JP6315697B2 - Gaming machines and magnetic detectors - Google Patents

Description

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

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

  The game value is the right for the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine to be in an advantageous state for a player who is easy to win a ball or in an advantageous state for a player. Or a condition where a condition for paying out a winning ball is easily established.

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

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

  In order to detect fraud using a magnet, a gaming machine (pachinko machine) having a magnet detection function is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1 uses a magnet to directly guide game balls to the start winning opening, or collect a large number of game balls at predetermined locations within the game area and win the starting winning opening. The present invention relates to attachment of a detection sensor for detecting fraud such as facilitation.

JP 2013-220105 A

  The detection sensor (hereinafter referred to as “magnetic detector” as in the present invention) used in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is a type using a pair of ferromagnetic leads (reed switch type) and is strong. This type detects external magnetism by contact with a magnetic lead. In such a reed switch type or a magnetic detector of a type that detects external magnetism using electromagnetic induction on the coil, the direction of detecting the external magnetism may be limited depending on the installation direction of the reed switch and the coil. Conceivable. Therefore, it is considered that the external magnetism cannot be detected depending on the direction of the external magnetism, that is, the direction of the magnet applied to the outside. The gaming machine and the magnetic detector of the present embodiment are less dependent on the direction of external magnetism to be detected for the configuration for detecting external magnetism due to such illegal acts, compared to the conventional type, One object is to detect fraudulent acts caused by external magnetism with higher accuracy. Another object is to reduce the number of parts for detecting external magnetism and to realize low cost and downsizing.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to the first means of the present invention (Claim 1) (for example, the gaming machine 1 in FIG. 1)
A gaming machine capable of detecting the occurrence of external magnetism,
A permanent magnet (eg, permanent magnet 136 of FIG. 9);
Holding means (for example, the partition wall 135 in FIG. 9) for holding the permanent magnet movably and positioning the permanent magnet at an initial position in a state where the external magnetism is not generated;
A sensor for detecting the position of the permanent magnet (for example, the optical sensor 181 in FIG. 9);
Detection means (for example, a detection unit 189 in FIG. 10) that detects the generation of the external magnetism based on the output of the sensor is provided.

  According to the gaming machine according to the first means of the present invention, the dependence on the detection direction of the external magnetism compared to the reed switch type and the type of magnetic detector that conventionally used in the gaming machine. Therefore, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of external magnetism. Further, since the configuration is simple and the number of parts is suppressed, it is possible to reduce the cost and reduce the size.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the second means of the present invention (Claim 2) is the gaming machine according to the first means,
The permanent magnet (for example, the permanent magnet 136 of FIG. 9) is spherical.

  According to the gaming machine according to the second means of the present invention, since the permanent magnet is spherical, the permanent magnet can be positioned at the initial position by the action of gravity. In addition, the shape can be rolled in a plurality of directions (for example, the x direction and the z direction in FIG. 9C), and magnetic detection in a plurality of directions can be performed.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the third means of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first or second means,
The holding means positions the permanent magnet at the initial position by an action force of a field such as gravity acting on the permanent magnet (for example, the embodiment of FIG. 9 or FIG. 17).

  According to the gaming machine according to the third means of the present invention, a form using a mortar-shaped holding means (for example, the embodiment of FIG. 9) or a form for holding a permanent magnet in a pendulum shape (for example, FIG. 17). As in (Embodiment), it is possible to position the permanent magnet at the initial position without using a complicated structure by using the acting force of the field such as gravity.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the fourth means of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third means,
The holding means positions the permanent magnet at the initial position by an acting force by an urging means (for example, elastic bodies 139a to 139d in FIG. 16) such as an elastic force acting on the permanent magnet. .

  According to the gaming machine according to the fourth means of the present invention, it is possible to position the permanent magnet at the initial position by using an acting force other than the acting force of the field such as an elastic force. The acting force by the biasing means can be used in combination with the acting force of the field.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the fifth means (Claim 3) of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first or second means,
The holding means (for example, the partition wall 135 in FIG. 9) has a mortar shape in which the permanent magnet can roll, and the bottom position of the mortar shape is the initial position of the permanent magnet.

  According to the gaming machine according to the fifth means of the present invention, the permanent magnet can be positioned with the mortar-shaped bottom position as the initial position by the mortar-shaped inclination and gravity in a state where the external magnetism does not act. is there.

Furthermore, a gaming machine according to a sixth means (Claim 4) of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth means,
The holding means has a hole for positioning the permanent magnet at the initial position.

  According to the gaming machine according to the sixth means of the present invention, the position of the permanent magnet can be detected by the sensor using the hole at the initial position. For example, when the permanent magnet is spherical, the permanent magnet can be stably held by the hole. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the permanent magnet from inadvertently moving due to a slight vibration or the like when it is attached with a slight inclination.

Furthermore, a gaming machine according to the seventh means (Claim 5) of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to sixth means,
The detection means is characterized in that the detection sensitivity of the generation of external magnetism can be changed.

  According to the gaming machine according to the seventh means of the present invention, the detection sensitivity of the external magnetism can be changed (adjusted) based on the circumstances such as the difference in the model of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the eighth means (Claim 6) of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to seventh means,
The detection means can detect the generation of the external magnetism and the generation of vibration based on the output of the sensor.

  According to the gaming machine according to the eighth means of the present invention, it is possible to separately notify the generation of external magnetism and the generation of vibration based on the output characteristics of the sensor. In addition, since the detection of external magnetism and the detection of vibration generation are combined in one configuration, there is no need to provide a separate vibration detection sensor.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the ninth means of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to eighth means,
The sensor is a non-contact type sensor (for example, an optical sensor 181 in FIG. 17) that detects the position of the permanent magnet in a non-contact manner.

  According to the gaming machine according to the ninth means of the present invention, since the position of the permanent magnet is detected in a non-contact manner, compared with a mechanical sensor such as a switch, the occurrence of failure is reduced and the durability is improved. It becomes possible to plan.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the tenth means of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the ninth means,
The sensor is a reflective sensor (for example, an optical sensor 181 in FIG. 17) that detects a position of the permanent magnet by receiving a reflected wave of a transmitted wave such as a light wave or a sound wave.

  According to the gaming machine according to the tenth means of the present invention, a configuration for emitting a transmission wave (for example, the light emitting element 182 in FIG. 17) and a configuration for receiving a reflected wave (for example, the light receiving element 183 in FIG. 17). Can be positioned on the same side of the permanent magnet, and the configuration for detecting external magnetism can be reduced in size.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the eleventh means of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to tenth means,
At least the permanent magnet, the holding unit, and the sensor are housed in a housing (for example, the housing 131 in FIG. 17).

  According to the gaming machine according to the eleventh means of the present invention, at least the permanent magnet, the holding means, and the sensor are housed in a single housing, so that it is excellent in handling such as when being attached to and detached from the gaming machine. Become. Moreover, it becomes an advantageous structure also when recycling the structure of a gaming machine.

  Furthermore, in a gaming machine according to the twelfth means of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the eleventh means, the casing has a marking indicating an attachment direction (for example, attachment direction markers 132a to 132d in FIG. 8). It is characterized by that.

  According to the gaming machine according to the twelfth means of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the mounting direction for mounting the permanent magnet at the initial position from the outside of the housing, and to mount the permanent magnet on the gaming machine in an appropriate mounting direction. Become.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the thirteenth means of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the eleventh or twelfth means,
The sensor is a sensor that detects the position of the permanent magnet using a transmitted wave such as a light wave or a sound wave,
The inner surface of the housing has a light shielding property or a sound insulating property so as to suppress reflection of the transmitted wave.

  According to the gaming machine according to the thirteenth means of the present invention, the reflection of the transmitted wave at an unintended location is suppressed inside the housing by the light shielding and sound insulating properties applied inside the housing, and the movement of the permanent magnet is suppressed. It becomes possible to suppress erroneous detection.

A magnetic detector (for example, the magnetic detector 130 of FIG. 9) according to the fourteenth means (Claim 7) of the present invention includes:
A permanent magnet (eg, permanent magnet 136 of FIG. 9);
Holding means for movably holding the permanent magnet and holding the permanent magnet at an initial position when no external magnetism is generated (for example, the partition wall 135 in FIG. 9);
And a sensor (for example, an optical sensor 181 in FIG. 9) for detecting the position of the permanent magnet.

  According to the magnetic detector according to the fourteenth means of the present invention, the detection direction of the external magnetism is higher than that of a reed switch type or a type of coil using a coil conventionally used in gaming machines. It becomes possible to suppress the dependency and improve the detection accuracy of the external magnetism. In addition, since the configuration is simple and the number of parts is reduced, the cost and size of the magnetic detector can be reduced.

Furthermore, the magnetic detector according to the fifteenth means (claim 8) of the present invention is the magnetic detector according to the fourteenth means,
A detection unit (for example, a detection unit 189 in FIG. 10) that detects the generation of the external magnetism based on the output of the sensor is provided.

  According to the magnetic detector of the fifteenth means of the present invention, the detection means for detecting the occurrence of external magnetism is housed in the magnetic detector, thereby detecting the occurrence of external magnetism by the magnetic detector alone. Is possible.

Front view of gaming machine from the front Block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the main board and its surroundings A block diagram showing an example of a control structure of an effect control board and its surroundings The flowchart which shows the main processing which the microcomputer for game control performs Flow chart showing timer interrupt processing Flow chart showing production control main process Flow chart showing production control process Perspective view showing the appearance of the magnetic detector Sectional view showing the inside of the magnetic detector Diagram showing circuit configuration of magnetic detector and relay board Diagram showing the mounting configuration of the magnetic detector The figure which shows the effective detection range on the game machine with the magnetic detector Cross section of magnetic detector when external magnetism is acting Flow chart showing fraud detection processing The figure which shows the output value of the magnetic detector in various states Sectional drawing which shows the inside of the magnetic detector in other embodiment (elastic body form) Sectional drawing which shows the inside of the magnetic detector in other embodiment (pendulum form) Diagram showing effective detection range when multiple magnetic detectors are used together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, a magnetic detector 130 is connected to the main board 31 through a relay board 60. The relay board 60 of the present embodiment has a function of detecting the presence or absence of external magnetism (a detection unit 189 described later) based on the output of the magnetic detection unit 130 and a function of supplying power to the magnetic detector 130. . The magnetic detector 130 is a sensor for detecting an unauthorized operation due to external magnetism, such as applying a magnet from the outside of the gaming machine 1, and outputs a signal generated by an external magnetic field due to the unauthorized operation to the detection unit 189. When the detection unit 189 detects external magnetism based on the signal from the magnetic detector 130, it outputs an error signal to the game control microcomputer 560. When the game control microcomputer 560 receives an error signal, the game display microcomputer 9, the speaker 27, and the communication unit 42 are used to notify the manager such as hall staff that the gaming machine 1 is abnormal. An abnormality notification process is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 189 for detecting the presence or absence of external magnetism is provided on the relay substrate 60. However, the detection unit 189 is provided inside the magnetic detector 130 or provided on the main substrate 560. It is also possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the error signal from the relay board 60 indicates an abnormal state (a state in which the magnet is detected) in the fraud detection process of step S34, and the error signal indicates the abnormal state. If it is shown, an abnormality notification process for notifying an administrator such as a hall staff of the abnormality is performed using the effect display device 9, the speaker 27, the communication unit 42, and the like. In this embodiment, the abnormality notification process is executed by the game control microcomputer 560. However, the abnormality notification process uses a configuration other than the game control microcomputer 560 such as the effect control microcomputer 100. It may be executed. After executing a series of processes, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the magnetic detector 130. The magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment has a rectangular parallelepiped casing 131 having six surfaces. A coordinate system related to the magnetic detector 130 is defined in the lower right of FIG. When viewing the magnetic detector 130 as shown in FIG. 8, the right direction is the positive z-axis direction, the upward direction is the positive y-axis direction, and the depth direction is the positive x-axis direction. The defined coordinate system is the same as the coordinate system of the magnetic detector 130 described in FIGS. 9, 11, 13, and 16 to 18. The casing 131 of the magnetic detector 130 is provided with a cable lead-out hole 133 for leading out the cable 134 for connecting to the relay board 60 to the outside. Since the magnetic detector 130 of this embodiment is a form using gravity, the mounting direction when installing in the gaming machine 1 is important. Therefore, the attachment direction markers 132a to 132d (in the figure, 132c and 132d are located on the side surfaces that cannot be seen) are displayed on the side surfaces (four surfaces) of the housing 131. The attachment direction markers 132a to 132d have an arrow shape, and are attached to the gaming machine 1 so that the direction of the arrow is parallel to the direction of gravity. In addition to the attachment direction markers 132a to 132d in which the direction of gravity is indicated by an arrow as described above, various forms such as dots and the position of a company logo can be adopted as the marking indicating the attachment direction.

  FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the inside of the magnetic detector 130 described in FIG. FIG. 9A shows a cross section in the yz plane with respect to the center position of the side surface of the magnetic detector 130. FIG. 9B shows a cross section in the xy plane with respect to the center position of the side surface of the magnetic detector 130. FIG. 9C shows a cross section when viewed from above when cut at a position between BB shown in FIG. 9A.

  In the present embodiment, the partition wall 135 is provided inside the housing 131 to separate the interior of the housing 131 into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A spherical permanent magnet 136 is disposed in the upper chamber, and an optical sensor 181 and a substrate 137 for detecting the position of the permanent magnet 136 are disposed in the lower chamber. The permanent magnet 136 can move freely in the upper chamber and moves under the influence of external magnetism. In the present embodiment, the shape of the permanent magnet 136 is a spherical shape, but the permanent magnet 136 may adopt various shapes such as a cylindrical shape as long as the shape is movable (rollable). The partition 135 has a concave mortar shape at the center. Therefore, in a state where the magnetic detector 130 is installed horizontally and is not affected by external magnetism (referred to as a normal state), the permanent magnet 136 is centered on the partition wall 135 (reference position) by the acting force (gravity) of the field. Located in. Further, a hole 135a is provided at the center position of the partition wall 135, and the position of the permanent magnet 136 can be detected by an optical sensor 181 installed in the lower chamber. At the reference position, the spherical permanent magnet 136 can be stably held by setting a part of the lower surface of the spherical permanent magnet 136 in the hole 135a. Thus, in the normal state, the shape of the partition wall 135 (corresponding to the “holding means” in the present invention) for positioning the permanent magnet 136 at the reference position is not limited to the mortar shape, but in the normal state, by adopting a field by gravity. Various shapes can be adopted as long as the shape has an inclination for positioning the permanent magnet 136 at the reference position. In the form shown in FIG. 9, as can be seen from FIG. 9C, the permanent magnet 136 is freely movable in the xz plane, but the shape of the partition wall 135 is a U-shaped groove. By adopting a shape, it may be movable in one direction (for example, a shape that is movable in the z-axis direction and cannot move in the x-axis direction). In addition, the shape of the permanent magnet 136 is not limited to a spherical shape, and various shapes such as a cylindrical shape can be adopted as described above. However, according to the shape of the permanent magnet 136 to be used. Thus, the shape of the partition wall 135 is also selected as appropriate. For example, when the shape of the permanent magnet 136 is a cylindrical shape, a U-shaped groove shape is used so that, in a normal state, the permanent magnet 136 is positioned at a reference position by the applied force (gravity) of the field, and the external magnet When is acting, it is possible to move to a position different from the reference position.

  In this way, when the field action force (gravity) is used, the inclination of the partition wall 135 is related to the ease of movement of the permanent magnet 136. That is, by relaxing the inclination of the partition wall 135, the permanent magnet 136 is easily moved by the action of external magnetism. On the other hand, by tightening the inclination of the partition wall 135, the permanent magnet 136 is less likely to move due to the action of external magnetism. Therefore, it is possible to change the easiness of movement of the permanent magnet 136 by the external magnetism and the detection sensitivity of the external magnetism by the magnetic detector 130 by the inclination of the partition wall 135. The inclination of the partition wall 135 is determined in consideration of such detection sensitivity. Further, the inclination of the partition wall 135 may be mechanically changeable. By changing the inclination of the partition wall 135 mechanically, it is possible to adjust the sensitivity according to the model of the gaming machine 1 to be used, the attachment state of the magnetic detector 130, and the like. Furthermore, when the four side surfaces of the housing 131 can be attached as in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the inclination of the partition wall 135 with respect to each direction is changed from the center position of the partition wall 135, thereby It is also possible to change the sensitivity for each direction. When attaching the magnetic detector 130 to the gaming machine 1, it is possible to change the sensitivity to detect external magnetism by attaching a side surface having a desired sensitivity along the gaming machine 1. In such a form, it is preferable to display on the surface of the housing 131 the sensitivity corresponding to the attachment state, similarly to the attachment direction markers 132a to 132d.

  Further, a counterbore 135b cut out around the hole 135a is provided on the upper surface of the hole 135a so as to hold the permanent magnet 136 more stably in a normal state. Depending on the model of the gaming machine 1, the magnetic detector 130 may not be installed in parallel, that is, it may have to be installed slightly tilted. Thus, by providing the counterbore 135b, the permanent magnet 136 can be stably held at the initial position even when the magnetic detector 130 is set to be slightly inclined. As a method for stably holding the permanent magnet 136, a protrusion may be provided around the hole 135a in addition to the form in which the counterbore 135b is provided. In order for the permanent magnet 136 to move from the initial position, it is necessary to get over the protrusion, so that the permanent magnet 136 can be held at the initial position even with a slight inclination.

  Various configurations for detecting the position of the permanent magnet 136 are arranged in the lower chamber of the casing 131. An optical sensor 181 for detecting the position of the permanent magnet 136 is disposed immediately below the hole 135a. The optical sensor 181 includes a light emitting element 182 such as an LED and a light receiving element 183. In the normal state, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the permanent magnet 136 is located at the initial position, and the hole 135a is closed. In such a state, the light emitted from the light emitting element 182 is reflected by the bottom surface of the permanent magnet 136, and the reflected light is detected by the light receiving element 183. On the other hand, when the permanent magnet 136 is moved in the upper chamber under the influence of external magnetism (external magnetic action state), the hole 135a is opened. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 182 does not return as it is, and the reflected light is not detected by the light receiving element 183. As described above, in the present embodiment, the position of the permanent magnet 136 is detected by the reflection of light from the permanent magnet 136. In order to suppress erroneous detection other than reflected light, the housing 131 is preferably sealed so that external light does not enter. In order to suppress the light emitted from the light emitting element 182 from being reflected by other than the permanent magnet 136, the inner surface of the housing 131 is preferably provided with a light shielding property such as being painted black.

  As a form for detecting the position of the permanent magnet 136 using light, a form in which the light emitting element 182 and the light receiving element 183 are installed with the permanent magnet 136 interposed therebetween is also conceivable. In such a form, when the permanent magnet 136 is in the initial position, the light receiving element 183 does not receive the light from the light emitting element 182, and the permanent magnet 136 moves and the hole 135a is opened, so that the light emitting element By receiving the light from 182, it is detected that the permanent magnet 136 has moved. In such a configuration, the light emitting element 182 and the light receiving element 183 need to be installed with the permanent magnet 136 interposed therebetween, so that the housing 131 may be large. By using the reflected light of the permanent magnet 136 as in this embodiment, the light emitting element 182 and the light receiving element 183 can be positioned on the same side, and the housing 131 can be downsized. Yes.

  In the lower chamber of the housing 131, a substrate 137 on which various circuits for processing signals of the optical sensor 181 are installed in addition to the optical sensor 181. FIG. 10 shows a circuit configuration of the substrate 137 and the relay substrate 60 of the magnetic detector 130. The magnetic detector 130 is connected to the relay substrate 60 installed outside the housing 131 via a cable 134. A power supply voltage is applied to the relay substrate 60, and power is supplied to the magnetic detector 130 via the cable 134. In the optical sensor 181, an appropriate voltage is applied to the light emitting element 182 via the resistor 185 to light the light emitting element 182. In a normal state, the light receiving element 183 receives the reflected light of the permanent magnet 136 and passes a current through the amplifier 184. The amplifier 184 turns on the transistor 186 as a switch and applies the power supply voltage distributed by the load 187 to the A / D converter 188. On the other hand, in the external magnetic influence state, the light emitted from the light emitting element 182 does not return to the light receiving element side, so that the transistor 186 is in a non-conducting state and no power supply voltage is applied to the A / D converter 188. It becomes.

  The A / D converter 188 binarizes and outputs a voltage value that changes depending on the position of the permanent magnet 136. In the present embodiment, the value when the permanent magnet 136 is in the initial position is “1”, and the value when the permanent magnet 136 is out of the initial position is “0”. The output value of the A / D converter 188 is output to the relay board 60 via the cable 134. The detection unit 189 installed on the relay board 60 detects the presence or absence of external magnetism based on the output value of the A / D converter 188 and outputs it to the main board 31. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 189 is installed on the relay substrate 60, but the detection unit 189 may be installed inside the magnetic detector 130. Alternatively, the main board 31 may have the function of the detection unit 189.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a mounting form of the magnetic detector 130 to the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, the magnetic detector 130 is arranged on the back of the game board 6. As can be seen from FIG. 9C, the permanent magnet 136 of the present embodiment can freely move in the zx plane. Therefore, it is possible to detect external magnetism regardless of which side of the housing 131 is along the back of the game board 6. Further, in order to place the permanent magnet 136 at the initial position in the normal state, the magnetic detector 130 is arranged with the attachment direction marker 132a facing the gravity direction (Y-axis negative direction). In the present embodiment, the magnetic detector 130 is attached to the back surface of the game board 6. However, since the magnetic detector 130 is small, it can be installed on the front surface of the game board 6. In that case, it is conceivable to incorporate the magnetic detector 130 in the decoration of the game board 6. By installing the magnetic detector 130 on the front surface, it is possible to improve the external magnetic detection sensitivity.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing an effective detection range of external magnetism in the installed state of the magnetic detector 130 of FIG. 11, and is a view when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front. The effective detection range D can detect external magnetism having a predetermined radius around the magnetic detector 130. In the present embodiment, the magnetic detector 130 is arranged so as to detect external magnetism around the out port 26. As an illegal act using a magnet, a game ball is attracted by a magnet around the out port 26 so as not to enter the out port 26, and a plurality of game balls are stacked around the out port 26 to thereby win a winning port. There is an act of throwing a game ball into. The magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment is arranged so as to detect external magnetism around the out port 26 in order to detect such an illegal act around the out port 26. The magnetic detector 130 according to the present embodiment has a small effective detection range compared to a magnetic detector using a coil or the like, but is inexpensive and small due to a small number of parts and a simple configuration. It can be manufactured, and is suitable for detecting external magnetism around such an out port 26.

  The fraud detection process using the magnetic detector 130 will be described. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic detector 130 when external magnetism is acting. In the normal state of FIG. 9A, the permanent magnet 136 is located at the initial position (directly above the hole 135a), and the light receiving element 183 receives the reflected light from the permanent magnet 136. That is, in the normal state of FIG. 9A, the output of the A / D converter 188 is “1”. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the external magnet M approaches, the permanent magnet 136 is attracted to the external magnet M and moved from the initial position, so that the hole 135 a is opened and emitted from the light emitting element 182. The light does not return to the light receiving element 183. Thus, in the external magnetic action state by the external magnet M, the output of the A / D converter 188 is “0”. As described above, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment can detect external magnetism by the movement of the permanent magnet 136 enclosed in the housing 131.

  FIG. 14 shows a flowchart showing the fraud detection process. This fraud detection process is a process executed in step S34 during the timer interrupt process performed on the main board 31 described with reference to FIG. 5, and is a process for detecting fraud by external magnetism. The main board 31 monitors the output signal from the relay board 60 (detection unit 189), and confirms whether or not the error signal from the relay board 60 is in a state corresponding to magnetic detection (for example, high level) ( Step S901). Hereinafter, an error signal corresponding to magnetic detection (magnet detection) is referred to as an error signal being output, and an error signal corresponds to magnetic field non-detection (magnet non-detection) (for example, The error signal is not output.

  If an error signal is output (step S901: Y), an abnormality notification process (steps S902 to S904) for notifying that an abnormality has been detected is executed. In the present embodiment, as abnormality notification processing, the game control microcomputer 560 displays, for example, an image indicating “magnet discovery” or an image indicating abnormality detection on the effect display board 9 on the effect control board 80. (Step S902). Further, the game control microcomputer 560 causes the effect control board 80 to output the sound number data corresponding to the abnormality notification sound to the sound output board 70, and causes the speaker 27 to output the abnormality notification sound (step S903). Further, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits information including the identification information of the gaming machine 1 in which the abnormality is detected to the hall management computer via the communication unit 42 (step S904). Then, an abnormality notification flag is set (step S905). It should be noted that the set abnormality notification flag is maintained until it is canceled by an operation of an administrator such as hall staff.

  When an external magnet that may be used for an illegal act such as causing the game ball to stay around the out mouth 26 is detected by the abnormality notification process as described above, in the gaming machine 1 in the effect display device 9 A state indicating an abnormality is displayed, and an abnormality notification sound is output from the speaker 27. A report is also sent to the hall management computer.

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

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

  The detection of external magnetism generation based on the output value of the magnetic detector 130 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing temporal changes in the output value of the magnetic detector 130 (A / D converter 188) in various states. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an output value of the A / D converter 188 in the normal state, that is, when the permanent magnet 136 is located at the initial position. In a normal state, light emitted from the light emitting element 182 is reflected by the permanent magnet 136 and received by the light receiving element 183. Therefore, the output value of the A / D converter 188 is always “1”. FIG. 15B shows an external magnetic influence state when the external magnet M and the like are brought close to each other. When the permanent magnet 136 moves in the upper chamber of the casing 131 by external magnetism, the hole 135a formed in the partition wall 135 is opened, and the light receiving element 183 does not receive the reflected light. The output value of the converter 188 is set to “0”.

  The detection unit 180 of the relay board 60 detects the presence or absence of external magnetism based on the output value of the A / D converter 188. By the way, it is conceivable that the permanent magnet 136 moves from the initial position due to factors other than external magnetism, such as vibration. Therefore, the detection unit 180 detects external magnetism based on the time length T when the output value of the A / D converter 188 becomes “0”. When the permanent magnet 136 moves due to factors other than external magnetism such as vibration, it is expected that the time is shorter than in the case of external magnetism. In the present embodiment, based on such a feature, the detection unit 180 detects that the external magnetism is detected on the condition that the time length T when the output value of the A / D converter 188 is “0” exceeds the threshold value A. It detects that it has occurred, that is, that unauthorized processing using an external magnet is being performed. On the other hand, when the time length T when the output value of the A / D converter 188 is “0” is less than the threshold A, there is a high possibility that it is a factor other than external magnetism such as vibration. It is assumed that no occurrence is detected. In such a form, it is possible to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic detector 130 by changing the threshold value A for detecting the occurrence of external magnetism. In the circuit example of FIG. 10, it is conceivable to change the threshold A by providing a sensitivity setting knob in the detection unit 189 or by inputting a sensitivity adjustment signal to the detection unit 189. Further, when the detection unit 189 is provided on the main board 31 or the function of the detection unit 189 is provided, it is conceivable that the threshold A is set in advance by a program executed on the main board 560. Alternatively, the threshold A may be changed by a program executed on the main board 560.

  In the case of FIG. 15B, when T1 (or T2)> threshold A, the detection unit 189 outputs an error signal indicating that external magnetism is generated to the main substrate 31. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15C, when all of T3 to T6 are below the threshold A, the detection unit 189 gives an error signal to the main substrate 31 that external magnetism is generated. Do not output. When the time length T when the output value of the A / D converter 188 is “0” is below the threshold A, the detection unit 189 sends an error signal indicating that vibration has occurred to the main board 31. It is good also as outputting to. The main board 31 that has received the error signal can separately report the occurrence of external magnetism or vibration. By detecting the vibration, it becomes possible for the player to detect an action such as intentionally hitting the gaming machine 1. When detecting the vibration, the time length T when the output value of the A / D converter 188 is “0” has occurred the threshold A more than a predetermined number of times (for example, B times) within a predetermined period. It is good also as conditions.

  As described above, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment can detect external magnetism with a simple configuration of detecting the position of the permanent magnet 136. In such a form, the effective detection range capable of detecting external magnetism is small compared to a magnetic detector using a coil, but it is small and inexpensive due to the small number of parts and the simple configuration. It can be used as a means for detecting external magnetism. In the present embodiment, the spherical permanent magnet 136 is held at the initial position by being placed on the mortar-shaped partition wall 135. However, as the holding form of the permanent magnet 136, there are such various forms. It is possible to adopt various forms other than the form.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the magnetic detector 130 in another embodiment. The appearance of the magnetic detector 130 is the same as in FIG. FIG. 16A shows a cross section in the yz plane with respect to the center position of the side surface of the magnetic detector 130. FIG. 16B shows a cross section when viewed from above when cut at a position between BB shown in FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the permanent magnet 136 is positioned at the initial position by gravity (field acting force) acting on the permanent magnet. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the permanent magnet 136 is positioned at the initial position by the biasing means (in this case, the elastic bodies 139a to 139d) connected to the permanent magnet 136. The four elastic bodies 139a to 139d are connected to the permanent magnet 136 and the inner surface of the housing 131. When the external magnetism does not affect the permanent magnet 136, the permanent magnet 136 closes the hole 138a. On the other hand, the influence of external magnetism on the permanent magnet 136 causes the permanent magnet 136 to move as indicated by a broken line and open the hole 138a. In the state in which the hole 138a is opened, it is detected that the permanent magnet 136 has moved because the reflected light is not received by the light receiving element 183, as in the previous embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the permanent magnet 136 has a spherical shape because smooth rolling is required, but the permanent magnet 136 of the present embodiment has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 16 (B), when the permanent magnet 136 is viewed from above, it is necessary to open the hole 138a regardless of the direction of movement of the permanent magnet 136 when the permanent magnet 136 is circular. The amount of movement of the permanent magnet 136 is constant, and the sensitivity for opening the hole 138a can be kept constant regardless of the direction of movement of the permanent magnet 136.

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the magnetic detector 130 in another embodiment. The appearance of the magnetic detector 130 is the same as in FIG. FIG. 17A shows a cross section in the yz plane with respect to the center position of the side surface of the magnetic detector 130. FIG. 17B shows a cross section when viewed from above when cut at a position between BB shown in FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the permanent magnet 136 is positioned at the initial position by the elastic force acting on the elastic bodies 139 a to 139 d (the acting force by the urging means). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, as in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the permanent magnet 136 is positioned at the initial position by the gravity acting on the permanent magnet 136 (the acting force of the field). It is supposed to be positioned at the initial position by suspending it. The permanent magnet 136 is connected to the upper surface of the housing 131 via the hanging portion 141. A thread, a wire, or the like is used for the hanging part 141, and the permanent magnet 136 can be moved in a pendulum shape. In a state where external magnetism does not affect the permanent magnet 136, the permanent magnet 136 is located above the hole 138a and closes the hole 138a. On the other hand, the influence of external magnetism on the permanent magnet 136 causes the permanent magnet 136 to move as indicated by a broken line and open the hole 138a. In the state where the hole 138a is opened, the light receiving element 183 does not receive the reflected light as in the previous embodiment, thereby detecting that the permanent magnet 136 has moved.

  As described above, as the holding means for holding the permanent magnet 136 in the initial position in the magnetic detector 130, the acting force of the field such as gravity as described in FIG. 9 and FIG. 17, or as described in the embodiment in FIG. It is possible to use an acting force by an urging means such as an elastic force.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment has a smaller effective detection range than the magnetic detector using the coil. It is effective for. Further, since the effective detection range is a small range, it may be insufficient for detecting fraud in the entire area of the game board 6. Therefore, it is good also as a structure which assists the range which other types of magnetic detectors cannot detect by combining with other types of magnetic detectors using a coil etc.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an effective detection range when a plurality of magnetic detectors are used in combination. FIG. 18A is a diagram when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front, and FIG. 18B is a diagram when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the back. As shown in FIG. 18B, the magnetic detector 130 of the present embodiment and magnetic detectors 140a and 140b of a different type from the present embodiment using a coil or the like are disposed on the back surface. The magnetic detectors 140a and 140b have effective detection ranges E1 and E2 for external magnetism, respectively. The magnetic detector 130 has an effective detection range D of external magnetism. The magnetic detectors 140a and 140b have a wider effective detection range than the magnetic detector 130, but are expected to be expensive due to the complexity of the configuration. As can be seen from FIG. 18A, in the arrangement of the two magnetic detectors 140a and 140b, the vicinity of the out port 26 is just outside the effective detection ranges E1 and E2. In the present embodiment, the magnetic detector 130 is used in an auxiliary manner to detect external magnetism around the out port 26 that cannot be detected by the two magnetic detectors 140a and 140.

  In such an arrangement, the magnetic detector 130 is positioned within the effective detection range of the magnetic detectors 140a and 140b. Since the magnetic detector 130 has the permanent magnet 136, it is considered that the magnetism generated from the permanent magnet 136 acts on the magnetic detectors 140a and 140b. In such a case, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the magnetism detectors 140a and 140b set the magnetism by the permanent magnet 136 of the magnetism detector 130 as an initial value based on the installation environment, as in the case of geomagnetism. In addition, erroneous detection by the permanent magnet 136 can be prevented. It is also possible to detect a small amount of external magnetism acting on the permanent magnet 136. That is, when external magnetism acts on the permanent magnet 136, it is conceivable that the permanent magnet 136 moves to the extent that the hole 138a is not opened, or the permanent magnet 136 rotates. In such a case, the magnetic detectors 140a and 140b can detect magnetic field changes based on the movement and rotation of the permanent magnet 136. As described above, by positioning the magnetic detector 130 within the effective detection ranges E1 and E2 of the magnetic detectors 140a and 140b, it is possible to detect external magnetism indirectly.

  Although various embodiments have been described above, the magnetic detector 130 according to the present embodiment and the gaming machine 1 including the magnetic detector 130 have a simple configuration in which the position of the permanent magnet 136 is detected. It is possible to detect the occurrence of external magnetism due to an action or the like. Therefore, the cost can be reduced and the size can be reduced as compared with a conventional magnetic detector using a coil or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the optical sensor 181 is used to detect the position of the permanent magnet 136, but various forms can be adopted as means for detecting the position of the permanent magnet 136. For example, it is good also as using a mechanical means, such as a switch with which the permanent magnet 136 contacts. Compared with mechanical means, the optical sensor 181 can detect the position of the permanent magnet 136 in a non-contact manner, which is advantageous in terms of durability. Further, as a means for detecting the position of the permanent magnet 136 in a non-contact manner, a form using sound such as ultrasonic waves can be considered in addition to a form using light like the optical sensor 181. In the form using sound, it is preferable to provide sound insulation on the inner surface of the casing 131 of the magnetic detector 130 to suppress erroneous detection.

1: gaming machine 58: input driver circuit 2: glass door frame 59: output circuit 3: hitting ball supply tray 60: relay board 4: surplus ball receiving tray 70: voice output board 5: hitting operation handle 77: relay board 6: game board 80: Production control board 7: Game area 97: Ball payout device 8: Special symbol display 100: Production control microcomputer 9: Production display device 101: Production control CPU
9C, 9L, 9R: Symbol display area 102: Input driver 10: Normal symbol display 103-105: Input port 13: First start winning port 130: Magnetic detector 13a: First start port switch 131: Housing 14: Second start winning port 132a-d: Mounting direction marker 14a: Second start port switch 133: Cable lead-out hole 15: Variable winning ball device 134: Cable 16: Solenoid 135: Bulkhead 18: Special symbol holding memory display 135a: Hole 18c: Hold memory display part 135b: Counterbore 20: Special variable winning ball device 136: Permanent magnet 21: Solenoid 137: Substrate 23: Count switch 138a: Hole 25: Decoration LED 139a-d: Elastic body 26: Out port 140a, b : Magnetic detector 27: Speaker 141: Hanging part 28: Frame LED 180: Detection part 29: Award port 181: Optical sensor 29a: Award port switch 182: Light emitting element 30: Award port 183: Light receiving element 30a: Award port switch 184: Amplifier 31: Main board 185: Resistor 32: Gate 186: Transistor 32a: Gate switch 187: Load 33: winning port 188: A / D converter 33a: winning port switch 189: detection unit 35: lamp driver board 351: input driver 37: payout control board 352: LED driver 39: winning port 503: random number circuit 39a: winning Mouth switch 560: Microcomputer 41 for game control: Normal symbol hold memory display 571: Output port 42: Communication unit 702: Input driver 54: ROM 703: IC for speech synthesis
55: RAM 704: Audio data ROM
56: CPU 705: Amplifier circuit 57: I / O port unit 706: Volume

Claims (8)

A gaming machine capable of detecting the occurrence of external magnetism,
With permanent magnets,
Holding means for holding the permanent magnet movably and positioning the permanent magnet at an initial position in a state where the external magnetism is not generated;
A sensor for detecting the position of the permanent magnet;
And a detecting means for detecting the generation of the external magnetism based on the output of the sensor. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the permanent magnet has a spherical shape. The game according to claim 1, wherein the holding means has a mortar shape in which the permanent magnet can roll, and a bottom position of the mortar shape is set as the initial position of the permanent magnet. Machine. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding means includes a hole for positioning the permanent magnet at the initial position. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection means is capable of changing a detection sensitivity of the generation of the external magnetism. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection means can detect the generation of the external magnetism and the generation of vibration based on an output of the sensor. With permanent magnets,
Holding means for movably holding the permanent magnet, and holding the permanent magnet at an initial position when no external magnetism is generated;
And a sensor for detecting the position of the permanent magnet. The magnetic detector according to claim 7, further comprising detection means for detecting generation of the external magnetism based on an output of the sensor.