JP2000262723A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To immediately provide the explanation on the error in a game machine and cope with the same. SOLUTION: An error display unit 49 is mounted on a left lower corner of a game board 5, and can be seen by opening a glass frame 6a. The error display unit 49 can detail the contents of error independently by means of each number of two figures, so that the proper countermeasure to the errors such that, for example, the game is restarted after solving the error while making a player wait for a while, the game is continued for the present, but finished at a proper period, another game machine is provided for the player when the error can not be solved for a short time or by a simple operation, and the game can not be continued, and the like, can be considered on the basis of the display. The countermeasure can be determined only by opening the glass frame 6a, so that it is unnecessary that the main mechanism portion is taken out to the player side, and the explanation and the countermeasure can be quickly provided without making the player wait.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention belongs to the technical field of gaming machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, an abnormality judging means for judging the presence or absence of an abnormality of a component of the gaming machine, and a component or an abnormality of the component which the abnormality judging unit judges as abnormal Some include an abnormal display means for displaying character information corresponding to the content. As an example, there is a gaming machine described in Japanese Patent No. 2815437. According to the technology described in this patent publication, identification information corresponding to the content of the abnormality is displayed, so that the content of the abnormality can be quickly grasped and dealt with.

[0003]

Some troubles can be relatively easily dealt with, such as clogging of balls, while those requiring replacement of parts and devices or fatalities which cannot be dealt with only by replacement of parts. Some are. That is,
Some of them can be dealt with by game arcades, while others cannot.

[0004] If the game clerk can deal immediately, it is sufficient to wait for the player to recover, but if troubles that the game clerk cannot deal with because replacement of parts is required,
You can't keep the player waiting, so you have to end the game. At this time, if the situation can be explained promptly, the player can easily understand the situation. That is, it is important how quickly the player can be explained.

However, according to the technology described in the above-mentioned patent publication, since the identification information is displayed on the back side of the gaming machine, the gaming machine is removed from the gaming machine installation island, or the frame holding the gaming board (the front frame or the like). Unless you open the middle frame) and pull out the entire main mechanism to the player side, you could not see the identification information, so the player would have to wait that much,
Quick explanation was difficult.

[0006] A transparent plate holder (usually a glass frame, usually a glass plate) for holding a transparent plate (usually a glass plate) covering the front side of the game board.
In the case of the technology described in the above-mentioned patent publication, it is necessary to pull out the entire main mechanism to the player even if the trouble can be dealt with simply by opening the glass door). Players had to wait longer, which was sometimes unpleasant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to avoid a problem when an abnormal display means is arranged on a back side in a gaming machine.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
The gaming machine described above displays an abnormality determining means for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality of a component of the gaming machine, and character information corresponding to the component or the content of the abnormality of the component determined by the abnormality determining means to be abnormal. A game machine provided with an abnormality display means for displaying the abnormality display means from the front side of the game machine.

[0009] The components of the gaming machine include a launching device for emitting game balls, a prize ball dispensing device for discharging game balls as prize balls, a ball rental device for discharging game balls as lending balls, a tulip type and the like. Various devices such as an attacker type variable winning device, sensors and switches for detecting game balls, prize ball tanks for storing game balls for prize balls, gutters through which game balls pass,
For example, a symbol display device or the like that displays a hit or miss by statically displaying the symbol after variably displaying the symbol is exemplified.

The method of determining the presence / absence of an abnormality may be appropriately adopted according to the device or the like to be determined, and is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of the launching device, if there is no signal indicating the movement of the hitting punch even though it is determined from the touch signal and the rotation switch signal that the operation handle is normally operated, it can be determined that there is an abnormality. In the case of a prize ball payout device or a ball rental device, there is a game ball on the upstream side (the supply path is normal)
In spite of this, if no game ball that should be discharged by operation is detected, it can be determined that there is an abnormality. In the case of a variable winning device, apart from opening for a very short time (for example, about 0.5 seconds), if a winning ball is not detected in a certain opening or more,
It may not be opened properly or the built-in detection sensor may be broken. In the sensors and switches for detecting the game ball, if the signal level indicating the detection continues, it can be regarded that the ball is clogged or broken there. In the prize ball tanks and gutters, the sky or clogged ball can be detected by a signal from a sensor for detecting the presence or passage of the game ball. Since the symbol display device has a sensor for detecting the rotation of a rotating body such as a drum, a reel, a belt, etc., it is possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the motor or the drive system based on the signal of the sensor.

The abnormality determining means for determining the presence or absence of the abnormality may be a function of a game control device for controlling the operation of a variable winning device, a symbol display device, or the like, or may be provided with a dedicated microcomputer or circuit. it can. As the abnormality display means, a display means capable of displaying characters such as a liquid crystal display device or a 7-segment LED may be employed.

The displayed character information corresponds to the component or the content of the abnormality of the component which the abnormality determining means has determined to be abnormal, such as "XX device failure" or "XX sensor failure". The device name or the like may be specifically displayed as described above, or may be displayed as a code including a number as described in claim 4.

7-segment LED for codes containing numbers
Therefore, the configuration of the abnormality display means is simple, low-cost, and small. The simplest example of a code containing numbers is a single digit number. In this case, numbers and devices may be associated with each other, such as 0 for a launching device, 1 for a prize ball payout device, and 2 for a ball rental device.

Although a single digit number can display only 10 types of abnormalities, a two-digit number can be displayed by using two 7-segment LEDs. Further, even with a seven-segment LED, for example, alphabets such as F, H, and L can be displayed, so that a combination of these can display more types. Alternatively, by switching and displaying two or more numbers or alphabets with one 7-segment LED (for example, by repeatedly displaying 0, 1, and 2 in order)
When a plurality of 7-segment LEDs are used (01 in this example)
(3 digits of 2) can be displayed. For example, the display contents can be made different between the case where the same number is displayed statically and the case where the same number is displayed blinking.

By using such a code, a 7-segment LED can display an abnormality of various components or the content of the abnormality. When a code is used, a correspondence table or the like between the code and the abnormality may be stuck near the abnormality display means or carried by a store clerk.

Since the display of the abnormal display means can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine (the side facing the game board in the case of a pachinko machine, for example), the prior art (the abnormal display means is arranged on the rear side of the gaming machine). ), The display of the abnormality display means can be visually recognized without removing the gaming machine from the gaming machine installation island or opening the frame (front frame or middle frame) holding the gaming board or the like.

For this reason, it can be immediately determined whether or not the trouble can be dealt with immediately by the game clerk. For example, "I want to wait a little because I can deal with it in a short time." Must be completed. ", Or a very quick explanation to the player. This makes it easy for the player to be convinced even when the game is to be ended, for example, and can also prevent unnecessary trouble with the player.

Further, in the case of a trouble that can be dealt with just by opening the glass frame, for example, the trouble can be dealt with without pulling out the entire main mechanism to the player, so that the time required for dealing with the trouble is reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the time during which the player waits and the time during which the gaming machine does not operate from being lengthened.

In order to make the display of the abnormal display means visible from the front side of the gaming machine, for example, from the side facing the gaming board, for example, a corner portion outside the gaming area of the gaming board or outside the symbol display area of the slot machine. It may be installed in a place where it can be directly viewed, such as a corner portion or the upper front of a gaming machine. However, if it is set in these places, it is sometimes unfavorable because it can be seen by the player.

Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, a transparent plate holder that can be opened and closed with respect to a main body side of the gaming machine, and the transparent plate holder that is held by the transparent plate holder. A transparent plate that covers the front side of the part to be visually recognized such as a game board or a symbol display device when the transparent plate holder is closed, and the abnormality display unit is configured to display the abnormality when the transparent plate holder is closed. And a configuration in which the transparent plate holder is not visible from the side facing the part and is disposed at a position where the transparent plate holder is visible from the side facing the part to be viewed, or as described in claim 3, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a tray door having a tray for storing gaming balls, the tray door being openable and closable with respect to the main body of the gaming machine, and the abnormality display means being closed with the tray door. In this state, it is impossible to see from the front side of the gaming machine and the dish door is opened In a state where the gaming machine is in a position where it can be seen from the front side of the gaming machine, it is not normally visible, but if a part of the front side of the gaming machine is opened (however, the main mechanism is opened by opening the gaming machine). It is sufficient to dispose the abnormality display means at a position where it can be visually recognized.

In this case, the display of the abnormality is not seen by the player, so that the inconvenience caused by the player's viewing can be avoided. The part to be visually recognized according to claim 2 is a part that needs to be visually recognized by a player when executing a game, for example, a game board in a pachinko machine, a symbol display device in a slot machine, or the like. It corresponds to the visual recognition section. A gaming machine other than a pachinko machine and a slot machine usually has a visually recognized part that must be seen by a player.

In addition, if the information is displayed by a code including a number as described in claim 4, the player does not know what to look at, thereby avoiding the inconvenience caused by the player viewing the display of the abnormality. Become. The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the claim 1.
A gaming machine according to any one of the above-described items 4 to 4, characterized in that a game ball is used to execute a game or the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. As a gaming machine, it is required to insert a game ball to execute a game like a pachinko machine, or play a game using the inserted game ball or a game ball previously sealed in the game machine, or It is well known that a game ball as a prize ball is paid out as a result of a game (for example, in accordance with a prize), and the number of gaming machines in such a form is extremely large. That is, by applying the present invention to a gaming machine having a large number of popularized gaming machines, many gaming stores and players can enjoy the advantages of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect, a payout condition such as a prize is established by a behavior of a game ball in a game area formed on a front side of the game board. Game value such as a prize ball to the player. Specifically, a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball type pachinko machine and the like correspond to the gaming machine described in claim 6, and since these pachinko machines and the like occupy most of the gaming machines installed in the amusement store, claim 5 Effect can be exhibited favorably.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, and the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 as a game machine is substantially made of plastic and has only an upper side 2a (see FIG. 2) made of a wooden outer frame 2 and hinged to the outer frame 2 by hinges 3. In this structure, other parts are supported by the middle frame 4 and the middle frame 4 is supported by the outer frame 2.

The middle frame 4 holds a game board 5, and the front side of the game board 5 is covered with a glass plate 6 held by a glass holding frame 6a. In addition, the glass holding frame 6a
Is made of plastic and is hinged to the inner frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 9, the game board 5 is provided with a special symbol display device 18, a special winning device 28, an error display 49, and the like, the details of which will be described later.

The middle frame 4 holds a plate door 7b so as to be openable and closable, and the plate door 7b is provided with an upper tray 7. Inside the upper tray 7, an upper plate outlet 7a that opens into the main body of the pachinko machine 1 is opened. The upper receiving tray 7 is a storage plate for game balls discharged as prize balls, and is also a launch ball supply plate for storing game balls for firing.

Below the upper tray 7, the lower tray 8 is
It is fixed to the front side of the middle frame 4. Inside the lower tray 8, a lower tray outlet 8a communicating with the inside of the main body of the pachinko machine 1 is opened. Further, on the right side of the lower receiving tray 8, the firing device 45 is provided.
An operation dial 9 for operating (not shown) is attached to the middle frame 4.

On the vertical side 2b of the hinge 3 of the outer frame 2, a lending switch 10a, a return switch 10b for inputting a return request for requesting return of the prepaid card, and a balance display for displaying the balance of the prepaid card are provided. A CR operation panel 10 having 10c is installed.

Lending switch 10a and return switch 10
Reference numeral b denotes a switch of a type that is turned on when a pressing operation is performed and returns to off when the pressing force is released. The balance indicator 10c is composed of two 7-segment LEDs.
The segment LED can display a number from 0 to 9, and can display a two-digit number as a whole. In this embodiment, the display of the balance display unit 10c is in units of 100 yen. For example, 01 indicates 100 yen, and 10 indicates 1000 yen. In addition, each 7 segment LED is E, F,
Characters such as H and symbols that do not become characters can also be displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 1
Comes with a CR unit 11. The CR unit 11 can take in a prepaid card inserted from the card slot 11a shown in FIG. 1, read and rewrite recorded data, and discharge the card from the card slot 11a.

As shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 12 is provided along the upper side of the middle frame 4. When the pachinko machine 1 is installed in a game store, game balls from a supply gutter (not shown) in the game store are supplied to the prize ball tank 12. The prize ball tank 12 is connected to a plastic tank rail 13 for causing the game balls to flow down while being aligned. The tank rail 13 is used to arrange the game balls flowing out of the prize ball tank 12 into two alignment grooves (shown in the drawing). Are omitted) and are arranged in two columns.
It supplies to the game ball discharge device 50 connected to the downstream end.

Although the details will be described later, the game ball discharging device 5
0 discharges the game ball supplied from the tank rail 13 as a lending ball or a prize ball, and the discharged game ball flows into the discharge ball guiding path 15. The discharge ball guide path 15 is provided with a descending portion 15a descending along the vertical side 2b of the outer frame 2, a skewing portion 15b continuously provided at the downstream end of the descending portion 15a, and a continuous connection on the traveling direction side of the skewing portion 15b. Upper plate guiding portion 15c, skewed portion 15b
From the skewed section 15b in a direction that is opposite to the skewed section 15b.
The lower plate guiding portion 15d is configured to bend so as to turn, and the upper plate guiding portion 15c is communicated with the upper plate outlet 7a.
The lower plate guiding portion 15d is communicated with the lower plate outlet 8a. With such a configuration, the game ball discharged from the game ball discharge device 50 to the discharge ball guide path 15 falls down the descending portion 15a,
The direction can be changed by the skewed section 15b, and usually the upper plate guiding section 1
5c flows into the upper receiving tray 7. However, when the upper tray 7 is full and the upper plate guiding portion 15c is filled with game balls, the subsequent game balls move from the sloping portion 15b to the upper plate guiding portion 15c.
The flow to the lower tray guiding portion 15d is prevented while the advance to the lower tray 8 is performed, and is guided to the lower tray 8.

The prize ball tank 12 has a prize ball tank 12.
Supply switch 12a for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball inside
However, a tank rail switch 13a for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the tank rail 13 is mounted at a downstream end of the tank rail 13, and a lower tray 8 is filled near the lower tray outlet 8a. A full switch 8b for detection is mounted.

The back of the middle frame 4 controls various electric components such as a variable winning device and a symbol display device installed on the game board 5 and a launching device 45 attached to the middle frame 4. A game control device 17 is attached. Next, FIG.
The configuration of the game ball discharging device 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

The game ball discharging device 50 includes a substrate 51 for supporting each part, and a groove-shaped ball passage 53 is formed on the substrate 51 by a passage forming member 52 standing upright in a rib shape. . The opening of the ball passage 53 is closed by a cover 54 (see FIG. 6) disposed facing the substrate 51, and the ball passage 53 is formed in a gutter shape.

The ball passage 53 has a pair of inflow passages 55, 5 and
6, a merging portion 57 of the game balls passing through the inflow passages 55 and 56, a common passage 58 connected to the merging portion 57 to move the game balls in a line, and a first passage formed by branching the common passage 58 into two. And a second passage 62 corresponding to a second branch passage. The inflow passages 55 and 56 are partitioned by a partition wall 62 provided therebetween, and are connected to two alignment grooves of the tank rail 13 respectively. Further, both the first passage 61 and the second passage 62 are connected to the discharge ball guide path 15.

The substrate 51 is provided with a window 51a located behind the inflow passages 55 and 56.
, A part of the rotating body 63 protrudes across the inflow passages 55 and 56. As shown in FIG. 7, the rotating body 63 includes six ridge lines 64 along the vine winding and each ridge line 64.
It has six spiral grooves 65 formed between them. The point that the ridge line 64 is along the helical winding is similar to the tooth trace of the helical gear, but is different from the helical gear in that the groove 65 does not serve for meshing. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 65 is an arc, and the diameter of the arc is about 12 mm. For this reason, a part of the game ball (about 11 mm in diameter) can be received in the groove 65.

The rotating body 63 is provided with a shaft hole 66 about the center line of the helical winding of the ridge 64. FIG. 3-
As shown in FIG. 5, a shaft hole 66 of the rotating body 63 is inserted into a shaft pin 6 held by a pair of bearings 67 erected on the substrate 51.
8, the rotating body 63 is rotatable around the shaft pin 68. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, since the partition 62 is provided with an arc-shaped notch 62 a along the outer periphery of the rotating body 63, the partition 62 does not hinder the rotation of the rotating body 63. .

With this configuration, the tank rail 1
The game balls that have flowed into the inflow passages 55 and 56 from the
, The rotating body 63 is rotated by the load, and the rotating body 63 is dropped into the merging portion 57 with the rotation. However, since the grooves 65 of the rotator 63 are helical, when the game balls fall from the inflow passage 55 side, the game balls are locked in the grooves 65 on the inflow passage 56 side, and the game balls from the inflow passage 56 side. Is dropped on the inflow passage 55 side.
, The game balls in the inflow passages 55 and 56 are alternately driven one by one to rotate the rotating body 63 so as to drop to the junction 57.

As will be described later in detail, when a game ball stays at the merging portion 57, the rotation of the rotating body 63 is hindered by the game ball, so that the game balls in the inflow passages 55 and 56 are joined. Never fall. As shown in FIG. 3, a first discharge mechanism 71 for discharging game balls as lending balls is provided corresponding to the first passage 61, and a game as a prize ball corresponding to the second passage 62. A second discharge mechanism 72 for discharging the ball is provided.

The first discharge mechanism 71 has a discharge sprocket 73 for projecting some teeth 73a into the first passage 61. A through shaft 77, both ends of which are held by bearing plates 76 erected on the substrate 51, penetrates the shaft portion 75 of the discharge sprocket 73, and the discharge sprocket 73 is rotatable around the through shaft 77. .

The flapper solenoid 79, which is another element constituting the first discharge mechanism 71, includes a coil 81, an iron core 82 inserted in the coil 81, a U-shaped yoke 83 along the outer periphery of the coil 81, It is composed of a spring hook 85 projecting upward from the yoke 83, a stopper 86 made of a steel plate swinging around a contact portion with the yoke 83 as a fulcrum, and a tension coil spring 87 bridged between the stopper 86 and the spring hook 85. .

The stopper 86 is provided with a tension coil spring 87.
3 (c), and when the coil 81 is not energized, the coil 81 is at a blocking position where one side of the coil 81 contacts the end face 76a of the bearing plate 76. The teeth 73a of the discharge sprocket 73 are
6 protrudes from the end face 76a of the
Is in the blocking position, the tip of the stopper 86
3a is locked to prevent the discharge sprocket 73 from rotating. However, when the coil 81 is energized, the stopper 86 is attracted to the iron core 82 and swings counterclockwise in FIG. 3C against the urging force of the tension coil spring 87. Does not lock the teeth 73a, and the rotation of the discharge sprocket 73 is not hindered.

Therefore, if there is a game ball upstream of the discharge sprocket 73 in the first passage 61 when the coil 81 is energized, the game ball passes through the first passage 61 while rotating the discharge sprocket 73. However, when the coil 81 is not energized, the rotation of the discharge sprocket 73 is blocked by the stopper 86, so that a game ball upstream of the discharge sprocket 73 cannot move downward. That is, the state in which the discharge sprocket 73 can freely rotate is a discharge state in which the game ball is allowed to pass, and the state in which the rotation of the discharge sprocket 73 is blocked by the stopper 86 is a cutoff state in which the game ball is not allowed to pass.

The second passage 62 corresponding to the second passage 62
The structure of the discharging mechanism 72 is the same as that of the first discharging mechanism 71.
That is, a discharge sprocket 88 similar to the discharge sprocket 73 of the first discharge mechanism 71, a flapper solenoid 79
Similarly to the coil 91, the iron core 9 inserted in the coil 91
2. a U-shaped yoke 93 along the outer periphery of the coil 91;
Spring hook 95 projecting upward from yoke 93, yoke 93
Stopper 96 made of a steel plate swinging around a contact portion with
And a flapper solenoid 99 constituted by a tension coil spring 97 bridged between a stopper 96 and a spring hook 95. In addition, the penetrating shaft 77 penetrating the shaft portion 98 of the discharge sprocket 88 is connected to the discharge sprocket 7.
3 and is rotatable about a discharge sprocket 88 penetrating shaft 77 as an axis. However, the discharge sprocket 73 and the discharge sprocket 88 rotate independently, and do not necessarily rotate together.

Also in the second discharging mechanism 72, when the coil 91 is not energized, the stopper 96 is in the blocking position where one surface is brought into contact with the end surface 76a of the bearing plate 76, and engages the teeth 88a of the discharging sprocket 88. When the coil 91 is energized, the stopper 96 is attracted to the iron core 92 and the rotation of the discharge sprocket 88 is stopped.
In FIG. 9A, since the lock is released by swinging in the clockwise direction, the rotation of the discharge sprocket 88 is not hindered.

Therefore, similarly to the first discharge mechanism 71,
Also in the second discharge mechanism 72, if a game ball is located upstream of the discharge sprocket 88 in the second passage 62 when the coil 91 is energized, the game ball is discharged to the discharge sprocket 8
8 can be passed through the second passage 62 while rotating, but when the coil 91 is not energized, the rotation of the discharge sprocket 88 is prevented by the stopper 96, so that the game located upstream of the discharge sprocket 88 The ball cannot move down. That is, a state in which the discharge sprocket 88 can freely rotate is a discharge state in which the game ball is allowed to pass, and a state in which the rotation of the discharge sprocket 88 is blocked by the stopper 96 is a cutoff state in which the game ball is not allowed to pass.

The flapper solenoid 79 and the flapper solenoid 99 are connected to the support plate 10
The lower end is bonded to a support member 103 which is screwed to a screw cylinder 102 erected on the substrate 51 by a screw (not shown).

The vertical portions 105, 1, which are part of the passage forming member 52 and form the first passage 61 and the second passage 62.
06, 107 and 108 have coaxial detection holes 111 and 11 respectively.
2, 113, 114 are provided, and the detection holes 112,
A light emitting element 115 (not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5) is provided between the light emitting elements 113.
A light receiving element 116 is mounted on the outer surface of the vertical portion 105 corresponding to the detection hole 111, and a light receiving element 117 is mounted on the outer surface of the vertical portion 108 corresponding to the detection hole 114. Thus, light emitted from the light emitting element 115 and crossing the first passage 61 can be received by the light receiving element 116 through the detection hole 111, and light emitted from the light emitting element 115 and crossing the second passage 62 can be obtained. Can be received by the light receiving element 117 through the detection hole 114. The game balls passing through the first passage 61 can be counted based on the signal of the light receiving element 116, and the game balls passing through the second passage 62 can be counted based on the signal of the light receiving element 117.

The game ball discharging device 50 includes a screw cylinder 118 erected on the substrate 51 and a cover 5 shown in FIG.
The screw (not shown) penetrating through the screw hole 54a of the pachinko machine 4 is attached to the pachinko machine 1 via the mounting plate 54b of the cover 54 in a state where the cover 54 is attached and the ball passage 53 is formed in a gutter shape. (See FIG. 1).
When attached to the pachinko machine 1, as described above,
The inflow passages 55 and 56 of the ball passage 53 are respectively connected to two alignment grooves of the tank rail 13, and the first passage 61 and the second passage 62 are both connected to the discharge ball guide passage 15.

Next, referring to FIG.
The dimensional relationship of each part of the ball passage 53 and the movement of the game ball will be described. First, assuming that there are no game balls in the ball passage 53 and the first discharge mechanism 71 and the second discharge mechanism 72 are in the cutoff state, when the game balls flow from the tank rail 13, those game balls are rotated by the rotating body 63. While passing through the inflow passages 55 and 56 alternately, the merging portion 57 and the common passage 58
And the angle between the upper end of the vertical portion 106 and the common passage 58 is large (the angle between the core of the vertical portion 106 and the core of the common passage 58 is close to 180 degrees). Inflow.

The game ball entering the first passage 61 is the leading ball B
1 is blocked by the discharge sprocket 73 and stays in the first passage 61. When three game balls accumulate in the first passage 61, the upstream ball B2 that is the most upstream among them blocks the inflow of subsequent game balls, so that the game balls that have passed through the common passage 58 enter the second passage 62. Inflow. Similarly to the case of the first passage 61, the leading ball B3 of the second passage 62 is prevented from passing by the discharge sprocket 88, and when four game balls are accumulated in the first passage 61, it becomes the most upstream in the ball. Since the upstream ball B4 blocks the inflow of subsequent game balls, the game ball (intermediate ball B5) stopped at the branch of the common passage 58 and the first passage 61 and the second passage 62 is located at the upstream side. The game ball stays at.

When the game ball stagnates to the most upstream portion of the junction 57, the most upstream ball B6 prevents the following ball B7 from falling next. Then, the following sphere B7 becomes the rotating body 63
, And further inflow of subsequent game balls is prevented. In this way, in a state where the first passage 61, the second passage 62, the common passage 58, and the junction 57 are filled with the game balls,
The inflow of the game ball into the ball passage 53 is temporarily stopped.

However, when the first discharging mechanism 71 is in the discharging state, the leading sphere B1 to the upstream sphere B2 are discharged from the discharging sprocket 7.
As the ball 3 rotates, the ball passes one after another and flows into the discharge ball guiding path 15, so that the intermediate ball B5 and the game balls upstream thereof flow into the first path 61 one after another. Then, the uppermost stream ball B6 falls and the rotating body 63 becomes rotatable, so that further succeeding game balls also flow into the inflow passages 55 and 56 from the tank rail 13.

When the second discharging mechanism 72 is in the discharging state, the leading sphere B3 to the upstream sphere B4 are moved to the discharging sprocket 73.
While rotating, the ball flows into the discharge ball guide path 15 one after another, and the intermediate ball B5 and the game ball upstream thereof flow into the second passage 62 one after another. , 64 are rotatable, and subsequent game balls flow from the tank rail 13 into the inflow passages 55, 56.

From the tank rail 13 to the inflow passages 55, 56
Once the game balls flowing into the first passage 6
1 and the second passage 62, so that one of the two alignment gutters of the tank rail 13 becomes clogged or the like, and the inflow passages 55, 5
6 can be supplied to the first passage 61 and the second passage 62 even if the game ball is not supplied to one of the balls 6, so that the first discharge mechanism 71 discharges the game ball (rents the game ball). Also, the discharge of the game ball (payout of the prize ball) by the second discharge mechanism 72 is not interrupted, and the reliability is extremely high.

When the first discharge mechanism 71 is in the shut-off state, the upstream ball B2 located at the uppermost stream of the first passage 61 prevents the game ball from flowing from the common passage 58 to the first passage 61, but is commonly used. The position where the inflow from the passage 58 to the second passage 62 is not prevented, and when the second discharge mechanism 72 is in the shut-off state, the upstream ball B4 located at the most upstream position in the second passage 62 is moved from the common passage 58 to the second passage. The dimensions of the first passage 61, the second passage 62, and the common passage 58 are set so as to be at a position where the inflow of the game ball into the first passage 61 is prevented but the inflow of the game ball from the common passage 58 into the first passage 61 is not prevented. , First discharge mechanism 7
If the first discharge mechanism 72 is set to the cut-off state and the second discharge mechanism 72 is set to the discharge state, the game balls from the common passage 58 are allowed to flow into the second passage 62, the second discharge mechanism 72 is set to the cut-off state, and the first discharge mechanism 7
By setting 1 to the discharge state, the game balls from the common passage 58 can flow into the first passage 61.

In distributing the game balls from the common passage 58 to the first passage 61 and the second passage 62, a mechanism such as a passage switching damper is not used, so that the structure is simple and the ball pressure of the game balls is reduced. There is no possibility that normal operation is hindered. By the way, when the prize ball tank 12 becomes empty for some reason, the supply of the game balls from the tank rail 13 to the game ball discharging device 50 may be interrupted. In such a case, if the game balls in the game ball discharging device 50 are completely discharged, no further discharge is possible.
For this reason, measures such as supplying game balls to the prize ball tank 12 are required. However, the game may not be able to be executed until the game balls are normally supplied by such a treatment.

However, the game ball discharging device 50 of the embodiment is
The branch between the common passage 58 and the first passage 61 and the second passage 62 gives priority to the inflow of the game ball into the first passage 61, and the common passage 58 is filled until the first passage 61 is filled with the game ball.
Since the game ball is not guided to the second passage 62, the supply of the game ball for lending is prioritized. Therefore, the game ball can be quickly lent to the player, and the game for launch can be provided. The time for interrupting the game due to the absence of the ball can be reduced or the interruption can be avoided.

Further, since the game ball discharging device 50 has a structure in which the head game balls in the inflow passages 55 and 56 are alternately passed with the rotation of the rotating body 63, the game balls are smoothly passed alternately. Will be Moreover, the rotating body 63 is not rotated by a driving source such as a motor, but is rotated by the load of the game balls moving in the inflow passages 55 and 56, and the game balls are alternately passed along with the rotation. Due to the configuration, the possibility of occurrence of biting is extremely small and the reliability is high.

The member for alternately passing the game balls moving through the inflow passages 55 and 56 may be only one rotating body 63, and does not require a plurality of sprockets and a connecting shaft for connecting them. Therefore, the number of parts is extremely small.
Further, since the rotating body 63 has a spiral groove 65 which receives the game balls and acts to prevent the game balls from passing while receiving the load of the game balls, for example, the inflow passages are formed in three or four rows. Can be dealt with simply by increasing the length of the rotating body 63. That is, even if the number of rows on the inflow side increases, it is not necessary to increase the number of parts.

Next, the configuration of the front side of the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Two arc-shaped guide rails 19a and 19b are attached to the game board 5, and a portion surrounded by the guide rails 19a and 19b is a game area 21. A special symbol display device 18 is provided at the center of the game area 21. The liquid crystal display panel 20 displays a special symbol, an animation, and the like for indicating a hit or miss.

Below the special symbol display device 18, a starting winning device 22 corresponding to a winning port for determination is arranged.
The start winning device 22 is a well-known tulip-type winning device, and includes a closed state in which a pair of opening and closing blades 24, 24 are raised (a state shown by a broken line in the figure) and an open state in which the pair is folded right and left (shown by a solid line in the figure). State).

A gate 26 is arranged below the start winning device 22. When a game ball passes through the gate 26, the digital value of the ordinary symbol display 30 attached to the special winning device 28 below the gate 26 fluctuates and is displayed statically, and the numerical value is a hit (for example, 77). And the start winning device 22 is opened.

The special winning device 28 has a special winning opening 34 which is opened and closed by an opening / closing plate 32.
The open state is set on the premise that a special symbol indicating a hit is displayed on the special symbol display device 18. On the back side of the opening and closing plate 32, a ball receiver 36 capable of receiving only one game ball is provided. Further, on the left and right of the special winning opening 34, ordinary winning openings 38a and 38b are provided.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the opening / closing plate 32 is tilted forward (open state). In this open state, the big winning opening 34 is very easy to win. However, when the large winning opening 34 is closed by setting the opening / closing plate 32 (closed state),
The big winning opening 34 cannot be won. In the open state, the game ball that has won the special winning opening 34 and received by the ball receiver 36 falls into the special winning opening 34 when the opening and closing plate 32 is closed. In addition, the normal winning openings 38a, 38b
Is open and closed, and can always win.

In the game area 21, a special symbol display device 18 is provided.
The normal winning openings 40a, 40b arranged on the left and right of the vehicle, the normal winning openings 42a, 42b arranged below these, lamp windmills 44a, 44b, side decorations 46a, 46b are installed,
An out hole 48 is provided at the bottom. At the lower left corner, an error indicator 49 including two 7-segment LEDs is mounted. Although illustration is omitted,
In the game area 21, well-known obstacle nails, windmills and the like are also attached.

Next, the structure of the back side of the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the gaming board 5, located on the left side in FIG. 10, a branch gutter 23a for a normal winning opening 40b, a branch gutter 23b for a normal winning opening 42b, and a branch gutter 23c for a winning opening 22a of the starting winning device 22. And the gutter 2 for the normal winning opening 38b
A fall guiding gutter 23 having 3d is provided. At the upper end of each of the branch gutters 23a, 23b, 23d, a normal prize sensor 25a, 25 which corresponds to a prize ball detecting means and detects the passage of a game ball prize in the normal prize ports 40b, 42b, 38b
b and 25d are attached, and a start winning sensor 22c, which corresponds to a winning ball detecting means and detects the passage of a game ball won by the starting winning device 22, is attached to the upper end of the branch gutter 23c. The start winning device 22 is provided with a solenoid 22b for driving the opening and closing blade 24 shown in FIG.

On the right side of the back of the game board 5, a branch gutter 27a for the normal winning opening 40a and a branch gutter 27 for the normal winning opening 42a are provided.
b and a fall guide gutter 27 having a branch gutter 27c for the normal winning opening 38a. Each branch gutter 27a, 27b, 2
At the upper end of 7c, normal prize sensors 29a, 29b, 29c, which correspond to prize ball detecting means and detect the passage of game balls prize in the normal prize ports 40a, 42a, 38a, are attached.

Further, a special winning prize gutter 31 is arranged corresponding to the special prize winning device 28. The large winning prize gutter 31 is connected to the gutter portion 28a inside the large prize winning device 28,
All the gaming balls that have won the prize 4 are guided to the grand prize gutter 31. Also, at the connection between the winning prize gutter 31 and the gutter 28a,
A 10 count sensor 28b corresponding to the winning ball detecting means is attached, and all the game balls that have won the big winning opening 34 are detected by the 10 count sensor 28b. Note that a V sensor 28c for detecting a game ball dropped from the ball receiver 36 shown in FIG. 9 is arranged in the gutter 28a. Further, the special winning device 28 includes a solenoid 28d for driving the open / close plate 32 shown in FIG.

The lower ends of the fall guiding gutters 23 and 27 and the winning prize gutter 31 are open, and the opening 35 at the upper end of the collecting gutter 33 is opened.
It is connected to the. For this reason, the game ball that has won each winning opening flows into the collecting gutter 33 via the fall guide gutters 23 and 27 or the special winning gutter 31. Also, the game balls that have passed through the out holes 48 flow into the collecting gutter 33. That is, the game area 2
All of the game balls shot into 1 flow into the collecting gutter 33.

A funnel-shaped merging discharge path 37 is provided downstream of the collecting trough 33, and the game balls flowing into the collecting trough 33 are discharged from a ball discharge port 76 at the downstream end of the merging discharge path 37. A discharge ball sensor 41 corresponding to a discharge ball detection unit is provided in the merging discharge path 37, and a ball discharge port 76 is provided.
Can be detected from the game balls discharged from the game.

Next, a control system of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG.
The game control device 17 which is the center of the control system is a well-known CPU.
17a, ROM 17b, RAM 17c, input / output circuit 17
d is a microcomputer including d and the like.

A flapper solenoid 79 of the first discharge mechanism 71 and a flapper solenoid 99 of the second discharge mechanism 72 are connected to the game control device 17, and the game control device 17 connects these flapper solenoids 79 and 99 to each other. By controlling the power supply, the flapper solenoids 79 and 99 can be switched between the cutoff state and the discharge state and controlled. Further, the game control device 17 is connected to the light receiving element 116 of the first ejection mechanism 71 and the light receiving element 117 of the second ejection mechanism 72, and the game control device 17 is based on signals from the light receiving elements 116 and 117. , First discharge mechanism 71 and second discharge mechanism 72
Game balls discharged from the game can be counted.

The flapper solenoid 7 of the first discharge mechanism 71
9, the light receiving element 116 and the flapper solenoid 99 of the second discharging mechanism 72 and the light receiving element 117 are also connected to the CR unit 11. The CR unit 11 controls the power supply to the flapper solenoids 79 and 99 to control the flapper solenoid. The solenoids 79 and 99 can be controlled to be switched between a shut-off state and a discharge state.
The game balls discharged from the discharge mechanism 71 and the second discharge mechanism 72 can be counted.

An operation panel is connected to the CR unit 11, and the CR unit 11 transmits a lending request signal from the lending switch 10a of the operation panel and a return switch 1
0b can be obtained and the balance display 10c
Can be displayed. The game control device 17 includes a firing device 45, a special symbol display device 18, and a normal symbol display device 3.
0, the solenoid 22b of the start winning device 22, the solenoid 28d of the big winning device 28, and the like are connected, and the game control device 17 can control these operations.

The game control device 17 also receives game board information and frame information. As shown in FIG. 12, the game board information includes ordinary winning sensors 25a, 25b, 25d, and 29.
a, 29b, 29c, start winning sensor 22c, 10 count sensor 28b, V sensor 28c, discharge ball sensor 4
1, a game ball detection signal from sensors and switches installed on the game board 5 such as the gate 26, and the frame information is a signal from sensors and switches installed on other than the game board, and a replenishment switch. 12a, tank rail switch 13
a, a signal from the firing device 45, such as a signal from the full switch 8b, a touch signal indicating that the player is in contact with the operation handle, or a fixed point signal whose level changes each time the cam driving the hitting hammer passes the fixed point. It is included.

As shown in FIG. 13, a part of the RAM 17c includes a six-ball counter C for counting the number of winning balls paid for six.
1, a 15-ball counter C2 for counting winning balls paid for 15 balls, a discharging ball counter C3 for counting game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 1 to the outside, a prize ball paid out according to a prize A difference ball counter C4 for counting the difference between the number and the game balls ejected outside the machine, a first lottery counter Rd1 used for judging a special symbol, and a second lottery used for judging a normal symbol. Counter Rd2, six-payment counters M1 and 1 for storing winning balls for which six-payment has not been completed
It is used as a fifteen payout counter M2 for storing winning balls for which five payouts have not been completed.

The 6-ball counter C1 is provided with a normal winning sensor 25.
a, 25b, 25d, 29a, 29b, 29c and the start winning sensor 22c.
The ball counter C2 is updated based on a signal from the 10-count sensor 28b, and the discharged ball counter C3 is updated based on a signal from the discharged ball sensor 41. The difference ball counter C4 is composed of a 6-ball counter C1 and a 15-ball counter C2.
Alternatively, it is updated according to the update of the discharge ball counter C3.
That is, the 6-ball counter C1, the 15-ball counter C2, the ejected-ball counter C3, and the difference-ball counter C4 are updated irregularly.

On the other hand, the first lottery counter Rd1 and the second lottery counter Rd2 are updated periodically, for example, each time the CPU 17a is reset by a timer interrupt, and the first lottery counter Rd1 increases the integer values from 0 to 299 in ascending order. The second lottery counter Rd2 repeatedly counts integer values of 0 to 7 in ascending order.

The six-payment counter M1 is provided with the normal winning sensor 2
When there is a signal from 5a, 25b, 25d, 29a, 29b, 29c or the start winning sensor 22c, 1 is added,
When six payouts are executed by the payout device 102, 1 is subtracted. Similarly, the 15-piece payout counter M2 is incremented by 1 when there is a signal from the 10-count sensor 28b, and decremented by 1 when the payout apparatus 102 executes the payout of 15 pieces.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described by explaining the control relating to the lending of game balls by the CR unit 11 and the judgment processing, counting processing, payout processing and the like by the game control device 17. (Lending of Game Ball) First, a process related to lending of a game ball by the CR unit 11 will be described.

The CR unit 11 performs the card reception processing shown in FIG.
5 is repeatedly executed at set timings (for example, every time a timer interrupt occurs). As shown in FIG. 14, in the card accepting process, CR
The unit 11 determines whether or not a prepaid card (hereinafter, referred to as PC) is inserted based on the output of the insertion sensor (S501). When the PC is not inserted, the card receiving process ends.

If a PC is inserted (S501: Y
ES), the CR unit 11 takes in the PC (S50).
2) The content recorded on the PC is read by the reader / writer (S503). Subsequently, the CR unit 11 determines whether or not the card can be used by the PC based on the read content (S504). Specifically, contents such as whether the card is a legitimate card (whether the card is not a fraudulent card), whether the expiration date has expired, or whether the balance is not 0 are checked.

Here, if it is determined that it can be used (S
504: YES), the CR unit 11 stores the balance data included in the read content (S505), and subsequently displays a number corresponding to the balance data on the balance display 10c.
Is displayed (S506), and this process is terminated.
On the other hand, if this PC cannot be used (S504: N
O), the CR unit 11 discharges the PC (S50).
7), this process ends.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the lending process, the CR
The unit 11 first determines whether a PC has been loaded (S511). If the PC has not been loaded, the lending process is terminated, but if the PC has been loaded (S5).
11: YES), it is determined whether a lending request signal from the lending switch 10a or a return request signal from the return switch 10b has been input (S512), and if neither request signal has been input (S512: NO). Then, the lending process ends.

If any of the request signals has been input (S512: YES), it is determined whether or not a prize ball is being paid out based on information from the game control device 17 (S51).
3). If the determination is affirmative, the lending process is terminated. If the determination is negative (S513: NO), it is determined whether the signal acquired in S512 is a lending request signal (S514).

If it is determined that the signal is a lending request signal (S5
14: YES), the CR unit 11 is
The game ball 1 is made to be in a discharge state, and the game ball as a lending ball is discharged (S515). Specifically, the CR unit 11 excites the flapper solenoid 79 to cause the stopper 86 to separate from the discharge sprocket 73. Then, the game ball passes and flows out while rotating the discharge sprocket 73 as described above. The game balls that have flowed out are usually guided to the upper tray 7.

At this time, the CR unit 11 monitors the signal from the light receiving element 116. If the payout (lending) of 5 units of the game ball can be confirmed, for example, with 100 yen as one unit, the flapper solenoid 79 is used. Is demagnetized, and the discharge sprocket 73 is locked by the stopper 86, so that the first
The discharging mechanism 71 is returned to the shut-off state to complete the lending (S51).
6: YES), and proceeds to the next S517. However, when the lending of the game balls for 5 units is not confirmed within the set time, the CR unit 11 determines that some error such as the failure of the first discharge mechanism 71 has occurred and the CR unit 11 shown in FIG. The switching process is executed and the game control device 17 is notified.

As shown in FIG. 16, the CR unit 11
Determines whether the second ejection mechanism 72 is normal based on information from the game control device 17 (S531). If the second ejection mechanism 72 is normal (S531: YES), the second ejection mechanism 71 is used instead of the first ejection mechanism 71. Continue to discharge the rental ball by using the 72 (S
532). For this reason, even if the 1st discharge mechanism 71 becomes inoperable, a lending can be performed and a pachinko game can be continued. If the second discharge mechanism 72 is also defective (S
531: NO), the discharge of the lending ball cannot be continued, and the lending is interrupted as an error (S533).

Referring back to FIG. 15, in the next S517, the CR unit 11 updates the balance data by reducing the balance data by the amount equivalent to the lent game balls of 5 units (ie, 500 yen). If the balance data becomes 0 by this update (S518: YES), the CR unit 11
Is rewritten to 0 and discharged (S519), and S420 is executed.
Proceed to. Also, the balance data is not 0 (there is a balance)
In this case (S518: NO), the PC is not discharged, and S
Proceed to 420.

At S420, CR unit 11 updates the display on balance display 10c based on the balance data. In this embodiment, when the PC is not loaded (when the balance is 0), the balance display 10c displays an irregular symbol in a variable manner without displaying a number. If it sees, it can be judged that PC can be inserted.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S514, that is, if a return request signal has been input from the return switch 10b, the CR unit 11 rewrites the PC balance based on the balance data at that time and resets the PC. It is discharged (S519). At the same time, the balance data is cleared to zero. Subsequent S420 is as described above.

If the lending process is interrupted for a positive determination in S512, a process corresponding to the request is executed after the payout is completed. (Processing of game control device 17) CPU of game control device 17
17a executes a main routine process every time a reset is started by a timer interrupt of about 2 milliseconds, thereby controlling the operation of each unit of the pachinko machine 1.

Next, determination processing, counting processing, and error processing, which are executed as subroutines of the main routine processing, will be described in detail. (Determination Processing) First, the determination processing for determining whether or not to open the special winning opening 34 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the determination process, the CPU 17a determines whether or not a start winning signal has been input from the start winning sensor 22c (S101).
The value of the lottery counter Rd1 is acquired as a lottery value (S10
2) It is checked whether or not the lottery value matches the winning value (S103). In this embodiment, the low probability that the hit value is 7 (the count range of the first lottery counter Rd1 is 0 to 2)
The hit probability is 1/300 because of 99, and the high probability (hit probability is 2/300) in which the hit value is two of 7 and 71.
= 1/150), the highest probability that the hit value is 3, 71, 141 (the hit probability is 3/300 = 1/100)
There are three levels of determination probabilities, and the determination probability (hit value) is set in a probability setting process described later.

Subsequently, if the result of the collation is a win (the lottery value matches any of the hit values set at that time) (S104: YES), the CPU 17a displays a special symbol for displaying the hit (for example, (A pattern in which three digits are aligned as in 777) and instructs the special symbol display device 18 (S105). Upon receiving the instruction, the special symbol display device 18 variably displays the symbol on the liquid crystal display panel 20 and, after a known reach action, for example, statically displays the instructed special symbol. This static display informs the player of the big hit.

On the other hand, if the collation result is out of order (the lottery value does not match the winning value) (S104: NO), the CPU 17a
Determines a special symbol (for example, a symbol in which three digits are not aligned like 249) for displaying the departure and instructs the special symbol display device 18 (S106). Upon receiving this instruction, the special symbol display device 18 variably displays the symbols on the liquid crystal display panel 20, and in some cases, after a reach action,
The designated special symbol is displayed statically. The player is notified by the stationary display that the vehicle is off.

After S105 or S106, the CP
The process of U17a returns to the main routine. When the above determination is successful, the CPU 17
a waits for the display of the jackpot by the special symbol display device 18 and then executes a known special game process such as opening the big winning opening 34 by operating the solenoid 28d. At this time, the signal from the V sensor 28c is used to determine whether or not to continue the opening operation of the special winning opening 34, similarly to a well-known pachinko machine. (Counting Process) Next, a counting process for calculating the number of winning balls and the number of ejected balls will be described with reference to FIG.

In this counting process, the CPU 17a acquires a signal from a sensor or the like for detecting the number of winning balls and the number of ejected balls, and updates the value of the corresponding counter (S2).
01). Specifically, the normal winning sensor 25
If there is a detection signal from a, 25b, 25d, 29a, 29b, 29c or the start winning sensor 22c, add 1 to the 6-ball counter C1 and the 6-piece payment counter M1, and if there is a detection signal from the 10-count sensor 28b. 1 is added to the 15 ball counter C2 and the 15 ball counter M2, and if there is a detection signal from the discharged ball sensor 41, the discharged ball counter C3
Is added to.

Next, the CPU 17a determines whether or not the pachinko game is being executed (S202). Usually, the launching device of a pachinko machine fires about 100 game balls per minute,
For example, if the output of a launching ball sensor (not shown) for detecting a playing ball fired by the launching device 45 changes at a frequency of about 100 Hz, it can be determined that a game is being played. Also,
In this embodiment, since all of the launched game balls are detected by the discharged ball sensor 41, it can be determined that the game is being played if the detection signal from the discharged ball sensor 41 changes at a frequency of about 100 Hz. Alternatively, it can be determined based on the presence or absence of a touch signal or a fixed point signal, but these are not accurate because they are input even if the game ball is not actually fired.

If the game is in progress (S202: YES), C
The PU 17a is a value obtained by subtracting the value of the discharge ball counter C3 from the sum of a value (C1 × 6) obtained by multiplying the value of the 6-ball counter C1 by 6 (C1 × 6) and a value obtained by multiplying the value of the 15-ball counter C2 by 15 (C2 × 15). Is calculated and written in the difference ball counter C4 (S203). In practice, (C1 × 6 + C2
X15) The calculation of -C3 is not performed, but the change is added or subtracted from the previous value of the difference ball counter C4.

Subsequently, the CPU 17a performs a probability setting process (S) for determining a hit value used in the above-described determination process.
204). The details of the probability setting process are as shown in FIG. 19, and the CPU 17a first sets the discharge ball counter C3
Based on whether the value of is a multiple of 1000,
It is determined whether to execute a substantial process of the probability setting process (S301).

Since this probability setting process is performed for the purpose of making it easier to make a big hit when the player loses, it is necessary that the same (determinable) player has been playing the game continuously to some extent. Become. In the case of the present embodiment, the setting is made so that substantial processing is executed when it can be determined that the same player is continuously executing the pachinko game for at least 10 minutes or more. However, an irregular game may be performed, for example, in which a small number (two or three) of game balls are fired at each specific timing, so that it may not be appropriate to use the game time as a reference. For this reason, in the case of the present embodiment, this is 100
Each time the number of shots reaches 0 (about 100 shots per minute, which corresponds to about 10 minutes), the setting is such that substantial processing relating to the change in the determination probability is performed.

Then, when a positive determination is made in S301,
The CPU 17a determines whether to increase the determination probability (S302). Specifically, if the value of the difference ball counter C4 is -2000 or less (the player loses 2000 or more), it is determined that the determination probability is to be increased (S3).
02: YES).

If an affirmative determination is made in S302, the CPU 17a
Determines whether the highest probability (1/100 in this embodiment) has already been set (S303). If not the highest probability (S303: NO), the determination is made so that the determination probability increases by one step. Change the winning value used in the processing (S30
4). For example, if the hit value was only 7 so far, by changing this to 2 of 7 and 71, the judgment probability is changed from 1/300 (low probability) to 1/150 (high probability) in one step. Get higher.

[0108] When a negative determination is made in S302, C
The PU 17a determines whether or not to reduce the determination probability (S305). Specifically, the value of the difference ball counter C4 is +
If 2000 or more (the player wins 2000 or more), it is determined that the determination probability is to be lowered (S30).
5: YES).

If the determination is affirmative in S305, the CPU 17a
Determines whether the minimum probability has already been set (1/300 in this embodiment) (S306). If not the minimum probability (S306: NO), the determination probability is reduced by one step. Change the hit value used in the determination process (S3
07). For example, hit values up to that point are 7, 71, 141
If it is three, by changing this to two of 7 and 71, the judgment probability is reduced from 1/100 to 1/150 by 1
Becomes lower.

The CPU 17a determines in step S301 or S305
If a negative determination is made in step S303 or a positive determination is made in step S303 or S306, or if step S304 or S307 is executed, the process returns to the counting process. As described above, the judgment probability is increased when the player loses a lot, and the judgment probability is lowered when the player wins a lot, so that the loss is not extremely high (that is, the betting property is not high). Can be adjusted.

The initial setting of the judgment probability associated with the start of the pachinko machine may be uniformly set to, for example, a low probability (1/300), a maximum probability (1/100) or a high probability (1/150). However, the value of a specific address in the RAM 17c may be read at startup (usually a random value) and determined according to the value.

Returning to FIG. 18, when the pachinko game is not being executed (S202: NO), it is determined whether or not the time during which the pachinko game is not executed (interruption time) has reached the set judgment time. A determination is made (S205). The pachinko game may be interrupted when, for example, there is no more game balls to be fired, or the player may be temporarily separated from the pachinko machine 1 and interrupted. In such a case, there is a high possibility that the same player will restart the pachinko game, so it is not appropriate to judge that the player will be replaced when the player is temporarily interrupted.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the interruption time reaches the set judgment time (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes) (S205: YES), the player up to that time is sent from the pachinko machine. 6 Ball Counter C
The values of the 1, 15 ball counter C2, the ejection ball counter C3, and the difference ball counter C4 are cleared, and the determination probability is returned to the initial setting (S206). Thus, even if the next player starts the pachinko game, the result of the game (win or loss) by the previous player is not affected.

Then, following S204 or S206, the CPU 17a transmits various data such as the values of the 6-ball counter C1, the 15-ball counter C2, the ejected-ball counter C3, and the difference-ball counter C4 to the hall computer. After performing the processing (S207), the process returns to the main routine. (Payout Processing) Next, payout processing relating to payout of award balls will be described with reference to FIG.

In this payout processing, the CPU 17a determines whether or not the payout end flag F has been set (F = 1) or not, and the preceding payout has been completed (the sixth discharge of the six payouts or the fifteen payouts). Is determined (S401). And the payout end flag F
Is set (S401: YES), the value of the 6-piece payment counter M1 or the 15-piece payment counter M2 is decremented by 1 corresponding to the payout, and the payout end flag F is reset (S402).

If the payout end flag F is not set (S401: NO), the CPU 17a determines whether or not payout is being executed (S403). Based on the information from the unit 11, it is determined whether or not a lending ball is being lent (S404).
Here, if the determination is affirmative, the lending process is terminated. If the determination is negative (S404: NO), it is determined whether or not the payout is necessary (S405). Specifically, if both the value of the six-payment counter M1 and the value of the fifteen-payment counter M2 are not 0, there is a winning ball for which the payout of the prize ball has not been completed. is necessary. In this embodiment, the setting is to give priority to payout of six pieces.

If the determination is affirmative in S405, the CPU 17a
Controls the second discharging mechanism 72 to pay out one winning ball (six or fifteen in this embodiment) (S4).
06). The control of the second discharge mechanism 72 at that time is the same as the control of the first discharge mechanism 71 in the lending process, and the game control device 17 excites the flapper solenoid 99 of the second discharge mechanism 72 and controls the stopper 96. The locking of the discharge sprocket 88 is released. The game balls discharged from the second discharge mechanism 72 are discharged to the upper tray 7 or the lower tray 8 through the discharge ball guide path 15.

The CPU 17a counts the number of game balls ejected by the second ejection mechanism 72 based on the detection signal of the light receiving element 117, and when the affirmative judgment is made in S403 or after S406, the payout is completed. (S407), it is determined whether or not the sixth discharge of the six payouts or the fifteenth discharge of the fifteenth payout has been performed (S407). If the determination is affirmative, the power to the flapper solenoid 99 is cut off and the stopper 96 is turned off. Then, the discharge sprocket 88 is locked to stop the rotation and stop the discharge of the game ball, and the payout end flag F is set to 1 (S408).

On the other hand, a negative determination is made in S407 (payment not completed).
In the case of, the monitoring process (S409) is executed. FIG.
As shown in (1), in the monitoring process, it is determined whether or not the first discharge mechanism 71 is normal based on, for example, information obtained from the CR unit 11 (S471). If the first ejection mechanism 71 is normal (S471: YES), then the second ejection mechanism 72
Is normal or not, for example, based on the input period of the detection signal from the light receiving element 117 (S472). The detection signal from the light receiving element 117 changes at a substantially constant cycle during normal payout, but when there is no change in the detection signal (for example, the detection level continues), it can be determined that there is an abnormality. If the second discharge mechanism 72 is normal (S47)
2: YES), the fact is notified to the CR unit 11 (S473). This information is stored in the CR unit 11 as shown in FIG.
Is used when performing the switching process.

If the second discharge mechanism 72 is abnormal (S47)
2: NO), the payout of the prize balls is continued using the first discharge mechanism 71 (S474), and the fact is notified to the CR unit 11 and an error is displayed on the error display 49, for example, lighting of the lamp LNP Then, processing such as notifying the occurrence of an error to the game store clerk and notifying the hall computer is performed (S475).

If the first discharge mechanism 71 is not normal (S471: NO), it is determined whether the second discharge mechanism 72 is normal (S476). If the second ejection mechanism 72 is normal (S477: YES), the second ejection mechanism 72 continues to be used as before (S477), an error is displayed on the error display 49, and the occurrence of the error is played by, for example, turning on the lamp LNP. The processing is performed, for example, by notifying the store clerk and notifying the CR unit 11 and the hall computer that the second discharge mechanism 72 is normal (S475).

If the second discharge mechanism 72 is also abnormal (S47)
6: NO), and perform a sensor check (S478).
In the sensor check, first, it is checked whether both the light receiving elements 116 and 117 do not sense light (whether the signal is at a non-sensing level).

When both the light receiving elements 116 and 117 are insensitive, whether the game ball is stagnant in the first passage 61 and the second passage 62 (both the first ejection mechanism 71 and the second ejection mechanism 72 cannot operate) Light emitting element 115 is abnormal (cannot emit light due to disconnection etc.)
Can be considered. Therefore, it is checked whether or not the light emitting element 115 has an abnormality. If the light emitting element 115 is abnormal, it can be determined that the first discharge mechanism 71 and the second discharge mechanism 72 have no abnormality.
If the light emitting element 115 is normal, the first ejection mechanism 71 and the second ejection mechanism 72 hardly fail at the same time.
It may be determined that the ball is clogged on the downstream side and the game ball cannot be discharged.

On the other hand, when both the light receiving elements 116 and 117 are sensing light (the signal is at the sensing level), it can be determined that there is no game ball in the first passage 61 and the second passage 62. Specifically, the prize ball tank 12 becomes empty or the ball is clogged in the tank rail 13 so that the game ball discharging device 5
It can be determined that the supply of the game balls to 0 is interrupted. The replenishment switch 12 determines whether or not there is a game ball in the prize ball tank 12.
If there is a game ball in the prize ball tank 12 but is not detected by the tank rail switch 13a, it can be determined that the ball is clogged in the tank rail 13, and if the tank rail switch 13a detects a game ball. The ball may be clogged in the common passage 58 of the game ball discharging device 50 or the upstream thereof.

Following such a sensor check, an error is displayed on the error display 49, for example, the occurrence of an error is reported to the game store clerk by turning on the lamp LNP, and the CR unit 11 and the hall computer are reported. (S475). The error display in the processing of S475 is as follows. [Error display related to game ball discharge device] Status display normal 00 One discharge mechanism is abnormal 11 Light emitting element failure 12 Replenishment delay (empty ball tank is empty) 13 Ball clogged on tank rail 14 Ball clogged on downstream side 15 Ball inside Clog 16 And lamp LNP lit in parallel with the error display
When the game store clerk is prompted to open the glass holding frame 6a, the display on the error display 49 can be viewed.

By this display, it is possible to immediately determine, for example, whether the game store clerk can easily recover from a failure (delay of supply, clogging of the tank rail or the downstream side is clogged) or not (damage or disconnection of the light emitting element, clogging of the inside of the ball, etc.). Therefore, the game store clerk can take appropriate measures (for example, ask the player to wait for a short time to clear the ball clogging and resume the game, or to continue the game for the time being, but only one discharge mechanism , The game can be ended at an appropriate place, or the game cannot be continued, and the player is moved to another game machine, etc.). It should be noted that the normal state (display 00) does not only indicate that the game ball discharging device 50 is normal, but also indicates that there is no abnormality in the pachinko machine 1 anywhere.

Also, other error displays can be displayed in detail in the same manner as the error display relating to the game ball discharging device.
The game clerk can take appropriate measures for other errors as described above. As described above, in the pachinko machine 1, the value of the six-piece payout counter M1 is incremented by one immediately when six prize balls are won, and fifteen pieces are immediately paid when fifteen prize balls are won. The value of the counter M2 is incremented by one, and the payout is executed unless the value of the six-piece payment counter M1 or the 15-piece payment counter M2 is 0. When the six-payout is executed, the six-payment counter M
Since the value of 1 is decremented by 1 and when 15 pieces are paid out, the value of the 15 piece counter M2 is decremented by 1.
There is no need to leave so-called proof balls and execute payout based on them. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for processing the evidence sphere provided in the conventional pachinko machine, thereby simplifying the structure relating to the ejection of the game sphere.

Further, since the winning is detected by the winning sensors provided in each winning opening, a large time lag does not occur between the occurrence of the winning and the detection. In addition, in the pachinko machine 1, usually, lending is performed by the first discharging mechanism 71 and payout of prize balls is performed by the second discharging mechanism 72.
The rental ball and the prize ball are clearly distinguished. In particular, since the lending ball is not discharged during the discharge of the prize ball and the prize ball is not discharged during the discharge of the lending ball, there is no danger that the lending ball and the prize ball cannot be distinguished.

When an abnormality occurs in one of the first discharging mechanism 71 and the second discharging mechanism 72, the remaining normal one can discharge the lending ball and the prize ball, so that the pachinko game is interrupted immediately. No failure occurs. And
The most characteristic point of this pachinko machine 1 is that an error indicator 4
9 is that the details of the error can be individually displayed in detail. On the basis of the display, for example, the player can wait a short time, resolve the error, and then restart the game. For the time being, continue the game. Extremely appropriate measures can be taken, such as having the game ended at an appropriate place, but having the error removed by a short or simple operation and the game being unable to continue, and having the player move to another gaming machine.

In addition, since it is only necessary to open the glass holding frame 6a to determine the correspondence, the frame body (front frame or middle frame) holding the game board is opened, and the entire main mechanism is moved to the player side. It is not necessary to draw out the information to the player and quick explanations and actions can be taken without waiting for the player.

Further, in the case of a trouble that can be dealt with simply by opening the glass holding frame 6a covering the front side of the game board, it is possible to avoid unnecessarily pulling out the entire main mechanism to the player. The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

3 (a) is a left side view, FIG. 3 (b) is a front view, and FIG.
(C) is a right side view.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the game ball discharging device of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the back side of the game ball discharging device of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover of the game ball discharging device of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotating body of the game ball discharging device of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of movement of a game ball in the game ball ejection device of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the game board of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a mechanism related to lending and paying out game balls of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of game board information and frame information input to the game control device of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows the RA of the game control device for the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.
It is explanatory drawing of M.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a card accepting process executed by the CR unit attached to the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a lending process executed by the CR unit of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a switching process executed by the CR unit of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a determination process executed by the game control device of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a counting process executed by the game control device of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a probability setting process executed by the game control device of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a payout process executed by the game control device of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a monitoring process executed by the game control device for the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine (gaming machine), 4 ... Middle frame, 5 ... Game board (viewable part), 6 ... Glass plate (transparent plate), 6a ... Glass holding frame (transparent plate holding body), 7 ... Top tray ( Saucer), 7b: dish door (dish door body), 17: game control device (abnormality determination means), 4
9 Error display (abnormal display means).

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An abnormality judging means for judging the presence or absence of an abnormality in a component of a gaming machine, and the component judged to be abnormal by the abnormality judging unit or character information corresponding to the content of the abnormality of the component is displayed. A gaming machine comprising: an abnormality display unit, wherein the display of the abnormality display unit is visible from a front side of the gaming machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine has a transparent plate holder that can be opened and closed with respect to a main body of the gaming machine, and the transparent plate holder that is held by the transparent plate holder. A transparent plate that covers the front side of the portion to be viewed such as a game board or a symbol display device when the device is closed, and the abnormality display means faces the portion to be viewed when the transparent plate holder is closed. A gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine is disposed at a position where it is not visible from the side and can be viewed from the side facing the part to be viewed when the transparent plate holder is opened. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine has a tray for storing a game ball, and includes a dish door body that can be opened and closed with respect to a main body of the gaming machine. The means is disposed at a position where it is impossible to visually recognize from the front side of the gaming machine when the dish door is closed, and is visible from the front side of the gaming machine when the dish door is opened. A gaming machine characterized by being. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the character information is a code including a numeral. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a game ball is used to execute the game, or the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. 6. Giving a game value such as a prize ball to a player side due to a payout condition such as a prize being established by a behavior of a game ball in a game area formed on a front side of a game board. The gaming machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: