JP2012095811A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent, with simple configuration, an illegal act of obtaining a prize ball by blocking, with an illegal game ball, a ball entry detection switch provided in a ball entry hole.SOLUTION: This game machine includes: a ball entry detecting means for detecting a game ball entering a ball entry hole on a game board to output a game ball detection signal; an oscillating circuit for outputting a first clock signal on a predetermined cycle; a logic circuit for outputting a logical product signal of the game ball detection signal and first clock signal as a second clock signal; and a counter circuit for counting the clock number of the second clock signal with the input of the second clock signal and outputting a ball entry valid signal indicating the validity of the game ball detection signal, or a ball entry invalid signal indicating the invalidity of the ball entry detection signal based on the clock number. The counter circuit outputs the ball entry valid signal when the count value of the clock number is within a predetermined range and outputs the ball entry invalid signal when the counter value of the clock number exceeds the predetermined range.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine (a ball game machine) such as a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, or a right-handed machine, or a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine).

  In gaming machines, when a game ball enters a predetermined entrance, award balls are paid out to the player. Inside the entrance, there is provided a passage hole through which a game ball can pass, and a ball entrance detection switch for detecting the game ball passing through the passage hole is provided. In such a ball entry detection switch, by sending an unauthorized radio wave in a state where an illegal game ball that is slightly larger than the passage hole is intentionally blocked in the passage hole, a state similar to that of the game ball passing is generated, There may be fraudulent acts of obtaining prize balls.

  In response to such a fraudulent act, a gaming machine that pays out a prize ball is provided on the condition that two entrance detection switches are arranged inside the entrance and the passage of the game ball is detected by both sensors. It has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-202134 A

  However, in the configuration of the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide two entrance detection switches for each entrance provided on the game board, which complicates the configuration and reduces the number of parts. There is a problem that it causes an increase in the arrangement space of parts.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to prevent an illegal act of obtaining a prize ball by clogging an illegal game ball in an incoming ball detection switch provided inside the entrance with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention provides:
Entry detection means for detecting a game sphere entering the entrance on the game board and outputting a game sphere detection signal;
An oscillation circuit that outputs a first clock signal at a predetermined period;
A logic circuit that outputs a logical product signal of the game ball detection signal and the first clock signal as a second clock signal;
When the second clock signal is input, the number of clocks of the second clock signal is counted, and a ball entry valid signal or the game ball indicating that the game ball detection signal is valid based on the count value of the clock number A counter circuit that outputs an incoming ball abnormal signal indicating that the detection signal is abnormal,
The counter circuit outputs the incoming ball valid signal when the count value of the clock number is within a predetermined range, and outputs the incoming ball abnormality signal when the count value of the clock number exceeds the predetermined range. It is characterized by that.

  As a result, when the elapsed time (the time during which the detection state continues) from the start of detection of the game ball by the entrance detection means is within a predetermined time range, the game ball detection signal of the entrance detection means is set to a normal game. The game ball detection signal can be validated by considering that the ball is passing. In addition, when the elapsed time from the start of the detection of the game ball by the ball detection means is a predetermined time or more, the game ball detection signal of the ball detection means is considered to be due to an illegal act using an illegal game ball, This game ball detection signal can be invalidated or an error can be notified.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the counter circuit does not output the incoming ball valid signal when the count value of the number of clocks falls below the predetermined range.

  Thereby, when the elapsed time from the start of the detection of the game ball by the ball detection means is less than the predetermined time range, that is, when the detection time is shorter than the predetermined time, the game ball detection of the ball detection means The signal can be considered as noise and can be canceled. In the case of noise, since it is not an illegal signal (injustice), it is possible not to input the noise signal to the main control unit CPU, which will be described later, or to output it as a noise signal from the counter circuit (to distinguish it from the incoming ball valid signal) ), May be input to the main control unit CPU.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the oscillation circuit is configured to be capable of inputting the incoming ball abnormal signal, and stops outputting the first clock signal when the input abnormal signal is input. .

  As a result, the logical product signal (second clock signal) of the logic circuit is not input to the counter circuit along with the output of the abnormal ball signal from the counter circuit, and the counting of the number of clocks in the counter circuit can be stopped. it can.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the game ball detection signal and the incoming ball abnormal signal are input, and a logical sum signal of the game ball detection signal and the incoming ball abnormal signal is output to the counter circuit. The logic circuit of
The counter circuit is characterized by initializing a count value of the number of clocks when the logical sum signal is not input.

  As a result, the output state of the counter circuit, that is, the state in which the incoming ball abnormality signal is output can be held with the output of the incoming ball abnormality signal from the counter circuit.

  According to the present invention, with a simple circuit configuration, it is possible to distinguish between a ball detection signal due to a normal game and a ball detection signal due to an illegal game, and a ball detection provided inside the ball opening. An illegal game ball or the like (a foreign object that is not a regular game ball) is used against the switch, so that an illegal act of obtaining a prize ball can be surely blocked and an illegal act of obtaining a prize ball can be prevented.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is sectional drawing of an incoming ball detection switch, (a) shows the state through which a normal game ball passes, and (b) shows the state where the illegal game ball was jammed. It is a timing chart of the switch signal of the entrance detection switch, (a) shows the case where a normal game ball is detected, (b) shows the case where an unauthorized game ball is detected. It is a circuit diagram of a game ball detection circuit. 4 is a timing chart of counter signals output from counter signal output terminals Q1 to Q4. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the entrance detection circuit when a normal game is performed. It is a timing chart which shows operation of a ball entrance detection circuit when improper action is performed.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot game is started when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed when the special symbol variation display ends. An embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part. The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit.

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4. Lamps such as LEDs (not shown) are provided around the game board 20 in the front frame 4. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking as the game progresses in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish part 5 includes a dish outer edge part 5a, a discharge port 5b for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and a ball release button 5c for discharging the game balls of the upper dish part 5 to the lower dish part 6. It has. On the upper surface of the dish outer edge portion 5a, there are provided an effect button 5d, a ball lending switch 5e, a return switch 5f and the like that can be operated by the player.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 6 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate portion 6. An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower dish portion 6. At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. The launch stop switch 8b is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected in series with the touch switch 8a.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 10a to 10d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 10 a to 10 d are composed of upper speakers 10 a and 10 b provided at the upper part of the gaming machine 1 and lower speakers 10 c and 10 d provided at the lower part of the gaming machine 1. Further, a CR unit 13 (prepaid card unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a large winning device (special electric accessory) 33, a starting port 28, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, and a first decorative member. 50, game devices such as the second decorative member 60 are disposed. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

  The central device (center accessory) 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In the present embodiment, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area of the effect display device 25.

  The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operating gate 27, a normal symbol operating gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, the normal symbol starts to fluctuate.

  The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

  The first start port 28a is a normal start port configured as a fixed start port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant. It is possible. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable start port in which changes. The second start port 28b is in a state where the possibility of entering a ball is high when the pair of blade pieces are opened, and the state where the possibility of entering is low (the ball cannot be entered) when the pair of blade pieces is closed. Including the state). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of wing pieces are opened to expand the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b, and the second start port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

  Inside the start port 28, start port entrance detection switches 28s and 28t (see FIG. 3) for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and a start port solenoid 28c (see FIG. 3) for operating a pair of wing pieces. ) And are provided. The start-entry ball detection switches 28s and 28t detect a first start-entry ball detection switch 28s that detects a game ball entering the first start port 28a, and a game ball that enters the second start port 28b. And a second start-entrance ball detection switch 28t. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second start port 28b has a possibility of entering a game ball. It becomes an open state that becomes larger. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b becomes smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball cannot enter the second start port 28b. State (closed state). At this time, the game ball can enter only the first start port 28a. As the game balls enter the start ports 28a and 28b, the special symbols described later start to fluctuate. In addition, a game ball entering the start openings 28a, 28b is detected by the start opening entrance detection switches 28s, 28t, whereby a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 3) and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 3) for detecting an incoming game ball.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Inside these winning openings 34 to 37, winning opening entrance ball detection switches 34s to 37s (see FIG. 3) are respectively provided. When a winning ball entering detection switch 34s to 37s detects a game ball entering the winning ports 34 to 37, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out.

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a combination of these LEDs constitutes a normal symbol display portion 51, a general symbol hold display portion 52, and a special symbol hold display portion 53. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a special symbol display unit 61 is configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display part 51 is comprised from one LED, and a normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and after a predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol hits and stops display in the normal symbol display mode or the dismissed normal symbol display mode. Is done. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second).

  In this embodiment, a normal symbol success / failure random number (ordinary symbol lottery random number) is provided. This normal symbol success / failure random number is acquired when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27, and 2 Used for normal symbol determination (normal symbol lottery) as to whether to activate the start port 28b. The normal symbol success / failure random number is set in advance with a hit value, and the normal symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27 matches the win value. Determined. When it is determined to be a winning, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the winning normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure random number does not match the winning value), the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. Is done. It should be noted that the normal symbol success / failure determination and the normal symbol stop symbol determination are performed under the control of the main control unit 200 described later.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. The normal symbol hold and hold digest are performed under the control of the main control unit 200 described later. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. The special symbol display unit 61 of the present embodiment is composed of seven LEDs, and the special symbols are displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting the special symbol display unit 61 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of special symbol display modes can be displayed by a combination of turning on and off the LEDs. Of the combinations of special symbols displayed by the seven LEDs, a specific combination is set as a winning symbol (big hit symbol), and a portion other than the winning special symbol is set as a missed symbol. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off. In the special symbol display unit 61, when the game ball enters the start port 28, the special symbol starts to fluctuate, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or a missing symbol.

  In this embodiment, a special symbol success / failure determination random number that is acquired when a game ball enters the start opening 28 and is used for determining whether or not a big hit game (special game) is to be generated (a big hit lottery). (Large lottery random number) is provided. In addition, a symbol determining random number for determining a stop symbol of the special symbol is provided. As the game ball enters the start port 28, a special symbol success / failure determination random number and a symbol determination random number are acquired, and the acquired special symbol success / failure determination random number and symbol determination random number are stored in the RAM of the main control unit 200. Is stored in a predetermined area.

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The special symbol hold display section 53 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs.

  The number of game balls that have entered the starting port 28 can be reserved until the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) is reached as the number of special symbol reservations. The special symbol holding number corresponds to the number of random numbers (stored number) acquired every time a game ball enters the start port 28 and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200. The number of special symbol reservations is digested every time a special symbol success / failure determination (big hit lottery) is performed and the variation display of the special symbol is started, and decreases by one. Note that special symbol reservation and reservation digestion are performed under the control of the main control unit 200 described later.

  The special symbol success / failure determination (big hit lottery) is performed when the special symbol starts variable display. A special symbol winning / determining random number is set in advance with a winning symbol for winning / determining judgment. When the special symbol winning / determining random number matches the winning value, it is determined to be a big hit (winning the big winning lottery) and the special symbol display The special symbol stopped and displayed in the part 61 is determined to be a big hit symbol (probability big hit symbol or normal big hit symbol). On the other hand, when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is successful is not a big hit (losing to the big hit lottery), the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be a lost symbol. Note that the special symbol success / failure determination, the determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the determination of the special symbol stop pattern are performed by the control of the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the big hit game which is one form of the special game will be described. When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 61 is a jackpot symbol (when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a jackpot), the main control unit 200 plays a jackpot game that is relatively advantageous to the player. Let it begin. The big hit game is to give a player a profit with respect to entering a game ball into the big prize opening 33a by operating the big prize device 33, in other words, by opening and closing the big prize opening 33a a plurality of times. In addition, it is implement | achieved by control of the main control part 200, and the main control part 200 functions as a big hit game execution means.

  During the big hit game, the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 prize balls for one prize) according to the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 33a. Will be paid out. Specifically, at the start of the big hit game, the big prize opening device (special electric accessory) 33 is continuously operated, and the big prize opening opening / closing operation for switching the big prize opening 33a between the open state and the closed state is continuously performed a plurality of times. Done. With the start of the operation of the big prize device 33, the big prize opening 33a in the closed state is opened. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a reaches a predetermined time (30 seconds or 0.2 seconds in this embodiment), or the number of game balls that have entered the opened big winning opening 33a is It may be when the predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) is reached.

  When it is assumed that one round is from the start to the end of the open state of the big winning opening 33a, the big hit game is ended by performing a predetermined number of rounds. In the grand prize winning device 33, after the opening of the big prize winning opening 33a is completed, that is, after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed since the big winning prize opening 33a is closed, the big winning prize opening 33a is again opened. Round begins. The opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning port 33a in which one round is from the start to the end of the big winning port 33a is repeated until a predetermined maximum number of continuous rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment) is completed.

  Next, the symbol variation effect performed in the effect display device 25 with the variation display of the special symbol will be described. In the display area of the effect display device 25, an effect symbol display unit 25a for displaying effect symbols is provided. The effect symbol of the effect symbol display unit 25a is displayed in conjunction with the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 61. Moreover, the site | part except the effect design display part 25a among the display screens of the effect display apparatus 25 is a background display area in which various background designs including a character, a figure, a symbol, a character, etc. are displayed.

  In this embodiment, a three-digit number symbol consisting of “1” to “9” is used as the effect symbol, and the effect symbol display unit 25a displays a right symbol display area in which the right symbol is displayed, and a middle symbol. The middle symbol display area and the left symbol display area where the left symbol is displayed are composed of three symbol display areas. Each symbol display area has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction).

  The effect symbol starts to be displayed when the special symbol starts to be changed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop symbol of the special symbol. In the production design, a combination of even symbols with the same three digits corresponds to a normal big hit symbol with a special symbol, a combination of odd symbols with the same three digits corresponds to a probabilistic jackpot symbol with a special symbol, and other symbol combinations are special. Corresponds to symbols that are out of design. The design variation effect such as the design symbol variation display effect is configured to be performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control units 230 and 260, and each sub control unit 230, Reference numerals 260 and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. Further, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination of the special symbol by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM, with the CPU 200b as the main body. The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol success / failure determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control board 200a of this embodiment is set to 2 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. Connected to the board input relay board 201 are a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s, a start entrance ball detection switch 28s, 28t, a big entrance entrance detection switch 33s, and an entrance entrance detection switch 34s-37s. These signals are configured to be input to the main control unit 200. The panel output relay board 202 is connected to the symbol display devices 51 and 61, the start opening solenoid 28c, and the special winning opening solenoid 33c, and a control signal is output from the main control unit 200.

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control board 200a. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. The main control unit 200 sends commands to the payout control unit 230 such as a prize ball instruction signal for giving a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing game start permission, and various launch control commands. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

  The launch control unit 250 constitutes launch control means for controlling the launch of a game ball on the game board. The launch control board 250a includes a launch motor (not shown), a touch switch 8a, a launch stop switch 8b, and the like. It is connected. The launch motor operates a spear for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8. In addition, a launch volume signal indicating the amount of operation of the launch handle 8 by the player, a touch terminal signal indicating whether or not the player is touching the launch handle 8 and the like are input to the launch control board 250a.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control effect control using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 10a to 10d, symbol display by the effect display device 25, and the like.

  Various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260. Various symbol control commands for instructing display control of effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control are simultaneously transmitted from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280.

  An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260. The effect display control board 280a is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU 280b, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc., and is connected to the sub-control board 260a at the input / output port. ing. An effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. The effect display control unit 280 is configured such that the CPU 280b performs display control of the effect display device 25 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM. The ROM of the effect display control unit 280 stores a plurality of effect image data (such as the image data relating to the symbol variation effect described above) displayed on the effect display device 25.

  Various LEDs and lamps 262 are connected to the sub-control board 260a via a decorative drive board 261. The various LEDs / lamps 262 are for enhancing the gaming effect, and these lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect. In addition, an amplifier substrate 263 is connected to the sub-control unit 260. Speakers 10 a to 10 d are connected to the amplifier substrate 263. From the speakers 10a to 10d, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, the effect button 5 d is connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the effect button board 264. The sub-control unit 260 selects various LED / lamp lighting / flashing patterns based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production button 5d (reception of a production pattern designation command, input of a production button operation signal, etc.). An execution process, a selection / output process of sound effect data output from the speakers 10a to 10d, an effect display pattern selection / execution process on the effect display device 25, and the like are performed.

  Next, the start opening ball detection switches 28s and 28t, the big winning opening entrance detection switch 33s, and the winning opening entrance detection switches 34s to 37s will be described. These entrance detection switches 28s, 28t, 33s, and 34s to 37s are configured as proximity switches. Since the configurations of these entrance detection switches 28s, 28t, 33s, and 34s to 37s are substantially the same, they will be collectively described as the entrance detection switch 40 below. The entrance detection switch 40 corresponds to “entrance detection means” of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the incoming ball detection switch 40. 4A shows a state in which a normal game ball 42 passes, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which the illegal game ball 43 is clogged.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the entrance detection switch 40 enters the entrance (the first start port 28a, the second start port 28b, the big winning port 33a, the winning ports 34 to 37) on the game board. It is provided in the game ball passage 41 through which the game ball that has been passed passes. The entrance detection switch 40 is provided with a passage hole 40a through which a game ball 42 (hereinafter also referred to as “normal game ball 42”) can pass, and detects that the game ball 42 has passed through the passage hole 40a. Is configured to do. In the present embodiment, the diameter A of the game ball passage 41 is 12 mm, the passage hole 40a is elliptical, and the short side inner diameter B is 11.4 mm. The diameter C of the game ball 42 is 11 mm, which is smaller than the inner diameter B of the passage hole 40a. For this reason, the game ball 42 that has entered the entrance can pass down through the passage hole 40a.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (b), in the illegal act of deliberately clogging the ball detection switch 40 with a game ball and obtaining an award ball illegally, the diameter D larger than the inner diameter B (11.4 mm) of the passage hole 40a is set. The illegal gaming ball 43 possessed is used. In this embodiment, the unauthorized gaming ball 43 has a diameter D of 11.5 mm. For this reason, the illegal game ball 43 that has entered the entrance is unable to pass through the passage hole 40a, and the lower 1/3 is in a clogged state in which the passage hole 40a is fitted.

  5A and 5B are timing charts showing switch signals output from the ball entry detection switch 40. FIG. 5A shows a case where a normal game ball 42 is detected, and FIG. 5B shows a case where an illegal game ball 43 is detected. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the signal level of the incoming ball detection switch 40 is low level (L) when the game ball 42 is not detected, and the high signal level is detected by detecting the game ball 42. Changes to level (H). For this reason, when the game ball 42 is detected by the ball detection switch 40, the signal level of the ball detection switch 40 is changed from a low level to a high level only for a short time when the game ball 42 passes through the passage hole 40a. The game ball 42 passing through the passage hole 40a can be detected by detecting the change (rise or fall of the signal) between the high level and the low level of the output signal of the ball entry detection switch 40. In this embodiment, the control for detecting the entrance of the game ball 42 by detecting the rising edge of the signal is employed. The time required for the game ball 42 to pass through the passage hole 40a depends on the speed at which the game ball 42 enters the entrance, and the position of the entrance on the game board and the arrangement of nails around the entrance (In other words, the flow velocity of the game ball changes due to the flow distance of the game ball and the collision / contact with the nail). In this embodiment, the time required for the game ball 42 to pass through the passage hole 40a is approximately 2 ms to 10 ms.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the illegal game ball 43 is blocked in the passage hole 40a, the ball detection switch 40 continues to detect the illegal game ball 43. The level is maintained at a high level (H). Then, in the state in which the illegal gaming ball 43 is jammed, the signal level changes to a low level (L) by transmitting an illegal radio wave from the outside to the incoming ball detection switch 40. For this reason, in a state where the illegal game ball 43 is clogged in the passage hole 40a, the signal level of the incoming ball detection switch 40 changes from the high level to the low level only for a short time during which the illegal radio wave is transmitted. As a result, the signal level of the incoming ball detection switch 40 is switched from the high level to the low level each time an illegal radio wave is transmitted in a state where the ball is clogged (the signal level is high), and then returns from the low level to the high level. The state (the same state as when the passing of the game ball is detected) is illegally generated. At this time, since the signal level rises from the low level to the high level, that is, the rising state of the signal is detected, in the conventional gaming machine, it is assumed that the passing of the game ball is detected when this state is detected. The payout was executed.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a ball entry detection circuit 300 shown in FIG. 6 is provided in order to prevent an illegal act using the illegal game ball 43 (see FIGS. 4B and 5B). ing. FIG. 6 shows a circuit configuration of the ball entry detection circuit 300. As shown in FIG. 6, the incoming ball detection circuit 300 is provided between the incoming ball detection switch 40 and a CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 (hereinafter referred to as “main control CPU 200b”).

  The entrance detection circuit 300 is configured to receive a switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40 and output a signal to the main control CPU 200b. Specifically, when the entrance detection circuit 300 determines that the switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40 is due to the normal passing of the game ball 42, the entrance detection circuit 300 outputs the entrance detection signal to the main control CPU 200b. When it is determined that the switch signal of the incoming ball detection switch 40 is due to an illegal act using the illegal game ball 43, an error signal (abnormal signal) is output to the main control CPU 200b.

  Specifically, the ball entry detection circuit 300 detects that the time during which the switch signal of the ball entry detection switch 40 is at the output level (high level in this embodiment) indicating game ball detection falls below a predetermined time range. Therefore, it is determined that the noise is due to noise, and the ball detection signal is not output. In addition, the incoming ball detection circuit 300 passes the normal game ball 42 when the switch signal of the ball detection switch 40 is at an output level (high level) indicating game ball detection within a predetermined time range. It is judged that it is, and an entrance detection signal is output. Further, the incoming ball detection circuit 300 detects the illegal gaming ball 43 when the switch signal of the incoming ball detection switch 40 is at the output level (high level) indicating the detection of the gaming ball exceeds a predetermined time range. It is determined that the fraudulent act is used (it is determined that the ball is clogged), and an error signal is output. The “predetermined time range” is set based on the time required for the game ball 42 to pass through the passage hole 40a of the entrance detection switch 40 by a normal game. As described above, the time required for the game ball 42 to pass through the passage hole 40a of the entrance detection switch 40 in a normal game is approximately 2 ms to 10 ms. In this embodiment, the “predetermined time range” is set with a margin. It is set to 2 ms to 16 ms.

  The ball entry detection circuit 300 includes an AND circuit 301, an oscillation circuit 302, a counter circuit 303, a first OR circuit 304, and a second OR circuit 305. The AND circuit 301 receives a switch signal from the game ball detection sensor 40 and an oscillation signal (basic clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 302. In this embodiment, the period of the oscillation signal of the oscillation circuit 302 is 2 ms, and the oscillation signal is continuously output unless a signal is input to the EN (enable) terminal. The output signal of the AND circuit 301 is input to the clock terminal of the counter circuit 303. The output signal of the AND circuit 301 is a logical product signal of the switch signal of the game ball detection sensor 40 and the oscillation signal (basic clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 302, and has the same cycle as the oscillation signal (basic clock signal) of the oscillation circuit 302. (2 ms) clock signal. The AND circuit 301 corresponds to the “logic circuit” of the present invention, the oscillation signal of the oscillation circuit 302 corresponds to the “first clock signal” of the present invention, and the logical product signal of the AND circuit 301 corresponds to the “first clock signal” of the present invention. This corresponds to “two clock signals”.

  The counter circuit 303 includes counter signal output terminals Q0 to Q8 for outputting a counter signal. Among these counter signal output terminals Q0 to Q8, the counter signals from the counter signal output terminals Q1 to Q4 are output to the outside through signal lines. When the output signal (basic clock signal) from the AND circuit 301 is input to the clock terminal, the counter circuit 303 starts counting the number of clocks, and sequentially outputs the counter signal from the counter signal output terminal Q1. The number of clocks can be counted by detecting the rise of the clock signal.

  The first to third counter signals output from the counter signal output terminals Q1 to Q3 are input to the first OR circuit 304. The first OR circuit 304 outputs a logical sum signal of the first to third counter signals to the main control CPU 200b. That is, when any one of the first to third counter signals is output from the counter signal output terminals Q1 to Q3, a logical sum signal is output from the first OR circuit 304. The logical sum signal output from the first OR circuit 304 is an “entry valid signal” indicating that the switch signal of the incoming ball detection switch 40 is valid.

  The fourth counter signal output from the counter signal output terminal Q4 is directly input to the main control CPU 200b as an error signal. The error signal output from the counter signal output terminal Q4 of the counter circuit 303 becomes an “entrance abnormality signal” indicating that the switch signal of the entry detection switch 40 is abnormal.

  The fourth counter signal (error signal) is also input to the second OR circuit 305. The second OR circuit 305 also receives a switch signal of the ball entry detection switch 40. The second OR circuit 305 outputs a logical sum signal of the fourth counter signal (error signal) and the switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40. The output signal of the second OR circuit 305 is inverted and input to the reset terminal of the counter circuit 303. When the error signal is output, the count value of the counter circuit 303 is prevented from being initialized. Thereby, once an error signal is output, it is possible to maintain a state in which the error signal is output.

  When the signal input to the reset terminal is at a high level, the counter circuit 303 initializes the count value of the number of clocks (zero clear), and when the signal input to the reset terminal is at a low level, the counter circuit 303 can count the number of clocks. It becomes. The fourth counter signal (error signal) is also input to the enable terminal of the oscillation circuit 302. The oscillation circuit 302 stops the output of the oscillation signal when the fourth counter signal (error signal) is input to the enable terminal. As a result, the count value of the counter circuit 303 is not added (the count is continued and the output of the counter signal Q5 and the subsequent signals is prevented).

  Here, the operation of the incoming ball detection circuit 300 will be described. First, since the ball detection switch 40 is at a low level until a game ball is detected, the output signal of the second OR circuit 305 is also at a low level, and a high level signal obtained by inverting it is a reset terminal of the counter circuit 303. The counter circuit 303 is reset. Then, the ball detection switch 40 detects a game ball and the switch signal rises to a high level, so that the output signal of the second OR circuit 305 becomes a high level, and a low level signal obtained by inverting the output signal resets the counter circuit 303. The signal is input to the terminal and can be counted by the counter circuit 303.

  Next, when the game ball detection sensor 40 detects the game ball and the switch signal changes to a high level, the AND circuit 301 performs a logical product signal of the switch signal of the game ball detection sensor 40 and the oscillation signal of the oscillation circuit 302. Is output to the clock terminal of the counter circuit 303 as a clock signal. The counter circuit 303 starts counting the number of clocks of the clock signal when the input of the clock signal from the AND circuit 301 is started. And while the switch signal of the game ball detection sensor 40 is at a high level (while the game ball detection sensor 40 detects the game ball), the output of the clock signal from the AND circuit 301 is maintained, and the counter The count of the number of clocks in the circuit 303 is continued.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart of counter signals output from the counter signal output terminals Q1 to Q4. As shown in FIG. 7, the cycle of the first counter signal output from the first counter signal output terminal Q1 is 4 ms, and the cycle of the second counter signal output from the second counter signal output terminal Q2 is 8 ms. The cycle of the third counter signal output from the third counter signal output terminal Q3 is 16 ms, and the cycle of the fourth counter signal output from the fourth counter signal output terminal Q4 is 32 ms. For this reason, the first counter signal is at a high level when 2 ms elapses after the clock signal input from the AND circuit 301 is started to the counter circuit 303 (when the count value of the number of clocks becomes “2”). The second counter signal rises to the high level when 4 ms elapses (when the clock count value becomes “3”), and when 8 ms elapses (clock count value reaches “5”). The third counter signal rises to a high level at the time when the fourth counter signal rises to a high level when 16 ms elapses (when the count value of the number of clocks becomes “9”). Yes.

  Next, the operation (signal output mode) of the entrance detection circuit 300 when a normal game is executed will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 8 shows a case where two game balls 42 have passed through the passage hole 40a of the entrance detection switch 40 due to a normal game, and the respective transit times are 4 ms and 7 ms.

  First, when the passing time of the game ball 42 is 4 ms, the switch signal of the game ball detection switch 40 is at a high level only for 4 ms. For this reason, the clock signal of the AND circuit 301 becomes high level twice while the switch signal of the game ball detection switch 40 is high level. The first counter signal becomes high level after 2 ms from the start of input of the clock signal from the AND circuit 301 to the counter circuit 303, and at the same time, the output signal of the first OR circuit 304 becomes high level. Since the switch signal of the game ball detection switch 40 becomes a low level after 4 ms has elapsed since it became a high level, the second to fourth counter signals are maintained at a low level. The first counter signal becomes low level after 2 ms has elapsed from the high level, and at the same time, the output signal of the first OR circuit 304 becomes low level.

  Next, when the passing time of the game ball 42 is 7 ms, the switch signal of the game ball detection switch 40 becomes a high level only for 7 ms. For this reason, the clock signal of the AND circuit 301 becomes high level four times while the switch signal of the game ball detection switch 40 is high level. The first counter signal becomes high level after 2 ms from the start of input of the clock signal of the AND circuit 301 to the counter circuit 303, and at the same time, the output signal of the first OR circuit 304 becomes high level. Subsequently, the first counter signal becomes low level and the second counter signal becomes high level after 4 ms from the start of input of the clock signal from the AND circuit 301 to the counter circuit 303, and the output signal of the first OR circuit 304 becomes It remains high. Since the switch signal of the game ball detection switch 40 becomes a low level after 7 ms has elapsed since it became a high level, the third and fourth counter signals are maintained at a low level. Then, the first counter signal becomes low level after 4 ms has elapsed since becoming high level, and at the same time, the output signal of the first OR circuit 304 becomes low level.

  As described above, whether the game ball 42 passes through the passage hole 40a of the entrance detection switch 40 in 4 ms or 7 ms in a normal game, the main control CPU 200b is based on the output signal of the first OR circuit 304. It is possible to detect a game ball entering the entrance.

  Next, the operation (signal output mode) of the incoming ball detection circuit 300 when an illegal game is executed will be described based on the timing chart of FIG.

  First, when the illegal game ball 43 clogged with the ball detection switch 40 is detected and 2 ms elapses after the switch signal becomes high level, the first counter signal becomes high level, and the output signal of the first OR circuit 304 Becomes high level. Further, when 4 ms elapses after the switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40 becomes high level, the first counter signal becomes low level and the second counter signal becomes high level, and the output signal of the first OR circuit 304 becomes high level. Maintains the level. In addition, when 8 ms has elapsed since the switch signal of the ball entry detection switch 40 becomes high level, the first and second counter signals become low level and the third counter signal becomes high level, and the output of the first OR circuit 304 The signal remains high. Further, when 16 ms elapses after the switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40 becomes high level, the first to third counter signals become low level, the fourth counter signal (error signal) becomes high level, and the first OR The output signal of the circuit 304 becomes low level.

  When the fourth counter signal becomes high level (when an error signal is output), a high level signal is input to the enable terminal of the oscillation circuit 302, and the oscillation circuit 302 stops outputting the oscillation signal. . As a result, the clock signal from the AND circuit 301 is not input to the counter circuit 303, and the counting of the number of clocks in the counter circuit 303 is stopped. Further, when the fourth counter signal becomes high level, the output signal of the second OR circuit 305 becomes high level, and a low level signal obtained by inverting this is input to the reset terminal of the counter circuit 303. The count value is not reset at 303, the first to third counter signals are maintained at a low level, and the fourth counter signal (error signal) is maintained at a high level. In the example shown in FIG. 9, after the fourth counter signal becomes high level, the switch signal of the game ball detection switch 40 is changed to low level due to unauthorized radio waves, but the fourth counter signal is maintained at high level. Will remain. As a result, when a ball jam occurs due to an illegal game ball, an error signal is output and the subsequent illegal ball can be invalidated to prevent illegal damage to a minimum. Can do.

  With the above configuration, the ball entry detection circuit 300 becomes low level in less than 2 ms (the count value of the number of clocks in the counter circuit 303 is less than “2”) after the switch signal of the ball entry detection switch 40 becomes high level. In this case, it corresponds to a time shorter than the time required for the game ball 42 to pass through the passage hole 40a of the entrance detection switch 40 due to a normal game, so the switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40 is regarded as noise. Can be canceled. In this case, the counter signal Q0 may be input to the main control CPU 200b as a noise signal, or may not be input (not output). When input, it is possible to manage the occurrence frequency of noise and utilize it for improving the game ball installation environment and the like.

  Further, when the switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40 becomes a low level after 2 ms or more and less than 16 ms (the count value of the number of clocks in the counter circuit 303 is “2” or more and less than “9”). Corresponds to the time required for the game ball 42 to pass through the passage hole 40a of the entrance detection switch 40 due to a normal game, so that the switch signal of the entrance detection switch 40 is due to the passage of the normal game ball 42. The first OR circuit 304 determines that there is a ball entry detection signal and outputs it to the main control CPU 200b. Thereby, the main control CPU 200b can detect the entry of the game ball 42 into the ball entrance (the first start port 28a, the second start port 28b, the big winning port 33a, the winning ports 34 to 37).

  Further, when 16 ms or more has passed since the switch signal of the ball detection switch 40 became high level (when the count value of the number of clocks in the counter circuit 303 is “9” or more), a normal game is performed. This corresponds to a time longer than the time required for the game ball 42 to pass through the passage hole 40 a of the ball detection switch 40, so that the switch signal of the ball detection switch 40 is due to an illegal act using the illegal game ball 43. And an error signal is output to the main control CPU 200b. Thereby, the main control CPU 200b can detect that an illegal act using the illegal game ball 43 is being performed.

  When an error signal is output from the entrance detection circuit 300 to the main control CPU 200b, the main control unit 200 transmits a command for instructing execution of error notification to the sub-control unit 260, and an error occurs to the hall computer. A notification to the effect is made and the progress of the game is stopped. The sub-control unit 260 that has received the command for instructing the error notification displays, in cooperation with the effect display control unit 280, that an error has occurred in the display area of the effect display device 25. In addition, by stopping the progress of the game by the gaming machine 1, it is possible to prevent the award ball from being continuously paid out by an illegal act using the illegal game ball 43. The error signal output from the ball entry detection circuit 300 can be canceled by operating a predetermined error canceling switch or by turning on the power of the gaming machine 1 again.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the entrance detection circuit 300 may be installed in all the entrance detection switches, or may be installed only in the entrance detection switch where fraud is likely to be targeted. Specifically, the start entrance ball detection switches 28s and 28t, which are the basis for the determination of success or failure, and the award entrance entrance detection switches 34s to 37s that are often set in a larger number of prize balls than other winning entrances. It is desirable to install in a part or all of the so-called other prize opening detection switch.

  In the above embodiment, the oscillation circuit that maintains the high level state when the high level signal (fourth counter signal) is input to the enable terminal is used. However, the high level signal or the low level signal (fourth counter signal) is used. When the signal is input to the enable terminal, an oscillation circuit that maintains a low level state may be used. In this case (when the fourth counter signal is output and an abnormal state occurs), one of the signals input to the AND circuit 301 is maintained at a low level, so that the signal is input to the counter circuit 303. Things will disappear.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 28a ... 1st starting port, 28b ... 2nd starting port, 33a ... Grand prize opening, 34-37 ... Winning port, 40 ... Entrance detection switch, 42 ... Normal game ball, 43 ... Unauthorized game ball , 200 ... main control unit, 200b ... CPU, 300 ... ball entry detection circuit, 301 ... AND circuit (logic circuit), 302 ... oscillation circuit, 303 ... counter circuit, 304 ... first OR circuit, 305 ... second OR circuit (second OR circuit) 2 logic circuit).

Claims (4)

Entry detection means for detecting a game sphere entering the entrance on the game board and outputting a game sphere detection signal;
An oscillation circuit that outputs a first clock signal at a predetermined period;
A logic circuit that outputs a logical product signal of the game ball detection signal and the first clock signal as a second clock signal;
When the second clock signal is input, the number of clocks of the second clock signal is counted, and a ball entry valid signal or the game ball indicating that the game ball detection signal is valid based on the count value of the clock number A counter circuit that outputs an incoming ball abnormal signal indicating that the detection signal is abnormal,
The counter circuit outputs the incoming ball valid signal when the count value of the clock number is within a predetermined range, and outputs the incoming ball abnormality signal when the count value of the clock number exceeds the predetermined range. A gaming machine characterized by that.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the counter circuit does not output the entry valid signal when a count value of the number of clocks falls below the predetermined range.   3. The game according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation circuit is configured to be capable of inputting the ball abnormality signal, and stops outputting the first clock signal when the input abnormality signal is input. Machine. A second logic circuit that inputs the gaming ball detection signal and the incoming ball abnormality signal and outputs a logical sum signal of the gaming ball detection signal and the incoming ball abnormality signal to the counter circuit;
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the counter circuit initializes a count value of the number of clocks when the logical sum signal is not input.

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