JP2015142778A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in a game media enclosed type that can reduce feeling of strangeness by game players who are accustomed to usual game machines that are not in the game media enclosed type.SOLUTION: A game machine in a game media enclosed type is provided, the machine comprising: management means capable of at least managing the number of balls that can be shot; and operation means disposed at a position operable by a game player. The management means can at least send, when the operation means is operated, control signals to media management means for managing information storage media. The control signals include a signal to command a return of the information storage media. The management means outputs the control signals even when the game media are left on a supply path.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game table represented by a spinning machine (slot machine) and a ball game machine (pachinko machine).

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a game medium-enclosed game machine that collects game media such as game balls that have been launched from a launcher into a game area and supplies them to the launcher again (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-104434 A

  In game media-enclosed game machines, game media represented by game balls are circulated in the game machine, and the game media is actually paid out to the player when award media such as prize balls are given. Instead, the number of game media to be circulated is determined in advance.

  On the other hand, for players who are familiar with general game machines that actually pay out game media, the number of game media existing on the path supplied to the launching device is similar to the game balls existing on the plate member. Has a recognition that the number of game media that can be played, and there may be a sense of incongruity in the game media-enclosed game machine.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium-enclosed game machine that can reduce the uncomfortable feeling of a player who is familiar with a general game machine that is not a game medium-enclosed game machine.

According to the present invention, a launching means capable of firing at least a game medium toward the game area, a supply path capable of supplying at least the game medium discharged from the game area to the launching means again, and the launching means capable of firing. A game medium-enclosed game machine comprising: a management means capable of managing at least the number of game media that can be fired; and an operation means provided at a position operable by a player, wherein the management means comprises: wherein at least feasible means to control system Ru increases the launchable number, said management means, said at least feasible means to control system Ru reduces the launchable number, before Symbol management means, before at least transmittable means a control signal to the media management means for managing the information storage medium when the serial operation means is operated, the control signal is a signal for commanding thereby returning the information storage medium A signal including said management means, the supply path remains the game medium is a means for outputting said control signal also is the amusement machine, wherein provided that.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand of a game medium enclosure type which can reduce the uncomfortable feeling of the player familiar with the general game stand which is not a game medium enclosure type can be provided.

1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The front view of the said pachinko machine. The external view which looked at the said pachinko machine from the back side. Explanatory drawing of a game board. Explanatory drawing of the back part of a game ball circulation unit. Explanatory drawing of the circulation path | route of a game ball. Explanatory drawing at the time of comprising a game ball detection sensor with a mechanical sensor. The figure which shows the example which provided the game ball detection sensor only for safe balls. The circuit block diagram of a control part. Explanatory drawing of the kind of design. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a 1st sub control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a 2nd sub control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. Explanatory drawing of an adjustment process. Explanatory drawing of an adjustment process. Explanatory drawing of an adjustment process. Explanatory drawing of an adjustment process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a payout control part. Explanatory drawing of the adjustment process which concerns on another embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the payout control part which concerns on another embodiment. The front view of the pachinko machine concerning another embodiment. The figure which shows the state which open | released the front frame door about the pachinko machine of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the circulation path | route of the game ball in the pachinko machine of FIG. The circuit block diagram of the control part of the pachinko machine of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the display content of an information display apparatus. The figure which shows the example of a display of an information display apparatus. The figure which shows the example of a display of an information display apparatus. The figure which shows the example of a display of an information display apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine will be described as an example of an embodiment of a game medium enclosed game machine according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a game ball-enclosed pachinko machine that uses game balls (pachinko balls) as game media. In general, game ball-enclosed pachinko machines are called encapsulated because game balls can circulate in the circulation path inside the pachinko machine, and the game balls are completely sealed inside the pachinko machine. The store clerk may be able to access the game ball by opening and closing a part of the configuration of the pachinko machine.

<Embodiment 1>
<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). As shown by arrows in FIG. 1, the left and right sides of the pachinko machine 100 are referred to as left and right with reference to the front view. Further, the front-rear direction may be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the front may be referred to as the front surface. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100 and shows a state in which the lower door 108 is removed and the configuration behind it is exposed.

  The pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, and a lower door 108 as external structures.

  The outer frame 102 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body 104 is referred to as an inner frame, and is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape, and the inside thereof is an arrangement space for the game board 200, the game ball circulation unit 1, the launching device 110, and the like. In addition, when the main body 104 is opened, an inner frame opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the main body 104 is provided.

  The front frame door 106 is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be openable and closable with a lock function, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inner side of the front frame door 106 can be opened and closed. Is a door member having an opening 116.

  The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening 116, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. In the lower left part of the front face of the front door frame 106, a prize ball number display unit 126 for displaying the number of prize balls acquired by the player by winning, and a gameable ball for displaying the number of game balls that can be fired by the player. And a number display unit 128. A front frame door opening sensor (not shown) that detects opening of the front frame door 106 when the front frame door 106 is opened is provided.

  The game area 124 is defined by a rear surface of the front frame door 106 and a front surface of the game board 200.

  The lower door 108 is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. The lower door 108 changes to the effect mode of the effect device 206 by the player's operation and the ball launch handle 134 that launches the game ball guided to the launch device 110 by the player's operation to the game area 124 of the game board 200. A ball lending instruction is given to a chance button 136 that can be given, and a medium management device (card unit (CR unit) in the present embodiment) that is installed in an amusement store and that manages an information storage medium such as a card. A ball lending operation button 140, a return operation button 142 for accepting a return operation (return instruction) for returning an information storage medium such as a card, and a ball lending display unit 144 for displaying a player's balance and card unit status . Inside the chance button 136, a chance button lamp for emitting light is provided (not shown).

  The ball lending operation button 140 is a button for instructing addition of a player's credit in the pachinko machine 100. The credit indicates the number of player's balls that are stored electronically in the pachinko machine 100, that is, the number of game balls that the player can launch into the game area 124. Hereinafter, it is referred to as the number of possible launches. In the enclosed pachinko machine, since the game balls are not directly paid out to the player, the number of the player's balls is electronically managed on the pachinko machine side. In the case of this embodiment, one game ball can be launched with one credit.

  The lower door 108 is also provided with a dish member 1081 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an upper dish 1081) that forms an upper dish. The dish member 1081 is at least partially covered with a transparent cover member 1082 to prevent the game ball from being taken out or dropped from the dish member 1081 to the outside, and at least a part of the game ball guided to the dish member 1081. This constitutes a visual recognition part that the player can visually recognize.

  In addition to the dish member, the visual recognition unit may be provided so that the player can visually recognize the game ball present in the passage of the game ball.

  The locking part 117 is a locking function that realizes locking and unlocking of the main body part 104 and the front door frame 106 by inserting and operating a key. For example, when the lock part 117 is inserted and twisted clockwise, the main body part 104 can be unlocked and the main body part 104 can be opened, and when turned counterclockwise, the front door frame 106 can be unlocked and the front part can be unlocked. The door frame 106 is configured to be openable. The lower door 108 is preferably configured to be openable by releasing a lock mechanism (not shown) after the front door frame 106 is opened, and the opening / closing of the lower door 108 does not interlock with the opening / closing of the front door frame 106. Is preferred. This is because the game ball circulation unit 1 for circulating the game balls is disposed behind the lower door 108, so that the front door frame 106 is opened when troubles such as ball clogging in the game area 124 are solved. This is because it is preferable that the game ball circulation unit 1 is not exposed unnecessarily when it is done.

  The launching device 110 is attached to the lower side of the main body 104, and a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 148 that strikes the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 146. .

  The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the inner space of the main body 104. The game area 124 can be observed from the opening 116 through the transparent plate member 118 after the game board 200 is mounted on the main body 104.

  FIG. 3 is an external view of the pachinko machine 100 viewed from the back side.

  The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 150 for temporarily storing game balls, and a lower part of the ball tank 150 that is positioned below the ball tank 150. A tank rail 154 capable of guiding a game ball falling through the formed communication hole to a payout device (replenishment device) 152 located on the right side of the back surface is provided. Note that in this embodiment, the game balls in the ball tank 150 are reserved for reserve, and when the game balls circulating in the circulation path are insufficient, the game balls are removed from the ball tank 150 via the tank rail 154. The game ball is supplied to the payout device 152, and the payout device 152 is driven so that the game ball can be supplied to the circulation path of the game ball.

  The payout device 152 includes a cylindrical member, and the cylindrical member includes a payout motor, a sprocket, and a payout sensor (not shown). The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by a payout motor. The sprocket that temporarily passes through the tank rail 154 and flows down into the payout device 152 is temporarily retained, and the payout motor is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle. Thus, the temporarily accumulated game balls are sent one by one downward to the payout device 152.

  The payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball sent out by the sprocket. When the game ball is passing, either a high signal or a low signal is passed. Either the high signal or the low signal is output to the dispensing control unit 600.

  On the left side of the payout device 152 in the figure, a main board case 158 that houses the main board 156 that constitutes the main control section 300 that performs control processing for the entire game, and control related to effects based on the processing information generated by the main control section 300 The first sub-board case 162 that houses the first sub-board 160 that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 that performs processing, and the second sub-board that performs control processing related to effects based on the processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 400. An error release switch that constitutes a second sub-board case 166 that houses the second sub-board 164 that constitutes the control unit 500, a payout control unit 600 that performs control processing related to the payout of game balls, and that releases an error by the operation of a game clerk Discharge board case 172 storing the payout board 170 having 168, launch base constituting the launch control unit 630 that performs control processing relating to the launch of the game ball A launch board case 176 for storing 174, a power supply control unit 660 for supplying power to various electric game machines, and a power switch 178 for turning on / off the power by an operation of a game store clerk and a RAM clear by being operated when the power is turned on. A power supply board case 184 that houses a power supply board 182 that includes a RAM clear switch 180 that outputs a signal to the main control unit 300, and a CR interface unit 186 that transmits and receives signals between the payout control unit 600 and the card unit. ing.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the game board 200 as viewed from the front. In the game board 200, an outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged, and a game area 124 in which a game ball can roll is defined. The outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204 form a launch path that guides the game ball fired by the launcher 110 to the game area 124. Thereby, the launching device 110 can launch a game ball toward the game area 124.

  An effect device 206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 124. The effect device 206 includes a decorative symbol display device 208 disposed substantially at the center of the game area 124. Around the decorative symbol display device 208, there are a normal symbol display device 210, a first special symbol display device 212, a second special symbol display device 214, a normal symbol hold lamp 216, and a first special symbol hold lamp 218. A second special symbol holding lamp 220 and a high-probability medium lamp 222 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The production device 206 is capable of production by operating the production movable body 224. The decorative symbol display device 208 is a display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 208 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 208a, a middle symbol display area 208b, a right symbol display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d, and the left symbol display area 208a and the middle symbol display area 208b. The right symbol display area 208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used for the effect.

  The positions and sizes of the display areas 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, although the liquid crystal display device is employ | adopted as the decoration symbol display apparatus 208, it is not a liquid crystal display device, What is necessary is just the structure which can display various effects and various game information, for example, a dot matrix display device Other display devices including a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a reel (drum) display device, a leaf display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be adopted.

  The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 are display devices for displaying special figures, and in the present embodiment, are constituted by 7 segment LEDs.

  The multi-purpose hold lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general-purpose variable games are reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The first special figure hold lamp 218 and the second special figure hold lamp 220 are lamps for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are being held. In this embodiment, the special figure variable games are displayed. It is possible to hold up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The high-probability medium lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high probability state, and the gaming state is changed from a low probability state in which a big hit is unlikely to occur. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, the game board 200 has predetermined ball entrances that constitute a winning device, for example, a general winning port 226, a general start port 228, a first special view start port 230, and a second special view start port 232. A variable winning opening 234 is provided.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 226 are arranged on the game board 200, and a case where a predetermined winning detection sensor (ball detecting sensor) (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 226 (general). In the case where the winning opening 226 is won), a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is added as a prize ball to the player to increase the possible number of shots. Note that the game ball that has entered the general winning opening 226 is guided again to the launching device 110 via a collection path described later.

  The normal start port 228 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a game ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 124. In this embodiment, the game board 200 of the game board 200 is used. One is arranged on the left side. The game ball that has passed through the normal start port 228 is guided again to the launching device 110 through a collection path, which will be described later, in the same manner as the game ball that has entered the general winning port 226. When a predetermined winning detection sensor (ball detection sensor) (not shown) detects that the game ball has passed through the usual figure starting port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts the usual figure changing game by the usual figure display device 210.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 230 is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined winning detection sensor (ball detecting sensor) (not shown) detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 230, a predetermined number (for example, three) of gaming balls are used as a winning ball. In addition to adding the possible number of launches, the special figure display game by the first special figure display device 212 is started. Note that the game ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 230 is again guided to the launching device 110 via a collection path to be described later.

  The second special figure starting port 232 is called an electric tulip (electric Chu), and in the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 230. The second special figure starting port 232 includes a wing member 232a that can be opened and closed to the left and right. When the wing member 232a is closed, it is impossible to enter a game ball. When the apparatus 210 stops and displays the winning symbol, the blade member 232a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined winning detection sensor (ball detecting sensor) (not shown) detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 232, a predetermined number (for example, four) of gaming balls are awarded to the player as a winning ball. In order to give, the number of possible launches is added, and a special figure changing game by the second special figure display device 214 is started. Note that the game ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 232 is guided again to the launching device 110 via a collection path described later.

  The variable winning opening 234 is called a big winning opening or an attacker. In the present embodiment, only one variable winning opening 234 is disposed below the center of the game board 200. This variable winning opening 234 includes a door member 234a that can be freely opened and closed. When the door member 234a is closed, it is impossible to enter a game ball. When the stop display is made, the door member 234a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined winning detection sensor (ball detection sensor) (not shown) detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of gaming balls should be given to the player as a winning ball. Add the number of possible launches. Note that the game ball that has entered the variable winning opening 234 is again guided to the launching device 110 via a collection path described later.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and start openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, An out port is provided for guiding a game ball that has not won any prize opening or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then guiding it to the launching device 110 again.

  The pachinko machine 100 supplies the game ball to the launch position of the launch rail, drives the launch motor with a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the player's operation handle, and uses the launcher 146 and the launcher 148 to move the outer rail 202, the inner rail. It passes through the rail 204 and is launched into the game area 124. Then, the game ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 124 falls downward while changing the direction of travel by the hitting direction changing member 236, the game nail 238, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or starting Winning the mouth (first special figure starting port 230, second special figure starting port 232), or winning out any winning port or starting port, or just passing through the normal drawing start port 228 240 is reached. In either case, the game ball is again guided to the launching device 110 via a collection path described later. A magnet sensor (not shown) for detecting that a magnet is used in the vicinity of the game area 124 can be disposed on the back side of the game board 200.

<Directing device 206>
Next, the rendering device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the front side of the effect device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 208 and a shielding device 246 (hereinafter may be referred to as a door) are disposed on the back side of the effect device 206. That is, in the effect device 206, the decorative symbol display device 208 and the shielding means are located behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, and the effect movable body 224.

  The warp device 242 discharges the game balls that have entered the warp inlet 242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 206 to the stage 244 below the front surface of the effect device 206 from the warp outlet 242b.

  The stage 244 can roll a game ball discharged from the warp outlet 242b or a game ball mounted by a nail of the game board 200 or the like. A special route 244a that makes it easier to enter the starting port 230 is provided.

  In this embodiment, the effect movable body 224 includes an upper arm 224a and a forearm 224b imitating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm, and an upper arm motor and an elbow (not shown) that rotate the upper arm 224a to the position of the shoulder. A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm 224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 224 moves in front of the decorative symbol display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

  The shielding device 246 includes a lattice-like left door 246a and right door 246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the front stage 244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are fixed to the upper portions of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, respectively. That is, the left door 246a and the right door 246b move to the left and right as the belt driven by the motor through the pulley moves.

  In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are closed, the shielding device 246 covers the inner end portions of the shielding device 246 so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 208. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, but the player can visually recognize all of the display of the decorative symbol display device 208. It is. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, respectively, for example, only a part of the decorative design so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. Can be shielded. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b may be configured so that a part of the decorative symbol display device 208 behind the lattice hole can be visually recognized, or the shoji part of the lattice hole is closed with a translucent lens body. The display by the decorative symbol display device 208 may be made vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the holes in the lattice is completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 208 behind is made completely invisible. Also good.

<Game Ball Circulation Unit>
The game ball circulation unit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the back part of the game ball circulation unit 1, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the circulation path of the game ball.

  The game ball circulation unit 1 roughly comprises a main body 10 and a game ball passage member 20, and forms a part of a collection path for supplying game balls collected from the game area 124 to the launching device 110 again. To do. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game ball circulation unit 1 is disposed in the lower part of the inner space of the main body 104.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game ball passage member 20 is disposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and is a member that forms a passage for the game ball for collecting the game balls discharged from the game area 124. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the game ball launched from the launching device 110 is launched into the game area 124. A game ball flowing down the game area 124 wins (enters) a general winning opening 226 (not shown in FIG. 6), a first special figure starting port 230, a second special figure starting port 232, and a variable winning port 234. After that, after passing through a winning detection sensor (ball detection sensor) (not shown) provided at each of these ports, it is guided to the game ball passage member 20 on the back side of the pachinko machine 100. Further, the game balls that have not won any winning opening pass through the out opening 240 and are then guided to the gaming ball passage member 20 on the back side of the pachinko machine 100. In this way, all game balls discharged from the game area 124 are collected by the game ball passage member 20.

  The exit portion of the game ball passage member 20 communicates with the entrance portion of the game ball passage 11b. The game ball passage 11b is formed inside the main body 10, and an entrance portion is open at the back. FIG. 5 shows the back of the main body 10 and shows a state where the game ball passage member 20 is removed. At the back of the main body 10, an entrance portion of the game ball passage 11b and an exit portion of the foul ball passage 11a are opened. The foul ball passage 11a is a passage through which a game ball (foul ball) that has been launched by the launching device 110 but does not reach the game area 124 due to insufficient launch strength.

  The game ball passage member 20 is attached to the main body 10 so that the exit portion thereof closes the entrance portion of the game ball passage 11b and the exit portion of the foul ball passage 11a. It enters the exit portion of the game ball passage member 20 and enters the entrance portion of the game ball passage 11b as it is. The game ball that has exited from the game ball passage member 20 enters the entrance portion of the game ball passage 11b. A game ball detection sensor 12 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance portion of the game ball passage member 20 so that the game ball discharged from the game area 124 can be detected.

  The main body 10 includes a case member in which the entrance portion of the game ball passage 11b and the exit portion of the foul ball passage 11a are opened, and the following configuration is provided therein. Hereinafter, description will be made mainly with reference to FIG.

  The main body 10 includes the foul ball passage 11a and the game ball passage 11b described above, and a game ball detection sensor 19 is provided in the foul ball passage 11a so that a foul ball can be detected.

  The game ball that has entered the game ball passage 11b is guided to the lifting and polishing device 13 where it is polished (cleaned). A known technique may be applied to the polishing mechanism. For example, a mechanism that polishes by a spiral shaft or a mechanism that causes friction with a game ball by winding a polishing cloth around a roller and moving the polishing cloth by rotation of the roller can be adopted. The lift polishing apparatus 13 also lifts the game ball to a position higher than the payout apparatus 152.

  Note that the lifting and polishing device 13 may lift the game ball to the ball tank 150, omit the game ball passage 11c, and supply the game ball from the ball tank 150 to the payout device 152. Moreover, the lifting polishing apparatus 13 may be separated into a lifting apparatus and a polishing apparatus, and only one of them may be provided, or both may be omitted.

  The game balls discharged from the lifting and polishing device 13 are guided to the payout device 152 through the game ball passage 11c. The game ball passage 11c is provided with a game ball detection sensor 15 that detects whether or not a game ball exists near the entrance of the payout device 152.

  The game ball paid out from the payout device 152 is detected by the payout sensor 152a and is guided to the dish member (upper dish) 1081 through the game ball passage 11d. The game ball passage 11d constitutes a guide passage capable of guiding the game ball to the dish member 1081.

  The dish member 1081 is provided with a ball removing device 14. The ball removal device 14 extracts the game balls stored in the dish member 1081 from the dish member 1081. The extracted game ball is returned to the game ball passage 11b by its own weight through the game ball passage 11e, and is again guided to the lifting and polishing device 13 and the payout device 152.

  The ball removing device 14 includes, for example, an extraction unit that can extract a game ball by opening and closing an opening provided in the dish member 1081, and a drive source such as a motor, and is electrically driven. And a drive unit that performs opening and closing drive.

  A game ball detection sensor 16 is provided in the game ball passage 11e so that the game ball with the ball removed can be detected.

  The dish member (upper dish) 1081 serves as a storage unit capable of storing game balls that can be supplied to the launching device 110. Specifically, the game ball that has passed through the upper plate 1081 is guided to the ball feeding device 18 by the game ball passage 11f. The ball feeder 18 feeds game balls one by one to the launch position in conjunction with the operation of the launcher 146 of the launcher 110 (launch of each game ball). The launcher 110 launches the game ball supplied from the ball feeder 18 to the game area 124. At this time, the game balls in the game ball passage 11f sequentially move to the ball feeding device 18 one by one.

  The game ball detection sensor 17 is disposed immediately after the ball feeder 18 and detects the movement of the game ball. Thereby, the launched game ball can be detected.

  In the present embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 17, it is considered that one game ball has been launched. That is, when a game ball is supplied to the launcher 110, it is considered that one game ball has been launched. However, a sensor that actually detects the game ball launched by the launching device 110 may be provided, and the game ball may be launched using the detection result of the sensor. As this sensor, for example, it can be arranged in the middle between the launching device 110 and the game area 124, but for example, the game ball detection sensor 12 may be used. Furthermore, for example, when a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 17 and the game ball detection sensor 12, the detection results of a plurality of sensors may be used, such as assuming that one game ball has been launched.

  In the present embodiment, the circulation path of game balls is roughly divided into a launch path, a game area 124 and a collection path. The firing path is formed by the firing device 110, the outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204. The collection path is formed by the game ball circulation unit 1, the payout device 152, the upper plate 1081, and game ball passages related thereto.

  More specifically, the collection path is such that the entrance of the game ball passage member 20 (or the entrance of the discharge passage such as a winning opening, out-out opening, etc.) and the entrance of the foul ball passage 11a are the upstream end, and the ball feeder 18 is the downstream end. , Game ball passage member 20, foul ball passage 11a, game ball passage 11b, lift polishing apparatus 13, game ball passage 11c, payout device 152, game ball passage 11d, upper plate 1081, game ball passage 11f, ball feeding device 18 And a game ball passage 11e.

  In the case of the present embodiment, among the collection paths, in particular, the game ball path 11d, the upper plate 1081, and the game ball path 11f have a supply path SPRT that can supply the game balls discharged from the game area 124 to the launching device 110 again. It is composed. In the present embodiment, the supply path SPRT includes the upper plate 1081, but the supply path SPRT can be configured with only the game ball path. The range of the supply path SPRT is not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate.

  In the case of this embodiment, the payout device 152 can adjust the amount of game balls (number of game balls) in a predetermined area in the supply path SPRT by supplying and temporarily stopping the game balls to the supply path SPRT. The amount of game balls that can be supplied to 110 is adjusted. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the amount of game balls is adjusted in relation to the number of possible shots, and the game balls are supplied to the supply path SPRT only when a predetermined supply condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the predetermined region to be adjusted is mainly the upper plate 1081 (and the game ball passage 11f), but may be the entire supply route SPRT.

  In the present embodiment, the lifting and polishing apparatus 13 is used for lifting by one route. However, the collection path is branched or set in plural, and the plurality of lifting and polishing apparatuses 13 are used to lift the game ball. Sending may be performed by multiple routes. Moreover, the connection position of each path | pass in a collection | recovery path | route can be set suitably. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the game balls in the game area are joined to the collection path downstream from the collection of the foul balls.

  Next, the game ball detection sensors 12, 15 to 17, and 19 will be described. In the enclosed pachinko machine as in the present embodiment, since the game balls circulate inside, the quantity does not basically change. However, there is a possibility that the number of game balls may fluctuate due to fraudulent acts or maintenance work of store clerk, etc. If the number of game balls is extremely small, continuous games cannot be performed and the progress of the game may be affected. . In addition, when the number of game balls increases remarkably, the collection path is filled up with game balls up to the game area 124, and there may be a situation where the game balls always exist in the game area 124.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball detection sensor 12 and the game ball detection sensor 15 are sensors for determining the excess or deficiency of game balls in the circulation path. The game ball detection sensor 15 is particularly provided for detecting a shortage of game balls. The game ball detection sensor 15 is disposed between the lifting and polishing device 13 and the payout device 152. In order to arbitrarily pay out the game balls from the payout device 152, the game balls are always supplied from the lifting and polishing device 13 to the payout device 152, and the game ball passage 11c is filled with the game balls. If the presence of the game ball is not confirmed by the game ball detection sensor 15, it can be determined that the game ball is insufficient.

  On the other hand, the game ball detection sensor 12 is used to detect that the game ball detection sensor 15 detects an excess of game balls while the game ball detection sensor 15 mainly detects a shortage of game balls in the circulation path. Can do. That is, the game ball detection sensor 12 is disposed at a position where the game balls collected from the game area 124 sequentially pass, so that when the game ball detection sensor 12 continuously detects the game balls. Can be determined that game balls are excessively present in the collection path and are likely to flow back into the game area 124. As a result, it is possible to detect a situation in which a game ball is intentionally inserted from the outside by an unauthorized person and flows back into the game area 124.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, the game ball detection sensors 12 and 15 detect the game balls collected from the game area 124 by the game ball detection sensor 12 and then detect them by the game ball detection sensor 15, and then the launching device 110. It is arranged so that it is possible to determine the excess or deficiency of game balls.

  The game ball detection sensor 15 and the game ball detection sensors 12, 16, 17, and 19 only need to be able to detect the presence or absence of a game ball, and magnetic sensors, optical sensors, mechanical sensors, and other types of sensors can be used. When the game ball is made of a non-magnetic sphere such as a ceramic or a part of stainless steel, it is beneficial in that fraud using a magnet can be prevented, but in this case it cannot be detected by a magnetic sensor. Therefore, an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor is used. FIG. 7 shows a case where the game ball detection sensor 15 is configured by a mechanical sensor as an example.

  The game ball detection sensor 15 only needs to be able to detect the presence or absence of a game ball. However, the mechanical sensor cannot detect the presence of the game ball unless it is in contact with the game ball. Depending on the positional relationship with the game ball, the game ball exists. However, there is a risk of false detection that it does not exist. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, the game ball detection sensor 15 is configured with two mechanical sensors SR. In the example shown in the figure, the number of stages is two. However, the number of stages may be three or more. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the game ball detection sensor 15, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view, and FIGS. 7C and 7D are explanatory views of the detection mode of the game ball.

  Each mechanical sensor SR has a movable part MP that faces an opening through which a game ball passes and is movable in the radial direction. The movable part MP is always urged to project inward by a predetermined number (for example, one or a plurality) of springs (not shown) (OFF state). Displaces outward from the opening (ON state). The mechanical sensor SR constitutes a switch that brings the electrical contact into a conductive state when the movable part MP is displaced outward from the opening.

  The separation distance between the movable parts MP of the two mechanical sensors SR is, for example, a separation distance within the diameter of the game ball so that at least one of them is ON when the game ball is continuously present. . In the example of FIG. 7C, the upper mechanical sensor SR is ON, and the lower mechanical sensor SR is OFF. In the example of FIG. 7D, the upper mechanical sensor SR is OFF, and the lower mechanical sensor SR is ON. When there is only one mechanical sensor SR, the positional relationship between the lower mechanical sensor SR and the game ball in FIG. 7C, or the upper mechanical sensor SR and the game ball in FIG. In the case of the positional relationship, the game ball is present but cannot be detected. As in the example of FIG. 7, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection by determining that a game ball is present when one of the mechanical sensors SR is arranged in two stages and is turned ON. it can.

  Further, the multi-stage arrangement of the mechanical sensors SR is also effective in preventing illegal acts caused by illegal gaming balls. As this type of fraud, a fraudulent act called a “large ball goto”, which is always detected by a game ball detection sensor using a game ball larger than a prescribed game ball, is rampant. When the mechanical sensors SR are arranged in multiple stages, as shown in FIG. 7E, the upper mechanical sensor SR is turned on when a large illegal game ball is clogged in an opening through which the game ball passes. However, the lower mechanical sensor SR is not turned ON. Therefore, when the upper mechanical sensor ON is continuously ON, and the lower mechanical sensor SR is continuously OFF, it is highly likely that this kind of fraud is being performed. Can be determined.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be roughly classified into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A first sub-control unit 400 that controls the second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400, and a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 The payout control unit 600 that mainly controls the game ball payout, the launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of the game ball, and the power supply control unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100 are configured. Yes.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and WDT 314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing are mounted. . Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 316b as a system clock.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a random value generation circuit 318 for deriving a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 every time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 316a is received (this circuit includes two random value generation circuits). And a predetermined winning detection sensor (ball detecting sensor), for example, a sensor that detects a game ball passing through each start port, winning port, variable winning port, front frame door opening sensor 320a and inner frame A sensor circuit 322 for receiving signals output from various sensors 320 including the open sensor 320b and outputting a result of amplification and comparison with a reference voltage to the random value generation circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302; and a predetermined symbol display device For example, a drive circuit 324 for performing display control of the first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 and a predetermined symbol display device, for example, the universal figure display device 21 Drive circuit 326 for performing display control and various status display units 328 (for example, general map hold lamp 216, first special figure hold lamp 218, second special figure hold lamp 220, high accuracy medium lamp 222, etc.) A drive circuit 330 for performing display control and various solenoids 332 for opening and closing a predetermined movable member, for example, a blade member 232a of the second special figure starting port 232, a door member 234a of the variable prize opening 234, and the like. A drive circuit 334 is connected.

  The random value generation circuit 318 generates a random value used in the basic circuit 302. Random number generation in the random value generation circuit 318 can be broadly divided into two types of methods: counter mode and random number mode. In the counter mode, a numerical value that is counted up (down) at a predetermined time interval is acquired, and the numerical value is derived as a random number. There are two more methods in the random number mode. The first method in the random number mode performs an operation using a predetermined function (for example, a modulus function) using a seed of random numbers, and derives the operation result as a random number. In the second method, a numerical value is read from a random number table in which numerical values in the range of 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and the read numerical value is derived as a random number. The random value generation circuit 318 acquires an irregular value using white noise superimposed on signals input from the various sensors 320 to the sensor circuit S322. The random value generation circuit 318 uses the acquired value as an initial value of a counter that counts up (down) in the counter mode, uses it as a seed of random numbers, or determines a read start position of the random number table. .

  When the ball detection sensor detects that a game ball has won the first special figure starting port 230, the sensor circuit 322 outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has been detected to the random value generation circuit 318. The random value generation circuit 318 that has received this signal latches the value at that timing of the random value generation circuit corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230, and the latched value is incorporated in the random value generation circuit 318. It is stored in a random value storage register corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230. Similarly, when the random value generation circuit 318 receives a signal indicating that the game ball has won a prize at the second special figure starting port 232, the random number generation circuit 318 corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232 also The value at the timing is latched, and the latched value is stored in a random value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232 incorporated in the random value generation circuit 318.

  Further, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power source control unit 660 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (main control section main processing described later is started).

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 600. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and ROM 406 for storing control programs and various effects data, RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and for measuring time, frequency, etc. The counter timer 412 is mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a sound source IC 416 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 420 for controlling various lamps 418 (for example, the chance button lamp 138), and a shielding device 246. A drive circuit 432 for performing drive control, a shielding device sensor 430 that detects the current position of the shielding device 246, a chance button detection sensor 426 that detects pressing of the chance button 136, a shielding device sensor 430, and a chance button detection sensor The sensor circuit 428 that outputs the detection signal from the 426 to the basic circuit 402, and the image data stored in the ROM 406 based on the signal from the CPU 404 are read, and the display image is generated using the work area of the VRAM 436 to decorate A VDP 434 (image) that displays an image on the symbol display device 208. Are connected Oh and display processor), the.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512 is installed. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock, and controls a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, and an image display A ROM 506 storing data and the like is provided.

  The basic circuit 502 includes a drive circuit 516 for controlling the drive of the effect movable body 224, an effect movable body sensor 424 that detects the current position of the effect movable body 224, and a detection signal from the effect movable body sensor 424. Is output to the basic circuit 502, a game board lamp drive circuit 530 for controlling the game board lamp 532, and a game table frame lamp drive for controlling the game table frame lamp 542 The circuit 540 is connected to a serial communication control circuit 520 that performs lighting control by serial communication between the game board lamp drive circuit 530 and the game stand frame lamp drive circuit 540.

<Discharge control unit>
Next, the payout control unit 600 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  Similar to the main control unit 300 and the sub-control units 400 and 500, the payout control unit 600 includes basic circuits (not shown) (CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, etc.) and is mainly transmitted by the main control unit 300. Based on signals such as commands and detection signals of various sensors 604, display control of the ball lending display unit 144, prize ball number display unit 126, and gameable ball number display unit 128, and drive control of the payout device 152 (payout motor 602). (Payout of game balls, adjustment of the amount of game balls on the supply path SPRT), drive control of the lifting and polishing device 13, drive control of the ball removal device 14, management of the number of possible shots, communication with the card unit 608, launch The control unit 630 outputs a control signal for permission / inhibition of firing.

  The various sensors 604 include a payout sensor 152a of the payout device 152, game ball detection sensors 12, 15 to 17, 19, a ball lending operation button 140 sensor, and a return operation button 142 sensor. The payout control unit 600 outputs, for example, the detection results of the game ball detection sensors 12, 15, 17 to 19 to the information input circuit 350 each time a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, detection of 10 balls). It can also be output to a computer.

  Information on the number of fireable items is stored and managed in a storage unit such as a RAM provided in the payout control unit 600. When starting a game, the player inserts cash or an information storage medium (here, a card) into the card unit 608. When the ball lending operation button 140 is operated, the payout control unit 600 performs a ball lending process. For example, within the range of stored information stored in the inserted cash or card (for example, exchange value such as money or the number of stored balls), it is possible to play by adding the number that can be fired according to the operation instructions. And The card unit 608 processes so that the corresponding exchange value is subtracted from the cash or card. If there is no exchangeable storage information for the number of fireable cards when the card is inserted (such as when the balance is 0), the card can be automatically ejected and returned.

  The payout control unit 600 subtracts the number of possible shots for each shot to the game area 124, and if there is a prize ball, adds the number of possible shots by the corresponding number. Regarding the counting of the number of times a game ball is launched into the game area 124, when the game ball detection sensor 17 detects a game ball, the payout control unit 600 subtracts the number of possible shots while the game ball detection sensor 19 uses the game ball. Is detected, the number of possible launches is incremented by one. That is, when a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 17, it is considered that the game ball has been effectively launched into the game area 124. On the other hand, if the launch intensity is insufficient and a foul ball is produced, the number of possible shots is set. By adding one, the number of possible launches is not subtracted in the case of a foul ball.

When ending the game, the player operates the return operation button 142. Then, the payout control unit 600 performs a settlement process. For example, a control signal for instructing storage to the card together with the current number of possible shots is output to the card unit 608 and the number of possible shots is set to zero. Further, assuming that one of the output conditions of the card discharge control signal is satisfied, the card discharge flag is turned ON. The card discharge flag is stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 600. In this embodiment, the card discharge control signal output condition includes ball removal from the upper plate 1081. In addition, when the current number of possible shots is set to 0, in this embodiment, at the end of the game The final number of possible launches is stored as a final value in the RAM of the payout control unit 600, and is used for detecting an illegal act described later.

  The card unit 608 stores the exchange value corresponding to the number of fireable items in the card. Thereafter, when the card discharge control signal is received, the card is discharged.

  When the return operation button 142 is operated in a state where there is a number that can be fired, the exchange value stored in the card is stored as the number of game balls acquired by the player. When this card is used on another game machine, the number of acquired game balls can be used as the number of fireable balls on the new game machine, and the game results of one game machine can be used on another game machine. There are cases where it is possible.

  In this embodiment, the card is discharged to the player, but a coin-shaped information storage medium may be used.

  Next, display control of the winning ball number display unit 126 and the gameable ball number display unit 128 will be described. Each of these display units is constituted by, for example, a 6-digit segment display device.

  The payout control unit 600 displays the current number of possible shots on the game number display unit 128. That is, the game possible number display unit 128 can present at least information related to the number of game balls that can be fired by the launching device 110. In particular, in this embodiment, the number of possible shots is displayed as a number. Present. The numerical value displayed by the possible game number display unit 128 is added when there is a ball rental or prize ball, and is subtracted every time a game ball is effectively launched into the game area 124. By looking at this numerical display, the player may be able to grasp the current number of fireable balls (the number of possessed balls), and it may be easy to understand the increase or decrease in the number of hand-held game balls that can be fired.

  The payout control unit 600 displays the difference between the number of player's prize balls and the number of game balls fired on the prize ball number display unit 126. That is, the numerical value displayed by the prize ball number display unit 126 is subtracted every time a game ball is launched into the game area 124 and is added when there is a prize ball, but is not added even if there is a ball lending, Even if a foul sphere is detected, it is not added. Therefore, the numerical value displayed by the prize ball number display unit 126 indicates the degree of profit that the player has earned. Numerical information displayed on the winning ball number display unit 126 can be stored and managed in a storage unit such as a RAM provided in the payout control unit 600. It should be noted that the numerical value displayed on the award ball number display unit 126 may be incremented by one each time a foul ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 19, and the foul ball may be excluded from the number of shots.

  The payout control unit 600 sets the display of the award ball number display unit 126 and the playable ball number display unit 128 to 0 before the start of the game in which the number of possible shots is 0. Even if the launch handle 134 is operated in a state where the number of possible launches is 0, the payout control unit 600 controls the launch control unit 630 so that the game ball is not launched. When the player operates the ball lending operation button 140 to start the game and the possible number of launches is added, the number is displayed on the possible game number display section 128. However, the display of the prize ball number display unit 126 remains 0 at this point.

  Thereafter, when a game ball is launched by operating the launch handle 134, the number of possible launches is subtracted and the display number on the playable number display unit 128 is also subtracted. At this time, it remains 0. If there is a prize ball, the number of possible shots is added, the number displayed in the game number display part 128 is also added, and the number displayed in the prize ball number display part 126 is also added.

  At least one of the winning ball number display unit 126 and the playable ball number display unit 128 can be used as an error display device. For example, when a fraud detection magnet sensor is turned on, an error is displayed on at least one of these display units. The error display is preferably a code that can identify the content of the error, and may be a numerical code, but a character code or the like that is easy to understand the occurrence of the error is preferable. For example, when a magnet sensor for detecting fraud is turned on, “PPPPPP” may be displayed.

  Next, the control of the payout device 152 by the payout control unit 600 will be outlined. In the present embodiment, the payout device 152 pays out a game ball when a ball lending or a predetermined prize medium provision condition is satisfied (for example, when there is a prize ball). Details of this processing will be described later. When the game ball detection sensor 15 does not detect a game ball, the game ball is supplied from the ball tank 150 to the payout device 152, the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball, and the game ball is replenished. May be.

  The payout control unit 600 can also perform error determination regarding the game ball based on the detection results of the game ball detection sensors 12 and 17. In the present embodiment, the game ball detection sensor 12 can detect all of the game balls discharged from the game area 124, and the game ball detection sensor 17 can detect all of the game balls emitted from the launching device 110. it can. Therefore, except for the foul ball, the number of game balls detected by both should match. Accordingly, the payout control unit 600 can execute a predetermined error determination from the difference in the number of detected game balls. Details of this processing will be described later. Further, it is possible to make an error determination based on the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 16. Details of this processing will also be described later.

<Launch control unit, power control unit>
The launch control unit 630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 to operate the ball launch handle 134 by the player. Based on a control signal for instructing the launch intensity according to the quantity, the launch motor 632 that drives the launcher 146 and the launcher 148 and the ball feeder 18 that supplies a game ball to the launcher 110 are controlled.

  The power control unit 660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a DC voltage, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and controls each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the payout device 152, etc. Supply to each device. Further, the power supply control unit 660 supplies a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. , Capacitor). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power supply control unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub control unit 500, and the main control unit 300, the second sub control unit 500, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 600. Although a predetermined voltage is supplied to 630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Description of design>
Next, using FIGS. 10A to 10C, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100 are stopped and displayed. The types of special maps and general maps to be described will be described. Fig.10 (a) shows an example of the stop symbol aspect of a special figure.

  The special figure 1 variable game is started on the condition that the first start port sensor detects that the game ball has entered the first special figure start port 230, and the game ball enters the second special figure start port 232 The special figure 2 variable game is started on the condition that the second start port sensor has detected the above. When the special figure 1 variable game is started, the first special symbol display device 212 performs “variable display of special figure 1” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. In addition, when the special figure 2 variable game is started, the second special symbol display device 214 displays “fluctuation display of special figure 2” which repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Do.

  These “variation display of special figure 1” and “variation display of special figure 2” correspond to an example of the symbol fluctuation display. Then, when the variation time determined before the start of the fluctuation of the special figure 1 elapses, the first special symbol display device 212 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special figure 1, and the fluctuation time determined before the start of the fluctuation of the special figure 2 When elapses, the second special symbol display device 214 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special symbol 2.

  Therefore, from the start of “figure display of special figure 1” until the stop symbol form of special figure 1 is stopped, or after the start of “fluctuation display of special figure 2”, the stop symbol form of special figure 2 is displayed. Until the stop display corresponds to an example of the symbol variation stop display, hereinafter, a series from the start of the “variable display of the special figure 1 or 2” to the stop display of the special symbol 1 or 2 is displayed. Is referred to as a symbol variation stop display. As will be described later, the symbol variation stop display may be continuously performed a plurality of times. FIG. 10A shows ten types of special drawings from “special drawing A” to “special drawing J” as stop symbol forms in the symbol variation stop display. In FIG. 10 (a), the white portions in the figure indicate the segment locations where the light is extinguished, and the black portions indicate the location where the segments are illuminated.

  “Special Figure A” is a 15 round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure B” is a 15R jackpot symbol. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination as to whether or not the big hit in the special figure variable game is made by lottery of hardware random numbers, and the decision as to whether or not it is a special big hit is made by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state.

  Moreover, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Although the time reduction will be described in detail later, the state that shifts to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special chart A” and “special chart B” are symbols that give a relatively large profit amount to the player.

  “Special figure C” is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure C” is 2R compared to “Special Figure A” which is 15R. "Special figure D" is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden time reduction, and is a special figure low probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure D” is 2R compared to “Special Figure B” which is 15R.

  “Special figure E” is a 2R jackpot symbol called hidden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure low probability state. "Special figure F" is a 2R jackpot symbol suddenly called normal, and is a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. These “special drawing E” and “special drawing F” are both 2R and are in a state in which they do not shift to the time-saving state.

  "Special figure G" is a first small hit symbol, and "Special figure H" is a second small hit symbol, both of which are in a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. The small hit here is equivalent to the same short hit big hit with 2R. That is, “Special Figure G” and “Special Figure H” are in the same state as “Special Figure F”, but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 are different in both cases. By providing “G”, “Special Figure H”, and “Special Figure F”, the interest of the game is enhanced.

  In addition, “Special Figure I” is a first off symbol, and “Special Figure J” is a second off symbol, and the profit amount given to the player is a relatively small profit amount.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Figure A” are prepared as 15R special jackpot symbols, and the same applies to other symbols such as 15R jackpot symbols.

  FIG. 10B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a game ball has won the first special figure start port 230 or the second special view start port 232, that is, that a game ball has entered the first special view start port 230. Alternatively, on the condition that the second starting port sensor detects that a game ball has entered the second special figure starting port 232, the left symbol display area 208a, the middle symbol display area 208b of the decorative symbol display device 208, In each symbol display area of the right symbol display area 208c, “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →. Perform “decorative pattern change display” to switch the display in order. When the 15R jackpot of “Special Figure B” is notified, a symbol combination (for example, “decoration 1—decoration 1—decoration”) corresponding to the 15R jackpot corresponding to the 15R jackpot is displayed in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. 1 ”or“ decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2 ”). When the 15R special jackpot of “special drawing A” is notified, a combination of three symbols of the same odd number of decorative symbols (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” or “decoration 7—decoration 7—decoration 7”). Etc.) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the 2R jackpot called “hidden probability change” of “Special Figure E”, the 2R jackpot called “Special Figure F” suddenly, or the first small hit of “Special Figure G”, “Special Figure H” When notifying the second small hit, “decoration 1-decoration 2—decoration 3” is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, in order to notify the 2R jackpot called “sudden change” of “special drawing C” or the 2R jackpot called “sudden time reduction” of “special drawing D”, “decoration 1-decoration 3—decoration 5” is displayed. Stop display.

  On the other hand, when notifying the first deviation of “Special Figure I” and the second deviation of “Special Figure J”, the symbol combinations other than the symbol combinations shown in FIG. 10B are stopped in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. indicate.

  FIG.10 (c) shows an example of the usual stop display symbol. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes for ordinary maps: “general diagram A” which is a winning symbol and “general symbol B” which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the above-mentioned gate sensor has detected that the game ball has passed through the normal start port 228, the normal symbol display device 210 turns on all seven segments and one central segment. Repeated “variable display of normal map”. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in FIG. 10C, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input resets by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  In step SA01, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, setting of a stack initial value (temporary setting) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of an interrupt mask, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, to the WDT 314 The operation is permitted and the initial value is set. In the present embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set in WDT 314 as an initial value.

  In step SA03, the counter value of WDT 314 is cleared, and the time measurement by WDT 314 is restarted. In step SA05, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power source control unit 660 to the main control unit 300 by the voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment). 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. Then, if the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power is cut off), the process returns to step SA03, and if the low voltage signal is off (if the CPU 304 has not detected that the power is cut off), the step is performed. Proceed to SA07. Even if the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step SA03, and step SA05 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step SA07, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in the counter timer 312 and a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step SA09, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power interruption), and the state before the power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to an initialization process (step SA13).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of a game store operates a RAM clear switch 180 provided on a power supply board is turned on (indicates that there has been an operation). That is, it is determined whether or not RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. It is determined whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal).

  If the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step SA11 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step SA13.

  In step SA11, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the value of the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read out and reset to the stack pointer (this setting). In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out and reset in each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is restarted from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in step SA15) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt processing (described later) immediately before the power interruption. A RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In step SA11, a power recovery command is set in the transmission information storage area. This power recovery command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state at the time of power interruption, and is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

  In step SA13, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer (this setting), initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed. Further, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization process (step SA13) of the main control unit 300 has been performed. Like the power recovery command, the normal return command is the first command in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300. 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step SA15, after setting for prohibition of interruption, a basic random number initial value update process is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the ordinary figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the ordinary figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer, respectively. Two random number counters for generating each random value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a normal timer random number value is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. The initial value generation random number counter is also updated in step SB07 described later.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the process of step SA15 except during a timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step SB01, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step SB03, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interrupt occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step SB05, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signals of various sensors 320 including the above-described front frame door opening sensor 320a, inner frame opening sensor 320b, and ball detection sensors for various winning holes are input via the input port of the I / O 310. The input is monitored for the presence or absence of a detection signal, and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each of the various sensors 320 in the RAM 308. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor. This information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area partitioned and stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area partitioned for each sphere detection sensor, and the previous timer interrupt processing (about 2 ms before) ) Is read from the current detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor in the RAM 308, and this information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area described above. To remember. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  In step SB05, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in the ball detection sensor matches the winning determination pattern information. This main control unit timer interrupt process that is repeatedly started at a very short interval of about 2 ms while one game ball passes one ball detection sensor is started several times. For this reason, every time the main control unit timer interruption process is started, in the above-described step SB05, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is confirmed.

  As a result, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is stored in each of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area. That is, when the game ball starts to pass through the ball detection sensor, there is no detection signal before the previous time, there is a previous detection signal, and there is a detection signal this time. In the present embodiment, in consideration of erroneous detection of the sphere detection sensor and noise, it is determined that there is a prize when the detection signal is stored twice continuously after no detection signal.

  The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 9 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is no previous detection signal, that there is a previous detection signal, and that there is a current detection signal). In this step SB05, information on presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, current detection signal present). In the case of the general winning port 226, the variable winning port 234, the first special figure starting port 230, and the second special figure starting port 232, or the ordinary drawing starting port 228. Is determined to have passed. In other words, it is determined that a prize has been awarded to the winning ports 226 and 234 and the starting ports 230, 232, and 228.

  For example, when the information on the presence / absence of the detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the general winning opening sensor for detecting the winning at the general winning opening 226, there is a winning at the general winning opening 226. If the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, the subsequent general winnings are performed. The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with winning the prize to the mouth 226.

  Note that the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is a detection signal before the previous time, no previous detection signal, and no current detection signal). After it is determined that there has been a single win, it is not determined that there has been a win until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information in each ball detection sensor, and the winning determination is cleared. If it matches the pattern information, it is next determined whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information.

  In step SB07 and step SB09, a basic random number initial value update process and a basic random number update process are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step SA15 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value used in the main control unit 300, Two random number counters for generating the special figure 1 random value and the special figure 2 random value are updated.

  For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set.

  For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it. Further, apart from the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal signal has made one round next, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308. In the present embodiment, the counter for acquiring the random number value of FIG. 1 and the counter for acquiring the random value of FIG. 2 are separately provided, but the same counter may be used.

  In step SB11, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  In step SB13, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, the normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 210, and the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 212 are timed. Special symbol 1 display symbol update timer for performing, special symbol 2 display symbol update timer for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed and stopped on the second special symbol display device 214, a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time Various timers including a timer for measuring a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step SB15, winning prize counter updating processing is performed. In this winning opening counter updating process, when winning holes 226, 234 and starting holes 230, 232, 228 are won, the RAM 308 stores the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning hole or for each starting hole. The value is read out, 1 is added, and the original prize ball number storage area is set.

  In step SB17, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, it is determined whether or not there has been a winning at the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232, the ordinary drawing starting port 228, and the variable winning port 234. Here, the determination is made using the determination result of whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information in step SB03. If there is a winning at the first special figure starting port 230 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the random number value storage circuit 318 stores the random value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230. The value is acquired from the register for use, and the processed value (for example, the acquired value + the value of the R register + 1) is acquired as the special figure 1 winning random number value and the value is acquired from the random number counter for generating the special figure 1 random number value, The processed value (for example, acquired value + R register value + 1) is acquired as a special figure 1 random number value and stored in the corresponding random value storage area.

  When a winning is made to the second special figure starting port 232 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the random value counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230 of the random number generation circuit 318 The value is acquired from the value storage register, and the processed value (for example, the acquired value + the value of the R register + 1) is acquired as the special figure 2 winning random value and the value is acquired from the random number counter for generating the special figure 2 random value. Then, the processed value (for example, acquired value + R register value + 1) is acquired as a special figure 2 random value and stored in the corresponding random value storage area.

  In step SB19, a payout request number transmission process is performed. Note that the output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 are composed of, for example, 1 byte, strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 6 Power-on information (if turned on, indicates that this is the first command transmission after power-on), bits 4-5 indicate the current processing type for encryption (0-3), and bits 0-3 indicate encryption The number of payout requests after processing is shown. The payout control unit 600 adds the number of possible launches for the number of payout requests.

  In step SB21, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in the normal state update process in the middle of the normal symbol display (the above-described general symbol display symbol update timer value is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is repeatedly turned on and off. Turns off drive control. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a usual fluctuation display (ordinary figure fluctuation game).

  Also, in the normal state update process at the timing when the normal symbol change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the general symbol display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the win symbol is displayed. The normal symbol display device 210 is controlled so that the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is turned on / off, and when the hit flag is off, the normal symbol display device 210 is configured to be in the off symbol display mode. 7 segment LED on / off drive control is performed. Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes, not limited to the normal state update process. Here, the above-described lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and the setting area is set to indicate that the normal stop display is being performed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 determines the symbol of either the winning symbol (the common symbol A shown in FIG. 10C) or the off symbol (the universal symbol B shown in FIG. 10C). Display. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a normal stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the result of the normal game.

  Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is a hit, the usual figure hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the usual figure hit flag is on, in the usual figure state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the value of the usual figure stop time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), The normal operation is set in the setting area, and the blade member 232a is opened to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member 232a of the second special figure starting port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds). And a signal indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the blade open time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member in the closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 332, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined closing period ends (when the value of the blade closing time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the non-operating state is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. To do. Furthermore, if the result of the usual figure fluctuation game is out, the usual figure out flag is turned on as will be described later. When the off-normal flag is on, the normal state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing at which the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0) In the setting area of the RAM 308, normal operation inactive is set. In the general state update process in the case where the general map is not in operation, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB23.

  In step SB23, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 232 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time is selected for variably displaying the normal map on the general map display device 210, and this variable display time is stored as a normal map variable display time in a general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308. In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  Subsequently, the special figure state update process for each of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is performed. First, the special figure state update process (the special figure 2 state update process) for the special figure 2 is performed (step SB25). In the special figure 2 state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed in accordance with the state of the special figure 2. For example, in the special figure 2 state update process in the middle of the special figure 2 fluctuation display (the value of the above-mentioned special figure 2 display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is turned on. Performs lighting / extinguishing drive control that repeatedly turns off. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 performs the variable display of the special figure 2 (special figure 2 variable game).

  In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the rotation start setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area, and the process ends.

  Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a 15R big hit flag, a 2R big hit flag, a first small hit flag, a second small hit flag, a first off flag, a second off flag, a special figure probability variation flag, and a normal figure. A flag for each probability variation flag is prepared.

  In the special figure 2 state update process starting at the timing when the special figure 2 fluctuation display time has elapsed (the timing when the special figure 2 display symbol update timer value has changed from 1 to 0), the 15R big hit flag is on, and the special figure probability fluctuation When the flag is also on and the normal figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure A, 15R jackpot flag shown in FIG. 5A is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, and the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on. When the special figure B, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and the general figure probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special figure C, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, When the probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure D, 2R jackpot flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and when the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure E, 2R jackpot flag is on, special chart Probability flag is off, normal When the rate fluctuation flag is also off, the special figure F, when the first small hit flag is on, the special figure G, when the second small hit flag is on, the special figure H, and the first off flag are on. In such a case, the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure I and the second off flag are turned on, respectively, so that the special figure I is in the respective mode. A setting indicating that the special figure 2 stop display is in progress is made in the setting area of the RAM 308.

  By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 has a 15R special jackpot symbol (special symbol A), a 15R jackpot symbol (special symbol B), a sudden probability variation symbol (special symbol C), and a sudden time-short symbol symbol (special symbol). D), hidden probability variation (special E), suddenly normal (special F), first small hit (special G), second small hit (special H), first off symbol (special) Any one of the symbols I) and the first off-set symbol (special symbol J) is confirmed and displayed.

  After that, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 milliseconds). With this setting, the specially displayed special figure 2 is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the result of the special figure 2 variable game is notified to the player. In addition, if the time reduction number stored in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction number, and if the subtraction result becomes 1 to 0, the special figure probability is changing. If not (details will be described later), the time reduction flag is turned off. Further, the hourly flag is also turned off during the big hit game (in the special game state).

  Further, the special transmission information indicating that the rotation stop setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the above-described transmission information storage area, and the design for stopping the variable display is shown in FIG. The special figure 2 identification information indicating the presence is additionally stored in the RAM 308 as information to be included in command data, which will be described later, and the processing is terminated.

  If the result of the special figure 2 variable game is a big hit, the big hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the jackpot flag is on, in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the RAM 308 In the setting area, the special figure 2 is in operation and waits for a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a period during which an image for notifying the player that the big win by the decorative symbol display device 208 is started is displayed. Therefore, information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, predetermined transmission information indicating that the winning effect setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  Further, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the value of the special figure 2 standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds) Alternatively, the door member 234a is opened to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 234a of the variable prize opening 234 until a winning of a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected at the variable prize opening 234. In addition to outputting a signal to be held at the same time, information indicating the opening period is set in the storage area of the door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the special winning opening release setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  In the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) A signal for holding the door member 234a in a closed state is output to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 234a of the variable prize opening 234, and a closing period is stored in a storage area of a door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Set the information indicating. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the special winning opening closing setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  In addition, the opening / closing control of the door member is repeated a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 15 rounds or 2 rounds), and in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the end timing, a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds) In other words, the effect standby period is stored in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the big hit by the decorative symbol display device 208 is to be ended is displayed. Set the information indicating.

  Also, if the normal probability fluctuation flag is set to ON, at the same time as the end of the jackpot game, the time reduction number 100 is set in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308, and the time reduction flag provided in the RAM 308 is set. Turn on. If the usual time probability variation flag is set to OFF, the time reduction number is not set in the time reduction number storage unit, and the time reduction flag is not turned ON.

  The short time here means that the pachinko machine is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the big hit in the special figure variable game to the start of the next big hit. If the short time flag is set to ON at this time, it is a normal high probability state. There is a higher probability of hitting a general-purpose variable game in the high-probability state than in the low-probability state. In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal figure variable game and the fluctuation time of the special figure variable game are shorter in the normal figure high probability state than in the normal figure low probability state.

  Further, in the normal high probability state, the opening time in one opening of the pair of blade members 232a of the second special start port 232 tends to be longer than in the normal low probability state. In addition, the pair of blade members 232a are more likely to open in the normal high probability state than in the normal low probability state. In addition, as described above, the hourly flag is set to off during the big hit game (in the special game state). Therefore, the normal low probability state is maintained during the jackpot game. This is because, if the game is in a high probability state during a jackpot game, a large number of games will be placed in the second special figure start port 232 until a predetermined number of game balls are entered during the jackpot game. There is a problem that a ball enters and the number of game balls that can be acquired during the jackpot increases, resulting in an increase in euphoria. This is to solve this problem.

  Further, predetermined transmission information indicating that the end effect setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  Also, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure 2 is not activated in the setting area of the RAM 308. Set medium. Further, if the result of the special figure 2 variable game is out of the way, the off flag is turned on as will be described later. In the case where the miss flag is on, even in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), In the setting area of the RAM 308, special figure 2 inactive is set. In the special figure 2 state update process when the special figure 2 is not operating, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB27.

  Subsequently, special figure state update processing (special figure 1 state update process) for special figure 1 is performed (step SB27). In the special figure 1 state update process, each process described in the special figure 2 state update process is performed according to the state of the special figure 1. Each process performed in the special figure 1 state update process is the same as the process in which “special figure 2” in the contents described in the special figure 2 state update process is replaced with “special figure 1”. Omitted. The order of the special figure 2 state update process and the special figure 1 state update process may be reversed.

  When the special figure state update process in step SB25 and step SB27 is completed, a special figure related lottery process for each of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is performed. Also here, the special figure related lottery process (special figure 2 related lottery process) for special figure 2 is performed first (step SB29), and then the special figure related lottery process for special figure 1 (special figure 1 related lottery process) (Step SB31). Also for these special drawing related lottery processes, the main control unit 300 performs the special figure 2 related lottery processing before the special figure 1 related lottery processing, so that the special figure 2 variable game start condition and the special figure 1 fluctuation Even if the game start conditions are satisfied at the same time, since the special figure 2 variable game is changing first, the special figure 1 variable game does not start changing. Further, the notification of the result of the jackpot determination of the special figure variable game by the decorative symbol display device 208 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, and the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the second special figure starting port 232 is notified. However, it is performed in preference to the notification of the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the first special figure starting port 230.

  In step SB33, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. The output schedule information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits, for example, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bits 11 to 14 are Command type (In this embodiment, command types such as basic command, symbol variation start command, symbol variation stop command, winning effect start command, end effect start command, jackpot round number designation command, power recovery command, RAM clear command are specified. Possible information), bits 0 to 10 are composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off in the command transmission process described above. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special figure related lottery process, etc. is included in the command data. In the case of the symbol variation stop command, the value of the 15R jackpot flag, 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. are included. In the case of a jackpot round number designation command, the value of the special variation probability flag, the number of jackpot rounds, and the like are included.

  When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 230, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 232, winning of the variable winning port 234 Includes presence or absence.

  In the rotation start setting transmission process described above, the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag value, the special figure probability variation flag value, the special figure 1 related lottery process, and the special figure 2 relation stored in the RAM 308 as command data. Information indicating the timer number selected in the lottery process, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set.

  In the rotation stop setting transmission process described above, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag, the 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set in the command data. In the winning effect setting transmission process described above, the command control data stored in the RAM 308, the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and the speaker 120 during the winning effect period, the special figure probability variation flag Information indicating the value, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game being held, etc. is set.

  In the above-described end effect setting transmission process, the command control data stored in the RAM 308, the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and the speaker 120 during the effect standby period, the special figure probability variation flag Information indicating the value, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game being held, etc. is set.

  In the above-described large winning opening release setting transmission process, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the pending first special figure variation game or the second special figure variation game is stored. Set information such as number. In the above-mentioned big winning opening closing setting transmission process, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the pending first special figure variation game or the second special figure variation game is stored. Set information such as number.

  In step SB33, general command special figure hold increase processing is also performed. In this general command special figure pending increase process, special figure identification information (information showing special figure 1 or special figure 2) stored in the transmission information storage area of the RAM 308, command notice information (preliminary notice information, false) Set either advance notice information or no advance notice information).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step SB35, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 350 separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 336.

  In step SB37, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step SB05 are read, and the presence or absence of a predetermined error, for example, the presence or absence of a front frame door opening error or an inner frame opening error, is monitored. When a frame door opening error or an inner frame opening error is detected, device information indicating presence / absence of a front frame door opening error or an inner frame opening error is set in transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  Further, various solenoids 332 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 232 and the variable prize opening 234, and the normal symbol display device 210 and the first special symbol display via the display circuits 324, 326 and 330. Display data to be output to the device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the various status display units 328, and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step SB19) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

  In step SB39, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step SB43, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step SB41.

  In step SB41, a timer interrupt end process is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step SB01 is set in each original register, interrupt permission is set, etc., and then the main control unit main process shown in FIG. Return to.

  On the other hand, in step SB43, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of the strobe interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 6C is a flowchart of the timer variable update interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step SC01 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in SC01. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step SC03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SC05.

  In step SC05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step SC07, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command has been received from the main control unit 300.

  In step SC09, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in SC07, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 406, and the effect data is updated when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SC11, when pressing of the chance button 136 is detected, processing for changing the effect data updated in step SC09 to effect data corresponding to the pressing of the chance button 136 is performed. In step SC13, if there is a command to VDP 434 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to VDP 434.

  In step SC15, when there is a command to the sound source IC 416 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the sound source IC 416. In step SC <b> 17, if there is a command to various lamps 418 in the effect data read in SC <b> 09, this command is output to the drive circuit 420.

  In step SC19, when there is a command to the shielding device 246 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the drive circuit 432. In step SC21, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in SC09, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to SC03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step SD01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SE01 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step SC03 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SC03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step SE03 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, a control command is transmitted to the second sub control unit 500 set in step SC19, an effect random number value is updated, and the like.

  Next, the image control process in step SC13 in the main process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step SF01, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 404 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 436. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the decorative design display device 208.

  Next, the CPU 404 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 406), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 436) and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 434 based on the position information table and the like, and then the image from the ROM 406 to the VRAM 436. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 434 transfers the image data from the ROM 406 to the VRAM 436 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 436 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 404.

  In step SF03, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SF05. Otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step SF05, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 436 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 436 in step SF01, the CPU 404 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes and image sizes of the VRAM 436). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 434. The VDP 434 sets parameters according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

  In step SF07, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 404 instructs the VDP 434 to start drawing an image. The VDP 434 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404.

  In step SF09, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 based on the image drawing end is input. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SF11. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step SF11, a scene display counter which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 408 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
The process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step SG01 of FIG. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in SG01. In this initialization processing, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step SG03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SG05.

  In step SG05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step SG07, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  In step SG09, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in SG07, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 506, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

  In step SG 11, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the game board lamp 532 or the game table frame lamp 542, this command is output to the serial communication control circuit 520.

  In step SG13, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the effect movable body 224, this command is output to the drive circuit 516, and the process returns to SG03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step SH01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SI01 of the second sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step SG03 in the second sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SG03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step SI03 of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt process, an effect random number update process is performed.

<Processing of payout control unit 600>
An example of processing performed by the payout control unit 600 will be described.

<Management of the number of possible launches>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the management process of the possible number of launches executed by the CPU of the payout control unit 600. As described above, the possible number of launches is stored and managed in a storage unit such as a RAM provided in the payout control unit 600. The payout control unit 600 increases the possible number of fires when a predetermined condition for increasing the number of possible launches is satisfied, and decreases when the decrease condition is satisfied.

  In step S01, it is determined whether or not there is a prize ball based on a command from the main control unit 300. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S02. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S03. In step S02, the number of prize balls is added to the number of possible shots.

  In step S03, it is determined whether there has been an effective ball lending operation. If there is a valid ball lending operation, the process proceeds to step S04, and if not, the process proceeds to step S05.

  In step S04, the number of rented balls is added to the number of possible launches. In step S05, it is determined based on the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 19 whether or not a foul ball has been detected. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S06, and if not, the process proceeds to step S07.

  In step S06, the number of possible launches is incremented by one. In step S07, it is determined whether or not a game ball is fired from the launching device 110. This determination can be made based on the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 17, for example. If it is determined that it has not fired, the process proceeds to step S09. If it is determined that it has fired, the process proceeds to step S08, and the number of possible launches is decremented by one.

  In step S09, it is determined whether a settlement instruction has been issued. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S10. If not, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not a predetermined end condition is satisfied. When it corresponds, it progresses to step S11 and performs a payment process, and when it does not correspond, one unit of processing is complete | finished. In the settlement process, the final value of the number of possible shots is stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 600, the number of possible shots is cleared (to 0), and the display of the gameable ball number display unit 128 is set to 0, for example. .

  In the present embodiment, when the player operates the return operation button 142, it is a condition that a predetermined end condition is satisfied instead of immediately performing a settlement process. However, the settlement process may be performed immediately.

  As the predetermined end condition, for example, the gaming state is not the predetermined gaming state (for example, the big hit gaming state, the small hit gaming state, the electric support state, the special figure fluctuation display state, the common figure fluctuation display state, the number of holds, etc. In the case of 1 or more, it is not at least one of them).

  By setting such an end condition as a requirement for the checkout process, it may be possible to avoid the situation where the checkout process is performed in a situation where the number of possible shots is likely to fluctuate and to perform the checkout more accurately. At the same time, it may be possible to prevent the settlement process from being performed when the player accidentally operates the return operation button 142.

<Adjustment of the amount of game balls in a predetermined area in the supply route>
In the present embodiment, the amount of game balls existing on a predetermined area of the supply path SPRT is adjusted in relation to the number of possible shots. Thereby, it may be possible to give the player recognition that the number of game balls supplied to the launching device 110 and the number of game balls on hand (number of possible launches) match or approximate, There is a case where it is possible to reduce a sense of incongruity of a player who is familiar with a general game stand that is not a game medium enclosed type. In particular, in this embodiment, since the player can visually recognize the game balls on the upper plate 1081, the amount of game balls existing on the supply path SPRT can be visually confirmed. It may be possible to further reduce the sense of incongruity of players familiar with the game.

  First, an outline of adjustment contents will be described with reference to FIGS. In an enclosed game table, the amount of game balls that circulate is limited, and when the game balls on the supply path SPRT are visible, the number of fireable balls and the amount of game balls that can be seen are completely It can be difficult to match.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, different control is performed depending on whether or not the number of possible launches is equal to or greater than a predetermined number X. For example, the predetermined number X is preferably the amount of game balls that can be visually recognized by the player. In this embodiment, since the upper plate 1081 is visible, the amount that can be stored in the upper plate 1081 (for example, 150).

  FIG. 16A assumes a case where the number of possible fires ≧ the predetermined number X. In this state, the number of game balls is adjusted so that at least a predetermined number X of game balls exist on the supply path SPRT. As a result, for example, the upper plate 1081 becomes full. The player may be able to recognize whether or not there is a sufficient number of shots by looking at the game ball on the upper plate 1081.

  When the number of possible shots ≧ the predetermined number X, when a game ball is fired, the game ball is paid out from the payout device 152 as shown in FIG. 16B, and the upper plate 1081 is kept full. For example, one game ball is supplied in association with one launch. As a result, it may be possible to replenish the amount reduced by the launch of the game ball.

  Since there is a time lag between the launch and supply of game balls, when the number of possible shots ≧ predetermined number X, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), from the upper plate 1081 to the middle of the game ball passage 11d. It is preferable that game balls exist (a predetermined number X + α of game balls exist).

  FIG. 17A assumes a case where the number of possible firings <the predetermined number X. In this state, the upper plate 1081 is not full. In this state, the number of game balls is adjusted so that the number of game balls on the upper plate 1081 is increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the number of shots that can be fired. For example, when the condition for increasing the number of possible shots such as award balls is satisfied, as shown in the state ST1 in FIG. 18B, the increased game balls are supplied to the supply path SPRT. In this way, by allowing a game ball to be supplied when conditions for increasing the number of possible shots (such as awarding a prize or renting a ball by winning) are satisfied in a state where the number of possible shots is small, In some cases, it may be easier to recognize that the number of fireable items has increased.

  Note that when the possible number of launches increases and the relationship of possible launch number ≧ predetermined number X is reached, the supply of game balls may be stopped halfway. For example, if there are nine possible balls in the state where the number of possible launches is six and is equal to the predetermined number X, three (= 9-6) as shown in state ST2 of FIG. 18B. Only game balls may be supplied.

  On the other hand, if the number of possible shots <predetermined number X, a new game ball is not supplied if the conditions for increasing the number of possible launches are not satisfied. For example, even when a game ball is fired, the game ball is not paid out from the payout device 152. Since the decrease in the number of possible launches is proportional to the decrease in the game balls on the supply path SPRT, it may be easy for the player to recognize the number of possible launches. When the number of possible launches becomes 0, for example, as shown in FIG. 17B, the game balls that can be visually recognized by the player are also 0, and it may be easy for the player to recognize that the number of possible launches is 0. .

  By such adjustment, there may be cases where there are approximately the same number of game balls as can be fired on the upper plate 1081.

  FIG. 19A shows a case where there is an operation on the return operation button 142. When the return operation button 142 is operated in a state where there is a fireable number (when the number of possible fires> 0), the number of fireable numbers is stored in the card in the checkout process. The ball removing device 14 is driven on at least a condition of an operation with respect to 142, the game balls remaining in the supply path SPRT such as the upper plate 1081 are removed, and the card can be returned with the game balls removed.

  In this way, at the end of the game, by removing the game ball existing on the supply path SPRT, it can be shown in the same manner as a general game table that is not enclosed with a game medium, and a player familiar with the general game table. It may be possible to reduce the sense of discomfort. Further, it may be possible to easily recognize whether or not a game table being left is being played by checking the upper plate 1081. In addition, since the game ball is pulled out electrically by the ball removing device 14, there may be a case where the possible number of launches and the game ball existing in the supply path SPRT can be made equal to zero at the end of the game.

  FIG. 19B shows a case where there is an operation on the ball lending operation button 140. With one effective ball lending operation, for example, the number of possible shots becomes 125, 125 game balls are paid out to the supply path SPRT, and the game balls exist on the upper plate 1081.

<Example of adjustment processing>
A processing example of the CPU of the payout control unit 600 relating to the above-described adjustment of the game ball will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an example of adjustment processing. In SJ01, it is determined whether or not the card (information storage medium) is newly received by the card unit 608. If not applicable, the process proceeds to SJ03, and if applicable, the process proceeds to SJ02. In SJ02, the new acceptance flag stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 600 is turned ON.

  In SJ03, it is determined whether or not there is an effective ball lending operation. If not applicable, the process proceeds to SJ05, and if applicable, the process proceeds to SJ04. In SJ04, processing for lending a ball is performed. Details will be described later.

  In SJ05, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been fired. If not applicable, the process proceeds to SJ07, and if applicable, the process proceeds to SJ06. In SJ06, processing at the time of launch is performed. Details will be described later. If a foul ball is detected, one game ball may be paid out from the payout device 152.

  In SJ07, it is determined whether or not there is a prize ball. If not applicable, the process proceeds to SJ09, and if applicable, the process proceeds to SJ08. In SJ08, processing for a winning ball is performed. Details will be described later.

  In SJ09, it is determined whether or not the card ejection flag is ON. If not applicable, the process of one unit is terminated, and if applicable, the process proceeds to SJ10. In SJ10, processing at the time of settlement is performed. Details will be described later.

  FIG. 21A is a flowchart showing the processing at the time of lending a ball in SJ04. In SJ11, it is determined whether or not the new acceptance flag is ON. If yes, go to SJ12, otherwise go to SJ14.

  In SJ12, the new acceptance flag is turned OFF, and in SJ13, the upper plate 1081 should be empty, so the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball to the supply path SPRT. As described above, the number of game balls to be paid out is, for example, 125 game balls paid out by one effective ball lending operation, but if the total number exceeds a predetermined value X, the payout is stopped at the predetermined value X. May be.

  The processing after SJ14 assumes a case where a ball lending operation is performed during the game. In SJ14, the current state is determined from the relationship between the number of possible launches and the predetermined value X. If the number of possible shots <predetermined number X, the process proceeds to SJ15, and the upper plate 1081 should not be full, so the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball to the supply path SPRT. The number of game balls to be paid out is one effective ball lending operation. For example, 125 game balls are paid out. When the number of fireable balls exceeds a predetermined value, the number of fireable balls reaches a predetermined value X ( The payout may be stopped when the upper plate 1081 is full.

  In the state determination of SJ14, if the number of possible shots ≧ the predetermined number X, the upper plate 1081 should be full, so that one unit of processing is terminated without paying out the game balls. However, as an alternative, a small amount of game balls (for example, one or several) may be paid out in SJ16. Thereby, it can produce that the payout was performed by the sound or the movement of the game ball on the upper plate 1081, and the player may be able to feel that the ball lending is normally performed.

  FIG. 21B is a flowchart showing a process at the time of launching SJ06. In SJ21, the current state is determined from the relationship between the number of possible launches and the predetermined value X. When the number of possible shots ≧ predetermined number X, the process proceeds to SJ22, and the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball to the supply path SPRT so as to maintain the upper plate 1081 in a full state. The number of game balls to be paid out is one, for example, but a plurality of game balls may be paid out for one launch.

  In the state determination of SJ14, when the number of possible shots <the predetermined number X, one unit of processing is terminated without paying out the game balls. As a result, the game balls on the upper plate 1081 decrease in accordance with the launch.

  FIG. 22A is a flowchart showing the processing at the time of a prize ball of SJ08. In SJ31, the current state is determined from the relationship between the number of possible launches and the predetermined value X. When the number of possible shots <predetermined number X, the process proceeds to SJ32, and the upper plate 1081 should not be full, so the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball to the supply path SPRT. The number of game balls to be paid out is, for example, the number of prize balls, but when the number of possible shots exceeds a predetermined value, the payout may be stopped when the number of possible shots reaches a predetermined value X.

  In the state determination of SJ31, if the number of possible shots ≧ predetermined number X, the upper plate 1081 should be full, so one unit of processing is terminated without paying out the game balls. However, as an alternative, a small amount of game balls (for example, one or several) may be paid out in SJ33. Thereby, it can produce that the payout was performed by the sound or the movement of the game ball on the upper plate 1081, and the player may be able to feel that the award ball is normally given.

  FIG. 22B is a flowchart showing processing at the time of settlement in SJ10, and is processing that is executed when there is an operation on the return operation button 142. Here, it is determined whether an illegal act has been performed from the number of game balls that have been removed and the final value of the number of possible shots.

  In SJ41, the final value of the possible number of shots stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 600 is read, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined value X is exceeded. If applicable, the process proceeds to SJ42, and if not, the process proceeds to SJ43.

  When the final value exceeds the predetermined value X, the number of game balls remaining on the upper plate 1081 can be regarded as substantially the predetermined value X, and when it is below the predetermined value X, it remains on the upper plate 1081. The number of game balls can be regarded as an approximate final value. Therefore, in SJ42, the determination value for fraud determination is set to a predetermined value X, and in SJ43, the determination value is set as the final value.

  In SJ44, the ball removal device 14 is driven to remove the supply path SPRT. Further, based on the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 16, the game balls extracted from the supply path SPRT are counted. The ball removal state can be continued until, for example, no game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 16.

  In SJ45, the card discharge flag is turned OFF, and a control signal instructing the card unit 608 to return the card is transmitted. In the present embodiment, in addition to transmitting a control signal related to the number of shots that can be fired in this way, the fact that a game ball has been extracted from the supply path SPRT (particularly the upper plate 1081) is a card return command. It is used as a signal output condition. The card unit 608 that has received this control signal ejects the card.

  In SJ46, the determination value set in SJ42 or SJ43 is compared with the count result in S45, and it is determined whether or not the difference between the two is within a predetermined threshold (for example, within 10).

  If the difference between the two is within the predetermined threshold, one unit of processing is terminated, and if it exceeds the threshold, there is a possibility of fraud, and the process proceeds to SJ47. In SJ47, error processing is performed. As the contents of the error processing, the error contents are output to the information input circuit 350 to notify the hall computer, to display an error code on the display units 126 and 128, to notify the abnormality, from the speaker 120 The notification sound may be output to notify the abnormality, or the decoration symbol display device 208 may display a message or the like to notify the abnormality. As a result, fraudulent activity may be easily detected.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it may be possible to find an illegal act by determining the number of possible launches at the end of the game and the number of game balls actually extracted. For example, it may be possible to find fraudulent acts in which game balls are encapsulated from the outside (this may lead to large balls and small ball goto), and conversely, game balls are pulled out.

  In this embodiment, the processing of SJ45 is performed before the determination processing of SJ46, and the card is ejected even when there is a possibility of fraud. However, the abnormality determination is performed after the determination processing of SJ46. In this case, it is possible not to eject the card.

<Determination of excess or deficiency>
The process for determining the excess or deficiency of game balls in the circulation path will be described from the process for determining the shortage. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the game ball shortage determination process.

  In step SK01, the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 15 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected. If detected, the process proceeds to step SK05, and if not detected, the process proceeds to step SK02.

  In step SK02, it is determined whether or not the continuous non-detection time is being measured. If not, the continuous non-detection time is started to be measured in step SK06. Note that the counting of the continuous non-detection time is terminated by the processing of step SK05 when a game ball is detected.

  If it is timed, the process proceeds to step SK03, and it is determined whether or not the continuous non-detection time has reached a specified time. The specified time is several seconds, for example. If the continuous non-detection time has reached the specified time, it is determined that the number of game balls is insufficient, and the process proceeds to step SK04. If not, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In step SK04, error processing is performed. In this error processing, for example, a notification that prompts the store clerk to replenish game balls can be given. In addition, the game ball may be replenished from the ball tank 150 to the payout device 152, and the payout device 152 may be operated to refill the circulation path with the game ball. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

  Next, an excessive game ball determination process performed by the payout control unit 600 will be described with reference to FIG. In general, when the game balls are replenished excessively in the circulation path or when they are replenished by cheating, the collection path is filled with game balls up to the game area 124, and there are always game balls in the game area 124. It can happen. Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 12 arranged on the downstream side in the flow direction of the game ball is monitored, and the continuous time (continuation time) of the game ball detection is set to the specified time. When it reaches, it is determined that there are excessive game balls.

  In FIG. 24, in step SL01, the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 12 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected. If detected, the process proceeds to step SL02, and if not detected, the process proceeds to step SL05.

  In step SL02, it is determined whether or not the continuous detection time is being measured. If not, the continuous detection time is started to be measured in step SL06. Note that the counting of the continuous detection time is terminated by the processing of step SL05 because no game ball is detected.

  If it is timed, the process proceeds to step SL03, and it is determined whether or not the continuous detection time has reached a specified time. The specified time is, for example, 15 seconds. If the continuous detection time has reached the specified time, the process proceeds to step SL04, and if not, the process returns to step SL01.

  In step SL04, error processing is performed. The contents of the error processing include displaying an error code on the display units 126 and 128, outputting the error contents to the information input circuit 350, notifying the hall computer, or providing a notification sound output device. It may be provided to output a notification sound.

  In this way, it can be detected that there are excessive game balls in the circulation path.

  Note that the game ball detection sensor 12 may have a multi-stage configuration, similar to the configuration example of the game ball detection sensor 15 illustrated in FIG. If the sensor is turned ON in the order of upstream → downstream, it is determined that one game ball has passed normally, and either the upstream or downstream sensor is continuously ON for a predetermined time. In the case, it can be determined as an error.

<Resident monitoring of game balls>
Next, game ball retention monitoring processing performed by the payout control unit 600 will be described. The stay monitoring process is to perform error determination regarding the game ball based on the detection results of the game ball detection sensors 12 and 17.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball detection sensor 12 can detect all of the game balls discharged from the game area 124, and the game ball detection sensor 17 can detect all of the game balls emitted from the launching device 110. it can. Therefore, except for the foul balls, the number of game balls detected by both should match, and there is a high possibility that the difference number of game balls stays in the game area 124. Therefore, goto monitoring, for example, clogging of balls due to accidental factors, or intentionally generating a ball in the vicinity of a predetermined winning opening (for example, the starting winning opening 230, 232), it is easy to win the predetermined winning opening It can be used to monitor so-called grape goto.

  Accordingly, the payout control unit 600 can execute a predetermined error determination from the difference in the number of detected game balls. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the stay monitoring process.

  In step SM01, it is determined whether or not a non-game is in progress. If it is not a game, the process proceeds to step SM02. If it is a game, the process proceeds to step SM08. Whether or not a game is in progress can be determined based on the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 17, for example. Specifically, when the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 17 is non-detected for a predetermined period of time (a time longer than the firing cycle of the launching device 110, for example, 1 second), it is determined that the game is not in progress.

  In step SM02, it is determined whether or not the standby time is being measured. If not, the time measurement is started in step SM03. This waiting time is set when the game is not being played. If the game ball is not fired immediately after the game ends, the game ball may be flowing on the game area 124. This is the waiting time until there are no more game balls.

  In step SM04, it is determined whether or not a standby time has passed a specified time (for example, 10 seconds), and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SM05. In step SM05, it is determined whether the difference number exceeds the prescribed number. If it exceeds, the process proceeds to step SM06, and if not, the process proceeds to step SM07.

  The difference number is calculated from the following equation, for example.

Number of differences = | Number of detections of the game ball detection sensor 17−Number of detections of the game ball detection sensor 12−Number of detections of the game ball detection sensor 19 (Foul ball) |
Each detection count is stored in a storage unit such as a RAM provided in the payout control unit 600 and counted. Then, it is cleared when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when power is turned on or when a game ball is replenished. For example, the specified number is set to 20 in consideration of an error.

  When the number of detections of the game ball detection sensor 17 greatly exceeds the number of detections of the game ball detection sensor 12, the game balls that have been launched into the game area 124 have not returned, and a large number of game balls have entered the game area 124. It is possible to determine that there is a high possibility of remaining (such as the possibility of grape goto). On the other hand, when the number of detections of the game ball detection sensor 12 is much higher than the number of detections of the game ball detection sensor 17, the game ball that has not been fired is returned to the game area 124 and enclosed. It can be determined that there is a high possibility that an illegal game ball different from the game ball is placed in the game area 124.

  In step SM06, error processing is performed. The contents of the error processing include displaying an error code on the display units 126 and 128, outputting the error contents to the information input circuit 350, notifying the hall computer, or providing a notification sound output device. It may be provided to output a notification sound. In step SM07, the waiting time is cleared.

  In step SM08, it is determined whether or not the difference number exceeds the specified number, and if it exceeds, the process proceeds to step SM09. The difference number is the same as in step SM05. On the other hand, with respect to the specified number, there is an error in the amount of game balls that are fired during the time until the game balls detected by the game ball detection sensor 17 flow down the game area 124 and are detected by the game ball detection sensor 12. Since the waiting time in consideration of the time lag cannot be set as in the case of non-game, the number is set to be larger than the prescribed number in non-game (for example, 40). In step SM09, error processing is performed. The contents of the error processing include displaying an error code on the display units 126 and 128, outputting the error contents to the information input circuit 350, notifying the hall computer, or providing a notification sound output device. It may be provided to output a notification sound.

<Prize monitoring process>
Next, the winning number monitoring process performed by the payout control unit 600 will be described. The number-of-wins monitoring process includes the number of game balls won in the winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) and the starting opening (first special figure starting opening 230, second special figure starting opening 232), This is a process of confirming the number of collections and detecting the inconsistency. For example, it is possible to detect an illegal act in which an illegal prize is obtained by repeatedly advancing and retreating the game ball to and from a winning opening with a game ball with a thread.

  In the case of the present embodiment, a safe ball won at a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or a starting opening (first special figure starting opening 230, second special drawing starting opening 232), and an out opening 240 All of the out balls that have entered are configured to be detected by the game ball detection sensor 12. Therefore, if there is any winning or winning combination, the gaming ball should be detected by the gaming ball detection sensor 12 within a certain period of time thereafter. It can be determined that there is a high possibility that

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the winning number monitoring process. In the case of the present embodiment, an error is determined when a state in which the number of winnings is greater than the number of game balls collected detected by the game ball detection sensor 12 continues for a predetermined time.

  In step SN01, it is determined whether or not there is a winning. The presence / absence of a winning can be determined by a command transmitted from the main control unit 300, for example. If there is a win, the process proceeds to step SN08 if the process does not proceed to step SN02.

  In step SN02, one prize is added. The number of winnings is stored in a storage unit such as a RAM provided in the payout control unit 600 and counted. In step SN03, the monitoring time is started.

  In step SN04, the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 12 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected. If applicable, proceed to SN05 and subtract one winning number. Subtraction is limited to zero. In step SN06, it is determined whether or not the current winning number is 0. If it is 0, the monitoring time is cleared in step SN07.

  In step SN08, it is determined whether or not the current winning number is 1 or more. In the case of 1 or more, the process proceeds to step SN09. In step SN09, the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 12 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected. If yes, go to SN05, otherwise go to Step SN10.

  In step SN10, it is determined whether or not the monitoring time has passed a specified time (for example, 5 seconds). If it has elapsed, error processing is performed in step SN11. The contents of the error processing include displaying an error code on the display units 126 and 128, outputting the error contents to the information input circuit 350, notifying the hall computer, or providing a notification sound output device. It may be provided to output a notification sound.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball detection sensor 12 is used, but a recovery number count sensor dedicated to a safe ball may be provided. FIG. 8 shows an example of this, and a game ball detection sensor 12 'dedicated to safe balls is provided. The game ball detection sensor 12 ′ is arranged on the upstream side of the junction with the path of the game ball collected from the outlet 240, and can detect only the passage of the safe ball.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the game ball on the supply route SPRT is removed at the end of the game, but is not performed. In the case of this configuration, the ball removal device 14 and the game ball passage 11e are not necessarily required.

  FIG. 27A shows processing when an operation is performed on the return operation button 142 in the present embodiment. A state ST3 indicates a state where the return operation button 142 is operated. The settlement process is performed with this operation as a trigger, but the ball is not removed as in the first embodiment, and the game ball remains in the supply path SPRT such as the upper plate 1081 as shown in the state ST4. Of course, the number of possible fires is cleared to zero.

  In this way, when the return operation button 142 is operated in a state where there is a fireable number (when the fireable number> 0), at least the number of fireable numbers is stored in the card (information storage medium), while the supply route By making it possible to return the card with the game ball on the SPRT remaining, it may be possible for the player to identify that there is a remaining number that can be fired at the end of the game.

  FIG. 27B shows a case where there is an operation on the ball lending operation button 140 in this embodiment, and in particular, a return operation is performed in a state where the number of fireable items <predetermined number X, and the card (information storage medium) is returned. Then, a case where a new card (information storage medium) is received by the card unit 608 is shown.

  In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27A, a game may be newly started with the game ball remaining on the game ball path SPRT. The state ST5 shows a case where the ball lending operation button 140 is operated while the game ball remains on the game ball path SPRT.

  Corresponding to the operation on the ball lending operation button 140, the number of possible launches is added. That is, it is possible to fire at least a part of the number of game balls that can be fired stored in the new card.

  Further, in response to the operation on the ball lending operation button 140, the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball. However, since the game ball already exists on the game ball path SPRT, the number of game balls to be paid out Adjust. For example, as shown in state ST6, when the upper plate 1081 is full, the payout of the game ball is stopped. Thereby, for example, even when a player is replaced and a new card (information storage medium) is inserted, there is a case where it is possible to synchronize with the number of possible launches by adjusting the amount of game balls. Therefore, it may be easy for a new player to recognize the number of possible launches.

<Example of adjustment processing>
In the case of the present embodiment, only the processing of SJ45 is performed and the other processing is not performed among the processing at the time of settlement of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the final value of the number of possible launches is stored. Then, the ball lending process shown in FIG. 28 (a) is performed instead of the ball lending process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 21 (a). In FIG. 28A, the same processes as those in FIG. 21A are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, different processes will be described.

  In the present embodiment, after the new acceptance flag is turned off in SJ12, the process proceeds to SJ51. In SJ51, the final value of the possible number of shots stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 600 is read, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined value X is exceeded. If not, the process proceeds to SJ52.

  Since the upper plate 1081 should not be full in SJ52, the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball to the supply path SPRT. The number of game balls to be paid out is adjusted in relation to the final value. For example, the upper plate is obtained by paying out the smaller number of the difference value between the predetermined value X and the final value and the number of game balls to be paid out by one effective ball lending operation (for example, 125 balls). 1081 can be almost full.

  By storing the final value of the number of possible shots in this way, it is possible to grasp the number of game balls remaining in the supply path SPRT (particularly the upper plate 1081), and in that state a new card Even when (information storage medium) is received (for example, when a player is replaced), the number of game balls and the number of possible launches may be synchronized. Further, by assuming that the final value is the number of game balls remaining in the supply path SPRT, it is possible to grasp the game balls remaining in the supply path SPRT relatively easily without a large error.

  If it is determined in SJ51 that the final value is greater than the predetermined number X, the upper plate 1081 should be full, so that one unit of processing is terminated without paying out the game balls. However, as an alternative, a small amount of game balls (for example, one or several) may be paid out in SJ53. Thereby, it can produce that the payout was performed by the sound or the movement of the game ball on the upper plate 1081, and the player may be able to feel that the ball lending is normally performed.

  Next, an example of adjustment processing when winning after a card (information storage medium) is returned will be described. A game ball fired immediately before returning the card may flow down the game area 124 and win the general winning opening 226 after the card is returned, thereby satisfying the condition for increasing the number of fireable balls. FIG. 28B shows a processing example of the payout control unit 600 in this case.

  In SJ61, the award ball is added to the final value of the number of possible shots and updated. In SJ62, the payout device 152 is driven and game balls are paid out by the amount added in SJ61. Thereby, it may be possible for the immediately preceding player to be able to identify the winning after the game is over. However, when the final value after the update in SJ61 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number X, it is preferable to set the value to the predetermined number X. For example, if there are nine prize balls in the state where the updated final value is six and equal to the predetermined number X, only three (= 9−6) game balls may be supplied. . Conversely, if there are nine prize balls in the state where the final value after the update becomes equal to the predetermined value X after ten, all nine game balls may be supplied. By doing in this way, the amount of game balls on the supply path SPRT and the number of possible launches may be synchronized.

  Note that after the card is returned, the number of possible shots managed by the payout control unit 600 is cleared to 0. However, as described above, when winning after the return, the number of possible shots is exceptionally the number of award balls May be added to the next player who plays the game. In the case of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the immediately preceding player notices that he has won a prize in the process of SJ62 and the card is inserted, and there is a case where a prize ball can be given to the same player.

<Embodiment 3>
In the first embodiment, the upper plate 1081 is provided, but a configuration in which the upper plate 1081 is not provided can also be employed. Further, a configuration in which the payout device 152 is not provided can be employed. FIG. 29 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100 ′ according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the same functional components as those of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different points are mainly described.

  The pachinko machine 100 ′ of the present embodiment does not have the upper plate 1081, and the information display device 800 is disposed in the portion where these are disposed, and the information display device 800 is outside the game area 124. And at least the part located under the game area 124 is included. Effective use of free space can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the information display device 800 is a touch panel display device, but may be a display device that does not have a touch panel function. In addition, the prize ball number display unit 126 and the gameable ball number display unit 128 in the first embodiment are not provided.

  FIG. 30 shows the pachinko machine 100 ′ with the front frame door 106 opened. In the case of the present embodiment, the launching device 110 is disposed on the upper left side of the game area 124. Since the distance from the launch position of the launcher 110 to the game area 124 is short, no foul ball is generated, and the guide rails (202 and 204 in the first embodiment) are unnecessary.

  Note that the position of the ball launching handle 134 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and is a position that is generally employed in conventional pachinko machines. However, in this embodiment, the direction of the ball launching handle 134 can be switched to a plurality of stages by a mechanism (not shown) mainly for the purpose of improving operability and reducing the burden on the player.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a circulation path of game balls in the pachinko machine 100 ′. In the case of this embodiment, the collection path 810 includes a game ball path 811, a polishing apparatus 13 </ b> B, a game ball path 812, a lifting apparatus 13 </ b> A, a game ball path 813, and a ball feed apparatus 18. The main difference from the example shown in FIG. 6 is that the payout device 152, the upper plate 1081, the game ball passage 11e, the foul ball passage 11a, the game ball detection sensor 16 are not provided, and the launch path is substantially fired. It is in the point comprised only with the apparatus 110.

The game ball passage 811 is a passage for collecting all the game balls discharged from the game area 124, and corresponds to the game ball passage member 20 and the game ball passage 11b of the first embodiment.
A game ball detection sensor 12 is provided in the game ball passage 811. Similar to the game ball detection sensor 12 of the first embodiment, the game ball discharged from the game area 124 can be detected.

  The game ball passage 811 guides the game ball to the polishing device 13B. In the present embodiment, the polishing device 13B and the lifting device 13A are separated, but a lifting polishing device in which both are integrated as in the first embodiment may be used.

  In the polishing apparatus 13B, the game ball polishes. A game ball detection sensor 821 is provided at the entrance of the polishing apparatus 13B. In order to reduce power consumption, for example, the polishing device 13B is driven when a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 821, and is stopped when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be time (for example, 1 minute) or a gaming state (for example, when a non-game state is reached (after a predetermined second from the start of the demonstration effect)).

  In the case of the present embodiment, a cassette C is replaceably mounted on the polishing apparatus 13B. The cassette C accommodates, for example, a polishing cloth, and the polishing cloth can be replaced by replacing the cassette C. A sensor for detecting whether or not the cassette C is mounted may be provided, and when the mounting of the cassette C cannot be detected, the driving of the polishing apparatus 13B may be prohibited. It is also possible to provide a sensor that monitors a motor that drives the cassette C and a sensor that detects the degree of contamination of the polishing pad.

  The game ball that has exited from the polishing device 13B enters the game ball passage 812 and is guided to the lifting device 13A. The lifting device 13A lifts the game ball. In addition, you may provide the sensor which monitors the drive means (for example, motor) of 13 A of lifting apparatuses.

  Game ball detection sensors 822, 823, and 15 are provided at the entrance, the middle, and the exit of the lifting device 13A. In order to reduce power consumption, for example, the lifting device 13A is driven when a game ball is detected by the game ball sensor 822, and is stopped when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be time (for example, 1 minute) or a gaming state (for example, when a non-game state is reached (after a predetermined second from the start of the demonstration effect)).

  The game ball detection sensors 822 and 15 can be used for managing circulation of game balls. For example, it is possible to prepare supply of the game ball by driving the lifting device 13A until the game ball is detected by these two sensors.

  The game ball that has exited from the lifting device 13A enters the game ball passage 813 and is guided to the ball feeding device 18. The game ball passage 813 corresponds to the supply passage SPRT of the first embodiment. The amount of game balls in the supply passage SPRT can be adjusted by driving control of the lifting device 13A. For example, the driving stop condition of the lifting device 13A includes a case where the number of fireable items is a predetermined number or less. The predetermined value here may be an arbitrary value satisfying the number of game balls storable from the completion of lifting to the sensor 17 of the ball feeding device 18 ≥ the number of possible launches. It is possible to rest the game device 13A without always driving it while the game medium is not transported to the extent that there is no problem with the game. Further, not only the lifting device 13A but also the polishing device 13B or the like may be given the same drive stop condition.

  A game ball detection sensor 824 is disposed in the game ball passage 813. The game ball detection sensor 824 is provided at a position where a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 5 to 6) can be stored in the game ball passage 813 between the ball feeder 18 and the game ball detection sensor 824. That is, when a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 824, the predetermined number of game balls can be fired at least, so that the progress of the game is not hindered. . Conversely, when a game ball is not detected by the game ball detection sensor 824, a failure such as a failure of the lifting device 13A or a clogging of the game ball passage is expected, which can be used for discovery.

  The game ball detection sensor 17 detects a game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 18 to the launching device 110. Thereby, the launched game ball can be detected.

  The detection result of the game ball detection sensor 17 can be used for subtraction of the number of playable balls, subtraction of the number of game balls existing in the game area 124, and the like. In the case of the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the game ball is blocked without reaching the game area 124 due to insufficient launch strength, the game ball is subsequently fired at the appropriate launch strength, and the subsequent Game balls can be clogged. Therefore, in the configuration in which the number of possible launches is reduced when the game ball detection sensor 17 detects a game ball, no problem in gaming occurs even if clogging or the like occurs.

  As the game ball detection sensors 12, 821, 822, 15, 824, and 17 in the present embodiment, the same sensors as the game ball detection sensor described with reference to FIG.

  Any two of these sensors can be used to manage the number of game balls existing in the game area 124, and can be used to discover naturally occurring grapes and grape goto. For example, the game ball detection sensors 12 and 17 can be used, but the combination of the sensors is not limited to this.

  Specifically, for example, a count value of 20 is set as an initial value, every time a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 17, one value is subtracted, and a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 12. Add one value each time. Abnormality can be determined by the change in the count value. Note that addition and subtraction may be reversed.

  For example, when a grape is formed in the game area 124 due to a natural phenomenon, the number of game balls passing through the game ball detection sensor 12 is decreased.

  Further, among the game ball detection sensors 12, 821, 822, 15, 824 and 17, two adjacent sensors can be used for finding a ball clog between them. For example, a count value of 30 is set as an initial value, for example, every time a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 12, one value is subtracted, and every time a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 821 1 is added. When the count value becomes 0, it is determined that the game ball passage 811 is clogged.

  FIG. 32 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the pachinko machine 100 ′. The configuration is basically the same as that of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100. However, in the case of the present embodiment, since the payout device 152 is not provided, the payout control unit 600 is not provided, and a ball as an alternative control unit is a ball. A number controller 600 ′ is provided. The ball number control unit 600 ′ includes basic circuits (a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, etc.) (not shown), like the main control unit 300 and the sub control units 400 and 500.

  The ball number control unit 600 ′ executes the same control as the payout control unit 600 except for the display control of the prize ball number display unit 126, the playable ball number display unit 128, the drive control of the payout device 152, and the like. That is, the number of fireable items is managed and communication with the card unit 608 is performed.

  In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the firing control unit 630 of the first embodiment is also used by the ball number control unit 600 ′, and the ball number control unit 600 ′ drives the firing rod 146 and the launching rod 148. Control of 632 and control of the ball feeding device 18 for supplying a game ball to the launching device 110 are performed. The ball number control unit 600 ′ also performs drive control of the lifting device 13 </ b> A and the prefecture device 13 </ b> B, and the various sensors 604 include each game ball detection sensor described with reference to FIG. 31.

  The ball number control unit 600 ′ can execute the same process as the process executed by the payout control unit 600 shown in FIGS. 15 and 23 to 26. The present embodiment and the first embodiment are slightly different in configuration, but can be modified as appropriate. For example, regarding the management processing of the number of playable balls exemplified in FIG. 15, since there is no configuration relating to the foul ball in this embodiment, the processing of S05 and S06 is not necessary.

  The information display device 800 is display-controlled by the second sub-control unit 500, and a VRAM 522 and a VDP 524 are added to the second sub-control unit 500 for image display. Note that the first sub-control unit 400 may perform display control of the information display device 800. The output of the information display device 800 (player operation detection result) is also input to the ball number control unit 600 '.

<Display example>
A display example of the information display device 800 will be described. FIG. 33 shows a display example of the information display device 800. The information display device 800 includes a display unit 801, a display unit 802, a status display unit 803, an information button 804, a balance display unit 805, a ball rental button 806, and a return button 807 as display areas on the display screen.

  The display unit 801 is a display area where at least information related to the number of fireable items can be presented. In the present embodiment, at least a number is displayed as information related to the number of possible shots. In the case of this embodiment, this number indicates the number of possible launches. By looking at this numerical display, the player may be able to grasp the current number of fireable balls (the number of possessed balls), and it may be easy to understand the increase or decrease in the number of hand-held game balls that can be fired.

  The display unit 802 is also a display area where at least information related to the number of fireable items can be presented, but the display mode of information related to the number of possible shots is different from the display unit 801. That is, while the display unit 801 displays numbers, an effect image relating to information related to the number of possible launches such as an increase or decrease in game balls is displayed. In the example of the figure, the girl character tells that the player's hand-held game balls are increasing. Thereby, a game can be excited.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by changing the presentation mode of information related to the number of possible shots, it is possible to increase the game with the effect image while displaying the increase / decrease with numbers in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The status display unit 803 displays the status of the pachinko machine 100 ′. For example, a display such as jackpot, normal, short time, renting a ball, paying, or not inserting a card (vacant seat) is displayed.

  When the information button 804 is touched, various types of information are displayed. For example, game table specs, jackpot history (bonus information and winning symbol information), replayable number information (acquired on other game tables using information storage media such as cards inserted into card units) In addition to information on game machines and information storage media (such as information on the number of game media), various information such as hall service information (drinks, meals, etc.) and hall information such as access to the hall can be displayed. . When the information button 804 is touched, a submenu subdivided for each type of information may be displayed.

  The balance display portion 805 displays the balance of the deposited money. When the ball lending button 806 is touched, for example, 125 game balls are lended with a single touch. At this time, the balance display unit 805 is updated by subtracting the corresponding amount (for example, 500 yen), and the display unit 801 is incremented by the number corresponding to the ball rental. In addition, the status display portion 803 displays “lending ball”.

  When the return button 807 is touched, a return process (settlement process) of an information storage medium such as a card inserted into the card unit is performed. The status display unit 803 displays “settlement”, “returning card”, and the like. The information storage medium stores information on the number of fireable items, balance information, etc., and then returns the information to the player.

Next, a display change example of the display unit 801 and the display unit 802 will be described. FIG. 34 illustrates a case where the number of fireable balls increases due to the prize ball. In the upper state of the figure, the display unit 801 indicates that the number of possible launches is 9999, and the display unit 802 displays an image of a full dollar box. In the lower state of the figure, the number of possible launches is incremented by 1 and the number of possible launches is 10000 on the display unit 801, and a full dollar box image is added to the display unit 802. The game can be excited by the display on the display unit 802, and the player who wants to confirm the accurate number of possible launches only needs to see the display on the display unit 801.
.

  FIG. 35 exemplifies a case where the number of possible launches has decreased. In the upper state of the figure, the display unit 801 indicates that the number of possible launches is 5000, and the display unit 802 displays an image of a full dollar box. In the lower state of the figure, the number of possible launches is reduced by 1 and the display unit 801 indicates that the number of possible launches is 4999, and the display unit 802 shows that the number of possible launches of a girl character has decreased. Is telling. The display on the display unit 802 can prevent the player from getting bored with the game, and the player who wants to confirm the exact number of possible launches only needs to see the display on the display unit 801.

  FIG. 36 also illustrates a case where the number of possible launches has decreased. In the upper state of the figure, the display unit 801 indicates that the number of possible launches is 150, and the display unit 802 displays an image of an upper plate full of game balls. In the lower state of the figure, the number of possible launches is reduced by 145, and the display unit 801 indicates that the number of possible launches is 5, and the display unit 802 is an image in which a small remaining game ball is placed on a full upper plate. Is displayed, and the girl character is encouraged to perform a ball lending operation. The display on the display unit 802 can prevent the player from getting bored with the game, and the player who wants to confirm the exact number of possible launches only needs to see the display on the display unit 801.

  The display unit 802 only needs to be able to display information related to the number of fireable images at least when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, it may be displayed when at least one of the conditions relating to whether the number of possible launches is a predetermined number, the increase in the number of possible launches, and the decrease in the number of possible launches is satisfied. Thereby, the interest of the game may be improved as compared with the case of always displaying.

  In addition, in conjunction with the display unit 802, a notification device that can notify information related to the number of possible launches may be provided. As such a notification device, for example, a sound device such as a speaker 120 (for example, a number of sound notifications), a light emitting device such as a game board lamp 532 and a game table frame lamp 542 (for example, a large number of possible launches). At least one of a change notification). Alternatively, a device such as the effect movable body 224 (for example, notification of the presence or absence of a significant change in the number of possible launches) may be included.

<Other embodiments>
Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described. It goes without saying that the configurations of the above-described embodiments and the configurations of the other embodiments described below can be appropriately combined.

<Error correction of the amount of game balls on the supply route and the number of fireable balls>
In the first and second embodiments, in the state where the number of launches is less than the predetermined number X, the amount of game balls on the supply path SPRT and the number of launches are substantially the same, but may not be completely coincident. . Therefore, it is preferable that the error correction is performed.

  In this regard, in Embodiment 1 described above, at the end of the game (at the time of the card return operation), the ball of the supply path SPRT is removed, the amount of game balls on the supply path SPRT becomes 0, and the number of possible shots is cleared to 0. Therefore, error correction is performed every time the game ends.

  In the second embodiment, for example, during a non-game in which a card is not inserted, the launching device 110 is driven to fire the game balls remaining in the supply path SPRT to reduce the remaining balls to 0 and the number of possible launches Error correction can be performed by clearing the final value of 0 to zero.

<Viewing part>
In the first and second embodiments, the player can visually recognize the upper plate 1081, but the portion to be visually recognized in the supply route SPRT is not a portion that can be visually recognized by the player, but can be visually recognized by a store clerk in the game hall. It may be a different part. For example, at least a part of the supply path SPRT may be visible from the back side of the game table 100. As a result, it is possible for the store clerk to compare the number that can be fired with the actual number of game balls, and it may be possible to find a malfunction or fraud in the game table 100. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the supply path SPRT may fill up the upper plate 1081, but the game ball passage 11d is not filled with the game ball. There is a possibility that information on the medium has been rewritten or an illegal sphere is encapsulated, which can be easily detected.

<RAM clear of payout control unit 600>
When the power is turned on or when the RAM clear switch 180 is operated and the RAM clear command is received from the main control unit 300, the payout control unit 600 and the ball number control unit 600 ′ are basically stored in the RAM or the like. Erase information that is stored. However, since the information managed by the payout control unit 600 and the ball number control unit 600 ′ includes information regarding the number of shots that can be fired, it is not preferable to erase all the information uniformly. Therefore, information related to the player's profit (for example, information on the number of award balls for an additional amount, quantity information on the number of shots that can be fired, and numerical information displayed on the number of prize balls display unit 126) is kept without being cleared. It is preferable to do. In particular, in the case of error cancellation (for example, error cancellation when the fraudulent detection magnet sensor is turned on), it is generally impossible to cancel the error unless the RAM is cleared. By leaving the, you can avoid a situation where a good player suffers unexpected disadvantages.

  Information related to the player's profit at the time of power interruption may be backed up not only by the payout control unit 600 and the ball number control unit 600 ′ but also by the main control unit 300.

<Other Display Examples of Prize Ball Number Display Unit 126 and Playable Ball Number Display Unit 128>
In addition to the above numerical information and error display, for example, when the front frame door 106 is in an open state, at least one of them is displayed as “FFFFFF” on the winning ball number display unit 126 and the playable ball number display unit 128. May be.

  In addition, as error processing in FIG. 22B, FIG. 23 to FIG. 26, etc., at least one of the winning ball number display unit 126 and the gameable ball number display unit 128 may be displayed as blinking “888888”.

  In addition, the prize ball number display unit 126 and the gameable ball number display unit 128 may of course be configured not to be used for error display, or only one of them may be used for error display. Moreover, when using both for an error display, you may make a mutually different display mode. Furthermore, the display content may be different depending on the content of the error.

<Game ball launch conditions>
For example, in the following cases, the payout control unit 600 can instruct the launch control unit 630 to stop (prohibit) the launch of the game ball. The same applies to the launch control by the ball number controller 600 ′.
○ Various errors (error due to magnet goto, front frame door open, excessive game ball error, etc.)
○ The number of fireable is 0
○ No card or cash inserted into the card unit ○ After a new card has been inserted into the card unit, no ball lending operation has been performed ○ At the time of settlement of the number of possible shots If the number of shots is prohibited, the number of prize balls The display of the number of game balls can be prevented from being displayed on at least one of the display unit 126 and the number-of-playable-balls display unit 128 or the display unit 801.

Even in the above case, the launch of a game ball can be permitted in the following cases.
○ If you are in a big hit, and other than the error due to the magnet gotten out of the above various errors.
○ If you have won the prize within the prescribed time after the number of possible launches is settled. For example, the game ball remaining in the game area 124 immediately after the return operation button 142 is operated wins a winning opening, and a winning ball is generated. In this case, for the winning ball after the return operation button 142 is operated, a new card in which the exchange value is recorded may be issued.

<Prohibition of return button operation>
When the player operates the return operation button 142 and the return button 807, the number of shots that can be fired is settled. 142, an operation for the return button 807 can be prevented from being accepted. At that time, a notification such as “Please continue the game because it is a big hit” may be given.

<Recording on exchange value card>
In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the exchange value is recorded in an information storage medium such as a card at the stage where the return operation button 142 and the return button 807 are operated to calculate the number of possible discharges. The exchange value may be updated and recorded every time the quantity changes or every predetermined time.

<Communication method>
In the first embodiment, the information communication between the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the payout control unit 600 is assumed to be one-way communication, but may be two-way communication.

<Card unit>
In the above embodiment, the card unit 608 is provided separately from the pachinko machine 100. However, the pachinko machine 100 may be configured to include the card unit 608 or its function.

<Notification method>
For notification of various errors, display of images, codes, etc., lighting or blinking of lamps, output of sound, or a combination thereof can be employed. Further, when various errors occur, the occurrence of the error may be output to the hall computer. In addition, for example, when the prescribed game ball is a non-magnetic material and the presence of a magnetic game ball is detected by the magnet sensor, it may be impossible to fire in addition to the notification.

<Application to other game machines>
In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to various game machines.

<Summary of Embodiment>
A1. The gaming table (eg, 100, 100 ′) of the above embodiment includes a launching means (eg, 110) capable of launching at least a game medium toward the game area (eg, 124), and the launching means that ejects the game medium discharged from the game area again. A game medium enclosure comprising at least a supply path (for example, SPRT, 813) that can be supplied to the control means and a management means (for example, 600, FIG. 15) capable of managing at least the number of game media that can be fired by the launching means. The management means is capable of executing at least a first control for increasing the number of fireables (for example, S02, S04, S05), and the management means The second control for reducing the amount of the game medium can be performed at least (for example, S08), and the amount of game media in a predetermined area (for example, 1081,813) in the supply path can be adjusted in relation to the number of fireable pieces Game medium adjustment means For example 152, with FIG. 20,13A), characterized in that.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to adjust the number of game media existing in a predetermined region of the supply path supplied to the launching means in relation to the number of possible launches, and become familiar with a general game stand that is not a game media enclosed type. In some cases, it is possible to provide a game medium-enclosed game machine that can reduce the player's discomfort. In some cases, the player can confirm the number of fireable shots by looking at the game medium.

  A2. The gaming machine according to A1, wherein the game medium adjusting means has at least the predetermined number of game media in the first state in which the number of possible launches is equal to or greater than a first predetermined number (for example, a predetermined number X). The amount of game media in the predetermined area can be adjusted so as to exist in the predetermined area in the supply path (for example, SJ22).

  The amount of game media that can be circulated is limited in game media-enclosed game machines, and when the game media on the supply path are made visible, the number of fireable games and the amount of game media that are actually visible are completely matched. It can be difficult. Therefore, when the number of possible launches is equal to or greater than a first predetermined number (for example, set to a number at which the player can visually recognize the game medium), at least a predetermined number of game media are supplied to a predetermined area of the supply path. In this case, the player may be able to confirm that there is a sufficient number of fireable items.

  A3. The gaming table of A2, wherein, in the first state, the game medium adjusting means relates to firing a second predetermined number of game media in which the launching means is less than the first predetermined number. The second predetermined number of game media can be newly supplied to the predetermined area in the supply path (for example, SJ22).

  According to this configuration, in the first state (the state in which the number of possible launches is the first predetermined number), there are cases where it is possible to replenish game media that have been reduced by the launch of the game media. The second predetermined number is, for example, 1, but may be a plurality (for example, 10), and may be any as long as it does not hinder launching.

  A4. The game machine according to any one of A1 to A3, wherein the game medium adjusting means is configured to satisfy a condition for increasing the number of shootables in a second state where the number of shootables is less than the first predetermined number. Is characterized in that game media can be newly supplied to the predetermined area in the supply path (for example, SJ15 and SJ32) as the number of possible launches increases according to the established launchable number increase condition. .

  According to this configuration, it is possible to supply a game medium when conditions for increasing the number of possible launches (for example, awarding a prize by winning a prize or renting a ball) are satisfied in a state where the number of possible launches is small. In some cases, it can be made easier to recognize that the number of possible launches has increased.

  A5. The gaming machine according to A4, wherein the game medium adjusting means does not supply a new game medium to the predetermined area in the supply path when the condition for increasing the number of fireable items is not satisfied in the second state. (For example, FIG. 21 (b)).

  If the fireable condition is not satisfied in the second state, the decrease in the number of possible launches is proportional to the decrease in the game medium in a predetermined area of the supply path, so that the player may easily recognize the number of possible launches.

  A6. The game machine according to any one of A1 to A5, wherein the management means is capable of executing at least the first control when a game medium wins a predetermined winning means (for example, 226, 230, 232, 234) (for example, S02), the management means is capable of executing at least the second control when one of the launch of the game medium and the supply of the game medium to the launch means is established (for example, S08), It is characterized by.

  The determination of launch may use either the detection result of the launched game medium, or may be deemed to have been fired when the game medium is supplied to the launching means.

  A7. The game machine according to any one of A2 to A5, wherein a visual recognition unit (for example, 1082) is provided which can visually recognize the game medium in the predetermined area in the supply path.

  According to this configuration, the player may be able to recognize whether or not there is a sufficient number of fireable items by viewing the game medium with the visual recognition unit. Furthermore, when the number of fireable items is less than the predetermined number, it may be possible to give the player an appearance similar to that of a normal pachinko machine that is not enclosed.

  A8. In the gaming table of A7, the predetermined number is an amount of game media that can be visually recognized by the visual recognition unit.

  In some cases, the effects produced by the A7 game table can be made more prominent.

  A9. The gaming table of A1, wherein the game medium adjusting means is capable of adjusting the amount of game medium that can be supplied to the launching means.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to adjust the number of game media supplied to the launching means.

  A10. The gaming table according to A7, wherein the supply path includes a dish member (e.g., 1081) capable of storing a game medium, and the visual recognition unit makes the game medium of the dish member visible. To do.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to further reduce the sense of incongruity of a player who is familiar with a general game table that is not a game medium enclosed type.

  A11. The gaming table according to A3, wherein the game medium adjusting means is capable of supplying one game medium in association with one launch in the first state (for example, SJ22). To do.

  According to this configuration, in the first state, it may be possible to replenish game media that has been reduced by the launch of the game media.

A12. The gaming machine according to A1, wherein the game medium adjusting means temporarily stops supplying the game medium discharged from the game area to the supply path, and only when a predetermined supply condition is satisfied. Dispensing means (for example, 152) that enables supply to the supply path,
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the number of game media existing on the supply path supplied to the launching unit may be adjusted in relation to the number of possible launches.

  The predetermined supply condition is, for example, “the number of possible launches is equal to or greater than a first predetermined number (for example, the predetermined number X) and the game medium is fired”, “ Either the case where the game medium on the supply route is 0 (for example, the case where the game medium supplied to the launching unit is not detected even though the launch signal is output) or the case where the ball lending operation is performed Is satisfied.

  A13. The gaming machine of A1 above, comprising operating means (for example, 142) capable of accepting at least a return operation of the information storage medium, wherein the information storage medium is operated when the operating means is operated in a state where there is a possible number of launches. The number of possible launches stored is stored as the number of game media acquired by the player. When the information storage medium is used on another game machine, the number of acquired game media is used as the new game media. It can be used as a number that can be fired on a stand.

  According to this configuration, there is a case where the game result of one game table can be utilized in another game table.

  B1. The gaming table (for example, 100) of the above-described embodiment can supply at least the launching means (for example, 110) capable of launching a game medium toward the game area and the game means discharged from the game area to the launching means again. A game medium-enclosed game table comprising a supply path (for example, SPRT) and management means (for example, 600, FIG. 15) capable of managing at least the number of game media that can be launched by the launch means. The management means is capable of executing at least a first control for increasing the possible number of fires (for example, S02, S04, S05), and the management means is a second control for decreasing the possible number of fires. (For example, S08), an operation means (for example, 142) capable of accepting at least a return operation of the information storage medium, and a visual recognition unit (at least for the player to visually recognize the game medium on the supply route) 1082), and the management means satisfies the output condition of the control signal instructing to return the information storage medium when the operation means is operated in a state in which the number of launches is available In this case, the control signal can be transmitted at least to the medium management means (for example, SJ45), and the output condition includes at least transmission of a control signal related to the number of fireable pieces to the medium management means. (For example, S11) The output condition includes at least a state in which a game medium in a predetermined area (for example, 1081) in the supply path is extracted (for example, SJ44).

  According to this configuration, at the end of the game, by pulling out the game medium existing in a predetermined area in the supply route and returning the information storage medium, it can be displayed in the same manner as a general game table that is not a game medium enclosure type. In some cases, it is possible to provide a game medium-enclosed game machine that can reduce the uncomfortable feeling of a player who is familiar with a general game machine. Further, it may be possible to easily recognize whether or not a game table being left is being played by checking the visual recognition unit.

  B2. The game table of B1, wherein the game medium extracted from the predetermined area in the supply path can be supplied to the supply path again (for example, 11e, 11b, 13, 11c). It is characterized by.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to remove the game medium from the predetermined area while maintaining the enclosure of the game medium.

  B3. The B1 or B2 game stand, wherein a pulling means (for example, 14) capable of pulling out the game medium in the predetermined area in the supply path, and a drive capable of electrically driving the pulling means Means (for example, 14) and drive control means (for example, 600) capable of controlling the drive means, and the drive control means controls the drive means on the condition that at least the operation means has been operated. Is possible (for example, SJ44).

  According to this configuration, since the game medium is pulled out electrically, it may be possible to match the number of possible launch media at the end of the game with the number of game media existing in the supply path with zero.

  B4. A gaming machine according to any one of the above B1 to B3, wherein game media adjusting means (for example, 152, FIG. 20) capable of adjusting the amount of gaming media in a predetermined area in the supply path in relation to the number of possible launches. It is characterized by having.

  According to this configuration, there may be a case where the number of possible launches and the amount of game media that can be visually recognized by the player can be associated.

  B5. The game table of B4, wherein the game medium adjusting means is configured to control the game medium in the predetermined area in the supply path in relation to a decrease in the number of fireable shots when the number of fireable shots is less than a predetermined number. The quantity can be reduced (for example, FIG. 21 (b)).

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to confirm the decrease in the number of possible launches by directly looking at the game medium, and it may be possible to give the same feeling as a general game table that is not a game medium enclosure type.

  B6. A game machine according to any one of B1 to B5, wherein a counting means (for example, 16, SJ44) capable of counting game media extracted from the predetermined area in the supply path, and the operation means are operated. It is characterized by comprising determination means (for example, SJ46) capable of comparing the number of fireable images and the counting result of the counting means.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to discover fraud by determining the number of possible launches at the end of the game and the number of game media actually extracted. For example, it may be possible to find fraudulent acts in which game media is encapsulated from the outside (this may lead to large balls and small balls), and conversely, game media may be removed.

  B7. The gaming table of B6, wherein the determination means can determine that the difference is normal when the difference between the number of fireable pieces and the counting result of the counting means is within a predetermined number. An abnormality notification means (for example, 208, 120, SJ47) capable of notifying the abnormality when a difference between the number of fireable pieces and the counting result of the counting means exceeds the predetermined number and is determined to be abnormal is provided. And

  According to this configuration, there is a case where an illegal act can be easily detected.

  Note that any of the gaming tables B1 to B7 can be appropriately combined with the gaming tables A1 to A13.

  C1. The gaming table (for example, 100) of the above-described embodiment can supply at least the launching means (for example, 110) capable of launching a game medium toward the game area and the game means discharged from the game area to the launching means again. A game medium-enclosed game table comprising a supply path (for example, SPRT) and management means (for example, 600, FIG. 15) capable of managing at least the number of game media that can be launched by the launch means. The management means is capable of transmitting at least a control signal to a medium management means for managing an information storage medium, and the management means is capable of at least executing a first control for increasing the possible number of launches. Yes (for example, S02, S04, S05), and the management means can execute at least a second control for reducing the number of possible launches (for example, S08), and the supply path is related to the number of possible launches. A game medium adjusting means (for example, 152, FIG. 20) capable of adjusting the amount of game media in a predetermined area, and an operation means (for example, 142) capable of receiving at least a return operation of the information storage medium, The management means sends the control signal to the medium when an output condition of a control signal instructing to return the information storage medium is satisfied when the operation means is operated in a state where the number of fireable images is present. It can be transmitted at least to the management means (for example, SJ45), and the output condition includes at least transmission of a control signal related to the number of fireable pieces to the medium management means (for example, S11), and the output The condition is characterized in that it can be satisfied even if game media in the predetermined area in the supply path remains (for example, FIG. 27 (a)).

  According to this configuration, it is possible to adjust the number of game media existing in a predetermined region in the supply path supplied to the launching means in relation to the number of possible launches, and become familiar with a general game stand that is not a game media enclosure type. In some cases, it is possible to provide a game medium-enclosed game machine that can reduce the player's discomfort. In addition, the player may be able to identify that there is a remaining number that can be fired at the end of the game.

  C2. The C1 game stand includes a visual recognition unit that can at least visually recognize game media in the predetermined area, and the game media adjustment means can at least adjust the number of game media visible to the visual recognition unit. A launchable number storage means (for example, 600, S11) capable of storing the possible number of shots when the operation means is operated, and the game medium adjusting means accepts a new information storage medium. In this case, the amount of game media can be adjusted in relation to the possible number of shots stored in the possible number of shots storage means (for example, SJ51-SJ53).

  According to this configuration, it is possible to grasp the number of game media remaining in the supply path by storing the number of possible launches at the time of returning the previous information storage medium, and new information in that state Even when a storage medium is received (for example, when a player is replaced), the number of game media may be synchronized with the number of possible launches.

  C3. In the C2 gaming table, the game medium adjusting means assumes that the number of possible shots stored in the number of possible shots storage means is the number of game media remaining in the predetermined area in the supply path. The amount of game media can be adjusted (for example, SJ51-SJ53).

  According to this configuration, there are cases where the game media remaining in the supply path can be grasped relatively easily and without a large error.

  C4. In the game table of C1, the game medium adjusting means is configured such that at least the predetermined number of game media are supplied to the supply path in the first state where the number of fireable items is a predetermined number (for example, the predetermined number X) or more. The amount of the game medium in the predetermined area can be adjusted so as to exist in the predetermined area (for example, SJ22). In this state, the amount of game media in the predetermined area can be adjusted so that the amount of game media in the predetermined area in the supply path increases or decreases in relation to the increase or decrease in the number of possible launches (for example, FIG. 21). (b)).

  According to this configuration, in the first state, it may be easy for the player to recognize that there is a sufficient number of fireables, and in the second state, the number of fireables and the amount of game media are substantially synchronized, It may be easy to recognize the number of possible launches.

  C5. In the C4 game machine, when a new information storage medium is received after the information storage medium is returned in the second state, at least a part of the information stored in the new information storage medium is stored. It is possible to launch as many game media as possible (for example, FIG. 27 (b)), and the game media adjustment means is provided on the supply route on condition that the new information storage media is received. The amount of game media in the predetermined area can be adjusted (for example, FIG. 27 (b), SJ51-SJ53).

  According to this configuration, for example, even when a player is changed and a new information storage medium is inserted, there is a case where it is possible to synchronize with the number of possible launches by adjusting the amount of the game medium. Therefore, it may be easy for a new player to recognize the number of possible launches.

  C6. The C1 game machine is characterized by comprising a visual recognition part (for example, 1082) through which a player can visually recognize the game medium on the supply path.

  According to this configuration, the player may be able to identify that there is a remaining number that can be fired at the end of the game by viewing the game medium with the visual recognition unit.

  C7. In the C2 game machine, when the game medium that has flowed down the game area after returning the information storage medium wins a predetermined winning means and the condition for increasing the number of fireable is satisfied, the number of fireable number storing means Is configured to store an amount obtained by adding an increment to the stored number of possible launches as a new number capable of firing (for example, SJ61), and the game medium adjusting means can supply game media corresponding to the increment (For example, SJ62).

  According to this configuration, it may be possible for the player to identify that a prize has been won after the game ends.

  C8. In the C7 gaming table, the game medium adjusting means, when the new fireable number added by the increment stored by the fireable number storage means is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, The game medium adjusting means can supply up to the predetermined number, and the game medium adjusting means adds the increased amount stored by the dischargeable number storage means when the new allowable number is less than the predetermined number. The game media can be supplied (for example, SJ62).

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to synchronize the amount of game media on the supply path and the number of fireable media.

  Note that any one of the above-described game tables C1 to C8 can be appropriately combined with the above-described game tables A1 to A13.

D1. The gaming table (for example, 100) of the above-described embodiment can supply at least the launching means (for example, 110) capable of launching a game medium toward the game area and the game means discharged from the game area to the launching means again. Supply means (for example, SPRT), management means (for example, 600, FIG. 15) capable of managing at least the number of game media that can be fired by the launching means, and operating means provided at positions where the player can operate (For example, 142), and the management means is a means capable of executing at least control for increasing the number of fireable (for example, S02, S04, S05), The management means is a means capable of executing at least control for reducing the number of fireable images (for example, S08), and the management means is a medium management means for managing an information storage medium when the operation means is operated. System Means for transmitting at least a signal (for example, SJ45), and the control signal is a signal including a signal for instructing to return the information storage medium (for example, SJ45). It is a means for outputting the control signal even if game media remains on the route (for example, FIG. 27 (a)) .

D2. The gaming machine of D1, further comprising display means (for example, 128) capable of displaying at least the possible number of fires, wherein the display means is configured to emit the fire when at least one of a plurality of errors occurs. It is a means for switching from a possible number of displays to a different display (for example, PPPPPP) for display .

D3. The game table of D1, further comprising a game ball detection means (for example, 17) for detecting a game medium supplied to the launching means, wherein the management means is that the game ball detection means has detected a game medium. Based on this, it is a means capable of executing control to reduce the number of fireable images (for example, S08) .

D4. In the gaming machine of D1, the management means sends the control signal to the medium management means when the operation means is operated and the gaming state is a predetermined gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state). It is a means which does not transmit, It is characterized by the above-mentioned .

D5. The gaming machine of D1 is characterized in that it is provided with notifying means for performing predetermined notification when the operation means is operated and the gaming state is a predetermined gaming state .

D6. The game table of D1, wherein the game table main body (for example, 104), the front frame door (for example, 106) provided on the front surface of the game table main body so as to be opened and closed, and the game table main body can be opened and closed on the front surface. And a lower door (for example, 108) provided, and a part of the supply path is provided in the lower door .

D7. The D1 game table is characterized by comprising display means (for example, 126) capable of displaying at least the difference between the number of prize balls and the number of game balls fired .

D8. The D1 game machine is characterized by comprising a touch panel type information display device (for example, 800) .

Claims (8)

Launching means capable of launching at least a game medium toward the game area;
A supply path capable of supplying at least the game medium discharged from the game area to the launching means again;
Management means capable of managing at least the number of game media that can be fired by the launching means;
Operation means provided at a position where the player can operate;
A game medium enclosed type game machine equipped with
The management unit is at least feasible means to control system Ru increases the launchable number,
The management unit is at least feasible means to control system Ru reduce the launchable number,
Before SL management means is at least transmittable means a control signal to the media management means for managing the information storage medium if the previous SL operation means is operated,
The control signal is a signal including a signal instructing to return the information storage medium,
The management means is means for outputting the control signal even when game media remain in the supply path.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
Comprising display means capable of displaying at least the number of possible launches,
The display means is means for switching and displaying from a display of the possible number of fires to a different display when at least one of a plurality of errors has occurred.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1 ,
A game ball detecting means for detecting a game medium supplied to the launch means;
The management means is means capable of executing control to reduce the number of possible launches based on the fact that the game ball detection means has detected a game medium.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
The management means is means for not transmitting the control signal to the medium management means when the operation means is operated and the gaming state is a predetermined gaming state.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
In the case where the operation means is operated, and provided with a notification means for performing a predetermined notification when the gaming state is a predetermined gaming state,
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
A game console body,
A front frame door that is openable and closable on the front surface of the game table body;
A lower door provided to be openable and closable on the front surface of the game table main body,
A part of the supply path is provided in the lower door,
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
Provided with a display means capable of displaying at least a difference between the number of prize balls and the number of game balls fired,
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
Equipped with a touch panel type information display device,
A game stand characterized by that.

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