JP5659283B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A security signal output from a slot machine to a hall computer can be discriminated whether it indicates fraud or an open door. In a slot machine, when at least one of a backflow error, a payout error, a throwing error, a setting change signal, or a setting reference signal is generated, a security signal indicating that is generated, and a concentrated terminal board To output to the outside. Furthermore, a door opening error signal indicating opening of the front door is generated based on the output of the door sensor, and output to the outside through the concentrated terminal board. The relay that is driven by the security signal and the relay that is driven by the door opening error signal in the centralized terminal board are different. [Selection] Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine equipped with a central terminal board for transmitting a signal to a hall computer that manages the gaming machine.

  In game halls such as pachinko halls, a plurality of gaming machines are arranged and efficiently accommodated by equipment for gathering gaming machines called island equipment. Pachinko machines (ball game machines) and slot machines (rotating game machines) are known as gaming machines installed in the game hall. The floor of the amusement hall is divided by a plurality of island facilities, and visitors and employees can walk, and sufficient space is secured for the player to play games. In the island facility, related equipment such as a ball lending machine or a medal lending machine is provided adjacent to the gaming machine for the convenience of the player. The gaming machines arranged in the island facility are respectively connected to hall computers that monitor game payout and specific gaming status. The hall computer counts the dividends paid out from the gaming machines and the number of times a specific gaming state is reached for each island facility. As a result, it is possible to roughly grasp the gaming state in which the gaming machine installed on the island facility is changing, and to know whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine.

  Each gaming machine or island facility is provided with a centralized terminal board for transmitting a payout from the gaming machine, the number of times a specific gaming state is reached, and an abnormal signal of the gaming machine to the hall computer. The concentrated terminal plate is a known one.

  The concentrated terminal board includes a relay that receives a digital signal from the CPU (main board) of the gaming machine and is driven by the digital signal. The relay contact signal is sent to the hall computer. For example, since the central terminal board includes seven relays, a maximum of seven types of signals can be relayed and sent from the gaming machine to the hall computer. The relay only performs a simple operation of turning on / off according to L / H of the digital signal, and does not handle a complicated signal (that is, a large amount of information) such as a pulse signal. Since there are few types of signals sent from the gaming machine to the hall computer and the signals do not frequently repeat L / H (on / off), relays are used.

JP, 2011-240012, A When a door open, setting change, medal insertion abnormality, and medal payout abnormality are detected, a security signal turns on and a signal is transmitted to a hall computer. A door opening signal is continuously output from the gaming machine to the hall computer while the door is open. In addition, when the game state is in the middle of changing the setting, a setting change signal is continuously output from the gaming machine to the hall computer.

  The content of the output signal of the conventional concentrated terminal board is as shown in FIG.

  The medal insertion signal is a signal output when a medal is inserted into the gaming machine and the start switch is turned on with a bet.

  The medal payout signal is a signal output when a medal is paid out to the player.

  The bonus signals 1 to 4 are signals that are output when the game state shifts to a state (special game state) such as a big bonus or a regular bonus that is advantageous for the player.

  The security signal is a signal output when it is determined that there is an abnormality.

  The relay common is a common signal for the seven relays.

  Among these, the security signal is a logical sum signal (a signal output when any one of the signals becomes active) of a plurality of signals (see FIG. 16 and this description). That is, the security signal is a signal obtained by combining a plurality of signals. In this respect, the security signal is different from the medal insertion signal.

  Since the security signal is a composite signal of a plurality of signals, even if the security signal is output, it cannot be determined whether this is an abnormal input / discharge, whether the setting is being changed / confirmed, or whether the door is open. Prompt response is difficult unless the specific form of the abnormality is known. In the first place, even if a security signal is output, there is a case where it is not a fraudulent act, and it cannot be determined immediately as a fraud.

  Further, it is required to reliably receive the output signal of the concentrated terminal board with a hall computer. The centralized terminal board is a relay output and cannot operate at high speed, and the hall computer is not interrupted by the output signal from the centralized terminal board, but the hall computer monitors the output signal from the centralized terminal board at regular intervals. Therefore, for reliable reception, it is necessary to keep the output signal from the concentrated terminal board longer than a certain time.

  The drive signal for the relay of the concentrated terminal board is generated by the main board. The CPU on the main board is 8 bits, and the usable memory capacity is limited. The duration of the output signal of the centralized terminal board is managed by a timer by the CPU, but the data used for this is limited (1 byte). For this reason, overflowing in time measurement for a long time makes accurate time measurement difficult. It is possible to increase the data that can be used in the timer (increase from 1 byte to 2 bytes) so that the time exceeding the capacity of this timer can be handled, but this increases the complexity of the logic and the program capacity. End up. This is a very big problem in a main board of a gaming machine that executes various processes with an 8-bit CPU.

  This invention was made in order to solve the said subject, and it aims at providing the gaming machine which can output the signal which can specify the aspect of abnormality more specifically from a concentration terminal board. It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can sustain an output signal from a concentrated terminal board for a longer time than a predetermined time without increasing the capacity of a program.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a door sensor that detects the opening of the door of the gaming machine housing, a process related to gaming, and a first specific signal (security signal) that is predetermined based on a signal from a predetermined sensor. And a main board that generates a second specific signal (door opening signal), and a plurality of relays that operate in response to the first specific signal and the second specific signal from the main board, and contact signals of the plurality of relays And a centralized terminal board that outputs to the external device,
The main board generates the first specific signal when detecting an abnormality related to a medal used in the gaming machine based on a signal from the predetermined sensor, and generates the second specific signal based on an output of the door sensor. And
The concentrated terminal plate includes a first specific relay that operates based on the first specific signal and a second relay that operates based on the second specific signal.

  The abnormality relating to medals is, for example, any one of E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 in FIG. 16, a combination thereof, or all of them.

  The main board generates the first specific signal when detecting an abnormality that is likely to be fraudulent in advance among the abnormalities related to the medal, and the abnormality is detected even when the abnormality related to the medal is detected. Does not generate the first specific signal when it is something other than an abnormality with a high possibility of fraud.

  An abnormality with a high possibility of fraud is, for example, any one of E1, E4, and E9 in FIG. 16 or a combination thereof.

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a door sensor that detects opening of a door of a gaming machine housing, a setting change reference switch for performing setting related to the game and referring to the setting related to the game, and processing related to the game A main board that generates a first specific signal that is predetermined based on a signal from the setting change reference switch and a second specific signal that is predetermined based on an output of the door sensor; and A plurality of relays that operate in response to one specific signal and the second specific signal, and a concentrated terminal plate that outputs contact signals of the plurality of relays to an external device;
The concentrated terminal plate includes a first specific relay that operates based on the first specific signal and a second relay that operates based on the second specific signal.

  The main board further detects an abnormality related to a medal used in the gaming machine based on a signal from a predetermined sensor, and detects an abnormality that is likely to be a predetermined fraud among the abnormalities related to the medal. When the abnormality is related to the medal, the first identification signal is not generated if the abnormality is other than an abnormality with a high possibility of fraud.

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a door sensor that detects opening of a door of a gaming machine housing, a setting change reference switch for performing setting related to the game and referring to the setting related to the game, and processing related to the game And a main board that generates a first specific signal and a second specific signal determined in advance based on a signal from a predetermined sensor and a signal from the setting change reference switch, and the first specific signal from the main board And a plurality of relays that operate in response to the second specific signal, and a concentrated terminal plate that outputs contact signals of the plurality of relays to an external device,
The main board generates the first specific signal when detecting an abnormality related to a medal used in the gaming machine based on a signal from the predetermined sensor, and the setting change reference switch is operated to operate the game. When the setting is made or the setting comes to be referred to, the first specifying signal is generated, and the second specifying signal is generated based on the output of the door sensor,
The concentrated terminal plate includes a first specific relay that operates based on the first specific signal and a second relay that operates based on the second specific signal.

A gaming machine according to the present invention performs a process related to a game and generates a specific signal (security signal, door opening signal) predetermined based on a signal from a predetermined sensor or switch, and the main board Including a relay that operates in response to the specific signal from, and includes a concentrated terminal plate that outputs a contact signal of the relay to an external device,
The main board includes a first timer that times a predetermined maximum time that can be timed, and a second timer that times a non-cancellable time shorter than the maximum time that can be timed,
With a predetermined output maintenance time required for the output of the centralized terminal board as an output signal duration minimum time, a relationship of (output signal duration minimum time) ≦ (maximum time that can be timed) + (time that cannot be released) is established. ,
The main board is
The second timer is started when the specific signal is turned on, and the release signal of the specific signal is not accepted during the time counting of the second timer,
The first timer is started based on the release signal after the second timer has timed,
The specific signal is turned off after the time measurement of the first timer.

The minimum output signal duration is determined based on a time during which a hall computer that receives a signal from the concentrated terminal board can reliably receive the signal.
The first timer and the second timer may be the same timer, that is, one using a common counter provided on a register memory, or one using a common timer IC.

Note that the hall computer can detect even a slight error (TE, margin). Given this,
(Minimum output signal duration) ≤ (Maximum time that can be measured) + (Release disabled time)
Is
(Minimum output signal duration) ≒ (Maximum time that can be measured) + (Release disabled time)
It can be. The error range is less than TE.

In other words,
(Minimum output signal duration) ≤ (maximum time that can be measured) + (cannot be canceled) + TE
It becomes.

A door sensor that detects the opening of the door of the gaming machine housing; a medal selector that includes a inserted medal detector that detects a inserted medal; a hopper device that includes a payout medal detector that detects a paid-out medal; A part or all of an exit sensor for counting medals issued from the medal selector and a setting change reference switch for performing settings relating to the game and referring to the settings relating to the game;
A part or all of the inserted medal detection unit, the payout medal detection unit, the exit sensor, the door sensor, and the setting change reference switch are connected to the main board,
The main board generates the following signal as the specific signal,
Based on the output of the inserted medal detection unit, the medal selector generates a backflow error that is an error indicating that the medal has flowed back;
Generating a payout abnormality error indicating a payout abnormality in the hopper device based on the output of the payout medal detection unit;
Generating an insertion error indicating that the number of medals counted based on the output of the inserted medal detection unit of the medal selector does not match the number of medals counted based on the output of the exit sensor;
Generating a setting change signal and a setting reference signal indicating that the setting is changed based on the output of the setting change reference switch;
Based on the output of the door sensor, generate a door opening error signal indicating the opening of the door,
The specific signal is generated when at least one of the backflow error, the payout abnormality error, the closing abnormality error, the setting change signal, the setting reference signal, or the door opening error signal occurs.

  According to the present invention, the concentrated terminal plate includes a first specific relay that operates based on the first specific signal and a second relay that operates based on the second specific signal, and the first specific relay is operated on the concentrated terminal plate. Since the relay driven by the signal (security signal) and the relay driven by the second specific signal (door opening error signal) are separated, the hall computer can more specifically determine the type of error than before. become.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. It is explanatory drawing of the attachment position of a door sensor. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a door sensor. It is explanatory drawing of the attachment position of a medal selector, a medal sensor, and an exit sensor. It is a three-view figure of a hopper and a hopper tank. It is an exploded view of a hopper and a hopper tank. It is an exploded view of a hopper. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a hopper. It is explanatory drawing of a sub tank. It is explanatory drawing of the attachment position of the setting key switch and setting change switch which are provided in a main board | substrate. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows game processing. It is a block diagram of a concentration terminal board. It is explanatory drawing of the output content of the concentration terminal board which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the kind of error, and an error code. It is a timing chart of a security signal concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the circuit which outputs the signal of Fig.17 (a) (d). It is a block diagram of the circuit which outputs the signal of FIG.17 (b) (c). It is explanatory drawing of the conventional output content of a concentrated terminal board.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided below the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging a clogged medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop buttons 140 are provided corresponding to the three reels. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. A liquid crystal display device LCD is provided on the right side of the game display unit 131.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper 121 is provided for paying out sheets one by one. An upper portion of the hopper 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel unit 203 including three reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three reels (first reel to third reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which a player can see the symbols of each rotating reel of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided between the reel unit 203 on the upper side of the hopper 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. The medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal with an outer diameter different from a predetermined dimension, or iron or iron alloy. This is a device for selecting and removing the illegal medals produced in the above and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

  In addition, a main board 10 that performs processing related to a game is attached to an upper portion inside the slot machine main body 120.

  Further, the slot machine 100 is provided with a door sensor that detects the open / closed state of the front door 130. The door sensor 206 is a mechanical switch such as a micro switch or a reed switch, a photoelectric switch such as a photodiode or a photo interrupter, a potentiometer that measures the distance when the door is opened, or a rotary encoder that measures the angle when the door is opened. is there.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 130 of the slot machine housing is opened. The door sensor 206 is attached to one or both of the left side (hinge side) and the right side of the front door 130. In the case where the slot machine housing is of a separation system having upper and lower doors, the door sensor 206 is attached to one or both of the upper door side and the lower door side. When attached to both, the outputs of the two door sensors are preferably connected in parallel so that the power can be turned off when both the upper and lower doors are open.

  An example in which the door sensor is provided on the left side of the front door 300 is shown in FIG. FIG. 4A is a top view showing a state in which a mechanical switch is attached as a door sensor 206 in the vicinity of the hinge of the front door 130. When the front door 130 is closed (dotted line state), the movable part A of the door sensor 206 is pushed by the front door 130 and the switch contact is turned on, but the front door 130 is open (solid line). In the state), the movable part A of the door sensor 206 protrudes. In this state, the switch contact is turned off.

  FIG. 4B shows a state in which the photoelectric device is attached as the door sensor 206. A light receiving element 206 a such as a photodiode is provided in the cylindrical case of the door sensor 206. When the front door 130 is closed (dotted line state), the light receiving element 206a does not detect light (ON state) because the front surface of the case of the door sensor 206 is covered with a lid (shielding portion) 207 provided on the front door 130. ). In a state where the front door 300 is opened (solid line state), the front surface of the light receiving element 206a is opened to detect light (off state).

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the medal selector 1. In FIG. 5, 11 is a medal passage provided in the medal selector 1, 12 is a medal exit of the medal selector 1, and S1 and S2 are photo interrupters (sensors for medal detection) provided in the medal passage 11. M indicates the inserted medal. The medal M inserted from the upper part of the medal selector 1 falls along the medal passage 11, the traveling direction is changed to a slant sideways, and is discharged from the medal outlet (medal discharge port) 12. Note that irregular medals of different sizes fall in the middle of the medal passage and return to the medal return slot. BL is a blocker for blocking inserted medals so that they are not counted.

  Two medal sensors S1, S2 are provided in the vicinity of the medal outlet 12 along the direction of the medal. These are for counting the number of medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photo interrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other and are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and the detection optical axis faces the medal passage 11 from above. is there. The cross section may not be U-shaped, or only the light receiving part may be provided. Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction. Further, by providing the medal sensors S1 and S2 on the side far from the medal entrance, it is difficult to cheat.

  An exit sensor S10 is provided on the downstream side of the medal sensors S1 and S2 and outside the medal outlet 12 of the medal selector 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the exit sensor S <b> 10 is provided downstream of the medal sensor S <b> 1 and the medal sensor S <b> 2 and outside the medal selector 1. More specifically, an R chute (not shown in FIG. 5 is provided at the medal outlet 12 of the medal selector 1, and the shape seen from the upper surface forms a substantially quarter arc, and the medal exits from the medal outlet 12. Provided with a medal passage for guiding the hopper tank by changing the traveling direction thereof by approximately 90 °. The exit sensor S10 is a non-contact sensor, for example, an optical photo interrupter (including a light receiving element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor whose output changes depending on the light shielding ratio of the medal). The detection area of the exit sensor S10 (the opening of the light receiving element in the case of a photo interrupter) is large, and the medal passage state can be sufficiently distinguished by the output signal level. Note that the outlet sensor S10 may be provided at a location other than that shown in FIG. 5 as long as it is downstream of the medal sensors S1 and S2.

  6 is a front view (FIG. 6A), a right side view (FIG. 6B), and a top view (FIG. 6C) of the hopper. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hopper on the hopper tank side, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the hopper chassis side of the hopper. FIG. 9 is a detailed top view of the rotating disk H3, for explaining the medal payout operation. In FIG. 9, M indicates a medal discharging route.

  The illustrated hopper is roughly divided into a hopper tank 122 that stores medals M, and a main body (hopper 121) that discharges medals M stored in the hopper tank 122 one by one.

  The hopper 121 is roughly divided into a hopper chassis H2a, and a plurality of medals M that are rotatably supported by the hopper chassis H2a and into which the medals M dropped from the hopper tank 122 are inserted one by one from above, in this case, five medal drop holes H3a. And a hopper motor H34 for rotating the rotary disk H3. When the rotary disk H3 is rotated by the driving force of the hopper motor H34, the medal M dropped into the medal drop hole H3a is discharged from the medal discharge port X to the outside.

  A base plate H5 is obliquely attached to the upper part of the hopper chassis H2a. A hopper motor H34 is fixed to the base plate H5. The output shaft H34a of the hopper motor H34 penetrates through the base plate H5 and protrudes substantially at the center of the upper surface thereof. Since the base plate H5 is inclined, the output shaft of the hopper motor intersects the vertical direction. For this reason, the rotating disk H3 has a higher medal outlet side and a lower side.

  A housing support H4 is located on the base plate H5. A protruding protrusion is formed around the housing support H4. The part of the medal discharge port X of the projecting edge is notched, and the medal is discharged through this part.

  When the medal M that has fallen into the medal drop hole 3a of the rotating disk H3 is positioned at the medal discharge port X along with the rotation of the rotating disk H3, the medal M is prevented from moving by the guide pin H36, and the medal discharge hole X from the medal drop hole H3a. It is pushed out and discharged to the outside. In this way, the medals M are discharged in order with the rotation of the rotary disk H3.

  Both the hopper tank 122 and the hopper chassis H2a are made of resin.

  A counter roller H7 (provided on the counter arm H8) for counting paid-out medals rotates around the separator H6. The medal inserted into the hole provided in the rotating disk H3 moves with the rotation of the rotating disk H3, and is pushed out by the guide pin H36 at the medal discharge port X and guided toward the medal path. At this time, the medal contacts the counter roller H7 provided on the counter arm H8 and rotates it in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Thereby, the protrusion provided on the counter arm H8 enters between the detection grooves of the payout medal detection unit 43, blocks the light of the light source, and the light receiving element detects this. The payout medal detection unit 43 is, for example, a photo interrupter that detects a passing object between the detection grooves in a non-contact manner by disposing the light emitting element and the light receiving element in a case having a detection groove. Thus, when one medal is paid out, the medal touches the counter roller H7 and pushes it once, so that the number of paid-out medals can be counted based on the number of detections by the payout medal detection unit 43.

  The two guide pins H36 are provided in the vicinity of the medal discharge port X of the housing support H4. The two guide pins H36 are respectively attached to the guide pin presser H10 via guide pin springs H37. The guide pin H36 is pressed upward by a guide pin spring H37 and protrudes from the surface of the housing support H4 by about 1 mm. When the guide pin H36 is pushed from above due to the elasticity of the guide pin spring H37, the guide pin H36 retracts into the housing support H4, and the head of the guide pin H36 coincides with the surface of the housing support H4.

  The medal payout operation will be described with reference to FIG. When the medal M that has fallen into the medal pit H3a of the rotating disk H3 is positioned at the medal discharge port X as the rotating disk H3 rotates, the medal M hits the guide pin H36, and the medal M is pushed outward as the rotating disk H3 rotates. It is. The medal M pushed out at that time pushes the counter roller H7 provided on the counter arm H8 in the direction of arrow A and passes between the game medal guide H12, the separator H6 and the counter roller H7, and the medal M is a medal. It is discharged to the outside through the passage portions H23 and H24. When the medal M is discharged and the contact is released, the counter roller H7 returns to the original position by the elasticity of the counter pulling spring H9 (see FIG. 8). The game medal guide H12 regulates the movement of medals and smoothly moves medals along the medal path. The two guide pins H36 play different roles when guiding medals to the medal passage portions H23 and H24. When the rotary disk H3 rotates clockwise, the guide pin H36a first contacts the medal and pushes the medal outward. The guide pin H36b moves the medals moving toward the outer edge further in the direction of the medal passage portions H23 and H24 while restricting the medals from moving in the rotation direction of the rotary disk H3.

  A sub tank 170 is disposed adjacent to the hopper 121. The sub tank 70 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container having an open top surface, and is a tank that receives medals overflowing from the hopper tank 122.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (a view cut in the depth direction) showing the structure of the sub tank 170.

  170a is a handle used when the sub tank 170 is taken in and out. Reference numerals 173a and 173b denote side walls. Reference numeral 174 denotes a bottom plate. Reference numeral 175 denotes an opening for inserting the electrode 180.

  The sub tank 170 is housed in a housing part (not shown) provided in the housing, and as shown in FIG. 10, a medal sensor, for example, an electrode 180 projects from the side wall. The opening 175 is for inserting the electrode 180.

  As shown by the arrows in FIG. 10, medals discharged to the outside from the hopper tank 122 are guided into the sub tanks 170 arranged adjacent to each other. The medals introduced into the sub tank 170 are sequentially accumulated. An electrode 180 is disposed on the side wall 73a side, and the accumulation of medals is detected when the electrode 180 is short-circuited by medals.

  FIG. 11 shows a front view of the main board 10. As shown in the figure, the main board 10 is provided with a setting key switch 2054 that is a switch for changing the setting, and a setting change switch 2055 that is used when changing the setting value. These two switches may be collectively referred to as a setting change reference switch SW1.

  The setting key switch 2054 is a key switch that is turned on / off by inserting and operating a key. The setting change switch 2055 is a push button switch.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.

  In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate (processing unit) 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate (processing unit) 10 as main processing devices. At least the main substrate 10 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and is sealed so that traces remain when these substrates are removed.

  The main board 10 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The main board 10 transmits an input signal (IN signal), a payout signal (OUT signal), a big bonus signal (BB signal) and the like to a hall computer (external device) (not shown) via a concentrated terminal board 30 described later. This process will be further described later.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The main board 10 counts the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel unit (including the reel driving device) 203, the reel position detection circuit 71, the hopper driving unit HM, the hopper 121, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 121. A payout medal detection unit 43 is connected. A peripheral substrate (local substrate) such as a liquid crystal control substrate 200 for controlling the liquid crystal display device, a speaker substrate 201, and an LED substrate 202 is connected to the sub substrate 20.

  The main board 10 is connected to an exit sensor S10 for generating a security signal, which will be described later, transmitted to a hall computer (not shown) via a concentrated terminal board 30, and a door sensor 206 for generating a door opening signal. . A setting change reference switch SW1 is provided on the main board 10. The setting change reference switch SW1 is a switch for performing a setting change and setting reference described later, and includes a setting key switch 2054 and a setting change switch (push button switch) 2055 as shown in FIG.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 (inserted medal detector) for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided on the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal slot 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The hopper driving unit HM performs an operation of rotating the hopper 121 and paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a payout medal detection unit 43 that operates each time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 is actually paid out from the hopper 121 based on an input signal from the payout medal detection unit 43. You can manage the number of medals.

  The main board 10 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the fact that medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions are inserted, A process of permitting the rotation start operation of the first reel to the third reel is performed (input acceptance function). Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start rotation of the first reel to the third reel and an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. When it is not in a state of accepting insertion of medals (when not permitted), even if medals are inserted, they are not counted by the medal sensors S1 and S2 and are returned as they are. Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET. When the bet switch BET is not valid (when not permitted), even if the bet switch BET is pressed, it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means (not shown). The random number generating means is means for generating a random number value for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts a numerical value so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The main board 10 performs an internal lottery (internal lottery function) in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, and the like are performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  Which of the above-described lottery tables is used for internal lottery is determined by a set value. Changing the setting value is called setting change. The lottery table stores, for example, a plurality of lottery tables respectively corresponding to the setting values 1 to 6, and lottery processing is performed using the lottery table corresponding to the set value. The set value is associated with each of a plurality of lottery tables prepared in advance, and is for selecting one of the plurality of lottery tables.

  The process (setting change procedure) for changing the setting value is, for example, as follows.

  Before the power is turned on, the setting key switch 2054 of the setting change reference switch SW1 is turned on (at this time, the power of the gaming machine is turned off). When the power is turned on, the main board 10 determines whether or not the setting key switch 2054 is turned on. When the setting change switch 2055 is operated in this state, the setting value is changed. Specifically, every time the setting change switch 2055 is pressed once, +1 is added to the setting value. The set value is an integer of 1 to 6, and when the setting change switch 2055 is pressed in a state where the set value = 6, the setting value returns to 1. When the start switch 134 is pressed, the set value at that time is fixed. When the setting key switch 2054 is turned off, it leaves the setting change state and enters the normal gaming state.

  A process (setting reference procedure) for referring to what the current setting value is is also provided. When the power is on, the setting key switch 2054 of the setting change reference switch SW1 is turned on. When the setting change switch 2055 is pressed, the setting can be referred to. In this setting reference state, the main board 10 displays the stored setting value on a liquid crystal display device or a 7-segment display. When the setting key switch 2054 is turned off, the setting reference state is exited and the normal gaming state is entered.

  In the random number determination process, a random value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generation means (not shown) for each game based on a start signal from the start switch 134, and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random value. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, if a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and if the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus lottery A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in the internal lottery is set to the winning state Set.

  The main board 10 may perform control for changing the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition (replay probability changing function). The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / It is possible to set a plurality of types of lottery states called replay high probability states (replay times) set to 3. By changing the replay lottery state, the winning probability of the replay in the internal lottery is changed.

  The main board 10 is driven to rotate the first reel to the third reel by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation). Control for permitting the pressing operation (stop operation) of the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the rotating reels in a state where the rotation speed has reached a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute). At the same time, control is performed to stop the first to third reels that are rotationally driven by the stepping motor in accordance with the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result) (reel control function).

  When the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) for the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated), the main board 10 is based on the reel stop signal. By stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203, control is performed to stop each of the first to third reels.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the main board 10 determines the reel stop position corresponding to the pressed button from the first reel to the third reel. Control is performed to stop the reel at the stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first reel according to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. (stop operation mode) of the three stop buttons. The stop position of the third reel is determined, and the first reel to the third reel are stopped at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the position of the first reel to the third reel (press detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated and the actual stop position (or the slip from the press detection position) of the first reel to the third reel. (Number of frames) is set. Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first reel to the third reel may be prepared.

  In the gaming machine, the reel unit 203 is provided with a reel index (not shown) made of a photosensor, and the main board 10 is based on a reference position signal detected by the reel index every time the reel rotates once. The current rotation state of the reel can be monitored by obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor) from the reference position (the frame detected by the reel index). That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop button 140 is operated by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

  The main board 10 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reels. The pull-in process is a control process for stopping the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on the winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the reel corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on the valid winning determination line (so that the non-winning combination cannot be won) This is a control process to be stopped. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the reels that have already stopped (types of display symbols) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. ) Etc., the stop control table is set so that the stop position of each reel changes. In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first reel to the third reel so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third reels are set to a control state in which the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. ing. That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating reel, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each reel stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The main board 10 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stop mode of the first to third reels. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first reel to the third reel are stopped, It is determined whether or not the winning combination is a predetermined combination (winning determination function).

  The main board 10 performs a winning process based on the determination result by the winning determination function. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 121 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The main board 10 performs a payout control process related to the payout of medals according to the game result (payout control function). Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a predetermined payout for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit HM. Then, the hopper 121 is driven and paid out.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 121, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay wins, the main board 10 performs a replay process (replay process) for setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game (replay). Processing function). When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state (regular bonus state and / or big bonus state), it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and is determined in advance according to the type of bonus won. When medals exceeding the payout upper limit are paid out, the bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  Next, game processing in the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.

  Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 13 is started.

  In step SS1, when the start switch 134 is operated, the start switch 134 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to the next step SS2.

  In step SS2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to next Step SS3.

  In step SS3, rotation of the first reel to the third reel is started. Then, the process proceeds to next Step SS4.

  In step SS4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to next Step SS5.

  In step SS5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to next Step SS6.

  In step SS6, it is determined whether or not the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been operated. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step SS7.

  In step SS7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step SS8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step SS8, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step SS8 is one game. When step SS8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of the concentrated terminal board 30. FIG. 14 shows a standard concentrated terminal board 30. The concentrated terminal board 30 relays a signal output from the gaming machine main body side and sends it to the hall computer (refer to FIG. 15 described later and the description related thereto for the contents of the signal).

  31 is an input connector for receiving a signal from the main board 10, 32 is a relay coil driven by the signal from the main board 10, 33 is a contact point turned on and off by the relay coil 32, and 34 is an output for sending an on / off signal to the hall computer. It is a connector. The relay coil 32 and its contact 33 constitute a relay. The central terminal board 30 of FIG. 14 includes a total of seven relays. These are distinguished by attaching -1 to -7 to the reference numerals. One terminals of the contacts 33-1 to 33-7 are all connected to a common terminal (terminal 6 of the output connector 34), and the other terminals are connected to separate terminals of the output connector 34. The terminal 6 becomes a common terminal (common), and the on / off of each contact 33 means the presence or absence of conduction between any one of the terminals 1 to 5, 7 and 8 of the output connector 34 and the terminal 6 when viewed from the hall computer. The input connector includes a ground terminal and a power supply terminal, but the display thereof is omitted in FIG.

  For example, when a medal insertion signal (L level) is received from the main board 10 to the terminal 1 of the input connector 31, the relay coil 32-1 generates a magnetic force by the signal and pulls the contact 33-1 to turn on the contact. become. Therefore, the terminal 1 and the terminal 6 of the output connector 34 are conducted. By detecting this with a hall computer, it can be determined that a medal has been inserted.

  In FIG. 14, the output of the contact 33 that is turned on when the relay coil 32 is driven is sent to the hall computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output of the contact 33 that is turned off is sent. You may be made to do. The hall computer can receive either an ON or OFF signal of the relay contact.

  FIG. 15 shows a list of output signals of the concentrated terminal board 30 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. The numbers correspond to the terminal numbers in FIG.

  The medal insertion signal is a pulse signal (ON / OFF repetitive signal) that is output after receiving the start switch 134 and that corresponds to the prescribed number of medals for the game.

  The medal payout signal is a pulse signal of a number corresponding to the payout number of medals, which is output when there is a payout of medals after all three reels are stopped. At the time of replaying, the prescribed number of pulses are output on the assumption that the prescribed number of medals have been paid out.

  The RB signal is a signal output when in the regular bonus state.

  The BB signal is a signal output in the big bonus state.

  The RT signal is a signal output at the replay time.

  The security signal is a signal that is continuously output while an abnormality factor is occurring. The security signal will be further described later.

  The door opening signal is a signal that is continuously output while the front door 130 is opened.

  The main board 10 generates all the signals 1 to 8 (excluding 6) in FIG. Since the medal insertion signal to RT signal are known, the description thereof is omitted.

  The main board 10 receives signals from the medal sensors S1 and S2, the exit sensor S10, the door sensor 206, and the payout medal detection unit 43 and generates them based on a predetermined error signal (E1 to E9 in FIG. 16). A signal (external signal 7) and a door opening signal (external signal 8) are generated by the main board 10 based on them.

  The main board 10 determines the opening / closing of the front door 130 based on the output of the door sensor 206, and generates a door opening signal when the front door 130 is opened.

  The security signal is a signal obtained by combining a plurality of error signals (E1 to E7, E9, etc. in FIG. 16). When any signal becomes valid (on), a security signal is generated and output to the hall computer. Note that signals other than those described below may be included. Which signal is to be ORed will be described in detail later.

  The error in FIG. 16 will be further described.

(Eracode E1) Backflow error This error occurs when the on / off state of the medal sensor S1 or the medal sensor S2 does not change in the correct order while the game medal can be accepted.

  The backflow error E1 is an error indicating that a medal has flowed back in the medal selector 1. The inserted medals pass through the medal sensors S1 and S2 in this order in the medal selector 1, but the main board 10 outputs a backflow error E1 when the sensors detect in the reverse order for some reason. There can be a case of cheating as if a sensor was deceived and a medal was inserted.

  The fraudulent action that causes the backflow error E1 corresponds to a so-called string pulling goto or a clerking goto.

(Error code E2) Empty error This error occurs when the off state of the payout medal detection unit 43 continues for a predetermined time (2100.384 ms) during game medal payout.

  The empty error E2 is generated based on the payout medal detection unit 43, and indicates that the medals stored in the hopper 121 are insufficient. When this error occurs, the hall clerk opens the front door 130 and replenishes medals. Since this is not an illegal act, it is not determined as an illegal act when the security signal and the door opening signal are generated.

(Error code E3) Payout clogging error This error occurs when the payout medal detection unit 43 remains on for more than a predetermined time (172.040 ms) during game medal payout.

  If medals are excessively accumulated in the lower plate in which the paid-out medals are accumulated, the medal passage from the hopper 121 to the lower plate may be filled. In this situation, when the small role is won and the medal payout process is performed, the payout medal detection unit 43 remains detected. The error generated at this time is a payout jam error E3.

(Error Code E4) Payout Abnormal Error This error occurs when the payout medal detection unit 43 has been on for a predetermined time (5.984 ms) or longer, other than during game medal payout.

  A description will be given of the payout abnormality error E4. Normally, the hopper 121 rotates based on the winning of a small role, and medals are paid out based on the rotation operation, and the payout medal detection unit 43 detects. However, when the small role is not won (that is, other than during the game medal payout), the payout abnormality error E4 occurs when the hopper 121 is rotated by some external force or the like and the medal is played out. Alternatively, even when the small combination is not won, the payout abnormality error E4 also occurs when the payout medal detection unit 43 is moved and detected by an external force or the like. As described above, the payout abnormality error E4 cannot occur under a normal game situation. There may be cases of fraudulent attempts to receive medals.

(Error code E5) Over error This error occurs when the overflow sensor (for example, the electrode 180 in FIG. 10 or a similar electrode may be provided in the hopper tank 122) has been on for a predetermined time (700.128 ms) or longer. .

  When an over error E5 generated based on the overflow sensor occurs, the hall clerk opens the front door 130 and takes out a medal from the tank. This is not cheating. The overflow sensor is a sensor that detects medals overflowing from the tank of the hopper 121. Since the overflow sensor is known, the description thereof is omitted.

(Error code E6) Residence error This error occurs when the medal sensor S1 or the medal sensor S2 remains on for a predetermined time (131.648 ms) or longer.

(Error code E7) Pack-up error This error occurs when an abnormal backup of RWM (write / read memory) is detected at power-on.

(Error code E8) Door open error This error occurs when the door sensor 206 remains on for a predetermined time (47.872 ms) or longer.

(Error code E9) Insertion error error The medal sensor S1 or the medal sensor when the medal sensor S2 is turned on after a predetermined time (269.280 ms) or more has elapsed since the blocker BL of the medal selector 1 is closed or when the medal medal insertion can be accepted. This occurs when the number of game medals passing through S2 in the correct order does not match the number of game medals passing through the exit sensor S10.

  A counter (not shown) is used for determination of an abnormal charging error. When the medal passes the medal sensor S1 and the medal sensor S2, the count value of the counter is incremented by one, and when the medal passes the exit sensor S10, it decrements by one. For example, when three sheets are continuously inserted, the value once becomes +3 based on the passage of the medal sensor S1 and the medal sensor S2, but becomes -3 by passing the exit sensor S10, and the value of the counter becomes zero. In this way, the value of the counter is normally converged to 0.

  The exit sensor S10 is provided at a position where the medals that have passed through the medal sensor S1 and the medal sensor S2 pass through the exit sensor S10 within 2 seconds from the passage, so the time for the counter value to converge to 0 Takes about 2 seconds. If the counter does not converge to 0 even after 2 seconds have passed since the medal sensor S1 and medal sensor S2, a so-called thread is used for the medal sensor S1 and medal sensor S2. It is presumed that there is a pulling goto or a clerk goto.

(Error code EE) Display determination abnormality error This error occurs when an abnormality is detected during display determination.

(Error code EA) RWM error error This error occurs when an RWM that cannot read or write a value correctly is detected during a cold start.

(Error code EC) Set value error error This error occurs when the set value is outside the allowable range (other than 1 to 6) during internal lottery.

  The main board 10 is provided with an RTC (real time clock) so that it is possible to grasp when an error has occurred and to store a time series history thereof. It is possible to determine whether or not there is an error during the hall operation by RTC.

  The backflow error E1, the payout abnormality error E4, and the insertion abnormality error E9 are all important errors that have a high possibility of fraud and should be monitored by the hall computer.

  The security signal is changed by the main board 10 based on a signal related to setting change / reference, that is, the output of the setting change reference switch SW1, together with a plurality of error signals (E1 to E7, E9, etc. in FIG. 16). And a setting reference signal indicating that the main board 10 is performing setting reference based on the output of the setting change reference switch SW1. The setting change signal is generated in the setting change state, and the setting reference signal is generated in the setting reference state.

  The door opening signal (second specific signal) in FIG. 15 corresponds to the door opening error E8 in FIG.

  On the other hand, the security signal in FIG. 15 is a combination (logical sum) of a plurality of errors in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given of combinations of errors that generate a security signal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(First combination (part 1))
The security signal (first specific signal) is generated when an abnormality relating to a medal used in the gaming machine is detected.

  Specifically, the security signal is output when any one of the backflow error E1, the payout abnormality error E4, and the insertion abnormality error E9 occurs.

  The security signal is limited to dangerous errors (E1, E4, E9 described above) that are highly likely to occur when an illegal act is intervened among a plurality of types of errors, so that the type of error can be changed. The computer can discriminate in detail, and discrimination against fraudulent acts becomes easy. In addition, it is not necessary to output a signal to an external device for a less dangerous error, which leads to a reduction in program capacity.

(First combination (2))
The security signal (first specific signal) is generated when an abnormality relating to a medal used in the gaming machine is detected.

  Specifically, in addition to the backflow error E1, the payout abnormality error E4, the throwing error E9, the security is detected when any of the payout empty error E2, the payout clogging error E3, the over error E5, or the staying error E6 is detected. The signal is output.

  The security signal is classified into a dangerous error (E1, E4, E9) that is likely to occur when an illegal act intervenes among a plurality of types of errors, and an error (E2, E3, E5) that is less dangerous than this. , E6) together with the hall computer, the hall computer can discriminate more errors.

(Second combination (part 1))
The security signal (first specific signal) is generated when the setting change reference switch SW1 is operated to enter a state in which settings relating to a game are performed or a state in which the settings are referred to.

  Since the relay driven by the security signal (setting change or setting reference) and the relay driven by the door opening error signal are made different, the hall computer can discriminate the error type in more detail than before. .

(Second combination (2))
The security signal (first specific signal) is a fraud that is used in a gaming machine in addition to a state in which the setting change reference switch SW1 is operated to make a setting related to a game or a state in which the setting is referred to. Generated when anomalies with a high probability of action are detected. Specifically, the security signal is also output in the case of any one of the backflow error E1, the payout abnormality error E4, and the insertion abnormality error E9.

  Along with the setting change or setting reference, it is possible to notify the hall computer of an abnormal error related to the medal. Since the error is limited to the error when an abnormality related to the medal is detected, the hall computer can determine the type of the abnormality error in detail, and it is easy to determine fraud. In addition, it is not necessary to output a signal to an external device for a less dangerous error, which leads to a reduction in program capacity.

(Third combination)
The security signal (first specific signal) is a medal used in the gaming machine in addition to the state where the setting change reference switch SW1 is operated and the setting related to the game is performed or the setting is referred to. Generated when an abnormality is detected. Specifically, they are a backflow error E1, a payout abnormality error E4, and a charging abnormality error E9. Alternatively, in addition to / along with this, a security signal may be output when any one of the payout empty error E2, the payout clogging error E3, the over error E5, and the staying error E6.

  Through the combination of the security signal by the above combination and the door opening signal, the hall computer can more specifically determine the possibility of fraudulent acts than before.

  According to (first combination (1)), it can be determined that an illegal act or a serious error according to this has occurred.

  For example, it can be determined that there is a high possibility of fraud together with the door opening signal and the time information from the RTC described above.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the business hours of the hall, if the door opening signal is off (door closed) and the security signal is on, the possibility of fraud is high.

  According to the (second combination (part 1)), it can be determined that the possibility of fraud is high together with the time information from the RTC described above.

  For example, if the security signal is turned on when the time information from the RTC indicates the business hours of the hall, the possibility of fraud is high.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the end of the business hours of the hall, if the door open signal is on (door open) and the security signal is on, the hall clerk is likely to work and is illegal It is likely not an act.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the end of the business hours of the hall, if the door open signal is off (door closed) and the security signal is on, the hall clerk must work without opening the door. Since there is usually no possibility of fraud.

  According to (second combination (2)) and (third combination), it can be determined that a serious error has occurred in addition to the above.

  For example, when the security signal is turned on when the time information from the RTC indicates the business hours of the hall, there is a high possibility of fraud or serious error.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the end of the business hours of the hall, if the door open signal is on (door open) and the security signal is on, the hall clerk is likely to work and is illegal It is likely not an act.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the end of the business hours of the hall, if the door open signal is off (door closed) and the security signal is on, there is a high possibility of a serious error.

  According to (first combination (2)), it can be determined that an error has occurred in the gaming machine.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the business hours of the hall, when the door open signal is on (door open) and the security signal is on, an empty error E2, a payout jam error E3, an over error There is a possibility of an error such as E5, and the hall clerk may be working to deal with this.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the business hours of the hall, when the door open signal is off (door closed) and the security signal is on, an empty error E2, a payout jam error E3, an over error There is a possibility of an error such as E5. There is a possibility that the hall clerk has not responded to this. If it is considered that the hall clerk does not leave this error for a long time, if the error state continues for a long time, it may be determined that an illegal act or a serious error equivalent thereto has occurred.

  When the time information from the RTC indicates the end of the business hours of the hall, if the door open signal is on (door open) and the security signal is on, the hall clerk is likely to work and is illegal It is likely not an act.

  The conventional security signal shown in FIG. 20 includes door opening, and the door opening may be performed as a legitimate business by a hall clerk during business hours, so it cannot be immediately determined to be fraudulent. On the other hand, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the door opening signal is separated from the security signal, more accurate determination can be performed.

  Next, an embodiment of the invention for enabling the hall computer to reliably receive the output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30 will be described. In order to achieve this object, it is necessary to continue the output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30 for a longer time than the predetermined time (ie, keep it on so as not to fall below this time). This predetermined time is called the minimum output signal duration. This is, for example, 2 seconds (sometimes 1.5 seconds, described later).

  For a general electronic device, it is sufficient to prepare a timer that can measure a time of 2 seconds or more, and this is not difficult. However, in gaming machines, there is a special situation that the CPU of the main board is 8 bits and the usable memory capacity is limited. The duration of the output signal of the concentrated terminal board is managed by a timer by the CPU, but the data (number of bits) used for this is limited.

  For example, since an 8-bit CPU handles data in units of 8 bits (1 byte), a 1-byte counter is often used. If the data length is odd, such as 1.5 bytes (12 bits), the processing becomes complicated, and the remaining 4 bits are not used and are not used. If it is an integer multiple of 1 byte such as 2 bytes, useless bits are not generated, but the processing becomes complicated. For example, a process of adding (+1) the carry of one byte to the other byte is necessary. This situation is the same for 16-bit CPUs and 32-bit CPUs, and a timer counter is set for each unit of data to be handled.

  In an 8-bit CPU of a gaming machine, a 1-byte counter is employed to avoid complicated processing, but for this reason, overflowing occurs for a long time, and it is difficult to time. The time until overflow (maximum time that can be measured) is defined by the number of bits (1 byte = 8 bits) and the time interval (generally interrupt time) for looking at the counter composed of this. If the interrupt time is TINT and the number of bits is N, the maximum time that can be measured is TINT * 2 ^ N. When the interrupt time TINT is 5.86 ms and the number of bits N is 8, 5.86 ms * 2 ^ 8 = 1.5 seconds.

  First, the minimum output signal duration was 2 seconds. Since the maximum time that can be measured is 1.5 seconds, (maximum time that can be timed) <(minimum output signal duration). In this case, the timer of the main board 10 cannot measure the minimum duration of the output signal, and the object that the output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30 can be reliably received by the hall computer cannot be achieved. Although it is conceivable to increase the data that can be used in the timer in order to handle a time that exceeds the capacity of the timer, this complicates the logic and increases the program capacity. This is a very big problem in a main board of a gaming machine that executes various processes with an 8-bit CPU.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the following processing is performed to reduce the burden of the main program capacity, while ensuring the output signal continuity in the output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30, and to ensure the reception by the hall computer. Can be secured.

  FIG. 17 is a timing chart in the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 17A relates to an abnormality factor (any one of the backflow error E1 to the charging abnormality error E9), FIG. 17B relates to the setting change signal, and FIG. 17C simultaneously relates to the setting reference signal. d) relates to the door opening signal. The security signal is the logical sum of the backflow error E1 to the input abnormality error E9 (for example, the logical sum of E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, and E9, or the logical sum of E1, E4, and E9). 17A (the same processing is also possible), but for convenience of explanation, in FIG. 17, the backflow error E1 to the input abnormality error E9, the setting change signal, and the setting reference signal are displayed separately. Yes.

  The time that is shorter than the maximum time that can be counted (this time is called the non-cancellable time. This time is about 0.5 seconds, for example) During this period, error cancellation, that is, security signal reset (turn off) is not accepted.

  Then, after the error canceling operation is performed, the maximum time that can be measured is counted, and the security signal is turned off after the lapse of time.

  However, it is assumed that (minimum output signal duration) ≦ (maximum time that can be timed) + (non-cancelable time). For example, 1.5 seconds + 0.5 seconds = 2 seconds.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, assuming that TTA is a non-cancelable time, TX is an error canceling operation time, and TTB is a maximum time that can be timed, the duration of the output signal is TTA + TX + TTB = (non-cancelable time) + TX + (timekeeping) Possible maximum time).

  Since TX> 0 and the above relationship, (output signal duration minimum time) <TTA + TX + TTB, it can be continued longer than the output signal duration minimum time of the output signal of the concentrated terminal plate 30, and the concentrated terminal plate 30 output signals can be reliably received by the hall computer.

  Since (maximum time that can be timed)> (unreleasable time), a common 1-byte timer can be used for both TTA and TTB timekeeping, and its realization is easy. Note that TX is a time required for operation by the hall clerk and is not measured by a timer.

  FIG. 17B shows a setting change timing chart.

  Before the power is turned on, the setting key switch 2054 of the setting change reference switch SW1 is turned on (at this time, the power of the gaming machine is turned off). When the power is turned on, the main board 10 determines whether or not the setting key switch 2054 is turned on. When the setting change switch 2055 is operated in this state, the setting value is changed. When the setting key switch 2054 is turned off, it leaves the setting change state and enters the normal gaming state. The time from when the setting key switch 2054 is turned on to when the setting key switch 2054 is turned off is set to TY. When it is finished, the timer counts the maximum possible time. The maximum time that can be measured is TTB. Turn off the security signal after the timing is over. The time when the security signal is on is TY + TTB. However, the setting change is performed by the store clerk or the fraudster manually changing the setting change reference switch SW1 and the start switch 134. Takes time (cannot be shorter than at least 0.5 seconds).

  Therefore, TY + TTB that is the ON time of the security signal when the setting is changed is longer than the minimum output signal duration of the output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30. The output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30 can be reliably received by the hall computer.

  FIG. 17C shows a setting reference timing chart.

FIG. 17C is the same as FIG.

  In the process for referring to what the current set value is (setting reference procedure), the setting key switch 2054 of the setting change reference switch SW1 is turned on in the power-on state. When the setting change switch 2055 is pressed, the setting can be referred to. When the setting key switch 2054 is turned off, the setting reference state is exited and the normal gaming state is entered. The time from when the setting key switch 2054 is turned on to when the setting key switch 2054 is turned off is set to TY.

  However, after TY, a predetermined voice guidance for about 2.6 seconds at the end of the TY is performed (TTC). Therefore, by turning off the security signal after the voice guidance in the eco function setting state, the output is at least 2.6 seconds. Since (voice guidance time TTC)> (maximum time that can be measured), TY + TTC, which is the ON time of the security signal when referring to the setting, is longer than the minimum output signal duration of the output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30. The output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30 can be reliably received by the hall computer.

  The time measurement of 2.6 seconds is performed by the same timer, and 1.5 seconds + 1.1 seconds = 2.6 seconds. During the 2.6 second measurement period, the game cannot be progressed. This is to prevent the voice guidance in the eco function setting state and the voice accompanying the progress of the game from overlapping.

  FIG. 17D shows a timing chart of the door opening signal. Also in this case, similarly to FIG. 17A, the TTA + TX + TTB that is the ON time of the door opening signal becomes longer than the minimum output signal duration. The output signal of the concentrated terminal board 30 can be reliably received by the hall computer.

  According to the embodiment of the invention, a signal can be maintained longer than the minimum output signal duration required for the output of the concentrated terminal board 30 while using a 1-byte timer (1.5-second timer). According to the embodiment of the invention, the program can be smaller than that using a 2-byte timer, and the burden of the main program capacity can be reduced.

  FIG. 18 is a circuit block diagram for realizing the security signal / door opening signal in the timing charts of FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (d). This circuit can be realized by hardware such as an IC or software. In the case of FIG. 17D, the “abnormal factor” is “door (door sensor 206)”. Hereinafter, the case of FIG. 17A is taken as an example to add description.

  When an abnormality factor occurs, the signal enters the set terminal of the abnormality factor flag (flip-flop) 51 through the OR gate 52, and turns on the abnormality factor flag (which corresponds to a security signal).

  At the same time, the abnormality factor starts a 0.5 second timer 53 (which counts the time when the cancellation is impossible). The switch 54 is turned on when the time measurement of 0.5 seconds is completed. Prior to the end of timing, the switch 54 is off, so no error release signal is transmitted and the abnormality factor flag cannot be turned off.

  The error release signal generated when the error release operation is accepted activates a 1.5 second timer (clocking the maximum possible time) 55. While the 1.5-second timer 55 is measuring, the output of the OR gate 52 enters the set terminal of the abnormality factor flag 51, and the abnormality factor flag is on regardless of the reset terminal of the abnormality factor flag 51.

  After the time measurement of the 0.5 second timer 53 is finished, an error release signal is input to the reset terminal, and after the time measurement of the 1.5 second timer 55 is finished, the error factor flag is turned off by the error release signal.

  The time measured by the 0.5 second timer 53 corresponds to TTA, and the time measured by the 1.5 second timer 55 corresponds to TTB.

  FIG. 19 is a circuit block diagram for realizing the security signal in the timing charts of FIGS. This circuit can also be realized by hardware such as an IC or software. In the case of FIG. 17C, the 1.5 second timer 55 becomes the voice guidance time TTC.

  Hereinafter, the case of FIG. 17B will be described as an example.

  When a setting change occurs, a setting change start signal enters the set terminal of the error factor flag 51 and turns on the error factor flag.

  The setting change end signal generated when the setting key switch 2054 is turned off starts the 1.5-second timer 55. The switch 54 is turned on when 1.5 seconds have been counted. Prior to the end of timing, the switch 54 is off, so that the setting change end signal is not transmitted and the abnormality factor flag 51 cannot be turned off.

  After the time measurement by the 1.5 second timer 55 is completed, a setting change end signal is input to the reset terminal and the abnormality factor flag is turned off.

  In the above example, 2 seconds is adopted as a suitable value for the minimum duration of the output signal, but even if this is 1.5 seconds, the hall computer can generally detect it. Assuming this, for example, when the setting change is completed in a short time (less than 0.5 seconds) (not only when the formal setting change operation is completed in a short time, but also some illegal signal is received from the outside Even if it is output and the setting change is completed without a formal operation), the above-described effects can be obtained.

Given the above,
(Minimum output signal duration) ≤ (Maximum time that can be measured) + (Release disabled time)
Is
(Minimum output signal duration) ≒ (Maximum time that can be measured) + (Release disabled time)
It can be. The range of error is less than 0.5 seconds.

In other words,
(Minimum output signal duration) ≦ (maximum time that can be measured) + (cancellation impossible time) +0.5 seconds.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

1 medal selector 10 main board 30 concentrated terminal plate 32-6, 33-6 first relay 32-7, 33-7 second relay 43 payout medal detector 206 door sensor S1, S2 medal sensor (inserted medal detector)
S10 Exit sensor SW1 Setting change reference switch

Claims (1)

A medal selector that selects inserted medals, a hopper device that pays out medals, a main board that performs processing related to games, and a concentrated terminal board that includes a plurality of relays that operate in response to signals from the main board ,
And at least
A inserted medal detector for detecting a medal inserted in the medal selector;
A payout medal detection unit for detecting a medal paid out by the hopper device;
With a door sensor that detects the opening of the door of the gaming machine housing,
At least the inserted medal detector, the payout medal detector, and the door sensor are connected to the main board,
The main board is at least
Based on the output of the inserted medal detection unit, a backflow error E1 that is an error indicating that a medal has flowed back in the medal selector is generated, and a staying error E6 that indicates a stay of medals in the medal selector is generated,
Based on the output of the payout medal detection unit, an empty error E2 indicating that the medal is empty in the hopper device is generated,
Based on the output of the payout medal detection unit, a payout jam error E3 indicating that the medal is jammed is generated,
Based on the output of the payout medal detection unit, a payout abnormality error E4 indicating a payout abnormality in the hopper device is generated,
An over error E5 is generated based on an output of an overflow sensor provided in a sub tank provided adjacent to a hopper tank that stores medals to be paid out,
Based on the output of the door sensor, generate a door opening error signal indicating the opening of the door,
When either the backflow error E1 or the payout abnormality error E4 is generated, a predetermined signal (hereinafter referred to as “first specific signal”) is generated,
When the door opening error signal is generated, a predetermined signal (hereinafter “second specific signal”) is generated,
The concentrated terminal plate operates based on the first specific signal to output a contact ON / OFF signal to an external device, and operates based on the second specific signal to switch the contact ON / OFF signal. A second relay that outputs to the external device,
A gaming machine , wherein the first specific signal is not generated even when at least one of an empty error E2, a payout jam error E3, an over error E5, or a staying error E6 is generated .

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