JP2003159374A - Slot machine using game ball - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine using game balls which can prevent disadvantage involved in the flow down of pachinko balls, which is collected by a collecting device, in a route different from a normal route. <P>SOLUTION: In the slot machine using the game balls, the predetermined number of game balls are collected into a bet ball route 708 by a game ball collecting means 700 according to a bet number setting demand from a player, switching operation to a return ball route 709 by a route switching means 707 is not allowed based on the start of the collection of the game balls into the bet ball route 708, and after a sufficient period of time that the game balls pass the route switching means 707 from the completion of the collecting operation have passed, the switching operation to the return ball route 709 by the route switching means 707 is allowed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The game can be started by setting the number of bets for the game, and one game is ended by displaying and displaying the display result of the variable display device capable of changing the display state. The present invention relates to a slot machine using a game ball capable of generating a predetermined winning according to the display result of the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of slot machine, a slot machine capable of playing a game using medals as a game medium (hereinafter, medal type slot machine)
However, in recent years, there is a desire to install these medal-type slot machines on the gaming island where existing pachinko machines are installed, so a game using pachinko balls (gaming balls) as a game medium is used. A slot machine using a pachinko ball that can be performed has been proposed.

A slot machine using these pachinko balls is equipped with a take-in device for taking in the pachinko balls that are standing by on an upper plate or the like, and the pachinko balls are taken in by the take-in device. The number of bets is set by using a pachinko ball, and the game is played based on the set number of bets.

Further, on the downstream side of the aforesaid take-in device, the flow-down path of the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device is returned to the bet-ball path through which the pachinko balls used for setting the bet number flow or to the player. When a bet number setting request is made by providing a changeable path switching valve on any of the return ball paths through which the pachinko balls flow down, the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device are placed on the bet ball path side. A pachinko ball that can be returned to the player by letting it flow down and using it to set the number of bets, and when a return request is made, let the pachinko ball taken in by the take-in device flow down to the return ball route side. Some slot machines using are proposed.

[0005]

However, in the slot machine capable of changing the flow-down path of the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device as described above, the same take-in device is used to set the number of bets. As the pachinko ball is taken in and the pachinko ball for returning to the player is taken in, the flow path of the pachinko ball can be switched by the path switching valve provided on the downstream side thereof. For example, when the pachinko balls used for setting the bet number and the pachinko balls for returning to the player are continuously taken in, the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device are There is a problem that the switching of the path switching valve is performed before passing through the path switching valve, and the pachinko balls taken in flow down to a downflow path different from the path that should originally flow down.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a problem, and is disadvantageous in that the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device flow down to a route different from the route originally supposed to flow down. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine using a game ball capable of preventing the above.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, a slot machine using a game ball of the present invention sets a bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls as one bet number unit. As a result, the game can be started, and the display result of the variable display device whose display state can be changed is derived and displayed to end one game, and a predetermined result is displayed according to the display result of the variable display device. In a slot machine using a game ball capable of generating a prize, a game ball taking means for taking in the game ball, a control means for controlling the game ball taking means, and a bet number for setting A bet ball path for flowing down the game ball taken in by the game ball taking means,
The bet ball path or the return ball path for returning the game ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means for returning to the player, and the path for the game ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means for returning Path switching means capable of switching to either one of the ball paths, the control means, in response to a bet number setting request from the player, the predetermined number of the bet ball path to the bet ball path by the game ball loading means. It is possible to execute a control for performing a game ball take-in operation, and based on the start of the game ball take-in operation to the bet ball path, the path switching means prohibits the operation of switching to the return ball path, and , When the time sufficient for the game ball to pass through the route switching means elapses from the end of the fetching operation, the switching operation to the return ball route by the route switching means is permitted. According to this feature, the switching operation to the return ball path by the path switching means does not occur until the time sufficient for the gaming ball to pass through the path switching means has elapsed from the end of the operation of taking the game ball into the betting ball path. Since it is permitted, the pachinko ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means will surely flow down to the bet ball route, and the game ball taken in for setting the bet number will flow down to the return ball route and the player It is possible to prevent the inconvenience caused by flowing down to a route different from the route that should originally flow down, such as being returned to.

In the slot machine using the game balls of the present invention, bet ball detecting means for detecting the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means for setting the bet number is provided in the bet ball path, It is preferable to include bet ball path error determination means for determining an error when the game ball is detected by the bet ball detection means during the operation of taking the game ball into the return ball path by the game ball take-in means. By doing so, it is possible to determine that an inconvenience has occurred such that the game ball taken in to be returned to the player flows down to the bet ball path due to a switching failure of the path switching means.

In the slot machine using the game balls of the present invention, the game can be started and the display state is changed by setting the bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls as one bet number unit. One game is ended by deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device that can be made, and in a slot machine using a game ball capable of generating a predetermined prize according to the display result of the variable display device, Game ball taking-in means for taking in the game balls, control means for controlling the game ball taking means, and letting down the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means for setting the bet number. A bet ball path and a return ball path for flowing down the game ball taken in by the game ball take-in means for returning to the player,
A path switching unit that can switch a path along which the game ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means flows down to one of the betting-ball path or the return-ball path, and the control means is provided by a player. After starting the operation of taking in the game ball to the return ball path by the game ball taking means in response to a request for returning the game ball, it is possible to execute control for ending the taking operation, and the return ball Based on the start of the operation of taking the game ball into the path, the switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is prohibited, and the game ball passes through the path switching means from the end of the taking operation. It is characterized in that the switching operation to the betting ball path by the path switching means is permitted when a sufficient time has passed. According to this feature, the switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is not possible from the end of the operation of taking the game ball to the return ball path until the time sufficient for the gaming ball to pass through the path switching means. Since it is permitted, the pachinko ball captured by the game ball capturing means will surely flow down to the return ball route, and the game ball captured for returning to the player will flow down the bet ball route. For example, it is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by flowing down to a route different from the route that should originally flow down.

A slot machine using a game ball according to the present invention comprises return ball detecting means for detecting the game ball taken in by the game ball taking means for returning to the player.
It is preferable that the operation of taking the game ball into the return ball path is completed in accordance with the situation of the game ball being detected by the return ball detecting means. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the taking-in operation by the game-ball taking-in means from being continuously performed even when there is no game ball to be returned.

In the slot machine using the game balls of the present invention, the game can be started and the display state is changed by setting the bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls as one bet number unit. One game is ended by deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device that can be made, and in a slot machine using a game ball capable of generating a predetermined prize according to the display result of the variable display device, Game ball taking-in means for taking in the game balls, control means for controlling the game ball taking means, and letting down the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means for setting the bet number. A bet ball path and a return ball path for flowing down the game ball taken in by the game ball taking means for returning to the player,
Path switching means capable of switching a path along which the game ball taken in by the game ball taking means flows to either the bet ball path or the return ball path, and the game ball take-in for returning to the player Return ball detection means for detecting the game ball taken in by means, the control means, in response to a return request of the game ball from the player, the game ball to the return ball path by the game ball take-in means It is possible to start the operation of taking in the ball, and to execute the control to end the taking-in operation when the game ball is not detected by the return ball detecting means for a predetermined time, and to take the game ball to the return ball path The switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is prohibited based on the start of the loading operation, and the switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is permitted when the loading operation is completed. thing It is characterized. According to this feature, the switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is not permitted until the predetermined time elapses after the game ball is not detected by the return ball detecting means, so that the game ball capturing means is used. The captured pachinko ball will surely flow down to the return ball route, and the game ball captured to return to the player will flow down to the bet ball route, etc. to a route different from the route that should originally flow down It is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by flowing down.

The slot machine using the game balls of the present invention comprises bet ball detecting means for detecting the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means for setting the bet number, and the control means is a player. In response to a bet number setting request from, it is possible to execute a control for taking in the predetermined number of game balls to the bet ball path by the game ball taking means, and taking in the game ball to the bet ball path. The switching operation to the return ball path by the path switching means is prohibited based on the start of the operation, and the return by the path switching means when the predetermined number of game balls is detected by the bet ball detecting means. It is preferable to allow the switching operation to the ball path. By doing so, the switching operation to the return ball path by the path switching means is not permitted until the bet ball detecting means detects a predetermined number of game balls, so that the pachinko taken in by the game ball capturing means is not permitted. The balls are surely flown down to the bet ball path, and it is possible to prevent the game ball taken in for setting the bet number from flowing down to the return ball path and being returned to the player.

In the slot machine using the game ball of the present invention, the return ball detecting means is provided in the return ball path, and the game ball is being taken into the betting ball path by the game ball taking means. In the above, it is preferable to include return ball route error determination means for determining an error when a game ball is detected by the return ball detection means. By doing so, it is possible to determine that there is an inconvenience such that the game ball taken in for setting the bet number flows down to the return ball route and is returned to the player due to the switching failure of the route switching means.

In the slot machine using the game balls of the present invention, the bet ball detecting means is provided in the bet ball path, and while the game ball is being taken into the return ball path by the game ball taking means. It is preferable to include bet ball path error determination means for determining an error when a game ball is detected by the bet ball detection means. If you do this,
It is possible to determine that an inconvenience has occurred such that the game ball taken in to be returned to the player flows down to the bet ball route due to a switching failure of the path switching means.

It is preferable that the slot machine using the game ball of the present invention comprises a take-up preparation ball detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the game ball which can be taken in by the game ball taking-in means. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the taking-in operation by the game-ball taking-in means from being performed even though there is no game ball that can be taken in.

The slot machine using the game balls of the present invention can be used to set the game ball payout means for paying out the game balls and the number of bets among the number of game balls stored as the valuable value owned by the player. A credit display means for displaying the number of game balls in a identifiable manner, and the payout condition by the game ball payout means among the number of game balls stored as a valuable value owned by the player is satisfied, and is still paid out. The unpaid display means for displaying the number of unpaid gaming balls which is not provided, and the game can be shifted to the next game even during the paying operation of the gaming balls by the gaming ball paying means. During the payout operation which is continuously carried out, it is preferable to display the number of unpaid gaming balls by the unpaid display means so that the number of unpaid gaming balls can be recognized. By doing this, it is possible to move to the next game even during the payout operation of the game ball, and the game progresses smoothly, so that it is possible to avoid giving the player an unpleasant feeling when the game is delayed. , Even if the payout operation of the game balls is continued at the time of shifting to the next game, the unpaid display means displays the number of unpaid game balls in a identifiable manner. Distrust of the person can be dispelled.

In the slot machine using the game ball of the present invention, the game ball taking-in means rotates the game ball to 1
Equipped with a take-in rotating body capable of ejecting balls one by one, when the take-in rotating body is rotated to a predetermined position, the introduced game balls are ejected one by one in the outer peripheral direction of the take-in rotating body. Is preferred. By doing this, the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means can be detected one by one, so that the taken game balls can be detected one by one. Can be accurately detected.

In the slot machine using the game balls of the present invention, the game ball take-in means can store the game balls of a unit of one bet in one row, and the stored game balls are The unit ball storage unit that can be discharged in the outer peripheral direction is configured so that the maximum number of game balls that can be set in at least one game along the outer periphery of the unit ball storage unit is stored in advance. It is preferable that the game balls stored in the unit supply / storing section are discharged substantially at the same time in the outer peripheral direction of the intake rotating body when the intake rotating body is rotated to a predetermined position. By doing this, it is possible to store the maximum number of bets for the game balls in advance in the unit ball storage unit, so that the take-in operation for setting the number of bets can be performed quickly, and You can make progress smoothly.

A slot machine using the game ball of the present invention comprises an operation amount detecting means for detecting an operation amount of the take-in rotary member, and the control means has the operation amount even after a predetermined operation time has elapsed. It is preferable that the capturing operation can be stopped when the operation amount of the intake rotating body detected by the detecting means does not reach the required operation amount. By doing this, when a problem such as ball catching occurs, the taking-in operation is stopped, and therefore damage to the game ball taking-in means due to these problems can be prevented.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a game ball for playing a game by setting a bet number using a pachinko ball which is an example of a game machine to which the present invention is applied. Slot machine 1 using this and this slot machine 1
FIG. 2 is a front view of a card unit 800 that is installed and used in parallel with each other. FIG.
FIG. The slot machine 1 includes a frame body 4 having front and rear surfaces opened, and a front door 2 pivotally supported at a side end of the frame body 4 and provided on the back surface of the front door 2. By rotating a predetermined key inserted into a keyhole 3a of a locking device (not shown) in a clockwise direction, the locking is released and the front door 2 can be opened.

A game effect lamp section 41, a winning symbol explanation panel 5, and a liquid crystal display section 15 for producing a game-related effect are respectively provided on the upper front surface of the front door 2, and a game panel 6 is provided in the center section. And various display units are provided.
Further, below the game panel 6, an upper plate 7 on which a pachinko ball as a game ball used for a game can be placed (standby) is projected, and the upper plate 7a and the front face 7b of the upper plate 7 are Various operation buttons 36a, 36b, 37, 40L, 4
0C, 40R, 302a, 302b, a start lever 38, a frequency display unit 301, and the like are provided. Also,
Game effect lamp parts 42 to 44 are provided on the left and right sides of the front door 2 and the left and right parts of the upper plate 7, respectively. Also,
A lower plate 11 capable of storing the pachinko balls overflowing from the upper plate 7 is provided at a lower portion of the front face of the front door 2, and the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 are provided on the front face of the lower plate 11. A return lever 16 for discharging to the outside is provided.

On the left and right sides of the upper portion of the front door, sound emitting portions 12a and 12b for emitting sounds output from high-pitched loudspeakers 136a and 136b (see FIG. 6) are provided, respectively. On the lower right side, there is provided a sound emitting portion 13 for emitting a sound output from a low-pitched speaker 137 (see FIG. 6) provided inside, and from these sound emitting portions 12a, 12b, 13 , Each speaker 13
6a, 136b, and 137, sound effects such as voices and melodies for enhancing the effect effect are emitted.

On the game panel 6, reels 51L, 51C, 51 provided in the frame body 4 of the slot machine 1 are installed.
A transparent window 14 through which R can be seen through, a 1BET betting display portion 21 and a 2BET betting display portion 2 located on the left side of the perspective window 14.
2, 23, 3BET betting display sections 24, 25, and transparent window 1
4, a game over display portion 26, a replay display portion 27, a weight display portion 28, and a start display portion 2 which are located on the right side of 4.
9. A BET instruction display unit 30, a credit display unit 31, a game number display unit 32, a payout display unit 33, and an unpaid display unit 303, which are located below the transparent window 14, are provided.

The game over display section 26 has a B
When the game is stopped due to the end of B, or when some kind of error occurs and the game cannot be progressed, the game over lamp 117 (see FIG. 6) incorporated therein is Light. The replay display unit 27 has a replay lamp 119 (see FIG. 6) incorporated therein when a replay prize described later occurs.
(See) lights up. The start display unit 29 has a start lamp 118 incorporated therein when a start operation can be performed by setting the bet number.
(See FIG. 6) is turned on and is turned off when a valid start operation is detected. The BET instruction display unit 30 is a pachinko ball or credit display unit 31 placed on the upper plate 7.
When the bet amount can be set using the credit amount displayed in, the BET indicator lamp 111 (see FIG. 6) built therein blinks to set the maximum bet amount. , Turns off when the game is started.

When the start operation is detected during the wait time, the wait display section 28 turns on a wait lamp 139 (see FIG. 6) incorporated therein, and turns off after the wait time has elapsed. The wait time is a game progress restriction period that is set to prevent the game from progressing too fast.If a start operation is detected during this wait time, the reels will be released after the wait time has elapsed. It is set to start. Therefore, when the game is advanced with a sufficient time interval, the progress of the game is not restricted when the start lever 38 is operated, but when the game is to be advanced in a short time, the game is performed depending on the wait time. Is temporarily restricted, and the reel is in a waiting state until the wait time elapses.

In the slot machine 1, for example, a game progress restriction period of 4.1 seconds is set on the basis of the time when the reel starts to rotate in the previous game, and the reel rotates in the previous game. 4.1 from the time it was started
If the present start operation is detected before the lapse of seconds, the reel rotation is started after the game progress regulation period has elapsed.

The credit display unit 31 is a display unit on which the corresponding segment of the credit display unit 109 (see FIG. 6) provided inside is turned on and the credit amount is displayed. The number of credits is a storage value inside the slot machine 1 (RAM 212 described later) as a valuable value owned by the player.
BET number (1B) corresponding to the number of credit balls stored in the credit sphere counter (see FIG. 7).
ET (the number of pachinko balls required for setting the minimum number of bets) = the number of credit balls / 5), and the number of credit balls is added and updated based on the award of prize balls due to the occurrence of a prize. By subtracting and updating the number of credit balls based on the payout of pachinko balls by the settlement operation, the number of credits on the credit display unit 31 is also updated. In this slot machine 1, the maximum value of the valuable value that can be stored as the number of credit balls is 250 balls (50 BET's) at maximum, and when the upper limit value is reached and the number of credit balls exceeds the upper limit value. When a request for addition and renewal is issued, the number of pachinko balls exceeding the upper limit is paid out to the upper plate 7.

The unpaid display section 303 is a display section in which a corresponding segment of the unpaid display unit 150 (see FIG. 6) provided inside is lit and the unpaid number is displayed. The unpaid number is the number of pachinko balls to be paid out by the payout device 600, which will be described later, that is, the number of pachinko balls that have not yet been paid out.
BET number (1B) corresponding to the number of pachinko balls stored in the unpaid ball counter set to 212 (see FIG. 8)
ET = number of unpaid balls / 5), and the number of unpaid balls is added and updated based on the number of balls paid out by the payout of prize balls awarded due to the occurrence of a prize or the payout of credit balls by the settlement operation, When the number of unpaid balls is subtracted and updated based on the detection of the pachinko balls paid out by the payout device 600, the unpaid number of the unpaid display unit 303 is also updated.

The number-of-games display section 32 lights the corresponding segment of the internally provided number-of-games display unit 108 (see FIG. 6) to display the regular bonus (RB) winning status in the big bonus (BB), It is a display unit that displays the number of winnings during RB. In particular, when BB ends and the player is in the stopped state, the character "END" is displayed to notify the player that the player is in the stopped state. Further, the game number display unit 32 also functions as an error display device for displaying and notifying various abnormalities that have occurred in the slot machine 1, and when an abnormal condition is detected by the control unit, for example, a take-in motor 701 described later is used. When a rotation error, a return ball detection error, a bet ball detection error, etc. are detected, the error code that can specify the abnormality type is "E-1" or "E-2",
It is displayed in a mode such as "E-3".

The payout display section 33 lights up the corresponding segment of the payout display unit 110 (see FIG. 6) provided inside the payout display section 33, and a prize is awarded to the player on the basis of the winning generated in one game. The display unit displays the number of BETs corresponding to the number of balls (1 BET = number of prize balls / 5).
The display of the payout display unit 33 is updated every time a prize ball is awarded based on a winning.

A 1BET button 36a and a MAXBET button 36b are provided on the right side of the upper surface 7a of the upper plate 7, and a settlement button 37 is provided on the left side. On the lower right side of the upper plate 7, a return button 3
05 is provided.

The 1-BET button 36a is used for the 1-BET (5) which is the minimum unit bet from the number of credit balls in the credit-ball counter or the number of pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7.
This is a button to be pressed when betting (balls) in the game or when adding 1 BET of pachinko balls and adding it to the number of credit balls. The MAXBET button 36b is the maximum number of bets allowed in one game (book). 3 in the example
BET minutes) is the number of credit balls in the credit ball counter,
Alternatively, the button is pressed when betting on the game within the range of the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7, or when taking in the 3 BETs of the pachinko balls and adding them to the number of credit balls. The BET button lamp 121a is built in the 1BET button 36a, and the BET button lamp 121b is built in the MAXBET button 36b (see FIG. 6).
21a and 121b turn on when the operation of the corresponding BET button is valid, and turn off when the operation of the corresponding BET button is invalid.

The settlement button 37 is a button that is pressed when performing the settlement operation of the number of credit balls of the credit sphere counter. With the pushing operation of the settlement button 37, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of credit balls of the credit sphere counter is increased. The coins are paid out to the upper plate 7, and accordingly, the credits are updated by subtraction until the number of credits displayed on the credit display section 31 becomes zero. The adjustment button lamp 123 is built in the adjustment button 37 (see FIG. 6). The adjustment button lamp 123 lights up when the adjustment button 37 is pressed and the adjustment is possible. Turns off when it is impossible.

The return button 305 is a pachinko ball placed on the upper plate 7 and a pachinko ball remaining on the preparatory ball passage 710 supplied from the upper plate 7 to an intake device 700 described later and the intake device 700. Put the remaining pachinko balls inside to the bottom plate 1
The shutter solenoid 1 is a button to be pressed when the shutter solenoid 1 is returned.
07 (see FIG. 6) is driven, and the shutter 304 provided on the downstream side bottom surface of the upper plate 7 is opened, so that the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 are discharged to the lower plate 11. By driving the capturing device 700, the capturing device 700
The pachinko balls supplied to the side are also discharged to the lower plate 11.

The start lever 3 is provided on the front surface 7b of the upper plate 7.
8, stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R, a frequency display portion 301, a ball lending button 302a, and a return button 302b are provided respectively. The start lever 38 is a lever that is operated when starting a game, and the reels 51L, 51C, and 51R are started to rotate by operating the start lever 38 after the setting of the bet number is completed.

Stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R
Is the reel 51L, 51C, 51 after the game starts
It is a button that is operated when stopping the rotation of R, and the operation valid lamp 122L is inside the stop button 40L.
However, the operation valid lamp 1 is inside the stop button 40C.
22C, the operation enable lamp 122R is built in the stop button 40R (see FIG. 6). These operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 122R are turned on when the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R is valid, and are turned off when the operation is invalid. In addition, the stop button unit 39 in which the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R are arranged is used for BB winning and R winning.
When the B winning internal winning flag is set, the bonus notification lamp 120 (see FIG. 6) incorporated therein is turned on.

The frequency display section 301 is inserted into a card insertion slot 804, which will be described later, of the card units 800 arranged side by side by lighting the corresponding segment of the frequency display unit 813 (see FIG. 6) provided inside. The display unit displays the frequency read from the prepaid card. The ball lending button 302a is a button that is pressed when lending a pachinko ball using the frequency displayed on the frequency display unit 301, that is, the frequency read from the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 800. , Return button 3
A button 02b is pressed when returning the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 800.

Further, at a position below the upper plate 7 on the inner surface of the front door 2, there is provided a take-in device 700 as a game ball taking-in means for taking in a pachinko ball inside.
By operating the ET button 36a or the MAXBET button 36b, a corresponding number of pachinko balls from the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 are taken into the slot machine 1 by the take-in device 700, and the bet number is changed. It is used for setting and adding to the number of credit balls.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the intake device 700 is divided into two lines through an intake preparation ball passage 710 for guiding pachinko balls from the upper plate 7 to the intake device 700. Pachinko balls are supplied. When the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 7 are divided into two lines in the intake preparation ball passage 710, these pachinko balls are divided almost uniformly. In addition, the capturing device 700
In the upper part of the table, the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 70 is provided corresponding to each article.
3 is provided, and this acquisition preparation ball detection switch 70
According to 3, it is detected whether or not 1 BET worth (5 balls) of pachinko balls required for setting the minimum number of bets is prepared.

In addition, the intake device 700 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in (c), a sprocket 706 as an intake rotating body is provided corresponding to each line of the intake preparation ball passage 710. Three notches (see FIG. 4B) into which pachinko balls are introduced one by one are formed on the outer periphery of the sprocket 706, and the sprocket 706 is rotated by the drive of the take-in motor 701. The pachinko balls introduced into the notches are discharged one by one in the downward outer peripheral direction. Further, the sprockets 706 corresponding to the respective rows are arranged so that the positions of the notches are displaced from each other, and the pachinko balls are alternately ejected by the synchronous rotation of both sprockets 706. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the take-in device 700 of this embodiment is provided with a rotation sensor 711 as an operation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of the sprocket 706. The rotation status of 706 is monitored.

Below the sprockets 706, a downward path of the pachinko balls that are swung by excitation or cancellation of the distribution solenoid 702 and discharged by the rotation of the sprockets 706 is connected to the lower part of the take-in device 700. A flow path switching valve 707 is provided as a path switching means for switching to either the bet ball guide passage 708 as a bet ball path or the return ball guide passage 709 as a return ball path. Further, a bet ball detecting switch 704 as a bet ball detecting means for detecting passage of a pachinko ball taken in for setting the number of bets or adding to the number of credit balls is provided in a route connected to the bet ball guide passage 708. In addition, a return ball detecting means as a return ball detecting means for detecting passage of a pachinko ball returned to the lower plate 11 via a return ball flow passage 509, which will be described later, in the path connected to the return ball guiding passage 709. A switch 705 is provided.

In the take-in device 700, when the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 7 are taken in for setting the bet number and adding to the credit number, the flow path switching valve 707 is used.
The state shown in FIG. 4 (b), the sprocket 7
The pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of 06 is detected by the bet ball detection switch 704, then discharged to the bet ball guide passage 708, and is collected in the out ball tank inside the game island via the bet ball flow passage 510 as described later. It has become so. Further, when the return operation is performed and the pachinko balls that are supplied from the upper plate 7 and remain in the intake preparation ball passage 710 and the pachinko balls that remain in the intake device 700 are returned to the lower plate 11, the sorting operation is performed. Excitation of the solenoid 702 causes the flow path switching valve 707 to swing, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 4C, and after the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 706 is detected by the return ball detection switch 705, It is discharged to the return ball guide passage 709 and returned to the lower plate 11 via the return ball flow passage 509 as described later.

In this embodiment, the flow path switching valve 707 is normally in the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) and at the time of return, the return side (return ball guide passage 7).
09 side), but as will be described later, the normal state is the return side, and when taking in for setting the bet number and adding to the number of credit balls You may make it a state.

As described above, in this embodiment, as the game ball taking-in means, the taking-in device 700 in which the pachinko balls are discharged one by one by the rotation of the sprocket 706 is applied,
Since it becomes possible to detect the incorporated pachinko spheres one by one, it becomes possible to accurately detect the incorporated pachinko spheres.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of types of symbols, "7", "BAR", in this embodiment, are provided in the substantially central portion of the frame body 4.
A variable display device 50 having reels 51L, 51C, 51R around which a translucent strip-shaped reel sheet, on which patterns of "watermelon", "cherry", "bell", and "plum" are printed, is wound. Is provided. Each of the reels 51L, 51C, 51R is a reel motor 54 including a stepping motor provided corresponding to each reel.
The L, 54C, and 54R are independently configured to rotate (drive) in the vertical direction and stop, and when the reels 51L, 51C, and 51R rotate, the various symbols are continuously displayed on the see-through window 14. It is supposed to be displayed while changing. In this embodiment, the reel type variable display device 50 is applied as the variable display device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of types of symbols are printed in place of each reel. It is also possible to provide a belt type variable display device in which an endless belt is installed and each belt is rotated so that the various symbols are displayed while being continuously changed.

Between the reels 51L and 51C arranged side by side in the lateral direction, and between the reels 51C and 51R, an arc-shaped inter-reel concealing member 5 for closing the space between the reels.
3 (see FIG. 1) is provided so that the inside cannot be seen from between the reels. In the see-through window 14, three regions divided by dividing the field of view by the reel concealing member 53, that is, three region portions in which each reel is visible, are associated with each reel, and the left variable display portion, the middle The variable display section and the right variable display section (area) are called.

From each variable display portion of the see-through window 14, three consecutive symbols of the plurality of symbols drawn on each reel are displayed at the upper, middle, and lower positions, and at the upper portion of the upper stage. A part of the symbol that appears in the upper position soon is displayed, and a part of the symbol that disappears soon under the variable display unit is displayed in the lower part of the lower column.

A reel sensor 56 (see FIG. 6) for detecting the reference position of each reel is provided in each reel 51L, 51C, 51R so that the reel sensor 56 can derive the stop position of a predetermined symbol. In addition, a plurality of reel lamps 55 (see FIG. 6) capable of individually irradiating specific display areas (upper, middle, and lower display areas) on the respective reels 51L, 51C, and 51R from the back side are provided, Each of the reel lamps 55 provided in the middle and lower stages functions as a backlight that lights up from the rear so that the symbols displayed in the see-through window 14 in normal times are conspicuous.

Although not shown, a main switch portion for turning on / off the main power source and a main switch portion at a lower position in the frame 4 and the game can be continued again at the end of BB or when an error occurs during the game. Reset button for resetting the winning state, a setting button for changing the winning probability, an automatic settlement selection switch part for turning on / off the automatic settlement function, and a stop for turning the automatic stopping function on / off Provided on the front side is a selection switch section and a setting key insertion section for enabling / disabling operation of the setting button by performing a predetermined operation while inserting a specific key possessed by an amusement hall manager or the like. Power supply board 202
A power supply unit 64 (see FIG. 6) having a built-in (see FIG. 6) is provided.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined winning probability value is stored as the set value of six patterns, and the winning probability is changed by arbitrarily selecting the value by operating the setting button. It becomes possible to play a game.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the inner surface of the front door 2,
A mechanism plate 500 (see FIG. 3) provided with a pachinko ball flow path and a payout device 600, which will be described later, for paying out the pachinko ball is attached, and the back surface of the mechanism plate is mainly used as described later. A game control unit 21 for controlling the progress of the game
0 (see FIG. 7) and game control board 2 provided with various circuits
00 and the payout control unit 401 (see FIG. 8) that controls the payout of the pachinko balls performed by the payout device 600 and the like, a payout control board 400 provided with various circuits, and execution of a predetermined effect related to the game. Effect control board 201 provided with effect control unit 230 (see FIG. 7) for controlling
Is stored and fixed in the storage case.

Further, in a space formed between the front door 2 and the mechanism plate 500, a reel relay board 203 (see FIG.
Various substrates such as a reel lamp relay substrate 204 (see FIG. 6) and an external output substrate 205 (see FIG. 6) are attached.

Further, on the back surface of the front door 2, high-pitched loudspeakers 136a, 136b and low-pitched loudspeaker 137 are fixed so as to face the above-mentioned sound emitting portions 12a, 12b, 13 respectively, for example, BET. Operation, operation of start lever 38, operation of stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R, etc. When various operations are performed during the game, or a combination of specific symbols is displayed in line on the activated effective line and predetermined. In a variety of game states such as when the winning condition is satisfied, or when BB or RB is executed, a predetermined game effect sound or the like corresponding to the game state is output from each speaker 136a, 136b, 137. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 3, a ball storage tank 501 for storing pachinko balls replenished from a replenishing device (not shown) on a gaming island in which the slot machine 1 is installed is provided at an upper position of the mechanism plate 500. A guide gutter 502 that is provided and is provided below the ball storage tank 501 so as to extend laterally is continuously provided. You will be guided towards.

At the downstream end of the guide gutter 502, two ball supply passages 504 are continuously provided through a curve gutter 516 and a ball supply gutter 514, and the ball supply passage 5 is provided.
The lower end of 04 pays out prize balls awarded due to the occurrence of a prize, pays out credit balls by a settlement operation, pays out balls for lending based on the ball lending operation, and pays out game balls for discharging to the upper plate 7. The pachinko ball that is connected to the dispensing device 600 as a means and flows down the guide gutter 502 is the guide gutter 50.
After being divided into two at 2, the curve gutter 516 converts the downward direction from the left-right direction to the downward direction, and is supplied to the dispensing device 600 via the ball supply gutter 514 and the ball supply passage 504. . When the pachinko balls supplied from the ball storage tank 501 are split into two lines in the guide trough 502, the pachinko balls are split substantially uniformly. Further, in the path of the ball supply passage 504, a ball break switch 505 is provided corresponding to each row, and the ball break switch 505 is 25 balls which is the maximum number of balls for one payout in the dispensing device 600. It is adapted to detect whether or not the pachinko ball of is prepared in the ball supply passage 504. Numeral 503 shown in FIG. 3 is a ball removal valve for discharging the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage tank 501 to the above-mentioned out-ball tank of the game island via the ball removal passage 513.

Further, the payout device 600 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), sprockets 606 are provided corresponding to each line of the ball supply passage 504. Three notches (see FIG. 5B) into which pachinko balls are introduced one by one are formed on the outer periphery of the sprocket 606, and the notches are formed by rotating the sprocket 606 by driving the payout motor 601. 1 pachinko ball introduced inside
The balls are discharged downward in the outer peripheral direction. Further, the sprockets 606 corresponding to the respective rows are arranged such that the positions of the notches are displaced from each other, and the pachinko balls are alternately ejected by synchronously rotating both sprockets 606. Further, the payout device 6 of the present embodiment
00, the sprocket 60 as shown in FIG.
A rotation sensor 610 is provided as an operation amount detecting means for detecting the rotation amount of the sprocket 6, and the rotation status of these sprockets 606 is monitored.

Below these sprockets 606, the detection path of the pachinko balls that are swung by the excitation or cancellation of the distribution solenoid 602 and discharged by the rotation of the sprockets 606 is the detection path on the prize ball detection switch 604 side described later. Alternatively, a flow path switching valve 607 for switching to one of the detection paths on the ball rental detection switch 603 side is provided. In addition, below the payout device 600, a prize ball detection switch 604 for detecting passage of the pachinko balls discharged based on the payout of the prize balls or the payout of the number of credit balls, and the pachinko balls discharged based on the payout of the rental balls. A ball rental detection switch 603 for detecting passage is provided.

In this payout device 600, when the prize balls are paid out, the flow path switching valve 607 is set to the state shown in FIG. 5B, so that the pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 606 are transferred to the prize ball detection switch 604. After being detected, the ball is discharged to the downflow gutter 506. Further, when the ball lending is paid out, the flow passage switching valve 607 swings due to the excitation of the distribution solenoid 602, and the state shown in FIG. 5C is reached, and the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 606 is a ball lending ball. After being detected by the detection switch 603, it is discharged to the downflow gutter 506.

A communication port 10 communicating with the upper plate 7 of the front door 2 is provided below the dispensing device 600.
The pachinko ball dispensed from 00 is dispensed to the upper plate 7 through the communication port 10 and placed.
Further, on the side of this communication port 10, the lowermost end portion is connected to a surplus ball passage 507 which communicates with the lower plate 11 of the front door 2 via the lower plate outlet 9, and is mounted on the upper plate 7. Since the pachinko balls placed are full, the pachinko balls overflowing from the communication port 10 flow down through the surplus ball passage 507 and the lower plate 11
Are to be paid out. In addition, 50 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a full tank switch for detecting a state in which the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 are full and the lower part of the surplus ball passage 507 is blocked by the pachinko balls.

A bet ball downflow passage 510 connected to a bet ball guide passage 708 connected to the take-in device 700 via a take-in ball inlet 512 is provided at a lower position of the mechanism plate 500. The pachinko balls discharged by the device 700 flow down through the bet ball flow-down passage 510 and are collected in the out ball tank of the game island.

In addition, at the upper position of the betting ball downflow passage 510, it is connected to the return ball guiding passage 709 connected from the take-in device 700 via the return ball inflow port 511, and the downstream end thereof is described above. A return ball downflow passage 509 is provided continuously with the surplus ball passage 507, and the take-up device 70 is provided.
The pachinko ball discharged by 0 is the return ball downflow passage 5
09 is flowed down, merges with the surplus ball passage 507, and is discharged to the lower plate 11.

In addition, at the upper position of the bet ball downflow passage 510, the lower plate communication passage 5 is connected to the upper plate 7 and has its downstream end connected to the surplus ball passage 507 described above.
No. 19 is provided so that when the shutter 304 is opened, the pachinko balls that have flowed in from the upper plate 7 flow down through the lower plate communication passage 519, merge into the surplus ball passage 507, and are discharged to the lower plate 11. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the card unit 800 which is used by being installed in parallel in the slot machine 1,
An operation lamp 801, a direction indicator lamp 802, a card receiving lamp 803, and a card insertion slot 804 are provided.

The operation lamp 801 is the card unit 80.
0 is a lamp that lights up to indicate that it is in a usable state. The direction indicator lamp 802 is a card unit 80.
0 is a lamp for indicating the direction of the connected slot machine 1 by lighting, and a card receiving lamp 803.
Is a lamp that lights up to notify that the prepaid card is being accepted in the card insertion slot 804.

Further, the card insertion slot 804 is an insertion slot into which a prepaid card in which information such as the frequency used for renting a pachinko ball is recorded can be inserted, and the prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 804. By doing so, the inserted prepaid card is taken into a card reader / writer described later and the recorded information is read.

Inside the card unit 800, a card reader / writer (not shown) for reading and rewriting the recorded information of the prepaid card inserted in the card insertion slot 804 as described above is connected to the card insertion slot 804. In addition to being provided, a control unit and the like for controlling the card reader / writer and controlling the operation lamp 801, the direction indicator lamp 802, and the card receiving lamp 803 described above are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit of the card unit 800 and the payout control board 400 of the slot machine 1 arranged in parallel are connected via a signal cable 814, and control of these card units 800 is performed. Various signals are transmitted and received between the unit and the payout control board 400, and a ball lending operation is performed.

Next, the operation for the player to play a game (game) and the operating conditions of various devices associated with this operation will be described.

To start the game, a prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 804 of the corresponding card unit 800. Based on this, the frequency read from the inserted prepaid card is displayed on the frequency display unit 301.

When the ball lending button 302a is operated in this state, it is read from the prepaid card and the frequency display section 301 is displayed.
A predetermined lending unit (10 degrees in the present embodiment) is subtracted from the frequencies displayed in, and the number of balls (250 balls) corresponding to the subtracted frequency is paid out to the upper plate 7.

When the bet number can be set, BE
The T instruction lamp 111 is turned on, and in this state, the operation of the 1BET button 36a and the MAXBET button 36b is valid.

MAXBET button 3 for setting the bet number
Press 6b or 1BET button 36a,
When the MAXBET button 36b is pressed when the number of credits displayed on the credit display unit 31 is 0, the pachinko ball placed on the upper plate 7 is 1 in this embodiment.
The maximum number of bets (3 BETs) is set by capturing the number of pachinko balls (15 balls in this embodiment) necessary to set the maximum bet number (3 BET) allowed in the game.
When the 1BET button 36a is pressed, 1BET of the number of pachinko balls (5 balls in this embodiment) is taken from the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 and the bet number is 1B.
ET is set. When the number of pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 is less than 3BET, the range of the bet number that can be set is limited to the range of the number of balls.

When the player operates the 1-BET button 36a, the bet amount is set to 1-BET, the pay line L1 in the horizontal row in the middle row is activated, and the 1-BET indicating that the pay line L1 is activated. Betting lamp 112
(See FIG. 6) lights up. 1BET button 36a
When is pressed twice, the bet number is set to 2BET,
Top, middle, and bottom rows of three horizontal pay lines L1, L2, L2 '
Becomes effective, and these winning lines L1, L2, L2 '
1 BET betting lamp 112, 2 indicating that
The BET betting lamps 113 and 114 are turned on. 1 in a row
When the BET button 36a is pressed three times or the MAXBET button 36b is pressed, the bet number is 3BE.
It is set to T, and the winning lines L in the upper, middle, and lower rows in three horizontal rows
1, L2, L2 'and two diagonal winning lines L
3 and L3 'become effective, and these winning lines L1 and L
1BE indicating that 2, L2 ', L3, L3' are now valid
T betting lamp 112, 2BET betting lamp 113, 11
The 4 and 3 BET betting lamps 115 and 116 are turned on.
When the maximum bet number, 3BET, is set, the BET instruction lamp 111 is turned off because the bet number cannot be set more than that.

When the bet number of 1BET which is at least the minimum unit is set as described above, the state where the operation of the start lever 38 is effectively accepted, that is, the state where the game can be started, is started. The start lamp 118 indicating that the operation is effectively accepted is turned on.

The number and shape of the activated lines activated according to the set bet number can be arbitrarily changed, and is not limited to the form of this embodiment. Also,
The number of activated lines activated according to the number of bets can be arbitrarily changed, and for example, all the five pay lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L can be set by the bet number setting of 1 BET.
3'may be enabled.

In order to take in a pachinko ball and add the number of credit balls, it is sufficient to press the MAXBET button 36b or the 1BET button 36a in a state where the maximum bet number of 3BET is set, and MAXBE
When the T button 36b is pressed, 3 BETs of pachinko balls (15 balls in this embodiment) are taken in from the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7, and 15 balls corresponding to 3 BETs are credited. And the credit number on the credit display portion 31 is displayed by adding 3BET.
If 240 or more credit balls remain when the MAXBET button 36b is pressed, the number of pachinko balls required for setting the maximum number of credit balls to 250 is taken in and credited. It is added to the number of balls, and the number of credits on the credit display unit 31 is added and displayed for the corresponding BET.

When the 1BET button 36a is pressed, 1BET of the number of pachinko balls (5 balls in this embodiment) is taken in from the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 and 1
Five balls corresponding to BET are added to the number of credit balls, and the number of credits on the credit display section 31 is 1BE.
Displayed by adding T minutes.

The 1BET button 36a and MAX
When the game balls are taken in by the operation of the BET button 36b and the number of credit balls reaches 250 balls which is the upper limit value, the 1BET button 36a and the MAXBET button 3
The operation of 6b becomes invalid, and the BET button lamp 121
The lights a and 121b are turned off.

When the settlement button 37 is operated in a state in which the number of bets can be set or the number of credit balls can be added by taking in pachinko balls, the number of pachinko balls stored as the number of credit balls can be settled and the number of credits can be increased. It is to be paid out on the plate 7.

Further, when the return button 305 is operated in a state in which the number of bets can be set or the number of credit balls can be added by taking in the pachinko balls, the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 can be moved to the lower plate. In addition to being returned to 11, the pachinko balls supplied to the intake device 700 side are also returned to the lower plate 11.

As described above, when the start lamp 118 is lit, that is, the bet number is set to 1 BET or more, and the start lever 38 is pressed while the game can be started, the variable display device 50 is activated. Then, the reels 51L, 51C, 51R rotate, and a plurality of types of symbols are displayed on the see-through window 14 so as to continuously change. As described above, if the predetermined time has elapsed after the rotation of the reels 51L, 51C, 51R was started, each stop button 40
Operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 122R indicating that the operation of L, 40C, 40R is enabled and the operation of these stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R is enabled.
Lights up. Operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 12
If the player presses any of the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R while 2R is lit, the corresponding operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 122R are extinguished and the corresponding reels 51L, 51C, 51.
The rotation of R is stopped, and the symbol is displayed on the corresponding variable display section through the transparent window 14 in the upper, middle, and lower stages.

In addition, the player presses the stop button 40L, 4
If the 0C and 40R are not pressed, the reels 51L and 5L
It automatically stops in the priority order of 1C and 51R.

Then, when the rotation of any two reels among the three reels is stopped, the same kind of pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3 and L3' are activated depending on the number of bets. The reach is established when the symbols are stopped and displayed together.

Further, all reels 51L, 51C, 51
When R is stopped, if a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' activated according to the number of bets, the prize is won. , The game effect lamps 130 to 133 (see FIG. 6) built in the various game effect lamp units 41 to 44, and the reel lamps 55 corresponding to the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' are lit. Together with the speaker 13
The winning effect is executed by outputting sound effects or the like from 6a, 136b, and 137. Then, a predetermined prize ball corresponding to the winning content is given to the player,
The number of prize balls is added to the number of credit balls, and the number of credits displayed on the credit display unit 31 is also updated accordingly. Further, when the number of credit balls reaches the upper limit value, the unpaid amount corresponding to the number of prize balls exceeding the upper limit value of the credit balls is added to the unpaid amount displayed on the unpaid display unit 303. In addition to being displayed, the payout of prize balls to the upper plate 7 is started and the unpaid display section 30 is displayed every time 5 balls are paid out.
The unpaid amount of 3 is displayed subtracted by 1 BET. In addition, BE corresponding to the number of prize balls given to these
The T number is also displayed on the payout display portion 33.

In addition, especially when a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed and a big hit is won, a prize ball is given to the player, and the game state is different from the normal game state. There is a special game state that is advantageous for players, that is, a large number of prize balls can be obtained,
BB and RB, which will be described later, are given to the player as a game value.

The "gaming value" given to the player by winning in this way is not limited to a valuable value such as a prize ball, but is given to the player in the case of a jackpot as described above. It includes all the benefits related to the game, such as BB and RB that are granted as a result.

In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the variable display device 50 is stopped, any of the pay lines L1, L2, L activated according to the number of bets.
2 ', L3, L3' on a specific symbol, for example "BAR-B
If the symbols of "AR-BAR" are prepared, it means that the player has won the RB which is a jackpot. For example, 75 balls are awarded as compensation for having the symbols of "BAR-BAR-BAR", and the game is played. An RB that is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player occurs, and a regular bonus game described below is given to the player as a gaming value. This R
In B, there is a high probability that the Jac prize will be awarded with 75 award balls due to the alignment of the plum symbols.
ac game is offered up to 12 times, and this J
The game ends when the ac game is executed 12 times, or the Jac prize is won 8 times before the Jac game reaches 12 times, or when either condition is satisfied. Therefore, the player can get up to eight Jac prize winning opportunities during the 12 Jac games.

On the other hand, the activated pay lines L1 and L
If, for example, "7-7-7" is aligned on 2, L2 ', L3, L3', it means that you have won the BB which is a jackpot.
For example, 75 prize balls are given as a consideration for the fact that the symbols “7-7-7” are arranged, and a special game state BB that is advantageous to the player occurs, and a small winning game described below. Is given to the player as a game value. More specifically, in this BB, a small winning combination in which small winning symbols (bells, plums in the embodiment) are aligned with a high probability and a small winning combination with a predetermined number of prize balls is highly likely to occur. The game is provided at most 30 times, and if the JacIn prize is won by aligning the plum symbols by the time this small winning game is executed 30 times, the aforementioned RB in the special gaming state A regular bonus game is being offered as it occurs. This RB has a predetermined maximum number of times that it can occur in the BB, and in the present embodiment, it can occur up to three times. Then, this BB is 3 when the small winning combination game is executed and ended, or before the small winning combination game is executed 30 times.
When at least one of the conditions in which the RB is provided three times and the third RB is completed, the process ends.

Further, in the case of a normal game state (base game) other than the special game state, when a predetermined prize is established in line on one activated line in which symbols of the same kind are activated, , A predetermined number of prize balls predetermined according to the type of the symbol are given to the player. The symbol "cherry" drawn on each reel 51L, 51C, 51R is a mark called a single symbol, and when this single symbol is stopped and displayed on one effective line, 10 balls are displayed. Prize balls are awarded to the player. In addition, in the case where there are a plurality of activated lines activated according to the number of bets, as described above, when the combination of the symbols to which the prize balls are awarded is simultaneously established on a plurality of winning lines, As a general rule, prize balls corresponding to the total number of prize balls provided by a combination of symbols on the pay line are awarded.
However, since the upper limit of the number of prize balls given to the player in one game is set to 75 balls, when the number of balls exceeds 75, the prize balls after the 76th ball become invalid.

In this embodiment, 7-7-7 (777 awards) and BAR-BAR-BAR in the normal game state.
(BAR award), watermelon-watermelon-watermelon (watermelon award),
Cherry (Cherry Award), Bell-Bell-Bell (Bell Award), Plum-Plum-Plum (Replay; Replay), etc. are the targets of the winning, of which 7 symbols,
And only the BAR symbol is a special symbol subject to the jackpot (BB, RB), which is a prize of great profit for the player, and other watermelons, cherries, bells or plums (replays) have little profit for the player. It is considered to be a pattern that is the target of a small prize.

The combination of the symbols targeted for each prize and the number of payout balls corresponding to the combination of the symbols (including the probability of winning) are in the normal game and B
It is predetermined in correspondence with B time and RB time,
These setting contents will be described later in the game control board 200.
It is registered in the winning determination table stored in the ROM 213 provided in the game control unit 210.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a connection condition between various boards provided in the slot machine 1 and electric parts. In addition, FIG. 7 is a control means provided in the game control board 200, a return ball path error determination means, a configuration of the game control section 210 as a bet ball path error determination means, and an effect control section provided in the effect control board 201. 230
3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of FIG. Also,
FIG. 8 is a game control unit 2 provided on the game control board 200.
10 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of 10 and a configuration of a payout control unit 401 provided on a payout control board 400. FIG.

Of the various boards provided in the slot machine 1, the game control board 200 mainly controls the game state, the effect control board 201 performs effect control according to the game state, and the payout control board 400. Pachinko ball payout control by ball lending and prize balls is implemented. Power is supplied to the power supply board 202 from outside the slot machine 1. This power board 202 has an AC100
The power switch 84 for receiving the power supply of V and the main switch 80 are connected.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, AC is used.
Although it is possible to operate by being supplied with a power supply of 100 V, the present invention is not limited to this, and a power supply of another voltage, for example, the same AC2 as the current pachinko machine is used.
The slot machine 1 may be operable by receiving the supply of 4V power, and by doing so, the slot machine 1 can be installed without changing the power supply equipment of the gaming island where the existing pachinko machine is installed.

The game control board 200 is a production control board 20.
1, a payout control board 400, a power supply board 202, and a reel relay board 203, and an external output board 205 via the reel relay board 203, and a reel lamp relay board 204 via the effect control board 201. Connected with.

Game control section 210 of game control board 200
Is an RB signal indicating that the gaming state is the RB state, or a BB signal indicating that the gaming state is the BB state,
A reel control signal (motor phase signal) for controlling the reel motors 54L, 54C, 54R corresponding to the reels 51L, 51C, 51R, a ball IN signal indicating the number of balls used to set the bet number, and a prize. The output of a ball OUT signal or the like indicating the number of balls given to the player due to the occurrence of is output from the external output board 205 to the outside of the slot machine 1 via the reel relay board 203. The stop switch signal indicating that the stop switches 103L, 103C, 103R are operated is a signal directly output from the stop switches 103L, 103C, 103R as described later.

To the game control board 200, various switches, lamps, and wires from the display are connected.

For example, the setting switch 83, the setting key switch 82, and the second reset switch 81, which are wire-connected to the power supply board 202, are relayed by the power supply board 202 and are wire-connected to the game control board 200. The detection signal of is input to the game control unit 210 of the game control board 200.

The reel motors 54L, 54C, 54R and the reel sensor 56, which are wire-connected to the reel relay board 203, are relayed by the reel relay board 203 and wire-connected to the game control board 200.
The detection signal of 6 is the game control unit 21 of the game control board 200.
Input to 0. The reel lamp 55 is relayed by the reel lamp relay board 204 and connected to the effect control board 201 by wiring. When the start condition (input of the detection signal of the start switch 102) is satisfied, the game control unit 210 of the game control board 200 is reel motors 54L, 54.
After the control signal is output to C and 54R to start the fluctuation of the reel, the variable display control for deriving and displaying the display result is executed.

Of the switches wired to the game control board 200, the 1BET switch 100 detects the operation of the 1BET button 36a, the MAXBET switch 101 detects the operation of the MAXBET button 36b, and the start switch 102 starts. The left, middle, and right stop switches 103L, 103C, 103R are switches for detecting the operation of the lever 38, and are switches for detecting the operation of the left, middle, right stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R. The settlement switch 104 is a settlement button 3
The return switch 10 which is a switch for detecting the operation of 7.
Reference numeral 6 is a switch for detecting the operation of the return button 305, and the first reset switch 105 is a switch for detecting the reset operation of the slot machine 1 by the key inserted into the keyhole 3a of the locking device 3.

Of the switches wired to the game control board 200, the prize ball detection switch 604 is a switch for detecting a pachinko ball paid out by the payout device 600 when a prize ball is generated or the number of credits is settled. is there. Further, the out-of-ball switch 505 is a switch for detecting whether or not 25 pachinko balls, which are the maximum number of balls to be paid out at one time in the dispensing device 600, are prepared in the ball supply passage 504, and a full tank is reached. In the switch 508, the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 become full and the surplus ball passage 5
A switch for detecting a state where the lower part of 07 is blocked by a pachinko ball.

The game number display unit 108 is a display unit that constitutes the game number display unit 32.
Reference numeral 9 is a display unit that constitutes the credit display unit 31, payout display unit 110 is a display unit that constitutes the payout display unit 33, and unpaid display unit 150 is an unpaid display unit 3.
03 is a display device.

The BET instruction lamp 111 is a lamp built in the BET instruction display section 30, the 1BET betting lamp 112 is on the 1BET bet display section 21, and the 2BET bet lamps 113 and 114 are on the 2BET bet display sections 22 and 23.
The 3BET bet lamps 115 and 116 are lamps built in the 3BET bet display units 24 and 25.

The game over lamp 117 is a lamp built in the game over display section 26, the start lamp 118 is a lamp built in the start display section 29, and the replay lamp 119 is a replay display section 2.
It is a lamp built in 7, and a bonus notification lamp 12
Reference numeral 0 is a lamp built in the stop button unit 39. BET button lamp 121a is 1 BET button 3
6a, the BET button lamp 121b is a lamp built in the MAXBET button 36b. The settlement button lamp 123 is a lamp built in the settlement button 37.
The left operation effective lamp 122L is the left stop button 40L.
122C which is a lamp built into the
Is a lamp built in the middle stop button 40C, and the right operation valid lamp 122R is the right stop button 4
It is a lamp built in 0R, and a weight lamp 139.
Is a lamp built in the weight display unit 28.

Also, on the game control board 200, a take-in motor 701 and a distribution solenoid 7 which constitute a take-in device 700.
02, rotation sensor 711, acquisition preparation ball detection switch 70
3, bet ball detection switch 704, return ball detection switch 70
5 are wired and connected, and the detection signals from the switches and sensors of these take-in devices 700 are game control units 210.
Is input to the game control unit 21 which is the control means for controlling the drive of the take-in motor 701 and the distribution solenoid 702.
0 is implemented.

A shutter solenoid 107 for opening / closing the shutter 304 provided on the upper plate 7 is wire-connected to the game control board 200, and the shutter is released according to the detection of the return switch 106 described above. Drive control of the solenoid is adapted to be performed by the game control unit 210.

The various lamps and indicators wired to the game control board 200, the shutter solenoid 107, and the take-in device 700 are controlled by the game control section 210 mounted on the game control board 200. Also, the game control unit 210
Receives the detection signals of various detection switches connected to the game control board 200 and various switches connected to the game control board 200 via the power supply board 202 or the reel relay board 203 to control the game state.

In particular, the "credit display 109, the number-of-games display 10" controlled by the game control unit 210.
8, payout indicator 110, unpaid indicator 150, B
ET instruction lamp 111, 1 BET betting lamp 112 to 3
BET betting lamp 116, start lamp 118, replay lamp 119, bonus notification lamp 120, game over lamp 117, left, middle, right operation valid lamp 12
2L, 122C, 122R, weight lamp 139 "
Is for informing information related to the progress of the game, and can be said to be an "essential informing device" in which the game is hindered if it does not function. Since these "essential notification devices" are controlled by the game control unit 210 that controls the game state, at least the information necessary for the progress of the game is provided to the player even if the production control board 201 fails. R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game from progressing in a disadvantageous state for the player.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the game control section 210 provided on the game control board 200 is a CPU (Central Pr) capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure.
an cessing unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 213 for storing a control program of the CPU 211,
RAM that can write and read necessary data
(Random Access Memory) 212 and I / O port 21 for ensuring signal consistency between the CPU 211 and an external circuit
Including 4 and.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the game control board 200 has an initial reset circuit 217 for giving a reset pulse to the CPU 211 when the power is turned on, and a CPU.
Clock generation circuit 218 for giving a clock signal to 211
And a pulse frequency dividing circuit (interrupting pulse generating circuit) 219 that divides the clock signal from the clock generating circuit 218 to periodically give an interrupt pulse to the CPU 211, and continuously generates a random number within a fixed range at high speed. Random number generating circuit 221
A sampling circuit 222 for sampling random numbers from the random number generation circuit 221 and a buffer circuit 220 are provided. Further, on the game control board 200, a switch circuit 215 to which signals from various switches are input, a motor circuit 216, a drive driver 224 that controls the drive of the shutter solenoid 107, a take-in motor 701 and a shake in the take-in device 700. A drive driver 225 and the like for controlling the drive of the minute solenoid 702 is provided. Further, the game control board 200 has RA even when the power is turned off.
Backup power supply 2 for holding memory of M212
23 is provided, the information necessary for the game is backed up when the power supply is cut off, the backup data is referred to in the initial state when the power is turned on, and the game state before the power is turned off is set. Processing for returning is performed. Therefore, even if a power failure occurs, it is possible to return to the game state before the power failure when the power failure is restored.

In the RAM 212, a credit ball counter that stores the number of credit balls as a valuable value owned by the player, a prize ball counter that stores the number of prize balls, and an unpaid ball that stores the number of unpaid balls. A counter, a captured ball counter that stores the number of captured balls, and a stored bet number B
The ET counter and are set.

The credit sphere number of the credit sphere counter can be added within a range of up to 250 spheres, which is the upper limit value, and the bet number is set based on the detection of the 1BET switch 100 or the MAXBET switch 101. The number of balls corresponding to the number of BETs is subtracted. Further, the number of credits (the number of credit balls / 5) based on the number of credit balls stored in these credit ball counters is displayed on the credit display 109, and the number of credit balls of these credit ball counters is updated. The number of credits displayed on the credit display unit 109 is also updated each time it is charged.

The prize ball counter is added with the number of corresponding prize balls when a prize occurs, and the number of these prize balls is shifted to the credit ball counter by 5 balls within the range of the upper limit value. When the number of prize balls exceeds the upper limit of the credit ball counter, the number of prize balls is added to the number of unpaid balls of the unpaid ball counter and the number of prize balls exceeding the upper limit is paid out. A payout instruction command, which will be described later, for instructing is sent to the payout control board 400.

The unpaid ball counter stores the number of unpaid balls that have not yet been paid out after the payout instruction command is transmitted, and the pachinko balls paid out by the payout device 600 indicate the prize ball detection switch 604. One is subtracted each time it is detected in. Further, the number of unpaid balls (number of unpaid balls / 5) based on the number of unpaid balls registered in these unpaid ball counters is displayed on the unpaid indicator 150. Every time the number of unpaid balls is updated, the number of unpaid balls displayed on the unpaid indicator 150 is also updated.

The number of pachinko balls to be successively taken in by one take-in operation in the take-in device 700 (5 balls in this embodiment) is set in the take-in ball counter, and the taken-in pachinko balls are bet balls. Each time it is detected by the detection switch 704, one sphere is subtracted.

The BET counter is a counter for storing the bet number set by the player's operation.
The upper limit of the number of bets set in the T counter is 3BET. The bet number set in these BET counters is cleared when the game is over. When the replay (replay) is won, the BET counter is not cleared and the bet number set in the BET counter is used as the bet number for the next game.

Further, in addition to these counters, the RAM 212 stores information necessary for the game such as internal winning flags, various setting flags indicating various game states and the like, and set values of the exit rate. There is.

In the ROM 213 of the game control unit 210, in addition to the control program, the allocation range of the sampling value corresponding to each prize, the set value of each winning probability, the bet number of the game, the game state (in the normal game, BB When each game state (normal game), the combination of winning symbols corresponding to each prize, the number of prize balls to be awarded, and various setting contents set in accordance with winning are registered respectively corresponding to each prize. Hour, BB time, RB time) are stored corresponding to each winning determination table. As described above, the allocation range of the sampling value of each prize is registered in the winning determination table, and the probability of winning the prize that can be internally won in the internal lottery process described later is set by setting the allocation range of these sampling values. It is set.

From the game control section 210 of the game control board 200 to the effect control board 201, commands indicating various game states described later are output via the buffer circuit 220.
The buffer circuit 220 allows the output of signals from the inside of the game control board 200 to the outside, but functions to prevent the input of signals from the outside of the game control board 200 to the inside. Therefore, one-way communication from the game control board 200 to the effect control board 201 is secured between the game control board 200 and the effect control board 201, and a signal is input to the game control board 200 via the command transmission path. It is possible to prevent fraudulent behavior that causes an illegal control operation.

On the effect control board 201, the game effect lamps 130 to 133 which are effect means, the liquid crystal display 135 which constitutes the liquid crystal display section 15, and the sound emitting sections 12a, 12b, 1 are provided.
Speaker 136a, 136b, 137 built in
And each fluorescent lamp 138 that illuminates the game panel 6 from the inside,
Respectively, and further, the reel lamp relay board 2
The reel lamp 55 built in the reels 51L, 51C, and 51R is connected via 04.

On the production control board 201, the production control unit 23
0, a speaker drive circuit 235 for outputting sounds from the speakers 136a, 136b, 137, a display drive circuit 236 for display control of the liquid crystal display 135,
A lamp drive circuit 237 for lighting or blinking various lamps and a backup power supply 238 are mounted.

The effect control unit 230 has a CPU 231 and a RAM 2 capable of writing and writing necessary data.
32, a ROM 233 for storing a control program, and I
/ O port 234. Since the RAM 232 stores information necessary for effects associated with the game, such as the game state based on various commands transmitted from the game control board 200, and the data stored in the RAM 232 is backed up by the backup power supply 238. The effect control unit 230 can restart the effect control based on the data stored before the power outage when the power outage is restored.

In the ROM 233 of the effect control unit 230, a command table in which the game situation and the like are registered based on various commands transmitted from the game control board 200 is stored and transmitted from the game control board 200. An effect pattern table that defines effect patterns corresponding to the game situation specified based on various commands is stored. This effect pattern table is classified by each game effect lamp 130 to 133, the liquid crystal display 135, each speaker 136a, 136b, 137, and each fluorescent lamp 138. For example, when a command indicating a predetermined game situation is received, The effect control unit 230 extracts an effect pattern according to the game state, and the game effect lamps 130 to 133 and the liquid crystal display 1 according to the extracted effect pattern.
35, each speaker 136a, 136b, 137, each fluorescent lamp 138, the reel lamp 55, etc. are controlled.

As shown in FIG. 7, the start switch 10
The detection signal of 2 is input to the game control unit 210 via the switch circuit 215 and the sampling circuit 22.
Entered in 2. The game control unit 210 receives the detection signal of the start switch 102 and outputs a reel control signal via the motor circuit 216. This reel control signal is sent to each reel 51L, 51C, 5 via the reel relay board 203.
Reel motors 54L, 54C, 54 provided for each 1R
Input to R. Further, the reel control signal is output to the outside of the slot machine 1 via the reel relay board 203 and the external output board 205.

As a result, each reel 51L, 51C, 5
1R begins to fluctuate. In addition, the reel control signal transmission path is the reel motor 54 in the reel relay board 203.
The reel control signal is branched to the L, 54C, 54R side and the external output board 205 side, and the reel control signal output to the external output board 205 side is output from the external output board 205 to the slot machine 1.
Is also output to outside. In this way, the external output board 20
The reel control signal output from 5 is not a signal processed for external output, but reel motors 54L, 54C, 5
It is the signal itself for controlling the drive of the 4R.

On the other hand, the sampling circuit 222 samples one random number from the random number generation circuit 221 at the timing when the detection signal of the start switch 102 is input,
The random number is delivered to the CPU 211. The CPU 211 is
By referring to the sampled random numbers and the winning determination table stored in the ROM 213, it is determined whether or not the winning is permitted for each winning combination, and the RAM 212 stores the determination result. As a result, the internal lottery process described later is performed at a timing substantially equal to the timing at which the start operation is performed, and it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won. After that, the game control unit 210 controls the reels according to the winning result for each winning combination.

Further, each stop switch 103L, 10L
The stop switch signals output from 3C and 103R are transmitted through a signal path that reciprocates between the game control board 200, the reel relay board 203, and the external output board 205, and then input to the switch circuit 215 of the game control board 200. . Furthermore, the stop switches 103L, 103C,
The stop switch signal output from 103R is directly
It is configured to be output to the outside via the external output board 205.

The game control section 210 which receives the input of the stop switch signal, the reel motors 54L, 54C, 5 corresponding to the stop switch signal via the motor circuit 216.
A reel control signal for stopping 4R is output. This reel control signal is supplied to the reel motors 54L, 54C, 5
It is input to 4R and is output to the outside of the slot machine 1 via the external output board 205.

The signal output from the external output board 205 can be used, for example, when a third party organization performs a type test. In this type test, for example, it is confirmed whether or not each reel 51L, 51C, 51R corresponding to each stop button 40L, 40C, 40R is stopped within 190 ms after the operation of each stop button 40L, 40C, 40R. In the case of this slot machine 1, since the stop switch signals output from the stop switches 103L, 103C, 103R are directly output from the external output board 205, the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 4
The timing when the 0R is operated can be accurately grasped outside the slot machine. Similarly, since the reel control signal output from the motor circuit 216 is directly output from the external output board 205, the start and stop timings of the reels 51L, 51C, and 51R can be accurately grasped outside the slot machine. Therefore, by using the signal output from the external output board 205, “each stop button 40L, 4L
Each reel 51 corresponding to each stop button 40L, 40C, 40R within 190 ms from the operation of 0C, 40R
An accurate test result can be obtained when the "test for whether L, 51C, 51R stops" is performed. Further, in the case of "a configuration such that the game control unit 210 of the game control board 200 once receives the signal and then outputs the signal to the external output board 205", the signal is processed on the game control board 200 side. There is a possibility that fraud such as output may be done,
According to the present embodiment, such fraudulent acts can be prevented.

From the game control section 210 of the game control board 200 to the payout control board 400, a payout instruction command for instructing the payout of a pachinko ball or a payout stop instruction for instructing to stop the payout via the buffer circuit 220. A payout control command including a command and a payout stop cancel instruction command for canceling the stop of payout is output. Buffer circuit 220
Allows the output of signals from the inside of the game control board 200 to the outside, but functions to prevent the input of signals from the outside of the game control board 200 to the inside. Therefore, between the game control board 200 and the payout control board 400, one-way communication from the game control board 200 to the payout control board 400 is secured, and a signal is input to the game control board 200 via a command transmission path. It is possible to prevent fraudulent behavior that causes an illegal control operation.

The payout control board 400 includes a payout device 600.
A payout motor 601, a distribution solenoid 602,
The ball lending detection switch 603 and the prize ball detection switch 604 are connected by wiring, and the detection signals from the respective switches of these payout devices are input to the payout control unit 401 described later, and the payout motor 601 and the distribution solenoid 602 are connected. The drive control is performed by the payout control unit 401.

The payout control board 400 is wire-connected to the ball lending switch 811, the return switch 812, and the frequency indicator 813 mounted on the operation board 810, and also via the signal cable 814 as described above. It is connected to a control unit of a card unit 800 that is used in parallel so that various signals can be transmitted and received.

As shown in FIG. 8, the payout control board 400 includes a payout control section 401, a switch circuit 408 to which signals from various switches are input, a payout motor 601 and a distribution solenoid 602 in the payout device 600. A drive driver 409 for performing drive control, a buffer circuit 407 for inputting a payout control command output from the game control board 200, an input / output circuit 410 for inputting / outputting a signal to / from a control unit of the card unit 800, and the like are provided. .
Further, the payout control board 400 is provided with a backup power supply 406 for holding the memory of the RAM 403, which will be described later, even when the power is turned off. When the power supply is cut off, the payout control of the number of unpaid balls, etc. The information required for backup is backed up, and in the initial processing performed when the power is turned on, the backup data is referenced to perform processing for returning to the state before the power was turned off. Therefore, even if a power outage occurs, the state before the power outage can be restored when the power is restored.

The payout control unit 401 and the CPU 402 and the RAM 4 capable of writing and writing necessary data.
03, a ROM 404 for storing a control program, and I
/ O port 405.

In the RAM 403, an unpaid ball counter that stores the number of unpaid balls and a ball rental counter that stores the number of lent balls are set.

The number of payout balls specified by the payout instruction command transmitted from the game control board 200 is added to the payout balls of the payout ball counter set in the RAM 403, and the pachinko paid out by the payout device 600. Every time a ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch 604, one ball is subtracted.

The number of balls to be paid out (25 balls) in one ball lending operation by the payout device 600 is set in the ball rental counter, and the paid out pachinko balls are detected by the ball rental detection switch 603. Each time it is played, one ball is subtracted.

In addition to these counters, the RAM 403 stores various setting flags indicating various setting states and the like.

In the ROM 404 of the payout control unit 401, in addition to the above processing program, a command table capable of specifying the type and content of the payout control command transmitted from the game control board 200 is stored. The game control board 2
By receiving the payout control command from 00, the type and content of the received payout control command are specified, and the corresponding processing is performed.

Specifically, when a payout instruction command is received based on the generation of a prize ball or the like, a process of adding the number of payout balls specified by the payout instruction command to the number of unpaid balls of the unpaid ball counter is executed. If the payout stop command transmitted when the ball-out switch 505 no longer detects the payout preparation ball or when the full tank switch 508 detects that the lower plate 11 is full, the payout is executed. A process of setting the stop state and stopping the payout operation by the payout device 600 is performed, and when the payout preparation ball is detected by the out-of-ball switch 505 or the full tank state of the lower plate 11 is not detected by the full tank switch 508. When the payout stop cancel command transmitted in this case is received, processing for canceling the payout stop state and restarting the payout operation by the payout device 600 is performed.

The payout control unit 401 inputs / outputs various signals from / to the control unit of the card unit 800 via the switch circuit including a photocoupler provided in the input / output circuit 410 and the signal cable 814. From the payout control unit 401, a platform READY signal (SRDY) indicating that the payout is possible and a platform terminal lending completion signal (EX indicating that the pachinko ball payout associated with the ball lending has been completed.
S) is output to the control unit of the card unit 800, and at the same time, the card unit READY signal (BRDY) indicating that the ball lending process is in progress and the ball lending corresponding to one unit (one degree) A control terminal of the card unit 800 is adapted to input a base terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) indicating a payout request and a card unit connection confirmation signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 800 is connected. The ball lending operation is performed based on the input and output of these various signals.

Further, the frequency indicator 813 mounted on the operation board 810, the ball lending switch 811, and the return switch 812.
Is connected to the control unit of the card unit 800 via the payout control board 400 and the signal cable 814. The detection signals of the ball lending switch 811 and the return switch 812 are input to the control unit of the card unit 800, and the card is When the display control signal output from the control unit of the unit 800 is input to the frequency display unit 813, the display control of the frequency display unit 813 is performed.

Next, the game control section 210 in this embodiment.
Various control contents executed by the game will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in Sa1, initial setting is performed to prepare for the game start. Especially when the power is turned on, etc., check the connection and operation status of the above-mentioned various devices, check the existence of backup data, and if the backup data exists, restore the state before power-off. Perform processing.

At Sa2, the player is waiting for setting the bet number using the credit ball of the credit ball counter or the pachinko ball placed on the upper plate 7, and the bet number is set.
When the start lever 38 is pressed, a BET process for fixing the bet amount is executed. Specifically, the bet amount is set based on the pressing operation of the 1BET button 36a or the MAXBET button 36b, and the 1BET is set.
When the number of bets is set, the start lever 38 can be pressed, and the number of bets is fixed when the start lever 38 is pressed. When the maximum bet amount is set, the 1BET button 36a or MAXB
By operating the ET button 36b, the corresponding number of balls from the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 is taken in and added to the number of credit balls of the credit ball counter.

When the replay is won in the previous game, the input of the 1BET buttons 36a and 36b is invalidated, the bet number equal to the bet number in the previous game is set, and the start lever 38 In addition to enabling the pressing operation, the bet number is fixed when the start lever 38 is pressed.

In Sa3, with the start of the game based on the pressing operation of the start lever 38 in Sa2, the winning of any of the above-mentioned prizes (BB, RB, and other small wins which are small profits for the player) is allowed. An internal lottery process for deciding whether or not to execute is executed. This internal lottery process is executed to determine whether or not to win any prize in a stage before all the reels 51L, 51C, 51R are stopped.
That is, winning is allowed only when the internal winning flag corresponding to any prize won by this lottery is set. That is, the game control unit 210
Has a function as a prize pre-determination means for deciding whether or not to allow to win any prize.

At Sa4, a reel rotation process for rotating each reel 51L, 51C, 51R is carried out at the end of the internal lottery process at Sa3. In this reel rotation process, the error check by the reference position check during the rotation of the reels 51L, 51C, 51R is confirmed at any time by a timer interruption every predetermined time. Also, all reels 51
When L, 51C, and 51R rotate at a constant speed, the pressing operation of the stop buttons 40L, 40C, and 40R is validated, the operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, and 122R are turned on, and the timer count for stopping the reel is started.

At Sa5, the player presses the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R, or the player presses the stop buttons 40L, 40C, 40R from the start of the rotation of the reels 51L, 51C, 51R. When the condition for stopping and displaying the symbol is satisfied by the lapse of a predetermined time of 30 seconds without being performed, the stop flag of each reel 51L, 51C, 51R is set, and the stop flag Stop buttons 40L, 40C, 4 that were pressed based on the settings
Operation valid lamps 122L, 122C, 1 corresponding to 0R
22R is turned off and corresponding reels 51L, 5L
A reel stop process for stopping the rotation of 1C and 51R is executed.

Specifically, only when the internal winning flag corresponding to one of the prizes is set by the above-mentioned lottery for winning, the combination of symbols corresponding to the prize is arranged on a predetermined effective line. When the stop control is performed and the internal winning flag corresponding to any of the prizes is not set, the player makes a push on the three reels 51.
While two reels 51 of L, 51C, and 51R are stopped and one reel 51 is rotating, the reach mode of the winning combination corresponding to any prize may be displayed, but Specifically, stop control is performed so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the award is not aligned on the activated activated line. In other words, unless one of the prizes is won by the lottery for winning, the above-mentioned respective prizes are not won, and the respective prizes are averagely generated during the repeated game.

At Sa6, when it is determined at Sa5 that the rotation of all the reels 51L, 51C, 51R has been stopped, the contents displayed on the variable display device 50 and the internal winning set at Sa3 are set. The winning determination process is performed to check the content of the flag to determine the winning content. In particular, when it is determined that any prize has been won, various settings corresponding to the winning content are performed. As the setting contents, for example, there are settings such as the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning contents, the game state, and the re-play.

At Sa7, a payout process is executed based on the setting contents set corresponding to the winning contents determined at Sa6. Specifically, a payout instruction command for adding the set prize balls to the credit ball counter and, when the credit ball counter reaches the upper limit value, instructing the payout of the prize balls exceeding the upper limit value. To the payout control unit 401 of the payout control board 400. Based on this, the payout control unit 401 performs control to pay out the pachinko balls of the number of prize balls specified by the received payout command to the upper plate 7.

Also, in this step, processing for changing the game state (changing from the normal game state to the special game state, or from the special game state to the normal game state, etc.) and clearing the flag (internal winning of a small winning combination) Clearing flags etc.) is executed.

In the present embodiment, the payout instruction command is transmitted to the payout control unit 401 of the payout control board 400 in the payout process of Sa7 even during the pachinko ball payout operation based on the generation of prize balls. Since it is possible to shift to the processing of the next game and the game can proceed smoothly, it is possible to avoid giving the player discomfort as the game is delayed. Further, even when the payout operation of the pachinko ball continues when moving to the next game, the unpaid display portion 303
Since the number of unpaid balls corresponding to the number of unpaid balls is displayed, it is possible to dispel the player's distrust of these unpaid pachinko balls.

The present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured such that the process of the next game cannot be performed until the payout operation based on the generation of the prize ball is completed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pachinko ball take-in operation by the take-in device 700 can be carried out even during the pachinko ball payout operation based on the generation of prize balls. However, during the payout operation, the function of capturing the pachinko ball by the capturing device 700 is disabled, that is, the capturing operation is disabled, and the detection of the pachinko ball by the bet ball detection switch 704 is disabled. It may be done.

Next, the control status of the take-in device 700 performed by the game control section 210 in the BET process of Sa2 is shown in FIG.
~ It demonstrates based on FIG. In addition, here, description will be given based on the three first to third embodiments.

10 to 18 are timing charts showing the control status of the take-in device 700 performed by the game control section 210 in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, normally, the pachinko ball take-in path by the take-in device 700 is set to the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side), and at the time of return, the flow path switching valve 707. Oscillates so that the take-in path is in the state of the return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side).

As shown in FIG. 10, when the 1BET button 36a is operated and the 1BET switch 100 is detected for setting the number of bets or adding the number of credit balls, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (return Side switching operation), that is, after the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated (ta1), rotation of the intake motor 701 is started (t).
a2) The rotation is stopped when the rotation necessary to take in one take-up, that is, one BET (5 balls) of the pachinko balls is completed (ta3). In addition, 1BET button 36a
Is operated and 1BET switch 100 is detected,
When five preparation balls have not been detected by the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 703, the acquisition motor 701 is not rotated, which causes an unnecessary acquisition operation. You can prevent it.

The pachinko balls taken into the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) by the rotation of the take-in motor 701 described above are detected by the betting ball detection switch 704, and the bet is detected according to the number of the detected pachinko balls. When the number is set and the rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped (ta
From 3), the path switching invalid time (time sufficient for the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the intake motor 701 to pass through the path switching valve 707); Is valid (ta4).

As shown in FIG. 11, when the MAXBET button 36b is operated to set the number of bets or the number of credit balls is added and the MAXBET switch 101 is detected, the flow passage switching valve 707 operates. (Path switching operation to the return side), that is, after the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated (tb1), the rotation of the intake motor 701 is started (tb2), and one intake portion, that is, 1 BET portion ( The number of times required to set the maximum number of bets (3 times here, the maximum number of bets is set when the rotation required to take in the pachinko balls of 5 balls) is completed. If there is, repeat 3 times). In addition, MAXBE
When the T button 36b is operated, the MAXBET switch 10
Even if 1 is detected, 5 is set in the capture preparation ball detection switch 703.
Preparation of sphere If no sphere is detected, take-in motor 7
01 rotation is not performed and 1
Every time the operation of the number of times is stopped, the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 70
When the detection state of No. 3 is confirmed and five preparatory balls are not detected, the subsequent rotation of the take-in motor 701 is not performed, which causes an extra take-in operation. It is possible to prevent it.

The pachinko balls taken into the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) by the rotation of the take-in motor 701 described above are detected by the betting ball detection switch 704, and the bet is detected according to the number of the detected pachinko balls. The number is set, and the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is validated again when the path switching invalid time; T1 elapses from the time (tb3) when the last rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped (tb3).
4).

As described above, according to the control in the first embodiment, the 1BET button 36a or the MAXBET button 3 is pressed.
When the pachinko ball is taken into the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) by the take-in device 700 based on the operation of 6b, after the take-in motor is stopped, the path switching invalid time (take-in motor is taken in). (The time sufficient for the pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of 701 to pass through the path switching valve 707); The return ball guiding passage 70 by the flow path switching valve 707 until T1 elapses.
Since the switching operation to the 9 side is invalidated (not permitted), the pachinko ball taken in by the take-in device 700 is surely flown down to the take-in side (the bet ball guide passage 708 side), and the bet number setting is performed. Pachinko balls taken in for adding credits and credit balls flow down to the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side) and are returned to the player. It is possible to prevent the inconvenience caused by this. Further, since the switching operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is invalid while the pachinko ball is flowing down, problems such as ball biting due to the flow path switching valve 707 operating during the flow of the pachinko ball are also prevented. it can.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the return button 305 is operated and the return switch 106 is detected,
The flow path switching valve 707 swings by driving the distribution solenoid 702, and the intake path is on the return side (return ball guiding path 709 side).
(Tc1), the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (path switching operation to the intake side), that is, the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated (tc2). Next, the rotation of the intake motor 701 is started (tc3), and the rotation is stopped when the predetermined intake motor rotation time; T2 elapses (tc4). The passage switching valve 70 is again activated after the passage switching invalidation time T3 has elapsed since the stop of the intake motor 701.
7 is made effective, the driving of the sorting solenoid 702 is released almost at the same time, the flow path switching valve 707 swings, and the intake path returns to the intake side (the bet ball guide passage 708 side) again. (Tc5).

As described above, according to the control in the first embodiment, when the take-in device 700 starts taking in the pachinko ball to the return side (the return ball guiding passage 709 side) based on the operation of the return button 305. Is the path switching invalid time after the stop of the intake motor 701 (a time sufficient for the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the intake motor 701 to pass through the path switching valve 707); the flow path until T3 elapses. Switching valve 70
Since the operation of 7 is invalidated (not permitted), the capturing device 70
The pachinko ball taken in by 0 will surely flow down to the return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side), and the lower plate 11
The pachinko ball taken in to be returned to the gambling ball guiding passage 708 side may be collected without being returned to the player, and may flow to a route different from the route that should originally flow. It is possible to prevent accompanying inconvenience. Further, since the switching operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is invalid while the pachinko ball is flowing down, problems such as ball biting due to the flow path switching valve 707 operating during the flow of the pachinko ball are also prevented. it can.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the bet number is set or the credit sphere number addition request is made by operating the 1BET button 36a, detecting the 1BET switch 100, etc. After the pachinko balls have been taken into the guide passage 708 side (td1 to td3), the return switch 305 is operated and the return switch 106 is detected before the passage switching invalid time; T1 (td4). If the path switching invalid time; T1 has elapsed and the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 has become valid, the intake path is changed to the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side), and the return side ( Incorporation of pachinko balls into the return ball guide passage 709 (t)
d5 to td9) are performed.

As described above, according to the control in the first embodiment, after the pachinko balls are taken into the betting ball guide passage 708 side by the take-in device 700, the path switching invalid time period; T1.
Even if the return button 305 is operated before the time elapses, the operation of the return button 305 is not invalidated, and the route switching invalid time; T1 is passed and the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side) The uptake of pachinko balls into the.

As shown in FIG. 14, the 1BET button 36a is operated, the 1BET switch 100 is detected, etc., and the bet number is set or a request for addition to the number of credit balls is made (te1). When the passage of the pachinko ball is detected by the return ball detection switch 705 even though the take-in of the pachinko ball to the betting ball guide passage 708 side is started (te2), that is, the ball flows down the return ball guide passage 709. When a pachinko ball is detected, it is determined to be a return ball detection error at that time (te3), and the rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped. At this time, the corresponding error code is displayed on the game number display unit 32 and is notified to the outside.

As described above, in the first embodiment, even though the pachinko balls are taken in to the take-in side (the betting ball guide passage 708 side), the pachinko balls are not passed by the return ball detection switch 705. When it is detected, the game control unit 210 is determined to be a return ball detection error at that time, and it is taken in for bet number setting and addition to the credit ball number due to a switching failure by the flow path switching valve 707. It is possible to determine that an inconvenience has occurred, such as a pachinko ball that has fallen down flows into the return ball guide passage 709 and is returned to the player. Further, since the operation of the intake motor 701 is stopped by the determination of the return ball detection error, the damage due to the malfunction can be minimized. Further, the fact that a return ball detection error has occurred is displayed as an error code on the game number display unit 108 and is notified to the outside, so that the staff at the game hall can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the return button 3
05 is operated and the return switch 106 is detected (tf
1) When the pachinko ball is detected to be passed by the betting ball detection switch 704 even though the pachinko ball is taken into the return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side) (tf2), that is, the bet ball guiding When a pachinko ball flowing down the passage 708 is detected, the game control unit 210 determines at that point that a bet ball detection error has occurred (tf3), and the take-in motor 701.
Is designed to stop rotating. At this time, the corresponding error code is displayed on the game number display unit 32 and is notified to the outside.

As described above, in the first embodiment, even though the pachinko ball is taken into the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side), the passage of the pachinko ball is detected by the bet ball detection switch 704. In this case, the game control unit 210 determines at that time that a bet ball has been detected, and the pachinko ball taken in for returning to the lower plate 11 due to a switching failure by the flow path switching valve 707 is a bet ball. It is possible to determine that an inconvenience has occurred, such as flowing down to the guide passage 708 and being collected without being returned to the player. In addition, when the return ball detection error is determined, the intake motor 70
Since the operation of No. 1 is stopped, it is possible to minimize the damage caused by the malfunction. Further, the fact that a bet ball detection error has occurred is displayed as an error code on the number-of-games display unit 108 and is notified to the outside, so that a staff member at the game hall can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

In addition, as shown in FIG.
The rotation amount of the sprocket 706 corresponding to the rotation of 01 is monitored by the on / off state of the rotation sensor 711. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the rotation of the intake motor 701 is If the rotation error determination time; T4 has elapsed since the start, if the rotation amount of the sprocket 706 specified by the on / off of the rotation sensor 711 does not reach the required rotation amount, the game control unit at that time 210 determines that there is a rotation error, and the take-in motor 7
The rotation of 01 is stopped. At this time, the corresponding error code is displayed on the game count display unit 32,
It will be notified to the outside.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the rotation error determination time from the start of the rotation of the intake motor 701;
If the amount of rotation of the sprocket 706 does not reach the required amount of rotation even after T4, the game control unit 210 determines that there is a rotation error at that point and stops the rotation of the take-in motor 701. Therefore, when the sprocket 706 is stopped due to a problem such as ball catching in the intake device 700, the rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped. It can prevent damage. Further, the fact that a rotation error has occurred is displayed as an error code on the number-of-games display unit 108 and is notified to the outside, so that a staff member at the game arcade can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

19 to 21 are timing charts showing the control status of the take-in device 700 performed by the game control section 210 in the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, normally, the pachinko ball take-in path by the take-in device 700 is in a state where the take-in path is on the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side). The flow path switching valve 707 swings so that the flow path switching valve 707 is brought into the state of the intake side (the bet ball guide passage 708 side).

As shown in FIG. 19, when the 1BET button 36a is operated to set the number of bets or the number of credit balls is added and the 1BET switch 100 is detected, the distribution solenoid 702 is driven to control the flow path. Switching valve 70
7 swings, and the capturing path is on the capturing side (the betting ball guiding passage 708).
(Tg1), the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (path switching operation to the return side), that is, the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated (tg2). Then, the rotation of the intake motor 701 is started (tg3), and one intake portion is
That is, the rotation is stopped when the rotation required to take in the five balls is completed (tg4). In addition, 1BET button 36a
Is operated and 1BET switch 100 is detected,
When five preparation balls have not been detected by the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 703, the acquisition motor 701 is not rotated, which causes an unnecessary acquisition operation. You can prevent it.

The pachinko balls taken into the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) by the rotation of the take-in motor 701 described above are detected by the betting ball detection switch 704, and a bet is placed according to the number of these pachinko balls detected. When the number is set and the rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped (tg
From 4), when the path switching invalid time; T5 elapses, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is validated again, and at the same time, the driving of the distribution solenoid 702 is released, and the flow path switching valve 707 swings. The take-in route is returned to the return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side) again (tg5).

Although not shown in particular, the MAXBET button 3 is used for setting the bet number or adding the credit number of balls.
When 6b is operated and the MAXBET switch 101 is detected, the distribution solenoid 702 is driven to swing the flow path switching valve 707, and the intake path is changed to the intake side (betting ball guide passage 708 side). After that, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (path switching operation to the return side), that is, the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated. Then, the rotation of the take-in motor 701 is started, and one take-in, that is, one BET (5
The number of times required to set the maximum number of bets for the operation to stop the rotation when the rotation necessary to take in the pachinko ball of the ball is completed (here, three times, and the maximum number of bets is set. Repeat three times if necessary). Even if the MAXBET button 36b is operated and the MAXBET switch 101 is detected, if the 5 preparation balls are not detected by the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 703, the acquisition motor 701 is operated.
Is not performed, and the detection state of the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 703 is confirmed every time one operation is stopped. If five preparation balls are not detected, The taking-in motor 701 is not rotated after that, so that it is possible to prevent an unnecessary taking-in operation from being performed.

The pachinko balls taken into the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) by the rotation of the take-in motor 701 described above are detected by the betting ball detection switch 704, and the bet is detected according to the number of the detected pachinko balls. When the number of times is set and the last rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is enabled again when the path switching invalid time T5 elapses, and at the same time, the distribution solenoid is activated. The drive of 702 is released, and the flow path switching valve 707
Oscillates, and the intake route is returned to the return side (return ball guide passage 7
09 side).

As described above, according to the control in the second embodiment, the 1BET button 36a or the MAXBET button 3 is pressed.
When the take-in device 700 takes in the pachinko ball to the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) based on the operation of 6b, after the take-in motor is stopped, the path switching invalid time (the take-in motor is taken in). (Sufficient time for pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of 701 to pass through the path switching valve 707); The operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is invalid (not permitted) until T5 elapses, The pachinko ball taken in by the device 700 surely flows down to the take-in side (the betting ball guide passage 708 side), and the pachinko ball taken in for setting the bet number or adding the credit ball number is returned ( It is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by flowing down to a route different from the route that should originally flow down, such as flowing down to the return ball guiding passage 709 side and being returned to the player. Further, since the switching operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is invalid while the pachinko ball is flowing down, problems such as ball biting due to the flow path switching valve 707 operating during the flow of the pachinko ball are also prevented. it can.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the return button 305 is operated and the return switch 106 is detected,
Operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (path switching operation to the intake side),
That is, after the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated (th1), rotation of the intake motor 701 is started (th).
2), when the return switch 106 is no longer detected (o
When it becomes ff), the rotation is stopped (th3). That is, the take-in motor 70 is operated according to the operation of the return button 305.
The rotation of No. 1 is started, and the take-in motor 701 is kept rotating while the return button 305 is being operated. When the return button 305 is released, the take-in motor 701 is also stopped. Further, when the path switching invalidation time; T6 has elapsed from the stop of the intake motor 701, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 becomes valid again (th4).

As described above, according to the control in the second embodiment, when the take-in device 700 starts taking in the pachinko ball to the return side (the return ball guiding passage 709 side) based on the operation of the return button 305. Is a path switching invalid time after the intake motor 701 is stopped (a time sufficient for the pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of the intake motor 701 to pass through the path switching valve 707); the flow path until T6 elapses. Switching valve 70
Since the operation of 7 is invalidated (not permitted), the capturing device 70
The pachinko ball taken in by 0 will surely flow down to the return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side), and the lower plate 11
The pachinko balls taken in to return to the flow-in side flow down to the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) and are collected without being returned to the player. It is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by doing so. Further, during the flow of the pachinko ball, the flow path switching valve 70
Since the switching operation of No. 7 is invalid, it is possible to prevent a problem such as ball catching caused by the flow path switching valve 707 operating while the pachinko ball is flowing.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21,
During the rotation of the intake motor 701 based on the detection of the return switch 106, the detection status of the return ball detection switch 705, that is, the presence or absence of a pachinko ball passing through the return ball guide passage 709 is monitored. As shown in FIG. 21, the motor stop waiting time (time sufficient to confirm the presence or absence of the pachinko ball to be returned) from the last detection (ti1) by the return ball detection switch 705; the return ball detection even after T7 has elapsed If there is no detection by the switch 705, even if the return switch 106 is detected, the take-in motor 701 is stopped (ti2), and after the take-in motor 701 is stopped, the path switching invalid time; T6 has elapsed. By doing so, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 becomes valid again (th
3).

As described above, according to the control in the second embodiment, even if the return button 305 is operated, if the return ball detection switch 709 is not detected, the motor stop waiting time (for the pachinko ball to be returned) is detected. (Sufficient time to confirm the existence);
The rotation of 01 is stopped, and it is possible to prevent an extra operation such as the taking-in operation by the taking-in device 700 being continued even though there is no pachinko ball to be returned.

In the control of the second embodiment, the return ball detection switch 709 is no longer detected, the motor stop waiting time; T7 has elapsed, and the route switching invalid time: T6.
Although the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is validated by the passage of, the operation of the flow channel switching valve 707 may be validated when the motor stop waiting time; T7 has elapsed.

Further, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, although the pachinko ball is taken in to the take-in side (the betting ball guide passage 708 side), the return ball is detected. When the passage of the pachinko ball is detected by the switch 705, the game control unit 210 at that time determines that there is a return ball detection error, and the passage switching valve 70
It is possible to determine that an inconvenience such as a pachinko ball taken in for setting the bet number and adding to the number of credit balls flowing down to the return ball guide passage 709 and being returned to the player due to a switching failure due to 7 has occurred. . Further, since the operation of the intake motor 701 is stopped by the determination of the return ball detection error, the damage due to the malfunction can be minimized. Further, the fact that a return ball detection error has occurred is displayed as an error code on the game number display unit 108 and is notified to the outside, so that the staff at the game hall can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

Return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side)
When the passage of the pachinko ball is detected by the bet ball detection switch 704 despite the fact that the pachinko ball is being taken in by the gaming control unit 210, it is determined that a bet ball detection error has occurred. And the flow path switching valve 707
It is possible to determine that the pachinko ball taken in to be returned to the lower plate 11 due to the switching failure due to the above flows down into the betting ball guide passage 708 and is collected without being returned to the player. Further, since the operation of the intake motor 701 is stopped by the determination of the return ball detection error, the damage due to the malfunction can be minimized. Furthermore,
The fact that a bet detection error has occurred indicates that the number-of-games display 108
Will be displayed as an error code and will be notified to the outside, so that an attendant or the like of the game hall can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

If the rotation amount of the sprocket 706 does not reach the required rotation amount even after the rotation error determination time has elapsed since the rotation of the intake motor 701 was started,
At that time, the game control unit 210 determines that there is a rotation error and stops the rotation of the take-in motor 701. When a trouble such as ball catching occurs in the take-in device 700 and the sprocket 706 stops. Since the rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped, it is possible to prevent damage to the intake device 700 due to problems such as ball catching. Further, the fact that a rotation error has occurred is displayed as an error code on the number-of-games display unit 108 and is notified to the outside, so that a staff member at the game arcade can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

22 to 24 are timing charts showing the control status of the take-in device 700 performed by the game control section 210 in the third embodiment.

In the third embodiment, normally, the pachinko ball take-in path by the take-in device 700 is set to the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side), and the flow path switching valve 707 is taken during the take-in. Swings, and the take-in side (the betting ball guide passage 70
8 side).

As shown in FIG. 22, when the 1BET button 36a is operated to set the number of bets or the number of credit balls is added and the 1BET switch 100 is detected, the distribution solenoid 702 is driven to control the flow path. Switching valve 70
7 swings, and the capturing path is on the capturing side (the betting ball guiding passage 708).
After changing to the side (tm1), the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (path switching operation to the return side), that is, the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated (tm2). Next, the rotation of the intake motor 701 is started (tm3), and one intake portion is
That is, the rotation is stopped when the rotation required to take in five balls is completed. Even if the 1BET button 36a is operated and the 1BET switch 100 is detected, if the 5 preparation balls are not detected by the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 703, the acquisition motor 701 is not rotated. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary capturing operation from being performed.

The pachinko ball taken into the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) by the rotation of the take-in motor 701 is detected by the betting ball detection switch 704, and the take-in motor 701 rotates. When a number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of pachinko balls are detected (tm4), the flow path switching valve 70 is again activated.
7 is made effective, the driving of the sorting solenoid 702 is released almost at the same time, the flow path switching valve 707 is swung, and the intake path is returned to the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side).
To return to.

Although not shown in particular, the MAXBET button 3 is used for setting the bet number or adding the credit number of balls.
When 6b is operated and the MAXBET switch 101 is detected, the distribution solenoid 702 is driven to swing the flow path switching valve 707, and the intake path is changed to the intake side (betting ball guide passage 708 side). After that, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (path switching operation to the return side), that is, the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated. Then, the rotation of the take-in motor 701 is started, and one take-in, that is, one BET (5
The number of times required to set the maximum number of bets for the operation to stop the rotation when the rotation necessary to take in the pachinko ball of the ball is completed (here, three times, and the maximum number of bets is set. Repeat three times if necessary). Even if the MAXBET button 36b is operated and the MAXBET switch 101 is detected, if the 5 preparation balls are not detected by the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 703, the acquisition motor 701 is operated.
Is not performed, and the detection state of the acquisition preparation ball detection switch 703 is confirmed every time one operation is stopped. If five preparation balls are not detected, The taking-in motor 701 is not rotated after that, so that it is possible to prevent an unnecessary taking-in operation from being performed.

The pachinko ball taken into the take-in side (betting ball guide passage 708 side) by the rotation of the take-in motor 701 is detected by the betting ball detection switch 704, and the take-in motor 701 rotates. When the number of pachinko balls (15 balls in this case) according to the above is detected, the operation of the flow passage switching valve 707 is validated again, and at the same time, the distribution solenoid 702 is released and the flow passage switching valve 707 is activated. It swings, and the intake route is returned to the return side (return ball guide passage 70
9 side).

As described above, according to the control in the third embodiment, the 1BET button 36a or the MAXBET button 3 is pressed.
When the take-in device 700 starts taking in the pachinko balls to the take-in side (the betting ball guide passage 708 side) based on the operation of 6b, the required number of pachinko balls are detected by the betting ball detection switch 704. Until then, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 is invalidated (not permitted), so the pachinko ball taken in by the take-in device 700 is on the take-in side (the betting ball guide passage 70
8)), and the pachinko ball taken in for setting the bet number or adding the number of credit balls flows down to the return side (return ball guide passage 709 side) and is returned to the player. It is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by flowing down to a route different from the route that should originally flow down. Further, during the flow of the pachinko ball, the flow path switching valve 707
Since the switching operation of (1) is invalid, it is possible to prevent a problem such as ball catching caused by the flow path switching valve 707 operating during the flow of the pachinko ball.

As shown in FIG. 23, when the return button 305 is operated and the return switch 106 is detected,
Operation of the flow path switching valve 707 (path switching operation to the intake side),
That is, after the operation of the distribution solenoid 702 is invalidated (tj1), the rotation of the intake motor 701 is started (tj1).
2) The detection status of the return ball detection switch 705, that is, the presence or absence of a pachinko ball passing through the return ball guide passage 709 is monitored. Next, from the last detection (tj3) by the return ball detection switch 705, the motor stop waiting time (time sufficient to confirm the presence or absence of a pachinko ball to be returned); T8
If there is no detection by the return ball detection switch 705 even after the passage of time, the intake motor 701 is stopped (tj4), and at the same time when the intake motor 701 is stopped, the flow path switching valve 70 is restarted.
The operation of 7 is effective.

As described above, according to the control in the third embodiment, when the take-in device 700 starts taking in the pachinko ball to the return side (the return ball guiding passage 709 side) based on the operation of the return button 305. Is the return ball detection switch 70
Waiting time for motor stop after detection of pachinko balls by 5 (time sufficient to confirm the presence or absence of returned pachinko balls); flow path switching valve 707 until T8 elapses
Since the operation of is taken in (disabled), the capture device 700
As a result, the pachinko ball taken in by the flow of water will surely flow down to the return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side), and the pachinko ball taken in for returning to the lower plate 11 will be taken in side (gambling ball guiding passage 708 side). It is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by flowing down to a route different from the route that should originally flow down, such as being collected without being returned to the player. Further, during the flow of the pachinko ball, the flow path switching valve 707
Since the switching operation of (1) is invalid, it is possible to prevent a problem such as ball catching caused by the flow path switching valve 707 operating during the flow of the pachinko ball.

As shown in FIG. 24, the return button 3
05 is operated, the motor stop waiting time from the time (tk1) when the rotation of the intake motor 701 is started based on the fact that the return switch 106 is detected; If not,
The intake motor 701 is stopped (tk2), and at the same time when the intake motor 701 is stopped, the operation of the flow path switching valve 707 becomes valid again.

As described above, according to the control in the third embodiment, the take-in motor 701 is operated based on the operation of the return button 305.
If the return ball detection switch 709 does not detect the rotation of the motor, the motor stop waiting time; T8, the rotation of the take-in motor 701 is stopped, and the pachinko ball to be returned. It is possible to prevent an unnecessary operation such that the capturing operation is continuously performed by the capturing device 700 even though the capturing device does not exist.

Further, in the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, although the pachinko ball is taken in to the take-in side (the bet ball guide passage 708 side), the return ball is detected. When the passage of the pachinko ball is detected by the switch 705, the game control unit 210 at that time determines that there is a return ball detection error, and the flow path switching valve 70
It is possible to determine that an inconvenience such as a pachinko ball taken in for setting the bet number and adding to the number of credit balls flowing down to the return ball guide passage 709 and being returned to the player due to a switching failure due to 7 has occurred. . Further, since the operation of the intake motor 701 is stopped by the determination of the return ball detection error, the damage due to the malfunction can be minimized. Further, the fact that a return ball detection error has occurred is displayed as an error code on the game number display unit 108 and is notified to the outside, so that the staff at the game hall can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

Return side (return ball guiding passage 709 side)
When the passage of the pachinko ball is detected by the bet ball detection switch 704 despite the fact that the pachinko ball is being taken in by the gaming control unit 210, it is determined that a bet ball detection error has occurred. And the flow path switching valve 707
It is possible to determine that the pachinko ball taken in to be returned to the lower plate 11 due to the switching failure due to the above flows down into the betting ball guide passage 708 and is collected without being returned to the player. Further, since the operation of the intake motor 701 is stopped by the determination of the return ball detection error, the damage due to the malfunction can be minimized. Furthermore,
The fact that a bet detection error has occurred indicates that the number-of-games display 108
Will be displayed as an error code and will be notified to the outside, so that an attendant or the like of the game hall can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

If the rotation amount of the sprocket 706 does not reach the required rotation amount even after the rotation error determination time has elapsed since the rotation of the intake motor 701 was started,
At that time, the game control unit 210 determines that there is a rotation error and stops the rotation of the take-in motor 701. When a trouble such as ball catching occurs in the take-in device 700 and the sprocket 706 stops. Since the rotation of the intake motor 701 is stopped, it is possible to prevent damage to the intake device 700 due to problems such as ball catching. Further, the fact that a rotation error has occurred is displayed as an error code on the number-of-games display unit 108 and is notified to the outside, so that a staff member at the game arcade can easily recognize the occurrence of the error.

A modified example of the game ball take-in means will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a take-in device 900 as a modified example of the game ball take-in means. This capture device 900
As shown in FIG. 25A, the intake preparation ball passage 71
0 is provided continuously, and a take-in ball flow-down passage 903 through which a pachinko ball can flow is provided. In the path, a plurality of pachinko balls supplied from the take-in preparation ball passage 710 are introduced one by one. A sprocket 902 having a notch is rotatably supported. This sprocket 902 is normally provided with a locking piece 913 formed at the tip of the solenoid 901.
The rotation of the pachinko ball supplied from the intake preparation ball passage 710 is restricted by locking the rotation of the pachinko ball. Further, as shown in FIGS. 25B and 25C, the solenoid 90
1 is excited in the direction of the arrow in the drawing and the locking by the locking piece 913 is released, so that the sprocket 902 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing due to the weight of the pachinko ball supplied from the intake preparation ball passage 710. The pachinko balls introduced into the notches are discharged one by one in the lower outer peripheral direction of the sprocket 902.

Further, in the path of the take-in ball flow-down passage 903, there is provided a reserve ball sensor 904 capable of detecting a pachinko ball introduced into the notch of the sprocket 902 in a state where the rotation of the sprocket 902 is restricted. The presence / absence of a pachinko ball that can be taken in is detected by the prepared ball sensor 904. In addition, a take-in ball sensor 905 capable of detecting the passage of a pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 902 is provided below the pachinko ball taken as a bet ball or a return ball by the take-in ball sensor 905. The passage of is detected. That is, the take-in ball sensor 905 has the functions of both the bet ball detecting means and the return ball detecting means of the present invention.

As described above, in the take-in device 900, the presence or absence of the pachinko balls that can be taken in can be detected by the preparatory ball sensor 904, and the take-in operation can be controlled based on this detection state, so that an extra take-in is possible. It is possible to prevent the plug-in operation from being performed. Further, in the capturing device 900, detection of a pachinko ball captured as a gambling ball and detection of a pachinko ball captured as a return ball can be detected by the same capturing ball sensor 905, and a plurality of detections can be performed. Since it is not necessary to provide a sensor, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0209] In addition, the capture device 900 is shown in Fig. 25 (a).
As shown in FIG. 5, a rotation sensor 906 is provided as an operation amount detecting means for detecting the rotation amount of the sprocket 902, and the rotation state of the sprocket 902 is monitored.

Below the sprocket 902, a downward passage of a pachinko ball that is rocked by the excitation or cancellation of the distribution solenoid 908 and discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 902 is connected to the lower part of the take-in device 900. A flow path switching valve 907 is provided as a path switching unit for switching to either the bet ball guide passage 708 as a route or the return ball guide passage 709 as a return ball route.

In this take-in device 900, when the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 7 are taken in for setting the bet number and adding to the credit number, the flow path switching valve 907 is used.
25B, the pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 706 are discharged to the bet ball guide passage 708 and collected in the out-ball tank inside the game island. In addition, the return operation is done,
When the pachinko balls that are supplied from the upper plate 7 and remain in the intake preparation ball passage 710 and the pachinko balls that remain in the intake device 900 are returned to the lower plate 11, the flow path is generated by exciting the distribution solenoid 908. The switching valve 907 swings, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5 (c), the sprocket 902
The pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of the
It is discharged to 09 and returned to the lower plate 11. It should be noted that during the rotation of the sprocket 706 and until the predetermined switching invalidation time elapses after the rotation is completed, the operation of changing the downflow path by the swing of the flow path switching valve 907 is invalidated.

As described above, by applying the take-in device 900 in which the pachinko balls are discharged one by one by the rotation of the sprocket 902 as the game ball taking-in means, the taken-in pachinko balls can be detected one by one. Since this is possible, the incorporated pachinko spheres can be accurately detected.

26 and 27 are diagrams showing the structure of a take-in device 1000 as a modification of the game ball take-in means.

In this take-in device 1000, as shown in FIG. 26, a bottomed cylindrical outer cylinder 1015 having one end opened is fixedly arranged at a predetermined angle, and is fixed inside the outer cylinder 1015. A rotary holder 1001 which is a resin-made take-in rotating body having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 1015 and inscribed substantially in the inner circumference is rotatably supported around a rotation shaft 1002. This rotary holder 1001
Are rotationally driven by a drive motor 1007 connected to the rotary shaft 1002. It should be noted that, here, it is possible to detect the proximity of a pachinko ball made of metal as the filling ball detection sensors 1031a to 1031e described later, and to detect a good pachinko ball even if dirt adheres to the pachinko ball. The outer cylinder 1015 and the rotary holder 1001 are made of resin in order to use proximity sensors that can detect proximity, but when using optical sensors other than these proximity sensors, etc. , Outer cylinder 10
15 and the rotary holder 1001 may be made of robust metal.

This rotary holder 1001 has a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the four sphere accommodating grooves 1012a to 1012d as the unit sphere storing portions capable of accommodating the number (5 balls) of pachinko balls required to set the number of bets on the side surface outer peripheral part are The number of pachinko balls required for setting the maximum bet number is set linearly so as to be parallel to the direction, and among the four ball receiving grooves 1012a to 1012d of the rotary holder 1001, three consecutive ball receiving grooves are set. It is possible to store 15 balls. By doing this, it is possible to fill and store the pachinko balls used for setting the maximum bet number in advance, and it is not necessary to perform filling and discharging at the same time, and it is quick without being obsessed with filling. It is preferable because it can be discharged.

Outer cylinder 1015 inclined as described above
At the opening on the upper side of the ball, a ball inflow passage 1003 in which the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 7 are guided in a line, and a pachinko ball flowing down the ball inflow passage 1003 are shown in FIG. The sphere accommodating grooves 1012a to 1012d provided on the outer periphery of the rotary holder 1001 are provided so as to communicate with the lower position by the rotation, and the sphere accommodating grooves are provided at the positions where the rotary holder 1001 is rotated. 10
By sequentially arranging 12a to 12d, the sphere accommodating groove 1012
Balls are filled in three consecutive ball-storing grooves of a to d, and 1 required to set the maximum bet number.
Five pachinko balls are always stored.

Further, a prepared ball detecting sensor 1008 is provided on the path of the ball inflow passage 1003, and 1 BET (5 balls) necessary for setting the minimum number of bets by the prepared ball detecting sensor 1008. It is possible to detect whether the pachinko ball of the present exists on the ball inflow passage 1003, and at the end position thereof, the rotary holder 100
A first shutter 1005, which is an intrusion prevention unit for canceling / regulating the intrusion of the sphere into the first sphere housing groove 1012a to 1012d, is provided. The first shutter 1005 is the solenoid 1
It is opened and closed by 016.

As described above, the prepared ball detecting sensor 1008 is provided so that it is possible to detect whether 1 BET (5 balls) of pachinko balls necessary for setting the minimum number of bets exists on the ball inflow passage 1003. That is, these ball inflow passages 10
When there are less than 5 pachinko balls on 03, it is preferable because it is possible to avoid the inconvenience caused by the pachinko balls less than 5 balls being filled in the ball storage grooves 1012a to 1012d.

At the end position of the ball inflow passage 1003, a second shutter 1013 is provided so as to cover the bottom surface of the ball inflow passage 1003, and the pachinko ball existing on the upper plate 7 is returned at the end of the game. In doing so, the second shutter 1013 is opened by the solenoid 1014, so that the pachinko balls continuously flow into the lower plate communication channel 1017 from the ball inflow passage 1003, and the pachinko balls are returned to the lower plate 11.

As described above, the provision of the first shutter 1005 capable of releasing / regulating the invasion of the sphere into the sphere accommodating grooves 1012a to 1012d causes the pachinko sphere to intrude during the rotation of the rotary holder 1001 and cause ball biting. It is preferable that the ball inflow passage 1003, the rotary holder 1001, and the drive motor 1007 can be prevented from being damaged.

In addition, the provision of the second shutter 1013 in the sphere inflow passage 1003 is effective for the rotary holder 1
The pachinko ball in the ball inflow passage 1003 can be returned without passing through 001, and not only the power for driving the rotary holder 1001 can be saved, but also the rotary holder 1001.
It is preferable because it can reduce wear and tear.

Further, as shown in FIG. 27, five pachinko balls flow into the respective ball receiving grooves 1012a to 1012 on the outer periphery of the outer cylinder 1015 corresponding to the position where the pachinko balls flow from the ball inflow passage 1003. Filling ball detection sensors 1031a to 1031e for detecting whether or not it is provided are provided corresponding to the respective pachinko balls, and three balls are provided on the outer circumference of the outer cylinder 1015 corresponding to the position shown in FIG. A filled ball detection sensor 1031f for detecting that the continuous ball housing grooves 1012a to 1012d are filled with pachinko balls is provided, and five ball pachinko balls are not housed in each ball housing groove 1012a to 1012d. , The rotary holder 1001 is controlled so as not to rotate. Regarding these rotation controls,
Regarding the rotation accompanying the return, the ball storage grooves 1012a to 1012d may be rotated without being filled with all the pachinko balls.

In this way, the filled sphere detection sensor 1031a
By providing ~ e, it is possible to reliably detect whether or not five pachinko balls have flown into the ball housing grooves 1012a to 1012d, and the rotary holder 1001 is rotated based on these detections to perform the filling process. In the case where there is sufficient supply of pachinko balls inside the capturing device 1000, all of the ball storage grooves 1012a to 1012a to 10d at the positions where the pachinko balls can be stored are filled with 5 balls, so that 15 balls are surely provided. It is preferable because the pachinko spheres of (3) will be stored.

Further, as shown in FIG. 27, on the outer periphery of the outer cylinder 1015 corresponding to the position of, the opening 10 serving as a discharge portion is formed.
11 is provided, the rotary holder 1001 rotates, and the sphere storage grooves 1012a to 1012d face the opening 1011. 1012a to 1012d toward the outer peripheral direction, while being urged in the outer peripheral direction by the rotation of the rotary holder 1001, substantially simultaneously with the opening 1011
011 is discharged to the discharge ball channel 1009 provided at the lower position so as to cover 011. On the side wall of the discharge ball flow path 1009, the taken-in ball detection sensor 1 is provided so as to correspond to each pachinko ball.
006a to 006e are provided, and by detecting the pachinko balls with the take-in ball detecting sensors 1006a to 1006e, the take-in of the pachinko balls for setting the bet number is detected. .

In this way, the captured ball detection sensor 1006a
By disposing ~ e at a position directly below the opening 1011, the discharged pachinko balls are taken in by the detection sensor 1006.
This is preferable because it can be detected rapidly in a to e, and the time required for capturing can be further shortened. Can be appropriately changed, and for example, these incorporated ball detection sensors 1006a to 1006e can be changed.
The outer cylinder 1015 corresponding to just above the opening 1011 in the rotation direction.
May be provided at a predetermined position to detect a pachinko ball that is about to be ejected from the opening 1011.

The rotation amount of the rotary holder 1001 is monitored by a rotation sensor (not shown), and a predetermined rotation error determination time elapses after the driving of the drive motor 1007 is started. Also, when the rotation amount of the rotary holder 1001 detected by the rotation sensor does not reach the required rotation amount, the drive motor 1007 is controlled to be stopped.
000 has a problem such as ball biting and the rotary holder 1
When 001 is stopped, the driving of the drive motor 1007 is stopped, so damage to the intake device 1000 due to such problems as ball catching can be prevented.

Further, below the outer cylinder 1015, a discharge ball distribution passage 1020 for guiding the pachinko balls discharged into the discharge ball passage 1009 to the flow passage switching unit 1010 is extended downward. The path switching unit 1010 can switch the flow path. From the discharge ball distribution passage 1020, a pickup ball guide passage 1019 for guiding the discharged pachinko balls to the pickup ball inlet 512.
And the return ball guide passage 1 for guiding to the return ball inlet 515
018 has been derived, and the flow path switching unit 1010
The flow path switching valve 1022 included in the
By swinging by exciting or releasing 021, the flow path is switched to either the intake ball guide passage 1019 or the return ball guide passage 1018, and the pachinko balls stored in the rotary holder 1001 are played. It can be returned to the lower plate 11 at the time of completion.
It should be noted that during the rotation of the rotary holder 1001 and until the predetermined switching invalidation time elapses after the rotation is completed, the operation of changing the downflow path due to the swing of the flow path switching valve 1022 is invalidated. ..

By applying the take-in device 1000 as the game ball take-in means in this way, the pachinko balls necessary for setting the maximum bet number are previously stored in the respective ball-accommodating grooves 1012a to 1012d of the rotary holder 1001. Therefore, the pachinko balls used for setting the bet number can be taken in quickly, and the progress of the game can be smoothed.

In the take-in device 1000, the pachinko balls are aligned in a line in the ball inflow passage 1003, and the ball receiving grooves 1012a to 1012d formed in the rotary holder 1001.
The pachinko spheres aligned in the longitudinal direction of the sphere are sequentially inserted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sphere inflow passage 1003 'can be formed like the intake device 1000' shown in FIG. The pachinko balls are arranged in a straight line of five balls, and an opening 1027 is provided on the side surface of the outer cylinder 1015 ′ so as to be oriented in the horizontal direction. The pachinko balls may be incorporated into the pachinko balls, and the pachinko balls may be incorporated into the pachinko balls in a rapid manner.

Furthermore, the rotary holder 10 shown in FIG.
01 ', the sphere housing grooves 1012a to 1012d are shaped to be twisted in a spiral shape so that the depth side of the pachinko ball in the intrusion direction is below the intrusion position.
012 ′, the ball inflow passage 1003 to the ball housing groove 10
When the pachinko balls flow into 12 ', the invading pachinko balls may be moved rapidly in the back direction to be filled. In this case, since the pachinko balls are taken into the ball storage groove 1012 'as the rotary holder 1001' rotates, the rotary holder 1001 'does not have to be inclined.

30 and 31 are views showing the structure of a take-in device 1100 as a modification of the game ball take-in means.

As shown in FIG. 30, the intake device 1100 has a cylindrical outer cylinder 1115, which is open at both ends and is fixedly arranged inside the outer case 1110 at a predetermined angle.
Inside the outer cylinder 1115, a resin rotary holder 1101 having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 1115 and inscribed substantially in the inner circumference is rotatably supported around a rotation shaft 1102. The rotary holder 1101
It is rotationally driven by a drive motor 1107 connected to the rotary shaft 1102.

The rotation amount of the rotary holder 1101 is monitored by a rotation sensor (not shown), and a predetermined rotation error determination time elapses after the driving of the drive motor 1107 is started. Also, when the rotation amount of the rotary holder 1101 detected by the rotation sensor does not reach the required rotation amount, the drive motor 1107 is controlled to be stopped.
100 has a problem such as ball biting, and the rotary holder 1
When 101 is stopped, the driving of the drive motor 1107 is stopped, so that the damage of the intake device 1100 due to these problems such as ball catching can be prevented.

This rotary holder 1101 has a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (a) to (c), three ball housing grooves 1112a to 1112c capable of housing a predetermined number (five balls in this embodiment) of pachinko balls are provided in the outer peripheral portion of the side surface thereof substantially parallel to the axial direction. Is linearly provided so that
The positions opposite to the rotating shafts 1102 of 2a to 2c are shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), a pachinko ball flowing in from a ball inflow passage 1103 described later is transferred to a bypass communication port 1113 described later.
A bypass flow path groove 1114 for guiding to is provided in a curved shape.

A ball inflow passage 1103 into which the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 7 flow is provided at the upper opening of the inclined outer cylinder 1115, and the ball inflow passage 1103 flows down. Fig. 31 shows a pachinko ball
As shown in (a), when the ball housing grooves 1112a to 1112c provided on the outer periphery of the rotary holder 1101 are stopped at the uppermost position by the rotation, the ball housing groove 11
By entering 12a to 12c, a predetermined number of pachinko balls (in this embodiment, five pachinko balls required to set the bet number of 1) are accommodated in the ball accommodating grooves 1112a to 1112c, and all of the balls are accommodated. When the pachinko balls enter the grooves a to c, 15 balls can be stored.

Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the ball inflow passage 1
At a position downstream of 103, a shutter 1105 for releasing / regulating the intrusion of the sphere into the sphere accommodating grooves 1112a to 1112c of the rotary holder 1101 and the bypass passage groove 1114 for continuously discharging the sphere is provided. And the shutter 110
5 is opened and closed by a solenoid 1116.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 31 (a) and 31 (c), the slantly arranged outer cylinder 1115 restricts the pachinko balls that have entered the ball storage grooves 1112a to 1112c from falling out, as shown in FIGS. The flow-down regulation plate 1111 for fixing is provided so as to be fixed to the outer cylinder 1115 so as not to rotate.
In addition, the flow restricting plate 1111 has a ball receiving groove 111.
From the uppermost position, which is the position where the ball can enter 2a-c,
A detour communication port 1113 through which a pachinko ball can flow is provided at a position located when the ball storage grooves 1112a to 11c are rotated (reversed) by about 60 degrees.
By rotating (reversely rotating) the rotary holder 1101 to a position corresponding to 3 to position the ball storage grooves 1112a to 1112c, the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage grooves 1112a to 1112c move through the bypass flow passage 1108. Through discharge ball flow path 11
It is discharged to 09.

In addition, in the lower position of the outer cylinder 1115, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, an opening 1118 is provided through which all the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage grooves 1112a to 1112c can be ejected simultaneously in the outer peripheral direction of the rotary holder 1101. By being rotationally driven, all the 15 pachinko balls accommodated in the respective sphere accommodating grooves 1112a to 1112c are opened.
It is discharged to a discharge ball channel 1109 provided below 118.

Also, as shown in FIG. 30, the outer case 1
Below the 110, the betting ball guide passage 708 and the return ball guide passage 70 are connected to the discharge ball passage 1109.
9 is provided with a discharge ball distribution passage 1120.
In the path of the discharge ball distribution passage 1120, the flow path of the pachinko balls discharged to the discharge ball flow passage 1109, which is swung by excitation or cancellation of the distribution solenoid 1121, is guided to the bet ball guide passage 708 or the return ball guide. A passage switching valve 1122 for switching to either one of the passages 709 is provided. It should be noted that during the rotation of the rotary holder 1101 and until the predetermined switching invalidation time elapses after the rotation is completed, the change operation of the downflow path due to the swing of the flow path switching valve 1122 is invalidated. .

Further, in the route connected to the bet ball guide passage 708, there is provided a take-in ball detection switch 1125 for detecting passage of a pachinko ball taken in for setting the number of bets, and a return ball. A return ball detection switch 1126 for detecting passage of a pachinko ball discharged to the lower plate 11 is provided in the path connected to the guide passage 709.

Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the outer cylinder 1115
A slit 1117 is provided at the uppermost position of the sphere housing grooves 1112a to 1112c along the slit 1117.
Sphere detection optical sensors 1106a to 1106e for detecting the presence of a pachinko sphere are provided, and the sphere detection optical sensors 1106a to 1106e include a sphere accommodation groove 1112a to.
The presence of all spheres in c can be detected, and these sphere detection optical sensors 1106a to 1106e and solenoid 1116 are used to control the rotation of the drive motor 1107 by a motor driver circuit (not shown) or a drive circuit. Device 110
It is mounted on the unit control board 1104 together with a control microcomputer (not shown) for controlling the 0 operation.

Explaining the operating condition of the take-in device 1100, the ball receiving grooves 1112a to 1112c are sequentially introduced into the ball receiving grooves 1112a to 1112c while the game is in progress. The shutter 1 is rotatably arranged at a position where a pachinko ball can flow from the passage 1103.
By opening 105, the pachinko ball is accommodated, and the ball accommodating groove 1112c is normally waiting in a state in which it is located at the uppermost position where the pachinko ball can flow.

In this state, when the take-in control signal of 15 balls is detected, the rotary holder 1101 is continuously rotated by 180 degrees by the drive motor 1107 (black arrow in FIG. 31 (a)). Direction), each ball receiving groove 11
The 15 pachinko balls accommodated in 12a to 12c are discharged to the discharge ball flow passage 1109, and the discharge ball distribution passage 1120 is discharged.
After being detected by the take-in ball detection switch 1125, it is discharged to the bet ball guide passage 708 and collected in the out-ball tank inside the game island.

In addition, when the take-in control signals of five balls are detected in the standby state, the rotary holder 1101 is driven in reverse by 60 degrees by the drive motor 1107 (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 31A). ), The five pachinko balls stored in the ball storage groove 1112c are the detour communication ports 1
The discharge ball channel 1 from 113 via the bypass channel 1108
After being detected by the take-in ball detection switch 1125 of the discharge ball distribution passage 1120 through 109, the betting ball guide passage 708.
It is discharged to the out-ball tank inside the game island. Further, when the capture control signal of 5 balls is continuously detected, the rotary holder 1101 is further driven by 60 degrees in reverse, and the 5 pachinko balls accommodated in the sphere accommodating groove 1112b are captured. When the plug-in control signal is further detected, the rotary holder 1101 is further driven in reverse by 60 degrees, and the five pachinko balls stored in the ball storage groove 1112a flow through the bypass passage 1108. After being detected by the take-in ball detection switch 1125 of the discharge ball distribution passage 1120 through the path 1109, it is discharged to the bet ball guide passage 708 and collected in the out-ball tank inside the game island.

When the discharge control signal is detected, first, the flow path switching valve 1122 is swung by the excitation of the distribution solenoid 1121, and the discharge path of the pachinko ball is changed to the return ball guide passage 709 side. Drive motor 1107
The rotary holder 1101 is continuously driven to rotate by 180 degrees, so that the 15 ball pachinko balls stored in the ball storage grooves 1112a to 1112c are discharged to the discharge ball flow passage 1109, and the discharge ball distribution passage 1120. After being detected by the return ball detection switch 1126, the ball is discharged into the return ball guide passage 709 and returned to the lower plate 11. Further, the pachinko balls that remain in the upper plate 7, the ball inflow passage 1103, etc., when the shutter 1105 is opened, are not included in the detour flow channel groove 11.
14 and the bypass flow passage 1108 through the discharge ball flow passage 1
After being discharged to 109, detected by the return ball detection switch 1126 of the discharge ball distribution passage 1120, it is discharged to the return ball guiding passage 709 and returned to the lower plate 11.

By applying the take-in device 1100 as the game ball take-in means in this way, the pachinko balls necessary for setting the maximum bet number are stored in advance in the respective ball-storing grooves 1112a to 1112c of the rotary holder 1101. Therefore, the pachinko balls used for setting the bet number can be taken in quickly, and the progress of the game can be smoothed.

Each element in the above embodiment corresponds to the present invention as follows.

According to claim 1 of the present invention, the game can be started by setting the bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls (pachinko balls) as one bet number unit.
One game ends when the display result of the variable display device 50 capable of changing the display state is derived and displayed, and a predetermined winning ball can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device 50 ( In a slot machine 1 using a pachinko ball, a game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) for taking in a game ball (pachinko ball) and a control of the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) A control means (game control section 210) for performing and a bet ball path (bet ball guide passage 708) for letting down the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) for setting the bet number. )
And, a game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball taking-in means (taking-in device 700) for returning to the player.
A return ball path (return ball guide passage 709) that causes the
The path along which the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball taking-in means (taking-in device 700) flows down is either the betting ball route (betting ball guiding passage 708) or the return ball route (returning ball guiding passage 709). It is provided with a path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) that can be switched to one side, and the control means (game control section 210) is a bet number setting request (1 BET button 36 a or MAX BET button 36) from the player.
In accordance with (operation b), the game ball capturing means (capturing device 70)
It is possible to execute control for taking in the predetermined number of game balls (pachinko balls) to the bet ball path (bet ball guide path 708) by 0), and the bet ball path (bet ball guide path 70).
8) The switching operation to the return ball path (return ball guiding passage 709) by the path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) is not permitted based on the start of the operation of taking in the game ball (pachinko ball) to (8) ( At the same time, the game ball (pachinko ball) is switched to the path switching means (the flow path switching valve 70).
7) sufficient time to pass (path switching invalid time; T
When 1) has passed, the path switching means (the flow path switching valve 7
07) return ball route (return ball guide passage 709)
Allow the switching operation to (enable).

Claim 2 of the present invention is a gambling ball detecting means (gambling ball detection switch) for detecting a gaming sphere (pachinko ball) taken in by the gaming sphere taking-in means (taking-in device 700) for setting the number of bets. 704) is provided in the bet ball path (bet ball guide passage 708), and the game ball (pachinko ball) to the return ball path (return ball guide path 709) by the game ball capturing means (capture device 700). The bet ball detecting means (bet ball detection switch 704) during the capturing operation of
A bet ball path error determination means (game control unit 210) that determines an error (bet ball detection error) when a game ball (pachinko ball) is detected by.

According to claim 3 of the present invention, the game can be started by setting the bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls (pachinko balls) as one bet number unit.
One game ends when the display result of the variable display device 50 capable of changing the display state is derived and displayed, and a predetermined winning ball can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device 50 ( In a slot machine 1 using a pachinko ball, a game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) for taking in a game ball (pachinko ball), and a control means for controlling the game ball take-in means (game control) Part 210) and the game ball capturing means (capturing device 700) for setting the bet number.
The bet ball path (bet ball guide path 708) that causes the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball to flow down, and the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) for returning to the player. The bet ball path (bet ball guide) is a return ball path (return ball guide path 709) that causes the ball to flow down, and a path through which the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) flows down. Passage 7
08) or the return ball route (return ball guide passage 709)
And a path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) capable of switching to either one of the above, and the control means (game control section 21
0) is the return ball route (return ball guide passage 709) by the game ball taking-in means (taking-in device 700) in response to a request for returning a game ball (pachinko ball) from the player (operation of the return button 305). It is possible to execute a control to start the taking-in operation of the game ball (pachinko ball) to (1), and to end the taking-in operation, and to the return ball path (return ball guiding passage 709) to the game ball (pachinko ball). The switching operation to the betting ball path (betting ball guiding path 708) by the path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) is not permitted (invalid) based on the start of the capturing operation of the ball.
At the same time, when a sufficient time (path switching invalid time; T6) for the gaming ball (pachinko ball) to pass through the path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) has passed since the end of the loading operation, The switching operation to the bet ball path (bet ball guide passage 708) by the path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) is permitted (validated).

Claim 4 of the present invention is a return ball detecting means (return ball) for detecting a game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball taking means (taking-in device 700) for returning to the player. A detection switch 705) is provided, and a game ball (pachinko ball) to the return ball path (return ball guide passage 709).
The taking-in operation of is ended in accordance with the detection status of the game ball (pachinko ball) by the return ball detection means (return ball detection switch 705).

According to claim 5 of the present invention, the game can be started by setting the bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls (pachinko balls) as one bet number unit.
One game ends when the display result of the variable display device 50 capable of changing the display state is derived and displayed, and a predetermined winning ball can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device 50 ( In a slot machine 1 using a pachinko ball, a game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) for taking in a game ball (pachinko ball), and a control means for controlling the game ball take-in means (game control) Part 210) and the game ball capturing means (capturing device 700) for setting the bet number.
The bet ball path (bet ball guide path 708) that causes the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball to flow down, and the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) for returning to the player. The bet ball path (bet ball guide) is a return ball path (return ball guide path 709) that causes the ball to flow down, and a path through which the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) flows down. Passage 7
08) or the return ball route (return ball guide passage 709)
One of the switchable path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) and the game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball taking-in means (taking-in device 700) for returning to the player. A return ball detecting unit (return ball detecting switch 705) for detecting is provided, and the control unit (game control unit 21)
0) is the return ball route (return ball guide passage 709) by the game ball taking-in means (taking-in device 700) in response to a request for returning a game ball (pachinko ball) from the player (operation of the return button 305). ) Is started, and the return ball detection means (return ball detection switch 7) is started.
When the game ball (pachinko ball) is not detected by 05) for a predetermined time (motor stop waiting time; T8), control for ending the loading operation can be executed, and the return ball path (return ball guide passage 709) can be executed. ) To the game ball (pachinko ball)
Based on the start of the take-in operation, the betting ball path (betting ball guiding path 70) by the path switching means (flow path switching valve 707).
The switching operation to 8) is not permitted (disabled), and when the loading operation is completed, the bet ball path (bet ball guide path 708) by the path switching means (flow path switching valve 707).
Allow the switching operation to (enable).

Claim 6 of the present invention is a bet ball detecting means (bet ball detecting switch) for detecting a game ball (pachinko ball) taken in by the game ball taking means (taking-in device 700) for setting the bet number. 704), the control means (game control section 210), the bet number setting request from the player (1B.
In response to the operation of the ET button 36a or the MAXBET button 36b), the predetermined number of game balls (pachinko balls) are taken into the bet ball path (bet ball guide passage 708) by the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700). The control for performing the operation can be executed, and the return is performed by the path switching means (flow path switching valve 707) on the basis of the start of the operation of taking the game ball (pachinko ball) into the bet ball path (bet ball guiding path 708). The switching operation to the ball path (return ball guiding path 709) is not permitted (disabled), and the predetermined number of game balls (pachinko balls) are set by the bet ball detecting means (bet ball detection switch 704).
Is detected, the path switching means (the flow path switching valve 70
The switching operation to the return ball route (return ball guide passage 709) by 7) is permitted (valid).

According to claim 7 of the present invention, the return ball detecting means (return ball detecting switch 705) is provided in the return ball path (return ball guiding passage 709), and the game ball taking means (take-in). During the operation of taking in the game ball (pachinko ball) to the bet ball path (bet ball guide passage 708) by the device 700), the return ball detection means (return ball detection switch 70)
A return ball route error determination means (game control unit 210) for determining an error (return ball detection error) when a game ball (pachinko ball) is detected by 5) is provided.

According to claim 8 of the present invention, the bet ball detecting means (bet ball detecting switch 704) is provided in the bet ball path (bet ball guiding path 708), and the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) is used. While the game ball (pachinko ball) is being taken into the return ball route (return ball guide passage 709), the bet ball detecting means (bet ball detection switch 704)
A bet ball path error determination means (game control unit 210) that determines an error (bet ball detection error) when a game ball (pachinko ball) is detected by.

Claim 9 of the present invention is, a take-in preparation ball detecting means (take-in preparation ball) for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball (pachinko ball) which can be taken in by the game ball taking-in means (taking-in device 700). The detection switch 703) is provided.

Claim 10 of the present invention is a game ball payout means (payout device 600) for paying out a game ball (pachinko ball).
And a credit display unit (credit display unit 31 that displays the number of game balls (the number of credit balls) that can be used to set the bet number among the number of game balls stored as the valuable value owned by the player in a form that can be specified. ) And the number of game balls stored as the valuable value owned by the player, the payout condition by the game ball payout means (payout device 600) is satisfied, and the number of unpaid game balls that have not yet been paid out (not yet An unpaid display means (unpaid display section 303) for displaying the number of payout balls) in an identifiable manner, and the gaming ball payout means (payout device 6).
It is possible to shift to the next game even during the payout operation of the game ball (pachinko ball) by (00), and during the payout operation that is continuously performed during the next game, the unpaid display means (unpaid display unit). The number of unpaid gaming balls (number of unpaid balls) can be specified by 303) so that the number of unpaid gaming balls (number of unpaid balls) can be recognized.

According to claim 11 of the present invention, the game ball take-in means (take-in device 700) can take in the game balls (pachinko balls) one by one by rotating them (sprocket 706). And the take-in rotating body (sprocket 70
When 6) is rotated to a predetermined position, the introduced game ball (pachinko ball) is the incorporated rotating body (sprocket 7).
The balls are discharged one by one in the outer peripheral direction of (06).

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the game ball take-in means (take-in device 1000) is capable of storing game balls (pachinko balls) in units of one bet in one row, and stores the same. A unit ball storage unit (ball storage grooves 1012a to 1012a to 1012a to 10d) capable of discharging a playing game ball (pachinko ball) in the outer peripheral direction thereof has a maximum bet number that can be set in at least one game along the outer periphery. A take-in rotating body (rotary holder 100) formed so that a ball (pachinko ball) can be stored in advance.
1), and the take-in rotating body (rotary holder 100
When 1) is rotated to a predetermined position, the game ball (pachinko ball) stored in the unit supply storage section (ball storage grooves 1012a to 1012a to 10d) is the intake rotary body (rotary holder 10).
01) is discharged almost simultaneously in the outer peripheral direction.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention comprises an operation amount detecting means (rotation sensor 711) for detecting an operation amount (rotation amount) of the take-in rotating body (sprocket 706), and the control means (game control section 210). ) Is the operation amount (rotation amount) of the take-in rotating body (sprocket 706) detected by the operation amount detecting means (rotation sensor 711) even after a predetermined operation time (rotation error determination time; T4) has elapsed. The fetching operation can be stopped when the required operation amount (rotation amount) is not reached.

In the claims of the present invention, one bet number unit (predetermined number) of game balls is the number of pachinko balls taken in at one time when setting the bet number, and in the present embodiment. 1 BET (5 balls), 2 BET (10 balls),
Pachinko balls corresponding to 3 BETs (15 balls) are applicable.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention is applicable even if there are changes and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, it is included in.

For example, the slot machine 1 of the above embodiment
Is used in parallel with the card unit 800, and pachinko balls are lent based on the frequency of the prepaid cards inserted into these card units 800, and the game is performed using these lent pachinko balls. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the slot machine 1 is installed in parallel with a cash ball lending machine for accepting money and paying out pachinko balls corresponding to the amount of money. A game may be played on the slot machine 1 by using a pachinko ball paid out by a cash ball lending machine arranged in parallel. Furthermore, the card unit 80
Even if the slot machine 1 is installed alone without arranging 0 or a cash ball lending machine, a game can be played in the slot machine 1 by using the pachinko ball that has been lent at a predetermined place in the game hall. good. In the slot machine used in this way, the ball lending button 302a, the return button 302b, and the frequency display unit 301 provided on the front surface 7b of the upper plate 7 may not be provided.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the display of the credit display section 31 and the payout display section 33 is arranged to be displayed in BET units corresponding to five pachinko balls. The present invention is not limited to this, and these may be displayed in units of spheres.

In the slot machine 1 of the above embodiment, when the credit numbers are displayed, the bet amount is set by using these credit numbers, that is, the credit ball numbers stored in the credit ball counter, When the number of credit balls is 0, the pachinko ball of the upper plate 7 is taken in and the bet number is set, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a credit ball The number of bets may be set using only the pachinko balls placed on the upper plate 7 without providing the function of storing the number.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the upper limit value of 250 balls can be stored in the number of credit balls stored as the valuable value owned by the player. However, the upper limit value may be appropriately changed, and the upper limit value may not be set for the number of credit balls.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the minimum bet number of 1B is used as the operation unit for taking in the pachinko balls of the upper plate 7.
1BET button 36a that can capture pachinko balls for ET
And a MAXBET button 36b capable of taking in a maximum of 3 bets of pachinko balls are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and 3 or more depending on the designated number of take-ins. The operation unit, for example, a 1BET button that can take in 1BET of pachinko balls, a 2BET button that can take in 2BETs of pachinko balls, and a 3BET button that can take in 3BETs of pachinko balls should be provided separately. May be.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the above embodiment, as the payout means, the motor type payout device 600 for paying out the pachinko balls in the sprocket rotating in synchronization with the drive rotation of the motor is applied. The invention is not limited to this, and for example, a pachinko ball payout device may be applied by opening a pachinko ball payout passage by exciting a solenoid.

Further, the dispensing device of the above-mentioned embodiment is applied with the two-row type dispensing device 600 for paying out the pachinko balls supplied from the two-row supply passage, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of one, a one-row dispenser or a three-row dispenser or more may be applied.

In the slot machine 1 of the above embodiment, the payout control by the payout device 600 is performed by the payout control board 40.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game control unit 210 of the game control board 200 may perform control related to payout.

Further, the two-row uptake device 700 for taking in the pachinko balls supplied from the two-way supply passage is applied to the uptake device of the above embodiment, but the present invention is applicable to this. The present invention is not limited to this, and a one-row type take-in device or a three-way type or more take-in device may be applied.

Further, in each of the capturing devices 700, 900, 1000, 1100 illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiment, the prepared ball detecting means (acquired prepared ball detecting switch 703, prepared ball sensor 904, prepared ball detecting sensor 1008, ball detection) Although it is configured to allow the capturing of the pachinko ball on condition that the preparatory ball is detected by the optical sensors 1106a to e), the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be possible to take in regardless of the presence of a preparation ball,
In this case, the preparatory ball detecting means may be omitted.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the above embodiment, the game control board 20 controls the acquisition by the acquisition device 700.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the payout control unit 401 of the payout control board 400 may control the take-in device 700. Provide an import control unit that performs control related to import,
The capture controller may control the capture device 700.

[0274]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the invention of claim 1, the route switching means is provided from the end of the operation of taking the game balls into the betting ball path until a time sufficient for the gaming balls to pass through the path switching means. Since the switching operation to the return ball path by is prohibited, the pachinko ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means will surely flow down to the bet ball path, and the game ball taken in for setting the number of bets It is possible to prevent the inconvenience caused by flowing down to a route different from the route that should originally flow down, such as flowing down to the return ball route and being returned to the player.

(B) According to the second aspect of the invention, there is an inconvenience such that the game ball taken in to be returned to the player flows down to the bet ball route due to a switching failure of the route switching means. Can be determined.

(C) According to the invention of claim 3, the route switching is performed from the end of the operation of taking the game ball into the return ball route until the time sufficient for the game ball to pass through the route switching means. Since the switching operation to the bet ball path by the means is prohibited, the pachinko ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means will surely flow down to the return ball path, and it will be taken in to return to the player It is possible to prevent inconveniences caused by a game ball flowing down to a path different from the path that should originally flow down, such as flowing down to the bet ball path.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to prevent the taking-in operation by the game-ball taking-in means from being continuously performed even when there is no game ball to be returned.

(E) According to the invention of claim 5, the switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is not permitted until a predetermined time elapses after the game ball is not detected by the return ball detecting means. Therefore, the pachinko ball captured by the game ball capturing means will surely flow down to the return ball route, and the game ball captured for returning to the player will flow down into the bet ball route, etc. It is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by flowing down to a route different from the route that should originally flow down.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, the switching operation to the return ball path by the path switching means is prohibited until the bet ball detecting means detects a predetermined number of game balls. The pachinko ball taken in by the game ball taking-in means will surely flow down to the bet ball route, and the game ball taken in for setting the number of bets will flow down the return ball route and be returned to the player. Can be prevented.

(G) According to the invention of claim 7, the game balls taken in for setting the bet number flow down to the return ball route and are returned to the player due to the switching failure of the route switching means. It can be determined that the inconvenience occurred.

(H) According to the invention of claim 8, there is an inconvenience that a game ball taken in to be returned to the player flows down to the bet ball route due to a defective switching of the route switching means. Can be determined.

(I) According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to prevent the taking-in operation by the game-ball taking-in means from being performed even though there is no game ball that can be taken in.

(J) According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the player can move to the next game even while the game balls are being paid out, and the game progresses smoothly. Not only can you avoid giving a pleasant feeling as much as possible, but the number of unplayed gaming balls can be specified on the unpaid display means even if the gaming balls are still being paid out when moving to the next game. Thus, the player's distrust of these unpaid gaming balls can be eliminated.

(K) According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, since the game balls are taken in by the game ball taking means one by one, the taken game balls can be detected one by one. Therefore, the captured game ball can be accurately detected.

(L) According to the invention of claim 12, the maximum number of bets can be stored in the unit ball storage portion in advance, so that a take-in operation for setting the number of bets is possible. Can be played quickly, and the progress of the game can be smoothed.

(M) According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, when a problem such as ball catching occurs, the taking-in operation is stopped, so that the game ball taking-in means is prevented from being damaged due to these problems. it can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slot machine using a pachinko ball of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a front door of the slot machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration of a mechanism plate provided on a back surface of a front door of the slot machine of FIG.

FIG. 4A is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a configuration of an intake device applied to the slot machine of the present embodiment,
(B) (c) is sectional drawing which shows the taking in (returning) condition by the said taking in apparatus.

FIG. 5A is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a configuration of a payout device applied to the slot machine of the present embodiment,
(B) (c) is sectional drawing which shows the delivery condition by the said delivery apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a game progressing process executed by the game control section of the game control board in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing the control status of the loading device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing the control status of the loading device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the control status of the take-in device in the slot machine of the present embodiment.

25 (a) to 25 (c) are sectional views showing a structure of a loading device applied as a modification of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the structure of a loading device applied as a modification of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a rotary holder that constitutes the take-in device shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the structure of a take-in device applied as a modification of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the structure of a rotary holder that constitutes a loading device applied as a modification of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a take-in device applied as a modification of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

31 (a) and 31 (c) are perspective views showing the structure of the rotary holder that constitutes the take-in device of FIG. 30, and FIG. 31 (b) is a front view showing the structure of the rotary holder.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 slot machine 2 front door 3a keyhole 4 frame 5 winning symbol explanation panel 6 game panel 7 upper plate 7a upper surface 7b front face 9 lower plate outlet 10 communication port 11 lower plate 12a, 12b sound emission part 13 sound emission part 14 transparent window 15 liquid crystal display unit 16 return lever 21 1BET betting display unit 22, 23 2BET betting display unit 24, 25 3BET betting display unit 26 game over display unit 27 replay display unit 28 weight display unit 29 start display unit 30 BET instruction display unit 31 credit Display unit 32 Number of games display unit 33 Payout display unit 36a 1BET button 36b MAXBET button 37 Settlement button 38 Start lever 39 Stop button units 40L, 40C, 40R Stop buttons 41 to 44 Game effect lamp unit 50 Variable display devices 51L, 51C, 51R Reel 53 Inter-mask concealing member 54L, 54C, 54R reel motor 55 reel lamp 56 reel sensor 64 power supply unit 80 main switch 81 second reset switch 82 setting key switch 83 setting switch 84 power cord 100 1BET switch 101 MAXBET switch 102 start switch 103L, 103C , 103R Stop switch 104 Settlement switch 105 First reset switch 106 Return switch 107 Shutter solenoid 108 Game count indicator 109 Credit indicator 110 Payout indicator 111 BET indicator lamp 112 1BET bet lamp 113, 114 2BET bet lamp 115, 116 3BET bet Lamp 117 Game over lamp 118 Start lamp 119 Replay lamp 120 Bonus notification Pump 121a, 121b BET button lamp 122L, 122C, 122R Operation valid lamp 123 Settlement button lamp 124 Automatic credit button lamp 130-133 Game effect lamp 135 Liquid crystal display 136a, 136b, High-pitched speaker 137 Low-pitched speaker 138 Fluorescent lamp 139 Weight Lamp 150 Unpaid display device 200 Game control board 201 Production control board 202 Power board 203 Reel relay board 204 Reel lamp relay board 205 External output board 210 Game controller 211 CPU 212 RAM 213 ROM 214 I / O port 215 Switch circuit 216 Motor Circuit 217 Initial reset circuit 218 Clock generation circuit 219 Pulse division circuit 220 Buffer circuit 221 Random number generation circuit 222 Sampling circuit 223 Backup Source 224 Drive driver 225 Drive driver 230 Performance control unit 231 CPU 232 RAM 233 ROM 234 I / O port 235 Speaker drive circuit 236 Display drive circuit 237 Lamp drive circuit 238 Backup power source 301 Frequency display unit 302a Ball lending button 302b Return button 303 Not provided Discharge display section 304 Shutter 305 Return button 400 Discharge control board 401 Discharge control section 402 CPU 403 RAM 404 ROM 405 I / O port 406 Backup power supply 407 Buffer circuit 408 Switch circuit 409 Drive driver 410 Input / output circuit 500 Mechanical plate 501 Ball storage tank 502 Guide gutter 503 Ball discharge valve 504 Ball supply passage 505 Ball cut switch 506 Ball down trough 507 Surplus ball passage 508 Full tank switch 509 Return ball down passage 510 Bet ball downflow passage 511 Return ball inflow port 512 Intake ball inflow port 513 Ball removal passage 514 Ball supply gutter 515 Return ball inflow port 516 Curve gutter 519 Lower plate communication passage 600 Discharge device 601 Discharge motor 602 Distribution solenoid 603 Ball rental detection switch 604 Prize ball detection switch 606 Sprocket 607 Flow path switching valve 610 Rotation sensor 700 Acquisition device 701 Acquisition motor 702 Distribution solenoid 703 Acquisition preparation ball detection switch 704 Bet ball detection switch 705 Return ball detection switch 706 Sprocket 707 Flow path switching valve 708 Betball guide passage 709 Return ball guide passage 710 Preparation ball passage 711 Rotation sensor 800 Card unit 801 Operation lamp 802 Direction indicator lamp 803 Card accepting lamp 804 Card insertion slot 810 Operation board 811 Ball lending switch 812 Return Switch 813 Frequency display 814 Signal cable 900 Intake device 901 Solenoid 902 Sprocket 903 Intake ball downflow passage 904 Preparation ball sensor 905 Intake ball sensor 906 Rotation sensor 907 Flow path switching valve 908 Distributing solenoid 913 Locking piece 1000 Intake Device 1000 ′ Capture device 1001 Rotary holder 1001 ′ Rotary holder 1002 Rotating shaft 1003 Ball inflow passage 1003 ′ Ball inflow passage 1004 Sensor mounting substrate 1005 First shutter 1006a to e Captured ball detection sensor 1007 Drive motor 1008 Preparation ball detection sensor 1009 Discharge ball flow path 1010 Flow path switching unit 1011 Opening 1011 ′ Opening 1012a to d Ball storage groove 1012 ′ Ball storage groove 1013 Second shutter 1014 Solenoid 1015 Outer cylinder 1015 ′ Outer cylinder 1015 ″ Outer cylinder 1016 Renoid 1017 Lower plate communication flow path 1018 Return ball guide passage 1019 Intake ball guide passage 1020 Discharge ball distribution passage 1021 Distribution solenoid 1022 Flow path switching valve 1027 Opening 1030 Collection ball detection switch 1031a to f Filled ball detection sensor 1100 Collection Inserting device 1101 Rotary holder 1102 Rotating shaft 1103 Sphere inflow passage 1104 Unit control board 1105 Shutters 1106a to e Sphere detection optical sensor 1107 Drive motor 1108 Bypass flow passage 1109 Discharge sphere flow passage 1110 External case 1111 Downflow regulation plates 1112a to c Ball storage groove 1113 Detour communication port 1114 Detour flow channel 1115 Outer cylinder 1116 Solenoid 1117 Slit 1118 Opening 1120 Discharge ball distribution path 1121 Distribution solenoid 1122 Flow path switching valve 1125 Capture ball detection switch 1126 returned ball detection switch L1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' pay line

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masato Yoshiba             Gunma Prefecture Kiryu-shi 6 Sakai-cho 460 San Co., Ltd.             Kyonai

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A display of a variable display device capable of starting a game and setting a display state by setting a bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls as one bet number unit. The result is derived and displayed 1
In a slot machine using a game ball capable of generating a predetermined prize according to the display result of the variable display device after the game is finished, a game ball taking-in means for taking in the game ball and the game ball taking-in Control means for controlling the means, a bet ball path for letting down the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means for setting the bet number, and taken in by the game ball taking means for returning to the player A return ball path that causes the game ball to flow down, and a path switching means that can switch the path through which the game ball captured by the game ball capturing means flows to either the bet ball path or the return ball path, Equipped with
The control means is capable of executing control for taking in the predetermined number of game balls to the bet ball path by the game ball take-in means in response to a bet number setting request from a player. The operation of switching to the return ball path by the path switching means is prohibited based on the start of the operation of taking the game ball into the game ball, and the game ball passes through the path switching means from the end of the taking operation. A slot machine using a game ball, wherein a switching operation to the return ball path by the path switching means is permitted when a sufficient time has passed. 2. A bet ball detecting means for detecting a game ball taken in by the game ball taking means for setting a bet number is provided in the bet ball path, and the return ball by the game ball taking means. During the operation of capturing game balls into the route,
2. A bet ball path error determination unit that determines an error when a game ball is detected by the bet ball detection unit.
A slot machine using the game ball described in. 3. A display of a variable display device which allows a game to be started and a display state to be changed by setting a bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls as one bet number unit. The result is derived and displayed 1
In a slot machine using a game ball capable of generating a predetermined prize according to the display result of the variable display device after the game is finished, a game ball taking-in means for taking in the game ball and the game ball taking-in Control means for controlling the means, a bet ball path for letting down the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means for setting the bet number, and taken in by the game ball taking means for returning to the player A return ball path that causes the game ball to flow down, and a path switching means that can switch the path through which the game ball captured by the game ball capturing means flows to either the bet ball path or the return ball path, Equipped with
The control means starts the operation of taking in the game ball to the return ball path by the game ball taking means in response to a request for returning the game ball from the player, and then terminates the taking operation. Can be executed, and based on the start of the operation of taking in the game ball to the return ball path, the switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is not permitted, and the game is started from the end of the take-in operation. A slot machine using a game ball, wherein a switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is permitted when a time sufficient for the ball to pass through the path switching means has elapsed. 4. A return ball detecting means for detecting a game ball taken in by the game ball taking means to be returned to a player, wherein the operation of taking the game ball into the return ball path is the returning. The slot machine using a game ball according to claim 3, wherein the slot machine ends according to a detection status of the game ball by the ball detection means. 5. A display of a variable display device capable of starting a game by changing a display state while setting a bet number for one game with a predetermined number of game balls as one bet number unit. The result is derived and displayed 1
In a slot machine using a game ball capable of generating a predetermined prize according to the display result of the variable display device after the game is finished, a game ball taking-in means for taking in the game ball and the game ball taking-in Control means for controlling the means, a bet ball path for letting down the game balls taken in by the game ball taking means for setting the bet number, and taken in by the game ball taking means for returning to the player A return ball path that causes the game ball to flow down, and a path switching means that can switch the path through which the game ball captured by the game ball capturing means flows to either the bet ball path or the return ball path, A return ball detecting means for detecting the game ball taken in by the game ball taking means for returning to the player; and the control means, in response to a request for returning the game ball from the player, By ball capturing means It is possible to start the operation of taking in the game ball to the return ball path, and execute the control to end the taking-in operation when the game ball is not detected by the return ball detecting means for a predetermined time, and the return ball The switching operation to the bet ball path by the path switching means is prohibited based on the start of the operation of taking the game ball to the path, and the bet ball path by the path switching means when the taking operation is completed. A slot machine using a game ball, which is characterized by permitting a switching operation to. 6. A bet ball detecting means for detecting a game ball taken in by the game ball taking means in order to set a bet number, the control means being in accordance with a bet number setting request from a player. It is possible to execute control for performing an operation of taking in the predetermined number of game balls to the bet ball path by the game ball taking means,
The switching operation to the return ball path by the path switching means is prohibited based on the start of the operation of taking the game balls into the bet ball path, and the predetermined number of game balls are detected by the bet ball detection means. The slot machine using the game ball according to claim 5, wherein a switching operation to the return ball path by the path switching means is permitted in the case of. 7. The return ball detecting means is provided in the return ball path, and during the operation of taking the game ball into the bet ball path by the game ball taking means, the game ball is taken by the return ball detecting means. The slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising return ball path error determination means for determining an error when is detected. 8. The gambling ball detecting means is provided in the gambling ball path, and the gambling ball detecting means detects a gambling ball while the gaming sphere taking-in means takes in the gaming sphere to the return sphere path. The slot machine using a game ball according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising bet ball path error determination means for determining an error when the game is played. 9. A slot machine using a game ball according to claim 1, further comprising a capture preparation ball detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a game ball that can be captured by the game ball capture unit. 10. A game ball payout means for paying out a game ball and a number of game balls that can be used for setting a bet number out of the number of game balls stored as a valuable value owned by a player. The credit display means for displaying and the number of unplayed gaming balls that have not yet been paid out can be specified among the number of gaming balls stored as a valuable value owned by the player, if the payout condition by the gaming ball payout means is satisfied. In this mode, the unpaid display means for displaying in a different mode is provided, and the game ball can be shifted to the next game even during the payout operation of the game balls by the game ball payout means, and the payout operation is continuously performed during the next game. In the slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the number of unpaid game balls is identifiable by the unpaid display means, and the number of unpaid game balls can be recognized. . 11. The game ball take-in means includes a take-in rotary body capable of discharging the game balls one by one by rotating, and the introduction is carried out when the take-in rotary body is rotated to a predetermined position. The slot machine using the game ball according to claim 1, wherein the played game balls are discharged one by one in the outer peripheral direction of the intake rotating body. 12. The unit ball storage unit capable of storing the game balls of one bet unit in one row and discharging the stored game balls in the outer peripheral direction thereof. Is provided with a take-in rotary body formed so as to be able to store in advance a maximum number of game balls that can be set in at least one game along the outer periphery thereof, and the take-in rotary body is at a predetermined position. The game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the game balls stored in the unit supply storage section are discharged at substantially the same time in the outer peripheral direction of the take-in rotating body when the game balls are rotated to. Slot machine. 13. An operation amount detecting means for detecting an operation amount of the intake rotary member, wherein the control means detects the intake rotary member detected by the operation amount detecting means even after a predetermined operation time has elapsed. The slot machine using the game ball according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the taking-in operation can be stopped when the operation amount of does not reach the required operation amount.