JP2001129177A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine by which it is easily judged whether or not a prize winning sensor is normally functioned (conducted). SOLUTION: A continuity inspection display unit 33 is arranged and a person in charge confirms that the prize winning sensor is connected by displaying the number of prize winning balls (1, 2, etc.), which enter prize winning ports in the unit 33 for testing in a test mode. In a game control mode, the unit 33 displays the number of bonus balls (15 bonus balls,) for discharging the bonus balls and is operated as a bonus ball number display unit. Then the continuity of the prize winning sensor is also confirmed (the confirmation of on/off). It is also adequate that reporting lamps 402-410 are independently disposed in accordance with the respective prize winning ports without arranging the unit 33 to report the continuity of the prize winning sensor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides a plurality of prize holes in a game area of a game board, each of which has a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize game ball. The present invention relates to a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine) that sets a plurality of values, sets prize ball number information corresponding to a winning value, and supplies a prize ball to a player.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional pachinko gaming machine will be described by taking a typical pachinko gaming machine as an example. A pachinko gaming machine is transmitted from a game control device for controlling the progress of a game on a game board. Based on the prize ball number information, a separately configured discharge control device (separate means that the substrate is separately configured) drives and controls a ball discharge device (for example, a discharge unit), A game value (for example, a game ball as a prize ball discharge) has been supplied to a player. That is, in order to supply a game value to the player, on condition that the game ball is fired in a game area formed on the game board surface, and that the fired ball wins various winning holes provided in the game area. The award ball number information (for example,
Prize ball data such as 7 prize balls and 13 prize balls)
The discharge control device supplies a predetermined number of game balls as a game value to the player.

More specifically, in the case of a game board in which a sensor is provided only in a specific winning opening, the number of prize balls is changed depending on the winning opening provided in the game area (for example, a starting winning) in order to enhance the playability. 7 prize balls for a prize in the mouth, 13 prize balls for a prize in another prize port, and the number of prizes won in these prize ports is stored (for example, when the number of prize balls is 2). In the case of the type, both are distinguished by storing one and not storing the other.) Then, the winning game balls (winning balls) are gathered in a safe unit for detecting one winning ball, and the winning mechanism is temporarily stopped by a stopping mechanism provided in the safe unit. Is detected by the safe sensor.

Then, the game control device checks the winning ball memory based on the winning ball signal from the safe sensor, and if there is a winning ball memory, the corresponding winning ball number information (for example, 7).
Is transmitted to the discharge control device, and if there is no winning storage, the set prize ball number information (for example, 13) is transmitted. Next, the discharge control device supplies the game ball to the player based on the transmitted prize ball number information (for example, supplies the game ball by driving the discharge unit), and drives the stop mechanism of the safe unit to drive the prize. The winning balls involved in the ball ejection are ejected out of the gaming machine, and the prize ball discharging process based on the winning balls ends. The above description is an example in which the game value information has two systems (for example, a seven-prize ball and a thirteen-prize ball), but other than this, three systems (for example, five-prize ball, seven-prize ball, and thirteen-prize ball) In some cases, a plurality of prize balls are set.
In any case, the game control device transmits the winning ball number information corresponding to the winning opening to the discharge control device at the time when the winning opening is won and detected by the safe sensor. The prize balls are discharged in the order of the prize ball data transmitted from the control device.

In order to speed up the prize ball discharge, the safe control unit is not provided, that is, the prize ball number information is transmitted from the game control device to the discharge control device based on detection of one by the safe unit. In place of the method of transmitting the prize ball, for example, a sensor (prize sensor) is provided for each winning opening provided on the game board surface, and based on the fact that the game ball has won the sensor, the discharge control device sequentially transmits the prize ball number information. And controls the discharge of the winning game balls to the outside of the gaming machine without temporarily stopping as described above, while the discharge control device sequentially stores the transmitted prize ball number information, There has been proposed a pachinko gaming machine that discharges a prize ball by driving a discharge unit by a discharge control device based on the stored prize ball number information.

[0006]

In conventional pachinko gaming machines and proposed pachinko gaming machines, a winning sensor (for example, a safe sensor or a sensor provided for each winning opening) is conductive ( There is a problem as described below in confirming whether or not to operate normally. In the case of a gaming machine of a type in which a winning ball is gathered in a safe unit and one is detected by a safe sensor, the so-called safe sensor is alive (there is no disconnection or the like), and the winning ball for the winning ball is discharged. You. On the other hand, when the safe sensor does not function normally due to disconnection or the like, the ball (safe ball) is held in the safe channel, so even if a player makes a complaint, for example, It was possible to respond by checking the inside of the safe flow path on the side. Therefore, even if the safe sensor is disconnected and so-called dead, the trouble can be prevented beforehand by looking at the ball held mechanically. Further, even if the winning sensor provided in a part of the winning opening breaks, the winning ball eventually reaches the safe sensor, and the winning ball itself is paid out. However, a winning sensor is provided for each winning opening,
In the case of a gaming machine without a safe unit that discharges prize balls one by one as the prize balls are discharged, if the prize sensor is disconnected, the prize ball will not be detected and the prize ball will win. It was possible that no prize ball was paid out to the player. In this case, the trust between the player and the game store has been lost, and a trouble has occurred.

[0007] Therefore, even in a gaming machine provided with a number of winning sensors corresponding to each winning opening, it is possible to detect (inspection) disconnection of the winning sensor, etc., but due to its workability and the like. However, there are the following disadvantages. When the gaming machine is powered on, the attendant puts the ball into the winning opening and confirms that the ball (prize ball) is paid out, so that the winning sensor is normal (so-called conducting),
If there is no payout of balls (prize balls) even after inserting the balls,
It is said that disconnection is possible. However, in this case,
When balls are thrown into all the winning holes, the winning balls for the winning balls are ejected to the upper plate, and although the continuity of the winning sensor can be confirmed, it is necessary to return the balls paid out to the upper plate to the island again. It was extremely troublesome work. In addition, when such a troublesome work is performed for all the gaming machines in the game store, it takes time and trouble to confirm the continuity, and the work of confirming the winning sensor has become difficult. Since the task of checking the winning sensor is difficult, if neglected, there is a possibility that the player may be damaged and trouble may occur with the game store.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily confirming that a winning sensor is normally functioning (for example, conducting). And

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with a plurality of prize holes in a game area of a game board, and detects a prize game ball in each of the prize holes. Prize-ball detecting means for individually setting a plurality of prize-values of these prize ports, and inputting a prize signal from the prize-ball detecting means to a game control device for controlling the progress of the game. A game machine for setting prize ball number information corresponding to a prize value based on a prize signal from a prize ball detection means, wherein the prize ball detection means detects the game ball based on the prize signal detected by the prize ball detection means. A function notification control means for performing notification control capable of confirming that the means is functioning normally is provided, and a prize ball detection means corresponding to a predetermined portion of the gaming machine based on the output of the function notification control means is normally provided. Functioning Characterized in that a function test confirmation notifying unit that identifiably notifies that. Here, the function notification control means performs notification control capable of confirming that the winning ball detection means is functioning normally based on a winning signal in which the winning ball detection means has detected a game ball,
"Normal function" means that when the winning ball detecting means detects, for example, a game ball that has won a winning opening, the state becomes conductive (that is, the game ball is detected by being conductive and functions normally). State), and a concept including all cases where a game ball that has won a winning opening in another state (for example, ON when light is blocked) is detected (that is, a state in which the output of the winning ball detection means detects a game ball). And a base for realizing the function of the function notification control means through the wiring and the connector, as well as the signal (the concept including all the physical changes in the case of the change). This is a concept including that the signal transmission route until the signal is input to the base of the game control device 107 is normal. That is, if there is an abnormality (for example, disconnection or poor contact) in the wiring or connector until the signal of the winning ball detection means is transmitted to the base that realizes the function of the function notification control means, the "normally functioning" I don't say. Therefore, "normal function" means not only the winning ball detection means (sensor),
This includes the state in which the wiring and the connectors related to the winning ball detection means are also normal. In addition, the “notifying to be identifiable” in the function test confirmation notifying means means that the notification period is only the same timing at the moment when the output of the winning ball detecting means changes to a state where a game ball is detected (for example, a conduction state). Not only that, for example, in consideration of the fact that the inspection is performed by a human (for example, a hall clerk), the output of the prize-ball detecting means detects a game ball so that the human can sufficiently recognize the notification state. This concept includes not only the instant, but also a case where a period extended by adding a predetermined time is set as the notification period. For example, if the output of the prize ball detecting means detects a game ball at 0.1 second, the function test confirmation notifying means is turned on for one second by adding 0.9 seconds. In this way, the person performing the inspection can sufficiently recognize that the winning ball detection means is functioning normally.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the function check confirmation notifying means is configured to identifiably notify that the winning ball detecting means is functioning normally.
The number of game balls detected by the winning ball detection means is displayed as the notification content. Claim 1
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the function test confirmation notifying means is configured as a prize ball number information display for displaying prize ball number information corresponding to a winning value during a normal game. I do. The gaming machine according to claim 4, which is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising mode switching means capable of switching between a test mode and a game control mode, wherein the game control device is configured to perform a test mode by the mode switching means. Is selected, the prize ball number information is not set even if the winning ball detection means detects a game ball. A game machine according to claim 5, which is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the function test confirmation notifying means is a predetermined display provided on a front portion of the game machine. In the gaming machine according to claim 6 dependent on claim 1, the function test confirmation notifying means is provided individually corresponding to each winning opening, and when the winning ball detecting means detects a game ball, a function notification is provided. It is characterized by individually notifying that a game ball has won a winning port provided with the winning ball detecting means based on an output of the control means. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, wherein a plurality of prize ports are provided in a game area of a game board, and each prize port is provided with a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize game ball. A plurality of types are set, and a prize signal from the prize ball detection means is input to a game control device for controlling the progress of the game, and the game control device responds to a prize value based on the prize signal from the prize ball detection means. In the gaming machine for setting the number of prize balls to be set, when the individual prize ball detecting means corresponding to each of the prize ports detects a game ball, the game ball is prize in the prize port provided with the prize ball detection means. Winning-port-based notification control means for performing notification control capable of individually notifying that a game ball has been won in each winning port based on the output of the winning-port-specific notification control means. Winning ball detection notification means And it features. The gaming machine according to claim 8, which is dependent on claim 7, and further comprising a decoration control device for controlling a decoration member for decorating a game board in connection with a game, wherein the game control device and the decoration control device are configured to notify the winning opening. Control means, the game control device transmits a predetermined command to the decoration control device when the winning ball detection means detects a game ball, the decoration control device, based on the transmitted command, the decoration control device, It is characterized by driving the winning prize ball detection notifying means by mouth.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine will be described below. First, the first
An embodiment will be described. A. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming board of a gaming machine 301 (see FIG. 2) for performing a pachinko game. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a game board, and a game area 3 is formed by surrounding a substantially circular area on the front surface with a guide rail 2. The game board 1 has an out-ball inflow port 11, a special symbol display device 12 as a variable display device, and an ordinary electric accessory type starting winning port 1
3. Variable winning device 14 (large winning opening)
5, 16, a plurality of general winning openings 17 to 22, special figure starting memory display 23, ordinary symbol display device 24, general figure starting memory display 25, hitting direction conversion member 26 called a windmill (only a part Others are omitted because they are complicated), and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided.

Here, a plurality of winning ports (starting winning port 13, variable winning device 14 (large winning port), and general winning ports 17 to 22) provided on the game board 1 are provided for convenience of the following description. In the above, a winning sensor (for example, a proximity sensor) is disposed for each winning opening for "winning opening" as appropriate, without reference numerals. Note that the arrangement at the winning opening includes a case where it is arranged inside the winning opening, a case where it is arranged in a ball passage near the winning opening (for example, a ball passage immediately below the winning opening) or the like. . Specifically, the special winning start sensor 172 is arranged in the starting winning opening 13, the count sensor 173 and the continuation sensor 171 are arranged in the variable winning device 14 (large winning opening), and the general winning openings 17 to 22 are arranged. The winning sensors 175a to 175f are arranged (see FIG. 4). The above special figure start sensor 172, count sensor 173, continuation sensor 171, winning sensor 1
75a to 175f may be referred to as winning sensors for convenience of explanation. These winning sensors 171, 172, 17
3, 175a to 175f constitute winning ball detecting means for detecting a game ball winning a winning opening, and when these winning openings are won, a winning value (a game value predetermined by each winning opening: for example, 5 pieces) The prize ball data (prize ball number information) corresponding to the prize balls, the number of prize balls such as 15 prize balls, etc.
7 (see FIG. 2 to be described later) and transmitted to the discharge control device 106 (see FIG. 2 to be described later). The winning sensors 171, 172, 173, 175
When a game ball that has won a winning opening is detected, a to 175f are in a conductive state, and to be in a conductive state corresponds to a normally functioning state. Here, the functioning normally means that the conduction is performed when the winning ball is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to the case where the conduction ball is detected and the winning ball is detected, and the configuration may be such that the winning ball is detected in another state. For example, the configuration may be such that the game ball is turned off when a game ball is detected while the game ball is always in conduction, and in this case, the transition to the state of turning off functions normally. In addition, the winning sensor 17
Signals of 1, 172, 173, 175a to 175f (winning ball detection means) are input to the base of a game control device 107, which realizes the function of the function notification control means through wiring and connectors, which will be described later. Is a concept based on the premise that the signal transmission route between them is normal.

The game area 2 in the game board 1 is a game area using a pachinko ball, for example, a game area belonging to the so-called "first type" or a "third type" provided with a symbol display device. Although it is possible to adopt an arbitrary configuration even if it belongs to the "type" or another model, for example, in the present embodiment, a type belonging to the "first type" is used. The game board 1 is provided with a game board decoration case (lamp case) 31. The game board decoration case 31 is disposed so as to extend from the upper portion of the game board 1 to the right side in the figure, and is made of resin. A predetermined color is given. A plurality of decorative lamps 32 are provided in the game board decoration case 31, and the decorative lamps blink or illuminate during a reach or a big hit to decorate the game. In FIG. 1, the decorative lamp 32
The lamp body is located on the back side of the game board decoration case 31, and the lamp cover (transmitting light by lighting of the lamp body) is located on the surface of the game board decoration case 31. The lamp cover is formed in a circular shape.

At the upper right side of the game board decoration case 31, there is provided a continuity inspection display 33 (function inspection confirmation notifying means: a predetermined display).
Are winning sensors 171 and 1 arranged corresponding to each winning opening.
72, 173, and 175a to 175f are displayed to indicate whether they are conductive (or function correctly). The continuity inspection display 33 is composed of, for example, two sets of 7-segment displays (a configuration in which two 7-segment LEDs are arranged). Mode) can be displayed (see FIG. 8 described later). Note that the continuity test display 33 operates as a display for continuity test display in the test mode to display the number of winning balls in the test mode, but displays the prize ball count for prize ball discharge in the game control mode. It is configured to operate as a prize ball number display (prize ball number information display) (see step S31 in FIG. 7 described later). The continuity inspection display 33 is disposed in the game board decoration case 31. The continuity inspection display 33 as a predetermined display is provided on the game board decoration case 31 which is a front portion of the gaming machine 301.
Is equivalent to the configuration in which.

B. Next, the back mechanism of the gaming machine 301 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a back mechanism of the gaming machine 301. 2, the main components of the back mechanism in the gaming machine 301 include a storage tank (upper tank) 101, a guideway 102, a terminal board (external terminal board) 103, a connection unit 104, and an odd sensor 224 (see FIG. 4). , A ball discharge unit 105 functioning as a ball discharge device, a discharge control device 106, a game control device 107, and a relay base board 10
8, launch unit 109, card unit connection board 11
0, power supply unit 111, base frame (back mechanism base) 112 of back mechanism board 114, sound control device 113, launch control device 115, display control device 116, decoration control device 117, remaining prize ball number display 118 and remaining prize Ball notification signal output terminal 11
There are nine. The gaming machine 301 is provided with a card-type ball lending machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a ball lending machine) 302. The front frame of the gaming machine 301 is supported by a wooden machine frame 303 by an upper hinge and a lower hinge so as to be openable and closable.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, all of the plurality of winning ports arranged on the game board 1,
That is, the special winning start sensor 172, the count sensor 173, the continuation sensor 171, and the winning sensors 175a to 175f (see FIG. 4) are provided for each of the starting winning opening 13, the variable winning device 14 (large winning opening), and the general winning openings 17 to 22. ) Are provided, and these sensors 172, 173, 171 and 175 are provided.
The balls detected by a to 175f are discharged to the outside of the gaming machine without being temporarily stopped for discharging the prize balls by a conventional stopping mechanism (so-called safe unit). The present invention is not limited to the case where a winning sensor is provided in all winning ports. For example, balls winning from the winning ports having the same number of winning balls may be collected by a gutter and collectively detected by the gutter by the winning sensor. . Game control device 107, character relay base 1
08 and the sound control device 113 are attached to the back side of the game board 1 in this case, and the display control device 116
It is arranged at the rear of the center accessory (special symbol display device 12). The mounting position of each control unit is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 2. For example, the game control device 107 may be mounted on the base frame 112.

The base frame 112 is formed of an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin, and is attached to a metal frame 121 fixed to the back of a front frame (not shown) of the gaming machine 301. Then, on the base frame 112, various components such as the storage tank 101, the taxiway 102, the terminal base 103, the connection unit 104, the ball discharge unit 105,
A discharge control device 106, a firing unit 109, a card unit connection board 110, a power supply unit 111, a firing control device 115, a decoration control device 117, and the like are attached (for example, fixed by a one-touch holding member). The various components and the base frame 112 are collectively referred to as a back mechanism board 114.

The metal frame 121 has a rectangular shape, and has a game board storage section 122 for removably storing and fixing the game board 1. A plurality of game board fixing devices (not shown) are arranged in the game board storage section 122, and the game board 1 is fixed by the plurality of game board fixing devices. The storage tank 101 stores balls before being discharged beforehand. The shortage of the number of balls in the storage tank 101 is detected by a replenishment sensor (not shown). Is replenished. Storage tank 101
The ball inside is guided by the guide path 102 and is discharged by the ball discharge unit 105. The ball discharge unit 105
A required number of game balls guided from the storage tank 101 based on a predetermined ball discharge command signal (a signal from the discharge control device 106) as prize balls or rental balls are discharged to the player side (the discharge here is (Including prize ball discharge and ball lending discharge), and constitutes a ball discharge device provided with a ball discharge mechanism. The ball discharge unit 105 has two ball discharge passages (not shown). One ball discharge passage discharges a prize ball, and the other ball discharge passage discharges a ball loan. It is supposed to do. That is, the configuration is such that the two ball discharge passages are properly used depending on the application. Ejecting for a prize ball is equivalent to supplying a game value generated in a game to a player. Control may be performed such that all the ball discharge passages of the two articles are discharged in prize balls or discharged in a lending manner, such that they are collectively used.

Whether or not there are balls for discharging the prize ball and discharging the ball on the taxiway 102 is detected by an odd sensor 224 (spare ball sensor: see FIG. 4). The odd sensor 224 is provided in a pair corresponding to each of the two passages (ie, the prize ball discharge passage (reserve ball flow passage) and the ball lending discharge passage (reserve ball flow passage)). Irregular sensor 2
24 is provided at a predetermined position of a spare ball flow path on the back side of the gaming machine as one of the supply conditions of the game value (game balls), and is provided at a position where a specified number, for example, about 100 game balls can be discharged. I have. Therefore, the number of game balls filling the spare ball flow path from the ball discharge unit 105 to the odd sensor 224 corresponds to the number of game balls guaranteed by the spare ball sensor.

The terminal board 103 relays the input of AC power and the transmission and reception of signals to and from a hall computer (management device: not shown) of a game arcade, and includes a relay section and a connector section (a hall computer). The connection is made by a cable. The discharge control device 106 includes the base frame 1
12 and controls various electric components necessary for discharging the ball (for example, an electric drive source of the ball discharging unit 105). Specifically, a prize set and transmitted by the game control device 107 is transmitted. Based on the information on the number of balls, the ball discharging unit 105 (ball discharging device) is driven to control the supply of game balls as prize balls (predetermined game value) to the player, and a ball lending operation signal (ball lending request) The controller controls the ball release control based on a BRQ signal, which is a signal, and includes a control board housed in a predetermined case. Game control device 1
07 performs various controls necessary for the role play (specifically, while controlling the progress of the game on the game board surface,
The prize ball number information for supplying the game value generated in the game to the player is set and transmitted to the discharge control device 106), and in the present embodiment, the prize sensors 172, 1
73, 175a to 175f perform notification control capable of confirming that the prize sensor is conducting based on a prize signal detecting a game ball, and a control board realizing this control function is provided in a predetermined case. It is housed and configured.
The game control device 107 constitutes a function notification control unit, and the function notification control unit includes a prize ball detection unit (a prize sensor 172, 1).
73, 175a to 175f) perform notification control capable of confirming that the winning ball detection means is functioning normally, based on the winning signal detecting the game ball. What works properly is
In the present embodiment, the conduction is detected when the winning sensor detects a game ball. However, as described above, the configuration is not limited to the example in which the conduction is detected and the winning ball is detected, and the winning ball is detected in another state. It may be. Note that it is assumed that the wiring and the connector until the signal of the winning sensor are transmitted to the base of the game control device 107 are also normal (that is, there is no disconnection or poor contact).

The accessory relay board 108 is a decorative lamp 3 of the accessory, the game board decoration case 31 disposed on the game board 1.
2. The relay of the cable connection between the display 33 for the continuity inspection, the variable winning device 14 and the like and the game control device 107. The firing unit 109 is a mechanism for firing a ball in response to an operation of a firing operation handle (not shown) provided at a lower portion of the front of the gaming machine 301. The card unit connection board 110 connects the cable 123 extending from the ball rental machine 302 attached to the gaming machine 301 to the gaming machine 30.
1 and is provided with a mounting member (for example, a female connector) for receiving a connector at the end of the cable 123. On the back side of the gaming board 1, there is formed a space in which a winning ball can flow down, and a winning ball collecting member 141 for collecting the winning balls is provided.
41 is, for example, a transparent resin (PC resin or the like), which is a safe ball (winning ball) entered at each winning opening of the game board 1, a special figure start sensor 172, a count sensor 173, and a continuation sensor 17.
1. It has a function of guiding a ball that has passed the winning sensors 175a to 175f (see FIG. 4). The safe balls guided by the prize ball collecting member 141 are collected by the lower prize ball collecting shelf 142, and then discharged through the prize ball flow gutter 143 to the outside of the gaming machine 301 from the ball discharge port 144. It has become. Incidentally, conventionally, the safe unit is arranged in the winning ball downflow gutter 143, but in the present embodiment, since the safe unit is not provided, the safe ball simply passes through the winning ball downflow gutter 143. is there. The winning ball collection shelf 142 is formed on the base frame 112 and is formed of a synthetic resin member. Further, the winning ball collecting gutter 143 is similarly formed on the base frame 112 and is formed of a synthetic resin member. In addition, each winning sensor may be provided in the winning ball collecting member 141.

On the back side of the game board 1, an out-ball down gutter (not shown) is provided. The ball is made to flow down and is discharged from the ball discharge port 144 to the outside of the gaming machine 301 (that is, the out-ball is guided to flow down to the back side of the gaming machine 301). In addition, the ball discharge port 144 also discharges the winning ball that has passed through the winning ball flowing down gutter 143 to the outside as described above. The power supply unit 111 includes the discharge control device 106, the game control device 1,
07, a power supply to each control device such as the sound control device 113, etc., which will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Sound control device 113
Controls the appropriate output of various sound effects according to the gaming state from a speaker (not shown) disposed on the front of the gaming machine 301 or the like, and realizes this control function in a predetermined case. The control board is housed therein. The sound control device 113 is connected to the control board of the game control device 107 by a cable (connected by one-way communication wiring) and receives a signal indicating a game state. The launch control device 115 controls various electric components (for example, an electric drive source of the launch unit 109) necessary for launching a ball, and a control board for realizing this control function is housed in a predetermined case. It is configured.

The display control device 116 is a game control device 10
The center item is controlled in accordance with a command output from the center item 7 and a predetermined image is displayed on a display unit on the front of the center item (that is, the display unit of the special symbol display device 12). A control board for realizing a control function is housed in a predetermined case. The display control device 116 is connected to the control board of the game control device 107 by a cable (connected by one-way communication wiring) and receives a command (command) output from the game control device 107.

The decoration control device 117 controls the operation (lighting or extinguishing) of the decoration lamps 32 arranged on the front of the gaming machine 301 or the like. It is housed in a case. The remaining prize ball number display 118 includes, for example, two sets of 7-segment displays, and when there is an unpaid prize ball (remaining prize ball) at the time of restoration of a power failure or the like, the stored number of stored prize balls (for example, , 7 prize balls and 15 prize balls). Number of remaining balls display 118
Is disposed on the case of the discharge control device 106 (on the back side of the gaming machine 301), so that, for example, a game clerk can see for confirmation or show it to a player to avoid trouble. It is possible. The remaining prize ball notification signal output terminal 119 is composed of, for example, a connector attached to the base frame 112, and outputs a signal to the outside of the gaming machine 301 that there is an unpaid prize ball (remaining prize ball) at the time of restoration from power failure or the like. For example, by connecting a wire from a management device of a game store to the remaining prize ball notification signal output terminal 119, the management device is notified of the presence of a prize ball.

Here, the remaining prize ball number display 118 and the remaining prize ball notification signal output terminal 119 provide predetermined prize ball number information in the RAM 203 (storage means) in the discharge control device 106 when the power of the gaming machine 301 is turned on. When the storage area (prize ball data memory area to be described later) holds the information on the number of prize balls, it constitutes a remaining prize ball notification means for notifying that it is being stored.
Note that the remaining prize ball notification signal output terminal 119 does not directly notify that the game value is being supplied, but indirectly informs the management device of the presence of the remaining prize ball by playing the game. You will be informed that you are supplying value. The remaining prize ball number display 118 and the remaining prize ball notification signal output terminal 119 perform notification to the game store side.

C. Next, a power supply system of the gaming machine 301 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power supply system in the gaming machine 301. In FIG. 3, AC 24 V is supplied from the outside to the gaming machine 301, and the external power supply AC 24 V is supplied to the terminal board 103.
Is indirectly distributed to the power supply unit 111 via the. The power supply unit 111 converts AC 24 V into DC, generates various DC voltages, and supplies the generated DC voltages to the respective control devices. Specifically, DC30V for driving a solenoid, DC24V for driving lamps, and DC12V for driving a sensor and a backlight are generated as driving power supplies, and as a power supply for a control device for operating each control device. Generate DC12V. Then, 30 V DC and 12 V DC are applied to the emission control device 115, 24 V DC and 12 V DC are applied to the emission control device 106, and 32 V DC and D
C24V and DC12V are provided to the game control device 107 by D
C12V to the sound control device 113, DC30V, DC24
V and DC12V to the decoration control device 117,
V is supplied to the display control device 116.

Therefore, the game control device 107 and the discharge control device 106 are configured such that power for use in these devices is supplied from a separately provided power supply unit 111 (constituting a power supply device). , The power supply unit 111 supplies power (A
C24V), a required power supply is generated, and supplied to the emission control device 106. Launch control device 1
Reference numeral 15 controls the firing unit (the firing device) 109 in accordance with the amount of rotation of the firing operation handle, and performs control for firing the game ball with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation. Note that the emission control signal is input to the emission control device 115 from the emission control device 106, and the emission enable signal is transmitted to the emission unit 109 when the emission control device 106 detects any abnormality. This signal enables the firing operation when the firing operation is stopped or when the abnormality is resolved.

The discharge control device 106 includes the game control device 10
7 based on the prize ball control information (prize ball data: information on the number of prize balls) transmitted from the controller 7 (see FIG. 4).
Solenoids 233, 23 based on the detection signal from
4 (see FIG. 4) is controlled to discharge a predetermined number of game balls. In addition, discharge control of the ball rental is performed based on a signal from the ball rental machine 302. Here, the ball rental machine 302
The ball lending control procedure performed between the controller and the discharge controller 106 will be described. For convenience, transmission and reception of signals will be described in positive logic. If the PRDY signal output from the discharge control device 106 (that is, the pachinko gaming machine 301) is in the Hi state, the ball rental machine 302 determines that the discharge control device 106 can perform the discharge control of the ball. If the ball rental machine 302 is in a state where the discharge control device 106 can control the ball discharge,
An operation of a ball lending button (for example, disposed on the front side of the gaming machine 301) is accepted, and if there is an input from the ball lending button, the discharge controller 106 is notified that a ball lending request (BRQ signal) will be made. The BRDY signal is set to Hi. Emission control device 1
06, when the BRDY signal becomes Hi, prepares to perform discharge control of the ball for ball lending, and the ball lending request signal B
The RQ signal is monitored.

The ball lending machine 302 sets the BRQ signal to Hi after a predetermined time elapses after setting the BDY signal to Hi, and the discharge control device 106 receives the BRQ signal Hi when the ball lending machine 302 receives the BRQ signal. Ball rental machine 302
The EXS signal that is sent to the device is set to Hi, and a predetermined unit (for example, 25 pulses per BRQ signal) is ejected. When the ejection is completed, the output EXS signal is set to Lo and the BRQ signal is output. The ball lending machine 302 is notified that the base ball has been ejected, and the BRDY signal is still Hi.
Is continued, the BRQ signal is monitored again, and the BRD
When the Y signal becomes Lo, the ball rental discharge control process ends. On the other hand, the ball rental machine 302 sets the BRQ signal to Hi and then checks the Hi of the output EXS signal,
The signal is set to Lo, and the EXS signal is monitored. This EX
When the Lo of the S signal is confirmed, the BRQ signal is set to Hi when the ball lending request is made continuously, and the BRDY signal is set to Lo when the ball lending request is not made.

The game control device 107 is a control device for realizing the overall control of the game and the functions of the function notification control means described above. Among the portions related to the prize ball control of the game balls, Winning sensor 17 provided in
When the winning of the game ball is detected by 2, 173, 171, 175a to 175f, the number of the winning balls set in advance corresponding to the winning value of the winning opening is transmitted to the discharge control device 106.
It should be noted that when a game ball is won for each winning opening, the winning value of how much award ball is paid out is determined in advance in the manufacturing stage of the gaming machine 301 (the stage of determining the specifications of the gaming machine 301). The display control device 116 controls the image display of the special symbol display device 12 based on the display data transmitted from the game control device 107, and supplies power to the special symbol display device 12. The decoration control device 117 controls the light emission of the light-emitting decoration member such as the decoration lamp 32 arranged in the game board decoration case 31 based on the decoration data transmitted from the game control device 107, and supplies the power to the light-emitting decoration member. Has been supplied. Based on the sound data transmitted from the game control device 107, the sound control device 113 performs control relating to the sound effects, such as generating a sound effect and outputting the sound effect from a speaker.

D. Control System Next, a control system of the gaming machine 301 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control system in the gaming machine 301. In FIG. 4, the game control device 107 includes:
A game processing unit (gaming microcomputer) 160 consisting of a one-chip microcomputer for controlling the accessory required for pachinko games and the like, and a clock generation circuit (CLK) for dividing the oscillation frequency of the crystal to obtain a predetermined clock 161
, An input interface 162 for receiving various sensor signals, and an output interface 163. The game processing unit 160 includes a CPU, a ROM,
It has a built-in RAM and is manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip.

The input interface 162 includes a so-called continuous winning (V)
A continuation sensor (switch: including a function of counting) 171 for detecting a winning ball, a special figure start sensor 172 for detecting a prize to a special figure start prize port (a normal electric character type start prize port) 13, Count sensor 173 for detecting a general ball entering the variable prize winning device 14, general-purpose starting gate 1
Signals are inputted from a general-purpose starting gate sensor 174 for detecting that a ball has passed through the balls 5 and 16, and a prize sensor 175a to 175f for detecting a prize ball in the general prize ports 17 to 22 of the game board 1. When the game board 1 has n general winning ports, n winning sensors are arranged. further,
In the present embodiment, unlike the related art, the input interface 162 includes an odd sensor 224 for detecting whether or not the number of game balls stored on the upstream side of the ball discharge unit 105 is equal to or more than a specified number, and a lower plate full state (ball Signal is input from an overflow sensor 225 for detecting the excessive storage of the glass frame, a metal frame sensor 226 for detecting the open / closed state of a glass frame (not shown), and a test mode switch 227 capable of switching between a test mode and a game control mode. You.

The test mode switch 227 (mode switching means) is operated by a game store clerk, and switches on to the test mode when turned on, and switches to the game control mode when turned off (for example, a snap switch or the like). Constitution). When the mode is switched to the test mode, the continuity inspection display 33 displays the number of winning balls, and when the mode is switched to the game control mode, the continuity inspection display 33 displays the number of ejected balls (see FIG. 6 for details). reference). Note that when the test mode switch 227 is switched to the test mode (the test mode is selected), the game control device 107 sets the winning sensors 172, 173, 171, and 175.
Even if a to 175f detect a winning of a game ball, the award ball number information is not set. Test mode switch 2
Reference numeral 27 denotes a place where the clerk can easily operate, but a place where the player cannot touch (for example, a test mode switch provided at a predetermined position on the back side of the gaming machine 301 with the front frame of the gaming machine 301 opened. 227 is provided in the game control device 107. As a modified example of the test mode switch, for example, a hole is made in a front frame of the game machine 301, a pin can be inserted into the hole, and the pin is inserted. Detect and enter test mode /
It may be configured to return.

From the output interface 163, the display control device 116, the decoration control device 117, the sound control device 11
3. The launch control device 115, the ordinary symbol display 24, the ordinary variable winning prize opening which is the variable winning prize device 14 that drives the ordinary variable winning prize device (that is, the normal electrical winning combination of the starting winning opening 13). A signal is output to the special winning opening solenoid 182 that is driven to open and close, and the continuity test display 33, and the prize ball number information is output to the discharge control device 106. Here, the display of the continuity inspection display 33 (see FIG. 1) is directly controlled by the game control device 107, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, another control device (for example,
The display control device 116, the decoration control device 117, the sound control device 113, and the discharge control device 106) may be connected to control the confirmation display for the continuity test by another control device.

From the game control device 107 to the discharge control device 10
The prize ball control information output to 6 includes a transmission clock, prize ball data, and discharge condition data. The transmission clock is
For example, a clock having one cycle of 8 ms is ticked, and data (prize ball data, discharge condition data, etc.) is set at the rising edge of the clock, and data reading is performed at the falling edge. Each winning sensor 172, 173, 171, 175a
The winning signal from .about.175f is synchronized with the transmission clock and becomes "L" active when a winning ball is detected. Then, the prize ball data is set at the rising edge of the transmission clock in response to the detection of the prize ball (change to “L” active) by the prize sensor, and is transmitted to the ejection control device 106 as serial data.

The game control device 107 monitors the state of the discharge precondition based on signals from the odd sensor 224 and the overflow sensor 225, and the discharge precondition is satisfied or the discharge precondition is not determined depending on the change of the discharge precondition. The discharge condition data of establishment is transmitted to the discharge control device 106 as serial data. The discharge precondition is a condition monitored on the game control device 107 side, and includes the odd sensor 224 and the overflow sensor 22.
The ball discharging unit 105 that discharges the ball among the prerequisites related to the discharging, which is determined based on the signal from No. 5
This is a condition that is monitored in order to prevent a game from being hindered, in other words, a condition that is monitored in order to prevent clogging of a dish ball due to overflow or to prevent a guaranteed ball from being dispensed by an odd sensor. On the other hand, the discharge control device 106 also monitors discharge preconditions. This is because the first discharge sensor 222 and the second discharge sensor 223 disposed in two passages in the ball discharge unit 105 have balls. Or
The determination is made based on information (conditions directly related to the operation of the ball discharging unit 105) that the ball discharging unit 105 is not discharging the ball, is not discharging the ball, or is in an error related to discharging. And the game control device 1
The discharge precondition monitored on the 07 side is satisfied, and both the conditions directly related to the operation of the ball discharge unit 105 monitored on the discharge control device 106 are satisfied, and the discharge start condition of the prize ball is set and the prize ball is discharged. Discharge takes place.

Next, the discharge control unit 106
1, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 204 for obtaining a predetermined clock, an input interface 205, an output interface 206, a logic power supply circuit 207, a power failure detection circuit 208, and a diode 209 for backflow prevention. You. The elements are connected by an address bus, a data bus, a power supply line, and the like. The CPU 201 performs processing necessary for discharging game balls (including prize ball discharge and loaned ball discharge).
Reference numeral 2 stores a program and the like necessary for emission control.

The RAM 203 is used as a work area, has a function of a storage unit capable of storing information, and is configured as a single element separate from the CPU 201. The RAM 203 stores an award ball data memory area (award ball number information storage area) for storing award ball number information (for example, 7 award balls, 15 award balls), and discharge preconditions transmitted from the game control device 107. It has an ejection condition data memory area for storing contents, various data memory areas for storing various data, and other work memory areas. The RAM 203 sequentially stores the prize ball number information transmitted from the game control device 107 in a prize ball data memory area (a predetermined prize ball number information storage area), and based on the stored prize ball number information, at least discharge conditions The discharge control device 106 performs a discharge process by determining whether or not the discharge precondition transmitted from the game control device 107 stored in the data memory area is satisfied.

In this case, the discharge control device 106 receives the discharge condition data transmitted from the game control device 107, and changes the status information stored in a predetermined area (discharge condition data memory area) of the RAM 203. Update. This status information is information for determining whether or not a game ball can be discharged, and the same items as the dischargeable condition information are set. In the present embodiment, the detection state of the odd sensor 224 and the overflow sensor 225
Are set as status information. Therefore, based on the discharge condition data, each item of the status sensor detection state and overflow ball detection state in the status information is updated. In addition, as a method of updating, for example, each item of the odd sensor detection state and the overflow sphere detection state may be updated collectively. The prize ball data is data corresponding to the number of prize balls given to the player in accordance with the winning. Emission control device 106
Obtains the current number of prize balls by receiving the prize ball data, stores the current number of prize balls in a predetermined area (prize ball data memory area) in the RAM 203, and discharges the number based on the obtained prize ball number, that is, Recognize the number of game balls to be discharged as prize balls.

Here, in the award ball data memory area of the RAM 203, the minimum number of award balls (minimum number of award balls = Each prize ball number (1 for pachinko gaming machines) from the minimum prize ball number = 1 to the maximum prize ball number (the maximum prize ball number = 15 and the maximum prize ball number = 15). The number of award ball number addition memories each having a size of 1 byte are secured in advance and formed in correspondence with the number of individual award balls to 15 award balls.
In the case of the present embodiment, the award ball data memory area has a capacity of 15 bytes (1 byte × 15) (see FIG. 10 described later for the bit configuration of the award ball data). Preferably, a continuous area of 15 bytes is secured as a prize ball data memory area. The prize ball data memory area is not limited to 15 bytes. C
The PU 210 performs a process of sequentially adding and storing the award ball number information transmitted from the game control device 107 to the award ball number addition memory in the award ball data memory area of the RAM 203 corresponding to the award ball number information. The discharge control device 106 performs a discharge process based on the addition storage stored in the memory.
The deletion of the prize ball number information related to the discharge processing is executed, for example, when the discharge of the prize ball is completed or when the discharge of the prize ball is started. The process of sequentially storing the award ball number information in the RAM 203 in the award ball data memory area is performed by C
The program is executed by the PU 201, and the corresponding program of the CPU 201 realizes the function of the information storage processing unit.

The logic power supply circuit 207 is supplied with 12 V DC from the power supply unit 111 (constituting a power supply device).
Converted to C5V, the CPU 201, ROM 202, R
A power supply necessary for the operation of each element such as the AM 203 is supplied.
The RAM 203 has a voltage of 5 V DC from the logic power supply circuit 207 via a diode 209 functioning as irreversible means.
Is supplied. Also, D from the power supply unit 111
The C5V is also supplied to a capacitor (super capacitor) 212 disposed inside the power supply unit 111 through the wirings 211a and 211b. The capacitor 212 is simply disposed on the substrate of the power supply unit 111 (or may be provided separately from the substrate), and power is supplied from the logic power supply circuit 207 on the discharge control device 106 side. Wiring 211a, 2
A connector of a male / female type (not shown) is provided in the middle of 11b.
a and 211b can be separated into the power supply unit 111 side and the discharge control device 106 side.

The connection state between the RAM 203 and the capacitor 212 will be described in detail. The power supply terminal of the RAM 203 is connected to receive the logic voltage generated in the discharge control device 106 via the diode 209, and the power supply terminal is further connected to the power supply terminal. It is connected to the positive potential of the capacitor 212 arranged in the power supply unit 111. On the other hand, the capacitor 212 is maintained in a charged state by receiving a supply of 5 V DC, which is a logic voltage generated by the logic power supply circuit 207 of the emission control device 106, and
The ground level 12 is electrically connected to the ground of the discharge control device 106 via the wiring 211b. Therefore, the logic power generated in the discharge control device 106 is supplied to the power terminal of the RAM 203 via the diode 209 to enable the operation of the RAM 203 and also to charge the capacitor 212.
Since the capacitor 212 is charged via the diode 209, only the RAM 203 is backed up during a power failure, and the capacitor 2 is connected to other circuits.
12 are not supplied. The capacitor 212
M203 (storage means) so that the storage content is held
A backup unit capable of supplying backup power to the RAM 203 is configured, and the capacitor 212 is provided outside the discharge control device 106 (the power supply unit 111 in the present embodiment).

In the present embodiment, the capacitor 212 serving as a backup means supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the discharge control device 106 when indirect power supply from outside the gaming machine 301 is cut off. An element for supplying backup power to the RAM 203 so that the stored content of the RAM 203 is retained when the power is cut off, and the backup means is provided in the power supply unit 111. ing. In addition, the backup means is not limited to the capacitor,
For example, a battery may be used. Further, instead of the backup by the power supply, for example, the RAM (storage means) may be configured by a non-volatile element (for example, an EEPROM, a flash memory, or the like) so that the information on the number of award balls can be backed up by itself. In that case, the RAM itself includes backup means.

The power failure detection circuit 208 detects that the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the logic power supply circuit 207 has been cut off (for example, when the DC 12 V drops to a predetermined voltage, the power failure is detected). , The CPU 210 is forcibly interrupted and the CPU 210
The operation of 210 is stopped. The input interface 205 of the discharge control device 106 includes a ball removal sensor 2 for detecting a switching state of a ball removal passage for extracting game balls to the outside.
21, signals from the first discharge sensor 222 for discharging prize balls and the second discharge sensor 223 for renting balls are input, and prize ball control information (transmission clock, prize ball data, (Including emission condition data). In addition, from the output interface 206, when there is a remaining prize ball, a remaining prize ball number display 118 for displaying the number of unpaid prize balls, and the presence of the remaining prize ball is output as a signal to the outside of the gaming machine 301. Remaining prize ball notification signal output terminal 119, 7-segment display 23 for displaying the number of prize balls
1. Control signals are output to a ball-pulling solenoid 232 for switching a ball-pulling passage for extracting game balls in the gaming machine 301 to the outside, a first discharge solenoid 233 for discharging prize balls, and a second discharge solenoid 234 for lending balls. Is done. The 7-segment display 231 is a 7-segment type LED display that displays the current storage number of the prize-ball count information stored in the prize-ball count information storage area of the RAM 203, for example, “7”, “13”. The number of award ball number information is displayed. For example, “7” has two award balls, “13”
The number of prize balls is one, and a seven-segment LED is displayed. This is because by displaying the current prize ball number information stored in the RAM 203, it is possible to determine the number of prize balls that have not been discharged, thereby avoiding trouble between the player and the game store. I can do it.

E. Operation of Control System Next, control of the gaming machine 301 performed by the above-described control system will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. "Main routine of the game control device (game program)"
FIG. 5 is a view showing a flowchart of a main control process (main routine) performed by the game control device 107 (game microcomputer 160). This control process is performed one sequence at a time for each reference time (for example, 2 ms) created by the clock generation circuit (CLK) 161 in FIG. That is, in the reset waiting process after the end of the final step, the process is executed from step S1 every time a reset signal is input from the clock generation circuit (CLK) 161 to the gaming microcomputer 160. When the gaming machine 301 is powered on, the game control device 107 performs an initialization process to determine whether the ROM is normal, initialize a work area in the RAM, set an I / O register, set a register in the system, and set a flag. Initialization is performed (not shown). When the process of FIG. 5 is started, a test mode process is performed in step S1. This changes the display contents of the continuity inspection display 33 in accordance with the switching mode of the test mode switch 227, and will be described later in detail in a subroutine.

Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the test mode is being performed. During the test mode, the game board 1
Winning sensors 172, 173, 171, 175a-17
5f is a state in which a test (confirmation of conduction) is being performed. During the test mode, the prize balls are not discharged according to the game, so that the steps S3 and S4 are jumped to the step S5 (that is, the game control in this routine is not performed). If not in the test mode (in the game control mode), step S3
To perform prize ball control processing. This corresponds to a winning opening of the game board 13 (that is, the starting winning opening 13, the variable winning device 14).
(Large winning opening) and general winning openings 17 to 22) in accordance with a prize, and edits the prize ball data and transmits it to the discharge control device 106. The details will be described later in a subroutine. Then
In step S4, a game control main process is performed. In the game control main process, the regular game (special figure, regular figure), the big hit game (special figure), the regular figure per game, the game board 1
Driving each device above (for example, decoration, sound output), etc.,
It controls the pachinko game, which is mainly a role-playing game. Next, the remaining time process is performed in step S5. In the remaining time processing,
When repeating a routine, wait for the extra time before the next routine. After step S5, one sequence of the main routine ends.

[Test Mode Processing] Next, a subroutine of the test mode processing in the game control processing will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case will be described in which a game store clerk tests the conduction of the winning sensor. In this subroutine, first, in a step S11, it is determined whether or not a test mode is being performed. This is to determine whether or not the test mode switch 227 has been switched to the test mode in the previous routine and is maintained as it is, and the test mode has been entered. (A) Game Control Mode When maintaining the game control mode, the attendant turns off the test mode switch 227. The processing at this time is as follows. If not in the test mode, step S
The process branches to 12 to determine whether or not the test mode switch 227 has been turned on (switched to the test mode). If the test mode switch 227 has not been turned on, the routine ends and returns to the game control process. I do. Therefore, at this time, the game control mode continues,
As described later, the continuity inspection display 33 displays the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball data in accordance with the progress of the game.

(B) Switching from Game Control Mode to Test Mode When switching from the game control mode to the test mode, the attendant turns on the test mode switch 227. The processing at this time is as follows. If it is not in the test mode in step S11, the process branches to step S12.
If the test mode switch 227 is turned on in step S12, the process proceeds to step S13 to determine whether the test mode switch 227 is turned off. this is,
For example, there is a case where a clerk of a game arcade turns on the test mode switch 227 in order to check the conduction of the winning sensor arranged in the winning opening. When testing the continuity of the winning sensor, the attendant opens the glass frame of the gaming machine 301 and manually inserts a ball (for example, a plurality of balls) into the corresponding winning opening (or, for example, inserts a ball in front of a stick). May be inserted.) When the test mode switch 227 is not turned off, the test mode switch 227 is kept on, so it is determined that the game control mode is to be switched to the test mode, and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the winning sensors 172, 1
At 73, 171, 175a to 175f, it is determined whether or not a ball is detected. If a ball is detected, a counter corresponding to the corresponding winning sensor is set at step S15. The counter is provided for each of the winning sensors 172, 173, 171, 175a to 17
One counter is provided for each 5f. For example, a predetermined counter area is set in advance in the work area of the RAM of the gaming microcomputer 160 in correspondence with each of the winning sensors 172, 173, 171, 175a to 175f. The counter is an integer counter that is incremented by [1] when a ball wins the corresponding winning sensor, and counts the accumulated value of the number of winning balls to confirm the winning of the ball to the winning sensor. Is what you do. Next, in step S17, the corresponding counter value is updated (counts up by +1) according to the current winning ball. Next, in step S18, the continuity check display 33 sets the counter value as prize ball data for a test (as a winning ball).
To display. The attendant opens the glass frame of the gaming machine 301 and manually inserts the ball into the corresponding winning opening. At this time, when a plurality of balls are inserted instead of one ball, the continuity inspection display 3 is displayed.
3 displays the accumulated value of the counter. Step S18
After this, the current routine is terminated and the routine returns.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show display examples of the continuity inspection display 33 in the test mode. FIG.
(A) is a case where one ball is put in the corresponding winning sensor, and “1” is displayed on the continuity inspection display 33. Then, when a ball is put into the same winning sensor in succession for a test, as shown in FIG.
In 3, the accumulated value “2” of the winning is displayed. in this way,
The continuity check display 33 displays the number of winning balls (cumulative value) of the balls put in for the test, so that the attendant can confirm that the corresponding prize sensor is conducting. On the other hand, if no ball is detected by the winning sensor in step S14, the routine ends and the routine returns. Therefore, at this time, the display of the continuity inspection display 33 is "0" or nothing is displayed. For example, this is a case where the display of the continuity inspection display 33 is "0" (or nothing is displayed) even when two balls are inserted, and at this time, the attendant has a failure of the corresponding winning sensor. You can confirm that. When the continuity test of the winning sensor is completed, the ball is put into the next winning sensor, and the process goes to the test of the winning sensor. In this way, the conduction test of the winning sensor of the game board 1 is sequentially performed. If you do n’t need to test all the winning sensors,
For example, when there is a specific winning sensor that may cause a failure, the continuity test as described above may be performed only on the winning sensor.

In this embodiment, when conducting a test for confirming whether or not the winning sensor is conducting, a signal from the winning sensor such as a wiring and a connector connected to the winning sensor to the game control device 107 is provided. It is assumed that the transmission path is good. Therefore, the continuity inspection display 3
By looking at the display of No. 3, it is possible to determine whether the winning sensor is normal or not.
Abnormality can be confirmed. On the other hand, the game control device 107 is connected to a winning sensor such as a wiring and a connector connected to the winning sensor.
It is also possible to perform a test including the signal transmission path up to, but in that case, for example, if the display of the continuity check display 33 is abnormal, the wiring including the winning sensor, from the winning sensor such as a connector The signal transmission path to the game control device 107 may be checked for each corresponding winning sensor.

(C) Switching from Test Mode to Game Control Mode When switching from the test mode to the game control mode, the attendant turns off the test mode switch 227. The processing at this time is as follows. Before switching to the game control mode, since the test mode is in the previous routine, the determination result of step S11 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S13. Next, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the test mode switch 227 has been turned off. Since the test mode switch 227 has been turned off, the process branches to YES and proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the corresponding counter value is cleared, and in step S20, the display on the continuity inspection display 33 is cleared, and the routine returns. As described above, when the test mode switch 227 is turned off, the display on the continuity inspection display 33 is cleared, the test mode ends, and the game control mode is entered. When the game control mode is entered, the display 33 for continuity test displays the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball data, as described later. In the present embodiment,
In the processing of steps S14 to S18, the continuity test can be confirmed by displaying the count value of the number of winning balls on the continuity inspection display 33 (that is, the counter is set to 1 for each winning sensor).
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one counter is provided in common for each of the winning sensors, and when a test is performed for each of the winning sensors, the test of the corresponding winning sensor is completed. Then, the counter may be cleared to "0" and then the test may proceed to another winning sensor. Further, the continuity test may be confirmed by displaying the count value of the number of winning balls on the continuity inspection display 33 as a cumulative value. Further, as long as it can be confirmed that a prize has been won, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, but may be another configuration.

[Award Ball Control Process] Next, a subroutine of the award ball control process in the game control process will be described with reference to FIG. In this subroutine, first, in step S21, a game control device side discharge precondition monitoring process is performed. In this process, the game control device 107 monitors the information related to the discharge precondition, that is, the discharge precondition information acquired by the odd sensor 224 and the overflow sensor 225. Next, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the emission precondition changes. If not, the content of the emission precondition does not change. Jump to S27.
On the other hand, if there is a change in the emission precondition, it is necessary to newly determine whether or not the emission precondition is satisfied in this routine. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S23 to determine whether or not the emission precondition is satisfied. Determine. Emission preconditions are:
As described above, the conditions acquired by the overflow sensor 225 and the irregular sensor 224 include two conditions that the overflow sensor 225 does not cause an overflow state and that the irregular sensor 224 maintains the “ball-maintained” state. When satisfied, the emission precondition is satisfied.

If the discharge precondition is satisfied, step S
The process proceeds to 24, where the emission precondition data indicating the establishment of the emission precondition on the game control device 107 side is edited, and the flow proceeds to step S25. As a result, the emission condition data transmitted to the emission control device 106 in response to establishment of the emission precondition is edited. On the other hand, when the discharge precondition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S26, edits the discharge condition data indicating that the discharge precondition on the game control device 107 side is not satisfied, and proceeds to step S25. As a result, the emission condition data transmitted to the emission control device 106 is edited according to the state where the emission precondition is not satisfied. In step S25, the edited discharge condition data is transmitted from the game control device 107 to the discharge control device 106. Next, in a step S27, it is determined whether or not there is a winning in the winning opening of the gaming board 1. The winning in the winning opening is the special map start sensor 172, the count sensor 1
73, continuation sensor 171, winning sensors 175a to 175
f. If there is no winning in the winning opening, the routine ends. On the other hand, if there is a winning in the winning opening, the process proceeds to step S28 to determine the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning opening (for example, 5 or 15 as the specific winning number, or 10 as the other hole (default)). ). Next, in step S29, the prize ball data is edited (in accordance with the number of prize balls determined as described above, the prize ball data can be transmitted to the discharge control device 106), and in step S30, the prize ball data is discharged. Send to device 106. As described above, the game control device 107 determines whether the emission precondition is satisfied, edits the emission condition data, determines the number of prize balls corresponding to each winning opening, edits the prize ball data, and edits the prize ball data. 10
Send to 6.

Next, in step S31, the number of award balls corresponding to the award ball data is displayed on the award ball number display for a predetermined period (for example, 1 second) (the continuity inspection display 33 operates as the award ball number display). ), End this routine. Here, as described above, the continuity test display 33 displays the number of winning balls in the test mode and operates as a display for the continuity test display. Since the number is displayed, it operates as a prize ball number indicator. This allows the player to easily confirm the number of award balls when a game ball wins the corresponding winning opening. This confirmation also serves as confirmation (confirmation of ON / OFF) that the winning sensor of the corresponding winning opening is conductive (player and attendant).

FIGS. 8C and 8D show display examples when the continuity check display 33 is operating as a prize ball number display in the game control mode. FIG. 8C shows that when a winning port is won, the corresponding winning sensor is activated and the number of winning balls =
FIG. 8D shows a state in which there are “15” prize balls discharged. Similarly, FIG. 8D shows that when a prize hole is won, the corresponding prize sensor is activated and the number of prize balls = “7” prizes. The state where the ball is discharged is displayed. On the other hand, despite the winning opening, the continuity inspection display 33 as shown in FIGS.
If does not operate as the prize ball number indicator, it can be easily understood that the winning sensor arranged in the winning opening may have a failure. In this embodiment, for example, FIG.
8A and 8B, when the continuity inspection display 33 displays the number of award balls in the test mode as shown in FIG.
In the game control mode as shown in FIG.
Are displayed in the same color (for example, red) when the prize ball number is displayed as the prize ball number display.

Here, a modified embodiment of the continuity inspection display 33 will be described. When the continuity test display 33 displays the number of winning balls in the test mode as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), it is displayed in green, and the game is performed as shown in FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d). When the continuity test display 33 displays the number of prize balls as the prize ball number display in the control mode, it may be displayed in red. By doing so, it is easy to see whether the display is in the test mode or the game control mode, and it is easy to identify (that is, the mode state is easy to identify), which is convenient. Since the 7-segment LED of the continuity inspection display 33 can perform multi-color display (for example, three colors), a switch is provided that appropriately uses three colors of red, green, and orange to provide a switchable display form. You may. For example, green and normal,
The test mode may be red and the monitor mode may be orange (for example, when a specific winning opening is to be monitored). In addition to the display of the continuity inspection display 33, the continuity inspection notification may be performed by, for example, a voice synthesis sound or a test sound. Based on the command data of the display for continuity inspection / display of the number of awarded balls sent from the game control device 107, the display control device 116 informs (displays) such information through the special symbol display device 12. You may. In the present embodiment, two sets of 7-segment LEDs are used as the continuity inspection indicator 33 to check the continuity of the winning sensor by numerical display, but as another configuration, for example, “continuity OK”, “disconnection” LE under character information (back side)
D and the like may be installed, and when the winning sensor detects a ball, the corresponding LED may be illuminated to notify.

As described above, in this embodiment, the winning sensors 172, 172, 173, and 17 are provided for each winning opening of the gaming board 1.
5a to 175f (winning ball detecting means) are provided, and based on the detection of a winning of a game ball to each winning opening, prize ball data corresponding to a winning value (the number of prize balls) is set as prize ball number information and discharge control is performed. To the device 106 and the winning sensors 172, 172, 1
73, 175a to 175f conduct the conduction of the winning sensor based on the winning signal detected by detecting the game ball (corresponding to functioning normally: confirmation of conduction is confirmation of normal functioning, and so on). Since the continuity check indicator 33 (function check confirmation notifying means) for identifiably notifying that the game is running is provided in the game board decoration case 31 (a predetermined portion of the game machine 301), the following effects can be obtained. Whether or not the winning sensor is conductive can be checked very easily by looking at the continuity inspection display 33. Therefore, even if the number of prize sensors arranged on the game board and the number of prize sensors increased recently becomes disconnected or the like, it is possible to find out immediately.
As a result, it is possible to minimize damage to the player, and it is possible to prevent troubles that can occur with the game store. In addition, even when inspecting all winning openings, there is no need to return the ball paid out to the upper plate to the island again as in the past (the prize ball is not discharged even if there is a prize in the test mode), After putting the ball into the winning port, the continuity test can be easily performed by a very simple operation of checking the continuity test indicator 33 thereafter. Even if the continuity check of the winning sensor is performed for all the gaming machines in the gaming shop, the time is short and the workability is good. Since the continuity check work of the winning sensor is easy, it is considered that the continuity check will not be neglected.In this respect, it is possible to minimize the damage to the player as described above, and Troubles that can occur between them can also be prevented.

The continuity inspection display 33 displays the number of balls detected by the winning sensor (the number of winning balls: cumulative value) as a display content in the test mode. Every time it is inserted, the number of inputs (added number) is displayed in real time. Therefore, the installer of the gaming machine 301 (for example, an installer at the time of opening a new store or reopening a new store), a clerk of a game store (clerk), or the like, is whether the winning sensor is alive (whether it is conducting). In other words, it is possible to easily identify whether the user is dead (whether it is in an abnormal state such as disconnection). In addition, since addition is the most easily distinguishable display method, there is an effect that even an unskilled inspector (for example, an unskilled clerk) can easily work. Since the continuity test indicator 33 is used as a prize ball indicator for a winning ball in the game control mode (at the time of a normal game), the prize ball indicator is arranged for its original purpose and is used for the continuity test. If it is also used as a display,
It is possible to display the conduction confirmation without increasing the cost. For example, conventionally, as a prize ball number indicator for a winning ball, a lamp that is simply lit when a prize ball is discharged is mainly used, but when a display device that displays the number of prize balls and makes it easy for a player to understand is installed, This effect is effectively exhibited. The player can check the information of the winning opening at the time of winning (that is, the prize ball display is displayed before the prize balls are ejected, so that the player can confirm that the prize has been won). ,
In addition, the number of prize balls (for example, 10 prize balls) in the general prize holes 17 to 22 which cannot be generally grasped by the player can be confirmed, and the game has a wider range.

The test mode and the game control mode can be switched by a test mode switch 227. In the test mode, the game control device 107 controls the prize ball not to be discharged even if the prize sensor detects a ball (prize ball). (Data is not set), and therefore, in the operation of checking the conduction of the winning sensor, the corresponding prize ball is not paid out even if the player wins the prize hole, so that the worker (for example, a clerk or a staff member of a third party inspection organization) Etc.) after confirmation of the continuity inspection indicator 33, there is no need to return the ball of the upper plate to the island facility, and the workability is significantly improved. Since the continuity inspection display 33 is provided on the front portion of the gaming machine 301 and at a place where the ball of the game board 1 does not pass (the game board decoration case 31), it is easy to check the display even when the ball is inserted. Also, there is an effect that it is easy to confirm conduction of the winning sensor while playing a game without any hindrance even when used as a prize ball number display that is also used as a prize ball number display. The gaming board decoration case 31 is located at a position where the operator can easily see even if the worker stands on the floor in a state where the gaming machine 301 is mounted on the island facility, and has an effect that the operation of checking the conduction is easy. The continuity inspection display 33 is a game board decoration case 31.
(I.e., a predetermined portion on the front side of the gaming machine 301), but is not limited to the configuration of being disposed in the game board decoration case 31 as long as the position is easy for an operator to see. Good. In addition, the conduction confirmation test of the winning sensor provided for each winning opening may be performed at a game store, as a product test at a gaming machine manufacturer, or as a testing of a gaming machine at a third party organization, and the like. In each case, the above effects can be obtained.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are views showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a game board 401. The difference between the game board 401 shown in FIG. 9 and the first embodiment is that the continuity check display 33 is not arranged in the game board decoration case 31 and each prize is won. The point is that a notification lamp is provided individually corresponding to the mouth. That is, a plurality of all winning ports, a starting winning port 13, a variable winning device 14 (large winning port), and general winning ports 17 to 22 provided on the gaming board 401 have a gaming ball in each of the winning ports. Are provided individually. Specifically, the configuration is as follows.・ Start winning a prize opening 13 Special figure starting sensor 172 is arranged, special figure starting sensor 17
When the game ball is detected by 2 (the winning prize port 13 is won), the special figure start sensor notification lamp 402 is individually notified. -Variable winning device 14 A count sensor 173 and a continuation sensor 171 are arranged, and when a game ball is detected by the count sensor 173 (wins the variable winning device 14), it is individually notified by the count sensor notification lamp 403. It has become. Further, when a game ball is detected by the continuation sensor 171 (continuous prize of the big hit round is performed by the variable prize winning device 14), the continuation sensor notification lamp 404 is individually notified.・ General winning ports 17 to 22 General winning sensors 175a to 175f are arranged, respectively, and when a game ball is detected by the general winning sensors 175a to 175f (the general winning ports 17 to 22 are won), a general winning sensor notification lamp. 405 to 410 are individually notified. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 10 shows a control system of the gaming machine.
It is a figure showing especially a part related to game control device 421. In FIG. 10, a game control device 421 is configured to include a game processing unit (game microcomputer) 422, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 423, an input interface 424, and an output interface 425. The processing device 421 is a CPU, RO
M, I for Amuse chip with built-in RAM
It is manufactured as C. Input interface 424
, Signals from various sensors are input as in the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions where the configurations of various sensors in FIG. The general winning sensors 175a to 175f are individually illustrated. Further, in FIG. 10, general winning sensors a to general winning sensors f are illustrated as general winning sensors, which is the case where the gaming board 401 has n general winning ports (here, f
), N prize sensors are arranged, and therefore, symbols a to f are attached for easy understanding.
The test mode switch 227 can switch between a test mode and a game control mode.
Reference numeral 21 denotes a control that does not discharge a prize ball even when a prize sensor (special figure start sensor 172, count sensor 173, continuation sensor 171 and general prize sensor 175a to 175f) detects a ball in the test mode. (No prize ball data is set).

From the output interface 425, the first
Each device (the device shown in FIG. 10) as in the first embodiment.
And the prize ball control information is output to the discharge control device 106. However, unlike the first embodiment, since the continuity check display 33 is not provided, the corresponding signal is Not output. In the second embodiment, the output interface 425 controls the special figure start sensor notification lamp 402, the count sensor notification lamp 403, the continuation sensor notification lamp 404, and the general prize sensor notification lamps 405 to 410 individually. A notification signal is output. In FIG. 10,
The general prize sensor notification lamps are illustrated as a general prize sensor a notification lamp to a general prize sensor f notification lamp. This is the case where the game board 401 has n general prize openings (f in this case). , There are n prize sensor notification lamps, so that a to f
Is attached. The game control device 421 has functions of a function notification control unit and a winning-port-specific notification control unit.
Continuation sensor 171, general winning sensors 175a to 175f
When the game ball is detected by the winning ball detection means, the notification lamps 402 to 410 are set so that the game balls can be individually notified to the winning port provided with the winning ball detection means. It is a configuration for driving. The notification lamps 402 to 410 constitute a function test confirmation notification unit and a winning ball detection notification unit for each winning opening. Notification lamp 402 ~
410 is configured by a lamp in the present embodiment, but is not limited to a lamp and may have another configuration (for example, LE
D). In addition, notification lamps 402 to 41
Numeral 1 is arranged at the winning opening itself or near the winning opening. In short, it may be arranged so as to be able to individually notify that a game ball has won, corresponding to each winning opening.

In the above configuration, when the test mode switch 227 is switched to the game control mode, any one of the special figure starting sensor 172, the count sensor 173, the continuation sensor 171, and the general winning sensors 175a to 175f (winning ball detecting means). When the game ball is detected, the game control device 421 sets a winning port (starting winning port 13, variable winning device 14, general winning port 17) provided with the winning ball detecting means.
To 22) are driven. Accordingly, any of the driven notification lamps 402 to 410 is lit to notify that the game ball has won, and individually notifies. As the notification timing, for example, when a winning is detected, the notification is immediately performed (notified in a lighting state). If the light is turned off immediately after being turned on, the player may not be able to recognize it. Alternatively, the flashing is repeated for 2 seconds.

For example, when a game ball wins in the starting winning opening 13, the winning ball is detected by the special figure starting sensor 172 and input to the game control device 421, and the game control device 4
In 21, the special figure start sensor informing lamp 402 arranged corresponding to the start winning port 13 provided with the special figure start sensor 172 is driven. As a result, the driven special figure start sensor notification lamp 402 is lit, for example, for two seconds to notify the player that the game ball has won. Also, at this time, a predetermined number of game balls are ejected in accordance with the winning of the game balls into the start winning port 13. The same applies to winning in other winning openings. On the other hand, when the test mode switch 227 is switched to the test mode, even if any of the winning sensors (special figure start sensor 172, count sensor 173, continuation sensor 171, general winning sensors 175a to 175f) detects a ball. No prize ball is discharged, and only one of the corresponding notification lamps 402 to 410 is turned on. This allows the attendant to test the winning sensor.

As described above, in the second embodiment, each winning opening (start winning opening 13, variable winning device 14 (large winning opening),
The notification lamps 402 to 410 (prize-hole-specific prize-ball detecting and notifying means) provided corresponding to the general prize ports 17 to 22 are individually lit and notified according to the prize. It can be immediately recognized that the winning ball detecting means is functioning normally (that is, conducting). Therefore, it is convenient for the gaming store to immediately determine the failure of the winning ball detecting means. In addition, since the notification lamps 402 to 410 (winning-ball-based prize-ball detecting and notifying means) are individually turned on in accordance with the prize, it is possible to easily recognize that the game ball has won each prize-winning port. On the other hand, for a player, when a game ball wins a winning opening, the corresponding one of the notification lamps 402 to 410 provided near the winning opening itself or in the vicinity is turned on. It is possible to play the game with confidence. Further, it is easy to know which winning opening has been won, and the service to the player can be enhanced. Since the notification lamps 402 to 410 are lit for two seconds, it is difficult to know whether a prize has actually been won or which prize port has been entered if the light is only lit for a moment. It will be possible to judge.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the control system shown in FIG. 11 and the second embodiment is that the game control device 501 and the decoration control device 50
The game control device 501 transmits a predetermined command to the decoration control device 502 when the winning ball detection device detects a game ball, and the decoration control device Reference numeral 502 denotes driving the winning ball detection notification means for each winning port based on the transmitted command. That is, as shown in FIG.
01 is a game processing unit (game microcomputer) 503, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 504,
A game processing unit 503 which includes an input interface 505 and an output interface 506
Is manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip having a built-in CPU, ROM and RAM.

Signals from various sensors are input to the input interface 505 as in the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to parts having the same configuration of various sensors. In addition, the general winning sensor 17
5a to 175f are individually illustrated. Further, FIG.
The other devices 507 include a test mode switch 227, an odd sensor 224, an overflow sensor 225, and a metal frame switch 226 shown in FIG. The function of the test mode switch 227 and the control contents when the test mode switch 227 is switched between the test mode and the game control mode are the same as those in the second embodiment. A signal is output from the output interface 506 to other devices 508 (including the same devices as those described in the second embodiment and those including the discharge control device 106, except for the decoration control device 502), and The decoration control information (including a predetermined command) is output to the decoration control device 502. However, unlike the first embodiment, the continuity inspection display 33 is provided in the third embodiment. Therefore, no corresponding signal is output.

The decoration control device 502 includes a decoration arithmetic processing device (game microcomputer) 511, a clock generation circuit (CLK) 512, and an input interface 51.
3 and an output interface 514. The decoration arithmetic processing unit 511 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
It is manufactured as a so-called amuse chip IC incorporating M. Decoration control information is input to the input interface 513 from the game control device 501. From the output interface 514, the notification lamp 402 to
A drive signal is output to 410 (winning ball detection notification means for each winning opening), and a signal is output to other lamps / LEDs 515. Other lamps / LEDs 515 are arranged on the game board to perform various decorations (that is, decorate the game board).
Is included. The decoration arithmetic processing device 511 drives the other lamps / LEDs 515 based on the decoration control information transmitted from the game control device 501 to light (or blink) the decoration lamps / LEDs arranged on the game board. At the same time, the notification lamps 402 to 410 are driven based on a predetermined command (command for driving the corresponding notification lamps 402 to 410) in the decoration control information.

In the above configuration, when the test mode switch 227 is switched to the game control mode, the presence or absence of a winning ball is monitored by the game control device 501, and the special figure start sensor 172, the count sensor 173, the continuation sensor 17 are monitored.
1. When any of the general winning sensors 175a to 175f (winning ball detecting means) detects a game ball, a detection signal is input to the game control device 501, and the game control device 501 is provided with the winning ball detecting means. Corresponding notification lamps 402 to 4 arranged corresponding to the winning prize openings (starting prize opening 13, variable winning prize device 14, and general prize opening 17 to 22).
A command for driving the device 10 is output to the decoration control device 502. Upon receiving the command transmitted from the game control device 501, the decoration control device 502 outputs a drive signal to the corresponding notification lamps 402 to 410 based on the command, and lights it for 2 seconds. As a result, the corresponding notification lamps 402 to 410 are turned on for 2 seconds to individually notify that the game ball has won. The lighting mode of the notification is the same as that of the second embodiment. At this time, a predetermined number of game balls are discharged by the control of the discharge control device 106 in accordance with the winning of the game balls into the winning opening. On the other hand, when the test mode switch 227 is switched to the test mode, even if any of the winning sensors (special figure start sensor 172, count sensor 173, continuation sensor 171, general winning sensors 175a to 175f) detects a ball. The decoration control device 50 does not discharge the prize ball.
Only one of the corresponding notification lamps 402 to 410 is simply turned on based on the drive signal from the second. This allows the attendant to test the winning sensor.

As described above, in the third embodiment, when a winning ball is detected by the winning ball detecting means, the game control device 501
Decoration control device 50 according to a predetermined command transmitted from
2 are the corresponding notification lamps 402 to 41 arranged corresponding to the winning opening provided with the winning ball detecting means.
The notification control is performed by driving 0. Therefore, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained, and the control load of the game control device 501 can be reduced. In addition, the content of control can be enhanced in accordance with the recent trend of dividing control into control devices. In the second and third embodiments, an example in which the test mode switch is provided to switch the mode has been described. However, the test mode switch is not provided when mainly considering enhancing the service for the player. It may be a configuration.

It is needless to say that the application of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machines of the respective embodiments described above, but may be applied to other gaming machines. For example, the present invention can be applied to other types of pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, sparrow ball game machines, and the like, and various modifications can be made.
Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a pachinko game machine but also to, for example, a video game machine.

[0073]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, winning ball detecting means (for example, winning sensors 172, 172, 173,
175a to 175f) function notification control means (for example, a function notification control means for performing notification control capable of confirming that the winning ball detection means is functioning normally based on a winning signal detecting a game ball.
The game control device 107) is provided, and the corresponding winning ball detecting means is functioning normally at a predetermined portion of the gaming machine based on the output of the function notification control means (for example, it is conductive, the following description is convenient). In addition, a function test confirmation notifying means (for example, a continuity check display 33) for identifiably notifying that a normal function test is a continuity test and a normal function check is a continuity check is provided. By looking at the function test confirmation informing means whether the ball detecting means is conducting,
It can be checked very easily. Therefore, even if the prize-ball detecting means, the number of which has been increased on the game board recently, has recently become disconnected, it is possible to find it immediately. As a result, it is possible to minimize damage to the player, and it is possible to prevent troubles that can occur with the game store. In addition, even if all the winning holes are inspected, there is no need to return the balls paid out to the upper plate to the island again as in the past, and after putting the balls in the corresponding winning holes, the function inspection is performed It is possible to easily perform a normal function test (for example, a continuity test) by a very simple operation of checking and checking the confirmation notifying means. Even if the continuity check of the prize-ball detecting means is performed for all the gaming machines in the gaming shop, the time is short and the workability is good.
Because it is easy to check the conduction of the winning ball detection means,
It is considered that the continuity check will not be neglected. In this aspect as well, it is possible to minimize damage to the player as described above, and to prevent troubles that may occur with the game store.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the function check confirmation notifying means (for example, the continuity check display 33) is used to identifiably notify that the winning ball detecting means is functioning normally. Since the number of game balls detected by the winning ball detecting means is displayed as the notification content, the number of thrown balls (added number) is increased every time one ball is thrown into the winning hole at the time of inspection. It is displayed in real time on the function test confirmation notifying means. Therefore, a game machine installer), a clerk of a game store, or the like can easily determine whether the winning ball detection means is conducting or is in an abnormal state such as disconnection. Also,
Since this is the most obvious display method of adding,
There is an effect that even an unskilled inspector (for example, an unskilled clerk) can easily work.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the function test confirmation notifying means is configured as a prize ball number information display for displaying prize ball number information corresponding to a winning value during a normal game. The confirmation notifying means can display the continuity confirmation without increasing the cost by arranging the prize ball number information display for the original purpose and also serving as the continuity inspection display. For example, conventionally, as a prize ball number information display for a prize ball, a lamp that is simply lit when a prize ball is discharged is mainly used. This effect is effectively exhibited. The player can confirm the information of the winning opening at the time of winning (that is, the prize ball number information display is displayed before the prize ball is discharged), so that the player can also confirm that the prize has been won. In addition, the number of prize balls (eg, 10 prize balls) in a general winning opening that cannot be generally grasped by a player can be confirmed, and the game has a wider range.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a mode switching means (for example, a test mode switch 227) capable of switching between the test mode and the game control mode, and the game control device selects the test mode by the mode switching means. When the prize-ball detecting means detects the game ball, the prize-ball number information is not set even when the prize-ball detecting means detects the game ball. Since the balls are not paid out, there is no need for the operator to return the balls of the upper plate to the island equipment after confirming the function inspection confirmation informing means, and the workability is significantly improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the function inspection confirmation notifying means is a predetermined display provided on the front portion of the gaming machine (for example, the gaming board decoration case 31). If it is provided in a place where the ball does not pass, it is easy to confirm the display of the function test confirmation notifying means even if the ball is inserted, and when the function test confirmation notifying means that is also used as a prize ball number information display is used. Also, there is an effect that it is easy to confirm conduction of the winning sensor while playing a game without any interruption. For example, when a gaming board decoration case is used as the front part of the gaming machine, when the gaming machine is mounted on the island facility, the worker is at a position where it is easy to see even when the worker is standing on the floor, and the work of checking continuity. There is an effect that it is easy to remove.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the function test confirmation notifying means is provided individually for each winning opening, and when the winning ball detecting means detects a game ball, the output of the function notifying control means is provided. On the basis of the prize ball detecting means, it is individually notified that the game ball has won the prize hole provided with the prize ball detecting means. Can be individually determined to be functioning properly. Therefore, it is convenient for the gaming store to immediately determine the failure of the winning ball detecting means. Also, for a player, when a game ball wins in the winning opening, the corresponding function inspection confirmation notifying means provided in or near the winning opening itself notifies the winning, so that the winning ball detecting means is normal. You can play with confidence. Further, it is easy to know which winning opening has been won, and the service to the player can be enhanced.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a notification control means for each prize port for performing notification control capable of individually notifying that a game ball has won a prize port, and a notification control means for each prize port, based on an output of the notification control means for each prize port. Prize ball detection and notification means for each prize port that individually notifies that a game ball has won a prize port, so that the prize ball detection and notification means for each prize port lights up individually according to the prize. Thereby, it can be easily and individually recognized that the game ball has won each winning opening. Therefore, the player can play the game with peace of mind, and can enhance the service to the player.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the game control device transmits a predetermined command to the decoration control device when the winning ball detection means detects a game ball, and the decoration control device transmits the transmitted command. Is driven based on the prize port, so that the control load on the game control device can be particularly reduced. In addition, the content of control can be enhanced in accordance with the recent trend of dividing control into control devices.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power supply system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a game control process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating test mode processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a prize ball control process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a continuity inspection display device.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the game board.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 401 game board 13 starting winning port 14 variable winning device (large winning port) 17-22 general winning port 31 gaming board decoration case 33 continuity inspection display (function inspection confirmation notification means, predetermined display, prize ball) Number information display) 107, 421, 501 Game control device (function notification control means, notification control means for each winning opening) 171, 172, 173, 175a to 175f Winning sensor (winning ball detection means) 227 Test mode switch (mode switching) Means) 301 Gaming machine 402 Special figure start sensor informing lamp (functional inspection confirmation informing means, winning ball detection informing means by winning opening) 404 Count sensor informing lamp (functional inspection confirming informing means, winning ball detecting informing means by winning opening) 405 continuation sensor notification lamp (function check confirmation notification means, prize ball detection notification means for each prize mouth) 406-411 General prize Capacitors notification lamp (function test confirmation notification means, winning hole by winning ball detection notifying means) 502 decoration controller (winning opening by the notification control means)

Claims (8)

[Claims] A plurality of prize holes are provided in a game area of a game board, and each prize hole is provided with a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize game ball, and a plurality of types of prize values of these prize holes are set. The game control device for controlling the progress of the game, the winning signal from the winning ball detection means is input, the game control device, based on the winning signal from the winning ball detection means, the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning value In a gaming machine for setting information, based on a winning signal in which the prize ball detecting means detects a game ball, a function notification control means for performing a notification control capable of confirming that the prize ball detecting means is functioning normally. And a function inspection confirmation notifying means for identifiably notifying that the corresponding winning ball detecting means is functioning normally based on the output of the function notifying control means at a predetermined portion of the gaming machine. Characterized by Gaming machine. 2. The function test confirmation notifying means, when notifying that the winning ball detecting means is functioning normally, identifies the number of game balls detected by the winning ball detecting means as the content of the notification. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to display the information. 3. The game according to claim 1, wherein the function check confirmation informing means is configured as a prize ball number information display for displaying prize ball number information corresponding to a winning value during a normal game. Machine. 4. A game control device, comprising: a mode switching unit capable of switching between a test mode and a game control mode, wherein the game control device includes a game ball detecting unit when the test mode is selected by the mode switching unit. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the award ball number information is not set even when (i) is detected. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the function inspection confirmation notifying means is a predetermined display provided on a front portion of the gaming machine. 6. The function inspection confirmation notifying means is provided individually corresponding to each winning opening, and when the winning ball detecting means detects a game ball, the winning ball is determined based on an output of the function notifying control means. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine individually notifies that a gaming ball has won a winning opening provided with a detecting means. 7. A plurality of prize holes are provided in a game area of a game board, and each prize port is provided with a prize ball detecting means for detecting a winning game ball, and a plurality of types of prize values of these prize ports are set. The game control device for controlling the progress of the game, the winning signal from the winning ball detection means is input, the game control device, based on the winning signal from the winning ball detection means, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning value In the gaming machine for setting the information, when the individual winning ball detecting means corresponding to each winning port detects a gaming ball, it is individually notified that the gaming ball has won the winning port provided with the winning ball detecting means. A prize port-based notification control means for performing notification control capable of notifying the prize port, and a prize port-specific prize ball detection notification for individually notifying that a game ball has won a prize hole based on an output of the prize port-specific notification control means. Means. Gaming machine. 8. A game control device for controlling a decoration member for decorating a game board in connection with a game, wherein the game control device and the decoration control device include the winning-port-specific notification control means, and the game control device Transmits a predetermined command to the decoration control device when the prize ball detecting means detects a game ball, and the decoration control device drives the prize ball-specific prize ball detection notification means based on the transmitted command. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein