JPH09313712A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily detect a connecting state of a game data signal in a short time by providing a test output means for experimentally outputting the game data signal irrelevant to the game related state and a test output control means for controlling test output of the game data signal based on the establishment of prescribed conditions. SOLUTION: A test signal is transmitted based on an instruction signal of a transmission period from a generator control circuit 260a. The waveform of this test signal is made to differ from an ordinary traveling wave of a specific pattern start and prize signal during a play so as to prevent it from being counted by a junction device 400 and a centralized control device 700. In handling a test transmission and receiving, when the game data is inputted to the centralized control device 700, at first whether the input signal is the test signal or not is judged, and if it is the test signal, the data collection processing of the input signal is made invalid and at the same time whether the test signal is normal or not is judged, and in the case of normal, it is informed to be normal and in the case of abnormal, it is informed that which signal of which machine is abnormal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine having an external output means capable of outputting a game data signal based on various game-related states to an external device through a signal line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a starting winning state that is a prize for a starting opening, a variable display game starting state (starting start state), a variable display game state,
Various game-related states such as a big hit state, a prize ball discharge state, and a ball lending state occur.

The gaming machine has an external output terminal for outputting the plurality of types of game-related states as output signals to the outside, and is connected to a centralized management device of a game store. On the other hand, in the game store, based on the game-related state signal input from the above-mentioned gaming machine, the situation of occurrence of various game-related states is accurately grasped,
It is used as sales data.

The external information terminals of conventional game machines include those connected using a connector and those using a lead wire whose tip is exposed.

Conventionally, the connection of the signal lines between the gaming machine and the central control device may be a method of directly connecting all the signal lines in parallel or a method of temporarily relaying and connecting with a relay device (calling device). To be

Recently, a method has been considered in which each relay device installed in each gaming machine and a centralized management device communicate with each other via a LAN (local area network).

When exchanging game machines in a game store or opening a new game store, it is necessary to properly connect all external information terminals of the newly installed game machine.

In order to confirm the connection state, conventionally, the inspection is performed after the connection work of the external information terminal is completed. For example, you can insert a ball into the start opening for inspection of the start winning signal and start start signal, or let the ball lend to check the ball lending signal confirmation. Check the presence or absence of external information signal input with the centralized management device by generating the game-related state of and checking whether the external information signal is normally output from the gaming machine or whether the signal line is properly connected. .

[0009]

As described above, when the game machines are replaced or when a new store is opened, all the machines must be inspected for external information signals, which is a very troublesome work. there were. And for the inspection, if you put a ball in the starting opening as in the above-mentioned conventional, you have to return the prize balls generated at that time to the inside of the island facility, and extra work is required even after the inspection. Will occur.

Even so, the inspection for the starting prize is
Even if the workability is poor, it is possible to inspect it by the operation of the staff, but conventionally it is necessary to perform a confirmation act for external information signals such as big hit signals or probability fluctuation signals that are very difficult to generate by the staff operation. The reality is that you cannot do it.

Regarding signals that cannot be confirmed, even if there is a problem, the business will start as it is, so the sales data will not be accurate and there was a great problem for the amusement store.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the connection state of a game data signal based on various game-related states of a gaming machine and a central control device can be easily and easily used by using a test output signal. An object is to provide a game machine that can be inspected in a short time.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is capable of generating various game-related states, and sends a game data signal based on the game-related state to an external device through a signal line. In a gaming machine provided with external output means capable of outputting to the test, based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, a test output means for performing test output of a game data signal through the external output means irrespective of a game-related state, and the game. And a test output control means for controlling the test output of the data signal.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the start detection switch is actually turned on (ON) by using the game ball or the like to start the variable display game by the variable display device or generate a big hit. Test output of the game data signal (test signal output) without making the actual game state
Then, it is possible to confirm the connection of the signal line between the gaming machine and the external device (centralized management device) and to confirm whether the gaming data signal is normally output from the gaming machine. As a result, in the past, a game has been completed by actually inserting a ball into the starting opening for inspection of the winning award signal and the starting start signal, and letting the ball lend operation to confirm the ball lending signal. It is not necessary to perform an actual work such as generating a relevant state and confirming it, and the confirmation inspection can be performed easily, easily and in a short time.

For example, when a ball is put in the starting port for confirmation inspection, the prize balls generated at that time must be returned to the inside of the island facility, and the extra balls are left after the inspection. Although work is required, in the present invention, the game data signal is directly test-outputted instead of the actual game data signal, so that the inspection can be performed without the occurrence of prize balls or ball lending, and the workability is remarkably improved. improves.

In addition, it is very difficult to inspect a game data signal such as a jackpot signal or a probability fluctuation signal by a conventional actual work test (for example, in order to generate a jackpot signal, hundreds of times are required). It is often the case that a game ball has to be inserted into the starting port), and the actual situation is that it cannot be confirmed, but it can be easily inspected by outputting the test signal.

Here, the game machine includes a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, a pachi-con machine, and a sparrow ball game machine, as well as a pachi-slot and a slot machine. In the game-related state,
Includes start prize, variable display game, reach state, jackpot occurrence, special game state, continuous prize, probability variation state, and the like. The external device includes a centralized management device, a relay device (calling device), and the like. Game data signal, jackpot signal,
Big hit pattern signal, probability variation big hit signal, special figure start winning signal, special figure start signal, reach signal, special figure probability variation signal, big winning opening opening signal, count signal, continuous winning signal, universal figure winning signal, probability set value signal, The universal figure start winning signal, the universal figure start signal, the universal figure confirmation change signal, the universal electric open signal, the universal figure shortened signal, the hit ball signal, the prize ball signal, the ball (ball) lending signal, the replenishment signal, etc. are included.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game machine according to the first aspect, the game data signal from the test output means is test-output during a predetermined period when the power is turned on.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the test game data signal is supplied during a predetermined period when the power is turned on (for example,
Since it is output for 5 seconds after the power is turned on, when the power is turned on before the game store is opened, the connection confirmation of the signal line between the game machine and the external device (centralized management device) is confirmed, and the game data signal from the game machine is normal. You can check whether it is output to. Then, for example, it is possible to simultaneously turn on the power supplies of the gaming machines and perform the confirmation inspection between all the gaming machines and the external device. Therefore, when the game machines in the game store are replaced or a new store is opened, after the connection between the game machines and external devices is completed, test signal output by turning on the power from each game machine can be performed all at once. For example, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to inspect each unit one by one, and all units can be inspected at once, which is very efficient.

In addition, there is a periodical breakage between the gaming machine and the external device that occurs during normal business hours, or a disconnection between the gaming machine and the external device when a relay device is used, or whether there is a failure related to the gaming data signal output on the gaming machine side. Even when the power is turned on, a test signal is output every time the power is turned on, and it can be inspected in a batch before the store is opened. Inconvenience can be prevented.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, a detection means for detecting a signal required during the game is provided, and the game data signal test output by the test output means is: It is characterized in that it is output based on the detection state of the detection means during a predetermined period when the power is turned on.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the test signal output is output based on the detection state of the detection means provided in the gaming machine during the predetermined period when the power is turned on. The necessity can be selected. Thereby, for example, the game shop can select and inspect only the gaming machines that need to inspect the connection state of the signal line, and the inspection efficiency is further improved.

As the detecting means for identifying the presence or absence of the output of the test signal, an existing detector for inputting a necessary signal during the game can be used, so that it is not necessary to additionally provide a test switch or the like. For example, if you use a method that opens the glass frame of the gaming machine when the power is turned on and outputs a test signal, the glass frame can be opened when performing inspection,
It is convenient to close the glass frame when inspection is not required. In particular, the glass frame can hold the open state for a plurality of gaming machines at the same time, which is very convenient when testing a large number of gaming machines at the same time.

Further, for example, if a dedicated switch for outputting various game-related data signals for testing and a remote control function are provided, the test can be performed at any time, not only when the power is turned on, so that the cost is increased. But,
Workability is further improved as compared with the case where the existing detector such as the switch of the glass frame is used together.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first, second or third aspect, the game data signal test-outputted by the test output means is a game data signal output during a game and an output waveform. Is characterized by different.

According to the invention of claim 4, the output waveform of the test output signal (test game data signal) is made different from the output waveform of the game data signal output at the normal time (at the time of actual game). Therefore, the game data signal sent to the external device can be surely discriminated from the test output signal, and the inspection can be surely performed by distinguishing it from the actual game data.

If the test output signal is set to be the same as the game data signal at the normal time, the test output signal is also aggregated as the game data at the normal time during various data management work performed by an external device (for example, a centralized management device). However, according to the present invention, the output waveform of the test output signal is different from the actual output waveform of the game data signal. , Such a defect can be avoided.

Therefore, even if it is inspected every day before opening the store,
The management data by the external device (centralized management device) will not be corrupted.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an island facility having a pachinko gaming machine, a card vending machine, etc. according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a gaming facility composed of a centralized management device, etc.
Is a front perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a partial front view of a gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming facility 1000 including a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention has an island facility 1100 and an island facility 110 installed in a game store or the like.
Pachinko gaming machine 100 and relay device (calling device) 400 arranged at 0, card vending machine 600, gaming machine 10
0 and the gaming machine 100 are arranged between the card processing device 50
0 and a centralized management device 700 exemplified as an external device.

The centralized management device 700 is composed of, for example, a control device 710, a data storage device 720, a terminal device 730, etc., and is connected to the gaming machine 100 via the relay device 400 or directly. There is.

The terminal device 730 has a display 730.
a, a keyboard 730b, a printer device 730c, and the like.

On the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 100,
As shown in FIG. 2, the front game frame 10 is attached to the main body frame 101.
4 is attached to the one-sided open type so as to be openable and closable.

In the front upper half of this front game frame 104,
A glass frame 102 holding a glass plate 102a is attached to a single-open type so as to be openable and closable, and a game board 1 constituting a game area 3 (FIG. 3) is installed on the back side of the glass plate 102a.

Although not shown, the opening / closing portion of the glass frame 102 is turned on (O) when the glass frame 102 is in the closed state.
A glass frame switch 102b (FIG. 6) that is turned off when it is in the open state is provided.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided adjacent to a card processing device 500 having a card slot 501.

In the lower front half of the front game frame 104, an upper tray (supply tray) 105 for supplying game balls to the launching section, a card for performing exchange operation for exchanging valuable value information of the game card with balls, etc. An operation unit 108, a lower tray 107 for accommodating game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper tray 105, a firing handle 106a for performing an operation of ejecting the game balls toward the game area (FIG. 3), and the like are installed.

Pachinko gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment
0 is a so-called first type, and as shown in FIG. 3, in the game area 3 surrounded by the guide rails 2 of the game board 1, the variable display device 4, the special variation winning device 5, the universal figure starting gate 6 ，
6, a variable display 7 of a normal design (general drawing), a general winning opening 8,
.., a normal variable winning device 9 also serving as a special figure starting port, rotary direction changing members 10, 10, ..

Although not shown, the universal figure starting gates 6 and 6 are provided with universal figure starting switches, and whichever universal figure starting gates 6 and 6 are passed, the universal figure starting switch is provided. A universal figure start winning signal is output from.

The variable display device 4 is composed of, for example, a variable display device 4a such as a liquid crystal display device, and is adapted to display a game-related image such as a variable display game.

The variable display 7 having a normal pattern is composed of, for example, a 7-segment type LED, etc., and normal start memory display devices 7a, 7a, ... Are arranged in the vicinity thereof.

On the upper side of the variable display device 4, special figure starting memory indicators 4b, 4b, ... Are arranged.

The normal variation winning device (universal electric power) 9 also serving as a special figure starting port is provided with a pair of left and right opening / closing members 9a, 9a. The pair of left and right opening and closing members 9a, 9a are normally closed in a state in which an interval for receiving one game ball is opened, but depending on the result of the general figure variation display game performed by the normal symbol variable display 7, Open it in the shape of an inverted "C" (in the figure,
It is indicated by a two-dot chain line. ) It is designed to be changed into a state where it is easy to accept game balls.

A special figure starting switch (not shown) is installed in the normal variation winning device 9, and a special figure starting switch outputs a special figure starting winning signal when a game ball is awarded to the normal variation winning device 9. ing.

The special variation winning device 5 is provided with a special winning opening 5b which is opened and closed by an attacker type opening / closing door 5a. The open / close door 5a is normally closed, but the variable display device 4
Opening and closing door 5 depending on the result of the variation display game performed in
The upper end side of "a" is rotated in the direction of falling toward the front side and is opened cyclically.

Although illustration is omitted, a continuation switch and a count switch are installed in the special winning opening 5b, and a continuous winning signal is output from the continuation switch when a game ball is won in the continuous winning area of the special winning opening 5b. A count signal is output from the count switch when a game ball is won in the special winning opening 5b.

FIG. 4 is a rear view (back view) of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

On the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 100, a storage tank 201, a guide trough 202, a discharge unit 203, a ball removing unit 204, on a back mechanical base board 103 arranged on the back side of a front game frame 104 (FIG. 2). Firing unit 10
6b, ball feeding device (not shown), safe unit 20
7, terminal board 205, discharge launch control device (discharge launch control circuit) 210 (210a), game board external information terminal board 220 (FIG. 6) for outputting game-related information (game data) relating to game-related states, Accessory control device 26
0, a relay board 206 and the like are arranged. Further, a display control device 280 is arranged on the back side of the game board 1.

The discharge / launch control device 210 outputs a prize ball signal when discharging a prize ball, and outputs a ball lending signal when discharging a loan ball.

The storage tank 201 is used to store spare balls which are prize balls and rental balls.
A replenishment switch (not shown) for detecting the shortage of spare balls is provided in the first embodiment.

The guide gutter 202 aligns the spare balls in the storage tank 201 in two rows and guides them down to the discharge unit 203.

The discharge unit 203 is provided with a discharge solenoid (not shown) and a discharge sensor (not shown) inside, and the ball guided downward by the guide gutter 202 is received in the upper tray 1
05 (FIG. 2) or the tray 107 (FIG. 2), or the ball is sent to the ball removing unit 204.

On the terminal board 205, discharge emission information (launch information, ball replenishment information, ball lending information, prize ball information, driving ball information, etc.) relating to the game-related state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is sent to the centralized management device 700 of the game store. Game board external information terminal board 220 for inputting and outputting game data)
(FIG. 6) and the frame external information terminal board 290 (FIG. 6), and a power cord 205a for taking in a power source for a gaming machine (for example, AC24V). Display control device 2
80 includes a display control circuit 280a inside, and the back side thereof is covered with a back cover 312. The display controller 280 controls the display of the variable display device 4.

The discharge and firing control device 210 has a discharge and discharge control circuit 210a therein, and various electric devices (the discharge unit 203 and the ball removing unit 20) arranged on the main body frame 101.
4, handle unit 106, etc.) are controlled.

The accessory control device 260 is provided with an accessory control circuit 260a therein, and the accessory devices (variable display device 4 for special figure, special variation winning device 5, variable display for general figure) arranged on the game board 1. Device 7, ordinary variable winning device 9, etc.) are controlled. A probability setting device 311 is attached to the back side of the accessory control device 260, and the probability setting device 311 is provided with a probability setting switch 311a. A probability setting value signal is output from the probability setting device 311.

Various connectors are arranged on the relay board 206, and a ball feeding device (not shown) for sending a ball to the launching unit, the card processing unit 500, the card operating unit 108 (FIG. 2), and the accessory control unit 260, The wiring between the discharge and emission control devices 210 is relayed.

The safe unit 207 is for each winning portion of the game board 1 (general winning opening 8, ordinary variable winning device 9, large winning opening 5).
It is installed at the collecting end of a collecting gutter (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 1 in order to collect the gaming balls (winning balls) that have won a prize in one place.

The safe unit 207 discharges the corresponding number of prize balls while sequentially processing the prize balls collected on the back side of the game board 1 one by one.

Pachinko gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment
0 is configured as described above, and the accessory control device 26
0, the display control device 280, and the discharge / emission control device 210 perform the following game control, display control, discharge / emission control, and the like, for example.

That is, normally, based on a control signal from the accessory control device 260, the display control device 280 displays an image such as a call-in display on the variable display portion 4a of the variable display device 4 of the special symbol (special figure). Is done.

When the player inserts a game card into the card insertion slot 501 and operates the card operating section 108, the discharge unit 203 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 operates and the loan ball is discharged to the upper plate 105.

In this state, the player releases the firing handle 106.
When a is operated, a launching unit 106b launches a game ball to the game area 3.

When the game ball shot in the game area 3 wins the normal variation winning device 9, the winning is detected by the special figure starting switch (not shown) and stored in the accessory control device 260, and stored in the memory. Based on this, transmission data is sent from the accessory control device 260 to the display control device 280, and the variable display portion 4a of the variable display device 4 is subjected to variable display of the special symbol, thereby changing the special symbol, for example, in three digits. A display game is played.

During the variable display game of this special symbol, when the game ball is won in the normal variation winning device 9 and the special figure start switch (not shown) is detected, the special figure variable display game is unprocessed due to the winning. Is stored in the accessory control device 260, and the number of unprocessed memories is equal to
The special figure start memory display devices 4b, 4b, ... Are illuminated. Then, after the variable display game is finished, the variable display game for the number of unprocessed times is sequentially played, and the unprocessed memory number of the accessory control device 260 is subtracted every time the game is performed. The start memory display 4b is turned off sequentially.

In this special map variable display game, left, center,
In the process in which the symbols on the right are sequentially stopped, a stop display mode that may cause a big hit (for example, “1,
In the case of "1,1", "2,2,2", "3,3,3" etc.), a special game called jackpot is generated.

In this special game, a cycle in which the opening / closing door 5a of the special variation winning device 5 is opened and closed for a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is defined as one cycle, and during each cycle, the game ball is in the big winning opening 5b. It is a game that continues until a predetermined cycle (for example, 16 cycles) on condition that it is detected by a continuous winning switch (not shown) in the continuous winning area.

However, during each cycle, when it is detected by a count switch (not shown) that a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 5b, the cycle is ended at that point and the opening / closing door 5a is closed. To be

In addition, this special game is a predetermined symbol mode of jackpot occurrence (eg, "3", "5", "7", etc., an array of three specific symbols, that is, a probability variation symbol). When it occurs, after the end of the special game of the jackpot, for example, a probability variation state in which the jackpot occurrence probability is high until the jackpot occurs twice, is generated.

During this probability change, the probability of occurrence of a hit in the variable display symbol of the ordinary symbol also increases, and the probability of the ordinary symbol changes. The probability change state is a state in which it is suspended during the special game. When a big hit occurs again in a predetermined symbol mode (probability variation pattern) during the probability variation, the probability variation state is continuously generated under a predetermined limit.

The number of jackpots generated during the probability variation is the number of jackpots generated during the probability variation, including the first occurrence of the jackpot.

The number of jackpots generated during the probability change is displayed on the variable display section 4a.

On the other hand, when the game ball shot in the game area 3 passes through the starting gates 6 and 6 of the universal figure and the detection signal from the universal figure starting switch (not shown) is input to the accessory control device 260. The variable display game of the universal figure by the variable display 7 of the universal figure is performed.

During the variable display game of this figure, the game ball passes through the start gates 6 and 6 of the figure and the detection signal from the figure start switch (not shown) is input to the accessory control device 260. Then, the number of times of detection of the passage is stored, and the number of starting memory indicators 7a shown in FIG. Then, the variable display game of the universal figure for the number of memories is played.

As a result of the variable display game of this public figure, if it is a specific stop display mode (for example, "7"), it becomes the hit of the general figure, and the opening / closing members 9a, 9a of the normal variation winning device 9 are reversed. The game ball is opened in the shape of “C”, and the game ball is changed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) so that the game ball can easily win.

By opening the ordinary variable winning device 9,
It becomes easy for game balls to enter the normal variable winning device 9,
Variable display of special symbols The number of times the game is played increases.

In addition, various electronic sounds are emitted from a speaker (not shown) of a pachinko gaming machine at the time of reach or when a big hit occurs, and a decorative lamp or LED is illuminated or blinked as a decorative display for notifying it. Done. Further, during the special game, based on a detection signal from a count switch (not shown) or a continuation switch (not shown), the variable display section 4a displays the number of winning game balls to the special winning opening 5b for each cycle and the special game. The number of times the cycle is continued is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the game facility shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing exchange of game-related information signals between the central control device 700 and the accessory control circuit 260a and the discharge launch control circuit 210a. is there.

The game facility 1000, as shown in FIG.
Each pachinko gaming machine 100 installed in the island facility 1100
Through the corresponding relay device (calling device) 400
It is configured such that it is connected to the central control device 700 by N. Then, various game-related status signals and control signals are exchanged between each pachinko gaming machine 100 and the centralized management device 700.

Further, the respective pachinko gaming machines 100 and the centralized management device 700 are not connected via the relay device 400, and a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 and the relay device 400 are connected as shown by being surrounded by a broken line in FIG. Island equipment 110 installed
An island management device 800 (FIG. 1) is provided for each 0 and connected to the central management device 700 on an island basis, or directly connected to the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the central management device 700.
Data communication may be performed mutually.

Each pachinko gaming machine 100 has an accessory control circuit 2
The card processing apparatus 500 is provided with a discharge control circuit 210a, a discharge firing control circuit 210a, and the like.

The centralized management device 700 includes a control device (computer) 710, a data storage device 720, and a terminal device 730.
And an interface 740 and the like. A prize management device 701, an in-store broadcasting / rendering device 702, a ball counting device 703, etc. are connected to the centralized management device 700.

In the central control device 700, the relay device 400
When the game data from is received, the control device 710 counts the received game data (game state information signal and game ball information signal) to calculate the game data of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Then, the calculated game data of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is stored in the data storage device 720 as processed data.

Similar game data is input to the centralized management device 700 from other relay devices 400 provided corresponding to each pachinko gaming machine 100. Central management device 7
At 00, this game data (game state information signal and game ball information signal) is calculated for each pachinko gaming machine 100 and stored in the data storage device 720 as processing data for each pachinko gaming machine 100.

In the central control device 700, the in-store broadcasting / rendering device 702 is drive-controlled based on the received game data (game state information signal and game ball information signal), and, for example, a jackpot or a jackpot, Broadcast the number of times that big hits occur in the store.

Here, the processed data include, for example, the number of jackpots of each pachinko gaming machine 100, the number of probability variation jackpots, the number of initial hits, the total number of starts (starts), the maximum number of continuation of probability variation, the number of appearances of various reach, various types. It is data such as the number of jackpots to reach, the occurrence rate of each gaming state, and the reliability thereof.

Further, personal data (for example, the number of coins played during the game) generated in each relay device 400 is input to the central management device 700 as game data. Ranking data by counting (comparing) each individual data (for example, for the past half year or today, the ranking data for the top 10 out of all the gaming machines installed in the store, or the top 10 for each model) Up to the ball output ranking data) are calculated and stored in the data storage device 700 as processed data.

As shown in FIG. 6, the accessory control circuit 260a includes a discharge / emission control circuit 210a and a glass frame switch 1.
02b and the game board external information terminal board 220 are connected, and the frame emission information control board 210a is connected to the frame external information terminal board 290.

Then, from the accessory control circuit 260a, a jackpot signal via the game board external information terminal board 220,
Big hit symbol signal, probability variation big hit signal, special drawing start winning signal, special drawing start signal, reach 1 signal, reach 2 signal,
Reach 3 signal, special figure probability change signal, special winning opening opening signal, count signal, continuous winning signal, per-universal figure signal, probability set value signal, universal figure start winning signal, universal figure start signal, universal figure probable signal, universal telephone The relay device 40 sends a release signal, a universal time signal, etc.
0 to the central management device 70 via the relay device 400.
Sent to 0.

From the discharge / emission control circuit 210a, a driving ball signal, a prize ball signal, a ball lending signal, a replenishment signal, etc. are sent to the relay device 400 through the frame external information terminal board 290, and the relay device 400 is passed through. It is sent to the central control device 700.

On the other hand, the central control device 700 sends a firing stop signal and the like to the ejection firing control circuit 210a via the relay device 400 and the frame external information terminal board 290.

Here, the jackpot signal is a signal indicating the occurrence of a jackpot in the special display variable display game, the jackpot symbol signal is a signal indicating the symbol that generated the jackpot, and the probability variation jackpot signal is a probability variation in the special display variable display game. A signal indicating the occurrence of a jackpot due to the design, the special figure start winning signal is a signal indicating the winning of the game ball to the normal variation winning device 9, the special figure start signal is a signal indicating the start of the variable display game of the special figure,
Various reach signals are signals indicating various reach states of the special figure, special figure probability change signals are signals indicating probability fluctuation states of the special figure, and special winning opening opening signals are signals indicating opening of the special winning opening 5b of the special variation winning device 5. , The count signal is a detection signal of a winning ball into the special winning opening 5b, the continuous winning signal is a signal indicating a continuous winning in the special game state, the universal figure hit signal is a signal indicating a hit in the variable display game of the universal figure. , The probability setting value signal is a signal indicating the setting value of the occurrence probability of the jackpot (special game), the universal figure starting winning signal is a signal indicating that the game ball has passed the universal figure starting gates 6 and 6, and the universal figure start signal is The variable display of the universal figure is a signal indicating the start of the game, the universal figure confirmation change signal is a signal indicating the regular state change of the universal map, and the universal electric open signal is a normal variation winning device 9
The signal indicating the opening of the universal figure time saving signal is a signal indicating that the variable game state of the universal figure is the time saving state.

The hit ball (ball) signal is a signal for counting the number of game balls hit in the game area 3 (the total number of out balls and safe balls), and the prize ball signal is the discharged prize ball. A signal for counting the number, a ball lending signal is a signal for counting the number of game balls lent, a replenishment signal is a signal requesting replenishment of a spare ball to a ball storage tank, and a stop signal is a game area 3 game. Stop the ball driving (firing unit 106b
This is a signal for stopping the operation.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a subroutine of a test signal transmission process performed as a part of a general flow (not shown) of the game control process performed by the accessory control circuit 260a, and FIG. 8 is a test output signal and a normal signal related to the game. It is a timing chart of (special figure start winning signal only).

In this test signal transmission process, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the test signal transmission time is over, and if it is not over, the process proceeds to step S2, but if it is over, the above game is continued. Return to the general flow of control processing (not shown).

In step S2, it is determined whether or not the power is on. If the power is on, the process proceeds to step S3, but if not, the general flow (not shown) of the game control process is directly executed. Return.

In step S3, the glass frame switch 102b for detecting the open / closed state of the glass frame 102 is turned off (O
FF) (glass frame 102 is in an open state) is determined, and if it is off (glass frame 102 is in an open state), each game data is based on the transmission timing in step S4. The transmission data is set in the output area of, and in the next step S5, the transmission process of the test signal is started (transmission timer set) and the process returns to the general flow (not shown) of the game control process, but turned off (OFF). If not (if the glass frame 102 is closed), the process directly returns to the general flow (not shown) of the game control process. In this case, by setting each game data in the RAM area (output area) in the accessory control circuit 260a which is actually used during the normal state, it is possible to test whether a signal is normally output from the pachinko gaming machine. it can.

That is, as the test signal transmitted in the step S5, for example, a jackpot signal, a jackpot symbol signal, a probability variation jackpot signal and a special figure start winning signal,
As shown in FIG. 8, the period from when the power is turned on in the state where the glass frame switch 102b is off (the state where the glass frame 102 is open) until a predetermined time elapses (test Within the signal transmission / reception period), from the accessory control circuit 260a to the game board external information terminal board 220
And it is transmitted to the central management device 700 in the game shop via the relay device 400.

As shown in FIG. 8, the waveforms of these test signals are made different from the normal signal wave (special figure starting winning signal wave) of the special figure starting winning signal output during the actual game so that the game is played. The relay device 400 and the centralized management device 700 are not counted as related status signals.

The waveform of the test signal may be different in any way such as shifting the phase of each signal as long as it can be distinguished from the normal signal wave.

When all the test signals are received by the central control device 700 side, the signals transmitted from the central control device 700 side to the pachinko gaming machine 100 side are tested, and various test output signals function normally. As a confirmation signal indicating that, as shown in FIG.
The firing stop signal is sent to the ejection firing control circuit 210a via the frame external information terminal board 290.

When the emission stop signal is received by the discharge / emission circuit 210a, it is confirmed that the signal lines from the pachinko gaming machine 100 are all connected to the central control device 700, and when the emission stop signal is not received, It is confirmed that there is an abnormality in the connection between the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the centralized management device 700 via a signal line.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a subroutine of a test signal transmission / reception process which is performed as a part of a general flow (not shown) of the discharge / emission control performed by the discharge / emission control circuit 210a.

When the test signal transmission / reception process is started, first, it is determined in step R1 whether or not the test signal is in the transmission period, and if it is the transmission period, in step R2 each of the emission and emission control circuits 210a is based on the transmission timing. The transmission data of the test signal of the discharge / launch related data is set in the output area (RAM) of the discharge / launch related data and step R is performed.
However, if it is not the transmission period, the flow directly returns to the general flow (not shown) of the emission and emission control. In this case, by setting the respective discharge / firing related data in the RAM area (output area) in the discharge / firing control circuit 210a which is actually used in the normal state, whether the respective discharge / firing related data is normally output. You can test.

In step R3, it is determined whether or not the external input signal is normal, and if normal, the general flow of the discharge and emission control (not shown) is directly returned, but if not normal, an abnormal state of the input signal is detected in step R4. And then returns to the general flow (not shown) for the emission and discharge control.

In this process, the test signal is transmitted based on the command signal of the transmission period from the accessory control circuit 260a, but the input signal (ON signal) of the glass frame switch 102b from the accessory control circuit 260a. May be received and the transmission period of the test signal may be set.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a test signal transmission / reception process performed as a part of the control process of the general flow (not shown) of the management control performed by the centralized management device 700.

When this test signal transmission / reception process is started, it is first determined in step Q1 whether or not game data is input to the centralized management device 700, and if there is, the process proceeds to step Q2, but if not, it is left as it is. The process returns to the control process of the general flow of management control (not shown).

At step Q2, it is determined whether the input signal is a test signal. Whether or not the input signal is a test signal is determined by the wavelength length of the input signal. If the result of the determination is a test signal, step Q3
Then, the process of invalidating the data collection process of the input signal is performed and the process shifts to step Q4. The invalidation process of the data collection process of step Q3 is a process for preventing the game data generated by the test signal from being treated as normal game data.

At step Q4, it is judged whether the test signal is normal or not. If it is normal, it is notified at step Q5 that the test signal is normal and the process proceeds to step Q7. Which signal is abnormal is clearly notified, and the process proceeds to step Q7.

At step Q7, a test signal (for example, a firing stop signal etc.) to be output to the pachinko gaming machine 100 side is output and the process returns to the general flow (not shown) of the management control process.

The output processing of the test signal may be performed only when the input of the test signal is normal.

Pachinko gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment
According to 0, the accessory control circuit 21 of the pachinko gaming machine 100
Since 0a outputs test signals indicating various game-related states, as in the past, it is necessary to actually insert a ball into the start opening for checking the start winning signal or the start start signal, or to confirm the ball lending signal. It is not necessary to perform actual work such as confirmation by letting the player perform a ball lending operation. Also, if you put a ball into the starting port, the prize balls generated at that time must be returned to the inside of the island equipment, and there is no extra work after the inspection, so the inspection becomes easy , Workability is significantly improved.

If the glass frames 102 of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 100 are simultaneously opened and the power is turned on, the test signals of the game data are simultaneously output from the pachinko gaming machine 100 only for a predetermined period at the time of turning on. , The centralized control device 700 will be able to perform a confirmation inspection at once,
The inspection whether the signal line between the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the central control device 700 is properly connected, and whether the gaming data signal from the pachinko gaming machine 100 is correctly output are simple, easy and short. It can be done in time and work efficiency is greatly improved.

When the inspection is not required, the inspection is not performed if the glass frame switch of the glass frame 102 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is closed, so that the necessity of the inspection can be selected.

Further, it is very difficult to generate an external information signal such as a jackpot signal or a stochastic fluctuation signal by a conventional actual work test (for example, in order to generate a jackpot signal, it is necessary to start it several hundred times). It is often necessary to put a game ball in the mouth), but it was the actual situation that it could not be confirmed, but according to the pachinko machine according to this embodiment, by outputting the game data as a test signal, It can be easily inspected.

Further, since the output waveform of the test game data signal (test output signal) is made different from the output waveform of the game data signal output at the normal time (during the actual game), the central management device 700. On the side, the actual game data signal and the test output signal can be surely discriminated from each other, and due to the management of various game data performed by the centralized management device 700, the test output signal is aggregated as the game data in the normal state. The occurrence of defects can be avoided.

As a condition for determining whether or not to output a test signal, in addition to using the ON / OFF signal of the glass frame switch, a device having a dedicated switch signal or a remote control may be used. that way,
Not only when the power is turned on, you can test at any time,
Although the cost will increase, the workability will be even better.

The game machine is not limited to a pachinko game machine, but includes a ball game machine such as a pachi-con machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a pachi-slot machine, a slot machine or the like.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described.

The basic structure of the game machine according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the game machine according to the first embodiment, but the detection state regarding the output of the test signal is different. The difference is that in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment, the test signal is output when the glass frame is open when the power is turned on, but in the gaming machine of the second embodiment Regardless of whether the power is turned on or the glass frame is opened / closed, the test signal is output from the game machine side based on the test signal request from the centralized management device.

In describing this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the different configuration will be described below.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the exchange of test signals and the like between the pachinko gaming machine and the central control device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 12 is the pachinko game according to the second embodiment. 5 is a timing chart of various signals for exchanging test signals and the like between the machine and the central control device.

Pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment
In 00, a test signal is sent from the pachinko gaming machine 100 to the centralized management device 700 in response to a request from the centralized management device 700 regardless of whether the power is turned on or whether the glass frame 102b is opened or closed.

That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the centralized management device 700 are connected directly or with the relay device 400, the island management device 800 and the like. Via, a test signal request line, a test signal transmission timing line, a game data signal line, etc. are connected.

When the test signal request signal (FIG. 12) is sent from the central control device 700 to the pachinko gaming machine 100 via the test signal request signal line, the pachinko gaming machine 100 sends it via the test signal timing line. A test signal of the game data together with the test signal transmission timing signal (FIG. 12) is sent to the central control device 700 via the game data signal line. The centralized management device 700 side can reliably receive the game data based on this timing signal.

Since the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, for example, the gaming data from the pachinko gaming machine like the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. When the inspection of whether the signal line of is correctly connected to the central control device or the inspection of whether the gaming data signal is correctly generated from the pachinko gaming machine, the glass frame of each gaming machine is opened and closed. It is not necessary and is not limited to turning on the power, and with a centralized control device, it is possible to perform inspection by issuing a test signal request signal to a gaming machine that requires inspection at any time, so it is highly convenient. Work efficiency is further improved.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described.

The basic structure of the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first or second embodiment, except that the relay device is a LAN in particular. In such a case, the signal confirmation between the gaming machine and the relay device may be focused, so test whether the external output terminal from the gaming machine is properly connected without going through the central control device. The point is that you can.

The structure different from that of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first or second embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a relay device for a pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the relay device 400 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the third embodiment is installed, for example, above the gaming machine 100, and a control device (not shown) is provided inside thereof. Data processing means) and VDP (Video
Degital Processor) and the like, and an information display device 401, a call button 402, and a decorative lamp 408a to the outside.
It is provided with 408c, speakers 409a, 409b, and the like.

The information display device 401 is provided with a display portion 401a including, for example, a liquid crystal display, and operation buttons 403 to 407 are arranged around the display portion 401a. Various information is displayed on the information display section 401a. By turning on the operation buttons 403 to 407, display content patterns are switched, personal data generation instructions, and personal information (name data) are displayed. Input is possible.

The call switch 402 is a switch for calling an attendant when an abnormality such as a ball clogging occurs. By turning on the call switch 402, the decoration lamp 40
8a to 408c are lit so that the player can call an attendant. Also, this decorative lamp 4
08a to 408c perform decorative illumination (illumination) according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 100. Speaker 409
a and 409b generate a stereo notification sound according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 100.

The control device of the relay device 400 is a CPU (Cent
ral processing unit), and signals from the accessory control circuit 260a and the discharge / emission control circuit 210a and the central management device 7 are provided.
00 is a device that counts or processes the processed data transmitted from 00 and displays it on the display unit 401a.

Further, this controller is a pachinko gaming machine 10
Receive test output signals of various game data from 0,
Judging whether the received test signal is normal or not, and if it is normal, "all normal" via VDP.
Is displayed on the display unit 401a, and if only the big hit signal is abnormal, a "large hit signal is abnormal" display is displayed, and the decoration lamps 408a to 408c are turned on. This allows the staff to immediately recognize the abnormality.

Further, while the game-related test signal is being received from the pachinko gaming machine 100, VDP causes the display section 401a to display such as "currently testing the signal line".

According to the relay device of the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment, the centralized management device 700 does not particularly perform the confirmation inspection of the connection status between the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the centralized management device 700. , Individual pachinko machines 1
00 can be performed by the relay device 400 corresponding to 00, and repair when an abnormality is recognized becomes easy.

Further, since the progress of the test output of various game-related data and the test result are displayed on the VDP of the relay device 700 on the screen, for example, when an abnormality is recognized, it is easy to know what the abnormality is. Can be identified.

[0140]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the start detection switch is actually turned on (ON) by using the game ball or the like to start the variable display game by the variable display device or generate a big hit. Test output of the game data signal (test signal output) without changing to the actual game state
Then, it is possible to confirm the connection of the signal line between the gaming machine and the external device (centralized management device) and to confirm whether the gaming data signal is normally output from the gaming machine. As a result, in the past, a game has been completed by actually inserting a ball into the starting opening for inspection of the winning award signal and the starting start signal, and letting the ball lend operation to confirm the ball lending signal. It is not necessary to perform an actual work such as generating a relevant state and confirming it, and the confirmation inspection can be performed easily, easily and in a short time.

If a ball is inserted into the starting port for the confirmation inspection as in the conventional case, the prize balls generated at that time must be returned to the inside of the island facility, and the extra work after the inspection is required. In the present invention, since the game data signal is directly test-outputted instead of the actual game data signal in the present invention, it is possible to carry out the inspection without the occurrence of prize balls or ball lending, and the workability is remarkably improved. .

Also, it is very difficult to generate a jackpot signal or a game data signal such as a probability fluctuation signal by a conventional actual work test (for example, hundreds of times to generate a jackpot signal). It is often the case that a game ball has to be inserted into the starting port), and the actual situation is that it cannot be confirmed, but it can be easily inspected by outputting the test signal.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the test game data signal is supplied during a predetermined period when the power is turned on (for example,
Since it is output for 5 seconds after the power is turned on, when the power is turned on before the game store is opened, the connection confirmation of the signal line between the game machine and the external device (centralized management device) is confirmed, and the game data signal from the game machine is normal. You can check whether it is output to. Then, for example, it is possible to simultaneously turn on the power supplies of the gaming machines and perform the confirmation inspection between all the gaming machines and the external device. Therefore, when the game machines in the game store are replaced or a new store is opened, after the connection between the game machines and external devices is completed, test signal output by turning on the power from each game machine can be performed all at once. For example, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to inspect each unit one by one, and all units can be inspected at once, which is very efficient.

Also, there is a periodical breakage between the gaming machine and the external device that occurs during normal business, or a disconnection between the gaming machine and the external device when a relay device is used, or whether there is a failure related to the gaming data signal output on the gaming machine side. Even when the power is turned on, a test signal is output every time the power is turned on, and it can be inspected in a batch before the store is opened. Inconvenience can be prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the test signal output is output based on the detection state of the detection means provided in the gaming machine during the predetermined period when the power is turned on. The necessity can be selected. Thereby, for example, the game shop can select and inspect only the gaming machines that need to inspect the connection state of the signal line, and the inspection efficiency is further improved.

As the detection means for identifying the presence or absence of the output of the test signal, an existing detector for inputting a necessary signal during the game can be used, so that it is not necessary to additionally provide a test switch or the like. For example, if you use a method that opens the glass frame of the gaming machine when the power is turned on and outputs a test signal, the glass frame can be opened when performing inspection,
It is convenient to close the glass frame when inspection is not required.

Further, for example, if a dedicated switch for outputting various game-related data signals as a test output and a remote control function are provided, the test can be performed at any time, not only when the power is turned on, so that the cost is increased. However, the workability is further improved as compared with the case where the existing detector such as the switch of the glass frame is used together.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the output waveform of the test output signal (test game data signal) is made different from the output waveform of the game data signal output in the normal time (actual game). Therefore, the game data signal sent to the external device can be surely discriminated from the test output signal, and the inspection can be surely performed by distinguishing it from the actual game data.

Assuming that the test output signal is the same as the game data signal at the normal time, the test output signal is also aggregated as the game data at the normal time during various data management operations performed by an external device (for example, a centralized management device). However, according to the present invention, the output waveform of the test output signal is different from the actual output waveform of the game data signal. , Such a defect can be avoided.

Therefore, even if it is inspected every day before opening the store,
The management data by the external device (centralized management device) will not be corrupted.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an island facility in which a pachinko gaming machine, a card vending machine and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention are installed, and a gaming facility including a centralized management device and the like.

FIG. 2 is a front side perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of the game board of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a control block diagram of the gaming facility shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing exchange of game-related information signals between the accessory control circuit and the discharge launch control circuit, and the centralized management device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a subroutine of a test signal transmission process performed as part of the general flow of the game control process performed by the accessory control circuit.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart of a test output signal and a normal signal (only the special figure start winning signal) in a game-related state.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a subroutine of a test signal transmission / reception process performed as a part of a general flow of discharge emission control performed by the discharge emission circuit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a test signal transmission / reception process performed as part of the control process of the general flow of the management control performed by the centralized management device.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart of various symbols for exchanging test signals and the like between the pachinko gaming machine and the central control device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart of various signals for exchanging test signals and the like between the pachinko gaming machine and the centralized management device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a relay device of a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Gaming Board 100 Pachinko Gaming Machine 210a Emission Control Circuit (Test Output Means) 260a Characteristic Control Circuit (Test Output Means) 400 Relay Device (External Device) 700 Centralized Management Device (External Device)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A game machine provided with an external output means capable of generating various game-related states and outputting a game data signal based on the game-related state to an external device through a signal line, in order to satisfy a predetermined condition. Based on the test output means for performing a test output of the game data signal through the external output means regardless of the game-related state, and a test output control means for controlling the test output of the game data signal. Characteristic gaming machine. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game data signal from the test output means is test-outputted during a predetermined period when the power is turned on. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting a signal required during a game, and the game data signal test-outputted by the test output means is for a predetermined period when the power is turned on. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is output based on a detection state of the detecting means. 4. The game data signal test-outputted by the test output means has a different output waveform from the game data signal output during the game.
Or the game machine described in 3.