JP2014023754A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine eliminating deterioration in game taste.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a plurality of winning holes and has a plurality types of the number of prize balls obtained by winning the plurality of winning holes, set therein. The game machine includes a winning display device, when a ball enters a winning hole, displaying the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning hole, for a predetermined period. The winning display device, for instance, is materialized as a winning display LED 355 of an integral display device 35, and whichever winning hole a game ball enters, the number of prize balls is immediately displayed by the winning display LED 355 consisting of two 7-segment LEDs, for the predetermined period (1 second in a normal mode and 0.5 second in a special mode).

Description

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

Conventionally, in gaming machines, a display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols is arranged, and various boards including an arithmetic processing board (game control board) and an effect control board are provided in order to perform processing necessary for pachinko game control, etc. (See Patent Document 1).
Note that the game control board and the effect control board respectively constitute a control device, and these are a game control device and an effect control device.

JP 2012-70790 A

However, in recent years, games on gaming machines have become complicated, and there are many cases in which a plurality of different prize balls are set depending on a winning opening. For example, 13 winning balls are set for the grand prize opening, 3 for the start opening, 1 for the public train, and 10 for other winning openings.
In such a gaming machine, it is difficult for the player to know where on the board the prize is won and how many winning balls are obtained. Therefore, there is a risk of reducing the interest of the game.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that does not lower the interest of the game.

The invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of winning openings.
In a gaming machine in which a plurality of types of prize balls are set by winning in the plurality of winning holes,
A winning display device is provided for displaying a corresponding number of winning balls for a predetermined period when a winning is made in the winning opening.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not lower the interest of the game.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a back view of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows a circulation apparatus. 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 figure which shows an operation display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a package display apparatus. 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 card unit connection confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows a switch 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 an out ball | bowl detection switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an error monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an error cancellation switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an enclosing ball | bowl number monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a board surface ball number error monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a frame open | release error monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a discharge permission signal edit process. It is a flowchart which shows a ball | bowl feed control process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment / rest control process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment control process. It is a flowchart which shows a break control process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment start monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment start ACK monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows adjustment write completion ACK monitoring processing. It is a flowchart which shows a payment end monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a break start monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a break start ACK monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a break end monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a card unit reception analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the card unit reception analysis process 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the card unit reception analysis process 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the card unit reception analysis process 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a winning opening switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a start opening switch prize monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize-monitoring common process. It is a flowchart which shows a number-of-balls addition process. It is a flowchart which shows an external information edit process. It is a flowchart which shows a stand ID signal editing process. It is a flowchart which shows stand ID acquisition processing. It is a flowchart which shows a security signal edit process. It is a flowchart which shows LED edit processing. It is a flowchart which shows a ball number LED editing process. It is a flowchart which shows a ball polishing motor control process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize display LED edit process. It is a flowchart which shows a number-of-balls display data setting process. It is a timing chart of display control of a prize display LED. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of Example 2. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of Example 3. It is a figure which shows the game board of Example 4. FIG. It is a figure which shows the game board of Example 5. FIG. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 6. FIG. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 7. FIG. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 8. FIG. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 9. FIG.

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 view of a pachinko machine 1 (enclosed ball game machine) of this example.

  This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called enclosed ball type game machine, and includes a game control device (see FIG. 6) for managing and controlling the progress of the game, and a predetermined number (for example, 20) in the game machine body. ) Of game balls, and based on the number of possessed balls (game value) based on the valuable value information (ball rental number) input from the card unit (CR unit) 15 as a game medium lending device, The enclosed game ball is fired into the game area to play a game, and it is determined whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or other state. Circulating this enclosed game ball by increasing the number of possessed balls (game value) that is the player's profit according to the number of prize balls and collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them to the launch position It is a mechanism to use and play pachinko gamesHere, the card unit 15 corresponds to a medium control unit that reads and writes information recorded in a game storage medium (game card or the like).

  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. That is, the glass frame 5 including the glass plate opens the front surface of the game board 20 from a normal use state (closed state) covering the front surface of the game board 20 (a front surface including a game area 22 described later) with a slight gap. It is possible to operate in a state (open state). In the open state of the glass frame 5, for example, an operator inserts a hand into the front surface of the game board 20 to release a clogged ball in the game area 22 or to insert a missing game ball. Is possible.
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 on the lower side of the glass frame 5, and an operation display device 7 and a ball count indicator 40 are disposed on the lower panel 6. The number-of-balls display 40 displays the number of balls acquired by the player, and is configured to display six-digit values (number of balls) by arranging six 7-segment LEDs. .

In addition, a settlement switch 311, a break switch 312, a settlement switch valid display LED 313, and a break switch valid display LED 314 are arranged on the lower panel 6.
The settlement switch 311 and the break switch 312 are turned on (or alternately turned on and off) when the player presses the operation unit (button) on the surface of these switches.
The settlement switch 311 is operated when the player wants to settle the game result, and the break switch 312 is operated when the player desires a break. Further, the settlement switch valid display LED 313 is lit when the settlement is possible, and the break switch valid display LED 314 is lit when the break is possible.

  On the other hand, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the card unit 15 (card type medium control unit). The card unit 15 is recorded on the game card by inserting a game card (storage medium) into the card slot 201 and operating the ball lending button 303 (see FIG. 7) of the operation display device 7 by the player. Within the range of the valuable value information (for example, the number of balls lent), a predetermined number of balls can be lent (increase in the number of balls held).

  In addition, the card unit 15 is provided with a cash slot 202. The cash input port 202 is capable of inputting cash. By inserting a predetermined banknote (for example, 1000 yen, 5000 yen, or 10,000 yen), the cash slot 202 falls within the range of the ball lending degree corresponding to the amount of the inserted banknote. A game ball is rented (ie, lending a ball; increasing the number of balls held).

As game cards that can be used in the card unit 15, in addition to prepaid cards (hereinafter referred to as visitor cards) that can be used by non-member general players, it is also possible to use a unique membership card called a house card. Yes, in that case, a membership card as a game card is inserted into the card slot 201. When this member card is inserted, it is possible to use a configuration in which the stored ball can be used on condition that the password of the member is input on the screen of the message / operation area 306 of the operation display device 7. Note that an LCD touch panel type screen is adopted as the screen of the operation display device 7, and the player can touch the touch panel with a finger and input a personal identification number.
Further, a card unit error notification LED 203 is disposed in the card unit 15, and the card unit error notification LED 203 notifies of an error that has occurred in the card unit 15.

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 device 7 provided at the lower part of the glass frame 5 is for displaying the number of ball lending and the like and performing operations such as ball lending (see FIG. 7 for details). Next to the operation display device 7, a push button type effect operation switch 9 operated by the player is provided.
The lower panel 6 is provided with a lower speaker 10 that outputs sound effects and the like, a firing operation handle 11 that performs a launching operation of a game ball, and an ashtray 12.

Furthermore, in FIG. 1, what is shown by the code | symbol 13 is the decoration lamp which uses LED (light emitting diode) provided in the front surface of the glass frame 5 as a light emission source, and what is shown by the codes | symbols 14a and 14b of the glass frame 5 It is a plurality of moving lights provided on the lower front surface. Although not shown, the moving lights 14a and 14b include an LED as a light source and a motor as a drive source. Here, the decoration lamp 13 and the moving lights 14a and 14b constitute the decoration display LED 141 shown in FIG.
Further, in FIG. 1, reference numerals 16 a and 16 b denote upper speakers that output sound effects and the like provided on the upper left and right sides of the glass frame 5.

B. 2 is a guide rail of the game board 20, and 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 port 25, a second starting winning port 26 as an ordinary electric accessory (general power), and a variable winning device. 27, general winning openings 28 to 31, a normal start gate 32, a number of game nails (not shown), and the like are provided. In addition, 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. 6) 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 (production means) includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and is usually called 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).

  In addition to the special figure, the display unit 41a can display an image for production such as a background image or a character image or an information notification image, or an image corresponding to a so-called common figure. 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.
A detailed configuration of the collective display device 35 will be described later with reference to FIG.

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 map” and “decorative map” are described.
As described above, the collective display device 35 (see FIG. 6 described later for details) may be difficult for the player to recognize, but is directly controlled by the game control device 54 described later. It is what is used. For example, a special chart start memory display (special figure hold display) for a player that is more easily recognized by the player is displayed on the display unit 41 or a plurality of lamps provided on the game board 20 as described above, for example. (Light emitting unit).

C. Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a back mechanism of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 3, main components of the back mechanism in the pachinko machine 1 include an external information terminal board 51, a card unit connection terminal board 52, an effect control device 53, a game control device 54, a circulation device 55, a polishing device 56, and launch control. There are a device 57, a power supply device 58, and the like.
In addition, there is no component equivalent to a conventional storage tank (upper tank) or a safe unit (non-enclosed ball type).

The external information terminal board 51 includes a hall computer terminal 51a to which a cable for outputting information to the hall computer 86 (described later) is connected, and a cable for outputting information to the ball holding management device 85 (described later). It has a ball holding management terminal 51b to be connected. The card unit connection terminal plate 52 is a substrate for wiring connection between the pachinko machine 1 side and the card unit 15 side.
The effect control device 53 drives and controls the display device 41, the lower speaker 10, the upper speakers 16a, 16b, and the like based on a control command output from the game control device 54, and realizes this control function in a predetermined case. A circuit board is accommodated.

  The game control device 54 electrically controls various electrical components (electrical accessories) such as various switches, solenoids, and lamps disposed on the game board 20, and sends control information to other control devices. The game progress is comprehensively managed and controlled, and a circuit board on which a circuit including a microcomputer for performing these controls is formed is housed in a predetermined case 61. The case 61 has a security structure that prevents easy opening by the four caulking portions 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d. In other words, in a state where the crimped portion is sealed, the structure cannot be opened unless the crimped portion is destroyed. Further, only the number of times corresponding to the number of crimped portions can be sealed. In addition, on the back side of the game control device 54, an inspection device connection terminal 63 to which a cable for the authorities to inspect the pachinko machine 1 is connected, an error display LED 64 that lights (or flashes) at a predetermined abnormality, and an error are displayed. An error cancel switch 65 for canceling is arranged.

The circulation device 55 is for circulating the encapsulated sphere enclosed in the pachinko machine 1, and a polishing device 56 is disposed in the middle of the circulation path (details will be described later).
The launch control device 57 performs control necessary for launching a sphere, and is configured such that a circuit board that realizes this control function is housed in a predetermined case. The power supply device 58 supplies necessary power to the control devices and the electronic components of the pachinko machine 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the circulation device 55.
In FIG. 4, the circulation device 55 is formed in a flat plate structure having a predetermined thickness, and a flow path (described later) for circulating an enclosed ball (enclosed game ball) is formed therein. In the circulation device 55, a polishing device 56 is disposed in the middle of the flow path. The flow path in the circulation device 55 constitutes a circulation path for the encapsulated sphere. A game ball inlet 71 is open at the upper right end of the circulation device 55 in FIG.
The polishing device 56 polishes the encapsulated sphere. The sphere flowing in from the lower inlet 75 is lifted by the power of the polishing device motor 59, and the sphere is polished by a polishing cloth disposed therein and discharged from the upper outlet 76. It is supposed to be.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation device 55 causes an out ball (including a safe ball) and a foul ball to flow from the game ball inlet 71 and move the ball downward by gravity, and thus flows down from the game ball inlet 71. The sphere flows through the polishing feed flow path 72 and then flows into a lower inlet 75 provided on the lower right side of the polishing apparatus 56. The polishing feed flow path 72 has a meandering shape to reduce the momentum of the sphere flowing down. Then, the sphere that has flowed into the lower inlet 75 of the polishing apparatus 56 is polished while being lifted by the polishing apparatus 56 and discharged from an upper outlet 76 provided on the upper left side of the polishing apparatus 56. Next, the game balls discharged from the upper outlet 76 of the polishing apparatus 56 are arranged with a first enclosed ball detection switch 164 (encapsulated ball detection 1SW) and a second enclosed ball detection switch 165 (encapsulated ball detection 2SW) by their own weight. Of a ball feeding device (device provided on the left end side in FIG. 4) for firing a ball through a ball feeding channel 78 provided subsequent to the sensor channel 77 after passing through the sensor channel 77. It is configured to be sent to.

  Here, the first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 is provided so as to detect a sphere located at a position lower than the second enclosed sphere detection switch 165 on the relatively downstream side of the sensor flow path 77. On the other hand, the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 165 is positioned higher than the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 164 on the relatively upstream side of the sensor flow channel 77 (upstream side of the first enclosed sphere detection switch 164). It is provided to detect a sphere. The first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is a sensor that detects the lower limit of the number of balls encapsulated as a game ball, and the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 detects the upper limit of the number of balls encapsulated as a game ball. It is a sensor. This is because the encapsulated balls need to be encapsulated in the pachinko machine 1 without excess or deficiency, so that the current number of encapsulated balls is more than the minimum and less than the maximum, respectively. It is provided to confirm that there are encapsulated balls. The sensor flow path 77 and the ball feed flow path 78 may or may not be provided as an integral flow path.

  Of the circulation paths through which the encapsulated balls circulate, the downstream flow path (the flow path comprising the sensor flow path 77 and the ball feed flow path 78) through which the game balls collected from the game area flow toward the launch position is The vicinity of the launch position (near the leftmost ball feeder in FIG. 4) is the lowest position, and as shown in FIG. The first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is arranged to detect the game ball at the first position in the downstream flow path, and the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 is the first encapsulated ball detection switch 165 in the downstream flow path. It arrange | positions so that the game ball in the 2nd position upstream from a position may be detected. Here, the first position is the most upstream game ball when the game balls are accumulated in the downstream flow path by the minimum number within the appropriate range of the number of enclosed balls (the number of enclosed game balls). Is set to a position where the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 detects. Further, the second position is such that when a number of game balls exceeding the appropriate range of the number of encapsulated balls are accumulated in the downstream flow path, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 detects the game ball, and the appropriate range of the number of encapsulated balls is detected. The second enclosing ball detection switch 165 is set to a position that does not detect the game ball when the game balls are accumulated in the downstream flow path by the maximum number of the game balls.

In addition, at least a part (preferably the whole) of the enclosed sphere flow path (the flow path including the above-described polishing feed flow path 72, sensor flow path 77, and ball feed flow path 78) in the circulation device 55 is internal. The game ball is visible from the outside (at least from the back side of the pachinko machine 1). Thereby, the state of the flow of the spheres in the circulation device 55, the presence or absence of the occurrence of clogging, and the state of the number of encapsulated spheres can be visually confirmed. For example, the flow path of the encapsulated sphere is made of a transparent or semi-transparent member, or a predetermined number of internal viewing openings (thin slits, a plurality of minute holes, etc.) large enough to prevent the sphere from flowing out are formed. By configuring with the formed member, the internal ball can be visually recognized from the back side of the pachinko machine 1.
Although detailed illustration is omitted, for example, by forming the entire back wall of the circulation device 55 with a transparent member, a polishing feed channel 72, a sensor channel 77, and a ball feed channel as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which can visually recognize the whole inside of 78. Preferably, at least in the downstream flow path (the sensor flow path 77 and the ball feed flow path 78), the internal sphere can be visually recognized from the outside, whereby the number of enclosed spheres can be visually confirmed. ing. Although not shown, a mark may be formed on the circulation device 55 so that it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the number of encapsulated balls is appropriate by this visual confirmation. For example, marks (indicating signs) may be formed on the back surface side of the circulation device 55 at a predetermined number of 20 positions of the enclosed sphere. In this way, when adding a sphere when the encapsulated sphere is insufficient, it is easy to understand because it is sufficient to add up to this mark. Also, if there is an excess of encapsulated spheres, it is easy to understand because it is only necessary to pass the sphere to this mark.

  Further, the ball feeding device is a device that sends the balls flowing down the ball feeding flow path 78 one by one to the firing position of the launching device using the ball feeding solenoid 172 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 as a driving source. The ball sent to the launch position can be launched toward the game area 22 along the rail 21 by the power of the launch solenoid 173 (shown in FIG. 6) of the launch device. As shown in FIG. 4, the ball feeding device is provided with a shot ball detection SW 161. The fire ball detection SW 161 is a sensor that detects the balls to be fired one by one.

D. Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a game hall where a large number of pachinko machines 1 according to the present embodiment are installed.
In FIG. 5, the game hall includes a card management device 81, a card issuing machine 82, a card settlement machine 83, a prize exchange device 84, a ball management device 85, a hall computer 86, a number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n, and card units 15a to 15a. 15n is arranged.

  The card management device 81 is connected to a card company (not shown) via a telephone line (for example, a digital line such as ISDN), and the card company receives various information of the card management device 81 as necessary. . The amusement hall is connected to the card company via a telephone line in order to obtain or inquire about card issuance information or necessary information from the card company.

  The card management device 81 is connected to a card issuing machine 82, a card settlement machine 83, a prize exchange device 84, a ball management device 85, and a large number of card units 15a to 15n via an information transmission path 87. The card management device 81 treats the card issuing machine 82, the card settlement machine 83, the gift exchange device 84, the ball management device 85, and a large number of card units 15a to 15n as terminal devices, and manages information on these terminal devices. In addition to performing control, identification information (card ID) of a game card (member card or visitor card) inserted / extracted into each terminal device, information on the number of balls lent or stored in each game card (valuable) Control processing for storing and managing value information) is performed. For example, processing for updating and storing the balance of the ball lending number for each card ID is performed by obtaining necessary information from each card unit, the card issuing machine 82, and the like.

The card issuing machine 82 issues cards (storage media) purchased from a card company to a player as a membership card, and adds, for example, 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, and 5000 yen ball lending (value). And issue the card. The card issuing machine 82 transfers information (for example, the card ID of the card, the number of balls lent or sales information, etc.) to / from the card management device 81 via the information transmission path 87 and issues the card. Perform the necessary control.
Note that the game card includes a membership card and a visitor card. The membership card is issued after registering as a member, and the number of ball lending (corresponding to a ball lending amount), the number of balls held, and the number of balls stored can be registered. The visitor card is a card for a player who is not a member, is stocked in the card unit 15, and is issued in the card unit 15 when cash is inserted into the card unit 15 as will be described later. This visitor card can register the number of balls lending and the number of balls held, but not the number of balls stored. In addition, the number of balls held is valid only on that day, and the number of balls stored can be used by changing to the number of balls held at a later date. In this specification, it is described that the number of balls held corresponds to the game value, but the number of stored balls corresponds to the same valuable value as the number of balls lent.

  The card checkout machine 83 is for paying out the game card based on the ball loan balance of the game card (visitor card or member card), and returns, for example, an amount corresponding to the ball loan balance in cash. The card settlement machine 83 also has a function of transferring information (for example, information on the number of spheres) to the card management device 81 via the information transmission path 87.

The prize exchange device 84 performs processing for exchanging with a prize desired by the player based on the number of balls held by the game card. For example, a store clerk at the game hall operates the prize exchange device 84 to give the player Give away a free gift. In the gift exchange device 84, in the case of a membership card, it is also possible to perform storage processing by exchanging the number of balls held for the number of balls stored.
When exchanging a prize or storing a prize, the prize exchanging device 84 transmits the card ID of the game card and the number of balls stored in the game card to the ball management device 85 (in this example, For example, it is transmitted from the prize exchange device 84 to the ball management device 85 via the card management device 81). The holding ball management device 85 collates the received card ID and holding ball number with the card ID and holding ball number stored in the holding ball number file for each card of the holding ball management device 85 described later. If the result of collation by the holding ball management device 85 is transmitted to the prize exchange device 84 as correct / incorrect information, the received prize exchange device 84 can know whether the number of held balls stored in the game card is correct.
Note that the prize exchange device 84 transmits only the card ID of the game card to the ball management device 85, and transmits the number of balls held in the number-of-card possession number file of the ball management device 85 described later. You may request that you do. In this way, the prize exchange device 84 can know whether the number of balls stored in the game card is correct or not by collating the received number of balls with the number of balls stored in the game card. .

  The ball management device 85 is connected to the card management device 81, the hall computer 86, and a number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n, and information on the number of balls acquired by the player based on information from each of these devices ( Control is performed to store and manage (game value information). For example, control processing such as storing the number of balls in correspondence with the card ID (card identification information) in a storage area called the number-of-balls file for each card is performed. The ball management device 85 can communicate with the prize exchange device 84 and the like and the card unit 15 via the card management device 81, and performs processing according to collation of the number-of-balls data from the prize exchange device 84 and the like. It also has a function.

The card units 15a to 15n, when a game card is inserted, read the game card information (ball lending number data, etc.) and perform processing for lending the ball, or the number of balls possessed by the player ( However, the encrypted data) is stored in the game card, and information is transferred to the card management device 81 via the information transmission path 87.
The card units 15a to 15n are arranged adjacent to the pachinko machines 1a to 1n, respectively, and are connected as described above so that information can be transmitted.

  The hall computer 86 is installed in the game room management room, and is connected to the pachinko machines 1a to 1n and the ball management device 85 via the information transmission path 87, and each pachinko machine 1a to 1n and the ball management It collects various data from the device 85 and performs sales management of the game hall. Specifically, necessary data is collected from a large number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n and the ball management device 85, data corresponding to various gaming states is organized, and the organized data is displayed on the display, which is necessary for business. Performs data processing.

E. 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 54, an effect control device 53, a launch control device 57, and a power supply device 58 as main components of the control system. Necessary power is supplied from the power supply 58 to each of these devices and each electronic component shown in FIG. In addition, a device (contained ball control device) that controls the progress of the game (conventional game control device) that performs the control of the enclosed ball (control of the number of enclosed balls and the addition / subtraction processing of the number of held balls) However, in this example, a device in which such an enclosed ball control device and a game control device are integrated is provided as the game control device 54. In this embodiment, since the game control device and the enclosed ball control device are integrated into a game control device, signals and commands sent from the game control device to the enclosed ball control device are no longer necessary. In addition to reducing the control burden, it is also possible to save space and power.

(Game control device related)
First, the configuration of the game control device 54 of the pachinko machine 1 and the equipment connected to the game control device 54 will be described.
The game control device 54 is a main control device (main board) that performs overall control of the game and also controls the enclosed ball, and includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an RTC 114, a test firing test terminal 115 for an inspection device, and an inspection. A device connection terminal 63 is provided.
Here, the game control device 54 also performs the enclosed ball control. Specifically, as the control necessary for the enclosed ball game, the processing from the launch of the enclosed ball to the collection is mainly performed. Lending control (ball lending addition processing) is also performed (details will be described later).
The game control device 54 constitutes display time control means and winning display control means.

  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. Here, the RAM 113 constitutes game value storage means for storing the number of balls possessed as game value. The RTC (real time clock) 114 measures the net time (real time), has a calendar function, and outputs time data including the date. The RAM 113 is provided with backup power supply means (not shown, for example, comprising a large-capacitance capacitor) that supplies power even in the event of a power failure. If the power is recovered from the power failure within the time during which the power can be continuously supplied, the data in the RAM 113 is retained.

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. In addition, you may manufacture IC for amusement chips corresponding to the arithmetic processing unit for games including RTC114.
The amusement chip IC stores a manufacturer code and a product code in addition to a chip code as individual identification information for individually identifying the IC chip, and can output these codes as a base ID. .

The test firing test terminal 115 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 115 and related parts are used in the test institution and are removed at the time of shipment, and are not mounted in the game control device 54 used in the game hall.
The inspection device connection terminal 63 is a terminal to which a cable for the authorities to inspect the pachinko machine 1 is connected after the pachinko machine 1 is installed in the game hall.

The game control device 54 includes a first start port switch 120 (start port 1SW in FIG. 6), a second start port switch 121 (start port 2SW in FIG. 6), a gate switch 122, a winning port switch 123, a count switch 124, Detection signals from the first frame opening switch 125 (frame opening 1SW in FIG. 6) and the second frame opening switch 126 (frame opening 2SW in FIG. 6) are 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 won in the big winning opening 27a of the variable winning device 27. Further, the winning port switch 123 is a similar sensor provided for the general winning ports 28 to 31, and when there are n general winning ports, 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 first frame opening switch 125 is a sensor that detects that the glass frame 5 is opened, and the second frame opening switch 126 is a sensor that detects that the front frame 4 is opened.

Here, when there is a winning at the winning opening, the game control device 54 performs a process of adding the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning to the number of held balls. The winning awards are all winning awards with a prize ball discharge (a process of actually paying out a ball or adding to the number of balls in the case of an enclosed ball type). There are a large winning opening 27a and general winning openings 28 to 31 of the variable winning apparatus 27.
In the game control device 54, the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize is set as follows.
・ Large winning opening 27a = 13 ・ Starting winning opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting winning opening 26 (Fuden) = 1 ・ General winning opening 28-31 = 10 In addition, when there is a winning prize In addition to the process of adding the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning to the number of possessed balls, a process of displaying the number of winning balls on the winning display LED 355 of the collective display device 35 is performed.

Next, the game control device 54 is connected to the effect control device 53, the general electric solenoid 131, the special prize opening solenoid 132, the collective display device 35, and the external information terminal board 51 as necessary devices for the progress and production of the game. Yes.
The general electric solenoid 131 is a solenoid that opens and closes the opening / closing member 26a 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 27b of the variable winning device 27. The game control device 54 outputs necessary control signals to the ordinary electric solenoid 131, the special prize opening solenoid 132, and the collective display device 35.
Further, the game control device 54 is configured to transmit data (for example, an effect command) to the effect control device 53 by parallel communication.

Furthermore, game information is output from the game control device 54 to the hall computer 86 via the external information terminal board 51. The game information includes, for example, a signal that informs the signal input to the game control device 54 to the outside, a jackpot signal that informs the jackpot that occurs in the course of the game, and a winning 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.
Further, the game control device 54 outputs information on the number of balls (game value information) and the like to the ball management device 85 via the external information terminal board 51.

Next, the game control device 54 is connected to the launch control device 57, the polishing device motor 59, and the card unit connection terminal plate 52 as necessary equipment for processing from the launching to collection of the encapsulated ball and ball lending, etc. The card unit 15 is also connected via the card unit connection terminal plate 52. The operation display device 7 is connected to the card unit via the card unit connection terminal plate 52.
In addition, as signals from various switches necessary for encapsulated ball control, the game control device 54 includes an error release switch 65, a launch ball detection switch 161, a foul ball detection switch 162, an out ball detection switch 163, and a first encapsulation. Detection signals from the sphere detection switch 164 (encapsulated sphere detection 1SW in FIG. 6) and the second enclosed sphere detection switch 165 (encapsulated sphere detection 2SW in FIG. 6) are input.

  The shot ball detection switch 161 is a sensor that detects one ball at a time in the game area 22 by operation of the shot volume 171 (details will be described later), and the foul ball detection switch 162 is a game area 22 of the shot. It is a sensor that detects the balls that have become fouls without reaching. 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.

As described above, the first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 and the second enclosed sphere detection switch 165 are arranged in the sensor flow path 77 of the circulation device 55 (see FIG. 4), and are for checking the number of enclosed spheres. .
The game control device 54 receives the detection signals from the switches 161 to 165, monitors the behavior of the ball from launching to collection of the enclosed ball, checks for the presence of a foul ball, and checks the maximum and minimum number of encapsulated balls. In addition to the above processing, control is performed such as adding to the number of balls held based on the ball lending information (the number of balls lent / the number of balls used) sent from the card unit 15.

In addition, the game control device 54 outputs a signal in the case of a predetermined abnormality with respect to the error display LED 64, and the error display LED 64 is lit (or flashes) in response to the error.
Further, a control signal (a signal corresponding to forward rotation data or reverse rotation data in FIG. 47 described later) is appropriately output from the game control device 54 to the polishing device motor 59, and upon receiving this control signal, the polishing device motor 59. Activates the polishing device 56 for polishing the encapsulated sphere encapsulated in the pachinko machine 1 (actuates in the forward or reverse direction).

(Production control device related)
Next, the configuration of the effect control device 53 and devices connected to the effect control device 53 will be described.
The effect control device 53 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 53 analyzes the control command (8-bit data signal) from the CPU 111 of the game control device 54, determines the production content, controls the content of the output video of the display device 41, and outputs to the sound source LSI. Instructing the playback sound and driving the lower speaker 10 and the upper speakers 16a and 16b to produce sound effects, etc., and executing processing such as the drive control of the decoration display LED 141 described above, and a signal from the effect operation switch 9 The contents of the effect are determined according to the control of the effect.

(Related to launch control device)
Next, the configuration of the launch control device 57 and the equipment connected to the launch control device 57 will be described.
The launch control device 57 receives a launch permission signal and a power failure detection signal from the game control device 54. The launch controller 57 launches a game ball at a launch position in accordance with the operation of the launch volume 171 (ie, the rotational operation of the launch operation handle 11) on the condition that the on-data of the launch permission signal has been received. The solenoid 173 is controlled. In addition, signals from the touch sensor 174 and the firing stop switch 175 are input to the firing control device 57. The touch sensor 174 detects whether or not the player has touched the firing operation handle 11 that operates the firing volume 171, and the firing stop switch 175 temporarily stops the firing of the game ball. It is operated by a player.

Note that the ball feed solenoid 172 that sends the game ball to the launch position is directly controlled by the game control device 54. For the control process, the signal from the touch sensor 174 is input not only to the launch control device 57 but also to the game control device 54.
An apparatus that includes the above-described launch solenoid 173 and launches a game ball at a launch position (not shown) into a game area is referred to as a launch device. This launching device is controlled by the game control device 54 via the launch control device 57, and a state in which the launching of the game ball is permitted by the control processing of these control devices (a state in which ON data of the launch permission signal is set) ) Can only launch game balls. In the state where the launch of the game ball is prohibited (the state where the off data of the launch permission signal is set), even if the game ball is at the launch position and the player operates the launch operation handle 11, the game ball is launched. Not. Further, the launching device has a member called a spear for hitting a game ball in order to launch, and the tip of this spear (tip) has a launch position.
Since the number of game balls fired by the operation of the firing operation handle 11 is regulated to 100 shots per minute according to a predetermined rule, the launch control device 57 controls the ball feed solenoid 172 to control 100 shots / minute. It is set to be within the range of (one ball is fired in approximately 0.6 seconds (s)).

(Operation display device)
As described above, the operation display device 7 is connected to the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52, and the operation display device 7 exchanges signals with the card unit 15.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation display device 7.
The operation display device 7 is composed of a liquid crystal display with a touch panel that can be operated by a player touching the touch panel with a finger. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation display device 7 displays a ball rental rate. A display 301, a remaining amount display 302 for displaying the remaining amount of a prepaid card (for example, a visitor card) are provided, a ball lending button 303, a return button 304, a storage / replay button 305, a message / operation An area portion 306 is arranged.

The ball lending rate display 301 displays a ball lending rate when lending a game ball from the card unit 15. For example, when lending one ball at 4 yen, a display of “ball lending: 4 yen per ball” is displayed. To do. In addition, when lending a ball for 1 yen, the display “ball lending: 1 yen per ball” is displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 of this example, it is possible to lend a ball at a rate of 4 yen per ball or 1 yen per ball.
The remaining amount display unit 302 displays the remaining amount of a prepaid card (for example, a visitor card). At this time, the remaining amount is displayed in units of 1 yen, for example, the remaining amount “10000 yen”.
A ball lending button 303 is operated when the player wants to lend a predetermined number of balls, and a return button 304 is operated when the player desires to return a game card (including a prepaid card (for example, a visitor card)). Is. In addition, the store / replay button 305 stores a ball acquired by a player using a unique membership card called a house card, or uses a ball stored in a member card. And is operated when replaying.
The message / operation area unit 306 is a place where a member having a membership card inputs a personal identification number, displays a business message, and displays the number of stored balls during storage and replay. In addition, the message / operation area unit 306 also displays the number of ball lending. The message / operation area unit 306 is arranged in the pachinko machine 1, but is configured to be controlled and managed by the card unit 15.

For example, at the start of the game, when the player inserts a 1000 yen banknote into the cash slot 202 of the card unit 15, the ball lending degree corresponding to the amount of the inserted banknote is displayed in the message / operation area unit 306. When the player presses the ball lending button 303, the ball lending addition processing is performed within the range of the displayed ball lending number, and the number of balls increased as a result of this ball lending addition processing is displayed on the ball number display 40. Is displayed. For example, when the ball lending button 303 is pressed once, the ball lending is performed five times, the number of balls held is increased by 125, for example, and the number of balls held displayed on the ball holding number display 40 is also increased by 125.
On the other hand, if the player wishes to lend a ball within the range of the frequency of a game card (including a prepaid card (eg, a visitor card)), the player inserts the game card into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15. The remaining number of balls remaining in the game card is displayed in the message / operation area 306. Next, when the player operates the ball lending button 303 of the message / operation area unit 306, the ball lending (number of balls held) within a range of the valuable value information (ball lending number) recorded on the game card. And the number of balls lent out is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40. In this case, not only the pure ball lending number is displayed on the ball holding number display 40 but the ball lending number is added to the previous ball holding number so that the total number of balls is displayed. 40. Therefore, when the previous number of balls held = 0, only the number of balls lent is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40.
Further, when the player wishes to lend a ball within the range of the number of stored balls recorded in the game card, the player inserts the game card into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15, and the message / operation area unit 306. When the member's password is entered on the screen, the number of stored balls remaining in the game card is displayed in the message / operation area 306. Next, when the player operates the ball lending button 303 of the message / operation area unit 306, the player can use a predetermined number of stored balls (increase the number of held balls) within the range of the number of stored balls recorded on the game card. The number of used balls is displayed on the holding ball number display 40. In this case, the total number of balls is displayed on the number-of-balls display 401 in a form in which the number of used balls from the stored ball is added to the previous number of balls.

Further, in the case of the game end, when the settlement switch 311 is pressed, the game card in which the number of balls is recorded is ejected from the card unit 15. The player holds the ejected game card and inserts it into the card settlement machine 83, so that the card settlement machine 83 settles it (for example, a prize exchange receipt is ejected and can be exchanged for a prize at the counter in the hall). The settlement switch valid display LED 313 is lit when settlement is possible.
When the break switch 312 is pressed, the game card is ejected and the gaming machine is in a state where it cannot play. The break switch valid display LED 314 is lit when a break is possible.

When the game ball is won, the game control device 54 electronically increases the number of balls held by the player (that is, the number of balls stored in the game value storage means by performing the ball addition process). And the like are displayed on the number-of-balls display 40.
The operation display device 7 described above is connected to the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52 as shown in FIG. Is sent to the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52, and the operation display device 7 displays the remaining amount of the prepaid card based on a signal output from the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52. .
The card unit connection terminal plate 52 is a board mainly for wiring connection between the pachinko machine 1 side and the card unit 15 side. Is controlled to be impossible to fire.

In this example, the operation display device 7 is provided with a return button 304 for performing a game card return operation. The return button 304 is operated when the player desires to return the game card before starting the game. For example, a game card is purchased and the game card is inserted into the card unit 15 of a certain gaming machine, but the user changes his mind and moves to another table.
It should be noted that when the game is started, a control for deleting the return button 304 from the screen of the operation display device 7 may be performed.
Further, although different from the first embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the number of balls held is settled with the settlement switch 311 and transferred to the game card, and the game card is ejected with the return button 304.

(Batch display device)
Next, a detailed configuration of the collective display device 35 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of the collective display device 35. 8A, the collective display device 35 includes a special figure 1 display 351, a special figure 2 display 352, a special figure 1 hold LED 353, a special figure 2 hold LED 354, a winning display LED 355, a universal figure LED 356, and a general figure hold LED 357. , A round display LED 358 and a status display LED 359, and these elements are integrally formed on the substrate of the collective display device 35.
The special figure 1 indicator 351 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the special figure 1 (including fluctuation display, stop state display, etc.). Various display modes are adopted depending on which segment is lit (or blinks) among the seven-segment LEDs. The various display modes are, for example, “outside” stop, “big hit” stop, “being fluctuated”, etc., for Special Figure 1.
Similarly, the special figure 2 indicator 352 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the special figure 2 (including a change display, a stop state display, etc.). Various display modes are adopted depending on which segment is lit (or blinks) among the seven-segment LEDs. The various display modes are, for example, “outside” stop, “big hit” stop, “being changed”, etc., for the special figure 2.

  Note that, as described above, the variable display game according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is that when the game ball enters the first start winning opening 25 and a special figure start winning (first start winning) occurs, When the first variation display game by the variation display of the decoration special figure 1 is performed on the display device 41 and the game ball enters the second start prize opening 26, a special figure start prize (second start prize) occurs. The display device 41 performs the second variation display game based on the variation display of the decoration special figure 2, but displays the aspects of the variable display game of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 instead of the decoration special figure. These are the special figure 1 display 351 and the special figure 2 display 352 arranged in the collective display device 35.

The special figure 1 hold LED 353 displays the number of the special figure 1 held. The special figure 1 hold number indicates that the game ball enters the first start winning opening 25 to receive a special figure start prize (first start prize). ) Is the number of holds stored with an upper limit of four.
Similarly, the special figure 2 hold LED 354 displays the hold number of the special figure 2, and the special figure 2 hold number is the special figure start prize (first figure) when the game ball enters the second start prize opening 26. This is the number of suspensions stored with an upper limit of 4 when a (2 start winning) occurs.
As shown in FIG. 8 (c), the special figure 1 hold LED 353 and the special figure 2 hold LED 354 are configured to display one to four hold numbers with three LEDs in this example for common use. Yes. That is, as shown in FIG. 8C, 1 to 4 hold numbers are displayed in the following manner.
-Hold number = 1: One LED at the left end is lit-Hold number = 2: One second LED from the left end is lit-Hold number = 3: One third LED from the left end is lit-Hold number = 4 : All three LEDs are lit. Note that the LEDs may not be lit but may be blinking.

The winning display LED 355 displays the number of winning balls corresponding to winning in the winning opening, and corresponds to a winning display device. Here, winning a prize opening means all winning a prize outlets with a winning ball discharge (a process of actually paying out a ball or adding to the number of possessed balls in the case of an enclosed ball type). 25, 26, the big winning opening 27a of the variable winning apparatus 27, and the general winning openings 28-31.
In the case of the present embodiment, since the pachinko machine 1 is an enclosed ball type gaming machine, a winning ball corresponding to winning in the winning opening is added to the number of balls held. On the other hand, in a normal gaming machine, the winning ball corresponding to the winning at the winning opening is actually discharged (paid out) to the upper plate.
The number of winning balls associated with winning a prize is as follows.
・ Large winning opening 27a = 13 ・ Starting winning opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting winning opening 26 (Fuden) = 1 ・ General winning opening 28-31 = 10 The winning display LED 355 consists of two 7-segment LEDs, A 2-digit number can be displayed as the number of winning balls. The display time of the number of prize balls is as follows.
-Normal mode (normal gaming state) = 1 second (s)
(Small hits and medium hits are included in the normal mode)
・ Special mode (big hit, probability fluctuation, short time (under normal power support) = 0.5 seconds (s)
Note that the special mode is a concept indicating a state where there is a high possibility that a game ball will win continuously, such as during a big hit.

The general-purpose LED 356 is composed of a single LED, and performs normal-state display (including change display, stop state display, and the like). As the display mode, for example, “out of contact” stop = light-off, “hit” stop = light on, “during change” = blinking.
The multi-purpose hold LED 357 displays the number of general-purpose holds, and the general-purpose hold number indicates that when the game ball passes the general-purpose start gate 32, the general-purpose LED 356 of the collective display device 35 is activated. A normal figure state display is performed, and at the same time, the display part 41a displays a normal figure change display game by a change display of the normal figure as a decorative general figure state display. In this way, the game ball has passed the normal figure start gate 32. In this case, it is the number of holds stored with an upper limit of four.
As shown in FIG. 8 (c), the common map hold LED 357 is composed of 1 to 4 LEDs in the present example for common use, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), like the special map 1 hold LED 353 and the special map 2 hold LED 354 described above. It has a structure that can display the number of holds on the map. In addition, the display mode of the usual number of hold is the same as the example of FIG. 8C, and detailed description is omitted.

The round display LED 358 displays the number of rounds when a big hit with the start winning in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 occurs and executes the big hit game. As shown in FIG. For this reason, in this example, four types of rounds can be displayed with four LEDs.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, three types of rounds are displayed in the following manner.
• ○ + (2) = 2 rounds displayed • ○ + (11) = 11 rounds displayed • ○ + (16) = 16 rounds displayed In the above, ○ indicates lighting of one LED. Also, (2), (11), and (16) are the stickers on which the numbers (2), (11), and (16) are drawn on the surface of the main body of the collective display device 35 on the front side of the LEDs. In addition, the display corresponding to the number of rounds is performed by three LEDs. For example, a sheet may be used instead of the seal.

As a result, if the LED corresponding to the sticker (2) is lit, it is easily understood that there are two rounds. Similarly, if the LED corresponding to the seal (11) is lit, it is known that the round is 11 rounds, and if the LED corresponding to the seal (16) is lit, it is understood that the round is 16 rounds. Become.
When two rounds of display are performed, one LED corresponding to “◯” and two LEDs corresponding to the seal (2) are lit simultaneously. This is the same when displaying 11 rounds and 16 rounds, and one LED corresponding to ○ is turned on together. Also, in other round games, only one LED corresponding to ○ is lit. Each LED may be blinking instead of lighting.
Note that the round display LED 358 has four LEDs, one of which does not correspond to the seal, but the LED may be used as a spare. That is, when the number of rounds is four, four types of rounds can be expressed by lighting the four LEDs corresponding to the number of rounds.

Also, sticking the numbers (2), (11), and (16) on the main body surface of the collective display device 35 on the front side of the LED is a big hit round, depending on the model of the pachinko machine 1 Since the number may change, it is possible to change to the difference in the number of rounds, etc. as long as the seal is changed, so that such a flexible response is possible.
In addition, the performance indication of the model is also written on the seal. The performance display includes, for example, model name, jackpot probability (including a high probability at the time of probability change and a low probability at the normal time), a probability change ratio, the maximum number of jackpots (the limit value of the number of jackpots), the number of winning balls, and the like. The performance display by the sticker may be described in a place different from the collective display device 35 (that is, the sticker may be pasted in another place).

  The state display LED 359 displays the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 and is composed of two LEDs. As the display of the gaming state, for example, “probability variation state” and “time saving state” are displayed by lighting (or blinking) each one LED.

F. 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.
At the beginning of the game (or before the game), the customer is waiting (during the demonstration), and a command for instructing the display of the customer waiting screen is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, On the display unit 41a of the display device 41, a customer waiting screen (moving image or still image) is displayed.

  When the player inserts a game card, for example, into the card unit 15 and performs a ball lending operation with a predetermined unit frequency (presses the ball lending button 303 of the operation display device 7 once, for example), a predetermined number of balls (For example, 125) are added and displayed by the ball number indicator 40 of the lower panel 6. At this time, the ball lending number data (valuable value information) of the game card is reduced by the predetermined number (for example, five degrees corresponding to 500 yen). Note that the number of balls possessed corresponds to the game value which is the profit of the player as described above, and the data on the number of balls possessed is stored in the RAM 113 (game value storage means) in the game control device 54, for example.

When the player operates the firing operation handle 11 with the above-mentioned number of possessed balls, 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 placed is special. When the winning winning opening 25 or 26 shown in the figure is won (that is, when there is a special drawing starting prize), the collective display device 35 displays the variation of the special drawing 1 or the special drawing 2 and the decorative special drawing. A command for instructing a variable display is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and a display (for example, scrolling) in which the decorative special figure (consisting of numbers, characters, symbols, patterns, etc.) is changed (for example, scrolled) on the display 41a A so-called fluctuation display game is performed, and a special figure fluctuation display game (hereinafter referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game) 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 on the game area 22 becomes out or safe, passes through the game area 22 and then flows down to the game ball inlet 71 of the circulation device 55. Will be. 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 Control means for increasing the game value, which is the player's profit, according to the game result, and by collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them to the launch position, the enclosed game balls can be recycled and used. It is a concept of an enclosed ball type gaming machine that performs a game.

  Here, increasing the game value, which is the player's profit, according to the game result of the game ball fired in the game area, in other words, 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 (game value) is increased in correspondence with the predetermined number of prize balls. For example, the game ball becomes safe or out If it is determined that it is safe, for example, the number of balls held by the player is increased. “Safe” corresponds to a ball entering a winning opening (including general winning openings 28 to 31 and start winning openings 25, 26, etc.).

In addition, the game value (for example, the number of possessed balls) that is a profit of the player according to the game result is increased. In addition to the prize ball being added to the number of retained balls based on the safe ball, Including special cases where a special game condition) occurs and the big prize opening is opened, and a lot of prize balls are added to the number of possessed balls by winning a game ball in the big prize opening. This is equivalent to increasing the game value. Note that the gaming value that is the profit of the player is not necessarily limited to the number of balls corresponding to the number of game balls, and the number of points may be used instead of the number of balls held. However, in this example, unless otherwise indicated, the embodiment uses a number of balls that corresponds to the number of game balls as the game value.
Further, the game value (the number of possessed balls or the number of points) is added according to 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 game value, 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 jackpot state, a command for instructing display of a jackpot screen for directing the jackpot state or informing the player of the number of rounds of jackpot is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53 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 that generates 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 suddenness (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 fluctuation display game or in the big hit, a special figure 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, the aforementioned usual figure variation display game is performed. Since this ordinary map display game has been described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

Here, when it is determined that the game ball is safe and the number of balls held by the player is increased, the ball enters the winning port (including the general winning ports 28 to 31 and the starting winning ports 25, 26, etc.). In addition, when a big hit occurs and shifts to the big win state, the bonus winning hole 27a of the variable winning device 27 is temporarily within a range not exceeding a specified time (for example, 30 seconds), for example, for a period up to ten winnings. The jackpot round to be released is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds, and the player wins a large number of winnings.
In this case, all the winning balls associated with winning are displayed by the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35. The winning here is all winnings that involve winning ball discharge (a process of actually paying out balls or adding to the number of balls in the case of an enclosed ball type). , 26, the large winning opening 27a of the variable winning apparatus 27, and the general winning openings 28-31. Regardless of which winning ball is won in any of these winning holes, a predetermined time is displayed by a winning display LED 355 consisting of two 7-segment balls (the normal mode is 1 second and the special mode is 0.5 seconds). Therefore, the player can easily know where on the board (game board 20) the prize is won and how many prize balls are obtained. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not lower the interest of the game.

G. Operation of Control System Next, the control contents of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Routine 1) Main Process of Game Control Device First, the main process of the game control device 54 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 (not shown) of the power supply 58 that supplies power to the game control device 54 is turned on, the power supply 58 is reset at a predetermined timing (in a predetermined reset period when the power is turned on). When the signal is input to the game control device 54 and the reset terminal of the CPU 111 is turned on, and then the reset signal is 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 and the like of the game control device 54, it is necessary to turn on the power switch while turning on the initialization switch (not shown) of the power device. Note that the RAM 113 is denoted as RWM in FIG.

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, and then an off signal (2) is sent to all output ports. 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. .

  After step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, 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 S30 to prohibit RWM access (access to the RAM 113), and then waits. If a power failure has not occurred, the effect control board (the effect control device 53) is executed in the next step S6. It is determined whether or not a waiting time waiting for activation has elapsed. If the waiting wait time has not elapsed, the routine returns to step S5 and the routine is repeated. When the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S7 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 S13. On the other hand, if the power is turned on without pressing the initialization switch, the process proceeds to step S8 to determine whether or not all the values in the power failure inspection areas 1 and 2 of the RAM 113 are normal power interruption inspection area check data. If so, the process proceeds to step S9 assuming that the power is restored (when the power is restored), and if abnormal (if not stored normally), the process proceeds to step S13 assuming that the power is normally turned on. The power failure inspection area check data is set in step S28 described later. In this step S8, since it is determined whether or not it is a power failure recovery time based on a plurality of check data as described above, it is highly reliable to determine whether or not it is a power failure recovery time.

Next, in step S9, a checksum of data in the RAM 113 (RWM) is calculated, and in step S10, it is compared with the checksum at the time of power-off, and it is determined whether or not the value is normal (match). If the checksum is not normal (that is, when the data in the RAM 113 is corrupted), the process proceeds to step S13, and if the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step S11.
In step S11, 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) is transmitted to the effect control device 53 in step S12. After step S12, the process proceeds to step S16.

  The command at the time of power failure recovery (power failure recovery command) includes information notifying the state at the time of power failure (game state, rest state, settlement state). For example, when a power failure occurs during a break, information indicating that the user is resting (for example, the same as a break start command in step S344 described later) may be included in the power failure recovery command. For example, the production control device 53 that has received the message when the power failure is restored restarts the display on the display device 41 that informs the user of the break that has been executed at the time of the power failure after the power failure is restored. In addition, when there is a power failure during settlement, information indicating that settlement is in progress (for example, the same as the settlement start command in step S284 described later) may be included in this power failure recovery command. For example, the production control device 53 that has received the message at the time of the power failure recovery restarts the display on the display device 41 for notifying the settlement being executed at the time of the power failure after the power failure recovery. Accordingly, the player can clearly recognize that the state at the time of the power failure is stored in the RAM 113 and the state is resumed at the time of the power failure recovery, and the player does not feel uneasy at the time of the power failure recovery.

Next, when jumping to step S13 by turning on the power while pressing the initialization switch, or when jumping from step S8 or S10 to step S13, the processing of steps S13 to 15 including this step S13 is performed.
When processing proceeds to step S13 and subsequent steps, processing such as initialization of data (excluding the access-prohibited area) in the RAM 113 of the game control device 54 is performed. That is, in step S13, 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 S14, 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 53 is performed in step S15. 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 53, performs initialization such as setting the operation position of the motor of the frame effect device to the initial position. .

After step S15, the start notification signal ON data is output to the hall computer 86 in step S16, and then the start notification command is transmitted to the ball holding management device 85 in step S17. The activation notification signal on data and the activation notification command are activation information for notifying other devices that the game control device 54 (control means) has been activated. By receiving this activation information, other devices can confirm that the communication line with the game control device 54 is normal in addition to the game control device 54 being activated. Here, as long as the game control device 54 is activated, the activation notification signal ON data is continuously output to the hall computer 86 that is an external device. As information for notifying such activation, conventionally, for example, a security signal was output only for a certain time (one pulse) after activation, but in this embodiment, the game control device 54 functions by power interruption or power failure. It is configured to continuously output until it stops or shuts down. That is, the on data of the activation notification signal is maintained as on data until it is turned off in step S27, for example. As a result, the hall computer 86, which is an external device, can continuously monitor abnormalities in the communication line with the game control device 54, including when the power is turned on.
The hall computer 86 and the ball management device 85 that have received the activation information will know that the pachinko machine 1 has been activated based on the activation information, and clear the RAM area corresponding to the pachinko machine 1. Prepare for information collection.

After step S17, the process proceeds to step S18 to set a ball polishing motor operation timer (described later), and then in step S19, for example, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) provided in the CPU 111 is activated. CTC is a circuit for timer interrupt.
Next, in step S20, 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 processing in step S22 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 symbols), 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 S20 and S22 are, for example, jackpot random numbers, random numbers per common figure, and jackpot symbol random numbers 1 and 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 S21, interruption is permitted, and in the next step S22, 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 S23, the number of checks of the power failure monitoring signal (for example, 2 times) is set, and in the next step S24, it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is turned on. The process proceeds to step S25, and if not turned on, the process returns to step S22. During normal operation, steps S22 to S24 are repeated.

And when it progresses to step S25, 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 finally determine that a power failure has occurred, and proceed to step S26. If negative, it is determined that a power failure has not occurred, and the process returns to step S24.
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 after step S26. However, with the configuration of this example, the power failure monitoring signal is turned on temporarily and instantaneously due to noise or the like even though no power failure has actually occurred since the power failure monitoring signal is checked for multiple times in step S25. In this case, there is an advantage that it is not erroneously determined that a power failure has occurred.

In step S26, after interrupts are prohibited, all outputs are turned off in the next step S27 (off data is output to all output ports), and then a power failure information setting process is executed in step S28. 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 S28, in the next step S29, a checksum of the data in the RAM 113 is calculated and saved in a predetermined checksum area. Next, in step S30, access to the RAM 113 is prohibited, and the process waits.
In addition, the power failure process of the above steps S26-S30 is performed before a power supply voltage falls below the operating voltage of CPU111 by a power failure (a normal power supply interruption is included).

(Routine 2) Timer Interrupt Processing of Game Control Device Next, the timer interrupt processing of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
This timer interrupt process is started by the processes of steps S19 and S21 in the main process described above, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timer interrupt cycle.

  In this timer interrupt process, first, in step S41, register saving or interrupt prohibition is executed as necessary, and then the input process in step S42 is executed. In this input process, each of the above-described sensors (start port switches 120 and 121, gate switch 122, winning port switch 123, count switch 124, etc., etc., including enclosed ball control such as switches 161 to 165 in FIG. 6) (Including various switches necessary for the above)). 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 S43, an output process for setting and outputting the output data set in steps S50, S52, S57, S58, S59, S60, and S61, which will be described later, to the corresponding output port is executed, and then in step S44. Perform card unit connection confirmation processing. The card unit connection confirmation process is for confirming whether the card unit 15 is turned on, whether communication between the card unit 15 and the pachinko machine 1 can be normally performed, etc. (details will be described later).

  Next, in steps S45 and S46, random number update processes 1 and 2 are executed, respectively. 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. The variation pattern random number may directly determine all of the variation modes, but in this example, the effect control device 53 determines the 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 production control device 53 determines a specific variation mode based on the determined variation time and reach system.

Next, timer update processing is performed in step S47. Thereby, the update of various timers handled by the processing in the game program is performed in an integrated manner. For example, the initial value setting, value determination, and processing based on the determination result are performed by another routine, but if the initial value is set, the update may be performed by the timer update processing. In addition, a timer used for determination in steps S203, S221, S282, S302, S342, which will be described later, may be updated as described above. For example, as in the present embodiment such as step S202, this is applicable. You may update by routine.
Next, switch monitoring processing is performed in step S48. This is because the input flags (input flags such as the launch ball detection switch 161, the foul ball detection switch 162, the out ball detection switch 163, etc.) set as described above are monitored, and the number of balls held by the launch is reduced. Processing for enclosing ball control such as increase or decrease of the number of balls is performed (details will be described later).
Next, an error monitoring process is executed in step S49. This is a process for monitoring the undetected error of each sensor described above, the open state of the glass frame 5, and the like. It should be noted that unauthorized winnings other than when the special winning opening 27a and the public power supply 26 are not open are monitored in the process of step S56 described later.

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 ・ Board ball number error
-Enclosed ball number error (described later with reference to FIG. 18)

The enclosing ball number error includes the following.
(A) Enclosed ball number shortage error (b) Enclosed ball number excessive error (c) Enclosed path error error There are other card unit unconnected errors as errors, but this is the card unit in step S44 described above. It is monitored by connection confirmation processing (details will be described later).

  Next, a firing permission signal editing process is performed in step S50. This is when the firing permission signal ON data is set when the firing is possible, and when the card unit 15 is not connected (for example, when a card unit connection confirmation flag (step S71) described later is not set). Launch permission signal off data (cannot be fired) is set. This includes, for example, a forced firing process in which a ball remaining at the launch tip (the launch rod is actuated by the launch solenoid 173) at the time of a power failure is fired when the power is turned on (details will be described later).

Next, in step S51, it is determined whether or not all card unit communication line confirmations in step S44 are OK. This is because the board (card unit connection terminal board 52) for wiring connection between the pachinko machine 1 side (game control device 54 side) and the card unit 15 side is connected and the confirmation result of the communication line is OK. The process branches depending on whether or not. If the card unit communication line confirmation is OK, step S52, step S53, and step S54 are sequentially executed and the process proceeds to step S55. If not OK, the process jumps to step S59 without executing steps S52 to S58.
Since steps S52 to S58 are processes for substantially starting and advancing the game, as will be described later, if the determination in step S51 is negative, the game is not started and does not proceed. means. That is, in this example, if the communication line between the game control device 54 and the card unit 15 is not normally connected, the game is not substantially advanced. As a result, it becomes difficult to illegally acquire the number of balls by an unauthorized input to the game control device 54 using this communication line, and the effect of improving security can be obtained.

  If all card unit communication line confirmations are OK in step S51 (specifically, if the determination result in step S76 in FIG. 11 described later is affirmative), a ball feed control process is performed in step S52. This includes setting the ON data of the ball feed solenoid 172 when the conditions for sending the ball to the launch position are complete, and processing to send the ball to the launch position, as well as powering the ball remaining at the launch pad during a power failure A process of turning off the ball feed solenoid 172 in order to cope with an empty shot at the time of charging is also included (details will be described later).

  Next, in step S53, settlement / rest control processing is performed. This monitors the behavior of the settlement switch 311 and the break switch 312 and performs processing related to settlement and break (details will be described later). Next, card unit reception analysis processing is performed in step S54. This is to analyze the signal received from the card unit 15 by the game control device 54 (details will be described later). After step S54, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, it is determined whether the account is being settled or rested based on a later-described settlement control process number or break control process number. For example, if the settlement control process number is any of 2 to 4, it is determined that settlement is in progress, and if the break control process number is any of 2 to 3, it is determined that a break is in progress. If the settlement control process number is 1, it is determined that the settlement is not being performed, and if the break control process number is 1, it is determined that the rest is not being performed.

If it is during settlement or rest, the process jumps from step S56 to step S58 and proceeds to step S59. This is to jump to step S59 without executing steps S56 to S58 related to the progress of the game in order to prevent the enclosed ball game from being performed during settlement or rest.
If it is not in the process of paying out or taking a break, the process proceeds to step S56, 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 addition of the number of balls of 15 prize balls (awarding) is executed (details will be described later).

  Next, in step S57, 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 (result form) of the special figure stop pattern, and the process of setting the change form of the special figure Is done.

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 53 is set in accordance with the game state of the special display variable display game.

Next, in step S58, 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 53 or the like in accordance with the usual variable display game state is performed.
After step S58, the process proceeds to step S59. The process proceeds to step S59 when the process proceeds through step S58, as described above, when the determination result of step S51 is NO, and when the determination result of step S55 is YES. In step S59, external information editing processing is executed. This edits data to be output from the game control device 54 to an external device such as the hall computer 86 or the card unit 15 (described later).

Next, an LED editing process is performed in step S60. This is a process for various LEDs (for example, error display LED 64, number-of-balls display 40, settlement switch valid display LED 313, break switch valid display LED 314, collective display 35, various indicators and processing related to LED display. In this LED editing process, the special display symbol determined in the special graphic game process in step S57, the general graphic determined in the general graphic game process in step S58, and other information are displayed on the collective display device 35. Processing for displaying on the various display devices and LEDs is also included.
Next, a ball polishing motor control process is performed in step S61. This is a process for operating and inactivating the ball polishing motor (that is, the polishing apparatus motor 59) (details will be described later).
After step S61, to resume the main routine, the timer interrupt request is cleared in step S62, the saved register is restored in step S63, the interrupt is permitted in step S64, and the interrupt is interrupted. Return to the process that was performed.

(Routine 3) Card Unit Connection Confirmation Process of Game Control Device Next, the card unit connection confirmation process S44 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, connection confirmation processing is first performed in step S71. In this connection confirmation process, the voltage of the input (VL input) connected to the power supply line of the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52 is turned on (that is, the voltage is higher than the specified value). Whether or not) is determined. If the voltage of the VL input is turned on as a result of this determination, for example, a card unit connection confirmation flag indicating that the card unit 15 is turned on and connected to the game control device 54 is set.

Next, in step S72, it is determined whether or not the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. If the power is turned on, steps S73 to S75 are sequentially executed, and then the process proceeds to step S76. It returns without executing S73 and subsequent steps.
It should be noted that the power-on period may be, for example, the period until it can be determined normal in steps S73 to S75, or a period other than that may be set.
Here, in step S73, the communication line confirmation process 1 is executed, in step S74, the communication line confirmation process 2 is executed, and in step S75, the communication line confirmation process 3 is executed.
The communication line confirmation process 1 is a process for confirming whether or not communication is properly possible in the communication line of the communication method 1. The communication line confirmation process 2 is a process for confirming whether or not communication is properly possible in the communication line of the communication method 2. The communication line confirmation process 3 is a process for confirming whether or not communication is properly possible in the communication line of the communication method 3.

Each communication method is as follows.
The first communication method is a communication method for transmitting / receiving unencrypted data (so-called plaintext) (a method that does not perform at least hardware encryption and decryption).
The second communication method is a communication method for transmitting and receiving hardware-encrypted data. The data transmitted after being encrypted on the game control device 54 side can be decrypted on the card unit 15 side, and on the card unit 15 side. This is a communication method that allows the game control device 54 to decrypt the data transmitted after encryption. The ID-related communication includes transmission / reception of a card ID of a game card.
The third communication method is a communication method in which only data transmitted on the game control device 54 side can be encrypted, and only data received on the game control device 54 side can be decrypted. On the card unit 15 side, the encryption circuit is also decrypted. This is a communication method in which neither encryption nor decryption is possible because there is no encryption circuit.
In addition, each confirmation process of step S73 thru | or S75 determines whether communication is possible appropriately, for example by actually transmitting / receiving the information for confirmation. Further, the confirmation processes in steps S73 to S75 are all the same and can be shared. Although the three types of communication methods 1 to 3 are different in terminal, since encryption and decryption are performed by hardware (not performed by software), it is not necessary to change the confirmation processing method and can be shared. .

  In step S76, if the confirmation result of all the card unit communication lines (communication lines 1 to 3 in the above-described steps S73 to S75) is OK (that is, communication is possible properly), the process proceeds to step S77. In step S77, after the activation notification command is transmitted to the card unit 15, the process returns. If any one of these card unit communication line confirmation results is not OK, the process returns without executing step S77. As a result, if any one of the card unit communication line confirmation results is not OK, the process of step S51 described above is controlled so that the game cannot be performed without executing steps S52 to S58 (FIG. 12). At the same time, the activation notification command is not transmitted from the game control device 54 to the card unit 15.

If this activation notification command is not transmitted to the card unit 15, the card unit 15 basically does not operate (for example, processing for lending a ball is not performed).
Further, the game control device 54 performs the command from the card unit 15 in this card unit connection confirmation process (that is, step S44 of the timer interruption process) until the communication with the card unit 15 is confirmed to be normal in the above steps S73 to S75. If it is confirmed that it is normal, the command is received from the card unit 15 in the card unit reception analysis process (ie, step S54 of the timer interrupt process).

(Routine 4) Switch Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the switch monitoring process S48 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first the launch ball detection switch monitoring process is performed in step S81, then the foul ball detection switch monitoring process is performed in step S82, and then the out ball detection switch monitoring process is performed in step S83. Then return.

(Routine 5) Launch Ball Detection Switch Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the launch ball detection switch monitoring process S81 in the switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S91 whether or not there has been an input to the fired ball detection switch 161 (that is, whether or not a game ball to be fired has been detected). If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S92 where the value of the number of balls held is updated (decremented) by "-1", and the value of the number of board balls is updated (incremented) by "+1" in the next step S93, and the process returns. .

According to the routine from step S91 to step S93, each time one game ball is fired, the number of board balls is incremented by one, and the number of possessed balls is 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). Here, the process of step S92 constitutes a firing subtraction process for reducing the number of possessed balls (game value) in response to the game balls being launched into the game area.
Next, the process proceeds to step S94, and the number-of-balls display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and “−1” is saved in the updated number-of-balls storage area corresponding to the light counter in step S95. This is because when one game ball is fired, it is necessary to decrement the number of possessed balls by one, so the value of the updated possessed ball number storage area is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the number of possessed balls is displayed. This is because one unit 40 is subtracted and displayed. After step S95, the process returns.

(Routine 6) Foul Ball Detection Switch Monitoring Processing of Game Control Device Next, the foul ball detection switch monitoring processing S82 in the switch monitoring processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S101 whether there is an input to the foul ball detection switch 162 (that is, whether a foul ball has been detected). If there is no input, the process returns. If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S102 to update (increment) the value of the number of balls held by "+1", and in the next step S103, update the value of the board ball number to "-1" (decrement) and return. .
According to the routine from step S101 to step S103, each time a 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 balls held Is added. The reason for adding the number of balls is because it was a foul, so that there was no fire so as not to lose the player.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S104 where the number-of-balls display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and “+1” is saved in the updated number-of-balls storage area corresponding to the light counter in step S105. This is because every time a foul ball is collected, it is necessary to add one to the number of balls, so the value of the updated number of stored balls is updated (incremented) by “+1” and the number of balls held is displayed. This is because one device 40 is added and displayed. After step S105, the process returns.

(Routine 7) Out-ball detection switch monitoring process of game control device Next, the out-ball detection switch monitoring process S83 in the switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S111 whether or not there has been an input to the out sphere detection switch 163 (that is, an out sphere has been detected). If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S112, and the value of the number of outs is updated (incremented) by "+1". In the next step S113, it is determined whether the number of outs is 10 or more. Proceed to step S116. If the out number is 10 or more, the value of the out number signal output count is updated (incremented) by “+1” in step S114, and the out number value is set to zero (cleared to 0) in the next step S115. The process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, it is determined whether a board surface ball number error is in progress. If a board surface ball number error is in progress (specifically, a board surface ball number error flag in FIG. 19 described later is set), step S117 is performed. If the board ball number error is not in progress (specifically, if the board ball number error flag of FIG. 19 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step S118.
In step S117, it is determined whether or not the front frame release error is in progress. If the front frame release error is in progress (specifically, if the front frame release error flag in FIG. 20 described later is set), the process returns. If it is not during the front frame release error (specifically, if the front frame release error flag in FIG. 20 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step S118.
In step S118, the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process returns.

  According to this routine, every time one out ball is collected, one board ball number is subtracted. However, if there is a board surface ball number error and a front frame opening error, it is considered that the front frame (glass frame 5) is opened and the board surface ball number error (such as a ball jam in the game area) is being solved. Therefore, the subtraction of the board ball number in step S118 is not executed. When the operation for eliminating the board surface ball number error (ball jam in the game area, etc.) is completed and the front frame is closed, the board surface ball number is cleared by an error release switch monitoring process of FIG. 17 described later (step S134). ).

Note that the out balls detected in step S111 include both game balls that have been fired and have become safe (winning) and game balls that have been out (no winning). That is, the number of outs means the number of all game balls that are discharged and collected from the game area. The out number signal is one piece of external information output to the hall computer 86 (management device). As the out number signal, one pulse signal is output for ten out balls. Therefore, in steps S112 to S115, 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 increased by 1, and the number of outs is cleared to zero. Thereby, the number of times (the number of pulses) of outputting the out number signal (signal for 10 out balls) is counted as the out number signal output number.
When editing of the out number signal is completed in the out number signal editing process (step S455), which will be described later, the out number signal output count is decremented by 1, and the edited out number signal is output in the above-described output process (step S43). Is done.
In addition, even if a board surface ball number error occurs by step S116 and S117, if the glass frame 5 is not opened, step S118 is executed and the board surface ball number is updated. When the player hits the front surface of the glass frame 5 or when the game ball is resolved by the collision of the game balls, the error is released without operating the error release switch 65. Troublesome for both shoppers and shop assistants.

(Routine 8) Error Monitoring Processing of Game Control Device Next, error monitoring processing S49 in the timer interruption processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, the error release switch monitoring process in step S121, the enclosed ball number monitoring process in step S122, the board ball number error monitoring process in step S123, the frame opening error monitoring process in step S124, and the switch abnormality in step S125 After the monitoring process, the radio wave fraud monitoring process at step S126, the magnet fraud monitoring process at step S127, and the vibration fraud monitoring process at step S128 are sequentially executed, the process returns.
The error release switch monitoring process, the enclosed ball number monitoring process, the board ball number error monitoring process, and the frame opening error monitoring process will be described in detail later. The switch abnormality monitoring process is a process for monitoring an abnormality such as a connector disconnection or a switch failure as described in step S49 (FIG. 12). The radio wave fraud monitoring process, the magnet fraud monitoring process, and the vibration fraud monitoring process are processes for monitoring the radio wave fraud, magnet fraud, and vibration fraud described in step S49.

(Routine 9) Error Release Switch Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the error release switch monitoring process S121 in the error monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S131, it is determined whether or not the error release switch 65 is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S132, and if it is not turned on, the process returns. In step S132, the operation of changing the glass frame 5 (front frame) from the open state to the closed state (opening / closing operation of the front frame) is performed by turning on the error release switch 65 based on the output of the first frame opening switch 125. It is determined whether or not it has been detected before being performed (that is, the opening / closing history of the front frame is confirmed based on the opening / closing information set in step S182 of FIG. 20 described later, for example). If this operation (front frame opening / closing operation) is detected, the process proceeds to step S133, and if not detected, the process returns.

  When the process proceeds to step S133, the information that the opening / closing operation of the glass frame 5 has been detected is cleared (that is, the state is returned to the state where there is no such information), and then the number of board balls is cleared in step S134 (that is, In step S135, the ball polishing motor operation timer is set, and in step S136, an error recovery command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 (effect control board). Then return. The presentation control device 53 that has received the error recovery command, for example, “Error” in order to notify that the error is being recovered (that is, that work is being done to eliminate the error in the number of board balls, which will be described later). The display device 41 executes a character display “Recovery is being confirmed.”

  Here, if the board ball number is cleared to zero by the process in step S134, the determination result in step S141 in FIG. 18 described later becomes negative, and the encapsulated ball number excess error flag is cleared in step S142. In this case, the determination result in step S162 of FIG. 19 described later is also negative, and the board ball number error flag is cleared in step S166. However, an encapsulated ball number excess error described later has occurred, and this encapsulated ball number excess error has not actually been resolved (for example, the glass frame 5 is opened to release the clogged ball in the game area and the glass frame 5 Is closed and the error release switch 65 is turned on, but the number of encapsulated spheres continues to be excessive as a whole), the number of encapsulated spheres to be executed as will be described later by processing such as step S135 and step S549 described later. In the confirmation determination process (after step S145 in FIG. 18), for example, step S148 is executed, and the error flag indicating that the number of encapsulated balls is excessive is set again.

  The ball polishing motor operation timer (which is also set in step S18 in FIG. 11) is for operating the polishing apparatus motor 59 to operate the polishing apparatus 56 for a predetermined period even when the game ball is not being fired. This is a timer, and when the value of this ball polishing motor operation timer (the value corresponding to the remaining time until the time is up) is not zero, control is performed so that the polishing apparatus motor 59 operates as long as no ball clogging occurs. (Refer to a ball polishing motor control process in FIG. 47 described later).

  To set the ball polishing motor operation timer, set the specified time (ball polishing operation time; for example, 10 seconds) as the value of the ball polishing motor operation timer, and set the specified time (ball polishing operation time) by the ball polishing motor operation timer. This means that the timekeeping operation is started from the beginning. Therefore, when the ball polishing motor operation timer is set, unless the ball clogging occurs, the polishing apparatus motor 59 is started and operates until the ball polishing motor operation timer expires (that is, the ball polishing operation time). The polishing apparatus 56 is activated only during the period of time).

  Then, when this ball polishing motor operation timer is set and the polishing apparatus motor 59 is activated and operates for a specified time and stops, an encapsulated ball number confirmation request flag is set in step S549 (FIG. 47), which will be described later. Step S145 and subsequent steps of the enclosed ball number confirmation processing in FIG. 18 are executed, and if the cause of the enclosed ball number error (ball clogging, etc.) has been released, step S149 is executed and a flag of the enclosed ball number error (insufficient ball number shortage) The error flag or the enclosed path abnormality error flag) is released.

  For this reason, according to the routine of FIG. 17, the glass frame 5 is closed after being opened, and then the error release switch 65 is turned on to clear the board surface ball number and the above-mentioned board surface ball number error flag is set. In addition, after the polishing apparatus 56 is operated for a specified ball polishing operation time, processing for confirming the number of encapsulated balls (steps S146, S147, etc. described later) is executed. As a result, there is an abnormality that causes the number of board balls to exceed the specified number due to clogging of game balls (board board ball number error), or an enclosed ball number error (enclosed ball number excess error, enclosed ball number insufficient error, enclosure path error error). When it occurs, when a store clerk or the like of the amusement hall opens the glass frame 5 and manually closes the glass frame 5 after solving the clogging (or shortage of balls), and then turns on the error release switch 65, This error detection state (the state where the error flag is set) is automatically canceled. Therefore, there is an effect that the error can be canceled accurately and smoothly.

  In other words, the error detection state cannot be canceled simply by turning on the error cancel switch 65, and the error canceling accuracy can be improved because it cannot be canceled unless the ball clogging is actually resolved. Further, in order to increase the accuracy, it is not necessary to perform another operation, but an additional condition is to open and close the glass frame 5 which is an operation that is absolutely necessary for releasing the ball clogging. Error cancellation can be realized. In the process of FIG. 17, the error flag (for example, the excessive ball error error flag or the board ball error flag) is not cleared, but the board ball number is cleared in step S134, and the enclosed ball number confirmation is performed in step S135. By setting the conditions for executing the processing, the above-described various error detection states relating to the encapsulated sphere are substantially canceled. For this reason, the error detection status cancellation process for a large number of error flags (enclosed ball count error, encapsulated ball count error, encapsulated path error error, board ball count error flags) is substantially realized with a small number of steps. As a result, the processing is simplified. In addition, after an error canceling operation (operation including operations of steps S131 and S132) is performed, a process for checking the number of encapsulated spheres is executed and the number of encapsulated spheres is normal (enclosed sphere number error, encapsulated sphere The error flag is canceled after confirming that the error is not a shortage error or an enclosure path error, so that the accuracy of error cancellation can be further improved.

  In addition, if a board ball number error occurs and the glass frame 5 is opened to try to resolve it manually, the game ball that has been clogged will collide with a game nail in the game area and jump out of the game area. May end up. Even when the game ball is lost without being collected from the out-ball inlet 23 as described above, the number of board balls is cleared in step S134, so that the number of board balls is determined to be greater than or equal to the specified number in step S162 described later. Since the game can be resumed unless it is determined that there is an insufficient number of encapsulated balls in Steps S150 and S152, which will be described later, problems such as the player feeling dissatisfied are avoided. Note that even if the glass ball 5 is opened in steps S117 and S118, the number of board balls is not updated even if the out-ball detection switch passes, so the error release switch 65 is operated when the glass frame 5 is opened. And need to clear the error. Further, by clearing the board surface ball number in step S134, the board surface ball number error is eliminated, so the board surface ball number is in a positive state even though there is no game ball on the board surface. Therefore, it does not develop into a problem that a board ball number error occurs frequently even though it is in a normal state.

  In addition, the operation | work for eliminating the factor (ball clogging, a ball shortage, a ball excess) of a board surface ball number error or an enclosed ball number error can be performed as follows, for example. First, for example, a clogged ball (a so-called grape or the like) on the board surface (the front surface of the game board 20 including the game area 22) applies a shock by pushing, pulling, or impacting a ball clogged manually by opening the glass frame 5. It can be resolved by letting it flow down. If the number of encapsulated balls is excessive, the front frame 4 is opened in addition to the glass frame 5 as necessary, and the ball feeding device described above is manually operated to send the ball to the launch position. By removing by hand, it can be solved by discharging the balls one by one out of the machine. Also, when the number of encapsulated balls is insufficient, the glass frame 5 is opened, and a ball from the outside of the machine (supplemented ball) is inserted into the game area 22 from the board side to flow down (for example, flow into the out ball inlet 23). Can be resolved.

(Routine 10) Enclosed Ball Number Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the enclosed ball number monitoring process S122 in the error monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S141 whether or not the number of surface balls is less than zero. If less than zero, the process proceeds to step S143, and if not less than zero, the process proceeds to step S142. In step S142, since the number of board balls is not less than zero, the enclosed ball number excess error flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S142a. On the other hand, in step S143, since there is an abnormal state in which the number of balls on the board is less than zero and a ball has been illegally thrown into the board, the enclosed ball number excess error flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S143a.

  Proceeding to step S142a, it is determined whether or not the encapsulated ball number excess error flag is the same as the previous processing, and if it is the same as the previous processing (that is, it has already been cleared in the sequence before the previous processing, and is cleared in the previous step S142). If it has already been cleared before being performed), the process proceeds to step S144, and if it is not the same as the previous process (that is, if it has been cleared from the state set in the immediately preceding step S142), the process proceeds to step S142b. . In step S142b, the enclosed ball number excess error cancel command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 (effect control board), and the process proceeds to step S144. Here, step S142a is provided in order not to execute step S142b unnecessarily and redundantly transmit the encapsulated ball number excessive error cancel command.

Proceeding to step S143a, it is determined whether or not the enclosed ball number excess error flag is the same as that in the previous process. If it has already been set before the process, the process proceeds to step S144, and if it is not the same as the previous process (that is, if it was set from the state cleared in the immediately preceding step S143), the process proceeds to step S143b. . In step S143b, the enclosed ball number excess error command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 (effect control board), and the process proceeds to step S144. Here, step S143a is provided in order not to execute step S143b unnecessarily and to repeatedly transmit the enclosed ball number excess error command.
In addition, the presentation control device 53 that has received the excessive ball number error command executes, for example, an error message “excessive ball is mixed” on the display device 41 and receives the excessive ball number error release command. The control device 53 is configured to erase this error display.

  In step S144, it is determined whether or not there is a confirmation request for the number of encapsulated balls (that is, whether or not the encapsulated ball number confirmation request flag is set). If so, the process proceeds to step S145. The process jumps (ie, does not execute) and returns. It should be noted that the enclosing ball number confirmation request flag needs to be cleared with the error canceling switch 65 when the power is turned on, when the glass frame 5 is opened and closed when an error that needs to be canceled with the error canceling switch 65 has not occurred. When the glass frame 5 is opened and closed and the error release switch 65 is turned on when an error occurs, the above-described ball polishing operation time elapses (that is, the remaining time of the above-described ball polishing motor operation timer is zero). When the time is up and the time is up), the flag is set in step S549 of the ball polishing motor control process of FIG. 47 described later.

  In step S145, the enclosing ball number confirmation request flag is cleared, and then in step S146, it is determined whether or not the minimum enclosing ball number detection switch (that is, the first enclosing ball detection switch 164) is turned on. If so, the process proceeds to step S147, and if not turned on, the process proceeds to step S150.

  Then, when proceeding to step S147, it is determined whether or not the maximum encapsulated ball number detection switch (that is, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165) is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S148, and if it is not turned on. Proceed to step S149. When the process proceeds to step S148, since both switches 164 and 165 are both on and it is an enclosed ball number excess error, the enclosed ball number excess error flag is set. It transmits to the production | presentation control apparatus 53, and returns after that. When the process proceeds to step S149, the number of encapsulated spheres is in the normal range (that is, the minimum and maximum and less than the maximum). The enclosing ball number shortage error flag and the enclosing path abnormality error flag) are cleared, and the enclosing ball number error cancel command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 in the next step S149a, and then the process returns.

Setting the flag means setting the flag, and clearing the flag means setting the flag not set (not set).
In addition, to cancel the state where the enclosed ball number excess error flag is set (error detection state of the enclosed ball number excess error), as described in FIG. 17, the glass frame 5 is opened to eliminate the cause of the error. However, it is necessary to close the glass frame 5 and press the error release switch 65 after that (for example, to remove an extra ball). The same applies to other enclosing ball number errors (encapsulated ball number shortage error and enclosing path error error). Even if the glass frame 5 is simply opened and closed and the error cancel switch 65 is pressed, the enclosed ball number excess error flag is cleared by step S134 in FIG. 17 and steps S141 and S142 in this routine (FIG. 18). If the cause of this has not been resolved (when the number of encapsulated balls is excessive), the operation of the polishing apparatus motor 59 started in step S135 is stopped thereafter (that is, the above-described ball polishing operation time has elapsed). ), The process after step S145 of this routine (FIG. 18) is executed, and the encapsulated ball number excess error flag is set again by step S148.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S150, it is determined whether or not the maximum encapsulated ball number detection switch (that is, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165) is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S151. Proceed to step S152. When the process proceeds to step S151, the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 is turned on even though the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is not turned on. For example, the above-described sensor flow path 77 is clogged with a ball. Therefore, the enclosed path abnormality error flag is set, and the enclosed path abnormality error command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 in the next step S151a, and then the process returns. If the process proceeds to step S152, the number of encapsulated balls is insufficient (that is, less than the minimum), so an encapsulated ball insufficient error flag is set, and an effect of the enclosed ball insufficient error command is output in the next step S152a. And then return.

  The effect control device 53 that has received the enclosed path abnormality error command executes, for example, an error display “path abnormality has occurred” on the display device 41, and the effect control device 53 that has received the enclosed ball number shortage error command For example, the display device 41 executes an error display “Insufficient spheres” and receives the enclosed ball number error cancel command, so that the error display is turned off.

(Routine 11) Board Ball Number Error Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the board ball number error monitoring process S123 in the error monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S161 whether or not the value of the ball polishing motor operation timer (that is, the remaining time until the ball polishing motor operation timer expires) is not zero. If the ball polishing motor operation timer has not timed up, the process returns. If it is zero (that is, if the ball polishing motor operation timer has expired), the process proceeds to step S162. If it progresses to step S162, it will be determined whether the number of board balls is more than a regulation number, if it is more than a regulation number, it will progress to step S163, and if it is not more than a regulation number, it will progress to step S166. Here, the specified number is a value of 1 or more, for example, ten. This is because, when there are generally ten or more board balls, there is a game problem and the flow of game balls is considered to be stagnant to some extent. The prescribed number is not limited to 10, and the optimum value varies depending on the gaming machine.

  Then, when the process proceeds to step S163, the board ball number error flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S164. In step S164, it is determined whether the board ball number error flag is the same as that in the previous process. If it has already been set in step S163, the process returns to step S165. If not, the process proceeds to step S165. In step S165, the board ball number error command is transmitted to the effect control board (ie, the effect control device 53), and then the process returns. Here, step S164 is provided in order not to execute step S165 unnecessarily and to repeatedly transmit the board ball number error command.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S166, the board ball number error flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S167. In step S167, it is determined whether the board ball number error flag is the same as in the previous process, and if it is the same as in the previous process (that is, it has already been cleared in the sequence before the previous time, before being cleared in the previous step S166). If it has already been cleared, the process returns to step S168, and if it is not the same as the previous process (that is, if it was cleared from the state set in the immediately preceding step S166), the process proceeds to step S168. In step S168, the board ball number error cancel command is transmitted to the effect control board (ie, the effect control device 53), and then the process returns. Here, step S167 is provided in order to execute step S168 unnecessarily and not to repeatedly transmit the board ball number error cancel command.
The presentation control device 53 that has received the board surface ball number error command executes, for example, an error display “a board surface ball number error has occurred” on the display device 41 and receives the board surface ball number error release command. 53 is configured to erase this error display.

  According to this routine, when the number of board balls is abnormally increased due to ball clogging or the like in the game area or the like, the determination result in step S162 becomes affirmative, and the board ball number error flag is set in step S163 and the number of board balls An error occurs. When the ball clogging is resolved and the board surface number returns to normal, the determination result in step S162 becomes negative, and the board surface ball number error flag is cleared in step S166, and the error state of the board surface ball number error is detected. Canceled. However, due to the presence of step S161, step S162 and subsequent steps are not executed during the above-described ball polishing operation time, and the determination of the board ball number error (step S162) also sets the error flag based on the determination result (step S163). , S166) is not executed.

  It should be noted that a security signal is output to the hall computer 86 or the like when a board ball number error is caused by a security signal editing process (FIG. 44), which will be described later. It is not performed (see FIG. 21 described later). Thereby, it becomes impossible to fire the game ball (that is, the game) due to mere clogging of the ball in the game area (when the number of encapsulated balls is normal), and a problem such as the player feeling dissatisfied is avoided. However, if another error that should not continue the game (for example, an insufficient number of encapsulated balls) occurs along with the board ball number error, the game ball cannot be fired (see FIG. 21 described later).

(Routine 12) Frame Opening Error Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the frame opening error monitoring process S124 in the error monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S171, it is determined whether or not the state of the first frame opening switch 125 (front frame opening detection switch) for detecting the opening of the glass frame 5 (front frame) is the same as in the previous process. If they are the same, the process proceeds to step S173. If they are not the same, in step S172, the front frame opening monitoring timer initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 100 msec) is set, and then the process proceeds to step S173.

  In step S173, if the front frame release monitoring timer is not zero, an update process for reducing the value of the front frame release monitoring timer by one cycle of the timer processing period is executed, and then the processing advances to step S174 and proceeds to step S174. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step S175. If it is not zero, the process jumps from step S175 to S184 and proceeds to step S185.

  In these steps S171 to S174, the open / close state of the glass frame 5 (front frame) is monitored according to the state of the first frame open switch 125, and the same state is a predetermined time corresponding to the initial value of the front frame open monitor timer (for example, For the first time in the case of 100 msec), the open / closed state of the glass frame 5 (front frame) is determined by the processing after step S175. Thereby, the open / closed state of the glass frame 5 (front frame) is determined with high reliability. That is, for example, even if the signal of the first frame opening switch 125 fluctuates instantaneously due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the open / closed state of the glass frame 5 (front frame).

In step S175, it is determined whether the state of the first frame opening switch 125 (front frame opening detection switch) corresponds to the opening state of the glass frame 5 (front frame). After the opening error flag is set, the process proceeds to step S178. If it is not in the open state (that is, in the closed state), the front frame opening error flag is cleared in step S177, and then the process proceeds to step S178.
In step S178, it is determined whether the state of the front frame release error flag determined this time (whether it is set or cleared) is the same as in the previous process. Thru | or S184, it progresses to step S185, and if it is not the same, it progresses to step S179.

  Proceeding to step S179, a command corresponding to the currently determined front frame opening error state (that is, the state of the front frame opening error flag set in step S176 or S177) is transmitted to the effect control board (effect control device 53). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S180. Here, for example, if the front frame opening error flag is set, a command indicating that the front frame opening error state is present is transmitted to the effect control device 53, and the effect control device 53 receives this command and displays, for example, The apparatus 41 is configured to display an error indicating that the glass frame 5 (front frame) is in an open state. If the front frame opening error flag is cleared, a command indicating that the front frame opening error is released is transmitted to the effect control device 53, and the effect control device 53 receives this command, for example, The error display on the display device 41 is erased.

In step S180, the information that the glass frame 5 (front frame) has been opened and closed (hereinafter referred to as opening / closing operation information) is cleared, and then the opening / closing of the glass frame 5 (front frame) determined this time in step S181. If the closed state (ie, the front frame opening error flag is cleared), the process proceeds to step S182. If the closed state (ie, the front frame opening error flag is set), the process proceeds to step S182. Eg) Steps S182 to S184 are jumped to and proceed to Step S185.
In step S182, the opening / closing operation information for the glass frame 5 (front frame) is set, and the process proceeds to step S183. The opening / closing operation information is used for the determination in step S132 in the error release switch monitoring process (FIG. 17) described above.

  When the process proceeds to step S183, it is determined whether an error that requires the error release switch 65 to be turned on in order to cancel the error is occurring. If it has occurred, the process proceeds to step S185. After setting the operation timer, the process proceeds to step S185. Here, errors that require the error release switch 65 to be turned on to clear the error include, as described above, the board surface ball number error and the enclosed ball number error (enclosed ball number excess error, enclosed ball number error, Route error).

  Since the ball polishing motor operation timer is set according to the process in step S184, the polishing machine motor 59 (ie, the ball polishing motor control process (FIG. 47) described later, unless the ball clogging has occurred). The polishing apparatus 56) is activated for a specified time. That is, due to the presence of step S184, if the error is not occurring, the polishing apparatus 56 operates for a specified time even if the glass frame 5 is simply closed. However, if an error that requires the operation of the error release switch 65 described above has occurred, when the operation to release this error is performed, the ball polishing motor operation timer is set and the polishing apparatus motor 59 is activated. Since it operates (refer to above-mentioned step S135), step S183 is provided here and step S184 is jumped.

Next, in step S185, the front frame 4 is processed in the same manner as steps S171 to S179, and then the process returns.
That is, in step S185, it is determined whether or not the state of the second frame release switch 126 (game frame release detection switch) for detecting the opening of the front frame 4 (game frame) is the same as in the previous process. If it is not the same, in step S186, a game frame release monitoring timer initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 100 msec) is set in the game frame release monitoring timer, and then the procedure advances to step S187.

  In step S187, if the game frame release monitoring timer is not zero, an update process for reducing the value of the game frame release monitoring timer by one cycle of the timer processing period is executed, and then the process advances to step S188 to play the game frame release monitoring timer. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step S189, and if it is not zero, the process returns.

  In these steps S185 to S188, the open / closed state of the front frame 4 (game frame) is monitored by the state of the second frame release switch 126, and the same state is a predetermined time corresponding to the initial value of the game frame release monitoring timer (for example, (100 msec) For the first time in the case of continuing, the open / closed state of the front frame 4 (game frame) is determined in the processing after step S189. Thereby, the open / closed state of the front frame 4 (game frame) is determined with high reliability.

In step S189, it is determined whether the state of the second frame opening switch 126 (game frame opening detection switch) corresponds to the opening state of the front frame 4 (game frame). After the release error flag is set, the process proceeds to step S192. If it is not in the release state (that is, in the closed state), the game frame release error flag is cleared in step S191, and then the process proceeds to step S192.
In step S192, it is determined whether or not the state of the game frame release error flag determined this time (set state or cleared state) is the same as in the previous process, and if it is the same, the process is not necessary and the process returns. If not, the process proceeds to step S193.

  In step S193, a command corresponding to the currently determined game frame opening error state (that is, the state of the game frame opening error flag set in step S190 or S191) is transmitted to the effect control board (effect control device 53). Then return. Here, for example, if the game frame release error flag is set, a command indicating that the game frame release error is in state is transmitted to the effect control device 53, and the effect control device 53 receives this command and displays, for example, The apparatus 41 is configured to perform an error display for notifying that the front frame 4 (game frame) is in an open state.

(Routine 13) Shooting permission signal editing process of game control device Next, the firing permission signal editing process S50 in the timer interruption process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S201 whether the card unit is connected. If OK, the process proceeds to step S202, and if not OK, the process proceeds to step S213. This determination is performed based on the confirmation result in step S71 in the card unit connection confirmation process (FIG. 11). That is, in step S71, it is determined that the voltage of the VL input is on. For example, if the card unit connection confirmation flag is set, it is determined in step S201 that the card unit connection confirmation is OK.

  In step S202, processing for updating the power-on forced firing timer (that is, processing for reducing the value of the power-on forced firing timer by one cycle of the timer interruption period) is executed, and the flow proceeds to step S203. The power-on forced launch timer counts the forced launch time to force the ball remaining at the tip of the launcher in the event of a power failure to fire at power-on (automatic firing without player operation). This timer setting (initial value setting) is executed in step S14 of the main process (FIG. 9), for example. Note that the forced launch is a blank shot that does not affect the game result.

In step S203, if the power-on forced firing timer value is not zero, the process proceeds to step S214, and if it is zero, the process proceeds to the determination processes in steps S204 to S212.
In the determination process of steps S204 to S212, if the determination result is affirmative in each determination, the process proceeds to step S213 without executing the subsequent determination process, and the determination result is negative in each determination of steps S204 to S211. The next determination process is sequentially executed, and if the determination result in the last step S212 is negative, the process proceeds to step S214.

  In step S204, whether the number of balls held is zero, in step S205 being settled, in step S206 being rested, in step S207, an encapsulated ball number shortage error has occurred, or in step S208, an encapsulated ball number excessive error has occurred. In step S209, an enclosure path abnormality error is occurring, in step S210 the front frame is being opened (the glass frame 5 is being opened), in step S211, the game frame is being opened (the front frame 4 is being opened), Whether it is occurring is determined.

Here, it is determined whether or not the account is being settled, for example, by the settlement control process number as in step S55 (FIG. 10). Further, the determination of whether or not a break is in progress is made, for example, by the break control process number as in step S55 described above.
Further, whether the enclosing ball number shortage error is occurring is determined in the above-described step S152, the enclosing ball number insufficient error flag is set, and whether the enclosing ball number excessive error is occurring is determined in the above-described steps S143 and S148. The determination whether the excessive number of balls error flag and the enclosed path abnormality error are occurring is made based on the enclosed path abnormality error flag set in step S151 described above.

The determination of whether the front frame is open (the glass frame 5 is open) and the determination of whether the game frame is open (the front frame 4 is open) are respectively made based on the front frame open error set in step S176 and step S190. Based on flag and game frame release error flag. These determinations are determined to be occurring if the flag is set, and not occurring if the flag is cleared.
In addition, for example, when it is determined that fraud is occurring in the processes of steps S126 to S128 in the error monitoring process (FIG. 16), it is determined that fraud is occurring. In addition, it is also determined that fraudulent acts are occurring when a prize winning or fraud is detected in the processes of steps S413 and S414 (FIG. 37) described later.

In step S213, after setting the firing permission signal off data, the process returns. When the firing permission signal OFF data is set, the firing control device 57 is prohibited from operating the firing solenoid 173, and the ball cannot be fired (launch non-permitted state). In this firing disallowed state, even if there is a proper firing operation (the touch sensor 174 is turned on and the firing volume 171 is operated), the firing solenoid 173 is not activated and the ball is not fired.
On the other hand, in step S214, the process returns after setting the firing permission signal ON data. When the firing permission signal ON data is set, the firing control device 57 is permitted to actuate the firing solenoid 173, and the ball can be fired (launch permitted state).

  According to the firing permission signal editing process described above, if the card unit 15 is not connected because the card unit 15 is not connected (or the power of the card unit 15 is not turned on) or the like, it is unconditionally fired. It becomes a disallowed state. In addition, after the pachinko machine 1 is powered on and the forced firing time has elapsed, each of the conditions in steps S204 to S212 (the number of balls held is zero, during settlement, during a break, or an error in the number of encapsulated balls occurs. If any one of the middle, the front frame is opened, the game frame is opened, and an illegal act is occurring), the ball is not allowed to fire. However, during the period from when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on until the forced firing time elapses, a ball can be launched by the processing of steps S203 and S214, even if any of the conditions of steps S204 to S212 is satisfied. Launch allowed. This is to perform the aforementioned forced firing.

(Routine 14) Ball Feed Control Process of Game Control Device Next, the ball feed control process S52 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S221, it is determined whether or not the value of the forced firing timer at power-on is not zero. If not (ie, if the forced firing time has not elapsed), step S228 is performed. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step S222. In step S222, it is determined whether the value of the ball feed control timer is zero. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step S223.

  When the process proceeds to step S223, it is determined whether or not a game ball is being launched. If it is being launched, the process proceeds to step S224, and if not, the process proceeds to step S228. Here, the determination as to whether or not the launch is in progress is as long as launch is permitted (that is, the launch permit state in which the above-described launch permit signal on data is set) and the touch sensor 174 is turned on. By determining that it is firing. That is, even if firing is permitted, if the touch sensor 174 is not turned on (if the player has not touched the firing operation handle 11), it is not determined that firing is being performed, and even if the touch sensor 174 is turned on, firing is permitted. If not, it is not determined to be firing. Thereby, it is accurately determined that the game ball is actually being fired.

In step S224, a prescribed initial value (a value corresponding to the firing interval time) is set as the value of the ball feed control timer, and the process proceeds to step S225. When the process proceeds to step S225, an update process for decreasing the value of the ball feed control timer by one timer interruption period is executed, and the process proceeds to step S226. In step S226, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball feed control timer matches the set value set as the ball feed on timing. If they match, the ball feed solenoid 172 is judged in step S227 as the ball feed on timing. The ball feed solenoid 172 is actuated by setting the ON data for the ball feed, and if not coincident, it is determined that it is not the ball feed on timing, the process proceeds to step S228, the off data of the ball feed solenoid 172 is set, and the ball feed solenoid 172 is stopped.
Note that the initial value of the ball feed control timer set in step S224 is set so that the ball firing frequency (number of shots per time) is a predetermined value or less.

  According to the above ball feed control process, the ball feed solenoid 172 is maintained in a stopped state during a period from when the power is turned on until the forced firing time elapses. In order to process the ball remaining at the tip at the time of a power failure by the above-described forced firing, the ball is not newly sent to the tip (launch position) during the forced firing period. Then, when the forced firing period ends and the firing is started, as long as the firing continues, the value of the ball feed control timer is set to the initial value in step S224 every time the value of the ball feed control timer becomes zero. Is repeated, and every time the value of the ball feed control timer reaches the set value (that is, every time the ball feed on timing is reached), the ball feed solenoid 172 is actuated by the process of step S227, and one ball is Sent to the tip (launch position).

(Routine 15) Payment / rest control processing of game control device Next, the settlement / rest control processing S53 in the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, a settlement control process (details will be described later) is performed in step S231, then a break control process (details will be described later) is executed in step S232, and then the process returns.

(Routine 16) Checkout Control Process of Game Control Device Next, the checkout control process in the checkout / rest control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, at step S241, branching is performed according to the settlement control process number. In this case, if the settlement control process number is 1, the settlement start monitoring process (details will be described later) in step S242, and if the settlement control process number is 2, the settlement start ACK monitoring process (details will be described later) in step S243. If the process number is 3, an adjustment write completion ACK monitoring process (described later in detail) is executed in step S244, and if an adjustment control process number is 4, an adjustment completion monitoring process (described later in detail) is executed, and then the process returns. The initial value of the settlement control process number is set to 1, for example, in step S14 of the main process.
The settlement control process number may be 1, 2, 3,..., But may be 0, 1, 2,..., And if this is done, when the area of the RAM 113 is cleared The process of setting 1 as the initial value can be omitted.

(Routine 17) Break Control Processing of Game Control Device Next, the break control processing in the settlement / rest control processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, branching by the break control process number is performed in step S251. In this case, if the break control process number is 1, the break start monitoring process (described later in detail) in step S252 is performed. If the break control process number is 2, the break start ACK monitoring process (described in detail later) is performed in step S253. If the process number is 3, a break end monitoring process (described later in detail) is executed in step S254, and then the process returns. The initial value of the break control process number is set to 1, for example, in step S14 of the main process.
Although the break control process number may be 1, 2, 3,..., It may be 0, 1, 2,... The process of setting 1 as the initial value can be omitted.

(Routine 18) Checkout Start Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the checkout start monitoring process in the checkout control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S261 to S265, a process is performed to determine whether the conditions for payment (settlement permission conditions) are satisfied. If at least one of the settlement permission conditions is not satisfied, step S267 is performed. After clearing the settlement switch valid flag in step S268, the process proceeds to step S268. If all the settlement permission conditions are satisfied, the settlement switch valid flag is set in step S266, and the process proceeds to step S268. That is, when the payment is permitted, the payment switch valid flag is set. When the settlement switch valid flag is set, a control for turning on the settlement switch valid display LED 313 is executed by a process not shown in the figure, and the player is notified that settlement is possible. Conversely, when the settlement switch valid flag is cleared, the settlement switch valid display LED 313 is turned off, and the player is notified that the settlement is impossible.

  Here, there are the following five conditions in the settlement permission condition. That is, the break process is not being performed (determined in step S261), the error is not occurring (determined in step S262), the number of balls on the board is zero and there is no ball on the board (determined in step S263), and the touch sensor 174 is turned on. There are not being done (determined in step S264) and being in a customer waiting demonstration (determined in step S265). Here, the determination as to whether or not the break process is being performed may be performed, for example, in the same manner as in step S206 described above. The determination of whether or not an error is occurring may be performed in the same manner as in step S201 and steps S207 to S212 described above, for example.

  Next, in step S268, it is determined whether or not the forced settlement request flag is on (that is, whether or not it is set). If on, the process proceeds to step S271. If not, the process proceeds to step S269. The forced settlement request flag is a flag that is set by processing of the game control device 54 (step S358 described later) when the game control device 54 receives a break forced release command transmitted from the card unit 15. The break forced release command is configured to be transmitted by the communication method 1 when a staff card used by a store clerk in the game hall is inserted into the card unit 15.

  In step S269, it is determined whether the settlement switch 311 has been turned on. If it has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S270, and if it has not been turned on, the process returns. In step S270, it is determined whether or not the above-described settlement switch valid flag is on (that is, whether or not it is set). If it is on, the process proceeds to step S271 to start settlement, and if not, the process proceeds to step S274. In step S274, an adjustment operation invalid command is transmitted to the effect control board (effect control device 53), and then the process returns. The presentation control device 53 that has received the settlement operation invalid command is configured to execute control for displaying on the display device 41 that settlement is impossible, for example. In addition, it is assumed that the adjustment operation invalid command includes different data for each reason for which adjustment is not possible (which condition is not satisfied among the conditions in steps S261 to S265), and the presentation control device 53 that has received this command Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which displays the reason which cannot be settled on the display apparatus 41. FIG.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S271, the settlement switch valid flag is cleared, and then in step S272, a settlement request command is transmitted to the card unit 15 to start settlement, and then in step S273, the settlement control processing number is set to 2 (settlement start) ACK monitoring process number) is set, and then the process returns. Here, the payment request command is transmitted by the first communication method (communication method 1) described above, which is communication in plain text.

  According to the checkout start monitoring process described above, the checkout switch valid flag is set when all the checkout permission conditions are satisfied, and the checkout starts when the checkout switch 311 is turned on in this state. If at least one checkout permission condition is not satisfied, the checkout switch valid flag is cleared, and even if the checkout switch 311 is turned on in this state, the checkout is not started, and the display device 41 cannot be adjusted. Is displayed. However, when the staff card is inserted into the card unit 15, the settlement starts even if the settlement permission condition is not satisfied or the settlement switch is not turned on. It should be noted that, by setting the settlement permission condition as described above, it is possible to prevent problems such as the control process not functioning properly due to an inadvertent settlement start operation.

(Routine 19) Checkout Start ACK Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the checkout start ACK monitoring process in the checkout control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S281, it is determined whether an error has occurred, as in step S262 described above. If an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S291, and if no error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S282. In step S282, it is determined whether or not the settlement start ACK reception timeout from the card unit is reached. If timed out, the process proceeds to step S291, and if not timed out, the process proceeds to step S283. For example, the elapsed time from the time when the payment request command is transmitted in the above-described step S272 is measured by a process not shown, and the payment start ACK (response signal to the payment request command) from the card unit is not received. If this elapsed time exceeds the specified time, it is determined in step S282 that a settlement start ACK reception timeout has occurred.

  In step S283, it is determined whether the payment start ACK has been received from the card unit 15. If received, the process returns after executing steps S284 to S290 in sequence, and if not received, the process returns without executing step S284 and subsequent steps. To do. In step S284, a payment start command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 (effect control board), in step S285, the number of adjusted balls is transmitted to the card unit 15, and in step S286, the table ID is transmitted to the card unit 15. The presentation control device 53 that has received the settlement start command performs display on the display device 41 until the settlement is completed, for example, a display “settlement is in progress”. At this time, when the game control device 54 receives the settlement start ACK, the game control device 54 performs control to emit light by turning on a light emitting source such as an LED in which the operation button portion of the settlement switch 311 is built, and also by the light emission of the settlement switch 311. You may make it alert | report that it is adjusting.

  Further, the adjusted number of balls held is the number of balls held at the time of payment, for example, the number of balls held at the time of payment start ACK reception. Transmission of the number of payable balls to the card unit 15 is performed by the third communication method (communication method 3) that is encrypted by the game control device 54 and cannot be decrypted by the card unit 15 side. The stand ID is unique information for identifying and specifying each pachinko machine 1 (stand) installed in the game hall, and in this example, it is stored in an IC chip constituting the CPU 111 of the game control device 54. Information including a chip code (or, in addition, a manufacturer code or a product code). The transmission of the table ID to the card unit 15 is performed by the above-described second communication method (communication method 2) that can be encrypted by the game control device 54 and decrypted by the card unit 15 side.

  In step S287, the card ID in the ball holding management device transfer buffer is read (loaded). In step S288, the card ID read in step S287 is transmitted to the ball holding management device 85. In step S289, the card ID is transferred to the ball holding management device 85. The number of adjusted balls is transmitted, and in step S290, 3 (the number of the adjustment writing completion ACK monitoring process) is set as the adjustment control processing number.

Here, the card ID is information for individually identifying a game card (member card, visitor card) and a staff card, and is read by the card unit 15 and transmitted to the game control device 54. The ball holding management device transfer buffer is a buffer for storing information of the card ID received from the card unit 15 (see step S397 described later).
The transmission of the card ID to the ball management device 85 in step S288 is performed by the above-described fourth communication method (communication method 4) that can be encrypted by the game control device 54 and decrypted by the ball management device 85. . In addition, transmission of the adjusted number of balls to the ball management device 85 in step S289 is encrypted by the game control device 54 and can be decrypted by the ball management device 85 side by the fifth communication method (communication method 5). Done.

  On the other hand, if it progresses to step S291, a payment operation cancellation command will be transmitted to the production | presentation control apparatus 53 (production control board), then a payment operation cancellation command will be transmitted to the card unit 15 at step S292, and a payment control process will be performed at the next step S293. Set the number to 1 (the number for the checkout start monitoring process), and then return. Here, the settlement operation cancel command to the card unit 15 is transmitted by the above-described first communication method (communication method 1) which is communication in plain text. Further, the effect control device 53 and the card unit 15 that have received the settlement operation cancellation command are configured to cancel the process for settlement.

(Routine 20) Payment Write Completion ACK Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the payment write completion ACK monitoring process in the payment control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S301 whether an error has occurred as in step S262 described above. If an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S307, and if no error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302, it is determined whether or not the payment writing completion ACK reception timeout from the card unit is reached, and if timed out, the process proceeds to step S307, and if not timed out, the process proceeds to step S303.

For example, the elapsed time from the time when the adjusted number of balls is transmitted in the above-described step S285 or the like is measured by a process not shown in the figure, and the payment writing completion ACK (the number of adjusted balls, etc.) from the card unit 15 is measured. If the elapsed time exceeds the specified time without receiving a response signal indicating that writing to the card such as the number of adjusted balls has been received), the payment writing completion ACK is received in step S302. Judged as timeout.
In step S303, it is determined whether the payment write completion ACK has been received from the card unit 15, and if received, the process returns after executing steps S304 to S306 in sequence, and if not received, step S304 and subsequent steps are not executed. Return at.

In step S304, the number of possessed balls is cleared (that is, since the settlement is completed, the data on the number of retained balls stored in the RAM 113 of the game control device 54 is set to zero). In step S305, the effect control device 53 (effect control board) The card withdrawal command is transmitted to 4 and the settlement control process number 4 (the settlement completion monitoring process number) is set in step S306.
Here, the presentation control device 53 that has received the card removal command is configured to display on the display device 41, for example, “please remove the card”.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S307, a settlement operation cancel command is transmitted to the card unit 15, and then in step S308, a settlement operation cancel command is transmitted to the production control device 53 (production control board). In the next step S309, the settlement control process is performed. Set the number to 1 (the number for the checkout start monitoring process), and then return. Here, the settlement operation cancel command to the card unit 15 is transmitted by the above-described first communication method (communication method 1) which is communication in plain text.

(Routine 21) Checkout Completion Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the checkout completion monitoring process in the checkout control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S311 whether the payment card removal command has been received from the card unit 15, and if received, the process returns after executing steps S312 to S314, and if not received, step S312. Return without executing the following. The payment card extraction command is a command transmitted from the card unit 15 when a game card is extracted. This payment card extraction command is transmitted by the first communication method (communication method 1) described above, which is communication in plain text.

In step S312, an initial value is set in the number-of-balls display timer. In step S313, a settlement end command is transmitted to the production control device 53. In step S314, 1 (the number of the settlement start monitoring process) is set as the settlement control process number. set.
Here, the number-of-balls display timer has a configuration in which a blinking display to be described later of the number of balls held on the number-of-balls display 40 is terminated when the time is up (see step S524 in FIG. 46 described later). . In addition, the presentation control device 53 that has received the payment completion command performs a display such as “payment has been completed” on the display device 41.

(Routine 22) Break Start Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the break start monitoring process in the break control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in steps S321 to S326, a process is performed to determine whether a breakable condition (break permission condition) is satisfied. If even one break permission condition is not satisfied, step S328 is performed. After the break switch valid flag is cleared in step S329, the process proceeds to step S329. If all break permission conditions are satisfied, the break switch valid flag is set in step S327, and then the process proceeds to step S329. That is, when the break is permitted, the break switch valid flag is set. When the break switch valid flag is set, a control for turning on the break switch valid display LED 314 is executed by a process not shown in the figure, and the player is notified that a break is possible. Conversely, when the break switch valid flag is cleared, the break switch valid display LED 314 is turned off to notify the player that the break is impossible.

  Here, the break permission conditions include the following six conditions. That is, the checkout process is not in progress (determined in step S321), no error has occurred (determined in step S322), the number of board balls is zero and there is no ball on the board (determined in step S323), and the touch sensor 174 is on. The number of balls held (one or more) (determined in step S325), and a customer waiting demonstration (determined in step S326). Here, the determination whether or not the settlement process is being performed may be performed in the same manner as in step S205 described above, for example. The determination of whether or not an error is occurring may be performed in the same manner as in step S201 and steps S207 to S212 described above, for example.

  In step S329, it is determined whether the break switch 312 is turned on. If the break switch 312 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S330, and if the break switch 312 is not turned on, the process returns. In step S330, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned break switch valid flag is on (that is, whether or not it is set). If it is on, the process proceeds to step S331 to start the break, and if not, the process proceeds to step S334. In step S334, a break operation invalid command is transmitted to the effect control board (effect control device 53), and then the process returns. The presentation control device 53 that has received the break operation invalid command is configured to execute control for displaying on the display device 41 that the break operation is impossible, for example. In addition, it is assumed that the break operation invalid command includes different data for each reason why the break cannot be performed (which condition is not satisfied among the conditions in steps S321 to S326), and the presentation control device 53 that has received this command Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which displays on the display apparatus 41 the reason which cannot rest.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S331, the break switch valid flag is cleared, then a break request command is transmitted to the card unit 15 to start the break at step S332, and then the break control processing number is set to 2 (break start at step S333). ACK monitoring process number) is set, and then the process returns. Here, the break request command is transmitted by the first communication method (communication method 1) described above, which is communication in plain text.

  According to the break start monitoring process described above, when all the break permission conditions are satisfied, the break switch valid flag is set. When the break switch 312 is turned on in this state, the process for starting the break ( Steps S332 and S333) are executed. If even one break permission condition is not satisfied, the break switch valid flag is cleared, and even if the break switch 312 is turned on in this state, the process for starting the break is not executed, and the display device 41 cannot take a break. Is displayed.

  Note that, since the break permission condition is set as described above, it is possible to prevent problems such as the control process not functioning properly due to an inadvertent operation to start a break. In particular, according to the condition of step S325, since the break cannot be started without the number of balls, the advantage of the break function such as securing the pachinko machine so that others cannot use it without the number of balls is not possible. There is. Because, even if another player inserts a game card into the resting table, it is returned and cannot be used, so this rest function ensures that the pachinko machine can not be used by others However, in this example, such a configuration is not possible when there is no number of balls. Also, in this example, if there is a malicious player who has been taking a break for a long time (or a player who has forgotten to have taken a break and returned home), use a staff card to force a break It is structured to be able to cancel, and the use of such a malicious break can be prevented at any time by the store clerk. Further, the condition of step S325 may be based on whether or not the number of balls is equal to or more than a specified number, and by doing so, it is possible to prevent a pachinko machine from being secured with a small number of balls.

(Routine 23) Break Start ACK Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the break start ACK monitoring process in the break control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S341 whether an error has occurred, as in steps S262 and S322 described above. If an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S346, and if no error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S342. In step S342, it is determined whether or not the break start ACK reception timeout from the card unit is reached. If timed out, the process proceeds to step S346, and if not timed out, the process proceeds to step S343. For example, the elapsed time from the time when the break request command is transmitted in step S332 described above is measured by a process not shown in the figure, and the break start ACK (response signal to the break request command) from the card unit 15 is not received. If this elapsed time exceeds the specified time, it is determined in step S342 that a break start ACK reception timeout has occurred.

  In step S343, it is determined whether a break start ACK has been received from the card unit 15. If received, the process returns after executing steps S344 and S345 in sequence, and if not received, returns without executing step S344 and subsequent steps. To do. In step S344, a break start command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 (effect control board), and in step S345, 3 (the number of the break end monitoring process) is set as the break control process number. The presentation control device 53 that has received the break start command performs a display such as “being on break” on the display device 41. When the game control device 54 receives a break start ACK, the game control device 54 performs control to emit light by turning on a light emitting source such as an LED in which an operation button portion of the break switch 312 is built. You may make it alert | report that it is.

  On the other hand, if it progresses to step S346, a break operation cancellation command will be transmitted to the production | presentation control apparatus 53 (production control board), then a break operation cancellation command will be transmitted to the card unit 15 at step S347, and a break control process will be performed at the next step S348. Set the number to 1 (the number for the break start monitoring process), and then return. Here, the break operation cancel command to the card unit 15 is transmitted by the above-described first communication method (communication method 1) which is communication in plain text. In addition, the production control device 53 and the card unit 15 that have received the break operation cancellation command are configured to stop the process for the break.

(Routine 24) Break End Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the break end monitoring process in the break control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S351, it is determined whether or not the break forced release command from the card unit 15 has been received. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S357, and if not received, the process proceeds to step S352. The break forced release command is transmitted by the communication method 1 when the staff card is inserted into the card unit 15 as described above.

  In step S352, it is determined whether a break release command has been received from the card unit 15. If received, the process returns after executing steps S353 to S356 in sequence, and if not received, the process returns without executing step S353 and subsequent steps. To do. Note that this break release command is issued when the game card used before the break start is inserted into the card unit 15, the game from the card unit 15 in the first communication method (communication method 1) described above, which is communication in plain text. This is a command transmitted to the control device 54.

In step S353, a break release ACK (response signal to the break release command) is transmitted to the card unit 15 by the communication method 1. In step S354, a break release command is transmitted to the hall computer 86. In step S355, the production control device 53 (production control) A break release command is transmitted to the board), and in step S356, 1 (break start monitoring process number) is set as the break control process number, and then the process returns. The production control device 53 and the hall computer 86 that have received the break release command are configured to end the break processing.
On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S357, the break forced release ACK (response signal to the break forced release command) is transmitted to the card unit 15 by the communication method 1, and then the forced settlement request flag is set in step S358, and then step S356 is performed. Returns after execution. The forced settlement request flag is used in step S268 described above.

(Routine 25) Card Unit Reception Analysis Processing of Game Control Device Next, the card unit reception analysis processing S54 in the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, the card unit reception analysis process 1 (step S361), the card unit reception analysis process 2 (step S362), and the card unit reception analysis process 3 (step S363) are sequentially executed, and then the process returns.
The card unit reception analysis process 1 is an analysis process of information transmitted from the card unit 15 in the communication method 1, and the card unit reception analysis process 2 is an analysis process of information transmitted from the card unit 15 in the communication method 2. Yes, the card unit reception analysis process 3 is an analysis process of information transmitted from the card unit 15 by the communication method 3.

(Routine 26) Card unit reception analysis process 1 of game control device
Next, the card unit reception analysis process 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S371 whether there is data in the serial reception buffer (reception buffer for performing serial communication with the card unit 15), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S372. Return.
Proceeding to step S372, the data in the serial reception buffer is read as received data. Next, in step S373, it is determined whether the received data is a command for rent / number of used balls, and the number of rent / number of used balls. If the command is a command, the process proceeds to step S380.

  The number of rented balls / number of used balls command is a command transmitted from the card unit 15 when the ball lending button 303 is pressed by a control process (not shown) of the card unit 15. The card unit 15 is configured to perform a process of reducing and updating the ball lending number or the number of stored balls recorded on the game card by a value corresponding to the transmitted number of rented balls / used number of stored balls command (ball lending information). It has become.

  In step S380, an addition process for adding the number corresponding to the number of lent balls / number of used balls command to the number of held balls is executed, and then the process returns. The addition processing in step S380 corresponds to the pachinko machine 1 (game control device) corresponding to the fact that the data of the ball lending number or the number of stored balls (valuable value information) recorded in the game card is reduced and updated in the card unit 15. 54), a ball lending addition process for increasing the number of balls held (game value) data (the number of balls held in the RAM 113) is configured. In the case of a pachinko machine that is not an enclosed ball type, this ball lending addition process corresponds to a ball lending payout process in which game balls as a lending ball are discharged to the upper plate.

In step S374, it is determined whether the received data is a break start ACK. If it is a break start ACK, the process proceeds to step S381, and if it is not a break start ACK, the process proceeds to step S375. In step S381, the break start ACK received flag is set, and then the process returns. The break start ACK received flag is used in the determination in step S343 described above.
In step S375, it is determined whether the received data is a break forced release command. If the received data is a break forced release command, the process proceeds to step S382. If not, the process proceeds to step S376. In step S382, a break forced release command received flag is set, and then the process returns. The break compulsory release command received flag is used in the determination in step S351 described above.

In step S376, it is determined whether the received data is a break release command. If the received data is a break release command, the process proceeds to step S383, and if not, the process proceeds to step S377. In step S383, a break release command received flag is set, and then the process returns. The break release command received flag is used in the determination in step S352 described above.
In step S377, it is determined whether the received data is a settlement start ACK. If the settlement data is a settlement start ACK, the process proceeds to step S384. In step S384, the settlement start ACK received flag is set, and then the process returns. The settlement start ACK received flag is used in the determination in step S283 described above.

In step S378, it is determined whether the received data is a payment write completion ACK. If it is a payment write completion ACK, the flow advances to step S385, and if it is not a payment write completion ACK, the flow advances to step S379. In step S385, the settlement writing completion ACK received flag is set, and then the process returns. The settlement write completion ACK received flag is used in the determination in step S303 described above.
In step S379, it is determined whether the received data is a payment card extraction command. If the payment data is a payment card extraction command, the process proceeds to step S386, and if it is not a payment card extraction command, the process returns. In step S386, the payment card removal command received flag is set, and then the process returns. The payment card sampling command received flag is used in the determination in step S311 described above.

(Routine 27) Card unit reception analysis process 2 of game control device
Next, the card unit reception analysis process 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S391 whether there is data in the serial reception buffer (reception buffer for performing serial communication with the card unit 15), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S392. Return.
In step S392, the data in the serial reception buffer is read as received data. In step S393, it is determined whether the received data is a member card ID. If it is a member card ID, the process proceeds to step S397. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S394.

In step S394, it is determined whether the received data is a visitor card ID. If the received data is a visitor card ID, the process proceeds to step S397. If not, the process proceeds to step S395.
In step S395, it is determined whether the received data is a staff card ID. If the received data is a staff card ID, the process proceeds to step S397. If not, the process proceeds to step S396.

In step S397, the received data, that is, information on the received card ID (member card ID, visitor card ID, or staff card ID) is stored in the holding ball management apparatus transfer buffer, and in the next step S398, the card unit 15 is stored. Card IDACK is transmitted to the terminal, and then the process returns. The transmission of the card IDACK to the card unit 15 is performed by the above-described second communication method (communication method 2) that can be encrypted by the game control device 54 and decrypted by the card unit 15 side.
In step S396, it is determined whether the received data is a table IDACK (response signal from the card unit 15 for the transmission of the table ID). If the table IDACK, the process proceeds to step S399, and if it is not a table IDACK, the process returns. In step S399, the base IDACK received flag is set, and then the process returns. Although not shown, the base IDACK is transmitted immediately after receiving the base ID, for example.

(Routine 28) Card unit reception analysis process 3 of game control device
Next, the card unit reception analysis process 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S401 whether there is data in the serial reception buffer (reception buffer for performing serial communication with the card unit 15), and if there is, the process proceeds to step S402. Return.

  In step S402, the data in the serial reception buffer is read as received data. Then, in step S403, it is determined whether the received data is an adjusted number of balls command, and if it is an adjusted number of balls command, the process proceeds to step S404. If it is not the adjustment ball number command, it returns. In step S404, the number-of-balls data is increased by the number corresponding to the adjusted number-of-balls command, and then the process returns.

  Note that the adjustment ball number command is a command transmitted from the card unit 15 when the number of balls held (for example, one registered at the time of payment in another pachinko machine) is already recorded on the inserted game card. This is a command including data on the number of balls recorded on the inserted game card. That is, when a game card in which the number of balls at the time of settlement is recorded by moving the table or the like is inserted into the card unit 15, data on the number of balls recorded on the card from the card unit 15 (that is, the number of balls to be settled) Data) is transmitted, and the command including this data is the adjusted number-of-balls command. Therefore, the player can move the number of balls that has been acquired on a certain table and recorded on the card by moving the table to another table by transmitting and receiving the adjusted number of balls command and the addition processing function in step S404. It can be used in.

(Routine 29) Winning Port Switch Monitoring Processing of Game Control Device Next, winning port switch monitoring processing S56 in the timer interruption processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, the start opening switch winning monitoring process (step S411), the other hole switch winning monitoring process (step S412), the large winning opening switch fraud & winning monitoring process (step S413), and the general electric winning prize switch The fraud & prize winning monitoring process (step S414) is sequentially executed, and then the process returns.

Here, in the start port switch winning monitoring process, the input flag of the first start port switch 120 is monitored, and if this input flag is set, a predetermined set for winning the first start port 25 is set. The award granting process for increasing the number of possessed balls by the number of prize balls is executed.
In the other hole switch winning monitoring process, the input flag of the winning opening switch 123 is monitored, and when this input flag is set, a predetermined number of winning balls set for winning in the general winning openings 28 to 31 is set. An award grant process is executed to increase the number of balls held by that amount.

In the big prize opening switch fraud & winning monitoring process, the input flag of the count switch 124 is monitored, and if this input flag is set, a predetermined number of winning balls set for winning in the big prize opening 27b. An award grant process is executed to increase the number of balls held by that amount. Further, in this big prize opening switch fraud & prize winning monitoring process, although omitted in detail, a process for detecting fraud to the big prize opening (for example, if there is an input to the count switch 124 when the big prize opening is not open) The process of making a mouth fraud occurs) is also executed.
Further, in the power transmission prize opening switch fraud & prize winning monitoring process, the input flag of the second start opening switch 121 is monitored, and if this input flag is set, the winning for the second start opening 26 is set. An award giving process for increasing the number of possessed balls by the predetermined number of prize balls is executed. In addition, although the details are omitted in this power transmission prize opening switch fraud & winning monitoring process, a process for detecting fraud with respect to the second start opening 26 (the general power winning opening) (for example, the state where the second start opening 26 is not open). Then, when the second start port switch 121 is input, the process of causing the occurrence of unauthorized power transmission is also executed.

  Conventionally, a control device (for example, called a payout control device) for giving a prize ball as a player's profit is provided separately from the game control device, and the game control device wins a prize. The number of winnings is counted for each type, and a payout command corresponding to the type and count is transmitted to the separated payout control device. The payout control apparatus receives this payout command and pays out the winning ball designated by the payout command (a process of paying out the actual ball or adding to the number of balls in the case of an enclosed ball type) Was running. However, in this case, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in accordance with this routine (winning hole switch monitoring process), uses one control device (that is, the game control device 54) to count the winning and give a winning ball (that is, to the number of balls held). Therefore, it is not necessary to send a payout command as in the prior art, and the process is greatly simplified. In addition, it is impossible to hang an unauthorized board between the game control device and the payout control device and illegally pay out a prize ball.

(Routine 30) Start Port Switch Winning Monitoring Process of Game Control Device Next, the start port switch winning monitoring process in the winning port switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S421, a winning monitoring table for the first start port switch 120 is prepared. Here, the winning monitoring table is a table for monitoring winning to the first start winning opening 25.
Next, in step S422, a winning monitoring common process (details will be described later) is executed, and then the process returns.

  This routine describes the start port switch winning monitoring process (winning monitoring process for the first start winning port 25), but other processing (other hole switch winning process) in the winning port switch monitoring process (FIG. 37). With regard to the monitoring process, the big prize opening switch fraud & winning monitoring process, the ordinary power prize opening switch fraud & winning monitoring process), the winning monitoring process has the same configuration as this routine (FIG. 38). That is, step S422 is also common to these other processes, except that a winning monitoring table for the target winning opening switch is prepared in the step corresponding to step S421. In other words, with regard to the winning monitoring process, only the winning monitoring table prepared in step S421 is different, and the process of step S422 is common.

(Routine 31) Winning Monitoring Common Processing of Game Control Device Next, the winning monitoring common processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S431, the number of winning port switches to be monitored is acquired based on the winning monitoring table set in step S421 described above. For example, when the target winning opening switch is only the first start opening switch 120, the number is one. For example, in the case of the above-described other hole switch winning monitoring process (step S412 in FIG. 37), the winning port switches 123 of the general winning ports 28, 29, 30, and 31 are targeted. It becomes a piece. In the case of this example, the winning port switch (winning port) that can be a target in the winning monitoring common processing is the first starting port switch 120 (first starting port 25) and the second starting port switch 121 (second starting port). 26), a winning opening switch 123 (general winning openings 28 to 31), and a count switch 124 (large winning opening 27b).

Next, in step S432, it is determined whether there is an input to the target prize opening switch (for example, the first start port switch 120) (that is, whether the input flag is set), and in the next step S433, according to the determination result. Branch. That is, if there is an input, the process proceeds to step S434, and if there is no input, the process proceeds to step S436.
In step S434, the number of prize balls corresponding to the target prize opening switch is acquired based on the prize monitoring table set in step S421 described above, and the number of balls held in the next step S435 based on the number of prize balls. The number addition process is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S436.
In step S436, it is determined whether or not steps S432 to S435 have been completed for the number of all winning a prize mouth switches acquired in step S431, and if completed, the process returns. Steps S432 to S435 are executed for the mouth switch.

(Routine 32) Number-of-balls adding process of game control device Next, the number-of-balls adding process in the winning monitoring common process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S441, the number of prize balls acquired in step S434 is added to the current number of balls, and the addition result is updated and registered as a new number of balls. The process of step S441 constitutes a prize award process for increasing the number of balls (game value) according to the game result of the game balls launched into the game area.
In step S1001, the winning display light counter is updated (incremented) by "+1", and in step S1002, the number of winning balls is saved in the winning display number storage area corresponding to the light counter. This is because it is necessary to display the number of winning balls associated with winning in the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35. Therefore, the value of the winning display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and the winning ball is displayed on the winning display LED 355. This is to display the number.
The winning display on the winning display LED 355 and the data to be added to the number of balls to be displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 (number of winning balls) are stored in the ring buffer format area in order of winning. is there. The size of the storage area in the ring buffer format is set to a size corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls per unit time (for example, the number of prize balls per unit time in the big hit round). For example, each size is set to about 32 bytes.

Next, in step S1003, the number-of-balls display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and in step S1004, the number of winning balls is saved in the updated number-of-balls storage area corresponding to the light counter. This is because it is necessary to add the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize to the number-of-balls display 40, so that the value of the number-of-balls display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1” and the number of winning balls is updated. This is to save it in the number storage area.
Next, in step S1005, it is determined whether the number of balls updated in step S441 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (for example, 250,000), and if it is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, it is determined in step S1006. The number upper limit (250,000) is updated and registered as a new number of balls, and the process proceeds to step S445. If the number is not greater than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S445 without executing step S1006.

In step S445, the number of prize balls acquired in step S434 described above is added to the current number of non-output prize balls, and the addition result is updated and registered as a new number of non-output prize balls, and the process proceeds to step S446. The number of non-output prize balls means the number of prize balls not output to the hall computer 86 as a prize ball signal. In step S446, it is determined whether the number of unoutput prize balls updated in step S445 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 10) corresponding to one prize ball signal. If it is not more than the predetermined number, return.
In step S447, the result of subtracting 10 from the current number of non-output prize balls is updated and registered as a new number of non-output prize balls, and the process advances to step S448. In step S448, it is determined whether the number of prize ball signals output is less than the upper limit value (eg, 255 times). If less than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S449, and if not less than the upper limit value, the process returns to step S446. In step S449, the number of prize ball signals output is increased by one, and the process returns to step S446.

  According to the number-of-balls-adding process, the number of balls and the number of display balls are increased by the number of prize balls as long as the number of balls is not greater than or equal to the upper limit value of the number of balls by the processes of steps S441 to S1006. Further, according to the processing of steps S445 to S449, the number of prize ball signal outputs is 1 every time a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls is acquired until the number of prize ball signals reaches the upper limit. Increase the number of times. The number of balls for display is a storage area of the RAM 113 that stores the number of balls to be displayed on the ball number display 40.

(Routine 33) External Information Editing Process of Game Control Device Next, the external information editing process S59 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, the base ID signal editing process (step S451), the security signal editing process (step S452), the frame opening signal editing process (step S453), the break signal editing process (step S454), and the out number signal editing Processing (step S455), prize ball number signal editing processing (step S456), jackpot signal editing processing (step S457), start port signal editing processing (step S458), symbol determination number signal editing processing (step S459) are sequentially executed. And then return. Here, step S451 is a process for outputting a table ID signal to the card unit 15 (or further to the hall computer 86). Steps S452 to S459 are processes for outputting various other signals to the hall computer 86 or the test firing test terminal 115.

(Routine 34) Table ID Signal Editing Process of Game Control Device Next, the table ID signal editing process in the external information editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S461 whether serial communication with the card unit 15 (or the hall computer 86) is in progress. If serial communication is in progress, the process proceeds to step S466. The process proceeds to S462. This is to check whether serial communication is being executed between the game control device 100 and the transmission destination of the machine ID. If serial communication is in progress, the base ID cannot be output this time, and the process proceeds to step S466 without executing steps S462 to S465.
On the other hand, if the serial communication is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S462 to check whether the output request flag for the base ID signal is set.

Here, the output request flag of the base ID signal is generated when a signal indicating the state of the pachinko machine 1 (a signal output from the game control device 54 to an external device such as the card unit 15 or the hall computer 86) is generated as follows. Correspondingly, they are set independently.
"Security signal when power is turned on" (Signal output when power is turned on)
“Frame open signal” (signal output when the glass frame or front frame is opened)
"Big hit 1 signal" (Signal output when Special Figure 1 hits big)
In addition, when two or more are simultaneously established, priority is provided and it respond | corresponds one by one. In this case, all the request flags are not cleared at once.

When it is checked in step S462 whether the output request flag for the base ID signal is set, the check result is determined in step S463. If there is an output request flag, the process proceeds to step S464 and the output request for the base ID signal is requested. Clear the flag. This is because the output request flag of the base ID signal is already set and the process for outputting the base ID can be performed (in step S465), and thus the output request flag is cleared. The output request flag for the base ID signal is set in step S468, which will be described later, at the timing at which the base ID should be output to the external device (the base ID output trigger).
Next, in step S465, a base ID acquisition process (described later) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S466. As a result, the base ID is acquired and written to the serial transmission buffer. On the other hand, if there is no output request flag in step S463, the process jumps to steps S464 and S465 and proceeds to step S466. Accordingly, in this case, the table ID is not acquired. The serial transmission buffer is a transmission buffer in a serial communication circuit provided in an IC chip that constitutes the CPU 111.

In step S466, it is determined whether or not it is an output trigger for the machine ID. If it is an output trigger, the process proceeds to step S467.
In step S467, it is determined whether the base ID output request has been made based on the base ID signal output request flag. If the base ID signal output request flag has been set and the output request has been made, the process returns. If the output requested flag is cleared and the output is not requested, the process proceeds to step S468.
In step S468, the base ID signal output request flag is set, and in step S469, the base ID signal output request completion flag is set, and then the process returns.

The stand ID is output at the time of settlement in the above-described step S286 (FIG. 27), and as described above, is output when the power is turned on, the frame is opened, and the big hit. Therefore, the step S466 determines whether or not it is such an output opportunity. As the contents of the base ID, all codes (chip code, manufacturer code, and product code) are transmitted when the power is turned on, but only the chip code is transmitted when the frame is opened and when the big hit. Therefore, the output request flag and the output requested flag of the table ID signal are provided with types so that such a difference in output trigger can be identified.
The output destination of the base ID is basically the card unit 15, but may be the hall computer 86. However, since the table ID is written in the game card at the time of payment, it is always output to the card unit 15.

(Routine 35) Table ID Acquisition Processing of Game Control Device Next, the table ID acquisition processing in the table ID signal editing processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a start code is first written in the serial transmission buffer in step S481. The start code is a code for causing the receiving card unit 15 or the like to specify that serial communication is started. Next, in step S482, it is determined whether or not the acquisition is only the chip code. If the acquisition is only the chip code, the process jumps to step S487 to write the chip code identification code into the serial transmission buffer, and in step S488, the IC constituting the CPU 111 The chip code as the individual identification information (unique ID) of the chip is read, written to the serial transmission buffer, and the process returns. As a result, the unique ID is acquired and output to the card unit 15 or the like.

  On the other hand, if the acquisition is not only the chip code in step S482, the process proceeds to step S483 and the manufacturer code identification code is written in the serial transmission buffer, and the manufacturer code is read and written in the serial transmission buffer in step S484. In step S485, the product code identification code is written in the serial transmission buffer. In step S486, the product code is read out and written in the serial transmission buffer. Then, the process proceeds to step S487. As a result, the manufacturer code and the product code are acquired and output to the card unit 15 or the like.

At least when the base ID is transmitted to the card unit 15, since it is transmitted by the second communication system (communication system 2) as described above, each code data constituting the base ID is transmitted by this communication system. 2 is encrypted and written to the serial transmission buffer.
In the present embodiment, when a frame opening signal or one big hit signal is generated, only the chip code (main board unique ID) is output as the base ID. In this case, the determination in step S482 is affirmative. Thus, only steps S487 and S488 are executed and the process returns. In addition, when a security signal is generated when the power is turned on, in addition to a chip code (main board unique ID) as a base ID, a manufacturer code and a product code are also output. In this case, the determination in step S482 is negative. Thus, all steps S483 to S488 are executed and the process returns. When the power is turned on, serial transmission is performed in the order of manufacturer code, product code, and chip code, for example.
Each identification code includes information indicating the data type and data length of each code.

(Routine 36) Security Signal Editing Process of Game Control Device Next, the security signal editing process in the external information editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S491 whether or not the power is turned on (including recovery from a power failure). If the power is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S493. In step S492, a one-pulse security signal is output to the hall computer 86 when the power is turned on.

  When the process proceeds to step S493, the error determination process of steps S493 to S501 is sequentially performed. If any error determination process determines that an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S503, and it is determined that no error has occurred in all error determination processes. Then, the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, output data for security signal OFF is set, and the process returns. In step S503, security signal ON output data is set, and the process returns. When security signal ON output data is set, the security signal is turned on (output state), and when security signal OFF output data is set, the security signal is turned off (non-output state).

Here, step S493 is a determination as to whether a card unit unconnected error is occurring, and is performed based on, for example, a card unit connection confirmation flag, as in step S201 described above.
Step S494 is a determination as to whether an encapsulated ball number error (enclosed ball number insufficient error, encapsulated ball number excess error, or enclosed path error error) is occurring. This is performed based on the enclosed ball number insufficient error flag, the enclosed ball number excess error flag, and the enclosed path abnormality error flag.

Step S495 is a determination of whether or not a board surface ball number error is occurring, and is performed based on the board surface ball number error flag set in step S163 of FIG. That is, if the board ball number error flag is set, it is determined that a board ball number error is occurring.
Step S496 is a determination of whether or not a switch abnormality is occurring, and is performed based on the monitoring result of step S125 (switch abnormality monitoring process) described above.

Step S497 is a determination of whether radio wave fraud is occurring, and is performed based on the monitoring result of step S126 (radio wave fraud monitoring process) described above.
Step S498 is a determination as to whether or not a magnet fraud is occurring, and is performed based on the monitoring result of step S127 (magnet fraud monitoring process) described above.
Step S499 is a determination of whether or not vibration fraud is occurring, and is performed based on the monitoring result of step S128 (vibration fraud monitoring processing) described above.

Step S500 is a determination as to whether or not a big prize opening fraud is occurring, and is performed based on the monitoring result of the above-described step S413 (big prize opening switch fraud & winning monitoring process).
Step S501 is a determination as to whether or not a power transmission fraud is occurring, and is performed based on the monitoring result of the above-described step S414 (a power transmission prize opening switch fraud & winning monitoring process).

(Routine 37) LED Edit Process of Game Control Device Next, the LED edit process S60 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, error display LED editing processing (step S511), number-of-balls LED editing processing (step S512), settlement switch valid display LED editing processing (step S513), break switch valid display LED editing processing (step S513) S514), special drawing / general drawing / game state display LED editing processing (step S515) and winning display LED editing processing (step S1011) are sequentially executed, and then the process returns.

Here, in the error display LED editing process, setting of display data for turning on or blinking the error display LED 64 disposed on the back side of the game control device 54 when a predetermined error occurs is executed.
In the ball number LED editing process, setting of display data for performing various displays on the ball number indicator 40 is executed (details will be described later).

In the settlement switch valid display LED editing process, setting of display data for performing various displays by the settlement switch valid display LED 313 is executed.
In the break switch effective display LED editing process, setting of display data for performing various displays by the break switch effective display LED 314 is executed.
In the special drawing / general drawing / game state display LED editing process, setting of display data for performing various displays on each display device constituting the collective display device 35 is executed.
In the winning display LED editing process, processing related to the display of the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35 is executed (details will be described later in a subroutine).

In the adjustment switch effective display LED editing process and the break switch effective display LED editing process, for example, the following display operation is realized.
In other words, when the settlement permission condition and the break permission condition described in the above settlement start monitoring process (FIG. 26) and break start monitoring process (FIG. 30) are satisfied, the settlement switch valid display LED 313 and the break switch valid display LED 314 are displayed. Both lights up to inform you that payment and breaks are possible. Further, only the settlement switch valid display LED 313 blinks during the settlement, and only the break switch validation display LED 314 blinks during the break, and lights up so that an erroneous pressing of the settlement switch 311 and the break switch 312 can be understood.

(Routine 38) Ball Number LED Editing Process of Game Control Device Next, the ball number LED editing process in the LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S521 whether a card unit unconnected error has occurred. If it has occurred, the process proceeds to step S528, and if not, the process proceeds to step S522. The determination of the card unit unconnected error is performed based on, for example, a card unit connection confirmation flag, as in the above-described steps S201 and S493.

When the process proceeds to step S522, it is determined whether an enclosed system switch abnormality error is occurring. If it is occurring, the process proceeds to step S528, and if not, the process proceeds to step S523. The enclosed system switch abnormality error is a switch abnormality with respect to the enclosed system switch (launching ball detection switch 161, foul ball detection switch 162, out ball detection switch 163, and enclosed ball number detection switches 164 and 165). Similarly, it is performed based on the monitoring result of step S125.
In step S528, display data for displaying a notification of an enclosed system switch abnormality error or a card unit unconnected error is set by the ball number indicator 40, and the process returns.

When the process proceeds to step S523, it is determined whether the account is being settled (including the process of settlement or waiting for game card withdrawal). If the settlement is in progress, the process proceeds to step S529, and if not, the process proceeds to step S524. The determination as to whether the payment is being made may be performed, for example, in the same manner as in steps S321 and S205 described above.
When the process proceeds to step S524, it is determined whether the value of the number-of-balls display timer is not zero. If it is not zero (when the time is not up), the process proceeds to step S529, and when it is zero (when the time is up). Then, the process proceeds to step S525. The number-of-balls display timer is a timer that is set at the end of the settlement in step S312 (FIG. 31) described above.

In step S529, display data (flashing number display blinking data) for blinking the number of balls is set by the number-of-balls display 40, and the process returns.
Through the processing of these steps S523, S524, and S529, the number-of-balls indicator 40 is from the time when the settlement switch 311 is pressed and the settlement process is started until the game card is removed and the number-of-balls display timer counts up. The number of balls held is displayed blinking.

On the other hand, if it progresses to step S525, it will be determined and determined whether it is during a break, and if it is during a break, it will progress to step S534, and if it is not during a break, it will progress to step S526. The determination as to whether or not a break is in progress may be made in the same manner as in steps S261 and S206, for example.
In step S534, break display data for displaying that the player is on the ball with the number-of-balls indicator 40 is set, and the process returns.

In step S526, it is determined whether a game is in progress (the player is seated). If the game is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1021, and if not in the game, the process proceeds to step S527. Whether or not a game is in progress is determined by determining that a game is in progress if a game card is inserted in the card unit 15 and determining that a game is not in progress if it is not inserted.
In step S1021, the number-of-balls display data setting process is performed, and then the process returns. This is a process for displaying the number of balls on the number-of-balls display 31 and will be described in detail later.
In step S527, demonstration display data for performing demonstration display is set on the number-of-balls display 40, and the process returns.

  According to this routine, during the game, the number of balls is basically displayed on the number-of-balls display 40, but when a cart unit disconnection error or an enclosure system switch error occurs, an error display is displayed. A display indicating that the payment is being performed during the checkout and a display indicating that the break is being performed during the break are respectively performed on the number-of-balls display 40. And when it is not in any of these states, demo display is executed on the number-of-balls display 40. In the present embodiment, the data setting processing for the display on the number-of-balls display 40 is collectively processed in this routine for all displays other than the number-of-balls display. For this reason, there exists an effect which can simplify a process and can reduce cost.

(Routine 39) Ball Polishing Motor Control Processing of Game Control Device Next, the ball polishing motor control processing S61 in the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step S541, it is determined whether or not the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 (maximum encapsulated ball number detection switch) has been on for a specified time or longer, and is continuously turned on for a specified time or longer. If so, the process proceeds to step S550; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S542. In step S542, the value of the above-described ball polishing motor operation timer is read. If the value of this ball polishing motor operation timer is not zero, step S543 is jumped to and proceeds to step S544, where the ball polishing motor operation timer is zero ( That is, if the time is up), the process proceeds to step S543.

When the process proceeds to step S543, it is determined whether or not a game ball is being launched as in step S223 described above. If it is being launched, the process proceeds to step S544, and if not, the process proceeds to step S550.
In step S550, off data of the polishing apparatus motor 59 (that is, a ball polishing motor) is set, and the process returns. When the off data of the polishing apparatus motor 59 is set, the polishing apparatus motor 59 is controlled to be stopped. That is, the polishing apparatus motor 59 is stopped by the process of step S550. Then, when the polishing apparatus motor 59 is stopped, the operation of the polishing apparatus 56 is naturally stopped, and the circulation of the game ball in the circulation apparatus 55 is also stopped.

According to the above steps S541 to S543, when step S550 is executed and the polishing apparatus motor 59 is controlled to stop, there are the following two.
(1) The second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 (maximum encapsulated ball number detection switch) is kept on for a specified time or longer.
(2) The value of the ball polishing motor operation timer is zero and the game ball is not being fired.
Here, in the case of (1), the polishing apparatus motor 59 is stopped because the game ball is flowing more than necessary on the downstream side of the polishing apparatus 56 (that is, the launching apparatus side). The apparatus 56 is stopped to prevent the game ball from being sent from the polishing apparatus 56 to the downstream side (that is, for adjusting the flow rate), and unnecessary operation of the polishing apparatus motor 59 is avoided to save energy. Because. The reason for stopping the polishing apparatus motor 59 in the case of (2) is to save energy by avoiding unnecessary operation of the polishing apparatus motor 59.

  In step S544, it is determined whether a ball clogging has occurred. If it has occurred, the process proceeds to step S551, and if not, the process proceeds to step S545. The determination of whether or not a ball is clogged is made based on the state of the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 164 and / or the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 165. For example, if only the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 is turned on and the encapsulated path abnormality error flag (the flag set in step S151 described above) is set, it may be determined that a ball blockage has occurred. Alternatively, if the polishing device motor 59 continues to operate for a specified time or more and the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 does not turn on for the specified time or more, a ball blockage (for example, a ball blockage in the polishing device 56) occurs. You may determine that it has occurred. The ball clogging determined here is highly likely to be eliminated by reverse rotation of the polishing apparatus motor 59 (specifically, clogging in the circulation path in the circulation apparatus 55, more preferably in the polishing apparatus 56 and It is desirable that the ball is clogged at the inlet 75 and the outlet 76 of the polishing apparatus 56.

  In step S551, reverse rotation data for reversely rotating the polishing apparatus motor 59 (ball polishing motor) is set in order to eliminate the generated ball clogging, and the process returns. The polishing apparatus motor 59 is driven and controlled to rotate in reverse by setting the reverse rotation data. When the polishing device motor 59 rotates in the reverse direction, the flow of the game ball is reversed in the polishing device 56 of the circulation device 55 in FIG. 4, and the polishing device 56 operates in the direction in which the game ball descends. There is a high possibility that the ball will be automatically resolved, and in this case, it is possible to save the trouble of manually solving the ball clogging by a game shop clerk.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S545, the forward rotation data for rotating the polishing apparatus motor 59 (ball polishing motor) in the forward direction is set, and the process proceeds to step S546. The polishing apparatus motor 59 is driven and controlled to rotate forward by setting the forward rotation data. When the polishing apparatus motor 59 rotates in the forward direction, the flow of game balls becomes forward in the polishing apparatus 56 of the circulation apparatus 55 in FIG. 4, and the polishing apparatus 56 operates in the direction in which the game balls are lifted. Circulation of the ball (an operation of flowing the game ball collected from the game area again toward the launch position of the launch device) is performed.
For example, when it is determined in step S544 that a ball clogging has occurred, after the reverse rotation for a specified time, the rotation is performed in a specified time order even if it is determined that a ball clogging has occurred. Also good. Moreover, you may make it repeat the drive control of reverse rotation and forward rotation alternately, for example. Here, when the ball is not clogged, the specified time for forward rotation is that the game ball flows in from the lower inlet 75, is lifted by the polishing device 56, reaches the upper outlet 76, or is discharged from the upper outlet 76. It is recommended to set an average time of about. In this way, the game ball is discharged from the upper outlet 76 provided on the upper left side of the polishing device 56, passes through the sensor flow path 77, and the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 and / or the second enclosed ball detection switch. At 165, it can be determined whether the ball clogging has been eliminated.

  In step S546, the value of the ball polishing motor operation timer is read. If the value of this ball polishing motor operation timer is not zero, the process proceeds to step S547, and the ball polishing motor operation timer is zero (ie, time is up). If so, return. In step S547, a ball polishing motor operation timer update process (that is, a process of reducing the value of the ball polishing motor operation timer by one cycle of the timer process) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S548. In step S548, the value of the ball polishing motor operation timer is read. If the value of this ball polishing motor operation timer is not zero, the process returns, and the ball polishing motor operation timer is zero (ie, time is up). If so, a sealed ball number confirmation request flag is set in step S549, and then the process returns.

  According to the above steps S546 to S549, when the polishing apparatus motor 59 is rotating forward, the timing operation of the ball polishing motor operation timer proceeds, and the timing at which the value of this ball polishing motor operation timer becomes zero immediately after the update (that is, At the time when the above-described ball polishing operation time ends and the polishing apparatus motor 59 stops), the sealed ball number confirmation request flag is set. If the sealed ball number confirmation request flag is set, it is determined in step S144 of the enclosed ball number monitoring process (FIG. 18) that there is a request for confirmation of the enclosed ball number, and the enclosed ball number monitoring process is performed. Processing for monitoring excess / insufficiency of the number of encapsulated spheres and path abnormality after step S145 (processing for determining the number of encapsulated spheres) is executed.

Here, the case where the polishing apparatus motor 59 (that is, the polishing apparatus 56) is operated by the above processing is summarized as follows.
(1) A game ball is being launched in a state where an abnormality such as a clogged ball (that is, an abnormality in which the determination results in steps S541 and S544 are positive) has not occurred.
(2) The value of the ball polishing motor operation timer is not zero in a state where no abnormality such as ball clogging has occurred (that is, the period of the ball polishing operation time).
For this reason, as long as there is no abnormality such as ball clogging, even if the game ball is not being fired, the period of the ball polishing operation time (the period from when the ball polishing motor operation timer is set to the time is up) 56 is activated. The ball polishing motor operation timer is set in step S18 of the main process (FIG. 9) when the power is turned on, and when the glass frame 5 is opened and closed and the error release switch 65 is turned on, the error release switch monitoring process (FIG. In step S135 of 17). Therefore, after the power is turned on and after the glass frame 5 is opened / closed and the error release switch 65 is turned on, the polishing device motor 59 (that is, the polishing device 56) is operated for a specified ball polishing operation time. It will be. The ball polishing motor operation timer also performs the process of step S184 described above when the glass frame 5 (front frame) is opened and closed in a state where an error that needs to be canceled by the error cancel switch 65 is not occurring. In this case as well, the polishing apparatus 56 is operated for a specified ball polishing operation time, and thereafter, the process for determining the number of encapsulated balls is executed.

Thereby, when the power is turned on, the game ball staying on the upstream side (upstream side including the polishing device 56) of the sensor flow channel 77 in the circulation device 55 is moved downstream (launching device) including the sensor flow channel 77. It is sent after being polished to the side of the launch position), so that the preparation for the start of the game is made accurately.
In addition, when a board surface ball number error (the state in which the board surface ball number error flag is set in step S163 in FIG. 19) occurs due to a blockage of balls in the game area, the game shop clerk opens the glass frame 5 to clog, for example. When the ball is manually flowed down to clear the ball clogging, and then the glass frame 5 is closed and the error release switch 65 is turned on, the polishing device 56 automatically operates as described above to block the clogged ball. Polish and flow downstream. For this reason, when you manually release the ball that was jammed in this way, this ball is automatically polished and sent to the launcher side, and the effect that the preparation for resuming the game after that is made accurately, The game balls touched by the store clerk are effectively prevented from being corroded and soiled.

  Further, when the ball polishing operation time has elapsed (that is, when the operation of the polishing apparatus 56 in the case (2) is stopped), a sealed ball number confirmation request flag is set in step S549, and as described above, Since the abnormality check of the number (enclosed ball number check determination; step S145 and subsequent steps) is performed, after all the balls that have stayed or were clogged as described above are automatically sent to the sensor flow path 77 side. Abnormality confirmation of the number of enclosed balls is performed. Therefore, a reliable abnormality check of the number of encapsulated balls is performed every time the power is turned on, every time the ball clogging is manually released, and every time the glass frame 5 is simply opened and closed. Therefore, there is an effect that an abnormality in the number of encapsulated spheres can be detected early and accurately.

(Routine 40) Winning Display LED Editing Process Next, the winning display LED editing process in step S1011 of the LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine starts, first, if the winning display output control timer is not “0” in step S1031, the timer is updated (incremented) by “−1”, and in step S1032, the winning display output control timer is “0”. It is determined whether or not. This is because the winning display output control timer is set to an initial value (for example, 1500 ms in the normal mode) in step S1041, which will be described later, and "-1" is updated (incremented) from the initial value. Is determined to be “0”.

If the decision result in the step S1032 is YES, the process advances to a succeeding step S1033 to determine whether or not the winning display read counter is equal to the winning display light counter. This is to determine whether or not the current number of winning balls has been read out from the winning display number storage area storing the number of winnings. If the determination result in step S1033 is NO, it is determined that the winning display read counter is not equal to the winning display light counter and the current winning ball number has not been read from the winning display number storage area, and the process proceeds to step S1034.
On the other hand, if the determination result in step S1033 is YES, the winning display read counter is equal to the winning display light counter, and it is determined that the current number of winning balls has been read from the winning display number storage area, and the process branches to step S1045. In step S1045, the turn-off data is saved in the winning display LED output data area, and then the process returns. As a result of the processing in step S1045, the winning ball display of the winning display LED 355 disappears.

If the process proceeds to step S1034, first, the winning display lead counter is updated (incremented) by “+1” in step S1034, and then in step S1035, the current winning ball is stored from the winning display number storage area corresponding to the winning display lead counter. Load a number. Next, in step S1036, winning display LED pattern data corresponding to the number of winning balls loaded in step S1035 is set. The winning display LED pattern data is data for determining which of the seven segments is to be lit (or blinked) because the winning display LED 355 of the collective display device 35 is composed of two 7-segment LEDs. It is. For example, when displaying the number of winning balls = 10, the lighting data of each segment is set so that two LEDs display “10” with two digits.
In step S1037, the winning display LED pattern data set in step S1036 is saved in the winning display LED pattern data area, and the process proceeds to step S1038.

In step S1038, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the special mode.
The special mode means during a big hit, during a probability change, during a short time (under normal power support: under support with a low probability). On the other hand, the normal mode is a normal gaming state other than the special mode.
If it is not in the special mode in step S1038, the process proceeds to step S1039, where “1” is saved as the winning display LED lighting time number, and then the process proceeds to step S1041. When the winning display LED lighting time number = “1”, the winning display by the winning display LED 355 is controlled at the timing of 1 second ON (lighted) and 0.5 seconds OFF (lighted off).
In this case, the winning display output control timer is set to “375” as an initial value. This is because the repetition timing of this routine is every 4 ms, so “375” × 4 ms = 1500 ms. From 1500 ms to 1000 ms (1 second) is ON, and the subsequent 500 ms (“125” × 4 ms = 500 ms) is OFF. This is because the winning display can be controlled at a timing of 1 second ON (lighted) and 0.5 seconds OFF (lighted off).
Accordingly, the winning display is ON (lit) for 1 second while this routine is repeated “250” times from the initial value 1500 ms, and then the winning display is 0.5 seconds while this routine is repeated “125” times. Control is performed at the timing of OFF (light-off).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1038 that the special mode is being used, the process proceeds to step S1040, where “2” is saved as the winning display LED lighting time number, and then the process proceeds to step S1041. When the winning display LED lighting time number = “2”, the winning display by the winning display LED 355 is controlled at a timing of 0.5 seconds ON (lighted) and 0.1 seconds OFF (lighted off).
In this case, the winning display output control timer is set to “150” as an initial value. This is because the repetition timing of this routine is every 4 ms, so “150” × 4 ms = 600 ms. From 600 ms to 500 ms (0.5 seconds) is ON, and the subsequent 100 ms (“25” × 4 ms = 100 ms) is This is because by turning OFF, the winning display can be controlled at the timing of 0.5 seconds ON (lights on) and 0.1 seconds OFF (lights off).
Accordingly, while the routine is repeated “125” times from the initial value of 600 ms, the winning display is turned ON (lit) for 0.5 seconds, and thereafter, the winning display is 0. Control is performed at a timing of OFF (extinguishment) for 1 second.
In the special mode, the winning display time by the winning display LED 355 is set to ON (lighted) for 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than the game ball firing interval (0.6 seconds). That is, the number of game balls fired by the operation of the firing operation handle 11 is defined as 100 shots per minute according to a predetermined rule. Therefore, the launch control device 57 controls the ball feed solenoid 172 to control 100 shots / minute. Although it is set to fall within the range of (one ball is fired in approximately 0.6 seconds (s)), the winning display time by the winning display LED 355 is 0.5 seconds, compared to the firing interval of 0.6 seconds. Since the ON (lighted) is shorter, the number of winning balls displayed by the winning display LED 355 does not stagnate even if the winning balls associated with winning are continuous, such as during a big hit.

As described above, when the process proceeds from step S1039 or step S1040 to step S1041, in step S1041, the timer initial value corresponding to the winning display LED lighting time number is saved in the winning display control timer area. As described above, in the normal mode, since the winning display LED lighting time number = “1”, the winning display output control timer is saved to “375” as an initial value. Accordingly, since the repetition timing of this routine is every 4 ms, “375” × 4 ms = 1500 ms, and the winning display is ON (lit) for 1 second while this routine is repeated “250” times from the initial value 1500 ms. Thereafter, while this routine is repeated “125” times, the winning display is controlled at a timing of 0.5 seconds OFF (lights off).
In the special mode, the winning display LED lighting time number = “2”, so that the winning display output control timer is saved to “150” as an initial value. Thus, since the repetition timing of this routine is every 4 ms, “150” × 4 ms = 600 ms, and the winning display is ON for 0.5 seconds while this routine is repeated “125” times from the initial value 600 ms ( After that, while the routine is repeated “25” times, the winning display is controlled at the timing of OFF (extinguish) for 0.1 seconds.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S1042, and the winning display LED pattern data corresponding to the number of winning balls set in step S1036 is loaded. Subsequently, in step S1043, the winning display LED pattern data loaded in step S1042 is received as the winning display LED output data area. After saving, return. Accordingly, the display of the prize display LED 355 of the collective display device 35 is controlled according to the prize display LED pattern data set in step S1036 at the control timing of the prize display LED lighting time number = “1” or “2”. Then, the fact that the player has won a prize and the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize are notified.

  On the other hand, if the winning display output control timer is not “0” in step S1032, the process branches to step S1044 to determine whether the winning display control timer is in the lighting section. This is to determine whether or not the winning display is an ON (lighted) section (period), and the determination value in step S1044 differs depending on the value of the lighting time number. If the determination result of step S1044 is the ON section, the process proceeds to step S1042 to load winning display LED pattern data corresponding to the number of winning balls, and then the process of step S1043 is performed. Thereby, the section where the winning display is ON (lighted) continues. If the winning display control timer is not in the lighting section in step S1044, the process proceeds to step S1045, the extinction data is saved in the winning display LED output data area, and the process returns. Thereby, the winning ball display of the winning display LED 355 disappears.

(Routine 41) Holding Ball Number Display Data Setting Process Next, the holding ball number display data setting process in step S1021 of the holding ball number LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, if the number-of-balls display update timer is not “0” in step S1051, the timer is updated (incremented) by “−1”. In step S1052, the number-of-balls display update timer is “ Whether or not “0” is determined. This is because the number-of-balls display update timer is set to an initial value (for example, 300 ms) in step S1057, which will be described later, and is updated (-1) from the initial value, and the timer is set to "0". It is determined whether or not.

If the decision result in the step S1052 is YES, the process advances to a succeeding step S1053 to determine whether or not the held ball number display display read counter is equal to the held ball number display light counter. This is to determine whether or not the current updated number of balls has been read from the updated number of stored balls storing area for storing the updated number of balls. If the determination result in step S1053 is NO, it is determined that the number of possessed balls display read counter is not equal to the number of possessed balls display light counter, and the current updated number of possessed balls has not been read from the updated number of possessed balls count storage area. The process proceeds to step S1054 and subsequent steps.
On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S1053 is YES, it is judged that the number-of-balls-displaying read counter is equal to the number-of-balls-displaying light counter, and it is determined that the current updated number of balls has been read from the updated number-of-balls storage area. Then, the process branches to step S1060. In step S1060, the current number of balls (the updated number of balls) is executed as a display ball number. The process proceeds to step S1057, and the processes in and after step S1057 are executed. .
In addition, when performing the process of step S1060, in order to prevent a shift between the display data regarding the number of balls and the internal data, when there is no data to be added (number of balls to be added), it is periodically performed. The process to match the number of balls held inside.

When the processing proceeds to step S1054 and subsequent steps, first, the number-of-balls display read counter is updated (incremented) by “+1” in step S1054, and then the updated ball number corresponding to the number-of-balls display read counter in step S1055. Load the current update number from the number storage area. Next, in step S1056, “display ball number + update number” is set as the current display ball number (that is, the current display ball number is obtained by adding the current update number to the previous ball number). Number).
Next, in step S1057, the initial value (eg, 300 ms) of the number-of-balls display update timer is saved in the number-of-balls display update timer area. For example, 300 ms is set as the initial value here.

Next, the process proceeds to step S1058, and LED display data corresponding to the number of holding balls set in step S1056 is set. This is for setting data to be displayed on the LEDs of the number-of-balls indicator 40 capable of displaying six digits of numbers (the number of balls) by arranging six 7-segment LEDs. Therefore, if there are 6 LEDs to be displayed, data for 6 digits is set.
Subsequently, in step S1059, the LED display data corresponding to the number of holding balls set in step S1058 is saved in the holding ball number output data area, and then the process returns.
Thereby, the current number of balls (the updated number of balls) is displayed on the number-of-balls display 31.
On the other hand, if the number-of-balls display update timer is not “0” in step S1052, the process jumps to step S1058, sequentially executes steps S1058 and S1059, and returns. Therefore, at this time, the display of the previous number of balls held by the number-of-balls display 40 is continued.

By executing the program as described above, a command is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and the effect control device 53 that receives the command executes a variable display game by the display device 41 based on the program. .
Specifically, when the player operates the firing operation handle 11 to throw a game ball into the game area 22 and the game ball that has been placed wins the start winning opening 25 or 26 of the special figure (see the special figure). When there is a start winning prize), a command for instructing the variable display of the decoration special drawing is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and display (so-called variable display) is performed on the display unit 41a. Then, a decorative display variation display game 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 on the game area 22 becomes out or safe, passes through the game area 22, flows down to the game ball inlet 71 of the circulation device 55, is collected and circulated by the circulation device 55, and is again guided to the launch position. It will be. In this way, the enclosed game ball is circulated and used to perform a pachinko game with the enclosed ball.
In addition, the game control device 54 controls the collective display device 35 such as a variable display of the special figure, the ordinary figure, and the like.

Here, when it is determined that the game ball is safe and the number of balls held by the player is increased, the ball enters the winning port (including the general winning ports 28 to 31 and the starting winning ports 25, 26, etc.). In addition, when a big hit occurs and shifts to the big win state, the bonus winning hole 27a of the variable winning device 27 is temporarily within a range not exceeding a specified time (for example, 30 seconds), for example, for a period up to ten winnings. The jackpot round to be released is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds, and the player wins a large number of winnings.
In this case, the number of winning balls associated with winning is all displayed by the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35.

FIG. 50 is a timing chart of display control of the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35.
In FIG. 50, the number of winning balls associated with winning is as follows.
・ Large winning opening 27a = 13 ・ Starting winning opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting winning opening 26 (Fuden) = 1 ・ General winning openings 28 to 31 = 10 In FIG. Is shown as, for example, “winning (prize ball 13)”, and the same applies to other winning modes.

Now, in the normal mode (displayed as normal in FIG. 50), if there is a winning at the start winning opening 25, the number of winning balls is 3, so that the game control device 54 displays the winning display LED 355 of the collective display device 35. On the other hand, a drive signal is output (hereinafter, the control is the same), and the winning ball display LED 355 displays the winning ball 3 (the number of winning balls = 3). As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “3” in one digit.
At this time, the winning display of “3” is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 1 second and then turning off (turned off) for 0.5 seconds.
Similarly, in the normal mode, if there is a winning in any of the general winning openings 28 to 31, the number of winning balls is 10, so that the winning display LED 355 receives 10 winning balls (the number of winning balls = 10). Meaning) is displayed. As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “10” in two digits.
At this time, the winning display of “10” is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 1 second and then turning off (turned off) for 0.5 seconds.

Next, when a big hit was generated from the normal mode and a transition was made to the special mode (during the big hit), winning (number of winning balls = 13) to the big winning opening 27a occurred four times in succession. At this time, if there is a prize at the big prize opening 27a, since the number of prize balls is 13, the game control device 54 outputs a drive signal to the prize display LED 355 of the collective display device 35, and the prize display LED 355 is displayed. The prize ball 13 (the number of prize balls = 13 meanings) is displayed. Thereby, the winning display LED 355 displays “13” in two digits. In this case, the winning display of “13” is controlled for 0.5 seconds ON (lights on) and then 0.1 seconds OFF (lights off), and the winning prize opening 27a is continuously generated four times. This is done four times in succession.
In addition, during the special mode, a winning (number of winning balls = 3) to the start winning opening 25 occurred once.
At this time, if there is a winning at the start winning opening 25, the number of winning balls is 3, so that the winning display LED 355 displays the winning ball 3 (meaning the number of winning balls = 3). As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “3” in one digit. In this case, the winning display of “3” is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 0.5 seconds and then turning off (turned off) for 0.1 seconds.

Then, the big hit round ends, and the transition is made to the probability fluctuation. Since the probability variation is also in the special mode, the control in the special mode is continued for the winning display by the winning display LED 355. Then, during the probability fluctuation, the winning (the number of winning balls = 1) to the start winning opening 26 (Fuden) occurred three times in succession. At this time, if there is a winning at the start winning opening 26 (Fuden), the number of winning balls is 1, so that the winning ball 1 (the number of winning balls = 1) is displayed on the winning display LED 355. Is called. As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “1” in one digit. In this case, the winning display of “1” is controlled for 0.5 seconds ON (lights on) and then off for 0.1 seconds (lights off), and the winning winning opening 26 (Fuden) continues to win. This occurs three times in succession.
In this way, the number of winning balls associated with winning is all displayed by the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35. Even if a game ball wins in any winning opening, the winning display LED 355 consisting of two 7-segment balls is immediately given for a predetermined time (1 second in the normal mode, 0.5 second in the special mode). Therefore, the player can easily know where on the board (game board 20) the prize is won and how many prize balls are obtained.

According to the present embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) In the pachinko machine 1 (game machine) of the present embodiment, no matter which game ball is won in any winning opening, the number of winning balls associated with winning is displayed by the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35. That is, the number of winning balls associated with winning is displayed for a predetermined time (1 second in the normal mode and 0.5 second in the special mode) by the winning display LED 355 consisting of two 7-segment LEDs. The player can easily recognize where on the board (game board 20) and how many prize balls are obtained. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not lower the interest of the game.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
It has multiple winning openings,
In a gaming machine in which a plurality of types of prize balls are set by winning in the plurality of winning holes,
A gaming machine comprising a winning display device for displaying a corresponding number of winning balls for a predetermined period when a winning is made at the winning opening.

(2) The display of the number of winning balls by the winning display LED 355 is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 1 second in the normal mode and then turning off (turned off) for 0.5 seconds, and on for 0.5 seconds in the special mode ( The light is turned on), and then controlled at the timing of turning off (lights off) for 0.1 seconds.
Therefore, even if the winning is continuous in the special mode such as the big hit and the winning balls are continuously generated, the winning display time by the winning display LED 355 is shorter than that in the normal mode, and the number of winning balls is increased. The display is not delayed and the player can easily know how many prize balls have been obtained.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
It has a game control device that manages the progress of the gaming machine,
The game control device includes:
In the normal mode, the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning is displayed on the winning display device for a predetermined time, and when the special mode is entered, the display time control means for shortening the display time of the winning ball number on the winning display device from the normal mode. A gaming machine characterized by having

(3) In the case of winning continuously in a special mode such as during a big hit, the display time of the number of winning balls by the winning display LED 355 is set to the game ball firing interval (0.6 seconds) (100 shots / minute (0.6 1 shot per second) is shortened to 0.5 seconds, so that the display of the number of prize balls by the prize display LED 355 is not delayed, and how many prize balls the player has obtained Can be easily known.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The display time control means is
A gaming machine, wherein a display time of the number of prize balls in a special mode on a winning display device is set to be shorter than a continuous launch interval of game balls.

(4) Since the winning display LED 355 is configured integrally with the collective display device 35 that collectively performs various displays including special drawings and ordinary drawings, it is easy to control the game control device 54 regarding the display of the number of winning balls. In addition, the arrangement space is small.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
A gaming machine characterized by being configured integrally with a collective display device that collectively displays various displays including special drawings and ordinary drawings.

(5) Since the game control device 54 controls the winning display LED 355, the control efficiency is good. Further, a special control device for controlling the winning display LED 355 is unnecessary, control is easy, and the cost is reduced.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
It has a game control device that manages the progress of the gaming machine,
The game control device includes:
A gaming machine comprising winning display control means for controlling a winning display device for displaying a number of winning balls for a predetermined time.
"Example 2"

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The second embodiment is an example in which the arrangement of the winning display LEDs (winning display device) is changed.
In FIG. 51, reference numeral 401 denotes a pachinko machine, which is configured as an enclosed ball type gaming machine as in the first embodiment. The difference between the pachinko machine 401 and the first embodiment is that the winning display LED 402 is mainly arranged in the frame portion of the pachinko machine 1, and the others are related to the operation display device 7, the number-of-balls display 403, etc. The position for providing is slightly different from that of the first embodiment.
Specifically, the winning display LED 402 (winning display device) is arranged at the lower part of the front frame 4 (game frame) and slightly to the left of the center. The function of the winning display LED 402 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and displays the number of winning balls corresponding to winning in the winning opening. The winning display LED 402 includes two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls.

On the lower panel 6, an operation display device 7, a settlement switch 411, a break switch 412, a settlement switch valid display LED 413, and a break switch valid display LED 414 are arranged. The operation display device 7 has the same function as that of the first embodiment, and the arrangement place is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, the settlement switch 411, the break switch 412, the settlement switch valid display LED 413, and the break switch valid display LED 414 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, and the operation location display is slightly different from the first embodiment. It is arranged around the device 7.
The number-of-balls display 403 is arranged above the operation display device 7 and, like the first embodiment, six 7-segment LEDs are arranged so that the number of balls can be displayed by a six-digit value. It has become.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
A gaming machine that is separated from a collective display device that collectively performs various displays including special drawings and general drawings, and is arranged on a frame member.

In the above configuration, the second embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Since the winning display LED 402 is arranged in the lower part of the front frame 4 and in the vicinity of the number-of-balls display 403, the number of winning balls associated with winning is displayed near the game board 20, The effect is easy to understand and easy to see.
In general, a player often looks at the game board 20 and follows the behavior of the ball with his eyes. If there is a prize display LED 402 in the lower part of the game board 20, the line of sight does not move so much and the prize is accompanied. The number of prize balls can be easily recognized.
(2) Since the number-of-balls indicator 403 is also arranged in the vicinity of the winning indication LED 402, it is easy to recognize that the winning ball due to winning is added to the number of held balls.
(3) Furthermore, since the winning display LED 402 is arranged on the front frame 4 (that is, the frame portion), there is an effect that leads to cost reduction of the game board 20.
"Example 3"

Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The third embodiment is an example in which the configuration of the winning display LED (winning display device) is changed.
In FIG. 52, reference numeral 501 denotes a pachinko machine, which is configured as an enclosed ball type gaming machine as in the second embodiment. The pachinko machine 501 is provided with a winning display LED 502 (winning display device), and the winning display LED 502 is different in configuration from the second embodiment.
That is, an opening 503 is formed in the lower part of the front frame 4 (game frame) of the pachinko machine 501 slightly to the left of the center, and a prize display LED 502 is arranged at a position facing the opening 503. It is fixed to the game board 20 (that is, arranged on the game board 20). Accordingly, the prize display LED 502 is in a state of being installed on the game board 20 and the front side of the prize display LED 502 is configured to be visible from the front side of the pachinko machine 1 through the opening 503.

The winning display LED 502 is composed of four small dot-type LEDs, and a sticker indicating “1, 3, 10, 15” is pasted on the top of the four LEDs. The numbers “1, 3, 10, 15” displayed on the sticker indicate the number of prize balls. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is equal to 1, the LED corresponding to “1” on the sticker is lit. Similarly, when the number of winning balls associated with winning is 3, the LED corresponding to “3” is displayed on the sticker. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is 10, the display of the sticker is “10”. LED corresponding to “15” is lit, and when the number of prize balls associated with winning is = 15, the LED corresponding to “15” on the sticker is lit. The third embodiment is an example in which the number of prize balls associated with winning in the big winning opening 27a is 15. In the third embodiment, when the number of prize balls is different depending on the model, the number of the stickers is changed.
The pachinko machine 501 of the third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except that the configuration of the winning display LED 502 is different from that of the second embodiment. Is abbreviated.

The third embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Since the winning display LED 502 is disposed below the front frame 4 and in the vicinity of the number-of-balls display 403, the display of the number of winning balls accompanying winning is easy to understand.
(2) Since the winning display LED 502 is composed of four LEDs, the cost is lower than that of the 7-segment type.
(3) Since the number of winning balls can be notified only by sticking a sticker indicating “1, 3, 10, 15” on top of the four LEDs of the winning display LED 502, the cost is low.
Example 4

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 4 is an example in which the placement location of the winning display LED (winning display device) is changed.
FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a game board 511 of the fourth embodiment, and a pachinko machine equipped with this game board 511 is also configured as an encapsulated ball type game machine as in the first embodiment. The game board 511 is provided with a collective display device 512, and a winning display LED 513 (winning display device) is independently arranged near the right side of the collective display device 512.
The collective display device 512 according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration in which only the winning display LED 513 is removed from the configuration according to the first embodiment and is moved to the outside. The function of the winning display LED 513 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is composed of two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
A gaming machine characterized in that it is separated from a collective display device that collectively performs various displays including special drawings and general drawings, and is arranged on a game board.

The fourth embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Since only the prize display LED 513 is removed from the collective display device 512, no other changes are made, so that the control of the collective display device 512 is simple despite the change and can be used without greatly changing the configuration. .
(2) Since the winning display LED 513 is separately arranged outside, it is separated from the collective display device 512 and the number of winning balls can be easily recognized.
(3) Since the prize display LED 513 is separated from the collective display device 512, the degree of freedom of the installation space for the prize display LED 513 is increased. For example, the winning display LED 513 may be arranged on the lower left side of the game board 511.
"Example 5"

Next, Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The fifth embodiment is an example in which the arrangement location of the winning display LED (winning display device) is changed.
FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a game board 521 according to the fifth embodiment, and a pachinko machine equipped with the game board 521 is also configured as an encapsulated ball type game machine as in the first embodiment. The game board 521 is provided with a collective display device 522, and unlike the fourth embodiment, a prize display LED 523 (a prize display device) is independently arranged on the surface of the game board 521 away from the collective display device 522. Yes.
In other words, the winning indication LED 523 is arranged independently in the center case 524 of the game board 521, and the winning indication LED 523 is provided inside the band 532 surrounding the gaming area 531 (particularly, on the lower right side).
Also in the fifth embodiment, like the fourth embodiment, the collective display device 522 has a configuration in which the collective display device 522 is moved and arranged outside the configuration of the first embodiment except for only the winning display LED 523. The function of the winning display LED 523 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is composed of two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

The fifth embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Since the prize display LED 523 is installed inside the band 532 surrounding the game area 524, when there is no installation space outside the band 532, the degree of freedom of the installation space for the prize display LED 523 is increased.
Note that the prize display LED 523 is not limited to the example of being installed on the lower right side inside the band 532 surrounding the game area 531, but may be installed on the lower left side inside the band 532, for example.
"Example 6"

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 6 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 55A is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 601 according to the sixth embodiment. The collective display device 601 includes the same components as in the first embodiment, such as a special figure 1 display 351, a special figure 2 display 352, a special figure 1 hold LED 353, a special figure 2 hold LED 354, a general figure LED 356, a general figure hold LED 357, Round display LEDs 358 are provided, which are numbered identically.
On the other hand, the configuration of the winning display LED 602 (winning indicator) is different from the first embodiment. The winning display LED 602 includes two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls. Two 7-segment LEDs are denoted by reference numerals 602A and 602B.

In order to explain the details, an enlarged view of the winning display LED 602 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 55 (b), among the configurations of the winning display LED 602, the LED 602B that displays a one-digit number has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the LED 602A that displays a ten-digit number is the first embodiment. However, the segments a and b of the seven segments are used as segments for displaying 10-digit numbers, while the other segments c to f are used for status display and the like.
That is, the status display LED shown in the first embodiment is not required in the sixth embodiment (shown as “unnecessary” in FIG. 55A), and instead of the segment of the LED 602A that displays a 10-digit number. A segment other than segments a and b is used so as to have a function of a status display LED. For example, it is as follows.
-Segment a: Illuminates to display one piece of 10-digit numbers-Segment b: Illuminates to display one piece of 10-digit numbers-Segment c: Illuminates to display "probability change state"-Segment d: Illuminates “Short-time state” is displayed. ・ Segment e: For example, normal probability fluctuation is displayed. ・ Segment f: For example, suddenness is displayed. Note that the two segments e and f need not be used. These may be used, for example, for displaying the probability fluctuation of ordinary figures or the probability (abrupt probability fluctuation).
In order to explain these displays, for example, a sticker may be pasted on the collective display device 601 for easy understanding.
Moreover, about LED602A which displays the number of 10 digits, the center segment g and the dot h may be used for a certain display. For example, it can be used for “right-handed display” in addition to status display. The “right-handed display” is a display that prompts the player to launch a ball in the right direction of the game board 20 as the game progresses depending on the model, and is displayed under the control of the effect control device 53 on the game board 20, for example. When displaying the message “Please make a right turn” on the device 41 (liquid crystal display), it is necessary to display it under the control of the game control device 54 (main board). Therefore, it is preferable to display somewhere on the collective display device 35 or the like controlled by the game control device 54. Therefore, a configuration in which “right-handed display” is performed in the segment g may be adopted.

Example 6 has the following effects.
(1) All segments can be effectively used for the winning display LED 602 in the collective display device 601.
(2) Since the status display LED is not required from the collective display device 601, the cost is reduced accordingly.
"Example 7"

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 7 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 611 according to the seventh embodiment. The collective display device 611 includes a special figure 1 display 351, a special figure 2 display 352, a special figure 1 hold LED 353, a special figure 2 hold LED 354, a universal figure LED 356, and a universal figure hold LED 357 as components similar to the first embodiment. These are provided with the same number.

On the other hand, the configuration of the winning display LED 612 (winning indicator) is different from the first embodiment. The winning display LED 612 is not a 7-segment type LED, but is composed of four small dot type LEDs. A sticker for displaying “1, 3, 10, 15” is pasted on top of the four small dot-type LEDs in the winning display LED 612. The numbers “1, 3, 10, 15” displayed on the sticker indicate the number of prize balls. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is equal to 1, the LED corresponding to “1” on the sticker is lit. Similarly, when the number of winning balls associated with winning is 3, the LED corresponding to “3” is displayed on the sticker. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is 10, the display of the sticker is “10”. LED corresponding to “15” is lit, and when the number of prize balls associated with winning is = 15, the LED corresponding to “15” on the sticker is lit. Example 7 is an example in which the number of prize balls associated with winning in the big winning opening 27a = 15. In the seventh embodiment, when the number of prize balls is different depending on the model, the number of the stickers is changed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 56, the place where the round display LED 613 and the status display LED 614 are arranged is slightly different from that of the first embodiment. However, the configurations and functions of the round display LED 613 and the status display LED 614 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Example 7 has the following effects.
(1) Since the prize display LED 612 is composed of four small dot type LEDs, the cost can be reduced as compared with the 7 segment type LED.
"Example 8"

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 8 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 650 according to the eighth embodiment. The collective display device 650 includes a special figure 1 indicator 651, a special figure 2 indicator 652, a special figure 1 hold LED 653, a special figure 2 hold LED 654, a general figure LED 655, a universal figure hold LED 656, a round display LED 657, a status display LED 658, and a winning indication. An LED 659 is provided.

Among the indicators and LEDs in the collective display device 650, the special figure 1 hold LED 653, the special figure 2 hold LED 654, the universal figure LED 655, the universal figure hold LED 656, and the status display LED 658 have the same functions and configurations as in the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 57, the arrangement location is slightly different from that of the first embodiment (the same components are not described repeatedly).
On the other hand, there are a special figure 1 display 651, a special figure 2 display 652, a winning display LED 659, and a round display LED 657 as configurations different from the first embodiment. The round display LED 657 displays the number of rounds when a big hit with the start winning in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 occurs and executes the big hit game. As shown in FIG. It is configured to display four types of rounds. And the number of rounds (2), (4), (11), (16) is represented on the surface of the main body of the collective display device 650 on the front side of each LED of the round display LED 657 (for example, the number (2) is 2 A sticker depicting numbers is attached and a display corresponding to the number of rounds is performed by four LEDs. For example, a sheet may be used instead of the seal.

The special figure 1 display 651 is not a 7 segment type LED, but is composed of 7 small dot type single LEDs. The special figure 1 indicator 651 performs the display of the special figure 1 (including fluctuation display, stop state display, etc.), and depending on which of the seven dot type LEDs is lit (or flashes). Various display modes are taken. For various types of display, refer to Special Figure 1, for example, “Out of” stop, “Big hit” stop, “During change”, etc. One or two or more lighting (or blinking) of 7 LEDs Can be displayed.
Similarly, the special figure 2 display 652 is not a 7-segment type LED, but is composed of 7 small dot-type single LEDs. The special figure 2 indicator 652 performs the display of the special figure 2 (including change display, stop state display, etc.), and depending on which of the seven dot type LEDs is lit (or flashes). Various display modes are taken. For various types of display, for special figure 2, for example, “out of” stop, “big hit” stop, “during change”, etc., combination of lighting (or blinking) of one or more of seven LEDs Can be displayed.

  The winning display LED 659 (winning display device) is configured integrally with the collective display device 650. The winning display LED 659 is not a 7-segment type LED but a single small dot type LED. A sticker for displaying “1, 3, 10, 15” is pasted on top of the four small dot-type LEDs in the winning display LED 659. The numbers “1, 3, 10, 15” displayed on the sticker indicate the number of prize balls. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is equal to 1, the LED corresponding to “1” on the sticker is lit. Similarly, when the number of winning balls associated with winning is 3, the LED corresponding to “3” is displayed on the sticker. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is 10, the display of the sticker is “10”. LED corresponding to “15” is lit, and when the number of prize balls associated with winning is = 15, the LED corresponding to “15” on the sticker is lit. Example 8 is an example in which the number of winning balls associated with winning in the big winning opening 27a = 15. In the eighth embodiment, when the number of prize balls is different depending on the model, the number of the stickers is changed.

In the eighth embodiment, the winning display LED 659 and the special figure 1 indicator 651 are arranged close to each other, and the configuration is like an LED group in which both perform a decorative effect integrally. In other words, the four dot-type single LEDs of the prize display LED 659 and the seven dots of the dot type single-piece of the special figure 1 display 651 are closely integrated to form a group of eleven dot LEDs. Arranged and each LED is turned on (or flashes), making it difficult to understand the special figure 1 and the like, so that the game can be diversified.
Similarly, the round display LED 657 and the special figure 2 indicator 652 are arranged close to each other, and the configuration is such that the LED group is in the form of an LED group that integrally performs a decorative effect. That is, the four dot type single LEDs of the round display LED 657 and the seven dot type single LEDs of the special figure 2 display 653 are closely integrated to form a group of eleven dot LEDs. Arranged and each LED is turned on (or blinks), making it difficult to understand the special figure 2 and the like, so that the game can be diversified.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
It is constructed integrally with a collective display device that collectively displays various displays including special drawings and general drawings, and is arranged close to the special display device that displays special drawings, and the special view display device and the winning display device are integrated. A gaming machine that is configured to take an aspect similar to a group of LEDs that perform decorative effects.

Example 8 has the following effects.
(1) Since the prize display LED 659 is integrally arranged close to the special figure 1 display 651, a decorative effect can be created.
(2) Since the winning display LED 659 is integrally arranged close to the special figure 1 indicator 651, the special figure 1 is discriminated by lighting (or blinking) as a group of eleven dot LEDs. It is possible to diversify the game.
(3) Since the round display LED 657 is integrally disposed in the vicinity of the special figure 2 indicator 652, a decorative effect can be produced.
(4) Further, since the round display LEDs 657 are integrally arranged in the vicinity of the special figure 2 indicator 652, by turning on (or flashing) as a group of 11 dot LEDs, it is possible to determine round display, etc. It is possible to diversify the game.
"Example 9"

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 9 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 680 according to the ninth embodiment. The collective display device 680 is a special figure 1 display 681, a special figure 2 display 682, a special figure 1 hold LED 683, a special figure 2 hold LED 684, a universal figure LED 685, a universal figure hold LED 686, a round display LED 687, a status display LED 688, a winning display. An LED 689 is provided.

Among each indicator and LED in the collective display device 680, the special figure 1 hold LED 683, the special figure 2 hold LED 684, the universal figure LED 685, and the status display LED 688 have the same functions and configurations as those in the eighth embodiment, but are disposed. As shown in FIG. 58, is slightly different from the eighth embodiment (the same components are not described repeatedly).
The special figure 1 display 681 and the special figure 2 display 682 are each composed of 7-segment LEDs as in the first embodiment, and display the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, respectively. It takes a display mode. The various display modes are, for example, “out of position” stop, “big hit” stop, “during change”, etc. for Special Figure 1 and Special Figure 2, respectively.

On the other hand, among the indicators and LEDs in the collective display device 680, the winning display LED 689 (winning display device) has the same configuration as that of the eighth embodiment, and is configured integrally with the collective display device 680. The winning display LED 689 is composed of four small dot type LEDs, and a sticker indicating “1, 3, 10, 15” is provided above the four small dot type LEDs in the winning display LED 689. It is affixed.
Further, the round display LED 687 displays the number of rounds when a big hit is generated in accordance with the start winning in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and a big hit game is executed. The LED can display four types of rounds. Then, a sticker depicting numbers representing the number of rounds (2), (4), (11), and (16) is pasted on the surface of the main body of the collective display device 680 on the front side of each LED of the round display LEDs 687. The display corresponding to the number of rounds is performed by one LED. For example, a sheet may be used instead of the seal.

Further, the universal map hold LED 686 has the same function and configuration as in the first embodiment, but the arrangement place is slightly different from that in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. ).
Then, the above-mentioned general-purpose hold LED 686, round display LED 687, and winning display LED 689 are arranged close to each other, as if they were a group of LEDs in which all persons integrally perform decorative effects. It is configured. That is, a total of 11 dot-type single LEDs of the general-purpose hold LED 686, four dot-type single LEDs of the round display LED 687, and four dot-type single LEDs of the prize display LED 689 are 11 in total. The LEDs are almost integrated in close proximity to each other, arranged as a group of 11 dot LEDs, and each LED lights up (or flashes) to make it difficult to determine the number of rounds and the decision to hold a normal map. Thus, the game can be diversified.

Example 9 has the following effects.
(1) Since the winning display LED 689 is integrally disposed close to the ordinary figure holding LED 686 and the round display LED 687, a decorative effect can be brought about.
(2) Further, since the round display LED 687, the general-purpose hold LED 686, and the winning display LED 689 are integrally arranged close to each other, they are lit (or flashed) as a group of 11 dot LEDs. This makes it difficult to understand the number of rounds, determination of whether or not to hold an ordinary map, and diversify the game.

Next, a modified example of the present invention will be described.
The present invention may be modified as follows.
(1) In some of the above embodiments, the winning display device is separated from the collective display device. However, the installation place where the winning display device is separated is limited to the lower part of the game board and the center case. For example, you may attach to the upper part of a game board, or a big prize opening.
In the case of a model with a small installation space, it may be advantageous to separate in this way.
(2) Alternatively, the winning display device may be separated from the collective display device and installed in a frame of a gaming machine other than the place disclosed in the above embodiment. In this case, the winning display device becomes a frame element, As a board, the cost is reduced.

(3) Variations in the display method of the winning display device are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments.
For example, in each of the above embodiments, when the game ball is won at the winning opening, the number of winning balls is displayed on the winning display device only for a predetermined period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Control may be made so that the winning display (displaying the number of winning balls) on the display device is not turned off (if it is an LED, the lighting is continued). For example, when a ball jam error at a winning opening is detected, control is performed to keep the winning display on the prize display device lit until the ball jam is eliminated.
In this way, you can easily recognize where the ball jam error at the prize opening occurred at the prize winning number display (lit) on the prize display device, and you can quickly respond to the ball jam error. Convenient.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The display time control means is
A gaming machine, wherein when an error relating to winning occurs, the display of the number of winning balls on a winning display device is controlled so as not to be erased for a certain period of time.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the game control device is configured as an integrated main board and payout board, but may be separated into a main board and a payout board. In other words, the board of the game control device that manages the progress of the game, and the payout control of the game ball (here, the payout control includes control for adding the number of winning balls to the number of possessed balls, and includes the enclosed ball control) The substrate of the payout control device that performs the process is separated.
That is, the control means of the present invention may be configured by one control device (game control device 54) as in the above embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, a mode in which a control device (encapsulated ball control device) that performs ball lending addition processing or the like is provided separately from the game control device may be used.
In such a separated type, in the case of a communication failure from the main board to the payout board, etc., control may be performed so that the winning display (the display of the number of winning balls) on the winning display device remains lit.
In this way, when the winning ball cannot be made due to a malfunction, the winning indication is not turned off, so that the player can recognize the malfunction. In addition, the store clerk can also confirm the problem at an early stage and take action.

(5) Each of the above embodiments is an example in which the medium control unit (card unit 15) is attached to the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1), but the medium control unit may be built in the gaming machine (ie, A media control unit may be provided as part of the gaming machine). For example, in the first embodiment, the game card is inserted into the card unit. However, a mode in which the game card is inserted into the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) (a mode in which the gaming machine also functions as a card unit) may be used.
(6) The storage medium may be a card (such as a magnetic card or an IC card) as in the above embodiment, but is not limited to a card type. For example, it may be a USB memory. Alternatively, it can be read and written without contact.

(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) Further, the number of possessed balls as the game value that is the profit of the player does not necessarily have to be treated as the number of game balls. For example, 1 point, 2 points, etc. are treated as points, and for example, “100 points” may be displayed. 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, and there are various relations between the number of prize balls and the number of points, for example, 10 points for one prize ball and 10 points for one prize ball. There can be aspects. Instead of “point”, another unit name such as “point” may be used.

(10) Further, the communication method used in various information communication transmitted and received by the game control device is not necessarily limited to the aspect of the above embodiment. For example, the number of rented balls / number of used balls command (step S373 in FIG. 34) transmitted from the card unit 15 to the game control device 54 is not the first communication method (transmission method in plain text) but the second communication method ( It is possible to make the fraud using this command difficult by transmitting it by a method of encrypting and decrypting by the sending game control device 54.
(11) The firing subtraction process for reducing the game value in response to the game ball being fired may not necessarily be executed. For example, there may be a mode in which a game ball can be launched without reducing the number of balls during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Next, the scope of application of the present invention will be described.
(1) The present invention can be applied to any gaming machine in which a plurality of types of winning balls for winning a plurality of winning holes are set. For example, as long as the gaming machine plays a game using a pachinko ball, it is not limited to the example of the enclosed ball type gaming machine as in each of the above embodiments, and can be applied to a normal gaming machine that is not an enclosed ball type. .
(2) Further, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine provided with a display device capable of displaying a decorative special drawing different from the collective display device that displays the special drawing as a gaming machine. The present invention can be widely applied to general gaming machines provided with a video device such as a liquid crystal display as a display device.
(3) The display device for the decoration special drawing only needs to be able to change the display content, and the image may be configured to change the screen content by character display, video display, or the like.
(4) The display device of the decoration special figure is not limited to a display device using liquid crystal, but can change the display contents such as an organic EL, a cathode ray tube, a dot LED, a 7-segment LED, a device using a bending material such as electronic paper. Any material can be used as long as it can be produced.

  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, 401, 501 Pachinko machine (enclosed ball game machine)
7 Operation display device 15, 15a to 15n Card unit (medium control unit)
20, 511, 521 Game board 25 1st start winning opening 26 2nd starting winning opening 27 Variable winning apparatus 27a Large winning opening 28-31 General winning opening 35, 512, 522, 601, 611, 650, 680 Collective display apparatus 40 , 403 Number-of-balls display 41 Display device 54 Game control device (control means, display time control means, winning display control means)
85 Ball management device (game value management device)
86 Hall computer 113 RAM (game value storage means)
355, 402, 502, 513, 523, 602, 612, 659, 689 Winning display LED (winning display device)

Claims (1)

It has multiple winning openings,
In a gaming machine in which a plurality of types of prize balls are set by winning in the plurality of winning holes,
A gaming machine comprising a winning display device for displaying a corresponding number of winning balls for a predetermined period when a winning is made at the winning opening.

Images