JP2016112177A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability of a game card used for a game machine such as a Pachinko machine.SOLUTION: In a game machine in which a game can be performed on the basis of value information which is related to a game recorded in a game card, a password to lock a discharge control by discharge control means which performs a discharge control to discharge a game card by an operation of a return button and a same password as the password can be entered, the discharge control is locked after the password is entered, a regulation of the discharge control is cancelled when the password is entered while the discharge control is locked, or lock is cancelled on the basis of the remainder which is recorded in the game card.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using gaming media.

In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the player purchases gaming value (prepaid balance) by inserting cash into a card unit installed adjacent to the gaming machine and exchanges it for the received gaming value. Play a game with a loan of game media such as a ball.
As is well known, the purchased value information is written on a gaming card that can be used in other gaming machines in the gaming store, and inserted into a card unit provided corresponding to another gaming machine to lend gaming media. You can play games.
These cards can also write information on prize balls acquired as a result of games using gaming machines in game stores, and can be used as games with other gaming machines.
Also, recently, when you register as a member at an amusement store, you can deposit the information on the acquired balls in the amusement store (record it in the hall computer. This is called “pick-up”). In addition, a game system that allows players to draw out stored game balls and play games after the next day has also appeared.
In order to store the ball, it is necessary to insert the member card in which the member information is recorded into the card unit, and information on the game ball (held ball) acquired as a result of the game is also written on the member card.
In addition, there is a type of game machine or game system called an enclosed circulation type in which a game ball enclosed in a game machine is circulated to play a game (Patent Document 1), and this type of game machine was acquired during the game. All information such as the number of prize balls is recorded on the game card.
In this way, gaming cards have a very important role in modern gaming stores.

JP 2012-34958 A

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to improve the usability of a gaming card used for a gaming machine while ensuring security.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized by the following modes.
A gaming machine according to a first aspect is a gaming machine capable of playing a game based on value information relating to a game recorded on a recording medium, and performing discharge control for discharging the recording medium when a discharge condition is satisfied. Control means, and the discharge control means is configured to restrict the discharge control when a predetermined restriction condition is established; and when a predetermined release condition is satisfied when the discharge control is restricted, the discharge control means It has 1st cancellation | release means which cancels | releases regulation, and 2nd cancellation | release means which cancels | releases regulation of the said discharge control based on the said value information, when the said discharge control is regulated, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  A gaming machine according to a second aspect is a gaming machine capable of playing a game based on at least the value information among the value information and authentication information related to the game recorded on the recording medium, and the recording medium is stored when the discharge condition is satisfied. A discharge control means for performing discharge control for discharging, and the discharge control means includes a restriction means for restricting the discharge control when a predetermined restriction condition is satisfied, and the confirmation information when the discharge control is restricted. Is input, a first release means for releasing the restriction of the discharge control, and a second release means for releasing the restriction of the discharge control based on the value information when the discharge control is restricted. Have.

  With the above configuration, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming machine with improved usability of gaming cards.

It is the front view which showed an example of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is the rear view which showed an example of the back surface side of the gaming machine concerning this embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the game control apparatus and card unit with which the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment is equipped. It is explanatory drawing of the various random numbers acquired in the main control board of a gaming machine. It is a figure explaining operation of a game machine when a card is inserted in a card unit in order to play a game using value information recorded on a game card. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the game machine at the time of taking out the game card from a card unit. It is a figure which shows the menu screen displayed on an image display apparatus in the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the customer waiting effect execution process by CPU with which an image control board is provided. It is a figure which shows the customer waiting effect image containing the menu screen displayed on an image display apparatus. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the gaming machine for releasing the return lock of the gaming card. It is a flowchart explaining the card | curd confirmation process which CPU of a payout control board performs. It is a flowchart explaining the password input process for return locks which CPU of a payout control board performs. It is a flowchart explaining the password input process for return locks which CPU of a payout control board performs. It is a flowchart explaining the return operation process of the game card which CPU of a payout control board performs.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
<Configuration of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating an example of the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is related to the present embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the game control apparatus and card unit with which the gaming machine was equipped.

The gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is a sealed circulation pachinko machine, and a card unit 200 is integrated with the gaming machine 1 and installed.
The card unit 200 receives a “visitor card” having a prepaid function issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, and a member card (pick-up card) issued to a player who has registered as a member. .

The “visitor card” is a gaming card that can be written with a prepaid card balance purchased by inserting banknotes into the card unit 200 and can be used in different gaming machines in the gaming store.
Membership information is recorded on the “member card”, and information on the balls (prize balls) acquired as a result of the game is recorded as a stored ball on the computer of the game store, and the game is played using the stored ball after the next day. This is a gaming card that makes it possible.
Then, the card unit 200 stores value information (a prepaid card balance, the number of winning balls, that is, the number of held balls, the number of stored balls, etc.) recorded in association with the member information recorded on the “member card”, “visitor” The game in the gaming machine 1 using the value information (the prepaid card balance, the number of balls held) recorded in the “card” is made possible.
Note that game cards such as “visitor card” and “member card” are all configured by IC cards.

  The enclosed circulation type gaming machine 1 encloses a game ball as a game medium inside, and the player operates the operation handle 11 to drive the game ball into a game area 10a (described later) on the front surface of the game board 10. To play games.

On the front surface of the card unit 200, there are provided a bill insertion slot 201 for inserting a bill, a card insertion slot 202 into which a gaming card such as the above-mentioned “member card” and “visitor card” can be inserted.
The “member card” and “visitor card” inserted into the card insertion slot 202 are read by the reader / writer 220 (see FIG. 3) provided in the card unit 200.
Further, on the front face of the card unit 200, a display 203, a replay button 204 for performing a replay game using the number of stored balls associated with the member information recorded on the “member card”, a ball lending button 205, a return A button 206 is provided.

When a gaming card is inserted into the card insertion slot 203, the prepaid card balance recorded on the gaming card is displayed on the display 203.
The ball lending button 205 is a button for performing an operation to be used for a game (receiving a game ball lending) withdrawn from the prepaid card balance recorded on the inserted game card.
The return button 206 is a button for causing the game card inserted in the card insertion slot 202 to store “the number of balls” and then ejecting it from the card insertion slot 202 when the game is ended.

When the replay button 204 is operated, if “the number of balls” is recorded in the game card inserted in the card insertion slot 202, it is possible to play a game by deducting from the number of balls held. Become.
If the game card inserted into the card insertion slot 202 is a “pick-up card”, the “number of balls held” is not recorded, and the number of balls stored is recorded in a hall computer or the like, You can play the game by withdrawing from the storage.

Note that the “storage ball” is a game ball (game medium) deposited in a game store. “Stored ball” data is stored in a hall computer or the like, and only member information is recorded in a “member card”.
On the other hand, “the number of possessed balls” means the number of “held balls” that the player owns including the game balls that the player has acquired as prize balls in the game by the gaming machine and the game balls that have been lent out. Is recorded.
The “holding ball” data is recorded in the “member card” and “visitor card”.
Further, the “holding ball” becomes a “storing ball” associated with the member information by being deposited in the amusement store.

A configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described.
In the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, an inner frame (open / close frame) 3 is attached to an outer frame 2 so as to be opened and closed, and a glass frame 4 is attached to the inner frame 3 so as to be opened and closed.
A window 4a is formed in the glass frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b is attached to the window 4a. A game board 10 having a board surface on which a game ball is launched is mounted on the inner frame 3, and a game area 10a in which the game ball can roll and flow down between the board surface of the game board 10 and the transparent plate 4b on the front side thereof. Is formed. The transparent plate 4b is, for example, a glass plate and is detachably fixed to the glass frame 4.

  The glass frame 4 is connected to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism portion 5 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine), and the other end in the left-right direction using the hinge mechanism portion 5 as a fulcrum. The side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 2. The glass frame 4 covers the game board 10 together with the glass plate 4b, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism portion 5 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 2 including the game board 10. On the other end side of the glass frame 4, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 4 to the outer frame 2 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. Further, the glass frame 4 is provided with a door opening switch 136 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether or not the glass frame 4 is opened from the outer frame 2.

At the lower part of the glass frame 4 (the lower part of the window 4a), an effect button 8 that can be pressed by the player is provided.
The effect button 8 is effective only when, for example, a message for operating the effect button 8 is displayed on the image display device 31 described later. The effect button 8 is provided with an effect button detection switch 8a (see FIG. 3), and when the effect button detection switch 8a detects a player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation.

  An operation handle 11 is provided on the lower right side of the glass frame 4. When the player touches the operation handle 11, the operation handle 11 detects that a touch sensor 11 a (see FIG. 3) in the operation handle 11 has touched the operation handle 11, and a launch control board described later. A touch signal is transmitted to 160. When the firing control board 160 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 11a (see FIG. 3), the firing control board 160 permits energization of the firing solenoid 12a. When the rotation angle of the operation handle 11 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 11 rotates and the knob of the firing volume 11b (see FIG. 3) connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 11b is applied to a launching solenoid 12a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 12a (see FIG. 3), the firing solenoid 12a operates according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is played with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 11. It is fired to the game area 10a of the board 10.

  An outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2 are provided around the game area 10a in the game board 10. The outer rail R1 and the inner rail R2 guide the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism when the operation handle 11 is operated to the upper part of the game area 10a. The game ball guided to the upper part of the game area 10a falls in the game area 10a. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 10a.

  A center member 12 is disposed substantially at the center of the game board 10. The center members 1 and 2 are provided with an image display device 31 composed of a liquid crystal display device and the like, and an effect accessory device 32 imitating a “sword”.

  Further, in the game area 10a below the center of the center members 1 and 2, a first start port 13 into which a game ball can enter is provided. A second start port 14 is provided below the first start port 13. The second start port 14 has an open / close door 14b, and is controlled to move to a first mode in which the open / close door 14b is maintained in a closed state and a second mode in which the open / close door 14b is in an open state. . Therefore, when the second start port 14 is in the first mode, there is no opportunity for winning a game ball, and when it is in the second mode, the chance for winning a game ball is increased.

  In the present embodiment, when the second start port 14 is controlled to the first mode, the game ball is prevented from entering the second start port 14. However, if there is less opportunity for a game ball to enter when being controlled to the first mode than when being controlled to the second mode, the second is being controlled to the first mode. A game ball may enter the start port 14. That is, the first aspect includes a state where it is impossible or difficult to enter the game ball into the second start port 14.

  The first start port 13 and the second start port 14 are respectively provided with a first start port detection switch 13a (see FIG. 3) and a second start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of a game ball. When these detection switches detect the entry of game balls, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”), is performed. Also, when the first start port detection switch 13a and the second start port detection switch 14a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) is paid out. In the case of an encapsulated game machine, actually, additional ball number information corresponding to the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board 130, and game balls are not paid out.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when game balls enter the first start port 13 and the second start port 14, for example, three game balls are paid out. It is not always necessary to pay out when entering the ball. Further, for example, the number of payouts for the first start port 13 may be three, and the number of payouts for the second start port 14 may be one.

  In the game areas 10a on both sides of the center members 1 and 2, gates 15 through which game balls can pass are provided. The gate 15 is provided with a gate detection switch 15a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 15a detects the passage of the game ball, a normal symbol lottery described later is performed. .

  Further, a first grand prize winning port 16 and a second big prize winning port 17 through which game balls can be entered are provided in the game area 10a on the right side of the center members 1 and 2. For this reason, the game ball is configured not to win the first grand prize winning port 16 and the second grand prize winning port 17 unless the operation handle 11 is rotated and the game ball is launched with a strong force.

  The first grand prize winning opening 16 is normally kept closed by the open / close door 16b, making it impossible for a game ball to enter. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the open / close door 16b is opened, and the open / close door 16b functions as a receiving tray for guiding the game ball into the first big winning opening 16, and the game ball is It is possible to enter the 1st prize opening 16. The first big prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening switch 16a. When the first big prize opening switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 pieces) Game balls) are paid out. In the case of an enclosed game machine, in actuality, additional ball number information corresponding to the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board 130, and game balls are not paid out.

  The second big winning opening 17 is normally kept closed by the movable piece 17b, and it is impossible to enter the game ball. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the movable piece 17b is actuated and opened, and the movable piece 17b functions as a guide path for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, A game ball can enter the second grand prize opening 17. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening switch 17a. When the second big prize opening switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 pieces) Game balls) are paid out. In the case of an encapsulated game machine, actually, additional ball number information corresponding to the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board 130, and game balls are not paid out.

Furthermore, the game area 10a is provided with a plurality of general winning awards 18. When a game ball wins each of these general winning ports 18, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 10 game balls) is paid out. In the case of an encapsulated game machine, actually, additional ball number information corresponding to the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board 130, and game balls are not paid out.
At the bottom of the game area 10 a, game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 18, the first starting opening 13, the second starting opening 14, the first large winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening 17 Is provided with an outlet 19.

The image display device 31 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the effect symbol 35 for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed.
The production symbol 35 is, for example, a scroll of three symbols (numbers) of a first symbol (left symbol), a second symbol (right symbol), and a third symbol (middle symbol). Scrolling is stopped and a specific symbol (number) is displayed in an array.
As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 35, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

Although not shown, a fourth symbol is displayed on the image display device 31 in addition to the effect symbol 35. The fourth symbol is a symbol showing a variation state of the effect symbol 35 used for notifying the lottery result by the jackpot lottery process.
Note that the 4th symbol does not necessarily have to be displayed on the image display device 31 and may be displayed by providing a 4th symbol display lamp separately.

  On the upper part of the glass frame 4, a pair of left and right effect lighting devices 33 are provided. The effect lighting device 33 includes a plurality of lights, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light.

In addition, the effect lighting device 33 includes a plurality of lights, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light.
Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 34 (see FIG. 3) including a speaker. SE (sound effect) etc. are output, and the production by sound is also performed.

  On the lower left side of the game area 10a, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator 24, which will be described later. A display area 28 such as a normal symbol hold indicator 25 and a round number indicator 26 is provided.

  The said 1st special symbol display apparatus 20 alert | reports the jackpot lottery result performed when the game ball entered into the 1st start port 13, and is comprised by several LED. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is displayed by displaying a special symbol (lighting mode) corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. The person is notified. The special symbols displayed in this way are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time (flashing).

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 13, a lottery lottery will be performed. However, the lottery lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is passed. The player is notified when it has passed. When a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.
The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying the jackpot lottery result performed when a game ball has entered the second starting port 14, and the display mode is the first special symbol. This is the same as the display mode of special symbols on the display device 20.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for informing a lottery result of a normal symbol that is performed when a game ball passes through the gate 15. As will be described in detail later, when the predetermined symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 14 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. Note that the normal symbol does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 15, and the normal symbol fluctuates, for example, the normal symbol display device 22 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. It is trying to display.

Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 during a special symbol change display or a special game, which will be described later, and if the big hit lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot is reserved. More specifically, the right to win a jackpot where a game ball enters and is retained at the first start port 13 is retained as a first hold, and a game ball is retained and retained at the second start port 14. The jackpot lottery right is reserved as a second hold.
For both of these holds, the upper limit reserve number is set to 4, and the reserve number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively.

The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.
The round number display 26 is for informing the number of rounds of a round game performed during a special game described later.

  Although not shown, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 27, and the like are provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch (not shown).

With reference to FIG. 2, the circulation path of the gaming machine in the enclosed gaming machine will be outlined.
A lever 100 is provided on the inner frame 3 of the gaming machine 1, and the gaming board 10 can be detached from the inner frame 3 by rotating the lever 100.
On the other hand, all the game balls won in the first and second winning ports 13 and 14 and the variable game ball device 16 provided in the game area 10a are collected by the collective member 300 and flow down the flow down path 301.
On the other hand, a game ball (out ball) that has entered the out port 19 joins a game ball that flows down the flow path 301 and flows down the merge path 302.
The joining path 302 is provided with a joining path detection switch 303, and the game balls flowing down the joining path 302 are detected by the joining path detection switch 303.

  The foul sphere is discharged from the return port 304, detected by the foul sphere detection switch 306, and enters the merging path 302. The game balls that have flowed down the merge path 302 are guided to the game ball collection basket 305.

The game balls guided to the game ball collecting basket 305 are lifted by the lifting device 400.
The lifting device 400 is connected to the payout control board 130.
The lifting device 400 incorporates a lifting screw that is rotated by a lifting motor 401, and the game ball is lifted by the rotation of the lifting screw.
A polishing member 401 that polishes the game ball by contacting the game ball in the middle of the transfer is provided on the back of the lifting device 400, and the surface of the game ball is polished while being lifted.

A lower ball lifting switch 402b is provided on the inlet side (lower side) of the lifting device 400, and an upper ball lifting switch 402a is provided on the outlet side (upper side).
These upper ball lifting switch 402a and lower ball lifting switch 402b detect the game balls to be transported.
The game balls that have been lifted by the lifting device 400 and detected by the upper ball lifting switch 402a are guided to the launch ball guiding path 410 and supplied from the driving ball outlet 411 to a ball feeding device (not shown).
Each time the operation handle 11 is operated and one game ball is launched, the ball feeding device feeds the next game ball to the firing position. A game ball sent by the ball feeder is detected by a launch detection switch (not shown), and a launch detection signal is input to the payout control board 130.

  An excess / deficiency detection switch is provided in the middle of the circulation path of the game balls (lifting device 400), and a predetermined number (such as 50) of game balls (enclosed in the gaming machine 1) in the circulation path. Is always detected (whether there is excess or deficiency).

<Configuration of game control device>
Next, a game control device that controls the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, the main control board 110 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 114 including a main CPU 111, a main ROM 112, and a main RAM 113, and an input port and an output port (not shown) for main control.
The main CPU 111 reads out a program stored in the main ROM 112 based on an input signal from each detection switch and performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device and display, or according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards. The main RAM 113 functions as a data work area when the main CPU 111 performs arithmetic processing.

  On the input side of the main control board 110, there are a first start port detection switch 13a, a second start port detection switch 14a, a gate detection switch 15a, a first large winning port detection switch 16a, a second large winning port detection switch 17a, A general winning opening detection switch 18 a is connected to input a detection signal of a game ball to the main control board 110.

Further, on the output side of the main control board 110, a start opening / closing solenoid 14c for opening / closing the opening / closing door 14b of the second start opening 14 and a first large winning opening for opening / closing the opening / closing door 16b of the first large winning opening 16 are provided. An open / close solenoid 16c and a second large prize opening opening / closing solenoid 17c for opening / closing the movable piece 17b of the second big prize opening 17 are connected.
Further, on the output side of the main control board 110, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator. 24, a normal symbol hold display unit 25, and a round number display unit 26 are connected to output various signals via the output port.
Further, the main control board 110 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing the gaming machine in the hall computer or the like of the gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 27.

The main ROM 112 of the main control board 110 stores a game control program to be described later, data and tables necessary for various games.
The main RAM 113 of the main control board 110 has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, the main RAM 113 includes a normal symbol reserved number storage area, a normal symbol reserved storage area, a first special symbol reserved number storage area, a second special symbol reserved number storage area, a determination storage area, a first special symbol storage area, a first 2Special symbol storage area, high probability game count storage area, short-time game count storage area, round game count storage area, release count storage area, first grand prize entrance number storage area, second big prize entrance number storage An area, a game state storage area, a game state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, an effect transmission data storage area, and the like are provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the storage area described above is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 27 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 27 is connected to the main control board 110 by wiring and is provided with a connector for connecting to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

The power board 170 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power plug 171 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each control board. The power supply board 170 is provided with a backup power supply composed of a capacitor, monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine, and outputs a power interruption detection signal to the main control board 110 when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. To do.
More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 111 enters an operable state, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 111 enters an operation stop state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be, for example, a battery or a combination of a capacitor and a battery.

The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 121, a sub ROM 122, and a sub RAM 123, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. .
The sub CPU 121 reads and calculates a program stored in the sub ROM 122 based on a command transmitted from the main control board 110 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 8a input via the lamp control board 140. A process is performed, and corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150 based on the process. The sub RAM 123 functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 121 performs arithmetic processing.

The sub ROM 122 of the effect control board 120 stores an effect control program, data necessary for various games, and a table.
For example, a variation effect pattern determination table (not shown) for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, and an effect symbol pattern determination for determining a combination of effect symbols 35 to be stopped and displayed. A table (not shown) or the like is stored in the sub ROM 122. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 123 of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub-RAM 123 includes a command reception buffer, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a determination storage area (0th storage area), a first reserved storage area, and a second reserved storage area. Etc. are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

The effect control board 120 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 124 for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 121 receives a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 124, and executes various processes based on the current date and time.
The RTC 124 normally operates with power from the gaming machine when power is supplied to the gaming machine, and with power supplied from a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 170 when the gaming machine is powered off. Operate. Therefore, the RTC 124 can count the current date and time even when the gaming machine is turned off. Note that the RTC 124 may be operated by providing a battery on the effect control board 120.

The payout control board 130 is connected to the card unit 200, and performs control related to game ball launch control, prize balls, and permission / restriction of game card discharge from the card unit 200.
The payout control board 130 includes a payout CPU 131, a payout ROM 132, and a payout RAM 133, and is connected to the main control board 110 and the card unit 200 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout CPU 131 reads out a program stored in the payout ROM 132 and performs arithmetic processing, and transmits corresponding data to the main control board 110 and the card unit 200 based on the processing. At this time, the payout RAM 133 functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 131.
Also, it is confirmed whether the card unit 200 is connected to the payout control board 130. If the card unit 200 is connected, the launch control data permitting the launch control board 160 to launch a game ball is transmitted.

  Further, a joining path detection switch 303 and a foul ball detection switch 306 are connected to the payout control board 130.

  When the launch control board 160 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 130, the launch control board 160 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 11a and the input signal from the launch volume 11b are read out, the energization control is performed on the launch solenoid 12a and the ball feed solenoid 12b, and the game ball is fired.

The firing solenoid 12a is composed of a rotary solenoid.
A launching member (not shown) is directly connected to the firing solenoid 12a, and the launching member is rotated by the rotation of the firing solenoid 12a.
Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 12a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 160. Accordingly, the number of game balls to be fired in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one ball is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.
The ball feed solenoid 12b is composed of a linear solenoid, and sends out the game balls in the above-described ball feed device one by one toward a launching member directly connected to the firing solenoid 12a.

The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and an effect button detection switch 8a provided on the effect button 8 is connected to the input side of the lamp control board 140. When a detection signal is input from 8a, it is output to the effect control board 120.
The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect accessory device 32 and the effect lighting device 33 provided on the game board 10, and the lamp control board 140 is connected to the data transmitted from the effect control board 120. Based on this, lighting control of the lighting device for effect 33 is performed, or drive control for the motor for changing the light irradiation direction is performed. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect accessory device 32. In the present embodiment, the production effect device 32 includes the production buttons 8 because the production buttons 8 are configured to protrude.

  The image control board 150 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the image display device 31 and the audio output device 34 are connected to the output side thereof.

Next, the configuration of the card unit 200 will be described.
The card unit 200 includes a card unit CPU 210, a card unit ROM 211, and a card unit RAM 212, and is electrically connected to the payout control board 130 so as to be communicable.
The card unit 200 includes a card insertion slot 202, a display 203, a replay button 204, a ball lending button 205, a return button 206, a reader / writer 220, a motor for discharging a gaming card from the card insertion slot 202, and the like. A drive system (not shown) is provided.

When the gaming card is inserted into the card insertion slot 202, the reader / writer 220 reads information (such as a prepaid card balance) recorded on the gaming card, and the read information is input to the card unit CPU 210.
When data for writing to the game card inserted in the card insertion slot 202 is transmitted from the card unit CPU 210, the reader / writer 220 writes the data to the game card.
When the reader / writer 220 or the card unit CPU 210 detects that a game card is inserted into the reader / writer 200, it outputs a card detection signal to the payout control board 130.

In the card unit CPU 210, the display 203 displays a card balance based on data input from the reader / writer 220 or “the number of balls”.
When the cross key 40 and the effect button 8 provided in the gaming machine 1 are operated, an operation signal is input to the card unit 200 (card unit CPU 210).
When the replay button 204, the ball lending button 205, and the return button 206 are operated, the operation signals are input to the payout control board 130 and the card unit CPU 210.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a return permission signal is transmitted from the payout control board 130 as a result of inputting the operation signal of the return button 206 to the payout control board 130, the card unit CPU 210 controls the motor described above. To be discharged from the card insertion slot 202.

  Next, the flow of signals between the gaming machine 1 (payout control board 130) and the card unit 200 during the game (related to the processing of the number of balls) will be described.

When an out-ball detection signal is input from the merging path detection switch 303 to the payout control board 130, the payout control board 130 has “the number of balls in the game area” (balls flowing down the game area 10a) by the number based on the out-ball detection signal. Update the number).
When the foul ball detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 306, the payout control board 130 adds and updates the “number of balls held” by the number based on the foul ball detection signal and subtracts and updates the “number of balls in the game area”. To do.

  An addition command is transmitted from the card unit 200 to the payout control board 130. The addition command is transmitted to the payout control board 130 when a game ball is rented from the prepaid card balance or when replay lending is carried out by holding or storing balls. Update "number".

When the game balls launched into the game area 10a win various winning holes and big winning holes, "added ball number information" is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the payout control board 130.
The payout control board 130 counts the number of added balls based on the “added ball number information” and transmits the value to the card unit 200.
When the game ball launched into the game area 10a is detected by the launch ball detection switch, the payout control board 130 sets the “number of launch balls” based on the detection signal from the launch ball detection switch as the “subtraction ball number”. Count and transmit the value to the card unit 200.

Further, when a game ball wins at the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 and a winning signal is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the payout control board 130, the payout control board 130 The “winning number” is counted and the value is transmitted to the card unit 200.
Further, the payout control board 130 counts the current “number of balls” based on the above “number of added balls” and “number of subtracted balls” and transmits the value to the card unit 200.
The payout control board 130 backs up these values to the payout RAM 133 when transmitting the above “added ball number”, “subtracted ball number”, “number of held balls”, and “winning number” to the card unit 200.

  In the card unit 200, the card unit RAM 212 has a total number of added balls (total number of added balls), a total number of subtracted balls (total number of subtracted balls), a first start port total winning number (first start port total number), a first 2 The total number of winnings at the starting opening (second starting opening number of times) and “the number of balls held” are stored.

The card unit CPU 210 updates the total number of added balls and the “number of held balls” based on the value of the added ball number counter (number of added balls) transmitted from the gaming machine 1.
Further, the total number of subtracted balls and the number of held balls are updated based on the “number of subtracted balls” transmitted from the payout control board 130.
Further, the card unit CPU 210 updates the “total number of winnings” of the first starting port 13 and the second starting port 14 based on the value of the “number of winnings” transmitted from the payout control board 130.

The card unit 200 can manage the latest “number of balls” by updating the “number of balls” with the information transmitted from the gaming machine 1 (payout control board 130).
Further, the card unit 200 determines the “total number of added balls”, “total number of subtracted balls”, “total number of starting balls 13”, and “total number of starting ports 14” based on information transmitted from the gaming machine 1 (payout control board 130). It is possible to manage the latest information by updating the “winning number”.

<Main control board>
Next, an example of various operations performed by the main control board 110 that is the main control board of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of various random numbers acquired in the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1, where (a) is a special symbol determination random number, (b) is a jackpot symbol determination random number, and (c) is a reach determination. (D) is a diagram showing an example of auxiliary symbol determination random numbers.
On the main control board 110, a special symbol is determined by the special symbol determining random number shown in FIG. 4A and the jackpot symbol determining random number shown in FIG. 4B. Further, the auxiliary symbol is determined by the auxiliary symbol determining random number shown in FIG.

As for the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 4A, one random number value is acquired from among 300 random numbers from “0” to “299”, for example, at the start opening prize.
In the case of the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 4A, in the low probability game state (normal game state), the jackpot ratio is set to 1/300, and the acquired special symbol determination random number value is “3”. Sometimes a jackpot is determined.
On the other hand, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot ratio is set to 10/300, for example, 10 times that of the low probability gaming state, and the acquired special symbol determination random numbers are “3”, “7”, “37”. , “67”, “97”, “1, 27”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “247” are determined to be big hits. In addition, in the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 4A, a small lottery, which is a type of loss, is also performed. Here, the small hit ratio is set to 3/300, and when the acquired special symbol determining random number values are “150”, “200”, “250”, it is determined that the small hit is.

Next, as the jackpot symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 4B, one random number value is acquired from 250 random numbers from “0” to “249”. Then, based on the acquired jackpot symbol determination random value, any one jackpot is determined from a plurality of types of jackpots.
In the present embodiment, as a plurality of types of big hits, there are prepared per length with a normal time, short length with a normal time, a long length with a high probability time, a short length with a high probability time, and a short time without a high probability time.
Note that the short-time gaming state refers to a gaming state in which a game ball is more likely to win the second starting port 14 than in the normal gaming state. That is, the second start port opening / closing door 14b of the second start port 14 is changed from a closed state in which a game ball is difficult to win to an open state in which a game ball is easy to win when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied. It means a gaming state with support for opening the second start opening / closing door 14b in which the probability of entering a game ball into the start opening 14 is increased.

The regular short-term long win is a relatively long opening time of the first grand prize winning hole 16 or the second big prize winning hole 17 at the time of the big hit game, and a relatively large amount of payout can be expected. It is a big hit that gives a short-time game for a period until the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).
In the short win with the normal time, the opening time of the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 at the time of the big hit game is short, and it is not expected to pay out the ball, but after the big hit game, the special symbol is given a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) It is a big hit that grants a short-time game for a period until it fluctuates.

The long win with high probability short-time is the longest opening time of the first grand prize winning hole 16 or the second big prize winning hole 17 at the time of the big hit game, and the expectation of paying out the largest number of balls can be expected. It is a jackpot that gives both high-probability games and short-time games.
Short wins with a high probability of shortening the winning time of the jackpot game increased after the end of the jackpot game, although the opening time of the first jackpot 16 or the second prize winning port 17 at the time of the jackpot game is short and the payout of the ball can not be expected A jackpot that grants both high-probability games and short-time games.
High probability short and short wins increased the chances of winning a big hit after the jackpot game, although the opening time of the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 at the time of the big hit game is short and the payout of the ball cannot be expected. A jackpot that grants high-probability games.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, some types of jackpots are selected when a game ball enters the first start port 13 and when a game ball enters the second start port 14. It is comprised so that the ratio to be performed may differ.
For example, the ratio at which the length with the normal time is selected is the same at 35/250 when the game ball wins at the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins at the second start port 14. . Similarly, the ratio at which the short win with the normal time is selected is the same at 15/250 both when the game ball wins the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins the second start port 14. .
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the jackpot symbol determination random number value acquired when the game ball wins the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 is “0” to “34”. If this is the case, the per unit with the normal time is selected, and if it is “35” to “49”, the normal unit with the short time is selected.

On the other hand, the ratio of the selection of the high probability short-time length and the high probability short-time short distance is different between the case where a game ball wins the first start port 13 and the case where a game ball wins the second start port 14. For example, the ratio at which the high probability time-shortened length is selected is 25/250 when a game ball wins the first start port 13 and 175/250 when a game ball wins the second start port 14. The
In addition, the rate at which the short win with high probability is selected is 75/250 when a game ball wins the first start port 13 and 25/250 when a game ball wins the second start port 14. The

Further, the rate at which the high probability short / short short win is selected is 100/250 only when a game ball wins the first start port 13.
Specifically, if the jackpot symbol determination random number value acquired when the game ball wins the first start port 13 is “50” to “74”, the long-probing long-term per-choice is selected, and “75 ”To“ 149 ”, a short hit with high probability is selected, and“ 150 ”to“ 249 ”is selected as a short hit without high probability.
On the other hand, if the random number for jackpot symbol determination acquired when the game ball is won at the second starting port is “50” to “224”, the long perk with high probability is selected and “225” is selected. If it is ˜ “249”, the short chance with the high probability time is selected.

  Further, the reach determination random number shown in FIG. 4C is obtained by acquiring one random number value from 250 random numbers from “0” to “249” at the time of starting winning, and the acquired reach determination random number value. Is “0” to “21”, “reach is present”, and when the acquired random number for reach determination is “22” to “249”, “reach is not found”.

In addition, as the auxiliary symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 4D, one random number value is acquired from the ten random numbers “0” to “9” when passing through the gate.
In the low-probability gaming state in which both the short-time flag and the high-accuracy flag are OFF, or in the high-probability short-timeless gaming state in which the short-time flag is OFF and the high-accuracy flag is ON, the acquired auxiliary symbol determination random number value is “7. ""
On the other hand, in the low-probability short-time gaming state in which the short-time flag is ON and the high-accuracy flag is OFF, or in the high-probability short-time gaming state in which both the short-time flag and the high-accuracy flag are ON, the acquired auxiliary symbol determination random number value is When it is “0” to “9”, it is determined to be a hit.

Next, game card handling processing in the gaming machine (card unit) of this embodiment will be described in detail.
In addition, as the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the enclosed circulation type gaming machine as described above can be applied, but instead, the gaming ball is supplied from the island facility, and the gaming ball is paid to the receiving tray as a prize ball. It may be a normal type gaming machine to be issued.
In recent game stores, gaming cards are important and have great value, and damage caused by theft is very serious.
Therefore, in order to ensure security such as prevention of theft of the game card, a password input is required when the game card is taken out.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the gaming machine when a gaming card is inserted into the card unit in order to play a game using the value information recorded on the gaming card.
As shown in (a), when a gaming card is inserted into the card insertion slot 202, a screen prompting the input of a password is displayed on the image display device 31 as shown in (b).
In this case, the game card may be a “visitor card” or a “member card”.

As shown in (c), a password for locking the removal of the gaming card is input by an operation using the cross key 40.
When the production button 8 is pressed after the password is entered, a screen indicating that the password has been accepted is displayed on the image display device 31 as shown in FIG.
The entered password is transmitted to the payout control board 130. Thereafter, as described below, the game card cannot be taken out even if the return button 206 is operated unless the password is entered again for unlocking. I can't.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the gaming machine when the gaming card is taken out from the card unit.
When the return button 206 is operated as shown in (a), as shown in (b), a screen for prompting input of a password is displayed on the image display device 31 in order to take out the gaming card.
As shown in (c), a password is input by an operation using the cross key 40.
The input password is transmitted to the payout control board 130, and if it is determined that it matches the lock password input in FIG. 5, a gaming card is inserted from the card insertion slot 202 as shown in FIG. A screen prompting the player to eject the game card is displayed on the image display device 31.

Note that the display for prompting the password input and the password display input are not input by using the image display device 31, the cross key 40, and the effect button 8 provided in the gaming machine 1, but in the gaming machine 1. Alternatively, a display provided separately may be used.
For example, it is preferable that this display device has a touch panel function and can input a password without using the cross key 40 and the effect button 8 as an input interface.
Alternatively, the card unit 200 may be displayed using the display unit 203 to prompt the user to enter a password or to display the password.
Also in this case, the password can be easily input by providing the display device 203 with a touch panel function.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a gaming card is inserted into the card insertion slot 202 of the card unit 200, the player inputs a password that the player thinks himself. The game card removal is locked, and when the game card is removed, it is requested to input the password again.
Therefore, it is possible to avoid troubles such as a game card being taken out by a third party without permission when a seat is removed during the game.
However, there is a problem that it is very troublesome to input a password every time a game card is pulled out in order to play a game on another game machine in the game store.

Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, by inputting the password in advance (during the game) and releasing the lock, it is not necessary to input the password when taking out the gaming card.
If the gaming card inserted into the card insertion slot 202 is the above-mentioned “member card”, the member information set in advance in the “member card” without setting a lock password as shown in FIG. You may use the password associated with.

In general, when a membership card (pick-up card) is inserted into the card unit 200, it is necessary to input a password for enabling the card so that the pouch can be withdrawn.
This storage password may be used as a password for card return lock and unlock (FIG. 6).
By diverting the password for storing balls, the player does not need to input a number of passwords at the start of the game, and the usability is not impaired.
When inputting the password, the image display device 31, the cross key 40, and the effect button 8 can be used as an interface that can be used by the player.
However, in such a configuration, it becomes difficult to perform an operation for entering a password during a game (during special symbol changes, during big hits, etc.).

Therefore, as described above, the password input operation is performed using the display device with the touch panel function provided in the gaming machine 1 or the display device 203 (with the touch panel function) of the card unit 200 separately from the image display device 31. (Unlock operation) may be performed.
In recent years, an increasing number of gaming machines are equipped with a sub liquid crystal capable of displaying various game-related information and subsidiary information such as a clock during a game, and this may be used for a password input operation.

In the following, a mode using the image display device 31 and the cross key 40 will be described as an example.
The password can be input from, for example, a menu screen that can be displayed while waiting for a customer.
First, an outline of the menu screen for inputting a password for releasing the return lock will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a menu screen displayed on the image display device in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

It should be noted that the menu screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as a result of user operation or time passage during the customer waiting effect, and is provided to provide the player with various additional functions and non-game information. Yes.
The menu screen 50 includes, for example, “Pachirog” as the menu item 51, “First Pachinko Course” as the menu item 52, “Password input” as the menu item 53, and “Return” as the menu item 54. included.
The player uses the up and down keys of the cross key 40 (FIG. 4) to select each item in the menu screen 50 and presses the effect button 8 to confirm the selection.

When the player selects the menu item 51, the pachilog top menu is displayed.
In short, “Pachirogu” is a game in which information of game history is stored in the gaming machine, but since it is not directly related to this embodiment, a detailed description is omitted.
When the player selects the menu item 52 “First Pachinko Course”, a guidance movie for beginners is played.

When “password input” of the menu item 53 is selected, an effect password input screen described below is displayed.
“Password input” is a function that allows a user to input a password for various effects performed in the gaming machine according to the player's preference.
When the menu item 54 “return” is selected, the screen returns to the customer waiting screen (demo screen).

As described above, the menu screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed by the user operation or the passage of time during the customer waiting effect.
Hereinafter, display control and screen transition of a customer waiting image including a menu screen by the host CPU provided in the image control board will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a customer waiting effect execution process performed by the CPU included in the image control board.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a customer waiting effect image including a menu screen displayed on the image display device.

The host CPU 151 of the image control board 150 displays the mode in which the decorative design 35 shown in FIG. 9A is stopped on the image display device 31 in step S100 of FIG. 8 from the main control board 110 in step S101. It is determined whether or not a customer waiting command (customer waiting production pattern command) has been received.
If there is no special symbol in change, no special symbol is held, and the game is not a big hit game, the main control board 110 shifts to a customer waiting state and outputs a customer waiting command.
When determining that the customer waiting command has been received, the host CPU 151 determines in step S102 whether a predetermined time (20 seconds) has elapsed since the reception of the customer waiting command.

If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step 1002), the host CPU 151 displays a top screen including the decorative pattern 35 and the effect button icon 36 which are stopped and displayed in step S103, as shown in FIG. 9B. The image is displayed on the image display device 31.
In this state, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the effect button 8 has been operated in step S104.

  If it is determined that the effect button 8 has been operated (Yes in step S104), the host CPU 151 performs a menu screen display process in step S105. That is, as shown in FIG. 9C, a menu top screen including a menu screen 50, an effect button icon 36, and a move button (cross key) icon 37 is displayed on the image display device 31.

  Even when the operation button 8 is not operated (No in Step S104), the host CPU 151 determines whether or not a predetermined time (25 seconds) has elapsed from the display of FIG. 9B in Step S106. In step S105, the menu screen display process is performed.

  In this state, if it is determined that the effect button 8 has been operated (Yes in step S107), the host CPU 151 selects the selection item 51 (patilog) on the menu screen 50 in step S108. Judge whether or not.

If “pachilog” has been selected (Yes in step S108), the host CPU 151 displays the image on the pachilog top menu (detailed explanation is omitted) 31 in step S109.
If “patilog” is not selected (No in step S108), the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the selection item 52 (pachinko course) on the menu screen 50 is selected in step S110.

When “Pachinko course” is selected (Yes in step S110), the host CPU 151 displays a moving image of the pachinko course on the image display device 31 in step S111.
When “Pachinko course” is not selected (No in step S110), the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the selection item 53 (password input) on the menu screen 50 is selected in step S112.

If “password input” is selected (Yes in step S112), the host CPU 151 displays a password input screen on the image display device 31 in step S113.
If “password input” is not selected (No in step S112), the host CPU 151 determines that the selection item 54 (return) has been selected, so the host CPU 151 returns the process to step S103, and FIG. ) Is displayed on the image display device 31.

  If the operation button 8 is not operated while the screen as shown in FIG. 9C is displayed in step S107 (No in step S107), the host CPU 151 determines that the predetermined time (45) from the display in FIG. 9C in step S114. Whether or not (second) has elapsed, if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S115, and a demonstration effect image including the effect button icon 36 is displayed as shown in FIG.

In this state, when it is determined that the effect button 8 has been operated (Yes in step S116), the host CPU 151 returns to step S105 and executes menu screen display processing (display of FIG. 9C).
When the operation of the effect button 8 is not performed (No in step S116) and the predetermined time (90 seconds) has elapsed (Yes in step S117), the host CPU 151 returns the process to step S103, and displays the display of FIG. 9B. Do.

In the flow of FIG. 8, the processing of step S102 to step S104 is not performed (the top screen of FIG. 9B is not displayed), and after a predetermined period of time elapses from the state of FIG. You may make it transition to the menu top screen.
These screen transition processes on the menu screen 50 may be performed under the control of the sub CPU 121.
Further, the image control board 150 notifies the information as to which item the player has selected, so that the effect control board 120 can perform an effect in accordance with the player's selection operation.
When the selection item 53 (password input) shown in FIG. 7 is selected, a password transfer screen is displayed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the gaming machine for releasing the return lock of the gaming card.
FIG. 10A shows a display screen of the image display device 31 when “password input” is selected on the menu screen of FIG. 7, and a display prompting input of a password for releasing the return lock is displayed. .
In this state, as shown in FIG. 10B, the password is input using the cross key 40 and the input is determined using the effect button 8.

The input password is transferred to the payout control board 130. If it matches the return lock password input in FIG. 5, the return lock of the gaming card is released, and the return button 206 is operated to input the password. As shown in FIG. 10 (c), a screen indicating that “when the return button is operated, the gaming card is returned without requesting a password” is displayed. .
By doing so, it is possible to greatly improve the player's usability regarding the game card, and only the player who knows the password can release the return lock. Security can be ensured.
Note that no password is entered for gaming cards with a prepaid balance, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls (in the case of membership cards) that are “0” or less than the predetermined number of prepaid balances. Both are unlocked and the gaming card is returned.
In the case of a prepaid visitor card, it may be collected in a used card tray (not shown) provided in the card unit 200 without being returned to the player.

If the gaming machine 1 is not the above-mentioned enclosed gaming machine and the type in which the game ball is paid out to the tray, the number of balls held is not recorded in the visitor card, but the fraction less than the predetermined balance of the prepaid balance is compulsory The game card may be paid out, the return lock may be released, and the gaming card may be returned.
For gaming cards with no balance or almost no balance, the convenience of the player can be improved by returning or discarding them without entering the return lock password.
Usability of gaming cards can be improved.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining card confirmation processing executed by the CPU of the payout control board.
In step S1001, the payout CPU 131 of the payout control board 130 determines whether or not the card insertion flag is ON.
If the card insertion flag is not ON (No in step S1001), the payout CPU 131 determines whether or not a gaming card is inserted into the card insertion slot 202 in step S1002.
Whether or not a game card is inserted can be determined by whether or not a card detection signal is input from the card unit 200 (ON).

If it is detected that a gaming card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 202 (Yes in step S1002), the payout CPU 131 turns on the card insertion flag in step S1003, and performs a balance conversion process in step S1004. To complete the card confirmation process.
If insertion of a gaming card into the card insertion slot 202 is not detected in step S1102 (No in step S1002), the card confirmation process is terminated as it is.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a return lock password input process executed by the CPU of the payout control board.
In step S1101, the payout CPU 131 determines whether or not a card insertion flag indicating that a gaming card has been inserted into the card insertion slot 202 is ON.

If it is determined that the card insertion flag is ON (game card is inserted) (Yes in step S1101), the payout CPU 131 transmits a password input screen display command to the image control board 150 in step S1102, A password input screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.
On the other hand, the image control board 150 causes the password input using the software keyboard displayed on the image display device 31 to be performed using the cross key and the effect button, and transmits the input password to the payout control board 130.
In step S1103, it is determined whether a password has been input (transmitted from the image control board 150) using the input screen of FIG.
If it is determined that a password has been input (Yes in step S1102), the payout CPU 131 stores the input password in the payout RAM 132 in step S1104, and turns on the password flag set in the payout RAM 132 in step S1105. Finish the password input process. When the password flag is ON, the payout CPU 131 does not transmit a return permission signal to the card unit 200 even if an operation signal for the return button 206 is input.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining password release processing (return lock release processing) executed by the CPU of the payout control board.
In step S1201, the payout CPU 131 determines whether the password flag set in the payout RAM 132 is ON.

If it is determined that the password flag is ON (Yes in step S1201), the payout CPU 131 determines in step S1202 whether or not the password has been input (the input of the password using the menu screen shown in FIG. 10 is the image control board). 150).
If it is determined that a password has been input (Yes in step S1202), the payout CPU 131 sets the input password to the password stored in the payout RAM 132 in the process of FIG. 12 or “member card” in step S1203. It is determined whether the password matches.
If it is determined that the passwords match (Yes in step S1203), the payout CPU 131 deletes the password stored in the payout RMA 132 in step S1204, and turns off the password flag set in the payout RMA 132 in step S1205. Finish the password release process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a game card return operation process executed by the CPU of the payout control board.
In step S1301, the payout CPU 131 determines whether or not the gaming card insertion flag is ON.
If it is determined that the card insertion flag is ON (Yes in step S1301), the payout CPU 131 determines in step S1302 whether or not a card return operation has been performed (whether an operation signal for the return button 206 has been input from the card unit 200). judge.

If it is determined that there has been a return operation, the payout CPU 131 determines in step S1303 whether the password flag is ON.
If it is determined in step S1303 that the password flag is not ON (No in step S1303), the payout CPU 131 proceeds to step S1307 to determine that the return lock has been released by the processing in FIG. A signal is transmitted to the card unit 200 to perform card return processing (game card discharge from the card insertion slot 202 and collection to the internal tray), and the card insertion flag is turned OFF in step S1308.

If it is determined that the password flag is ON (Yes in step S1303), the card return lock by the process of FIG. 13 is not released.
As described above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the prepaid balance, the number of possessed balls, and the card balance (especially the prepaid balance) including the stored balls are “0” or a fraction less than a predetermined number (20), the lock is released. Returned or discarded without entering password.
The payout CPU 131 determines whether or not the card balance is 0 in step S1304.

If the balance is 0 (Yes in step S1304), the payout CPU 131 deletes the password stored in the payout RMA 132 in step S1305.
Then, the payout CPU 131 turns OFF the password flag stored in the payout RMA 132 in step S1306.

Next, in step S1307, the payout CPU 131 performs a game card return process, and in step S1308, the card insertion flag set in the payout RMA 132 is turned OFF and the return operation process is ended.
If it is determined in step S1301 that the card insertion flag is not ON, if it is determined in step S1302 that there is no return operation, or if it is determined in step S1304 that the card balance is not 0, all return operation processing is performed. finish.

If the balance is not 0 (No in step S1304), the payout CPU 131 transmits a password input screen display command for displaying a password input screen as shown in FIG. 6 to the image control board 150 in step S1309.
In step S1310, the payout CPU 131 determines whether the input password has been transmitted.

If it is determined that a password has been transmitted (Yes in step S1310), the payout CPU 132 matches the password stored in the payout RAM 132 in the process of FIG. 12 or the password set in the membership card in step S1311. Determine if you are doing it.
If it is determined that they match (Yes in step S1311), in step S1307, the payout CPU 31 transmits a return permission signal to the card unit 200 to perform card return processing (discharge of gaming cards from the card insertion slot 202, (Collection to the internal tray) is performed, and the card insertion flag is turned OFF in step S1308.
If the password flag is ON when there is a return operation, the password input screen shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed and the password may be input regardless of the card balance (the processing in steps S1304 to S1306 is not performed).

  It should be noted that the game card discharge regulation / permission control process by the payout control board 130 described above may be performed only by the card unit 200 integrated with the gaming machine 1.

  In that case, the above-mentioned password and various flags are set or stored in the card unit RAM 211, and the card unit CPU 210 can be used for gaming from the card insertion slot 202 according to the state of the flag or password when the return button 206 is operated. Decide whether to eject the card. The password input from the menu screen 50 is input to the card unit 200 from the image control board 150 through the payout control board 130.

The gaming machine 1 and the card unit 200 may be provided separately.
The gaming machine 1 may be provided with a return button, a ball lending button, and a replay button.

  In the present embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but it goes without saying that it can be applied not only to a pachinko machine but also to a slot machine and other gaming machines.

[First invention]
A gaming machine capable of playing a game based on value information related to a game recorded on a recording medium (game card, particularly a prepaid card), and performing a discharge control for discharging the recording medium when a discharge condition is satisfied Means, first input means capable of inputting authentication information for regulating discharge control, and second input means capable of inputting confirmation information corresponding to the authentication information. The discharge control means includes authentication information When the confirmation information is input when the emission control is restricted, the first release means for releasing the emission control restriction, and the emission control are restricted. And a second releasing means for releasing the regulation of the emission control based on the value information.
By configuring in this way, it is possible to greatly improve the player's usability with respect to the game card, and only the player who knows the password can release the return lock. Security can be ensured.
In addition, game cards that have little or no balance left can be returned or discarded without having to enter a return lock password, thereby improving the convenience of the player. I can do it.

[Second invention]
A gaming machine capable of playing a game based on at least value information among value information and authentication information related to a game recorded on a recording medium (game card, particularly a membership card), and discharging the recording medium when a discharge condition is satisfied. Discharge control means for performing discharge control for the input, input means capable of inputting authentication information for regulating discharge control,
The discharge control means includes a restriction means for restricting the discharge control when a restriction condition is satisfied, and a first release means for releasing the restriction of the discharge control when confirmation information is input when the discharge control is restricted. And second release means for releasing the regulation of the emission control based on the value information when the emission control is regulated.
By configuring in this way, it is possible to greatly improve the player's usability with respect to the game card, and only the player who knows the password can release the return lock. Security can be ensured.
In addition, by diverting the password for storing balls, the player does not need to input a number of passwords at the start of the game, and the usability is not impaired.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine, 2 Game board, 3 Game area | region, 16 Grand prize opening | mouth, 17 Special electric accessory device, 17a Movable piece, 17b Special electric accessory prize SW, 17d Special electric accessory discharge SW, 110 Main control board, 120 Production control board, 130 Dispensing control board, 140 Lamp control board, 150, Image control board, 200 Card unit, 201 Bill insertion slot, 202 Card insertion slot, 203 Display, 204 Replay button, 205 ball lending button, 206 Return button

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game based on value information relating to a game recorded on a recording medium,
A discharge control means for performing discharge control for discharging the recording medium when a discharge condition is satisfied;
The discharge control means is a restriction means for restricting the discharge control when a predetermined restriction condition is satisfied;
A first release means for releasing the restriction of the discharge control when a predetermined release condition is satisfied when the discharge control is restricted;
A second release means for releasing the regulation of the emission control based on the value information when the emission control is regulated;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: A gaming machine capable of playing a game based on at least the value information among the value information and authentication information related to the game recorded on the recording medium,
A discharge control means for performing discharge control for discharging the recording medium when a discharge condition is satisfied;
The discharge control means includes
A regulation means for regulating the emission control by establishment of a predetermined regulation condition;
When the confirmation information is input when the discharge control is restricted, a first release means for releasing the restriction of the discharge control;
A second release means for releasing the regulation of the emission control based on the value information when the emission control is regulated;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

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