bits × 8k (8000) = 64 kbits. In this example, PCM data is used as an example, but other types of digital audio data such as ADPCM data may be used.

  The effect control board 80 is configured to detect a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied to the amorphous wire arranged along two axes orthogonal to each other and output a detection voltage based on each change amount. A magnetic field detection element (magnetic sensor) 130 and a magnetic field detection circuit 140 for determining whether or not a magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine based on a detection voltage of the magnetic field detection element 130 are provided. The amorphous wire is an amorphous magnetic material formed in a thin line shape (for example, a thickness of 100 μm).

  The magnetic field detection circuit 140 outputs an error signal when it is determined that the magnet exists in the vicinity of the gaming machine. The error signal is input to the effect control CPU 101 via the input port 107. When the error signal is input, the effect control CPU 101 uses an effect device provided in the gaming machine (effect display device 9, speaker 27, LED, etc.) to notify the abnormality (notice of fraudulent discovery). I do.

  When an illegal act of guiding a game ball to a winning area (in particular, a start winning opening) by a magnet is performed, the magnet exists in the vicinity of the gaming machine 1. When the magnetic field detection circuit 140 determines that there is a magnet in the vicinity of the gaming machine, the effect control CPU 101 executes control to notify the abnormality, so that the cheating is performed or the cheating is performed. When there is a possibility, a game store clerk or the like can be made aware of this by anomaly notification.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, after initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM 55 is accessible. (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the on-state is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery to the effect control board 80 (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Also, the initial address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area in the RAM 55 (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, an initial value is set to a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state, such as a special symbol process flag.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the effect control board 80 (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 displays a screen for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized. Display, that is, initialization notification. In the initialization process, the CPU 56 also transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation (demonstration) command.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S15). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern or the like, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial value of a count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to hit a normal symbol (normal symbol determination random number generation counter). It is a random number for determining. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as a variable display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In a process for transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a game device control process), the count value of the random number generation counter for jackpot determination or the like is one round (minimum value that can be taken by random numbers) When the value is incremented by the number of values between the value and the maximum value), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33.

  Further, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determining a normal winning symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

  In this embodiment, the big hit determination random number (random R) is a random number generated by the hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560. However, the big hit determination random number is determined by the game control microcomputer 560 as the big hit determination random number. Software random numbers generated based on a program may be used.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, the corresponding symbol is executed in accordance with a special symbol process flag for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a. Execute (Step S30). Specifically, the payout control is performed in accordance with winning detection based on any one of the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. A payout control command (award ball number signal) indicating the number of winning balls is output to a payout control microcomputer mounted on the substrate 37. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 performs variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating the counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (step S702). Then, the timer interrupt flag is monitored (step S703). If the timer interrupt flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S702. When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S704), and executes the effect control process in steps S705 to S706 and the fraud detection process in step S707.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S705). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S706). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Further, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the error signal from the magnetic field detection circuit 140 indicates an abnormal state (a state in which the magnet is detected) in the fraud detection process in step S707, and the error signal indicates the abnormal state. If so, the abnormality notification is performed using the effect device.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S706) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs any one of steps S800 to S807 in accordance with the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): This process is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, it is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command is received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If a variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801).

  Decoration symbol variation start process (step S801): This is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the decoration symbol variation start process (step S801). In the decorative symbol variation start process, control is performed so that the decorative symbol and the variation of the decorative symbol are started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S802).

  Decoration design changing process (step S802): This is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the decoration design changing process (step S802). In the decorative symbol variation process, the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern is controlled, and the end of the variation time is monitored. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Decoration symbol variation stop process (step S803): This is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the decoration symbol variation stop process (step S803). In the decorative symbol variation stop process, the variation of the decorative symbol (and decorative symbol) is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived based on the reception of the effect control command (design fixed designation command) that instructs all symbols to stop. Control the display. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Jackpot display process (step S804): This process is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804). In the big hit display process, after the variation time is over, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805).

  In-round processing (step S805): executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805). In the in-round processing, display control is performed during the round. If the round end condition is satisfied, if the final round has not ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-round processing (step S806). If the final round has ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S807).

  Post-round processing (step S806): executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the post-round processing (step S806). In post-round processing, display control between rounds is performed. When the round start condition is satisfied, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round process (step S805).

  Big hit end effect process (step S807): This is executed when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the big hit end effect process (step S807). In the big hit end effect process, the effect display device 9 performs display control for notifying the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the fraud detection process in step S707. In the fraud detection process, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not an abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification (injustice detection notification) is being executed is set (step S901). If the abnormality notification flag is set, the process ends.

  If the abnormality notification flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the error signal from the magnetic field detection circuit 140 is in a state (for example, high level) corresponding to magnetic field detection (magnet detection) (step S902). ). Hereinafter, an error signal corresponding to magnetic field detection (magnet detection) is referred to as an error signal being output, and an error signal corresponds to magnetic field non-detection (magnet non-detection) (for example, The error signal is not output.

  When the error signal is output, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display, for example, an image indicating “magnet discovery” or an image indicating abnormality detection (step S903). Further, the sound number data corresponding to the abnormality notification sound is output to the sound output board 70 so that the abnormality notification sound is output from the speaker 27 (step S904). Then, an abnormality notification flag is set (step S905).

  If a magnet that can be used for fraudulent acts such as illegally guiding a game ball to the winning area or a magnet used for fraudulent activity is found through the above process, a display will be displayed. An abnormality notification is made in the device 9, and at the same time, an abnormality notification sound is output from the speaker 27.

  When an error signal is output from the magnetic field detection circuit 140, the abnormality notification may be performed using only the effect display device 9, or the abnormality notification may be performed using only the speaker 27. Also, abnormality notification is performed using another effect device (for example, a light emitter such as an LED), or the effect display device 9 and the speaker 27 are combined with another effect device (for example, a light emitter such as an LED). May be.

  In this embodiment, when an error signal is output from the magnetic field detection circuit 140, abnormality notification is continuously executed until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, when no error signal is output from the magnetic field detection circuit 140 (when the error signal is in a state corresponding to magnetic field undetected (magnet not detected)), the abnormality notification may be terminated. Further, the abnormality notification may be terminated based on a predetermined switch provided in the gaming machine being pressed.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an installation position of the magnetic field detection element (magnetic sensor) 130. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the magnetic field detection element 130 is mounted on the effect control board 80. That is, the magnetic field detection element 130 is mounted on the effect control board 80 on which effect control means (the effect control microcomputer 100) for controlling the effect display device 9 provided on the game board 6 is mounted. The effect control board 80 is installed on the back side of the effect display device 9 (the player side is the front side). Since the magnetic field detection element 130 is not installed in the game area of the game board 6, it is possible not to restrict the arrangement or the like of the mechanical parts for realizing the original function on the game board 6.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the magnetic field detection element 130 may be provided in the game frame 2A. That is, the magnetic field detection element 130 may be provided in the game frame 2A to which the game board 6 is detachably attached. Since the magnetic field detection element 130 is installed in the game frame 2A to which the game board 6 is detachably attached, the magnetic field detection element 130 can be continuously used even if the game board 6 is replaced in the game store. The cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the magnetic field detection element 130 is installed at a relatively upper portion of the game frame 2A, but may be installed at other locations such as the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 3.

  Further, the installation position of the magnetic field detection element 130 is not limited to the game board 6 or the game frame 2A, but is installed on a circuit board (main board 31, effect control board 80, payout control board 37, etc.) provided in the gaming machine. Alternatively, a dedicated board may be provided separately from the circuit board, and the magnetic field detection element 130 may be installed on the board.

  FIGS. 10B and 10C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the relationship between the magnetic field due to the leakage magnetic flux of the solenoid 121 that can be used as the solenoids 16 and 21 (see FIG. 2) and the distance from the solenoid 121 in the gaming machine. is there. 10B and 10C, the horizontal axis indicates the distance from the solenoid 121, and the vertical axis indicates the magnetic field due to the leakage magnetic flux of the solenoid 121.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, regardless of the position of the solenoid 121 with respect to the magnetic field detection element 130, if the distances A to D between the magnetic field detection element 130 and the solenoid 121 are 10 cm or more, The magnetic field due to the leakage magnetic flux of the motor 122 at the position of the magnetic field detection element 130 becomes almost zero. That is, the magnetic field due to the leakage magnetic flux of the solenoid 121 at the position of the magnetic field detection element 130 is much smaller than 100 μT. Therefore, when the detection sensitivity of the magnetic field detection element 130 (threshold for determining whether there is a magnetic field) is about 100 μT, the magnetic field detection element 130 can be separated by 10 cm or more from the solenoid 121 provided in the gaming machine. It can be seen that 130 can detect the magnet used for fraud without being affected by the leakage magnetic flux of the solenoid 121.

  FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the distance from the motor 122 and the magnetic field due to the leakage magnetic flux of the motor 122 that can be used as a motor in a gaming machine (a motor in a ball dispensing device 97, a ball hitting device, or the like). It is. In FIG. 10B, the horizontal axis indicates the distance from the motor 122, and the vertical axis indicates the magnetic field due to the leakage magnetic flux of the motor 122.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, regardless of the position of the motor 122 with respect to the magnetic field detection element 130, if the distances A to D between the magnetic field detection element 130 and the motor 122 are 5 cm or more, The magnetic field due to the leakage magnetic flux of the motor 122 at the position of the magnetic field detection element 130 becomes almost zero. Therefore, if the magnetic field detection element 130 is separated from the motor 122 provided in the gaming machine by 5 cm or more, the magnetic field detection element 130 can detect the magnet used for fraud without being affected by the leakage magnetic flux of the motor 122. I understand.

  From the above, it can be said that it is preferable to install the magnetic field detection element 130 at a distance of 10 cm or more from the solenoid 121 provided in the gaming machine and at a distance of 5 cm or more from the motor 122 provided in the gaming machine.

  Next, solenoids (solenoids 16 and 21) used in the gaming machine will be described. In general, the solenoid includes a coil 401, a yoke 402, a plunger 403, and the like. FIG. 12 also shows an E-ring 404 that fits into the plunger 403.

When the solenoid is energized, the coil 401 generates magnetic lines of force, the plunger 403 is attracted by the magnetic lines of force, and the yoke 402 and the plunger 403 form a closed circuit of the lines of magnetic force. However, in a general solenoid, the tip of the plunger 403 protrudes from the upper surface of the yoke 402 when the plunger 403 is attracted. Since the protruding portion is a magnetic body, there are many magnetic lines of force that pass through the inside and finally jump out into the air (see FIG. 13). In FIG. 13, a plurality of curves indicate lines of magnetic force.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the solenoid is configured such that the upper end of the plunger 403 is positioned at the same position as the upper surface of the yoke 402 when the plunger 403 is sucked by the plunger 403. By making the upper end of the plunger 403 and the upper surface of the yoke 402 the same position, the lines of magnetic force that have passed through the plunger 403 jump out of the corners of the outer periphery of the upper end of the plunger 403 and easily enter the yoke 402 on the side. The magnetic lines of force that jump out into the air can be reduced (see FIG. 15). FIG. 14 also shows a connecting portion 405 and an O-ring 406 for connecting other members. Further, in FIG. 15, a plurality of curves indicate magnetic field lines.

  Note that it is not preferable that the length of the plunger 403 is such that the plunger 403 is retracted below the upper surface of the yoke 402 (inside the solenoid) during suction because the suction torque is reduced. When the length is such that it protrudes above the upper surface of the yoke 402 (outside of the solenoid), the amount of magnetic field lines that jump out into the air increases, but this does not cause a practical problem unless it affects a highly sensitive magnetic field sensor. .

  The upper end surface of the plunger 403 is provided with a screw hole for attaching a connection portion 405 for connecting a member such as a mechanism to be driven. A connection portion 405 formed of brass which is a nonmagnetic material is provided with a round washer (O-ring) 406. Is screwed to the plunger 403 in such a manner as to be sandwiched between them. The material of the connecting portion 405 may be a non-magnetic material and durable material, and may be, for example, POM (polyacetal) or stainless steel. Further, the shape of the connecting portion 405 is arbitrary as long as it is durable enough to be connected to the plunger 403.

  The magnetic field detection element 130 is set so as to detect weak lines of magnetic force in order to widen the detection range of the magnet. Therefore, if a solenoid is installed in the vicinity, the magnetic field detection element 130 is caused by lines of magnetic force that leak when the solenoid is energized. This will cause false detection of the magnetic field. Therefore, as described above, it is preferable to install the magnetic field detection element 130 at a distance of 10 cm or more from the solenoid 121, but when it is not possible to separate the magnetic field detection element 130 by 10 cm or more, by using a solenoid as shown in FIG. The influence of the solenoid 121 on the magnetic field detection element 130 can be further reduced, and the possibility of erroneous detection can be reduced.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the axis of the magnetic field detection element 130. The magnetic field detection element 130 incorporates an X-axis detection element (X-axis sensor) and a Y-axis detection element (Y-axis sensor), and two orthogonal axes as shown in FIGS. (X axis and Y axis). FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B correspond to perspective views when the magnetic field detection element 130 is viewed from different directions. In FIGS. 16A and 16B, an arrow in one direction corresponds to the X axis or the Y axis, and an arrow in a direction orthogonal to the direction corresponds to the Y axis or the X axis.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the detection range of the magnetic field detection element 130. In FIG. 17, a three-dimensional part having a curved surface with the magnetic field detection element 130 as the center is the detection range. FIG. 17A shows a detection range when the two axes of the magnetic field detection element 130 are not directed toward the magnet 300. That is, the detection range when the direction from the north pole to the south pole of the magnet 300 is perpendicular to the XY plane including the X axis and the Y axis is shown. FIG. 17B shows a detection range when one of the two axes of the magnetic field detection element 130 faces the direction of the magnet 300. That is, the detection range when the direction from the north pole to the south pole of the magnet 300 matches the direction of the X axis or the Y axis is shown. In the detection range shown in FIG. 17A, the shape is the same in any direction from the magnetic field detection element 130. Further, in the detection range shown in FIG. 17B, the detection range in the direction of the axis that faces the direction of the magnet 300 is wide, but the detection range is slightly narrower in other areas.

  18 (A) and 18 (B) show the front frame (generally a glass plate) 2B in the game frame when the magnetic field detection element 130 is set on the back surface of the game board 6 as shown in FIG. 9 (A). 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a detection range of a magnetic field detection element 130. FIG. The detection ranges shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B are detection ranges when the two axes of the magnetic field detection element 130 are not oriented in the direction of the magnet (not shown in FIG. 18). FIG. 18B shows four types of detection sensitivity, which will be described later.

  In FIG. 18A, arrows indicate the directions of the two axes of the magnetic field detection element 130.

  FIG. 18A shows a detection range (in a round frame) when two types of magnets (diameter φ, thickness t) are brought close to the front frame 2B. In FIG. 18B, the detection range when three types of magnets (diameter φ, thickness t) are brought close to the front frame 2B is indicated by a numerical value (diameter of the detection range).

  FIG. 19 shows a detection range of the magnetic field detection element 130 in the front frame (generally a glass plate) 2B in the game frame when the magnetic field detection element 130 is set on the back surface of the game board 6 as shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows. The detection range shown in FIG. 19 is a detection range when one of the two axes of the magnetic field detection element 130 faces the direction of a magnet (not shown in FIG. 19). FIG. 19 shows a detection range (inside the curve) when two types of magnets (diameter φ, thickness t) are brought close to the front frame 2B.

  In FIG. 19A, arrows indicate the directions of the two axes of the magnetic field detection element 130.

  FIG. 20 shows the detection range of the magnetic field detection element 130, the movement of the magnet (indicated by a black circle in FIG. 20), and the output signal of the magnet detection sensor device incorporating the magnetic field detection element 130 in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship with (MG signal: Magnetic detection signal).

  Until a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) elapses from the time when power supply to the gaming machine is started (when the power is turned on) ("when the magnet is in the detection range when the power is turned on" in FIG. 20) Even if a magnet is present in the detection range, the magnet detection sensor device outputs a signal indicating “magnetic non-detection”. When the magnet is present near the magnetic field detection element 130 while the power is on (after 5 seconds have elapsed since the power was turned on) ("When the magnet is in a position close to the sensor while the power is on" in FIG. 20). ), The magnet detection sensor device outputs a signal indicating “magnetic detection”.

  When the magnet enters the detection range from outside the detection range while the power is on (after 5 seconds have elapsed since the power was turned on) (“When the magnet is put into the detection range while the power is on” in FIG. 20), The magnet detection sensor device changes from a state of outputting a signal indicating “magnetic non-detection” to a state of outputting a signal indicating “magnetic detection”. When the magnet goes out of the detection range from within the detection range (“When the magnet comes out of the detection range after magnetic detection” in FIG. 20), the magnet detection sensor device outputs a signal indicating “magnetic detection” To a state of outputting a signal indicating “magnetic non-detection”. When the magnet enters the detection range very slowly from the outside of the detection range ("when slowly approaching the detection range in about 10 to 30 minutes" in FIG. 20), the magnet detection sensor device is "magnetic non-detection" Is output.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the magnetic field detection circuit 140 together with the magnetic field detection element 130. In this embodiment, the magnetic field detection circuit 140 is realized by the control circuit 180.

  The control circuit 180 has a built-in A / D converter 160. The AD converter 160 converts the detection voltage, which is an analog signal output from the magnetic field detection element 130, into a digital signal. The control circuit 180 has a reference value setting function, a detection voltage averaging function, a comparison function with a reference value, and a sensitivity setting function in addition to the function of outputting the XY selection signal.

  As the control circuit 180, a microcontroller (for example, MSP430F2002 manufactured by Texas Instruments) that performs a control operation according to a program can be used. When a microcontroller is used as the control circuit 180, these functions are realized by a program.

  The magnetic field detecting element 130 detects a change in impedance due to a magnetic field externally applied to the amorphous wires arranged along two axes (X axis and Y axis) orthogonal to each other, and detects a voltage based on each change amount. The control circuit 180 has a function of outputting an XY selection signal to the magnetic field detection element 130. The XY selection signal is a signal for selecting which detection element from the X-axis detection element (X-axis sensor) and the Y-axis detection element (Y-axis sensor) to output the detection voltage.

  The reference value setting function is a function for setting a reference value to be compared with the detection voltage output from the magnetic field detection element 130. The detection voltage averaging function is a function for averaging the detection voltage output from the magnetic field detection element 130 over time. The comparison function with the reference value is a function for comparing the detection voltage output from the magnetic field detection element 130 with the reference value. When the change amount (difference) from the reference value of the detection voltage output by the magnetic field detection element 130 exceeds a predetermined amount, the control circuit 180 outputs an error signal to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an implementation example of the magnet detection sensor device. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing functions of an input / output unit (input / output terminal) in the magnet detection sensor device shown in FIG. A magnet detection sensor device 150 shown in FIG. 22 is a device in which a magnetic field detection element 130 and a magnetic field detection circuit 140 are integrated. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the magnet detection sensor device 150 includes a sensor IC 181 having a built-in magnetic field detection element 130, a control IC 182 corresponding to the magnetic field detection circuit 140 (control circuit 180), and a voltage of +12 V input from the outside. Is supplied to the sensor IC 181 and the control IC 182, the sensitivity selection signals (SELECT 1, 2) are input and output to the control IC 182, and the magnetic detection signal (MG signal) is output. Output transistor 184.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the sensor IC 181 (also a configuration example of the magnetic field detection element 130). In the example shown in FIG. 24, the magnetic field detection element 130 includes an oscillator 131 that outputs a clock signal in addition to the X-axis sensor 13X and the Y-axis sensor 13Y, and the clock signal from the oscillator 131 as an X-axis sensor 13X or a Y-axis. According to the timing control circuit 132 output to the sensor 13Y, the reference voltage generator 133 connected to the output side of the X-axis sensor 13X and the Y-axis sensor 13Y, and the XY selection signal input to the input terminals CH1 and CH2. A clock output selection signal is output to the timing control circuit 132, and a sample hold circuit (selection circuit) 134 for inputting a detection voltage of the X axis sensor 13X or the Y axis sensor 13Y, and a detection voltage input by the sample hold circuit 134 are amplified. And a differential amplifier 135 for output.

  The X-axis sensor 13X and the Y-axis sensor 13Y are arranged so that the axial directions are orthogonal to each other. The axes of the X-axis sensor 13X and the Y-axis sensor 13Y are amorphous wires. In the example shown in FIG. 24, a coil wound around the amorphous wire detects a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied to the amorphous wire from the outside. Then, a detection voltage having a voltage value corresponding to the change in impedance is output. Note that the member for detecting the change in impedance may be a coil installed in the vicinity of the amorphous wire, not a coil wound around the amorphous wire.

  In this embodiment, the magnetic field detection element 130 is installed so that the XY plane including the axis of the X-axis sensor 13X and the axis of the Y-axis sensor 13Y is parallel to the front frame (generally a glass plate) 2B. That is, as shown in FIG. 18A, the magnetic field detection element 130 is installed.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a comparison function with a reference value. As shown in FIG. 25A, when no external magnetic field is present, each of the X-axis sensor 13X and the Y-axis sensor 13Y (hereinafter referred to as a sensor) in the magnetic field detection element 130 has a detection voltage of 1.5V. Take the case of output as an example. Further, it is assumed that the sensor has a characteristic that the detection voltage fluctuates in the range of 0.8 to 1.9 V when there is no external magnetic field due to element variation or the like.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the detection voltage of the sensor is in the range of 0.8 to 1.9 V, it is determined that there is no external magnetic field. That is, the range of 0.8 to 1.9 V is set as an error range for magnetic field detection.

  Furthermore, in order to eliminate the influence of geomagnetism, the error range for magnetic field detection is further expanded. The magnitude of geomagnetism in the Japanese archipelago is 44000-51000 nT. If the sensitivity of the sensor is 2.4 mV (standard) / μT and 3.8 mV (maximum) / μT, the influence of geomagnetism on the output voltage of the sensor is 51 μT × 3.8 mV = 0. 1938V.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25B, the error range is expanded by 0.2 V, and 0.6 to 2.1 V is set as the error range. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25C, a range exceeding 2.2 V and a range less than 0.6 V are set as the magnetic field detection range.

  Further, as will be described later, a further margin is provided, and a range exceeding 2.598 V and a range exceeding 0.096 V is set as a magnetic field detection range. In addition, when a magnetic field within the magnetic field detection range is detected, “strong magnetic field detection” is performed (see FIG. 25D), and “weak magnetic field detection” is performed within a range of 0.096 to 2.598 V. Set the threshold value.

  26 to 28 are block diagrams specifically showing the function of the magnetic field detection circuit 140 (control circuit 180). In this embodiment, the variation of sensor characteristics and the influence of geomagnetism are eliminated by the software of the microcontroller that implements the control circuit 180. Specifically, when power supply to the gaming machine is started, a detection voltage is input from the magnetic field detection element 130, the input detection voltage is used as a reference value, and the reference value of the detection voltage from the magnetic field detection element 130 is used. When the amount of change exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that a magnet exists in the vicinity of the gaming machine. The reference value is updated as appropriate.

  26 to 28 mainly show the configuration and function taking the detection voltage of the X-axis sensor 13X as an example, but the control circuit 180 also uses the X-axis for the detection voltage of the Y-axis sensor 13Y. A process similar to the process for the detection voltage of the sensor 13X is performed.

  Further, the control circuit 180 does not execute the magnetic field detection process until 5 seconds have elapsed from the time when the power supply to the gaming machine is started (see “when the magnet is in the detection range when the power is turned on” in FIG. 20). ). Thereafter, the control circuit 180 updates the reference value every time one minute elapses. That is, the reference value is periodically updated. When the reference value is updated, a new reference value is determined based on the detection voltage of the magnetic field detection element 130 (magnetic sensor) and the detection voltage of the past magnetic sensor. The reason for periodically updating the reference value is that there is a possibility that the electromagnetic parts installed in the gaming machine will become magnetized as the operation of the gaming machine progresses. This is because the value of the detection voltage output by the sensor changes when no magnet is present. In this embodiment, the reference value is updated every minute, but the one minute cycle is an example, and other update cycles may be used. However, if the period for updating the reference value is too short, there is a possibility that fraudulent acts performed by moving the magnet at a low speed may not be detected. Therefore, it is preferable that the period be longer than a certain length.

  Assume that the oscillator 131 shown in FIG. 24 oscillates at about 200 kHz. That is, if the oscillator 131 outputs a clock signal of about 200 kHz, there is a possibility that noise of about 200 kHz is mixed in the detection voltage from the magnetic field detection element 130. Therefore, the control circuit 180 averages the detection voltage from the magnetic field detection element 130 and performs processing using the averaged signal. The control circuit 180 includes an A / D converter 160 and performs processing using the detection voltage digitized by the A / D converter 160. The A-D converter 160 outputs a 10-bit digital signal, and “1” corresponds to about 3.2 mV. That is, assuming that “0000000000000” is 0 V, “0000000001” indicates about 3.2 mV, and “0000000010” indicates about 6.4 mV. Similarly, for the subsequent values represented by 10 bits, the numerical value increased by “1” corresponds to a value increased by about 3.2 mV.

  The control circuit 180 sequentially selects the X-axis sensor 13X and the Y-axis sensor 13Y every 2 ms. That is, the XY selection signal is changed every 2 ms so that the X-axis sensor 13X and the Y-axis sensor 13Y operate in order.

  Further, the control circuit 180 inputs the detection voltage of the X-axis sensor 13X four times within a period of 2 ms. The input period (sampling period) is, for example, 123.2 μs. 123.2 μ is a time sufficiently longer than 5 μs (corresponding to 200 kMz), and it is considered that the influence of a noise component of about 200 kMz is eliminated if sampling is performed four times in that period.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the four outputs of the AD converter 160 are sequentially stored in the registers 211 to 214, respectively. The first averaging unit 202 adds the detection voltages (converted into digital values) stored in the registers 211 to 214, and shifts the added value by 2 bits in the direction of the lower bits. That is, the process of 1/4 is executed. Thus, if the number of signals to be averaged is set to 4, the averaging process can be realized only by the bit shift process.

  The output of the first averaging unit 202 is sequentially stored in the registers 221 to 228. Since the first averaging unit 202 performs the averaging process once every 4 ms, the average values of the detection voltages every 4 ms are sequentially stored in the registers 221 to 228. Each time the first averaging unit 202 outputs new data, the data in the registers 221 to 228 is sequentially shifted to the next stage. That is, the contents of the register 22x (x: 1 to 8) are transferred to the register 22 (x + 1). Further, the data output from the first averaging unit 202 is stored in the first-stage register 221 and the data in the last-stage register 228 is discarded.

  Then, after the average value (data output from the first averaging unit 202) is stored in all the registers 221 to 228, the second averaging unit 203 outputs new data. Each time, the average values stored in the registers 221 to 228 are added, and the added value is shifted by 3 bits in the direction of the lower bits. That is, the process of 1/8 is executed. Therefore, the average values stored in the registers 221 to 228 are further averaged. In this way, if the number of signals to be averaged by the second averaging unit 203 is set to 8, the averaging process can be realized only by the bit shift process.

  The first averaging unit 202 performs the averaging process for noise removal, but the second averaging unit 203 averages the detection voltage of the X-axis sensor 13X in terms of time (time average). The reason for time averaging is to eliminate detection of instantaneous magnetic field changes. That is, to eliminate the influence of instantaneous magnetic field changes.

  The second averaging unit 203 outputs the calculated averaged detection voltage to the reference magnetic field correction unit 204 and the subtraction unit 205. The second averaging unit 203 outputs an averaged detection voltage (specifically, data having a value indicating the detection voltage) every 4 ms.

  The second averaging unit 203 does not execute the process of outputting the detection voltage for 5 seconds after the power supply is started, that is, for 5 seconds after the operation of the control circuit 180 starts. The reason why the detection voltage is not output until 5 seconds after the power supply is started is to prevent the magnetic field detection process from being executed before the magnetic field environment around the gaming machine is stabilized. It may be 0 seconds).

  FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the reference magnetic field correction unit 204. In the reference magnetic field correction unit 204, the setting update unit 271 sequentially stores the detection voltages output from the second averaging unit 203 in the registers 261 to 268 when 5 seconds have elapsed since the power was turned on. Since the second averaging unit 203 outputs the detection voltage once every 4 ms, the detection voltages (averaged detection voltage) every 4 ms are sequentially stored in the registers 261 to 268. Note that the data in the registers 261 to 268 are sequentially shifted to the next stage every time the second averaging unit 203 outputs new data after 5 seconds have passed since the power was turned on. That is, the contents of the register 26x (x: 1 to 8) are transferred to the register 26 (x + 1). Further, the setting update unit 271 has passed not only when 5 seconds have elapsed since the power was turned on but also when 5 seconds have elapsed since the control circuit 180 no longer detects the magnetic field (when the MG signal is set to the non-detection state of the magnetic field). Sometimes, the detection voltage output from the second averaging unit 203 is sequentially stored in the registers 261 to 268.

  After that, the setting update unit 271 transfers the contents of the register 26x (x: 1 to 8) to the register 26 (x + 1) every minute, and the detection voltage output from the second averaging unit 203 to the register 261. Store. Note that the data in the last stage register 268 is discarded. The third averaging unit 273 adds the detection voltages stored in the registers 261 to 268, and shifts the addition value by 3 bits in the direction of the lower bits. That is, a process of １ ／ (an averaging process) is executed. Then, the third averaging unit 273 outputs the averaged value as a reference value to the subtraction unit 205 (see FIG. 26) and the setting update unit 271. The setting update unit 271 sets the difference from the immediately preceding reference value to 5 when the difference between the reference value output from the third averaging unit 273 and the immediately preceding reference value is large (for example, 5 or more). Thus, the reference value output from the third averaging unit 273 is corrected, and the corrected reference value is stored in the register 261.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the registers 261 to 268 storing the data for creating the reference value have the first value when the power supply is started (specifically, when 5 seconds have elapsed since the power is turned on). The data output by the two averaging unit 203 is stored as an initial value, and thereafter, every time 1 minute elapses, the data is updated with the data output by the second averaging unit 203 and the reference value is recalculated. That is, the reference value is updated every minute after 5 seconds have passed since the power was turned on. In this embodiment, the reference value is an average value of the data currently output by the second averaging unit 203 and the data output by the second averaging unit 203 every minute for the past 7 minutes.

  26 uses the detection voltage (averaged detection voltage) output from the second averaging unit 203 as data indicating the current magnetic field, and the reference value output from the reference magnetic field correction unit 204 based on the value. Is subtracted. That is, the difference between the current magnetic field value and the reference value is calculated. Then, the absolute value of the calculated value is output to the combined vector calculation unit 233. The combined vector calculation unit 233 receives the absolute value of the magnetic field change amount (the magnetic field change amount detected by the X-axis sensor 13X) with respect to the reference value.

  In the control circuit 180, the same process as the process for the output of the X-axis sensor 13X is executed for the output of the Y-axis sensor 13Y, and the resultant vector calculation unit 233 has a magnetic field change amount (Y-axis for the Y-axis with respect to the reference value). The absolute value of the magnetic field change amount detected by the sensor 13Y is input.

  The combined vector calculation unit 233 calculates the combined magnetic field change amount (the square root of the sum of the square of one value and the square of the other value) from the two input magnetic field change values, and the weak magnetic field detection unit It outputs to 241. Hereinafter, the synthetic magnetic field change amount is referred to as a vector length.

  The weak magnetic field detection unit 241 determines whether or not a magnetic field (weak magnetic field) exists by comparing the vector length with a predetermined threshold value.

  As described above, in the magnetic field detection circuit 140, the sensitivity selection signals (SELECT1, 2) are input to the control IC 182 corresponding to the control circuit 180 (see FIG. 22).

  FIG. 29A is an explanatory diagram illustrating sensitivity setting timing, and FIG. 29B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an output example of an MG signal. As shown in FIG. 29A, the control circuit 180 takes in the sensitivity selection signal 5 seconds after the power is turned on, and internally sets the sensitivity indicated by the sensitivity selection signal. When the control circuit 180 is realized by a microcontroller, for example, the sensitivity is set in a register in the microcontroller. As shown in FIG. 18B, when the sensitivity selection signal (SELECT1, 2) indicates (0, 0), the “highest” sensitivity is set, and when (0, 1) indicates “ “High” sensitivity is set, “medium” sensitivity is set when (1,0) is indicated, and “low” sensitivity is set when (0,0) is indicated.

  The sensitivity includes “threshold value”, “chattering removal time”, and “hysteresis”. The “threshold value” corresponds to a determination value for determining whether or not a magnetic field exists. The “chattering removal time” is a time for determining that a magnetic field exists when the vector length exceeds the “threshold value” for the time or longer. “Hysteresis” is a value for determining that the magnetic field has disappeared after it is determined that the magnetic field exists, and is a value smaller than the threshold value.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 29 (B), the control circuit 180 determines that the MG exceeds the chattering removal time t when the vector length (shown by a curve in FIG. 29 (B)) exceeds the threshold value. The signal state is set to indicate magnetic detection. Further, when the state of the MG signal is a state indicating magnetic detection and the vector length is reduced to the hysteresis value, the state of the MG signal is set to a state indicating non-magnetic detection. FIG. 29B shows that when the control circuit 180 changes the state of the MG signal to a state indicating magnetic detection, the state is maintained for at least 2 ms. In the example shown in FIG. 29B, the low level corresponds to a state in which the state of the MG signal indicates magnetic detection.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the weak magnetic field detection unit 241 executes four types of detection methods, and outputs detection results obtained by the respective detection methods to the error determination unit (magnetic field detection unit) 251. The four types of detection methods are the following detection methods.

(1) Threshold value is 45 (corresponding to 60 μT), chattering removal time is 1000 ms, and hysteresis is 34 (corresponding to 45 μT)
(2) Threshold value is 53 (corresponding to 70 μT), chattering removal time is 500 ms, and hysteresis is 40 (corresponding to 53 μT)
(3) Threshold value is 68 (equivalent to 90 μT), chattering removal time is 250 ms, and hysteresis is 51 (equivalent to 68 μT)
(4) The threshold value is 150 (corresponding to 200 μT), the chattering removal time is 150 ms, and the hysteresis is 113 (corresponding to 150 μT).

  As shown in FIG. 27, the detection results by the four types of detection methods are “60 μT magnetic field presence / absence” which is the detection result of the detection information (1) above, and the detection results of the detection information (2) above. “70 μT magnetic field presence / absence”, “90 μT magnetic field presence / absence” which is the detection result of the detection information (3) above, and “200 μT magnetic field presence / absence” which is the detection result of the detection information (4) above.

  Note that the values of the “threshold value”, “chattering removal time”, and “hysteresis” are preferable examples, but other values may be adopted.

  Further, the values of “threshold value”, “chattering removal time”, and “hysteresis” in each of the four types of detection methods can be changed.

  In this embodiment, the sensitivity selection signals (SELECT1, 2) are input to the error determination unit 251. As described above, the error determination unit 251 takes in the sensitivity selection signal 5 seconds after the power is turned on, and internally sets the sensitivity indicated by the sensitivity selection signal. Then, the detection result from the weak magnetic field detection unit 241 is selected according to the set sensitivity, and an error signal (corresponding to the MG signal indicating the state of magnetic detection) is output based on the selected detection result.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the detection voltage (averaged detection voltage) output by the second averaging unit 203 is also input to the comparison units 234 and 235. The comparison unit 234 compares the input detection voltage value with a threshold value (812D (decimal)), and if the input detection voltage value exceeds the threshold value, an abnormal signal (X-axis) Strong magnetic field error signal) is output to the error determination unit 251. The comparison unit 235 compares the input detection voltage value with a threshold value (30D (decimal)), and if the input detection voltage value is less than the threshold value, an error signal is output as an error signal. The data is output to the determination unit 251.

  Since “1” in the data output from the AD converter 160 corresponds to about 3.2 mV, “812” corresponds to about 3.2 mV × 812 = 2. “30” corresponds to about 3.2 mV × 30 = about 0.096V. Therefore, when the detected voltage from the X-axis sensor 13X indicates that it is out of the range of 0.096 to 2.598V, an abnormal signal is output. Note that an abnormal signal (Y-axis strong magnetic field error signal) is also output to the error determination unit 251 when the detected voltage from the Y-axis sensor 13Y indicates that it is outside the range of 0.096 to 2.598V. The

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific processing example of the error determination unit 251 in the control circuit 180. When “low” sensitivity is set, the error determination unit 251 determines that the time when the vector length exceeds the threshold value of 150 exceeds the chattering removal time of 150 ms, or when a strong magnetic field is detected. When the magnet is detected (when the X-axis strong magnetic field error signal or the Y strong magnetic field error signal is output), an error signal is output. That is, an error signal is output when a weak magnetic field is detected or a strong magnetic field is detected by the detection method (4).

  When “medium” sensitivity is set, when the time when the vector length exceeds the threshold value 68 exceeds the chattering removal time 250 ms, the vector length exceeds the threshold value 150. When the magnetizing time is exceeded when chattering removal time exceeds 150 ms, or when a strong magnetic field is detected (when an X-axis strong magnetic field error signal or Y strong magnetic field error signal is output), an error signal is detected. Output. That is, an error signal is output when a weak magnetic field or a strong magnetic field is detected by the detection method (3) or the detection method (4).

  In other words, when the “medium” sensitivity is set, the control circuit 180 detects the weak magnetic field by the detection method (3) described above, and detects the weak magnetic field by the detection method (4). It will be detected.

  When “high” sensitivity is set, when the time when the vector length exceeds the threshold value 53 exceeds the chattering removal time 500 ms, the vector length exceeds the threshold value 68. When the chattering removal time exceeds 250 ms, which is the chattering removal time, when the vector length exceeds the threshold value of 150, or when the chattering removal time exceeds 150 ms, or when a strong magnetic field is detected (X-axis strong When a magnetic field error signal or a Y strong magnetic field error signal is output), an error signal is output assuming that a magnet is detected. That is, an error signal is output when a weak magnetic field or a strong magnetic field is detected by the detection method (2), the detection method (3), or the detection method (4).

  In other words, when the “high” sensitivity is set, the control circuit 180 detects the weak magnetic field by the detection method (2) described above and weakens by the detection method (3) above. The magnetic field is detected, and the weak magnetic field is detected by the detection method (4).

  When the “maximum” sensitivity is set, when the time when the vector length exceeds the threshold value of 45 exceeds the chattering removal time of 1000 ms, the vector length exceeds the threshold value of 53. When the time exceeds 500 ms which is the chattering removal time, and when the vector length exceeds 68 which is the threshold value exceeds 250 ms which is the chattering removal time, the vector length is 150 which is the threshold value. An error occurs when a magnet is detected when the time exceeding the time exceeds 150 ms, which is the chattering removal time, or when a strong magnetic field is detected (when an X-axis strong magnetic field error signal or Y strong magnetic field error signal is output). Output a signal. That is, when a weak magnetic field or a strong magnetic field is detected by the detection method (1), the detection method (2), the detection method (3), or the detection method (4). An error signal is output to.

  In other words, when the “highest” sensitivity is set, the control circuit 180 detects the weak magnetic field by all the detection methods (1) to (4) described above.

  In this embodiment, the error determination unit 251 receives the first determination value as the determination value when the first-stage setting value (sensitivity selection signal indicating “low” sensitivity) is input among the plurality of setting values. A value (150 as a threshold value) is set, and a second stage setting value (sensitivity selection signal indicating “medium” sensitivity) that is a setting value higher than the first stage setting value among a plurality of stage setting values ) Is input, the first determination value and the second determination value (68 as a threshold value) are set as the determination values, and when the second stage setting value is input to the input unit Since the determination using the first determination value and the determination using the second determination value are performed in an overlapping manner, even if a high sensitivity setting value is set, a low sensitivity setting value is set. Will be used to detect the presence of a magnet, and when a high sensitivity setting is It is possible to detect the presence of accurately magnets Te.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine, the vector length (signal indicating the weak magnetic field) output from the combined vector calculation unit 233 and the strong magnetic field error signal are used together. It may be determined that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine using only the signal indicating the magnetic field.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the control circuit 180 inputs the detection voltage of the magnetic field detection element (magnetic sensor) 130 and is determined to be at a predetermined time (the magnetic field around the gaming machine is stable). The detection voltage value input after that is set as a reference value, and it is detected that the detection voltage of the magnetic field detection element 130 has a difference exceeding a predetermined value (corresponding to a “threshold value”) with respect to the reference value. In this case, since it is determined that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine, the magnetic field can be detected regardless of the direction of the magnet, and the presence of the magnet can be accurately detected over a wide range.

  In this embodiment, since the reference value periodically updated and the detection voltage of the magnetic field detection element 130 are compared, a part that generates a magnetic field in a gaming machine or a part that may become magnetized is used. Even when it is being used, it can be accurately detected that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine. For example, even if there are metal parts, solenoids, speakers, or other parts that may be magnetized in the vicinity of the magnetic field detection element 130, they are erroneously detected by these parts, unlike the conventional magnet detection method. The magnet can be detected with high accuracy.

  Further, in this embodiment, the control circuit 180 averages the detection voltage of the magnetic field detection element 130 and executes the comparison process and the like, so that it is possible to eliminate the influence of noise and to occur suddenly. It is possible to prevent a magnet from being erroneously detected due to a magnetic field change (a magnetic field change that does not depend on a magnet used for fraud). Further, when a current flows through an electric circuit in the gaming machine, a magnetic field based on the current is generated, but the influence of the magnetic field based on the current can be eliminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the magnetic field can be detected regardless of the orientation of the magnet, and the presence of the magnet can be detected with high accuracy over a wide range. Furthermore, the presence of a magnet can be accurately detected even when there is a legitimate member that may cause a magnetic field on the back surface of the gaming machine.

  In this embodiment, the game machine of the type (first type pachinko game machine) that is a big hit when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display 8 based on the start winning is a combination of predetermined symbols. In this example, the game machine (type 2) is a big hit when there is a prize in a predetermined area (specific area: V prize area) of an electric accessory to be released based on the start prize. The present invention can also be applied to pachinko machines.

  In the type 2 pachinko gaming machine, the entrance and specific area of the electric accessory are susceptible to fraud, so the magnetic field detection element 130 and the magnetic field detection circuit 140 are particularly useful for placing a game ball at the entrance and specific area of the electric accessory. It is preferable that it is provided so that an illegally guiding action can be found. In the second type pachinko gaming machine, it is possible to generate a big hit directly by illegally winning a game ball in a specific area, and the damage to the game store is great, so the magnetic field detecting element 130 and the magnetic field detecting circuit 140 The effect is great. However, even with the first type pachinko gaming machine exemplified in this embodiment, the game store may be illegally guided by illegally guiding the game ball to the start winning opening or illegally guiding the game ball to the big winning opening. Since there is a risk of damage, it is effective to provide the magnetic field detection element 130 and the magnetic field detection circuit 140.

  In this embodiment, the magnetic field detection circuit 140 is installed on the effect control board 80, and the error signal from the magnetic field detection circuit 140 is input to the effect control microcomputer 100. May be installed on the main board 31, and an error signal from the magnetic field detection circuit 140 may be input to the game control microcomputer 560. In the case of such a configuration, control in which the game control microcomputer 560 uses a notification electrical component (such as a production device) to notify that it has found a magnet that may be directly used for fraud. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100, and the effect control microcomputer 100 notifies using an electrical component for notification (such as an effect device). May be performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the control circuit 180 shown in FIG. 21 is external to the effect control microcomputer 100 (game control if the error signal is input to the game control microcomputer 560). However, the functions of the control circuit 180 may be realized by the effect control microcomputer 100 or the game control microcomputer 560.

  Note that it is difficult to detect a magnet with high accuracy if an electronic compass (magnetic compass) is simply used to detect a magnet used for an illegal act on a gaming machine. This is because it is affected by geomagnetism and the strength of geomagnetism varies depending on the difference in latitude. However, in this embodiment, since the detection threshold is set in consideration of the influence of geomagnetism, the magnet can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by geomagnetism.

  The present invention can be suitably applied to a gaming machine capable of performing a predetermined game using a game ball.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for production control performs. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fraud detection process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the installation position of a magnetic field detection element. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the magnetic field by the leakage magnetic flux of a solenoid, and the distance from a solenoid. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the magnetic field by the leakage magnetic flux of a motor, and the distance from a motor. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a general solenoid. It is explanatory drawing which shows the magnetic force line from a solenoid. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the improved solenoid. It is explanatory drawing which shows the magnetic force line from a solenoid. It is explanatory drawing which shows the axis | shaft of a magnetic field detection element. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the detection range of a magnetic field detection element. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detection range of a magnetic field detection element. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detection range of a magnetic field detection element. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the detection range of a magnetic field detection element, the motion of a magnet, and the output signal of a magnet detection sensor apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the circuit for a magnetic field detection with a magnetic field detection element. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the implementation example of a magnet detection sensor apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the function of the input / output terminal in a magnet detection sensor apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a magnetic field detection element. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a comparison circuit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a control circuit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a control circuit. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a reference magnetic field correction | amendment part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an output of a sensitivity setting timing and an MG signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific process example of the error determination part in a control circuit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2A Game frame 2B Front frame 6 Game board 7 Game area 8 Special symbol display 9 Production display device 13 1st start winning opening 14 2nd starting winning opening 15 Variable winning ball apparatus 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
130 Magnetic field detection element (magnetic sensor)
131 Oscillator 132 Timing Control Circuit 133 Reference Voltage Generator 134 Sample Hold Circuit (Selection Circuit)
135 Differential Amplifier 13X X-Axis Sensor 13Y Y-Axis Sensor 140 Magnetic Field Detection Circuit 160 AD Converter 180 Control Circuit 202 First Averaging Unit 203 Second Averaging Unit 204 Reference Magnetic Field Correction Unit 205 Subtracting Unit 233 Composite Vector Calculation 234, 235 Comparison unit 241 Weak magnetic field detection unit 251 Error determination unit 271 Setting update unit 273 Third averaging unit

Claims (5)

A gaming machine capable of performing a predetermined game using a game ball,
A magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied to the amorphous wire arranged along two axes orthogonal to each other and output a detection voltage based on each change amount;
An averaging unit having a function of sampling and averaging the detection voltage output by the magnetic sensor at an interval longer than the cycle of the drive clock signal for driving the magnetic sensor;
A magnet determination means for determining that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine when it is detected that the detection voltage output by the averaging unit exceeds a predetermined determination value with respect to a reference value;
A reference value setting means for inputting a detection voltage output from the averaging unit when power supply to the gaming machine is started, and setting a value of the input detection voltage as an initial value of the reference value;
It said reference value setting means, after setting the initial value of the reference value, every time a predetermined time elapses, the detection voltage averaging unit outputs the said previous averaging unit has output detection of the time A game machine, wherein the reference value is updated to a value determined based on a voltage. A gaming frame installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, and a gaming board detachably attached to the gaming frame and having a plurality of gaming parts attached to a predetermined plate-like body, An image display device for effect is provided in the game board, and an effect control board on which an effect control means for controlling the image display device is mounted is a gaming machine installed on the back side of the image display device,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a magnetic sensor is mounted on the effect control board. The magnet determination means is
An input unit for inputting a sensitivity setting signal capable of specifying any one set value among a plurality of set values for performing sensitivity setting for determination of the magnet determination means;
The sensitivity setting means which sets the determination value for determining with a magnet existing in the vicinity of a game machine according to the setting value specified by the said sensitivity setting signal input into the said input part is included. 2. The gaming machine according to 2. Sensitivity setting means
When the setting value of the first stage among the setting values of the plurality of stages is input to the input unit, the first determination value is set as the determination value,
When a second stage setting value, which is a setting value with higher sensitivity than the first stage setting value, is input to the input unit among the plurality of stage setting values, the first judgment value and the first judgment value are used as judgment values. 2 Set the judgment value,
The magnet determination means performs the determination using the first determination value and the determination using the second determination value in an overlapping manner when the setting value of the second stage is input to the input unit. Item 3. The gaming machine according to item 3. A magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied to the amorphous wire arranged along two axes orthogonal to each other and output a detection voltage based on each change amount;
An averaging unit having a function of sampling and averaging the detection voltage output by the magnetic sensor at an interval longer than the cycle of the drive clock signal for driving the magnetic sensor;
A magnet determination means for determining that the magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine when it is detected that the detection voltage output by the averaging unit exceeds a predetermined determination value with respect to a reference value;
A reference value setting means for inputting a detection voltage output from the averaging unit when power supply to the gaming machine is started, and setting a value of the input detection voltage as an initial value of the reference value;
It said reference value setting means, after setting the initial value of the reference value, every time a predetermined time elapses, the detection voltage averaging unit outputs the said previous averaging unit has output detection of the time The reference value is updated to a value determined based on the voltage. A magnet detection sensor device, wherein:

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