Gaming machine

Abstract

A gaming machine according to the invention includes a base frame, a base door which is openably and closably supported on and attached to the base frame, a circuit board case which is arranged on a back side of the base door and holds predetermined circuit boards, a circuit board case cover which is arranged to cover the circuit board case, a first detecting switch which detects opening of the base door, a second detecting switch which detects opening of the circuit board case cover, and a sub-CPU which determines, when opening of the circuit board case cover is detected by the second detecting switch, whether the opening is illegal on the basis of detection results of the first detecting switch and the second detecting switch.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and, more particularly, to an art effectively applied to gaming machines such as a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine in which a circuit board case having a control circuit board built therein is arranged.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, there is a risk of illegally exchanging a ROM built in a circuit board case in a gaming machine (back side of a base door) by the third party.

In order to cancel the risk of falsifying a gaming electronic circuit board by the illegal exchange, it is more practical that the falsification is early detected to make an after-the-fact countermeasure. On the basis of the knowledge, a gaming machine having a seal member which seals the circuit board case is devised (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-62114).

A seal head of the seal member has an arrowhead shape. At the distal end of the seal head, a pair of engaging pieces which can be elastically transformed internally each other are formed. The distal end of the seal head is inserted into a communication hole of the circuit board case with a retaining member.

For this reason, when the seal member is tried to be unsealed to open the circuit board case, the seal member is torn, an evidence of the opening of the circuit board case is left.

For this reason, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open 2001-62114 can detects illegal opening of a circuit board case. Therefore, it can be appropriately known that a gaming electronic circuit board is falsified.

In the conventional art, illegal opening of the circuit board case can be detected. However, when the circuit board case itself is illegally exchanged, illegality to the circuit board case cannot be detected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine which can detect illegality to a circuit board case even though the circuit board case itself is illegally exchanged.

In order to solve the above problem, a gaming machine of a first invention includes: a base frame (base frame 3b) constituting a part of a gaming machine main body; a base door (base door 3a) which is openably and closably supported on and attached to the base frame; a circuit board case (for example, a sub-control circuit board case 50, a main control circuit board case 100, a frame relay circuit board case 130, a power supply circuit board case 150, a payout control circuit board case 170, and the like) which is arranged on a back side of the base door and holds predetermined circuit boards (for example, a sub-control circuit board, a main control circuit board, a frame relay circuit board, a power supply circuit board, a payout control circuit board, and the like); a circuit board case cover (circuit board case cover 500) which is arranged to cover the circuit board case; first detecting means (first detecting switch 600) which detects opening of the base door; second detecting means (second detecting switch 700) which detects opening of the circuit board case cover; and illegal opening determining means (sub-CPU 301) which determines, when opening of the circuit board case cover is detected by the second detecting means, whether the opening is illegal on the basis of detection results of the first detecting means and the second detecting means.

In this manner, when the circuit board case cover which covers the circuit board case is opened, it is determined on the basis of the detection results of the first detecting means and the second detecting means whether the opening of the circuit board case cover is illegal. For this reason, illegality to the circuit board case can be properly detected. Furthermore, in this manner, even though the circuit board case itself is illegally exchanged, illegality to the circuit board case can be detected.

In a second invention, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, when the second detecting means detects opening of the circuit board case cover in a state in which the first detecting means does not detect opening of the base door, the illegal opening determining means determines that the opening of the circuit board case cover is illegal.

In this manner, when opening of the circuit board case cover is not performed on the basis of a predetermined procedure, the opening is determined as illegal opening. For this reason, illegal opening can be more properly detected. For this reason, even though the circuit board case itself is illegally exchanged, illegality to the circuit board case can be reliably detected.

A third invention includes, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, storing means (work RAM 303) which stores a determination result obtained by the illegal opening determining means.

In this manner, the number of times of illegal opening, time of the illegal opening, and the like can be stored, and a larger number of pieces of information related to illegal opening can be collected. For this reason, a countermeasure against illegal opening can be more appropriately performed.

In a fourth invention, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, the predetermined circuit board is a main control circuit board on which a main control circuit (main control circuit 200) which is held in the circuit board case and controls progress of a game is mounted, and includes a sub-control circuit board which is arranged independently of the main control circuit board and on which a sub-control circuit (sub-control circuit 300) which executes predetermined control on the basis of a control signal received from the main control circuit on the main control circuit board is mounted, and the sub-control circuit board is connected to the first detecting means and the second detecting means and has an illegal opening determining means and a storing means.

Since falsification by the third party is frequently executed to the main control circuit board on which the main control circuit which controls progress of a game, functions of the illegal opening determining means, the storing means, and the like are held by the sub-control circuit board being at relatively low risk of being falsified, illegal opening of the circuit board case cover or the like can be more properly detected, and a more appropriate countermeasure against illegal opening can be taken.

A fifth invention includes, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, notifying means (liquid crystal display device 21) which notifies a determination result obtained by the illegal opening determining means.

In this manner, when the circuit board case cover is illegally opened, employees are notified that the circuit board cover is illegally opened. A countermeasure against the illegal opening can be properly performed, damage by falsification caused by illegal exchange or the like of a circuit board case can be minimized.

Since a deterrent against illegal opening is opened by the notification, the illegal opening can be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a back side of a base door of the gaming machine and a circuit board case cover in the gaming machine in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the circuit board case cover in FIG. 3 is attached to the back side of the base door;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a base frame of the gaming machine in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a back side of the circuit board case cover according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a first detecting switch according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the first detecting switch according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a state in which the first detecting switch is brought into contact with a contact portion;

FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining a state the first detecting switch is separated from the contact portion;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a command reception interrupting process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a detection signal receiving process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a main process performed by a sub-control circuit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a illegal opening determining process according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a determination result obtained by a illegal opening determining unit is displayed in a display area of a liquid crystal display device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A best mode to carry on the present invention will be concretely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals as in the accompanying drawings denote the same parts in the drawings, and a repetitive explanation will be omitted. Since the explanation made here is the best mode to carry out the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this mode.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a back side of a base door of the gaming machine and a circuit board case cover in the gaming-machine in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the circuit board case cover in FIG. 3 is attached to the back side of the base door, FIG. 5 is a front view showing a base frame of the gaming machine in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a back side of the circuit board case cover according to the embodiment, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a first detecting switch according to the embodiment, FIG. 8 is a front view showing the first detecting switch according to the embodiment, FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a state in which the first detecting switch is brought into contact with a contact portion, FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining a state the first detecting switch is separated from the contact portion, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a command reception interrupting process according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a detection signal receiving process according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a main process performed by a sub-control circuit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a illegal opening determining process according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a determination result obtained by a illegal opening determining unit is displayed in a display area of a liquid crystal display device.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1, a base door 3a on which a gaming board 2 (FIG. 2) is arranged is pivotally attached to a base frame 3b fixed to island equipment through a hinge 3c (FIG. 5) (that is, the base door 3a is supported at one end of the base door 3a serving as a pivotal supporting point and openably and closably supported on and attached to the base frame 3b.), and a gaming machine main body 3 is constituted by the base door 3a and the base frame 3b. On the base door 3a of the gaming machine main body 3, speakers 8a and 8b (FIG. 10), a liquid crystal display device (LCD) 21, a glass door 9 visibly covering the gaming board 2, an upper receiving portion 4, a lower receiving portion 5, a cover 6, and a handle 7 are arranged.

The gaming board 2 has a gaming region 2a which is surrounded by a rail 11, along which gaming balls can fall. Disposed in the gaming region 2a are gaming members including obstacles (not shown) such as a number of nails and pinwheels, regular winning openings 12, pass gates 13, a special winning opening 15, an outlet 16, and an electronic accessory member 18 having starting winning openings 14 and 17.

In this case, each regular winning opening 12 is a device which pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls when a gaming ball comes into the winning openings, a passing gate 13 is a device which moves and stops a plurality of symbols displayed in a regular symbol display area in the wake of passing of a gaming ball through the passing gate 13, and the starting winning opening 17 is a device which moves and stops special symbols displayed in a special symbol display area under the condition that a gaming ball comes in. The special winning opening 15 is a device which is controlled such that, when a combination of special symbols in stoppage in the special symbol display area becomes a preset combination of specific symbols (big winning display mode) to start a big winning gaming state (the big winning gaming state is a state in which a big winning occurs), a flapper is opened and closed a predetermined number of times under a predetermined condition according to a predetermined setting (More specifically, only when at least one gaming ball passing through a specific area of the special winning opening 15 within a predetermined period of time (unless so-called puncture occurs), the special winning opening 15 is opened a predetermined number of times and switched between an open state in which a gaming ball is easily received and a closed state in which a gaming ball is not easily received a predetermined number of times. Note that the operation of switching the state between the open state and the closed state is a round operation).

The outlet 16 is a device into which a gaming ball which does not come in any one of the regular winning opening 12, the starting winning openings 14 and 17, and the special winning opening 15 flows and which collects the gaming ball.

The passing gate 13 is designed to detect a passing gaming ball. A gaming ball passing through the passing gate 13 can be memorized as a passing memory. On the basis of the passing memory information, symbols are variably displayed in a regular symbol display area. Four regular symbol memory LEDs (not shown) which displays the number of passing memories of the passing gate 13 are arranged on an upper left portion of the gaming region 2a. Depending on the number of lighted regular symbol memory LEDs, the number of passing memories of gaming balls passing through the passing gate 13 can be displayed.

In the regular symbol display area, for example, two regular symbols alternately flicker. Upon completion of the flicker of two regular symbols, when a “winning” is displayed, the state of the starting winning opening 17 arranged on the electronic accessory member 18 is switched to a state in which a gaming ball is easily received for a predetermined period of time.

In place of the regular symbol display area, two regular symbol display LEDs are arranged at arbitrary positions on the gaming board 2, and a “winning” may be displayed by flickering of the LEDs. The two regular symbol display LEDs can also be constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display unit or the like. In this case, as regular symbols displayed on the 7-segment display unit, for example, numbers “0”, “1”, “2”, . . . “7”, “8”, “9”, and the like are variably displayed. When a number displayed in stoppage is “3” or “7”, a “winning” is set.

The starting winning opening 17 is a device having a receiving hole which receives a gaming ball and including an opening/closing mechanism which can switch a state between a state in which a gaming ball is easily received and a state in which a gaming ball is not easily received. The starting winning opening 17 is set in the state in which a gaming ball is not easily received in a normal state. When a predetermined condition is established (for example, a regular symbol in the regular symbol display area is stopped as a symbol which means a “winning”), the starting winning opening 17 is opened for a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.3 seconds) and set in the state in which a gaming ball is easily received. When a gaming ball comes in the receiving hole, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out.

Balls coming in the starting winning openings 14 and 17 are memorized as winning memories. On the basis of the winning memories, variable display of special symbols in the special symbol display area is performed. At the central portion of the gaming region 2a, four special symbol memory LEDs (not shown) which display the number of winning memories of balls coming in the starting winning openings 14 and 17 are arranged. Depending on the number of lighted special symbol memory LEDs, the number of winning memories of gaming balls coming in the starting winning openings 14 and 17 can be displayed.

The special symbols displayed in the special symbol display area are constituted by, for example, numbers of three lines such as “0”, “1”, “2”, . . . , “9”, and the like. These numbers are variably displayed in the wake of coming a gaming ball in the starting winning opening 17. Upon completion of the variable display of the numbers, a combination of special symbols obtained when a variable display result (more specifically, a combination of numbers displayed in stoppage. The combination is also called stop symbols.) consists of three equal numbers such as [“0” “0” “0” ] , [“7” “7” “7” ], or the like is called a big winning display mode (big winning symbol). This big winning display mode is a display mode to cause a player to recognize that a gaming state shifts to a big winning gaming state which is advantageous to the player more than a normal gaming state (more specifically, a “big winning” occurs). A variable display result except for the big winning display mode is called a non-big winning display mode (missed symbol).

The big winning gaming state is a gaming state in which, for example, a special winning opening SOL 72S (will be described later) opens and closes the flapper of the special winning opening 15 to make it easy that gaming balls the number of which is larger than the number of balls coming in the special winning opening 15 in the normal gaming state come in the special winning opening 15.

The big winning display mode to cause a player to recognize that the normal gaming state shifts to the big winning gaming state is divided into a special display mode (probability-variable big winning symbol) which is a display mode representing a probability-variable big winning and a nonspecial display mode (normal big winning symbol) which is a display mode representing a normal big winning.

The special display mode is a case in which three equal special numbers such as “7”, “3”, or the like are displayed. On the other hand, the nonspecial display mode is a case in which three equal numbers except for the special numbers or symbols are displayed.

When the variable display result of the special symbol is in the special display mode, (more specifically, a probability-variable winning occurs), upon completion of the big winning gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state (probability-variable state) in which a probability that a variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol display area is set in the big winning display mode. On the other hand, when the display mode of the special symbol becomes the nonspecial display mode (more specifically, a normal big winning occurs), the gaming state is shifted to the normal gaming state upon completion of the big winning gaming state.

In the embodiment, the number of winning memories and the number of passing memories are displayed by regular symbol memory LEDs and special symbol memory LEDs, respectively. The present invention is not limited to the display method, the numbers may be displayed by another display method. For example, the numbers may be displayed in a display area 21a.

On the back side of the gaming board 2, the liquid crystal display device (LCD) 21 serving as a display device including the display area 21a which can display an effect image (For example, an animation, other notification information, or the like corresponding to a gaming state. The image will be referred to as an “effect information image” hereinafter.) and the like is arranged.

The liquid crystal display device 21 displays an arbitrary image in the display area 21a on the basis of an indication from an image control circuit 305 (will be described below).

The display area 21a of the liquid crystal display device 21 is constituted by an information display area which displays an effect image or other notification information, a regular symbol display area (regular symbol display device) which variably displays a regular symbol, and a special symbol display area (special symbol display device) which variably displays a special symbol (discrimination symbol).

The liquid crystal display device 21 is a notification means which displays a determination result (determination result obtained by determining whether the circuit board case cover 500 is illegally opened) obtained by a CPU (illegal opening determining means) 301 (will be described later) in the information display area of the display area 21a to notify a manager of the determination result.

In the embodiment, the display area 21a has a square shape may be larger or smaller than the gaming region 2a. The shape of the display area 21a is not limited to the square shape and may have another shape. For example, a circular display area 21a may be used.

In the embodiment using the transparent gaming board 2, the display area 21a of the liquid crystal display device 21 is arranged visibly through the gaming board 2. In place of the liquid crystal display device 21, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, or he like can also be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass door 9 and the upper receiving portion 4 are integrally formed. The integrated opening/closing door (opening/closing body) has one end which is pivotally supported on the base door 3a. The other end is engaged with the base door 3a. The glass door 9 visibly covers the movably arranged gaming board 2.

The upper receiving portion 4 is located on the lower side of the glass door 9, and has an upper tray 4a on which paid gaming balls and gaming balls shot into the gaming region 2a are reserved. At a predetermined position of the upper receiving portion 4, a shutter lever 8 which is operated when gaming balls reserved on the upper tray 4a are moved into a lower tray 5a (will be described later) to be taken out at the end of a game or the like is arranged.

The lower receiving portion 5 located on the lower side of the upper receiving portion 4 is fixed to the base door 3a, and has the lower tray 5a on which gaming balls overflowing from the upper tray 4a by payout.

The handle 7 arranged on the right side of the lower receiving portion 5 is pivotally operated when a gaming ball is shot into the gaming region 2a of the gaming board 2 through the rail 11 (FIG. 2), and has a stop button (not shown) which stops the shot of gaming balls.

The cover 6 located on the upper side of the glass door 9 is fixed to the base door 3a. Left and left portions 6a and 6b of the cover 6 correspond to the left and right speakers 8a and 8b (FIG. 10) arranged on the base door 3a, respectively, and have such a structure that sound from the speakers 8a and 8b can be heard.

In this case, the speaker has a function of outputting predetermined sound (for example, music corresponding to a gaming state, other notification information, and the like).

A configuration on the back side of the base door 3a will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the back side of the base door 3a and the circuit board case cover 500.

On the back side of the base door 3a in FIG. 3, the observer's right is a hinge side (The side is pivotally supported on and attached to the base frame 3b through the hinge 3c (FIG. 5). More specifically, the side is supported about a point of pivotal support.), and the left side is an opening/closing end side. When the inside of the gaming machine is exposed, the inside is exposed from the opening/closing side.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the base door 3a, variable electronic parts, a circuit board on which various electronic parts and the like are mounted, and the like are installed.

For example, the main control circuit board case 100 which holds a main control circuit board (not shown) is installed at the center of the back side of the base door 3a. The frame relay circuit board case 130 on which a frame relay circuit board (not shown) is installed is installed on a slightly upper right side of the center of the back side of the base door 3a. The power supply circuit board case 150 which holds a power supply circuit board (not shown) is installed on a slightly lower left side of the center of the back side of the base door 3a. The payout control circuit board case 170 which holds a payout control circuit board (not shown) is installed on a slightly lower right side of the center of the back side of the base door 3a.

In this case, the main control circuit board is a circuit board on which the main control circuit 200 for controlling the progress of a game of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The frame relay circuit board is a circuit board which takes in an AC power supply and relays a signal between circuit boards. The power supply circuit board is a circuit board which generates a power source of a voltage required for operating the electronic parts. The payout control circuit board is a circuit board which drives and controls a payout device (not shown) which pays out prize balls, rented balls, and the like toward the lower receiving portion 5.

A reserve tank 400 in which gaming balls are reserved is arranged on the upper portion on the back side of the base door 3a. Furthermore, interconnections (not shown), which electrically connect between the circuit boards on which the electronic parts are mounted, are disposes at various portions on the back side of the base door 3a.

The sub-control circuit board case 50 is installed on the slightly upper left side of the center of the back side of the base door 3a, i.e., above the main control circuit board case 100. In the sub-control circuit board case 50, a sub-control circuit board (not shown) on which the sub-control circuit 300 for executing predetermined control on the basis of a control signal received from the main control circuit 200 on the main control circuit board is mounted is stored.

In the embodiment, the sub-control circuit board performs image display control of the display area 21a of the liquid crystal display device 21, light-emitting display control of lamps, LEDs (not shown), and the like arranged at respective positions of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and control of sound output from the speakers 8a and 8b.

Furthermore, in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the left side of the reserve tank 400 in the drawings, the first detecting switch 600 (first detecting means) which detects opening of the base door 3a is attached. More specifically, in the embodiment, the first detecting switch 600 is attached on the opening/closing end side of the base door 3a.

In this case, the base door 3a is openably/closably supported on and attached to the base frame 3b as described above. In this case, the first detecting switch 600 is brought into contact with an outer frame portion 3d (see FIG. 5) on the base frame 3b (in the embodiment, the first detecting switch 600 is brought into contact with the upper right of the outer frame portion 3d in FIG. 5.

More specifically, the outer frame portion 3d is designed to be brought into contact with a switch unit 620 (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the first detecting switch 600 when the base door 3a is closed (the opening/closing end side of the base door 3a contacts the base frame 3b). On the other hand, the outer frame portion 3d is designed to be separated from the switch unit 620 of the first detecting switch 600 when the base door 3a is released from the opening/closing end side (the opening/closing end side of the base door 3a is separated from the base frame 3b) (see FIG. 9B).

The second detecting switch (second detecting means) 700 which detects the opening of the circuit board case cover 500 (will be described later) is attached between the frame relay circuit board case 130 and the main control circuit board case 100 (see FIG. 3).

In FIGS. 3 and 4, shaft portions 30a and 30b on which the circuit board case cover 500 is pivotally supported are arranged on the left of the sub-control circuit board case 50 and the left of the power supply circuit board case 150, respectively.

The circuit board case cover 500 has bearing units 501a and 501b (will be described below in detail) formed on one end of the circuit board case cover 500. The bearing units 501a and 501b are pivotally supported on the shaft portions 30a and 30b, respectively, so that the circuit board case cover 500 is openably/closably attached to the back side of the base door 3a (see FIG. 4). In this manner, the circuit board cases such as the sub-control circuit board case 50, the main control circuit board case 100, the frame relay circuit board case 130, the power supply circuit board case 150, and the payout control circuit board case 170 are covered with and protected by the circuit board case cover 500.

In the circuit board case cover 500, a convex and a concave matched with the shape of the circuit board case or the like are formed (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 7). In this manner, an interval between the back side of the base door 3a and the circuit board case cover 500 decreases to improve space efficiency on the back side of the base door 3a.

The base frame 3b fixed to the island equipment will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a base frame of the gaming machine in FIG. 1.

On the base frame 3b, the hinges 3c to which the hinge side of the base door 3a is pivotally attached are arranged on the upper and lower left in FIG. 5.

The circuit board case cover 500 will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the back side of the circuit board case cover according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bearing units 501a and 501b are formed on one end of the circuit board case cover 500 (The end portion on which the bearing units 501a and 501b are formed will be called a “shaft side” hereinafter, and the end portion opposing the shaft side is called an “opening/closing end side” hereinafter.). The bearing units 501a and 501b are pivotally supported by the shaft portions 30a and 30b, so that the circuit board case cover 500 is pivotally attached to the back side of the base door 3a by using the shaft side as a point of pivotal support.

On the end portion opposing the shaft side, i.e., on the opening/closing side, a fixing portion 502 which prevents the circuit board case cover 500 from being pivoted is formed (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 6).

A screw hole is formed in the fixing portion 502, so that the fixing portion 502 is fixed and attached to the back side of the base door 3a by a screw or the like. The invention is not limited to the method. For example, the fixing portion 502 may be fixed by a pin or the like or attached by adhesion.

On the opening/closing end side, a contact portion 503 which is brought into contact with the second detecting switch 700 (FIG. 3) is arranged (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 6).

The contact portion 503 is designed to be brought into contact with a switch unit (not shown) of the second detecting switch 700 when the circuit board case cover 500 is closed (the circuit board case cover 500 is fixed and attached to the back side of the base door 3a by the fixing portion 502). On the other hand, when the fixing of the fixing portion 502 is canceled to release the circuit board case cover 500 from the opening/closing end side, the contact portion 503 is separated from the second detecting switch 700.

The first detecting switch 600 and the second detecting switch 700 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. Since the first detecting switch 600 and the second detecting switch 700 are approximately equal to each other in structure and function, one of them, i.e., the first detecting switch 600 will be described here.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first detecting switch 600 is constituted by a rectangular main body 610 and a switch unit 620 biased by spring force and projected from the main body 610.

The switch unit 620 is biased by the spring force and projected. However, when the switch unit 620 is brought into contact with the outer frame portion 3d (more specifically, the base door 3a is closed), as shown in FIG. 9A, the switch unit 620 is depressed in the main body 610 as shown in FIG. 9A.

When the switch unit 620 is separated from the outer frame portion 3d (i.e., when the base door 3a is released from the opening/closing end side), as shown in FIG. 9B, spring force acts to project the switch unit 620 again.

An electric circuit is arranged inside the main body 610. When the switch unit 620 is projected, the electric circuit is energized to detect the projection. In this manner, the opening of the base door 3a can be detected. When the switch unit 620 is depressed, the energizing is canceled.

The first detecting switch 600 is electrically connected to the sub-control circuit 300 (will be described later) mounted on the sub-control circuit board (not shown). When the first detecting switch 600 is energized to detect the opening of the base door 3a, a signal (The signal will be referred to as a “base door opening detection signal” hereinafter.) representing that the base door 3a is opened is kept being transmitted to the sub-control circuit 300 until the energization is canceled.

The second detecting switch 700 has the same configuration as that of the first detecting switch 600. For example, when the circuit board case cover 500 is opened to separate the switch unit (not shown) of the second detecting switch 700 from the contact portion 503 of the circuit board case cover 500, the second detecting switch 700 is energized to detect the energization. Until the energization is canceled, a signal (to be referred to as a “circuit board case cover opening detection signal” hereinafter) representing the circuit board case cover 500 is opened is kept being transmitted to the sub-control circuit 300.

In this manner, the electronic parts, the circuit board cases, and the like are mounted on the back side of the base door 3a.

The mounting positions of the circuit board cases and the like are only examples. Electronic parts, circuit boards, circuit board cases, and the like to be mounted on the gaming machine according to the present invention are not limited to the electronic parts, the circuit boards, the circuit board cases, and the like mentioned above.

A control system of the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.

The control system of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a main control circuit 200 mounted on a main control circuit board (not shown), the sub-control circuit 300 connected to the main control circuit 200 and mounted on a sub-control circuit board (not shown), and a payout control circuit 70a and a shot control circuit 70b that are mounted on a payout control circuit board (not shown).

In this manner, in the embodiment, the main control circuit board on which the main control circuit 200 is mounted is arranged independently of the sub-control circuit board on which the sub-control circuit 300 having an illegal opening determining means and a memory means is mounted. More specifically, the sub-control circuit 300 and the main control circuit 200 are independently arranged.

A card unit 81 is connected to the payout control circuit 70a of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The card unit 81 is installed near the pachinko gaming machine 1 and has an insertion slot into which a prepaid card can be inserted. The card unit 81 has a reading means which reads recording information recorded on the prepaid card inserted into the insertion slot, a rental command signal output means which outputs a rental command signal for commanding the payout control circuit 70a to rent gaming balls in accordance with an operation of a ball renting operation panel 10 (FIG. 10), and a writing means which subtracts the number of balls commanded to be rented by the rental command signal output means from the maximum number of rented balls specified by the recording information read by the reading means to record the information on the prepaid card inserted into the insertion slot.

On the main control circuit 200, a main CPU (microprocessing unit) 201 which performs a game operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in accordance with a preset program; an initial reset circuit 204 which generates a reset signal to returns various settings to initial values in an abnormal state or a power-on state; a main RAM 203 in which various data required for operating the main CPU 201 are stored; and a main ROM 202 which stores a program to cause the main CPU 201 to process and control a gaming operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a big winning determining table which is referred when a big winning is determined by random-number lottery, a regular winning determining table which is referred when a regular winning is determined by random number lottery; a winning variable display pattern determining table and a missing variable display pattern table which is referred when a variable display pattern of a special symbol is determined by random number lottery, an effect information image display pattern determining table which is referred when a display pattern of an effect information image such as a character image or a background image by random number lottery, and various probability tables which are referred when lottery of other effects is performed.

The main RAM 203 includes a winning memory counter to memorize the number of winning memories (the number of balls coming in the starting winning openings 14 and 17) counted by the main CPU 201, a passing memory counter to memorize the number of passing memories (the number of balls passing through the passing gate 13) counted by the main CPU 201, a special winning opening winning counter to memorize the number of gaming balls coming in the special winning opening 15 during one round, a special winning opening opening number counter to memorize the number of times of opening of the special winning opening 15 in one big winning gaming state, and the like.

The main CPU 201 has functions of a big winning gaming state determining means, a discrimination symbol variable display control means, a gaming state shifting means, and a winning opening SOL control means.

The big winning gaming state determining means determines whether the gaming state is shifted to the big winning gaming state advantageous to a player when a gaming ball comes in the special winning opening (starting winning opening 14 or 17) arranged on the gaming machine main body in a broad sense (or the gaming machine main body 3).

For example, when a gaming ball comes in the starting winning opening 14 or 17, the big winning gaming state determining means executes a big winning determining process on the basis of a big winning determining random number extracted by the random number lottery. When a big winning is determined by the determining process, it is determined that the gaming state is shifted to the big winning gaming state (set in the big winning gaming state).

In this case, when it is determined by the big winning gaming state determining means that the gaming state is shifted to the big winning gaming state, upon completion of variable display of a special symbol by an discrimination symbol variable display means (will be described later), i.e., after a big winning display mode (big winning symbol) is displayed in the special symbol display area, the gaming state shifting means shifts the gaming state to the big winning gaming state.

As described above, the big winning includes winnings of two types, i.e., a normal big winning and a probability-variable winning. In case of probability-variable big winning, upon completion of the big winning gaming state, the gaming state shifting means shifts the gaming state to a special gaming state in which the probability-of shifting the gaming state to the next big winning gaming state is high.

The discrimination symbol variable display control means generates a variable display pattern command to variably display a special symbol in the special symbol display area and sets the variable display pattern command. On the basis of the big winning determining result of the big winning gaming state determining means, a variable display pattern to execute variable display of the special symbol is determined.

More specifically, on the basis of the big winning determining result of the big winning gaming state determining means, the discrimination symbol variable display means generates a variable display pattern command for indicating a variable display pattern to execute variable display of the special symbol or display of effect information and a command for indicating a stop symbol of the variable display and sets these commands.

The variable display pattern includes a special symbol display pattern and an effect information display pattern. Therefore, the variable display pattern command includes data for indicating the special symbol display pattern and data for indicating the effect information display pattern.

The special symbol display pattern is a variable display pattern of the special symbol variably displayed in the special symbol display area. The special symbol display pattern also includes display time information representing variable display times of three special symbols (for example, “left”, “center”, and “right”). Therefore, the special symbol display pattern includes the variable display pattern and the time information.

The effect information display pattern is a pattern related to a display of effect information of a character or the like. Therefore, effect information display patterns depending on the number of characters are prepared. Of the plurality of effect information display patterns, an effect information display pattern of effect information (effect information image) is designated (indicated) to actually display the effect information display pattern.

The winning opening SOL control means controls a special winning opening SOL 72S (will be described later) to open/close the special winning opening 15 (open the special winning opening) when the gaming state is shifted to the big winning gaming state.

Programs to realize the functions of the respective means are stored in the main ROM 202. The main CPU 201 loads the programs from the main ROM 202 onto the main RAM 203 to execute the programs, so that the functions of the respective means are realized. As a matter of course, the means may be constituted by dedicated hardware.

The main CPU 201 performs a determining process or the like for contents displayed in the regular symbol display area.

The main CPU 201 executes the functions of the means to transmit various commands such as a command related to indication of an effect in a game to the sub-control circuit 300, thereby executing the effect in the game.

The command related to the indication of the effect in the game includes a command related to indication of an display effect by the display area 21a or the like, a command related to indication of a sound effect by a sound generating means such as a speaker, and a command related to indication of an optical effect by a light-emitting means such as a lamp or an LED.

The command related to the indication of the display effect includes various commands such as the variable display pattern command.

To the I/O port 205 of the main control circuit 200, a passing gate SW 19Sa arranged inside the passing gate 13 and serving as a sensor which detects passing of a gaming ball and a starting opening SW 19a serving as a sensor which detects a gaming ball coming in the starting winning opening 14 or 17 are connected.

To the I/O port 205, a V-count SW 19Sd arranged in a continuous winning opening in the special winning opening 15 and serving as a sensor which detects a gaming ball coming in the continuous winning opening, a count SW 19Se arranged in a normal winning opening in the special winning opening 15 and serving as a sensor which detects a gaming ball coming in the normal winning opening, a regular wining opening SW 19Sb serving as a sensor which detects a gaming ball coming in the regular winning opening 12, and a backup clear SW 74S to erase various data stored in the main RAM 203 are connected.

Furthermore, to the I/O port 205, the following constituent elements are connected. More specifically, sensors such as a shot ball sensor (not shown) which detects a gaming ball shot from a shooting device 90 by operating the handle 7 and a return ball sensor (not shown) which detects a gaming ball shot but returned through the rail 11 without reaching a board surface of the gaming board 2 are connected. Actuators such as a movable member SOL (solenoid) 71S which switches the starting winning opening 17 between a state in which a gaming ball is easily received and a state in which a gaming ball is not easily received, a special winning opening SOL (solenoid) 72S which opens or closes the flapper of the special winning opening 15, and a seesaw SOL (solenoid) 73S which drives a seesaw in the special winning opening 15.

In this case, when the sensors detect gaming balls, detection signals from the sensors are input to the main CPU 201 of the main control circuit 200. For this reason, the main CPU 201 drives and controls the actuators 71S, 72S, and 73S depending on the input detection signals.

From a command output port 206 of the main control circuit 200, control commands are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 300, the payout control circuit 70a, and the shot control circuit 70b, respectively.

The sub-control circuit 300 which receives the control command controls operations of the liquid crystal display device 21, the speakers 8a and 8b, and an lamp LED 39a. The payout control circuit 70a and the shot control circuit 70b which receives the control commands control operations of a payout device 82 and the shooting device 90.

The payout device 82 which pays out prize balls, rented balls, and the like is connected to the payout control circuit 70a. The payout control circuit 70a drives and controls the payout device 82 in response to a payout command signal output from the main control circuit 200 under the condition that a gaming ball comes in the regular winning opening 12, the special winning opening 15, or the like to pay out a predetermined number of gaming balls as prize balls. The payout control circuit 70a drives and controls the payout device 82 in response to a renting command signal output from the card unit 81 to pay out a predetermined number of gaming balls as rented balls.

The shooting device 90 which shoots a gaming ball toward the gaming region 2a is connected to the shot control circuit 70b. The shot control circuit 70b drives and controls a shot solenoid in accordance with a pivoting operation of the handle 7. Thus, a gaming ball is shot from the shooting device 90.

A configuration of the sub-control circuit 300 will be described below. The sub-control circuit 300 includes the sub-CPU 301, a program ROM 302, a work RAM 303, a command input port 304, an image control circuit 305, a sound control circuit 306, and a lamp control circuit 307.

The sub-CPU 301 interprets a command received from the main control circuit 200 through the command input port 304 or detection signals received from the first detecting switch 600, the second detecting switch 700, and the like and controls the image control circuit 305, the sound control circuit 306, the lamp control circuit 307, and the like in accordance with the interruption results.

Furthermore, when the sub-CPU 301 serving as an illegal opening determining means receives a detection signal (base door opening detection signal, circuit board case cover opening detection signal, or the like) from the first detecting switch 600 or the second detecting switch 70, the sub-CPU 301 determines whether the circuit board case cover 500 is illegally opened.

In the embodiment, only when the circuit board case cover 500 is opened when the base door 3a is open (more specifically, when the circuit board case cover opening detection signal is received when the base door opening detection signal is received), the sub-CPU 301 determines that the opening is legal opening.

On the other hand, when the circuit board case cover 500 is opened during a closing state of the base door 3a (more specifically, when the circuit board case cover opening detection signal is received when no base door opening detection signal is received), the opening is determined as illegal opening.

The sub-CPU 301 which determines that the circuit board case cover 500 is illegally opened generates and sets an illegal opening notifying command to notify an manager of the determination result.

The illegal opening notifying command includes time when the illegal opening is started or the like.

In the program ROM 302, a control program (control data) to process and control the image control circuit 305 by the sub-CPU 301 on the basis of various commands or an illegal opening notifying command output from the main control circuit 200, a control program to process and control the sound control circuit 306, a control program to process and control the lamp control circuit 307, and the like are stored.

When the sub-CPU 301 receives a variable display pattern command from the main control circuit 200, the sub-CPU 301 sets control data corresponding to the received command.

Furthermore, the sub-CPU 301 changes data to indicate the image control circuit 305 to display a special symbol or an effect image depending on an effect pattern included in the set control data with time.

The image control circuit 305 executes an indication of the sub-CPU 301 transmitted every predetermined time. And in the display area 21a, for example, a special symbol or an effect image corresponding to a variable display pattern is displayed.

Even though the sub-CPU 301 generates the illegal opening notifying command, as in a case in which the variable display pattern command is received, control data corresponding to the illegal opening notifying command is set. In this manner, a determination result obtained by the sub-CPU 301 serving as the illegal opening determining means and time at which illegal opening is started are displayed in the information display area of the display area 21a (for example, see FIG. 15).

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which a determination result obtained by the illegal opening determining means is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device.

In this case, in FIG. 15, it is displayed in the information display area of the display area 21a that illegal opening occurs at 23:00 on Jan. 20, 2005.

A determining result obtained by the illegal opening determining means in the embodiment is automatically displayed in the display area 21a. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration. Only when a predetermined operation is performed, the determination result may be displayed in the display area 21a. In this manner, a person who illegally opens the circuit board case cover 500 or a person who does not engage in management of a gaming machine can be prevented from knowing the fact that the illegal opening occurs. The secrecy of the gaming machine can be improved.

The work RAM 303 serves as a temporary storing means used when the sub-CPU 301 performs processing control in accordance with the control programs. Allocated thereto include a receiving buffer area (not shown) which stores a command from the main CPU 201, an illegal opening notifying command, and the like; a detection signal storing area (not shown) which stores detection signals from such as the first detecting switch 600 and the second detecting switch 700; an illegal opening time storing area (not shown) which stores time when illegal opening is started (time when it is determined that the illegal opening occurs, i.e., a value (99) representing illegal opening is set in an illegal opening flag (will be described later) and time when the illegal opening is ended (time when it is determined that the illegal opening is ended, i.e., a value (00) representing a normal state is set in the illegal opening flag); and a work area (not shown) which stores data required for processing control.

Furthermore, the work RAM 303 includes a circuit board case cover illegal opening counter to store the number of times of occurrence of illegal opening of the circuit board case cover 500, a first detecting flag representing an opening/closing state of the base door 3a, a second detecting flag representing an opening/closing state of the circuit board case cover 500, an illegal opening flag, and the like.

In this case, in the circuit board case cover illegal opening counter, 0 is set in an initial state. The circuit board case cover illegal opening counter is updated each time illegal opening of the circuit board case cover 500 occurs. However, in the embodiment, the counter is set not to be reset by shutoff of the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1, an initializing process in step S210 (will be described later), and the like.

The value of the circuit board case cover illegal opening counter may be displayed in an information display area of the display area 21a at a predetermined timing or may be displayed by an operation of a manager of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

An access block such as a password may be made to make it impossible that a third person checks the value of the circuit board case cover illegal opening counter. In this manner, only a true manager of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can collect detailed information (the number of times of illegal opening, time of illegal opening, and the like) for the illegal opening of the circuit board case cover.

The first detecting flag is a flag representing whether the base door 3a is in an open state. When the base door 3a is in a closed state, a value (00) representing closing of the base door is set.

When the base door 3a is opened, a value (01) representing base door opening is set in the first detecting flag.

The second detecting flag is a flag representing whether the circuit board case cover 500 is set in an open state. When the circuit board case cover is set in a closed state, a value representing circuit board case cover closing is set.

When the circuit board case cover 500 is opened, a value (01) representing circuit board case cover opening is set in the first detecting flag.

The illegal opening flag is a flag representing whether illegal opening of the circuit board case cover 500 occurs. When the illegal opening does not occur, a value (00) representing a normal state is set. On the other hand, when the illegal opening occurs, a value (99) representing the illegal opening is set.

In this manner, the work RAM 303 includes an illegal opening time storing area, a circuit board case cover illegal opening counter, a first detecting flag representing an opening/closing state of the base door 3a, a second detecting flag representing an opening/closing state of the circuit board case cover 500, and the like. And the work RAM 303 functions as a storing means which stores a determination result obtained by the illegal opening determining means.

The image control circuit 305 is to execute display such as variable display of a special symbol in the display area 21a depending on an indication (indication based on control data set in a predetermined work area of the work RAM 303 in accordance with a command received from the main control circuit 200) from the sub-CPU 301. The image control circuit 305 includes an image data ROM 305b which stores various image data, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 305a which extracts corresponding image data from the image data ROM 305b depending on the control by the sub-CPU 301 and which executes variable display of the special symbol, display of an effect image, or the like on the basis of the extracted image data, and a D/A converting circuit (D/A converter) 305d which converts the display image data generated by the VDP (Video Display Processor) 305a into an analog signal.

For example, the image control circuit 305 performs an image display control process, on the basis of an indication from the sub-CPU 301, which causes the display area 21a to perform variable display of the special symbol or display of the effect image corresponding to a result of a big winning determination.

For example, the image data ROM 305b stores special symbol image data to variably display the special symbol in the special symbol display area in the display area 21a, effect image data to display an effect image in the information display area in the display area 21a, notifying image data to display a determination result obtained by the illegal opening determining means in the information display area in the display area 21a. In this case, the various image data include a plurality of pixel data (data in units of dots) required for displaying the image data in the display area 21a.

In this case, a VRAM 305c in which two buffer areas are formed is connected to the VDP 305a. When data to execute display in the display area 21a is generated on the basis of an indication transmitted from the sub-CPU 301 every predetermined time (for example 1/30 seconds), the VDP 305a reads predetermined image data from the image data ROM 305b, develops the image data in the VRAM 305c, and reads the developed image data from the VRAM 305c. More specifically, the VDP 305a performs a developing process to one buffer area formed in the VRAM 305c and reads the image data to which the developing process is performed from the other buffer area. The VDP 305a switches the buffer area to which the developing process is to be performed and the buffer area from which the data is to be read on the basis of the indication from the sub-CPU 301. The VDP 305a displays the read image data in the display area 21a through the D/A converting circuit 305d.

In the embodiment, the VRAM is used as a storing device in which image data is developed. However, the storing device is not limited to a VRAM, and another storing device may be used. For example, an SDRAM from/in which data can be read or written at a high speed may be used.

The speakers 8a and 8b are connected to the sound control circuit 306. The sound control circuit 306 generates a sound signal on the basis of control of the sub-CPU 301. The speakers 8a and 8b generate sound on the basis of the input sound signal.

The lamp LED 39a is connected to the lamp control circuit 307. The lamp control circuit 307 generates a signal on the basis of control of the sub-CPU 301. The lamp LED 39a performs lighting, display, or the like of lamps and LEDs (for example, regular symbol memory LEDs, special symbol memory LEDs, and the like) arranged at respective positions of the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the basis of the input signal.

In this case, the speakers 8a and 8b, the lamp LED 39a, and the liquid crystal display device 21 function as effect means which perform effects on the basis of control data set by the sub-CPU 301.

The respective processes in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are controlled by the main control circuit 200 and the sub-control circuit 300. However, the main control circuit 200 may perform all or some of the processes controlled by the sub-control circuit 300, and the sub-control circuit 300 may perform all or some of processes controlled by the main control circuit 200.

A main process performed by the sub-control circuit 300 and a command reception interrupting process which is executed to interrupt the main process in the wake of reception of a command from the main control circuit 200 will be described below. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the command reception interrupting process according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the main process performed by the sub-control circuit of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, the command reception interrupting process will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. This command reception interruption is designed to occur each time the sub-control circuit 300 receives a command from the main control circuit 200.

In step S201, the sub-CPU 301 retreats information stored in a register to interrupt an in-execution process (main process (will be described later)).

In step S202, the sub-CPU 301 stores a command (for example, a variable display pattern command or the like) received from the main CPU 201 through the command input port 304 in a receiving buffer area of the work RAM 303 and executes a predetermined process on the basis of the received command.

More specifically, the sub-CPU 301 sets control data corresponding to the received command in a work area of the work RAM 303.

In step S203, the sub-CPU 301 causes the information retreated in step S201 to return to the register. In this manner, the interrupted process can be restarted.

The main process of the sub-control circuit 300 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 12.

In step S210, the sub-CPU 301 performs an initializing process for initializing various setting, executes a detection signal receiving process and an illegal opening determining process, and then execute a command analyzing process.

In this case, the detection signal receiving process in step S220 will be described below with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the detection signal receiving process.

In step S220-1, the sub-CPU 301 checks whether a base door opening detection signal is received from the first detecting switch (first detecting means) 600. When the sub-CPU 301 receives the base door opening detection signal, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S220-2. When the sub-CPU 301 does not receive the base door opening detection signal, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S220-3.

In step S220-2, the sub-CPU 301 sets a value (01) representing base door opening in the first detecting flag.

In step S220-3, the sub-CPU 301 sets a value (00) representing base door closing in the first detecting flag.

Instep S220-4, the sub-CPU 301 checks whether the sub-CPU 301 receives a circuit board case cover opening detection signal from the second detecting switch 700. When the sub-CPU 301 receives the circuit board case cover opening detection signal, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S220-5. When the sub-CPU 301 does not receive the circuit board case cover opening detection signal, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S220-6.

In step S220-5, the sub-CPU 301 sets a value (01) representing circuit board case cover opening in the second detecting flag.

In step S220-6, the sub-CPU 301 sets a value (00) representing circuit board case cover closing in the second detecting flag.

In this case, the illegal opening determining process in step S230 will be described below with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the illegal opening determining process.

In step S230-1, the sub-CPU 301 checks whether a value (99) representing illegal opening is set in an illegal opening flag. When the value (99) representing the illegal opening is set in the illegal opening flag, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S230-8. On the other hand, the value (99) representing the illegal opening is not set in the illegal opening flag, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S230-2.

In step S230-2, the sub-CPU 301 checks whether a value (01) representing base door opening is set in the first detecting flag. When the value (01) representing the base door opening is not set in the first detecting flag, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S230-3. On the other hand, when the value (01) representing the base door opening is set in the first detecting flag, the sub-CPU 301 ends the illegal opening determining process.

In step S230-3, the sub-CPU 301 checks whether a value (01) representing circuit board case cover opening is set in the second detecting flag. When the value (01) representing the circuit board case cover opening is set in the second detecting flag, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S230-4. On the other hand, when the value (01) representing the circuit board case cover opening is not set in the second detecting flag, the sub-CPU 301 ends the illegal opening determining process.

In step S230-4, the sub-CPU 301 serving as an illegal opening determining means sets a value (99) representing illegal opening in an illegal opening flag. More specifically, when the second detecting means detects opening of the circuit board case, the sub-CPU 301 determines on the basis of detection results of the first detecting means and the second detecting means whether the opening is illegal.

In step S230-5, the sub-CPU 301 performs an illegal opening start time storing process.

More specifically, time at which the value (99) representing illegal opening in an illegal opening flag in step S230-4 is stored in an illegal opening time storing are of the work RAM 303.

In step S230-6, the sub-CPU 301 adds “1” to value of circuit board case cover illegal opening counter.

In step S230-7, the sub-CPU 301 generates an illegal opening notifying command including time at which illegal opening is started (more specifically, time at which the value (99) representing illegal opening is set in step S230-4), stores the illegal opening notifying command in the work RAM 303, and executes a predetermined process on the basis of the illegal opening notifying command.

More specifically, the sub-CPU 301 sets control data corresponding to the illegal opening notifying command in the work area of the work RAM 303.

In step S230-8, the sub-CPU 301 checks whether a value (01) representing circuit board case cover opening is set in the second detecting flag. When the value (01) representing the circuit board case cover opening is not set in the second detecting flag, the sub-CPU 301 shifts to the process in step S230-8. On the other hand, when the value (01) representing the circuit board case cover opening is set in the second detecting flag, the sub-CPU 301 ends the illegal opening determining process.

In step S230-9, the sub-CPU 301 serving as an illegal opening determining means sets a value (00) representing a normal state in the illegal opening flag. More specifically, the sub-CPU 301 determines that the illegal opening is ended.

In step S230-10, the sub-CPU 301 performs an illegal opening end time storing process.

More specifically, time at which a value (00) representing the normal state is set in the illegal opening flag is stored in the illegal opening time storing area of the work RAM 303.

The explanation is performed with reference to FIG. 12. In step 250, the sub-CPU 301 checks control data set in step S202 (FIG. 11), step S230-7 (FIG. 14), and the like. When the control data is a control program to perform processing control of the image control circuit 305, the sub-CPU 301 executes an image display control process on the basis of the control data.

For example, when control data corresponding to a variable display pattern command is set in step S202 (FIG. 11), the sub-CPU 301 changes data to be indicated to the VDP 305a with time such that variable display of a special symbol according to a variable display pattern included in the set control data is performed. The VDP 305 a executes the indication transmitted every predetermined time, so that variable display of the special symbol corresponding to the variable display pattern command is performed in the special symbol display area of the liquid crystal display device 21 during variable display time. At the end of the variable display time, as the special symbol, a symbol represented by a stop symbol command is displayed and stopped.

The sub-CPU 301 changes data to be indicated to the VDP 305a with time such that an effect information image according to an effect pattern included in the set control data is display. When the VDP 305a execute the indication transmitted every predetermined time, display of the effect information image corresponding to the variable display pattern command is performed in the display area 21a.

On the other hand, when control data corresponding to the illegal opening notifying command is set in step S230-7 (FIG. 14), the sub-CPU 301 changes data to be indicated to the VDP 305a with time in accordance with the set control data. When the VDP 305a executes the indication transmitted every predetermined time, information including the illegal opening notifying command (more specifically, time at which illegal opening is started) and information notifying that the illegal opening occurs, and the like are displayed in the information display area of the display area 21a (see FIG. 15).

In step S260, the sub-CPU 301 executes a sound control process.

More specifically, in the sound control process, when control data set in step S202 (FIG. 11), step S230-7 (FIG. 14), or the like is data corresponding to sound control, the sub-CPU 301 transmits the control data to the sound control circuit 306. On the basis of the control data, the sound control circuit 306 causes the speakers 8a and 8b to output sound signals to notify a player of a predetermined gaming state.

Instep S270, the sub-CPU 301 executes a lamp-LED lighting control process.

In the lamp-LED lighting control process, when control data set in step S202 (FIG. 11), step S230-7 (FIG. 14), or the like is data corresponding to lighting control of a lamp or an LED, the sub-CPU 301 transmits the control data to the lamp control circuit 307. On the basis of the control data, the lamp control circuit 307 turns on or off the lamp LED 39a in accordance with a predetermined turn on/off pattern.

In the main process, the processes in steps S220 to step S270 are repeated.

In this manner, according to the embodiment, in the work RAM 303 serving as a storing means, the value of the circuit board case cover illegal opening counter, the illegal opening start time, the illegal opening end time, and the like are stored. In this manner, the number of time of illegal opening, time at which illegal opening occurs, time between the start of illegal opening and the end of illegal opening, and the like can be detected.

In the embodiment, when the circuit board case cover 500 is opened when the base door 3a is closed, the sub-CPU 301 serving as the illegal opening determining means determines that the opening is illegal opening. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and the sub-CPU 301 may determine the opening as illegal opening when a different condition is satisfied. For example, the sub-CPU 301 may determine the opening as illegal opening when the circuit board case cover 500 is opened while the base door 3a is open.

In the embodiment, when the circuit board case cover 500 is illegally opened, a determination result obtained by the illegal opening determining means may be displayed in the information display area of the display area 21a. However, together with the display, the lamps, the LEDs, and the like arranged at respective positions of the gaming machine may be lit and displayed, or sound to notify that illegal opening is performed may be generated by the speakers 8a and 8b.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the bearing units 501a and 501b are arranged on the circuit board case cover 500, and the shaft portions 30a and 30b are arranged on the back side of the base door 3a. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be conceived. For example, the shaft portions 30a and 30b may be arranged on the circuit board case cover 500, and the bearing units 501a and 501b may be arranged on the back side of the base door 3a.

In the embodiment, the circuit board case cover 500 is pivotally supported on and attached to the shaft portions 30a and 30b on the back side of the base door 3a However the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and the circuit board case cover 500 may be attached to the shaft portions 30a and 30b such that the circuit board case cover 500 cannot be pivoted.

A hook portion to lock to the circuit board case cover 500 may be arranged. And the circuit board case cover 500 may be attached to the back side of the base door 3a by the hook portion.

As described above, according to the embodiment, when the circuit board case cover 500 which covers the circuit board cases (for example, the sub-control circuit board case 50, the main control circuit board case 100, the frame relay circuit board case 130, the power supply circuit board case 150, the payout control circuit board case 170, and the like) is opened, it is determined on the basis of detection results of the first detecting switch (first detecting means) 600 and the second detecting switch (second detecting means) 700 whether opening of the circuit board case cover 500 is illegal. For this reason, illegality to the circuit board case can be properly detected. In this manner, even though the circuit board case itself is illegally exchanged, illegality to the circuit board case can be detected.

According to the embodiment, in a state in which the first detecting switch (first detecting means) 600 does not detect opening of the base door 3a, when opening of the circuit board case cover 500 is detected by the second detecting switch (second detecting means) 700, the sub-CPU 301 serving as the illegal opening determining means determines the opening as illegal opening. More specifically, when opening of the circuit board case cover 500 is not performed on the basis of a predetermined procedure, the opening is determined as illegal opening. For this reason, illegal opening can be more properly detected. In this manner, even though the circuit board itself is illegally exchanged, illegality to the circuit board case can be more reliably detected.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment; since the work RAM (storing means) 303 which stores a determination result obtained by the illegal opening determining means is arranged, the number of times of illegal opening, time of illegal opening, and the like can be stored, and information related to illegal opening can be collected more. For this reason, a countermeasure against illegal opening can be more appropriately performed.

Since falsification by a third person is frequently performed to a main control circuit board on which the main control circuit 200 for controlling progress of a game is mounted, according to the embodiment, the functions of the illegal opening determining means, the storing means, and the like are arranged on the sub-control circuit board being at relatively low risk of being falsified, illegal opening of the circuit board case cover or the like can be more properly detected, and a more appropriate countermeasure against illegal opening can be taken.

According to the embodiment, the liquid crystal display device (notifying means) 21 which notifies a manager of a determining result obtained by the illegal opening determining means is arranged as a characteristic feature. For this reason, when the circuit board case cover or the like is illegally opened, employees are notified that the circuit board cover is illegally opened. A countermeasure against the illegal opening can be properly performed, damage by falsification caused by illegal exchange or the like of a circuit board case can be minimized.

Since a deterrent against illegal opening acts by the notification, the illegal opening can be prevented.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the above explanation, the present invention is applied to a gaming machine obtained by attaching a pachinko gaming machine main body to a gaming table. However, the present invention is not limited to the explanation. The present invention can be applied to various gaming machines such as a pachi-slot machine (slot machine), a machine of a combination of Japanese pinball and mahjong, a smart-ball machine, and various gaming machines installed in a game arcade.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a base frame constituting a part of a gaming machine main body;

a base door which is openably and closably supported on and attached to said base frame;

a circuit board case which is arranged on a back side of said base door and holds predetermined circuit boards;

a circuit board case cover which is arranged to cover said circuit board case;

first detecting means which detects opening of said base door;

second detecting means which detects opening of said circuit board case cover; and

illegal opening determining means which determines, when opening of said circuit board case cover is detected by said second detecting means, whether the opening is illegal on the basis of detection results of said first detecting means and said second detecting means.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

said illegal opening determining means,

when opening of said circuit board case cover is detected by said second detecting means in a state in which said first detecting means does not detect opening of said base door, determines that the opening is illegal.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

storing means which stores a determination result obtained by said illegal opening determining means.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

said predetermined circuit board is a main control circuit board on which a main control circuit, held in said circuit board case, for controlling progress of a game is mounted,

a sub-control circuit board which is arranged independently of said main control circuit board and on which a sub-control circuit for executing predetermined control on the basis of a control signal received from the main control circuit on said main control circuit board is mounted is arranged, and

said sub-control circuit board is connected to said first detecting means and said second detecting means and has said illegal opening determining means and said storing means.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

notifying means which notifies a determination result by said illegal opening determining means.