JP2007061349A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can inform the discharge of a prize ball at a position in the vicinity of a discharge outlet of the prize ball. <P>SOLUTION: In this pachinko machine, a LED board 90 wherein a LED is installed is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge outlet 59 disposed in a back board 55 of an upper plate apparatus 5. Thereby, a representation effect of the pachinko machine can be increased and a desire of a player for a game can be aroused by making the LED installed in the LED board 90 emit light corresponding to the discharging situation of a discharge apparatus 49. Moreover, the timing of the discharge of the prize ball from the discharge outlet 59 and the timing of making the LED go on and off can be synchronized by making the LED go on and off (flash) after the delay for a prescribed time from the start of the discharge of the prize ball by the discharge apparatus. The LED board 90 is fixed to a right wall section of a discharge cylinder 65 through a fixing member 70, thereby, the damage of the LED board 90 can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, to a gaming machine that performs payout notification of prize balls at a payout exit.

  Conventionally, in a pachinko machine, which is a type of gaming machine, when a gaming ball wins a winning opening, a payout device is activated so that a predetermined number of gaming balls stored in a prize ball tank of the gaming machine are paid out as a winning ball. It has become. At the same time as the payout of the prize ball, effects such as lighting various electric lamps provided on the game board surface of the pachinko machine are performed in order to increase the player's interest. In addition, game balls used as prize balls are constantly supplied from the island to the prize ball tank of the gaming machine, so that even if a large number of winning prizes continue, payout is continuously performed without causing the ball to run out. However, if the supply of game balls from the island stops for some reason, the prize balls cannot be paid out even if there is a prize.

Therefore, for example, the number of payout requests is calculated based on a winning signal from the winning opening switch and a payout signal from the winning ball payout confirmation switch, and an electric lamp such as a front decoration lamp or a status display lamp is calculated based on the number of payout requests. There is also known a gaming machine that notifies the player of the payout by lighting or flashing, and stops the notification by a payout notification stop command when the number of payout requests becomes 0 (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this gaming machine, when the ball cannot be paid out, the payout signal from the prize ball payout confirmation switch stops and the number of payout requests does not become zero, so that the notification is continued and the ball out of the prize ball tank is recognized. It has become.
JP 2001-314615 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the payout notification is performed by an electric lamp such as a front decoration lamp and a status display lamp. However, the player is most motivated by the payout operation of the prize ball. Since the prize ball is supplied from the prize ball payout exit to the upper plate and the game ball is stored in the upper plate, the player's viewpoint during the payout operation is likely to be directed to the vicinity of the upper plate. . Therefore, there is a problem that it is not sufficient as a production effect to increase the player's interest simply by notifying the payout with an illumination lamp or the like provided on a portion other than the upper plate.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can notify the payout of a prize ball in the vicinity of a prize ball payout exit.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, a game board in which the game ball flows down and a prize for detecting a prize of the game ball in a predetermined prize opening provided on the game board are detected. A detecting means, a payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls when a winning of a game ball is detected by the winning detection means, and an upper plate for storing the winning balls paid out by the payout means A payout exit for paying out a prize ball from the payout means to the upper plate, a payout state detection means for detecting a payout state by the payout means, a notification means for notifying a detection result by the payout state detection means, A notification operation control unit configured to control a notification operation by the notification unit based on a detection result by the payout state detection unit, and the notification unit is provided at the payout outlet.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1, a lower plate for receiving a prize ball stored in the upper plate and a prize ball stored in the upper plate are provided. A ball outlet channel for guiding to the lower plate; and a ball outlet channel outlet for discharging a prize ball that has flowed through the ball outlet channel to the lower plate, wherein the notification means includes the payout outlet and the ball outlet channel. It is provided at at least one of the road exits.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 3, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the notification means is constituted by a light emitting means.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 3, the light emitting means is a light emitting diode.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 5, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 3 or 4, the light emitting means is provided on a substrate, and the substrate is interposed via a transparent member or a semi-transparent member. It is fixed to at least one of the payout outlet and the ball outlet passage.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 6, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the payout state detection means includes presence / absence of unprocessed prize balls of the payout means And a payout operation detecting means for detecting whether or not the payout means is in a payout operation, wherein the light emitting means is detected by the unprocessed prize ball detecting means. A first light emitting means for informing a result, and a second light emitting means for informing a detection result by the payout operation detecting means, wherein as the informing operation control means, the unpaid untreated prize ball detecting means is: When a prize ball that has not been paid out by the payout means is detected, the first light emission control means for turning on or blinking the first light emitting means and the payout operation detection means detect the payout operation of the payout means. If so, the second light emitting means It is the second light emission control means for lighting or blinking.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 6, the second light emission control means delays a predetermined time from the payout operation of the payout means, so that the second The light emitting means is turned on or blinked.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 8, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 7, a storage tank for storing the game ball, and a guide rod for guiding the game ball from the storage tank to the ball stop position, A prize ball payout path provided between the ball stop position and the payout exit, and the predetermined time is a time for passing through the prize ball payout path.

  In the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the notifying means is provided at the payout outlet, the payout state by the payout means can be confirmed at the payout outlet. For example, when a prize ball is paid out to the upper plate from the payout outlet, the player is motivated to play in a state where the prize ball is stored in the upper plate. The player's willingness to play can be further stimulated.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1, the notifying means is provided in at least one of the payout outlet and the ball outlet flow path outlet. The payout state can be confirmed by at least one of the payout outlet and the ball outlet passage.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the notifying means is composed of a light emitting means, and therefore corresponds to, for example, a payout state by the payout means. The player can be notified by turning on or blinking the light emitting means. Further, the player's willingness to play can be further stimulated by lighting or blinking the light emitting means in response to the payout operation by the payout means.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 3, since the light emitting means is a light emitting diode, for example, the light emitting diode corresponding to the payout state by the payout means The player can be notified by lighting or blinking. Furthermore, since the light-emitting diode is inexpensive and has a long life, it is possible to save the component cost for the light-emitting means.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 3 or 4, the light emitting means provided on the substrate is connected to the payout outlet and the ball via the transparent member or the translucent member. Since it is fixed to at least one of the outlets of the extraction flow path, the transparent member or translucent member functions as a buffer material (cushion material) of the light emitting means. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light emitting means from directly hitting the discharge outlet or the ball outlet passage and being damaged.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are provided with a payout outlet and a ball passage. Since it is provided at at least one of the exits, it is possible to notify the presence / absence of an unprocessed prize ball of the payout means and whether or not the payout means is performing a payout operation. Further, the first light emission control means turns on or blinks the first light emission means based on the detection result of the payout unprocessed prize ball detection means, and the second light emission control means performs the payout operation of the payout means. Since the second light emitting means is turned on or blinked based on the detection result, the player can be notified in detail according to the payout state of the payout means.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 6, the second light emission control means delays a predetermined time from the payout operation of the payout means, and the second light emission means. Is turned on or blinked, so that it is possible to cover a time loss from when the payout operation is started until the game ball actually comes out of the payout exit. Accordingly, the second light emitting means can be turned on or blinked in accordance with the timing at which the prize ball is paid out from the payout exit.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 8, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 7, the game ball guided from the storage tank to the ball stop position via the guide rod is caused by the payout operation of the payout means. Then, it passes through the prize ball payout route and is paid out to the upper plate from the payout exit. Therefore, by setting the predetermined time to be delayed to the time for passing the prize ball payout route, the second light emitting means can be turned on or blinked in accordance with the timing at which the prize ball is paid out from the payout exit.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine 1 which is an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1, FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 2, and FIG. 4 is a special symbol display. FIG. 5 is a front view of the upper plate device 5, FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from the back side of the upper plate device 5, and FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a state of being fixed to the dispensing cylinder 65 via the member 70, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view seen from the back side of the fixing member 70.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an LED board 90 (FIG. 7) having LEDs 91, 92, 93 in the vicinity of the payout outlet 59 provided on the back plate 55 of the upper plate apparatus 5. (Refer to FIG. 4), which is a feature of the present invention. Thereby, for example, the lighting effect of the pachinko machine 1 can be increased by causing the LEDs 91, 92, and 93 assembled on the LED substrate 90 to shine according to the payout state of the payout device 49 (see FIG. 2), and the player Can motivate the game. Furthermore, the payout state of the payout device 49 can be notified.

  First, a schematic configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. First, the structure of the front side of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper half of the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a game board 2 on which a game ball as a game medium launched from the launcher (not shown) by the operation of the launch handle 7 flows down. It has been. The game board 2 is substantially square (see FIG. 3), and is protected by a glass frame 13 holding a transparent glass plate. A front frame 14 is provided below the glass frame 13 so as to be openable and closable. An upper plate device for supplying a game ball to the launcher and receiving a prize ball is provided at the upper center of the front frame 14. 5 is provided.

  The upper plate apparatus 5 includes a back plate 55 and an upper plate 56 assembled on the front side of the back plate 55. On the left side of the back plate 55, a payout outlet 59 for paying out a prize ball to the upper plate 56 is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an LED substrate 90 that is a feature of the present invention is fixed to the vicinity of the payout outlet 59 via a fixing member 70. In addition, the upper plate apparatus 5 provided with this LED board 90 is mentioned later. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a lower plate 6 for receiving a prize ball is provided immediately below the upper plate device 5. A ball outlet passage 11 for discharging the prize balls stored in the upper plate 56 to the lower plate 6 is provided at substantially the center of the lower plate 6. Further, a launch handle 7 for adjusting the launch of the game ball is provided on the right side of the lower plate 6. In addition, speakers 48 are respectively provided at the upper right corner and the upper left corner of the glass frame 13.

  Next, the structure of the back side of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a mechanism panel 30 is assembled on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The mechanism panel 30 includes various boards (see FIG. 9) such as a main board 41, a sub-integrated board 58, a symbol display board 44, an electrical decoration board 46, a payout control board 45, and a relay board 47, which will be described later, Various devices such as a game ball cage 32 and a payout device 49 are arranged. Further, the mechanism panel 30 on which these various substrates and various devices are assembled has a center cover 37 and substrate boxes 38 and 39 made of a transparent resin plate for protecting these various substrates and various devices, respectively. It is attached. The payout device 49 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to “payout means”.

  On the other hand, a ball tank 35 is provided above the center cover 37 for storing game balls supplied from an island where game machines are installed. Further, a discharge port (not shown) is formed at a predetermined position of the bottom 35a of the ball tank 35, and the bottom 35a is inclined so as to descend toward the discharge port. Therefore, the game balls stored in the ball tank 35 are naturally discharged from the discharge port (not shown) along the inclined surface of the bottom portion 35a. Furthermore, the upstream end of the sphere tank rail 36 is connected to the discharge port in the sphere tank 35. Then, one end of the downstream side of the ball tank rail 36 is inclined and extended toward the lower left side (lower right side as shown in FIG. 2), and upstream of the game ball cage 32 disposed on the mechanism board 30. Connected to one end of the side.

  Next, the mechanism panel 30 will be described. The mechanism panel 30 includes a frame frame (not shown) that is substantially L-shaped in front view and is molded with a synthetic resin as a basic skeleton. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame frame is provided with a game ball cage 32 connected to one end on the downstream side of the ball tank rail 36, and on the downstream side of the game ball cage 32, A payout device 49 for paying out the prize balls is disposed on the upper plate 56 (see FIG. 1) of the device 5. Further, on the downstream side of the payout device 49, a prize ball paid out from the payout device 49 is a payout cylinder 65 (described later) provided on the back side of the upper plate device 5 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). One end of the upstream side of the prize ball payout passage 34 for supplying to the player is connected. Then, the downstream end portion of the prize ball payout passage 34 is connected to the upstream end portion of the payout cylinder 65 (see FIG. 6). The ball tank 35 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a “storage tank”, the game ball cage 32 corresponds to a “guide rod”, and the prize ball payout passage 34 corresponds to a “prize ball payout route”.

  Next, the game board 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by a guide rail 3 is provided on the front surface of the game board 2. In the approximate center of the game area 4, a special symbol display screen 28 composed of an LCD, a normal symbol display unit 24, various lamps, and a special symbol display device 8 provided with LEDs are provided. Electrical decoration windmills 9 and 10 are respectively provided on the left and right upper sides of the special symbol display device 8. Further, a normal symbol starting gate 12 is provided on the left side of the special symbol display device 8. In addition, a special symbol starting electric accessory 15 is provided below the special symbol display device 8. A special winning opening 16 is provided below the special symbol starting electric accessory 15. Further, the normal winning openings 19 and 20 are respectively provided on the left and right of the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, and the normal winning openings 17 and 18 are also provided on the left and right of the special winning opening 16, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, warp inlets 22 and 23 are provided on the left and right shoulders of the special symbol display device 8, respectively. Further, a warp outlet 21 is provided at the lower part of the special symbol display device 8. Therefore, the game balls that have passed through the warp inlets 22 and 23 shown in FIG. 3 appear to the warp outlet 21 through the inside (warp zone) of the special symbol display device 8. Note that the game ball that has appeared at the warp outlet 21 falls toward the special symbol starter electric accessory 15 provided immediately below the warp outlet 21, so that it is easy to win the special symbol starter electric accessory 15.

  Furthermore, a normal symbol display unit 24 composed of 7-segment LEDs is provided on the upper portion of the special symbol display device 8. The normal symbol display unit 24 can display symbols such as single-digit numbers and single-letter alphabets. Further, a special symbol memory number display LED 60 composed of four LEDs is provided at the upper part of the special symbol display screen 28 of the special symbol display device 8. In this special symbol memory number display LED 60, the number of game balls that have won the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 (see FIG. 3) and the jackpot determination result is not yet displayed on the special symbol display screen 28, so-called special symbols. Up to four operation-reserved balls can be displayed by lighting the LEDs. Further, a normal symbol memory number display LED 59, which is formed of four LEDs provided below the normal symbol display unit 24, wins the normal symbol start gate 12 (see FIG. 3), and the normal symbol display unit 24 receives a normal hit. The number of game balls for which the determination result is not yet displayed, that is, the so-called number of normal symbol actuated balls, can be displayed by turning on the LED, up to four as with the special symbol actuated ball. In addition to the above, the game board 2 (see FIG. 3) includes various electric lamps 63 (see FIG. 9), other LED 62 for electric decoration (see FIG. 9), a windmill, and many obstacle nails. Is provided.

  Next, the screen displayed on the special symbol display screen 28 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, on the special symbol display screen 28, three special symbol display portions are arranged in a horizontal row in the order of the special symbol display portion L1, the special symbol display portion L3, and the special symbol display portion L2 from the left. ing. On the special symbol display portions L1 to L3, special symbols described later are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll from top to bottom, and the special symbol display portion L1, the special symbol display portion L2, and the special symbol display portion L3 are stopped in this order. It is like that. The arrangement of the special symbol display portions L1 to L3, the stop display order, the scroll direction, and the like can be arbitrarily changed. On the special symbol display screen 28, images, messages, and the like are also displayed in the background of the special symbol display portions L1 to L3. Furthermore, special symbols are not always displayed on the special symbol display portions L1 to L3, and images, messages, and the like can be displayed instead of these displays. The special symbol display device 8 includes a symbol display substrate 44 (see FIG. 9) on the back surface thereof.

  Next, symbols displayed on the special symbol display portions L1 to L3 will be described. In the example of the present embodiment, the numbers “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, “9” 10 The types of symbols are displayed. When a game ball wins the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, a big hit is determined, and these ten types of symbols are displayed in this order in principle. When the symbols displayed on the special symbol display parts L1 to L3 are all the same when they are stopped (for example, when three symbols such as “7, 7, 7” are aligned), it is a “big hit”. A “big hit gaming state” is created in which the big prize opening 16 is opened. If they are not all in the same pattern, it becomes “out of”. Therefore, in a state where the same symbol is displayed at the stage where the special symbol display portions L1 and L2 are stopped (reach state), there is a possibility of being a “hit”, so the player's expectation of “hit” Will increase.

  Further, among the 10 symbols, “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” are set as probability variation symbols (specific symbols), and any of these symbols is the same in one horizontal row. When the jackpot is notified by arranging the symbols, it becomes “per probability change”, and the probability of jackpot (the jackpot probability) increases when the next jackpot determination is performed. In the present embodiment, a state in which the jackpot probability is high is referred to as a “high probability state”, and a state having a normal probability is referred to as a “low probability state”. The jackpot probability in the high probability state is 1/63, and the jackpot probability in the low probability state is 1/315. However, the probability is not necessarily limited to this value. The symbols “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” other than the probability variation symbol are non-probability variation symbols (non-specific symbols), and any of these symbols When the jackpot is informed by having the same pattern aligned in a horizontal row, a low probability state is entered, and the probability of winning the jackpot when the next jackpot determination is made is a normal probability.

  Next, the upper plate apparatus 5 will be described. The upper plate apparatus 5 shown in FIG. 5 finally guides the game balls in one line by causing the game balls to flow down from the payout outlet 59 to the ball supply port (not shown) and the flow path width of the game balls to be narrowed sequentially. To align. The upper plate device 5 includes a back plate 55 made of a synthetic resin formed in a rectangular shape in front view with a left end pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable on the front upper side of the front frame 14 (see FIG. 1), and the back The upper plate 56 is made of a synthetic resin fixed to the front surface of the plate 55. On the left side of the back plate 55, a dispensing outlet 59 having a substantially rectangular shape in front view for supplying the prize balls dispensed from the dispensing device 49 (see FIGS. 2 and 9) to the upper plate 56 is formed. ing. Further, on the upper left side of the upper plate 56, a lever 62 for discharging the game balls paid out to the upper plate 56 to the lower plate 6 is provided. Further, an inlet of a ball passage (not shown) extending toward the lower plate 6 is provided inside the upper plate 56, and inside the lower plate 6, as shown in FIG. A ball passage outlet 11 which is an outlet of the ball passage is provided. Therefore, by operating the lever 62, the game balls stored in the upper plate 56 pass through the ball discharge channel and are discharged from the ball discharge channel outlet 11 to the lower plate 6. .

  Further, inside the upper plate 56, a bottom surface portion (not shown) and a guide surface (not shown) for guiding the game ball are provided. And the bottom surface is wide on the upstream side where the game ball flows, that is, on the payout outlet 59 side (for example, 5 to 6 game balls as the width), and narrow on the downstream side, that is, on the ball supply port (not shown) side (for example, as the width). It is formed so as to be about one game ball. A flow path through which game balls flow is formed by the bottom surface portion, the guide surface, and the outer surface of the back plate 55.

  Next, the structure of the back side of the upper plate apparatus 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, on the left side of the back surface of the back plate 55, a ball sending device 26 is provided as a launcher that launches game balls stored in the upper plate 56 along the guide rail 3. Yes. An introduction port (not shown) for introducing a game ball into the ball feeder 26 is connected to a ball supply port (not shown) provided on the downstream side in the upper plate 56. Thereby, the game balls stored in the upper plate 56 are introduced into the ball-sending device 26 through the introduction port, and are supplied from the supply port to the launch point (not shown) by the operation of the duck (not shown). It has become.

  Further, a synthetic resin dispensing cylinder 65 formed in a cylindrical shape communicating with the dispensing outlet 59 (see FIG. 5) is provided on the upper right side toward the back surface of the back plate 55 from the back surface of the back plate 55 to the rear. It extends substantially horizontally. Then, the downstream end of the prize ball payout passage 34 (see FIG. 2) is connected to the upstream end of the payout cylinder 65 through which the game ball flows (one end protruding toward the front side of FIG. 6). It has come to be. Further, an LED substrate 90 on which LEDs 91, 92, and 93 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later, are attached to the right wall portion 66 (see FIG. 7) in the vicinity of the upstream end portion of the payout cylinder 65 is fixed to the fixing member 70. It is fixed through.

  Next, the detailed structure of the dispensing cylinder 65 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the payout cylinder 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the payout outlet 59 (see FIG. 5). Then, on the downstream side of the right wall portion 66 (the wall surface on the front side of the paper shown in FIG. 7) located at the center side of the back plate 55 at one end portion communicating with the discharge outlet 59 of the discharge cylinder 65 A bulging portion 67 communicating with the dispensing outlet 59 is formed while gradually bulging toward the 59 side.

  Further, a fixing pin 68 that protrudes substantially horizontally toward the rear of the back plate 55 is provided on the outer surface of the upper portion of the bulging portion 67. The fixing pin 68 is a thin, substantially cylindrical pin for fixing a fixing portion 73 of the fixing member 70 described later. Further, the right wall portion 66 is formed with a notched opening 66a having a substantially rectangular shape in front view. Further, a pair of guides provided at the upper and lower ends of the holding transmission plate 71 of the fixing member 70 to be described later from the intermediate portions of the upper and lower ends of the opening 66a to the upstream portion of the bulging portion 67. A pair of holding guides 69, 69 each having an L-shaped cross section are provided for sliding and holding the receiving portions 75, 75 (see FIG. 8) inward.

  Next, the fixing member 70 will be described. The fixing member 70 shown in FIG. 7 is formed entirely of a transparent or semi-transparent synthetic resin, and is for attaching the LED substrate 90 to the right wall portion 66 of the dispensing cylinder 65. As shown in FIG. 8, the fixing member 70 holds the LED substrate 90 and also holds and transmits a transmission plate 71 that transmits light emitted from the LEDs 91, 92, and 93 (see FIG. 7) attached to the LED substrate 90. And a fixing portion 73 for fixing the holding transmission plate 71 to a fixing pin 68 projecting from the bulging portion 67 of the dispensing cylinder 65. Note that the fixing member 70 shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to a “transparent member or translucent member”.

  First, the holding transmission plate 71 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the holding transmission plate 71 is arranged upright and formed in a substantially rectangular shape in accordance with the shape of the opening 66 a (see FIG. 7) formed in the right wall portion 66 of the dispensing cylinder 65. Has been. The upper and lower ends of the rear surface of the holding transmission plate 71 are strip-shaped guide receiving portions 75 having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined width for sliding and holding inside the holding guides 69, 69. 75 are provided. Furthermore, hook portions 72 and 72 for holding the LED substrate 90 by being hooked on the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the LED substrate 90 (see FIG. 7), respectively, at the center in the longitudinal direction of the guide receiving portions 75 and 75. Each is provided.

  The hook portion 72 extends upward (downward) from the longitudinal center of the holding transmission plate 71 and is spaced apart from each other by a predetermined width, and the tips of the pair of support portions 76 and 76. And a direction that is on the rear surface side of the holding transmission plate 71 from the intermediate portion of the installation portion 77 and orthogonal to the rear surface of the holding transmission plate 71. And a support portion 78 provided at the tip of the support portion 78 and refracting at a substantially right angle to the back surface side of the holding transmission plate 71.

  Next, the fixing part 73 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the fixing portion 73 rises perpendicularly from the lower right side (lower left side shown in FIG. 8) of the rear surface of the holding transmission plate 71 to the rear surface of the holding transmission plate 71 and the tip is outward. A substantially L-shaped support part 80 formed by being folded at a substantially right angle; a support part 81 provided at the tip of the support part 80; having a slightly increased thickness; and an upper part of the support part 81; It is comprised with the fitting part 82 of the semicircle shape of the front view for fitting to the fixed pin 68 (refer FIG. 7) of the delivery cylinder 65. FIG. Further, the fitting portion 82 is formed with a hole portion 82 a for fitting with the fixing pin 68. Then, the LED substrate 90 is positioned by contacting the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 7) of the LED substrate 90 with the surface on the holding transmission plate 71 side of the support portion 80 rising from the back surface of the holding transmission plate 71. A positioning portion 80a is provided for this purpose.

  Next, the LED substrate 90 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, a blue LED 91, a green LED 92, and a red LED 93 are attached to the surface of the LED substrate 90 (the surface on the back side in FIG. 7). And the connection for connecting the wiring which supplies an electric current to LED91,92,93 to the lower side corner part of the back surface opposite to the surface of LED board 90 to which these 3 types of LEDs91,92,93 were attached. A portion 95 is provided. Of these three types of LEDs, the LED 91 is an LED that blinks (flashes) in accordance with the timing at which a prize ball is paid out from the payout outlet 59. The LED 92 is an LED that is turned on when there is an unprocessed number of prize balls in the payout device 49. Further, the LED 93 is an LED that is lit or blinked when an error occurs in the payout state. In addition, the light emission control method of these LED91, 92, 93 is mentioned later. Further, the LED 91 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to a “second light emitting unit”, and the LED 92 corresponds to a “first light emitting unit”.

  Next, a method for attaching the LED substrate 90 to the fixing member 70 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the surface of the LED substrate 90 (the surface on which the LEDs 91, 92, and 93 are attached) is directed to the back surface side of the holding transmission plate 71 of the fixing member 70. Next, the LED substrate 90 is arranged on the opposite side (the right side shown in FIG. 7) to the right side (the left side shown in FIG. 7) on which the fixing part 73 of the fixing member 70 is provided. Then, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the LED substrate 90 are slid and hooked inside the flange portions 79, 79 of the pair of hook portions 72, 72 of the fixing member 70. Further, the right end portion of the LED substrate 90 is abutted against the positioning portion 80a (see FIG. 8) of the support portion 80 and positioned.

  Thus, the LED substrate 90 is attached to the fixing member 70. At this time, the holding transmission plate 71 of the fixing member 70 is disposed in front of the surface where the LEDs 91, 92, 93 are attached to the LED substrate 90. Here, as described above, since the fixing member 70 is formed of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin, the light emitted from the LEDs 91, 92, 93 is transmitted through the holding transmission plate 71. Thereby, while transmitting the light emitted from each LED91,92,93, each LED91,92,93 can be protected.

  In addition, as described above, the support portion 78 that supports the collar portion 79 is supported by the pair of support portions 76 and 76 via the passing portion 77. For this reason, for example, even if the pair of collar portions 79, 79 are slightly biased outward due to the dimensional tolerance of the LED substrate 90 disposed between the pair of collar portions 79, 79, the pair of support portions 76, 76. By being on the outside, the LED substrate 90 can be reliably held.

  Next, a method for fixing the fixing member 70 to the dispensing cylinder 65 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the fixing member 70 to which the LED substrate 90 is attached is arranged in the vicinity of one end portion on the upstream side of the dispensing cylinder 65. Next, the hole portion 82 a of the fixing portion 73 of the fixing member 70 is opposed to the fixing pin 68 of the dispensing cylinder 65. At the same time, the end portions of the guide receiving portions 75 and 75 of the fixing member 70 are opposed to the inner sides of the holding guides 69 and 69 of the dispensing cylinder 65. And from this arrangement | positioning state, the fixing member 70 is moved toward the opening part 66a vicinity of the delivery cylinder 65, and the guide receiving parts 75 and 75 of the fixing member 70 are slid along the inner side of the holding guides 69 and 69. . Next, the hole portion 82 a of the fixing portion 73 of the fixing member 70 is fitted into the fixing pin 68 of the dispensing cylinder 65.

  Thus, the LED substrate 90 is fixed to the right wall portion 66 of the dispensing cylinder 65 via the fixing member 70. In this state, the holding transmission plate 71 of the fixing member 70 is disposed in the opening 66 a of the dispensing cylinder 65. Therefore, the light of the LEDs 91, 92, 93 that has passed through the holding transmission plate 71 is irradiated toward the inside of the dispensing cylinder 65. Further, since the LED substrate 90 held by the holding transmission plate 71 is fixed to the payout cylinder 65 via the fixing member 70, the vibration of the payout cylinder 65 caused by the passage of the game ball is the LED board. Do not reach 90 directly. Thereby, damage to the LED substrate 90 can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the LED substrate 90 is disposed on the right wall portion 66 of the dispensing cylinder 65, but may be disposed on the left wall portion, the top wall portion, and the bottom wall portion constituting the dispensing cylinder 65. . In this case, an opening similar to the opening 66 a may be provided on the wall where the LED substrate 90 is disposed, and attached via the fixing member 70. In addition to this, for example, the LED 90 is fixed to the wall portion of a spherical tube 74 (see FIG. 1) that connects between the spherical channel outlet 11 of the lower plate 6 and the spherical channel. Also good. In this case as well, the LED 90 may be fixed to the right wall 66 of the dispensing cylinder 65 shown in FIG.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1, FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a storage area of the ROM 53, and FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a storage area of the RAM 52. These are the conceptual diagrams which show the storage area of RAM45b. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 40 includes a main board 41, a power supply board 42, a sound board 43, a symbol display board 44, a payout control board 45, an electrical decoration board 46, a relay board 47, and a sub-integrated board 58. ing. The control unit 40 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 (see FIG. 2).

  The main board 41 that controls the main control of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a CPU unit 50 that performs various processes according to a program. The CPU unit 50 includes a CPU 51 that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data values generated during arithmetic processes such as flags and counters, a control program, initial values of various data, and the like. And a ROM 53 that stores commands and the like for instructing the circuit board, and these are integrally molded as a single LSI. Further, an interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the CPU unit 50, and this interrupt signal generation circuit 57 sends an interrupt signal to the CPU 51 every 0.002 seconds (hereinafter abbreviated as “2 ms”), for example. To give. The CPU 51 executes a control program stored in the ROM 53 every time this interrupt signal is input, and controls the pachinko machine 1 according to this control program.

  The main board 41 is provided with an I / O interface 54 and is connected to sub boards such as a sub integrated board 58, a payout control board 45, and a relay board 47. Further, the sound board 43, the symbol display board 44, and the electrical decoration board 46 are connected to the main board 41 via the sub-integrated board 58. The payout control board 45 controls the payout device 49 and blinks, lights up or turns off the LEDs 91, 92, and 93 assembled to the LED board 90 according to the payout state of the payout device 49. The relay board 47 relays the wiring of switches and solenoids. The sub-integrated board 58 performs overall control of the sound board 43, the symbol display board 44, and the electrical decoration board 46. The sound board 43 controls the generation of sound effects of the pachinko machine 1, and the symbol display board 44. Controls the symbols displayed on the special symbol display screen 28 and the normal symbol display unit 24, and the illumination board 46 controls the light emission mode of each illumination of the pachinko machine 1. The sub integrated board 58 is provided with a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583.

  The sound board 43 incorporates a CPU 43a and an unillustrated input interface, RAM and ROM, and the symbol display board 44 incorporates a CPU 44a and an unillustrated input interface, RAM and ROM. Further, the payout control board 45 has a CPU 45a, RAM 45b and ROM 45c, and an input interface (not shown), and the illumination board 46 has a CPU 46a, an input interface (not shown), a RAM and a ROM. . Further, the I / O interface 54 of the main board 41 is connected to an output port 61 that outputs information of the pachinko machine 1 to a game hall management computer (not shown). The CPU 45a of the payout control board 45 shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to “notification payout control means”.

  On the other hand, on the electric decoration board 46, the electric decoration windmills 9, 10, the normal symbol memory number display LED 59 composed of four LEDs, the special symbol memory number display LED 60 composed of four LEDs, The LED 62 and the electric lamp 63 are connected. Further, the special symbol display device 8 and the normal symbol display unit 24 are connected to the symbol display substrate 44, and a speaker 48 is connected to the sound substrate 43.

  The payout control board 45 includes a payout device 49, LEDs 91, 92, and 93 assembled to the LED board 90, a ball break check switch 85 that detects the ball breakage of the ball tank 35, and the ball tank rail 36 to the payout device 49. A ball clogging confirmation switch 86 that detects clogging of the lower plate and a lower plate full confirmation switch 87 that detects that the lower plate 6 is full are connected.

  Further, a prepaid card unit 98 is connected to the payout control board 45. The prepaid card unit 98 has a game ball corresponding to the amount recorded on the prepaid card when a prepaid card (so-called packy card or the like) that records magnetic information that enables the lending of a predetermined amount of game balls is inserted. Is provided with a ball lending device 98a.

  Further, the relay board 47 includes a special prize opening opening solenoid 100 for opening / closing the opening / closing member of the special prize opening 16, an electric accessory opening solenoid 101 for opening / closing the opening / closing member of the special symbol starting electric combination 15, A start opening switch 102 for detecting a game ball won in the symbol starting electric accessory 15, a normal symbol operation switch 103 for detecting a game ball winning in the normal symbol start gate 12, and the number of game balls won in the big winning opening 16 are counted. A winning port switch 105 for detecting a game ball that has won a prize is connected to the count switch 104 and the normal winning ports 17, 18, 19, and 20. In addition, when a game ball wins the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, the big winning port 16, and the normal winning ports 17, 18, 19, 20, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. The start port switch 102, the normal symbol operation switch 103, and the winning port switch 105 shown in FIG. 9 correspond to “winning detection means”.

  The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and supplies a stabilized DC power. The power supply board 42 is supplied with AC 24V. The power supply board 42 is provided with a rectifier made of a silicon diode bridge (not shown), a smoothing circuit made of an electrolytic capacitor, a stabilizing circuit made of a regulator IC, and the like, and can be supplied with stabilized DC 12V, 5V, etc. It is like that. In FIG. 16, although not shown in particular, the main board 41, the power board 42, the sound board 43, the symbol display board 44, the payout control board 45, the electrical decoration board 46, the relay board 47, and the sub integrated board 58 are all grounded. Connected by line.

  Next, the storage area of the ROM 53 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the ROM 53 has an initial setting storage area 5301 for storing initial values stored in the respective storage areas when the pachinko machine 1 is reset, and the CPU 51 for controlling the pachinko machine 1. A control program storage area 5302 for storing various control programs, a control command table storage area 5303 for storing a table of control commands output from the main board 41 to the sub-integrated board 58, and a variation pattern for notifying the result of jackpot determination A variation pattern storage area 5304 in which information is stored is provided. Further, the ROM 53 is provided with various storage areas not shown.

  Next, the storage area of the RAM 52 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in the RAM 52, a counter storage area 5201 for storing various counters, a winning ball flag storage area 5202 for storing a flag indicating whether or not a game ball has won at each gate or each winning opening, Normal hit relation information storage area 5203 for storing a random number acquired when winning a game ball to the normal symbol start gate 12, normal symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5204 for storing the number of normal symbol start operation hold balls, special symbol start Sub-integration from the main board 41, a jackpot relation information storage area 5205 for storing random numbers acquired when winning a game ball to the electric accessory 15, a special symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5206 for storing the number of special symbol operation reserved balls Command-related storage area 5207 for storing control commands output to the board 58, large indicating whether or not the jackpot gaming state A flag-related storage area 5208 for storing flags such as a game state flag, a display state flag indicating the state of the special symbol display portions L1 to L3, a probability variation flag indicating whether or not a high probability state is set, and the like are provided. . Note that a backup battery (not shown) is connected to the RAM 52 so that stored contents are retained even when the pachinko machine 1 is powered off. Further, the RAM 52 is provided with various storage areas not shown.

  Next, the RAM 45b of the payout control board 45 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, in the RAM 45b built in the payout control board 45, a ball breakage state flag indicating whether or not the ball tank 35 has broken due to the detection of the ball breakage confirmation switch 85, a ball clogging confirmation A flag for storing a ball clogging state flag indicating whether or not a ball clogging has occurred by the switch 86, and a flag such as a lower plate full flag indicating whether or not the lower plate 6 is full by a lower plate full confirmation switch 87 A relationship storage area 4501, a prize ball unprocessed number storage area 4502 for storing the number of unprocessed prize balls in the payout device 49, a ball lending unprocessed number storage area 4503 for storing the number of unsold balls in the ball lending apparatus 98a, and the like are provided. It has been.

  Next, details of the operation of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of main routine processing performed by the CPU 51 of the main board 41, FIG. 14 is a main flowchart of payout operations performed by the CPU 45a of the payout control board 45, and FIG. 15 shows the game shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the payout process shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the notification process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is abbreviated as “S”.

  First, the control of the pachinko machine 1 is performed by a control program stored in the control program storage area 5302 of the ROM 53. The main routine process of the control program is executed by the CPU 51 when the CPU 51 senses an interrupt signal generated by the interrupt signal generation circuit 57 (see FIG. 9). Since the interrupt signal is generated at regular intervals (2 ms in the present embodiment), the main routine process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms. Note that, when the pachinko machine 1 is powered off, the checksum of the RAM 52 is calculated and a password is generated using, for example, a hash function. When the power is turned on next time, the same process is performed to check the identity of the checksum of the RAM 52 and the generated password. When the identity with the last power-off is not recognized, the CPU 51 of the pachinko machine 1 uses the value stored in the initial setting storage area 5301 of the ROM 53, for example, clears the value of each counter and each flag. For example, the pachinko machine 1 is reset. The pachinko machine 1 is also reset when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on while pressing a reset button (not shown). When the pachinko machine 1 is not reset, so-called return processing is performed in which the state of each storage area of the RAM 52 is returned to the same state as when the power was previously turned off.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the main routine process is started by sensing an interrupt signal, a command output process is first performed (S10). In this command output process, a control command is output to the sub integrated board 58 via the I / O interface 54. Control commands include, for example, a special symbol operation hold command indicating the number of special symbol operation hold balls, a normal symbol operation hold command indicating the number of normal symbol operation hold balls, and a variation pattern designation command used when notifying the jackpot determination result , Special symbol designation command, all symbol stop command, normal symbol designation command used to notify the judgment result of normal hit, normal symbol stop command, jackpot start screen display command used in jackpot gaming state, large These are a prize opening opening command, a big winning opening closing command, a jackpot end screen display command, and the like. The control command output here is a control command stored as an output command in the command relation storage area 5207 in the main routine processing executed last time.

  Next, a switch reading process is performed (S11). This switch reading process detects the winning of the game ball to the normal symbol starting gate 12, the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, the big winning port 16, the normal winning ports 17, 18, 19, 20 and the like. Specifically, a start port switch 102 provided in the special symbol start electric accessory 15, a normal symbol operation switch 103 provided in the normal symbol start gate 12, and a count switch 104 provided in the special winning opening 16. A winning port switch 105 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the winning ports such as the normal winning ports 17, 18, 19, 20 is used. When it is determined that a winning is made, “1” is stored in the flag corresponding to each switch stored in the winning ball flag storage area of the RAM 52 and turned “ON”.

  It should be noted that the main routine process that performs the switch reading process is executed at intervals at which the CPU 51 receives the interrupt signal, that is, every 2 ms. Therefore, considering the speed at which the game ball passes through the switch and the size of the game ball, the switch reading process is performed a plurality of times while one game ball passes through the switch. Therefore, winning of one game ball is detected by a plurality of continuous switch reading processes. Therefore, for example, it is determined that the game ball has won a prize only when the state of “non-detection”, “detection”, and “detection” is reached in three consecutive executions of the switch reading process. At the start of the switch reading process, all the flags in the winning ball flag storage area 5202 are reset.

  When the switch reading process ends, a counter update process is then performed (S12). In this counter update process, the normal hit determination counter LC1, the big hit determination counter LC2, the special symbol creation first counter LC3, the special symbol creation second counter LC4, which are respectively stored in the counter storage area 5201 (see FIG. G) of the RAM 52. Each value of the special symbol creation third counter LC5 and the variation pattern determination counter LC6 is added by the above predetermined amount, and each value of the special symbol variation time counter TC1 and the special symbol stop time counter TC2 is subtracted by the above predetermined amount. . Note that the values of the normal winning determination counter LC1, the big winning determination counter LC2, the special symbol creation first counter LC3, the special symbol creation second counter LC4, the special symbol creation third counter LC5, and the variation pattern determination counter LC6 are the maximum values of the respective counters. If it exceeds, the value of each counter is programmed to return to the minimum value. Further, when each value of the special symbol change time counter TC1 and the special symbol stop time counter TC2 becomes “0”, it is programmed not to perform further subtraction.

  When the counter update process ends, a special electric accessory process is performed (S13). In this special electric accessory processing, the operation of the big hit gaming state for opening and closing the special winning opening 16 is controlled. Specifically, control commands such as a big winning opening release command, a big winning opening closing display command, a big hit start screen display command, and a big hit end screen command are transmitted to the sub-integrated board 58. This special electric accessory processing is executed when “1” is stored in the jackpot gaming state flag stored in the flag relation storage area 5208 of the RAM 52 and is “ON”. The jackpot game state flag is set in the special symbol process (S14) when the jackpot notification is finished. When the next main routine process is performed, the operation in the big hit gaming state is started by this special electric accessory process. The jackpot gaming state flag is “OFF” because “0” is stored when the operation of the jackpot gaming state is ended.

  Further, when the operation in the big hit gaming state is ended, the probability variation flag is also set. When the stop symbol is a probability variation symbol, that is, the value of the first special symbol random number column CLM3 in the jackpot relation information storage area 5205 is “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”. In this case, a high probability state in which the probability of the next jackpot is high is obtained. Further, when the stop symbol is a non-stochastic variation symbol, that is, when the value of the first special symbol random number column CLM3 is “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, The next jackpot probability is a normal probability and is in a low probability state. Therefore, if the symbol is a probability variation symbol, “1” is stored in the probability variation flag and the probability variation flag is “ON”. If the symbol is a non-probability variation symbol, “0” is stored. “OFF”.

  When the special electric accessory process is completed, a special symbol process (S14) is performed. In the special symbol processing, determination of jackpot, determination of symbols and variation patterns displayed on the special symbol display portions L1 to L3, instructions, instructions for starting and ending symbol variation, and the like are performed. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention, the control of the character movement on the special symbol display screen, the control of the symbol variation, the fine control of the sound effects and various lamps accompanying the notification of the jackpot determination result, This is performed by the CPU 581. In the main routine processing performed by the CPU 51 of the main board 41, designation of symbols to be displayed on the special symbol display portions L1 to L3 (special symbol designation command) for the sub-integrated substrate 58, and changes in the special symbol display portions L1 to L3. The start instruction and the designation of the variation pattern (variation pattern designation command) and the instruction to stop all symbols (all symbol stop command) of the special symbol display portions L1 to L3 are performed. Specifically, a change pattern command and a special symbol designation command are transmitted when the notification of the jackpot determination result is started, and an all symbol stop command is transmitted when the special symbol display portions L1 to L3 are stopped. . When the sub-integrated board 58 receives these commands, it adds various commands and gives detailed instructions to the sound board 43, the symbol display board 44, and the illumination board 46, and makes a big hit while performing various effects. The determination result is notified.

  When the special symbol process is completed, a normal electric accessory process is then performed (S15). In this normal electric game processing, the special symbol starting electric game is made so that the game ball can easily win the special symbol starting electric game 15 after the result is displayed on the normal symbol display unit 24. Control of opening and closing (normally hitting operation) of a pair of opening and closing members (so-called tulips) provided in 15 is performed. Note that the normal winning determination and the display of symbols on the normal symbol display unit 24 are performed in the normal symbol processing of the next S16.

  In the next normal symbol process (S16), acquisition of a random number per normal symbol, determination per normal symbol, an instruction to notify the normal symbol display unit 24 of the determination result per normal symbol, and the like are performed. When the flag corresponding to the normal symbol operation switch 103 in the winning ball flag storage area 5202 is set in the switch reading process of S11, the value of the normal hit determination counter LC1 is acquired. Then, “1” is added to the number of normal symbol operation reservation balls in the normal symbol operation reservation ball number storage area 5204. Then, the storage area of the number corresponding to the value stored in the normal symbol operation reserved ball number storage area 5204 in the storage areas 1 to 4 of the normal hit relation information storage area 5203 is the value of the normal hit determination counter LC1. Is normally stored as a random number. Then, the value in the storage area 1 is shifted to the determination area, the normal hit determination is performed based on the normal hit random number stored in the determination area, and the determination result is notified. As the value of the storage area 1 is shifted to the determination area, the values of the storage area 2, the storage area 3, and the storage area 4 are also shifted to the storage area 1, the storage area 2, and the storage area 3, respectively.

  Since the value of the normal hit determination counter LC1 that is the basis of the value of the normal hit random number takes a value from “0” to “255”, the normal hit random number also takes a value from “0” to “255”. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the normal random number is “64” to “255”, it is normal hit, and when it is “0” to “63”, it is out of range. Control commands such as a normal symbol designation command and a normal symbol stop command are transmitted to the sub-integrated board 58 in order to instruct the normal symbol display unit 24 to notify the result of the determination. In the case of normal winning, “7” is displayed as the winning symbol on the normal symbol display unit 24, and in the case of losing, “−” is displayed as the missing symbol. After the winning symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display unit 24, the opening / closing member of the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 is opened and closed in the above-described normal electric accessory processing (S15).

  When the normal symbol processing is completed, payout control for paying out prize balls is performed (S17), and then an error check is performed (S18). When an error has occurred in the pachinko machine 1, the special symbol display device 8 displays an error, turns on or blinks the LED 62 or the illumination lamp 63, or causes the speaker 48 to sound an error sound. . Therefore, an error command for transmission to the sub-integrated board 58 in the command output process of S10 is stored in the command relation storage area 5207. Next, an information output process is performed (S19). In this information output process, various types of information such as jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information, variation shortening information, etc. of the pachinko machine 1 are output via the output port 61 to a game hall management computer not shown. When the information output process ends, the main routine process ends. When the interrupt signal is received from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57, the main routine process is executed again from the beginning.

  Here, a series of flows of the main routine process will be described by taking as an example the operation of the pachinko machine 1 when a certain game ball wins the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 and is determined to be a big hit. When the player operates a launch handle 7 provided on the lower side of the game board 2 to launch a game ball into the game area 4, the game ball flows down the game area 4. When the game ball wins the special symbol starting electric combination 15, winning of the game ball to the special symbol starting electric combination 15 is detected in the switch reading process, and the corresponding flag in the winning ball flag storage area 5202 is set to “ON”. (S11). Then, a jackpot determination is performed in the special symbol processing (S14), and the variation of the symbols in the special symbol display portions L1 to L3 is started. While the main routine process is repeatedly performed, the changing special symbol display portions L1 to L3 are sequentially stopped, and the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. When the stop display of the jackpot symbol is completed, “1” is stored in the jackpot game state flag in the flag relation storage area 5208 and is set to “ON” (S14). In the item processing (S13), the special winning opening 16 is opened, and the operation in the big hit gaming state is started. Then, while the main routine process is repeatedly performed, the operation in the big hit gaming state is performed according to the predetermined condition in the special electric accessory process (S13). When the jackpot gaming state ends, “0” is stored in the jackpot gaming state flag and is set to “OFF”, and a series of operations relating to this gaming ball is terminated.

  Next, the control operation of the CPU 45a of the payout control board 45 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 14, in the payout start process, first, an initial process is performed (S20). In this initial process, necessary settings are made when the power is turned on. Next, a switch reading process is performed (S21). In this switch reading process, detection information of various switches connected to the payout control board 45 is read, and the state of the read switch detection information is determined and stored in the RAM 45b (S22).

  Next, it is determined whether a command is received from the CPU 51 of the main board 41 (S23). And when the command is not received (S23: NO), it transfers to gaming state monitoring processing (S26) as it is. On the other hand, when a command is received (S23: YES), it is determined whether or not the command is a payout command (S24). If the received command is not a payout command (S24: NO), the process directly proceeds to the gaming state monitoring process (S26).

  On the other hand, if the received command is a payout command (S24: YES), a prize ball unprocessed number addition process is performed (S25). In this award ball unprocessed number addition process, the award ball number paid out instructed by the payout command is added to the award ball unprocessed number storage area 4502 of the RAM 45b. Then, the process proceeds to a game state monitoring process (S26).

  Next, a gaming state monitoring process is performed (S26). In this gaming state monitoring process, a prize ball by the payout device 49 such as whether or not the ball tank 35 is out of ball, whether or not a ball is clogged, or whether or not the lower plate 6 is full, etc. The payout state is detected. Here, based on the detection results of the various confirmation switches, “1” or “0” is set in flags such as a ball breakage state flag, a ball clogging state flag, and a lower plate full flag stored in the flag relationship storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b. Is set. Details of the gaming state monitoring process will be described later.

  When the gaming state monitoring process is completed, a payout process is performed (S27). In this payout process, the payout motor 34 (not shown) built in the payout device 49 is operated to open the prize ball payout path 34 and the payout outlet 59. The prize ball is paid out to the upper plate 56 by passing through. The number of prize balls to be paid out to the upper plate 56 is determined based on the number of untreated prize balls stored in the prize ball untreated quantity storage area 4502 of the RAM 45b. In the present embodiment, the LED 91 on the LED board 90 disposed near the payout outlet 59 blinks at the same time as the winning ball is paid out from the payout outlet 59.

  When the payout process ends, a notification process is performed (S28). In this notification process, based on the various flags set in the game state monitoring process, the payout state of the prize ball by the payout device 49 is turned on, and the LEDs 91, 92, 93 of the LED board 90 fixed near the payout outlet 59 are turned on, The player is notified by blinking or turning off. In addition, each light emission control method of this LED91,92,93 is mentioned later.

  Next, the gaming state monitoring process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the ball tank 35 is out of ball (S40). Here, it is determined whether or not the ball break confirmation switch 85 provided in the ball tank 35 has detected a ball break in the ball tank 35. If the ball break confirmation switch 85 detects a ball break in the ball tank 35 (S40: YES), the supply of the game ball from the island where the gaming machine is installed stops for some reason, and the ball tank 35 A cut has occurred. Therefore, “1” is stored and turned on in the ball breakage state flag stored in the flag relationship storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b (S41). On the other hand, if the ball break confirmation switch 85 has not detected a ball break in the ball tank 35 (S40: NO), the supply of the game ball from the island where the gaming machine is installed stops for some reason, and the ball tank 35 Contains game balls. Therefore, “0” is stored in the ball breakage state flag stored in the flag relation storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b and turned off (S42).

  Next, it is determined whether the lower plate 6 is full (S43). Here, it is determined whether or not the lower tray confirmation switch 87 provided on the lower tray 6 has detected that the game balls stored in the lower tray are full. If the lower pan confirmation switch 87 detects that the lower pan 6 is full (S43: YES), “1” is stored in the lower pan full state flag stored in the flag relation storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b and turned on. (S44). On the other hand, when the lower pan confirmation switch 87 does not detect that the lower pan 6 is full (S43: NO), “0” is stored in the lower pan full state flag stored in the flag relation storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b. Is turned off (S45).

  Next, it is determined whether or not ball clogging has occurred (S46). Here, it is determined whether or not the ball clogging confirmation switch 86 has detected a ball clogging between the ball tank 53 and the dispensing device 49. When the ball clogging confirmation switch 86 detects a ball clogging between the ball tank 53 and the dispensing device 49 (S46: YES), the ball clogging state flag stored in the flag relation storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b is set to “ 1 "is stored and turned on (S47). On the other hand, if the ball clogging confirmation switch 86 has not detected a ball clogging between the ball tank 53 and the dispensing device 49 (S46: NO), the ball clogging state flag stored in the flag relation storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b. “0” is stored in and is turned off (S48). In this way, the gaming state monitoring process ends, and the process proceeds to the payout process (FIG. 14: S27).

  Next, the payout process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the ball breakage state flag stored in the flag relationship storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b is on (S50). If the ball-out state flag is on (S50: YES), the ball tank 35 is out of ball, so the notification process is performed without operating the payout motor (not shown) of the payout device 49. Transition. On the other hand, when the ball-out state flag is off (S50: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not the lower pan full flag stored in the flag relation storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b is on (S51). If the lower plate full flag is on (S51: YES), the lower plate 6 is full and no game balls can be received from the upper plate 56, so the process proceeds to the notification process without operating the payout motor. (FIG. 14: S28).

  On the other hand, if the lower plate full flag is off (S51: NO), it is then determined whether or not the ball clogging state flag stored in the flag relation storage area 4501 of the RAM 45b is on (S52). If the ball clogging state flag is ON (S52: YES), since the ball clogging has occurred, the process proceeds to the notification process (FIG. 14: S28) without operating the payout motor. On the other hand, when the ball clogging state flag is OFF (S52: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not an undetected error has occurred (S53). As will be described later, this undetected error is determined as an undetected error when the winning ball is not normally paid out due to the operation of a payout motor (not shown) built in the payout device 49. Information is stored in the RAM 45b. And when the undetected error has generate | occur | produced (S53: YES), it transfers to an alerting | reporting process (FIG. 14: S28) as it is.

  If no undetected error has occurred (S53: NO), communication with the prepaid card unit 98 is performed (S54). Then, the player determines whether or not a prepaid card has been inserted into the prepaid card unit 98 and a ball lending request has been received from the ball lending device 98a (S55). If there is a request for ball rental (S55: YES), the number of unprocessed balls is set and stored in the unprocessed number storage area 4503 of the RAM 45b (S56).

  On the other hand, if there is no request for ball rental (S55: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not the payout operation by the payout device 49 is prohibited (S57). Here, it is determined whether or not a command for prohibiting the payout operation is issued from the main board 41. If the payout operation is prohibited (S57: YES), the payout operation is not performed and the process proceeds to a notification process.

  If the payout operation is not prohibited (S57: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not there is an unprocessed number of winning balls or an unprocessed number of ball lending (S58). Here, it is determined whether or not the number of unprocessed prize balls stored in the award ball unprocessed number storage area 4502 of the RAM 45b is 0, and the number of unprocessed balls stored in the ball lending unprocessed number storage area 4503 is further determined. Whether or not is 0 is determined. If the number of unprocessed prize balls or the number of unprocessed balls is 1 or more (S58: YES), the payout motor (not shown) built in the payout device 49 is operated (S59) to pay out the prize balls I do. Further, it is determined whether or not the winning ball is normally paid out by the payout motor (S60). If the winning ball is not paid out normally (S60: NO), it is determined as an undetected error (S61), and the process proceeds to a notification process. On the other hand, when the winning ball is normally paid out (S60: YES), it is determined whether there is an unprocessed ball lending number (S62). Here, when it is determined that there is no ball lending unprocessed number (S62: NO), the award ball unprocessed number stored in the award ball unprocessed number storage area 4502 of the RAM 45b is subtracted (S64), and the notification process is performed. Transition. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an unprocessed number of lent balls (S62: YES), the unprocessed number of lent balls stored in the sphere-lent unprocessed number storage area 4503 of the RAM 45b is subtracted (S64). Thus, the payout process is completed.

  Next, the notification process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the timer counter k for measuring the time from the start of operation of the payout motor built in the payout device 49 is reset (S70). Next, it is determined whether or not the dispensing motor has been operated (S71). When the dispensing motor starts operating (S71: YES), the timer counter k is started (S72). On the other hand, if the payout motor has not yet started operation (S71: NO), there is no need to start the timer counter k, so the routine proceeds directly to the determination of the presence / absence of unprocessed balls in S76.

  Next, it is determined whether 500 ms has elapsed since the dispensing motor started operating (S73). The set time set to 500 ms is set as the time from the ball stop position provided in the payout device 49 through the prize ball payout passage 34 to the payout exit 59. Therefore, the longer the distance of the prize ball payout passage 34 is, the longer the time it takes for a game ball paid out from the ball stop position of the payout device 49 to be supplied from the payout outlet 59 of the upper plate device 5 is set. The Even if the distance of the prize ball payout passage 34 is the same, the set time is set longer as the inclination of the prize ball payout passage 34 becomes gentler. Further, the longer the portion of the prize ball payout passage 34 having a gentle slope, the longer this set time is set.

  Subsequently, when the timer counter k has passed 500 ms (S73: YES), the blue LED 91 is blinked (flashed). At this time, the game ball passes through the prize ball payout passage 34 and is paid out from the payout outlet 59 of the upper plate apparatus 5. Thereby, the timing at which the prize ball is paid out from the payout outlet 59 and the timing at which the blue LED 91 blinks (flashes) can be matched. Therefore, the player's willingness to play can be further stimulated by watching the player paying out the prize ball from the payout outlet 59 that flashes in blue. When the timer counter k has not yet passed 500 ms (S73: NO), the blue LED 91 is turned off. Note that the present invention is not limited to this method, and the light emission state of the LED 91 may be changed, for example, by turning on the blue LED 91 at the start of payout and blinking after a predetermined time. Alternatively, the light emission pattern of the plurality of LEDs may be changed, for example, by turning on the blue LED 91 at the start of payout and turning on another color LED (not shown) provided separately from the LED 91 after a predetermined time has elapsed. . Further, the blinking speed of the LED 91 may be changed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a prize ball unprocessed number (S76). Here, when the number of unprocessed prize balls stored in the prize ball unprocessed number storage area 4502 of the RAM 45b is 1 or more (S76: YES), the prize balls to be paid out by the payout device 49 remain. The green LED 92 is turned on for notification (S77). On the other hand, when there is no unprocessed winning ball (S76: NO), the LED 92 is turned off (S78).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an unprocessed number of ball lending / discharging (S79). Here, it is determined whether or not the unprocessed number of lent balls stored in the RAM 45b storage area 4503 is 1 or more. If it is determined that there is an unprocessed ball lending / dispensing number (S79: YES), since there are remaining game balls to be paid out by the payout device 49, the green LED 92 is lit to notify (S80). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no ball lending unprocessed number (S79: NO), it is determined whether or not the ball-out state flag is on (S81). If the ball-out state flag is on (S81: YES), the ball tank 35 is out of ball, so the red LED 93 is lit to notify (S84). If the ball-out state flag is off (S81: NO), it is then determined whether or not the ball-clogged state flag is on (S82). If the ball clogging state flag is on (S82: YES), a ball clogging has occurred, and in this case as well, the red LED 93 is lit to notify (S84).

  When the ball clogging state flag is off (S82: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not an undetected error has occurred (S83). If an undetected error has occurred (S83: YES), the award ball has not been normally paid out from the payout device 49. In this case as well, the red LED 93 is lit to notify (S84). ).

  On the other hand, if no undetected error has occurred (S83: NO), it is then determined whether or not the lower plate full flag is on (S85). If the lower plate full flag is on (S85: YES), the lower plate 6 is full and the game ball cannot be supplied from the upper plate 56. In this case, the red LED 93 blinks. The notification is made (S87). If the lower plate full flag is off (S85: NO), the LED 93 is turned off (S86).

  Further, as described above, even when a ball break or clogging occurs and the LED 93 is turned on (S84), it is subsequently determined whether or not the lower plate full flag is on (S88). If it is determined that the lower plate full flag is on (S88: YES), the LED 93 that has been lit is blinked (S89). Therefore, when the above-described ball breakage, ball clogging and undetected error states and the lower plate are full occur at the same time, it is preferentially notified that the lower plate 6 is full. Thus, the notification process ends.

  Note that the CPU 45a that executes the processes of S76, S77, and S78 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 corresponds to the “first light emission control unit”, and the CPU 45a that executes the processes of S73, S74, and S75 It corresponds to “light emission control means”. Further, the CPU 45a that executes the determination process of S79 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 corresponds to the “unpaid prize ball detection means”, and the CPU 45a that executes the determination process of S71 corresponds to the “payout operation detection means”. .

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with the LED substrate 90 having the LEDs 91, 92, 93 in the vicinity of the payout outlet 59 provided on the back plate 55 of the upper plate device 5. It has the characteristics of the present invention. Thus, for example, by causing each of the LEDs 91, 92, and 93 assembled on the LED board 90 to shine according to the payout state of the payout device 49, the effect of the pachinko machine 1 can be increased, and the player's gaming motivation is stimulated. be able to.

  Furthermore, after a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) is delayed from the start of payout of the prize ball by the payout device 49, the blue LED 91 is flashed (flashed), whereby the timing at which the prize ball is paid out from the payout outlet 59, The timing of blinking the LED 91 can be matched. Accordingly, the player can be more motivated by seeing the prize ball being paid out from the payout outlet 59 that is flushed in blue. Furthermore, the state of the payout operation by the CPU 45a of the payout control board 45 can be notified to the manager, the player, or the like by lighting or blinking the LEDs 92 and 93 assembled to the LED board 90. The notification timing may be set after all (a plurality of) prize balls have been paid out. Alternatively, a notification may be given when the first prize ball passes through the payout outlet 59 after the payout is started. Further, it may be notified when a predetermined number of prize balls pass through the payout outlet 59 after the payout is started. Further, the notification timing is not limited as in the control method described above, and may not be delayed from the start of the payout operation.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible. First, the colors of the LEDs 91, 92, and 93 are not limited to blue, green, and red, but may be other colors. Moreover, you may change the alerting | reporting content (content set for every status flag) which the said LED91, 92, 93 turns on or blinks.

  Furthermore, the above-described LEDs 91, 92, 93 may be provided not only on the payout outlet 59 side of the upper plate device 5 but also on the ball outlet passage outlet 11 side of the lower tray 6, or the bulb outlet passage outlet 11. You may provide only. When provided on both the discharge outlet 59 side of the upper plate device 5 and the ball outlet passage outlet 11 side of the lower dish 6, the LED provided on the outlet outlet 59 side and the LED provided on the ball outlet passage outlet 11 side And may blink alternately.

  Further, the LED for informing the above-mentioned ball breakage state, the LED for informing the ball clogging state, the LED for informing the full state of the lower plate 6, etc. You may alert | report by providing in either one or both of the exits 11. Furthermore, in order to make it easy to identify each state in the payout, for example, each LED for notifying the ball breakage state and the ball clogging state is provided on the payout outlet 59 side of the upper plate device 5. An LED for notifying the full state of the lower plate 6 may be provided on the side of the bulb outlet passage 11 so that the notification of each state is shared for each location. Note that the sharing of the state notification is not limited to the above method.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although LED91, 92, 93 was comprised by LED of a mutually different color, for example, it may comprise all by the same color LED and may make blinking speed of each LED differ. Moreover, you may comprise LED91,92,93 by LED of a mutually different color, and may increase the alerting | reporting content of each LED by changing the blinking speed of each LED.

  Furthermore, a rental device such as a game ball may be connected to the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. Then, the LED board 90 may notify the error of the gaming ball rental device.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although LED91 of LED board 90 was blinked according to payout of a prize ball, you may change the timing which LED91 blinks or lights according to game states, such as jackpot. Further, the LED 91 may emit light together with the sound output from the speaker 48.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although LED was used as a light emission means, a lamp | ramp may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the LED board | substrate 90 was provided in the discharge outlet 59 vicinity of the top plate apparatus 5, you may arrange | position so that it may embed in the inside of the launching handle 7, for example.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine, and can be applied to gaming machines such as a pachinko machine and a slot.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 1 viewed from the back side. 2 is a front view of the game board 2. FIG. It is a front view of the special symbol display device 8. It is a front view of the upper plate apparatus 5. FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the back side of the upper plate apparatus 5. FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the LED substrate 90 is fixed to the dispensing cylinder 65 via the fixing member 70. 5 is an enlarged perspective view seen from the back side of the fixing member 70. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of a ROM 53. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a storage area of a RAM 52. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the storage area of RAM45b. 4 is a flowchart of a main routine process performed by a CPU 51 of the main board 41. 7 is a main flowchart of a payout operation performed by a CPU 45a of the payout control board 45. It is a flowchart of the gaming state monitoring process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the payout process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the alerting | reporting process shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 11 Ball discharge flow path exit 32 Game hall 34 Prize ball payout passage 35 Ball tank 45 Payout control board 45a CPU
49 Dispensing device 56 Top plate 59 Dispensing outlet 70 Fixing member 90 LED substrate 91, 92 LED
102 Start port switch 103 Normal symbol operation switch 106 Winning port switch

Claims (8)

A game board where game balls flow down,
A winning detection means for detecting a winning of a game ball in a predetermined winning opening provided on the gaming board;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls when a winning of the game balls is detected by the prize detection means;
An upper plate for storing the prize balls paid out by the payout means;
A payout exit for paying out a prize ball from the payout means to the upper plate;
A payout state detection means for detecting a payout state by the payout means;
An informing means for informing a detection result by the payout state detecting means;
Based on a detection result by the payout state detection means, and a notification operation control means for controlling a notification operation by the notification means,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is provided at the payout exit. A lower plate for receiving prize balls stored in the upper plate;
A ball passage for guiding prize balls stored in the upper plate to the lower plate;
A ball outlet channel outlet for discharging the prize ball that has flowed through the ball outlet channel to the lower plate;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is provided at at least one of the payout outlet and the ball outlet passage.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit includes a light emitting unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting diode. The light emitting means is provided on a substrate;
The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the substrate is fixed to at least one of the payout outlet and the ball outlet passage through a transparent member or a semitransparent member. As the payout state detection means,
Unpaid unprocessed prize ball detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of unpaid prize balls of the payout means;
A payout operation detecting means for detecting whether or not the payout means is performing a payout operation;
As the light emitting means,
A first light emitting means for informing a detection result by the unpaid untreated prize ball detecting means;
A second light emitting means for informing a detection result by the payout operation detecting means,
As the notification operation control means,
A first light emission control means for turning on or blinking the first light emission means when the untreated award ball detection means detects an untreated prize ball of the payout means;
6. The second light emission control means for turning on or blinking the second light emitting means when the payout operation detecting means detects a payout operation of the payout means. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.   The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the second light emission control means turns on or blinks the second light emission means with a predetermined time delay from the payout operation of the payout means. A storage tank for storing game balls;
A guide rod for guiding the game ball from the storage tank to the ball stop position provided in the payout means,
A prize ball payout path provided between the ball stop position and the payout exit;
The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined time is a time for passing through the prize ball payout route.

Images