JP2013081532A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for permitting a player to enjoy a game within a predetermined limit without anxiety.SOLUTION: An enclosed ball control unit 102, or the like includes functions as reception means (step S411 and the like) of receiving a fixed amount payment information including a predetermined amount paid in advance by the player, game limit setting means (step S425 and the like) of setting game limit conditions regardless of the number of own balls as of a player's profit, based on the fixed amount payment information, and game control means (steps S422, S50, S434, S57 and the like) of enabling a fixed amount game based on the fixed amount payment information with reception of the fixed amount payment information as required conditions, and of disabling the fixed amount game to complete a game when the set game limit conditions are satisfied.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  Conventionally, there is a pachinko machine as a representative example of a gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a conventional gaming machine is, for example, as described in Patent Document 2, based on a fixed amount of rent per game ball, a fixed number of game balls lent out for each fixed amount ( For example, 25 balls for 100 yen) are fired to the game area at a predetermined time (100 or less per minute), and a game ball is acquired as a result of the game.

Japanese Patent No. 3832672 JP 2000-84228 A

  However, in the above-described gaming machine, the player may acquire an unexpected number of game balls, but may conversely spend an unexpected amount. For example, 400 yen / minute (= 100 pieces / minute × 4 yen) may be used. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to enjoy the game with a certain amount of money assumed by the player.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of enjoying a game with a certain amount of money assumed by a player.

The invention described in claim 1
A game ball guided to a predetermined launch position can be launched into the game area to play a game, and the player's profit is increased according to the game result of the game ball launched into the game area. In a gaming machine equipped with a control device and capable of circulating and using game balls by collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them again to the launch position,
The controller is
Receiving means for receiving fixed amount payment information including that the player has prepayed a predetermined amount;
Based on the fixed amount payment information, a game limit setting means for setting a game limit condition unrelated to the number of balls held as the player's profit,
On the condition that the fixed amount payment information is received by the receiving means, a game based on the fixed amount payment information is enabled, and when the game limit condition set by the game limit setting means is satisfied, the game is based on the fixed amount payment information. And a game control means for disabling the game and ending the game.

The invention according to claim 2
The game limit condition is:
The elapsed time from the start of the game based on the fixed amount payment information reaches a predetermined maximum possible game time, or the number of game balls fired based on the fixed amount payment information reaches a predetermined maximum number of possible shots, It contains at least one of them.
The invention described in claim 3
It is characterized by comprising a game progress notifying means for sequentially updating information notifying to what extent the game limit condition will be established (for example, information on the elapsed time or the number of shots) and notifying the player. .
The invention according to claim 4
The controller is
When the number of balls held as the player's profit reaches a predetermined number of stops, stop control means for disabling the game based on the fixed amount payment information and ending the game even if the game limit condition is not satisfied It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 5
The controller is
A number-of-balls storage means for storing the number of balls as a profit of the player;
The initial value setting means for setting the initial value of the number of balls in the holding number storage means based on the fixed amount payment information;
A number-of-balls subtracting means for decreasing the number of balls each time a game ball is fired;
When a predetermined number of prize balls are generated as a game result by the game balls launched in the game area, the number of possession balls adding means for increasing the number of possession balls according to the number of prize balls,
When the game limit condition set by the game limit setting means is not satisfied, the game control means can continue the game based on the fixed amount deposit information even if the value of the number of possessed balls is negative. It is characterized by.
The invention described in claim 6
A number-of-balls notifying unit for notifying a player of information corresponding to the number of balls held, the number-of-balls notifying unit, when the value of the number of held balls becomes negative, The information is reported in such a manner that the player can identify the presence.
The invention described in claim 7
At the start of a game based on the fixed payment information, the player is notified of game explanation information including that a game is possible until a game limit condition based on the fixed payment information is satisfied, and the fixed payment information And a game explanation notifying means for notifying a player of game explanation information including completion of a game based on the fixed amount payment information.

  According to the present invention, a player can enjoy a game within a predetermined limit (within a range until a predetermined game limit condition is satisfied) by paying a predetermined amount in advance.

It is a front side perspective view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a system block diagram of a pachinko parlor. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of a game control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a game start determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a game completion | finish determination process. It is a flowchart which shows special figure game processing. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows special figure 1 big hit determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure 1 stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure display process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure display process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a start port winning common process. It is a flowchart which shows the fixed amount game control process of an enclosure ball control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a game start monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a game start ACK reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a game end monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a launch ball detection switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a foul ball | bowl detection switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows an out ball | bowl detection switch monitoring process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of an operation and a display panel. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a display apparatus.

Hereinafter, as a first embodiment of the present invention, a mode example in the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is an enclosed ball type gaming machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
A. Front Configuration of Pachinko Machine First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine of this example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pachinko machine 1 (enclosed ball game machine) of this example.

  This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called encapsulated ball game machine and includes a game control device (see FIG. 4) for managing and controlling the progress of the game, and a predetermined number (for example, 30) in the game machine body. Game balls are encapsulated, and the enclosed game balls are placed in a game area based on information (ball lending information or fixed payment information described later) input from a card unit (CR unit) as a game medium lending device. The game result is determined whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or any other state, and in the case of a predetermined profit state, the player is made to correspond to a predetermined number of prize balls. In this mechanism, the game balls that have passed through the game area are collected and guided to the launch position, and the enclosed game balls are used in circulation to play a pachinko game. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is based on the fixed amount payment information including that the player has paid the predetermined amount in advance, based on a predetermined game limit condition (the maximum number of shots that can be fired) regardless of the number of balls held as the player's profit. A game that can be played within a range until the number is reached), and a game executed by this function (game based on the fixed amount payment information) is hereinafter referred to as a fixed amount game.

  The pachinko machine 1 has a machine frame 2 fixed to an island where the pachinko machine 1 is installed, and is pivotally supported by the machine frame 2 at a hinge portion 3 so that the machine frame 2 can be pivoted. And a front frame 4 that can be freely opened and closed. A game board 20 (shown in FIG. 2) is attached to the front frame 4.

A glass frame 5 is attached to the front frame 4 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the upper front side. Note that a game area 22 (to be described later) of the game board 20 can be viewed from the front through a glass plate (a transparent plastic board may be omitted) held by the glass frame 5. The glass frame 5 is pivotally supported by the front frame 4 at the hinge portion 3 so as to be opened and closed.
Here, the front frame 4 is referred to as a game frame, and the glass frame 5 is sometimes referred to as a front frame. In the present embodiment, the front frame 4 and the glass frame 5 are described.

  A lower panel 6 is provided below the glass frame 5, and an operation / display panel 7 is disposed on the lower panel 6. The operation / display panel 7 is a game progress notifying means for continuously updating information (information on the number of game balls fired) that can be understood to what extent the game limit condition will be established in the future and notifying the player. The number-of-balls notifying means for notifying the player of information corresponding to the number, and the game explanation notifying means for notifying the game explanation information at least at the start and end of the fixed amount game (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 28). ).

  The pachinko machine 1 is also provided with a card unit 15 (CR unit: card-type ball lending control unit) as a game medium lending device. The card unit 15 has a card insertion slot 16. In the case of a general game (a game that is not a fixed amount game), a general game card (excluding a fixed amount game card to be described later) is inserted into the card insertion slot 16, and the player is displayed on the operation / display panel 7, for example. By operating a ball lending button (not shown), a predetermined number of ball lending (increasing the number of balls held) can be performed.

  In the case of a fixed amount game, a player uses a fixed amount game card (hereinafter referred to as a fixed amount game card) obtained by the player by inserting a predetermined amount into a card issuing machine 52 (FIG. 3) described later. When inserted into the card insertion slot 16 of this card unit 15, information on the fixed amount game stored in the fixed amount game card (ie, fixed amount payment information including that the player has paid in advance for a fixed amount game) is pachinko. It is transmitted to the machine 1 so that a fixed-price game can be played on the pachinko machine 1. The fixed amount payment information stored in the fixed amount game card and transmitted to the pachinko machine 1 is not necessarily information indicating that the player has paid in advance for a predetermined amount for playing the fixed amount game. Information equivalent to prepaid a predetermined amount for playing a fixed amount game (for example, information indicating that a fixed amount game of a type corresponding to the predetermined amount can be executed, or information for instructing execution of the fixed amount game) It may be. The flat-rate game card may be capable of storing other information. For example, in this example, when the player has acquired a positive number of balls as a result of the fixed amount game at the end of the fixed amount game, like the general game card, the data on the number of held balls is stored in the fixed amount game card. It can be used for replacement.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 20 has game nails planted on the front surface of a plate-like base material (so-called veneer). 22 is formed. The game area 22 is an area where a game ball that has been thrown in is dropped from above and a determination of whether it is out or safe (determination of whether or not a prize has been won) is made. Is configured such that data of a predetermined number of game balls set in accordance with the type of winning opening is added to the number of balls held by the player as a prize ball.
Returning to FIG. 1, a key insertion portion 8 of a locking device (not shown) for the front frame 4 and the glass frame 5 is formed at the opening / closing side (right side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4. .

Further, the operation / display panel 7 provided at the lower part of the glass frame 5 is composed of a liquid crystal display, for example, for displaying messages, the number of balls, the number of shots, etc., and performing operations such as game settlement. (See FIG. 28 for details). Next to the operation / display panel 7, a push button type effect operation switch 9 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) operated by the player is provided.
Further, the lower panel 6 is provided with a lower speaker 10 that outputs sound effects and a firing operation handle 11 that performs a launching operation of the game ball.

Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 denotes a decorative lamp having an LED (light emitting diode) provided on the front surface of the glass frame 5 as a light source, and reference numeral 13 denotes an upper front surface of the glass frame 5. Are a plurality of moving lights. Although not shown, the moving light 13 includes an LED as a light source and a motor as a drive source. Here, the decoration lamp 12 and the moving light 13 constitute a decoration display LED 141 shown in FIG.
Moreover, in FIG. 1, what is shown with the code | symbol 14a, 14b is the upper speaker which outputs the sound effect etc. which were provided in the upper left and right both sides of the glass frame 5. FIG.

B. 2. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a guide rail of the game board 20. As described above, a game area 22 is formed by surrounding a substantially circular area on the front face of the game board with the guide rail 21. ing.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game area 22 includes an out ball inlet 23, a center case 24, a first start winning opening 25, a second starting winning opening 26 as an ordinary electric accessory (general power), and a variable winning apparatus. 27, general winning openings 28 to 31, a normal start gate 32, a number of game nails (not shown), and the like are provided. A collective display device 35 is provided outside the game area 22 of the game board 20. The game nails flow down while hitting the game balls that have entered the upper part of the game area 22, and a plurality of game nails are planted in the game area excluding the attachment portion such as the center case.

The center case 24 is a member that surrounds the front periphery of the display unit 41a (shown in FIG. 2) of the display device 41 (shown in FIG. 4) attached to the back side of the game board 20. Although not shown in the figure, the center case 24 includes lamps that use LEDs for production or decoration as light sources, and electric accessories that enhance production effects in cooperation with production display on the display device 41 (for example, An accessory having a movable part that is operated by a driving source such as a motor or a solenoid).
Note that lamps for effect or decoration are also provided in portions other than the center case 24 of the game board 20 (may be outside the game area 22). It should be noted that lamps for performance or decoration provided on the game board 20 (including the center case 24) constitute a board decoration device. The electric accessory provided in the center case 24 constitutes a board effect device. It should be noted that the electric accessory constituting the board effect device may be provided at a place other than the center case 24 of the game board 20.

The display device 41 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and is usually referred to as a variable display device. In addition, as the name of the display device 41, there are various names such as a special figure display device, a symbol variation device, a variable symbol display device, an identification information variation device, an identification information variation display device, etc. Items with the same function are in the same category.
The display device 41 has a display unit 41a (screen) capable of displaying identification information (referred to as a special figure) such as numbers and characters, and can display a plurality of special figures. For example, special charts are displayed in three vertical columns on the left, center, and right, and special figures consisting of numbers, letters, etc. in each column are displayed in a stopped state (stop display), or in a fluctuating state (for example, vertically) Display in a scrolling state) (that is, a variable display).

Further, as shown in detail in FIG. 29 described later, a message such as “fixed amount game” can be displayed on the display unit 41a (screen). That is, in the case of this example, the display device 41 constitutes game explanation notifying means for notifying game explanation information at least at the start and end of a fixed amount game.
Further, separately from the special figure, an image for presentation such as a background image or a character image or an information notification image, or an image corresponding to a so-called common figure can be displayed on the display unit 41a. Note that the special figure is identification information that is variably displayed in the variable display game related to the big hit, and the common figure is identification information that is variably displayed in the variable display game related to the common figure (not the big hit). .

  The start winning ports 25 and 26 are winning ports that function as start winning ports for special drawings as will be described later. In this example, they are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. The upper first start winning opening 25 is always open. The lower second start winning opening 26 has opening / closing members 26a on both the left and right sides, and when these opening / closing members 26a are opened in a reverse C shape, a winning can be made. As shown in FIG. It is impossible to win if it is closed. The start winning ports 25 and 26 are disposed below the center portion of the center case 24.

The second start winning opening is also referred to as an ordinary electric accessory (general power), and corresponds to an ordinary variable winning device.
The variable winning device 27 is a device (so-called attacker) having a large winning opening 27a that is opened and closed by an opening / closing member 27b. This special winning opening 27a is opened on condition that a big hit, which will be described later, is made, and game balls can be won.

As described above, for example, an image of a normal map is also displayed on the display unit 41a (screen) of the display device 41 in addition to the special drawing. The general game will be described as follows. In this case, the display device 41 corresponds to a general-purpose display device.
When the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 32, the normal map variable display game by the variable display of the normal map on the display unit 41a or the like (an independent general map display device may be arranged separately from the display device 41). (Hereinafter, referred to as a normal map display game) is performed, and if the stopped general map is in a predetermined mode (specific display mode), a privilege called per map is granted.

When a normal hit is reached, a game is held in which the pair of opening and closing members 26a of the second start winning opening 26 are opened in a reverse C shape, and are temporarily held for a predetermined opening time, and the game ball is started. It becomes easier to win, and accordingly, the number of executions of the special figure variable display game increases and the possibility of winning a big game increases.
Further, during the above-described variable display game, when a game ball is further won in the general figure start gate 32, the display unit 41a or the like (even if the original general figure start memory display is arranged separately from the display device 41). (Preferably), the pending display of the usual figure start memory is executed, for example, up to four are stored, and after the usual variable display game is completed, the above-mentioned usual figure variable display game is repeated based on the memory. In addition, if the probability of the usual figure is set to a high probability, it becomes easier to hit the ordinary figure.

Here, the short time will be described as follows.
Abbreviation of time is an abbreviation of “time reduction”. After the big hit, the special figure and the usual figure change time is shortened more than usual, the time efficiency is increased, and the probability per ordinary figure is increased. The number of executions of a variable display game with a certain special figure by supporting the winning at the starting gate by opening the (second starting winning gate 26) (including extending the opening time of the electric train longer than usual) It is a function to change the special figure efficiently without reducing the number of balls (number of balls). Hereinafter, such a state in which the time reduction is being executed is referred to as a normal power support state or a time reduction state.

  Next, the collective display device 35 displays a so-called ordinary figure display, special figure display, a special figure or general figure start-up memory hold display (sometimes referred to as a special figure hold display, a general figure hold display), a game, Display of status, for example, a plurality of indicators using LED as a light source (for example, a display composed of one small lamp, or a 7-segment display capable of displaying numbers as a special figure) Instrument). Note that the start memory hold display (in some cases, simply referred to as the start memory display) is a display for informing the number of start memories that are held in a state in which the variable display game is not executed, and generally Is displayed by lighting a lamp or the like for each start memory. That is, if there are three start memories, the three lamps are turned on or three figures are displayed.

Note that what is displayed by the display of the collective display device 35 is the special figure or the ordinary figure (formal special figure or ordinary figure), whereas the display unit of the above-described variable display device 41 or the like. The special map and the general map display to be performed are dummy displays for effects for the player. For this reason, when referring to the special figure and the ordinary figure as viewed from the player, this dummy display is pointed out. In the following, when emphasizing this dummy display, for example, “decorative drawing” is described.
As described above, the collective display device 35 may be difficult to be recognized by the player, but is directly controlled by the game control device 101 described later, and is used for inspection of the game board 20 and the like. For example, a special chart start memory display (special figure hold display) for a player that can be more easily recognized by the player is displayed on the display unit of the variable display device 41 or a plurality of game boards 20 as described above, for example. This is performed by a lamp (light emitting unit).

C. Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a game shop in which a number of pachinko machines 1 according to the present embodiment are installed.
In FIG. 3, a card management device 51, a card issuing machine 52, a card settlement machine 53, a hall computer 54, a number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n and card units 15a to 15n are arranged in the game store.
The card management device 51 is connected to a card company (not shown) via a telephone line (for example, a digital line such as ISDN). The card company issues a prepaid card as a game card (storage medium) or The game card is settled, and various information of the card management device 51 is received as necessary. The amusement store is connected to the card company via a telephone line in order to obtain card issuance information or necessary information from the card company or to make an inquiry.

  The card management device 51 is connected to a card issuing machine 52, a card settlement machine 53, and a large number of card units 15a to 15n via an information transmission path 55. The card management device 51 treats the card issuing machine 52, the card settlement machine 53, and a large number of card units 15a to 15n as terminal devices, performs control for managing information of each of these terminal devices, and inserts / discharges into each terminal device. Control is performed to store and manage information equivalent to the amount information and game value information stored in each game card based on the identification information of the game card.

  The card issuing machine 52 issues a card purchased from a card company to a player as a game card. For general games, for example, a game card of 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen is added and a game card is added. Issue. The card issuing machine 52 transfers information (for example, game card sales information) to / from the card management apparatus 51 via the information transmission path 55 and performs control necessary for issuing the game card.

  In the case of this example, the above-mentioned fixed amount game card is also issued to the player from this card issuing machine 52 as one type of the above game card. For example, when a player inserts 3000 yen, a fixed amount game card (hereinafter referred to as a fixed amount game card 3000) that can be played for 1 hour (strictly, up to 6000 launches) can be issued. As the fixed amount game card, for example, a plurality of types (for example, a fixed amount game card of 4000 yen, a fixed amount game card of 5000 yen, etc.) with different amounts may be issued.

  The card settlement machine 53 is for settlement of the game card based on the game card's frequency balance and the number of balls held, for example, returning the amount according to the frequency balance, performing control necessary for prize exchange, In addition, information (for example, control information for gift exchange) is transferred to / from the card management device 51 via the information transmission path 55. In the case of a fixed amount game card, the amount cannot be returned. In this example, the fixed amount game card is returned to the player only when the number of balls held is positive at the end of the fixed amount game. In this case, the player returns the returned fixed amount game card to the card settlement machine 53. By inserting and operating, it is possible to exchange prizes according to the number of balls.

The card units 15a to 15n, when a game card is inserted, read information on the game card (amount data, number of balls data, etc.) and lend a ball, or use the number of balls acquired by the player as a game card. In addition to transferring information (for example, control information for lending a ball or recording the number of balls) to / from the card management device 51 via the information transmission path 55, a game card Control necessary for lending by ball.
The card units 15a to 15n are arranged adjacent to the pachinko machines 1a to 1n, respectively, and signals and data can be transmitted between them.

When a fixed amount gaming card is inserted into the card unit, as described above, the fixed amount payment information stored in the fixed amount gaming card is transmitted to the corresponding pachinko machine, and the fixed amount payment information is stored in the pachinko machine. A fixed amount game with a corresponding game limit condition becomes possible. For example, in the case of a fixed amount game card 3000, a condition that the number of games that can be fired is set to 6000 as a game limit condition for a fixed amount game, and if the number of game balls fired is 100 or less per minute, the number of balls held is affected. A game of 60 minutes or more becomes possible.
The hall computer 54 is installed in the game room management room and connected to the pachinko machines 1a to 1n via the information transmission path 56, and collects game data and the like from the pachinko machines 1a to 1n. It manages the business of the store. Specifically, necessary data is collected from a large number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n, data corresponding to various game states is organized, and the organized data is displayed on a display, or calculation processing of data necessary for business is performed. Do.

D. Configuration of Control System Next, a control system of the pachinko machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawings and the following description, “SW” means a switch, and “SOL” means a solenoid. Further, in the drawings, when the name of the member is long, it is difficult to show the illustration, and therefore, the drawing may be appropriately shortened (illustrated).
The pachinko machine 1 includes a game control device 101, an enclosed ball control device 102, an effect control device 103, and a launch control device 104 as main components of the control system. Necessary power is supplied from a power supply (not shown) to each of these devices and each electronic component shown in FIG. The game control device 101 and the enclosed ball control device 102 may be integrated to form a game control device.

(Game control device related)
First, a configuration of the game control device 101 of the pachinko machine 1 and devices connected to the game control device 101 will be described.
The game control device 101 is a main control device (main board) for comprehensively controlling the game, and includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, and a test firing test terminal 114 for an inspection device.

The CPU 111 executes a game program for managing the encapsulated ball game and performs arithmetic processing necessary for game control. The ROM 112 stores a game program, and the RAM 113 is used as a work area (work area) when executing processing based on the game program.
The CPU 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 correspond to a gaming microcomputer as a gaming arithmetic processing device, and are manufactured as, for example, an IC for an amusement chip.
The test firing test terminal 114 is a terminal to which a cable for transmitting various game information obtained from the CPU 111 to the inspection device is connected. Note that the test firing test terminal 114 and related parts are used in a test institution, and are not mounted in a game control device used in a game arcade.

The game control device 101 includes a first start port switch 120 (start port 1SW in FIG. 4), a second start port switch 121 (start port 2SW in FIG. 4), a gate switch 122, a winning port switch 123, a count switch 124, A detection signal from the frame opening switch 125 is input.
The first start port switch 120 is a sensor for detecting winning balls one by one for detecting the game balls won in the first start winning port 25, and the second start port switch 121 is awarded to the second start winning port 26. This is a sensor for detecting a winning ball that detects the gaming balls one by one.

The count switch 124 is a similar sensor that detects a game ball that has won a big winning opening of the variable winning device 27. The prize winning port switch 123 is a similar sensor provided for the general prize winning openings 28 to 31, and when there are n general prize winning openings, one is provided for each and n is provided as a whole. Instead of providing one sensor for each general winning opening, one sensor may be provided for a plurality of general winning openings. The gate switch 122 is a sensor for detecting one game ball passing through the usual starting gate 32 one by one.
Each of the sensors 120, 121, 122, 123, and 124 for detecting these game balls is a proximity switch in this example, and outputs a negative logic detection signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V. It is configured.
The frame opening switch 125 is a sensor that detects that the glass frame 5 is opened.

Next, the game control device 101 is connected to the enclosed ball control device 102, the production control device 103, the general electric solenoid 131, the special prize opening solenoid 132, the general drawing / special-purpose display 133, and the external information terminal board 134. Yes. The general map / special map display 133 is a display constituting the collective display device 35 described above.
The general electric solenoid 131 is a solenoid that opens and closes the opening / closing member of the second start winning port 26, and the large winning port solenoid 132 is a solenoid that opens and closes the opening / closing member of the variable winning device 27. The game control device 101 outputs necessary control signals to the ordinary electric solenoid 131, the special prize opening solenoid 132, and the ordinary / special-purpose display 133 (collective display device 35).
In addition, the game control device 101 outputs control information necessary for the enclosed ball game to the enclosed ball control device 102, and the enclosed ball control device 102 receives information related to the collection of the game balls. Yes.
Furthermore, data (for example, effect command) is transmitted from the game control device 101 to the effect control device 103 by parallel communication.

  In addition, game information is output from the game control device 101 to the hall computer 54 via the external information terminal board 134. As game information, for example, a signal that informs the signal input to the game control device 101 to the outside, a jackpot signal that notifies a big hit that occurs in the course of the game progress, and a prize at the start opening that is a condition for changing the symbol Start signal to notify, symbol change start signal to trigger symbol variation start or symbol variation stop signal to trigger symbol variation, indicating that the game state is advantageous to the player (so-called probability variation state, time-short state) There are privilege status signals.

(Production control device related)
Next, the configuration of the effect control device 103 and devices connected to the effect control device 103 will be described.
The effect control device 103 includes a main control microcomputer, a video control microcomputer that performs video control exclusively under the control of the main control microcomputer, a VDP as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 41, It has a tone generator LSI that controls the output of various melody and sound effects, etc., but its detailed configuration is omitted.

  The production control device 103 analyzes the control command (8-bit data signal) from the CPU 111 of the game control device 101, determines the production content, controls the content of the output video of the display device 41, and reproduces it to the sound source LSI. A sound instruction is given to drive the lower speaker 10 and the upper speakers 14a and 14b to produce sound effects, etc., and processing such as the drive control of the decoration LED 141 described above is executed, and in response to a signal from the effect operation switch 9 The content of the production is determined and the production is controlled.

(Encapsulated sphere control device)
Next, a configuration of the enclosed sphere control device 102 and devices connected to the enclosed sphere control device 102 will be described.
The encapsulated ball control device 102 performs the control necessary for the encapsulated ball game. The first CPU 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 mainly perform processing from the launch of the encapsulated ball to collection (including ball lending control, the same applies hereinafter), A second CPU 154 that performs processing related to the operation / display panel 7, a ROM 155, a RAM 156, and a VDP 157, and a communication interface 158 are provided.
The first CPU 151 performs a calculation process necessary for control from launching to collection of the encapsulated sphere. The ROM 152 stores a program necessary for control from launching to collection of the encapsulated sphere, and the RAM 153 is used as a work area (work area) when executing processing based on the program. The first CPU 151, the ROM 152, and the RAM 153 are manufactured, for example, as an IC for an amusement chip.

The second CPU 154 performs arithmetic processing necessary for control related to the operation / display panel 7. The ROM 155 stores a program necessary for control related to the operation / display panel 7, and the RAM 156 is used as a work area (work area) when executing processing based on the program. The VDP 157 controls driving of images, characters, and fonts displayed on the operation / display panel 7.
The communication interface 158 performs processing for supporting communication between the card unit 15 and the encapsulated ball control device 102.
The communication interface 158 is a board for wiring connection between the pachinko machine 1 side and the card unit 15 side. If both the wirings are not connected on this board, the pachinko machine 1 is controlled so that it is impossible to launch a game ball.

The enclosed sphere control device 102 includes a firing sphere detection switch 161, a foul sphere detection switch 162, an out sphere detection switch 163, a first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 (encapsulated sphere detection 1SW in FIG. 4), and a second enclosed sphere detection switch 165. A detection signal from the enclosed sphere detection 2SW in FIG. 4 is input.
The shot ball detection switch 161 is a sensor that detects each ball shot in the game area 22 by operating the shot volume (details will be described later). It is a sensor that detects one sphere at a time. The out ball detection switch 163 is a sensor that detects one ball collected from the game area 22 (including both out ball and safe ball) one by one.

  The first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is a sensor that detects the upper limit of the number of balls enclosed as a game ball, and the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 is a sensor that detects the lower limit of the number of balls enclosed as a game ball. It is. This is because the encapsulated spheres need to be encapsulated in the pachinko machine 1 without excess or deficiency, and it is checked that the number of encapsulated spheres is less than the upper limit or less than the lower limit. It is provided to confirm that there is a number.

  The encapsulated sphere control device 102 receives detection signals from the switches 161 to 165 and performs processing such as monitoring of the behavior of the sphere from launching to collection of the encapsulated sphere, the presence or absence of a foul sphere, and the number of encapsulated spheres. Then, based on ball lending information sent from the card unit 15, control is performed such as adding lending balls to the operation / display panel 7 to display the number of balls held by the player. In the case of a fixed amount game, the fixed amount deposit information sent from the card unit 15 is received by the encapsulated ball control device 102 via the communication interface 158, and the encapsulated ball control device 102 that has received this fixed amount deposit information. Transmits a game start command to the game control device 101 (step S412 to be described later), and on this occasion, control processing for a fixed amount game (details will be described later) is executed in each control device 101 and 102.

Next, the enclosed ball control device 102 is connected to the game control device 101, the launch control device 104, the operation / display panel 7, and the card unit 15.
The game control device 101 outputs a prize ball signal to the encapsulated ball control device 102, and in response to this, the encapsulated ball control device 102 electronically increases the number of balls possessed by the player and operates / displays it. Control such as displaying on the panel 7 is performed.
On the other hand, information such as an error signal for award ball addition is output from the enclosed ball control device 102 to the game control device 101.

  The launch control device 104 is adapted to receive a launch permission signal and a power failure detection signal from the enclosed ball control device 102. The launch control device 104 controls a ball feed solenoid 172 that sends a game ball to the launch position and a launch solenoid 173 that launches the game ball at the launch position according to the operation of the launch volume 171, and the launch control device 104 includes a touch sensor 174 and A signal from the firing stop switch 175 is input. The touch sensor 174 detects whether or not the player is touching the firing operation handle 11 for operating the firing volume 171, and the firing stop switch 175 temporarily stops the firing of the game ball. It is operated by a person.

  A device that includes the above-described launch solenoid 173 and launches a game ball at a launch position (not shown) in accordance with the operation of the launch operation handle 11 into a game area is referred to as a launch device. This launching device is controlled by the enclosed ball control device 102 and the game control device 101 via the launch control device 104, and launches the game ball only in a state where the launch of the game ball is permitted by the control processing of these control devices. be able to. In a state where the launch of the game ball is not permitted (a prohibited state), there is a game ball at the launch position, and even if the player operates the launch operation handle 11, the game ball is not launched. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of this example is a type of game machine (enclosed ball type game machine) that circulates and uses game balls enclosed in the machine. A configuration (not shown) is provided as a game ball circulating device for supplying the launching device 172 again to the launching position of the launching device by the operation of the feed solenoid 172.

Further, the encapsulated ball control device 102 outputs an error signal in the case of a predetermined abnormality (for example, inability to fire a ball, clogging of a ball, etc.) with respect to the error display LED 176, and the error display LED 176 is turned on according to the error signal ( Or blink).
Further, a signal is output from the encapsulated sphere control device 102 to the polishing device motor 177. Upon receiving this signal, the polishing device motor 177 operates a polishing device that polishes the encapsulated sphere enclosed in the pachinko machine 1. Then, the sphere is polished. The polishing of the sphere is not performed inside the pachinko machine 1, but, for example, an encapsulated sphere polishing apparatus is arranged outside the pachinko machine 1 (for example, an island facility), and the sphere is polished there. (In other words, it may be configured to be supplied to each pachinko machine 1).

  The enclosed ball control device 102 exchanges signals with the operation / display panel 7, and the operation / display panel 7 includes an LCD unit 181 and a touch panel 182. The LCD unit 181 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and is used for notifying a player of information at the time of lending a ball or playing a game. Specifically, for example, in the case of a fixed amount game, as shown in FIG. 28 to be described later, in addition to displaying the number of possible shots, the number of balls held, the start and end of the fixed amount game, etc., operation buttons such as checkout and rest Is arranged on the screen. For the operation buttons such as settlement and break, the touch panel 182 is arranged on the surface of the LCD unit 181 so that the player can perform operations such as settlement and break by touching with a finger. It is possible.

E. Outline of Game Next, an outline of a game performed in the pachinko machine 1 of this example and a flow of the game will be described.
First, a predetermined number of enclosing balls are enclosed in the pachinko machine 1 and polished by a polishing apparatus for a predetermined time.
At the beginning of the game (or before the start of the game), the customer is in a waiting state (during demonstration), and a command for instructing display of the customer waiting screen is transmitted from the buffer of the game control device 101 to the effect control device 103. Then, a customer waiting screen (moving image or still image) is displayed on the display unit 41a of the display device 41.

  When the player inserts a general game card into the card unit 15 and performs a ball lending operation with a predetermined unit frequency (for example, pressing a ball lending button displayed on the operation / display panel 7), a predetermined number of balls are lended. The number of held balls (for example, 125) is added and displayed on the held number display section of the operation / display panel 7. At this time, the amount data of the game card is reduced by the predetermined number (for example, 5000 yen). Further, in a general game using a general game card (a game that is not a fixed amount game), when the number of possessed balls becomes zero, the game ball cannot be launched and the game cannot be continued. For this reason, the player must continue the game by lending the ball every time the number of possessed balls becomes zero, and the number of possessed balls gradually decreases with fewer prize balls for the number of game balls fired. In this case, the amount data of the game card is frequently reduced in a short time, and a large amount of money is used in a short time.

  On the other hand, in the case of the above-described fixed amount game that can be executed by inserting a fixed amount game card into the card unit 15, an additional fee is charged within a predetermined game limit condition regardless of the number of balls held. The game can continue without. In other words, when the player inserts a fixed amount game card into the card unit 15, the initial value of the number that can be fired (6000 in the case of the fixed amount game card 3000) is displayed on the operation / display panel 7 as shown in FIG. Unless the game is forcibly terminated by a stoppage or the like, the time until the number of possible fires becomes zero (1 hour or more in the case of the fixed amount game card 3000) games based on the prepaid amount (that is, the fixed amount game) ) Is possible.

In the above general game or fixed amount game, when the player operates the launch volume 171, the game ball at the launch position is driven into the game area 22 through the guide rail 21, and the game ball that has been shot is special. When winning in the start winning opening 25 or 26 in the figure (that is, when there is a special drawing start winning), a command for instructing the special figure change display is transmitted from the game control device 101 to the effect control device 103, and the display unit 41a. In FIG. 2, a special figure (a figure, a character, a symbol, a pattern, etc.) is changed (for example, scrolled) (so-called variable display), and a special figure fluctuation display game (hereinafter referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game) is displayed. ) Is performed. On the other hand, the sphere that has been removed without winning the prize flows into the out sphere inlet 23.
The ball that has fallen through the game area 22 becomes out or safe, and is collected and circulated after passing through the game area 22, and is again guided to the launch position. In this manner, the pachinko game is performed by circulating the enclosed game balls.

This inventive concept is shown as follows.
A predetermined number of game balls can be encapsulated in the gaming machine main body, and the enclosed game balls can be launched into the game area to play a game, and the game balls launched into the game area A control device that increases a player's profit according to a game result, and collects the game balls that have passed through the game area and guides them to the launch position, thereby enclosing the game using the enclosed game balls in a circulating manner It is a concept of a ball game machine.

  Here, increasing the player's profit in accordance with the game result of the game ball launched into the game area is, in other words, determining whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or other state. In the case of a predetermined profit state, the player's profit is increased corresponding to a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, it is determined whether the game ball is safe or out, and safe When it is determined that, for example, the number of balls held by the player is increased. “Safe” corresponds to a ball entering the winning opening (including the general winning openings 28 to 31 and the starting winning openings 25 and 26).

In addition, in a mode of increasing the player's profit (for example, the number of possessed balls) according to the game result, a prize ball is added to the number of possessed balls based on the safe ball, and a later-described big hit (special game state) Including a case where a large number of prize balls are added to the number of possessed balls when a game ball is won at the prize winner opening and a game ball is won, and this is equivalent to increasing the profit of the player To do. The player's profit is not necessarily limited to the number of possessed balls corresponding to the number of game balls, and the number of points may be used instead of the number of possessed balls. However, in this example, unless otherwise indicated, the embodiment uses the number of possessed balls corresponding to the number of game balls as the player's profit.
Further, the player's profit (the number of possessed balls or the number of points) is added in accordance with the game result as described above, while being subtracted by the number of game balls fired. For example, when the number of possessed balls corresponding to the number of game balls is used as the player's profit, the number of possessed balls is decremented by “1” every time the game ball is launched.

  And, if the stop result mode of the above-mentioned special figure fluctuation display game (a combination of special figures derived by the fluctuation display) is a special result aspect (for example, “3, 3, 3”, etc.), it is a big hit. A privilege to be called is given to the player. In terms of control, for example, a value such as a big hit random number is extracted and stored on the condition that there has been a start prize, and this extracted and stored random number value is compared with a predetermined determination value at the time of determination. Based on the comparison determination result, whether or not to make a big hit is determined in advance, and the variable display game is started in response to this determination.

  Further, if the stop result mode of the variable display game is a specific mode of the special result mode (for example, “7, 7, 7”), it will be the big hit and after the big hit game (a special prize described later) After the period), the game state shifts from the normal mode to the probability change mode. In this probability variation mode, control is performed to increase the probability that the special figure will be a big hit (hereinafter referred to as the special figure big hit probability). In some cases, the above-described time-short state control is also performed.

  When the jackpot is reached and the jackpot state is reached, a fanfare period (a period in which an output of a sound effect that produces a jackpot is executed) is passed, and the jackpot of the variable prize winning device 27 is set for a predetermined time (for example, In the range not exceeding 30 seconds), for example, an opening operation (a jackpot round) that is temporarily opened for a period of up to 10 winnings is performed. This release operation is repeated for a specified number of rounds. In this big hit state, a command for instructing display of a big hit screen for directing the big hit state or informing the player of the number of big hit rounds is transmitted from the game control device 101 to the effect control device 103 for display. In the unit 41a, such a big hit display is executed.

The period in which the jackpot is in effect (the fanfare period, the period of the jackpot round in which the jackpot is open, the interval period between the jackpot round and the next jackpot round, and the ending period) are the special prize period. It corresponds to.
In addition, as the number of rounds of the big hit, for example, a big hit of 15 rounds is usually the main big hit, but a configuration of generating a 16R big hit as a premier or other configurations may be used. Further, there may be a two-round big hit or the like as a so-called abruptness (a sudden probability change in which the big hit probability changes via a big hit with few balls).

In addition, when a game ball is further won in the start winning opening 25 or 26 during the special figure variation display game or the big hit, a special display start memory hold display is performed on the display unit 41a or the like, for example, up to four. After the special figure fluctuation display game or the big hit state is stored, the special figure fluctuation display game is repeated or returned to the customer waiting state based on the start memory.
That is, if the variable display game ends with a big hit, the game shifts to a big hit state, and if the variable display game ends with a start and there is a start memory, the variable display game is executed again, and the variable display game ends with a start and no start memory is stored. If the big hit ends and there is a start memory, the variable display game is executed again. If the big hit ends and there is no start memory, the flow returns to the customer wait state.

  In this embodiment, for example, two types of special chart start memory (special map start memory) are displayed (special figure 1 hold display and special figure 2 hold display). A variation display game (a first variation display game and a second variation display game) is executed. That is, when a special figure start prize (first start prize) due to the game ball entering the first start prize opening 25 occurs, the display device 41 plays the first variation display game by the variation display of the special figure 1. When a game ball wins the first start winning opening 25 during any special figure variation display game or the like, one first start memory (start memory corresponding to the special figure 1 hold display) is stored. On the other hand, the first variation display game by the variation display of the special figure 1 is performed on the display device 41 after the special figure fluctuation display game is finished.

  When a special figure start prize (second start prize) due to the game ball entering the second start prize opening 26 is generated, a second variation display game based on the variation display of the special figure 2 is performed on the display device 41. When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 26 during any special figure variation display game or the like, one second start memory (start memory corresponding to the special figure 2 hold display) is stored. On the other hand, the second variation display game by the variation display of the special figure 2 is performed on the display device 41 after the above special figure fluctuation display game ends. When both the first start memory and the second start memory are present, either the first variation display game or the second variation display game is executed first in accordance with a preset rule. For example, a mode in which the second variable display game corresponding to the second start winning opening 26 is preferentially performed (that is, a mode in which the second start memory is preferentially consumed) or two types of variable display games are alternately displayed. There may be a mode to be performed.

  On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the usual figure start gate 32 during the game, a usual figure change display game (hereinafter, referred to as a usual figure change display game) is played by the display part 41a or the like. . And if this normal map change display game result (stopped general chart) is a predetermined mode (specific display mode), a privilege called per map is granted.

At this time, a game is held in which the pair of opening / closing members 26a of the second start winning opening 26 is temporarily held in an open state where the pair of opening / closing members 26a is opened in a reverse C-shape. This makes it easier for the game ball to start and win, and accordingly, the number of executions of the special figure variable display game increases and the possibility of winning a big hit increases.
Further, during the above-mentioned variable display game, when a game ball is further won in the general chart start gate 32, a general display start storage display is executed on the display unit 41a and the like, for example, up to four are stored, After the usual variable display game is over, the usual variable display game is repeated based on the memory.

  Next, the fixed amount game will be outlined. In fixed amount games, the value of the number of balls can be negative, and even if the number of balls is negative, it is possible to fire game balls within the range until the predetermined game limit condition is satisfied The state where the state and the winnings are effectively processed is maintained, and the game can be continued. In this example, the game limit condition is that the number of game balls fired (integrated value) from the start of the fixed amount game reaches a predetermined maximum number that can be fired (for example, 6000 in the case of the fixed amount game card 3000). It is. Under such game limit conditions, at a predetermined firing frequency (100 or less per minute), as described above, for example, in the case of a fixed amount game card 3000, a game of at least one hour is possible. . It should be noted that the game limit condition for this fixed amount game may be in other modes, or simply constituted by time. For example, the elapsed time from the start of the game may reach a predetermined maximum possible game time (for example, 1 hour). Since the game ball firing frequency is limited as described above, the number of game ball shots can be limited to within a certain number even if it is simply limited by time.

F. Operation of Control System Next, the control contents of the game control device 101 and the enclosed ball control device 102 will be described. First, the game control apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.
(A) Main Process of Game Control Device First, the main process of the game control device 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
This main process is started based on the fact that the CPU 111 is forcibly reset. That is, when a power switch of a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to the game control device 101 is turned on, a reset signal is output from the power supply device at a predetermined timing (a predetermined reset period when the power is turned on). When input to the game control device 101 turns on the reset terminal of the CPU 111 and the reset signal is subsequently released, the CPU 111 is activated. Similarly, when the power is restored from a power failure, the CPU 111 is activated after the reset signal is released and then released. Further, when the worker wants to initialize the RAM 113 or the like of the game control device 101, it is necessary to turn on the power switch while turning on the initialization switch (not shown) of the power device.

When the CPU 111 is activated, interrupts are first prohibited, the CPU peripheral circuits (including the serial port) built in the CPU 111 are initialized, and access to the RAM 113 is permitted. (A signal corresponding to “0” of the value signal) is output (steps S1 to S4).
Since each output port is turned off (reset) by the reset signal, it is not always necessary to output the off signal to each output port in software, but step S4 is provided here just in case. .

Next, it is determined whether or not the communication line confirmation with the encapsulated sphere control board (encapsulated sphere control device 102) is NG (step S5). This is to confirm whether or not the communication line between the game control device 101 and the enclosed ball control device 102 has been established. If it is NG, the process jumps to step S28 to be described later and RWM access (access to the RAM 113) Wait for the ban.
On the other hand, if the confirmation of the communication line with the enclosed ball control device 102 is OK, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether or not a power failure has occurred during standby (waiting) at this time. If a power failure has occurred, the process jumps to step S28 to prohibit RWM access (access to the RAM 113), and then waits. It is determined whether or not a waiting time waiting for activation has elapsed. If the waiting wait time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S5 to repeat the routine. If the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8 to determine whether the power is being turned on while pressing the initialization switch of the power supply device. To do.

  If the power is turned on while pressing the initialization switch, the process jumps to step S14. On the other hand, if the power is turned on without pressing the initialization switch, the process proceeds to step S9 to determine whether or not all the values of the power failure inspection areas 1 and 2 in the RAM 113 are normal power interruption inspection area check data. If so, the process proceeds to step S10 assuming that the power failure is restored, and if abnormal (if not stored normally), the process proceeds to step S14 assuming that the power is normally turned on. The power failure inspection area check data is set in step S26 described later. In this step S9, since it is determined whether or not the power failure has been restored by using a plurality of check data in this way, the determination of whether or not the power failure has been restored is made with high reliability.

Next, in step S10, a checksum of data in the RAM 113 (shown as RWM in FIG. 5, the same applies hereinafter) is calculated, and compared with the checksum at the time of power-off in step S11, whether the value is normal (match) or not. Determine. If the checksum is not normal (that is, the data in the RAM 113 is corrupted), the process proceeds to step S14, and if the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step S12.
In step S12, processing (initial value setting) for power failure recovery is executed. That is, all the power failure inspection areas are cleared, the checksum area is cleared, and the areas related to error and fraud monitoring are reset. Next, a power failure recovery command (power failure recovery command) corresponding to the special figure game processing number is transmitted to the effect control device 103 in step S13. After step S13, the process proceeds to step S17.

When jumping to step S14 by turning on the power while pressing the initialization switch, or jumping from step S9 or S11 to step S14, the processing of steps S14 to 16 including this step S14 is performed.
When processing proceeds to step S14 and subsequent steps, processing such as initialization of data (excluding the access-prohibited area) in the RAM 113 of the game control apparatus 101 is performed. That is, in step S14, all areas of the RAM 113 to be used are cleared. Specifically, in RAM 113, all work areas before the access prohibited area are cleared, and all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared. Next, in step S15, an initial value at the time of power-on is saved in the area to be initialized, and a process of transmitting a power-on command (power-on command) to the effect control device 103 is performed in step S16. When the power-on command is transmitted, the other control device receives this power-on command and, for example, in the case of the effect control device 103, performs initialization such as setting the operation position of the motor of the frame effect device to the initial position. .

After step S16, the process proceeds to step S17, where, for example, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) provided in the CPU 111 is activated. CTC is a circuit for timer interrupt.
In step S18, activation setting of a random number generation circuit provided in a CPU peripheral circuit built in the CPU 111 is performed. This random number generation circuit generates a part of each special figure or ordinary random number in hardware. However, the initial values of some of these random numbers are set in software by the process of step S20 described later.

  Note that the random numbers related to the special figure include jackpot random numbers (random numbers for determining whether to win or not), jackpot symbol random numbers 1, 2 (random numbers for determining jackpot stop symbol), fluctuation pattern random numbers (reach of reach) Random number for determining a variation pattern including presence / absence), stop symbol random number (random number for determining outlier stop symbol), and the like. In addition, examples of random numbers related to ordinary maps include random numbers per ordinary figure (random numbers for determining whether or not per ordinary figure). Among these, the random numbers targeted in steps S18 and S20 are, for example, jackpot random numbers, random numbers per common figure, jackpot symbol random numbers 1,2. Note that the random numbers related to the special figure may be common to the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 when there are two types of special figures, or may be provided separately.

Next, in step S19, interruption is permitted, and in the next step S20, initial value random number update processing is performed. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the initial value of the random number so that it is difficult to deliberately hit the game ball at the timing to fire.
Next, in step S21, the number of checks of the power failure monitoring signal (for example, twice) is set, and in the next step S22, it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on. In step S23, if it is not turned on, the process returns to step S20. During normal operation, steps S20 to S22 are repeated.

And when it progresses to step S23, it will determine whether the ON state of a power failure monitoring signal is continued by the number of times of the check, and if this determination result is affirmative, it will be finally determined that a power failure has occurred, and then proceed to step S24. If negative, it is determined that a power failure has occurred and the process returns to step S22.
When the power failure monitoring signal is turned on, the power failure monitoring signal may be used as an NMI interrupt signal to interrupt the process being executed and forcibly execute the power failure processing from step S24. However, in the configuration of this example, the power failure monitoring signal is turned on temporarily and instantaneously due to noise, etc., even though no power failure has actually occurred, since the power failure monitoring signal is checked several times in step S23. In this case, there is an advantage that it is not erroneously determined that a power failure has occurred.

In step S24, interrupts are prohibited, and then, in the next step S25, all outputs are turned off (off data is output to all output ports), and then a power failure information setting process is executed in step S26. In the power failure information setting process, the power failure inspection area check data 1 is saved in the power failure inspection area 1 and the power failure inspection area check data 2 is saved in the power failure inspection area 2.
After step S26, in the next step S27, the checksum of the data in the RAM 113 is calculated and saved in a predetermined checksum area, and then access to the RAM 113 is prohibited in step S28, and then waiting.
In addition, the power failure process of the above steps S24-S28 is performed before a power supply voltage falls below the operating voltage of CPU111 by a power failure.

(B) Timer Interrupt Processing of Game Control Device Next, the timer interrupt processing of the game control device 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
This timer interrupt process is started by the processes of steps S17 and S19 in the main process described above, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timer interrupt period.

  In this timer interrupt process, first, in step S31, register saving or interrupt prohibition is executed as necessary, and then the input process in step S32 is executed. In this input process, the detection signals of the above-described sensors (start port switches 120 and 121, gate switch 122, winning port switch 123, count switch 124, etc.) are read. Specifically, the output value of each sensor is determined at each timer interruption period, and when the output value of the same level continues for a specified number of times (for example, twice), the level of this output value is detected by each sensor. Read as deterministic value of signal. When it is read that any one of the sensors is on, a flag (input flag) indicating that is set.

  Next, in step S33, output processing for setting and outputting the output data set in steps S41, S42, S43, and S44, which will be described later, to the corresponding output port is executed, and then in steps S34 and S35, random number update processing is performed. 1 and 2 are executed. Here, the soft random number related to the special drawing and the soft random number related to the general drawing are updated. As soft random numbers related to special figures, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers 1, 2 (random numbers for determining jackpot stop symbols), variation pattern random numbers (random numbers for determining variation patterns including presence / absence of reach action), stop symbol random numbers ( Random numbers for determining outage stop symbols). Here, the update of the random number is executed by increasing the random number by “1”, for example. Therefore, each time this timer interrupt processing routine is repeated, the random number changes, and the extracted value of the soft random number maintains at randomness.

  In this example, there are three types of variation pattern random numbers: variation pattern random numbers 1-3. Among these, the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is a random number for selecting the reach system of the second half fluctuation (the fluctuation after the start of reach), and the fluctuation pattern random number 2 is a detailed presentation distribution (for example, plus one frame) from the reach system. The special pattern stops or the special figure stops at minus one frame), and the variation pattern random number 3 is a random number for selecting the first half variation (variation before the start of reach). is there. In addition, the variation pattern random number may directly determine all of the variation modes, but in this example, the production control device 103 determines a specific mode. For example, only the variation time and reach system (rough type of reach) are determined by the variation pattern random number 1, and the effect control device 103 determines a specific variation mode based on the determined variation time and reach system.

Next, in step S36, a process (prize ball command transmission process) for transmitting a signal (command) corresponding to the number of prize balls to the enclosed ball control apparatus 102 is performed. In this case, when there is a general prize, a start prize, or a win to the variable prize device 27, a command for adding a preset number of winning balls to the number of possessed balls for these winnings is transmitted.
Next, a received command analysis process is performed in step S37. In this method, a command received from the encapsulated ball control device 102 is analyzed, and various flag sets are performed. Next, an error monitoring process is executed in step S38. This is to monitor the undetected errors of the above-mentioned sensors, the excessive error of the prize ball addition, the open state of the glass frame 5, and the illegal prizes other than when the big prize opening 27a and the public power supply 26 are not opened. Process.

For example, the types of errors monitored in this error monitoring process are as follows.
-Front frame open (glass frame 5 open)
・ Game frame open (front frame 4 open)
・ Switch abnormality (connector disconnection, switch failure, etc.)
・ Magnetic fraud ・ Vibration fraud ・ Radio wave fraud ・ Encapsulated sphere abnormality (This is basically monitored by the enclosed sphere control device 102, but the error state is transmitted to the game control device 101 (main board) in order to notify the LED. (Because it is the production control device 102 that controls the LED, and the game control device 101 can communicate with it.)

The encapsulated sphere abnormality includes the following.
(A) Encapsulated sphere shortage (b) Encapsulated sphere excess (c) Floating sphere generation (d) Passage sphere clogged

After step S38, a game start determination process is performed in step S38a, and then a game end determination process is performed in step S38b. These game start determination process and game end determination process are processes for starting or ending a game including a fixed amount game, and will be described in detail later.
After step S38b, the process proceeds to step S39, where it is determined whether the account is being settled or resting. If the player is paying out or taking a break, the process jumps from step S40 to step S42 and proceeds to step S43. In this case, if the player is paying out or taking a break, the enclosed ball game is not performed, and the process jumps to step S43.

  If it is not in the process of paying out or taking a break, the process proceeds to step S40, and a winning opening switch monitoring process is executed. The winning opening switch monitoring process monitors the input flags (start opening switches 120 and 121, winning opening switch 123, and count switch 124 in the special figure) set as described above, for example, the input flag of the count switch 124 is set. If so, processing such as preparation for requesting the enclosing ball control device 102 to add the number of balls of 15 prize balls is executed.

  Next, in step S41, special figure game processing is performed. In the special figure game process, overall control of the special figure variable display game is performed. That is, when the change start condition (start condition of the change display game) is satisfied, the determination of the big hit random number, the process of setting the combination of the special symbol stop pattern (result form), and the process of setting the change form of the special figure (Details will be described later).

Here, when the change start condition is satisfied, when the start-up prize is received in the waiting state and the change display game is started, the change display game ends and the start display is stored and the change display game is executed again. When the game is played, there are three types when the jackpot is over, the start-up memory is stored, and the variable display game is executed again.
In this special figure game process, a process of setting various output data related to the special figure variable display game is also performed. That is, the content (command data) of a command to be transmitted to, for example, the effect control device 103 is set in accordance with the game state of the special display variable display game.

Next, in step S42, processing for the usual variable display game is performed. That is, processing for setting the content of a command to be transmitted to the production control device 103 or the like in accordance with the state of the usual variable display game is performed.
Next, in step S43, segment LED editing processing is executed. This is the display of the special figure determined by the special display game process in step S41, the special figure determined in the special figure game process in step S42, and other information on the collective display device 35. This is a process for displaying on a display (LED, 7-segment display).

Next, in step S44, external information editing processing is executed. This is to edit data to be output from the game control device 101 to an external device such as the hall computer 54 or the card unit 15.
Thereafter, in order to resume the main routine, the timer interrupt request is cleared in step S45, the saved register is restored in step S46, the interrupt is permitted in step S47, and the process is interrupted at the interruption (return) )

(C) Game Start Determination Process of Game Control Device Next, the game start determination process S38a in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S48 whether or not a game is in progress (whether or not a game flag set in step S50 described later has already been set). In other words, if the game flag is set, the process returns. If not, the process proceeds to step S49.

  In step S49, it is determined whether or not a game start command is received from the encapsulated ball control board (encapsulated ball control device 102). If received, the process proceeds to step S50, and if not received, the process returns. In the case of a fixed amount game, the game start command is a command transmitted from the enclosed ball control device 102 to the game control device 101 when the above-described fixed amount game card is inserted into the card unit 15 (see step S412 described later). Commanding execution of a fixed amount game corresponding to the inserted fixed amount game card.

  The pachinko machine 1 may be a fixed-price game stand, but in this example, a game using a general game card is also possible, and the above game start command uses a general game card as a card unit. 15 is also transmitted from the enclosed ball control device 102 to the game control device 101. However, since it is necessary to control so that a fixed amount game cannot be performed with a general game card, the game start command when this general game card is inserted is configured differently from the case of a fixed amount game, To start the game.

  In step S50, a game flag is set. In the next step S51, a game start ACK is transmitted to the enclosed ball control device 102. In the next step S52, a game start command is transmitted to the effect control device 103. In step S53, external information output data relating to the start of the fixed amount game is set. In next step S54, test signal output data relating to the start of the fixed amount game is set, and then the process returns.

  Here, the in-game flag is a flag indicating whether or not a game is in progress. In this game, different flags may be set for a fixed amount game and for a general game, and it may be possible to distinguish which game is being played by the game flag. Note that if the in-game flag is not set by the processing in step S219 or step S620, which will be described later, a winning ball command is not transmitted (that is, the winning ball is not added to the number of balls held even if winning), and Even if a game ball wins at the start opening in the figure, it is not processed as a start winning (that is, the start condition of the special figure variation display game is not satisfied), so that the game is substantially performed with this in-game flag cleared. Not started.

The game start ACK is a response signal for notifying the enclosed ball control device 102 that a game start command has been received.
In addition, the game start command in step S52 is similar to the game start command determined in step S49, for example, from the game control device 101 to the effect control device 103 that a fixed amount game card is inserted and a fixed amount game is executed. It is a command to command. When the production control device 103 receives, for example, a fixed-rate game start command transmitted from the game control device 101, the display device 41 displays a game description as shown in FIG. It is the composition to do.

(D) Game End Determination Process of Game Control Device Next, the game end determination process S38b in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S55 whether or not a game is in progress (whether or not the above-mentioned in-game flag is set), and if in the game (that is, the in-game flag is set). If yes, go to step S56 and return if not playing.
In step S56, it is determined whether or not a game end command is received from the encapsulated ball control board (encapsulated ball control device 102). If received, the process proceeds to step S57, and if not received, the process returns. In the case of a fixed amount game, the game end command is a command that is transmitted in a control process (step S435) of the enclosed ball control device 102 described later and commands the end of the fixed amount game. The contents of this game end command vary depending on the fixed game end factor. This is to display a screen (described later with reference to FIGS. 29 (c) and 29 (d)) on the display device 41 at the end of the fixed amount game. In the case of a general game, a game end command is transmitted from the enclosed ball control device 102 when, for example, a settlement button described later is pressed to start settlement.

  In step S57, the in-game flag is cleared, a game end command is transmitted to the effect control board (effect control device 103) in the next step S58, and external information output data relating to the game end is set in the next step S59. In the next step S60, test signal output data relating to the end of the game is set, and then the process returns. Here, the game end command in step S58 is a command for instructing the effect control device 103 to end the fixed amount game, similarly to the game end command received in step S56. When the production control device 103 receives the fixed amount game end command transmitted from the game control device 101, the display device 41 displays a game description display as shown in FIG. 29 (c) or FIG. 29 (d) described later. It is configured to perform such processing.

(E) Special game process of game control device Next, the special game process S41 in the timer interruption process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a start port switch monitoring process is first executed in step S61. This monitors the input flag set as described above, and executes processing such as extracting and storing a jackpot random number value when the input flag of the start port switches 120 and 121 is set. (Details will be described later).
Next, a count switch monitoring process is performed in step S62. In this case, when the input flag of the count switch 124 is set, a predetermined process is executed on the assumption that a game ball has won a prize winning opening 27a.

  Next, in step S63, if the special figure game process timer is not "0", the process proceeds to step S64 after the timer is updated by -1. In step S64, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process timer = “0”. If it is not “0”, the process jumps to step S73 and the special figure game process of steps S66 to S72 is not performed. On the other hand, if the special figure game processing timer = “0”, the process proceeds to step S65.

  In the special figure game process timer, a timer value is set to a predetermined value in each process (steps S66 to S72) after branching by a process number to be described later. It is set so that the timing at which step S65 and subsequent steps should be executed when it is up. As a result, when it is time to execute step S65 and subsequent steps when step S63 is executed, the determination result of step S64 becomes affirmative and steps S65 and later (including steps S72 to S74) are executed. . And when step S63 is performed, when it is not the timing which should perform step S65-S72, the determination result of step S64 becomes negative and it has the structure by which only step S73 and S74 are performed.

Next, in step S65, the process number branches. Here, for branching by the processing number described later, for example, a special figure game sequence branch table is set, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game processing number is obtained, and the return address after the branching process is stacked. Evacuate to area. Next, the process branches according to the process number.
That is, the process number 0 goes to step S66 (special figure normal process), the process number 1 goes to step S67 (special figure changing process), the process number 2 goes to step S68 (special figure display process), and the process number 3 Step S69 (fanfare / interval processing), processing number 4 to step S70 (big winning opening open processing), processing number 5 to step S71 (large winning mouth remaining ball processing), processing number 6 to step S72 ( Proceed to jackpot end processing. The customer waiting state (during demonstration) is process number 0.

  In step S66 (ordinary figure normal processing), when the special figure holding number (the number of special figure starting storages that are put on hold because the special figure fluctuation display game is not executed) is zero and the special figure fluctuation display game is not being executed. Then, a process for displaying the waiting state on the display device 41 is performed. Further, in the special figure routine process, a process for starting the next special figure change display game (special figure change start process) is performed. In this special figure fluctuation start process, the start memory of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is monitored, and if there is any special figure start memory, the corresponding fluctuation display (first or second fluctuation display) is started. Is set (such as setting of a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the effect control device 103), the process number is set to 1, and the process returns. If the special figure hold number is zero and the next special figure variation display game is not executed, the process returns as it is (the process number remains 0).

Further, in step S67 (process during special figure fluctuation), a process for variably displaying the special figure is performed until the fluctuation time set in the special figure fluctuation start process elapses. And if the said fluctuation | variation time passes, after performing the process which transmits the command (symbol stop command) which stops the symbol of a special figure to the production | presentation control apparatus 103, it returns as the process number 2. If the set fluctuation time has not elapsed, the process returns as it is (the process number remains 1).
In step S68 (processing during special figure display), a process for displaying the fluctuation display result of the special figure for a certain time (1 to 2 seconds) is performed. At the end of the process, if it is a big hit, the process number is set to 3, and if not, the process number is set to 0 and the process returns.

In step S69 (fanfare / interval processing), fanfare processing for outputting a fanfare sound or the like from the speaker 12a or the like is executed immediately after the big hit, and an interval for realizing display of an interval period or the like in the big hit interval period. The processing is executed, and the processing number is set to 4 at the timing when the large winning opening of the variable winning device 27 is started.
Step S70 (processing during opening of the big prize opening) is processing while the big prize opening 27a of the variable prize winning device 27 is being opened. When the grand prize opening is finished, the processing number is set to 5.

Further, in step S71 (large winning opening remaining ball processing), a process of waiting for a certain period of time is performed in order to reliably count the gaming balls that have entered the large winning opening 27a just before the end of the large winning opening. After the elapse, the processing number is set to 3 when the big hit round remains, and the processing number is set to 6 when the big hit round does not remain.
In step S72 (big hit end process), a big hit end process is performed, the process number is returned to 0 and the process returns.

Next, when any one of the processes according to the process number is completed, the process proceeds to step S73, and the special figure 1 fluctuation control process is performed. Specifically, a table for controlling the display (display of the special figure 1) on the collective display device 35 of the special figure 1 is prepared, and a control process for the variable display of the special figure 1 is performed.
Next, the process proceeds to step S74, and the special figure 2 fluctuation control process is performed. Specifically, a table for controlling the display on the collective display device 35 of the special figure 2 (display of the special figure 2) is prepared, and the control process for the variable display of the special figure 2 is performed. Then return.

(F) Special Figure Normal Process of Game Control Device Next, the special figure normal process executed in step S66 in the special figure game process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S81 whether or not the number of holds in FIG. 2 is “0”. Here, in order to preferentially determine the special figure 2 over the special figure 1, the number of reserved figures in the special figure 2 is checked first.

  If the number of holds in FIG. 2 is “0”, it is subsequently determined in step S82 whether the number of holds in FIG. 1 is not “0”. Here, if the number of holdings in the special figure 1 is “0”, that is, if the number of holdings in both the special figures 1 and 2 is “0”, the process proceeds to a step S83 and whether or not the customer waiting demonstration screen has been started. If the customer waiting demonstration screen has already been started, in step S86 the data for special figure normal process transfer is set and the process returns. On the other hand, if the customer waiting demo screen has not been started, a customer waiting demo flag is set in step S84, and a customer waiting demo command is transmitted to the effect control device 103 in step S85. As a result, the customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed on the display device 41 under the control of the effect control device 103. Then, in step S86, the special figure normal process transfer data (process number 0) is set and the process returns. Therefore, next time, the process shifts to the special figure routine processing.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S81 is YES, that is, if the number of holds in the special figure 2 is not “0”, there is a hold, so the process branches to the step S87, executes the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 and returns. .
If the determination result in step S82 is YES, that is, if the number of holds in FIG. Execute and return.

(G) Special control 1 of game control device 1 Variation start processing 1
Next, the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 executed in step S88 in the special figure ordinary process will be described with reference to FIG. The special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 (step S87) also executes the same process as the following for the special figure 2.
When this routine is started, first, special figure 1 big hit determination processing is performed in step S91. This is a process of determining whether or not the big hit random number corresponding to FIG. 1 is a big hit (details will be described later). Next, a special figure 1 stop symbol setting process is performed in step S92 (details will be described later). Thereby, regardless of whether the special figure 1 is a big hit or miss, the symbol corresponding to the extracted random number of the special figure 1 is set.
In step S93, test signal output data corresponding to the special figure 1 stop symbol number is set. This is to set data necessary for inspecting the special figure 1 stop symbol this time with a predetermined test device, and the setting data is output to the outside in step S33 of the timer interrupt process. Next, the special figure 1 fluctuation flag is set in step S94. As a result, it is possible to determine whether it is special figure 1 or special figure 2.

Next, in step S95, a table (for special figure 1) for setting information related to the fluctuation pattern is prepared, and detailed information relating to fluctuations in the special figure is set in the following four steps S96 to S99. That is, special figure information setting processing is performed in step S96, latter-half variation pattern setting processing in step S97, variation pattern setting processing in step S98, and variation start information setting processing in step S99. Thereby, it is set in detail how the special figure 1 fluctuates.
Next, in step S100, test signal output data relating to the start of fluctuation in Fig. 1 is set. This is to set data necessary for inspecting the data related to the start of the fluctuation of the special figure 1 this time with a predetermined test apparatus. Next, in step S101, the customer waiting demonstration flag is cleared to prepare for the start of fluctuation of the special figure 1, and then in step S102, the special figure changing process transition data (process number 1) is set and the process returns.

(H) Special Figure 1 Big Hit Determination Process of Game Control Device Next, the special figure 1 big hit determination process executed in step S91 in the special figure 1 variation start process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first the special figure 1 big hit flag is cleared in step S111, and in step S112 the big hit random number (here, the big hit random number here) The meaning is an extracted random number for determination extracted at the timing of the start winning prize in order to determine whether it is a big hit). Thereby, the big hit random number stored at the time of winning the game ball to the start winning opening 25 is taken out. Next, in step S113, it is determined whether or not the big hit random number loaded this time is less than the lower limit determination value. If YES, it is determined that no big hit has occurred and the routine is terminated and the process returns. If NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

Here, the random number that is actually a big hit (big hit decision random number) is arranged in a plurality of values with a certain width (zone), for example, the width is wide if the probability is high, and the width is narrow if the probability is low. . Then, if the extracted big hit random number is equal to any of the plurality of big hit determined random numbers, it is determined that the big hit has occurred.
Therefore, in step S114, it is determined whether the probability is high. If the probability is high, the upper limit determination value at the time of high probability is set in step S115, and the process proceeds to step S117. The upper limit judgment value at the time of probability is set, and the process proceeds to step S117. In step S117, it is determined whether or not the currently loaded jackpot random number exceeds the upper limit judgment value. If YES, it is determined that the jackpot random number is not generated, and if NO, the currently loaded jackpot random number is a random number zone (lower limit) It is determined that it is within the range between the determination value and the upper limit determination value), and the process proceeds to step S118. In step S118, since a big hit has occurred, the special figure 1 big hit flag is set and the process returns.
In this way, if the extracted random number value for jackpot determination matches the random number value in the jackpot determination zone at the time of high probability or low probability, it is determined that the jackpot has occurred and the special figure 1 jackpot flag is set. Set.

(I) Special Figure 1 Stop Symbol Setting Process of Game Control Device Next, the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process executed in step S92 in the special figure 1 variation start process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S121 whether or not the special figure 1 big hit. This is determined by whether or not the special figure 1 big hit flag is set. If the special figure 1 is not big hit, it branches to step S122 and sets a stop symbol number (for example, number 0) at the time of deviation, and at step S123, sets symbol information at the time of deviation (meaning information of loss). After that, the process proceeds to step S124, and a decorative special figure command corresponding to the symbol information is set. The process of step S124 is stored in the RAM 113 so that a decoration special-view command can be transmitted when it is desired to be sent, such as a fluctuation start timing or a big hit start timing, and it is troublesome to create a command for each transmission. is there. The process returns after step S124.

  Here, the stop symbol numbers will be described. For example, the stop symbol numbers are from 0 to 101, 0 is off, 1 to 100 are big hits, and 101 is a small hit symbol. Symbol information corresponding to each of so-called 16R probability variation, 16R normal variation, 2R probability variation, and 2R normal variation is appropriately assigned to 1 to 100. If such symbol information is used, there is an advantage that determination can be made with a small amount of information. For example, the special figure 1 is set to have five types of information and the special figure 2 is set to have nine types of information. On the other hand, if it is determined only by the stop symbol number, it must be determined from 102 types of values.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S121 that the special symbol 1 big hit, the process proceeds to step S125, and the big hit symbol random number is loaded from the big bonus symbol random number saving area (for the number of holdings 1 in the special symbol 1). Next, in step S126, a stop symbol number (for example, any number from 1 to 100) corresponding to the jackpot symbol random number is set. Next, in step S127, it is determined whether the probability is low. If the probability is low, a special figure 1 big hit stop symbol information table at the time of low probability is set in step S128. If it is medium or short), a special figure 1 big hit stop symbol information table for high probability and short time is set in step S129. The information defined on the prepared stop symbol information table includes the following four items.
(A) Symbol information (b) Probability variation determination flag (c) Round number upper limit information (d) Grand prize opening information

These are divided into a plurality of groups according to the number of stop symbol numbers.
Further, for example, the symbol information of (a) and the other three information (probability variation determination flags etc. (b), (c), (d)) correspond, and if the symbol information is determined, the other three information Is also determined.
In this way, the special figure 1 big hit stop symbol information table is set according to the low probability, high probability, and short time states at the time of big hit.

  After step S128 or step S129, the process proceeds to step S130 to step S133, and four pieces of information defined on the stop symbol information table are set. First, in step S130, symbol information corresponding to the stopped symbol number is acquired and saved. As described above, the stop symbol numbers at the time of big hit are numbers 1 to 100, and among them, the big hit symbol information corresponding to, for example, 16R probability change is determined. Next, in step S131, a probability variation determination flag corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved. This is to acquire a flag for determining whether or not the probability changes after the big hitting operation is finished and the number of time reductions.

  Next, in step S132, the number-of-rounds upper limit information corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved. This is to obtain information indicating how many rounds the jackpot is. Next, in step S133, the special winning opening release information corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved. This is to acquire information indicating the opening operation of the big prize opening for each round, and for example, information such as 29 seconds full open, four times opening and closing of the big prize opening is acquired. After passing through step S133, it progresses to step S124, the decoration special figure command corresponding to symbol information is set, and it returns after that.

(J) Big hit end process of game control device Next, the big hit end process executed in step S72 in the special figure game process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S141 whether the probability variation determination flag is a high probability entry flag. This is because the jackpot probability of the special figure needs to be either a low probability or a high probability after the jackpot is over, so that the determination is made. If the big hit probability enters a high probability, the process proceeds to steps S142 to S148, and a high probability is set.

  That is, first, external information output data relating to the start of high probability is set (in order to output to the hall computer 54) in step S142, and test signal output data relating to the start of high probability is set in step S143 (data in a predetermined test period). To provide). Next, in step S144, the game state display number is set to a value at the time of high probability. This is for notifying the player of the high probability mode of the special figure, and is displayed on the screen of the collective display device 35 or the display device 41, for example.

  Next, in step S145, the ordinary game mode flag is set as an ordinary figure high probability / electric power support flag. This is used by the internal control to determine that the normal map is in a state with a high probability and the open time of the normal power is extended. In this example, while in the high probability mode (probability mode), it is in the ordinary power support state (the ordinary figure is highly probable, and the ordinary power is opened and closed with high probability to support the start winning of the game ball). In such a high-probability mode, such a mode in which the normal power support state (that is, the short time state) is not set may be used.

Next, in step S146, the special figure game mode flag is set as a high probability / short time flag. This is used by the internal control to determine that the special figure is highly probable and is running short.
Next, in step S147, the number of time fluctuations (the number of fluctuations of the special figure in the time reduction state) is cleared to “0”. Next, in step S148, a probability information command (high probability) for transmission to the effect control device 103 is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery, and information is stored internally in preparation for a power failure. After step S148, the process proceeds to step S157.

On the other hand, if the big hit probability does not enter a high probability in step S141, the process proceeds to steps S150 to S156 to set a low probability.
In this case, first, external information output data relating to the start of time reduction is set in step S150 (to output to the hall computer 54), and test signal output data relating to the start of time reduction is set in step S151 (data in a predetermined test period). To provide). Next, in step S152, the game state display number is set to a value at the time reduction. This is to notify the player that the time is short, and is displayed on the screen of the collective display device 35 or the display device 41, for example.

  Next, in step S153, the ordinary game mode flag is set as an ordinary figure high probability / electric power support flag. This is used for the internal control to determine that the time is in a short state, similar to step S154. In this example, the normal power support state (short-time state) is set even in the low probability mode (normal mode) for a predetermined number of fluctuations after the big hit.

Next, in step S154, the special figure game mode flag is set as a low probability / short time flag. This is used by the internal control to determine that the special figure has a low probability and is running short.
Next, in step S155, the “short time variation initial value” (for example, 100 times) is set as the short time variation number. As a result, the number of short-time fluctuations counts down for each fluctuation of the special figure, and the short-time state continues until a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 100 times), and then ends. Next, in step S156, a probability information command (low probability) for transmission to the effect control device 103 is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery, and information is stored internally in preparation for a power failure. After step S156, the process proceeds to step S157.

  In step S157, a probability information command (equivalent to the commands in steps S148 and S156) corresponding to the mode to be transferred is transmitted to the effect control device 103, and the effect control device 103 effects the mode of the current mode. Next, in step S158, external information output data relating to the end of the big hit is set. This is to turn off the signal output during the big hit. Next, in step S159, test signal output data relating to the end of the big hit is set, and the test signal output during the big hit is turned off.

  Next, the probability variation determination flag is cleared in step S160, the round LED display number is reset in step S161 (to explicitly end the current big hit round), and the big prize opening fraud monitoring period flag is set in the fraud monitoring period in step S162. Set as. Since this is no longer a big hit, a flag is set in order to determine that a ball that has won a winning prize after that is an illegal winning ball. Then, in step S163, the special figure normal process transfer data (process number 0) is set and the process returns. Therefore, in the next routine, the routine shifts to the special figure normal processing.

(K) Special Figure Displaying Process of Game Control Device Next, the special figure displaying process executed in step S68 in the special figure game process will be described with reference to FIGS.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S171 whether or not the special figure 2 is a big hit. If it is a big hit, the process branches to step S174, and if not a big hit, the process proceeds to step S172. Similarly, in step S172, it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 is a big hit.
If the special figure 2 is a big hit, the test signal output data relating to the start of the special figure 2 big hit is set in step S174 and the process proceeds to a step S175. The test signal output data relating to the start of is set, and the process proceeds to step S175. Both are for providing data to a predetermined testing organization.

  In step S175, the special figure 1 big hit flag and the special figure 2 big hit flag are cleared, and in the subsequent step S176, the round number upper limit value corresponding to the big hit round number upper limit information is set. As described above, for example, the number of rounds per jackpot is usually the big jackpot of 15 rounds, but may be 16R as long as the 16R jackpot is generated as a premier. Moreover, 2R may be sufficient if it is the structure which generate | occur | produces 2 round big hits as what is called sudden probability (sudden probability change in which the big hit probability changes via the big hit with few outstanding balls). In any case, the upper limit value of the number of rounds in step S176 is determined by the result set in step S132.

Next, in step S177, a round LED display number corresponding to the round number upper limit value is set, and the effect control device 103 produces a display of the number of rounds of the big hit.
Next, a probability information command (low probability) is transmitted to the effect control device 103 in step S179. This is because the probability control device 103 is informed that the probability is low because the probability is low during the big hit. In step S180, a fanfare command corresponding to the stop symbol is transmitted to the effect control device 103. Thereby, a fanfare command suitable for the big hit generated at this time is set, and an effect such as a big hit video or sound effect is given. Next, in step S181, a special decoration figure command corresponding to the stop symbol is transmitted to the effect control device 103. With this process, the stop symbol is displayed.

  Next, in step S182, the winning information opening information and the external information output data (external information to be output to the hall computer 54) corresponding to the probability state are set. Next, in step S183, external information output data relating to the start of the big hit is set. Next, in step S184, test signal output data (data to the test institution) relating to the completion of high probability and short time is set. Subsequently, it progresses to step S185 and resets the number of rounds. As a result, the number of rounds is returned to zero.

  Next, in step S186, the normal game mode flag is set as a low normal probability / general power support flag, in step S187 the special game mode flag is set as low probability, and in step S188, the game state display number is set to low probability. Set to hour value. As a result, during the big hit, the special figure has a low probability and the ordinary figure also has a low probability, and there is no support for the start winning of the game ball. Moreover, the display which alert | reports a high probability is stopped when the game state display number is set to the value at the time of a low probability, when it is a high probability.

  Next, in step S189, a probability information command (low probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery, and information is stored internally in preparation for a power failure. Next, in step S190, the high probability notification flag is cleared. The high probability notification flag is a flag provided to notify the player that the probability is high after recovery from a power failure when a power failure occurs during a high probability. Therefore, since it becomes a low probability when it is a big hit, it is cleared to end the notification.

Next, in step S191, the number of short-time fluctuations is reset, in step S192, the big prize opening fraud monitoring period flag is set outside the fraud monitoring period, and in step S193, the big prize winning fraud winning number is reset. The big prize opening fraud monitoring period flag is a flag for determining that the winning ball is not an illegal prize when the big prize opening is opened. During the big hit, even if the big prize opening is not open, it is judged as a regular prize. Also, every time a big win is won, the number of illegal winnings is cleared.
In this way, you can reset the count of game balls that won the big prize opening when it is not a big hit due to force majeure or cheating (especially to prevent the count of force majeure from accumulating and mishandling) Remove the period for monitoring fraud to the big prize opening. This is because if it is not removed, it will not be regarded as a regular jackpot prize and will become an illegal prize.

  Next, in step S194, a fanfare time corresponding to the special winning opening information is set. As a result, the fanfare time suitable for the jackpot generated at this time is set, and the effect of the jackpot sound effect is performed. In step S195, the fanfare process transfer data (process number 3) is set, and the process returns to the special figure game process described above. This is to end the special figure display processing and shift to the fanfare / interval processing corresponding to the next processing.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit in either special figure 1 or special figure 2 in steps S171 and 172, the process branches to step S196 shown in FIG. If the time is not short, the process jumps to step S207 to set the special figure normal process transfer data and return to the special figure game process described above. As a result, the special figure display in-progress process is terminated and the process proceeds to a special figure normal process corresponding to the next process.

If the time is short in step S196, the number of time fluctuations is updated by "-1" (that is, "1" is decremented) in step S197, and the process proceeds to step S198 to check whether the number of time fluctuations is "0". to decide. If the short-time fluctuation count is set to the initial value of 100 times, “1” is decremented by 1 in step S197.
If the number of short-time fluctuations is not “0” in step S198, the process jumps to step S207, returns to the special figure game process, and repeats the routine. When the routine is repeated and the number of times of special mode change becomes “0”, the process proceeds to step S200, and a probability information command (end of time reduction) is transmitted to the effect control device 103. As a result, for example, a time-short end effect is performed under the control of the effect control device 103.

  Next, in step S201, external information output data relating to the short time end is set, and in step S202, test signal output data relating to the short time end is set. As a result, the information on the short time end is transmitted to the hall computer 54, or the test signal for the short time end is transmitted to the test institution. Next, in step S203, the normal game mode flag is set as a normal low game probability / no power support flag, and in step S204, the special game mode flag is set as a low probability. This is because the shortage of time ends, so that ordinary maps have a low probability, no ordinary power support, or special maps have a low probability.

  Next, in step S205, the game state display number is set to a value at a low probability. Thereby, the display which alert | reports that it is a low probability is performed. Next, in step S206, a probability information command (low probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery, and information is stored internally in preparation for a power failure. Next, in step S207, data for special figure normal process transfer is set, and the process returns. This is to end the special figure displaying process and shift to a special figure normal process corresponding to the next process.

(L) Prize Ball Command Transmission Process of Game Control Device Next, the prize ball command transmission process executed in step S36 in the timer interruption process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S219, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (whether or not the aforementioned in-game flag is set). If so, the process proceeds to step S221, and if not playing, the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S220, a process of clearing all the values in the plurality of winning number counter areas (setting the value to zero) is performed, and the process returns.
In step S221, it is determined whether or not the prize ball command transmission buffer is full (full). This transmission buffer temporarily stores prize ball commands to be sent from the game control device 101 to the enclosed ball control device 102. If the prize ball command transmission buffer is full, the routine is terminated and the process returns.

  On the other hand, if the transmission buffer for the winning ball command is not full, the process proceeds to step S222, and it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number counter area = 0. If the value of the winning number counter area = 0, it is determined that there is no winning ball, the process proceeds to step S223, the address of the winning number counter area to be checked is updated, and whether all areas have been checked in step S224. Determine whether. If all areas have not been checked, the process returns to step S222 to repeat the routine. When all areas have been checked, the current routine ends and returns. This is because there is a difference in the number of winning balls depending on the type of winning opening, so that the number of winning balls per one winning is divided and the counter area is distributed to a plurality of addresses. Check the address corresponding to.

  If the value of the winning number counter area is not 0 in step S222, there is a winning number to win, so the process branches to step S225, and the target winning number counter area (that is, the value of the winning number counter area = 0). Update (decrement) by “−1”. Next, in step S226, a winning ball command corresponding to the address of the winning number counter area is transmitted to the enclosing ball control device 102, and the process returns.

  As described above, when there is a winning, the value of the corresponding winning number counter area is updated, and a process of transmitting a winning ball command corresponding to the address from the game control device 101 to the enclosed ball control device 102 via the transmission buffer is performed. Is called. In this case, the prize ball command communication between the game control device 101 and the enclosed ball control device 102 is performed in a single direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a bidirectional communication method may be adopted. In some cases, the enclosed ball control device 102 returns an ACK to the game control device 101.

(M) Start Port Switch Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the start port switch monitoring process executed in step S61 in the special figure game process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S620, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (whether or not the above-mentioned game flag is set), and if it is in a game (that is, the game flag is set). If so, the process proceeds to step S621, and if not playing, returns.

In step S621, it is determined whether or not there is an input to the first start port switch 120 (denoted as the start port 1 switch in the drawing) in the first start winning port 25. This is to determine whether or not the first start winning opening 25 has been won. If there is no input to the first start port switch 120, the process jumps to step S624. If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S622 to prepare the start port 1 winning time setting table. The winning time setting table here is a table for monitoring the winning at the first start winning opening 25.
Next, in step S623, a common process at the time of starting opening prize is performed (details will be described later).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S624, and it is determined whether or not a common power prize fraud is occurring. This is to monitor an illegal winning at the second start winning opening 26 as an ordinary electric accessory (general power). Regarding the fraud / winning monitoring process, the same routine is adopted for monitoring the illegal winning in the big winning opening and for monitoring the illegal winning in the ordinary electric power (ordinary electric appliance).

If the determination result in step S624 is YES (invalid), the routine is terminated and the process returns. On the other hand, if the power transmission prize is not fraudulent, it is determined in step S625 whether the power transmission is operating. If the power transmission is not operating, the process returns. If the power transmission is not operating, the second start prize is received in step S626. It is determined whether or not there is an input to the second start port switch 121 in the port 26 (denoted as the start port 2 switch in the drawing). This is to determine whether or not the second start winning opening 26 (that is, the general electric winning opening) has been won. If there is no input to the second start port switch 121, the routine is terminated and the process returns. Prepare the table. The winning time setting table here is a table for monitoring the winning at the second start winning opening 26.
After step S628, a common process at the time of starting port winning is performed in step S629, and then the routine is terminated and the process returns.

(N) Common process at start-up winning of game control device Next, common processing at start-up winning (S623, S629) in the start-up switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, if the start port signal output circuit does not exceed the counter in step S651, the counter value of the start port signal output circuit is updated (incremented) by “+1”. This is because, as a general rule, all the balls that have won the start are counted and output to the hall computer 54 as external information.

Next, in step S652, it is determined whether or not the target special figure hold number is less than the upper limit value. If the special figure hold number is greater than or equal to the upper limit value, the routine is terminated and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the number of special figure hold is less than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S653 to update (increment) the target special figure hold number (there are special figure 1 and special figure 2) by “+1”. Next, in step S654, the corresponding special figure reservation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 103. As a result, the production control device 103 produces an effect of updating the number of reserved special figure accompanying the start prize.

  Next, a big hit random number is extracted in step S656. This is to extract the value of the big hit random number for determining whether or not the special figure is a big hit at the timing of the start winning prize. Next, in step S657, the big hit random number extracted this time is saved in the corresponding big hit random number save area (for the number of reserved special figures). Next, in step S658, a big hit symbol random number corresponding to the target start port switch (first start port switch 120 or second start port switch 121) is extracted, and in step S659, the big hit symbol random number extracted this time in the corresponding big hit symbol random number saving area Save the design random number.

In step S660, the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is extracted and saved in the corresponding fluctuation pattern random number 1 save area. Next, in step S661, the fluctuation pattern random number 2 is extracted and saved in the corresponding fluctuation pattern random number 2 save area. In step S662, the fluctuation pattern random number 3 is extracted and saved in the corresponding fluctuation pattern random number 3 save area. Fluctuation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are random numbers for determining the variation mode of the special drawing effect.
In step S663, a special figure hold information determination process is performed. This is for prefetching whether or not the reserved memory corresponding to the game ball won and won this time is a big hit. For example, the stop symbol and the variation pattern are prefetched and transmitted to the effect control device 103. Note that the prefetched results are not saved. After step S663, the process returns.

Next, processing for a fixed amount game in the enclosed ball control device 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.
(O) Fixed amount game control processing of the enclosed ball control device FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the fixed amount game control processing of the enclosed ball control device 102.
This routine is repeatedly executed, for example, at a predetermined timer interrupt cycle. When the routine is started, first, branch processing based on the fixed amount game processing number is performed in step S401. For example, when the fixed amount game process number is 0, the process proceeds to step S402 and the game start monitoring process is executed. When the fixed amount game process number is 1, the process proceeds to step S403 and the game start ACK reception waiting process is performed. Sometimes, the process proceeds to step S404 to execute a game end monitoring process, and when any of these processes is executed, the routine is ended and the process returns.

(P) Game Start Monitoring Process of Enclosed Ball Control Device Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the game start monitoring process in step S402 in the fixed amount game control process.
When this routine is started, first, at step S411, information on the fixed amount game card transmitted from the card unit 15 (that is, fixed amount payment information substantially including that the player has paid in advance) has been received. If not, the process proceeds to step S412. If not, the process returns. As described above, the card unit 15 has a function of transmitting the fixed amount payment information to the encapsulated ball control device 102 when the fixed amount game card is inserted. The encapsulated ball control device 102 receives the fixed amount payment information. It receives and functions as the receiving means of the present invention.

  In step S412, a fixed amount game start command is transmitted to the game control device 101 (main control board), and data for shifting to a game start ACK reception waiting process in the next step S413 (for example, fixed amount game processing number 1). ) And return.

  The game start command transmitted in step S412 is determined to be received in step S49 in the aforementioned game start determination process of the game control apparatus 101. If it is determined that the game start command is received in step S49, the game start command is transmitted in the next step S50. The in-game flag is set and the game becomes possible. For this reason, a fixed amount game can be started only after this game start command is transmitted. In this example, since a general game is possible even with a general game card, even when a general game card is inserted into the card unit 15, a similar game start command (however, a command for general game is commanded). ) Is transmitted to the game control device 101, and the game control device 101 sets the in-game flag, thereby enabling the game. However, as described above, when a general game card is inserted, it is not a fixed amount game, so processing such as the number of possible launches described later is not performed, and it is increased by a conventional ball lending operation by a control process not shown. When the number of held balls becomes zero, control is performed so that the game ball cannot be launched.

(Q) Game Start ACK Reception Waiting Process of Enclosed Ball Control Device FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the game start ACK reception wait process in step S403 in the fixed amount game control process.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S421 whether or not a game start ACK has been received from the game control apparatus 101. If received, the process proceeds to step S422, and if not received, the process proceeds to step S428. The game start ACK is transmitted in step S51 of the above-described game start determination process of the game control device 101. When the game control device 101 receives a game start command from the enclosed ball control device 102, an encapsulated ball is returned as a response. This signal is returned to the control device 102.

Therefore, the enclosed ball control apparatus 102 measures the elapsed time since the game start command is transmitted in step S412, and in step S428, determines whether or not this elapsed time exceeds a specified time (reception time). . If the elapsed time exceeds the reception time, it is determined that it is a reception timeout, and the process proceeds to step S429. If the elapsed time does not exceed the reception time, the routine returns and repeats this routine in the next sequence.
Therefore, if a game start ACK is received within a prescribed reception time from the game start command transmission, the processing from step S422 is executed, otherwise the game control device 101 is not operating normally (for example, a game Since it can be estimated that a failure such as that the start command has not been normally received), the processing from step S429 is executed.

  In step S429, since the fixed amount game cannot be started, a command indicating that the game cannot be started is transmitted to the card unit 15, and in the next step S430, data for shifting to the game start monitoring process (for example, fixed amount game processing number 0). And then return. In addition, the card unit 15 that has received the above-mentioned command that the game cannot be started returns (that is, discharges) the fixed amount game card, and informs the player or the store clerk that the fixed amount game cannot be started due to some abnormality by lighting the lamp. It is desirable to do.

  On the other hand, when the game start ACK is normally received and the process proceeds to step S422, a game-in-progress flag is set first. This is a flag that is set during the game, like the in-game flag in the game control device 101. If this in-game flag is not set, the game is controlled so that the game is substantially disabled and cannot be executed. . Specifically, if this in-game flag is not set, for example, the enclosing ball control device 102 sends a command to the firing control device 104 to control the firing solenoid 173 not to be driven even if the firing volume 171 is operated. The game ball launching device is disabled, or the enclosed ball control device 102 sends a command to the launch control device 104 to control the ball feed solenoid 172 so as not to be driven to stop supplying the game ball to the launch position. Thus, control such as disabling the launch of the game ball is executed.

After step S422, a game start command is transmitted to the card unit 15 in step S423, the initial value of the number of balls is set in the next step S424, and the initial value of the possible number of shots is set in the next step S425. In the next step S426, an initial value of the remaining number of balls to be collected is set. In the next step S427, data (for example, fixed amount game process number 2) for moving to the game end monitoring process is set, and then the process returns.
Here, the game start command is transmitted to the card unit 15 in order to notify the card unit 15 of the start of the fixed amount game. Upon receiving this command, for example, the card unit 15 performs processing such as writing that the card has already started a fixed amount game as storage information of the inserted fixed amount game card.

  In addition, in the processes of steps S425 and S426, conditions (game limit conditions of the present invention) that are irrelevant to the number of balls held as the player's profit are set as basic termination conditions for the fixed amount game. The realized function corresponds to the game limit setting means of the present invention. That is, in this example, the game limit condition of the present invention is an example in which the number of game balls fired based on the fixed amount payment information (that is, the number of game balls fired in the fixed amount game) reaches a predetermined maximum number that can be fired. It is. The maximum number that can be fired corresponds to the initial value of the number of fireable balls and the remaining number of recovered balls in steps S425 and S426.

  In addition, for example, in the case of a fixed amount game card 3000, the initial value of the number of balls possessed is 3000 yen, so 750 are set as 4 yen per ball. In addition, for example, in the case of a fixed amount game card 3000, the initial value of the remaining number of shots and the remaining number of balls to be collected (ie, the maximum number of shots that can be fired) ) Is set. The remaining number of balls to be collected is the number of game balls (specifically, game balls that have not been detected by the out ball detection switch 163) that have not been collected through the game area out of the maximum number that can be fired, that is, the maximum number that can be fired. It means the number obtained by subtracting the number of game balls collected from the number (specifically, the game ball detected by the out ball detection switch 163). As a result of the processing described later, the number of shots that can be launched is reduced by the number of shots each time a game ball is launched, and the remaining number of collected balls is reduced by that number each time a game ball that has been launched is collected. If all the game balls are collected, the number of shots that can be fired and the value of the remaining number of collected balls become equal.

  A plurality of types of fixed amount game cards are set for each amount of money, and the fixed amount payment information is made different for each type of fixed amount game card, and the enclosing ball control device 102 determines the fixed amount game card based on the fixed amount payment information received in step S411. The initial value set in steps S424 to S426 may be different for each type.

(R) Game Completion Monitoring Process of Enclosed Ball Control Device FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the game end monitoring process in step S404 in the fixed amount game control process.
When this routine is started, it is determined in steps S431 to S433 whether or not an end condition for finishing and paying out the fixed amount game is satisfied. If satisfied, step S434 and subsequent steps are executed, and if not satisfied, the process returns. .
That is, first, in step S431, it is determined whether or not manual adjustment (player operation) is to be started. Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not a settlement button 205 described later has been operated by the player, and if it is determined that the settlement start has been commanded by the player's operation, the process proceeds to step S434; The process proceeds to step S432.

Next, in step S432, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls has reached a predetermined number of hits (for example, 10,000 pieces that can be exchanged for 10,000 yen). If not reached, the process proceeds to step S433.
In step S433, it is determined whether or not the remaining value of the number of collected balls is zero. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step S434, and if not, the process proceeds to step S433.

  In this example, the player can finish and settle the fixed amount game by his / her own intention before firing all the maximum number of fireable, and the above step S431 is provided for this purpose. Further, in this example, even if not all of the maximum number that can be fired is fired, the fixed amount game is forcibly terminated when the number of possessed balls reaches the predetermined number of hits, so step S432 is provided. . The number of hits may vary depending on the type of fixed amount game card.

  In addition, as described above, this example is an example in which the game limit condition of the present invention is that the number of game balls being fired during a fixed amount game reaches a predetermined maximum number of fireable games. Step S433 is provided. That is, when the set maximum number of game balls that can be fired are launched and all of them are collected, the remaining number of collected balls becomes zero, and the processing after step S434 (processing for ending the fixed amount game) is performed. It has a configuration. In this case, when the maximum number of game balls that can be fired is fired (that is, when the number of fireable balls becomes zero), the processing after Step S434 (processing for ending the fixed amount game) is not yet performed. This is due to the following reasons. In other words, if the process that ends the game is executed immediately when the number of fireable balls reaches zero before all the game balls that have been fired are collected, they are fired immediately before the number of fireable balls reaches zero. Even if a game ball wins, etc., there is a possibility that this winning will not be processed as being valid (for example, the number of balls held for the number of winning balls due to the winning will not be added), and avoid such a malfunction. Because.

Next, in step S434, the in-game flag is cleared, and in step S435, a game end command corresponding to the end condition is transmitted to the game control apparatus 101, and the process proceeds to step S436.
Here, the in-game flag is cleared in order to end the game because the end condition is satisfied. When the in-game flag is cleared, the game is disabled as described above. In addition, by the process which illustration was abbreviate | omitted, with the completion | finish of this game, it has the structure which switches from the state which can discharge | release the enclosed game ball to the state which cannot discharge | release a game ball. However, the timing of this switching is not the time when this in-game flag is cleared in step S434 (that is, the time when the remaining number of recovered balls becomes zero and the determination result in step S433 becomes affirmative), but will be described later. It is desirable that the number of possible shots subtracted for each launch in S444 is zero. Since there is a time (time until all the game balls are collected) from the time when the number of possible shots reaches zero until the above-described step S434 is executed, the number of game balls exceeding the maximum number that can be fired during this time This is because it must be prevented from being fired.
Incidentally, in the case of a general game, control is performed to switch to a non-launchable state when the number of balls held becomes zero.

  Further, the content of the game end command transmitted to the game control apparatus 101 in step S435 differs depending on the end condition. This is because the end condition established is the start of manual checkout (condition determined in step S431), the number of hits reaching the number of hits (condition determined in step S432), and the maximum number of shots that can be fired. This is for informing the game control apparatus 101 of which of the numbers (conditions determined in step S433).

Next, in step S436, it is determined whether the number of held balls is less than zero. This is a process for setting the number of held balls to zero for convenience of processing when the number of held balls is negative.
In step S438, the settlement start request flag is set, and in the next step S439, data (for example, fixed amount game processing number 0) for shifting to the game start monitoring process is set and the process returns. In step S438, the settlement start request flag is set, so that the settlement process is started in the enclosed ball control device 102 and the card unit 15.

  In the checkout process, when the number of balls held is zero at the time of step S438 (including the case where it is negative at the time of step S436), the fixed amount game card is not collected and returned to the player. When the value is a non-zero value (plus data), this is a process for writing the data of the number of balls to the fixed amount game card for exchanging premiums, discharging the fixed amount game card and returning it to the player. The premium game card is collected because prizes cannot be exchanged when the number of balls held is zero. In addition, when returning a fixed amount game card, data that can be used to identify that the fixed amount game has been completed is written on the fixed amount game card so that a fixed amount game cannot be executed multiple times with a single card (or a fixed amount game) (Deposit information is deleted) is executed.

(S) Launched Ball Detection Switch Monitoring Process of Enclosed Ball Control Device FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the launched ball detection switch monitoring process of the enclosed ball control device 102.
This routine is repeatedly executed, for example, at a predetermined timer interrupt cycle. When the routine is started, it is first determined in step S441 whether or not there has been an input to the firing ball detection switch 161 (that is, whether or not a firing ball has been detected). If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S442, where the value of the board ball number is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and in the next step S443, the value of the number of held balls is updated (decremented) by “−1”. In step S444, the value of the number of possible launches is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process returns.

  According to this routine, every time one game ball is fired, the number of board balls is incremented by one, and the number of balls possessed and the number of fireable balls are decremented by one. The number of board balls is the number of game balls that have been fired and not collected, that is, the number of game balls that are falling mainly on the game board surface (in the game area). This number of board balls is equal to the difference between the remaining number of balls collected and the number of fireable balls if there is no abnormality such as clogging in the game area.

(T) Foul Sphere Detection Switch Monitoring Process of Enclosed Sphere Control Device FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the foul sphere detection switch monitoring process of the enclosed sphere control device 102.
This routine is repeatedly executed, for example, at a predetermined timer interrupt cycle. When the routine is started, it is first determined in step S451 whether there is an input to the foul sphere detection switch 162 (that is, whether a foul sphere has been detected). If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S452, where the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the value of the number of held balls is updated (incremented) by “+1” in the next step S453, and then step In S454, the value of the number of possible launches is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and the process returns.
According to this routine, each time one foul ball (a game ball that has been launched but has not reached the game area) is collected, the number of board balls is decremented by one, and the number of possessed balls and the number of possible shots are 1 Are added. Because it was a foul, it was decided that there was no fire so as not to lose the player.

(U) Prize Ball Command Receiving Process of Enclosed Ball Control Device FIG.
This routine is repeatedly executed, for example, at a predetermined timer interrupt cycle. When the routine is started, first, in step S461, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is received from the game control apparatus 101. If received, the process proceeds to step S462 to determine whether or not the prize ball command is normal. The value corresponding to the winning ball command received in step S463 is added to the number of balls held, and the process returns. If the determination results in steps S461 and S462 are negative, the process returns.

  According to this routine, when a normal prize ball command is received from the game control device 101, the number of possessed balls is increased by the number of prize balls designated by the received prize ball command. As described above, when there is a prize, the prize ball command is transmitted to the enclosed ball control apparatus 102 in step S226 of the game control apparatus 101. However, since there is step S219, this award ball command is not transmitted unless a game is in progress (a state in which the game control device 101 has a game flag set). Does not increase.

(V) Out Sphere Detection Switch Monitoring Process of Enclosed Sphere Control Device FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the out sphere detection switch monitoring process of the enclosed sphere control device 102.
This routine is repeatedly executed, for example, at a predetermined timer interrupt cycle. When the routine is started, it is first determined in step S471 whether or not there is an input to the out sphere detection switch 163 (that is, whether or not an out sphere has been detected). If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S472, and the value of the number of outs is updated (incremented) by "+1". In the next step S473, it is determined whether the number of outs is 10 or more. The process proceeds to step S476. If the number of outs is 10 or more, in step S474, the value of the number of out signal outputs is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and the value of the number of outs is set to zero (cleared to 0) in the next step S475. The process proceeds to step S476.
In step S476, the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”. In the next step S477, the value of the remaining number of collected balls is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process returns.

  According to this routine, every time one out ball is collected, the number of board balls and the remaining number of collected balls are subtracted. The out ball includes both game balls that have been fired and become safe (winning) and game balls that have been out (no win). That is, the out ball means all the game balls discharged and collected from the game area. The out number signal is one piece of external information output to the hall computer 54 (management device). As the out number signal, one pulse signal is output for ten out balls. Therefore, in steps S472 to S475, the number of out balls is counted as the number of outs, and every time the number of outs reaches 10, the number of out signal output is incremented by 1, and the number of outs is cleared to zero. As a result, the number of times that the out number signal (the signal for 10 out balls) has been output (the number of pulses) is counted as the number of out number signals output.

G. Next, a specific example of the fixed amount game will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the operation / display panel 7 provided in the pachinko machine 1.
First, FIG. 28A is an example at the start of a flat-rate game. A message display unit 201 that displays a message or the like on the operation / display panel 7, a shootable number display unit 202 that displays a shootable number of shots, A number-of-balls display section 203 for displaying the number of balls is provided, and an adjustment button 205 and a break button 206 are arranged on the screen. The checkout button 205 and the break button 206 operate as functions of the touch panel 182 and are turned on (or alternately turned on and off) when the player touches these buttons.

  The settlement button 205 is operated when the player wants to settle the game result, and the break button 206 is operated when the player desires a break for a certain time (for example, 40 minutes). When the settlement button 205 is pressed, the above-described manual settlement starts (see step S431), the settlement process is performed, and the fixed amount game card is ejected from the card unit 15. As described above, when the number of possible shots becomes zero and the remaining number of recovered balls becomes zero, the game starts at the end of the game, and when the number of held balls reaches the number of hits, the game starts at the end of the game (step). (See S432 and S433). In this way, when the game is ended and the checkout process is performed in the enclosed ball control device 102 and the card unit 15, the player holds the discharged game card and inserts it into the card checkout machine 53. Checkout for exchanging prizes can be performed (for example, a prize exchange receipt is discharged from the card settlement machine 53 and can be exchanged for prizes at the counter of the hall using this receipt).

  When the break button 206 is pressed, the break button 206 is turned on. The message display unit 201 may display “breaking”. At the time of this break, the fixed amount game card may be discharged once. However, for the purpose of preventing fraud, the fixed amount game card may be controlled not to be discharged during the break or during the game. Further, during the break, it is desirable to perform control to disable the launch of the game ball so that other players do not perform the launch operation.

Next, details of a specific example of the fixed amount game will be described for each case.
<At the start of fixed-rate games>
At the start of a fixed amount game, the player inserts a fixed amount game card into the card unit 15 provided in the pachinko machine 1. As a result, the above-mentioned in-game flag is set, and the game becomes possible. When a fixed amount game card is inserted, as shown in FIG. 28 (a), a message “Fixed amount game, please start firing” is displayed on the message display unit 201. At this time, the number of possible shots is the initial value. As “remaining 6000 (pieces)” is displayed on the possible number display unit 202, and the number of held balls display unit 203 displays an initial value of the number of balls held “750 (pieces)”. As a result, the player launches a game ball within the range of the initial number of possible launches = 6000, and the game is played. By the way, in a general game that is not a fixed amount game, a game can be performed within the range of the number of possessed balls. The game can be performed within the range of the maximum possible number = 6000).

<During fixed amount game>
When the player operates the launch volume 171, the game ball at the launch position is driven into the game area 22 and the game starts. The ball that has fallen on the game area 22 becomes out or safe, is collected after passing through the game area 22, circulates, and is again guided to the launch position. In this manner, the pachinko game is performed by circulating the enclosed game balls.
When the game ball wins the special prize start winning opening 25 or 26, the special figure fluctuates on the display device 41, and the special figure fluctuation display game is played. In addition, when the start winning or the general winning is made, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is added to the number of held balls (see step S463).

  Now, during such a fixed amount game, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), a message “can be launched during fixed amount game” is displayed on the message display unit 201 and notified to the player. At this time, if the number of fires up to this point is 4500, for example, the display of “remaining 1500 (pieces)” (= 6000-4500) is made on the fireable number display unit 202 as the number of possible fires, For example, “−200 (pieces)” is displayed on the number-of-balls display section 203. As a result, the player knows that the game is now a fixed amount game, 1500 more game balls can be launched and the number of possessed balls is -200. Note that the number of balls held is -200, which means that the number of balls held has decreased from 750 to 950, and 4500 can be launched and only 3550 award balls (= 4500-950) can be obtained. The number of balls held is reduced by the number of winning balls less than the number of shots, and the reduced number of balls (950) is the initial number of balls (750). It is in a state where the number of held balls has become negative because of the larger number. In this way, in the fixed amount game of this example, even if the number of balls held becomes a negative value, if the number that can be fired remains (that is, if the game limit condition is not satisfied), except for the case of stopping, The game can be continued by firing a game ball.

Here, it is as follows when the mode of the fixed amount game and the general game (non-fixed amount game) in this embodiment are compared.
(A) Fixed amount game An initial value (game limit condition) of the number of possible launches irrelevant to the number of possessed balls is set.
For each launch, subtract the number of balls and the number of possible launches (subtract "1").
Regardless of how many balls you have, you can play until the number of shots reaches zero.
You cannot lend a ball to increase the number of balls you have.
The number of balls can be negative.
For each winning prize, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is added to the number of balls held.
“Fixed amount game” is displayed on the display means.

(B) General games There are no game limit conditions unrelated to the number of balls held.
The number of balls held is subtracted for each launch ("1" is subtracted)
You can play until you have zero balls.
You can lend a ball to increase the number of balls you have.
The number of balls is not negative.
For each winning prize, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is added to the number of balls held.
For example, “general game” may be displayed on the display means.

<At the end of the fixed amount game (there is a number of balls)>
When the number of possible shots becomes zero, the fixed amount game ends as described above. However, when there is one or more balls at this time, the following occurs. That is, as shown in FIG. 28 (c), the message “Game is finished. Please press the checkout button” is displayed on the message display unit 201 and notified to the player. At this time, the display of “0 (pieces)” as the number of possible launches is made on the launchable number display unit 202, and “2000 (pieces)” is displayed on the number-of-balls display unit 203, for example. When the player touches the checkout button 205 in this state, the fixed amount game card is returned from the card unit 15 after necessary information (information such as 2000 balls) is written to the fixed amount game card. . As described above, the player can exchange prizes using this fixed amount game card.

<At the end of the fixed amount game (no balls)>
When the number of balls that can be fired is zero and the fixed amount game is finished, if the number of balls held is zero or minus, the following occurs. That is, as shown in FIG. 28 (d), a message “Game is over and there is no payment” is displayed on the message display unit 201 and notified to the player. At this time, “0 (pieces)” is displayed on the possible number display unit 202 as the possible number of shots, and “−1050 (pieces)” is displayed on the number-of-balls display unit 203, for example. In this case, the settlement button 205 is not displayed, and the fixed amount game card is not returned and is taken and collected inside the card unit 15. This is because there is no need to exchange prizes. In addition, illegal collection | reuse of a fixed amount game card etc. is prevented by collect | recovering fixed amount game cards.

<When paying manually>
When the player touches the checkout button 205 during the fixed amount game, manual checkout is started as follows. For example, when the number of balls that can be fired becomes zero, when there are one or more balls, a message is displayed as shown in FIG. When the fixed amount game card is returned and the number of balls held is zero or minus, a message is displayed as shown in FIG. 28 (d) (however, the number of possible shots is displayed) A flat-rate game card is collected.

  In addition, if the manual checkout is handled in the same way as when the number of fireable shots becomes zero, the number of fireable shots remains, but the card can no longer be played with that card, so the player is dissatisfied. There is a fear. Therefore, in order to eliminate the fear of such dissatisfaction, the following may be performed. In other words, as described above, in the case of manual settlement (when there are one or more shots remaining), data on the number of balls that can be shot and the number of balls held at that time (may be minus) When the player inserts the fixed amount game card into the card unit 15 of any pachinko machine 1, the fixed amount game card is returned and the fixed amount game card is returned. It is good also as a structure which can be performed with the pachinko machine 1 as an initial value.

<At the end of the stop>
When the number of held balls reaches the number of hits, the fixed amount game is terminated by hitting as described above. That is, it is substantially the same as the end time shown in FIG. However, the message display unit 201 displays, for example, a message “Stop (game end), please press the checkout button” and notify the player. At this time, the remaining number of possible shots is displayed in the possible number display section 202, and the number of balls to be displayed 203 is displayed as “10000 (pieces)” as the number of hits. When the player touches the checkout button 205 in this state, the fixed amount game card is returned from the card unit 15 after necessary information (such as information on 10,000 balls) is written to the fixed amount game card. . As described above, the player can exchange prizes using this fixed amount game card. In addition, since it is a stop, even if there is a remaining number that can be fired, no more games can be played.

Next, an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 41a of the display device 41 during the fixed amount game will be described with reference to FIG.
At the start of the fixed amount game, as shown in FIG. 29 (a), “fixed amount game”, “predetermined number of launches are possible”, “10,000 balls are available” in the central area 41b of the display unit 41a of the display device 41. A message such as “Check the operation / display panel” is displayed. Thereby, the player can quickly know the start of the fixed amount game from the screen of the display device 41 located in front of the pachinko machine 1.

  Next, during a fixed amount game, as shown in FIG. 29 (b), for example, three columns of numbers corresponding to a special figure are variably displayed in the central area 41b of the display unit 41a of the display device 41 (in this example, “ 1 "," 2 "," 3 "). In addition, in the upper area 41c of the display unit 41a, a message “Fixed amount game is possible ... A predetermined number of launches are possible ... It is a stop with 10,000 balls ...” flows on the screen from the right side to the left side in the figure. The telop is displayed as described above, and the start memory of the special figure is displayed in dots in the lower area 41d of the display unit 41a. As a result, the player can easily know that a fixed amount game is in progress while paying attention to the special figure fluctuation.

Next, at the end of the fixed amount game, as shown in FIG. 29 (c), in the central area 41b of the display unit 41a of the display device 41, “game end”, “fixed amount game has ended”, “operation / display panel is Please confirm "message is displayed. Thereby, the player can easily know the end of the fixed amount game.
Note that at the end of the stop, as shown in FIG. 29 (d), in the central area 41b of the display unit 41a of the display device 41, “stop (game end)”, “congratulations”, “stop” and “settlement” Please press the button "message appears. As a result, the player can easily know the end of the fixed amount game due to the stop, and can feel the joy of the stop more.

H. Specific Example of General Game Next, a general game that is not a fixed amount game will be described. A general game is made possible by inserting a general game card into the card unit 15. In this case, the operation / display panel 7 is provided with a sphere lending number display unit for displaying a sphere lending number that can be lent in place of the launchable number display unit 202 in FIG. Further, for example, a ball lending button is provided above the checkout button 205 in FIG. When the player presses the ball lending button, for example, once for several times, a message “125 added to the number of balls held” is displayed on the message display unit 201. At this time, the remaining number is 90. In this way, it is displayed on the ball lending number display section, and the number of balls held display section 203 displays “125 (pieces)”. Thereby, the player can play a game within the range of the number of possessed balls = 125. Further, when the number of balls held decreases, the player can increase the number of balls held in units of 125 by pressing the ball lending button again. However, each time the number of held balls is increased by pressing the ball lending button, the remaining frequency displayed on the ball lending number display portion (that is, the remaining amount of the inserted game card) is gradually decreased accordingly.

According to the present embodiment, there are the following effects.
As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment serves as a receiving means for the control devices (the enclosed ball control device 102 and the game control device 101) to receive fixed amount payment information including that the player has paid a predetermined amount in advance. A function (step S425, etc.) as a game limit setting means for setting a game limit condition irrelevant to the number of balls held as a player's profit based on the function (step S411, etc.), and the fixed amount payment information As a necessary condition, the game based on the fixed amount payment information (that is, the fixed amount game) is enabled, and if the set game limit condition is satisfied, the game based on the fixed amount payment information is disabled and the game is ended. Functions as means (steps S422, S50, S434, S57, etc.).

  For this reason, when a fixed amount game card obtained by a player paying a predetermined amount in advance is inserted into the card unit 15 and the fixed amount payment information of this fixed amount game card is received by the control device of the pachinko machine 1, the fixed amount game is In this fixed amount game, a game limit condition that is irrelevant to the number of balls held as a player's profit is set, and if it is within this game limit condition (for example, a predetermined maximum number that can be fired), the player Will allow the game to continue without any additional money. Therefore, the player can enjoy the game within the predetermined limit with a certain amount of money by paying the predetermined amount in advance. That is, it is possible to enjoy the game with a certain amount of money assumed by the player. Also, since the player has a fixed amount of money, the player will not be overly engaged in the game.

  Further, since the game hall side obtains a predetermined amount in advance of the player, stable sales can be expected. The amusement hall side first has a certain amount of sales, and since the upper limit of the ball is set, it is easy to calculate sales and profits. In particular, in this embodiment, when the number of balls held as a player's profit reaches a predetermined number of hits, even if the game limit condition is not satisfied, a game based on the fixed amount payment information (that is, a fixed amount game) The control device is provided with a function as a stop control means for ending (step S432 described above). For this reason, the upper limit of the number of balls held by the player is set, and the number of balls held does not increase beyond this upper limit, so the game hall side can expect a more stable profit, and sales and profits will be increased. Especially easy to calculate.

  Further, in this embodiment, the control device stores the number of balls held (RAM 153) that stores the number of balls held as a player's profit, and the number of balls held by the initial value of the number of balls based on the fixed amount payment information. A function as the initial value setting means for setting the number of balls to be set (step S424, etc.), a function as a means for subtracting the number of balls to decrease the number of balls each time a game ball is fired (step S443, etc.), and a game area When a predetermined number of prize balls are generated as a result of gaming by the game balls fired in the game, a function as a number-of-balls adding means for increasing the number of balls corresponding to the number of prize balls (steps S226, S463, etc.); When the game limit condition is not satisfied, even if the number of possessed balls is negative, it has a function that enables a game based on the fixed amount deposit information.

  For this reason, the player can have a game sensation similar to a general game performed by lending a ball, although it is a fixed amount game by paying a predetermined amount in advance. In other words, the player enjoys the game with a sense of winning or losing if the number of balls held is positive (strictly speaking, if it is greater than the initial value), or if it is negative, the player loses. Because it can, you can produce a moderate euphoria. In addition, the player can easily grasp how many balls he has at all times and how negative he is (winning or losing). In addition, as described above for a general game, only the remaining number of game cards and the number of balls possessed by zero or more are displayed, so whether the game is won or lost is used for lending. If you do not calculate from the number of cards you have and the current number of balls you have. However, in the fixed amount game of this example, it is clear that if the number of balls held is positive from the initial value, it is clear that it is winning, and if it is minus, it is clear that it is defeated. There is an advantage of knowing the state of.

Also, in this embodiment, a game progress notifying means (operations) for sequentially updating information that knows how much the game limit condition will be established in the future (in this example, information on the number of possible launches) and notifying the player A display unit 7 is provided with a displayable number 202 of displayable number.
In addition, it is provided with a number-of-balls notification means (number-of-balls display section 203 of the operation / display panel 7) for notifying the player of information corresponding to the number of balls, When the value of becomes negative, the information is notified in such a manner that the player can identify that the value of the number of possessed balls is negative (FIG. 28 (b)).

In addition, at the start of a game based on the fixed amount payment information (fixed amount game), game description information including that the game is possible until the game limit condition based on the fixed amount payment information is established, and the fixed amount payment information And a game explanation notifying means (operation / display panel 7, display device 41) for notifying game explanation information including the end of the game based on the fixed amount deposit information at the end of the game based on.
For this reason, it is possible to make the player easily recognize the progress of the game, the situation of the number of balls (and the situation of winning or losing), the start and end of the game, the game rules, and the like.

Next, a modified example of the present invention will be described.
(1) In the above embodiment, when the number of balls held is zero or less at the end of the game, the fixed amount game card is not collected and returned to the player, but this is not restrictive. For example, if there is a manual checkout operation and the number of possible shots is not zero, even if the number of balls held is less than zero, the number of balls held at that time and the number of shots that can be fired are written on a fixed amount game card and the player When the returned fixed amount game card is inserted into the card unit of another gaming machine, the remaining number of games that can be fired can be played with this other gaming machine. In this way, the player can change the platform of the gaming machine during the fixed amount game.

(2) In the above embodiment, the game limit condition is determined by the number of possible shots, but is not limited to this.
For example, the game limit condition may be that the elapsed time from the start of the game reaches a predetermined maximum possible game time. In this case, for example, if the elapsed time from the time when the fixed amount game card is inserted (or the time when the first game ball is fired after inserting the card) reaches a predetermined maximum possible game time, the game ball cannot be fired. Thereafter, when the number of board balls reaches zero, the program may be configured to end the game by executing processing such as clearing the in-game flag and setting the settlement start request flag. The operation / display panel 7 may be provided with an elapsed time display unit that updates and displays the elapsed time (or the remaining time of the game possible time) instead of the possible number display unit 202. Also, when the break button 206 is pressed to enter a rest state, the time counting operation of the elapsed time is stopped. For example, when the break button 206 is pressed again to end the break (resume the game) It is only necessary to restart the timing operation. In addition, when it is possible to change the base of the gaming machine, the remaining time of the elapsed time is written to the fixed amount gaming card in the settlement process performed when the settlement button 205 is pressed, and the card of another gaming machine base What is necessary is just to comprise so that the game for the remaining time will be possible if the card is inserted in a unit.
Further, the game limit condition can be configured by both the number of fireable items and the elapsed time from the start of the game. That is, the game limit condition is satisfied when either the number of shots reaches a predetermined maximum number of possible shots or the elapsed time from the start of the game reaches a predetermined maximum possible game time. Such a mode may be used.

(3) In the above embodiment, a general game that is not a fixed amount game is also possible, but a fixed amount game stand that can only be a fixed amount game may be used.
(4) In the above embodiment, the game control device and the enclosed ball control device function as the control device of the present invention for controlling the fixed amount game, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the control device of the present invention that controls a fixed amount game may be either a game control device or an enclosed ball control device. Moreover, you may comprise the function of a game control apparatus and an enclosed ball control apparatus with one control apparatus.

(5) In the above embodiment, a fixed amount game can be played with a card for a fixed amount game (that is, a fixed amount game card), but this is not restrictive.
For example, a fixed amount game may be made possible by reducing a predetermined amount for a fixed amount game from a general game card. For example, when a player inserts a general game card into a card unit and operates a button for a fixed amount game provided on the card unit or gaming machine, a predetermined amount for a fixed amount game is calculated from the remaining amount of the inserted game card. In addition to the reduced amount, the above-mentioned fixed amount payment information may be transmitted from the card unit to the control device of the gaming machine to allow a fixed amount game. Alternatively, a configuration in which the fixed amount payment information is transmitted to the control device of the gaming machine and the fixed amount game can be performed on the condition that the player directly inputs cash corresponding to a predetermined amount into the card unit or the gaming machine is a necessary condition.

(6) In the above embodiment, the game card is inserted into the card unit. However, the game card may be inserted into the gaming machine (an aspect in which the gaming machine also functions as a card unit).
(7) Moreover, even if it says an enclosed ball type, it does not need to be a structure in which a game ball does not come out of a game machine main body at all. For example, a mode in which the game ball once goes out of the pachinko machine, is polished by an external polishing apparatus, and is then returned to the pachinko machine again.

(8) Even if the game ball is used in a circulating manner, it does not have to be completely circulated in the gaming machine. There is a function to manage the number of balls held by electronic data and supply game balls to the launch position inside the game machine, so that even if the player does not throw in the actual game balls or pays out as rental balls, The present invention can be applied to any gaming machine that can play a game by launching.

(9) Also, the number of balls possessed as a player's profit does not necessarily have to be treated as the number of game balls, even if the number of balls possessed. For example, it may be treated as a point such as 1 point or 2 points, and may be displayed on the number-of-balls display section 203 as, for example, “100 points”. In this case, the relationship between the number of prize balls and the number of points is not limited to the relationship of 1 point for each prize ball. There can be aspects. Instead of “point”, another unit name such as “point” may be used.

(10) In the above embodiment, the notification means mainly performs message notification in the notification to the player regarding the fixed amount game. However, not only the notification on the screen but also various notification effects such as sound and voice are combined. Also good.
(11) In the above embodiment, a prepaid card issued by a card company is used as a game card, but a game card (storage medium) such as a house card issued by a game store may be used. Good. For example, a house card may be issued to a member of a game store, and the number of rented balls or fixed amount payment information may be stored therein to perform general games or fixed amount games. Further, the house card may store the stored ball data.

(12) Further, in the above embodiment, when the game limit condition is satisfied (for example, when the number of shots reaches a predetermined maximum number of shots), the game ball is disabled to be launched and the game flag is cleared to start The winning is invalidated (step S620, etc.), and further, the awarding of the winning ball (adding the number of balls held) is not performed (step S219, etc.), the game is disabled by these processes and the fixed amount game is terminated. Yes. However, the specific configuration of “disabling the game” at the end of the fixed amount game is not necessarily limited to this mode. For example, a game ball can be fired, but it is also possible to invalidate a winning prize. This is because even if the game ball can be launched, if the winning is invalid, the game cannot be practically performed. However, in order to ensure that the player knows that the game has ended, or to increase the operating rate of the gaming machine by leaving the player early when the game ends, it may be impossible to fire the game ball. desirable. Further, in order to surely prevent an illegal winning or the like, an aspect of disabling the game ball and invalidating the winning as in the above embodiment is excellent. In order to disable the launching, as described above, the launching device may not function, or the game ball may not be supplied to the launching position of the launching device.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1, 1a to 1n pachinko machine (enclosed ball game machine)
7 operation / display panel (game progress notifying means, number of possessed balls notifying means, game explanation notifying means)
15, 15a to 15n Card unit 20 Game board 25 First start prize opening 26 Second start prize opening (ordinary electric equipment (general power))
27 Variable winning device 28-31 General winning mouth 41 Display device (game explanation notifying means)
101 Game control device (game control means, number-of-balls adding means)
102 Enclosed ball control device (receiving means, game limit setting means, game control means, batting control means, ball number initial value setting means, ball number subtraction means, ball number addition means)
103 Production Control Device 104 Launch Control Device 153 RAM (Number of Holding Balls)

Claims (7)

A game ball guided to a predetermined launch position can be launched into the game area to play a game, and the player's profit is increased according to the game result of the game ball launched into the game area. In a gaming machine equipped with a control device and capable of circulating and using game balls by collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them again to the launch position,
The controller is
Receiving means for receiving fixed amount payment information including that the player has prepayed a predetermined amount;
Based on the fixed amount payment information, a game limit setting means for setting a game limit condition unrelated to the number of balls held as the player's profit,
On the condition that the fixed amount payment information is received by the receiving means, a game based on the fixed amount payment information is made possible, and when the game limit condition set by the game limit setting means is satisfied, the game is based on the fixed amount payment information. A game machine comprising: game control means for disabling a game and ending the game. The game limit condition is:
The elapsed time from the start of the game based on the fixed amount payment information reaches a predetermined maximum possible game time, or the number of game balls fired based on the fixed amount payment information reaches a predetermined maximum number of possible shots, The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising at least one of them.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a game progress notifying unit that sequentially updates information indicating how much the game limit condition will be established and notifies the player. The controller is
When the number of balls held as the player's profit reaches a predetermined number of stops, stop control means for disabling the game based on the fixed amount payment information and ending the game even if the game limit condition is not satisfied A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The controller is
A number-of-balls storage means for storing the number of balls as a profit of the player;
The initial value setting means for setting the initial value of the number of balls in the holding number storage means based on the fixed amount payment information;
A number-of-balls subtracting means for decreasing the number of balls each time a game ball is fired;
When a predetermined number of prize balls are generated as a game result by the game balls launched in the game area, the number of possession balls adding means for increasing the number of possession balls according to the number of prize balls,
When the game limit condition set by the game limit setting means is not satisfied, the game control means can continue the game based on the fixed amount deposit information even if the value of the number of possessed balls is negative. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a game machine.   A number-of-balls notifying unit for notifying a player of information corresponding to the number of balls held, the number-of-balls notifying unit, when the value of the number of held balls becomes negative, The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the information is notified in a manner in which a player can identify the presence. At the start of a game based on the fixed payment information, the player is notified of game explanation information including that a game is possible until a game limit condition based on the fixed payment information is satisfied, and the fixed payment information 7. A game explanation notifying means for notifying a player of game explanation information including completion of a game based on the fixed amount deposit information at the end of a game based on the game. Game machines.

Images