JP4403249B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that can start a paused state by a predetermined operation and can release the paused state by a predetermined operation. Here, in the present specification, the pause state means that the operation state of the gaming machine, the amount of game media, etc. are stopped so that the operation of the gaming machine is stopped (when only the launching function of the gaming machine is stopped, the symbol display device Including a state in which only some of the functions of the gaming machine are stopped).
[0002]
[Prior art]
When playing with a gaming machine installed in a game hall, the player may interrupt the game and temporarily leave the gaming machine. In this case, there is a request that the player returns to the gaming machine and wants to resume the game from the state before the interruption (the operating state before the interruption, the amount of game media before the interruption, etc.). Therefore, there is a demand for a function that can temporarily stop the operation of the gaming machine, hold the state at the start of the pause state during the pause state, and resume the game in the state at the start of the pause state when the game resumes. It was. In order to realize such a function, a technique disclosed in JP-A-4-79977 has been developed.
[0003]
In the technique described in the above publication, a player operates a start switch provided in a gaming machine to start a pause state, and a control unit temporarily turns the gaming machine on the basis of a start signal output from the start switch. Stop. When releasing the pause state, the player operates a release switch provided in the gaming machine so that the control unit releases the pause state based on the release signal output from the release switch. Was composed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the gaming machine described in the above publication, a device (start switch) necessary only for outputting a start signal for starting a pause and a release signal for releasing the pause state are output. Two special devices that are necessary only for this (release switch) had to be newly provided in the gaming machine. In particular, these two devices are devices that are used less frequently, and therefore have a problem that the cost performance is very poor.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to eliminate the necessity of providing two special devices as described above in a gaming machine configured to be able to maintain a pause state. Provide gaming machines with high cost performance.
[0006]
[Means, actions and effects for solving the problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is configured to maintain a pause state by a predetermined operation, and outputs a cancellation signal output means for outputting a cancellation signal and the cancellation signal output means. And a control unit that performs processing for canceling the pause state based on the cancel signal. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the release signal output means includes a detection device that detects a state of the gaming machine and outputs a signal to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to detect the detection device in a pause state. The detection signal output from is regarded as a cancellation signal, and the process of canceling the pause state is performed.
In the gaming machine, the gaming machine is held in a paused state by performing a predetermined operation. In this paused state, the control unit that receives the release signal output from the release signal output means releases the paused state. It is released by processing. Here, the release signal output means is constituted by a detection device that detects the state of the gaming machine, and the detection signal output from the detection device is regarded as a release signal by the control unit when the gaming machine is in a paused state. Processing to cancel the pause state is performed.
Therefore, in the gaming machine, the detection device functions as a release signal output unit that outputs a release signal. For this reason, according to the gaming machine, a release signal for releasing the pause state can be output by the detection device, and the gaming machine has high cost performance.
[0008]
the above In this gaming machine, it is preferable that the release signal output means is a detection device that detects opening of a frame provided in the gaming machine.
In the above gaming machine, since the release signal output means is a detection device that detects the opening of the frame, in order to release the paused state, simply open the frame of the gaming machine and let the detection device detect the opening of the frame. good.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a first type pachinko machine to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the mechanical structures of the individual devices and members of the pachinko machine 1 are known, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and those relating to the present invention will be mainly described.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a frame base 21 and a frame 24 that is assembled to the frame base 21 so as to be opened and closed.
[0010]
A game board 34 is removably assembled to the substantial center of the frame base 21. In the game board 34, an attacker 28, a gate 30, a symbol display device 32, a start port 42, and the like are appropriately arranged.
The start port 42 has a start port sensor (not shown), and detects a pachinko ball winning the start port 30 by the start port sensor. Further, the attacker 28 is opened under a predetermined condition. Further, the attacker 28 is provided with a V sensor, and a pachinko ball winning at a specific position of the attacker 28 is detected by the V sensor.
The symbol display device 32 performs variable display of special symbols under a predetermined condition (for example, a winning of a pachinko ball to the start port 42, etc.). Then, when the special symbols variably displayed on the symbol display device 32 are stopped in a predetermined combination, the attacker 28 is released. In addition, a message indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is temporarily stopped is displayed on a liquid crystal screen provided in the symbol display device 32 by a drive signal output from the control unit 2 described later, and the player is away from the seat. This can be notified to an amusement store staff or the like.
The pachinko balls that have won the winning openings such as the start opening 42 and the attacker 28 described above are detected by a winning ball sensor (not shown) provided on the back side of the game board 34 and paid out based on the detection signal of the winning ball sensor. Pachinko balls are paid out from the device 14 (attached to the back side of the game board 34).
[0011]
The frame base 21 is provided with a frame detection sensor 52 for detecting the opening of the frame 24 as shown in FIG. The frame detection sensor 52 is pressed by the frame 24 when the frame base 21 and the frame 24 are closed, and is released from the pressing of the frame 24 when the frame base 21 and the frame 24 are open. Detect open.
The frame base 21 is provided with a group of hook communication holes 54 through which the hooks 50 projecting from the frame 24 are inserted, and is further provided in the frame 24 near the central hook communication hole 54. A lock portion 56 that locks the frame base 21 and the frame 24 in cooperation with the lock portion 26 is provided.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 2, a ball lending unit 38 is provided on the frame base 21 on the left side of the frame 24. The ball lending unit 38 stores an absence display unit 36 that displays a paused state (separated state), a ticketing device 40 that issues an absence receipt to a player who leaves the seat, a purchase amount (remaining amount), and the like. There is provided a credit device 8 for reading / writing a game card to be played.
The away seat display unit 36 is provided at an upper position of the ball rental unit 38 and is lit by a drive signal output from the control unit 2 described later to indicate that the player is away from the store. To inform.
The ticket issuing device 40 provided at the central position of the ball rental unit 38 is provided with a ticket issuing port 41, and issues a leaving receipt from the ticket issuing port 41 based on a control signal from the control unit 2. The ticket receipt time, the pachinko machine number, etc. are printed on the receipt receipt.
The credit device 8 provided at the lower position of the ball lending unit 38 includes a card insertion / discharge port 44 and reads and writes a game card inserted from the card insertion / discharge port 44. Further, the credit device 8 is provided with a ball lending switch (not shown) for designating the number of pachinko balls to be lent to the player and a clearing switch (not shown) to be pushed at the time of liquidation.
[0013]
A transparent plate 48 is fixed substantially at the center of the frame 24 assembled to the frame base 21 described above, the movement of a pachinko ball launched on the game board 34, an attacker 28 arranged on the game board 34, a gate The player can see 30, the symbol display device 32, the winning opening 42 and the like and their effects through the transparent plate 48.
In addition, a tray 47 is provided at a lower position of the frame 24. The tray 47 receives prize balls that are paid out from the payout device 14 that pays out prize balls through a tray connection port (not shown). On the back side of the upper plate 47, a speaker (not shown) that performs the sound effect of the pachinko machine 1 is provided.
In addition, at the lower part of the upper plate 47, a leaving switch 4 is provided that outputs a start signal for starting (starting up) the temporary stop state to the control unit 2 described later. In the present embodiment, the away switch 4 is constituted by a so-called reed switch that closes the contact when pressed, and outputs a start signal to the control unit 2 while being pressed and closed.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 2, a ball launcher 10 is provided on the lower right side of the front surface of the pachinko machine 1. The ball launcher 10 includes an operation handle 22 that is pivotably provided on the frame base 21, a ball feeding device (not shown) that operates by operating the operation handle 22, and a ball launch motor (not shown), A striking rod (not shown) driven by a ball launching motor is used. In the ball launching device 10, the ball launching motor and the ball feeding device are actuated by operating the operation handle 22, one pachinko ball is supplied to the firing position by the ball feeding device, and the supplied pachinko ball is hit. Fired on the game board 34 by the spear.
[0015]
Next, the configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine 1 described above will be described. The control system of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is mainly configured by a control unit 2 configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Sensors for detecting the state of the gaming machine such as the display unit 36, the ball launching device 10, the credit device 8, the ticket issuing device 40, a speaker and the like, and the frame detection sensor 52, the start port sensor, the winning ball sensor, the V sensor, etc. Then, switches such as the away switch 4 are connected.
When the control unit 2 receives signals output from sensors, switches, and the like, the control unit 2 controls each driving device described above by selecting and executing a necessary program from among control programs stored in the ROM. The control program stored in the ROM of the control unit 2 includes a game program for performing a pachinko game, a program for starting a pause state, a program for releasing the pause state, and the like. Further, the RAM of the control unit 2 includes signals output from the sensors, switches, etc., information indicating a gaming state (whether it is a paused state, an abnormal state, etc.), etc. Stored.
[0016]
The operation of the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the pachinko machine 1 when starting the pause state, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the action of the pachinko machine 1 when releasing the pause state.
[0017]
First, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 when the pachinko machine is played (when the pachinko machine 1 is in a playable state) will be briefly described. In order to perform a pachinko game in the pachinko machine 1, first, a player inserts a game card into the card insertion / discharge port 44. When the game card is inserted, the credit device 8 reads data (purchase amount or remaining amount) stored in the game card and transmits the data to the control unit 2. In the control unit 2, the data (remaining amount) transmitted from the credit device 8 is stored in the RAM.
Next, the player designates the number of pachinko balls to be lent by operating the ball lending switch of the credit device 8. The number of balls designated by the ball lending switch is transmitted to the control unit 2, and the control unit 2 lends pachinko balls to the upper plate 47 by the designated number of balls by driving the dispensing device 14. At this time, the data (remaining amount) stored in the RAM of the control unit 2 is rewritten to data reduced by an amount obtained by converting the number of lent out balls into an amount.
Next, the player operates the operation handle 22 to activate the ball launching device 10 to fire a pachinko ball on the game board 34 to perform a pachinko game.
When the pachinko ball launched on the game board 34 wins a winning device such as the start opening 42 and the attacker 28, the winning pachinko ball is detected by a winning ball sensor, a start opening sensor, a V sensor, and the like. A detection signal is output from the control unit 2 to the control unit 2. When the control unit 2 receives the detection signals output from these sensors, the control unit 2 sends a command to the payout device 14 to pay out the prize ball, and the payout device 14 pays the prize ball to the tray 47 based on this command. put out.
When ending the game, the player operates the clearing switch of the credit device 8. When the clearing switch of the credit device 8 is operated, first, the remaining pachinko balls paid out to the upper plate 47 are collected, and the number of the balls is counted. Next, an amount obtained by adding the amount obtained by converting the counted number of balls to an amount and the remaining amount stored in the RAM of the control unit 2 is transmitted from the control unit 2 to the credit device 8. In the credit device 8, after the transmitted amount is written in the game card, the game card is returned to the player from the card insertion / discharge port 44.
[0018]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 when the player leaves the pachinko machine 1 by temporarily interrupting the pachinko game, for example, by going to the toilet will be described with reference to FIG.
When leaving the pachinko machine 1 temporarily, the player first operates the away switch 4 (step S12). When the away switch 4 is operated, the contact of the away switch 4 is closed, and a start signal for starting a pause state is transmitted from the away switch 4 to the control unit 2.
Next, the control part 2 which received the start signal output from the leaving switch 4 discriminate | determines whether the leaving switch 4 was operated in the temporary stop state (step S14). Specifically, it is determined from data indicating the state of the pachinko machine 1 stored in the RAM of the control unit 2 (information indicating whether or not the pachinko machine 1 is in a paused state).
[0019]
When in the pause state (in the case of YES in step S14), the control unit 2 drives the speaker and outputs a sound from the speaker to notify that the pachinko machine 1 is already in the pause state. (Step S24).
When it is not in the pause state (in the case of NO in step S14), the control unit 2 performs a process for maintaining the pause state (step S16). In other words, the control unit 2 writes information indicating that it is in a pause state in the RAM of the control unit 2 so that the control unit 2 can determine whether or not it is in a pause state. As a result, when the control unit 2 receives signals output from various switches (separation switch 4, ball lending switch, clearing switch, etc. provided in the credit device 8) in the pause state, the control unit 2 It is determined from the information stored in the RAM whether or not it is in a pause state, and the payout device 14 and the credit device 8 are not operated. Accordingly, since the operations of the payout device 14 and the credit device 8 are prohibited in the paused state, it is possible to prevent the pachinko ball from being rented out by another player or the like and the game card being stolen by being liquidated. .
[0020]
Next, the control part 2 outputs the signal which starts a temporary stop state to the ball | bowl launching apparatus 10 (step S18). The ball launching device 10 that has received the signal for starting the paused state makes it impossible to launch a pachinko ball even if the operation handle 22 is operated by cutting off the power supply to the ball launching motor.
And the control part 2 outputs a drive signal to the absence display part 36 (step S20), and the lamp | ramp of the absence display part 36 is lighted by this drive signal. As a result, the absence display portion 36 is lit in the paused state, so that other players, game shop staff, and the like are notified that the pachinko machine is in the paused state. The drive signal output from the control unit 2 to the away seat display unit 36 continues to be output during the pause state. Accordingly, the absence indicator 36 is lit during the pause state.
Further, the drive signal output from the control unit 2 displays on the liquid crystal screen provided in the symbol display device 32 that the pachinko machine 1 is in a paused state, and indicates that the player is away. It is good also as a structure which alert | reports to the attendant etc. of a game store.
Next, the control unit 2 outputs a signal for issuing a seat receipt to the ticket issuing device 40, and the ticket issuing device 40 that has received this signal issues a seat receipt from the ticket issuing port 41 (step S22). The ticket receipt time and the pachinko machine number are printed on the receipt. With the above processing, the processing for entering the pause state is completed.
[0021]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine when the player finishes his job and returns to the pachinko machine 1 to resume the game from the state before the start of the pause state will be described.
In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a detection signal is output from the frame detection sensor 52 by opening the frame 24, and the control unit 2 performs a process of canceling the pause state based on the detection signal. Here, since the key for opening the frame 24 is carried only by the manager of the game hall, for example, an attendant of the game store, the player who has left the seat cannot release the pause state, Pachinko hall staff will release the pause state. Accordingly, the player shows the attendant the ticket receipt issued before the game is interrupted, and the attendant confirms the pachinko machine to be released based on the receipt (unit number). And it is comprised so that a staff may cancel | release a temporary stop state by opening the frame 24. FIG.
Hereinafter, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 when the frame 24 is opened will be described with reference to FIG.
[0022]
When the lock part 26 is unlocked by using a key (not shown) carried by an attendant and the frame 24 is opened, a detection signal is output from the frame detection sensor 52 to the control unit 2 (step S32).
Next, the control unit 2 that has received the detection signal output from the frame detection sensor 52 determines whether or not the pachinko machine 1 is in a temporarily stopped state (step S34). Specifically, it is determined from the information stored in the RAM of the control unit 2 whether or not it is in a pause state.
If it is not in the pause state (NO in step S34), the control unit 2 assumes that there is an abnormal state (hereinafter referred to as an abnormal state) in which the frame 24 is open in a game-ready state. An attendant or the like is notified by outputting sound from the speaker (step S44). Next, the control unit 2 outputs a signal to the ball launching device 10 so that the pachinko ball is not launched from the ball launching device 10 to the game board 34 with the frame 24 opened, and the ball launching is performed based on this signal. The apparatus 10 is in a state where the pachinko ball cannot be launched even if the operation handle 22 is operated by cutting off the energization to the ball launching motor (step S46). Further, in this abnormal state as well as the temporary stop state, the control unit 2 receives signals output from various switches (separate switch 4, ball lending switch, clearing switch, etc. provided in the credit device 8). In addition, the payout device 14 and the credit device 8 are not operated.
[0023]
When it is in a pause state (in the case of YES in step S34), the control unit 2 performs a process for releasing the pause state (step S36). That is, the control unit 2 writes information indicating that it is not in a pause state (that it is in a playable state) to the RAM of the control unit 2, and that the pachinko machine 1 is in a playable state in the control unit 2. Be able to judge. Thus, when the control unit 2 receives signals output from various switches (seating switch 4, ball lending switch, clearing switch, etc. provided in the credit device 8), it is possible to play from the information stored in the RAM. When it is determined that the state is in the state, the control unit 2 operates the payout device 14 and the credit device 8 to perform a predetermined process.
Next, the control unit 2 stops the drive signal output to the absence display unit 36 (step S38), and turns off the lamp of the absence display unit 36. Further, when the fact that the pachinko machine 1 is in a pause state is displayed on the liquid crystal screen provided in the symbol display device 32, the display to that effect is erased from the screen.
[0024]
Next, the clerk closes the frame base 21 and the frame 24 again, and locks the frame 24 using a key (step S40). When the frame 24 is closed by the clerk, the detection signal is not output from the frame detection sensor 52, so the control unit 2 outputs a signal to the ball launcher 10, and the ball launcher 10 launches the ball based on this signal. Energization of the motor is started (step S42). Thus, when the operation handle 22 is operated, the pachinko ball can be launched from the ball launching device 10.
By performing the above procedure, the pause state of the pachinko machine 1 is released, and the pachinko machine 1 becomes a game-ready state again.
[0025]
As described above in detail, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, information that can be used to determine whether or not the control unit 2 is in a temporarily stopped state is stored. Then, the control unit 2 that has received the detection signal output from the frame detection sensor 52 determines whether the pachinko machine is in a paused state or a playable state from the information stored in the RAM, and pauses. If it is in the state, processing for releasing the suspension is started, and if it is not in the suspension state, a predetermined processing is performed assuming that the state is abnormal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the frame detection sensor 52, the detection device that detects an abnormal state in which the frame is opened, and a release signal that outputs a release signal for starting the process of releasing the pause state It can be made to function as output means (release switch as referred to in the prior art). Thereby, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a device (release switch) only for outputting a release signal for releasing the pause state, and the cost performance of the pachinko machine can be improved. it can.
In particular, since the frame detection sensor 52 is a detection device provided in a conventional pachinko machine, the temporary stop state can be released only by software processing in the control unit 2, and the current pachinko machine is hardware-like. There is no need to provide a new device.
[0026]
Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since only the pachinko hall staff can open the frame 24, it is possible to prevent other players and the like from releasing the pause state without permission. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to prevent troubles concerning the pachinko machine between the player who has played before the paused state and the third party.
Furthermore, since the pause state can be released simply by opening and closing the frame 24, the pachinko hall staff can easily release the pause state with one action (short time).
Further, in this embodiment, the pachinko machine is temporarily released from the paused state by the clerk, so if the pachinko machine is in a paused state for a long time, the clerk will The pause state can be released. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operation rate of the pachinko machine.
[0027]
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit is configured to cancel the pause state based on the detection signal from the frame detection sensor 52. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is described below. It can be implemented in the form.
For example, instead of the frame detection sensor 52 in the above-described embodiment, the detection may be performed by another detection device (whether existing or new) that outputs a signal to the control unit 2. In other words, when a detection signal is output from these detection devices in the pause state, the control unit 2 may perform a process of releasing the pause state based on the output of the release signal.
At this time, the detection device that outputs the release signal is preferably a detection device that cannot be operated by other players without permission in the pause state. As such a detecting device, for example, a detecting device (a winning ball sensor, a V sensor, a winning ball sensor, a V sensor, a winning ball 28, a gate 30, a winning slot 42, etc.) that detects a pachinko ball that has won a prize. There is a starter sensor etc.). That is, in order to release the pause state using these detection devices, the clerk opens the frame and inserts the pachinko ball into the winning device. The inserted pachinko balls are detected by a detection device provided in these winning devices, and a detection signal is output from these detection devices to the control unit. The control unit performs a process of canceling the pause state using the received detection signal as a cancel signal by the same process as that of the above-described embodiment. At this time, a winning signal process performed in a state in which the pachinko machine 1 is playable (a process in which the control unit 2 regards the detection signal as a win signal in a state in which the pachinko machine 1 is playable) is not performed.
[0028]
Thus, in the detection device (for example, the detection device attached to the game board) provided inside the frame like the above-described detection device, the game cannot be performed in the pause state (the pachinko ball is not fired). Therefore, there is no possibility of operating unless the frame is opened. Therefore, if only the staff can open the frame, it is possible to prevent the temporary stop state from being released without permission by a third party.
[0029]
Moreover, it is good also as a structure which incorporates the detection apparatus which outputs a signal to the control part 2 in a locking system. In this case, a temporary stop release detection device is installed in the lock portion 26 or 56, and the detection signal is output only by the rotation operation of the lock. And the control part 2 considers the detection signal as a cancellation | release signal, and performs the process which cancels | releases a pause state.
[0030]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an open-type pachinko machine that discharges pachinko balls to an upper plate has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and a pause state is set. The game machine can be applied to any type of game machine that needs to be released. For example, the present invention can be applied to a sealed (credit type) pachinko machine that does not release pachinko balls to an upper plate, a slot machine, an arrangement ball machine, or the like.
[0031]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be implemented in various modified and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main structure of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a frame of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment is opened.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a pause state start / hold process.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a pause state release process.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 .. Pachinko machine
2 .. Control part
4 .. Leave switch
24..Frame
26 .. Lock part
36. ・ Seating display section
52 .. Frame detection sensor

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine configured to hold a paused state by a predetermined operation,
A release signal output means for outputting a release signal, and a control unit for performing a process of releasing the pause state based on the release signal output from the release signal output means,
The release signal output means is a detection device that detects the state of a gaming machine and outputs a detection signal to the control unit
The control unit is configured to perform a process of canceling the pause state by regarding the detection signal output from the detection device as a release signal in the pause state ,
Gaming machine you characterized in that the release signal output means is a detector for detecting opening of the frame provided in the gaming machine.

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