JP6338461B2 - Gaming machines and magnetic detectors - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine capable of performing a predetermined game using a gaming medium, and a magnetic detector capable of detecting magnetism generated by an illegal act in the gaming machine.

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

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

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

  As described above, when a game ball wins a prize area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. Further, when the game ball wins the start area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, and the variable display of identification information that may cause a big hit gaming state is started. The material of the game ball used in the pachinko gaming machine is steel. Therefore, there is a case where the player guides the game ball to the winning area (including the start area) with a magnet and intentionally performs an illegal act that intentionally increases the game value.

  In order to detect fraud using a magnet, a gaming machine having a magnet detection function is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 monitors the generation state of magnetic force based on a detection signal from a magnetic sensor, and outputs an abnormal process for a magnetic force exceeding a predetermined strength, so that a magnet or the like is output. Detects fraud by magnetic force. Furthermore, when the drive unit is in an excited state, monitoring by detecting magnetic force from the magnetic sensor by the monitoring unit is prohibited, thereby suppressing the influence in the excited state of the drive unit.

JP 2014-191 A

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when the drive unit is in an excited state, monitoring by detecting the magnetic force from the magnetic sensor by the monitoring unit is prohibited, so that the magnetic force of an external magnet or the like is in the period during which the drive unit is in the excited state. There is a period during which fraudulent activity cannot be detected. In recent years, game machines have been provided with a plurality of driving objects not only for opening and closing the variable winning ball apparatus but also for game effects and the like. In a gaming machine provided with a plurality of driving objects as described above, monitoring is prohibited when monitoring by magnetic force detection is prohibited corresponding to the excitation state of the plurality of driving objects as in the invention described in Patent Document 1. The period to do will be prolonged. Therefore, when an illegal act is performed aiming at the excitation period of the driven object, it is considered that the illegal act cannot be detected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of detecting illegal acts in such a gaming machine, and in a gaming machine equipped with a driving object that generates magnetism, the influence of magnetism generated by the driving object is eliminated. The object is to detect illegal magnetism using a magnet or the like. Furthermore, even when the game machine drive is in an excited state, it is possible to accurately detect illegal magnetism generated by an external magnet or the like by shortening the period during which monitoring of external magnetism is prohibited as much as possible. It is the purpose.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention (for example, the gaming machine 1 in FIG. 1)
Driving means (for example, variable winning ball device 15) that changes from the first mode (for example, the closed state of the variable winning ball device 15) to the second mode (for example, the open state of the variable winning ball device 15) based on the energization control; ,
A gaming machine comprising a magnetic detector (for example, the magnetic detector 130 of FIG. 9) for detecting a change in the surrounding magnetic field,
Monitoring means for monitoring changes in the ambient magnetic field detected by the magnetic detector (for example, calculation of magnetic field change amounts in the magnetic field change amount calculation units 202x to 202z);
Detection means (for example, magnetic field detection) for detecting an illegal magnetic field change based on a comparison between a change in ambient magnetic field monitored by the monitoring means and a reference magnetic field (for example, a reference value calculated by the reference magnetic field correction unit 204). Detection of an illegal magnetic field in the unit 234),
A prohibition unit (for example, a prohibition process executed by the control circuit 180) for prohibiting output of the detection result of the detection unit ;
Resetting means (for example, resetting process executed by the control circuit 180) for resetting the reference magnetic field after the predetermined output prohibition period ,
The prohibition means is
The output prohibition period (for example, the period during which the output prohibition signal Sca in FIG. 22 indicates prohibition) corresponding to the change period from the first mode to the second mode of the driving unit, or the second mode. The output of the detection result of the detecting means is prohibited in at least one of the output prohibition period (for example, the period during which the output prohibition signal Sca in FIG. 22 indicates prohibition) corresponding to the change period from the first mode to the first mode. And
In a predetermined period after the power is turned on, the output of the detection result of the detection unit is prohibited (for example, a startup prohibition process shown in FIG. 20),
If the drive means has changed at the end of the predetermined period (for example, extension of the operation confirmation process), prohibit the output of the detection result of the detection means,
When the driving unit has not changed at the end of the predetermined period, the output of the detection result of the detection unit is not prohibited .

  According to the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, the detection process is detected during the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the first mode to the second mode (or from the second mode to the first mode) of the drive unit. With the configuration for prohibiting the output of the result and the configuration for resetting the reference magnetic field after the output prohibition period, it is possible to perform fraud detection with the change period of the drive unit as the output prohibition period. Therefore, fraud detection can be performed even in a period in which the drive unit is in an excited state that magnetically affects the magnetic detector. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the output prohibition period to a short period and accurately detect illegal magnetism generated by an external magnet or the like.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect,
The output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the first aspect to the second aspect or the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the second aspect to the first aspect is a control for controlling the gaming machine. It is determined based on a signal (for example, solenoid drive signal Sc) output from the means (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 of FIG. 2).

  According to the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, the output prohibition period is determined based on the signal output from the control means. In the control means such as the game control microcomputer 560, the various configurations of the gaming machine including the drive unit are performed and various processes are executed. Therefore, the output prohibition period is determined according to various commands to the drive unit or the drive state. It is possible to output a signal for determining.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect,
The output inhibition period corresponding to the change period from the first aspect to the second aspect, or the output inhibition period corresponding to the change period from the second aspect to the first aspect is a signal for driving the driving means. It is determined based on (for example, solenoid drive signal Sc).

  According to the gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, the output prohibition period is determined based on a signal for driving the drive unit. According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine the output prohibition period by processing a signal for driving the drive unit, and it is possible to easily perform a process for determining the output prohibition period.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect,
Power supply means (for example, the power supply of the gaming machine 1);
Power supply control means (for example, main board 31) for controlling power supply to the magnetic detector,
The power control means, as the resetting means , once turns off the power supply and then turns on the power supply.

  In the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by causing the magnetic detector to resume power supply (changing the power supply from the off state to the on state), the resetting process for resetting the reference magnetic field is executed. Is possible. Therefore, the reference magnetic field can be reset based on the control of power supply to the magnetic detector. In addition, during the period in which the power source of the magnetic detector is turned off, the error signal output can be prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to control the magnetic detector only by controlling the power supply. .

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The output prohibition period can be set (for example, the setting period of the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set).

  According to the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the output prohibition period can be set, so that the output prohibition period can be set according to the type of gaming machine and the arrangement situation of the gaming machines. It is possible to use a common magnetic detector for a plurality of models and the like, and it is possible to reduce the cost associated with the introduction of the magnetic detector.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
Said monitoring means, said detecting means, of said inhibiting means, at least one means, characterized in that the magnetic detector is provided.

  According to the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the processing load on the gaming machine side is reduced by executing at least one of the monitoring process, the detection process, and the prohibition process in the magnetic detector. It becomes possible. Of the monitoring processing, detection processing, and prohibition processing, processing that is not performed on the magnetic detector side is executed by a configuration outside the magnetic detector, such as the game control microcomputer 560 and the effect control microcomputer 100. The

  In the gaming machine, there is a case where an operation confirmation process for operating various driving units after power-on is executed. In the operation confirmation process, a large number of drive units may be operated at the same time. Therefore, the magnetic detector may erroneously detect a magnetic field change caused by the large number of drive units as an illegal magnet such as an external magnet. According to the gaming machine according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection during the operation confirmation process.

  In the operation confirmation process performed at the time of startup, the operation confirmation process may be extended even after a predetermined period of time, such as when a problem occurs in the drive unit or the like. According to the gaming machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, even when the operation check process is extended, the start-up prohibition process is extended corresponding to the extension of the operation check process. Can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to eighth aspects,
A plurality of driving means (for example, a variable winning ball device 15 and a special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening);
The prohibiting means includes an output prohibition period corresponding to the change period of the plurality of driving means (for example, periods when the output prohibition signal Sca in FIG. 28 indicates prohibition: t1 to t2, t3 to t4, t5 to t6, t7 to In at least one of t8), the output of the detection result of the detection means is prohibited.

In recent years, game machines have been provided with a plurality of driving objects not only for opening and closing the variable winning ball apparatus but also for game effects and the like. According to the gaming machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to exclude the influence of magnetism generated by a plurality of driving units. In addition, since the output prohibition period is a short period corresponding to the change period, even when a plurality of drive units are targeted for the output prohibition period, the output prohibition period is suppressed to a short period and illegal magnetism by an external magnet or the like is performed. Can be accurately detected.

Further, the magnetic detector according to the present invention (for example, the magnetic detector 130 of FIG. 9)
Drive means (for example, variable winning ball device 15) that changes from the first mode (for example, the closed state of the variable winning ball device 15) to the second mode (for example, the open state of the variable winning ball device 15) based on the energization control. A magnetic detector that can be mounted on a target device (for example, the gaming machine 1 in FIG. 1),
Monitoring means for monitoring changes in the ambient magnetic field (for example, calculation of magnetic field change amounts in the magnetic field change amount calculation units 202x to 202z);
Detection means (for example, a magnetic field detection unit) that detects an illegal magnetic field change based on a comparison between a change in ambient magnetic field monitored by the monitoring unit and a reference magnetic field (for example, a reference value calculated by a reference magnetic field correction unit) Detection of fraudulent magnetic field at 234),
A prohibition unit (for example, a prohibition process executed by the control circuit 180) for prohibiting output of a detection result (for example, an error signal) of the detection unit ;
Resetting means for resetting said reference magnetic field after a predetermined output inhibit period (e.g., re-setting processing executed by the control circuit 180) and provided with,
The prohibition means is
The output prohibition period (for example, the period during which the output prohibition signal Sca in FIG. 22 indicates prohibition) corresponding to the change period from the first mode to the second mode of the driving unit, or the second mode. The output of the detection result of the detecting means is prohibited in at least one of the output prohibition period (for example, the period during which the output prohibition signal Sca in FIG. 22 indicates prohibition) corresponding to the change period from the first mode to the first mode. And
In a predetermined period after the power is turned on, the output of the detection result of the detection unit is prohibited (for example, a startup prohibition process shown in FIG. 20),
If the drive means has changed at the end of the predetermined period (for example, extension of the operation confirmation process), prohibit the output of the detection result of the detection means,
When the driving unit has not changed at the end of the predetermined period, the output of the detection result of the detection unit is not prohibited .

  According to the magnetic detector of the present invention, the output of the detection result of the detection process is output during the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the first mode to the second mode (or the second mode to the first mode) of the drive unit. With the configuration of prohibiting and the configuration of resetting the reference magnetic field after the output prohibition period, it is possible to perform fraud detection using the change period of the drive unit as the output prohibition period. Therefore, fraud detection can be performed even in a period in which the drive unit is in an excited state that magnetically affects the magnetic detector. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the output prohibition period to a short period and accurately detect illegal magnetism generated by an external magnet or the like.

Front view of gaming machine from the front Block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the main board and its surroundings A block diagram showing an example of a control structure of an effect control board and its surroundings The flowchart which shows the main processing which the microcomputer for game control performs Flow chart showing timer interrupt processing Flow chart showing production control main process Flow chart showing production control process Flow chart showing fraud detection processing Perspective view showing the appearance of the magnetic detector Three-side view (top view, side view) showing the appearance of the magnetic detector The figure which shows the attachment form (mode A) of a magnetic detector The figure which shows the attachment form (mode B) of a magnetic detector The figure which shows the attachment form (mode C) of a magnetic detector Block diagram showing a configuration example of a magnetic detector Block diagram showing a configuration example of an implementation example of a magnetic detector Table explaining functions of input / output terminals of magnetic detector Block diagram showing a control configuration example of a magnetic detection element of a magnetic detector Block diagram showing a control configuration example of the control unit Block diagram showing a control configuration example of the reference magnetic field correction unit Flow chart showing output prohibition process executed by magnetic detector Diagram showing selection table and detection range table Time chart showing the relationship between various signals and detection of magnetic change by magnetic detector Time chart showing the relationship between various signals and detection of magnetic change by magnetic detector Time chart showing the relationship between various signals and detection of magnetic change by magnetic detector The figure which shows the control structure of the magnetic detector which concerns on other embodiment. The figure which shows the control structure of the magnetic detector which concerns on other embodiment. The figure which shows the control structure of the magnetic detector which concerns on other embodiment. Time chart showing the relationship between various signals and detection of magnetic change by magnetic detector The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the magnetic detector of other embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the magnetic detector of other embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of the gaming machine 1, but the gaming machine 1 that is the subject of the present invention includes various gaming machines such as a slot gaming machine in addition to such a pachinko gaming machine. It is possible to adopt a machine. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 as seen from the front. A coordinate system related to the gaming machine 1 is defined in the lower right of FIG. When the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front, the left direction is the positive X-axis direction, the upward direction is the positive Y-axis direction, and the direction extending from the front to the back is the positive Z-axis direction. The defined coordinate system is the same as the coordinate system used in the back side configuration of the gaming machine 1 described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

  In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, an effect display device 9 is provided as a game component composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD). The display screen of the effect display device 9 has a decorative symbol display area for performing variable display of decorative symbols in synchronization with variable symbol special display. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of decorative symbols. In the decorative symbol display area, for example, three pieces of decoration (production) identification information “left”, “middle”, and “right” are variably displayed so as to move from top to bottom, for example. There are symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R (symbol display lines) of “left”, “middle”, and “right” in the decorative symbol display area. The positions of the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R are effect display. The display screen of the device 9 may not be fixed, and the three areas of the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80. When the effect control microcomputer 100 executes the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8, the effect display device 9 executes the effect display along with the variable display. It can make it easier to grasp.

  A special symbol display 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the lower part of the game board 6. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the special symbol display 8 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. The small display is formed in a square shape, for example. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 can adopt various display forms such as variably displaying numbers (or two-digit symbols) of 00 to 99, for example.

  Below the effect display device 9, a winning device having a first starting winning port 13 (first starting port) is provided. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a. A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 (second starting port) through which a game ball can be won is provided below the winning device having the first starting winning port 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be won at the second start winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is closed, the game ball does not win the second start winning port 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening. When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The game area 7 is also provided with winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, and 39 for paying out a predetermined number of premium game balls determined in advance based on winning of game balls. The game balls that have won the winning ports 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided on the right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols. When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . And when the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change.

  In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 Opening time and opening times are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

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

  The gaming machine 1 includes a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to the player operating the hitting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch the gaming ball to the game area 7. Z). A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. If the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a or the second start opening switch 14a, it can start the variable symbol special display. The special symbol display 8 starts variable display of the special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of the decorative symbol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, a communication unit 42 that can communicate with the hall management computer is connected to the main board 31. The communication unit 42 is communicatively connected to the hall management computer, and can transmit information indicating various gaming states such as a big hit gaming state to the hall management computer via the communication unit 42. The communication unit 42 also transmits information indicating fraud to the hall management computer even when the magnetic detector 130 determines fraud detection using a magnet.

  In addition, a magnetic detector 130 is connected to the main substrate 31 via a setting substrate 60. In the setting board 60 of the present embodiment, as shown by a broken line, the signal between the magnetic detector 30 and the main board 31 is in a through state, and the setting board 60 corresponds to the signal between the magnetic detector 30 and the main board 31. Not involved. Therefore, the magnetic detector 30 and the main board 31 can be directly connected without the setting board 60 interposed. The magnetic detector 130 is a sensor for detecting an unauthorized operation using a magnet outside the gaming machine 1, and outputs an error signal to the game control microcomputer 560 when an external magnetic field due to the unauthorized operation is detected. . When the game control microcomputer 560 receives an error signal, the game display microcomputer 9, the speaker 27, and the communication unit 42 are used to notify the manager such as hall staff that the gaming machine 1 is abnormal. An abnormality notification process is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the magnetic detector 130 is connected to a setting board 60 for setting the effective detection direction of the magnetic detector 130 and the magnetic detection range (magnetic detection range). The setting board 60 outputs signals (selection signal Sa, range setting signal Sb) corresponding to the magnetic detector 130 based on the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply of the gaming machine 1. The setting board 60 includes a circuit that converts the power supply voltage into a signal corresponding to the setting of the magnetic detector 130 and outputs the signal. Since the main board 31 is limited in the capacity of the ROM 54 and the RAM 55, it is difficult for the main board 31 to execute various settings of the magnetic detector 130. In the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the processing burden on the game control microcomputer 560 by performing various settings of the magnetic detector 130 on the setting board 60.

  In the present embodiment, since the magnetic detector 130 can be set by the circuit configuration (hardware configuration) of the setting board 60, the magnetic detector 130 is not required to have a configuration (software configuration) such as storing a program. The setting for the magnetic detector 130 is realized with a simple configuration of connecting to the setting board 60 via a cable. In the present embodiment, one magnetic detector 130 is provided. However, when a plurality of magnetic detectors 130 are used, a plurality of magnetic detectors 130 corresponding to each magnetic detector 130 are used from the setting board 60. By outputting the setting signal, various settings of each magnetic detector 130 can be realized.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine 1 and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing the security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When ON is detected in the confirmation (step S6: Y), the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S13).

  If the clear switch is not in the on state (step S6: N), the data protection process for the backup RAM area when the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is stopped (for example, the power supply stop process such as addition of parity data). It is confirmed whether or not has been performed (step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed (step S7: N), the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed (step S7: Y), the CPU 56 checks the data in the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case (step S8: N), the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of power supply stop, so the initialization process executed at the time of power-on not at the time of recovery from the stop of power supply is executed. .

  If the check result is normal (step S8: Y), the CPU 56 restores the game state for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Processing (processing of steps S41 to S43) is performed. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set. Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery to the effect control board 80 (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S47.

  In the initialization process (steps S10 to S13), the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Also, the initial address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area in the RAM 55 (step S12). By the processing of step S11 and step S12, an initial value is set to a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state such as a special symbol process flag.

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

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initially setting the random number circuit 503 (step S47). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S48). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  The CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S50) and the initial value random number update process (step S51) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S49). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S52).

  In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern or the like, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial value of a count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to hit a normal symbol (normal symbol determination random number generation counter). It is a random number for determining. A game control process for controlling the progress of a game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 is a game display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the gaming machine 1 itself. In the process of controlling, or the process of sending a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, also referred to as a gaming device control process), the count value of the jackpot determination random number generation counter or the like is one round (a value that can be taken by the random number). When the number of steps from the minimum value to the maximum value is incremented), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process in steps S20 to S35 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 confirms whether or not the error signal from the magnetic detector 130 indicates an abnormal state (a state in which the magnet is detected) in the fraud detection process of step S34, and the error signal is in an abnormal state. Is displayed, an abnormality notification process for notifying an administrator such as a hall staff of the abnormality is executed using the effect display device 9, the speaker 27, the communication unit 42, and the like. In this embodiment, the abnormality notification process is executed by the game control microcomputer 560. However, the abnormality notification process uses a configuration other than the game control microcomputer 560 such as the effect control microcomputer 100. It may be executed. After executing a series of processes, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S34 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of fraud detection processing (step S34 in FIG. 5) executed on the main board 31. The fraud detection process of this embodiment is a process executed by the game control microcomputer 560, and the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the abnormality notification process (steps S904 to S907) is being executed. (Step S901). Specifically, whether or not the abnormality notification process is being executed is determined based on whether or not the abnormality notification flag is set. If the abnormality notification process is already being detected (step S901: Y), the fraud detection process is exited.

  On the other hand, when the abnormality notification process is not executed (step S901: N), it is confirmed whether or not the solenoid has started to be driven (step S902). Although the two solenoids 16 and 21 are mounted on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the magnetism generated by the driving of the solenoid to be determined in step S901 and step S902 is generated in the magnetic detector 130. It is an influential solenoid. Here, it is assumed that one solenoid affects the magnetic detector 130. When the solenoid to be determined is driven (S902: Y), the solenoid drive signal Sc is output to the magnetic detector 130 (S909). If the solenoid to be determined is driven (S903: Y), the solenoid drive signal Sc being output is stopped (S910).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the error signal from the magnetic detector 130 is in a state (for example, high level) corresponding to magnetic field detection (magnet detection) (step S904). Hereinafter, an error signal corresponding to magnetic field detection (magnet detection) is referred to as an error signal being output, and an error signal corresponds to magnetic field non-detection (magnet non-detection) (for example, The error signal is not output.

  If an error signal is output (step S904: Y), an abnormality notification process (steps S905 to S908) for notifying that an abnormality has been detected is executed. In the present embodiment, as abnormality notification processing, the game control microcomputer 560 displays, for example, an image indicating “magnet discovery” or an image indicating abnormality detection on the effect display board 9 on the effect control board 80. Is performed (step S905). Further, the game control microcomputer 560 causes the effect control board 80 to output the sound number data corresponding to the abnormality notification sound to the voice output board 70, and causes the speaker 27 to output the abnormality notification sound (step S906). Further, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits information including the identification information of the gaming machine 1 in which the abnormality is detected to the hall management computer via the communication unit 42 (step S907). Then, an abnormality notification flag is set (step S908). It should be noted that the set abnormality notification flag is maintained until it is canceled by an operation of an administrator such as hall staff.

  If a magnet that may be used for cheating such as illegally guiding a game ball to the winning area or a magnet used for cheating is discovered by the abnormality notification process as described above, In the gaming machine 1, a state indicating an abnormality is displayed on the effect display device 9, and an abnormality notification sound is output from the speaker 27. A report is also sent to the hall management computer.

  In addition, as abnormality notification processing executed when an error signal is output from the magnetic detector 130, abnormality notification is performed using only the effect display device 9, abnormality notification is performed using only the speaker 27, etc. Appropriate forms can be adopted. Further, abnormality notification is performed using another effect device (for example, a light emitter such as an LED), or the effect display device 9 and the speaker 27 are combined with another effect device (for example, a light emitter such as an LED). May be.

  Further, in this embodiment, when an error signal is output from the magnetic detector 130, the abnormality notification process is continuously executed until the abnormality notification flag is released by the operation of an administrator such as hall staff. . In addition to this, the abnormality notification process is continuously executed until the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is stopped, or when no error signal is output from the magnetic detector 130 (the error signal is not detected by the magnetic field (the magnet is not detected). When a state corresponding to (detection) is reached, various types of continuation such as termination of abnormality notification can be adopted.

  9 and 10 are views showing the appearance of the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the magnetic detector 130, and FIG. 10 is a three-side view (top view) of the magnetic detector 130. , Side view). The magnetic detector 130 of this embodiment has a casing 131 composed of an upper lid 131a and a lower box 131b, and various components such as a magnetic detection element 170 and a control circuit 180 are mounted inside the casing 131. The When the upper lid 131a and the lower box 131b are combined, a cable outlet hole 132 is formed. The cable lead-out hole 132 is a hole for leading a cable for supplying power and inputting / outputting various signals from the inside of the housing 131 to the outside. In the present embodiment, a protrusion 131c is formed on the upper lid 131a, and the size of the cable outlet hole 132 is increased.

  The magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment has three surfaces (first mounting surface S1, second mounting surface S2, and third mounting surface S3) among the six surfaces formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as mounting surfaces for the gaming machine 1. It can be used. The selection of the attachment surface (selection of the attachment mode) is selected according to the situation of the back surface of the gaming machine 1 that is different for each model of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, when any one of the three attachment surfaces is selected, the attachment area for the gaming machine 1 (corresponding to the area of the attachment surface), the protruding amount of the magnetic detector 130 on the back surface of the gaming machine 1, Since the lead-out direction of the cable led out from the cable lead-out hole 132 of the detector 130 is different, the situation on the back surface of the gaming machine 1 can be dealt with. Here, a coordinate system is defined for the magnetic detector 130. The first mounting surface S1 is parallel to the xy plane, the second mounting surface S2 is parallel to the zx plane, and the third mounting surface is orthogonal to each other so that S3 is parallel to the yz plane. Define the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

  The magnetic detector 130 of this embodiment can detect the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis that are orthogonal to each other as the magnetic detection direction. Specifically, in the configuration of the magnetic detector 130 shown in FIG. 17, the x-axis sensor 13x detects magnetism in the x-axis direction, the y-axis sensor 13y detects magnetism in the y-axis direction, and the z-axis sensor 13z The magnetism in the z-axis direction is detected. The magnetic detector 130 of this embodiment can set two axes as effective detection directions among the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. That is, any one of the xy plane, the yz plane, and the zx plane can be set as an effective plane for detecting magnetism. The setting of the effective plane in the present embodiment is realized by the circuit configuration (hardware specifications) of the setting board 60, but the setting of the effective plane is also a mechanical switch provided on the setting board 60 or the magnetic detector 130. It is possible to adopt various forms such as performing by switching (hardware specifications), or by performing program processing of the game control microcomputer 560 or the production control microcomputer 100 (software specifications).

  As described above, the case 131 and the magnetic detection direction of the magnetic detector 130 according to the present embodiment have been described. However, the magnetic detector 130 is not limited to such a configuration, and various forms can be adopted. For example, the shape of the housing 131 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped in which each surface is formed of a rectangle, but may be a shape in which any surface is square, or a shape in which all surfaces are square (cuboid). Good. In the case of a rectangular parallelepiped, the area of the mounting surface is the same no matter which surface is selected as the mounting surface, but the direction in which the cable lead-out hole 132 faces differs depending on the mounting surface to be selected. It is possible to change the derivation direction of the game machine, and it is possible to deal with different situations on the back depending on the model of the gaming machine 1.

  Moreover, although the magnetic detector 130 of this embodiment can use three surfaces on the housing | casing 131 as an attachment surface (S1-S3), the attachment surface should just be two or more surfaces on the housing | casing 131, It is possible to set appropriately according to the arrangement state of the magnetic sensor in the magnetic detector 130.

  FIGS. 11 to 13 are perspective views showing attachment modes (modes A to C) of the magnetic detector 130. As described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment is configured to have three mounting surfaces (S <b> 1 to S <b> 3). Therefore, it is possible to select three attachment forms in which each attachment surface is opposed to the back surface of the gaming machine 1. 11 to 13 are diagrams schematically showing the state of the back surface of the gaming board 6 (the back surface of the gaming machine 1), and the same coordinate system of the gaming machine 1 as that of FIG. 1 is shown in the lower left. Although the state of the back surface of the gaming board 6 described in FIGS. 11 to 13 is schematically shown as a flat plate, various components of the gaming machine 1 are actually arranged. Further, the scale of the magnetic detector 130 with respect to the game board 6 is also schematically shown and may be different from the actual one.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an attachment mode (mode A) of the magnetic detector 130. In the figure, a cable 136 led out from the cable lead-out hole 132 of the magnetic detector 130 is shown. The cable 136 is connected to an external setting board 60. In this mode A, the first mounting surface S1 of the magnetic detector 130 is mounted facing the back surface of the game board 6. The magnetic detector 130 is attached using various fixing means. The magnetic detector 130 may be attached to other than the game board 6 of the gaming machine 1 in addition to the aspect attached to the game board 6. The magnetic detector 130 preferably uses a fixing means other than metal because of its property of detecting magnetism.

  The first mounting surface S1 is the mounting surface having the largest area, and in the case of the mode A that is mounted so that the first mounting surface S1 is parallel to the back surface of the game board 6, the magnetic detector 130 is stably fixed. It is possible. Further, in aspect A, it is possible to suppress the protrusion amount with respect to the back direction (Z-axis positive direction) of the gaming machine 1 most, and to suppress interference with other components. In the aspect A, the x-axis and the y-axis are effective detection directions of the magnetic detector 130, and the z-axis is an invalid detection direction. That is, the xy plane of the magnetic detector 130 parallel to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1 is an effective plane. Thus, by setting a plane parallel to the game board 6 as an effective plane, it becomes possible to accurately detect the magnetism of the magnet used along the glass door frame 2 of the gaming machine 1. Further, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection due to magnetism caused by the operation of the gaming machine 1 in the back direction (Z-axis positive direction) of the gaming machine 1 or external magnetism generated by the back of the gaming machine 1 or the like. ing.

  Further, in this aspect A, since the plane (zx plane) having the cable outlet hole 132 is orthogonal to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1, the cable 136 can be taken out in a direction parallel to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1. is there.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an attachment mode (mode B) of the magnetic detector 130. In this mode B, the second mounting surface S2 of the magnetic detector 130 is mounted facing the back surface of the game board 6. The second mounting surface S2 is the mounting surface having the smallest area. In the case of the mode B in which the second mounting surface S2 is mounted so as to be parallel to the back surface of the gaming board 6, the back surface direction of the gaming machine 1 (Z-axis positive However, the magnetic detector 130 can be fixed with a minimum mounting area.

  Also in aspect B, as in the case of aspect A, the effective plane of the magnetic detector 130 is a plane parallel to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1 (in this case, the zx plane). That is, the x-axis and z-axis of the magnetic detector 130 are effective detection directions, and the y-axis of the magnetic detector 130 is an invalid detection direction. Further, in this aspect B, since the plane (zx plane) having the cable outlet hole 132 is parallel to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1, the cable 136 can be taken out in a direction perpendicular to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1. It is.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an attachment mode (mode C) of the magnetic detector 130. In this mode C, the third mounting surface S3 of the magnetic detector 130 is mounted facing the back surface of the game board 6. The third attachment surface S3 is an attachment surface having an intermediate area between the first attachment surface S1 and the second attachment surface S2, and the third attachment surface S3 is attached so that the third attachment surface S3 is parallel to the back surface of the game board 6. In this case, the mounting area between the aspect A and the aspect C and the protrusion amount with respect to the back direction (Z-axis positive direction) of the gaming machine 1 between the aspect A and the aspect C can be used.

  Also in aspect C, as in aspects A and B, the effective plane of the magnetic detector 130 is a plane parallel to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1 (in this case, the yz plane). That is, the y-axis and z-axis of the magnetic detector 130 are effective detection directions, and the x-axis of the magnetic detector 130 is an invalid detection direction. Further, in this aspect C, as in the case of aspect A, the plane (zx plane) having the cable outlet hole 132 is orthogonal to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1, so that the cable is parallel to the XY plane of the gaming machine 1. 136 can be removed.

  As described above, the three attachment modes (modes A to C) have been described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, but according to the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment, the state of the back surface of the gaming machine 1 (part arrangement state, etc.) It is possible to select a suitable mounting mode. In the present embodiment, it is possible to select an attachment mode according to the state of the back surface of the gaming machine 1 using the difference in the area of the attachment surface (S1 to S3) and the direction in which the cable 136 is led out. Yes. Then, according to the selected mounting mode, the magnet used along the glass door frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 by setting two of the three axes of the magnetic detection direction of the magnetic detector 130 as effective detection directions. It is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the magnetic field and to suppress erroneous detection due to external magnetism generated by the back of the gaming machine 1 or the like.

  In addition, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment can be used for a plurality of game machine 1 models that can be considered to have different back layouts. Therefore, it is not necessary to design the magnetic detector 130 according to the model of the gaming machine 1, and it is possible to use a plurality of models. Further, when the gaming machine 1 is recycled, the removed magnetic detector 130 can be reused for another model. As described above, the magnetic detector 130 according to the present embodiment can be used among a plurality of models, and thus the cost of the magnetic detector 130 can be reduced in terms of design, manufacturing, and recycling. is there.

  In the present embodiment, three attachment modes (Aspects A to C) have been described. However, the attachment modes may be two or more. For example, it is conceivable to limit to the mode A in FIG. 11 having the largest mounting area and the mode B in FIG. 12 having the smallest mounting area. In this case, the magnetic detector 130 is set in two ways: a setting in which the x-axis and the y-axis are effective detection directions (in the case of aspect A), and a setting in which the z-axis and the x-axis are effective detection directions (in the case of aspect B). Designed to be configurable.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the magnetic detector 130 together with the setting substrate 60. In this embodiment, the magnetic detector 130 includes a magnetic detection element 170 and a control circuit 180. The control circuit 180 includes an AD converter 160 and a control unit 161. The AD converter 160 converts a detection voltage that is an analog signal output from the magnetic detection element 170 into a digital signal. The control circuit 180 can execute an average process, a reference value correction process, an effective surface setting process, a range (sensitivity) setting process, a comparison process, and a prohibition process. As the control circuit 180, a microcontroller (for example, MSP430F2002 manufactured by Texas Instruments) that performs a control operation according to a program can be used. When a microcontroller is used as the control circuit 180, each process described above is realized by a program.

  The magnetic detection element 170 detects a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied to the amorphous wire arranged along three axes (x axis, y axis, z axis) orthogonal to each other, and based on each change amount. The control circuit 180 is configured to output a detection voltage, and has a function of outputting a channel signal to the magnetic detection element 170. The channel signal indicates a detection voltage from any of the x-axis detection element (x-axis sensor 13x), the y-axis detection element (y-axis sensor 13y), and the z-axis detection element (z-axis sensor 13z). This is a signal for selecting whether to output.

  The averaging process is a process of averaging the detection voltage value output from the magnetic detector 130 over time. The reference value correction process is a process for correcting a reference value for detecting the amount of change in the combined magnetic field based on the detection voltage output from the magnetic detector 130. The effective surface setting process is a process of setting an effective plane having two axes in the effective detection direction among the three axes of magnetic detection directions output by the magnetic detection element 170. In the present embodiment, one of the three planes parallel to the xy plane, the yz plane, and the zx plane is set as an effective plane according to the attachment mode of the magnetic detector 130. The range (sensitivity) setting process is a process of setting a magnetic detection range (sensitivity) in the magnetic detector 130 by changing a threshold for fraud detection using a magnet. The comparison process is a process of outputting an error signal to the game control microcomputer 560 when the amount of change in the combined magnetic field on the effective plane exceeds the threshold set in the range setting process. In the prohibition process, an error signal is output from the magnetic detector 130 during the change period corresponding to the change period of magnetism that affects the magnetic detection element 170 based on the solenoid drive signal Sc output from the game control microcomputer 560. Is prohibited from being output. In the prohibition process, the reference value correction process is executed immediately after the end of the magnetic change period to correct the reference value to the magnetic state after the magnetic change period.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an implementation example of the magnetic detector 130, and FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a function of an input / output unit (input / output terminal) terminal of the magnetic detector 130. The magnetic detector 130 of this embodiment is a device that includes a magnetic detection element 170 and a control circuit 180. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the magnetic detector 130 includes a magnetic detection element 170, a control circuit 180, and a regulator 183 that stabilizes a voltage of +12 V input from the outside and supplies the voltage to the magnetic detection element 170 and the control circuit 180. Buffer circuits 185, 186, 187 that receive a selection signal Sa (input from SELECT 1), a range setting signal Sb (input from terminal SELECT 2), and a solenoid drive signal Sc (input from terminal SELECT 3) and output to the control circuit 180. , And an output transistor 184 that outputs an error signal.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration example of the magnetic detection element 170. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the magnetic detection element 170 includes an oscillator 138 that outputs a clock signal in addition to the x-axis sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z, and the clock signal from the oscillator 138 as an x-axis. A timing control circuit 139 that outputs to the sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z, and a reference voltage generator 133 that is connected to the output side of the x-axis sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z According to the channel signals input to the input terminals CH1 to CH3, the sample hold for outputting the clock output selection signal to the timing control circuit 139 and inputting the detection voltages of the x-axis sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z. The detection voltage input by the circuit (selection circuit) 134 and the sample hold circuit 134 is amplified. And a differential amplifier 135 to force.

  The x-axis sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z are arranged so that the axial directions are orthogonal to each other. The axes of the x-axis sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z are made of an amorphous wire, and a coil wound around the amorphous wire detects a change in impedance due to a magnetic field applied to the amorphous wire from the outside. Then, a detection voltage having a voltage value corresponding to the change in impedance is output. Note that the member for detecting the change in impedance may be a coil installed in the vicinity of the amorphous wire, not a coil wound around the amorphous wire. Further, the magnetic detection element 170 used in the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment can adopt various forms such as a form using a Hall element in addition to a form using an amorphous wire.

  In the present embodiment, two of the three axes from the x-axis to the z-axis are used for an effective plane having two axes in the magnetic effective detection direction, and are used for error signal determination. The effective plane is set according to the mounting mode of the magnetic detector 130. In the present embodiment, the effective plane is set so as to be parallel to the surface of the glass door frame 2. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, an effective plane constituted by two of the three axes is set according to the installation mode of the magnetic detector 130. In other words, one of the three axes (in this embodiment, an axis perpendicular to the glass door frame 2) is set as an invalid axis (an axis that is not used for error signal determination). In this embodiment, the effective plane is set so as to be parallel to the surface of the glass door frame 2, but the arrangement relationship between the effective plane of the gaming machine 1 and the magnetic detector 130 is the model of the gaming machine 1. It is possible to determine appropriately according to various conditions such as arrangement of parts due to differences.

  In this embodiment, variations in sensor characteristics and the influence of geomagnetism are eliminated by the software of the microcontroller that implements the control circuit 180. Specifically, when power supply to the gaming machine 1 is started, a detection voltage is input from the magnetic detection element 170, and a reference value is set based on the input detection voltage. Then, the amount of change from the reference value of the detection voltage from the magnetic detector 130 (the amount of change in the combined magnetic field) is calculated for the effective plane, and if the amount of change exceeds the threshold, a magnet is present in the vicinity of the gaming machine 1. Determine and output an error signal. In the present embodiment, it is possible to cope with environmental changes due to magnetization of electromagnetic components by appropriately correcting the set reference value.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration example of the control unit 161. The control circuit 180 according to the present embodiment includes magnetic field change amount calculation units 202x, 202y, and 202z corresponding to the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, a combined vector calculation unit 233, and a magnetic field detection unit 234. The magnetic field change calculation units 202x, 202y, and 202z execute monitoring processing for monitoring the amount of magnetic field change (change in ambient magnetic field) in each axial direction based on the output of the magnetic detection element 170. The combined vector calculation unit 233 calculates a combined magnetic field change amount in a plane constituted by two axes based on the magnetic field change amount in each axis direction. The magnetic field detection unit 234 performs a detection process of outputting an error signal indicating an illegal magnetic field change when the synthesized magnetic field change amount in a certain plane (a plane set by the selection signal Sa) is compared with the threshold and exceeds the threshold. Run. Then, the magnetic field detection unit 234 executes a prohibition process for prohibiting the output of the error signal based on the output prohibition period indicated by the output prohibition signal Sca. In the present embodiment, the monitoring process, the detection process, and the prohibition process are executed by the control unit 161 in the magnetic detector 130 as described above. Instead of such a form, any one of the monitoring process, the detection process, and the prohibition process may be performed by a device other than the magnetic detector 130. When performed by a device other than the magnetic detector 130, it may be executed by the game control microcomputer 560 in the gaming machine 1, the effect control microcomputer 100, or the like.

  The magnetic field change amount calculation units 202x, 202y, and 202z calculate reference values for the detection voltage values of the x-axis sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z, respectively, and the current detection voltage value (averaged detection) The magnetic field variation that is the difference between the voltage value and the reference value is calculated for each axis. In the figure, a configuration example of the magnetic field change amount calculation unit 202x for the x axis is shown. However, the magnetic field change amount calculation units 202y and 202z for the y axis and the z axis are configuration examples of the magnetic field change amount calculation unit 202x. It is the same.

  In addition, the control unit 161 outputs an error signal until a predetermined period (5 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses from the start of power supply to the gaming machine 1 (which is also power supply to the magnetic detector 130). Execute prohibited processing at startup. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the startup prohibition process executed by the magnetic detector 130. The gaming machine 1 may execute an operation confirmation process for driving the drive mechanisms all at once in order to confirm the operation of various drive mechanisms immediately after the power is turned on. In the operation confirmation process in which the drive mechanisms are operated all at once in this way, the magnetic detector 130 may be erroneously detected and output an error signal. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the error signal output from the magnetic detector 130 is prohibited for a predetermined period (5 seconds in the present embodiment) after the power is turned on, thereby preventing erroneous detection based on simultaneous operation of the drive mechanism. We will try to suppress it. Note that the setting period of the abnormality notification prohibition flag can be appropriately set according to the model of the gaming machine 1 or the like.

  After power supply to the magnetic detector 130 is started, the control unit 161 sets an abnormality notification prohibition flag (step S61). During the period when the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the magnetic detector 130 does not output an error signal. Next, the control unit 161 sets the prohibition period value corresponding to the predetermined period in the prohibition period timer (step S62). The prohibition period timer is a timer that continues the setting state of the abnormality notification prohibition flag set in step S61, and in this embodiment, 5 seconds is set as the prohibition period value. The controller 161 counts the prohibition period timer and determines whether or not the prohibition period value has elapsed (step S63). When it is determined that the prohibition period value has elapsed (step S63: Y), the abnormality notification prohibition flag is canceled and the magnetic detector 130 is allowed to output an error signal.

  In the present embodiment, the startup prohibition process is executed in the magnetic detector 130, but the process for preventing erroneous detection at the startup of the gaming machine 1 may be executed by the game control microcomputer 560. Good. Specifically, the gaming control microcomputer 560 ignores the error signal output from the magnetic detector 130 for a predetermined period after the power is turned on to the gaming machine 1, thereby preventing erroneous detection at the time of startup. Is possible. However, in this case, processing such as counting a predetermined period occurs in the game control microcomputer 560. Since the game control microcomputer 560 has various restrictions such as the capacity of the ROM 54 and the RAM 55, in order to reduce the burden on the game control microcomputer 560, the magnetic detector 130 is prohibited at startup as in this embodiment. It is preferable to execute the processing.

  By the way, depending on the model of the gaming machine 1, the start-up drive process may be extended even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start-up, such as when a problem occurs in the start-up drive process. In such a case, it is conceivable that the magnetism detector 130 erroneously detects the magnetism generated by driving the solenoid by the startup driving process as magnetism by an external magnet. Therefore, in the start-up prohibition process, when the start-up drive process is extended even after a predetermined period, the error signal output prohibition period may be extended corresponding to the continuation of the start-up drive process.

  After a predetermined period (5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of power supply, the control unit 161 updates (corrects) the reference value for each axis every time one minute elapses. That is, the reference value is periodically updated. When the reference value is updated, a new reference value is determined based on the detection voltage value of the magnetic detection element 170 and the detection voltage value of the past magnetic sensor. The reason for periodically updating the reference value is that there is a possibility that the electromagnetic parts and the like provided in the gaming machine 1 will be magnetized as the operation of the gaming machine 1 progresses. This is because the value of the detection voltage value output by the magnetic detection element 170 changes even when there is no magnet in the vicinity of. In this embodiment, the reference value is updated every minute, but the one minute cycle is an example, and other update cycles may be used. However, if the period for updating the reference value is too short, there is a possibility that fraudulent acts performed by moving the magnet at a low speed may not be detected. Therefore, it is preferable that the period be longer than a certain length.

  The control unit 161 sequentially selects data output from the x-axis sensor 13x, the y-axis sensor 13y, and the z-axis sensor 13z and converted into a digital signal by the AD converter 160 in a cycle of 2 ms. That is, x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis data is input to the controller 161 every 2 ms. The data of each axis is input to the corresponding magnetic field change amount calculation units 202x to 202z, and the magnetic field change amount is calculated for each axis.

  The data input to the magnetic field change amount calculation unit 202x is stored in the register 251 and sequentially shifted to the next stage registers 252 to 258 every 2 ms. The data stored in the final stage register 258 is discarded every time new data is shifted. The first averaging unit 203 averages the data stored in the registers 251 to 258, thereby averaging the data output from the x-axis sensor 13x over time. In the present embodiment, detection of instantaneous magnetic field changes is eliminated by averaging the data in this way.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the reference magnetic field correction unit 204. In the reference magnetic field correction unit 204, the setting update unit 271 calculates an initial reference value when 5 seconds have elapsed since the gaming machine 1 was turned on. Since the registers 261 to 268 are empty at the first time, the data output from the first averaging unit 203 is sequentially shifted and stored in the registers 261 to 268. Since the first averaging unit 203 outputs data every 2 ms, the data is stored in all the registers 261 to 268 after 14 ms. The second averaging unit 273 averages the data stored in the registers 261 to 268 and outputs it as the first reference value. The first reference value is calculated not only when 5 seconds have elapsed since the power is turned on, but also when the control unit 161 stops detecting the abnormal magnetic field (when the error signal output state changes to the output stop state). Alternatively, when the reset signal Scb is input, the contents of the registers 261 to 268 stored so far are discarded, and the first reference value is newly recalculated.

  After calculating the first reference value, the setting updating unit 271 updates (shifts transfer) the contents of each register 26x (x: 1 to 8) every minute, and the contents of each register 26x (x: 1 to 8). Is output to the second averaging unit 273. Note that the data in the last stage register 268 is discarded. The second averaging unit 273 adds the data stored in the registers 261 to 268 and shifts the added value by 3 bits in the direction of the lower bits. That is, a process of １ ／ (an averaging process) is executed. Then, the second averaging unit 273 outputs the averaged value as a reference value to the subtraction unit 205 (see FIG. 18) and the setting update unit 271. The setting updating unit 271 determines that the difference between the reference value output from the second averaging unit 273 and the current value output from the first averaging unit 203 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 7 or more). The current value output from the second averaging unit 273 is corrected so that the difference from the immediately previous reference value becomes 7, and the corrected reference value is stored in the register 261. This correction is not performed when the magnetic detector 130 outputs an error signal, that is, during a period in which the presence of an illegal magnet is detected outside the gaming machine 1.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the registers 261 to 268 store the data output by the first averaging unit 203 at the start of power supply (specifically, when 5 seconds have elapsed since the power is turned on) every 2 ms. The value stored in the initial value and averaged by the second averaging unit 273 is output as a reference value. Thereafter, each time one minute elapses, the reference value is updated (recalculated) with the data output by the second averaging unit 273.

  18 subtracts the reference value output from the reference magnetic field correction unit 204 from the current value output from the first averaging unit 203, and uses the absolute value as a magnetic field change amount for each axis. Calculate as The calculated magnetic field change amount for each axis is output to the combined vector calculation unit 233. Therefore, the magnetic field change amount (absolute value of the magnetic field change with respect to the reference value) is input to the combined vector calculation unit 233. The controller 161 also executes the same process as the process for the output of the x-axis sensor 13x for the outputs of the y-axis sensor 13y and the z-axis sensor 13z. Therefore, the combined vector calculation unit 233 receives the magnetic field change amount with respect to the three axes (x axis, y axis, and z axis).

  The combined vector calculation unit 233 calculates the combined magnetic field change amount for the set of the x-axis and y-axis, the y-axis and z-axis, and the z-axis and x-axis from the three input magnetic field change values. For example, the combined magnetic field change amount of the x-axis and y-axis pair is calculated as the square root of the sum of the square of the x-axis magnetic field change amount and the square of the y-axis magnetic field change amount. That is, it is the amount of change in the combined magnetic field on the xy plane. Similar calculations are performed for the other two sets (y-axis and z-axis, z-axis and x-axis), thereby calculating the combined magnetic field change amount in the yz plane and the zx plane, respectively. The calculated combined magnetic field change amount for each plane (xy plane, yz plane, zx plane) is output to the magnetic field detection unit 234.

  The magnetic field detection unit 234 detects the presence or absence of an illegal magnetic field generated by an illegal operation using a magnet from the outside of the gaming machine 1 (the side of the glass door frame 2). When an illegal magnetic field is detected, the magnetic field detector 234 outputs an error signal to the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this embodiment, the magnetic field detection unit 234 realizes an effective surface setting function and a range (sensitivity) setting function. The effective surface setting function is a function of setting an effective plane having two axes in the effective detection direction among the three axes of magnetic detection directions output from the magnetic detection element 170. In the present embodiment, one of the three planes in the xy plane, the yz plane, and the zx plane is set as an effective plane according to the attachment mode of the magnetic detector 130. As described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment can be attached to the gaming machine 1 in three modes (modes A to C).

  When power supply voltage starts to be applied to the setting board 60 with the start of power supply to the gaming machine 1, the setting board 60 sends a predetermined selection signal Sa generated based on the power supply voltage to the terminal of the magnetic detector 130. (SELECT1). Based on the selection signal Sa, the control circuit 180 of the magnetic detector 130 sets an effective plane having two effective detection directions. The magnetic field detection unit 234 uses one combined magnetic field change amount corresponding to the effective plane among the three combined magnetic field change amounts output from the combined vector calculation unit 233 for determination. Although the selection signal Sa of the present embodiment can assume three states corresponding to the aspects A to C in FIGS. 11 to 13, the selection signal Sa has two states (for example, the aspect A and the aspect B). It is good also as simplifying. In this case, the selection signal Sa can be set in two states corresponding to each mode, that is, Hi (for example, power supply voltage) and Low (for example, 0 [V] GND), and the circuit configuration of the setting substrate 60 can be changed. It becomes possible to simplify.

  FIG. 21A shows a selection table showing the relationship between the selection signal Sa and the effective plane and invalid axis based on the magnetic detection direction. The control circuit 180 sets an effective plane having a biaxial effective detection direction according to the input selection signal Sa according to the relationship of the selection table. When the selection signal Sa indicates V1a [V], the x axis and the y axis of the magnetic detector 130 are set as effective detection directions (the xy plane is an effective plane), and the z axis direction is set as an invalid axis (in the aspect A). If). When the selection signal Sa indicates V1b [V], the z axis and the x axis of the magnetic detector 130 are set as effective detection directions (zx plane is an effective plane), and the y axis direction is set as an invalid axis (in the aspect B) If). When the selection signal Sa is V1c [V], the y axis and the z axis of the magnetic detector 130 are set as effective detection directions (yz is an effective plane), and the x axis direction is set as an invalid axis (in the aspect C). If).

  Thus, in the present embodiment, an effective plane having a biaxial effective detection direction is set by the selection signal Sa generated based on power supply to the setting board 60. The effective plane may be set not only in the form using the setting board 60 as in the present embodiment, but also in the form in which the magnetic detector 130 is controlled by the main board 31 or the effect control board 80. However, by setting the setting board 60 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the main board 31 or the effect control board 80.

  The magnetic field detection unit 234 compares the composite magnetic field change amount corresponding to the effective plane selected based on the selection signal Sa with a threshold value, and if the composite magnetic field change amount exceeds the threshold value, the game control microcomputer 560 A comparison function for outputting an error signal. In the present embodiment, a range (sensitivity) setting function capable of setting a threshold used for the comparison function is provided. The range (sensitivity) is set according to conditions that vary depending on the model of the gaming machine 1, such as the component installation state on the back of the gaming machine 1, the mounting position of the magnetic detector 130 relative to the gaming machine 1, or the external environment related to the magnetism of the gaming machine 1. Is possible.

  When power supply voltage starts to be applied to the setting board 60 with the start of power supply to the gaming machine 1, the setting board 60 sends a predetermined range setting signal Sb generated based on the power supply voltage to the magnetic detector 130. This is supplied to the terminal (SELECT2). The control circuit 180 of the magnetic detector 130 sets the detection range of the magnetic detector 130 based on the range setting signal Sb. The detection range is set by changing the threshold value.

  FIG. 21B shows a detection range table showing the relationship between the range setting signal Sb, the detection range, and the set threshold value. The control circuit 180 sets a threshold corresponding to the input range setting signal Sb according to the relationship of the detection range table. Note that the thresholds in the detection range table have a relationship of A1 <A2 <A3 <A4. When the range setting signal Sb indicates V2a [V], the threshold is set to the minimum A1. In this case, the detection range of the magnetic detector 130 is set to a maximum. As the range setting signal Sb becomes V2b [V] to V2d [V], the threshold value is set larger and the detection range of the magnetic detector 130 becomes smaller.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the range setting signal Sb is also set on the setting board 60, and compared with the setting on the main board 31 or the effect control board 80, the main board 31 or the effect control board 80 is set. It is possible to reduce the load. In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 using one magnetic detector 130 has been described. However, the gaming machine 1 including a plurality of magnetic detectors 130 may be used. In that case, the setting board 60 outputs the selection signal Sa and the range setting signal Sb corresponding to each magnetic detector 130. Alternatively, the setting substrate 60 may be prepared for each magnetic detector 130.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 161 includes an output prohibition period determination unit 235. Based on the solenoid drive signal Sc output from the game control microcomputer 560, the output prohibition period determination unit 235 resets the output prohibition signal Sca to the magnetic field detection unit 234 and the magnetic field change amount calculation units 202x, 202y, and 202z. The signal Scb is output. The output prohibition period determination unit 235 determines, as an output prohibition period, a period during which external magnetism is changed by driving the solenoid, which is determined based on the solenoid drive signal Sc, and outputs an output prohibition signal Sca corresponding to the output prohibition period. To do. The magnetic field detector 234 stops outputting the error signal while the output prohibition signal Sca indicates the output prohibition period.

  FIG. 22 shows a time chart showing the relationship between detection of magnetic change by the magnetic detector and various signals. This time chart shows the state of the x-axis magnetic change detected by the magnetic detector 130. The magnetic change detected by the magnetic detector 130 also changes for the y-axis and the z-axis, but illustration thereof is omitted here. In the solenoid drive signal Sc, a state where the solenoid is not energized is indicated as Low, and a state where the solenoid is energized is indicated as High. The drive unit having the solenoid that is the control target of the solenoid drive signal Sc takes the first mode (for example, the closed state) at Low, and takes the second mode (for example, the open state) at High. It can be seen that when the solenoid drive signal Sc changes from Low to High or from High to Low, the x-axis magnetism detected by the magnetic detector 130 changes greatly. The output prohibition period determination unit 235 performs a predetermined period (T1) from the time (t1) when the solenoid drive signal Sc changes from High to Low, and from the time (t3) when the solenoid drive signal Sc changes from Low to High. The output prohibition period (t1 to t2, t3 to t4) is determined during the predetermined period (T2), and the output prohibition signal Sca indicating the output prohibition period is output. Note that the predetermined periods (T1, T2) for determining the output prohibition period may be set according to the characteristics of the target solenoid or the arrangement relationship between the solenoid and the magnetic detector 130.

  The magnetic field detector 234 stops outputting the error signal while the output prohibition signal Sca indicates the output prohibition period. Looking at the time chart of FIG. 22, the output inhibition period corresponds to a period in which the magnetic change detected by the magnetic detector 130 changes greatly. By setting the magnetic change period as the output prohibition period, it is intended to suppress erroneous detection in the magnetic change period in the magnetic detector 130.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the reference magnetic field correction unit 204 updates the reference value at an appropriate timing in order to determine an incorrect magnetic field generated by an external magnet or the like. The reference magnetic field correction unit 204 of the present embodiment executes a resetting process in which the reference magnetic field correction unit 204 resets the reference value immediately after the end of the magnetic change period. FIG. 22 shows reference values Ex1 and Ex2 corresponding to the x-axis magnetic change. For the calculation of the magnetic field change amount, the reference value Ex1 is used before t1, the reference value Ex2 is used during the period from t2 to t3, and the reference value Ex1 is used after t4. Since t1 to t2 and t3 to t4 are output prohibition periods, the reference value is irrelevant. Further, the reference values Ex1 and Ex2 schematically show the reference values. As described with reference to FIG. 19, the reference value is a value obtained by averaging past values by the second averaging unit 273 and varies depending on the external magnetic environment. Therefore, as schematically shown in the figure, the reference values Ex1 and Ex2 are not always constant.

  Since the output prohibition period determination unit 235 executes the resetting process in the reference magnetic field correction unit 204, the reset signal Scb is output immediately after the output prohibition period, that is, when the output prohibition signal Sca changes from prohibition to permission. Output. The reset signal of the present embodiment is a signal that can take two values of Low and High, and changes from Low to High for a certain period when the output prohibition signal changes from prohibition to permission. The reference magnetic field correction unit 204 starts a reset process for resetting the reference value based on the change of the reset signal Scb from Low to High. To reset the reference value in the reference magnetic field correction unit 204, first, the contents stored in the registers 261 to 268 are discarded. Then, the data input from the first averaging unit 203 is sequentially shifted to the registers 261 to 268 every 2 ms, and the data is stored in all the registers 261 to 268. Thereafter, the second averaging unit 273 averages the contents of the registers 261 to 268 to calculate a new reference value and reset it.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by resetting the reference value immediately after the output prohibition period, illegal magnetism due to an external magnet or the like can be prevented even during the solenoid energization period (t2 to t3 in FIG. 22). It is possible to determine and output an error signal. In addition, by setting the output prohibition period as the magnetic change period (t1 to t2, t3 to t4), it is possible to shorten the output prohibition period and to suppress the period during which illegal magnetism cannot be detected. .

  In the present embodiment described with reference to FIG. 22, the solenoid drive signal Sc in which the energization of the solenoid is high and the non-energization is low has been described as an example. However, the solenoid drive signal Sc may adopt various forms. 23 and 24 are time charts showing the relationship between detection of magnetic change by the magnetic detector 130 and various signals according to another embodiment. In the case of FIGS. 23 and 24, the solenoid drive signal Sc is a pulse-like switch signal, and the solenoid switches between the energized state and the non-energized state every time the switch signal is received. As shown in FIG. 23, when the high period of the solenoid drive signal Sc is long, the output inhibition signal Sca may be formed by simply inverting the solenoid drive signal Sc. According to such a configuration, the circuit configuration of the output prohibition period determination unit 235 can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the solenoid drive signal Sc is output from the game control microcomputer 560, but may be acquired from the output circuit 59 that drives the solenoids 16 and 21. In such a form, the processing burden on the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  25 and 26 show the control configuration of the magnetic detector 130 according to another embodiment. 25 and 26 have a common output circuit 59 configuration. The output circuit 59 is an amplifier 591 that amplifies the input signal, a resistor 592 that is connected to the output of the amplifier 591, and a transistor 593 that is connected to both ends of the solenoid 16 and applies the power supply voltage VSS to the solenoid 16 based on the input signal. And a diode 594 for rectification. In the form of FIG. 25, a signal extracted from one end of the transistor 593 is used as the solenoid drive signal Sc. In such a form, the solenoid drive signal Sc can realize a good followability to the magnetic change of the solenoid 16. As shown in FIG. 26, the solenoid drive signal Sc can take an appropriate form such as using the output of the amplifier 591.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the signal for determining the output prohibition period may be a solenoid drive signal Sc directly related to the drive of the solenoid 16, but the operation of the solenoid 16 (magnetic generation state). It is good also as a form using the signal which is indirectly concerned with. For example, the solenoid 16 is a means for operating (opening or closing) the variable winning ball device 15 as a drive unit. Therefore, the state of magnetism generated by the solenoid 16 can also be detected by detecting the operation of the variable winning device 15. For example, by detecting the open / closed state of the variable winning device 15 with a mechanical switch or imaging means, it is possible to indirectly detect the magnetism generation state of the solenoid 16 and determine the output prohibition period.

  FIG. 27 shows a control configuration of a magnetic detector 130 according to another embodiment. In the present embodiment, a magnetic detector control signal Sd formed based on the operation of the solenoid 16 is output to the magnetic detector 130 from the main board 31 or the effect control board 80 or the like. This magnetic detector control signal Sd may be in a form that directly participates in driving the solenoid 16 or in an indirect form. The magnetic detector control signal Sd is input to the magnetic detector 130 via the amplifier 595. The magnetic detector 130 determines an output prohibition period based on the input magnetic detector control signal Sd and executes various processes.

  Further, the control for the magnetic detector 130 is performed by replacing the signal for determining the output prohibition period (solenoid drive signal Sc, magnetic detector control signal Sd) with the power source for the magnetic detector 130. After the supply is turned off, the resetting process may be performed by turning it on. The power supply to the magnetic detector 130 is executed by the main board 31 or the effect control board 80 or the like. Therefore, the main board 31 or the effect control board 80 that supplies power to the magnetic detector 130 is turned on when the power supply to the magnetic detector 130 is turned on from the power supply (power supply means) of the gaming machine 1, for example. It functions as power control means for switching the supply to the off state. In this case, the time required for the control to turn off the power supply, and the time required for the resetting process when the power supply is turned on are both about several tens of ms. In addition, it is possible to follow a period in which the error signal should be output.

  In such a configuration, when the power supply is stopped, the magnetic detector 130 is in a state in which the output transistor 184 that outputs the detection result of the detection process is turned off and an error signal cannot be output from the magnetic detector 130. . Further, the output transistor 184 is turned on by restarting the power supply to the magnetic detector 130 (the power supply is turned on). When the power supply is restarted, the reset process for resetting the reference magnetic field is executed and the reference value is reset to enable detection of an incorrect magnetic field (a state in which an error signal can be output). Return to. In some cases, the magnetic detector 130 is pulled out from the power supply control means, and fraud that invalidates the detection of the illegal magnetic field by the magnetic detector 130 may be performed. In order to prevent such an illegal act, the error signal output from the magnetic detector 130 (for example, the main board 31) is output as an error signal when the magnetic detector 130 is pulled out. It is conceivable to take a countermeasure (extraction countermeasure) that makes a determination, that is, the logic at the time of extraction is the same as that at the time of error signal output. When the magnetic detector 130 is pulled out, an abnormality notification process is executed as in the case where an error signal is output. In this case, when the power supply of the magnetic detector 130 is turned off, it may be erroneously determined that the error signal is being output. Therefore, when countermeasures against pulling are taken, the error signal output from the magnetic detector 130 is not determined to be in a state in which the error signal is being output during the period in which the power supply to the magnetic detector 130 is turned off. It is necessary to configure as follows.

  In the time charts of FIGS. 22 to 24, one solenoid affects the magnetic detector 130, but the gaming machine 1 uses two solenoids 16, 21 as shown in FIG. Multiple solenoids may be used. In such a case, it is conceivable that the magnetic detector 130 is affected by magnetism generated by a plurality of solenoids. Since a plurality of solenoids may have different control timings, it is necessary to respond accordingly.

  FIG. 28 shows a time chart when two solenoids (first solenoid and second solenoid) are considered as influence targets. The first solenoid and the second solenoid are controlled to be energized and de-energized by the first solenoid drive signal Sc1 and the second solenoid drive signal Sc2, respectively. This control form is the same as that of the solenoid described in FIG. The output prohibition signal Sca changes to a state indicating the output prohibition period for a predetermined period after the first solenoid Sc1 changes from Low to High or from High to Low. In the present embodiment, the length of the predetermined period for determining the output prohibition period is made different from the difference between the characteristics of the first solenoid and the second solenoid (predetermined period of the first solenoid> predetermined period of the second solenoid). . Even when a plurality of solenoids are considered as an influence target in this way, by setting an output prohibition period corresponding to the solenoid drive signals Sc1 and Sc2 of each solenoid, erroneous detection when driving various drive units having solenoids Is suppressed. The reset signal Scb becomes High when the output prohibition signal Sca changes from the prohibition state to the permission state, and causes the reference magnetic field correction unit 204 to start a resetting process for resetting the reference value.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the output prohibition period for prohibiting the output of the error signal is set based on the solenoid drive signal Sc (prohibition process), and the reference value used for the error signal determination is re-set after the output prohibition period. By executing the setting (re-setting process), for example, it is possible to provide a period in which illegal magnetism can be detected even if the solenoid is energized, and there is a period in which illegal magnetism cannot be detected. It is possible to suppress the prolongation.

  As described above, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment realizes the setting of the effective plane and the detection range (sensitivity) by the circuit configuration (hardware specifications) of the setting board 60, but various settings related to the magnetic detector 130. In addition to this, it is performed by switching a mechanical switch provided on the setting board 60 or the magnetic detector 130 (hardware specification), or the program processing of the game control microcomputer 560 or the effect control microcomputer 100 It is possible to adopt various forms such as (software specification).

  29 and 30 are perspective views showing the appearance of the magnetic detector 130 of another embodiment. 29 switches the setting mechanical switches (first setting unit 133a, second setting unit 133b) outside the housing 131 of the magnetic detector 130, thereby setting the effective plane, and The detection range (sensitivity) can be set. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the first setting unit 133a is a mechanical switch for switching to three states (A, B, C) related to the effective plane, and A, B, and C are the magnetic detectors 130, respectively. This corresponds to the attachment mode (Aspect A, Aspect B, Aspect C). The state shown in the figure is a state set in the mode B. The second setting unit 133b is a mechanical switch for switching to four states (1 to 4) related to the detection range (sensitivity), and 1 to 4 are detection ranges (maximum and large) of the magnetic detector 130, respectively. , Medium, small). The state shown in the figure is a state where the detection range is set to a small value.

  When the mechanical switch is provided outside the housing 131 as in the embodiment of FIG. 29, it is considered that the mechanical switch is inadvertently operated and the magnetic detector 130 does not perform its original function. Therefore, a form in which such a mechanical switch is stored in the housing 131 is also conceivable. FIG. 29 shows a form in which the mechanical switch is housed in the housing 131 in this way. In this case, the same first setting unit 133 a and second setting unit 133 b as those in FIG. 29 are stored in the housing 131.

  In the magnetic detector 130 of FIG. 29, it was possible to confirm the effective plane in the housing 131 by viewing the setting of the first setting unit 133a, but the first setting unit 133a is changed as shown in FIG. When stored in the housing 131, it is necessary to remove the upper lid 131a and check the setting status inside the housing 131. Therefore, in this embodiment, the installation surface marker 137 indicating the effective plane is provided on the housing 131 as a mark. By installing the magnetic detector 130 so that the surface (effective plane) indicated by the installation surface marker 137 faces the back of the gaming machine 1, the effective plane set in the magnetic detector 130 can be functioned. Become.

  In the present embodiment, the installation surface marker 137 is configured to have a sealing function by using the installation surface marker 137 as a seal that is attached to the upper lid 131a and the lower box 131b. It is preferable that the installation surface marker 137 has a form so that it can be seen that the installation surface marker 137 has been peeled off after being attached. Moreover, in order to ensure a sealing function, the installation surface marker 137 may be affixed over a plurality of surfaces. In that case, it is marked so that it can be visually recognized which surface is an effective plane. According to such a form, it is possible to prevent the setting of the magnetic detector 130 from being inadvertently changed, and it is also possible to check the manner in which the magnetic detector 130 is attached from the outside of the housing 131. .

  In the embodiment described above, the gaming machine 1 of the type in which the special symbol stop symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display 8 based on the start winning prize is a big hit when a predetermined symbol combination is used (first game) This is an example of a type of gaming machine). However, a gaming machine of the type that wins when there is a prize in a predetermined area (specific area: V prize area) of an electric accessory to be released based on a start prize. The present invention can also be applied to (a second type gaming machine).

  In the type 2 gaming machine, the entrance and the specific area of the electric accessory are likely to be cheated, so that the magnetic detector 130 can discover an act of illegally guiding the game ball to the entrance and the specific area of the electric accessory. Is preferably provided. In the type 2 gaming machine, a big hit can be generated directly by illegally winning a game ball in a specific area, and the damage to the gaming store is great, so the effect of providing the magnetic detector 130 is great. However, even with the type 1 gaming machine exemplified in this embodiment, the gaming store may be damaged by an illegal act such as illegally guiding the game ball to the starting prize opening or illegally guiding the game ball to the big prize opening. Therefore, it is effective to provide the magnetic detector 130. In addition, the present invention can be applied not only to pachinko gaming machines such as first type gaming machines and second type gaming machines but also to various gaming machines such as slot gaming machines.

  In this embodiment, the error signal output from the magnetic detector 130 is input to the game control microcomputer 560. However, the error signal may be input to the effect control microcomputer 100. . In the case of such a configuration, the control for notifying that the production control microcomputer 100 has found a magnet that may be directly used for fraud using a notification electrical component (such as a production device). Will be performed.

1: gaming machine 100: microcomputer for effect control 2: glass door frame 101: CPU for effect control
3: ball hitting tray 102: input driver 4: surplus ball receiving tray 103: input port 5: hit ball operation handle 104: output port 6: game board 105: output port 7: game area 130: magnetic detector 8: special symbol display 131: Housing 9: Effect display device 131a: Upper lid 9L to 9R: Symbol display area 131b: Lower box 10: Normal symbol display 131c: Protruding portion 13: First start winning port 132: Cable outlet hole 13a: First start Mouth switch 133: Reference voltage generator 13x: x-axis sensor 133a: first setting unit 13y: y-axis sensor 133b: second setting unit 13z: z-axis sensor 134: sample hold circuit 14: second start winning port 135: difference Dynamic amplifier 14a: second start port switch 136: cable 15: variable winning ball device 137: installation surface marker 16: solenoid 138 Oscillator 18: Special symbol hold memory display 139: Timing control circuit 18c: Hold memory display section 160: AD converter 20: Special variable winning ball device 161: Control section 21: Solenoid 170: Magnetic detection element 23: Count switch 180: Control circuit 25: decoration LED 183: regulator 26: out port 184: output transistor 27: speaker 185 to 187: buffer circuit 28: frame LED 202x to 202z: magnetic field change amount calculation unit 29: winning port 203: first averaging unit 29a: winning port switch 204: reference magnetic field correcting unit 30: winning port 205: subtracting unit 30a: winning port switch 233: composite vector calculating unit 31: main board 234: magnetic field detecting unit 32: gate 235: output prohibition period determining unit 32a : Gate switches 251 to 258: Register (first averaging) )
33: Winning mouth 261-268: Register (second averaging unit)
33a: winning port switch 271: setting update unit 35: lamp driver board 273: second averaging unit 37: payout control board 351: input driver 39: winning port 352: LED driver 39a: winning port switch 503: random number circuit 41: Normal symbol holding memory display 560: Game control microcomputer 42: Communication unit 571: Output port 54: ROM 591: Amplifier 55: RAM 592: Resistor 56: CPU 593: Transistor 57: I / O port unit 594: Diode 58 : Input driver circuit 595: Amplifier 59: Output circuit 702: Input driver 60: Setting board 703: Speech synthesis IC
70: Audio output board 704: Audio data ROM
77: Relay board 705: Amplifier circuit 80: Production control board 706: Volume 97: Ball payout device

Claims (8)

Drive means for changing from the first mode to the second mode based on the energization control;
A gaming machine comprising a magnetic detector for detecting changes in the surrounding magnetic field,
Monitoring means for monitoring a change in ambient magnetic field detected by the magnetic detector;
Detecting means for detecting an unauthorized magnetic field change based on a comparison between a change in ambient magnetic field monitored by the monitoring means and a reference magnetic field;
And inhibiting means for inhibiting the output of the detection result of said detecting means,
Resetting means for resetting the reference magnetic field after a predetermined output prohibition period ,
The prohibition means is
In at least one of the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the first aspect to the second aspect of the driving means, or the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the second aspect to the first aspect, While prohibiting the output of the detection result of the detection means,
In a predetermined period after turning on the power, prohibiting the output of the detection result of the detection means,
If the drive means has changed at the end of the predetermined period, prohibit the output of the detection result of the detection means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the output of the detection result of the detecting means is not prohibited when the driving means has not changed at the end of the predetermined period . The output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the first aspect to the second aspect or the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the second aspect to the first aspect is a control for controlling the gaming machine. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is determined based on a signal output from the means. The output inhibition period corresponding to the change period from the first aspect to the second aspect, or the output inhibition period corresponding to the change period from the second aspect to the first aspect is a signal for driving the driving means. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is determined based on Power supply means;
Power control means for controlling power supply to the magnetic detector,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the power control means turns the power supply on after the power supply is temporarily turned off as the resetting means . The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output prohibition period can be set. Said monitoring means, said detecting means, of said inhibiting means, at least one means, gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the magnetic detector is provided. A plurality of the drive means ;
The said prohibiting means prohibits the output of the detection result of the said detection means in at least 1 of the output prohibition period corresponding to the said change period of the said several drive means . The gaming machine according to any one of the above. A magnetic detector that can be mounted on a target device including a drive unit that changes from a first mode to a second mode based on energization control,
Monitoring means for monitoring changes in the ambient magnetic field;
Detecting means for detecting an unauthorized magnetic field change based on a comparison between a change in ambient magnetic field monitored by the monitoring means and a reference magnetic field;
And inhibiting means for inhibiting the output of the detection result of said detecting means,
Resetting means for resetting the reference magnetic field after a predetermined output prohibition period ,
The prohibition means is
In at least one of the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the first aspect to the second aspect of the driving means, or the output prohibition period corresponding to the change period from the second aspect to the first aspect, While prohibiting the output of the detection result of the detection means,
In a predetermined period after turning on the power, prohibiting the output of the detection result of the detection means,
If the drive means has changed at the end of the predetermined period, prohibit the output of the detection result of the detection means,
The magnetic detector , wherein the output of the detection result of the detection means is not prohibited when the driving means has not changed at the end of the predetermined period .