JP2012179259A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine having a configuration such that a situation in which all data about a number of credits in playing disappears is prevented and damage to a player is suppressed even when a contingency occurs on the game machine.SOLUTION: The pinball game machine includes: prize-winning detecting means B3 which detect a movement of a pinball to a winning slot as a prize-winning of the pinball; a credit data managing unit B24 which updates a stored credit by adding a predetermined credit according to the detected prize-winning of the pinball by the prize-winning detecting means B3 and subtracting a credit corresponding to a pinball shot by a shooting device B15 to/from the stored credit stored in a memory B24b of the credit data managing unit B24, respectively; and presented credit updating unit B25 which transmits a credit datum of a predetermined value among the stored credits to an external memory means B17 positioned outside of a Pachinko machine PM and stores the credit with the predetermined value in the external memory means B17 when the stored credit updated by the credit data managing unit B24 exceeds an upper limit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine configured to perform a game in which a game ball launched from a launching device is moved while dropping in a game area to win a prize tool.

  Conventionally, the ball game machine having such a configuration is well known as a pachinko machine or the like. In the pachinko machine, a player purchases a game ball, puts it on a ball tray, and then operates a launch handle to play a game. Specifically, when a game ball is thrown into the ball tray, the game balls are sent one by one from the alignment passage connected to the ball tray into the launch device, and the game is played by the launch device according to the player's launch handle operation. Each ball is configured to be launched into the game area one by one. The game ball thus launched and launched into the game area is guided by a game nail or the like to fall while changing the fall route, and during this movement, the game ball is placed on the winning equipment provided in the game area. When a ball enters, that is, wins, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the ball tray as prize balls in accordance with the winning. In this way, the player plays a game, accumulates awarded balls and exchanges them for prizes.

  By the way, in a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine configured as described above, a game ball is purchased prior to the start of the game, placed in a ball tray, and the number of prize balls accumulated by the game is counted. Because it is a system that acquires game balls, it is always a game using game balls, but it requires a large number of game balls, and since the game balls are heavy steel balls, there is a problem that the handling is troublesome or complicated . In addition, since the game balls are soiled during the game, it is necessary to clean all of the game balls, and the player drops the game balls during the game and the game balls are scattered on the floor of the game facility. There is a problem that it tends to be.

  For this reason, a game format is used in which a game ball is awarded to a prize device in accordance with the falling movement of the game ball within the game area. However, a ball ball game in which the player does not need to handle the game ball. As described in, for example, Patent Document 1, a sealed circulation pachinko machine has been considered. In such a sealed circulation pachinko machine, as described in Patent Document 1, a purchased card is inserted into a ball lending machine provided in the pachinko machine, and the balance information (game) recorded on the card is inserted. (The number of game balls that a player can play) can be converted into credits (held balls), and a predetermined number of game balls enclosed in the pachinko machine can be launched into the game area by the number corresponding to the credit number. Thus, the occurrence of the above-described problem can be suppressed.

JP-A-6-170055

  By the way, in a ball game machine such as a sealed circulation pachinko machine as described above, when a game ball wins a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of credits ( It is configured to be added to the number of possessed balls), and when the settlement switch is operated at the end of the game, the credit number at that time is converted into predetermined game value information and written to the card. . In this way, since the management of the number of credits during the game is performed in the pachinko machine, for example, when power supply to the pachinko machine is stopped due to a power failure, or an electrical failure occurs in the pachinko machine itself In addition, there is a problem that the information on the number of credits managed in the pachinko machine is lost and cannot be read, and the player may be damaged.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and even when an unexpected situation occurs in a gaming machine, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which all information on the number of credits during the game is lost, An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine having a configuration capable of suppressing damage to a player.

  To achieve such an object, the ball game machine according to the present invention includes a gaming device having a gaming area provided with at least one winning opening, a launching device for launching a gaming ball in the gaming area, Credit storage means for storing a credit for granting a game ball that can be launched by the launching device, and performing control to launch a game ball from the launching device in response to the credit stored in the credit storage means The game ball is configured to perform a game in which the launched game ball is moved while dropping in the game area to win the winning opening. Then, a winning detection means for detecting the winning of the game ball to the winning opening, and a stored credit stored in the credit storage means, a predetermined credit is given according to the detection of the winning of the gaming ball by the winning detection means When the credit corresponding to the game ball launched by the launching device is added and the stored credit is updated by the credit update means for updating the stored credit, and the stored credit updated by the credit update means exceeds the upper limit value In addition, the credit information of a predetermined value of the stored credit is transmitted to an external storage means provided outside the ball game machine, and the credit of the predetermined value is stored in the external storage means. A transmission storage means, and the credit update means is stored in the external storage means by the credit external transmission storage means. Configured to 憶 credits of said predetermined value to update the stored credit is subtracted from the stored credit in the storage credit value smaller than the upper limit.

  In the ball game machine having the above-described configuration, the credit presentation means for presenting the stored credit stored in the credit storage means to the player, and the credit stored in the external storage means by the credit external transmission storage means It is preferable to provide an external storage credit presenting means for presenting to a person.

  Further, in the ball game machine having the above configuration, when the stored credit updated by the credit update means reaches a lower limit value, a credit request signal is output to the external storage means and stored in the external storage means. It is preferable to provide external storage credit addition means for taking back a credit having a predetermined value from the stored credit and adding it to the storage credit. Alternatively, an external storage credit that outputs a credit request signal to the external storage means based on an operation input by a player, retrieves a credit of a predetermined value from the credit stored in the external storage means, and adds the credit to the stored credit It is preferable to provide an adding means.

  Further, in the ball game machine having the above configuration, at the end of the game, the storage credit stored in the credit storage means and the credit stored in the external storage means are added together, and the total credit is converted into predetermined game value information. It is preferable to provide game value information writing means for converting and writing to a predetermined recording medium.

  According to the ball game machine according to the present invention, a predetermined credit is added to the credit for granting a game ball that can be launched by the launching device according to the winning of the game ball into the winning opening, and the launching device launches the credit. In a ball game machine configured to subtract the credit corresponding to the played game ball and update the credit, when the updated credit exceeds the upper limit value, the credit with a predetermined value of the credit is played. It is configured to send and store to external storage means provided outside the machine, and the number of credits during the game is not managed only within the pachinko machine, Even if an unexpected situation occurs, such as when the power supply stops, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which all information on the number of credits during the game is lost. It is possible to suppress the damage to.

It is a front view of the enclosure circulation type pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a rear view of the enclosed circulation type pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a front view in the state where the glass door of the enclosure circulation type pachinko machine concerning this embodiment was opened. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus provided in the enclosure circulation type pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the whole control content by the said control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the card information management process by the said control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the ball lending process by the said control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the firing ball detection process by the said control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the winning ball detection process by the said control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the foul ball detection process by the said control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the credit presentation update process by the said control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment process by the said control apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A front view and a rear view of a sealed circulation type pachinko machine PM to which a ball game machine according to the present invention is applied are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the front surface of the front frame in the pachinko machine PM with the glass door opened. A front view of the area is shown in FIG. 3, and the overall configuration of the pachinko machine PM will be outlined first with reference to these drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine PM has a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 that forms a vertically fixed holding frame that is configured to have an outer rectangular frame size. The front frame 2 that forms the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3 disposed on the front left edge of each other is attached so as to be openable and closable and detachable, and is called a double lock provided on the front right edge. 4 is always kept in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1.

  On the front side of the front frame 2, a rectangular glass door 5 adapted to the front area of the front frame 2 is assembled using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3 so that it can be opened and closed laterally and detachable. Is always kept closed so as to cover the front surface of the front frame 2. On the front side of the front frame 2 located behind the glass door 5, an accommodation frame for detachably containing the game board 20 is provided, and the game board 20 is detachably set and held in the upper area of the accommodation frame. The game area PA in front of the game board 20 is exposed through the glass door 5 that is always closed and held.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 20 has a decorative board 21 in which cells are attached to the surface of a laminated plywood having a predetermined thickness as a substrate, and inner and outer guide rails 22 are fixed in an arc shape on the front side. A substantially circular gaming area PA is defined and formed. In the game area PA, there are a large number of game nails (not shown) and game components such as a windmill 23, various prize-winning devices 24, 25, 26, and a symbol display device 28 for displaying symbols according to the game development status. Is attached. Further, at the lower end portion of the game area PA, an out-port 27 is provided for discharging the game balls rolling down the game area PA to the back side of the decorative board 21 without winning each winning tool. In the mouth 27, an out sphere detector 27s composed of a passing type sensor for detecting an out sphere is interposed.

  The general winning tool (also referred to as “general winning opening”) 24 is a fixed winning tool having a winning opening into which a game ball can be dropped, and the gaming ball dropped into the winning hole is discharged to the back side of the decorative board 21. Then, a winning is detected by passing through a general winning ball detector 24s composed of a passing type sensor provided on the back side.

  The start winning tool (also referred to as “start winning prize port”) 25 is a winning tool that determines the conditions for starting the variation of the symbols. The game ball that has dropped into the winning opening is discharged to the back side of the decorative board 21, and the back side. A winning is detected by passing through a start winning ball detector 25s provided on the side.

  The big prize tool (also referred to as “big prize opening”) 26 is a so-called attacker type movable prize tool, and an open / close door that covers the horizontal rectangular shaped big prize opening is attached to be openable and closable. The open / close door is normally closed, and when a special game state is established under predetermined winning conditions during the game, the upper part of the open / close door is tilted forward approximately 90 degrees to open the large winning opening. The game ball dropped into the big winning opening is discharged to the back side of the decorative board 21, and a winning is detected by passing through the big winning ball detector 26s provided on the back side.

  On the back side of the decorative board 21, a main control board unit 41U that houses a main control board 41 that centrally controls the operation of the pachinko machine PM and an effect control board 42 that controls the operation of the symbol display device 28 are housed. The production control board unit 42U is attached, and the safe balls that are dropped into the prize-winning devices 24, 25, and 26 and led to the back side of the decorative board 21 and the out port 27 are passed to the back side of the decorative board 21. A ball approach cover that guides the led out balls (collectively referred to as “played balls”) to the gaming ball circulation device 100 provided at the lower back side of the front frame 2 along the back surface of the decorative plate 21. (Not shown) is attached.

  An auxiliary mechanism part called a game auxiliary board 30 that can be aligned vertically with the game board 20 is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the front frame 2, and each part of the game auxiliary board 30 is provided on the game board 20. A launch mechanism 31 that launches a game ball toward the game area PA via the guide rail 22, a launch rail portion 32 that guides the game ball launched from the launch mechanism 31 to the guide rail 22, and the game area PA cannot be reached. A ball is seated on the launch rail section 32 from the ball return port 33 for collecting the game ball returning from the guide rail 22 (that is, the foul ball) and the game ball circulation device 100 disposed on the back of the front frame 2. A ball feed opening 35 for supplying one ball at a time to the unit is provided. Here, a game ball launching device 50 is composed of the launching handle 7, the launching mechanism 31, the launching rail portion 32, and the like. On the other hand, on the back side of the front frame 2 located behind the game assisting board 30, the foul ball detector 36 s for detecting the foul ball falling on the foul ball return port 33 and the launch mechanism 31 are launched into the game area PA. The game-completed balls discharged to the back side of the game board 20 and the foul balls that have fallen into the foul ball return port 33 without reaching the game area PA are collected and stored in the ball storage unit (not shown). A game ball circulation device 100 that supplies the game balls stored in the ball storage unit to the launch mechanism 31 again, and a shot ball detection that detects a game ball sent from the game ball circulation device 100 to the ball seating portion of the launch rail unit 32. A device 37s or the like is attached. The detailed configuration of the game ball circulation device 100 will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the glass door 5 has a glass assembly attached to the rear side of the window frame 6 attached to the front surface of the front frame 2 so as to be swingable and openable so as to close the window of the window frame 6. The glass door 5 is provided with a launching handle 7 for projecting a game ball at the lower part on the front side of the front side of the glass door 5 and is provided with an operation unit 10 on the left side of the front side. Yes. The operation unit 10 requires a card insertion slot 11 into which a card (for example, a magnetic card such as a prepaid card) in which information on the number of balls possessed by the player (game ball balance information) is recorded and a player is required. A numeric keypad 12 capable of inputting various set values such as the requested ball lending number, and various operation buttons such as a ball lending button 13, a start button 14 and a checkout button 15 that can be pressed by the player from the front side of the pachinko machine; Stored in the card balance presenting unit 16a for presenting the balance of the inserted card, the credit presenting unit 16b for presenting the number of balls held by the player (hereinafter also referred to as “credit number”), and external storage means B17 described later. Credit presentation device 16 comprising external storage credit presentation unit 16c for presenting the number of credits received, and reading / writing of inserted cards Such as a card reader-writer 17 having only function is attached. In addition, the front side of the glass door 5 is appropriately provided with an illumination device such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a lamp, a speaker for generating a sound effect according to the development situation of the game, etc. in FIG. The illustration is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a back set board 40 formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the inner size of the outer frame 1 is detachably attached to the back side of the window frame 2. The back set board 40 has a large window opening 40 a that opens in the front-rear communication in the upper region located behind the game board 20. On the back side of the back set board 40, the power supply board 43 (power supply board unit 43U) for supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine PM, the launching / ball feeding control (circulation operation control) by the game ball launching device 50 and the game ball circulation device 100 ) And a credit control board 44 (credit control board unit 44U) for controlling the credit information of the game ball and the like. Further, as described above, the main control board 41 (main control board unit 41U) that plays a central role in the control of the pachinko machine PM is located on the back side of the game board 20 and is located in the window opening 40a of the back set board 40. An effect control board 42 (effect control board unit 42U) for effect control of effects such as image display, effect lighting, and sound effects according to game development is attached, and these control boards and electric / electronic components of each part of the pachinko machine PM Are connected by a connector cable so that the pachinko machine PM can be operated.

  The pachinko machine PM configured as described above is used for games in a state where the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the game island (installation frame base) of the game facility, and the front frame 2 and the glass door 5 are closed and locked. The When a card owned by the player is inserted into the card slot 11 of the operation unit 10, the recorded information is read by the internal card reader / writer 17, and the card balance is displayed in the card balance presentation unit 16a of the credit display device 16. The number of balls requested by the player is set according to the number of pressing operations of the ball lending button 13 with the balance (number of balls held) as a limit (may be set with the numeric keypad 12). When the ball lending button 13 is pressed, the requested ball lending number (number of credits) is displayed as a numerical value on the credit presentation unit 16b, and the number of game balls corresponding to this is lending to the player, and the center start When the button 14 is pressed, the game ball can be launched, that is, the game can be started. When the launch handle 7 is turned, the game balls stored in the game ball circulation device 100 (a predetermined number of game balls enclosed in the machine) are sent one by one to the launch rail portion 32 of the game assisting board 30, After being launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 31, a pachinko game is developed thereafter.

  In this pachinko game, the game balls launched by the launch mechanism 31 are detected as winning balls, out balls, or foul balls, and then collected and stored in the game ball circulation device 100. It is supplied again to the ball seating portion of the firing rail portion 32 and fired, and then used for circulation. In the credit presentation unit 16b, the number of credits presented to the credit presentation unit 16b is variably displayed while being added and subtracted in a timely manner according to the game development status (game ball launch, winning etc.), and the player can always view from the front side of the pachinko machine PM. The current number of credits can be visually confirmed. As described above, the number of credits is changed by adding or subtracting depending on the development status of the game. However, until the number of credits reaches “0” or the player has pressed down the settlement button 15 on the operation panel 10. Until then, the player can continue the game.

  Next, the basic configuration of the control device in the pachinko machine PM will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The control device includes a control unit CU including a main control board 41, an effect control board 42, a power supply board 43, a credit control board 44, and the like, and performs various operation controls. In the following, the system configuration of a control device that performs payout control related to winning of a game ball when the game ball is launched into the game area PA will be described. Production display control, illumination control by an illumination device provided in the game area PA or on the front side of the glass door 5, generation control of sound effects according to game development status by speakers, and pachinko by the power supply substrate 43 Since the power supply control to each part of the machine PM is not related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.

  The control device shown in FIG. 4 is configured by connecting various devices to the control unit CU. Specifically, firing ball detection means B1 (launching ball detector 37s), foul ball detection means B2 (foul ball detector 36s), winning detection means B3 (general winning ball detector 24s, start winning ball detector 25s, A means for detecting game balls such as a big winning ball detector 26s) and an out ball detecting means B4 (out ball detector 27s) are connected to the control unit CU and send out their detection signals.

  The control unit CU further includes a card reader / writer means B11 (card reader / writer 17), a card balance presenting means B12 (card balance presenting section 16a), and an operating means B13 (tenkey 12, ball lending button 13, start button 14). , Settlement button 15), credit presentation means B14 (credit presentation section 16b, external storage credit presentation section 16c), game ball launching means B15 (game ball launching apparatus 50), game ball circulation means B16 (game ball circulation apparatus 100). It is connected. The control unit CU is connected to an external storage means B17 provided outside the pachinko machine PM (for example, a server provided in a game facility).

  The control unit CU includes a circulating ball management unit B21, a card information management unit B22, a winning management unit B23, a credit information management unit B24, a credit presentation update unit B25, and a circulation control unit B26.

  Based on the detection of the movement of the game ball detected by the shot ball detection unit B1, the foul ball detection unit B2, the winning detection unit B3, and the out ball detection unit B4, the circulation ball management unit B21 The number of game balls in the PA is monitored, and whether or not the game balls are circulating smoothly inside the game machine is monitored.

  The card information management unit B22 performs card presence / absence, management of game data (credit information and the like) written on the card, calculation processing and presentation thereof, card processing at the end of the game, and the like. For example, the card reader / writer means B11 monitors whether or not a card has been inserted into the card slot 11, and when the card is inserted, the card reader / writer 17 reads the credit information stored in the card. And if necessary, credit information and the like are written on the card, and the card is discharged. In addition, according to the operation contents of the operation means B13, etc., setting of the number of balls lent, lending, credit settlement processing, etc., and presenting the balance information of the current card that has undergone these processes to the card balance presentation means B12 Let

  The winning management unit B23 receives winning information of game balls from the winning detection means B3 (general winning ball detector 24s, starting winning ball detector 25s, large winning ball detector 26s, etc.) to each winning tool 24, 25, 26, etc. In response, a process of assigning a prize ball credit corresponding to each winning tool 24, 25, 26, etc. is performed.

  When a game ball is detected by the firing ball detection unit B1, the foul ball detection unit B2, and the winning detection unit B3, the credit information management unit B24 causes the calculation unit B24a to calculate the number of balls held (credit number) for each detection. Then, the calculation result by the calculation unit B24a is stored in the memory B24b. The credit information management unit B24 outputs a credit request signal to the external storage unit B17 when the number of credits calculated by the calculation unit B24a reaches the lower limit value, and the credit information is stored in the external storage unit B17. Then, the number of credits of a predetermined value is retrieved from the external storage means B17 and added to the number of credits that has become the lower limit value, and the added number of credits is stored in the memory B24b.

  The credit presentation update unit B25 causes the credit presentation unit B14 (credit presentation unit 16b) to present the number of credits (the number of possessed balls) stored in the memory B24b of the credit information management unit B24. In addition, when the number of credits calculated by the calculation unit B24a exceeds the upper limit value, the credit presentation update unit B25 transmits the number of credits of a predetermined value among the credits to the external storage unit B17 for storage. At the same time, the credit number is updated to a value smaller than the upper limit value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number of credits stored in the external storage means B17 and presented to the credit presenting means B14 (credit presenting unit 16b). At this time, the credit presentation updating unit B25 accumulates the number of credits stored in the external storage unit B17 and causes the credit presentation unit B14 (external storage credit presentation unit 16c) to present it.

  The circulation control unit B26 causes the game balls to be launched into the game area PA by the game ball launching means B15, and collects the game balls that have been launched into the game area PA by the game ball circulation means B16 and used for the game. It is supplied to the game ball launching means B15 and circulated so that it can be launched again into the game area PA.

  Specific control contents by the control device having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a main flowchart of the pachinko machine PM. While the pachinko gaming machine PM is in operation, the control device performs card information management processing S10, ball lending processing S20, firing ball detection processing S30, winning ball detection processing S40, foul ball detection processing S50, credit presentation update processing S60, and settlement processing S70. Etc. are repeatedly executed.

  First, the card information management process S10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the pachinko game, first, when a card is inserted into the card slot 11, the card reader / writer 17 reads the identification number and the like recorded on the card (step S11), and the controller determines whether the card is valid. The determination process is performed (step S12). In this process, for example, whether or not the card is a counterfeit product or whether or not it is expired is determined as to whether or not it is a card that can receive a ball lending. If it is determined that the card cannot be lent out, this card is discharged from the card slot 11 (step S13).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the card can receive a ball rental, the credit information (card balance) stored in the card is presented to the card balance presenting unit 16a, and the player uses the ball rental button 13 and the checkout button. Any one of 15 can be selected and pressed.

  Here, when the player presses the ball lending button 13 without pressing the checkout button 15 (step S14) (step S15), the number of ball lending is set according to the number of times the ball lending button 13 is operated. At the same time (step S16), the card balance presenting section 16a is presented with a card balance obtained by subtracting the frequency corresponding to the set number of balls lending (step S17). Note that the method for setting the number of ball lending is not limited to the above method, and for example, a desired number of ball lending may be set by directly inputting with the numeric keypad 12.

  On the other hand, when the player depresses the settlement button 15 (step S14), the card reader / writer 17 uses the card reader / writer 17 to store the game data such as the number of balls at that time (in accordance with the processing result of the settlement processing S70 described later). (Step S18), the card is discharged from the card slot 11 (step S19).

  Next, the ball lending process S20 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed in synchronization with the setting of the number of balls lent in step S16. In the present embodiment, a fully credited pachinko machine is assumed, and instead of actually receiving a game ball payout (ball lending), this is converted into the number of credits (the number of possessed balls) and the pachinko machine PM Credits are now available. For example, if the number of balls lent out to the player is 25, this is converted into the credit number “25”.

  After the ball lending number is set in this way (step S21), when the player presses the start button 14 (step S22), the value of the number-of-ball counter (not shown, programmed in the control device) is The credit number “25” is added (step S23), and the value of the held ball number counter at this time is stored in the memory B 24b (step S24). In addition, a credit presentation process is performed in synchronization with or following this, and the information stored in the memory B 24 b, that is, the total credit number reflecting the newly credited credit number “25” is presented to the credit presentation unit 16 b. (Step S25). In addition, when receiving a ball lending while the game is continuing, a ball lending according to the number of operations of the ball lending button 13 can be received only by pressing the ball lending button 13 without operating the start button 14 ( The number of credits may be added).

  For example, when a ball is lent before the game starts, if the number of balls held by the player at that time is “0”, the credit number “25” newly credited to the pachinko machine PM at this time is credited as it is. It is presented as “25” to the presentation unit 16b. On the other hand, when receiving a ball lending while the game continues, if the number of balls held by the player at that time is “75”, the credit number “25” newly credited to the pachinko machine PM is added at this time. The total number of credits “100” is presented to the credit presentation unit 16b.

  When the player presses the start button 14 in step S22, the game ball is supplied to the hitting position in the launch mechanism 31 by the game ball circulation device 100, and a pachinko game can be started. Thereafter, the player operates the launching handle 7 provided in the pachinko machine PM to launch the game ball into the game area PA, so that the number of credits (the number of possessed balls) credited as described above can be obtained. You can play games within the range.

  On the other hand, when the player does not press the ball lending button 13 (step S21), or when the player presses the ball lending button 13 but does not press the start button 14 (step SS22). This process S20 is terminated.

  The firing ball detection process S30 will be described with reference to FIG. In this shot ball detection processing S30, when the game balls launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 31 are detected one by one by the shot ball detector 37s (step S31), the number of balls held for each detection “1” is subtracted from the value of the counter (ie, the number of possessed balls (number of credits) stored in the memory B 24 b) corresponding to the number of shot balls (step S 32), and after “1” is subtracted. The value of the possession ball number counter is updated and stored in the memory B24b (step S33).

  The winning ball detection process S40 will be described with reference to FIG. In this process, when the game balls launched in the game area PA are awarded to any of the winning devices 24, 25, 26, they are detected by the winning ball detectors 24s, 25s, 26s (step S41). . Then, the value (number of winning balls) corresponding to the type of the winning tool 24, 25, 26 detected is the value of the holding ball counter (that is, the number of holding balls (number of credits) stored in the memory B 24b). The number of winning balls is added corresponding to the number of winning balls (step S42), and the value of the held ball number counter after the number of winning balls is added is updated and stored in the memory B24b (step S43).

  The number of winning balls is set according to the type of each winning tool 24, 25, 26. For example, when the general winning tool 24 is won, the number of prize balls is “15”, and the number of prize balls is added to the credit. Further, the number of winning balls when winning the start winning tool 25 is “3”, and this number of winning balls is added to the credit. Further, the number of prize balls when winning the big prize tool 26 is “12”, and the number of prize balls is added to the credit.

  Thus, each time the game ball is launched by the launch mechanism 31 and detected one by one by the launch ball detector 37s, “1” is subtracted from the credit number credited to the pachinko machine PM. Further, when the launch ball wins, a value (number of winning balls) corresponding to the type of the winning tool (for example, the general winning tool 24, the starting winning tool 25, the big winning tool 26, etc.) is added to the credit number. The game can be played until a predetermined settlement condition is satisfied, for example, until the settlement button 15 is pressed by the player or the number of credits becomes “0 (zero)”.

  The game balls won in each of the winning devices 24, 25, and 26 and the game balls that have been dropped from the game area PA and discharged from the out port 27 without winning any of the winning tools 24, 25, and 26. Is introduced into the game ball circulation device 100 after being guided to the back side of the game board 20 and sent to the hitting position of the launch mechanism 31 again so that it can be circulated again to the game area PA.

  The foul ball detection process S50 will be described with reference to FIG. In this foul ball detection process S50, when the game balls (foul balls) that have been launched by the launch mechanism 31 but returned without reaching the game area PA are detected one by one by the foul ball detector 36s ( In step S51), for each detection, “1” is added to the value of the possession ball counter (ie, the number of possession balls (number of credits) stored in the memory B 24b) corresponding to the number of foul balls (step S51). S52), the value of the possession ball number counter after being incremented by “1” is updated and stored in the memory B24b (step S53).

  The credit presentation update process S60 will be described with reference to FIG. In this process, it is determined whether or not the number of credits updated and stored in the memory B 24b has exceeded the upper limit value (step S61). Here, when it is determined that the number of credits has exceeded the upper limit value, the credit information of a predetermined value of the number of credits is transmitted to the external storage means B17 and stored (step S62), and stored in the external storage means B17. The credit number is updated to a value smaller than the upper limit value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number of credits and presented to the credit presentation unit 16b (step S63). At this time, the number of credits stored in the external storage means B17 is updated and presented to the external storage credit presentation unit 16c. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of credits does not exceed the upper limit value, it is determined whether or not the credit number has reached the lower limit value (step S64).

  For example, the upper limit value of the number of credits is set to “1000”. In the winning ball detection process S40, the general winning opening 24 is won and the number of winning balls “15” is added to the number of credits, and the number of credits is “1010”. In such a case, for example, the credit number “500” is transmitted to and stored in the external storage means B17, and the credit number “510” obtained by subtracting “500” from the credit number “1010” is presented to the credit presentation unit 16b. If no credit information has been stored in the external storage means B17 until then, the credit number “500” is presented to the external storage credit presentation unit 16c. Alternatively, if there is credit information stored in the external storage means B17 until then, the total credit number including the newly stored credit number “500” is presented to the external storage credit presentation unit 16c. The upper limit value of the number of credits and the number of credits transmitted to and stored in the external storage means B17 can be set to arbitrary values.

  If it is determined in step S64 that the number of credits has reached the lower limit, a credit request signal is output to the external storage means B17, and credit information is stored in the external storage means B17 (step S65). The number of credits of a predetermined value is retrieved from the external storage means B17 and added to the number of credits that has become the lower limit value (step S66), and the added credit number is presented to the credit presentation unit 16b (step S67). At this time, the number of credits stored in the external storage means B17 is updated and presented to the external storage credit presentation unit 16c. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of credits is not the lower limit value, or when credit information is not stored in the external storage means B17 in step S65, the credit number stored in the memory B24b is directly stored in the credit presenting unit 16b. Present (step S68).

  For example, the lower limit value of the number of credits is set to “10”, the number of credits “1500” is stored in the external storage means B17, and a game ball is launched by the launch mechanism 31 in the launch ball detection process S30, and the number of credits is reduced. When subtracted to “10”, the credit number “500” is retrieved from the external storage means B17, and the credit number “510” obtained by adding “500” to the credit number “10” is presented to the credit presentation unit 16b. The Then, the credit number “1000” obtained by subtracting “500” from the credit number “1500” stored in the external storage unit B17 is presented to the external storage credit presentation unit 16c. Note that the lower limit value of the number of credits and the number of credits retrieved from the external storage means B17 can be set to arbitrary values. For example, the lower limit value of the number of credits may be set to “0 (zero)”.

  The settlement process S70 will be described with reference to FIG. In this process, when the player presses the settlement button 15 (step S71), the settlement condition is satisfied, and the firing mechanism 31 does not operate even if the firing handle 7 is operated by the control device. The firing of the sphere is stopped (step S73). In order to continue the game, the ball lending button 13 may be operated again.

  Here, there is a possibility that a foul ball or a winning is detected after a predetermined settlement condition is established. Therefore, after a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) has passed since the settlement condition is established, the memory B24b is in that time. The information on the number of held balls (number of credits) and the information on the number of held balls (number of credits) stored in the external storage means B17 are added together and transmitted to the card reader / writer 17 (step S74). . And when the process which transmits this credit information is complete | finished, the said credit number is reset.

  For example, at this stage, when the number of balls possessed by the player (number of credits) is “44” by the calculation of the number of lent balls “25” + the number of winning balls “30” −the number of fired balls “11”, The number of possessed balls (number of credits) is transmitted to the card reader / writer 17. In addition, when a foul ball or a winning is detected by the standby processing as described above, a value corresponding to the detected value is added to the ball counter, so the number of balls (credits) with the added amount added. Information is transmitted to the card reader / writer 17.

  In addition, even when the number of held balls (number of credits) becomes “0” (step S72) by the game (instead of the player pressing down the checkout button 15 (step S71)), the checkout condition is satisfied, Subsequent processing is processing S73 and S74 similar to the above. In this case, the ball lending button 13 may be operated again to continue the game.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine PM according to the present embodiment, when the number of credits updated and stored in the memory B 24b exceeds the upper limit, the number of credits having a predetermined value out of the number of credits is externally stored. It is configured to be transmitted and stored in the means B17, and the management of the number of credits during the game is not performed only in the pachinko machine, so that the power supply to the pachinko machine is stopped due to a power failure. Even if an unexpected situation occurs, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which all the information on the number of credits during the game is lost and to prevent damage to the player. In addition, since the information on the number of credits is transmitted to the external storage means B17 and stored therein, it is possible to eliminate a state in which a large amount of credit number information is held in the pachinko machine during the game. As a result, for example, when a player is away from the pachinko machine for a short time while the game continues, fraud such as another person stealing all credit information from the pachinko machine can be prevented. Security can be enhanced. In addition, a credit presentation unit 16b that presents to the player the number of credits updated and stored in the memory B24b, and an external storage credit presentation unit 16c that presents to the player the number of credits stored in the external storage means B17 are provided. Thus, the player can always grasp the number of credits and play the game.

  Further, according to the pachinko machine PM according to the present embodiment, when the number of credits updated and stored in the memory B24b becomes the lower limit value, a predetermined value is automatically obtained from the number of credits stored in the external storage unit B17. The number of credits as a lending ball is still being played even though the number of credits as a ball is stored in the external storage means B17. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where the game is interrupted due to “0 (zero)”. Further, at the end of the game, the card reader / writer 17 is configured to write information added to the credit number stored in the memory B24b and the credit number stored in the external storage means B17 to the card. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player forgets to acquire the information on the number of credits stored in the external storage means B17 and damages the player.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, If it is a range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can improve suitably. For example, in the above embodiment, the credit information management unit B24 automatically selects a predetermined number of credits stored in the external storage unit B17 when the credit number calculated by the calculation unit B24a reaches the lower limit. The configuration has been described in which the number of credits is recovered and added to the number of credits that has reached the lower limit value. Instead of this configuration, a ball return button is provided on the operating means B13, and the player presses this ball return button. When operated, a predetermined number of credits out of the number of credits stored in the external storage means B17 may be retrieved and added to the number of credits that has become the lower limit value.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, you may comprise so that the credit number memorize | stored in the external memory | storage means B17 may be displayed on the display apparatus etc. which are arrange | positioned in a game facility. If configured in this way, how many prize balls a player gets in each pachinko machine in the gaming facility (the ball of each pachinko machine) will be displayed to the people in the gaming facility using this display device. Can inform widely.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the presentation of the credit is performed in the credit presentation apparatus 16 provided in the operation unit 10, it is not limited to this structure, For example, the pattern according to the development | deployment condition of a game You may comprise so that it may be performed in the symbol display apparatus 28 which displays.

  In the above embodiment, the card unit including the card slot 11, the numeric keypad 12, the ball lending button 13, the card reader / writer 17, and the like has been described as being integrated with the pachinko machine PM. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is not something. For example, the card unit is provided adjacent to the pachinko machine PM as a device different from the pachinko machine PM, and the above-described credit control is performed by the exchange between the card unit and the pachinko machine PM. It may be configured. At this time, the above-mentioned external storage means B17 may be provided in this card unit.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the description has been given by taking an example of an enclosed circulation pachinko machine, but any ball game machine can be applied to a gaming machine other than an enclosed circulation pachinko machine. . For example, the present invention can also be applied to a payout pachinko machine, a sparrow ball game machine, an arrange ball machine, and the like.

PM Pachinko machine PA Game area B1 Winning detection means CU Control unit B3 Winning detection means B11 Card reader / writer means (game value information writing means)
B17 External storage means B23 Prize management part B24 Credit information management part (credit update means, external storage credit addition means)
B25 Credit presentation update unit (credit external transmission storage means)
16 credit presentation device 16a card balance presentation unit 16b credit presentation unit (credit presentation means)
16c External storage credit presentation unit (external storage credit presentation means)
24 general prize 25 start prize 26 big prize 31 launching mechanism (launching device)

Claims (5)

A credit device for storing a gaming device having a gaming area provided with at least one winning opening, a launching device for launching a gaming ball in the gaming region, and a credit for giving a gaming ball that can be launched by the launching device Storage means, and controls to fire a game ball from the launching device corresponding to the credit stored in the credit storage means, and the fired game ball is moved while falling in the game area A ball game machine configured to perform a game for winning a prize,
A winning detection means for detecting a winning of a game ball in the winning opening;
A predetermined credit is added to the stored credit stored in the credit storage unit in response to detection of the winning of the game ball by the winning detection unit, and a credit corresponding to the gaming ball launched by the launching device is subtracted. Credit updating means for updating the stored credit;
When the stored credit updated by the credit update means exceeds an upper limit value, the credit information of a predetermined value of the stored credit is transmitted to the external storage means provided outside the ball game machine And credit external transmission storage means for storing the credit of the predetermined value in the external storage means,
The credit update means subtracts the predetermined value credit stored in the external storage means by the credit external transmission storage means from the stored credit, and reduces the stored credit to a value smaller than the upper limit value. A ball game machine characterized in that it is renewed. Credit presenting means for presenting the stored credit stored in the credit storage means to the player;
The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising external storage credit presentation means for presenting credits stored in the external storage means to the player by the credit external transmission storage means.   When the stored credit updated by the credit update means reaches a lower limit value, a credit request signal is output to the external storage means, and a credit of a predetermined value is retrieved from the credit stored in the external storage means The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising external storage credit addition means for adding to the storage credit.   External storage credit addition means for outputting a credit request signal to the external storage means based on an operation input by a player, retrieving a credit of a predetermined value from the credit stored in the external storage means, and adding the credit to the stored credit The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising:   At the end of the game, the game value stored in the credit storage means and the credit stored in the external storage means are summed, and the total credit is converted into predetermined game value information and written to a predetermined recording medium The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising an information writing unit.

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