JP6348647B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a function capable of outputting a test signal for performing a game test.

  In general, in a revolving game machine (slot machine) that is a gaming machine, a game control board on which various functions related to the game such as a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and a game control board related to the progress of the game are related. By providing a production control board equipped with various functions related to production such as production content determining means for determining the content of production, by outputting a control signal from the production control board and controlling the peripheral device for production, The processing load of the slot machine is distributed. In this type of slot machine, an assist time (hereinafter referred to as “AT”) that can reduce or increase the number of medals held by a player is referred to as a period called “AT”. Providing a function to generate has been proposed. In the following, an apparatus having this AT function is referred to as an “AT machine”.

  In the AT machine, whether or not to shift to the AT period is determined by the function of the effect control board, and when the period shifts to the AT period, the role lottery process for multiple roles by the random number lottery is executed by the role lottery means of the game control board For example, when an internal winning is made to any of the three types of specific roles with the same number of medals paid out at the time of winning a prize, for notification of which specific role was won internally, A notification effect such as notification of the pressing order of each stop switch is executed by the peripheral device for the effect. Then, based on the notification content by the notification effect, it becomes possible for the player to operate each stop switch at a predetermined timing or to operate each stop switch in a predetermined pressing order. It is possible to prevent them from being missed without being able to win the winning special role.

  Specifically, in the AT machine, the winning lottery result by the winning lottery means is transmitted from the game control board to the effect control board, and the order of pressing each stop switch based on the received effect lottery result by the effect content determining means of the effect control board. The content of the notification effect using the LED lamp, the liquid crystal display or the like is determined so that the player can be notified of the operation timing. Therefore, the reels that variably display a plurality of types of symbols are displayed so that the symbols are displayed in a predetermined winning manner when each stop switch is operated by the player in accordance with the notification contents of the effects determined by the effect content determining means. Under the stop control, win the specific winning combination.

  By the way, in gaming machines such as the above-mentioned spinning cylinder type gaming machine, the gaming machine manufacturer or a third party testing institution has determined that the gaming machine performance with respect to the play rate of gaming media such as medals conforms to a predetermined standard. It is configured so that a test for evaluating the performance of the gaming machine, such as an evaluation of whether or not it is designed, can be performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This type of gaming machine includes a game control board and an effect control board, and a signal representing information related to the progress of the game is transmitted from the game control board to the effect control board by one-way communication. Then, in the effect control board, the contents of the effect are determined based on the signal output from the game control board. The game control board includes a game control means (for example, a CPU), a plurality of drivers connected to the game control means, and a plurality of connectors provided corresponding to the respective drivers. It is designed to be connected to a test apparatus via an interface.

  Then, in a state where the test apparatus is connected via the interface, a phase indicating an excitation state of each of a plurality of excitation phases of a stepping motor that rotates the reel from a certain driver based on a control command signal from the game control means A test signal representing the information is output, and other drivers give flag information (winning information, winning information, replay information), special combination information, and medal insertion permission based on other control command signals from the game control means. Information, information on the number of inserted medals, information on the number of paid out medals, information indicating that the reel has passed the initial position, information indicating that an operation tool such as a start switch or stop switch is operable, and the like. Test signals (flag signal, special role signal, insertion permission signal, insertion signal, payout signal, reel index signal, operation permission signal) Form, and outputs these test signals.

  In addition, another driver operated an operation instrument such as a bet switch, start switch, stop switch, checkout switch, setting change key, and stop release switch based on a test signal (operation signal) input from the test apparatus. Is transmitted to the gaming machine, a signal is generated to instruct the gaming machine to insert a medal, and the generated test signal is output to the gaming control means.

  By the way, an effect control board is provided with an effect control means (for example, CPU), a driver, and a connector provided corresponding to the driver, and the driver takes a specific role based on a control command signal from the effect control means. Test signals (AT signal) indicating the AT information regarding the operation mode of each stop switch such as the pushing order and operation timing related to the winning of the game, and the operation equipment that causes the player to change the production (including suspension and resumption of the game) A test signal representing information related to performance execution such as game control information (game control signal) related to operation or the like is generated, and this test signal is output via the connector.

  The test device connected to the connector of the gaming control board or the effect control board via the interface outputs various test signals to the gaming machine based on the various testing signals from the gaming machine described above. In addition to operating the gaming machine, among various test signals input from the gaming machine, for example, based on an insertion signal that represents information on the number of inserted medals and a payout signal that represents information on the number of paidouts, Evaluate the performance of gaming machines.

  However, in the above-described AT machine, whether or not to shift to the AT period is determined by the effect control board, so that the role lottery result is also transferred from the game control board to the effect control board as described above, even in games other than the AT period. Sent to. Therefore, it is assumed that by performing a specific operation by illegally modifying the production control board, it is possible to receive notification even in a game that should not be notified originally such as forcibly generating AT. There is a case where an illegal act of paying out the medals is performed.

  Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has already proposed to determine whether or not to shift to the AT period by the function of the game control board to which security measures are taken as a countermeasure against such a fraud. (See JP 2014-150881). Specifically, only when it is determined to shift to the AT period, a signal representing information that can confirm the operation mode of each stop switch such as the pressing order related to winning for a specific role is transmitted to the effect control board. The information transmitted from the game control board to the effect control board is prevented from being extracted by a signal line on the way, and the fraud is prevented by performing the notice effect by the effect peripheral device by controlling the effect control board. That's it.

JP 2010-5258 (paragraphs 0022 to 0042, FIGS. 1 to 5 and others)

  In this type of gaming machine, when a test is performed with a test device connected, the details of the type of the winning combination, regardless of whether or not a decision to shift to the AT period has been made to enable various tests. Is preferably output from the game control board, which is convenient for confirming the reel control by winning combination and stopping, or confirming the payout rate when the AT period continues. Furthermore, it is preferable that when the behavior that may be fraudulent is discovered in the gaming machine installed in the game hall, the above-described test can be performed by connecting it to a test apparatus.

  Therefore, if the test apparatus is connected via the interface as described above, the interface from the game control means (CPU) can be used even when the gaming machine is installed in the game hall so that the test can be performed immediately. It is preferable to set an operation program of the game control means so that information can be output to a terminal that outputs a signal to the side. That is, if the program is changed from the test so that the test signal is not output when the game machine is installed in the game hall to the terminal that outputs the test signal at the time of the test, the game machine will be connected to the actual game hall during the test. This is because the program will be different at the time of installation, and the test cannot be performed in the same situation as at the time of installation, so it may be determined that the game machine is not fair.

  However, by illegally accessing the terminal that outputs the test signal, it is possible to grasp the details of the type of the winning combination regardless of whether or not it is decided to shift to the AT period, and more than expected. It is conceivable that an illegal act of paying out medals is performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to more reliably prevent fraud using the output of a test signal.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine having a function capable of outputting a test signal for performing a game test, wherein a board on which game control means for controlling the game is mounted is provided. And the game control means updates the test signal in accordance with the progress of the game, has a specific terminal for outputting the test signal, and has a function of executing a predetermined power-on process when the power is turned on. The test signal can be output from the specific terminal by continuing the power-on even after the set value is confirmed by the power-on process based on the power-on accompanied by the setting change of the set value, and the set value The test signal output is prohibited by continuing the power-on by the power-on process without changing the setting.

  By configuring in this way, unauthorized output of the test signal can be prevented more reliably.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of the game control board of FIG. 2, and an effect control board. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a connection state between the slot machine of FIG. 1 and a test apparatus.

  An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine as a gaming machine will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1. In any one of a plurality of preset game states, a prescribed number of medals as game media are inserted, for example, three, and a start switch 19 described later is operated. On the condition that the game is executed once, the execution of the game is started. The front surface of the housing 3 is closed by the front door 5 so as to be freely opened and closed, and the operation plate 7 is positioned at a substantially central height of the front door 5. And a front plate 9 is arranged above the operation plate 7.

  The front plate 9 is provided with a horizontally long display window 11. Inside the display window 11, left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R that variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order are disposed. The left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R each have a total of 21 types of symbols including “7”, “BAR”, “Bell”, “Cherry”, “R1”, and “R2” in a predetermined arrangement, respectively. It has been. Further, frame numbers from 0 to 20 are assigned to each symbol in order. Then, for example, a reel tape on which symbols of frame numbers 0 to 20 are printed is attached to the peripheral surface of the reel to form the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R. When the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R rotate, a plurality of symbols are variably displayed on the display window 11 in a predetermined order of frame numbers 20, 19,..., 0, 20,. From the display window 11, when the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R stop rotating, the symbols are set to look into a total of three, one for each of the upper, middle, and lower stages. That is, when all three reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are stopped, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed on the display window 11.

  Further, the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R have reel motors 14L, 14M, and 14R (see FIG. 2) configured by stepping motors so that the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R can be independently rotated. It is connected. The respective excitation phases of the reel motors 14L, 14M, and 14R are periodically changed, whereby the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are rotationally driven to variably display a plurality of types of symbols.

  Further, the operation panel 7 has a bet switch 15 for instructing the insertion of medals one by one from the credit medals stored in the inside, and the maximum number of inserted coins per game (game) from the credit medals (three in this case). The maximum bet switch 17 for instructing the insertion of medals, and the lever-like start switch 19 for rotating the reels 13L, 13M, 13R to start the variable display of each symbol, the left / middle / right reels 13L, Left / middle / right stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R for stopping the variable display of each symbol by stopping the rotation of 13M and 13R, a settlement switch 23 for paying out credit medals, and a medal slot 25 are provided. ing. Further, a plurality of variable display rows for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols are formed by the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, and the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R correspond to the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, respectively. Is provided.

  In addition, an animation or the like is displayed almost at the center above the front plate 9 to notify the player of winning or winning, or to notify the operation mode of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R. A liquid crystal display 27 is provided, and an explanation panel 29 on which various winning symbols are displayed is provided immediately above the liquid crystal display 27, and music and music are displayed on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 27 and the explanation panel 29. Speakers 31L and 31R are provided for performing effects by voice or the like. A central lamp portion 33M is disposed on the upper side of the explanation panel 29 and the speakers 31L and 31R, and left and right lamp portions 33L and 33R are disposed on the left and right sides thereof. Each lamp unit 33M, 33L, 33R is provided with a light source such as a light emitting diode. These lamp portions 33M, 33L, and 33R are integrally formed, and an upper lamp portion 33 is provided for performing effects such as notifying a player of winning and winning.

  In addition, a lower panel 35 on which a decorative image or the like is displayed is provided below the operation panel 7. A lower lamp unit in which a plurality of light sources are arranged in, for example, two rows on the left and right sides of the lower panel 35. 37L and 37R are provided, and below the lower panel 35, a medal payout opening 39 and a medal receiver 41 for receiving medals paid out from the medal payout opening 39 are provided. A winning line is drawn on the front plate 9, and a credit indicator 45 for displaying the number of stored credit medals is disposed at the lower left corner of the front plate 9. The credit display 45 is composed of, for example, two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit stored number (up to 50).

  Further, below the display window 11 of the front plate 9, a notification display for notifying (displaying) the order of operating the left stop switch 21L, the middle stop switch 21M, and the right stop switch 21R, the result of the role lottery, and the like. A container 60 is provided. The notification display device 60 is composed of, for example, three 7-segment LEDs, and can display a three-digit number. Therefore, each digit corresponds to the left stop switch 21L, the middle stop switch 21M, and the right stop switch 21R in order from the left, and according to the operation order of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R for each digit, By displaying the numbers “1”, “2”, and “3”, it is possible to notify the order of operating the left stop switch 21L, the middle stop switch 21M, and the right stop switch 21R. Also, for example, a predetermined number for identification is individually assigned to each of the lottery results to be described later and displayed on the explanation panel 29 or the like, and a predetermined number is displayed on the notification display 60 according to the result of the role lottery. By displaying, the result of the role lottery can be notified.

  A support frame that supports the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R is fixed to the rear wall in the housing 3. A hopper unit 43 for discharging medals to the medal payout opening 39 is disposed below the support frame in the housing 3. Further, on the back side near the medal slot 25, a medal selector 48 (see FIG. 2) that selects whether or not the medal inserted into the medal slot 25 is genuine and guides only the regular medal to the hopper unit 43. ) Is arranged.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion sensor 53 is provided near the medal insertion slot 25 in the housing 3 and in the medal selector 48 portion, and detects the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 25 one by one. A payout sensor 54 is provided at the exit of the hopper unit 43 and detects medals paid out to the medal payout outlet 39 one by one.

  The left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R in FIG. 2 detect the rotational positions of the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, respectively. For example, the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R Each of the left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R rotates to detect the protrusion and detect the detection signal (reel index signal) for game control. Output to the substrate 63. For example, when the left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the protrusions, the symbol of frame number 20 is positioned in the middle of the display window 11, respectively.

  The hopper motor 57 in FIG. 2 is disposed in the hopper unit 43 and sends out medals toward the medal payout opening 39 by driving.

  Further, the slot machine 1 includes a game control board 63 on which a main CPU 61 that performs control relating to the progress of the game is mounted, and a sub that controls effects according to the progress of the game based on information transmitted from the game control board 63. An effect control board 73 on which the CPU 71 is mounted is provided separately, and various data are transmitted from the game control board 63 to the effect control board 73 by one-way communication.

  The RAM 65 of the game control board 63 temporarily stores data relating to the game such as the gaming state of the slot machine 1, whereby the flag storage means 651 (see FIG. 3) and the specific storage means 652 (see FIG. 3). ) And the like are formed. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the RAM 65 is provided with a test signal specifying information storage area for storing information for specifying a test signal to be described later, and this area satisfies a predetermined condition (described later). The determination information 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95), so that the stored information is updated. The ROM 67 of the game control board 63 stores a game machine program (a program for the slot machine 1) including preset data (lottery table, stop table, etc.).

  The main CPU 61 of the game control board 63 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and executes a game machine program stored in the ROM 67 to perform processing related to the progress of the game. The main CPU 61 also includes data related to the result lottery result in the lottery process by the role lottery means 101 described later, data related to the operation of the operation tool operated by the player such as the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R, and the start switch 19. Various data are transmitted to the sub CPU 71 of the effect control board 73 in a predetermined command format.

  The memory 75 of the effect control board 73 in FIG. 2 includes a RAM unit that temporarily stores various data and a ROM unit that stores various programs for effects. Further, the sub CPU 71 of the effect control board 73 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and the sub CPU 71 performs various types of data related to the slot machine 1 transmitted from the main CPU 61, for example, in the lottery process by the role lottery means 101. A program stored in the memory 75 is executed on the basis of the data related to the result of the role lottery and information on whether or not the operation devices such as the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R and the start switch 19 are operated. Determine the content of the related performance. Further, the sub CPU 71 of the effect control board 73 controls the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 27 and the speakers 31L and 31R via the I / O ports of the effect control board 73 based on the contents of the decided effect. I do.

  2 and 4, the slot machine 1 is connected to the game control board 63 via the interface board (I / F) 300 to connect the test machine 400 to the game machine board 63. It is comprised so that the test for evaluating performance can be performed. A configuration for outputting a test signal to the test apparatus 400 will be described later.

(Game control board)
Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the game control board 63 has various functions realized by the main CPU 61 executing a program stored in the ROM 67 and various hardware realized by controlling the hardware. It has the function of.

(1) Game control means 100
The game control means 100 of FIG. 3 controls the progress of the game of the slot machine 1 in any one of a plurality of preset game states, so that a normal game and a player who are general games are controlled. A special game, which is a game more advantageous than a normal game, is executed, and includes an operation mode determination unit 100a, a game state setting unit 100b, a test signal output control unit 100c, and a test signal input control unit 100d.

a) Operation mode determination means 100a
The operation mode determination unit 100 a determines a player's operation mode for the slot machine 1. Specifically, the player's operation mode for various switches provided in the slot machine 1 such as the bet switches 15 and 17, the start switch 19, and the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R, and the player to the medal slot 25 The mode of various operations on the slot machine 1 by the player is determined, such as the mode of the medal insertion operation.

b) Game state setting means 100b
The gaming state setting means 100b is based on the result of lottery processing by the role lottery means 101 described later, the determination result by the symbol determination means 107 of the display mode of each reel 13L, 13M, and 13R displayed on the display window 11. Thus, the gaming state of the slot machine 1 is set to any one of a plurality of preset gaming states.

  For example, in the normal gaming state in which a normal game is executed, if the symbols of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are displayed on the display window 11 in a display mode related to winning a predetermined special role, the gaming state of the slot machine 1 However, the special game state in which the special game is executed is set by the game state setting means 100b. In a special game state, if a special game end condition such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out or a predetermined number of games (games) being executed is satisfied, the special game is ended and the game of the slot machine 1 The state is set to the normal gaming state by the gaming state setting means 100b.

  Further, in the normal gaming state, when the special combination is won but the special combination is not won, that is, each symbol is displayed on the display window 11 in the display mode related to the special combination. If the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R do not stop, the gaming state of the slot machine 1 is set to an internal winning gaming state in which an internal winning game is executed by the gaming state setting means 100b. Further, in the internal winning game state, when a special combination that has been carried over inside without winning a prize is won, the gaming state of the slot machine 1 is set to the special gaming state by the gaming state setting means 100b.

c) Test signal output control means 100c
The test signal output control means 100c is provided with at least one first specific signal provided in the game control means 100 exclusively for the output of the test signal with respect to the output driver IC 80 (see FIG. 4) mounted on the game control board 63 during the test. A test signal is output via a terminal 90 (see FIG. 4). The output driver IC 80 can output information from the test signal output control means 100c to the test apparatus 400 as a test signal via the connector 92 and the interface board (I / F) 300 shown in FIG. The test can be performed with the slot machine 1 in the automatic operation state regardless of the operation of the player. The information for specifying the test signal output from the test signal output control means 100c is updated according to the progress of the game.

Here, the following test signals are output to the test apparatus 400.
First flag signal: winning information (flag information relating to the result lottery result (winning) by the role lottery means 101),
Second flag signal: replay information (flag information indicating the type of replay time),
Special role signal: Special role information (information indicating that the bonus game is BB, CB, RB, SB),
-Insertion permission signal: medal insertion permission information (information indicating that insertion of a medal is requested),
Start permission signal: Start switch permission information (information indicating that the operation of the start switch has become effective based on the setting of the required number of bets),
Payout signal: information on the number of medals to be paid out (information on the payout sensor 54 indicating that medals have been paid out),
Reel index signal: information indicating that the reel has passed the initial position (information indicating that the protrusion provided on each reel 13L, 13M, 13R has passed each position sensor 55L, 55M, 55R),
Stop permission signal: stop switch permission information (information indicating that the operation of each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R is enabled),
AT signal: AT information (information on stop (operation) timing and pressing order of each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R advantageous to the player in the case of small part overlapping winning (specific part lottery result)),
-Game control signal: Game control information (information on interrupting automatic driving once due to the fact that the stage can be selected before proceeding with the game),
Excitation specific signal: Phase information that can specify the excitation phase of each of the left, middle, and right reel motors 14L, 14M, 14R,

d) Test signal input control means 100d
The test signal input control means 100d is for operating the slot machine 1 from the test apparatus 400 via the connector 92 (see FIG. 4) and the input driver IC 81 (see FIG. 4) mounted on the game control board 63 during the test. When a test signal (operation signal) is input, based on a signal input from the input driver IC 81 to the test signal input control means 100d via a test input terminal 91 (see FIG. 4) provided in the game control means 100, The game control means 100 controls each part of the slot machine 1. Note that the gaming machine only needs to be configured so that the driver ICs 80 and 81 and the connector 92 can be mounted on the gaming control board 63 at the time of the test, and need not always be mounted.

  Here, as test signals (operation signals) input from the testing device 400 to the game control means 100, the bet switch 15, the start switch 19, the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R, the settlement switch 23, the setting change key, and the cancellation release switch There is a signal that gives an instruction equivalent to the operation of the operation tool.

  Here, an outline of the game executed in the slot machine 1 will be described.

  The slot machine 1 is configured such that one game (game) is performed by inserting three medals, and three medals are inserted into the slot machine 1 by the insertion sensor 53, the bet switch 15 or the maximum bet switch 17. When the insertion is detected, a horizontal winning line (center line) at the center (middle stage) of the display window 11 becomes effective. When it is detected that the start switch 19 has been operated on condition that three medals, which are the prescribed number, are inserted, any of the pre-set lottery results is determined by the lottery process using random numbers. It is selected by lottery processing by means 101. When all the rotations of the left, middle and right reels 13L, 13M and 13R are started, the symbols of the reels 13L, 13M and 13R displayed on the display window 11 are discriminated by the rotation angles of the reels 13L, 13M and 13R. Start based on.

  Thereafter, after all the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R have been operated, the left reel 13L is stopped when the operation of the left stop switch 21L is detected, and the middle when the operation of the middle stop switch 21M is detected. When the reel 13M is stopped and the operation of the right stop switch 21R is detected, the right reel 13R is stopped.

  When all of the three left / middle / right stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R are operated and the rotation of the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R is stopped, the display window is activated. When a predetermined symbol is stopped on the middle winning line 11 of 11, that is, when the stopped symbol of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is displayed on the display window 11 in a display mode related to winning a winning combination, it becomes a winning and a winning mode Depending on the number of medals, the medals are credited or paid out from the medal payout opening 39. A predetermined profit may be given to the player instead of the medal payout or together with the medal payout.

  In the slot machine 1, a special combination, a plurality of small combinations, an AT transition combination, and a replay combination are set in advance as winning combinations. And, as the role lottery result of the role lottery means 101, special role winning (bonus winning, replay time winning), small role winning, AT transition role winning, re-game winning (replay winning), and lose are set. Has been. In addition, the small role winning is composed of at least two small roles, and there is a possibility of winning a different small role depending on the operation mode of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R. Role lottery results).

  In addition, the prizes include special prizes (bonus prizes, replay time prizes) related to transition to special games (bonus games, replay time), small prizes related to medal payouts, and transitions to the AT period. There are an AT transition winning combination and a replay winning combination (replay winning) related to execution of replay (replay). As a condition for winning a special combination, a plurality of small combinations, an AT transition combination, and a replay combination, the symbols displayed on the display window 11 when the rotation of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is stopped. A display mode, that is, a combination of symbols of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R displayed on the winning line of the display window 11 is set in advance for each winning combination.

  If the display pattern on the display window 11 of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is a display mode corresponding to a special role, a special game (bonus game, replay time) is executed with a special role winning. Further, if the display pattern on the display window 11 of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is a display mode corresponding to any of a plurality of small combinations, the small combination is set as a small combination winning. The payout number of medals is paid out from the hopper unit 43.

  In addition, if the display pattern on the display window 11 of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is a display mode corresponding to the AT transition combination, the payout number of medals set as the AT transition combination is set as the AT transition combination winning combination. While being paid out from the unit 43, as described later, the state of the flag during the AT period stored in the flag storage means 651 in FIG. 3 is set to ON. Further, if the display pattern on the display window 11 of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is a display mode corresponding to the re-gamer, it becomes a re-game player prize and is the same as the previous game without inserting a new medal. The game can be played again under certain conditions.

  Further, as described above, the part lottery result related to the small part winning by the part lottery means 101 includes a small part overlapping winning (a specific part lottery result) for simultaneously winning a plurality of small parts. As the part lottery result of the means 101, a specific part lottery result (small part double winning) composed of a plurality of different types of small part is set, and any of a plurality of part lottery results including the specific part lottery result One of them is selected by lottery by the role lottery means 101. As a result, when a specific combination lottery result is selected by lottery by the combination lottery means 101 and a small combination double winning is achieved, a plurality of small combinations constituting the specific combination lottery result are simultaneously selected.

  In addition, the operation modes (pushing order) of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R that are advantageous to the player are set in advance for each of a plurality of specific combination lottery results (small combination overlapping winning). And, when one of a plurality of specific role lottery results is selected by lottery by the role lottery means 101 and a plurality of small roles are simultaneously won, The reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are controlled to be stopped by a stop control unit 104, which will be described later, so that the winning combination to be preferentially won varies depending on the operation order of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R.

  For example, when the combination lottery result by the combination lottery means 101 is a specific combination lottery result (small combination double winning), the operation mode determination unit 100a is advantageous to the player set for the small combination double winning. When it is determined that the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R are operated in the operation mode, among the plurality of small combinations that are won at the same time, a prize is awarded to the small combination that has the largest medal payout number and is most advantageous to the player. Each of the reels 13L, 13M, 13R is controlled to be stopped by the stop control means 104 so that the symbol related to is displayed on the display window 11 with priority. On the other hand, if it is determined by the operation mode determination means 100a that the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R are not operated in an operation mode that is advantageous to the player set for the small role overlapping winning, a plurality of the winning combinations are simultaneously selected. Of the small combinations, the symbol corresponding to the small combination that is most advantageous to the player is not displayed on the winning line of the display window 11.

  Here, in the plurality of small role overlapping wins, different operation modes are set as operation modes advantageous to the player. For example, when three types of small role overlapping wins are set, An advantageous mode of operation for the player that “the left stop switch 21L is operated first” is set in the double role winning, and the “medium stop switch 21M is operated first” in the second small role overlapping winning. An operation mode that is advantageous to the player is set, and an operation mode that is advantageous to the player that “the right stop switch 21R is operated first” is set in the third small role overlapping winning. In addition, an effect for notifying the player of the operation mode of each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R advantageous to the player set for each of the small role overlapping winnings is a “notification effect” for each small role overlapping winning ( It is set in advance for each (partial lottery result).

  By the way, among special games, the bonus game is a game in which the winning probability of a small role is set higher than that of a normal game, and it is easy to receive payout of game medals and is advantageous to the player compared to the normal game. Is a game that can win more medals. Then, after shifting to the bonus game, when the game is performed a preset number of times or when the number of medals paid out in the bonus game reaches a predetermined upper limit number, the bonus game is ended and the game shifts to the normal game. It is set as follows.

  Among special games, the replay time is a game in which the winning probability of the re-gamer is set higher than that of the normal game, and the decrease in the number of medals possessed by the player is suppressed. It is a game that is more advantageous to the player than the game. And after shifting to the replay time, when the game is performed a preset number of times or when winning the preset replay time end role, it is set to end the replay time and shift to the normal game Yes.

  Note that the replay time execution condition is not limited to winning a special role related to the replay time, as described above. For example, when the bonus game ends, the replay time may be executed when a condition such as winning a preset replay time execution lottery is satisfied.

  In addition, if the winning lottery result of the winning lottery means 101 is, for example, a special winning combination, the symbol stop control based on the special winning combination is performed, but at this time, the symbol arrangement of the special winning combination mode is not allocated. In addition, a transition is made to the gaming state during internal winning, and this special role winning is carried over until the symbol arrangement of the winning mode of the special role is allocated. In addition, the small role winning is not carried over to the next game unless the symbol arrangement of the winning combination of the small role is assigned in the game in which the result of the winning combination lottery is the small role winning.

  In addition, in the case of replay winning, the left, middle and right reels ensure that the symbols corresponding to the re-gamer are always on the winning line regardless of the timing of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R. Since the symbols are arranged on 13L, 13M, and 13R, the player is always awarded a re-game player. In addition, in the case of winning one of a plurality of small role overlapping winnings, as with the symbol corresponding to replay, no matter what timing the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R are operated, at least the winning small role The symbols are arranged on the left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R so that the symbols corresponding to any of the plurality of small roles constituting the overlapping winning combination are always aligned on the winning line. For this reason, a winning combination is always awarded to one of a plurality of small roles constituting the winning combination of small roles.

  In this embodiment, an AT game is executed after an AT (assist time) period starts from the game next to the game that has won the “AT transition role”. In an AT game, when the lottery result of the lottery means 101 is one of a plurality of small role overlapping winnings as a specific role lottery result, which small switch should be operated first, etc. An effect of notifying the player of an operation mode advantageous to the player in accordance with the overlapping winning is executed. Then, after shifting to the AT period, the AT period ends when a predetermined number of times, for example, 20 AT games are performed.

(2) Role lottery means 101
The role lottery means 101 (role lottery means) of FIG. 3 is a timing at which the start switch 19 is operated, and a plurality of role lottery results (special role winnings, including a specific role lottery result in which a predetermined notification effect is preset). A lottery process using a random number and a lottery table as a result of a role lottery in the current game, with one of the small role winning (small role overlapping winning), AT transition winning combination winning, re-game winning, winning This is selected and determined, and includes a random number generation means, a random number extraction means, a lottery table, and a lottery determination means. Here, the random number generating means generates a random number for lottery within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 16383 in decimal number), and counts the oscillation circuit and the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit. Counter circuit. Further, the random number extraction means extracts the random number generated by the random number generation means at the timing when the start switch 19 is operated. Since the random number generating means is constituted by a counter circuit or the like, the numerical value generated by the random number generating means is not strictly a random number. However, since the timing at which the start switch 19 is operated is considered to be random, the numerical value extracted by the random number extraction means can be practically handled as a random number. A random number may be generated by a random number generator.

  Further, the lottery table is predetermined for each random number within the range generated by the random number generation means, and whether or not it corresponds to any of the preset role lottery results, and is extracted by the random number extraction means. By comparing the random number thus extracted with the lottery table, it is determined which of the plurality of lottery results the extracted random number corresponds to.

(3) Reel control means 102
The reel control means 102 shown in FIG. 3 includes a stepping motor drive circuit that constitutes the left, middle, and right reel motors 14L, 14M, and 14R, and determines each excitation phase of the stepping motor based on the excitation data table stored in the ROM 67. Each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is rotated in a predetermined rotation mode by outputting a pulse signal for excitation and driving each reel motor 14L, 14M, 14R.

(4) Reel detecting means 103
The reel detection means 103 in FIG. 3 includes detection signals from the left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, 55R, and left / middle / right reel motors 14L, 14M for driving the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R. , 14R based on the number of pulses supplied from the reel control means 102 (number of steps), the rotational positions of the left, middle and right reels 13L, 13M, 13R are detected. In other words, the reel detection means 103 has a symbol positioned at a predetermined reference position (in this embodiment, for example, the middle stage of the display window 11) while the left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are rotating and stopped. Each corresponding frame number is detected.

(5) Stop control means 104
The stop control means 104 of FIG. 3 performs stop control of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R based on the operation mode for each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R by the player and the result lottery result of the role lottery means 101. is there. And when the result lottery result by the part lottery means 101 is a winning of any of a plurality of roles, the stop control means 104 should have an appropriate timing when the player operates the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R. For example, the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are controlled to be stopped so that the symbol determining means 107 described later determines that the winning combination is won. Depending on the type of winning combination, a stop symbol is displayed on the display window 11 in a winning manner corresponding to the winning combination no matter what timing each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is operated by the player. As shown, the arrangement positions of the symbols on the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are set.

  In addition, when the combination lottery result of the combination lottery means 101 is a specific combination lottery result (overlapping of small combinations), which small combination is preferentially won out of a plurality of small combinations winning simultaneously. The priority order of winning is set so as to be different depending on the operation mode according to the operation order of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R. For example, when three types of first to third small role overlapping winnings are set as described above, an operation mode advantageous to the player that “the left stop switch 21L is operated first” is set. In addition, when the first small combination overlapping winning is selected by the combination lottery means 101, if the left stop switch 21L is operated first, the stop control means 104 constitutes the first specific small combination overlapping winning. The reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are controlled to stop so that the small combination having the largest number of paid-out medals is awarded among the multiple small combinations.

(6) Production execution determining means 105
The effect execution determining means 105 in FIG. 3 determines whether or not to perform an effect informing the operation mode of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R that is advantageous to the player. For example, even if the winning lottery result is “small role overlapping winning”, if the player cannot know that fact, the player operates each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R in an advantageous operation mode. This is not necessarily the case, and it is not always possible to win the winning combination with the largest number of payouts. On the other hand, in the AT game, when the result of lottery becomes “small overlapping double win”, an effect to notify that effect is performed, and each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is operated in an operation mode advantageous to the player. It is possible to increase the opportunities for the player to receive medals.

  Then, when winning the “AT transition combination”, the effect execution determining means 105 determines that the effect of notifying the operation mode of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R advantageous to the player is performed, and the flag of the RAM 65 The state of the AT period flag stored in the storage unit 651 is set to ON. The state of the flag during the AT period stored in the flag storage unit 651 is set to OFF when a predetermined number of AT games are executed. Also, any of the bits forming the flag storage unit 651 is assigned to the flag during the AT period, and the state of the flag during the AT period is stored in the flag storage unit 651 by setting the bit to ON or OFF. can do. In such an AT game, when the combination lottery result of the combination lottery means 101 is any one of a plurality of small combination double winnings (a specific combination lottery result), the small combination double winning is set in advance. An effect is provided in which the player is notified of the operation mode (operation order) of each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R, which is advantageous to the player. Then, after shifting to the AT period, the AT period ends when a predetermined number of times, for example, 20 AT games are performed.

  Further, as will be described later, the command creation means 106 creates a command according to the determination result of the effect execution determination means 105. That is, the production execution determination unit 105 confirms a command (an operation mode (notification production) advantageous to the player) that can confirm the type of the small role overlapping winning (specific role lottery result) as the command created by the command creation unit 106. Or a command that cannot confirm the type of winning combination of small roles (a command that cannot confirm an operation mode (notification effect) advantageous to the player).

(7) Command creation means 106
The command creation means 106 in FIG. 3 includes data relating to the winning lottery result in the lottery process by the winning lottery means 101, data relating to the operation of the operating instruments operated by the player such as the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R, the start switch 19, etc. A command for transmitting various data such as these to the effect control board 73 (sub CPU 71) is generated. And the command produced | generated by the command preparation means 106 is transmitted to the effect control board 73 by the command transmission means 109 so that it may mention later. As will be described later, the effect control board 73 selects an effect to be executed based on the command sent from the game control board 63. In other words, the command creation means 106 creates a command for instructing the content of the effect executed on the effect control board 73.

  Then, when the command creation means 106 determines that the effect execution determination means 105 does not perform an effect that informs the player of an advantageous operation mode, that is, if the flag during the AT period is set to OFF, It can be confirmed that one of the “small role overlapping winning (specific role lottery result)” has been selected by the lottery means 101, but it does not include data indicating the type of small role overlapping winning, which is advantageous to the player A command in which the operation mode (notification effect) of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R cannot be confirmed is created. Further, when the command execution means 106 determines that the effect execution determining means 105 performs an effect informing the player of an advantageous operation mode, that is, if the AT period flag is set to ON, A command is included that includes data indicating the type of “small portion overlapping winning” selected by the lottery means 101 and that can confirm the operation mode (notification effect) of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R advantageous to the player. .

  For example, as described above, when three types of first to third small role overlapping winnings are set, the command creation means 106 displays the first lottery result when the flag during the AT period is OFF. For example, the same “1” command is created so that the type of small combination overlapping winning selected by the lottery means 101 can not be confirmed in any case of the third small combined overlapping winning. On the other hand, when the flag during the AT period is ON, the command creation means 106 selects “first small part overlapping winning” by lottery by the part lottery means 101 so that the type of small part overlapping winning can be confirmed. For example, a command “2” is created, and if “the second small part overlapping winning” is selected by lottery by the role lottery means 101, a command “3” is created, for example, For example, when “the third small part overlapping winning” is selected by the lottery by the means 101, a command “4” is created.

  Note that the command creation means 106 creates the same command for the result lottery results other than the small role overlapping win regardless of whether the AT period flag is ON or OFF.

(8) Symbol determination means 107
The symbol determination means 107 in FIG. 3 is configured so that the display mode of each symbol by each reel 13L, 13M, 13R stopped by the stop control means 104 based on the rotation position of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R It is determined whether or not the display mode is a predetermined display mode, and whether or not the display result of the symbol when the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are stopped is a predetermined winning mode, and an opportunity to change the gaming state It is determined whether or not a predetermined display mode is set in advance.

(9) Dispensing control means 108
The payout control unit 108 in FIG. 3 gives a predetermined profit to the player based on the determination result by the symbol determination unit 107 (profit granting unit). If it is determined that a prize has been awarded when the prize is paid out, the hopper unit 43 (hopper motor 57) is operated after the number of credit medals stored reaches the upper limit (for example, 50 in this embodiment). By operating and paying out medals in the number corresponding to the winning combination, a profit is given to the player. Further, the payout control means 108 increases the credit medals by the payout number instead of the operation of the hopper unit 43 as a medal payout until the number of stored credit medals reaches the upper limit value.

  Further, when the symbol determining means 107 determines that the re-game player has won a prize, the payout control means 108 validates the winning line for the next game on the assumption that a prescribed number (three) of medals have been inserted.

(10) Command transmission means 109
The command transmission means 109 of FIG. 3 transmits a command including various data created by the command creation means 106 from the game control board 63 to the effect control board 73 as predetermined information in one way. Gaming state such as state and special gaming state, result lottery result of the role lottery means 101, symbol judgment result by the symbol judgment means 107, rotation / stop state of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R, medal payout state by the payout control means 108 The command created by the command creation means 106 is transmitted to the effect control board 73, including data representing the state of the slot machine 1.

  The command transmission means 109 includes data representing the detection state of the inserted medals by the insertion sensor 53, the operation state of the bet switch 15 and the maximum bet switch 17, and the like. Send to. The command transmission means 109 includes data indicating that various switches such as the start switch 19 and the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R have been operated by the player, and the command created by the command creation means 106 is used as the effect control board. 73.

(11) Notification means 110
The notification means 110 in FIG. 3 is determined by the effect execution determination means 105 to execute a predetermined notification effect for notifying the operation mode of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R advantageous to the player, that is, the AT period. When the medium flag is set to ON, if the winning lottery result of the lottery means 101 is one of a plurality of small role overlapping winnings, the player corresponding to the winning small role overlapping winning By displaying the operation sequence of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R advantageous for the game on the notification display 60 directly controlled by the game control board 63, a notification effect for notifying the player of an advantageous operation mode is performed. For example, as described above, when three types of first to third small role overlapping winnings are set, an operation mode advantageous to the player that “operates the left stop switch 21L first” is set. In the case of the first small role overlapping winning, “123” or “1--” is displayed on the notification display 60. Note that the notification unit 110 may display the information indicating the type of small role overlapping winning by the notification display 60.

  Further, when it is determined by the effect execution determining means 105 that the predetermined notification effect for notifying the player of the operation mode advantageous is not executed, that is, when the flag during the AT period is set to OFF, the notification means 110 is The display according to the winning lottery result is performed by the notification display unit 60 so that the operation mode advantageous to the player is not known, and the effect of notifying the operation mode advantageous to the player is not performed.

(12) Connection determination means 111
3 is connected to the inspection connector 95 provided on the game control board 63 in order to connect the predetermined determination device 500 shown in FIG. 4 to the connection determination unit 111 (corresponding to “determination unit” in the present invention). The game control means 100 updates the storage information of the specific storage means 652 (corresponding to the “specific storage area” in the present invention) on the condition that the regular determination device 500 is connected.

  As described above, an on-site inspection by a test organization or the like is periodically performed based on the provisions of the wind management law to determine whether or not the ROM 67 of the main CPU 61 constituting the game control means 100 of the game control board 63 is an unauthorized one. In this case, the game control board 63 is provided with an inspection connector 95 for connecting the determination device 500 used by the testing organization. Then, bidirectional communication is performed between the connection determination unit 111 and the determination device 500 connected to the inspection connector 95, and the connection determination unit 111 determines that the inspection determination device 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95. On the condition that the identification number, which is unique information assigned in advance to the main CPU 61 constituting the game control means 100, is provided via the second specific terminal 96 (see FIG. 4) provided in the game control means 100. It is output to the determination device 500, and the determination device 500 determines whether or not the acquired identification number is legitimate. If it is legitimate, it is judged that there is no illegal ROM modification. It is determined that there is a modification.

  On the other hand, in the game control means 100, when the determination device 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95, the storage information stored in the specific storage means 652 of the RAM 65 is updated, and the specific storage means 652 is updated based on the storage information. In the control program of the main CPU 61 constituting the game control means 100, the connection determination means 111 performs a determination process of “whether the specific storage means 652 is connected” or not when the process shifts to the test output process. If the result is NO, the test output process is left as it is, and if the determination result is YES, the process of updating the test signal data is performed, and the test signal can be output to the first specific terminal 90. At this time, for example, the game control means 100 may acquire the unique information from the determination device 500 and determine whether or not the unique information is registered in advance, and in order to further improve security, the determination device 500 It is desirable to encrypt information about the connection between the two.

(Production control board)
Next, the effect control board 73 will be described in detail. The effect control board 73 of FIG. 3 receives the command transmitted from the game control board 63 and performs an effect according to the operation and state of the game control board 63. As shown in FIG. 3, the effect control board 73 has various functions realized by executing programs stored in the memory 75 (see FIG. 2) and various functions realized by controlling hardware. It has the function of.

(1) Command receiving means 200
The command receiving means 200 in FIG. 3 receives commands including various data transmitted by the command transmitting means 109 of the game control board 63 as predetermined information. The command receiving means 200 receives a command transmitted from the game control board 63 and, when receiving the command, notifies each function provided in the effect control board 73 according to the type of the command.

(2) Production content determination means 201
The effect content determining means 201 in FIG. 3 is for determining the contents of the effect according to the command received by the command receiving means 200. Specifically, a moving image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 27 is determined from an effect pattern set in advance corresponding to the progress of the game, the role lottery result of the role lottery means 101, or from the speakers 31L and 31R. The contents of the production such as the contents of the flowing music and voice are determined, and the light sources of the upper lamp section 33 and the lower lamp sections 37L and 37R are flashed simultaneously or individually.

  This effect content determination means 201 is for the received command corresponding to the AT period, and can confirm the type of the small role overlapping winning. Each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R set to the small role overlapping winning is selected. If the operation mode can be confirmed, a notification effect that shows an advantageous operation mode for the player corresponding to the type of the small role overlapping winning is executed, and if the received command does not correspond during the AT period, the player The contents of the effect are determined so as to execute an effect in which an advantageous operation mode is not known.

  Here, as an example of the content of the effect determined by the effect content determining means 201, the operation order of each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R is displayed on the liquid crystal display 27, or each stop switch 21L, 21M, is displayed by the speakers 31L, 31R. The operation order of 21R, 21M, 21R is notified by voice, the operation order of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is notified by blinking the lamp provided in each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R in a predetermined order, For example, the operation order of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R is notified by blinking the backlights provided on the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R in a predetermined order.

  Similarly, when a command including data indicating other part lottery results is received, similarly, one stage is selected from the stage group that suggests the possibility of each part lottery result.

  Then, the effect content determination unit 201 transmits a signal including data regarding the determined effect content to the display control unit 202 and the audio control unit 203.

(3) Display control means 202
The display control unit 202 of FIG. 3 displays a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 27 based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the effect content determination unit 201, or displays the upper lamp unit 33 and the lower lamp unit 37L. , 37R or the like, and effects such as blinking all at once or individually are executed.

(4) Voice control means 203
The voice control means 203 in FIG. 3 executes effects such as playing music from the speakers 31L and 31R and outputting sound based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the effect content determination means 201. It is.

<Test signal output operation>
When evaluating the performance of the slot machine 1 as described above, as shown in FIG. 4, drivers 80 and 81 and a connector 92 are mounted on the game control board 63, and the testing device is connected to the mounted connector 92 via the interface board 300. 400 is connected. When the determination device 500 for determining whether or not the unauthorized main CPU is modified is connected to the inspection connector 95 provided on the game control board 63, the game control means 100 updates the stored information in the specific storage means 652. The

  As described above, based on the storage information of the specific storage unit 652, when the process proceeds to the test output process in the control program of the main CPU 61, the connection determination unit 111 determines that the specific storage unit 652 is connected. If YES, a process for updating the test signal data is performed, and a test signal can be output from the game control means 100 to the output driver IC 80, and the output driver IC 80 passes through the interface board (I / F) 300. The various test signals described above are output to the test apparatus 400 connected to the game control board 63.

  On the other hand, even if the test apparatus 400 is connected via the interface board 300, if the determination device 500 is not connected to the inspection connector 95, the storage information of the specific storage means 652 is not updated, The determination unit 111 does not determine that the determination device 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95. Therefore, unless the determination device 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95, the stored information in the test signal specifying information storage area of the RAM 65 is not updated, so that the game control means 100 receives the test signal from the first specifying terminal 90. Cannot be output to the output driver IC 80, and in the state where the slot machine 1 is installed in the game arcade and used for gaming, a test signal is not output from the first specific terminal 90 of the game control means 100, There is no risk of unauthorized use of test signals.

  Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the information to the first specific terminal 90 of the game control means 100 is provided on the condition that the determination device 500 that determines whether or not the unauthorized main CPU is modified is connected to the inspection connector 95. Since the switch SW of the main CPU 61 for turning on / off the output of the main CPU 61 is switched from the off state to the on state, the test signal can be output from the game control means 100 to the output driver IC 80. Therefore, the existing inspection connector 95 is used. The game control means 100 can be switched to a state in which a test signal can be output only when a person who can perform a normal inspection connects the determination device 500 to the inspection connector 95, and the test signal can be output more illegally. It can be surely prevented.

  Further, the determination device 500 for determining whether or not the unauthorized main CPU is modified is connected to the inspection connector 95 provided on the game control board 63, and the connection determination means 111 determines that the regular determination device 500 is connected. Sometimes, the game control means 100 updates the storage information in the specific storage means 652, and the connection determination means 111 determines that the regular determination device 500 is connected based on the storage information in the specific storage means 652. The connection of the determination device 500 may be determined according to the storage information in the storage unit 652, and the connection determination of the determination device 500 can be performed with simpler processing.

  Further, since the first specific terminal 90 is provided exclusively for outputting the test signal from the game control means 100 to the output driver IC 80, the first specific terminal 90 becomes a substantially unused terminal when the determination device 500 is not connected. Therefore, it does not affect the output processing of other information in the progress of the game, and new fraud using the first specific terminal 90 in the unused state can be prevented.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, even when the test apparatus 400 is connected via the interface board 300, the storage information of the specific storage unit 652 is not updated when the determination device 500 is not connected to the inspection connector 95. The case has been described in which the storage information in the test signal specifying information storage area of the RAM 65 is not updated because the connection determining unit 111 does not determine that the determination device 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95. Although the storage information in the information storage area is updated, the output from the first specific terminal 90 to the output driver IC 80 may not be performed under the control of the main CPU 61.

  Normally, when the slot machine 1 is turned on by turning on the power switch at the start of business in the game hall, the game control means 100 has a function of executing a well-known power-on process. However, the connection determination process of the determination device 500 may be executed in the power-on process. In this way, it is impossible for a third party without a legitimate authority to turn the slot machine 1 on again during business hours when the power of the slot machine 1 is on. In addition, by executing the connection determination process of the determination device 500 by the connection determination unit 111, it is possible to more reliably prevent fraud and improve security.

  Further, once it is determined that the regular determination device 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95, the connection of the determination device 500 is continuously monitored until the determination device 500 is removed from the inspection connector 95, thereby improving security. Further improvement may be made.

  Further, once it is determined that the regular determination device 500 is connected to the inspection connector 95, the slot machine 1 is turned off (powered off) for a period of 400 games, for a certain period such as several hours, or the like. Until this time, the test signal may be output from the game control means 100. If it carries out like this, it will become possible to test with respect to a plurality of slot machines 1 by one test device 400, and it can contribute to improvement in work efficiency.

  Further, as described above, there are a plurality of types of test signals from the game control unit 100 to the test apparatus 400, but the test signals that can be output to the test apparatus 400 are classified according to the type of determination result of the connection determination unit 111. May be changed. For example, the determination result of the connection determination unit 111 includes a state in which all the test signals described above can be output and a state in which only the start permission signal, replay information, and the like that are permission information of the start switch 19 can be output. It can be changed according to the type. By doing so, a test according to the level of the authentication level by the test apparatus 400 can be performed, and only a part of the test signals can be output to the test apparatus 400 with a low authentication level. Security can be improved according to the authentication level.

  Further, when a predetermined setting change process is started when the power is turned on with a change process start switch (not shown) of the slot machine 1 turned on, when setting values (setting 1 to setting 6) are set, When a predetermined register capable of setting “1” at the start of setting change by the game control means 100 and “0” at power-on without setting change is provided, a test is performed at the time of the test by the test apparatus 400 By setting to the set value, the register becomes “1” and the test can be performed in a state where a test signal can be output. The setting is changed after the business is closed at the amusement hall. When the power is turned on before, the corresponding register becomes “0” when the power is turned on, so there is no possibility that a test signal is output. Thus, security can be improved by using a specific register for mode recognition of a gaming machine.

  In addition, a function that can be selectively switched between a first mode for allowing the test device to output the test signal and a second mode for limiting the output to the gaming machine installed in the game hall, In the state of being used for a normal game, the game machine installed in the game hall is set to the second mode so that the test signal is not output, and if necessary, the game machine installed in the game hall is set to the first mode. Switching may be set to allow test signal output and allow testing on the spot.

  At this time, the operation program of the game control means is provided with a mode switching function, and the operation of the game control means can be switched between the first mode and the second mode by giving a mode switching command to the game control means.

  Also, as the game control board 63, a mass production board for a slot machine installed in a game hall and a test board for a slot machine used for testing are prepared, and the above-described test signal is output only for the test board. May be provided. In this way, the test signal is not illegally used in the slot machine installed with the mass production board and installed in the game hall.

  Also, as the main CPU 61 to be mounted on the game control board 63, one using a mass production chip and one using a development chip other than the mass production chip or a sample machine chip are prepared, and the development or sample other than the mass production chip is prepared. The function of outputting the test signal described above may be provided only for those using the machine chip. Also in this case, by mounting the mass-produced chip on the game control board 63 as the main CPU 61, the test signal is not illegally used in the slot machine installed in the game hall.

  Also, encrypted communication is performed between the game control board 63 and the test apparatus 400, and when it is determined that the connection between the game control board 63 and the test apparatus 400 is normal and normal, a test signal is output from the game control means 100, thereby ensuring security. You may make it aim at improvement. At this time, the test signal may be encrypted and transmitted / received between the technique control board 63 and the test apparatus 400.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the specific storage area whose storage information is changed by connecting the determination device 500 to the inspection connector 95 is the specific storage unit 652 of the RAM 65 has been described. Is not limited to this. For example, a register different from the RAM 65 may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the slot machine 1 has been described. In short, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine having a function capable of outputting a test signal for performing a game test. it can.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine (game machine), 63 ... Game control board, 90 ... 1st specific terminal (specific terminal), 95 ... Connector for test | inspection, 100 ... Game control means, 111 ... Connection determination means (determination means), 500 ... Determination device, 652... Specific storage means (specific storage area)

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine having a function capable of outputting a test signal for performing a game test,
A board on which a game control means for controlling the game is mounted;
The game control means includes
The test signal is updated according to the progress of the game,
A specific terminal for outputting the test signal;
A function to execute a predetermined power-on process with power-on,
The test signal can be output from the specific terminal by continuing the power-on even after the set value is determined by the power-on process based on the power-on accompanied by the setting change of the set value. A gaming machine characterized by prohibiting the output of the test signal by continuing power-on by the power-on processing without any change.

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