JP2008017871A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of retaining the smooth continuance of play by inhibiting loading error control based on multiple detection by a sensor in a game ball loading device. <P>SOLUTION: The loading device 400 comprises a main sensor 415a and a subordinate sensor 416a for detecting game balls. A loading control means 501 comprises first and second counting means 510 and 520 for counting the number of game balls detected by the main sensor 415a and subordinate sensor 416a; a loading error control means 540 for executing the loading error control if the number of game balls detected by the main sensor 415a does not match the number of game balls detected by the subordinate sensor 416a; and a counting control means 530. The counting control means 530 generates a counting possible state in which the number of game balls detected by the subordinate sensor 416a is counted by the second counting means 520 based on the result of detection by the main sensor 415a and terminates the counting possible state on condition that a prescribed period of time elapses from the detection by the main sensor 415a or that the number of game balls is detected by the subordinate sensor 416a before the elapse of the prescribed period of time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a spinning-type gaming machine that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium.

  A spinning machine (slot machine) stores at least three or more spinning cylinders in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged at predetermined intervals in the rotation direction, and stores each spinning cylinder on the same rotational axis. A housing provided with a display window for displaying at least one symbol of the trunk, a rotation driving means for rotating each spinning cylinder, and a taking-in means for taking in game media provided for a unit game based on a player's betting operation A starting operation means operated to start rotation of each spinning cylinder and start a unit game, a stopping operation means operated to stop the corresponding rotating spinning cylinder, and a display window. Lottery means for performing a lottery of a plurality of types of roles that will return profits to the player by aligning the constituent symbols of each cylinder on the effective line that identifies the combination of symbols to be operated based on the operation of the starting operation means Prepare.

  Such a revolving game machine uses a medal as a game medium (hereinafter referred to as a medal revolving game machine) and a game ball as a game medium (hereinafter referred to as a ball revolving game machine). It is divided roughly. Traditionally, a slewing game machine was a medal-type slewing game machine, but a ball-spinning game machine that can be installed on the existing island facilities of a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine. The machine was developed in recent years.

  When comparing medal-type spinning machines and ball-type spinning machines, the differences are the presence or absence of a credit function and the number of game media required for a unit game. Both the medal-type spinning machine and the ball-type spinning game machine can play a unit game by betting a predetermined number of game media (for example, three medals and 15 game balls). In the medal type spinning machine, as a medal betting method (take-in method), a player inserts a medal one by one into an insertion port provided in the housing and takes in as many medals as necessary for a unit game. For example, a predetermined number of medals that are returned according to the combination of the care method and the surplus medals when the number of actual medals exceeding the number required for the unit game is inserted into the slot, or the symbols stopped on the active line, for example, Up to 50 virtual medals are memorized, and a credit method for taking in virtual medals by a player's betting operation is adopted, and any method is used to prepare for the start of a unit game. On the other hand, the ball-cylinder spinning machine has a tray that can store a large number of game balls instead of a credit-based game ball take-in function (credit function). A predetermined number (for example, 15) of the stored game balls is taken in by the take-in device to prepare for the start of the unit game.

  As the take-in device of the ball-type spinning game machine, there are a take-in passage extending in the vertical direction, a sensor provided inside the take-in passage and detecting a game ball that has dropped through the take-in passage, A natural fall type provided with an opening / closing member provided upstream of the sensor, which opens the intake passage based on a player's betting operation and closes the intake passage on condition that the number of detected sensors reaches a predetermined number. Sprocket-type take-in device (see, for example, Patent Document 2) that takes in a game ball by rotating a take-in device (for example, see Patent Document 1) and a sprocket having a plurality of holding portions each holding one game ball on the outer periphery. There is.

JP 2006-141447 A JP 2005-278661 A

  A ball-type spinning machine needs to mechanically take in more gaming media than a medal-type spinning machine and does not have a credit function to play a unit game. There is a problem that the average time required for taking in is larger than that of the medal type spinning machine. For this reason, the ball-type spinning machine is required to improve the take-in speed of the game ball and maintain smooth progress of the game.

  The natural drop-type take-in device has a simple structure compared to the sprocket-type take-in device and can reduce the manufacturing cost, and it can be taken in just by guiding the game ball to the take-in passage and dropping it, The take-in speed of the game ball is higher than that of the sprocket-type take-in device that needs to limit the rotation speed of the sprocket so that the game ball can be accommodated in the holding portion. However, the natural drop-type take-in device has only an opening / closing member that opens and closes the take-in passage between the tray and the sensor, so it appears as if it has taken a game ball into the sensor and plays the game for free. There is concern about fraudulent conduct, and measures against such fraud are required.

  In order to solve these problems, the present inventor first provided a plurality of sensors for detecting a game ball in the uptake direction of the natural fall type take-in device at predetermined intervals, and uses the plurality of sensors. I thought to try to counter fraud. For example, two sensors, a main sensor arranged at the upper part of the intake passage and a sub sensor arranged at a predetermined interval below the main sensor, are provided, and the number of times the main sensor detects a game ball and the main sensor When the result of detection of the game ball is obtained and the number of times the sub-sensor has detected the game ball within a predetermined period of time is compared with each other, it is attempted to take an illegal measure by taking-in error control. Here, the “predetermined period” is delayed by a period in which the game ball collides with the inner wall of the take-in passage, for example, during the period of time required for the natural fall from the time the game ball that naturally falls to be detected by the sub sensor. This is a period with a delay period added. The delay of the game ball is likely to occur at the stage where the game ball has just been introduced into the take-in passage, and is less likely to occur as the game ball falls through the take-in passage. When the distance between the main sensor and the sub sensor is shortened, the natural fall required period is shortened, and the ratio of the delay period to the natural fall required period is increased. If it does so, the effect of the improvement of the detection precision of the game ball obtained by providing the restriction | limiting of a predetermined period with respect to the detection of the game ball by a sub sensor will not be exhibited as expected. That is, if the main sensor and the sub sensor are arranged as far apart as possible, the ratio of the delay period to the natural fall site period is reduced, and the detection accuracy of the game ball can be improved. However, since the natural fall-type take-in device is provided below the tray, the length of the take-in passage is limited. If the main sensor is arranged in the upper part of the intake passage and the main sensor and the sub sensor are arranged as far apart as possible, the sub sensor is arranged in the lower part of the intake passage. Then, when a large number of game balls are taken into the take-in passage at once, there is a possibility that interference between the game balls occurs and multiple detection of the game balls by the sub sensor occurs. Specifically, when the preceding game ball that has passed through the intake passage is stagnant below the intake passage, the subsequent game ball that has fallen through the intake passage collides and flows backward through the intake passage to the sub sensor. May be detected again. When the sub sensor detects a single game ball a plurality of times, the number of game balls detected by the main sensor is different from the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor. Measures are taken so that unit games cannot be performed unless the capture error control is canceled. If capture error control based on multiple detection of game balls by the sub-sensor is frequently performed, smooth progress of the game is hindered. In addition, a player who can interrupt the game even if he / she has not performed a dishonest act is uncomfortable.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such a problem, and the purpose of the present invention is to determine whether or not a game ball has been taken into a natural fall-type take-in device that is one type of take-in means of a ball-type revolving game machine. While maintaining the smooth progress of the game by suppressing the capture error control based on the multiple detection of the sensor for detecting the game ball of the natural fall-type capture device, while preventing the unauthorized act of playing the unit game free of charge It is to provide a game machine that can be used.

  Hereinafter, effective means for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing operational effects as necessary. In addition, although the specific example used by the following embodiment is described by the parenthesis after describing the component of this invention, each component is not limited to the specific example shown by a bracket.

Mean 1: The gaming machine described in Mean 1 is
A receiving tray for storing game balls (for example, the upper receiving tray 302), a take-in means (for example, a natural fall-type receiving device 400) that is provided on the downstream side of the receiving tray and takes a predetermined number of game balls stored in the receiving tray, The bet operation means (for example, the 1 bet button 114 and the max bet button 304) operated to activate the means and the take-in means are operated based on the operation of the bet operation means, and the take-in means takes in a predetermined number of game balls. In a gaming machine provided with an intake control means (501) for stopping the intake means based on
The take-in means includes a take-up passage extending in the vertical direction, a main sensor (for example, a main sensor 415a composed of a pair of photosensors 415a1 and 415a2) for detecting a game ball introduced into the take-up passage, and a lower portion than the main sensor. And a sub-sensor (for example, a sub-sensor 416a made of a magnetic sensor) that detects a game ball introduced into the take-in passage and is driven and controlled by take-in control means, and opens and closes the take-in passage above the main sensor. An opening / closing member (for example, take-in flicker 413a),
The take-in control means includes a first counting means (510) for counting the number of gaming balls detected by the main sensor, a second counting means (520) for counting the number of gaming balls detected by the sub sensor, and the first counting means. The acquisition error control means (540) for performing the acquisition error control based on the fact that the number of gaming balls detected by the main sensor counted by the second counting means and the number of gaming balls detected by the sub-sensor counted by the second counting means do not match. And a countable state in which the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor is counted by the second counting means based on the result of game ball detection by the main sensor, while a predetermined period has elapsed since the game ball detection result of the main sensor was obtained. When the countable state is terminated based on the elapsed time and the subsensor detects a game ball even before the predetermined period has elapsed, the second sensor is connected to the second sensor. Characterized in that that and a counting control means for terminating the countable state with increasing gaming ball detection number (530).

The gaming machine described in the means 1 is configured so that the game ball introduced into the taking-in passage of the taking-in means can be detected by the main sensor and the sub sensor. Then, the game balls that have passed through the intake passage interfere with each other and stagnate under the intake passage, and the subsequent game balls that have fallen through the intake passage stagnate under the intake passage. The countable state in which the number of detected game balls by the sub sensor is counted by the second counting means is predetermined so that the take-in error control is not performed even if it bounces back and flows backward in the lower part of the take-in passage. It is configured to be generated / terminated under the following conditions.
Specifically, when the game ball taken in by the take-in means is detected by the main sensor, based on the game ball detection result, the first counting means increases the number of detected game balls by the main sensor and the count control means Generate a countable state. The countable state is a state in which the sub sensor detects a game ball passing through the take-in passage, and the second counting means can increase the number of detected game balls of the sub sensor based on the game ball detection result. The counting control means that a predetermined period elapses after the game ball detection result of the main sensor is obtained, or that the sub sensor detects the game ball before the elapse of the predetermined period after the game ball detection result of the main sensor is obtained. Based on the above, the countable state is terminated.
Note that the “predetermined period” of “the lapse of a predetermined period after the result of detection of the game ball detected by the main sensor”, which is one of the end conditions of the countable state, is detected by the main sensor. This is a period obtained by adding a delay period due to the game ball colliding with the inner wall of the take-in passage and being delayed until it is detected by the sub sensor. Accordingly, the length of the predetermined period is appropriately changed depending on the setting of the distance between the main sensor and the sub sensor and the delay period.
When the countable state is terminated based on the elapse of a predetermined period after the game ball detection result of the main sensor is obtained, the first counting means detects the game ball of the main sensor based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor. While the number is added, the sub-sensor game ball detection result is not obtained within a predetermined period after the main sensor game ball detection result is obtained, and the sub-sensor game ball detection number is not added by the second counting means. Since the countable state is terminated, the number of detected game balls of the main sensor counted by the first counting unit and the number of detected game balls of the sub-sensor counted by the second counting unit do not match. Then, it is determined that a clogging has occurred in the take-in passage or that the illegal act has been performed, and the take-in error control means performs take-in error control.
Here, “acquisition error control” means resetting the number of detected game balls counted by the first counting means and the second counting means after the betting operation means is operated, Is forcibly stopped, and rejects acceptance of the operation signal of the bet operating means so that the take-in means does not operate even if the bet operating means is operated.
On the other hand, when the sub sensor detects a game ball before the predetermined period has elapsed since the game ball detection result of the main sensor is obtained, the first counting means detects the number of detected game balls of the main sensor based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor. , And the second counting means increases the number of detected gaming balls of the sub sensor based on the result of detecting the gaming ball of the sub sensor, and the counting control means ends the countable state.
The “sub-sensor game ball detection result” that triggers the completion of the countable state is the detection result of the game ball that has dropped through the main sensor (hereinafter referred to as a normal ball) and the bounce through the take-in passage. This is one of the detection results of a game ball (hereinafter referred to as a bounce ball). That is, if either the normal ball or the rebound ball is detected by the sub-sensor within a predetermined period after the main sensor detects the game ball, the counting control means is based on the game ball detection result. Since the countable state is terminated, the other game ball is not counted by the second counting means. Therefore, even if a predetermined period of time elapses after the game ball detection result of the main sensor is obtained due to the above-mentioned fraud or the game ball falling at a speed much slower than the natural fall, the sub sensor game ball detection result In the case where the second counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor based on the detection result of the rebound ball by the sub sensor, the first counting means Since the number of game balls detected by the main sensor and the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor counted by the second counting means can be matched, the occurrence of an acquisition error based on multiple detection of sub-sensors can be suppressed. Smooth game progress can be maintained.
Note that the main sensor and the sub sensor are not limited to the specific examples of the following embodiments, and any sensor may be used as long as it can detect a game ball.

Means 2: A gaming machine according to Means 1, wherein
The second counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor only on the basis of the result of detection of the game balls of the sub sensor in the countable state, and the second counting means is based on the result of detection of the game balls of the sub sensor in the non-countable state. Does not increase the number of detected game balls by the sub-sensor.

  In the gaming machine described in the means 2, the countable state and the non-countable state are distinguished by the operation / non-operation of the second counting means. In the “non-countable state”, a state from when the take-in means starts to operate by operation of the betting operation means until the main sensor detects a game ball, or a countable state based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor is generated. The counting control means changes the countable state when a predetermined period elapses or when the subsensor detects a game ball within a predetermined period after the countable state is generated based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor. The finished state is included. If the countable state and the non-countable state are distinguished by the operation / non-operation of the second counting means, the sub sensor can be operated even in the non-countable state. It is possible to perform fetch error control based on the result. For example, during the operation of the taking-in means, taking-in error control may be performed on the condition that the number of detected game balls of the sub sensor in the non-countable state reaches a predetermined number.

Means 3: A gaming machine according to Means 1, wherein
The game ball detection result by the sub sensor is obtained only in the countable state, and the game ball detection result by the sub sensor is not obtained in the non-countable state.

  In the gaming machine described in the means 3, the countable state and the non-countable state are distinguished by the operation / non-operation of the sub sensor. When the sub sensor is deactivated in the non-countable state, power consumption required for the sub sensor can be suppressed.

Means 4: In the gaming machine according to any one of Means 1 to 3,
When the detection result of one or a plurality of game balls by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state, the count control means has obtained the last game ball detection result by the main sensor in the countable state. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or the number of detected game balls of the sub sensor in the countable state is a game ball detected by the main sensor, and the game ball that triggers the occurrence of the countable state is main in the countable state. The countable state is terminated based on reaching the total number up to the last game ball detected by the sensor.

The gaming machine described in means 4 is configured such that the end condition of the countable state is changed every time a result of detection of one or a plurality of game balls by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state.
For example, if a game ball that has rolled down the saucer is introduced into the take-in passage, it will repeatedly fall on the inner wall of the take-in passage, causing the fall speed of the game ball to slow down, the main sensor and the sub sensor Depending on the setting of the mutual distance, after the detection result of the preceding game ball by the main sensor is obtained, the preceding game ball by the sub sensor or a rebound ball that substitutes for the preceding game ball (hereinafter referred to as the preceding game ball or the like). In some cases, the detection result of the subsequent game ball by the main sensor can be obtained before the detection result of) is obtained. In such a case, when the countable state is terminated based on the detection result of the preceding game ball or the like by the sub-sensor, the first counting means stores the main game by the total number of the preceding game ball and the subsequent game ball. While the number of game balls detected by the sensor is added, the second counting means adds the number of game balls detected only for the preceding game ball or the like, and the subsequent game ball or the rebound ball that substitutes for the subsequent game ball ( Hereinafter, the number of detected game balls is not added to subsequent game balls. That is, even if the subsequent game ball detection result by the sub sensor is obtained within a predetermined period after the subsequent game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained, the main sensor counted by the first counting means It becomes impossible to match the number of detected game balls with the number of detected game balls by the sub-sensor counted by the second counting means.
Therefore, by generating a countable state based on the preceding game ball detection result by the main sensor, and changing the end condition of the countable state every time the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state, The number of gaming balls detected by the main sensor counted by the first counting means and the number of gaming balls detected by the sub-sensor counted by the second counting means are made to coincide.
Specifically, the initial end condition of the countable state when the count control means generates a countable state based on the preceding game ball detection result by the main sensor is that the preceding game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained. It is set to satisfy one of the following: a predetermined period of time elapses or a detection result of a preceding game ball or the like by a sub sensor is obtained within a predetermined period after a preceding game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained Is done. Then, if one or a plurality of succeeding game ball detection results by the main sensor are obtained before the game ball detection result of the sub sensor is obtained after the preceding game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained, the countable state The end condition is that a predetermined period elapses after the detection result of the most succeeding game ball (the last game ball at this time) is obtained by the main sensor, or the game ball detected by the sub sensor is the preceding game ball And reaching the total number of subsequent one or more game balls, to extend the period of time in which the countable state can continue. In addition, the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor before the elapse of a predetermined period after the detection result of the most subsequent game ball by the main sensor is obtained and the one or more game balls of the following If the result of detection of further succeeding game balls by the main sensor is obtained before the total number is reached, the end condition of the countable state is determined by the following game balls by the main sensor (the last game ball at this time). It is counted that the predetermined period has elapsed after the detection result is obtained, or that the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor reaches the total number of the preceding game balls, the following game balls, and the subsequent game balls, The possible duration of the possible state is further extended.
In this way, when a game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state, within the predetermined period after the last game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state, The number of detected game balls of the sub sensor in the countable state reaches the total number from the game ball that triggers the occurrence of the countable state detected by the main sensor to the last game ball detected by the main sensor in the countable state. If the countable state is terminated on the condition of the above, the number of game balls detected by the main sensor counted by the first counting means and the second counting means, unless the unnatural situation as described above occurs. It is possible to make the number of game balls detected by the counted subsensors coincide.

Means 5: The gaming machine according to Means 1,
Counting control means (530) measures time (531) for measuring a predetermined period during which counting is possible, and clocking operation means (532) for actuating timing means (531) based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor. Then, the time measuring means (533) for determining whether or not the time measuring means (531) is operating based on the game ball detection result of the sub sensor, and the time measuring means (531) based on the positive determination of the time measuring operation determining means (533). A timing stop means (534) for stopping
The second counting means (520) is characterized in that the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor is increased based on an affirmative determination of the time measuring operation determining means (533).

In the gaming machine described in means 5, when the result of detection of the game ball by the main sensor is obtained, the first counting means adds the number of game balls detected by the main sensor, and the time counting operation means operates the time counting means to perform counting. A predetermined period during which the state can be continued is measured. As long as the game ball detection result by the sub-sensor is not obtained, the time measuring means stops when measuring a predetermined period in which the countable state can be continued.
On the other hand, when the game ball detection result by the sub sensor is obtained, the time counting operation determining means determines whether or not the time measuring means is operating. The affirmative determination of the time measuring operation determining means that the time measuring means is operating suggests that it is possible to measure time. Based on this affirmative determination, the second counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor. The timing stop means stops the timing means. On the other hand, the negative determination of the time measuring operation determining means that the time measuring means is inactive suggests that the non-countable state is in effect, and neither the second counting means nor the time measuring stopping means is activated by such a negative determination.
That is, when the time counting operation determination means makes an affirmative determination, the game ball detection of the sub-sensor that triggered the time counting operation determination means is counted by the second counting means, but the time counting operation determination means makes a negative determination. In the case where the second counting means does not count the game ball detection of the sub-sensor that triggered the operation of the time measuring action determination means.
Thereby, the countable state and the non-countable state can be distinguished by the operation / non-operation of the second counting means.
The countable state is generated when the affirmative determination can be made when the time measurement operation determining unit determines whether the time measuring unit is activated or deactivated, and ends when the affirmative determination cannot be performed.

Means 6: The gaming machine according to Means 1,
The counting control means (530) measures the predetermined period during which counting is possible, the time measuring means (531), the time measuring operation means (532) for operating the time measuring means based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor, Time information storage means (535) for storing difference information as time information relating to operation / non-operation of means, and time operation determination means (533) for determining whether or not the time means is operating based on the game ball detection result of the sub sensor. ) And an addition update function for performing addition update processing on the difference information based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor, and the timing means stops after a predetermined period has elapsed since the game ball detection result of the main sensor is obtained. Based on the reset function for performing a reset process for initializing the difference information and updating it to the initial information, and the difference based on the affirmative determination of the timing operation determining means A timekeeping information control means (536) having a subtraction update function for performing subtraction update processing on the information, and stopping the timekeeping means based on the difference information being updated to the initial information by the subtraction update processing of the timekeeping information control means. Timing stop means (534),
The second counting means (520) is characterized in that the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor is increased based on an affirmative determination of the time measuring operation determining means.

The gaming machine described in the means 6 is configured such that the end condition of the countable state is changed every time a game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state.
When the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained, the first counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the main sensor, and the timing actuating means operates the timing means to measure a predetermined period during which the countable state can be continued. Further, the timing information control means performs addition update processing on the difference information stored in the timing information storage means. Note that the clocking means resets the clocking means after the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained during the operation of the clocking means, and then restarts the clocking means.
Here, the “difference information” stored in the timing information storage means is based on the main sensor added by the first counting means until the countable state is completed after the non-countable state is shifted to the countable state. This is information relating to the difference (hereinafter simply referred to as “difference”) between the number of gaming balls detected and the number of gaming balls detected by the sub-sensor added by the second counting means in a countable state. The “initial information” of the difference information is information suggesting that the difference is zero. In the countable state, the difference information in which the difference is an integer equal to or greater than 1 is stored in the timing information storage unit. In the non-countable state, the initial information in which the difference is zero is stored in the timing information storage unit. Is done.
The “additional update process” performed by the time information control means is a process for updating the difference information stored in the time information storage means so as to widen the difference. Specifically, the difference information that the difference is n (n = 0, 1, 2, 3,...) Is updated to the difference information that the difference is (n + 1). Conversely, the “subtraction update process” performed by the time information control unit is a process of updating the difference information stored in the time information storage unit so as to reduce the difference. Specifically, the difference information that the difference is m (m = 1, 2, 3,...) Is updated to the difference information that is (m−1). The “reset process” performed by the time information control unit is a process for initializing the difference information and updating it to the initial information so that the difference becomes zero. Specifically, the difference information that the difference is m (m = 1, 2, 3,...) Is updated to the initial information that the difference is zero.
On the other hand, when the game ball detection result by the sub sensor is obtained, the time counting operation determining means determines whether or not the time measuring means is operating. Such a determination may be made by referring to the difference information stored in the time information storage unit or by referring to the output of the time unit.
When the time counting operation determination means makes an affirmative determination that the time counting means is operating, the second counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor and the time counting information control means performs subtraction update processing on the difference information. Do. The timing stop means stops the timing means based on the difference information being updated to the initial information by the subtraction update process of the timing information control means. That is, when the time information control means performs the subtraction update process in a state where the difference information that the difference is 1 is stored in the time information storage means, the difference information is updated to the initial information. Stop the means. On the other hand, even if the timing information control means performs the subtraction update process in a state where the difference information in which the difference is any of 2, 3, 4,. Since the information is not updated, the timing stop means does not operate and the operation of the timing means is maintained. If the timekeeping operation determination means makes a negative determination that the timekeeping means is inactive, none of the second counting means, the time information control means, and the time stop means operate.
As described above, when the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state by controlling the operation / non-operation of the second counting unit based on the determination result of the time counting operation determining unit, In the countable state, the number of game ball detected by the sub sensor is counted from the game ball that triggers the occurrence of the countable state within the predetermined period after the last game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained. The countable state can be ended on condition that the total number up to the last game ball detected by the main sensor in the possible state is reached.
When the main sensor detects the preceding and succeeding game balls, the countable state generated based on the preceding game ball detection result by the main sensor is a predetermined period after the succeeding game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained. The sub-sensor is terminated based on the detection of the same number of game balls as the preceding and succeeding game balls. In this case, even if the detection result of the preceding game ball or the like by the sub sensor is obtained after a lapse of a predetermined period after the preceding game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained, the second counting means uses the sub sensor. Based on the detection result of the preceding game ball or the like, the number of game balls detected by the second sensor can be added. In this way, by taking up the restriction of disabling the second counting means, it is possible to suppress the capture error control based on the multiple detection of the subsensors.
The time information control means performs a reset process for updating the difference information to the initial information based on the fact that the time means stops after a predetermined period of time has passed since the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained. In this way, the timekeeping information control means performs the reset process, and the countable state is terminated on the condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the last game ball detection result by the main sensor was obtained in the countable state. be able to.

Means 7: The gaming machine according to Means 1,
The counting control means (530) includes a plurality of timing means (531a, 531b, 531c) for measuring a predetermined period during which counting is possible, a timing actuating means (532) for actuating the timing means, and each timing means A time information storage means (535) for storing time information relating to operation / non-operation, and a time measurement means to be operated by the time operation means from non-operation time means based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor. Timer selection means (537), timing measurement determination means (533) for determining whether or not the timing means is operating based on the game ball detection result of the sub sensor, and timing stop means (534) for stopping the timing means. The second time selection means (538) for selecting the time measurement means to be stopped by the time measurement stop means based on the positive determination of the time measurement operation determination means (533), and the first time measurement selection means While the time information corresponding to the selected time measuring means is updated from the non-operation information indicating that the time measuring means is inactive to the operation information indicating that the time measuring means is operating, the second time selection Timing information control means (536) for updating timing information corresponding to the timing means selected by the means from operating information to non-operating information,
The second counting means is characterized in that the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor is increased based on an affirmative determination of the time counting operation determining means.

The gaming machine described in the means 7 is similar to the gaming machine described in the means 6 in that the end condition of the countable state is changed every time a game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state. It is.
When the result of detection of the game ball by the main sensor is obtained, the number of game balls detected by the main sensor is increased in the first counting means, and one of the timing means in which the first timing selection means is inactive is counted. The time selection means selects the time measurement means, the time measurement operation means operates, and the time measurement information control means is the time information stored in the time information storage means, and the time measurement means selected by the first time measurement selection means The timing information corresponding to is updated from non-operation information to operation information.
On the other hand, when the game ball detection result by the sub-sensor is obtained, the time counting operation determining means determines whether or not the counting is possible depending on whether any time measuring means is operating. If the time counting operation determination means makes an affirmative determination that any of the time counting means is operating, the second counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor and the time counting information control means stores the time counting information storage means. The timing information on the timing means corresponding to the sub-sensor that has detected the game ball is updated from the operation information to the non-operation information. The time information control means also updates the time information corresponding to the time measurement means from the operation information to the non-operation information when the time measurement means stops after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained. . Further, when the time measuring operation determining means makes an affirmative determination, the second time measuring selecting means selects the time measuring means that has started to operate earliest from the time measuring means being operated, and the selected time measuring means is set to the time stopping means. Stop. On the other hand, when the time counting operation determining means makes a negative determination that the time measuring means is inactive, none of the second counting means, the time information control means, the second time measuring selecting means, and the time stopping means are operated.
As described above, when the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state by controlling the operation / non-operation of the second counting unit based on the determination result of the time counting operation determining unit, In the countable state, the number of game ball detected by the sub sensor is counted from the game ball that triggers the occurrence of the countable state within the predetermined period after the last game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained. The countable state can be ended on condition that the total number up to the last game ball detected by the main sensor in the possible state is reached.
Note that the main difference from the gaming machine described in the means 6 is that when the game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state, the last game ball detection result by the main sensor in the countable state is It is before the elapse of a predetermined period from the acquisition, and the last number detected by the main sensor in the countable state from the game ball that triggers the occurrence of the countable state detected by the main sensor. The countable state can be terminated before the total number of game balls is reached.
That is, when the countable state is generated based on the preceding game ball result by the main sensor and the subsequent game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained in the countable state, the countable state is determined by the sub sensor. The process always ends on condition that the number of detected game balls reaches the total number of preceding and subsequent game balls detected by the main sensor. In addition, in the countable state, the detection result of the preceding game ball or the like by the sub sensor is not obtained within a predetermined period after the previous game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained, and the subsequent game ball detection by the main sensor is not obtained. The process is also terminated when a detection result of a preceding game ball or the like by the sub sensor is obtained within a predetermined period after the result is obtained. In this case, the detection result of the subsequent game ball or the like by the sub sensor is not counted by the second counting means. Therefore, the gaming machine described in the means 7 is more restrictive than the gaming machine described in the means 6 to deactivate the second counting means, thereby improving the effect of preventing fraud. Can do.

Means 8: The gaming machine according to Means 1,
A sensor power supply unit that supplies power to the sub-sensor, and a power adjustment unit that adjusts the power supplied from the sensor power supply unit to the sub-sensor,
The counting control means is a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined period during which counting is possible, a time measuring operation means for operating the time measuring means based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor, and a time measuring means based on the game ball detection result of the sub sensor. The time adjusting means for stopping the time and the power adjusting unit to supply the effective power for enabling the sub sensor based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor, and the active power is not supplied to the sub sensor based on the stop of the time measuring means. And a power adjustment control means for controlling the power adjustment unit.

In the gaming machine according to the means 8, when a game ball detection result by the main sensor is obtained, the first counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the main sensor, and the time counting operation means activates the time counting means. The power adjustment control unit controls the power adjustment unit to supply effective power to the sub sensor. That is, the sub sensor enters an effective state in which a game ball can be detected based on the game ball detection result by the main sensor, and a countable state occurs when the sub sensor enters an effective state.
On the other hand, when the game ball detection result by the sub sensor is obtained, the second counting means increases the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor, the time stopping means stops the time measuring means, and the power adjustment control means applies the effective power to the sub sensor. The power adjustment unit is controlled not to supply power. In other words, when the sub sensor detects a game ball in a countable state, the active power is not supplied, and even if the game ball passes, the sub sensor enters an invalid state where the game ball cannot be detected. The ready state ends.
As described above, the count control unit can switch between the countable state and the non-countable state by switching the operation / non-operation of the sub sensor. Moreover, the power consumption of the sub sensor can be suppressed by suppressing the power supplied to the sub sensor in the non-countable state.

Means 9: In the gaming machine according to any one of Means 1 to 8,
The main sensor and the sub sensor are arranged in the vertical direction with one or more game balls spaced apart.

  In the gaming machine described in the means 9, the main sensor and the sub sensor are arranged in the vertical direction at an interval of one or more gaming balls, thereby preventing simultaneous detection of one gaming ball by the main sensor and the sub sensor. That is, if the main sensor and the sub sensor are arranged at an interval of less than one game ball, the period during which one game ball passes through the main sensor and the period during which the sub sensor passes through partially overlap. Then, when the countable state is generated with reference to the time when the detection of the game ball by the main sensor is started, it is determined by the sub sensor in a state where it is not determined whether or not the game ball has passed the main sensor normally. If the game ball is detected and a countable state is generated based on the end of the detection of the game ball by the main sensor, the subsensor will already detect the game ball when the countable state occurs. There is a problem that is started. If the main sensor and the sub sensor are arranged in the vertical direction with one or more game balls spaced apart, the main sensor and the sub sensor do not detect one game ball at the same time. The game ball can be set to either when the detection of the game ball is started or finished, and the above-mentioned problems can be solved.

Means 10: In the gaming machine according to any one of Means 1 to 9,
The game ball detection method of the main sensor and the sub sensor is different.

  The gaming machine described in the means 10 is provided below the main sensor for detecting a game ball introduced into the take-in passage, and is introduced into the take-in passage by a detection method different from the main sensor. And a sub sensor for detecting a game ball. Even if one of the main sensor and the sub-sensor can be erroneously detected by cheating, it is possible to cause both the main sensor and the sub-sensor to make a false detection by making the game ball detection method of the main sensor and the sub-sensor different. Since it becomes extremely difficult, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts that appear as if a game ball has been taken into the take-in means.

Means 11: In the gaming machine according to means 10,
The main sensor is composed of a pair of optical sensors (for example, photosensors 415a1 and 415a2) arranged in the vertical direction with a space narrower than that of one game ball.

  In the gaming machine described in the means 11, the main sensor is composed of a pair of upper and lower optical sensors arranged with an interval of less than one game ball, so that the detection result of the upper optical sensor alone, the upper side and the lower side When the simultaneous detection result of the optical sensor and the detection result of the lower optical sensor alone are sequentially performed within a predetermined period, it can be determined that the game ball has been normally introduced into the take-in passage. . Conversely, when the detection order in the main sensor is different from the above order, for example, when the detection results are obtained in the order of the lower optical sensor, the upper and lower optical sensors, and the upper optical sensor, or the detection order is If the detection result of the upper sensor alone is not obtained within the predetermined period after the detection result of the upper sensor alone is obtained even in the above order, it is determined that the fraudulent act has been performed and the capture is performed. The error control means can perform fetch error control. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as moving an object that can shield light from the optical sensor up and down in the take-in passage.

Means 12: The gaming machine according to Means 11,
The sub sensor is a magnetic sensor.

  The gaming machine described in the means 12 is configured such that a detection result by the sub sensor cannot be obtained unless a magnetic body substantially similar to the game ball is introduced into the take-in passage. In other words, if a fraudulent act is performed in which a non-magnetic material different from a game ball is introduced into the take-in passage and erroneously detected by the main sensor, the sub-sensor consisting of the magnetic sensor does not detect the non-magnetic material. The number of detected game balls counted by the first counting means and the number of detected game balls counted by the second counting means do not coincide with each other, and the fetch error control means can perform fetch error control. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of playing a unit game free of charge by making it appear as if a game ball has been taken into the take-in means.

Means 13: The gaming machine according to Means 11,
The take-in error control means has passage determination means for determining whether or not the game ball is normally detected by the main sensor, and operates the first counting means and the count control means based on the positive determination of the passage determination means. And taking-in error control is performed based on a negative determination of the passage determination means.

  In the gaming machine described in means 13, whether or not the passing ball is normally detected by the main sensor based on the detection result of the upper optical sensor and the detection result of the lower optical sensor constituting the main sensor. That is, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the main sensor while falling from the top to the bottom. When the passage determination means gives an affirmative determination that the game ball is normally detected by the main sensor, the first count means increases the number of detected game balls by the main sensor and the count control means generates a countable state. Update. On the other hand, when the passage determination means makes a negative determination that there is an abnormality in the detection of the game ball by the main sensor, the acquisition error control means performs the acquisition error control. As a result, the take-in error control can be performed only on the basis of the game ball detection result of the main sensor, so that it is possible to further suppress an illegal act on the take-in means.

  According to the present invention, as described above, the game ball introduced into the take-in passage of the take-in means is detected by the main sensor and the sub sensor, so that the detection accuracy of the game ball is improved, and the game ball is placed in the take-in device. It prevents fraudulent acts of playing unit games free of charge, pretending to be captured. In addition, a countable state is generated in which the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor is counted by the second counting means based on the game ball detection result by the main sensor, and the countable state is ended based on the game ball detection result by the sub sensor. Therefore, even if the game ball that has passed through the intake passage bounces back and flows back through the intake passage, the number of game balls detected by the main sensor counted by the first counting means and the second counting means Thus, the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor can be easily matched with each other, so that a capture error based on the multiple detection of the sub-sensor can be suppressed and smooth game progress can be maintained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the ball-type spinning machine 10 will be described.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a ball-type spinning machine 10 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the ball-type spinning machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a door block 12 with respect to the outer frame 11. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the payout block 30 and the game block 40 are opened with respect to the front block 20. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ball-type spinning machine 10 is openable and closable on an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the ball-type spinning machine 10 and on one side of the outer frame 11. And a door block 12 supported by the door. The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The outer frame 11 may be made of light metal such as resin or aluminum in order to reduce the weight. The door block 12 is attached to the outer frame 11 by hinges 13 and 13 so that the door block 12 can be opened and closed, and its opening / closing axis is set to extend vertically on the left side when viewed from the front of the ball-type spinning machine 10. The door block 12 can be sufficiently opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis as the axis.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the door block 12 includes a front block 20 that forms the front surface of the ball-cylinder gaming machine 10, a payout block 30 that is attached to the front block 20 so as to be openable and closable rearward, The game block 40 is attached to the front block 20 so as to be openable and closable rearward, and is encapsulated by the front block 20 and the payout block 30.

(Configuration of front block)
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the front block 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the front block 20 includes a front panel 100, a front block frame 200, a rotary display panel 22, a panel presser frame 24, an upper plate unit 300, and a take-in device 400 (game ball take-in device). Is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the front panel 100 has a window hole 102 for exposing a game area provided on the front surface of the game block 40, and surrounds the window hole 102 with an upper effect LED. A cover portion 104, upper speaker portions 106 and 106, a right middle effect LED cover portion 108, a left middle effect LED cover portion 110, and a central panel portion 112 are disposed.

  The upper effect LED cover part 104, the right middle effect LED cover part 108, and the left middle effect LED cover part 110 each cover a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) attached from the back side of the front panel 100. The light-emitting device is turned on or blinked as the game progresses to provide a visual effect of the game.

  The upper speaker units 106 and 106 perform auditory effects of the game by sounding various sound effects as the game progresses or notifying the player of the game state.

  The central panel portion 112 is made of colorless and transparent glass, and includes information not shown in which a predetermined winning condition, the number of game balls to be paid out when the winning condition is satisfied (the number of winning balls), a game method, and the like are described. This is a part for exposing the panel. In order to make it easy to see the display contents of the information posting panel, a fluorescent lamp 41k (see FIG. 27) is installed inside the central panel portion 112. A 1-bet button 114 (see FIG. 1) that constitutes a betting operation means is disposed on the left side of the central panel portion 112. General-purpose buttons 116 and 118 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) are arranged on the right side of the central panel portion 112. The general-purpose buttons 116 and 118 are buttons whose usage can be set as appropriate for each model of the gaming machine, such as switching of the gaming mode and switching of the display mode on the liquid crystal screen. A key cylinder insertion hole 120 that exposes the front surface (key hole) of the door key cylinder 202 for opening and closing the front block is provided further to the right of the general-purpose button 116 and the like of the central panel portion 112. Further, below the center panel portion 112, an operation panel portion 122 protruding forward is disposed.

  On the operation panel 122, a starting lever 124 (starting operation means) for starting rotation of a revolving cylinder L, M, and R (see FIG. 27), which will be described later, and a left rotating cylinder L are rotated in order from the left side of the drawing. A left turning cylinder stop button 126L for stopping rotation, a middle turning cylinder stop button 126M for stopping rotation of the middle turning cylinder M, a right turning cylinder stop button 126R for stopping rotation of the right turning cylinder R, A small window hole 130 is provided for exposing an upper tray ball removal lever 386 for performing an operation of flowing a game ball from the upper tray 302 to the lower tray 128. The start lever 124 is a lever that is pressed and operated by the hand when the player starts a unit game, and automatically returns to the original position after the hand is released. When the start lever 124 is operated while a predetermined number of game balls are betted, the cylinders L, M, and R start to rotate at the same time. Above the base end portion of the start lever 124, each cylinder L, M, R is ready for rotation, that is, a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device 400, and operation of the start lever 124 can be accepted. A start lever LED 132 for informing the state is embedded. Note that the starting operation means can be configured by a starting button (not shown) instead of the starting lever 124. Further, around each of the spinning cylinder stop buttons 126L, 126M, and 126R, the spinning cylinder stop buttons LEDL, 134M, and 134R for notifying the state in which the operation of each of the spinning cylinder stop buttons 126L, 126M, and 126R can be accepted are embedded. . Each spinning cylinder stop button LED 134L, 134M, 134R is turned on when the corresponding spinning cylinder L, M, R is rotating at a constant speed, and is turned off when the rotation of the corresponding spinning cylinder L, M, R is stopped. A lower tray 128 for storing game balls is disposed below the operation panel 122.

  On the inner surface of the lower tray 128, there is a lower speaker cover portion 136 that covers the lower speaker portion 204 provided on the front block frame 200, and an outlet for game balls that flow from the upper tray 302 to the lower tray 128, which will be described later. There is provided a lower tray discharge outlet 138 in which game balls may be directly paid out from the payout device 33 (see FIG. 17). Further, a lower tray ball removal lever 140 for performing an operation of dropping a game ball from a lower tray 128 to a not-shown game ball housing case (so-called dollar box) disposed below the lower tray 128 is provided at the lower front portion of the lower tray 128. Is provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the opening 142 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower tray 128, and the opening 142 is normally closed by the closing plate 144. By sliding the closing plate 144 with the lower dish ball removal lever 140, the opening 142 is opened and the game ball is dropped from the lower tray 128. An ashtray 146 is provided on the left side of the lower tray 128. A left lower effect LED cover portion 148 and a lower right effect LED cover portion 150 are provided on both sides of the operation panel portion 122 and the lower tray 128, respectively. The lower left effect LED cover portion 148 and the lower right effect LED cover portion 150 cover light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes (not shown) attached from the back side of the front panel 100, respectively. The front panel 100 is made of synthetic resin, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By doing so, the advantages of high viscosity and high impact resistance and low cost production are exhibited.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front block frame 200 is a rectangular frame that is slightly smaller than the front panel 100, and is screwed to the back side of the front panel 100. A lower speaker unit 204 for audio production covered with a lower speaker cover unit 136 is attached to the lower part of the front block frame 200. By providing the speaker units 106 and 204 above and below, an auditory presentation full of realism can be performed. A rotation shaft 206 is provided on the left side of the front block frame 200, and a door opening / closing mechanism 208 is provided on the right side. Reference numeral 202 in the figure denotes a key cylinder constituting the door opening / closing mechanism 208. When a key (not shown) is inserted into the door key cylinder 202 and rotated to the right, the locking claws 210 and 210 that are locked to the outer frame 11 rotate downward, and the locking to the outer frame 11 is released. . Conversely, when a key (not shown) is inserted into the door key cylinder 202 and rotated leftward, the locking claws 212, 212 that lock against the payout block 30 rotate downward, and the lock against the payout block 30 is locked. Canceled. In addition, the code | symbol 214 in a figure is the induction | guidance | derivation channel | path connected to the lower tray discharge outlet 138. FIG.

  The rotating display panel 22 is a colorless and transparent glass plate, and has a substantially trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the window hole 102 of the front panel 100. Further, the rotating display panel 22 is formed with sufficient strength so that it does not break even if a person passing through the gaming machine installation island crashes and collides.

  The display panel retainer frame 24 is screwed to the front block frame 200 with the rotating display panel 22 interposed between the display panel retainer frame 24 and the front panel 100. The display panel presser frame 24 has a substantially trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the rotary display panel 22 and is formed with a predetermined depth. That is, the window hole 102 of the front panel 100 projects forward from the center panel portion 112, and is formed with a depth corresponding to this projecting length.

  The upper plate unit 300 is a member having an upper tray 302 for storing game balls, and is attached to the back side of the operation panel unit 122 so as to close the opening 152 between the central panel unit 112 and the operation panel unit 122. The upper tray 302 is formed with a desired depth and an inclination that descends from the left side to the right side in the drawing. On the upper surface of the front wall of the upper plate unit 300, a max bet button 304 constituting a betting operation means is arranged on the left side, and a ball lending button 306 and a card return button 308 are arranged on the right side. A max bet button LED (not shown) is embedded in the max bet button 304. The max bet button LED is for informing the player of a possible betting state of the game ball.

  The upper plate unit 300 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper plate unit 300, FIG. 7A is a plan view of the upper plate unit 300, FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the upper plate unit 300, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a unit 300. FIG. However, in FIG. 8, illustration of the hood part 310 shown in FIG.6 and FIG.7 (A) is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, an upper plate discharge outlet 312 is provided at the left end of the upper surface of the upper plate unit 300. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls to be paid out at one time is larger in the ball-type spinning machine 10 than in a pachinko machine, and the horizontal width of the upper plate payout outlet 312 is increased from the viewpoint of instantly paying out a large number of prize balls. Largely set. In this embodiment, the lateral width H1 at the back of the upper tray payout outlet 312 is not less than the width (about 44 mm) in which four game balls are arranged and not more than the width (about 55 mm) in which five game balls are arranged. The upper dish payout exit 312 has a tapered shape that expands from the back side to the front side, and the lateral width H2 on the front side thereof is a width (about 77 mm) in which approximately seven game balls are arranged.

  Moreover, the upper plate unit 300 includes a hood portion 310 that covers the rear side of the substantially central portion in the front-rear direction. The hood part 310 constitutes an upper part of the back wall of the upper tray 302 and is also a member constituting the bottom part of the central panel part 112. That is, in the present embodiment, a front portion of a later-described spinning drum unit 43 attached to the game block 40 protrudes forward, and the lower portion is covered with the hood portion 310. Then, the back wall of the upper tray 302 is formed at a position deeper than the central panel portion 112, and is located below the rotating drum unit 43. By doing so, even if the forward protrusion length of the upper tray 302 with respect to the outer frame 11 is set to the same level as that of the conventional gaming machine, the depth of the upper tray 302 is increased by the conventional amount. It is configured such that a larger amount of game balls can be stored in the upper receiving tray 302 than in the above game machines.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the upper plate unit 300 includes an upper plate unit main body 320, a hood portion 310 (see FIGS. 6 and 7A) screwed to the upper plate unit main body 320, and a ball lending button 306. A card return button 308, an inner cover 330, an outer cover 340, a CR operation display unit 350, an upper plate ball stopper 360, and an upper plate ball removal operation unit 380.

  The upper tray unit main body 320 is a member having the upper tray 302 as described above, and a plurality of (for example, three) game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c are provided in the downstream portion of the upper tray 302. . The game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c are portions that sequentially guide the game balls to the take-in device 400 in an aligned state. At the front side of the game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c, there is provided an attachment portion 323 for mounting the upper dish ball removal operation portion 380 via the CR operation display portion 350 from the lower side. A rectangular window hole 324, a circular window hole 325, and a pair of recesses 328 and 329 having through holes 326 and 327 at the center are provided on the front side of the mounting portion 323 in order from the left side. The rectangular window hole 324 is for exposing the frequency display portion 352 including a plurality of (for example, three) 7-segment LEDs of the CR operation display portion 350. The circular window hole 325 is for exposing the ball lending button LED 354. The pair of recesses 328 and 329 are portions where the ball lending button 306 and the card return button 308 are attached.

  The inner cover 330 and the outer cover 340 have a pair of holes 332, 334, 342, and 344 for exposing the ball lending button 306 and the card return button 308, respectively. The inner cover 330 is for attaching the buttons 306 and 308 to the recesses 328 and 329 by pressing the flanges 306a and 308a of the buttons 306 and 308 at the peripheral edge portions of the pair of holes 332 and 334, respectively. The outer cover 340 is for restricting the push allowance of each button 306,308, and it is comprised so that the front-end | tip part of each button 306,308 may protrude a little from a pair of holes 342,344. By restricting the allowance of the buttons 306 and 308, the ball lending switch 356 and the card return switch 358 of the CR operation display unit 350 can be prevented from being damaged.

  The CR operation display unit 350 includes the frequency display unit 352, a ball lending button LED 354, a ball lending switch 356, and a card return switch 358. The frequency display unit 352 is a part that displays a frequency corresponding to the remaining amount of the card by inserting the card into a CR unit (not shown) arranged adjacent to the ball-type spinning game machine 10. For example, the value of 1/100 of the remaining amount of the card is displayed as the frequency. The ball lending button LED 354 is a part that notifies the player by lighting that a game ball can be lent. That is, when there is a remaining amount in the card inserted into the CR unit, the ball lending button LED 354 is turned on to inform that the game ball can be lent, and the remaining amount is left in the card inserted into the CR unit. When there is no card, or when no card is inserted in the CR unit, the ball lending button LED 354 is turned off to notify that the game ball cannot be rented. In addition, when the game ball is lent, the ball rental button LED 354 blinks to notify that the game ball is rented, and the operation of the ball rental button 306 is not accepted even in this blinking state. It is supposed to be configured. The ball lending switch 356 is for lending a game ball by pressing a ball lending button 306. The card return switch 358 is for returning a card from the CR unit by pressing the card return button 308.

  The upper plate ball stopper 360 is attached to the lower side of the game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c, and the ball path 402a (402b, 402c) that leads from the game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c to the take-in device 400 ( (See FIGS. 10, 11, and 13). Specifically, when it is necessary to replace the take-in device 400 due to a failure of the take-in device 400 or the like, the ball path 402a (402b, 402c) is closed so that the game ball does not fall from the upper tray 302. belongs to.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the upper plate ball stopper 360. 10 and 11 are longitudinal sectional views of the upper plate ball stopper 360 and the take-in device 400 viewed from the rear side, and FIG. 10 shows a state in which the inlet of the ball passage 402a (402b, 402c) is opened. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the entrance of the ball passage 402a (402b, 402c) is closed. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper dish ball stopper 360 includes a casing 361, a shaft member 362, and a ball stopper member 363363.

  The casing 361 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped box having an open top, and flanges 364 and 365 for screwing to the upper plate unit main body 320 are provided on both sides thereof. A front receiving portion 367 that rotatably supports the distal end of the shaft member 362 is provided on the front wall portion 366 of the casing 361, and a base receiving portion 369 that receives the proximal end side of the shaft member 362 is provided on the rear wall portion 368. It is provided. Further, on the inner bottom surface of the casing 361, intermediate receiving portions 370 and 371 that receive an intermediate portion of the shaft member 362 are provided. Reference numeral 372 in the figure is a stopper protruding rearward from the rear wall 368. The stopper 372 is a part that restricts the rotation of the shaft member 362.

  The shaft member 362 is for sliding the ball stopper member 363363 with respect to the casing 361. An operation handle 373 disposed on the back side of the casing 361 is provided at the base end portion of the shaft member 362. On the front side of the operation handle 373, an arcuate protrusion 374 that is locked by a stopper 372 is provided. Three pairs of pressing portions 375a and 375b are provided at a distal end portion of the shaft member 362 housed in the casing 361 at an interval of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. Each of the pressing portions 375a and 375b is formed in a tongue shape, and protrudes in the radial direction of the shaft member 362.

  The ball stopper member 363363 has blocking portions 376, 376, and 376 for closing the ball passages 402a, 402b, and 402c. In this embodiment, since three game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c are provided in the downstream portion of the upper tray 302, the same three closed portions 376 as the number of game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c are provided. 376 and 376 are provided. The ball stopper member 363363 includes a main body portion 377 slidably fitted to the casing 361, and a pair of pressed portions 378a and 378b provided so as to straddle the shaft member 362 on the lower side of the main body portion 377, The arm 379 has three arms 379, 379, and 379 that protrude from the main body 377 to one side, and a closing portion 376, 376, and 376 that protrudes upward is provided at the tip of each arm 379, 379, and 379.

  In a state where the protruding portion 374 of the shaft member 362 is in contact with the stopper 372 of the casing 361, as shown in FIG. 10, one pressed portion 375a faces substantially in the horizontal direction and one pressed portion of the ball stopper member 363363. Press 378a. At this time, the other pressing part 375b is maintained substantially downward in the vertical direction. When the operation handle 373 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the back of the ball-type spinning game machine 10 from the state shown in FIG. 10, the other pressing portion 375b faces the substantially horizontal direction as shown in FIG. The other pressed portion 378b of 363363 is pressed, and the ball stopper member 363363 slides toward the ball passage 402a (402b, 402c). As a result, the closing portion 376 reduces the size of the entrance of the ball passage 402 and prevents the game ball from passing therethrough. When the operation handle 373 is rotated counterclockwise from the state of FIG. 11, the game ball returns to a state where it can flow into the ball passage 402 as shown in FIG. 10.

  When the entrance of the ball passage 402 is narrowed as shown in FIG. 11, the take-in device 400 can be removed with the game ball stored in the game ball guide path 322a (322b, 322c) as shown in FIG. .

  8 has an upper dish ball removal lever 386 exposed from the small window hole 130 of the operation panel part 122 to the front surface of the ball-type rotary gaming machine 10, and this lever operation causes the upper dish ball removal operation part 380 to move upward. This is for flowing a game ball from the receiving tray 302 to the lower receiving tray 128. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the take-in device 400 is operated by operating the guide passages 404 a, 404 b, 404 c for guiding the game balls from the upper receiving tray 302 to the lower receiving tray 128 and the bet buttons 114, 304. And a take-in passage 406a, 406b, and 406c for collecting the game ball from the ball and discharging it to the outside of the ball-type spinning game machine 10. The upper dish ball removing operation unit 380 moves the return shutter 420 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 to connect or block the ball passage 402a (402b, 402c) and the guide passage 404a (404b, 404c). is there.

  13 and 14 are partial cross-sectional views of the upper dish ball removing operation unit 380 and the take-in device 400. FIG. FIG. 14 shows a state where the ball passage 402a (402b, 402c) and the guide passage 404a (404b, 404c) communicate with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the upper dish ball removing operation unit 380 is erected on the base part 381 and a base part 381 attached to the lower side of the upper dish unit main body 320 via the CR operation display part 350. It has a rotating piece 384 and a pressing piece 385 that rotate about the support shafts 382 and 383, and an upper dish ball removal lever 386 that slides along the front surface of the base portion 381. A connecting portion 384 b that is pivotally attached to the upper dish ball removing lever 386 is provided on the base portion 384 a of the rotating piece 384. Further, the base portion 384 a of the rotating piece 384 is connected to the base portion 381 via the coil spring 387. A bifurcated grip 384 c is provided at the tip of the rotating piece 384. The grip portion 384 c is a portion that slidably grips the convex portion 385 b provided on the base portion 385 a of the pressing piece 385. A pressing portion 385 c that presses the return shutter 420 is provided at the tip of the pressing piece 385. 13 and 14, a coil spring 430 (see FIG. 15) that presses the return shutter 420 toward the pressing piece 385 is stored in the hollow protruding portion 408 of the capturing device 400. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the return shutter 420 has a number of window holes 422a, 422b, 422c corresponding to the game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, 322c, and the side of each window hole 422a, 422b, 422c. Are provided with blocking walls 424a, 424b, 424c that block the ball paths 402a, 402b, 402c and the guide paths 404a, 404b, 404c. In addition, tongue pieces 426a, 426b, and 426c extending toward the spherical passages 402a, 402b, and 402c are provided below the window holes 422a, 422b, and 422c. Each tongue piece 426a, 426b, 426c is a part for guiding a game ball from the ball passages 402a, 402b, 402c to the respective window holes 422a, 422b, 422c.

  The state of FIG. 13 is a state where the upper dish ball removing lever 386 is not operated. That is, the rotating piece 384 is pulled counterclockwise by the coil spring 387, and the pressing piece 385 is pulled clockwise by the rotating piece 384, so that the pressing portion 385c is separated from one end portion of the return shutter 420. State. In this state, the ball passages 402a, 402b, and 402c and the guide passages 404a, 404b, and 404c are blocked by the blocking walls 424a, 424b, and 424c of the return shutter 420, and the guide passages 404a and 404b are cut from the ball passages 402a, 402b, and 402c. , 404c cannot pass the game ball. When the upper plate ball removal lever 386 is picked from the state of FIG. 13 and is moved downward in the drawing (actually, from the right side to the left side when viewed from the front of the ball-type rotary gaming machine 10), as shown in FIG. The rotation piece 384 rotates clockwise in association with the ball removal lever 386, the pressing piece 385 is rotated counterclockwise by the rotation piece 384, and the pressing portion 385c presses the return shutter 420. When the return shutter 420 is pressed by the pressing portion 385c, the ball passages 402a, 402b, and 402c and the guide passages 404a, 404b, and 404c communicate with each other through the window holes 422a, 422b, and 422c of the return shutter 420. A game ball can pass from the passages 402a, 402b, and 402c to the guide passages 404a, 404b, and 404c. When the hand is released from the upper dish ball removing lever 386 in the state of FIG. 14, the return shutter 420 is pressed forward by the coil spring 430, and the state returns to the state of FIG.

  FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the capture device 400 (capture means), and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the capture device 400 viewed from the back side. The take-in device 400 is a device that is attached obliquely below the upper plate ball stopper 360 and takes a predetermined number of game balls stored in the upper plate 302 based on the operation of the bet buttons 114 and 304 by the player. Each time a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are taken in, a start condition for the unit game is established each time, and preparations for starting the unit game are made. At this time, a predetermined number of game balls are taken in and then discharged to the outside of the ball-type spinning game machine 10 through the intake passages 406a, 406b, and 406c.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the take-in device 400 includes a plurality of (for example, three) game ball take-in portions 410a, 410b, and 410c corresponding to the game ball guide paths 322a, 322b, and 322c, and the return shutter described above. 420, a coil spring 430, a return switch board 440, a spring / board cover 450 that has a hollow protrusion 408 and covers the coil spring 430 and the return switch board 440, and a take-in relay terminal board 462 as a relay terminal board cover A take-in relay device 460 covered with 464. This take-in device 400 is configured so that a plurality of game ball take-in portions 410a, 410b, and 410c are provided, so that game balls can be taken in quickly. Note that the game ball take-in portions 410a, 410b, and 410c have substantially the same structure as each other, and the description overlaps, so only the game ball take-in portion 410a on the rearmost side will be described here.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the game ball take-in portion 410a has a resin-made housing made of a casing 411a and a cover 412a, and takes-in flicker that opens and closes a take-in passage 406a formed inside the housing. 413a (opening / closing member), an intake solenoid 414a as an opening / closing drive means for driving the intake flicker 413a, a main sensor 415a (main sensor) and a sub sensor 416a (sub sensor) for detecting a game ball introduced into the intake passage 406a With. The outer surface of the casing 411a is an attachment surface for the cover 412b of the adjacent game ball take-in portion 410b, and the outer surface of the cover 412a is an attachment surface for the spring / board cover 450. Further, when the casings 411a, 411b, and 411c and the covers 412a, 412b, and 412c are assembled, as shown in FIG. The That is, the ball passages 402a, 402b, and 402c are configured by covering the upper portions of the bowl-shaped portions 417a, 417b, and 417c with the bottom portion 320a of the upper plate unit main body 320 as shown in FIGS. On the downstream side of the spherical passages 402a, 402b, and 402c, there are branched portions of guide passages 404a, 404b, and 404c that extend obliquely downward and intake passages 406a, 406b, and 406c that extend in the vertical direction. The intake passages 406a, 406b, and 406c of this embodiment are formed so as to extend vertically downward, but may be formed inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  The intake flicker 413a is a member for opening and closing the intake passage 406a as shown in FIGS. More specifically, the take-in passage 406a is opened by operating the bet buttons 114 and 304 so that game balls can be introduced into the take-in passage 406a, and when a predetermined number of game balls are introduced into the take-in passage 406a, It is a member that blocks the entrance passage 406a and prevents the game ball from being introduced into the entrance passage 406a. In the take-in flicker 413a, a base end side portion 413a1 and a tip end side portion 413a2 are rotatably connected by a support shaft 413a3. The proximal end portion 413a1 and the distal end portion 413a2 of the take-in flicker 413a are rotatably supported by the support shafts 411a1 and 411a2 of the casing 411a, respectively. A grip portion 413a4 for gripping the tongue piece 414a1 of the take-in solenoid 414a is provided at the base end portion of the take-in flicker 413a. In addition, an opening / closing portion 413a5 for opening / closing the intake passage 406a is provided at the leading end of the intake flicker 413a. Note that reference numerals 413b5 and 413c5 in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 indicate the opening / closing portions of the take-in flickers of the game ball take-in portions 410b and 410c, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the intake solenoid 414a is energized by operation of the bet buttons 114 and 304, and contracts the piston 414a2 upward. A knob 414a3 is attached to the tip of the piston 414a2. The knob portion 414a3 has the tongue piece 414a1 extending in the radial direction of the piston 414a2. The piston 414a2 is provided with a coil spring 414a4. The coil spring 414a4 biases the main body portion 414a5 of the take-in solenoid 414a and the knob portion 414a3 in the direction of separating them. That is, when the energization to the intake solenoid 414a is cut off, the piston 414a2 extends downward by the biasing force of the coil spring 414a4.

  When the bet buttons 114 and 304 are pressed, the take-in solenoid 414a is energized, and the piston 414a2 contracts to rotate the proximal end portion 413a1 of the take-in flicker 413a counterclockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the leading end portion 413a2 of the take-in flicker 413a rotates clockwise in the drawing to open the take-in passage 406a, so that the game ball waiting in the ball passage 402a can naturally fall. Conversely, when a predetermined number of game balls are introduced into the intake passage 406a and the energization of the intake solenoid 414a is interrupted, the piston 41a2 is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 414a4 and the proximal end portion of the intake flicker 413a 413a1 is rotated clockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the leading end side portion 413a2 of the take-in flicker 413a rotates counterclockwise in the drawing and closes the take-in passage 406a at the opening / closing portion 413a5, so that the game ball cannot fall naturally.

  The main sensor 415a is disposed in the take-in passage 406a and immediately downstream of the opening / closing portion 413a5 of the take-in flicker 413a, and detects a game ball introduced into the take-in passage 406a. The main sensor 415a has a substantially U-shaped cross section so as to surround the front end portion 413a2 of the take-in flicker 413a, and a light emitting element is provided on either the front side or the back side of the take-in flicker 413a. The photosensor is a kind of optical sensor provided with a light receiving element on the side. In addition, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are provided as a pair in the upper and lower directions and at an interval shorter than the diameter of one game ball. That is, the upper photosensor 415a1 is configured by the upper light emitting element and the light receiving element, the lower photosensor 415a2 is configured by the lower light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the upper and lower photosensors 415a1 and 415a2 are configured. The main sensor 415a is configured. The game ball detection result of the main sensor 415a is used for capture error control and drive control of the capture flicker 413a. It is within a predetermined period that a game ball is detected by the upper photosensor 415a1 and then detected simultaneously by the upper and lower photosensors 415a1 and 415a2, and then only the lower photosensor 415a2 detects the game ball. If it is performed at this time, it is determined that the game ball has been taken in normally. Conversely, when the upper photosensor 415a1 detects the game ball after the predetermined time has elapsed, the lower photosensor 415a2 does not detect the game ball, or the lower photosensor 415a2 detects the game ball. After that, when the game balls are detected simultaneously by the upper and lower photosensors 415a1 and 415a2, and then only the upper photosensor 415a1 is detected, it is determined that there is an abnormality in taking in the game balls. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, take-in error control is performed so that the unit game cannot be started. Further, when the number of game balls detected by the main sensor 415a reaches a predetermined number (for example, 5, 10, or 15), the intake solenoid 414a is de-energized, and the intake flicker 413a receives the intake passage. 406a is closed.

  The sub sensor 416a is arranged to be separated from the main sensor 415a by one or more game balls and detects the game balls introduced into the intake passage 406a. The sub sensor 416a is formed of, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor formed in an annular shape. More specifically, a magnetic field is generated by passing a current through a coil formed so as to surround the hollow portion of the intake passage 406a, and electromagnetic induction generated when a magnetic body such as a game ball passes through the coil. The passage of the game ball is detected by detecting a change in the voltage applied to the coil. In other words, even if the capturing device 400 intercepts the light of the light emitting element that constitutes the main sensor 415a using an unauthorized means and makes it appear that the game ball has passed through the main sensor 415a, the unauthorized means are almost the same as the game ball. If it is not the magnetic body, the game ball detection result by the sub sensor 416a cannot be obtained. The number of game balls detected by the sub sensor 416a is checked against the number of game balls detected by the main sensor 415a. If there is an abnormality in taking in the game ball, take-in error control is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of playing a unit game free of charge while making it appear as if a game ball has been captured by the capture device 400.

  The take-in device 400 also assembles a plurality of game ball take-in portions 410a, 410b, and 410c, inserts a return shutter 420 into each game ball take-in portion 410a, 410b, and 410c, and attaches it to the backmost cover 412a. The attached return switch board 440 is covered with a spring / board cover 450.

  As described above, when the upper tray ball removal lever 386 is operated, the return shutter 420 slides, and the game ball flows from the upper tray 302 to the lower tray 128 through the guide paths 404a, 404b, and 404c. At this time, the return shutter 420 is detected by the return switch board 440, and a state in which the operation acceptance of the bet buttons 114 and 304 is disabled is generated based on the detection signal. At this time, the bet button LED (not shown) is turned off, and the player is informed that the operation of the bet buttons 114 and 304 cannot be accepted.

  The take-in device 400 has a structure in which a plurality of game ball take-in portions 410a, 410b, 410c are assembled and a take-in relay terminal plate 462 attached to one side thereof is covered with a relay terminal plate cover 464. . The take-in relay terminal plate 462 relays signals output from the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a and transmits them to the main controller 45 described later.

(Composition of withdrawal block)
As shown in FIG. 4, the payout block 30 is attached to the front block 20 so as to be freely opened and closed. The opening / closing axis of the payout block 30 is set so as to extend vertically on the left side when viewed from the front of the ball-cylinder gaming machine 10, and the payout block 30 can be sufficiently opened to the rear side with this opening / closing axis as the axis. It has become.

  The payout block 30 is locked to the front block 20 by a door opening / closing mechanism 208. Specifically, the locking claws 212, 212 of the door opening / closing mechanism 208 are locked to the engaging portions 31a, 31a of the payout block 30, and the door key (not shown) is inserted into the door key cylinder 202 and rotated to the left. The latches 212 and 212 are unlocked. Further, the payout block 30 has a one-touch type stopper 31b (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and is also connected to the front block 20 by this stopper 31b.

  FIG. 17 is a rear view of the payout block 30. As shown in the figure, the payout block 30 includes, in the payout block main body 31, a game ball tank 32 for storing game balls for lending and winning balls, a payout device 33 for paying out game balls, and a game ball tank. The tank rail 34 and the case rail 35 for guiding the game ball from the 32 to the payout device 33, the payout relay terminal plate 36, the payout control device 37 for controlling the payout operation of the game ball, and the power source for controlling the power supply of the game ball The control device 38 and a CR unit connection terminal plate 39 for connecting the ball-type rotary gaming machine 10 to the CR unit are attached.

  The payout block main body 31 has a protective cover portion 31c that protrudes rearward at the center and encloses the game block 40. A game ball tank 32, a tank rail 34, a case rail 35, a payout device 33, a payout relay terminal plate 36, a CR unit connection terminal plate 39, a payout control device 37, and a power supply control device so as to surround the protective cover portion 31c. 38 is attached.

  18 is a rear view showing a state in which the payout control device 37 and the power supply control device 38 are removed from the payout block 30, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the payout block 30 as seen from the front side. The broken line in FIG. 18 shows the flow of the game ball from the game ball tank 32. As shown in the figure, the payout block main body 31 has an upper plate guide passage for guiding the game ball from the payout device 33 to the upper tray 302. 31d, a lower tray guiding passage 31e for guiding the game ball from the payout device 33 to the lower tray 128, a discharge passage 31f for discharging the game ball from the payout device 33 to the outside of the ball-type rotating game machine 10, and a take-in device And a discharge bowl 31g for discharging the game ball taken into the machine 400 to the outside of the machine. In the lower dish guide passage 31e, when the upper dish guide passage 31d overflows with game balls, the game balls are introduced from the payout device 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the upper plate guide passage 31 d has an outlet portion 31 d 1 opened on the front side of the discharge block 30, and this outlet portion 31 d 1 is connected to the upper plate discharge port 312 of the upper plate unit 300. Yes. Similarly, the lower dish guide passage 31e has an outlet 31e1 that is open on the front side of the dispensing block 30, and the outlet 31e1 is connected to the lower dish discharging outlet 138 of the front block 20.

  In FIG. 19, reference numeral 31 h denotes a rotating shaft provided at the left end as viewed from the front side of the payout block main body 31. The rotating shaft portion 31h is provided as a pair of upper and lower sides. In each rotating shaft portion 31h, a bracket 31i extends from the payout block main body 31 in a substantially horizontal direction, and protrudes downward from the bracket 31i. The front block 20 is provided with an annular bearing (not shown) into which the rotating shaft portion 31h is dropped, so that the front block 20 and the payout block 30 can be easily attached and detached.

  The game ball tank 32 is a horizontally long box-shaped container that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the game ball circulation facility in the game machine installation island are sequentially replenished. The bottom of the game ball tank 32 is gently inclined. The downstream end of the bottom of the game ball tank 32 is opened to send the game ball to the tank rail 34.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the tank rail 34 is attached below the game ball tank 32 and has, for example, four rows of bowl-shaped passages (not shown). The bowl-shaped passage is gently inclined toward the downstream side. On the tank rail 34, four pendulums 34a and 34b (see FIG. 22) that rectify the game balls so as not to flow due to stacking are attached in two rows and two columns. A ball stop lever 34c for preventing the game ball from flowing from the tank rail 34 to the case rail 35 is attached to the downstream side of the pendulums 34a and 34b.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the case rail 35 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 34. The case rail 35 has a ball passage 35a that is curved to the left and right with wavy undulations so that the game ball does not flow vigorously, and a ball breakage detection device 35b is assembled to the upper portion thereof. The ball breakage detecting device 35b has a case in which there are not enough game balls inside the case rail 35, that is, the ball is clogged upstream from the case rail 35 and the game balls are not sufficiently supplied to the case rail 35. Is detected. Based on the detection signal of the ball break detection device 35b, a ball clogging error is notified. Note that a plurality of case rails 35 (for example, four) are connected in the front-rear direction corresponding to the number of the bowl-shaped passages of the tank rail 34 (see FIG. 22).

  20 and 21 are longitudinal sectional views of the main part of the case rail 35 showing the configuration of the ball breakage detecting device 35b. FIG. 20 shows a state where a sufficient number of game balls are present on the case rail 35, and FIG. Each of the rails 35 shows a state where there is not a sufficient number of game balls.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the broken ball detection device 35b includes a switch piece 35b1 and a broken ball detection switch board 35b2. The switch piece 35b1 is rotatably attached to the case rail 35 by a support shaft 35c. The switch piece 35b1 has a plate-like swinging portion 35b11 that extends downward in the radial direction from the support shaft 35c and can close the ball passage 35a in the case rail 35. Have. The switch piece 35b1 has an eccentric portion 35b12 that is above the support shaft 35c and is biased to one side of the support shaft 35c, and further has a switch portion 35b13 that protrudes to the one side from the eccentric portion 35b12. The ball break detection switch board 35b2 is installed on one side of the switch piece 35b1, and is configured to detect the switch portion 35b13 following the rotation of the switch piece 35b1.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when there are enough game balls in the case rail 35, the swinging portion 35b11 is pushed by the game balls and is directed substantially vertically downward to become the side wall of the ball passage 35a. In this case, the switch part 35b13 is not detected by being separated from the ball break detection switch board 35b2. On the other hand, when ball clogging has occurred on the upstream side of the case rail 35, the game ball is not replenished to the case rail 35 and only the game ball is paid out. As shown in FIG. The game balls will run out. In the case of FIG. 21, the switch piece 35b1 rotates due to the weight of the eccentric part 35b12 and the switch part 35b13, and the ball passage 35a is closed by the swing part 35b11. At this time, the switch part 35b13 is detected by the ball break detection switch board 35b2, and a ball break error is notified based on this detection signal. When the ball clogging on the upstream side of the case rail 35 is eliminated, the game ball flows into the case rail 35, and the swinging portion 35b11 is pressed to return to a normal state in which the switch portion 35b13 is not detected by the ball cut switch substrate 35b2.

  FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the payout device 30 and the mounting bases 36 a and 36 b of the payout relay terminal plate 36 disposed below the payout device 33 are removed from the payout block 30. The payout device 33 is for paying out a predetermined number of game balls by satisfying a predetermined winning condition or by pressing a ball lending button 306 with a card inserted in a CR unit (not shown). In this embodiment, the maximum number of prize balls of the pachinko machine is 15 balls, whereas the maximum number of prize balls of the ball-type spinning game machine 10 is 75 balls, which is a ball-type spinning machine compared to the pachinko machine. From the viewpoint that the maximum number of prize balls of the gaming machine 10 is large, more payout devices 33 are provided than pachinko machines so that prize balls can be quickly paid out. In other words, if the pachinko machine is equipped with two payout devices 33, the game can proceed quickly, but in the case of the ball-type spinning game machine 10, if the number of prize balls is large and all the prize balls are not paid out, In this embodiment, the four payout devices 33 are provided in the front-rear direction to speed up the payout of the winning ball so that the game can proceed without delay.

  The mounting bases 36a and 36b shown in FIG. 22 are divided into two parts, and have ball passages 36a1 and 36b1 connected to the upper plate guide passage 31d and the lower plate guide passage 31e on the left side when viewed from the back side. On the right side, ball passages 36a2 and 36b2 are connected to the discharge passage 31f. The upper part of one of the ball passages 36a1 and 36b1 is slightly inclined toward the upper plate guide passage 31d, so that it is easier to guide the game ball to the upper plate guide passage 31d than the lower plate guide passage 31e. Further, the lower part of one of the ball passages 36a1 and 36b1 is widened in a tapered shape so as to straddle the upper plate guide passage 31d and the lower plate guide passage 31e. The other spherical passages 36a2 and 36b2 are configured such that the spherical passage 36a2 on the back side merges with the spherical passage 36b2 on the front side and continues to the discharge passage 31f on the front side.

  FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the dispensing device 33. As shown in the figure, the payout device 33 has a resin housing including a casing 33a and a cover (not shown), and is provided with a payout flicker 33b and a payout solenoid 33c. A spherical passage 33d is formed inside the casing 33a, and on the downstream side thereof, there is a branching portion of a discharge passage 33e extending substantially vertically downward and a discharge passage 33f extending obliquely downward. A switching piece 33g is disposed at the branch portion, and normally the gaming piece passes through the payout passage 33e while maintaining the switching piece 33g substantially vertically upward.

  The payout flicker 33b is a member for opening and closing the ball passage 33d as shown in FIG. The payout flicker 33b includes a base end portion 33b1 and a tip end portion 33b2 that are rotatably connected by a support shaft 33b3. The proximal end portion 33b1 and the distal end portion 33b2 of the payout flicker 33b are rotatably supported by the support shafts 33a1 and 33a2 of the casing 33a, respectively. A gripping portion 33b4 for gripping the tongue piece 33c1 of the payout solenoid 33c is provided at the base end portion of the payout flicker 33b. An opening / closing portion 33b5 for opening / closing the ball passage 33d is provided at the tip of the payout flicker 33b.

  The payout solenoid 33c is energized by pressing a ball lending button 306 when a predetermined winning condition is satisfied or a card is inserted into a CR unit (not shown), and contracts the piston 33c2 upward. . A knob 33c3 is attached to the tip of the piston 33c2. The knob portion 33c3 has the tongue piece 33c1 extending in the radial direction of the piston 33c2. The piston 33c2 is provided with a coil spring 33c4. The coil spring 33c4 biases the main body portion 33c5 of the payout solenoid 33c and the knob portion 33c3 in the direction of separating them. That is, when the energization to the dispensing solenoid 33c is cut off, the piston 33c2 extends downward by the urging force of the coil spring 33c4.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the ball passage 33d is closed by the opening / closing portion 33b5 of the payout flicker 33b, the ball lending button is met when a predetermined winning condition is satisfied or the number display portion 352 has a remaining number. When 306 is pressed, the dispensing solenoid 33c is energized. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the piston 33c2 contracts to rotate the proximal end portion 33b1 of the payout flicker 33b counterclockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the tip end portion 33b2 of the payout flicker 33b rotates clockwise in the drawing to open the ball passage 33d, so that the game ball can fall naturally. On the other hand, when the discharge solenoid 33c is de-energized, the piston 33c2 is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 33c4, and the proximal end portion 33b1 of the discharge flicker 33b is rotated clockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the tip end portion 33b2 of the payout flicker 33b rotates counterclockwise in the drawing to close the ball passage 33d, and the game ball returns to the state where it cannot fall naturally, that is, the state shown in FIG.

  The payout device 33 is equipped with a count sensor 33h having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The count sensor 33h is arranged immediately downstream of the opening / closing part 33b5 of the payout flicker 33b, and is for counting the game balls falling in the ball passage 33d. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor 33h reaches a predetermined value (for example, 35, 75, 125, or 250), the dispensing solenoid 33c is de-energized and the dispensing flicker 33b passes the ball path 33d. It is configured to close.

  A substantially L-shaped pressing piece 33i for moving the knob portion 33c3 up and down is provided below the dispensing solenoid 33c. The pressing piece 33i is rotatably attached to the support shaft 33a3 of the casing 33a, and presses the knob portion 33c3 upward at the tip end portion 33i1.

  As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 22, a substantially fan-shaped operation lever 33j is disposed outside the casing 33a. In FIGS. 23 and 24, reference numeral 33a4 denotes a rotation shaft of the operation lever 33j. The operating lever 33j is connected to a protrusion 33g1 provided at the intermediate portion of the switching piece 33g and a protrusion 33i2 provided at the base end of the pressing piece 33i. That is, when the operation lever 33j is rotated, the switching piece 33g and the pressing piece 33i are configured to be linked. When the operation lever 33j is operated counterclockwise in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 25, the discharge passage 33e is closed by the switching piece 33g and the ball passage 33d and the discharge passage 33f are communicated. On the other hand, the knob 33c3 of the dispensing solenoid 33c is pushed up by the pressing piece 33i, and the dispensing flicker 33b opens the ball passage 33d. When the operation lever 33j is operated as described above while preventing the game ball from flowing with the ball stop lever 34c provided on the tank rail 34, the game ball on the downstream side of the ball stop lever 34c is It is discharged outside. When the payout device 33 or the case rail 35 breaks down, the payout device 33 or the case rail 35 is discharged in a state in which the downstream game ball is discharged from the ball stop lever 10 from the ball stop lever 34c as described above. Can be replaced.

  Returning to FIG. 17, the payout control device 37, the power supply control device 38, and the CR unit connection terminal plate 39 will be described. The payout control device 37 controls the payout of prize balls and lending balls, and includes a payout control board 37a including a central control CPU, ROM, RAM, various ports and the like as is well known.

  The power supply control device 38 generates and outputs a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control devices. In addition to the power switch 38a, the power controller 38 is provided with a RAM erasing reset switch 38b, a stop changeover switch 38c, and a setting change key cylinder 38d. When the power switch 38a is turned on, it supplies power to each unit including the CPU. When the reset switch 38b is pressed and the power switch 38a is turned on at the same time, the contents of the RAM are reset, and when pressed while the power switch 38a is turned on, various errors are reset. The stop switch 38c is for switching whether or not the game is temporarily stopped at the end of the big bonus. The setting change key cylinder 38d constitutes a setting change device. In the setting change device, the ball turnout rate of the ball-type spinning machine 10 is determined in advance in a plurality of steps (for example, 6 steps), and the ball turnout rate is set in any step. The procedure for changing the setting is as follows. First, with the power switch 38a turned off, a setting change key (not shown) is inserted into the setting change key cylinder 38d and rotated 90 degrees clockwise. In this state, when the power switch 38a is turned on, the current turn-out rate (setting) of the 7-segment LED display 41g (see FIG. 27) on the front of the gaming block 40 described later is a numerical value “1” to “6”. Displayed either. Next, when the reset switch 38b is pushed, the number displayed on the 7-segment LED display unit 41g changes and increases by 1 (however, in the case of “6”, it returns to “1”). When the start lever 124 is pressed in a state where any number from “1” to “6” is displayed on the 7-segment LED display portion 41g, the exit rate (setting) is determined.

  The CR unit connection terminal plate 39 is electrically connected to the ball lending button 306 on the front surface of the ball-type rotating game machine 10 and a CR unit (not shown), and receives a ball lending operation command from the player and pays it out. 37 is output. Note that the CR unit connection terminal plate 39 is unnecessary in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper tray 302 from a ball lending device or the like without using a CR unit.

  The payout control device 37 and the power supply control device 38 are configured such that a control board is accommodated in a substrate case made of a transparent resin material or the like.

(Game block configuration)
As shown in FIG. 4, the game block 40 is attached to the front block 20 so as to be openable and closable. The open / close axis of the game block 40 is the same as the open / close axis of the payout block 30, and, like the payout block 30, the game block 40 is attached by a drop structure so as to be freely openable and closable. The game block 40 has a one-touch type stopper 40a, and is connected and fixed to the payout block 30 by the stopper 40a. A stopper 31j for hooking the stopper 40a is fixed to the payout block 30 side. That is, the game block 40 is configured to be integrated with the payout block 30 and to be opened and closed with respect to the front block 20 and to be rotated forward with respect to the payout block 30 after being disconnected from the payout block 30. The The game block 40 is a main block that forms the core of the ball-type spinning gaming machine 10, and the game block 40 can be replaced by making such a game block 40 easy to attach and detach as described above. By replacing the gaming block 40, it is possible to change to a gaming machine having completely different gaming characteristics, and it is possible to reduce the cost of replacing a new gaming machine.

  FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the game block 40. As shown in the figure, the game block 40 has a game panel 41 exposed from the window hole 102 of the front panel 100. The game panel 41 has a pair of upper and lower window holes 41a and 41b. The upper window hole 41 a is for exposing the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 42 attached to the back side of the game panel 41, and the lower window hole 41 b is also a rotating unit attached to the back side of the game panel 41. 43 is for exposing. A main controller 45 is attached to the back side of the game panel 41 on one side of the spinning unit 43 via a main mounting base 44, and a sub-control is provided behind the liquid crystal display device 42 via a sub mounting base 46. A device 47 is attached. The main controller 45 is arranged in a vertically long shape so as to be orthogonal to the game panel 41. The reason for this arrangement is to save space by effectively using the lateral position of the rotating drum unit 43 formed with a certain depth as the mounting position of the main controller 45. The sub-control device 47 is disposed behind the liquid crystal display device 42 and tilted above the rotating drum unit 43. That is, the upper rear side of the rotating drum unit 43 is inclined, and space can be saved by arranging the sub-control device 47 diagonally along this inclination.

  FIG. 27 is a front view of the game block 40. 27 shows a state in which a plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are attached to the rotating drum unit 43 for convenience and the strip-shaped symbol seals 43L, 43M, and 43R shown in FIG. 28 are removed.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the three spinning cylinders L, M, and R of the spinning cylinder unit 43 are exposed from the lower window hole 41 b of the game panel 41. Specifically, three of each of the symbols of the symbol seals 43L, 43M, and 43R attached to each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R are exposed from the lower window hole 41b. In the figure, nine pairs of left and right LEDs 43L1, 43M1, and 43R1, which are arranged so that the symbols of the symbol seals 43L, 43M, and 43R are easily seen, are exposed in three rows and three columns.

  An active line display 41c is provided on the left side of the lower window hole 41b of the game panel 41. The effective line display section 41c has a 1-bet display section 41c1 disposed at the center, 2-bet display sections 41c2 and 41c2 disposed above and below it, and 3-bet display sections 41c3 and 41c3 disposed at the top and bottom stages. The desired bet display portions 41c1 to 41c3 are turned on according to the betting number of the game balls. Specifically, if the number of bets is 0 to 4 balls, all the lights remain unlit, and if the number of bets is 5 to 9 balls, only the 1-bet display portion 41c1 is lit, and 10 to 14 balls. If there is, the 1-bet display part 41c1 and the 2-bet display parts 41c2 and 41c2 are lit, and if it is 15 balls, all the bet display parts 41c1 to 41c3 are lit. That is, when the 1-bet button 114 is pressed, a maximum of 5 game balls stored in the upper tray 302 are taken into the take-in device 400, and when the 5 game balls are taken in, the 1-bet display portion 41c1 is turned on. . When the 1-bet button 114 is further pressed, the 2-bet display portions 41c2 and 41c2 are turned on when five game balls are similarly taken in. Further, when the 1-bet button 114 is pressed, the 3-bet display portions 41c3 and 41c3 are turned on when five game balls are similarly taken in. When the max bet button 304 is pressed, a maximum of 15 game balls stored in the upper tray 302 are taken into the take-in device 400, and 1 bet display portion 41c1 and 2 bets are displayed each time five game balls are taken in. The portions 41c2, 41c2, and the 3-bet display portions 41c3 and 41c3 are sequentially turned on. When only the 1-bet display part 41c1 is lit, the active line is in the middle row of the upper, middle, and lower three stages, and when the 1-bet display part 41c1 and the 2-bet display parts 41c2 and 41c2 are lit, When the active lines are in the upper, middle, and lower three rows, and all the bet display portions 41c1 to 41c3 are lit, the active lines are the upper, middle, and lower three rows and the diagonal lines in five rows.

  On both sides of the upper window hole 41a of the game panel 41, there are provided accessory spaces 41d and 41e for arranging an unillustrated electric accessory. Further, on the right side of the lower window hole 41b, an accessory space 41f, a 7-segment LED display portion 41g, and an LED display portion 41h are provided in order from the top. The electric accessories arranged in these accessory spaces 41d, 41e, and 41f are used for game effects, confirmation of big bonus or regular bonus, and the like. The 7-segment LED display unit 41g is a part for displaying the number of game balls bet and the number of payouts, an error code, the total number of payouts in the bonus, and six levels of settings when the settings are changed. The LED display unit 41h is provided with four LEDs. Among them, the upper three LEDs constitute a bet number display portion 41h1. The bet number display unit 41h1 displays a bet number within a range of 1 to 3 by turning on LEDs corresponding to the number of game balls taken into the take-in device 400. The remaining one LED is a re-game display unit 41h2. The replay display portion 41h2 lights up when the replay symbols (for example, the 17th symbol of the left symbol seal 43L) are aligned on the active line among the symbols of the symbol seals 43L, 43M, and 43R shown in FIG. It is informed that the unit game can be played without a betting of a game ball. When the start lever 124 is pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the re-game symbols are aligned on the active line, the re-game display portion 41h2 is turned off as the rotating cylinders L, M, and R are rotated.

  Further, the information posting panel (not shown) exposed from the central panel portion 112 is attached below the lower window hole 41b. A stamp 41i and a model name sticker 41j are attached to one end of the information posting panel. Further, as indicated by a broken line, a fluorescent lamp 41k for illuminating the information posting panel from the rear side is disposed inside the information posting panel.

  The liquid crystal display device 42 provides a notification effect for a small role winning during a normal game, a suggestion effect for suggesting that the game state transitions from a normal game state to a bonus state, an effect during a big bonus or a regular bonus, The display of the number of small role games and the number of JAC games, the effect of notifying that a specific game state (for example, an RT state that is easy to win a re-gamer), the timing of pressing the rotation stop buttons 126L, 126M, 126R, This is for performing an effect to notify the pressing order.

  FIG. 29 is a partially exploded perspective view of the rotating drum unit 43. The rotating drum unit 43 has three rotating drums (so-called reels) L, M, and R, and each of the rotating drums L, M, and R is housed in the rotating drum unit frame 43a. Since each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R has the same configuration, the right spinning cylinder R will be described as an example here.

  The right cylinder R is obtained by winding a symbol seal 43R on which 21 symbols (identification elements) are drawn at equal intervals around the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical skeleton member 43R2 forming a cylindrical cage, and the cylindrical skeleton member 43R2 Is attached to the rotation shaft 43R5 of the stepping motor 43R4 for the right turn cylinder via the disk-shaped reinforcing plate 43R3.

  The stepping motor 43R4 for the right swirl is screwed to a motor plate 43R6 that is suspended inside the swivel unit frame 43a. The motor plate 43R6 has a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements. A position detection sensor 43R7 is installed. A pair of photosensors (not shown) constituting the rotation position detection sensor 43R7 are arranged in the sensor casing while maintaining a predetermined interval.

  A sensor cut van 43R9 extending in the axial direction is attached to one of the five vehicle radii 43R8 of the cylindrical skeleton member 43R2. The sensor cut van 43R9 is aligned so that it can pass through the gap between both elements of the rotating cylinder position detection sensor 43R7. Then, every time the right cylinder R makes one rotation, the cylinder position detection sensor 43R7 detects the passage of the tip of the sensor cut van 43R9, and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 45 each time it is detected. Based on this detection signal, the main controller 45 can confirm and correct the rotation angle position of the right cylinder R every rotation. Each of the symbol stickers 43L, 43M, and 43R has a different arrangement order of symbols, and among the plural types of symbols, the number of symbols arranged on the symbol stickers 43L, 43M, and 43R differs. There is also.

  The stepping motor 43R4 is set so that the right cylinder R makes one round by a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse, hereinafter the same), and the rotational position is controlled by this excitation pulse. That is, when the right round cylinder R makes one round, 21 symbols are sequentially exposed from the lower window hole 41b of the gaming panel 41, so 24 pulses (= 504 pulses / 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next. ). Based on the number of pulses from when the detection signal of the rotation position detection sensor 43R7 is output, it is recognized which symbol is exposed from the window hole 41b, or an arbitrary symbol is exposed from the window hole 41b. Control can be performed.

  FIG. 30 is a connection diagram showing the operation principle of the stepping motor 43R4. In this embodiment, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor employing a 1-2 phase excitation method is used as the stepping motor 43R4. The stepping motor 43R4 is not limited to a hybrid type or two-phase, and various stepping motors such as a four-phase or five-phase stepping motor can be used.

  As is well known, the hybrid stepping motor 43R4 includes a rotor (rotor) 60 disposed in the center, and first to fourth poles 601 to 604 disposed around the rotor 60.

  The rotor 60 is composed of a front rotor 60a magnetized to the N pole and a back rotor 60b magnetized to the S pole, and between the teeth (small teeth) provided around the front rotor 60a In addition, it is attached to the rotating shaft 43R5 in a state of being relatively shifted by ½ pitch so that the teeth provided around the back rotor 60b are positioned. A cylindrical magnet (not shown) is attached between the front rotor 60a and the back rotor 60b.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the first and second poles 601 and 603 are bifilar wound with the exciting coils L1 and L3, and the winding end of the exciting coil L1 and the winding starting end of the exciting coil L3 are connected. A predetermined DC power source + B (for example, +24 volts) is applied here. Similarly, excitation coils L2 and L4 are bifilar wound around the second pole 602 and the fourth pole 604, and the winding end of the excitation coil L2 and the winding start end of the excitation coil L4 are connected, and the above-described direct current Power supply + B is applied.

  Here, as described above, an excitation signal is applied to the first excitation coil L1, the first pole 601 is excited to the S pole, and the phase that excites the third pole 603 to the N pole is the A phase. On the contrary, an excitation signal is applied to the third excitation coil L3 to excite the first pole 601 to the N pole, the phase for exciting the third pole 603 to the S pole is set to the A-phase, and the second The excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L2 to excite the second pole 602 to the S pole, the phase for exciting the fourth pole 604 to the N pole is set to the B phase, and the excitation signal is applied to the fourth excitation coil L4. When applied, the second pole 602 is excited to the N pole, and the phase in which the fourth pole 604 is excited to the S pole is referred to as a B-phase.

  In the case of the one-phase excitation drive method, the rotor 60 can be driven to rotate clockwise in the drawing by sequentially applying excitation signals to the A-phase, B-phase, A-phase and B-phase. .

  That is, for example, when the A phase is first energized, the protrusion of the first pole 601 and the teeth of the front rotor 60a that become the S pole, the protrusion of the third pole 603 that becomes the N pole and the teeth of the back rotor 60b, respectively. When attracting by force and then energizing the B phase, the protrusion of the second pole 602 and the teeth of the front rotor 60a that become the S pole, the protrusion of the fourth pole 604 that becomes the N pole and the teeth of the back rotor 60b When attracting each other by the attractive force and then energizing the A-phase, the projection of the first pole 601 that becomes the N pole and the teeth of the back rotor 60b, the projection of the third pole 603 that becomes the S pole, and the projection of the front rotor 60a When the teeth attract each other by the attraction force, and then the B-phase is energized, the protrusion of the second pole 602 and the teeth of the back rotor 60b which are N poles, and the protrusion and front of the fourth pole 604 which is the S pole The teeth of the rotor 60a Each attracted by the suction force. By exciting in this order, the rotor 60 rotates clockwise in FIG. 30 (one-phase excitation drive).

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, 1-2 phase excitation drive that alternately performs 1 phase excitation and 2 phase excitation is adopted. In the 1-2 phase excitation drive, excitation is performed according to the following excitation sequences (excitation order) (1) to (8).

That is, since excitation of only one phase is one-phase excitation, and exciting two phases simultaneously is two-phase excitation, as shown in FIG.
(1) Energize Phase A (1-phase excitation)
(2) Energize both A phase and B phase (2 phase excitation), (3) Energize B phase in the same way,
(4) Energize both B and A-phases,
(5) Energize the A-phase,
(6) Energize both A-phase and B-phase,
(7) Energize the B-phase,
(8) Energize both B-phase and A-phase,
Thereafter, the driving method returns from (8) to (1). By adopting this 1-2 phase excitation drive, the angle change per step is about 0.714 ° per step of 1 phase excitation drive.

  A drive signal (drive signal data) for the stepping motor 43R4 is given to the motor driver 70 as excitation data. This excitation data is stored in the RAM 45a3 of the main control board 45a, and appropriate excitation data is output to the input / output port 45a4 based on a command from the CPU 45a1 (see FIG. 32). The excitation data determines the excitation phase for the stepping motor 43R4, and an excitation signal (current) is supplied to the excitation phase.

  The main control device 45 is responsible for the main control of the ball-type spinning gaming machine 10, and specifically, receives an operation signal of the 1 bet button 114 or the max bet button 304 as a betting operation means and receives the take-in device 400. , And the operation signal of the start lever 124 is received in a state where the number of game balls necessary for the unit game (for example, 15) is captured by the capturing device 400, for example, the winning combination (for example, big bonus combination, regular A bonus combination, various small combinations, a re-playing combination, etc.) and a command signal is issued to the sub-control device 47 and the payout control device 37 based on the lottery result. As shown in FIG. 32, the configuration of the main control unit 45 includes a CPU 45a1 that controls the main control, a ROM 45a2 that stores a game program, a RAM 45a3 that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, and communication with various devices. A main control board 45a including an output port 45a4, a random number generation circuit 45a5 used in various lotteries, a clock circuit 45a6 used for time counting and synchronization, and a transparent resin that accommodates the main control board 45a It consists of a substrate case 45b (45b1, 45b2, see FIG. 26) made of a material or the like.

  Here, the substrate case 45b of the main controller 45 will be described. As shown in FIG. 26, the board case 45b is composed of a board box 45b1 and a box cover 45b2, and houses a main control board 45a for controlling the main game. Since the main control board 45a is likely to be a target for unauthorized modification, the board case 45b is irreversibly sealed by a sealing mechanism, and once opened, it can be easily determined that it has been opened. The sealing mechanism includes a plurality of (for example, four) cover-side sealing portions 45c provided on the box cover 45b2, and a plurality (for example, four) provided on the main mount 44 so as to align with the plurality of cover-side sealing portions 45c. And the sealing pin (not shown) that irreversibly connects the cover-side sealing portion 45c and the base-side sealing portion 44a. The sealing process by the sealing mechanism prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the opening / sealing process again even after the operation. That is, the sealing process of the substrate case 45b is performed by using the pair of sealing portions 44a and 45c in the sealing mechanism. When the substrate case 45b is opened due to a failure of the accommodated main control board 45a, the sealing portions 44a and 45c provided for sealing are destroyed. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the other pair of sealing portions 44a and 45c that are not used for sealing are connected by the sealing pins. A history of opening the substrate case 45b is left depending on the number of the sealing portions 44a and 45c destroyed, and it can be easily found that unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate case 45b. The

  In addition to the main control device 45, the payout control device 37 is also subject to fraudulent activity. In this embodiment, the substrate case of the payout control device 37 is also provided with a sealing mechanism similar to the substrate case 45b of the main control device 45. It is. Here, since the description overlaps, the description regarding the substrate case of the payout control device 37 is omitted.

  The sub-control device 47 turns on / off light-emitting devices (LEDs) (not shown) that are covered with various LED cover portions 104, 108, 110, 148, and 150 for game effects based on command signals issued from the main control device 45. Control of blinking, sound effects generated from the upper and lower speaker units 106 and 204, the display mode displayed on the liquid crystal display device 42, and the like is performed. The configuration of the sub control device 47 is the same as that of the main control device 45. The sub control device 47 includes a CPU for controlling the above various LEDs, the upper and lower speaker units 106 and 204, and the liquid crystal display device 42, as well as a sub control including a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port, and the like. It comprises a control board 47a and a board case 47b (47b1, 47b2) made of a transparent resin material or the like that accommodates the sub-control board 47a.

  In this embodiment, the sealing mechanism is not provided in the substrate case 47b of the sub control device 47, but the sealing mechanism may be provided in the substrate case 47b of the sub control device 47.

(Control system for ball-type spinning machine)
Next, a brief description will be given of the control system of the ball-type rotary gaming machine 10 configured as described above.

  FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a control system of the ball-type spinning machine 10. As shown in the figure, the main control board 45a functions as a control unit configured as a microcomputer centering on a CPU 45a1 as an arithmetic processing unit, and a ROM (or flash memory) 45a2 for storing a processing program, temporarily A working RAM 45a3, an input / output port 45a4, and the like for storing data are connected to the CPU 45a1 via an internal bus.

  The input / output port 45a4 of the main control board 45a detects a reset signal from the reset switch 38b, an on / off signal from the setting key switch 38d1, an operation signal of the bet buttons 114 and 304, and a game ball taken into the take-in device 400. Game ball detection signals from the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c, operation signals for the start lever 124, operation signals for the left, middle, and right rotation stop buttons 126L, 126M, 126R, and rotation position A sensor cut van detection signal from the detection sensors 43L7, 43M7, and 43R7, a game ball detection signal from the count sensor 33h that detects a game ball paid out from the payout device 33, and a ball break detection device 35b that detects a game ball in the case rail 35 A game ball detection signal or the like from is input.

  Further, from the input / output port 45a4 of the main control board 45a, the drive signals of the take-in solenoids 414a, 414b, 414c based on the operation signals of the bet buttons 114, 304 and the take-in based on the count values of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c. For the spinning based on the drive stop signal for the solenoids 414a, 414b, 414c, the drive signal for the stepping motors 43L4, 43M4, 43R4 based on the operation signal for the start lever 124, and the operation signal for the spin stop buttons 126L, 126M, 126R. A drive start signal for the discharge solenoid 33c based on the drive stop signal of the stepping motors 43L4, 43M4, 43R4, the sensor cut-bang detection signal from the rotation position detection sensors 43L7, 43M7, 43R7, and a discharge solenoid 33c based on the count value of the count sensor 33h A driving stop signal is output. In addition, from the input / output port 45a4 of the main control board 45a, various light emitting devices (such as effect contents displayed on the liquid crystal display device 42, sound effects emitted from the speakers 106, 204, and the upper LED cover 104) ( A control signal for controlling lighting / flashing of the LED) is output to the sub-control board 47a.

  The CPU 45a1 described above includes a ROM 45a2 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 45a1 and fixed value data, and a work area that temporarily stores various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 45a2. In addition to the working RAM 45a3 for securing the above, various processing circuits necessary for the ball-type spinning game machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, etc. are built in, as is well known, although not shown. ing.

  The ROM 45a2 and the RAM 45a3 constitute a main memory, and a processing program (including an output control information generation processing program) for executing various processes is stored in the ROM 45a2 described above as a part of the processing program.

  In the RAM 45a3, a plurality of work areas (memory areas) are secured functionally. As is well known, in addition to a stack memory (stack memory area) for storing the value of the program counter provided in the CPU 45a1, in this example, a power failure flag memory 45a31 for storing a power failure flag and a stack pointer are stored. A stack pointer storage memory 45a32, a checksum correction value memory 45a33 that stores a correction value related to a checksum of data stored in the RAM 45a3, a power recovery command buffer 45a34 used for power recovery, and a power recovery command A memory area such as the counter 45a35 is secured.

  The stack pointer storage memory 45a32 set in the RAM 45a3 is a memory for saving and storing the value of the stack pointer in the CPU 45a1 when the power of the ball-type spinning game machine 10 is turned off. The value of the stack pointer is saved in the stack pointer storage memory 45a32 at the beginning of the power failure process. At the beginning of the power recovery process, a return process is performed on the stack pointer, and the value stored in the stack pointer storage memory 45a32 is taken into the stack pointer in the CPU 45a1. The contents of the stack pointer are saved and saved in a stack pointer saving memory 45a32 provided in the backed up RAM 45a3.

  The checksum correction value memory 45a33 in the RAM 45a3 is a memory for storing a correction value for setting the checksum calculated from the data in the RAM 45a3 during power failure processing to “0 (zero)”.

  The power recovery command buffer 45a34 temporarily stores a power recovery processing command (power recovery command) transmitted from the main control board 45a to the sub control board 47a when power is restored (when power is restored or power is turned on again). A buffer to store. The power recovery command is used as a command for notifying the sub control board 47a of the execution of power recovery processing. The power recovery command is transmitted to the sub control board 47a in preference to the general command stored in the RAM 45a3.

  The power recovery command counter 45a35 is a counter that stores the number of bytes of the power recovery command stored in the power recovery command buffer 45a34. The power recovery command has a 2-byte configuration, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 47a in units of bytes in the same manner as other commands (speaker driving commands and the like).

  As will be described later, a backup voltage is supplied to the RAM 45a3 from a power supply control board provided in the power supply control device 38, so that data is not lost even after the power supply of the ball-cylinder gaming machine 10 is cut off. .

  In addition to I / O devices such as the sub-control board 47a, the input / output port 45a4 includes an external centralized terminal board that can transmit information to a hall management device (not shown), and a power failure provided on the power control board. The monitoring circuit 38f, the intake solenoids 414a, 414b, 414c, the payout control board 37a, and the like are connected.

  The power supply control board is equipped with a power supply unit 38e for supplying driving power to the electronic devices of the ball-type rotary gaming machine 10 including the main control board 45a, the power failure monitoring circuit 38f described above, and the like.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 38f monitors the power-off state, and generates a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also when the power switch 38a powers off. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 38f monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 24 VDC output from the power supply unit 38e, and determines that the power is cut off when the drive voltage drops to, for example, less than 22 volts. A signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 45a1 and the input / output port 45a4, and the CPU 45a1 recognizes this power failure signal to execute the power failure process.

  Even when the output voltage drops below 22 volts, the power supply unit 38e is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main control board 45a. As the time during which the stabilization voltage is output, sufficient time is secured to execute the power failure process by the main control board 45a.

  When the reset signal is transmitted from the reset switch 38b at the same time when the stabilization drive voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 38e, the main control board 45a erases the information written in the RAM 45a3 and stabilizes from the power supply unit 38e. If a reset signal is transmitted from the reset switch 38b in a state where the drive voltage is supplied, the error is reset.

  Furthermore, when the power is turned on after the setting key switch 38d1 is turned on when the power is turned off, that is, when the power is turned on after the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder 38d and rotated. A state in which the exit rate of the trunk game machine 10 can be changed occurs. In this state, when a reset signal is transmitted from the reset switch 38b, the bonus probability and the small role probability of the ball-type spinning gaming machine 10 are changed, and the change result is represented by the numbers “1” to “6”. Output to the 7-segment LED display 41g (see FIG. 27). Then, when a setting confirmation signal is received from the start lever 124 in a state where any number of “1” to “6” is displayed on the 7-segment LED display portion 41g, the exit rate of the ball-type rotating game machine 10 Confirm (Setting).

  Next, the control during the game of the ball-type spinning machine 10 will be briefly described.

  When the main control board 45a receives an operation signal for the bet buttons 114 and 304 in a state where the game ball is not betted, the main control board 45a energizes the take-in solenoids 414a, 414b, and 414c to operate the take-in device 400 to a predetermined number. Let's take in the game balls. When a game ball detection signal is output to the main control board 45a from the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c of the take-in device 400, the main control board 45a takes in the game ball by the take-in device 400 Is determined to be normal, and if an affirmative determination (normal determination) is made, a control signal for notifying that preparation for starting a unit game is proceeding smoothly is sent to the sub-control board 47a. Send to. The sub-control board 47a that has received the control signal displays the effective lines of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R by turning on the effective line display unit 41c and displaying the bet number of the game balls by turning on the bet number display unit 41h1. Further, a sound effect for taking in the game ball is output from the speakers 106 and 204. Next, the main control board 45a counts the game ball detection signals from the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c of the take-in device 400 and stops energizing the take-in solenoids 414a, 414b, and 414c when reaching a predetermined number. While taking in the game ball by the take-in device 400 is stopped, a control signal for causing the start lever LED 132 to emit light is output to the sub-control board 47a. The player is notified that the unit game is ready to start by the light emission of the start lever LED132.

  When the main control board 45a receives the operation signal of the start lever 124 in a state where the start lever LED 132 is lit, the main control board 45a transmits the start signal of the stepping motors 43L4, 43M4, 43R4 for the rotating cylinder to the motor driver 70 and the start lever LED 132. A turn-off signal is transmitted to the sub-control board 47a, and a lottery is executed as to whether or not to win a big bonus, regular bonus, small combination or re-playing combination. A random number lottery system is adopted as the lottery system for the roles. That is, when the operation signal of the start lever 124 is received, the main control board 45a generates a random number table in the random number generation circuit 45a5, and the big random number, regular bonus, small combination or re-playing combination is won in the random number table. It is distinguished whether or not. In this embodiment, a composite method is adopted in which both a bonus combination and a small combination can be won in one unit game, but either a bonus combination or a small combination in one unit game is adopted. It is also possible to adopt a single system that can only be won by one side.

  When each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R is rotated at a constant speed after depressing the start lever 124, the main control board 45a outputs a control signal for causing the spinning cylinder stop buttons LEDL, 134M, 134R to emit light to the sub-control board 47a. And when the stop signal of the spinning cylinder stop button 126L, 126M, 126R is received, stop control of each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R is performed based on the lottery result. A maximum of four frames of sliding is allowed for stop control of each of the cylinders L, M, and R. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, the bell symbol (the 16th symbol of the left swirl seal 43L) and the replay symbol (the 17th symbol of the left swirl seal 43L) are arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less. If each winning combination is won, it will be controlled so that it will always be on the active line. On the other hand, cherry symbol (13th symbol of left swirl seal 43L), watermelon symbol (21st symbol of left swirl seal 43L), big bonus symbol (20th “7” symbol of left symbol seal 43L) And the 19th “character” symbol on the left symbol sticker 43L) and the regular bonus symbol (the 14th “BAR” symbol on the left symbol sticker 43L) are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or more. Therefore, even if each winning combination is won, it will not be aligned on the effective line unless the turning stop buttons 126L, 126M, 126R are pressed at a desired timing.

  When a winning combination is won in the drawing of a winning combination, the winning combination is temporarily stored in the main control board 45a. Then, the main control board 45a outputs a winning combination signal to the sub control board 47a. When the sub control board 47a receives the winning combination signal, it selects a certain effect (including no effect) by lottery from a plurality of effects stored in advance, and displays the liquid crystal display device 42, the speakers 106, 204, and the upper LED. An effect is generated by the light emitting device for game effect covered with the cover 104 or the like. When the rotation of the three spinning cylinders L, M, R is started, when one of the three spinning cylinders L, M, R is stopped, two of the three spinning cylinders L, M, R are produced. Or at least one of the timings when the three cylinders L, M, and R are stopped.

  When a small combination is won in the lottery, the main control board 45a receives the sensor cut-bang detection signals of the rotation position detection sensors 43L7, 43M7, and 43R7 after the rotation cylinders L, M, and R stop. It is determined whether or not the desired small role symbols are aligned on the active line. If they are aligned, a game ball payout signal is transmitted to the payout control board 37a and the small control winning prize control signal is transmitted to the sub control board 47a. Send. When the payout control board 37a receives a payout signal from the main control board 45a, the payout solenoid 33c is energized to operate the payout device 33 and pay out a predetermined number of game balls. The game ball detection signal of the count sensor 33h of the payout device 33 is output to the main control board 45a via the payout relay terminal board 36. The main control board 45a receives the game ball detection signal of the count sensor 33h of the payout device 33, counts the payout number of the game balls, and outputs a payout stop signal to the payout control board 37a when the predetermined number is reached. The drive of 33c is stopped. Upon receiving the small role winning control signal, the sub-control board 47a turns on the light-emitting device for game effect, and at the same time as the payout operation of the payout device 33, generates a sound effect of paying out the game ball from the speakers 106 and 204. On the other hand, when the desired small combination symbols are not aligned on the effective line, the payout control signal from the main control board 45a to the payout control board 37a and the small role winning control signal to the sub control board 47a are not transmitted.

  When the re-game combination is won by the combination lottery, the main control board 45a receives the detection signals of the rotation position detection sensors 43L7, 43M7, and 43R7, so that the re-play symbols are aligned on the effective line. M and R stop control is performed. After the spinning cylinders L, M, and R are stopped, the main control board 45a transmits a control signal to the sub-control board 47a so as to generate a sound effect of re-playing role winning from the speakers 106 and 204, and the next unit game. Be prepared for free. That is, the main control board 45a transmits the same control signal to the sub control board 47a as when the game ball is normally taken in by the take-in apparatus 400 without taking in the game ball in the take-in apparatus 400, As described above, the effective lines of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R are displayed by turning on the effective line display unit 41c, and the betting number of the game balls is displayed by turning on the 7-segment LED display unit 41g. After the sound effects are generated from the speakers 106 and 204, the start lever LED 132 is emitted to notify the player that the next unit game is ready to start.

  The unit game starts when the start lever 124 is operated, ends when each of the cylinders L, M, and R stops when the game ball is not paid out, and when the game ball is paid out, the game ball is paid out. It ends when Further, in the unit game won for the small combination or the re-playing combination, the information indicating that the small combination or the re-playing combination is stored in the main control board 45a is erased after the end of the unit game.

  When a big bonus combination or a regular bonus combination is won in the lot drawing, information indicating that the bonus combination is won is temporarily stored in the main control board 45a. Information that the bonus combination is won is carried over until the bonus combination is established and is not deleted from the main control board 45a. If the information indicating that the bonus combination is won is not deleted, it will be carried over to the next unit game, and no bonus combination will be drawn in the next unit game. Is done. When the bonus combination is established, the main control board 45a generates a big bonus game or a regular bonus game that is advantageous to the player.

  Hereinafter, a case where a so-called No. 5 system is adopted as a big bonus game and a regular bonus game will be described, but a system before No. 4 can also be adopted.

  As the big bonus game, a small role game and a JAC game are alternately repeated, and when a predetermined number (for example, 2325) of game balls is paid out, a predetermined number (either a small role game or a JAC game) For example, there are types that end when 2325 gaming balls are paid out, and any type may be adopted. Here, the small role game refers to a plurality of unit games advantageous for the player, which are played with 15 balls and improve the lottery probability of the small role. A JAC game is a multi-player game that is played with 5 balls and allows JAC symbols (for example, replay symbols, etc.) to be easily aligned on the middle line, and is determined on the condition that the JAC symbols align on the middle line. A number of game balls (for example, 75 balls) are paid out. In the type in which the small role game and the JAC game are alternately repeated, the JAC game enters the JAC game on condition that JAC game entry symbols (for example, replay symbols, etc.) are aligned on the active line during the small role game. In addition, the JAC game ends with a predetermined number (for example, 12 times) of the game or a predetermined number (for example, 6 times or 8 times) of winning.

  As a regular bonus game, a type that ends when one JAC game is completed, or a type that ends when a predetermined number (for example, 450, 600, etc.) of game balls is paid out in either the small role game or the JAC game. Any type may be adopted.

  After the end of the big bonus game or the regular bonus game, the player enters the RT state. The RT state means a state in which it is very easy to win a re-playing role, until a predetermined number of unit games (for example, 0 times, 30 times, 60 times, 100 times, 1000 times, etc.) or until the next bonus role. Continue until the unit game won. These sorts can be determined by the types of big bonus symbols and bonuses. For example, a first big bonus combination (for example, a set of three “7” symbols) set with an RT state of 100 unit games and a second big bonus combination (for example, a set of three “7” symbols) ( For example, a random number range of “Character” symbols is set separately, and a lottery is performed as completely different roles internally, and only one of “7” symbol or “Character” symbol is arranged based on the lottery result. Not to be controlled. The bonus game based on the first big bonus combination and the second big bonus combination may be played under the same conditions (the winning probability of the small combination and the maximum number of game balls to be paid out are the same). It may be performed under different conditions.

  While the overall configuration of the ball-type spinning machine 10 has been described above, the characteristic portions of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

  As described in [0072] to [0081], the ball-cylinder gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is provided on the downstream side of the upper tray 302 that stores the game ball, and the 1-bet button 114 or the maximum by the player. A take-in device 400 that takes in a predetermined number of game balls stored in the upper tray 302 based on the operation of the bet button 304 is provided. As shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of intake devices 400 are provided side by side in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in the figure) and extend in the up-down direction, and the intake passages 406a, 406b, 406c. Main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c for detecting the introduced game balls, and are provided below each main sensor 415a, 415b, and 415c with an interval of one or more game balls, and the respective intake passages 406a and 406b , 406c, sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c for detecting game balls, and intake flickers 413a, 413b, 413c for opening and closing the intake passages 406a, 406b, 406c above the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c, respectively. 413c. Each main sensor 415a, 415b, 415c is composed of a pair of photosensors 415a1, 415a2, 415b1, 415b2, 415c1, 415c2 arranged in the vertical direction at intervals of less than one game ball, and each sub sensor 416a, 416b, Reference numeral 416c is a magnetic sensor. In addition, the code | symbol B1, B2, B3, B4 in the figure has shown the game ball which falls the taking-in channel | path 406a.

  FIG. 34 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the function of the main controller 45 that controls the capture device 400. In FIG. 34, other functions than the function for controlling the take-in device 400 (for example, a lottery function for a combination, a function for controlling driving stop of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R, and a function for determining success or failure of a winning combination) Etc.) is omitted. As shown in the figure, the main control device 45 uses the take-in control means 501 for controlling the take-in device 400, more specifically, the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c. On the basis of this, there is an acquisition control means 501 for controlling the driving of the acquisition flicker 413a.

  The take-in control means 501 includes an open / close control means 502, a first count means 510, a second count means 520, a count control means 530, and a take-in error control means 540 as main components. Hereinafter, functions of each component of the capture control unit 501 will be described. These functions are functions achieved by the CPU 45a1, the ROM 45a2, the RAM 45a3, and the like mounted on the main control board 45a.

  The opening / closing control means 502 controls the intake solenoids 414a, 414b, 414c to open / close the intake passages 406a, 406b, 406c by the intake flickers 413a, 413b, 413c. Specifically, before the unit game is started, the bet buttons 114 and 304 are in a state where a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls necessary for starting the unit game has not been taken in by the take-in device 400. Based on the operation, the intake solenoids 414a, 414b, 414c are controlled to open the intake passages 406a, 406b, 406c, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are taken into the take-in device 400. Alternatively, the intake solenoids 414a, 414b, and 414c are controlled to close the intake passages 406a, 406b, and 406c based on the occurrence of an abnormality when the intake device 400 takes in the game ball. Note that the opening / closing control means 502 has a bet button 114 between the time when a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls necessary for starting a unit game is taken into the take-in device 400 until the end of the unit game. , 304 are not controlled to open the intake passages 406a, 406b, 406c.

  The first counting means 510 counts the number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c. In this embodiment, since a plurality of main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c are provided, the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c (hereinafter, the game ball detection of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c). Called the total number). That is, every time a game ball is normally detected by any of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c, the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c is increased by one, and the main sensors 415a, 415b , 415c, the detection result is not counted. When the total number of detected gaming balls counted by the first counting means 510 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 15), the opening / closing control means 502 causes the intake solenoids 414a, 406a, 406c, occluding the intake passages 406a, 406b, 406c. Control of 414b and 414c is performed. Note that whether or not the game ball is normally detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c is determined by a passage determination unit 541 described later.

  The second counting means 520 counts the number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c. Specifically, the number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c in a countable state that continues for a predetermined period at a maximum after obtaining a normal game ball detection result by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c is counted. In this embodiment, a plurality of sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c are provided, and a countable state is set for each of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c, so that the second counting means 520 includes each sub-sensor 416a, 416b, The total number of game balls detected by each of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c in the countable state of 416c (hereinafter referred to as the total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c) is counted. The countable states of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are generated on condition that the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c corresponding to the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c detect the game ball normally, and the sub-sensors 416a , 416b, 416c, the main sensor 415a, 415b, 416c corresponding to each sub-sensor 416a, 416b, 416c, or the main sensor 415a, 415b, The process is terminated on condition that the game ball detection result by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is obtained within a predetermined period after the normal game ball detection result by 415c is obtained. In other words, the second counting means 520 is configured so that the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416b are based on the result of detection of the game balls by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c during the period when any of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c can be counted. , 416c is effective to increase the total number of detected game balls. Further, the period from when the bet buttons 114 and 304 are operated until the countable state of any of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is invalid, and the game ball detection result of any of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. Even if obtained, the total number of detected game balls of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c does not increase. Furthermore, a game ball by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c after the countable state of any of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is ended and the countable state of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is resumed. Even if the detection result is obtained, the total number of detected game balls of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c does not increase.

  The count control means 530 controls generation / termination of a countable state. Specifically, the second counting means 520 determines the number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c based on the normal game ball detection results by the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c. While a countable state is generated, a predetermined period elapses after a normal game ball detection result by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c is obtained, or a normal game ball by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c The sub sensors 416a, 416b are satisfied based on whether one of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c detects the game ball within a predetermined period after the detection result is obtained. , 416c countable state It is intended to terminate the. That is, the counting control means 530 determines whether or not the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are countable based on the game ball detection result of any of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c, and is capable of counting. Only when the affirmative determination is made, the second counting means 520 is operated.

  The count control means 530 in this embodiment includes a time measuring means 531a, a time measuring operating means 532, a time measuring operation determining means 533, and a time stopping means 534 in order to achieve the above function.

  The time measuring means 531a measures a predetermined period in which the countable state can be continued, and stops by measuring the predetermined period. In this embodiment, since there are a plurality of combinations of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c, the time measuring means 531a has a predetermined period in which the countable states of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c can be continued. A plurality of timers 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are provided so that they can be measured separately. Each of the timers 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 includes a timer counter that counts up or down a counter value based on, for example, a pulse signal output at a predetermined cycle from the clock circuit 45a6.

  The time measuring operation means 532 operates the time measuring means 531a based on the normal game ball detection result by the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c. In this embodiment, the timing means 531a has a plurality of timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3, so that the timing corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c is based on the normal game ball detection results by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c. The parts 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 are actuated.

  The timekeeping operation determining means 533 determines whether or not the timekeeping means 531a is operating based on the game ball detection results of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. In this embodiment, based on the game ball detection results of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c, it is determined whether or not the timing units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c are operating. . For example, the timekeeping operation determination unit 533 reads the counter values of the timekeeping units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c that have detected the game balls, and determines whether or not the counter values are initial values. . If the counter value is not the initial value, an affirmative determination is made that the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 are operating. If the counter value is the initial value, the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 are not operating. A negative decision is made. The game ball detection signal output from each of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c is input from a separate terminal of the input / output port 45a4, and is a signal output from any of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c. It is possible to identify whether there is.

  The timing stop means 534 stops the timing means 531a based on the positive determination of the timing operation determination means 533. In this embodiment, the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c that have detected the game ball that triggers the affirmative determination based on the positive determination of the timing operation determination unit 533 are provided. It is supposed to stop. Note that the timing stop means 534 in this embodiment has not only a stop function that simply stops the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3, but also a reset function that returns the counter values of the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 to initial values. Have.

  The counting control unit 530 configured as described above operates the second counting unit 520 based on the affirmative determination of the time counting operation determination unit 533. That is, the affirmative determination of the time counting operation determination unit 533 that the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c that have detected the game balls that act as the operation trigger of the time counting operation determination unit 533 is operating is This corresponds to the determination result that the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are in a countable state. Based on the affirmative determination, the second counting means 520 operates to increase the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. On the contrary, the negative determination of the time measuring operation determining means 533 that the time measuring sections 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c that have detected the game ball that becomes the operation trigger of the time measuring operation determining means 533 is not operating. Corresponds to a determination result that the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are in a non-countable state. If the negative determination is obtained, neither the second counting means 520 nor the timing stop means 534 operates.

  The take-in error control means 540 determines whether or not the game ball has been normally taken into the take-in device 400, and performs take-in error control when there is an abnormality in taking in the game ball. The capture error control means 540 in this embodiment includes a passage determination means 541 and a count comparison means 542 as means for determining whether or not a game ball has been normally captured by the capture device 400.

  The passage determination means 541 determines whether or not a game ball is normally detected by each main sensor 415a, 415b, 415c. Specifically, a pair of photosensors (415a1, 415a2), (415b1, 415b2), (415c1, 415c2) constituting the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and a pair of photosensors (415a1, 415a2) , (415b1, 415b2), (415c1, 415c2) whether or not the game balls are normally detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c based on whether or not the game balls are detected within a predetermined period. Determine.

  Each photosensor (415a1, 415a2), (415b1, 415b2), (415c1, 415c2) outputs an L level signal when no game ball is detected, for example, as shown in FIGS. 35 (A) to (C). An H level pulse signal is output when a game ball is detected. Since the pair of photosensors 415a1 and 415a2 are arranged with an interval less than one game ball, when the game ball normally passes through the main sensor 415a, as shown in FIG. From the non-detection state in which the photosensors 415a1 and 415a2 output an L level signal, the upper detection state in which only the upper photosensor 415a1 outputs an H level pulse signal (for example, a game indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 33) Next, the upper and lower photosensors 415a1 and 415a2 output overlapping H level pulse signals (for example, a game ball indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 33). In a lower detection state in which only the lower photosensor 415a2 outputs an H level pulse signal (for example, a broken line in FIG. 33). Return to a non-detection state after becoming detected and that state) the game ball illustrated. Reference numeral T1 in the drawing indicates a period of the upper detection state, which is a period from when the upper photosensor 415a1 detects the game ball to when the lower photosensor 415a2 detects the game ball. Similarly, symbol T2 in the figure indicates the period of the overlap detection state, which is a period from when the lower photo sensor 415a2 detects a game ball until the game ball detection by the upper photo sensor 415a1 ends. Yes, symbol T3 in the figure indicates the period of the lower detection state, and the period from the end of the game ball detection by the upper photosensor 415a1 to the end of the game ball detection by the lower photosensor 415a2 It is.

  In this embodiment, when a pulse signal as shown in FIG. 35 (A) is output from any of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c within a predetermined period T0, the main sensor 415a, 415b, and 415c normally plays a game. The passage determination means 541 makes an affirmative determination that a sphere has been detected. Each time the passage determination unit 541 makes an affirmative determination that one of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c has detected a game ball normally, the above-described first counting unit 510 includes the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c. The total number of detected game balls is increased by one.

  In this embodiment, pulse signals output from the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c are input from separate terminals of the input / output port 45a4. Thereby, the passage determination means 541 can also identify which main sensor 415a, 415b, 415c has detected a game ball. Accordingly, when the passage determination unit 541 makes an affirmative determination that any of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c has detected the game ball normally, the time-counting operation unit 532 causes the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c to Corresponding timers 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 can be operated.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 35B and 35C show the pulse signal output from the main sensor 415a when the passage determining means 541 makes a negative determination that the game ball is not normally detected by the main sensor 415a, for example. An example is given. In FIG. 35B, the transition is made in the order of the non-detection state, the lower detection state, the overlap detection state, the upper detection state, and the non-detection state. That is, FIG. 35B shows a case where a game ball or something used for fraud (hereinafter referred to as a game ball or the like) flows back through the intake passage 406a from the bottom upward and passes through the main sensor 415a. The example of the pulse signal output from the main sensor 415a is shown. In FIG. 35C, as in FIG. 35A, the transition is made in the order of the non-detection state, the upper detection state, the overlap detection state, the lower detection state, and the non-detection state. The period from the detection of the game ball to the end of the detection of the game ball by the lower photo sensor 415a2 exceeds the predetermined period T0. That is, FIG. 35C illustrates an example of a pulse signal output from the main sensor 415a when a game ball or the like passes through the main sensor 415a at a speed that is extremely slower than natural falling. If the passage determination unit 541 makes a negative determination based on such a pulse signal, the first counting unit 510 does not count the detection of the game ball by the main sensor 415a that has made the negative determination. In addition, the capture error control means 540 performs capture error control.

  The count comparison unit 542 compares the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c counted by the first count unit 510 with the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c counted by the second count unit 520. It is determined whether or not they match. Specifically, the total number of game balls detected by the second counter 520 is a predetermined number after a predetermined period has elapsed since the total number of game balls detected by the first counter 510 reaches the predetermined number. It is determined whether or not. In this embodiment, every time five game balls are taken into the take-in device 400, the display mode of the active line display unit 41c and the bet number display unit 41h1 is changed. The above determination is made at each stage after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the total number of detected game balls counted by the first counting means 510 reached 5, 10, and 15. The count comparison means 542 makes an affirmative determination that the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c matches the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c at each stage, thereby providing a unit game. It is determined that all of the game balls that have been played have been successfully captured. By obtaining such a determination result, the unit game is controlled based on the operation of the start lever 124. Conversely, if at any stage a negative determination is made that the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c do not match, The error control means 540 performs capture error control when the negative determination is made.

  That is, the take-in error control means 540 is counted negatively by the passage determining means 541 that the main sensor 415a, 415b, or 415c has not detected a game ball normally or by the first counting means 510. Based on a negative determination of the count comparison means 542 that the total number of detected game balls and the total number of detected game balls counted by the second counting means 520 do not match, the take-in error control is performed.

  In addition, the take-in error control is performed by forcibly stopping the take-in device 400 in operation and from when the take-in device 400 starts to operate based on the operation of the 1 bet button 114 or the max bet button 304 until an abnormality occurs. During this period, the total number of detected game balls counted by the first counting means 510 and the second counting means 520 is reset so that the take-in device 400 does not operate even if the bet buttons 114 and 304 are operated. This is control for rejecting acceptance of operation signals from the bet buttons 114 and 304. When the take-in error control is performed, the game ball cannot be bet and the unit game cannot be started unless the reset switch 38b of the power supply control device 38 is operated to cancel the take-in error control.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the timing charts shown in FIGS. In the following description, when the max bet button 304 is operated, 15 game balls provided for the unit game are taken into the respective take-in passages 406a, 406b, and 406c. As a result, the main sensor The case where five game balls are detected by the 415a and the sub sensor 416a will be described as an example, and the case where the game ball is detected by the other main sensors 415b and 415c and the other sub sensors 416b and 416c, or one bet button The description of the case of operating 114 is omitted because it is redundant.

FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing a case where a game ball is normally taken into the take-in device 400. FIG. 36A is a diagram showing a game ball detection state and a non-detection state by the main sensor 415a. An H-level pulse signal is output from the main sensor 415a in the game ball detection state, and an L level in the non-detection state. Is output. In FIG. (A), the main sensor 415a is completed the detection of a game ball at time _t 1 ~t _5. In FIG. 5A, if either one of the pair of photosensors 415a1 and 415a2 is in the detection state, the game ball is detected, and the game ball is detected by the main sensor 415a at each of the times t _{1 to} t ₅ . It is assumed that the detection has been performed normally. FIG. 36B is a diagram showing a game ball detection state and a non-detection state by the sub sensor 416a, as in FIG. In FIG. 5B, the sub sensor 416a starts detecting the game ball at time t ₁ ′ to t ₇ ′. FIG. 36C shows the countable state and the non-countable state of the sub sensor 416a when the game ball detection signal is output from the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a at the timings shown in FIGS. It is a figure which shows a transition. FIG. 4D shows the transition of the number of detected game balls by the main sensor 415a counted by the first counting means 510 and the number of detected game balls by the sub sensor 416a counted by the second counting means 520. FIG. In FIG. 4D, only the number of game balls detected by the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a is shown in the frame, but actually, the games of the other main sensors 415b and 415c and the other sub sensors 416b and 416c are shown. The total number of detected game balls is calculated by adding the number of detected balls.

When the bet button 304 at time _{t 0} is operated, the switching control means 502 take-passage 406a, 406b, taking the solenoid 414a to open 406c, 414b, and controls the 414c. Thereby, a game ball is introduced into each intake passage 406a, 406b, 406c. Further, based on the operation of the bet button 304, the capture control means 501 sequentially reads out the signals output from the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c from the input / output port 45a4 in a predetermined cycle, Based on the fact that a game ball detection signal is input to the input / output port 45a4 from any of the sensors, the capture process is performed.

Are game balls introduced into intake passage 406a passes through the main sensor 415a, when the main sensor 415a at time _{t 1} is terminated detection of the game ball, passage determination unit 541, as described above, the main sensor 415a To determine whether or not the game ball is normally detected. Based on the affirmative determination of the passage determination unit 541, the first counting unit 510 increases the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c, and the timing operation unit 532 counts the time corresponding to the main sensor 415a. The part 531a is operated. Thus, starting the count state of the sub sensor 416a that continues for a predetermined time period t at the maximum from the time t _1. In FIG. 36 (D), it indicates the number of game balls detected by the main sensor 415a which is counted by the first counting means 510 at time t _1, to 1 the gaming ball detection number from 0 To increase.

  In this embodiment, the countable state is generated based on when the main sensor 415a finishes detecting the game ball, but the count is based on when the main sensor 415a starts detecting the game ball. A possible state may be generated. That is, in the present embodiment, the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a are arranged in the vertical direction with one or more game balls spaced apart, so that the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a can simultaneously detect one game ball. In the state where it has not been determined whether or not the game ball has passed the main sensor 415a normally, the detection of the game ball by the sub sensor 416a or the game ball by the sub sensor 416a when the countable state has occurred. This is because there is no inconvenience that the detection of the above has started.

When the sub sensor 416a starts detecting the game ball at time t ₁ ′, the time measuring operation determining means 533 determines whether or not the time measuring unit 531a corresponding to the sub sensor 416a is operating. The time t ₁ ′ is a time before a predetermined period t has elapsed from the time t ₁ when the main sensor 415a has finished detecting the game ball, and the game ball by the sub sensor 416a is between the time t ₁ and the time t ₁ ′. Since the detection result has not been obtained, the time measuring unit 531a is in an operating state. Therefore, when the detection of the game ball by the sub sensor 416a is started at time t ₁ ′, the time counting operation determination means 533 makes an affirmative determination. Based on the determination result, the second counting unit 520 increases the total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c, and the timing stop unit 534 stops the timing unit 531a corresponding to the sub-sensor 416a. As a result, the countable state, which began from the time t ₁ and ends at time t _{1 '.} In FIG. 36D, the number of detected game balls by the sub sensor 416a counted by the second counting means 520 is shown, so that the number of detected game balls is changed from 0 to 1 at time t ₁ ′. To increase.

Main sensor 415a is completed also detection of a game ball at time _t 2 ~t _5, as in the case of time _{t 1,} first counting means 510 at each time _t 2 ~t ₅ main sensor The total number of game balls detected by 415a, 415b, and 415c is increased, and the timing actuating means 532 activates the timing unit 531a to generate a countable state of the sub sensor 416a.

On the other hand, sub-sensor 416a is started to detect the game ball at time _{t 2} '~t _7'. The game ball detected by the sub sensor 416a at the time t ₁ ′ to t ₃ ′ is a normal ball that falls from the top to the bottom of the take-in passage 406a, but is detected by the sub sensor 416a at the time t ₄ ′ to t ₇ ′. The game balls include a normal ball and a rebound ball that flows backward from the intake passage 406a upward from the bottom. That is, at the beginning of introducing the game ball into the intake passage 406a, there is no game ball that passes through the intake passages 406a, 406b, and 406c and stays below the intake passage 406a. It is unlikely that a rebound ball will be detected, and many of the rebound balls are sub-sensors after several or more of the 15 game balls provided for a unit game have passed through the intake passages 406a, 406b, and 406c. It is considered to be detected at 416a.

When the sub sensor 416a detects a game ball at time t ₂ ′ to t ₄ ′, t ₆ ′, the second counting means 520 detects the game ball by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c as in the time t ₁ ′. Increase the total number. On the other hand, the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at the time t ₅ ′ or the time t ₇ ′, and based on the detection result, the timing operation determination unit 533 activates / deactivates the timing unit 531a corresponding to the sub sensor 416a. Is determined, a negative determination is made that the timekeeping unit 531a is inactive. In other words, countable state of the sub-sensor 416a for counting actuating means 532 based on the gaming ball detection result of the main sensor 415a is generated by operating the clock unit 531a at time _{t 4,} the period from time _{t 4} to time _{t 5} ' The sub-sensor 416a detects the game ball at time t ₄ ′ included in the time, and the time-stopping means 534 stops the time-measurement unit 531a based on the detection result. Since the game ball detection result by the main sensor 415a is not obtained during the period from the time t ₄ ′ to the time t ₅ ′, the sub sensor 416a plays the game from the time t ₄ ′ when the time measuring stop unit 534 stops the time measuring unit 531a. During the period up to the time t ₅ ′ when the sphere is detected, the time measuring operation means 532 does not operate the time measuring unit 531 a and the non-countable state is maintained from the time t ₄ ′ to the time t ₅ ′. Therefore, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a game ball at time t ₅ ′ in a non-countable state, the time counting operation determination means 533 makes a negative determination. At time t ₇ ′, the time measuring operation determining means 533 makes a negative determination for the same reason as at time t ₅ ′. If the time counting operation determining means 533 makes a negative determination, neither the second counting means 520 nor the time measuring stopping means 534 operates, so that the second counting means 520 plays the game of the sub-sensor 416a at time t ₅ ′ and time t ₇ ′. The ball detection result is not counted, and the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is not increased. The time t ₅ ′ is the time after a predetermined period t has elapsed from the time t ₄ when the game ball detection result by the main sensor 415a is obtained, while the time t ₇ ′ is the game ball detection by the main sensor 415a. the result is a time before the expiration of the predetermined time period t from the time t ₅ obtained.

  Thus, based on the game ball detection result by the main sensor 415a, a countable state is generated in which the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor 416a corresponding to the main sensor 415a is counted by the second counting means 520, while the main sensor The total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c is increased in the second counting means 520 based on the fact that the sub sensor 416a detects the game balls before the predetermined period t has elapsed since the game ball detection result of 415a is obtained. Since the sub sensor 416a is configured to end the countable state, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a rebound ball, the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c Match the total number of detected game balls Kill.

Here, as shown in FIG. 36 (D), when the main sensor 415a detects a game ball at time _{t 2,} the main sensor 415a, 415b, when the gaming ball detection Total 415c has reached 5, from the time _{t 2} at a predetermined time step t has elapsed, the count comparator 542, a main sensor 415a, 415b, and gaming ball detection total 415c, sub-sensor 416a, 416b, one by matching the gaming ball detection total 416c Determine whether you are doing it. When the count comparison means 542 makes an affirmative decision that the total number of detected game balls matches, a control signal is output from the main control board 45a to change the display mode of the active line display unit 41c and the bet number display unit 41h1. And the taking-in operation of the game ball by the take-in device 400 is further continued.

The comparison determination of the total number of game balls detected by the count comparison unit 542 is also performed when the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c reaches 10 and 15. In FIG. 36D, for example, during the period from time t ₃ to time t ₃ ′, one of the other main sensors 415b, 415c detects the game ball, and the game of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and if the sphere detection total reaches 10 detects main sensor 415a is a game ball at time _{t 5,} taking the main sensor 415a, 415b, a case where a game ball detection total 415c reaches 15 examples Yes. In each comparison determination of the total number of game balls detected, the counting comparison means 542 makes an affirmative determination, so that all 15 game balls provided for the unit game are normally captured by the capturing device 400. No take-in error control is performed.

  Next, a case where the capture error control is performed will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 37A to 37D are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 36A to 36D and show only a part that causes the capture error control.

After the maximum bet button 304 is operated, the game ball detection counted by the first counting means 510 and the second counting means 520 until the main sensor 415a detects the n-th game ball at time t _n . The total number is both (n-1). When the main sensor 415a at time _{t n} to detect the n-th game ball, the first counting means 510 increases the number of gaming balls detected from (n-1) to n, clock section 531a from the time _{t n} Begins to operate, and the sub sensor 416a is ready for counting. If the game ball detection result by the sub sensor 416a is not obtained in the period from the time t _n to the time (t _n + t), the time measuring unit 531a stops at the time (t _n + t), and the sub sensor 416a can count. finish. When the sub sensor 416a detects the nth game ball at the time t _n ′ included in the period from the end of the countable state of the sub sensor 416a to the next time the main sensor 415a detects the game ball, the time sensor is activated. The determination unit 533 makes a negative determination that the time measuring unit 531a is inactive. By such a negative determination, the second counting means 520 does not operate, and the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c is maintained at (n-1). Then, when the total number of detected game balls reaches any one of 5, 10, and 15, and the count comparison means 542 performs a comparison determination of the total number of detected game balls, the total number of detected game balls of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c, and the sub sensor A negative determination is made that the total number of detected game balls 416a, 416b, and 416c does not match. The take-in error control means 540 performs take-in error control based on the negative determination made by the count comparison means 542.

  A predetermined period t (for example, 370 mmsec) in which the countable state can be continued is a delay period in a required period for natural fall (for example, 300 mmsec) required for the game ball that naturally falls to reach the sub sensor 416a after passing through the main sensor 415a. (For example, 70 mmsec) is set. By adding a delay period, the game ball is allowed to fall in the intake passage 406a at a speed slightly slower than the natural fall speed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37, when the sub sensor 416a does not detect a game ball within a predetermined period t after the main sensor 415a detects a game ball, the game ball falls at a speed much slower than the natural fall speed. Since this is an unnatural situation, the capture error control is performed.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, unless the unnatural situation as described above occurs, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a rebound ball, the game ball detection of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c. Since the total number and the total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c can be matched, the acquisition error control based on the multiple detection of the normal ball and the rebound ball by the sub-sensor 416a is suppressed, and the smooth game progress is maintained. can do.

                          [Second Embodiment]

  Next, a second embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. Note that the same parts as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail.

  The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the determination method regarding the operation / non-operation of the time measuring unit 531a by the time measuring operation determining unit 533. In the following description, this difference is described. The explanation is centered.

  FIG. 38 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing functions of the main controller 45 that controls the game ball take-in device 400 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment is different from the gaming machine according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the counting control means 530. The explanation will be focused on.

  The count control means 530 of this embodiment includes a timekeeping means 531a, a timekeeping operation means 532, a timekeeping operation determination means 533, and a timekeeping stop means 534, and further includes a timekeeping information storage means 535 and a timekeeping information control means 536.

  The time information storage means 535 stores time information regarding the operation / non-operation of the time measuring means 531a. The time information storage means 535 is constituted by, for example, a storage area allocated to the RAM 45a3, and stores operation information suggesting the operation of the time measurement means 531a or non-operation information suggesting the non-operation of the time measurement means 531a as time information. ing. In this embodiment, the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c have a plurality of sets (for example, three sets), and the timing means 531a has a plurality of timing units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to each set. The time information storage means 535 stores time information corresponding to each of the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, a plurality of (for example, three) timing information storage areas 535a, 535b, 535c are provided in the timing information storage means 535, and each timing section 531a1, each of the timing information storage areas 535a, 535b, 535c is provided. Timekeeping information corresponding to 531a2 and 531a3 is stored, and each timekeeping information is handled separately.

  The time information control unit 536 updates the time information stored in the time information storage unit 535. Specifically, based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c, the function of updating the timing information of the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c from the non-operation information to the operation information. Then, the time counting operation determining means 533 determines the operation / non-operation of the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c on the basis of the game ball detection results of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c. Based on making an affirmative determination that the units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 are operating, the timing information of the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b and 415c is updated from operating information to non-operating information. Functions and The main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c are stopped when the timers 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c stop after a predetermined period has elapsed since the game ball detection results of the sensors 415a, 415b, 415c are obtained. , 415b, 415c, the timekeeping information of the timekeeping units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 is updated from the operation information to the non-operation information.

  Based on the game ball detection results of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c, the time-keeping operation determination means 533 is either the operation information or the non-operation information as the time measurement information of the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c. Is stored in the time information storage areas 535a, 535b, 535c, the operation / non-operation of the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c is determined. The countable states of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416c are stored in the time information storage areas 535a, 535b, 535c, and the time information 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 corresponding to the time information storage areas 535a, 535b, 535c. This is a state in which the time counting operation determining means 533 can make an affirmative determination that is operating.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment with reference to the timing charts shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

As shown in FIG. 36 (A), by detecting the main sensor 415a gaming ball at time t _{1 ~} time t _5, passage determination unit an affirmative determination that the game ball is normally detected by the main sensor 415a When 541 is made, the first counting means 510 and the time measuring operation means 532 are operated, and the time information control means 536 updates the time information stored in the time information storage area 535a from the non-operation information to the operation information. Thus, the count enable state of the sub-sensor 416a from the time _{t 1} ~ time _{t 5} that the main sensor 415a detects a gaming ball begins.

As shown in FIG. 36 (B), when the sub sensor 416a detects a game ball at time t ₁ ′ to time t ₄ ′ and time t ₆ ′, the time measuring operation determining means 533 is stored in the time measuring information storage area 535a. The operation / non-operation of the time measuring unit 531a is determined based on the time measuring information. Here, because it is not updated in the inoperative information from timing information stored in the time information storage area 535a at time t _{1 ~} time t ₅ is updated to the operating information, time counting operation determination unit 533 an affirmative determination I will give you. Based on the positive determination of the timekeeping operation determination means 533, the second counting means 520 and the time measurement stop means 534 are operated, and the timekeeping information control means 536 further extracts the timekeeping information stored in the timekeeping information storage area 535a from the operation information. Update to operating information. Thus, the count enable state of the sub-sensor 416a that started the time _{t 1} ~ time _{t 5} on the basis of the gaming ball detection result of the main sensor 415a is at the time _{t 1} '~ time _{t 4'} and the time _{t 6} ' finish.

On the other hand, the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at time t ₅ ′ and time t ₇ ′, and based on the detection result, the time counting operation determination means 533 activates / deactivates the time measuring unit 531a corresponding to the sub sensor 416a. Determine operation. Here, because it is not updated to the operating information from being updated time information stored in the time information storage area 535a at time t ₁ '~ time t _4' and the time t _{6 'are} deactivated information, timing unit A negative determination is made that 531a is not operating. If the time counting operation determining means 533 makes a negative determination, the second counting means 520 and the time counting stopping means 534 are not operated, so that the game ball detection result of the sub sensor 416a at the time t ₅ ′ and the time t ₇ ′ is the second count. The total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is not increased by the means 520. Thereby, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a rebound ball, the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c can be matched with the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c.

Next, a case where the capture error control is performed will be described with reference to FIG. After max bet button 304 is operated, the main sensor 415a at time t _n to detect the n-th game balls, increasing the first counting means 510 the number of gaming balls detected from (n-1) to n At the same time, the timekeeping operation means 532 activates the timekeeping unit 531a, and the timekeeping information control means 536 updates the timekeeping information stored in the timekeeping information storage area 535a from the non-operation information to the operation information. If a game ball detection result by the sub sensor 416a is not obtained in a period from time t _n to time (t _n + t), the time measuring unit 531a stops at time (t _n + t). Based on the stop of the timekeeping unit 531a, the timekeeping information control unit 536 updates the timekeeping information stored in the timekeeping information storage area 535a from the operation information to the non-operation information, and the countable state of the sub sensor 416a is ended. When the sub sensor 416a detects the n-th game ball at the time t _n ′, the time counting operation determining unit 533 determines whether the time measuring unit 531a is operated or not based on the time measuring information stored in the time measuring information storage area 535a. To do. Here, since the timekeeping information stored in the timekeeping information storage area 535a at the time (t _n + t) has not been updated to the operation information since it has been updated to the non-operation information, a denial that the time measurement unit 531a is not in operation. A decision is made. By such a negative determination, the second counting means 520 does not operate, and the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c is maintained at (n-1). Then, when the count comparison means 542 compares and determines the total number of detected game balls, the total number of detected game balls of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c does not match the total number of detected game balls of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. A negative determination is made, and the capture error control means 540 performs capture error control.

  As described above, the counting control unit 530 of the present embodiment includes the time measuring unit 531a that measures a predetermined period during which counting is possible, and the time information storage unit 535 that stores time measuring information regarding the operation / non-operation of the time measuring unit 531a. Whether or not the timing means 531a that activates the timing means 531a based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c, and the timing means 531a that is activated based on the game ball detection results of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. The timekeeping operation determining means 533 for determining whether or not the timekeeping means 531a is activated from the non-operational information indicating the non-operation of the timekeeping means 531a based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b and 415c. Update to the operation information, and the time counting operation determination means 533 makes an affirmative determination, or A time information control means 536 for updating the time information from the operation information to the non-operation information based on elapse of a predetermined period after the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c are obtained, and a time information control means 536 Includes a timing stop means 534 for stopping the timing means 531a based on returning the timing information to the non-operation information, and the second counting means 520 is based on an affirmative determination of the timing action determination means 533, and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, The number of game balls detected by 416c (total number of detected game balls) is increased, and the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be enjoyed.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part same as the site | part demonstrated in 1st and 2nd embodiment, and detailed description is omitted.

  In the gaming machine according to the third embodiment, when the game ball detection signals of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c as described in the first and second embodiments are obtained. The main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c detect the game balls after the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c detect the game balls and enter the countable state until the countable state ends. In this case, the number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c can be matched with the number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c as long as the above-described unnatural situation does not occur. It is.

  In the game ball according to the present embodiment, the counting control means 530 is the same as the gaming machine of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 38, with the clocking means 531a, the clocking operation means 532, the clocking operation determination means 533, the clocking stop means 534, A time information storage unit 535 and a time information control unit 536 are provided. Here, only those components having functions different from those of the second embodiment will be described.

  The time information storage means 535 stores difference information as time information regarding the operation / non-operation of the time measuring means 531a. The “difference information” is the number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c added by the first counting means 510 until the countable state is completed after the non-countable state is shifted to the countable state. And the difference between the number of gaming balls detected by each of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c added by the second counting means in the countable state (hereinafter abbreviated as difference). In this embodiment, since the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c have a plurality of sets (for example, three sets), the timing information storage unit 535 has a plurality of sets (for example, three sets) of difference information. Stored. Specifically, the first set of differences based on the game ball detection results of the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a, the second set of differences based on the game ball detection results of the main sensor 415b and the sub sensor 416b, and the main sensor 415c and the sub sensor Difference information related to the third set of differences based on the game ball detection result of 416c is stored. In this embodiment, information relating to a plurality of sets of differences is stored in the time information storage means 535 as a single piece of multi-bit information. Therefore, in FIG. 38, a plurality of timing information storage areas 535a, 535b, and 535c are shown. However, in this embodiment, if there is one timing information storage area for storing differential information consisting of multi-bit information. It is enough. In the second embodiment as well, time information consisting of multi-bit information can be used.

  The time information control means 536 updates the difference information stored in the time information storage means 535. Specifically, based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c, addition update processing is performed to update the difference information corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c to the difference information obtained by incrementing the difference by one. An addition update function and subtraction for updating the difference information corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c to the difference information obtained by reducing the difference by 1 based on the game ball detection results of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c in the countable state. The subtraction update function for performing the update process and the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c after a predetermined period of time have elapsed since the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c are obtained. Timekeeping information storage means 535 based on stopping Having stored the main sensor 415a, 415b, and a reset function for resetting processing for updating the difference information corresponding to 415c to the initial information. The difference suggested by this initial information is zero. The state in which the initial information is stored in the time information storage areas 535a, 535b, 535c of the time information storage means 535 is the non-countable state of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c corresponding to the time information storage areas 535a, 535b, 535c. is there. That is, in the non-countable state, the initial information is stored in the time counting information storage means 535, and when the game ball detection result by the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c that triggers the occurrence of the countable state is obtained, the initial information is The difference information is updated to suggest that the difference is 1. Thereafter, when the main sensor 415a continuously detects a predetermined number of game balls without the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c detecting the game balls, the difference becomes one each time the main sensor 415a detects the game balls. It increases gradually and reaches a predetermined number. On the other hand, each time the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c detect a game ball in a countable state, the difference decreases by one. Therefore, the difference information stored in the time information storage unit 535 is added and updated every time one of the game ball detection results of the main sensor 415a or the game ball detection results of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c in the countable state is obtained. Or it is updated by subtraction.

  In addition to the function of operating the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c in the non-countable state, Based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c in the countable state, the timers 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415b and 415c are reset and restarted. It has a function.

  The time measuring operation determination means 533 determines whether or not the difference information corresponding to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is initial information based on the game ball detection results of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. If the difference information is not initial information, an affirmative determination is made that the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 are operating. If the difference information is initial information, the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 are operating. A negative decision is made that there is no.

  The timing stop means 534 stops the timing sections 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 based on the difference information stored in the timing information storage means 535 being returned to the initial information by the subtraction update process of the timing information control means 536. Yes. In this embodiment, based on the timing information control unit 536 performing the subtraction update process, the timing operation determination unit 533 determines again whether the initial information is stored in the timing information storage unit 535, and the determination result Based on the above, the timing stop means 534 is operated. That is, even if the timing information control unit 536 performs the subtraction update process, if the initial information is not stored in the timing information storage unit 535, the timing stop unit 534 does not operate and the timing units 531a1, 531a2, and so on. The operation of 531a3 is maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the timekeeping operation determination unit 533 determines whether the timekeeping units 531a1, 531a2, and 531a3 are activated or deactivated based on the difference information stored in the timekeeping information storage unit 535. Since it is also possible to determine whether or not the timing stop means 534 is to be operated, the timing measurement determination means 533 is provided with a determination function as to whether or not the timing stop means 534 is to be operated. When the operation / non-operation of the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 is determined based on the outputs of the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 as in the embodiment of FIG. Time stop determination means (not shown) for determination based on the difference information stored in 535 is separately provided.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to timing charts shown in FIGS. 39 and 40.

  FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing a case where the game ball is normally taken into the take-in device 400. FIG. 39A is a diagram showing a game ball detection state and a non-detection state by the main sensor 415a, as in FIG. FIG. 39B is a diagram showing a gaming ball detection state and a non-detection state by the sub sensor 416a, as in FIG. FIG. 39C shows a countable state and a non-countable state of the sub sensor 416a when a game ball detection signal is output from the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a at the timings shown in FIGS. It is a figure which shows a transition. FIG. 39D shows the number of gaming balls detected by the main sensor 415a counted by the first counting means 510, the number of gaming balls detected by the sub sensor 416a counted by the second counting means 520, and difference information. It is a figure which shows transition of the value of the said difference which is suggested.

After the bet button 304 is operated at the time t _0, when the main sensor 415a detects the first game balls at time t _1, based on the determination result of the passage determination unit 541, first counting means 510 is the main sensor While the total number of game balls detected by 415a, 415b, and 415c is increased, the timing actuating unit 532 activates the timing unit 531a corresponding to the main sensor 415a, and the timing information control unit 536 is stored in the timing information storage area 535a. The difference update process is performed on the difference information, and the difference information that the difference is 1 is updated from the initial information that the difference is zero. As a result, it begins countable state from the time _{t 1} sub-sensor 416a. At this stage, countable state of the sub sensor 416a is set so as to be continued from the time t ₁ until passage of a predetermined time period t.

A period from the time t ₁ until passage of a predetermined time t, when the main sensor 415a detects a game ball at time t ₂ before the time gaming ball detection result is obtained t _{1 'by} the sub sensor 416a, Based on the determination result of the passage determining unit 541, the first counting unit 510, the time measuring operation unit 532, and the time measuring information control unit 536 are operated as described above. Since the time _{t 2} the timer unit 531a is in operation, time counting operation unit 532 causes the reactivated after resetting the timer unit 531a. Thus, the count enable state of the sub sensor 416a is extended updated to continue from the time t ₂ until passage of a predetermined time period t. Further, the difference information stored in the time information storage area 535a by the addition update process of the time information control unit 536 is updated from the difference information that the difference is 1 to the difference information that the difference is 2.

When the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at time t ₁ ′, the time counting operation determination means 533 reads the difference information stored in the time information storage area 535a, and counts time according to whether or not the difference information is initial information. The operation / non-operation of the part 531a is determined. Here, since the difference is 2, it is determined that the timer unit 531a is operating. Based on the determination result, the second counting unit 520 adds 1 to the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c, and the timing information control unit 536 calculates the difference information stored in the timing information storage area 535a. Then, a subtraction update process is performed to update the difference information that the difference is 2 to the difference information that the difference is 1. Next, the timekeeping operation determining means 533 reads the difference information stored in the timekeeping information storage area 535a, and determines whether or not to operate the timepiece stopping means 534 depending on whether or not the difference is initial information. . Here, since the difference is 1, the timing stop means 534 is not operated, and the operation of the timing unit 531a is maintained.

When the gaming ball detection result by the main sensor 415a is obtained at time _{t 3, t 4, t 5} , carried out the same processing as at time _{t 2,} the time _{t 2} ', _{t 3',} the _{t 4} ' Even if the game ball detection result by the sub sensor 416a is obtained, the same processing as at time t ₁ ′ is performed.

When the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at time t ₅ ′ and the time counting operation determination means 533 determines that the time measuring unit 531a is operating, the second counting means 520 determines whether the sub sensor 416a, 416b, 416c While adding 1 to the total number of detected gaming balls, the time information control unit 536 performs subtraction update processing, and the difference information that the difference is 1 is returned to the initial information that the difference is zero. Next, when the time counting operation determining unit 533 determines whether or not to operate the time measuring stopping unit 534, it is determined that the time measuring stopping unit 534 is operated because the difference information is the initial information. Based on the determination result, the timing stop means 534 is operated to stop the timing unit 531a. As described above, when the difference information is returned to the initial information and the timing stop unit 534 stops the timing unit 531a, the countable state of the sub-sensor 416a is terminated and the non-countable state is entered.

When the sub-sensor 416a detects a game ball at time t ₆ ′ in the non-countable state, the difference information stored in the time information storage area 535a is initial information. Therefore, the time measuring operation determination unit 533 includes the time measuring unit 531a. Determined to be inactive. Based on the determination result, neither the second counting unit 520 nor the time information control unit 536 operates.

Here, been gaming ball is detected in sub sensor 416a at time t _{6 ',} but clear and not whether rebounding ball is normal sphere, although game ball detected in the main sensor 415a is five contrast, since the game balls that were detected sub-sensor 416a is six, sub-sensor 416a is contained rebound ball 1 is in the detected gaming ball at time t ₁ '~ time t _6'.

Thus, the gaming machine of the present embodiment, after it is countable state subsensor 416a main sensor 415a detects the gaming ball at time t _1, the time the countable state continues t ₂ When the main sensor 415a detects a game ball at, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a game ball at time t ₁ ′, the countable state of the sub sensor 416a is not terminated and the difference is zero. It can be continued until it becomes. Thus, as long as the above unnatural situation does not occur, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a rebound ball, the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the game ball detection by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are detected. The total number can be matched.

In FIG. 39B, time t ₁ ′ to time t ₃ ′ is the time before the predetermined period t elapses after the main sensor 415a detects the game ball at time t ₁ to time t ₃ , respectively. It is. On the other hand, time t ₄ ′ is the time after a predetermined period t has elapsed since the main sensor 415a detected the game ball at time t ₄ . That is, in this embodiment, sub-sensor when the duration of the counting state of 416a is extended, the time t ₄ the main sensor 415a is after the lapse of a predetermined time t from the detection of the game ball time at t _{Even if} the game ball detection result of the sub sensor 416a is obtained at ₄ ′, the second counting means 520 can be operated based on the game ball detection result. As described above, by relaxing the restriction prohibiting the operation of the second counting unit 520, it is possible to further suppress the acquisition error control based on the multiple detection of the sub sensor 416a.

  Next, the case where the capture error control is performed will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 40A to 40D are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 39A to 39D and show only a part that causes the capture error control.

After max bet button 304 is operated, by the main sensor 415a detects the n-th game ball at time t _n, countable state of sub sensor 416a that occurred to the time t _n the past, the time ( It is extended and updated so that it can continue until t _n + t). If a game ball detection result by the sub sensor 416a is not obtained in a period from time t _n to time (t _n + t), the time measuring unit 531a stops at time (t _n + t). As described above, based on the fact that the time measuring unit 531a is stopped after the elapse of the predetermined period t from the time t _n , the time information control unit 536 updates the difference information stored in the time information storage area 535a to the initial information. Perform reset processing. As a result, the countable state of the sub sensor 416a that occurred before the time t _n ends. Even if the sub sensor 416a detects the nth game ball at the time t _n ′ included in the period from the end of the countable state to the next time the main sensor 415a detects the game ball, the time counting operation is performed. Since the determination unit 533 makes a negative determination that the timer unit 531a is inactive, the second counting unit 520 does not operate. Then, since the count comparison means 542 makes a negative determination that the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c do not coincide with each other, The fetch error control means 540 performs fetch error control. Thus, even after the lapse of a predetermined time period t main sensor 415a is from the detection of the n-th game ball at time t _n, unnatural situation sub-sensor 416a does not detect the n-th game balls When this occurs, fetch error control is performed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B and FIGS. 40A and 40B, the main sensor 415a is preceded at time t _m (m = 1, 2, 3, 4). When the main sensor 415a detects one subsequent game ball at time t _{m + 1} after the game ball is detected until the sub sensor 416a detects the preceding game ball or the like at time t _m ′. However, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can also be applied to the case where the main sensor 415a detects a plurality of succeeding game balls between the time t _m and the time t _m ′. If the main sensor 415a detects a plurality of subsequent game balls between the time t _m and the time t _m ′, the difference value shown in FIGS. 39D and 40D becomes 3 or more.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part same as the site | part demonstrated in the 1st thru | or 3rd embodiment, and detailed description is omitted.

  In the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, after the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c detect gaming balls and enter a countable state, until the countable state ends. If the main sensor 415a, 415b, 415c detects a game ball during this period, the number of game balls detected by the main sensor 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c are determined unless the unnatural situation described above occurs. The number of game balls detected can be matched.

  FIG. 41 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the functions of the main controller 45 that controls the game ball take-in device 400 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment is different from the gaming machine according to the third embodiment in the configuration of the counting control means 530. The explanation will be focused on.

  As shown in FIG. 41, the count control means 530 in this embodiment comprises a plurality of time measuring means 531a, 531b, 531c, time measuring operation means 532, time measuring operation determining means 533, time measuring stopping means 534, time information storing means 535, and , A time information control unit 536, and a first time selection unit 537 and a second time selection unit 538. Each time measuring means 531a, 531b, 531c, time measuring operation means 532, time measurement operation determining means 533, time measurement stop means 534, time information storage means 535, and time information control means 536 are substantially the same as those in the second embodiment. It has a function. That is, in the present embodiment, the time information storage unit 535 uses the operation information or the non-operation information as in the second embodiment as time information regarding the operation / non-operation of the time measuring units 531a1 to 531c3 of the time measuring units 531a, 531b, and 531c. Storing. In the following description, the first time selection unit 537 and the second time selection unit 538 will be mainly described.

  The first time selection means 537 selects the time measurement means 531a, 531b, 531c to be operated by the time measurement operation means 532 based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c. Specifically, one time measuring means is selected from the time measuring means 531a, 531b and 531c which are not in operation. Each timing means 531a, 531b, 531c has a plurality of timing units (531a1, 531a2, 531a3), (531b1, 531b2, 531b3), (531c1, 531c2, 531c3), respectively, as in the second and third embodiments. In this embodiment, for example, based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor 415a, an inactive timing unit is selected from the plurality of timing units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 corresponding to the main sensor 415a. It comes to choose.

  Note that the first time selection means 537 is configured such that when at least two of the time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 corresponding to the main sensor 415a are inactive, Any timing unit 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 may be selected, but in this embodiment, the timing units 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 to be selected by the first timing selection means 537 are set in advance. Specifically, for the plurality of timing means 531a, 531b, and 531c, for example, the first order timing means 531a, the second rank timing means 531b, and the third rank timing means 531c are set. It is. When the timing units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 of all the timing units 531a, 531b, and 531c are inactive, the timing units 531a1 and 531b1 of the first and second ranking units 531a and 531b are inactive. Is selected, the timing unit 531a1 of the first timing unit 531a is selected, and the timing units 531b1 and 531c1 of the second and third timing units 531b and 531c are inactive. When the time measuring unit 531b1 of the second time measuring unit 531b is selected and the time measuring units 531c1 and 531a1 of the third and first time measuring units 531c and 531a are inactive, the third time measuring unit 531c The timer unit 531c1 is selected.

  In order to realize such a function of the first time selection means 537, in this embodiment, the first time selection means 537 includes a first selection table storage area (not shown). In the first selection table storage area, for example, a first selection table as shown in FIG. 42 is stored.

  The first timing selection means 537 refers to the timing information stored in the timing information storage means 535 based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor 415a, and measures each of the timing means 531a and 531b corresponding to the main sensor 415a. The operation / non-operation of the time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 of the means 531c is determined, and it is specified which combination of the determination results is the combination of the first selection table shown in FIG. Based on such a combination, the time selection units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 to be operated by the time measuring operation means 532 are determined with reference to the first selection table stored in the first selection table storage area.

  The second timing selection means 538 selects the timing means 531a, 531b, 531c to be stopped by the timing stop means 534 based on the affirmative determination of the timing operation determination means 533. For example, the game ball detection result of the sub sensor 416a is obtained, and the time counting operation determining means 533 determines whether the time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a are operated or not, and any one of the time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, Based on that the affirmative determination of the time counting operation determination means 533 is obtained that the 531c1 is operating, the time measuring unit 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 that has started operating the earliest is selected from the operating time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 It is supposed to be.

  In order to realize the function of the second time selection unit 538, in this embodiment, the second time selection unit 538 includes a second selection table storage area (not shown). For example, a second selection table as shown in FIG. 43 is stored in the second selection table storage area.

  The second timing selection means 538 refers to the timing information stored in the timing information storage means 535 based on the game ball detection result of the sub sensor 416a, and measures the timing of each timing means 531a, 531b, 531c corresponding to the sub sensor 416a. The operation / non-operation of the units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 is determined, and the combination of the determination results is identified as the combination of the second selection table illustrated in FIG. Based on the combination, the time selection units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 to be stopped by the time measurement stopping unit 534 are determined with reference to the second selection table stored in the second selection table storage area. In other words, the timing units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 to be selected by the first timing selection means 537 are determined by the first selection table based on the game ball detection result of the main sensor 415a. If the combination of 531b1 and 531c1 is specified, the timing units 531a1, 531b1 and 531c1 which have started to operate earliest can be selected from the second selection table.

  In this embodiment, when all of the timing units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 corresponding to the sub-sensor 416a are operating, any timing unit 531a1 and 531b1 using the second selection table as shown in FIG. , 531c1 cannot be specified as to whether it has started the earliest, so the number of time measuring means 531a, 531b, 531c is set so that at least one of the time measuring sections 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 is inactive. When all the operations of the timing units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 corresponding to the sub-sensor 416a are permitted, the timing information corresponding to each of the timing units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 Information relating to the operation order of the units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 is also included, and when updating the timing information, both information relating to operation / non-operation and information relating to the operation order are updated. However, in this case, the control program for updating the time information becomes complicated. In this embodiment, by adopting the selection table method as described above, the control program for updating the time information is simplified.

  Further, the timekeeping operation determining means 533, the first timekeeping selecting means 537, and the second timekeeping selecting means 538 respectively determine whether the timekeeping units 531a1 to 531a3, 531b1 to 531b3, 531c1 to 531c3 are activated or deactivated. Although having a function, the time measuring operation determining means 533 is different from the first time measuring selecting means 537 and the second time measuring selecting means 538 in the following points. For example, the timekeeping operation determining means 533 stores, in the timekeeping information storage means 535, initial information that all the timekeeping units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 corresponding to the subsensor 416a are inactive based on the game ball detection result of the subsensor 416a. It has a function of specifying whether or not the counting is possible by determining whether or not the counting is possible. On the other hand, the first time selection unit 537 and the second time selection unit 538 determine the operation / non-operation of each of the time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a, thereby measuring the time during operation. It has a function of specifying the parts 531a1, 531b1, and 531c.

  As described above, in the game ball of the present embodiment, the counting control unit 530 has the time measuring units (531a1, 531b1, 531c1), (531a1, 531b1, 531c1) corresponding to each set of the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c. 531a2, 531b2, 531c2), (531a3, 531b3, 531c3), a plurality of timekeeping means 531a, 531b, 531c, and timekeeping operation means 532 for actuating the timekeeping units 531a1 to 531c3 of the respective timekeeping means 531a, 531b, 531c, Based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c, the time information storage means 535 that stores time information related to the operation / non-operation of the respective time measuring units 531a1 to 531c3 of the time measuring means 531a, 531b, and 531c. 415a, 41 b, whether the timing information of the timing units 531a1 to 531c3 corresponding to 415c is the operation information suggesting the operation of the timing units 531a1 to 531c3 or the non-operation information indicating the inactivation of the timing units 531a1 to 531c3. Based on the game ball detection results of the first timer selection means 537 for determining and selecting one of the timers to be operated by the timer operation means 532 from the inactive timers 531a1 to 531c3, and the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. Timekeeping operation determining means 533 for determining whether or not the timekeeping parts 531a1 to 531c3 corresponding to the sub-sensors 416a, 416b and 416c are in operation, and a time stop for stopping the timekeeping parts 531a1 to 531c3 of the timekeeping means 531a, 531b and 531c Based on the affirmative determination of the means 534 and the timing operation determination means 533 Second timing selection means 538 for selecting one timing section 531a1 to 531c3 to be stopped by the timing stop section 534, and timing information corresponding to the timing sections 531a1 to 531c3 selected by the first timing selection section 537 are set as non-operation information. Time information control means 536 for updating the time information corresponding to the time measuring units 531a1 to 531c3 selected by the second time measuring means 538 from the operation information to the non-operation information. The counting means 520 increases the number of game balls detected by the sub sensor 416a based on the affirmative determination of the time counting operation determination means 533.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to timing charts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 44 is a timing chart showing a case where a game ball is normally taken into the take-in device 400. FIG. 44A is a diagram showing a game ball detection state and a non-detection state by the main sensor 415a, as in FIG. 36A. FIG. 44 (B) is a diagram showing a game ball detection state and a non-detection state by the sub sensor 416a, as in FIG. 36 (B). FIG. 44 (C) shows the operating states of the respective timing units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 when a game ball detection signal is output from the main sensor 415a and the sub sensor 416a at the timings shown in FIGS. It is a figure which shows a non-operation state. FIG. 44D is a diagram illustrating the transition of the countable state and the non-countable state of the sub sensor 416a, as in FIG. FIG. 44 (E) shows the transition of the number of gaming balls detected by the main sensor 415a counted by the first counting means 510 and the number of gaming balls detected by the sub sensor 416a counted by the second counting means 520. FIG.

After the bet button 304 is operated at the time t _0, when the main sensor 415a detects the first game balls at time t _1, based on the determination result of the passage determination unit 541, first counting means 510 is the main sensor The total number of game balls detected by 415a, 415b, and 415c is increased, the timing unit 531a1 selected by the first timing selection unit 537 is operated by the timing operation unit 532, and the timing information control unit 536 further measures the timing information storage unit. The time information stored in 535 is updated to the operation information suggesting the operation of the time measuring unit 531a1. As a result, it begins countable state from the time _{t 1} sub-sensor 416a. In the stage where the main sensor 415a detects a game ball at time _{t 1,} time information stored in the time information storage unit 535 becomes inoperative information suggesting non-operation of the timer unit 531a1,531b1,531c1 Therefore, the first time selection unit 537 selects the time measurement unit 531a1 of the first time measurement unit 531a with reference to the first selection table.

When countable state the main sensor 415a at time t ₂ in detects the game ball, based on the determination result of the passage determination unit 541, as described above, to operate the first counting means 510. Time information at the stage of the main sensor 415a detects a game ball at time _{t 2} is the operation information for the clock section 531A1, have become inoperative information to the other timing unit 531B1,531c1. Therefore, the first time selection means 537 refers to the first selection table, selects the time measurement part 531b1 of the second time measurement means 531a2, and causes the time measurement operation means 532 to operate the time measurement part 531b1. The time information control unit 536 updates the time information stored in the time information storage unit 535 from the operation information of the time unit 531a1 to the operation information of the time units 531a1 and 531b1. That is, the non-operation information about the time measuring unit 531b1 is updated to the operation information. Thus, the count enable state of the sub sensor 416a is extended updated to continue from the time t ₂ until passage of a predetermined time period t.

When the sub-sensor 416a detects the game ball at the time t ₁ ′ in the countable state, the timing operation determination unit 533 reads the timing information stored in the timing information storage unit 535, and any of the timing units 531a1, 531b1, It is determined whether 531c1 is operating. Here, since the operation information of the timing units 531a1 and 531b1 is stored in the timing information storage unit 535, the timing operation determination unit 533 makes an affirmative determination. Based on the determination result, the second counting means 520 adds 1 to the total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c, and the time counting section 531a1 selected by the second time measuring selection means 538 is timed operating means 532. Further, the time information control unit 536 updates the operation information of the time measuring units 531a1 and 531b1 stored in the time information storing unit 535 to the operation information of the time measuring unit 531b1. At the stage where the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at time t ₁ ′, the time information stored in the time information storage means 535 is the operation information of the time measuring units 531a1 and 531b1, so the second time selection The means 538 selects the time measuring unit 531a1 of the first time measuring means 531a with reference to the second selection table. In addition, when the time information control unit 536 updates the operation information of the time measurement units 531a1 and 531b1 to the operation information of the time measurement unit 531b1, if attention is paid only to the time measurement unit 531a1, the non-operation of the time measurement unit 531a1 is determined from the operation information of the time measurement unit 531a1. It will be updated to operating information.

Based on the game ball detection result of the sub sensor 416a at time t ₁ ′, even if the time measuring stop means 534 stops the time measuring unit 531a1, the time measuring unit 531b1 operates, so that the countable state is also after time t ₁ ′. continue.

When the main sensor 415a at time _{t 3} ~ time _{t 5} detects a game ball, substantially the same processing as that in the time _{t 1} and time _{t 2} is performed. However, for each time t ₁ to time t ₅ , the first time selection means 537 appropriately selects the time measurement units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1, and the time information control means 536 updates the contents of the time information as appropriate. . Similarly, when the sub sensor 416a detects a game ball from time t ₂ ′ to time t ₄ ′, processing similar to that at time t ₁ ′ is performed. However, for each time t ₂ ′ to time t ₄ ′, the second time selection unit 538 appropriately selects the time measurement units 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1, and the time information control unit 536 updates the content of the time information as appropriate. And

When the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at time t ₅ ′, and the time counting operation determining means 533 determines that any of the time measuring sections 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 is operating, the second counting means 520 detects the sub sensor 416a, In addition to adding 1 to the total number of game balls detected in 416b and 416c, the time measuring operation unit 532 stops the time measuring unit 531b1 selected by the second time measuring selecting means 538, and the time measuring information control means 536 further measures the time information storing means. The operation information of the timer unit 531b1 stored in 535 is updated to the non-operation information of the timer unit 531b1. As a result, all the timing units 531a1, 531b, and 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a are stopped, and the countable state ends.

When the main sensor 415a is the sub-sensor 416a at the previous time _{t 6} 'the expiration of predetermined time t since the time _{t 5} that detects a gaming ball detecting game balls, clocking operation determination means 533 is any timing unit 531A1,531b1, A negative determination is made that 531c1 is also inactive. Depending on the negative determination, none of the second timing means 520, the second timing selection means 538, the timing information control means 536, and the timing stop means 534 is activated.

Thus, after it becomes countable state of the sub-sensor 416a at time t ₁ the main sensor 415a detects the game ball, the main sensor 415a at time t ₂ when the counter state is continued game balls If detected, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a game ball at time t ₁ ′, the countable state of the sub sensor 416a is not terminated, and all the timing units 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a are stopped. The countable state can be continued. As a result, as long as the above-described unnatural situation does not occur, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a rebound ball, the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the game ball detection by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are detected. The total number can be matched.

  Next, a case where the capture error control is performed will be described with reference to FIGS. 45 and 46. 45A to 45E and FIGS. 46A to 46E correspond to FIGS. 44A to 44E, respectively.

In FIG. 45 (A) through FIG. 45 (E), the time _{t 1} ~ time _{t 5,} and the time at _{t 1} '~ time _{t 4',} FIG. 44 (A) to (B) of the time _{t 1} ~ time t ₅ and almost the same processing as at time t ₁ ′ to time t ₄ ′ is performed.

At time _{t 5} in the main sensor 415a is from the detection of the game ball until passage of a predetermined time t, when the sub-sensor 416a gaming ball detection result of can not be obtained, the time measuring unit 531b1 at time _(t 5 + _t) It stops and all the time measuring parts 531a1, 531b1, and 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a are deactivated. Based on the stop of the time measuring unit 531b1, the time measuring information control unit 536 updates the operation information of the time measuring unit 531b1 stored in the time information storing unit 535 to the non-operation information. Thus, the time information storage unit 535 stores a non-operating information for each clock unit 531A1,531b1,531c1, the countable state began time _{t 1} and ends at time _(t 5 + _t).

Even if the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at the time t ₅ ′ in the non-countable state, the time measuring operation determining means 533 makes a negative determination that the time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a are inactive. The second counting means 520 does not operate. Then, since the count comparison means 542 makes a negative determination that the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c do not coincide with each other, The fetch error control means 540 performs fetch error control. Thus, even after the lapse of a predetermined time t from the detection of the main sensor 415a is 5 th of game balls at time t _5, unnatural situation sub-sensor 416a does not detect the 5 th of game balls When this occurs, fetch error control is performed.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 46 (A) to 46 (E) are diagrams showing a case where the capture error control is performed similarly to FIGS. 45 (A) to 45 (E).

In FIGS. 46A to 46E, processing similar to that at time (t ₅ + t) in FIG. 45 is performed at time (t ₄ + t). Specifically, the from the detection of the main sensor 415a is 4 th of game balls at time t ₄ until passage of a predetermined time period t, the fourth one gaming ball detection result of by the sub sensor 416a can not be obtained, the time The timer 531a1 stops at (t ₄ + t). Based on the stop of the time measuring unit 531a1, the time measuring information control unit 536 updates the operation information of the time measuring units 531a1 and 531b1 stored in the time measuring information storage unit 535 to the operation information of the time measuring unit 531b1. However, in the case of FIG. 46, even if the timing unit 531a1 is stopped, the other timing unit 531b1 is operating, so the countable state is maintained.

Next, when the sub sensor 416a detects the fourth game ball at time t ₄ ′ and the time counting operation determining means 533 determines that any of the time measuring units 531a1, 531b1, 531c1 is operating, the second count The means 520 adds 1 to the total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b and 416c, and the time measuring operation means 532 stops the time measuring section 531b1 selected by the second time measuring selection means 538. Further, the time information control means 536 updates the operation information of the timer unit 531b1 stored in the timer information storage means 535 to the non-operation information of the timer unit 531b1. As a result, all the timing units 531a1, 531b, and 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a are stopped, and the countable state ends.

At time t ₅ by the main sensor 415a is time t ₅ contained from the detection of the 5 th of game balls within the predetermined time period t _', also detect the sub-sensor 416a is 5 th of game balls, timekeeping Since the operation determination unit 533 determines that all the timing units 531a1, 531b, and 531c1 corresponding to the sub sensor 416a are inactive, the second counting unit 520 does not operate. Then, since the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c and the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c do not coincide with each other, the capture error control means 540 performs capture error control.

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, if the sub sensor 416a does not detect the nth game ball within a predetermined period t after the main sensor 415a detects the nth game ball, the capture error control is performed. Is done. That is, there is a case where the capture error control is not performed even if the sub sensor 416a does not detect the nth game ball within a predetermined period t after the main sensor 415a detects the nth game ball. Compared to the gaming machine of the embodiment, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has stricter operating conditions of the second counting means 520, and if the above-mentioned unnatural situation occurs, the capture error control is always performed. It can be carried out. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can further suppress the illegal act against the capture device 400 as compared to the gaming machine of the third embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part same as the site | part demonstrated in 1st thru | or 4th embodiment, and detailed description is omitted.

  In the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment, a game ball detection result by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is obtained only in a countable state, and a game ball detection result by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c is obtained in a non-countable state. It is something that is not.

  FIG. 47 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing functions of the main controller 45 that controls the game ball take-in device 400 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment includes a power supply control unit 38 including a power supply unit 38e as a sensor power supply unit that supplies power to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. 416a, 416b, and 416c, and a power adjustment unit 38g that adjusts the power supplied. In this embodiment, the power adjustment unit 38g is provided in the power supply control device 38, but the power adjustment unit 38g can also be incorporated in the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the counting control unit 530 includes a clocking unit 531a, a clocking operation unit 532, and a clocking stop unit 534, and further includes a power adjustment control unit 539.

  The power adjustment unit 38g adjusts the power supplied from the power supply unit 38e to the coils constituting the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. Specifically, the active power for enabling the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c and the reactive power for disabling the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are switched. Here, “effective power” means that a game ball detection signal (for example, the above-described H level pulse signal) is output from the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c when the game ball passes through the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. Power. On the other hand, in the “reactive power”, even when a game ball passes through the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c, the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c output a game ball non-detection signal (for example, the above-described L level signal). The power is maintained as it is.

  Based on the game ball detection results of the main sensors 415a, 415a, 415c, the power adjustment control means 539 supplies the power adjustment unit 38g to supply effective power to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415a, 415c. Control and obtaining a game ball detection result of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, 416c corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415a, 415c, or a predetermined time after the main sensors 415a, 415a, 415c detect a game ball Sub-sensors 416a, 416b, 416b corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415a, 415c are stopped based on the fact that the time measuring units 531a1, 531a2, 531a3 of the time measuring means 531a corresponding to the main sensors 415a, 415a, 415c are stopped after a period of time. And it controls the power adjustment section 38g so as not to supply active power to 16c.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to timing charts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 48 is a timing chart showing a case where a game ball is normally taken into the take-in device 400. 48A to 48D correspond to FIGS. 36A to 36D, respectively.

It is operated bet button 304 at time t _0, when the main sensor 415a is at the time t ₁ for detecting game balls, passage determination unit 541, as described above, the gaming ball is detected correctly by the main sensor 415a It is determined whether or not. Based on the affirmative determination of the passage determination unit 541, the first counting unit 510 increases the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c, and the timing operation unit 532 counts the time corresponding to the main sensor 415a. The unit 531a is operated, and the power adjustment control unit 539 controls the power adjustment unit 38g so as to supply effective power to the sub sensor 416a. Thus, starting the count state of the sub sensor 416a that may be continued for a predetermined time period t from the time t _1.

When the sub sensor 416a detects the game ball at time t ₁ ′, the second counting means 520 increases the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c, and the timing stop means 534 is a timing unit corresponding to the sub sensor 416a. 531a is stopped, and the power adjustment control unit 539 controls the power adjustment unit 38g so as to supply reactive power to the sub sensor 416a. As a result, the countable state of the sub-sensor 416a, which began from the time _{t 1} is completed at time _{t 1} '.

It is detected main sensor 415a gaming ball at time _t 2 ~t _5, the same processing as when a time _{t 1} is carried out. Further, even when the sub sensor 416a detects a game ball at time t ₂ ′ to time t ₄ ′ and time t ₆ ′, the same processing as at time t ₁ ′ is performed.

Here, if the game ball passes through the sub sensor 416a at times t ₅ ′ and t ₇ ′ in the non-countable state, the active power is not supplied to the sub sensor 416a. The game ball detection signal as shown is not output from the sub sensor 416a. Therefore, even if the game ball passes through the sub sensor 416a in the non-countable state, the second counting means 520 does not operate. Thereby, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a rebound ball, the total number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c can be matched with the total number of game balls detected by the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c.

  In addition, since the gaming machine of the present embodiment reduces the power supplied to the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c in a non-countable state, the power consumption required for the operation of the gaming machine can be reduced.

Next, with reference to FIG. 49, a description will be given of a case where capture error control is performed. After max bet button 304 is operated, the main sensor 415a at time t _n to detect the n-th game ball, performed the same processing as at time t _1, countable state of the sub sensor 416a is generated To do. If a game ball detection result by the sub sensor 416a is not obtained in a period from time t _n to time (t _n + t), the time measuring unit 531a stops at time (t _n + t). Based on the stop of the timekeeping unit 531a, the power adjustment control unit 539 controls the power adjustment unit 38g to supply reactive power to the sub sensor 416a. Even when the n-th game ball passes through the sub sensor 416a at the time t _n ′ in the non-countable state, a game ball detection signal as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 49B is output from the sub sensor 416a. The second counting means 520 does not operate. Then, when the count comparison means 542 compares and determines the total number of detected game balls, the total number of detected game balls of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c does not match the total number of detected game balls of the sub sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c. A negative determination is made and the capture error control means 540 performs capture error control.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, unless the unnatural situation as described above occurs, even if the sub sensor 416a detects a rebound ball, the game ball detection of the main sensors 415a, 415b, and 415c. Since the total number and the total number of game balls detected by the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c can be matched, the acquisition error control based on the multiple detection of the normal ball and the rebound ball by the sub-sensor 416a is suppressed, and the smooth game progress is maintained. can do.

  The first to fifth embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is possible. For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the second counting means 520 counts the game ball detection result of the sub sensor 416a in the countable state, and counts the game ball detection result of the sub sensor 416a in the non-countable state. Although not shown, a third counting means (not shown) is provided for counting the game ball detection results of the sub sensor 416a in the non-countable state, and the number of sub sensors 416a counted by the third counting means is determined. The capture error control may be performed. For example, the detection number of the sub sensor 416a counted by the third counting means reaches a predetermined number, or the number of game balls detected by the main sensors 415a, 415b, 415c counted by the first counting means 510 Take-in error control can be performed based on, for example, the ratio of the number of detected sub-sensors 416a, 416b and 416c counted by the third counting means exceeding a predetermined number. As described above, in the first to fifth embodiments, the game ball detection results of the sub-sensors 416a, 416b, and 416c are obtained in the non-countable state, and therefore, the capture error control is performed using the game ball detection results. It can also be done.

  Further, as in the fifth embodiment, even in the case where the countable state and the non-countable state are distinguished by the operation / non-operation of the sub sensor 416a, the measurement is possible in the same manner as in the third and fourth embodiments. This can be handled when a game ball detection result of the main sensor 415a is obtained. Specifically, the power adjustment unit 38g and the power adjustment control unit 539 in the fifth embodiment are added as components in the third and fourth embodiments. In this case, the power adjustment control means 539 controls the power adjustment unit 38g to supply active power to the sub sensor 416a based on the normal game ball detection result obtained by the main sensor 415a, and performs time information control. Based on the fact that the means 536 updates the timekeeping information to the initial information (non-operation information), the power adjustment unit 38g is controlled so as not to supply the active power to the sub sensor 416a.

It is a front view of a ball-type spinning machine. It is a front side perspective view of a ball-type swivel game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the door block with respect to the outer frame. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the payout block and the game block with respect to the front block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a front block. It is a perspective view of an upper plate unit. (A) The figure is a top view of an upper plate unit, (B) The figure is a bottom view of an upper plate unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of an upper plate unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of an upper plate ball stop part. It is a principal part expansion longitudinal cross-sectional view of an upper plate ball stop part and a taking-in apparatus, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state which connected the game ball guide path and the ball path. It is a principal part expansion longitudinal cross-sectional view of an upper plate ball stop part and a taking-in apparatus, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state which interrupted | blocked the game ball guide path and the ball path. It is a principal part expanded vertical sectional view which shows the state which removed the taking-in apparatus from the upper plate unit. It is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper dish ball removal operation unit and the take-in device, and shows a state where the ball passage and the guide passage are blocked by a return shutter. It is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper dish ball removal operation section and the take-in device, and shows a state in which the ball passage and the guide passage are communicated. It is a disassembled perspective view of a taking-in apparatus. It is the perspective view seen from the back side of the taking-in apparatus. It is a rear view of a payout block. It is a rear view which shows the state which removed the payout control apparatus and the power supply control apparatus from the payout block. It is the perspective view seen from the front side of the payout block. It is a principal part expansion longitudinal cross-sectional view of the case rail which shows the structure of a ball | bowl piece detection apparatus, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state in which sufficient number of game balls are replenished in a case rail. It is a principal part expansion longitudinal cross-sectional view of the case rail which shows the structure of a ball | bowl piece detection apparatus, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state in which sufficient number of game balls are not replenished in a case rail. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the mounting base of the dispensing device and the dispensing relay terminal board from the dispensing block. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the payout apparatus, and shows a state where no payout operation is performed. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a payout apparatus, and is a figure which shows the state which is paying out. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a payout apparatus, and is a figure which shows the state which is performing ball extraction operation of the payout apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a game block. It is a front view of a game panel. It is an expanded view of a symbol seal. It is a partial exploded perspective view of a rotating drum unit. It is a figure which shows the operation principle of a stepping motor. It is a connection diagram which shows the drive system of a stepping motor. It is a connection diagram which shows the control system of a ball-type spinning machine. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the some intake path provided in the intake device. It is the functional block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the taking-in control means in the gaming machine of 1st Embodiment. FIGS. (A) to (C) are diagrams showing an example of a game ball detection signal output from the main sensor. FIG. (A) shows an example of a normal game ball detection signal. ) And (C) show examples of abnormal game ball detection signals. FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing chart diagrams showing an example of a case where a game ball is normally taken into a take-in device in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. ) Is a diagram showing an example of a signal output from the main sensor, (B) is a diagram showing an example of a signal output from the sub sensor, (C) is a diagram in (A) and (B). FIG. 4D is a diagram showing the transition between the countable state and the non-countable state when a game ball detection signal is output from the main sensor and the sub sensor at the timing shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of the game ball detection number of a main sensor, and the game ball detection number of the sub sensor counted by the 2nd counting means. FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing chart diagrams showing an example when an abnormality occurs when a game ball is taken into the take-in device in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. FIGS. (A) to (D) correspond to FIGS. 36 (A) to (D). It is the functional block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the taking-in control means in 2nd Embodiment and 3rd Embodiment. FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing charts showing an example when the game ball is normally taken into the take-in device in the third embodiment, and (A) to (C). FIGS. 36A to 36C are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 36A to 36C, and FIG. 6D is a number of game balls detected by the main sensor counted by the first counting means, and the number counted by the second counting means. It is a figure which shows the transition of the difference value which the difference information stored in the number of game ball detections of a subsensor and the time information storage means suggests. FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing charts showing an example when an abnormality occurs when a game ball is taken into the take-in device in the third embodiment, and FIG. (D) to (D) are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 39 (A) to (D). It is the functional block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the taking-in control means in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st selection table which a 1st time selection means refers. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd selection table which a 2nd time selection means refers. FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing charts showing an example when a game ball is normally taken into the take-in device in the fourth embodiment, and (A) to (D). FIG. 37 is a diagram corresponding to FIGS. 36 (A) to 36 (D). FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing charts showing an example when an abnormality occurs when a game ball is taken into the take-in device in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. (D) to (D) are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 36 (A) to (D). FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing chart diagrams showing another example when an abnormality occurs when a game ball is taken into the take-in device in the fourth embodiment. ) To (D) are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 36 (A) to (D). It is the functional block diagram which showed notionally the structure of the taking-in control means in 5th Embodiment. FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing charts showing an example when a game ball is normally taken into the take-in device in the fifth embodiment, and (A) to (D). FIG. 37 is a diagram corresponding to FIGS. 36 (A) to 36 (D). FIGS. (A) to (D) are timing charts showing an example when an abnormality occurs when a game ball is taken into the take-in device in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. (D) to (D) are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 36 (A) to (D).

Explanation of symbols

10 ball type spinning machine 38e power supply unit 38g power adjustment unit 114 1 bet button 304 max bet button 302 upper tray 400 take-in device 406a, 406b, 406c take-in passage 413a, 413b, 413c take-in flicker (opening / closing member)
415a, 415a, 415c Main sensors 415a1, 415b1, 415c1 Upper photosensors 415a2, 415b2, 415c2 Lower photosensors 416a, 416b, 416c Sub sensors 501 Capture control means 510 First counting means 520 Second counting means 530 Count control means 531a, 531b, 531c Timekeeping means 531a1-531a3, 531b1-531b3, 531c1-531c3 Timekeeping operation means 533 Timekeeping operation determination means 534 Timekeeping stop means 535 Timekeeping information storage means 535a, 535b, 535c Timekeeping information storage area 536 Timing information control means 537 First timing selection means 538 Second timing selection means 539 Power adjustment control means 540 Capture error control means 541 Passage determination means 542 Count comparison means

Claims (1)

A saucer for storing game balls, a take-in means provided on the downstream side of the catch plate for taking in a predetermined number of game balls stored in the saucer, a bet operation means operated to operate the take-in means, and a bet operation means In the gaming machine provided with the take-in control means for operating the take-in means based on the operation and stopping the take-in means based on the take-in means taking in a predetermined number of game balls,
A take-in means is provided in the up-down direction, a main sensor that detects a game ball introduced into the take-in passage, and a game ball that is provided below the main sensor and is introduced into the take-in passage. And a sub sensor that is driven and controlled by the intake control means, and has an opening and closing member that opens and closes the intake passage above the main sensor,
The take-in control means includes a first counting means for counting the number of detected game balls by the main sensor, a second counting means for counting the number of detected game balls by the sub sensor, and a main sensor counted by the first counting means. Take-in error control means for performing take-in error control based on the fact that the number of game balls detected and the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor counted by the second counting means do not match, and the result of game ball detection by the main sensor Based on the above, a countable state is generated in which the number of game balls detected by the sub-sensor is counted by the second counting means, while the countable state is determined based on the elapse of a predetermined period after the game ball detection result of the main sensor is obtained. If the sub-sensor detects a game ball even before the predetermined period has elapsed, the second counting means increases the number of detected game balls by the sub-sensor. Game machine characterized by comprising a counting control means for terminating the countable state.