JP2000334148A - Gaming machine and its test equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a test apparatus and a gaming machine capable of easily performing a test before operation in consideration of an operation pattern of the gaming machine without manual operation. A gaming machine for performing a game operation for stopping variable display of a picture in response to a predetermined stop operation input and outputting predetermined management information Sc related to the game operation, receives a predetermined test input signal. By inputting S1 and S2, the gaming machine 10 outputs the management information Sc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a testing machine for a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine such as a plurality of slot machines and a management facility such as a host-side computer for managing a gaming state of the gaming machine based on predetermined management information. A game machine suitable for a so-called driving test machine that outputs management information from each of the game machines to a management facility on the host side while simulating a plurality of game machines in a predetermined game operation mode while intervening between the game machines. Test equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a game store or the like in which a number of slot machines and pachinko machines are installed, a number of game machines and related devices (exchange machines, card vending machines, ball rental machines, etc.) in a game hall are computer-managed. Management facilities are provided. For example, a large number of gaming machines and related devices in a hall are connected to a controller that manages each group in the same row, and further connected to a computer (hall computer) for managing the entire gaming hall, and each of the gaming machines and A centralized management system capable of monitoring and centrally managing the operation state of related devices from a host has been adopted.

[0003] Further, in a game store or the like in which this kind of game machine is installed, the game machine group in the hall is frequently replaced, expanded, or relocated to a new stand. Tests to confirm network connection and overall system operation are often required.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines and their management systems as described above,
To check the operation of the entire system, it is necessary to test while operating a large number of gaming machines in the hall at the same time.For gaming machines that automatically fire balls, such as pachinko machines, the operation section can win a prize It may be fixed to a specific operation position that will be in a state, but multiple (three) like a slot machine
It is necessary to repeatedly press the stop button for each game, and it is necessary to perform a test on a gaming machine having various operation patterns while performing the same operation as the actual game. Therefore, the above-described test for checking the operation of the entire system is complicated and very troublesome.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a test apparatus and a gaming machine which can easily perform a confirmation test or the like before operation without considering manual operation of the gaming machine without considering manual operation. is there.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a game operation for stopping variable display of a picture in response to a predetermined stop operation input and a predetermined management related to the game operation. By inputting a predetermined test input signal to a game machine that outputs information, the predetermined management information is output from the game machine. A gaming machine that performs a game operation to stop according to a stop operation input of the game machine and outputs predetermined management information related to the game operation, and manages an operation state of the game machine based on management information from the game machine. A testing device for a gaming machine used in a state of connection with an external management means, wherein a predetermined test input signal is input to the gaming machine to output the predetermined management information from the gaming machine. It is an butterfly.

In the present invention, a predetermined test input signal is input to the gaming machine by the test device, and predetermined management information is output from the gaming machine. Therefore, external management equipment for managing the gaming machine, the gaming machine, When the gaming machine is replaced, expanded, relocated, or the like in a new connection state, the connection state between the gaming machine and the management facility and the operation of the gaming machine can be easily checked. Here, the predetermined management information is a state related to the operation state of the gaming machine, for example, a state display signal such as running, error stop, stop, etc., and an operating rate of the gaming machine, a payout rate, etc. It is real-time monitoring information from sensors or a game control circuit in a simple gaming machine.

[0008] The test apparatus preferably includes a simulated operation signal generating means for generating a simulated operation signal corresponding to at least the stop operation input, and inputs the simulated operation signal to the gaming machine. In this case, there is no need to actually perform a manual stop operation, and the test becomes easier.

It is preferable that the simulated operation signal generating means selects one of a plurality of different operation modes and generates a simulated operation signal corresponding to the selected operation mode. By doing so, the gaming machine can be operated in various operation modes, and the test can be performed in a simulated operation state very close to the actual game.

[0010] Further, by providing a testing device that is detachably mounted on the gaming machine, the testing device can be mounted on only some of the many gaming machines installed, or the testing device can be installed only during testing. It is possible to select such as mounting, and to reduce the cost.

Further, a gaming machine according to the present invention provides a gaming mechanism for performing a gaming operation for stopping a variable display of a picture in response to a predetermined stop operation input, and controls the operation of the gaming mechanism and the operation of the gaming mechanism. A game control circuit that outputs predetermined management information related to the game control circuit, and a test device that outputs the predetermined management information from the game control circuit by inputting a predetermined test input signal to the game control circuit. The same operation as described above is produced by incorporating a test device. Therefore, also in this gaming machine, it is preferable that the test device includes a simulated operation signal generating unit that generates a simulated operation signal corresponding to at least the stop operation input, and inputs the simulated operation signal to the game control circuit. It is preferable that the simulated operation signal generating means selects one of a plurality of different operation modes and generates a simulated operation signal corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0012]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 are views showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and show an example in which the present invention is applied to a testing machine for a slot machine.

1 to 3, reference numeral 10 denotes a slot machine (game machine).
A variable display device 12 having two display windows 12a, 12b, 12c, a stop operation unit 13 that is stopped by a player based on the display of the display windows 12a, 12b, 12c, another operation unit 14, and a variable display device A game mechanism 20 that performs a game operation by operating an actuator group, which will be described later, in accordance with a variable display of a pattern by the control unit 12 and an operation input to the stop operation unit 13 and the operation unit 14.

The variable display device 12 uses, for example, a mechanical reel (turning drum), and has three reels 21a, 21b and 21c as shown in FIG. Each of the reels 21a to 21c has a plurality of variable display patterns arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction.
2a, 22b, and 22c.

The operation unit 13 includes a stop operation button 13a, 1 for performing a predetermined stop operation by the player when the reel is stopped.
3b, 13c, and these stop operation buttons 13a-1
An operation signal Sa corresponding to the operation of 3c is generated and output to a control circuit 50 (game control circuit) for controlling a game processing operation. Further, the other operation unit 14 includes a start lever 15 for starting reel rotation shown in FIG. 3 and a storage medal insertion button 16a for specifying insertion of a storage medal, for inserting one coin, for inserting two coins, and for inserting three coins. , 16b, 16c, a stored medal clearing button 17, various other changeover switches, and the like, and output operation signals (collectively, operation signals Sb) corresponding to the respective operations. ing. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 24 denotes a game status display,
Is a torso panel, 26 is a lamp group for displaying the number of inserted medals, 27 is a lamp group for displaying a game state, 28 is a game medal payout slot, and 29 is a tray.

When the control circuit 50 receives an operation signal Sb as a predetermined start signal, the control signal 50
b of the game mechanism 20 according to the
Simultaneously driving the variable display device 22c to start the variable display operation of the variable display device 12, and internally executing a known probability lottery process using random number sampling and a probability table,
When a predetermined stop operation signal Sa is input, the rotation of the reels by the step motors 22a to 22c is stopped for each reel so that the number of sliding symbols according to the input and the result of the probability lottery processing is stopped. Is stopped. That is, the control circuit 50 controls the gaming operation of the slot machine 10 that stops the variable display of the picture in response to the predetermined stop operation input.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51,
OM (Read Only Memory) 52 and RAM (Random Acc
and a clock pulse generating circuit 56 for generating a reference clock pulse.
A frequency divider 57 for dividing the frequency of the reference clock pulse and outputting an interrupt pulse, a random number generator 58 for random number sampling, and a random number sampling circuit 59 are connected thereto.

The microcomputer 54 is provided with a start lever switch 61 for detecting a swing operation of the start lever 15 and a game medal payout passage as a group of sensors for receiving an external command operation, a control signal, and the like. A payout medal detection unit 62 for detecting the number of paid out medals, a C / P (CREDIT / PAYOUT switch) switch 63 for specifying the number of stored medals to be inserted by operating the stored medals input buttons 16a to 16c, and an error stop of the slot machine 10. An error release switch 64 for releasing the state, a stop release switch 65 which is turned on by a stop signal from an external controller to be described later and is operated for releasing the stop, a game medal insertion slot 45 and a multi-sheet insertion slot 46 are provided. The mechanically-provided medal passing switch 66 and the medal insertion sensors 67 and 68 provided in contact Has been continued.

Further, the microcomputer 54 has a motor drive for generating drive pulses to the reel drive step motors 22a to 22c in order to control the actuator operation of each part of the slot machine 10 and to detect the operation state. A circuit 71, a hopper drive circuit 72 for generating a drive signal for paying out game medals from a hopper 81 for storing game medals, and a liquid crystal display 23 for displaying the number of stored medals, displaying a chance, displaying the number of times of an accessory, and paying out medals. Display drive circuit 73 driven in various display states such as number display
And a speaker drive circuit 74 for driving an audio output unit such as the speakers 19a and 19b, and a lamp drive circuit 75 for driving a display back lamp 83 for display.
Further, a reel position detecting circuit 77 for detecting the rotation angle of each of the reels 21a, 21b, 21c from a predetermined reference position as a reel position, and counting the number of payout medals based on a signal from the payout medal detection unit 62, completing payout. Payout completion signal circuit 7 which outputs a predetermined payout completion signal at times
And 8 are connected.

The microcomputer 54, according to a predetermined control program stored in the ROM 52, stores a predetermined winning probability table, a symbol mark table, and a winning picture (combination of symbol marks corresponding to winning) stored in the ROM 52. Based on stored data such as the operation information of the player from the switches and operation state detection information from the sensors, the operation of the actuators such as the step motors 22a to 22c, the liquid crystal display 23, and the like. Is controlled.

The control circuit 50 controls the slot machine 1
A signal Sc (hereinafter, referred to as a management information signal) Sc representing predetermined management information related to the game operation of 0 is output from the microcomputer 54 to an external controller. Here, the predetermined management information is information indicating an operation state of the slot machine 10, for example, a signal indicating a state of operation, error stop, stop, or the like, or an operation rate of a gaming machine, a payout rate, or the like. Sensor information or game control signals, etc., necessary for this, and at least part of the information used on the host side as normal real-time monitoring information, or in addition to this, tests for connection tests, driving tests, etc. It contains a dedicated information signal.

Although not shown in detail, the controller manages a group of gaming machines arranged close to each other in a game hall such as a game arcade, and is connected to a hall computer together with peripheral devices (not shown). The controller and the hall computer together with a network connection element (not shown) constitute a host-side management facility which is an external management means.

On the other hand, a simulated operation signal generation circuit 30 is detachably mounted on the control circuit 50. The signal generation circuit 30 is connected to the control circuit 50 and the controller. New introduction and expansion,
It is used when newly connected to management equipment such as the controller by replacement or the like.

The simulation operation signal generation circuit 30 includes simulation operation signals S1 and S1 for performing game operations such as rotation / stop of the reels 21a to 21c and payout of payout game medals.
S2 is output to the control circuit 50 as a predetermined test input signal. Then, the control circuit 50 controls the simulation operation signal S
In response to the inputs of S1 and S2, the gaming machine 20 is actually operated without the player actually operating the slot machine 10, and a predetermined management information signal Sc corresponding to the operating state is output to the controller. It has become.

More specifically, the simulation operation signal generating circuit 30
Is configured to be connectable to a control circuit 50 of the slot machine 10 by a connector as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The simulation operation signal generation circuit 30 includes a connector 31 used for connection with a first relay board (not shown, a relay board for transmitting a simulation signal to a control unit inside the machine) of the control circuit 50. A dip switch 32 for setting a test mode having a plurality of, for example, eight changeover switches 32a to 32h as shown in FIG. 5, and an output state of a simulation signal from the simulation operation signal generating circuit 30 to the slot machine 10 are displayed. Red LEDs 33 and 34, a CPU 35 for controlling the operation of the simulated operation signal generating circuit 30, a ROM 36 for storing a control program for testing, a RAM 37 for executing the control program for testing, and a CPU 35
Oscillator 38 for supplying a clock necessary for the operation, a heat sink 39 having a radiating fin, ON / OFF of the simulated operation signal generating circuit 30 (whether or not there is a driving confirmation test), and switching of the control circuit 30 to the test mode. , A custom IC 43 that cooperates with the CPU 35 to simplify the circuit configuration, and a reset IC 44 that monitors the power supply voltage.

Here, the custom IC 43 includes a first output port corresponding to an output signal of the start lever switch 61, and a medal passing switch and an output signal of an optical medal passing sensor which constitute a sensor for detecting payout and inserted medals. , A third output port corresponding to the left, middle, and right reel stop signals, and the like, and an output port address area corresponding to these.
In addition, the custom IC 43 is
N / OFF, ON / OFF of the eight switch sections 32a to 32h of the DIP switch 32, input port sections corresponding to each signal in the hopper motor rotation direction, and the like, and address areas of these input ports.

Further, the CPU 35 executes a custom IC according to a predetermined control program stored in the RAM 37 in advance.
In cooperation with 43, based on the switching positions of the respective changeover switches 32a to 32h of the DIP switch 32 and the input information to the input ports, while performing data exchange with the RAM 37, a process as described below is performed. Execute.

First, the CPU of the simulation operation signal generation circuit 30
35 and the custom IC 43 check whether or not the changeover switch section 32a of the DIP switch 32 is switched to the ON position. If the changeover switch section 32a is in the ON position, one game medal is inserted each time the input signal is turned ON. To generate a signal. On the other hand, if the changeover switch section 32a is in the OFF position, the insertion of game medals is continued while the input signal is ON. The CPU 35 and the custom IC 43 also
Simulated operation signals S1 and S2 corresponding to at least stop operation inputs to stop operation buttons 13a to 13c are generated as predetermined test input signals S1 and S2. The simulated operation signals S1 and S2 are transmitted to the stop operation unit 13 and the other operation units 14
These are input signals for testing in place of the operation signals from the CPU, and when these are input to the control circuit 50, the slot machine 10 is simulatedly operated without performing the actual operation of the player,
Can work.

Further, the CPU of the simulation operation signal generation circuit 30
Reference numeral 35 denotes an ON / OFF switching position of the three switching switches 32d to 32f of the DIP switch 32,
One of a plurality of different stop operation modes is determined, and the simulation operation signal S1 corresponding to the selected stop operation mode can be generated.

The plurality of stop operation modes referred to herein include, for example, a left end stop operation button 13a of the stop operation buttons 13a to 13c, a first stop button, a center stop operation button 13b a second stop button, and a right end stop button. Stop operation button 1
When 3c is a third stop button, these are operated at random in a random stop operation mode in which they are operated completely randomly, mainly in the order of first, second, and third stop buttons, but at a fixed rate (for example, 3/8). A first stop operation mode including a random stop operation, a first stop operation mode including a random stop operation at a fixed ratio (for example, 1/8), in which stop operations are performed in the order of the first, third, and second stop buttons; Similarly, a random stop operation of a fixed ratio (for example, 1/8) is included, a stop operation is performed in the order of the second, first, and third stop buttons, or a stop operation is performed in the order of the second, third, and first stop buttons, Alternatively, the third to sixth operation modes in which the stop operation is performed in the order of the third, second, and first stop buttons, or the stop operation is performed in the order of the third, first, and second stop buttons, or the random stop operation is not included. Stop operation in the above stop order It is a work. Furthermore, these operation modes can be sequentially changed within the range of the normal replacement time of the player.

CPU 35 of simulated operation signal generating circuit 30
Further, one of a plurality of different medal shooting operation modes is determined according to the ON / OFF switching positions of the two changeover switches 32g and 32h of the DIP switch 32, and the selected medal shooting operation mode is selected. Can be generated.

The plurality of medal insertion operation modes here are, for example, a random insertion mode in which one, two or three game medals are inserted completely at random, and one game medal is mainly inserted, but a certain ratio (for example, In the first insertion operation mode in which the number of inserted coins is random at 1/8), mainly two game medals are inserted, but a fixed ratio (for example, 2 /
8) The second insertion operation mode in which the number of inserted coins is random, such as the third insertion operation mode in which three game medals are inserted, but the number of inserted coins is random at a fixed ratio (for example, 5/8).

When the CPU 35 determines the operation mode and outputs the simulated operation signals S1 and S2 as described above,
While monitoring the operating state of the gaming mechanism 20, in particular, whether or not the slot machine 10 has permitted medal insertion within a predetermined time, whether or not a start lever switch signal that is a random number extraction timing for probability lottery processing is generated. Judge
Further, processing for randomizing the generation timing of the stop operation signal S1 is performed so that the generation timing is not synchronized.

More specifically, the custom IC 43 generates an interrupt signal at an interrupt cycle (for example, 1.707 ms) which is a product of a system frequency (for example, 1.2 MHz) and a predetermined frequency division ratio, and outputs a time in a program. The management is performed by appropriately setting the number of interrupts based on this interrupt.

As an example of time distribution in each game mode in the slot machine 10, for example, in the medal mode, out of a total of 3898 ms, payout is 1750 ms,
200ms for adjustment after initialization, 300ms for medal insertion, 175ms for reel rotation start, 752ms for permission for stop operation,
The first and second stop operations are respectively 207 ms, the third stop operation is 307 ms, and in the credit mode, out of a total of 4008 ms, about 1800 ms for payout and 20 for adjustment after initialization.
0ms, 360ms to insert medals, 175 to start reel rotation
ms, 752 ms for permitting stop operation, 207 ms for the first and second stop operations, 307 ms for the third stop operation, and 3058 ms in the replay mode, out of a total of 3058 ms, 0 ms for payout, 700 ms for initialization, and adjustment after initialization 200 ms, medal insertion 510 ms, reel rotation start 175 ms, stop operation permission 752 ms, and first and second stop operations 207 respectively.
ms, and 307 ms for the third stop operation.

For such a slot machine 10, the CPU 35 of the simulation operation signal generating circuit 30 is, for example, shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), of the total of 3205 ms to 4725 ms, about 1520 ms for payout, 1000 ms (in the medal mode) or 3000 ms (in the credit mode) for monitoring the medal acceptance permission after the payout (wait 1), and 1 after the wait 200ms for the first adjustment, 200ms for the second adjustment after initialization, 465ms for medal insertion, 200ms for adjustment after medal insertion, 300ms for start lever operation signal generation
ms, 1000 ms for permitting and adjusting stop operation, 1st, 2nd
180 ms is allocated to the generation of the stop operation signal, 180 ms is allocated to the generation of the third stop operation, and 300 ms is allocated to the adjustment after the stop operation. Further, the monitoring of the random number extraction timing (weight 2) and the monitoring of the reel rotation start timing (weight 2) are performed. A predetermined time is assigned to each of the 3), and the weights randomly extracted from the table as shown in FIG. 6B are respectively adjusted for the adjustment (weights 4 to 6) for the stop operation of the first to third stop buttons 13a to 13c. Time (corresponding to the number of updates of the picture) is allocated.

The control circuit 50 inputs the simulated operation signals S1 and S2 corresponding to any one of a plurality of different operation modes from the simulated operation signal generation circuit 30 as described above, and plays a game in accordance with the operation mode. By actually operating the mechanism 20, a game operation involving rotation and stop of the reels 21a to 21c, probability lottery processing, payout of stored medals, and the like is performed,
The management information signal Sc corresponding to the state is output to the external controller. Then, it is placed under centralized control by the controller and the hall computer together with another group of gaming machines and peripheral devices arranged in proximity to the gaming hall.

At this time, if there is an incomplete connection or the like between the slot machine 10 and the host-side management equipment including the controller, this is a management information signal Sc to the host.
Is detected in the form of an input error.

When a number of slot machines including the slot machine 10 and the management equipment on the host side are normally connected, the plurality of gaming machines are operated in a predetermined operation mode, and the operation is performed after the exchange. It is possible to easily simulate the operating states of a large number of gaming machine groups and host-side management equipment in the hall. That is, a slot machine 1 that requires a medal insertion and stop button operation for each game
For 0, etc., an operation check test can be easily performed in units of a group of gaming machines arranged in close proximity or a group of gaming machines in the entire game hall.

Next, the operation will be described.

In the slot machine 10 described above,
The microcomputer 54 executes the following game control according to the control program stored in the ROM 52 while taking in the operation input information of the player from the various switches and sensors and the operation information of each part of the slot machine.

First, in a normal game operation, the microcomputer 54 outputs one random number among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 58 at the start of each game by the random number sampling circuit 59 at a predetermined timing, for example, the start lever switch 6.
1 is sampled when it is activated, and this random number is
In the winning probability table in M52, it is determined whether or not the player belongs to the winning group. If it is determined that the player wins the game, when the player operates each of the stop buttons 13a to 13c, the stop sent from the stop operating unit 13 is performed. When the command operation signal is generated within a range in which a winning pattern can be drawn, the predetermined reels are slid so that each of the reels 32A to 32A to be combined with the winning pattern.
32C stop control is performed. Finally, the winning contents are confirmed from the combination of the patterns stopped on the valid lines among the winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B, and the number of medals paid out corresponding to the winning contents is displayed on the display 23. Then, a command signal for paying out medals is output to the hopper drive circuit 72, and the hopper 81 pays out medals corresponding to the winning. At this time, the payout medal detection unit 62 counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81, and when the counted value reaches the designated number from the display drive circuit 73, the payout completion signal circuit 78 notifies the CPU 51 of the payout completion. Send a signal. by this,
The CPU 51 stops driving the hopper 81 via the hopper driving circuit 72, and ends the medal payout process.

On the other hand, replacement, addition, and relocation of the gaming machines in the hall to a new machine are performed, and it is necessary to confirm the network connection between the host-side management facility and each slot machine 10 and the operation of the entire system. If this occurs, first, the slide switch 42 is set to the ON side (may be set to the ON side when the simulation operation signal generation circuit 30 is shipped), and the control circuit 50 of the slot machine 10 shifts to the test mode. Simultaneously, the simulated operation signal generation circuit 30 operates, and the slot machine 10 can perform the so-called driving test operation using the simulated operation signals S1 and S2 from the simulated operation signal generation circuit 30.

Next, for example, as shown in FIG.
Medal passage switch 66 and medal insertion sensors 67, 6
8 insertion detection signals, for example, 155m per sheet
s is turned on within the time s, and after the simulation operation signal S2 corresponding to the payout and insertion of the game medal is generated,
ON of the start lever switch 61 as shown in FIG.
A signal is output as a pulse signal that is turned ON / OFF every predetermined time (for example, 30 ms). During this time, the control circuit 50 detects any of the signal edges, and the start lever operation (start) is confirmed. Is executed.

Next, a stop operation signal (stop signal) as shown in FIG.
A stop operation signal is output as a pulse signal that is turned on / off at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30 ms) at a time distribution corresponding to the operations of 3b and 13c.

When all the reel stop operations are completed, the control circuit 50 determines the presence or absence of a prize based on the result of the probability lottery process and the combination of the stop symbols on the winning lines of all the reels, and discharges the medal of the game medal. The payout process in the mode or the storage mode is executed (the payout of the medals to the tray 29 is not performed). At this time, the simulation operation signal generating circuit 30 receives the payout command signal from the control circuit 50, and outputs the payout medal detecting unit 6 by an amount corresponding to the number.
For example, a signal equivalent to the payout detection signal of 2
ms (or 260 ms in the medal storage mode).

During this time, the control circuit 50 outputs a management information signal Sc corresponding to the operation state to the management equipment on the host side, as in the normal game operation.

As described above, in this embodiment, the external management equipment for managing a large number of gaming machines and the slot machine 10
Replacement and expansion of units that will be in a new connection state,
When relocating, etc., the connection status between the gaming machine and the management equipment,
A confirmation test of compatibility with peripheral devices of the gaming machine can be easily performed. Further, since the simulation operation signal generation circuit 30 generates the simulation operation signal S1 corresponding to the stop operation input and the simulation operation signal S2 corresponding to other operations, it is not necessary to actually perform the stop operation manually, and Testing can be easier. Further, the simulation operation signal generation circuit 30 selects one of a plurality of different operation modes and generates a simulation operation signal corresponding to the selected operation mode. In a simulated operation state that is very close to the actual game, a simulation test or the like before operation involving a number of ball-out tests and the like can be easily performed.

Further, since the simulation operation signal generating circuit 30 is a test device which is removably mounted on the slot machine 10, a part of a large number of gaming machines which are relocated or expanded are provided. The above-described test can be performed only on the machine, and the simulated operation signal generation circuit 30 can be mounted only at the time of the test, so that the cost of the slot machine 10 can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the variable display section is a mechanical reel. However, a pseudo reel may be displayed on an electric display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display or a plasma display. Needless to say.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the slot machine described above, but can be an apparatus for conducting a test by appropriately inputting necessary simulation operation signals in various game machines. Further, although the network connection element has not been described in detail, it may include not only a wired connection using a known network cable but also a connection path partially using wireless transmission. Further, the connection form of the test apparatus to the gaming machine may be not only detachable by a connector but also completely fixed, and may be of course a form that is not mechanically connected by radio or the like.

[0053]

According to the present invention, a predetermined test input signal is input to a gaming machine to output the predetermined management information from the gaming machine, so that the gaming machine is managed. When replacing, expanding, or relocating gaming machines so that external management equipment and gaming machines are in a new connection state, tests to check the connection between gaming machines and management equipment and the operation of gaming machines are easy. Can be done.

Further, if a simulation operation signal generating means for generating a simulation operation signal corresponding to at least a stop operation input is provided, the simulation operation signal is input to the gaming machine, whereby the player manually stops the game. There is no need to perform any operation, and the test can be performed more easily.

Also, if the simulation operation signal generating means selects any one of a plurality of different operation modes and generates a simulation operation signal corresponding to the selected operation mode, It can be operated in various operation modes, and it is easy to perform a simulation test before operating the gaming machine alone or a large number of gaming machines or the entire game hall for simulated operation in a simulation operation state very close to the actual game Can be.

Further, by providing a testing device that is detachably mounted on the gaming machine, the testing device can be mounted on only some of the many gaming machines installed, or the testing device can be installed only during a test. It is possible to select such as mounting, and cost reduction can be achieved.

Also, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a built-in test device for outputting the predetermined management information from the game control circuit by inputting a predetermined test input signal to the game control circuit. The same effect as described above can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main part of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a game control circuit of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a substrate showing a schematic configuration of a test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a dip switch of the test apparatus according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a time distribution regarding generation of a simulated operation signal of the test apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating input timings of a simulation operation signal and an operation completion signal from the test apparatus to the game control circuit, where (a) shows a medal insertion signal corresponding to a game medal insertion operation, and (b) shows a medal insertion signal. A start signal corresponding to a start lever operation, (c) a stop signal corresponding to a stop operation of pressing a stop button, and (d) a medal payout signal corresponding to the completion of a game medal payout operation. .

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Slot machine (gaming machine) 12 Variable display device 12a, 12b, 12c Display window 13 Stop operation part 13a, 13b, 13c Stop operation button (stop button) 14 Other operation parts 15 Start lever 16a, 16b, 16c Storage medal insertion Button 17 Stored medal clearing button 19a, 19b Speaker 20 Game mechanism 21a, 21b, 21c Reel 22a, 22b, 22c Step motor 23 Liquid crystal display 30 Simulated operation signal generation circuit (simulated operation signal generation means) 32 Dip switch 35 CPU 45 input Mouth 46 Lot insertion slot 50 Control circuit 54 Microcomputer 61 Start lever switch 62 Payout medal detector 63 C / P switch 64 Error release switch 65 Bunch release switch 66 Medal passing switches 67, 68 Meda Sensor Sc management information signal S1 Simulated operation signal (stop operation signal, test input signal) S2 Other simulated operation signal (test input signal)

Claims (8)

[Claims] A predetermined test input signal is supplied to a gaming machine which performs a game operation for stopping variable display of a picture in response to a predetermined stop operation input and outputs predetermined management information related to the game operation. A gaming machine testing apparatus, wherein the predetermined management information is output from the gaming machine by inputting. 2. A gaming machine for performing a game operation for stopping a variable display of a picture in response to a predetermined stop operation input and outputting predetermined management information related to the game operation; A testing device for a gaming machine used in a state of connection with an external management means for managing the operating state of the gaming machine based on the gaming machine, wherein a predetermined test input signal is input to the gaming machine, A game machine testing apparatus for outputting the predetermined management information from a game machine. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a simulation operation signal generating means for generating a simulation operation signal corresponding to at least the stop operation input, wherein the simulation operation signal is input to the gaming machine. Game machine testing equipment. 4. The simulation operation signal generating means selects one of a plurality of different operation modes and generates a simulation operation signal corresponding to the selected operation mode. A testing device for a gaming machine according to claim 1. 5. The testing device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said testing device is detachably mounted on said gaming machine. 6. A game mechanism for performing a game operation for stopping a variable display of a pattern in response to a predetermined stop operation input, and controlling predetermined game information and controlling predetermined operation information related to the operation of the game mechanism. A game control circuit for outputting, and a test device for outputting the predetermined management information from the game control circuit by inputting a predetermined test input signal to the game control circuit. Machine. 7. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the test device includes a simulation operation signal generating means for generating a simulation operation signal corresponding to at least the stop operation input, and inputs the simulation operation signal to the game control circuit. Item 7. A gaming machine according to Item 6. 8. A simulation operation signal generating means for selecting any one of a plurality of different operation modes and generating a simulation operation signal corresponding to the selected operation mode. A testing device for a gaming machine according to claim 1.