JP2000140214A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent disadvantage due to delay of pay and disadvantage in service interruption in a game machine including a game board provided with a prize winning port for a game ball winning a prize. SOLUTION: A game board of a pachinko machine is provided with an operation port unit 11 and a big prize winning port unit. A general prize winning port unit having a general prize winning port is provided on the side of the game board. The respective detection switches 31 and 32 detect prize winning in the prize winning port of a game ball, and outputs a command for executing pay of prize balls according to the detection result. A command counter and a pay counter are provided on the back of the pachinko machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine and, more particularly, to a gaming machine provided with a game board provided with a winning port through which a game ball can win.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game machines (for example, pachinko machines)
Has a game board, and the game board is configured by attaching a cell board with various patterns and patterns to a wooden board. In such a game board, in addition to a large number of nails being planted, various attachment members called accessories are provided.

[0003] Among them, a character with a winning opening such as a symbol operating opening, a general winning opening, or a large winning opening of a variable winning device,
Since a predetermined prize ball is paid out by winning a prize in the winning opening of the game ball, it is also a role that the player pays most attention to.

In general, in a pachinko machine, game balls (winning balls) passing through each winning opening are derived from the gathering path on the back side of the pachinko machine so as to be arranged in one line, and finally, in a winning ball processing device. The balls are detected one by one in the leading order, and are discharged to the discharge unit.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a winning ball which has won a symbol operating port passes through a symbol operating port passage 72 provided on the back side of the game board 71 to form a collective path 70.
It is derived toward. In addition, the winning ball that has won the general winning opening is led out toward the collective path 70 through the general winning opening passages 73 and 74. Further, the winning ball that has won the special winning opening of the variable winning device passes through the special winning opening passage 75 to the collecting path 7.
Derived toward zero.

A symbol operating port switch 76 is provided in the middle of the symbol operating port passage 72. When a winning ball passes through the switch 76, it is detected that the game ball has won the symbol operating port. Then, based on this detection, the control device performs a symbol change in a variable display device (not shown), and determines the occurrence of a big hit state. In addition, general winning opening switches 77 and 78 are provided in the general winning opening passages 73 and 74, and when a winning ball passes through the switches 77 and 78, the game ball wins the general winning opening. Is detected. Further, a special winning opening switch 79 and a V zone switch 80 are provided in the middle of the special winning opening passage, and when a winning ball passes through the switches 79 and 80, the game ball is moved to the special winning opening and the V zone. Is detected. Based on these detections, the number of winnings in the special winning opening is counted, or the winning in the V zone, which is the round continuation condition, is confirmed. The game board 71 may be provided with a passage gate. In this case, the passage gate switches 81 and 82 are provided corresponding to the passage gate. As the game balls pass through the switches 81 and 82, it is detected that the game balls have passed through the passage gate, and this triggers the start of the variable display on the ordinary symbol display device.

[0007] The winning ball led out toward the collecting path 70 is guided to a winning ball processing device 90. A winning ball passage is provided inside the winning ball processing device 90, and a ball detection switch 91 is provided in the middle of the passage. Then, in the ball detection switch 91 in the winning ball processing device 90, the winning balls are detected one by one in the order of leading and are discharged to the discharging unit. Here, based on the signal from the ball detection switch 91, the control device outputs a control signal directly or indirectly to a premium ball dispensing device separately provided on the back side of the pachinko machine. Based on the control signal, the premium ball payout device pays out a predetermined number (for example, 5, 10 or 15) of premium balls based on the winning balls detected one by one. .

[0008] In this example, for all winning openings,
The case where the switches 76 to 80 are individually provided is introduced (this arrangement makes it possible to determine which gaming ball has won which winning opening, and this is effective, for example, for collecting data at the game arcade side). ). On the other hand, it is natural that a plurality of passages (for example, left and right general winning opening passages) are merged into one and the detection switch is shared.

[0009]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the following problems may occur. That is, the prize ball is finally paid out to the player because of the ball detection switch 9 provided in the winning ball processing device 90.
This is after the winning ball has been detected by 1. For this reason,
In some cases, it takes a long time from when the game ball wins the winning opening to when the winning ball is detected by the ball detection switch 91 and the premium ball is actually paid out. Then, there is a possibility that various problems may occur due to the delay of the payout.

[0010] For example, if the payout is delayed, a player who feels that the prize ball has not been paid out may be improperly operated, such as hitting or shaking the pachinko machine. But also caused a breakdown. Furthermore, in the case where the winning ball is clogged between the winning opening and the winning ball processing device, when the player leaves the seat without noticing it without paying out the prize ball. There was also a risk that the player would be disadvantaged.

[0011] Further, in the case where a jackpot state occurs while playing a game ball with a small number of remaining game balls, the player has just won an operating port or the like earlier without purchasing a new game ball. The game may be attempted to be continued with a premium ball that will be paid out based on the game. In this case, if there is a delay in the payout, the game ball may not be able to be launched, and the jackpot state may end because the game ball cannot be won in the large winning opening that has been opened with great effort. (So-called punk). As a result, the player may be appalled, resulting in a significant decrease in interest.

On the other hand, a prize ball may be paid out based on the detection of a winning of a game ball by each of the switches 76 to 80. With such a configuration,
Delays in dispensing can be avoided.

However, in such a configuration, there is a possibility that a problem may occur at the time of a power failure or the like. That is,
If a power failure occurs when the prize balls have not been paid out yet, there is no winning ball processing device in the above configuration,
After the winning is detected, the winning ball is immediately discharged to the outside. In addition, the payout signal is also erased due to a power failure or the like. Therefore, even if the player tries to compensate for the prize balls after the power outage state is released, a situation may occur in which the number of prize balls to be compensated is unknown. As a result, there is a possibility that a disadvantage such as disadvantage to the player or the game arcade may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a gaming board provided with a prize port through which a game ball can be awarded. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing various troubles and troubles at the time of power failure or the like.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine having a game board provided with a winning port through which a game ball can win. A prize ball payout means for paying out a prize ball to a player, and a command to execute payout of a predetermined number of prize balls according to the winning opening based on the detection result of the prize ball detection means, and outputting the prize ball. Control means for controlling the payout means; a command number counter capable of counting and holding the total number of payouts based on a command from the control means; and a total of prize balls actually paid out from the prize ball payout means. The gist of the invention is to provide a payout number counter capable of counting and holding the number of payouts.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the prize ball detecting means is provided near the prize hole.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the prize ball detecting means is provided at a position visible to a player. I have.

Here, the total number of payouts of both counters may be any as long as the difference between the numbers of both counters can be derived.

Also, both counters need to be able to hold (display) the total number of payouts even when a power failure or the like occurs.

(Operation) According to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, a player expects to pay out a prize ball when a game ball wins at a winning port provided on a game board.

In the present invention, the winning ball detecting means detects the winning of the game ball into the winning opening. Then, based on the detection result of the winning prize ball detecting means, the control means outputs a command to execute the prize ball payout, thereby controlling the prize ball payout means. The prize ball payout means pays out a prize ball to the player by the above control.

For this reason, unlike the prior art in which a prize ball is paid out after passing the prize ball through the prize ball processing device, the prize ball is detected by the prize ball detecting means after the prize ball is detected by the prize ball. An instruction to execute the payout of the prize ball is output immediately, and the payout of the prize ball is immediately performed.

Further, in the present invention, the total number of payouts based on the instruction from the control means can be counted and held by the instruction number counter. Further, the total number of prize balls actually paid out by the prize ball payout means can be counted and held by the payout number counter. Therefore, at the time of a power outage or the like, even if the command data has disappeared without knowing whether or not the payout of the prize ball has been executed, even if the command data has disappeared, the count value of the held command number counter and the payout number counter By comparing the count value with the count value, it is possible to know how much premium ball should be compensated for the player.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the winning ball detecting means is provided near the winning opening, so that the game ball can win. The winning is detected immediately after winning the mouth. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect that the prize ball is paid out promptly is more reliably achieved.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention,
The winning ball detecting means is provided at a position where the player can visually recognize the winning ball. For this reason, in addition to the effects of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the player can confirm the presence of the winning ball detecting means. Therefore, even if the game hall incorrectly removes the winning prize ball detecting means and tries to increase or decrease the number of prize balls paid out, the player can confirm that. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fraud.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a pachinko game machine (hereinafter, referred to as a pachinko machine)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 2 is mounted on the outer frame 1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. In the figure, the front frame 2 is in a closed state. A game board 3 (see FIG. 2), a glass door frame 4 provided in front of the game board 3 and having a glass plate 4a, an upper plate 5, a lower plate 6, a handle 7, and the like are mounted on the front frame 2. ing. A speaker 8 is embedded on the side of the upper plate 5 and inside the front frame 2. The speaker 8 sounds various effect sounds as the game progresses, and notifies the player of the game state by voice. Various mechanisms are disposed inside the front frame 2.

Next, the configuration of the game board 3 on the game surface will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game board 3 is provided with an operation port unit 11 and a special winning opening unit 12. The operating port unit 11 is an operating port 11a of the game ball B.
And an operation gate 11b.
At the entrance, a blade 13 is supported so as to be openable and closable.

The special winning opening unit 12 includes a special winning opening 12a and a shutter 14. Shutter 14
Is operated by a special winning opening solenoid (not shown) provided on the side of the special winning opening 12a.
Open and close. More specifically, when the solenoid is excited, the shutter 14 is tilted substantially horizontally, thereby opening the special winning opening 12a. Further, when the solenoid is in the non-excited state, the shutter 14 is in a substantially vertical state, whereby the special winning opening 12a is closed.

Further, on the side of the gaming board 3, general winning opening units 15, 16, 17, 18 are provided. The general winning opening units 15 to 18 include the general winning opening 15a, 1
6a, 17a and 18a.

The central portion of the game board 3 (large winning opening unit 1)
2), a special symbol display device (hereinafter, simply referred to as “display device”) 19 as a variable display device is incorporated. The display device 19 includes a display unit 19a formed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a plurality of (for example, three) symbol rows are displayed on the display unit 19a. The symbol row is basically composed of a plurality of types of symbols. These symbols can be any of a jackpot symbol, a miss reach symbol, and a miss symbol as a special game symbol.

In the display section 19a of the display device 19, the symbol variation (rotation variation) of each symbol row is changed by the operation port 11a of the game ball B.
Will be started based on winning a prize. In addition, one of a big hit symbol, a missing reach symbol, and a missing symbol is selected, and this is set as a stop symbol. What is a stop symbol?
This is a symbol that is displayed when each symbol row stops symbol change.

The jackpot symbol is a symbol for generating a jackpot state advantageous to the player after the so-called reach state. Specifically, when the fluctuation of all the symbol columns is stopped, the combination of the displayed symbols is a predetermined jackpot combination, that is, when the same type of symbols are arranged along the jackpot line. There may be a combination of the symbols (for example, the symbol of “7”, “7”, “7”). The symbol constituting this combination is a "big hit symbol". When the jackpot combination is established, the special electric accessory is activated (the big winning opening 12a is opened), and it becomes possible to obtain a jackpot state advantageous to the player, that is, to acquire more prize balls.

In the display device 19, the holding lamps 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are incorporated above the display section 19a.
The holding lamps 21a to 21d are basically provided with the operation port 11a.
The display is turned on each time a variable display based on winning is held, and is turned off with the execution of the variable display corresponding to the hold.

On the upper part of the display device 19, there is provided a 7-segment display section 22, which is usually a symbol display section and is composed of LEDs. Further, pass gate units 23 and 24 having a pair of pass gates 23a and 24a are disposed on both left and right sides of the display device 22, respectively. Passage gate 23
The 7-segment display unit 22 operates based on the game ball B passing through the a and 24a. In the present embodiment, the 7-segment display unit 22 variably displays numbers from “0” to “9”. Then, based on the fact that the number stops at a predetermined value (“7” in the present embodiment), the operating port unit 1
One blade 13 is opened for a predetermined number of seconds. With this opening, it is relatively easy to win a prize in the operating port 11a. In the normal symbol display section, the number of times the game ball B has passed through the pass gates 23a and 24a can be stored up to four times, and the number of reserves is displayed by four reserve lamps not shown. Therefore, even if the game ball B passes through the passing gates 23a and 24a in a state where the four holding lamps are turned on, the game ball B is not counted even if the holding lamp is turned on. Even without passing, the 7-segment display unit 22 is operated by the number of times corresponding to the number of reservations.

Further, at the plurality of places of the game board 3, other accessories such as various lamps for enhancing the game effect are attached (lamp windmills, corner decorations, etc.).

In the present embodiment, various detection switches are mounted on the game board 3 as prize ball detecting means in order to detect the game state of the pachinko machine which changes according to the operation of the player. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the operation gate 11b is provided with an operation gate switch 31. An operation port switch 32 is provided near the operation port 11a. These switches 31 and 32 are both provided on the front side of the back surface of the game board 3 and are provided at positions where the player can visually recognize the switches. In the present embodiment, the operating port switch 32
When the winning of the game ball B is detected at,
Five prize balls are paid out per winning.

As shown in FIG. 4, the special winning opening 12a
Two large winning opening switches 33 and 34 are provided in the vicinity. On the inner surface of the shutter 14, an inverted C-shaped guide rail 14a is integrally formed. With the guide rail 14a, a winning ball that has won the large winning opening 12a is smoothly and promptly formed. Through the special winning opening switches 33 and 34. The special winning opening switches 33 and 34 are also provided on the front side of the back surface of the game board 3 and are provided at positions where the player can view them. In the present embodiment, the special winning opening switches 33, 34
When the winning of the game ball B is detected at,
15 prize balls are paid out per winning.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, general winning opening switches 35, 36, 37, and 38 are provided near the general winning openings 15a to 18a. These general winning opening switches 35, 36, 37, 38 are also provided in front of the back surface of the game board 3 and at positions where the player can view them. In the present embodiment, when the winning of the game ball B is detected by the general winning opening switches 35 to 38, ten prize balls are paid out to the player per winning.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the passing gates 23 and 24 are provided with passing gate switches 39 and 40, respectively. Similarly, these switches 39 and 40 are provided at a position in front of the rear surface of the game board 3 and at a position where the player can visually recognize the switches.

In this embodiment, these switches 31
By passing through 40, the game ball B passes through the operating gate 11b, wins the operating port 11a, wins the big winning opening 12a, or wins the general winning openings 15a to 18a, or passes through the passing gate 23.
a and 24a are detected. In this embodiment, the prize ball processing device as described in the related art is not provided, and the switches 32 to 38 are not provided.
Prize ball payout device 41 based on the detection result (see FIG. 2)
Is derived. As is well known, the prize ball payout device 41 includes a pulse motor, and when the motor is driven, the prize balls stored in a tank or the like (not shown) pass through the payout passage and pass through the upper plate 5 ( Or it is paid out to the lower plate 6).

In this embodiment, the switches 31 to 31
A control device 50 is provided to drive and control various solenoids, the display device 19, each of the holding lamps 21a to 21d, various lamps, the speaker 8, and the like based on the detection results of the forty. The control device 50 directly (or indirectly via a separate control device) based on the detection signals of the switches 32 to 38 in addition to these drive controls.
A payout signal is output to the motor of the prize ball payout device 41. The motor of the prize ball dispensing device 41 is driven and controlled at high speed or low speed based on the output signal. Note that the control device 50 may be provided on a so-called main board, and may be configured to drive and control the prize ball payout device 41 via a separately provided payout control board. It may be directly provided and may be configured to drive and control the premium ball payout device 41.

The control device 50 has a read-only memory (R
OM), a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and the like. The ROM previously stores a predetermined control program and initial data.
Various arithmetic processes are executed in accordance with an OM control program or the like.

Further, in this embodiment, a counter unit 42 as shown in FIG. 10A is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine (on the back side of the game board 3). The counter unit 42 counts the total number of payouts (total count value of command number) based on the command from the control device 50, and a command number counter CT capable of holding the value.
And a payout number counter CTJ that counts the total number of prize balls actually paid out from the prize ball payout device 41 (total number of actual payouts) and can hold the number. I have.

Both counters CTS and CTJ are
It is composed of a four-digit number string capable of rotating and displaying numbers from "0" to "9", and is counted up mechanically. Also, the count value is “9” “9” “9” “9”
Is displayed, "0", "0", "0", and "0" are displayed next.

The command count counter CTS is controlled by the controller 5
The count value is increased based on the payout instruction by zero. For example, when the game ball B wins the special winning opening 12a, the winning is detected based on the special winning opening switches 33 and 34.
The payout signals are output by the control device 50 and the command number counter CTS is incremented by "15".

The payout passage is provided with a detection switch (not shown) for detecting a prize ball to be paid out. Based on the detection result of the detection switch, the value of a payout counter C described later is sequentially set to “1”. Is incremented by one, and the payout number counter CT
The value of J is also incremented by "1". The counters CTS and CTJ may be configured to count up mechanically based on the passage of a winning ball, driving of a motor, or the like.

Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described based on the contents of processing related to payout control executed by the control device 50.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a "payout control routine" executed by the control device 50.
In the present embodiment, a winning command table is prepared, and when this routine is executed, data written in the winning command table is appropriately referred to. The winning command table includes the operating ports 11a, the large winning ports 12a, and the general winning ports 15a to 15a.
When the game ball B is awarded at 8a, the switches 32 to 3
8 is a table for deriving a payout command of five, ten, or fifteen prize balls based on the eight detection signals.
If there is a prize in the operating port 11a, payout data of five prize balls is written into the table after a predetermined time T1 seconds from the detection of the prize. In addition, large winning a prize mouth 12a
When there is a prize, a predetermined time T1 after the prize is detected.
Seconds later, payout data of 15 prize balls is written. Further, when there is a prize in the general prize openings 15a to 18a, payout data of ten prize balls is written after a predetermined time T1 seconds from the detection of the prize. Here, the predetermined time T1 second is a first predetermined time (for example, a time sufficient to grasp that the player has won a certain winning opening: 0.01 second to 0.5 second) , More preferably 0.1 second to 0.3 second) and a second predetermined time (for example, from the actual winning in the case where the conventional winning ball processing device is provided until the payout is performed) Time: 0.5 sec to 2.0 sec, more preferably 0.6 sec to
1.0 second). Further, the payout data written in the winning command table is erased in accordance with the count-up of the command number counter CTS or in accordance with the motor driving command (however, some data may be referred to. May be deleted every time several to several tens of data are accumulated.)

When the payout control routine is started, the control device 50 determines in step S101 whether payout data has been written in the winning instruction table. If the payout data is not written in the winning command table, this routine is ended without performing any processing.

If the payout data is written in the winning command table, the number written in the payout data is added (counted up) to the value of the command number counter CTS in the subsequent step S102. That is, when the number of payout data is 5, “5” is added to the value of the command number counter CTS, and when the number of payout data is 10, “10” is added, and when the number of payout data is 15, In this case, “15” is added. At the same time, the command value i is set based on the written data. More specifically, when the payout data is five, the command value i is set to “5”, and when the payout data is ten, the command value i is set to “10” and the payout data is set to “15”. In this case, the command value i is set to “15”.

Next, in step S103, the control device 50 sets the driving speed of the motor of the premium ball payout device 41 to "high speed". In step S104, the value of the payout counter C is cleared to "0".

Then, in step S105, the control device 50 drives the motor of the premium ball payout device 41. At this time, since the driving speed of the motor is set to "high speed", the motor is driven at a high speed, and the speed at which the prize balls are paid out is relatively high. As described above, the payout passage is provided with a detection switch (not shown) for detecting a premium ball to be paid out, and the value of the payout counter C is sequentially set to “1” based on the detection result of the detection switch. And the value of the number-of-payouts counter CTJ is sequentially incremented by "1".

Further, the control device 50 executes step S106.
In, it is determined whether or not the current value of the payout counter C has reached a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined number (for example, the predetermined number = “2”) from the command value i. Here, the reason why the value obtained by subtracting “2” from the command value i is used as a reference is that when the motor is suddenly stopped from a high speed state, extra prize balls are paid out with momentum. This is for the purpose of avoiding, and the purpose is to reduce the speed of the motor from "two" before. If the value of the payout counter C has not yet reached the value obtained by subtracting "2" from the command value i, the process returns to step S105.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S106, that is, if the current value of the payout counter C has reached a value obtained by subtracting "2" from the command value i, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, it is determined whether or not the next payout data is written in the winning instruction table. If the next payout data is written in the winning instruction table, it is determined that payout based on the next data needs to be continued, and the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the control device 50
Adds (counts up) the number written in the next payout data to the value of the command number counter CTS. That is, if the next payout data is 5,
"5" is further added to the value of the command number counter CTS, and "10" is added when the number is ten, and "15" is further added when the number of payout data is fifteen.

In the next step S109, the control device 50 sets the current payout counter C from the current command value i.
Is subtracted, and a value obtained by adding the value of the next payout data ("5", "10", or "15") to the subtracted value is set as a new command value i. For example,
When the initial command value i is “5”, “5” −
Step S106 when “2” = “3” are paid out
Is affirmatively determined. Then, when the next payout data is written and the data is “10 pieces”,
“3” + “10” = “13” is the command value i newly set in step S109. After executing the processing of step S109, the control device 50 proceeds to step S103, and repeatedly executes the processing of steps S103 to S107.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S107, that is, if the next payout data has not been written, the process proceeds to step S110. Step S
At 110, the control device 50 sets the driving speed of the motor of the prize ball dispensing device 41 to "low speed" so that the final value of the dispensing counter C exactly matches the command value i.
Set to. Therefore, the motor that has been driven at a high speed until then is driven at a low speed, and the speed at which the prize balls are paid out is relatively low. Of course, at this time, if the prize ball is detected to be paid out by the detection switch, the value of the payout counter C is incremented, and the value of the payout number counter CTJ is also counted up.

Further, in the following step S111,
It is determined whether or not the current value of the payout counter C has reached the currently set command value i. For example, the command value i
Is “13”, the value of the payout counter C is “1”.
It is determined whether or not "3" has been reached. Then, when the value of the current payout counter C reaches the command value i, the motor is stopped (payout is stopped) in step S112. At this time, since the driving speed of the motor up to that time is relatively low, the number of prize balls actually paid out when the motor stops does not exceed the command value i. Then, control device 50 once ends the subsequent processing.

The value of the payout counter C at this time is
If the command value i has not yet been reached, step S is executed again.
The process proceeds to 107 to determine whether the next data has been written.

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, the various switches 31 to 40 provided on the game board 3 allow the game ball B to pass through the operation gate 11b and to operate the operation port 11a.
, Winning in the special winning opening 12a, winning in the general winning openings 15a to 18a, and passing gates 23a and 24a.
Is detected. Therefore, the fact of winning or passing can be confirmed. In particular, in the present embodiment, each of the switches 31 to 40 is provided for every winning port (including a passing gate and the like). Therefore, the game ball B
It is possible to determine which winning port has been won and at what timing, and this is very effective, for example, in collecting data on the game arcade side.

In addition, various switches 32 to
38 derives a command to execute payout of a premium ball based on detection that the gaming ball B has won each winning opening. More specifically, even without passing through the prize ball processing device, a command to execute the payout of the prize ball is output immediately after detecting that the game ball B has been won by the various switches 32-38,
The payout of the prize ball will be promptly performed. As a result, the delay in paying out prize balls is eliminated,
Various problems associated with the delay can be prevented.

Further, since there is a slight time lag between the detection of a winning in each winning port of the game ball B and the writing of the payout data, the paying out too early is avoided. As a result, it is possible to dispel a sense of incongruity due to being paid out too soon after winning. In addition, it is possible to eliminate as much as possible a problem that the payout is too early, so that it is not possible to know which payout is due to winning.

According to the present embodiment, the switches 31 to 40 are provided at or near each winning opening. Therefore, the winning is detected immediately after the gaming ball B wins each winning opening. Therefore, the above-described effects can be more reliably achieved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the switches 31 to 40 are provided at positions where the player can visually recognize the switches. For this reason, in addition to the above effects, the player can confirm the presence of each of the switches 31 to 40.
Therefore, even if the game arcade tries to illegally turn off the switch and illegally increase or decrease the number of prize balls paid out, the player can confirm this. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fraud.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the switches 31 to 40 are provided on the front side of the back surface of the game board 3. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the passage for guiding the winning ball that has won the winning opening, and to remarkably simplify the configuration on the back side of the game board 3 and save space.

In the present embodiment, the total number of command numbers can be counted and held by the command number counter CTS. Furthermore, the number of payouts counter CTJ
Actually, the total number of payouts by the premium ball payout device 41 can be counted and held. Therefore, at the time of a power outage or the like, it becomes impossible to know whether or not the premium ball was actually paid out,
Even if the payout data has disappeared, by comparing the total command value count value of the command number counter CTS with the total payout number count value of the payout number counter CTJ, how much It becomes possible to know whether or not the premium ball should be compensated.
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10B, the total number of commands counted by the command counter CTS is “1”, “2”, “3”.
“5”, whereas the payout number counter CTJ
Total number of payouts by "1""0""1""0"
It has become. Therefore, it can be easily understood from the count values of both counters that it is sufficient to compensate for “225” prize balls, which is the difference between the two. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a disadvantage is given to the player or the game arcade side, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction at the time of a power failure or the like.

In particular, in this embodiment, both the command number counting counter CTS and the payout number counter CTJ mechanically count the total number of payouts.
Therefore, even if a power failure or the like occurs, a situation does not occur in which the total command value count value of the command number counter CTS or the total payout number count value of the payout number counter CTJ is changed or deleted. . As a result, the above-described effects are more reliably achieved.

The counter unit 42 provided with the command number counter CTS and the payout number counter CTJ is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine (game board 3). For this reason, the player illegally counters CTS,
By operating the CTJ, it is possible to prevent an attempt to obtain an illegal profit. Also, the staff at the amusement arcade can check the payout status as needed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the command number counting counter CTS and the payout number counting counter CTJ do not indicate the true total number, but suppress the number of digits to four digits, and set “9”, “9”, “9”. "9" followed by "0""0"
"0" and "0" are displayed. Therefore, an increase in the space of the counter unit 42 and an increase in cost due to an increase in the number of digits can be suppressed as much as possible. Also, even if the number of digits is suppressed in this way, regarding compensation of the prize ball,
No hindrance occurs.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when a prize is continuously won, the payout is continuously made. For example, first, when there is a prize in the operating port 11a (when the initial command value i is "5"), and when there is a prize continuously in the general prize port 15a, the next payout data is Written after a predetermined time T1 from winning. As described above, when the next payout data is written, for example, when the data is “10”, (“5” − “2”) + “10” = “13” is newly added in step S108. The command value i is set. In other words, unless there is further next payout data,
"13" prize balls are paid out continuously.

Therefore, it is possible to shorten the period required for the entire payout. In a pachinko machine in which the driving speed of the motor is switched between "high speed" and "low speed" as in the present embodiment, the frequency of switching between "high speed" and "low speed" is reduced. As a result, the load on the motor (prize ball payout device 41) can be minimized.

The present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and therefore may be carried out as follows, for example, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(A) In the present embodiment, the command number counter CTS and the payout number counter CTJ both count and hold the total number of payouts mechanically (reference: tape counter of a cassette tape recorder). ). On the other hand, the total count value of the command number by the command number counter CTS and the total count value of the payout number by the payout number counter CTJ are stored in a backup memory provided on a separate substrate which is not erased even when the power is turned off. The configuration may be such that it is kept. Further, the difference between the total count value of the command number by the command number counter CTS and the total count value of the payout number by the payout number counter CTJ may be counted and displayed.

The payout data, the command value i, and the value of the payout counter C may be stored in a backup memory provided on a separate board.
With such a configuration, even when one of the data is erased at the time of the power outage, the prize ball can be compensated for the player.

Further, both the counters CTS and CTJ may be prepared on both the main board and the payout control board, and may be counted and held. In this case, erroneous counting can be prevented by appropriately checking the contents of the values of other substrates. together,
A backup power supply may be provided on one side (especially on the payout control board side), and the backup power supply may be provided.

(B) In the above embodiment, both the command number counter CTS and the payout number counter CTJ are 4
However, the number may be three digits or less, or five or more digits. In particular, by setting the number to 5 digits or 6 digits or more, it becomes possible to count the total number of payouts on that day, which is effective for collecting data for the game arcade.

(C) In the above embodiment, the counter is counted up in accordance with the command number and the payout number. However, a counter of a type which counts up in accordance with the winning number may be used. In this case, 5, 10, 15
The count-up may be performed in accordance with the number of payouts per winning such as an individual.

(D) Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, the player may be made to recognize which winning opening is currently being paid out for winning. For example, the notification means of the game board 3 is provided (a lamp or the like may be provided corresponding to each winning opening, or a notification lamp may be separately provided on the periphery of the game board 3), and the notification means is illuminated or separately provided. By emitting different kinds of sounds,
The payout target prize port may be notified to the player. By adopting such a configuration, the player can surely recognize what prize port is currently being paid out for the winning, so that the interest can be further improved.

(E) In the above embodiment, each winning opening 11
When there is a prize in a, 12a, 15a to 18a, payout data of 5, 15, or 10 prize balls is to be written a predetermined time T1 second after the detection of the prize. On the other hand, payout data may be written immediately based on winning detection. In this case, the motor (prize ball payout device 41) may be driven after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the writing time.

(F) In the above embodiment, step S1
If a negative determination is made in step 10, the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, the process may proceed to step S109. With such a configuration, when the next data is written, the load on the motor due to an excessively short span in which the motor is switched from "low speed" to "high speed" can be reduced.

(G) For all the switches 31 to 40,
Although the configuration is provided on the front side of the back surface of the game board 3, only a part may be provided.

(H) In the above embodiment, the special winning opening 12
Although the a is not provided with a V zone, a large winning opening of a type having a V zone may be used. In the case of such a configuration, at the time of the jackpot, at least one game ball B
Winning in the V zone is a condition for continuing the round.

(I) In the above embodiment, the special winning opening switches 33 and 34 are provided in the direction perpendicular to the game board 3, but may be provided in parallel to the game board 3. Good. Further, the number of the special winning opening switches may be one, or three or more.

(J) In the working port unit 11, a working port having no blade 13 may be employed.

(K) The present invention can be applied to other winning ports not described in the above embodiment.
For example, the present invention can be applied to a detection switch in a variable winning device different from the big winning opening or a detection switch in another electric accessory.

Further, in addition to the roles described in the above-described embodiment, the present invention can be embodied as a pachinko machine having other roles (for example, a special electric role-opening blade, a rotating body, a crow, etc.). In addition, some of the above-mentioned accessories may be omitted.

(L) The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type different from the above embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine without the display device 19.

(M) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, a payout lamp or the like may be used to notify the player of the number of payouts (a payout number notification means is provided. Good). For example, a liquid crystal display device is provided in the payout lamp, and how much prize is awarded in which winning port is displayed, the display value is reduced along with the execution of the payout, and the number of unpaid is displayed. Is also good.

(N) The numerical values relating to the number of prize balls paid out (“5”, “10”, or “15”) in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the above numerical values. Absent.

(O) In the above embodiment, the drive speed of the motor can be switched between "high speed" and "low speed". However, the present invention can also be applied to a type of motor in which such switching is not performed. Instead of two stages, a motor capable of adjusting the speed in three or more stages or continuously may be used.

(P) The counter is not limited to the meter type as in the above embodiment, but may be a counter controlled by a separate power supply, a sign, or the like. It is also possible to configure a counter by using a scale and a rotating body or a sliding type movable body that can be moved along with the count-up.

Further, a counter of a type which can not roughly count an accurate numerical value but can roughly count in units of 5 or 10 may be used.

(Q) In the above embodiment, the command number counter CTS and the payout number counter CTJ are provided on the back side of the pachinko machine (game board 3).
On the other hand, it may be provided on the front side so as to be always visible to the player. In this case, it is possible to accurately return the premium ball based on the appeal of the player.

Further, in this case, the prize ball payout device 41 may be driven manually or in accordance with a command from a person related to the game arcade to return the prize ball. After reduction,
The configuration may be such that the counters CTS and CTJ can be reset.

The technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.

(1) The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein both the command number counter and the payout number counter mechanically count the total payout number. Gaming machine.

(2) The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the command number counter and the payout number counter are both provided on the back side of the gaming machine. Gaming machine to do.

(3) Claims 1 to 3;
In the gaming machine described in (2), if another prize is detected by the prize ball detecting means while a prize ball is being paid out by the prize ball paying means, the prize ball is paid out by then. The continuous payout control means for adding the remaining number to be paid and the predetermined number to be paid out based on another prize, outputting a command for continuously paying out prize balls, and controlling the prize ball payout means. A gaming machine characterized by being provided.

(4) Claims 1 to 3;
(3) In the gaming machine described in (3), the prize ball payout means can change a driving speed.

(5) Claims 1 to 3;
(4) The gaming machine according to (4), further comprising a recognition unit (notifying unit) for causing the player to recognize which winning opening is currently being paid out for a winning.

[0102]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
In a gaming machine provided with a game board provided with a winning port in which a game ball can win, an excellent effect that various problems due to delay in payout and problems at the time of power failure can be prevented can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a game board and the like of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a game board and various winning openings.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing various winning ports in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an operation port unit.

6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line JJ of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a general winning opening unit.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line KK of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a “payout control routine” executed by the control device.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a counter unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the back side of the game board in the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 ... game board, 11 ... working port unit, 11a ... working port,
11b: operation gate, 12: big winning opening unit, 12a
… Grand prize mouth, 15, 16, 17, 18… General prize mouth unit, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a… General prize mouth,
23, 24: Passing gate unit, 23a, 24a: Passing gate, 31: Switch for operating gate, 32: Switch for operating port, 33, 34: Switch for big winning port, 35,
36, 37, 38 ... General winning opening switch, 39, 40
... pass gate switch, 41 ... prize ball dispenser, 42
... Counter unit, 50 ... Control device, CTS ... Command number counter, CTJ ... Payout number counter.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A game machine provided with a game board provided with a winning port through which a game ball can win, a prize ball payout means for paying a prize ball to a player, and a detection result of the prize ball detection means. Control means for controlling the prize ball payout means to output a predetermined number of prize balls in accordance with the winning opening based on the winning opening, and a total payout number based on the command by the control means. A gaming machine comprising: a command number counter capable of counting and holding; and a payout number counting counter capable of counting and holding the total number of premium balls actually paid out by the premium ball payout means. . 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning ball detecting means is provided near the winning opening. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning ball detection means is provided at a position visible to a player.