JP2008029413A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko game machine capable of easily counting the number of out balls by detecting and discriminating shot balls from reflected balls and improving the taste and a working efficiency by using the detection of the reflected balls. <P>SOLUTION: The side of the tip portion 7b of a back-flow prevention member 7 is formed of a bimorph-type piezoelectric element 70 formed by laminating a pair of piezoelectric plates 71 and 72. The piezoelectric plates 71 and 72 are composed of piezoelectric ceramic or piezoelectric polymer of the same material, and a first piezoelectric plate 71 whose surface side a shot ball B1 collides on and a second piezoelectric plate 72 whose surface side a shot ball B2 collides on are connected in parallel to each other. The piezoelectric element 70 is connected to a detector for detecting an electromotive force which generates in the piezoelectric element 70 by the collision of the shot ball B1 (or the shot ball B2), via a lead wire 70a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine.

  In a pachinko gaming machine, a game is started by releasing a game ball launched by the launching device as a launch ball into a circular game area formed on the game board. In order to introduce the launch ball into the game area, a pair of inner and outer launch rails are arranged in parallel at the periphery of the game area with a launch passage through which the game ball can pass. In this way, in order to detect a game ball (launch ball) released (introduced) into the game area and count the number of shots as the number of out balls, for example, a technique of providing a game ball detection sensor at the end of the inner rail Is disclosed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2002-177505 A JP 2000-116922 A

  By the way, in patent document 1, the detection sensor is provided in the exit of the discharge passage. On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, a detection sensor is provided in a backflow prevention member in which the proximal end side is fixed and the distal end side projects in a cantilever manner into the launch passage at the end portion of the inner rail. The backflow prevention member is provided to prevent the launch ball introduced into the game area from being bounced back by a obstacle nail or the like to become a reflection ball (return ball) and returning from the game area to the launch path. . Therefore, in any case, when the game ball once counted as a launch ball and introduced into the game area becomes a reflection ball, it is detected again by the detection sensor. At this time, since the detection sensor cannot identify (distinguish) whether or not the game ball has already been counted, the reflected ball is counted redundantly. As a result, these detection sensors may count more out balls than actual.

  The problem of the present invention is that the number of out balls can be easily counted by detecting the launch ball and the reflection sphere in an identifiable manner, and the interest rate is enhanced by using the detection of the reflection sphere and the operation rate is improved. It is to provide a pachinko machine that can be used.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention is
In a pachinko gaming machine in which a game ball launched by a launcher is released as a launch ball into a game area formed on a game board,
A launch passage through which a game ball can pass to introduce the fire ball into the game area;
The base end side is fixed to the end portion of the launching passage, the tip end side projects in a cantilevered manner in the launching passage, and the interval of the exit of the launching passage is kept below the ball diameter of the game ball, and the passage of the launching ball The tip end side is elastically deformed by a collision at the time of expansion, and the interval is widened to a sphere diameter or more, while after the launch ball passes, it is elastically restored and the interval is kept below the sphere diameter so as to leave the launch passage from the game area. A backflow preventing member formed by a piezoelectric element at least a portion that is elastically deformed by the collision of the projecting sphere and the reflecting sphere,
Detecting means for detecting an electrical output generated by elastic deformation of the piezoelectric element;
And an identification means for identifying whether the game ball colliding with the backflow prevention member is the launch ball or the reflection ball based on the electrical output detected by the detection means.

  For example, since the impact force at the time of collision of the launch ball is larger than the impact force at the time of collision of the reflection sphere, the peak value (absolute value) of the electrical output generated in the piezoelectric element is greater in the launch ball than in the reflection sphere. Also grows. In this way, the number of out balls is reduced by providing the identification means for identifying whether the game ball colliding with the backflow prevention member is the launch ball or the reflection ball based on the electrical output detected by the detection means. It can be counted easily and accurately. In addition, since the randomly generated reflection sphere is detected separately from the launch ball, if the special effect display is executed only by using the detection of the reflection sphere, the player's interest is enhanced. As a result, the availability of pachinko machines can be improved.

  The electrical output detected by the detecting means may be any of an electromotive force, a current, and a voltage generated by elastic deformation of the piezoelectric element due to the collision of the game ball (launch ball or reflection ball).

  In this case, it is possible to discriminate between the launch sphere and the reflection sphere not only by the magnitude (absolute value) of the peak value of these electrical outputs but also by the positive / negative (order of appearance) of the electrical outputs. That is, the backflow preventing member is elastically deformed in different directions depending on whether the projecting ball collides or the reflecting ball collides, so that the electrical output is reversed in the positive / negative (the order of appearance of the positive / negative is reversed).

  Specifically, the backflow prevention member is formed by a bimorph-type piezoelectric element in which a portion that is elastically deformed by the collision of the launch ball and the reflection sphere is laminated with a pair of piezoelectric element materials, and constitutes the bimorph-type piezoelectric element The projecting sphere collides with the surface side of one piezoelectric element material and the reflecting sphere collides with the surface side of the other piezoelectric element material, and the identifying means determines whether the electromotive force detected by the detecting means is positive or negative. Based on this, it is desirable to identify whether the game ball colliding with the backflow prevention member is a launch ball or a reflection ball. Thus, by connecting a pair of piezoelectric element materials in parallel, the piezoelectric elements generate electromotive forces in opposite directions with respect to the deformation (deflection) direction. It becomes easier to distinguish between the sphere and the reflection sphere.

The piezoelectric material used for the piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element material) may be any of a piezoelectric single crystal, piezoelectric ceramics, and a piezoelectric polymer. Piezoelectric single crystals include quartz (SiO ₂ ) and lithium niobate (LiNbO ₃ ), and piezoelectric ceramics include barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), lead titanate (PbTiO ₃ ), lead zirconate titanate ( PbTiO ₃ —PbZrO ₃ ; PZT) is included, and the piezoelectric polymer includes polyvinylidene fluoride resin (PVDF). PVDF generates a relatively large electromotive force with respect to stress (strain), has high flexibility, is easy to increase in area and thin, and is suitable for use as a backflow prevention member.

And the main control part which performs a lottery process with establishment of predetermined conditions,
A variable display device that displays effects based on the lottery result of the lottery process,
In the variable display device, when the effect display based on the lottery result is performed, if the identification means identifies the game ball colliding with the backflow prevention member as a reflection ball, the variable display device may indicate that the lottery result is a big hit. An effect display indicating the degree of expectation can be performed.

  In this way, when a randomly occurring reflection sphere is detected occasionally, the expectation degree of jackpot is produced and displayed, so that a new interest can be given to the player and the operating rate can be increased. For example, by displaying a degree of expectation by causing a special character to appear or displaying a number only when a reflection sphere is detected, it is possible to give the game an unexpectedness and enhance its interest.

  In addition, when the identification means continuously identifies the game ball colliding with the backflow prevention member as the launch ball, the main control unit displays the operation information indicating that the game is in progress to the external management device that manages the game hall etc. Can be output. In this way, by using a piezoelectric element for the backflow prevention member, it is possible to easily and accurately count the number of out balls (the number of shot balls), so that the count data is managed as external information from the main control unit. If output to the device, it is possible to constantly monitor the operating status of the gaming machines in the game hall, and to easily grasp the number of balls to be shot for each gaming machine.

  Further, when the identification means identifies a game ball that collides with the backflow prevention member as a launch ball, the variable display device displays during the game, and the identification means displays the launch ball (game ball that collides with the backflow prevention member) for a predetermined time. When not identified, the variable display device can switch the display during game to the display during standby. In this way, when the fired ball is not detected for a predetermined time, the variable display device is switched from the game display to the standby display. For example, if the player interrupts the launch of the game ball during the reach production, the standby display screen is displayed. Therefore, the player does not interrupt the launch of the game ball, and the operating rate of the gaming machine is improved.

(Example)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view and a side view of the main part. A pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a transparent glass door 2 attached to a frame, and a game board 3 disposed inside the frame and covered by the glass door 2. The front surface of the game board 3 is partitioned by two parallel firing rails 4 and 5 on the inner left and right sides, and a substantially circular game area 3a is formed as a whole. Below the game board 3, a ball supply tray 9 is provided. Balls (game balls; game media) prepared in the ball supply tray 9 are launched toward the game area 3a of the game board 3 by the launching device 8 including the launch handle 8a. Since a large number of nails 3b are planted in the game area 3a, the ball that has reached the game area 3a of the game board 3 through the launch passage 6 between which the ball can pass between the launch rails 4 and 5 is being bounced by the nail 3b. The game area 3a is dropped. In addition, the code | symbol 10a shows the ball | bowl discharge port for collect | recovering a ball | bowl, 10b shows the foul ball | bowl return port for returning a foul ball | bowl to the ball | bowl supply tray 9. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base end portion 7 a of the backflow prevention member 7 having a rectangular cross section is fixed to the game board 3 at the terminal end portion of the inner rail 4, and the tip end portion 7 b is cantilevered in the launch passage 6. Protruding. The tip 7b of the backflow prevention member 7 is held such that the relative distance L (the distance between the outlets of the launch passage 6) with the outer rail 5 is equal to or less than the ball diameter D of the game ball (launch ball B1). When the fired ball B1 launched by the launcher 8 collides for passage, the tip 7b side is elastically deformed, and the relative interval L increases beyond the ball diameter D. However, after passing through the launch ball B1, it is elastically restored and the relative distance L is kept below the ball diameter D (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the entry of the reflecting sphere B2 (return sphere) which is bounced back by the nail 3b and collides to return to the launch passage 6 from the game area 3a is prevented.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display unit 44 (variable display device) is disposed near the center of the game board 3. The liquid crystal display unit 44 is formed with a symbol display area 45 for performing various display effects by displaying a plurality of columns of symbols (for example, three-digit Arabic numerals) on a liquid crystal display.

  Below the liquid crystal display unit 44, a start chucker 12 (start winning prize opening) having a pair of rotating blade pieces 12a and 12a that are opened and closed is arranged. Below the start chucker 12, there is provided an attacker 13 (big winning opening; variable winning opening) that is opened when a big hit is made in the big win lottery executed based on the winning to the start chucker 12. Further, on the left side of the liquid crystal display unit 44, a through chucker 11 (starting gate) for opening the start chucker 12 for a predetermined time and number of times (for example, once in 0.5 seconds) when a ball passes is arranged. Has been. Further, on the left and right sides of the start chucker 12, a first winning port 15 and a second winning port for opening the start chucker 12 for a predetermined time and number of times (for example, twice in 1.5 seconds) based on winning. 16 are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tip 7b side of the backflow prevention member 7 is formed by a bimorph piezoelectric element 70 in which a pair of piezoelectric plates 71 and 72 (piezoelectric element material) are laminated. The piezoelectric plates 71 and 72 are made of the same material piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric polymer, and the first piezoelectric plate 71 on which the launch ball B1 collides with the surface side and the second piezoelectric plate 71 on which the reflection ball B2 collides with the surface side. A piezoelectric plate 72 is connected in parallel. The piezoelectric element 70 is connected via a lead wire 70a to a detection device 80 for detecting an electromotive force generated in the piezoelectric element 70 due to the collision of the launch ball B1 (or the reflection sphere B2) (FIG. 3, FIG. 3). (See FIG. 5).

  Next, the operation of the backflow prevention member 7 (piezoelectric element 70) and the detection and identification of the electromotive force generated will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), in the initial state where the game balls (the launch ball B1 and the reflection ball B2) do not collide, the tip portion of the piezoelectric element 70 has a relative distance L between the outer rail 5 and the game ball. It is projected and held in a cantilever manner in the firing passage 6 so as to be equal to or less than the spherical diameter D (see FIG. 2). At this time, since the piezoelectric element 70 is not deformed (bent), of course, the piezoelectric element 70 does not generate an electromotive force, and the detection device 80 does not detect the electromotive force (see FIG. 4A).

  In this state, when the launch ball B1 launched by the launch device 8 collides from the surface side of the first piezoelectric plate 71, the tip of the piezoelectric element 70 passes through the launch passage 6 as shown in FIG. It is elastically deformed in the opening direction, and the relative distance L is increased beyond the spherical diameter D. When the piezoelectric element 70 undergoes such deformation (deflection), the detection device 80 detects a positive electromotive force (see FIG. 4B). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the detection device 80 detects that a positive electromotive force indicating a peak value + P1 exceeding the first threshold value + T1 of the high level is generated in the piezoelectric element 70.

  Thereafter, when the launch ball B1 is released from the launch passage 6 to the game area 3a (see FIG. 1), the tip of the piezoelectric element 70 is elastically restored in the direction of closing the launch passage 6 as shown in FIG. Thus, the relative distance L is kept below the spherical diameter D. When the piezoelectric element 70 undergoes such deformation (deflection), the detection device 80 detects a negative electromotive force (see FIG. 4C). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the detection device 80 detects that a negative electromotive force indicating a peak value −P <b> 1 exceeding the first threshold −T <b> 1 of the high level is generated in the piezoelectric element 70. To do.

  When the electromotive force of the piezoelectric element 70 is detected by the detection device 80 as shown in FIG. 5A, the game ball colliding with the piezoelectric element 70 can be identified as the firing ball B1. Specifically, the launch ball B1 is identified when the peak value + P1 (−P1) of the electromotive force exceeds the first threshold + T1 (−T1). It is known that the impact force at the time of collision is larger in the launch sphere B1 than in the reflection sphere B2, and a peak value + P1 (higher than the first threshold value + T1 (−T1) set to a high level accordingly. -P1) is detected, it is determined that it is the launch ball B1.

  In addition, the firing ball B1 is identified by the change in the order of electromotive force generation from positive electromotive force to negative electromotive force. When the projecting ball B1 collides, the tip of the piezoelectric element 70 is elastically deformed (positive electromotive force is generated) in the direction to open the firing passage 6, and then is elastically restored in the direction to close the firing passage 6 (at this time, negative electromotive force). appear. On the other hand, when the reflecting sphere B2 collides, the order in which the electromotive force is generated is reversed, and therefore, it is determined that it is the launching sphere B1 in the pattern of FIG.

  Thus, the game ball that collides with the piezoelectric element 70 can be identified as the launch ball B1 by at least one of “the magnitude of the peak value of the electromotive force” and “the order in which the electromotive force is generated”. The piezoelectric element 70 does not generate an electromotive force when it is stopped in the deformed state as shown in FIGS.

  In the initial state as shown in FIG. 3A again, when the reflection sphere B2 bounced off by the nail 3b or the like collides from the surface side of the second piezoelectric plate 72, as shown in FIG. The distal end portion is elastically deformed in the direction of closing the firing passage 6, and the relative interval L is further narrowed. When the piezoelectric element 70 undergoes such deformation (deflection), the detection device 80 detects a negative electromotive force (see FIG. 4C). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the detection device 80 has a negative value indicating a peak value −P2 slightly exceeding the low level second threshold −T2 (but not exceeding the first threshold −T1). Is detected in the piezoelectric element 70.

  Thereafter, when the reflecting sphere B2 is returned from the piezoelectric element 70 to the game area 3a (see FIG. 1), the tip of the piezoelectric element 70 is elastically restored in the direction to open the firing passage 6, as shown in FIG. As a result, the relative distance L is slightly increased. When the piezoelectric element 70 undergoes such deformation (deflection), the detection device 80 detects a positive electromotive force (see FIG. 4B). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the detection device 80 has a positive electromotive force indicating a peak value + P2 that slightly exceeds the second threshold value + T2 of the low level (but does not exceed the first threshold value + T1). Is generated in the piezoelectric element 70.

  When the electromotive force of the piezoelectric element 70 is detected by the detection device 80 as shown in FIG. 5B, the game ball colliding with the piezoelectric element 70 can be identified as the reflection sphere B2. Specifically, the reflection sphere B2 is identified when the peak value −P2 (+ P2) of the electromotive force does not exceed the first threshold −T1 (+ T1) but exceeds the second threshold −ST (+ T2). . It is known that the impact force at the time of collision is smaller in the reflecting sphere B2 than in the projecting sphere B1, and a peak value −P2 that is slightly higher than the second threshold value −T2 (+ T2) set to a low level accordingly. By detecting (+ P2), it is determined to be the reflection sphere B2.

  Further, the reflection sphere B2 is identified by the change in the order of generation of electromotive force from negative electromotive force to positive electromotive force. When the reflecting sphere B2 collides, the tip of the piezoelectric element 70 is elastically deformed (negative electromotive force is generated) in the direction of closing the firing passage 6, and then is elastically restored in the direction of closing the firing passage 6 (at this time, positive electromotive force). appear. On the other hand, at the time of collision of the projecting ball B1, as described above, the order of generation of the electromotive force is reversed, so that it is determined as the reflecting sphere B2 in the pattern of FIG.

  As described above, the game ball colliding with the piezoelectric element 70 can be identified as the reflection sphere B2 by at least one of “the magnitude of the peak value of the electromotive force” and “the order of generation of the electromotive force”.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the game control device 20 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The game control device 20 is disposed on the back side of the game board 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the game control device 20 includes a main board 21 (main control unit; identification unit), a display control board 26 (display control unit; display control unit), a voice control board 27 (voice control unit), a lamp. A control board 28 (lamp control part), a payout control board 29 (prize ball control part), a launch control board 30 (launch control part), and an external output board 120 (external output part) are configured. Each board is generally provided with a CPU and a memory, but is omitted in FIG. In addition, power of a predetermined voltage generated by the power supply circuit 34 is supplied to each board via the main board 21.

  The main board 21 is read / written with a CPU 22 which is an arithmetic unit (a lottery means; a big hit generating means) and a ROM 23 which is a read-only storage device in which various programs 23a to 23d (see FIG. 7A) are stored in advance. A RAM 24, which is a possible main storage device and used as a work area, and an input / output port 25 are provided, and these are connected to each other via a bus (not shown).

  The display control board 26 executes processing (control) for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display unit 44 in accordance with a display control signal input from the main board 21. The sound control board 27 outputs sound from the speaker 40 (including an amplifier; see FIG. 1) according to the sound control signal input from the main board 21. The lamp control board 28 controls blinking of the lamps 41 (see FIG. 1) according to the lamp control signal input from the main board 21. The payout control board 29 controls the payout device 42 according to the prize ball signal input from the main board 21. Thereby, a predetermined amount of prize balls are paid out to the player (ball payout tray). The launch control board 30 activates the launch device 8 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with the launch signal input from the main board 21 based on the operation of the launch handle 8a by the player.

  Ball detection signals from a gate passage detector 31 attached to the through chucker 11, a start winning detector 32 attached to the start chucker 12, and a big prize detector 33 attached to the attacker 13 are respectively displayed on the main board 21. Have been entered. Similarly, the ball detection signals from the first winning detector 35 attached to the first winning opening 15 and the second winning detector 36 attached to the second winning opening 16 are respectively input to the main board 21. Yes. Each detector 31, 32, 33, 35, 36 can be constituted by a contact type or non-contact type sensor (switch). In addition, an electromotive force detection signal from an electromotive force detector 81 of the detection device 80 (detection means) is also input to the main board 21, and the backflow prevention member 7 (based on the electromotive force detected by the electromotive force detector 81 ( An identification means for identifying whether the game ball colliding with the piezoelectric element 70) is the launch ball B1 or the reflection ball B2.

  On the other hand, the opening and closing of the start chucker 12 configured as a start winning opening is realized by switching the excitation / de-excitation of the chuck solenoid 37 by an output signal from the main board 21. The opening and closing of the attacker 13 configured as a variable winning opening is realized by switching the excitation solenoid 38 from being excited / de-energized by an output signal from the main board 21.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of the flow of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (change in the game state on the game board 3) will be described. When the ball enters the through chucker 11 (passes through the gate) and is detected by the gate passage detector 31, the rotating blade pieces 12a, 12a are excited by the chucking solenoid 37 for a predetermined time and number of times (for example, 0.5). It is easy to win the start chucker 12 by opening once per second). Further, when the ball is awarded to the first winning opening 15 or the second winning opening 16 and is detected by the first winning detector 35 or the second winning detector 36, the rotating blade piece 12a is excited by excitation of the chucker solenoid 37. , 12a are opened for a predetermined time and number of times (for example, twice in 1.5 seconds), making it easy to win the start chucker 12.

  When the ball wins the start chucker 12 and is detected by the start winning detector 32, a jackpot lottery (internal lottery) using the jackpot lottery table is performed. When the jackpot determination is made in this jackpot lottery, a special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time for each digit on the liquid crystal display unit 44, and then a three-digit jackpot symbol (for example, a doublet such as “777”) is displayed. A final display (stop display) is made in the display area, resulting in a “hit state (special game state)”.

  Then, the attacker 13 is opened by the excitation of the attacker solenoid 38, and the ball enters the ball very easily. Since the opening of the attacker 13 is repeated up to a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times at maximum), with a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning detection by the big prize detector 33 or the passage of a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds) as one round. During such a big hit state, the player can obtain a large number of prize balls.

  In FIG. 6, the CPU 22 has a function as a success / failure lottery unit that executes a jackpot lottery for winning or losing in accordance with a start winning to the start chucker 12. Further, the CPU 22 has a function as a jackpot generating means for activating a jackpot according to the determination result of the jackpot lottery. In the RAM 24, a non-operation timer 24a for measuring a time during which the electromotive force detector 81 does not detect the emitted ball B1 and an operation counter for counting the number of detected balls B1 by the electromotive force detector 81 are displayed. 24b is provided (see FIG. 7B).

  Furthermore, the liquid crystal display unit 44 displays the symbols of the big wins or the out of symbols by displaying the symbols of each digit in a variable manner over a predetermined time based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery means (CPU 22). It has a function as a variable display means.

  Next, control of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 10 correspond to the programs 23b to 23d stored in the ROM 23 of FIG.

  First, in the flowchart showing the electromotive force detection process of FIG. 8, it is confirmed whether the electromotive force detector 81 detects the electromotive force of the piezoelectric element 70 in S1. When the electromotive force is detected (YES in S1), it is determined whether the peak value detected in S2 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value + T1 (−T1). As a result, if the peak value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value + T1 (−T1) (YES in S2), it is determined as a launch ball B1 in S3, a launch signal is output in S4, and the process returns.

  On the other hand, if the peak value is less than the first threshold value + T1 (−T1) (NO in S2), it is determined in S5 whether the peak value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value + T2 (−T2). As a result, if the peak value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value + T2 (−T2) (YES in S5), the reflection sphere B2 is determined in S6, a reflection signal is output in S7, and the process returns. If the electromotive force detector 81 does not detect the electromotive force of the piezoelectric element 70 (NO in S1), and if the peak value is less than the second threshold + T2 (−T2) (NO in S5), the process immediately returns. To do.

  Next, in the flowchart showing the operation determination process of FIG. 9, it is confirmed whether or not a firing signal is output in S11. If a firing signal is output in the electromotive force detection process (S4) (YES in S11), the operation of the non-operation timer 24a is reset in S12, and it is confirmed in S13 whether the operation flag is OFF. . If the operation flag is OFF (YES in S13), the firing signal is output, so the operation flag is turned ON in S14, and the liquid crystal display unit 44 is instructed to display the game screen during S15. If the operation flag is ON (NO in S13), the display of the in-game screen has already been output, and the process skips to S16.

  Since the emission signal is output in S11 (that is, in operation), the operation counter 24b is incremented (+1) in S16, and it is checked whether the operation counter 24b has reached 10 in S17. When the operation counter 24b eventually reaches 10 (10 launch balls B1) (YES in S17), an operation signal is output to the external management device 140 such as a game hall management device via the external output board 120 in S18. In S19, the operation counter 24b is reset and the process returns. If the operation counter 24b has not reached 10 (NO in S17), the process immediately returns.

  Thus, an operation signal is transmitted from the main board 21 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the external management device 140 for every 10 counts of the fired ball B1. Therefore, the external management device 140 can accurately grasp the number of out balls of the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 1 only by counting the operation signals.

  On the other hand, when the firing signal is not detected (not output) (NO in S11), it is confirmed in S20 whether or not the operation time of the non-operation timer 24a exceeds 30 seconds. If the operation time of the non-operation timer 24a exceeds 30 seconds (YES in S20), it is checked in S21 whether the operation flag is ON. If the operation flag is ON (YES in S21), the firing signal is not output, so the operation flag is turned OFF in S22, and the liquid crystal display unit 44 is instructed to display the standby screen in S23. If the operation time of the non-operation timer 24a is within 30 seconds (NO in S20), the operation immediately returns and the operation of the non-operation timer 24a is continued. If the operation flag is OFF (NO in S21), the process immediately returns because the standby screen display has already been output.

  Further, in the flowchart showing the special notice effect processing during super reach in FIG. 10, it is confirmed in S31 whether the super reach effect is being performed (being changed). If super reach is being produced (YES in S31), it is checked in S32 whether or not the remaining time until the symbol display is within 30 seconds. When the remaining time is within 30 seconds (YES in S32), it is confirmed in S33 whether the reflected signal is detected (that is, the electromotive force detector 81 detects the reflected sphere B2 and outputs the reflected signal in S7). If a reflected signal is detected (YES in S33), a special notice is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 44 in S34 and the process returns.

  If no reflected signal is detected (NO in S33), it is checked in S35 whether or not the remaining time until the symbol confirmation display is within 10 seconds. When the remaining time is less than 10 seconds (YES in S35), the process immediately returns, and when the remaining time is more than 10 seconds (NO in S35), the process returns to S33, and the reflected signal is reached until the remaining time is within 10 seconds. Wait until it is detected. If the super reach is not being produced (NO in S31), and if the remaining time until the symbol confirmation display exceeds 30 seconds, the process immediately returns.

  In the super reach, generally, the variation time (effect display time) tends to be long (it may extend over 1 minute). Therefore, if the reflected sphere B2 is detected by the electromotive force detector 81 during this period, the game can be given unexpectedness by executing a special effect display different from the detected state of the firing sphere B1. . As a special effect display in this case, it is conceivable to display the expectation level by expressing the expectation level by a number or by displaying a special character that does not appear in the detection state of the firing ball B1.

  In this manner, by detecting the electromotive force of the piezoelectric element 70 formed on the backflow preventing member 7, it is possible to detect and count the firing ball B1 separately from the reflecting sphere B2. As a result, the operating state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be easily grasped, and the number of out balls can be grasped accurately and easily. Further, when a reflecting sphere B2 that can be detected and counted separately from the launching ball B1 is detected, it is used for a special effect display or the like with the appearance (detection) as an opportunity, thereby adding unexpectedness and interest to the game. be able to.

  In the embodiment, the firing sphere B1 and the reflecting sphere B2 are identified by “the magnitude of the peak value of electromotive force”, but both may be identified by “the order of occurrence of electromotive force (positive / negative)”. Of course, these two methods may be used in combination. In the embodiment, an electromotive force generated by elastic deformation of the piezoelectric element 70 is detected. However, a current flowing due to the generated electromotive force and a generated voltage (potential) may be detected. For example, it is possible to identify which of the projecting sphere and the reflecting sphere collides with the backflow prevention member according to the magnitude of the current value and the direction in which the current flows. Furthermore, these detection results may be used for purposes other than providing operation information and displaying a notice effect.

The front schematic diagram which shows an example of the pachinko game machine which concerns on this invention. The front view and side view of the principal part of FIG. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the backflow prevention member of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the detection of an electromotive force. Explanatory drawing which shows generation | occurrence | production and identification of an electromotive force. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the pachinko machine of FIG. The conceptual diagram of ROM and RAM of the main board | substrate shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows an electromotive force detection process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operation determination processing following FIG. 8. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing special notice effect processing during super reach following FIG. 9. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 3 Game board 3a Game area 4 Inner rail (launch rail)
5 Outer rail (launch rail)
6 Launching passage 7 Backflow prevention member 7a Base end 7b Tip 8 Launching device 21 Main board (main control unit; identification means)
26 Display control board (display control unit)
44 Liquid crystal display (variable display device)
70 Piezoelectric element 71 First piezoelectric plate (Piezoelectric element material)
72 Second piezoelectric plate (piezoelectric element material)
80 Detection device (detection means)
120 External output board (external output part)
140 External management device

Claims (5)

In a pachinko gaming machine in which a game ball launched by a launcher is released as a launch ball into a game area formed on a game board,
A launch passage through which a game ball can pass to introduce the fire ball into the game area;
The base end side is fixed to the end portion of the launching passage, the tip end side projects in a cantilevered manner in the launching passage, and the interval of the exit of the launching passage is kept below the ball diameter of the game ball, and the passage of the launching ball The tip end side is elastically deformed by a collision at the time of expansion, and the interval is widened to a sphere diameter or more, while after the launch ball passes, it is elastically restored and the interval is kept below the sphere diameter so as to leave the launch passage from the game area. A backflow preventing member formed by a piezoelectric element at least a portion that is elastically deformed by the collision of the projecting sphere and the reflecting sphere,
Detecting means for detecting an electrical output generated by elastic deformation of the piezoelectric element;
A pachinko game comprising: an identification means for identifying whether the game ball colliding with the backflow prevention member is the launch ball or the reflection ball based on the electrical output detected by the detection means. Machine. The backflow preventing member is formed of a bimorph-type piezoelectric element in which a portion that is elastically deformed by the collision of the projecting sphere and the reflecting sphere is laminated with a pair of piezoelectric element materials, and constitutes one of the bimorph-type piezoelectric elements The projecting sphere collides with the surface side of the piezoelectric element material, and the reflecting sphere collides with the surface side of the other piezoelectric element material,
The said identification means identifies whether the game ball which collides with the said backflow prevention member is the said launching ball or a reflective ball based on the positive / negative of the electromotive force detected by the said detection means. Pachinko machine. A main control unit that executes a lottery process when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A variable display device that displays effects based on the lottery result of the lottery process,
In the variable display device, when the effect display based on the lottery result is performed, if the identification unit identifies the reflection sphere, the variable display device indicates an expectation that the lottery result is a big hit. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an effect display is performed.   The main control unit outputs operation information indicating that a game is in progress to an external management device that manages a game arcade or the like when the identification unit continuously identifies the launch ball. Pachinko machines. When the identification means identifies the fired ball, the variable display device displays during the game,
The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when the identification means does not identify the fired ball for a predetermined time, the variable display device switches the game display to a standby display.

Images