JP2001293154A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko game machine which can prevent a player from missing a game chance by detecting an abnormality of a flowing condition of game balls in a ball supply tray and informing the player of it and enable the player to concentrate on a game not requiring especially watching the call supply tray during game without harming interest. SOLUTION: This pachinko game machine has a game board, a blasting device 81 to blast game balls to a game area on the game board according to a player's shooting motion, and a game ball supply tray 32 to flow down game balls dispensed from a game ball dispensing port 38 to supply. The machine is also equipped with a flow abnormality detecting means to detect a flow abnormality condition not to normally flow down game balls from the game ball dispending port side to the blasting device side on the game ball supply tray and a flow abnormality information means to inform a flow abnormality condition when a flow abnormality condition is detected by the flow abnormality detecting means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a pachinko game machine, which detects a flowing down state in which a game ball does not flow down normally from a game ball payout exit side to a launching device side in a game ball supply tray, and the flow down abnormality is detected. The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine that reports a state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional pachinko gaming machine, a player plays a ball using a ball-lending and dispensing device installed in the gaming machine in the case of a CR machine and installed outside the gaming machine in the case of a cash machine. The game is carried out by paying out to a ball supply tray, flowing down the game ball supply tray, and firing the game balls supplied to the launching device. Further, when the number of the game balls in the game ball supply tray decreases during the game, the rental ball is paid out as described above to replenish the game balls, and the game is continued.

[0003] By the way, the player visually judges the decrease in the number of game balls on the game ball supply plate, and replenishes the supply of game balls until the number of game balls visible on the game ball supply plate decreases. In many cases, they concentrate on games without worry. Moreover, since the player concentrates on the game, he does not carefully observe the flow state of the game balls on the game ball supply plate, and checks the presence or absence of the game ball on the game ball supply plate at one corner of the line of sight. Stop to confirm. Therefore, even though there are enough game balls remaining on the game ball supply plate, the flow of the game balls stops halfway due to clogging of the game balls and the like. In some cases, the game may be continued without being noticed even if it is no longer supplied to the game and the state in which the launch of the game ball is hindered. As a result, when a game chance comes, a game ball may not be fired, and such a problem may occur that the chance is missed. Also, in order not to miss a chance of playing, frequently and carefully checking whether the game balls in the game ball supply tray are flowing normally is not only very troublesome for the player, It detracted from the interest of the game.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed in view of such a situation, and a player is detected by detecting that there is an abnormality in a flowing state of a game ball in a game ball supply tray and informing the player. The goal is to provide a pachinko machine that prevents players from missing game chances, furthermore, does not require the player to pay special attention to the game ball supply plate during the game, so that they can concentrate on the game and keep their interests intact. is there.

[0005]

That is, a first aspect of the present invention provides a game board, a launching device for launching a game ball toward a game area of the game board in response to a shooting operation by a player, and a game ball dispenser. In a pachinko game machine having a game ball supply plate for causing a game ball paid out from an outlet to flow down and to be supplied to a launch device,
A flowing-down abnormality detecting means for detecting a flowing-down abnormal state in which the game ball does not flow down normally from the game-ball payout opening side to the launching device side in the game-ball supplying tray; and when the flowing-down abnormal state is detected by the flowing-down abnormality detecting means, A flow-down abnormality informing means for reporting a flow-down abnormality state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the flow-down abnormality detecting means is provided at at least two positions on an upstream side and a downstream side with respect to the downflow direction of the game ball in the game ball supply plate. A plurality of game ball detection means for detecting a game ball at a position, and a state in which a game ball is detected by the upstream game ball detection means and no game ball is detected by the downstream game ball detection means for a predetermined time. It is characterized by comprising a flowing-down abnormality determining means for determining a flowing-down abnormal state.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the remaining ball detecting means for detecting a remaining ball state of the game ball in the game ball supply tray and a result of the remaining ball detection by the remaining ball detecting means are displayed. And a remaining ball state display means, and the remaining ball detection means is included in the flowing-down abnormality detecting means.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the remaining ball state display means is located above the game ball supply tray.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in claim 3 or 4, the remaining ball state display means is included in a special symbol display device.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the entire pachinko gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an overall front view of the pachinko gaming machine with some parts removed, and FIG. 3 is a gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a front view, FIG. 4 is a rear view of the gaming machine, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the back structure of the entire pachinko gaming machine, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a game ball supply tray of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the vicinity of the game ball supply tray of FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the game ball detection means in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 shows the electrical connection relationship of the pachinko game machine. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow-down abnormality notification process of the pachinko gaming machine, FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a flow-down abnormality notification process of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. Float for an example of ball state display processing It is over door.

Pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3
The game board 3 is detachably housed inside the frame body 2, and the outer guide rail 4 and the inner guide rail 5 of the game ball are erected on the game board 3 in a substantially circular shape. On the center line of the game area 6 surrounded by the outer guide rail 4 and the inner guide rail 5, an image display device 9, a first-class start winning prize port 10, which is an ordinary electric accessory, in order from the upper part to the lower part. Special winning combination 15
Out outlets (also referred to as discharge outlets) 17 are provided, lamp windmills 18a and 18b are provided on both upper sides, and a normal design change start left gate 19 and a normal design change start right gate 21 are provided below them. Below the windmills 22a and 22b, there are provided a left-sleeve winning opening 23 and a right-sleeve winning opening 25 under the windmills 22. Further, on both sides of the large winning opening 15, a leftward winning opening 27 and a rightward winning opening 29 are provided.

On the front side of the frame 2, a glass frame 31 is provided.
Game ball supply tray (upper ball tray) 3 to supply to 1
2. Mounting plate 3 for mounting the game ball supply plate 32
3. A saturated game ball supply tray (lower ball tray) 34 for receiving a game ball when the game ball supply tray 32 is saturated, a lamp display 35 for notifying a game state, and a sound or sound effect to emit a game state. A speaker (not shown) for notifying the player, a key 37 for preventing the frame 2 from being detached or opened and closed for the purpose of preventing wrongdoing, etc., and playing a game ball in response to a shooting operation of the player A firing device 81 and the like for firing toward the game area 6 of the board 3 are respectively assembled.

The image display device 9 shown in FIG.
1 is a normal symbol display device capable of changing and stopping the display of symbols such as numbers, alphabets, symbols or pictures, 43 is a special symbol display device, and 45 is a normal symbol display device 41.
Ordinary symbol display part consisting of 7-segment digital
9 is a window frame portion of the image display device 9, 50 is an image display portion such as a liquid crystal display panel (dot matrix display) of the special symbol display device 43, 50a is a left display portion of the image display portion 50,
50b is also the middle display section, 50c is also the right display section, 5
Reference numeral 1 denotes a symbol change count storage display lamp. Further, regarding the special winning opening 15, reference numeral 61 denotes an opening / closing plate, reference numeral 63 denotes a specific area winning opening, reference numeral 36 denotes a foul cover, reference numeral 38 denotes a game ball payout port for paying out game balls to the game ball supply plate 32, and reference numeral 39 denotes saturation. A saturated game ball payout port for paying out game balls to the game ball supply tray 34, B is a bucket. As for the special symbol display device 43, the image display unit 50 is not limited to the liquid crystal display panel as described above, and may be configured by an LED, an EL, a CRT, or other light-emitting bodies.

As shown in FIG. 4, on the back side (back side) of the gaming board 3, a solenoid for a first-class start winning opening for opening and closing the movable pieces 11a and 11b of the lower first-class start winning opening 11 is provided. 53 is provided, and a winning prize ball detecting means 55 for a starting prize port comprising a photo sensor, a proximity switch, and the like for detecting a ball prize in the first type start prize ports 10, 11.
The symbols a and 55b are provided in the winning ball passage, and the symbol change of the special symbol display device 43 is started by detecting the winning ball. Further, the normal design change start left gate 19 and the normal design change start right gate 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a gate prize ball detecting means 56, 57 comprising a photo sensor, a proximity switch or the like, and the gate prize ball detecting means 56, 57 detects a game ball passing through both gates 19, 21 by detecting the game ball. The symbol change of the symbol display device 41 is started. If the symbol stopped and displayed after the symbol change of the ordinary symbol display device 41 is a specific symbol set in advance,
Normally, a symbol is hit, and the movable pieces 11a and 11b of the first kind start winning opening 11 are opened and opened for a predetermined time.

On the back side of the special winning opening 15 of the gaming board 3, a large winning opening solenoid 59 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 61 of the special winning opening 15 and an opening / closing door of the specific area winning opening 63 (FIG. (Not shown) and a specific area opening solenoid 64 for opening and closing under predetermined conditions. Further, a prize ball detecting means (specific prize ball detection switch) 65 for a specific region prize hole, which includes a photo sensor and a proximity switch for detecting a prize ball to the specific region prize hole 63, is provided. As a result, a continuation right to reopen the special winning opening 15 is established, and a winning prize ball detecting means (winning ball count switch) 67 for detecting the number of winning prizes to the special winning opening 15 is provided. Have been.

The operation of the special winning opening 15 will be described. A game ball wins in the first-type starting winning opening 10 or 11, and the winning ball is detected by the winning opening detecting means 55a or 55b. Then, the change of the special symbol is started on the left display unit 50a, the middle display unit 50b, and the right display unit 50c of the image display unit 50 of the special symbol display device 43. After a predetermined time change, for example, the left display unit 50a, the middle display unit 50
b, right display unit 50c, left display unit 50a, right display unit 5
0c, the special symbol fluctuates and stops in the order of the middle display portion 50b, and the stopped symbol is fixedly displayed. When the combination of the stop display symbols at that time becomes a predetermined special jackpot combination, for example, a so-called zigzag line composed of the same symbol combination, the jackpot is established. At the time of the big hit, the opening and closing plate 61 of the big winning opening 15 is opened to receive the game ball falling in the game area 6 so that the big winning opening 15 can be won.

On the back side of the game board 3 of this embodiment, a left-sleeve prize hole prize ball path connected to the left-sleeve prize port 23 and a right-sleeve prize port connected to the right-sleeve prize port 25. A winning ball detecting means 71a for a left sleeve winning opening and a winning ball detecting means 71b for a right sleeve winning opening comprising a photo sensor, a proximity switch and the like are provided in the passage for the winning ball. Further, a left drop prize opening prize ball passage connected to the left drop prize opening 27 and a right drop prize entrance prize ball passage connected to the right drop prize opening 29 are provided with a photo sensor, a proximity switch and the like. A winning ball detecting means 72a for a winning opening and a winning ball detecting means 72b for a winning opening are provided. Further, in this embodiment, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result of the prize balls in the respective winning ports.

Further, in this embodiment, the detecting means is provided for each winning opening as described above, but the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the winning balls of each winning opening may be collected and detected at one place, and the cumulative calculation of the winning balls may be performed.

Further, in this embodiment, the out ball passage connected to the out port 17 provided at the lowermost portion of the game area 6 has any one of the winning ports (including the gate). Out ball detecting means 76 comprising a photo sensor, a proximity switch, and the like for detecting the out ball collected at the out port 17 without winning a prize. The out-sphere detection means 76 only confirms the out-sphere, but the invention is not limited to this, and the out-sphere cumulative calculation may be performed.

Next, the launching device 81 and the like will be described in detail. As can be understood from FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, this launching device 81 includes an operating lever 82, a launching motor 83 driven by operating the operating lever 82, and a launching motor 83
And a ball-hitting hammer 84 that swings intermittently by the driving of the ball and fires the game ball. The game ball is firstly a prize ball payout device 111 for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on a detection result of a prize ball in each winning port, or a ball lending device 112 for paying out a lending ball in response to an operation by a player. Is paid out from the game ball payout port 38 to the game ball supply tray 32 via the game ball payout port 38, and is stored in the game ball storage section 32a of the game ball supply tray 32.

The game ball storage section 32a extends from the game ball payout port 38 side to the launching device 81 side, that is, from the left side to the right side in this example, the bottom surface of the game ball storage section 32a (reference numeral 32d in FIG. 7). Are slanted downward and narrow in width. Thereby, the game ball storage unit 32
The game balls in “a” are arranged in a line as they flow downstream, and reach a launching device 81 provided on the back surface of the game ball supply plate 32 via a ball outlet (not shown).

The game balls are supplied one by one to the firing position of the firing rail 88 in conjunction with the operation of the ball hitting hammer 84.
4 fires one ball at a time. The launching device 81
The launching sphere is guided to the game area 6 via a launching sphere guiding path 85 formed between the outer guiding rail 4 and the inner guiding rail 5 erected on the gaming board surface 3a. I have. The game ball guided to the game area 6 by the launching ball guide path 85 falls downward while rolling, and wins each of the devices and each winning opening, or, if no winning anywhere, the above-mentioned out opening. 17 to be discharged to the back side of the game board 3.

In this embodiment, a launching ball backflow prevention means 86 is provided on the exit 85a side of the launching ball guide path 85. The shooting ball backflow prevention means 86 is for preventing the game ball once put into the game area 6 from returning to the shooting ball guide path 85 again. The launching ball backflow prevention means 86 is curved in one direction in the illustrated example, and
5 has a backflow preventing piece 87 made of a leaf spring or the like having a predetermined elastic force capable of opening and closing the outlet 85a.

Reference numeral 91 in the figure denotes a tank for storing game balls, 92 denotes a tank rail, 93 denotes an external output terminal for a frame,
94 is a frame external output terminal board, 95 is a frame decoration lamp relay board, 96 is a power supply board, 97 is an emptying prevention switch, 9
8 is an emptying prevention switch board, 99 is a panel external output terminal, 100 is a panel external output board, 101 is a center cover, 102 is a voice control board, 103 is a lamp control board,
104 is a photo distribution substrate, 105 is a middle plate, 1
06 is a CR prize ball payout control board, 107 is a launching apparatus control board, 108 is a lower board base, 109 is a main board, 110
Is a power plug.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with a prepaid card unit 150 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the prepaid card on which ball lending information is recorded is provided by the prepaid card unit 150. A predetermined number of lending balls are paid out to the game ball supply plate 32 when the player operates a button or the like in a state of being inserted into the card insertion slot 151.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a ball lending operation unit 152 for a player to perform a ball lending payout operation is provided at a front end of the gaming ball supply plate 32 in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Is provided. The ball lending operation unit 152 is provided with a frequency display 153, a ball lending button 154, and a card return button 155. Then, when the prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 151 of the prepaid card unit 150, the recorded possible number of balls to be lent is displayed on the frequency indicator 153, and the player can use the ball lending button 1
When a predetermined number of balls are paid out by operating the button 54 and the player wants to stop the game, the prepaid card is ejected from the card slot 151 by operating the card return button 155. . The symbol R in the figure is a ball return button for transferring the game balls in the game ball supply tray 32 to the saturated game ball supply plate 34.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a flowing-down abnormality detecting means for detecting a flowing-down abnormal state in which a game ball does not flow normally from the game ball payout port 38 side of the game ball supply tray 32 to the launching device 81 side, and the flow-down abnormality. A flowing-down abnormality notifying unit is provided for notifying the flowing-down abnormal state when the flowing-down abnormal state is detected by the detecting unit. Further, the flowing-down abnormality detecting means of this embodiment includes a game ball detecting means and a flowing-down abnormality determining means. Further, in this embodiment, the flow-down abnormality detecting means includes a remaining ball detecting means for detecting a state of remaining balls of the game balls in the game ball supply tray 32. A remaining ball state display means for displaying the result is provided. In this embodiment, the game ball detecting means constituting the flowing-down abnormality detecting means is also used as the remaining ball detecting means.

The game ball detecting means includes a game ball supply plate 32.
To detect whether a game ball is present at a predetermined position of the game ball at at least two positions on the game ball supply plate 32, which are upstream and downstream relative to the flowing direction of the game ball, respectively. In order to detect whether or not a ball is present, a plurality of game ball detection means are provided. In this embodiment, the game ball detection means comprises two game ball detection means: a first game ball detection means 120 which is relatively upstream and a second game ball detection means 130 which is relatively downstream. ing. Note that the first game ball detection means 120 and the second game ball detection means 130 of this embodiment respectively detect the remaining ball state of the game balls in the game ball supply plate 32.
It also serves as the remaining sphere detecting means 120 and the second remaining sphere detecting means 130.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the first game ball detection means (first remaining ball detection means) 120 is provided at a predetermined position of the game ball supply tray 32, in this example, the game ball supply dish 32 It is provided at the left and right intermediate position of the ball storage section 32a. The first game ball detection means 120 is provided at a predetermined game ball detection position, in this example, a game ball storage section 32 a of the game ball supply plate 32.
It is provided to confirm whether or not a game ball exists at the left and right intermediate position of the game ball. Further, the first game ball detecting means 120 in this embodiment is constituted by a photosensor comprising a pair of a first light emitter 121 and a first light receiver 122 facing each other, and the first light emitter 121 and the first light receiver 122 is a game ball storage section 32 in the game ball supply tray 32
The bottom surface 32d of the rear inner wall 32b and the front inner wall 32c of FIG.
, And light rays such as infrared rays emitted from the light projecting portion 123 of the first light projecting device 121 toward the light receiving portion 124 of the first light receiving device 122 are substantially perpendicular to the flowing direction of the game ball. It has been like that.

The game ball P paid out from the game ball payout port 38 and stored in the game ball storage section 32a of the game ball supply tray 32 is present at the detection position of the first game ball detection means 120. When the game ball P is present, the space between the first light emitter 121 and the first light receiver 122 of the first game ball detection means 120 is blocked by the game ball P. At this time, the first game ball detecting means 120 is in an on state, that is, a state in which a game ball is detected to be present at the position of the first game ball detecting means 120. When the game ball P stored in the game ball storage section 32a is not present at the detection position of the first game ball detection means 120, the first game ball detection means 1
The space between the first light projecting device 121 and the first light receiving device 122 is not light-shielded by the game ball P and is in a light-transmitting state. At this time, the first game ball detecting means 120 is set to an off state, that is, a state where it is detected that no game ball exists at the position of the first game ball detecting means. As described above, depending on whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state, the game ball exists at the position of the first game ball detecting means 120 in the game ball storage section 32a of the game ball supply plate 32. Can be detected.

In this embodiment, the second game ball detecting means provided downstream of the first game ball detecting means 120, that is, at a position closer to the launching device 81 than the first game ball detecting means 120. (Second remaining ball detecting means) 130
Is also formed of a photo sensor having the same configuration as the first game ball detecting means 120, and is similarly turned on and off. Reference numeral 131 in the second game ball detection means 130 denotes a second light emitter, 132 denotes a second light receiver, 133 denotes a light emitter of the second light emitter, and 134 denotes a light receiver of the second light receiver. In this case, the first and second game ball detection means 120 and 130, particularly the second game ball detection means 130 on the downstream side, generate an abnormal flow-down state such that the game balls are easily clogged in the game ball storage section 32a. It is preferably provided in the game ball storage section 32a so as to sandwich a position that often causes a problem, for example, a place where the width is narrow, between the upstream side and the downstream side.

[0032] The flow-down abnormality judging means comprises a first and a second.
On the basis of the game ball detection results by the game ball detection means 120 and 130, the game ball does not flow down normally from the game ball payout opening 38 side to the firing device 81 side in the game ball storage section 32a of the game ball supply plate 32. This is to determine whether an abnormal state has occurred. In this embodiment, the flow-down abnormality determination means includes a ROM of a main control circuit (reference numeral Z1 in FIG. 10) described later.
It is included in a part of the main program stored in the control program.

Here, a specific method of judging an abnormal flow state by the abnormal flow judgment means will be described.

First, the first game ball detecting means 120 is turned on (a state where a game ball is present at a game ball detection position.
The same applies hereinafter. ), When the second game ball detecting means 130 is also in the ON state, the game balls are stored in a normal flowing state to at least the detection position of the first game ball detecting means 120 of the game ball storing section 32a. Is determined.

When the first game ball detecting means 120 is in an off state (a state where no game ball is present at the game ball detection position; the same applies hereinafter) and the second game ball detecting means 130 is in an on state, It is determined that the game balls are stored in a normal flowing state to a portion between the detection position of the first game ball detection means 120 and the detection position of the second game ball detection means 130 in the game ball storage section 32a.

Further, when the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the off state and the second game ball detecting means 130 is also in the off state, when the game balls are flowing down normally, (2) The game ball is stored to a further downstream portion from the detection position of the game ball detection means 130, or the game ball is supplied to the launching device 81 in a normal flowing state, so that the game ball is not stored in the game ball storage unit 32a. It is determined that there is.

When the first game ball detection means 120 is on and the second game ball detection means 130 having a detection position downstream of the first game ball detection means 120 is off, The ball is the first of the game ball storage section 32a.
It is highly probable that the ball is clogged or the like between the detection position of the game ball detection means 120 and the detection position of the second game ball detection means 130 and stays there. It is determined that the flow is abnormal, and a command is issued to the flow-down abnormality notification means so as to report the flow-down abnormality state.

The flow abnormality detecting means is not limited to the one having the above-mentioned configuration. For example, three or more game ball detection means are provided, and the game ball detection means for detecting the game ball on the upstream side corresponding to the downflow direction of the game ball among the game ball detection means detects the game ball, When a state in which the game ball is not detected by at least one of the game ball detection means downstream of the game ball detection means that has detected the ball continues for a predetermined time, the flow-down abnormality determination means determines that the flow-down abnormality has occurred. May be.

As the game ball detecting means (remaining ball detecting means), a limit switch, a proximity switch, a pressure switch, an ultrasonic switch, or the like may be used in addition to the above-described photosensor using the light emitter and the light receiver. There is no particular limitation.

In this embodiment, a loudspeaker (reference numeral H in FIG. 10) provided in the gaming machine 1 for generating a sound effect or the like during a game is used as a flowing-down abnormality notifying means. Is occurring. It should be noted that the flow-down abnormality notifying means is not limited to the one using an existing speaker, and another audio device may be provided. Also, the launching device 8
The flow-down abnormal state may be notified by tactile means such as vibrating the first operation lever 82 or the like. Furthermore, light emitting bodies and other display devices used in pachinko gaming machines can be used, or separate display devices (LED, EL, liquid crystal, CRT, etc.) can be used.
The display device may be configured to visually notify the flowing-down abnormal state. In addition, it is good also as a flowing-down abnormality notification means using a plurality of these things simultaneously. When visually notifying the flowing-down abnormal state, the flowing-down abnormality notifying means is provided with a game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 so that the player during the game can immediately confirm the flowing-down abnormal state without greatly moving the line of sight from the game board. It is preferable to be provided above the ball supply tray 32. In particular, the flow-down abnormality notifying means is included in the special symbol display device 43 of the image display device 9, and the image display section 50 of the special symbol display device 43 is provided.
It is good to display the game ball detection result in a part of. Thus, there is no need to provide a special display device for the flow-down abnormality notification means, which is economically advantageous. Further, the special symbol display device 43 is a portion that the player who is playing is always paying attention to. Therefore, it can be immediately recognized that a flowing-down state has occurred. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to move the line of sight almost to check the flow-down state, there is an advantage that the interest is not lost and the player can be immersed in the game.

As described above, this embodiment is provided with the remaining ball state display means 140 for displaying the result of detection of the remaining ball by the first and second remaining ball detection means 120 and 130. The remaining ball state display means 140 is provided above the game ball supply plate 32 in the pachinko gaming machine 1 so that a player who is playing a game can check the remaining amount of game balls without greatly moving his / her eyes from the game board. Preferably. In this embodiment, the remaining ball state display means 140 is included in the special symbol display device 43 of the image display device 9, and displays the remaining ball status on a part of the image display unit 50 of the special symbol display device 43. It has become. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a special display device for the remaining ball state display means 140, which is economically advantageous. In addition, the special symbol display device 43 is a part which the player who is playing always pays attention to. Therefore, it is easy to check the remaining amount of the game balls, and it is not necessary to move the line of sight almost to check the remaining balls. In this embodiment, each of the flow-down abnormality informing means is constituted by a speaker H, and the remaining ball state display means 140 is included in the special symbol display device 43 in the image display device 9. Although it is constituted by another device, when a flowing-down abnormality notifying means or a part thereof that visually notifies the flowing-down abnormal state is used, the flowing-down abnormality notifying means and the remaining ball state displaying means are the same device. You may comprise.

The remaining ball state display means 140 of this embodiment comprises:
A first displaying the remaining ball detection result of the first remaining ball detecting means 120
It has a display section 141 and a second display section 142 for displaying the remaining ball detection result of the second remaining ball detection means 130.

Further, in this example, as described above, the first remaining ball detecting means 120 detects the game ball relatively upstream of the second remaining ball detecting means 130, so that the ball remains in a normal flowing state. As the remaining number of game balls decreases, the first remaining ball detection means 120 first detects a decrease in the number of game balls, and then the second remaining ball detection means 130 detects that the number of game balls has further decreased. Therefore, the first display unit 141 is arranged in a series of bar graphs on the second display unit 142 so that the player can easily understand the decrease in the remaining amount of game balls intuitively. Accordingly, first, the upper first display section 141 displays the decrease in the remaining ball state, and when the remaining ball decreases, the lower second display section 142 also displays the decrease in the remaining ball state. Then, when the first and second remaining ball detecting means 120 and 130 are in the ON state (when the game ball remains at a position corresponding to the detecting means), the display sections 141 and 142 are displayed in blue. In the off state (when no game ball remains at a position corresponding to the detection means), the display is displayed in red. The first display unit 141
And the second display unit 142 may be connected in a bar graph shape in the horizontal direction, thereby making it easy to intuitively judge the decrease in the remaining amount of the game balls.

The specific display states of the first and second display portions 141 and 142 of the remaining ball state display means 140 with respect to the remaining ball detection results by the first and second remaining ball detection means 120 and 130 are as follows. First and second remaining ball detecting means 120, 13
When both 0 are in the ON state, the game balls are stored at least to the detection position of the first remaining ball detection means 120 of the game ball storage section 32a, and the first and second display sections 141, 1
42 are both displayed in blue.

When the first remaining ball detecting means 120 is in the off state and the second remaining ball detecting means 130 is in the on state, the game ball is placed in the first remaining ball detecting means 120 of the game ball storing section 32a. Is stored between the detection position and the detection position of the second remaining ball detection means 130, the first display 141 is displayed in red, and the second display 142 is displayed in blue.

Further, the first and second remaining ball detecting means 12
When both 0 and 130 are in the OFF state, the game balls are stored to a portion further downstream than the detection position of the second remaining ball detection means 130 of the game ball storage section 32a, or the game balls are supplied to the launch device 81. As a result, the game balls are not stored in the game ball storing section 32a, and both the first and second display sections 141 and 142 are displayed in red.

When the first remaining ball detecting means 120 is in the ON state and the second remaining ball detecting means 130 having a detection position downstream of the first remaining ball detecting means 120 is in the OFF state, There is a high possibility that the ball is clogged and stays between the detection position of the first remaining ball detection unit 120 and the detection position of the second remaining ball detection unit 130 in the game ball storage unit 32a. In this embodiment, the flow-down abnormality notification means and the remaining ball state display means 140 use different devices, and the remaining ball detection result is not displayed via the flow-down abnormality determination means. Regardless of whether this is the case, the first remaining ball detecting means 120 is displayed in blue, and the second remaining ball detecting means 130 is displayed in red. In the case where the notification of the flowing-down abnormality state and the display of the remaining ball state are performed by the same device, the first and second display units 141, 141 are used when the flowing-down abnormality determining means determines that the state is the flowing-down abnormal state. A notification of a flowing-down abnormal state such as blinking display of 142 may be made.

As the remaining ball state display means, in addition to the above, a luminous body or other display device used in a pachinko game machine may be used, or a separate display device (LED,
(A display device including an EL, a liquid crystal, a CRT, or the like). Further, the number of display sections of the remaining ball state display means is also appropriately determined according to the number of remaining ball detection means provided.

FIG. 10 is a control block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in the control block diagram, the pachinko gaming machine 1 controls the symbol variation display on the ordinary symbol display device 41 and the special symbol display device 43 of the image display device 9 and a prize ball when each winning ball is won. The main control circuit Z1, a relay circuit Z2 connected to the main control circuit Z1, a lamp control circuit, etc. Z3, voice control circuit Z
4, a display control circuit Z5, a photo distribution circuit Z6, a payout control circuit Z7, and a firing control circuit Z8 connected to the payout control circuit Z7.

The main control circuit Z1 includes a ROM for storing a predetermined control program and initial data, a CPU for executing various arithmetic processing in accordance with the control program for the ROM,
A computer having a RAM for temporarily storing a calculation result by the PU, and the computer and the circuits Z1 to Z
7 and the first and second game ball detecting means 120 and 130, a winning ball detecting means at each winning opening, an out ball detecting means 76, and an input / output circuit connecting the solenoids 180 and the like.

The relay circuit Z2 has a special winning opening 15
However, a lamp 181 is connected to the lamp control circuit Z3, and a speaker H is connected to the audio control circuit Z4. The display control circuit Z5 includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like, and a CPU for performing arithmetic control, a RAM having a storage area for various data, a work area by the CPU, and the like. The image display section 5 of the special symbol display device 43 including the ordinary symbol display portion 45 of the ordinary symbol display device 41 and the remaining ball state display means 140.
It is provided with a ROM or the like in which display data such as 0 and design data such as various display programs are written. A prize ball payout device 111 is connected to the photo distribution circuit Z6 and the payout control circuit Z7, and a prepaid card unit 150 and a ball rental payout device 112 are also connected to the payout control circuit Z7. The firing device 81 is connected to the firing control circuit Z8.

Next, the first and second pachinko gaming machines 1 will be described.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a flow-down abnormality notification process executed by the flow-down abnormality detection means, the flow-down abnormality notification means, and the like constituted by the game ball detection means 120 and 130 and the flow-down abnormality determination means.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flow-down abnormality notification processing is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle by the CPU of the main control circuit Z1 in accordance with a part of the main program stored in the ROM of the main control circuit Z1. In the processing described below, the first and second game ball detecting means 120 and 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are used.
Are detected in the RAM of the main control circuit Z1 and read out and determined as necessary.

In this example, first, the flow-down abnormality judging means judges whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is on or off (the first game ball detecting means 120).
It is determined whether or not there is a game ball detection by (S)
1). If it is determined that the first game ball detection means 120 is in the ON state (there is detection of a game ball),
Subsequently, it is determined whether the second game ball detecting means 130 is in the on state or the off state (the second game ball detecting means 13).
It is determined whether or not the game ball is detected by 0) (S2). If it is determined that the second game ball detection means 130 is in the off state (there is no detection of game balls), then it is determined whether the flow-down abnormality notification means is currently reporting the flow-down abnormality state. Is determined (S3). here,
If the flowing-down abnormality informing means is informing of the flowing-down abnormality, the process returns to the determination of whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state again (S1).

If the flow-down abnormality notifying means is not performing the flow-down abnormality notification, it is determined whether or not the timer provided in the flow-down abnormality determination means is operating (S4). If the timer is not operating (stopped), the timer is operated to start time counting (S5), and a predetermined time (1.5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the timer started operating. The process proceeds to a determination (S6). In this embodiment, the elapsed time of the timer is stored in the RAM of the main control circuit Z1 every moment. If the timer is in operation, the process directly proceeds to the determination (S6) as to whether the timer has passed a predetermined time.

If it is determined whether the timer has passed the predetermined time (S6), if the timer has not passed the predetermined time, the process returns to the determination whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state (S6). S1). If the timer has passed the predetermined time, the flowing-down abnormality determining means determines that the gaming ball storage section 32a is in a flowing-down abnormal state, and the flowing-down abnormality determining means sends the flowing-ball abnormality notifying means, in this embodiment, A command is issued to the speaker H so as to generate a warning sound for notifying the flow-down abnormality state, and the flow-down abnormality notification means notifies the flow-down abnormality state (S7). Thereafter, the timer is stopped, the timer is initialized and the elapsed time stored in the RAM is cleared (S8), and the process returns to the determination of whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the on state or the off state (S1).

In the judgment (S1) whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is on or off, the first
When it is determined that the game ball detection means 120 is in the off state, and in the determination whether the second game ball detection means 130 is in the on state or in the off state (S2), the second game ball detection means 130 is determined. If it is determined that it is in the ON state, the process proceeds to determination (S9) as to whether or not the timer provided in the flow-down abnormality determination means is operating.

If the timer is operating, the timer is stopped, the timer is initialized and the elapsed time stored in the RAM is cleared (S10), and the first game ball detecting means 120 is turned on. Return to the determination of whether the state is off or not (S
1). If the timer is not operating (stopped), it is next determined whether or not the flow-down abnormality notification means is reporting a flow-down abnormality state (S11). When the flow-down abnormality notification means is not performing the flow-down abnormality notification, the first
The process returns to the determination of whether the game ball detecting means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state (S1). Then, if the flow-down abnormality notification means is performing the flow-down abnormality notification, the flow-down abnormality notification means stops the notification and cancels the flow-down abnormality state (S12). Thereafter, the process returns to the determination of whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state (S1).

The first and second pachinko gaming machines 1
The flow-down abnormality notification processing executed by the flow-down abnormality detection means, the flow-down abnormality notification means, and the like constituted by the game ball detection means 120 and 130 and the flow-down abnormality determination means may be performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In this example, a timer for measuring the elapsed time is not provided in the flow-down abnormality judging means as in the above-mentioned example, and the timer is in a specific state (in this example, the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the on state, the second game ball detecting means is in the second state). A counter is provided which is decremented by one when the game ball abnormality notification processing is completed in one routine while the game ball detection means 130 is off and the flow down abnormality is not being notified, and when the counter value becomes 0, the flow down abnormality state is detected. It is designed to inform. For example, when it takes 1/1000 second to complete one routine of the game ball abnormality notification processing, if the set value (initial value) of the counter is set to 1500, the game ball abnormality notification processing of the 1500 routine is performed in a specific state. When the counter value becomes 0 after being performed, it is the same as when 1.5 seconds have elapsed. If the routine time differs depending on the processing during the game ball abnormality notification processing, a residual processing for adjusting the routine time may be provided at the end of the processing. Hereinafter, this example will be described with reference to a flowchart.

First, the flow-down abnormality determining means determines whether or not the counter is being activated (S13). If the counter is not activated, the counter is activated and the counter value is set to a preset initial value (S14), and whether the first game ball detection means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state is determined. The determination (S15), that is, the first
The process proceeds to a determination as to whether or not a game ball has been detected by the game ball detection means 120. In this embodiment, the counter value is 1500
And the counter value is updated and stored as needed in the RAM of the main control circuit Z1. If the counter is running, the process directly proceeds to the determination of whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state (S15).
Note that even if the counter value is 0, the counter is considered to be running.

In the judgment (S15) whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is on or off,
If it is determined that the first game ball detection means 120 is on (there is detection of a game ball), then whether the second game ball detection means 130 is on or off (Determination as to whether or not the second game ball detection means 130 detects a game ball) (S16). If it is determined that the second game ball detection means 130 is in the off state (there is no detection of game balls), then it is determined whether the flow-down abnormality notification means is currently reporting the flow-down abnormality state. Is determined (S17). Here, if the flow-down abnormality informing means is informing the flow-down abnormality, the process returns to the determination of whether or not the counter is being activated (S13).

When the flow-down abnormality notifying means is not performing the flow-down abnormality notification, the counter value stored in the RAM of the main control circuit Z1 is decremented by 1, and the resulting counter value is stored in the RAM of the main control circuit Z1. (S18). Then, the counter value stored in the RAM of the main control circuit Z1 becomes 0
It is determined whether or not it has become (S19). If the counter value is not 0, the process returns to the determination as to whether the counter is running (S13).

If the counter value is 0, the flowing-down abnormality determining means determines that the game ball storage section 32a is in a flowing-down abnormal state, and the flowing-down abnormality determining means sends the flowing-down abnormality informing means, in this embodiment, A command is issued to the speaker H so as to generate a sound or the like for notifying the flowing-down state, and the flowing-down state notifying unit notifies the flow-down state (S20). Thereafter, the process returns to the determination as to whether the counter is running (S1).
3).

When it is determined that the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the off state in the judgment (S15) whether the first game ball detecting means 120 is in the on state or the off state, and In the determination (S16) as to whether the game ball detecting means 130 is in the on state or the off state, the second
If it is determined that the game ball detection means 130 is in the ON state, the flow proceeds to determination (S21) as to whether the flow-down abnormality notification means is reporting the flow-down abnormality state.

When the flow-down abnormality notifying means is not informing of the flow-down abnormality, the counter value is reset to the initial value of 1500 (S23), and the process returns to the judgment of whether or not the counter is being activated (S13). Then, if the flow-down abnormality notification means is performing the flow-down abnormality notification, the flow-down abnormality notification means stops the notification and cancels the flow-down abnormality state (S22). Thereafter, the counter value is reset to the initial value 1500 (S23), and the process returns to the determination as to whether or not the counter is running (S13).

Next, the first and second pachinko gaming machines 1 will be described.
Remaining ball detecting means 120, 130, remaining ball state displaying means 140
About an example of the remaining ball state display processing executed by etc.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The remaining ball state display processing is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals by the CPU of the main control circuit Z1 in accordance with a part of the main program stored in the ROM of the main control circuit Z1. In the processing described below, the first and second remaining ball detecting means 120 and 13 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are used.
0 remaining ball detection result or the first or
The display state and the like of the second display units 141 and 142 are stored in the RAM of the main control circuit Z1, and are read and determined as necessary.

In this example, first, it is determined whether the first remaining ball detecting means 120 is on or off (determining whether or not the first remaining ball detecting means 120 detects a game ball). Is performed (S24). Then, the first remaining ball detection means 120 is in the off state (there is no detection of a game ball).
If it is determined that the remaining ball state display means 140
It is determined whether or not the first display unit 141 is displayed in red (S25). Here, when the first display unit 141 is displayed in red, the display of the first display unit 141 is left as it is, and the process proceeds to the determination of whether the second remaining ball detection unit 130 is in the on state or the off state. (S29). First display unit 1
In the case where 41 is not displayed in red (displayed in blue), the display control circuit Z5 changes the first display unit 141 to red display (S26), and then the second remaining ball detection means 1
The process proceeds to a determination as to whether 30 is on or off (S29).

If it is determined that the first remaining ball detection means 120 is in the ON state or the OFF state (S24), it is determined that the first remaining ball detection means 120 is in the ON state (there is detection of a game ball). Subsequently, it is determined whether the first display section 141 of the remaining ball state display means 140 is displayed in blue (S27). Here, when the first display unit 141 is displayed in blue, the display of the first display unit 141 remains unchanged.
The process proceeds to the determination whether the second remaining ball detection means 130 is in the ON state or the OFF state (S29). When the first display section 141 is not displayed in blue (displayed in red), the display control circuit Z5 changes the first display section 141 to blue display (S28), and then the second remaining ball detection means 130 The process proceeds to a determination as to whether the switch is on or off (S2).
9).

In the determination (S29) whether the second remaining ball detecting means 130 is on or off (whether or not the second remaining ball detecting means 130 detects a game ball), the second When it is determined that the remaining ball detection means 130 is in the off state (there is no detection of a game ball), subsequently, it is determined whether or not the second display 142 of the remaining ball state display means 140 is displayed in red. Is performed (S30). Here, when the second display unit 142 is displayed in red, the second display unit 14
The second remaining ball detection means 120 is displayed again with the display of the second remaining ball as it is.
Is returned to the determination of whether the switch is on or off (S
24). If the second display 142 is not displayed in red (displayed in blue), the display control circuit Z5 changes the second display 142 to red display (S31), and then the first remaining ball detection means 120 The process returns to the determination of whether the is in the ON state or the OFF state (S24).

If it is determined that the second remaining ball detecting means 130 is in the ON state or the OFF state (S29), it is determined that the second remaining ball detecting means 130 is in the ON state (there is detection of a game ball). Subsequently, it is determined whether the second display section 142 of the remaining ball state display means 140 is displayed in blue (S32). Here, when the second display unit 142 is displayed in blue, the display of the second display unit 142 is left as it is,
Again, the process returns to the determination of whether the first remaining ball detection means 120 is in the on state or the off state (S24). Second display unit 14
If No. 2 is not displayed in blue (displayed in red), the display control circuit Z5 changes the second display section 142 to blue display (S33), and then the first remaining ball detection means 12
The process returns to the determination of whether 0 is on or off (S24).

In this embodiment, when a player or the like operates a button or the like while a card or the like on which ball lending information is recorded is inserted, a predetermined number of lending balls are paid out to a game ball supply plate. Although the description has been made using a pachinko gaming machine so-called a CR gaming machine, the present invention is not limited to this kind of gaming machine, and a ball lending can be made with cash without using a card or the like. The present invention can also be applied to a payout pachinko game machine, a so-called cash machine. In this case, the ball rental payout apparatus may be installed outside the gaming machine in addition to being built in the pachinko gaming machine as described above.

[0072]

As shown and described above, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, the flow-down abnormality detecting means for detecting a flow-down abnormality state in which the game balls in the game ball supply tray do not flow down normally, and the flow-down abnormality When the detecting means detects a flowing-down abnormal state, the flowing-abnormality notifying means notifies the flowing-down abnormal state, so that even if the game ball supply tray is in a flowing-down abnormal state, the player can immediately notice the state. Can be prevented from missing game opportunities. Further, there is an advantage that the player can notice the abnormal flowing state without paying attention to the game ball supply plate, so that the player can concentrate on the game and the interest is not spoiled.

In particular, if the flowing-down abnormality detecting means is composed of a plurality of game ball detecting means and a flowing-down abnormality determining means for judging a flowing-down abnormal state, the game ball detecting means may be replaced by a game ball detecting means. In addition, it can be provided on the upstream side and the downstream side with respect to a position that often causes an abnormal flowing-down state such as a clogging of a game ball, and the abnormal flowing-down state can be reliably detected.

Further, as in the third aspect of the present invention, the remaining ball detecting means for detecting the remaining ball state of the game ball in the game ball supply plate, and the remaining ball state for displaying the remaining ball detection result by the remaining ball detecting means. Display means, and when the remaining ball detecting means is included in the flowing-down abnormality detecting means, the player checks the remaining ball state of the game ball without bothering to look at the game ball supply plate. In addition, the player can pay out the lending ball at his / her own discretion in accordance with the remaining ball state of the game ball, and there is no loss of a game chance due to the absence of the game ball. In addition, since the remaining ball detecting means for detecting the remaining ball state is included in the flowing-down abnormality detecting means, it is reasonable in terms of production and design.

Furthermore, if the remaining ball state display means is positioned above the game ball supply plate as in the invention of claim 4, the player can more reliably play the game ball than looking at the game ball supply plate. It becomes easier to check the state of the remaining ball, and it is difficult to miss game opportunities.

In addition, when the remaining ball state display means is included in the special symbol display device as in the invention of claim 5, it is not necessary to provide a special display device for the remaining ball state display means. It is economically advantageous, and the special symbol display device is a part that the player is always paying attention to, so it is easy to check the remaining amount of the game ball, and furthermore, to increase the line of sight to check the remaining ball Since there is no need to move the game, there is an advantage that the interest in the game is not spoiled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an overall front view of the pachinko gaming machine with some parts removed.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the gaming board.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a back structure of the whole pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a game ball supply tray of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 6;

8 is a plan view of the vicinity of the game ball supply tray of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a game ball detecting means in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a control block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart relating to an example of a flow-down abnormality notification process of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart relating to another example of the flow-down abnormality notification processing of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a remaining ball state display process of the pachinko gaming machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko gaming machine 3 Gaming board 6 Gaming area 32 Gaming ball supply tray (upper ball receiving tray) 38 Gaming ball payout port 43 Special symbol display device 81 Launching device 120 1st gaming ball detecting means (first remaining ball detecting means) 130 2 game ball detection means (second remaining ball detection means) 140 remaining ball state display means H speaker P game ball

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Katsumi Tanaka 2-17-3 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya F-term (reference) 2C088 BA65 BC08 BC10 BC23 BC25 BC53 CA08 CA27 CA28 EA48 EB55 EB68

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A game board, and a firing device for firing a game ball toward a game area of the game board in response to a shooting operation by a player;
In a pachinko game machine having a game ball supply tray for flowing down a game ball paid out from a game ball payout port and supplying the ball to a launch device, the game ball is normal from the game ball payout side of the game ball supply plate to the launch device side. Characterized by comprising a flowing-down abnormality detecting means for detecting a flowing-down abnormal state that does not flow down, and a flowing-down abnormality notifying means for notifying the flowing-down abnormal state when the flowing-down abnormal state is detected by the flowing-down abnormality detecting means. Pachinko machine. 2. A plurality of game ball detection means for detecting a game ball at at least two positions on the game ball supply plate, which are upstream and downstream relative to the flow direction of the game ball. Means, and a flowing-down abnormality determining means for determining a flowing-down abnormal state when a state in which a game ball is detected by the upstream game ball detecting means and no game ball is detected by the downstream game ball detecting means has continued for a predetermined time. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the pachinko gaming machine is configured. 3. A remaining ball detecting means for detecting a remaining ball state of a game ball in a game ball supply tray, and a remaining ball state displaying means for displaying a remaining ball detection result by the remaining ball detecting means, and The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ball detecting means is included in the flowing-down abnormality detecting means. 4. The pachinko game machine according to claim 3, wherein the remaining ball state display means is located above the game ball supply tray. 5. The pachinko game machine according to claim 3, wherein the remaining ball state display means is included in a special symbol display device.