JP2019013620A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a pinball game machine in which a frame control device can verify and can deal with operation abnormality caused on a main control device side even when communication is possible unilaterally from the main controller to the frame control device.SOLUTION: A main controller includes abnormality transmission means transmitting a ball entry abnormality signal to a frame control device in the case that entry of game balls cannot be detected for a prescribed time during a special game. The frame control device is provided with abnormality countermeasure means performing processing to deal with operation abnormality on the main control device side when shooting abnormality of game balls is undetected in the case that the ball entry abnormality signal is received. According to such a configuration, the frame control device can verify operation abnormality on the main control device side and can appropriately deal with the operation abnormality on the basis of the ball entry abnormality signal received from the main controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that executes a special game when a game ball enters a start opening.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called encapsulated bullet ball game machine has been known in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a machine base and the game balls are circulated to play a game (see, for example, Patent Document 1). . Such a configuration circulates a predetermined number of game balls by firing the enclosed game balls into the game area, collecting the game balls through the game area, and firing the collected game balls again. The player does not directly obtain the game ball as a rental ball or a prize ball, and does not have an upper plate or a lower plate from which the game ball is paid out. Then, by inserting an IC card storing the game value (balance, number of balls, etc.) owned by the player into the card unit connected to the machine base, and exchanging the game value data with the IC card , Can play games.

JP 2017-51647 A

A general ball game machine detects a game ball entering a winning opening or a start port provided in a game area, and advances a game according to the detection, and a signal from the main control device And a frame control device (or a payout control device) for controlling the award ball payout operation, and the main control device and the frame control device are provided so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. Similarly in the above-described conventional (Patent Document 1) sealed ball game machine, the main control device and the frame control device are similarly configured to be capable of bidirectional communication. However, in such a configuration, since the frame control device can transmit and receive data and signals to and from a card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) into which an IC card is inserted, it is transmitted to the main control device via the card unit and the frame control device. There was a risk of access from outside.
This fear is even more worrisome in managed gaming machines (including the enclosed gaming machines described above). In the management gaming machine, a CR unit is connected to a management computer (so-called hall computer) in a game shop (hall), and the management computer is connected to a card company information management center by a wide area network. Therefore, in such a management gaming machine, the possibility that the main control device is accessed from outside increases through the wide area network.
If the main control device is illegally accessed from the outside, there is a concern that the main control device may be illegally operated to generate illegal profits. Therefore, there has been a demand for a configuration in which the main control device is provided inaccessible from the frame control device.

  On the other hand, in the conventional configuration in which the main control device and the frame control device are capable of two-way communication, information that the main control device has detected a ball entering the winning opening or the starting port, a winning ball received from the frame control device, etc. On the basis of this information, it is confirmed whether or not the game is proceeding normally, and when there is an abnormality, a processing means for performing a predetermined response is provided. However, as described above, if the main control device is configured to be inaccessible, the main control device cannot obtain information from the frame control device. Therefore, the devices (CPU, RAM, etc.) constituting the main control device, There is a problem that when an operation abnormality occurs in a sensor or the like directly connected to the main controller, the operation abnormality cannot be verified. In particular, when an operation abnormality is directly linked to a player's disadvantage, it is essential to respond to the operation abnormality accurately and quickly. A solution to such a problem has been sought in order to arrange the main control device and the frame control device so that they can communicate in only one direction.

  The present invention proposes a ball game machine in which a main control device is provided inaccessible from the outside, and an abnormal operation caused by the main control device and a sensor directly connected to the main control device can be accurately detected. Is.

  A first invention of the present invention is a launching device for launching a game ball to a game area provided with at least a game entrance capable of entering a game ball, a winning entrance, and an out entrance, and a game to the entrance In a bullet ball game machine comprising a main control device that controls execution of a special game that opens a predetermined winning opening when a ball enters, and a frame control device that drives and controls the launching device, the main control device And the frame control device are arranged so as to be able to communicate in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device, and the main control device is at least one of the entrance hole, the winning hole, and the out port An entrance detection means for detecting entrance of a game ball, and at least during the execution of the special game, the entrance detection means has not detected the entrance of the game ball for a predetermined time; An abnormal transmitter that transmits a predetermined incoming ball abnormal signal to the frame control device The frame control device comprises: a launch abnormality detecting means for detecting a launch abnormality of a game ball by the launch device; and the launch abnormality detecting means when the incoming abnormality signal is received from the main control device. A ball game machine characterized by comprising abnormality handling means for executing a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to an operation abnormality on the main control device side when a ball launch abnormality is not detected It is.

Here, the “entrance entrance” is not limited as long as it can enter a game ball, and for example, an entrance that triggers entry into a predetermined game, such as a start opening or a start gate, is preferable. . Then, when entering the entrance, a prize ball may be generated, or the prize ball may not be generated.
Further, as the “winning opening”, for example, a normal winning opening or a large winning opening that generates a predetermined winning ball in response to the winning is suitable.
In addition, “special games” are, for example, lottery determinations that are executed when a player enters the entrance, such as a big hit game that opens and closes a big prize opening game, a small hit game, or a game that operates a normal electric accessory. This includes not only a game that is executed in the case of winning, but also a game that opens a predetermined winning opening when triggered by entering the entrance without selecting the appropriate lottery.
“Communication from the main controller to the frame controller only in one direction” means that the signal transmitted from the main controller can be received by the frame controller and the signal is transmitted from the frame controller to the main controller. Indicates that it is impossible.
Further, it is only necessary that the entrance detection means is provided in at least one of the entrance entrance, the winning entrance, and the out entrance. May be. In addition, since this entrance detection means transmits an entrance abnormal signal by the non-detection, for example, all of the entrance entrance, the winning entrance, and the out entrance are provided with a detection means for game balls. Even if it is a structure, the detection means which is not concerned with transmission of the said ball | bowl abnormal signal does not correspond to the ball detection means of this invention.
Further, the “operation abnormality on the main control device side” includes not only an operation abnormality of the main control device itself but also an operation abnormality of a switch or a sensor connected to the main control device.
In addition, as the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, a configuration in which a predetermined number of game balls sealed inside the machine base are circulated (so-called sealed type) is preferable.

  In such a configuration, since the frame control device cannot access the main control device, unauthorized access to the main control device from the outside can be prevented. In other words, even the above-mentioned managed gaming machine can reliably prevent unauthorized entry into the main control device via the wide area network. Furthermore, since a signal cannot be transmitted from the frame control device to the main control device, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of adding an unauthorized board between the frame control device and the main control device (so-called hanging goto).

  Furthermore, this configuration is such that the frame control device verifies and responds to the operation abnormality on the main control device side by the entrance abnormality signal transmitted from the main control device and the non-detection of the launch abnormality by the launching device. Therefore, even if the main control device communicates with the frame control device only in one direction, it is possible to appropriately cope with the operation abnormality occurring on the main control device side. In this configuration, since the verification is performed during the execution of the special game having a large profit that can be obtained by the player, and the operation abnormality on the main controller side is dealt with, the operation abnormality is performed during the execution of the special game. The disadvantage to the player can be suppressed as much as possible.

  In addition, this configuration eliminates the need for the main control device to perform a process for verifying an operation abnormality or a process corresponding to the operation abnormality, and the frame control apparatus executes these processes, so that the load on the main control apparatus is reduced. There is also an excellent advantage that it can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a launching device for launching a game ball to a game area provided with a start opening, a normal winning opening, a large winning opening, and an out opening capable of entering a game ball, and the start opening. When a game ball is entered, a lottery decision is made, and if the result of the lottery is true, a main controller that controls the execution of a special game that opens the big prize opening, and drive control of the launcher In the ball game machine comprising the frame control device, the main control device and the frame control device are arranged so as to be able to communicate in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device. The apparatus is provided in at least one of the start opening, the normal winning opening, the big winning opening, and the out opening, and a ball detecting means for detecting the entering of a game ball, and at least during execution of the special game Over time, the entrance detection means does not detect the entrance of a game ball An abnormal transmission means for transmitting a predetermined incoming ball abnormality signal to the frame control device, the frame control device comprising: a launch abnormality detection means for detecting a launch abnormality of the game ball by the launch device; If the launch abnormality signal is received from the control device and the launch abnormality detecting means does not detect the launch abnormality of the game ball, a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to the operation abnormality on the main control device side is executed. A bullet ball game machine comprising an abnormality handling means.

Here, the ball detection means may be arranged in at least one of the normal winning port, the starting port, the big winning port, and the out port, as in the first invention described above. Even if it arrange | positions, you may arrange | position in multiple.
In addition, “communication in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device” and “operation abnormality on the main control device side” can be defined in the same manner as in the first invention described above.
Also in the ball game machine of the second invention, a configuration (so-called encapsulated type) in which a predetermined number of game balls encapsulated inside the machine base is circulated is preferable.

  Even in this configuration, the same effects as those of the first invention described above can be achieved. That is, since the frame control device cannot access the main control device, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access to the main control device from the outside, and it is possible to prevent an illegal act of attaching an unauthorized board between the main control device and the frame control device. . Furthermore, even in a configuration in which communication from the main control device to the frame control device is performed in only one direction, it is possible to appropriately cope with an operation abnormality occurring in the main control device. And the disadvantage which a player suffers by operation abnormality during execution of a special game can be suppressed as much as possible. Further, the load on the main control device can be reduced.

  In the bullet ball game machine of the second invention described above, the ball entry detecting means is provided at the big prize opening, and the abnormal transmission means is provided for a predetermined time during the opening of the big prize opening in the special game. A configuration is proposed in which, when the entrance detection means does not detect the entrance of a game ball into the big winning opening, an entrance abnormal signal is transmitted to the frame control device.

In such a configuration, when the winning a prize opening is open, when a ball entering the winning a prize opening cannot be detected and an abnormal launch of the game ball is not detected, an abnormality handling process is performed as an operation abnormality on the main controller side. This is to be performed, and it is possible to quickly cope with an operation abnormality occurring on the main controller side.
More specifically, in a state where a special game is not being executed, the progress of the game and the firing frequency of the game ball vary depending on the player. It is necessary to confirm the operation over a long time, and it takes a long time to verify the operation abnormality on the main controller side. On the other hand, since a large amount of game balls are fired in a relatively short time while the grand prize opening is open, it is possible to confirm the non-detection of the game ball by the ball detection means in a relatively short time, It is possible to verify the operation abnormality on the main controller side in a very short time. As a result, it is possible to quickly cope with an operation abnormality that has occurred on the main controller side.

  In the bullet ball game machine according to the second invention described above, the abnormality handling process executed by the abnormality handling means of the frame control device includes a firing stop processing content for forcibly stopping the launch of the game ball by the launching device. A configuration is proposed.

  Such a configuration forcibly stops the launch of the game ball when receiving a ball turn abnormality signal from the main control device and not detecting a launch abnormality, so that the game ball launched into the game area becomes a waste ball. Can be prevented, and the disadvantage of the player can be more effectively suppressed.

  On the other hand, the third invention of the present invention is a lottery determination based on the launching device for launching a game ball into the game area and the game ball entering the start opening provided in the game area. If the result is a win, a ball game machine comprising a main control device that controls execution of a special game that opens a special winning opening provided in the game area, and a frame control device that drives and controls the launching device The main control device and the frame control device are arranged so that they can communicate in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device. An entry detection means for detecting an entry, an entry signal transmission means for sending an entry detection signal to the frame control device each time the entry detection means detects an entry of a game ball, and the big prize opening An opening signal transmitting means for transmitting a large winning opening opening signal indicating opening of the frame to the frame control device; The frame control device includes a launch abnormality detecting means for detecting a launch abnormality of the game ball by the launching device, and a special winning opening shown by reception of the special winning opening release signal. An abnormality handling means for executing a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to an operation abnormality on the main control device side when the entrance detection signal is not received and the launch abnormality detection means does not detect the launch abnormality. It is a ball game machine characterized by being made.

  Even in such a configuration, as in the first and second inventions described above, since the frame control device cannot access the main control device, unauthorized access to the main control device from the outside can be prevented, and the main control device can be prevented. It is possible to prevent an unauthorized act of attaching an unauthorized board between the frame controller and the frame control device. In addition, this configuration is an operation abnormality on the main control device side when the launching abnormality of the launching device is not detected and the ball detection signal cannot be received for a predetermined time while the special winning opening is opened. Thus, similar to the first and second inventions described above, even if the main control device communicates in only one direction from the frame control device, it is possible to appropriately cope with an operation abnormality occurring in the main control device. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the disadvantage suffered by the player due to the abnormal operation of the main control device that occurred during the opening of the special winning opening.

  Furthermore, since this configuration verifies the operation abnormality on the main control device side while the special winning opening is open, as described above, it is possible to quickly cope with the operation abnormality. Even in this configuration, there is no need to perform processing for verifying operation abnormality on the main control device side or corresponding processing, and there is an excellent advantage that the load on the main control device can be reduced.

  Even in the ball game machine of the third invention, a configuration (so-called enclosed type) in which a predetermined number of game balls enclosed in the machine base is circulated is preferable. Further, it is preferable that the abnormality handling process includes a firing stop process content for forcibly stopping the launch of the game ball by the launching device. According to this configuration, generation of waste balls can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, the fourth invention of the present invention provides a predetermined gain to the player, triggered by the launching device that launches the game ball to the game area, and the game ball entering the start port provided in the game area. In a ball game machine comprising a main control device that controls execution of a special game and a frame control device that drives and controls the launching device, the main control device and the frame control device perform frame control from the main control device. The main control device is arranged so as to be able to communicate with the device in only one direction, and periodically transmits a predetermined periodic signal to the frame control device in a non-game state in which the player is not playing a game. Provided with a periodic signal transmission means, and the frame control device, in the non-gaming state, when it does not receive the fixed period signal for a predetermined time, a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to an operation abnormality on the main control device side Characterized by having an abnormality handling means for executing Pinball is a game machine.

  Even in this configuration, as in the first to third inventions described above, since the frame control device cannot access the main control device, unauthorized access to the main control device from the outside can be prevented and the main control device can be prevented. It is possible to prevent an unauthorized act of attaching an unauthorized board between the frame controller and the frame control device. In addition, in this configuration, since the frame control device verifies and responds to the abnormal operation on the main control device side based on the presence / absence of reception of the periodic signal in the non-game state, the main control device changes to the frame control device. Even in a configuration in which communication is performed only in one direction, it is possible to appropriately cope with an operation abnormality occurring on the main control device side. And since the verification of the operation abnormality on the main control device side is performed in a non-game state in which the player is not playing a game, it is possible to eliminate the operation abnormality before the game is played by the player. Thus, the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage during the game. Even in this configuration, the load on the main control device can be reduced as in the first to third inventions described above.

  Note that the bullet ball game machine according to the fourth aspect of the invention is also preferably configured to circulate a predetermined number of game balls sealed inside the machine base (so-called sealed type). Further, it is preferable that the abnormality handling process includes a firing stop process content for forcibly stopping the launch of the game ball by the launching device. Accordingly, even if the player tries to start the game before the operation abnormality is resolved, it cannot be started, so that the player can be reliably prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention. 2 is a back view of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of a main routine. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is the flowchart 1 which shows a success / failure determination process. It is the flowchart 2 which shows a success / failure determination process. It is the flowchart 3 which shows a success / failure determination process. It is the flowchart 4 which shows a success / failure determination process. It is the flowchart 1 which shows a big hit game process. It is the flowchart 2 which shows a big hit game process. It is the flowchart 3 which shows a big hit game process. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an incoming ball abnormality detection process according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a firing abnormality detection process according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality handling process according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display mode in the normal time on the display screen of the unit display apparatus 47. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display mode which alert | reports operation abnormality in the unit display apparatus 47. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the big prize mouth count process of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality handling process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a periodic transmission process according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality handling process according to a third embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment corresponds to a ball game machine according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 has a structure in which each part of the configuration is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame. An inner frame 70 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the outer frame 51 so as to be openable and closable via hinges provided on the left and upper sides of the outer frame 51. A front frame (glass frame) 52 is attached to the front surface of the inner frame 70 so as to be openable to the inner frame 70, and a plate glass (not shown) is detachably attached to the front frame 52. Further, a game board 2 attached to the inner frame 70 is disposed on the back side (rear side) of the plate glass.

  Speakers 66 are disposed on the upper and left sides of the front frame 52. The game sounds and alarm sounds emitted from the speakers 66 improve the game's preference and alert the player. Further, the front frame 52 is provided with a plurality of frame-side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the gaming state. Further, a unit display device 47 of a CR unit 46 to be described later is detachably attached to the lower center portion of the front frame 52. A firing handle 64 is disposed on the right side of the unit display device 47. The launch handle 64 is rotated clockwise by the player, thereby moving the launch device 31 (see FIG. 2) to launch a game ball toward the game area 3 of the game board 2.

  Further, the front frame 52 is provided with a number-of-balls display device 61 for displaying the number of balls that can be played and a counting switch 62 for counting the number of balls held in the portion directly above the unit display device 47. Has been. Furthermore, an effect button 63 that can be operated by the player is disposed on the left side of the counting switch 62.

  The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a card unit (CR unit) 46 that reads and writes an IC card. The CR unit 46 includes a card insertion port 49 into which an IC card can be inserted and removed, and a bill insertion port 48 into which a bill can be inserted, and further protrudes to the right from the lower part of the CR unit 46. A unit display device 47 is provided. The unit display device 47 is detachably attached to the lower front portion of the front frame 52 described above. The unit display device 47 includes a touch panel type LCD screen, and the credit balance stored in the IC card inserted into the card insertion slot 49 (or the number of game balls that can be lent within the credit balance) is displayed on the screen. Etc. are displayed. The credit balance (or the number of balls that can be lent) is updated according to the rental or return of game balls. Details of the display mode of the unit display device 47 will be described later.

  The pachinko machine 1 is connected to a hall computer (amusement store management computer) 87 via a CR unit 56 and further connected to an external information management center via a wide area network (not shown). As a result, each pachinko machine 1 manages shipping information from manufacturers, information on installed amusement stores, movement information between amusement stores, disposal information, etc. based on the respective authentication information, High security ability to prevent unauthorized modification. Such a pachinko machine 1 is also called a management gaming machine. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is also an enclosed game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) that circulates the game machine enclosed in the machine base, as will be described later. Therefore, the concept of the management gaming machine includes an enclosed gaming machine, and the following are treated synonymously.

  The game board 2 is provided with a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by guide rails 3a, and a large number of game nails (not shown) are planted in the game area 3. A center case (not shown) is disposed at the center of the game area 3, and an LCD screen of the effect symbol display device 6 (not shown in the whole) is disposed in the center of the center case so as to be visible from the front. ing. The center case is also provided with a warp inlet, a warp passage, a stage, and the like (not shown).

  A first start port 11 is disposed below the effect symbol display device 6 (just below the center case), and on the right side of the effect symbol display device 6 are a normal symbol operation gate 17 and a second start port 12. Are arranged side by side. The second starting port 12 is composed of an ordinary electric accessory having a wing piece that can be opened and closed, and is configured such that a game ball can be won only when the wing piece is open. Further, a big prize opening 14 is disposed immediately below the first start opening 11. In addition, four normal winning ports 15 are arranged on the left side of the first start port 11. These normal winning openings 15 are configured so that game balls can always be won. The first start port 11, the second start port 12, and the normal symbol operating gate 17 described above correspond to the entrance according to the present invention, and the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 are the main entrance ports. It corresponds to the starting port of the invention. Further, the normal winning opening 15 and the big winning opening 14 correspond to the winning opening according to the present invention, and the large winning opening 14 corresponds to the predetermined winning opening according to the present invention.

  An out port 16 is arranged in the most downstream part of the game area 3, and the game ball launched into the game area 3 did not win any of the winning ports 14, 15 or the start ports 11, 12. In this case, the ball enters the out port 16.

  In the lower right part of the game board 2, a normal symbol display device 7 composed of a plurality of LEDs, a universal symbol hold number display device 8, a first special symbol hold number display device 18, and a second special symbol hold number display device 19 and a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 each including a 7-segment display device are disposed.

  FIG. 2 is a back view of the pachinko machine 1. On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, an inner frame 70 to which the above game board 2 is detachably attached is housed in an outer frame 51. On the upper part of the inner frame 70, a launching device 31 that launches a game ball to the game area 3 is disposed. The game ball launched by the launching apparatus 31 is played from the upper left of the game area 3. Jump out into the area 3 and flow down the game area 3. A polishing device 35 is installed below the inner frame 70 for collecting the game balls launched into the game area 3 and polishing the collected game balls. The polishing apparatus 35 is communicated with the above-described starting ports 11 and 12, the big winning port 14, each of the normal winning ports 15 and the out port 16, and a collection path (not shown). The game balls that have entered the big winning opening 14, each normal winning opening 15, and the out opening 16 are sent through the collection path. The inner frame 70 is also provided with a lifting device 33 that sends the game balls polished by the polishing device 35 to the launching device 31 along the vertical direction. The launching device 31, the collection path, the polishing device 35, and the lifting device 33 provide a configuration for circulating the game ball. That is, the game ball launched from the launch device 31 to the game area 3 enters any of the start ports 11, 12, the out port 16, etc., and is then sent from the recovery path to the polishing device 35. Further, it is supplied again to the launching device 31 via the lifting device 33. In addition, since the thing of the structure conventionally known can be applied to the launching device 31, the collection path, the polishing device 35, and the lifting device 33, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a main control device 80, a frame control device 81, an effect symbol control device 82, a sub integrated control device 83, and a power supply device (not shown) are arranged. The main control device 80, the production symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 are provided in the game board 2, and the frame control device 81 and the power supply device are provided in the inner frame 70.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing electrical wiring of the pachinko machine 1. Although FIG. 3 does not describe a complicated power supply system, power is directly or indirectly supplied to a control device or actuator that requires power from a power supply (not shown). It becomes the composition which is done.

  The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is a configuration in which a main control device 80, a frame control device 81, an effect symbol control device 82, and a sub integrated control device 83 are arranged. Each of the main control device 80, the frame control device 81, the effect symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. Then, the CPU of each control device starts a program installed in each ROM by an interrupt signal having a cycle of 2 ms, and executes various controls.

  The main controller 80 receives a game ball that has entered the first start port 11a and the second start port 12 through the game board relay terminal plate 74 to detect a game ball that has entered the first start port 11. The second start opening switch 12a to detect, the normal symbol operation switch 17a to detect the game ball that has passed the normal symbol operation gate 17, the count switch 14a for counting the game balls that have entered the big winning opening 14, each normal winning Each normal winning opening switch 15a for detecting a game ball entered into the mouth 15, an out mouth switch 16a for detecting a game ball entered into the out mouth 16, a magnet sensor for detecting magnetism, a radio wave sensor for detecting radio waves, etc. The detection signal from is input. Further, a glass frame opening switch and an inner frame opening switch are connected to the main controller 80, and detection signals from these are input.

  The main control device 80 operates in accordance with a program installed in the ROM, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the detection signal and the like, and uses the commands as the frame control device 81 and the sub integrated control device. Output to 83. The main control device 80 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 9, the second special symbol display device 10, and the normal symbol display device 7 via the symbol display device relay terminal board 71, and The special symbol hold number display device 18, the second special symbol hold number display device 19, and the universal symbol hold number display device 8 are turned on. Further, the main winning device solenoid 14b and the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 12b are also connected to the main controller 80 via the game board relay terminal board 74. The main control device 80 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 14 by controlling the special winning opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening / closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 12b. The main controller 80 outputs a signal for management such as symbol variation and jackpot, and the output signal is sent from the frame controller 81 to the hall computer via the CR unit 46. Further, the main controller 80 is connected to a prize ball number display device 99, and performs display control of the number of prize balls.

The main control device 80 and the frame control device 81 are connected so as to enable communication in only one direction from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81. That is, a signal can be transmitted from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81, and the signal can be received by the frame control device 81, while a signal is transmitted from the frame control device 81 to the main control device 80. Cannot send. Therefore, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the main controller 80 cannot be accessed from the frame control device 81. For example, information managed or controlled by the frame control device 81 (information related to the launching and circulation of game balls) is Transmission to the control device 80 is not possible.
Here, the frame control device 81 is connected to the hall computer 87 via the CR unit 46 as will be described later, and further connected to an external information management center via the wide area network (the above-mentioned management gaming machine). Since the main control device 80 is inaccessible from such a frame control device 81, it cannot input any signal from the outside via the wide area network. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent an illegal signal from entering the main control device 80 from the outside to affect the game performance.

  A CR unit 46 is communicably connected to the frame control device 81 via a gaming ball rental device 75. The unit display device 47 of the CR unit 46 is also communicably connected, and the frame control device 81 receives signals from a lending switch 58 and a return switch 59 provided in the unit display device 47. . The frame control device 81 grasps the credit balance stored in the IC card inserted into the CR unit 46, sets the number of held balls according to the lending signal received from the lending switch 58, and returns received from the return switch 59. Depending on the signal, the credit balance is returned. The frame control device 81 is communicably connected to the hall computer 87 via the CR unit 46 and transmits game information of the pachinko machine 1 to the hall computer 87.

  Further, the frame control device 81 receives a rotation amount signal of the launch handle 64 from the handle volume 101, a launch stop signal from the launch stop switch 103, and a touch signal from the touch switch 102 via the launch operation unit relay terminal plate 76, respectively. Entered. The rotation amount signal is output when the player rotates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop signal is output by the player using the launch stop switch 103. Press to output. In addition, if the touch signal is not input, the game ball cannot be launched, and when the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball cannot be launched even if the player touches the launch handle 64. Yes. Further, the counting switch 62 and the ball count display device 61 are connected via the launch operation unit relay terminal plate 76 and the operation unit relay terminal plate 73, and the frame control device 81 While the operation signal is input, the number-of-balls display device 61 is controlled to be displayed.

  Further, the frame control device 81 is connected to the ball feed sensor 104, the launch inlet sensor 105, the launch motor 106, and the ball feed solenoid 107 of the launch device 31 via the launch device relay terminal plate 77. The ball feed sensor 104 detects a game ball sent to the launch position of the launch device 31, and outputs a game ball detection signal. The launch inlet sensor 105 detects a game ball supplied from the above-described lifting device 33 to the launch device 31, and outputs a detection signal of the game ball. Then, the frame control device 81 performs the firing motor 106 and the ball feed solenoid based on the signals transmitted from the handle volume 101, the firing stop switch 103, the touch switch 102, the ball feed sensor 104, and the launch inlet sensor 105. The game ball is fired or stopped by driving and controlling 107.

  Further, the frame control device 81 is connected to the cassette switch 108, the polishing motor sensor 109, the cassette motor 110, and the polishing motor 111 via the polishing device relay terminal board 78. The cassette switch 108 and the polishing motor sensor 109 are connected to the frame control device 81. The polishing apparatus 35 is driven by drivingly controlling the cassette motor 110 and the polishing motor 111 based on the detection signals from the above. Further, the frame control device 81 is connected to a lifting inlet sensor 113, a lifting motor monitoring sensor 114, and a lifting motor 112 via a lifting relay terminal plate 79. By driving and controlling the lifting motor 112 based on the detection signal from the feeding motor monitoring sensor 114, the lifting device 33 is driven.

  Furthermore, the frame control device 81 is connected to a winning ball sensor 120, an out ball sensor 121, an appropriate amount sensor 122, a full sensor 123, and a night monitoring switch 124 via an inner frame relay terminal plate 72. Signals from each sensor and switch are input. Here, the winning ball sensor 120 is disposed in a collecting path that connects the winning ports of the start ports 11 and 12, the large winning port 14, and the normal winning port 15 and the polishing device 35. A game ball sent from the mouth to the polishing apparatus 35 is detected. The out ball sensor 121 is disposed in a recovery path that communicates the out port 16 with the polishing device 35, and detects a game ball sent from the out port 16 to the polishing device 35. The appropriate amount sensor 122 detects an appropriate amount of game balls to be circulated inside the machine base. Furthermore, a glass frame opening switch 125 and an inner frame opening switch 126 are also connected to the frame control device 81, and detection signals from these are input.

  In addition, a display device 60 such as performance is connected to the frame control device 81. The performance display device 60 is provided to prevent the performance of the machine base from being changed by illegally adjusting the game nail, and displays the base value in the normal state.

  The sub-integrated control device 83 receives the data and commands transmitted from the main control device 80, distributes them to data for effect display control, sound control and lamp control, and provides commands for effect display control, etc. The data is transmitted to the production symbol control device 82, and the sound control data and the lamp control data are distributed to each control portion (the functional component as the sound control device and the lamp control device) included in itself. Then, the function unit as the sound control device controls the sound output from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, and the function unit as the lamp control device has the data for lamp control. By operating the lamp driver based on the above, various LEDs and the lamp 65 are controlled to emit light. The sub integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are configured as a circuit for only one-way communication from the main control device 80 to the sub integrated control device 83.

  Furthermore, the sub integrated control device 83 is connected to switches for detecting operations such as the effect button 63 and the jog dial, and when each switch detects an operation by the player, a signal is input.

  The effect symbol control device 82 receives the data and commands transmitted from the sub integrated control device 83 (the data transmitted from the main control device 80, the input from the main control device 80 in the sub integrated control device 83, the input of the effect buttons, etc. And an effect image such as a pseudo symbol is displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6.

  The power supply device (not shown) is configured as a direct current power source that generates a direct current voltage using power supplied from an external AC power source, and configures the pachinko machine 1 by operating a power switch provided in the power supply device. Electric power is supplied to each part. The power supply device includes a backup power source configured by a capacitor and stores power in the backup power source while power is being supplied from the AC power source. Thus, in the event of a power failure, power is supplied to the main control device 80 and the like (for example, the RAM of the main control device 80), and the data in the RAM of the main control device 80 is maintained for a certain period after the power supply from the AC power supply is stopped. Is retained. The backup power source may be provided in the main control device 80 or may be provided in a device other than the power source device. In this case, the power supply device outputs a supply signal to the device equipped with the backup power supply while power is supplied from the AC power supply, and the power failure signal is sent to the device equipped with the backup power supply when the power supply is stopped. Is output.

  The CR unit 46 performs processing for reading and writing information such as a credit balance and the number of balls that can be lent to the IC card inserted into the card insertion port 49. Then, the information read from the IC card is transmitted to the frame control device 81. Thereby, the frame control device 81 appropriately updates and manages information such as the credit balance and the number of balls that can be lent as the game progresses, and displays the credit balance and the number of balls that can be lent on the unit display device 47. . Further, at the end of the game, the settled credit balance and the number of possessed balls are transmitted from the frame control device 81 to the CR unit 46, and the information on the IC card is updated.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
The pachinko machine 1 has a configuration (so-called enclosed game machine) in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a machine base and the enclosed game balls are circulated (so-called enclosed game machines). Data indicating the number of possessed balls is only managed by increasing / decreasing processing according to the progress of the game, and actual game balls are not lent out or game balls are not paid out as prize balls.

  When the player starts a game, an IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot 49 of the CR unit 46, and the credit balance information read from the IC card is displayed on the unit display device 47. Then, when the player operates the lending operation area 132 (see FIG. 16) of the unit display device 47, the lending switch 58 is turned on, and the credit balance is converted into the number of possessed balls according to the operation. The number of balls held increases as the credit balance is subtracted. A game can be performed within the range of the number of balls. The number of balls held is displayed on the ball holding number display device 61.

  When the game is started by the player operating the launch handle, the possessed ball is digested each time the game ball is fired, and a prize ball is generated each time the player enters the start opening 11 or 12 or the regular winning opening 15 described above. This increases the holding ball. During the game, the number of balls held increases and decreases in this way, and the display of the ball holding number display device 61 is updated according to the increase and decrease.

  When the game ball launched into the game area passes through the normal symbol operation gate 17 (the normal symbol operation switch 17a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), the normal symbol starts to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 7 for a predetermined time. If the normal symbol stopped later is in a predetermined hit state, the blade member of the normal electric accessory is driven, and the game ball can be awarded to the second starting port 12. Here, the blade member of the ordinary electric accessory performs one opening for 0.2 seconds in a normal state and one opening for one second three times in a short time state by hitting one ordinary symbol.

  When the game ball wins the first start port 11 (the first start port switch 11a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), the first special symbol starts to change in the first special symbol display device 9, and stops after a predetermined time. To do. Further, when a game ball wins the second start port 12 (the second start port switch 12a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), the second special symbol starts to change in the second special symbol display device 10 for a predetermined time. Stop later. During the variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the effect symbol display device 6 displays the effect variation of the pseudo symbol linked to the variation of each special symbol. By displaying the pseudo symbols on the effect symbol display device 6, it is possible to recognize the fluctuations in each special symbol and the winning loss. Here, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed with priority on the variation of the second special symbol regardless of the winning order to the first starting port 11 and the second starting port 12. Specifically, when there is a reserved memory of the first special symbol, the first special symbol stored in a suspended state with the variation of the second special symbol stopped and the second special symbol is not retained. Start to fluctuate.

  When the first special symbol stopped by the first special symbol display device 9 and the second special symbol stopped by the second special symbol display device 10 are in a predetermined big hit mode, a big hit game for opening and closing the big prize opening 14 is executed. . In addition, the effect symbol display device 6 displays the pseudo symbol in a manner corresponding to the hit manner of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  In the big hit game, the open / close round for opening and closing the big prize opening 14 is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). The big winning opening 14 is provided with a door member that opens and closes by driving the big winning opening solenoid 14b, and an open state in which a game ball can be entered and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered by opening and closing the door member. And converted to Then, one opening / closing round is executed by a predetermined opening / closing operation by the door member, and in the jackpot game, this opening / closing round is repeatedly executed 16 times. This jackpot game corresponds to the special game according to the present invention.

  The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a probability variable machine. In other words, games according to this configuration are broadly divided into games in which the big prize opening 14 is closed and the above-mentioned big hit games in which the big prize opening 14 is opened. Hereinafter referred to as a normal state) and a high probability state (hereinafter referred to as a probability variation state) in which the probability of hitting a special symbol is higher than that in the normal state. Transition to one of the probability fluctuation states. Here, in the normal state, the hit probability of the special symbol is set to 1/220, and in the probability variation state, the hit probability of the special symbol is set to 1/30.

  Further, in the normal state, after shifting from the big hit game, the time is shortened by a specified number of times (for example, 100 times). In this short state, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the ordinary electric accessory are increased. Further, in the probability variation state, similarly to the time-short state, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the ordinary electric accessory are increased.

  Further, in the state where the game is progressing in this way, the game ball launched by the launching device 31 enters either the start port 11, the normal winning port 15, or the out port 16. During the big hit game, he also enters the big prize opening 14. The game ball thus entered is sent to the polishing device 35 via the above-described recovery path, and then supplied again to the launching device 31 via the lifting device 33. In this way, a predetermined number of game balls sealed inside the machine base are circulated, and the above-described game proceeds.

Next, processing of various programs executed by the main controller 80 and the frame controller 81 will be described.
A main routine executed by the main controller 80 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The main routine is composed of the main processing from S10 to S22 and the remaining processing of S25 which is repeated as long as time permits within the time remaining after executing the main processing, and is periodically executed by a hardware interrupt every 2 ms. Is done. When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcomputer, it is first determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S10). This determination process is performed by determining whether or not the value of a predetermined area of the RAM as a memory is a predetermined value. When the process executed by the microcomputer shifts to this process, the normal process is executed. It is for judging whether or not it is okay.

  Here, if a negative determination is made (that is, it is determined that the interruption is not normal) (S10: No), an initial setting (S11) is executed, and the process proceeds to a residual process (S25). In this initial setting, for example, a predetermined value is written to a predetermined area of the RAM, and each initial value is written to a work area of the RAM such as a special symbol and a normal symbol as an initial symbol. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made (that is, a normal interruption is determined) (S10: Yes), the initial value random number update process (S12), the big hit determination random number update process (S13), the big hit symbol determination random number Update process (S14), Win determination random number update process (S15), Reach determination random number update process (S16), Fluctuation pattern determination random number update process (S17), Winning confirmation process (S18), Win / fail determination process (S19), special game processing (S20), fraud monitoring processing (S21), output processing such as image output processing (S22), and the initial value random number within the remaining time until the next interrupt signal is input The update process (S25) is loop-processed.

  Next, the start winning process executed by the main controller 80 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This start winning process is one of the subroutines called in the main routine winning confirmation process (S18).

  In the start winning process, it is determined whether or not the first start port switch 11a has detected a game ball (S50). If the determination is negative (S50: No), the process proceeds to S70. When S50 is affirmative (S50: Yes), it is determined whether or not the number of first reserved memories has reached an upper limit (for example, four) (S55). If the determination in S55 is affirmative (S55: Yes), the process proceeds to S70. If the determination is negative (S55: No), the first extracted random number hold storage process (S60) is executed. In the first extracted random number hold storage process (S60), the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol determination random number, the reach determination random number, the variation pattern determination random number, etc. are extracted and stored as the first hold memory and the first hold 1 is added to the first holding number counter indicating the number of memories, and information on the first holding number counter is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83.

  S70 is a process executed subsequent to the negative determination of S60, S50, or the positive determination of S55, and determines whether or not the first start port switch 11a has detected a game ball. If the determination is negative (S70: No), the start winning process is terminated. If the determination is affirmative (S70: Yes), whether the number of second reserved memories has reached an upper limit (for example, four). It is determined whether or not (S75). If the determination in S75 is affirmative (S75: Yes), the start winning process is terminated, and if the determination is negative (S75: No), the second extracted random number storage process (S80) is executed. In the second extracted random number hold storage process (S80), the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol determination random number, the reach determination random number, the variation pattern determination random number, etc. are extracted and stored as the second hold memory, and the second hold 1 is added to the second hold number counter indicating the number of memories, and the information of the second hold number counter is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83.

  In addition, when the sub integrated control device 83 receives the information of the first reserved number counter and the information of the second reserved number counter, the first special symbol reserved number display device 18 and the second special symbol reserved number display are displayed according to the information. Processing necessary for lighting the device 19 is performed.

  Next, the success / failure determination process executed by the main controller 80 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The validity determination process is a process executed from the main routine.

  In the success / failure determination process, as shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory is operating (that is, the big hit game or the small hit game is being executed) (S100). If the determination is affirmative (S100: Yes), the success / failure determination process is terminated. If the determination is negative (S100: No), the process proceeds to S105. In S105, it is determined whether or not the first and second special symbols are being displayed. If the determination is affirmative (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S250 of FIG. 8, and if the determination is negative (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110. In S110, it is determined whether or not the first and second special symbols are being displayed. If the determination is affirmative (S110: Yes), the process proceeds to S300 in FIG. 9, and if the determination is negative (S110: No), the process proceeds to S115.

  In S115, it is determined whether there is a second reserved memory. If the determination is affirmative (S115: Yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the determination is negative (S115: No), the process proceeds to S125. In S120, the number of the second reserved memory is decremented, the oldest second reserved memory is selected, and the information (numerical data such as a random value) stored in the second reserved memory is used as a predetermined buffer for determining the big hit Move to. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S135.

  In S125, it is determined whether or not there is a first pending storage. If the determination is affirmative (S125: Yes), the process proceeds to S130. If the determination is negative (S125: No), the determination process is terminated. . In S130, the number of the first reserved memory is decremented, and the oldest first reserved memory is selected, and the information stored in the first reserved memory is moved to a predetermined buffer for determining the big hit as in S120. After that, proceed to S135. Note that in the success / failure determination process of the present embodiment, the second hold memory is prioritized over the first hold memory and is set as the target of the determination. For this reason, the first reserved memory is a target of the determination of success / failure only when there is no second reserved memory.

  In S135, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is 1. If the determination is affirmative (S135: Yes), the process proceeds to S140, and if the determination is negative (S135: No), The process proceeds to S145.

  In S140, the winning / failing determination table (probability variation table) for the probability variation state is selected, and based on the selected probability variation table, it is determined whether or not the big hit determination random number moved to the big hit determination buffer is a big hit, The reserved memory related to the jackpot determination random number is digested. Here, in this embodiment, it is also determined whether or not the big hit determination random number is a small hit based on the selected probability variation table. After the process of S140, the process proceeds to S150 of FIG.

  On the other hand, in S145, a determination table (normal table) for normal state is selected, and it is determined whether or not the big hit determination random number moved to the big hit determination buffer is a big hit based on the selected normal table. The reserved memory relating to the jackpot determination random number is digested. Here, in this embodiment, it is also determined whether or not the big hit determination random number is a small hit based on the selected normal table. After the process of S145, the process proceeds to S150 of FIG.

  In S150 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit based on the determination result of S140 or S145. If the determination is affirmative (S150: Yes), the process proceeds to S155, and if the determination is negative (S150: No). ), And proceeds to S170.

  In S155, the jackpot symbol is determined based on the jackpot symbol determining random number related to the digested reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S160. In S160, the variation time of the special symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the variation pattern related to the digested reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S165. In S165, the number of rounds of the jackpot game, the opening pattern of the jackpot, the effect time related to the jackpot game, the interval time, the effect mode of the jackpot game, etc. are set, and the process proceeds to S200.

  On the other hand, in S170 following the negative determination in S150, it is determined whether or not a small hit is made based on the determination result in S140 or S145. If the determination is affirmative (S170: Yes), the process proceeds to S175. If the determination is negative (S170: No), the process proceeds to S190.

  In S175, the small hit symbol is determined based on the big hit symbol determining random number related to the digested reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S180. In S180, the variation time of the special symbol is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number related to the digested reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S185. In S185, the opening pattern of the big winning opening in the small hit game, the effect time related to the small hit game, the effect mode of the small hit game, etc. are set, and the process proceeds to S200. In S185, as in S195 described later, a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during the probability change mode and a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed in the time reduction mode are also updated.

  Further, in S190 following the negative determination in S170, a special symbol variation time or the like is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number related to the digested reserved memory, and prior to this, a process of determining a lost symbol is performed. After S190, the process proceeds to S195. In S195, a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed in the probability variation mode, a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed in the time reduction mode, and the like are updated. Then, the process proceeds to S200. In the present embodiment, the process of determining a lost symbol is performed in S190. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration including a process of determining a lost symbol before S190 may be employed.

  In S200, a hold number command indicating the number of hold memories decremented in S120 and S130 described above is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83. Further, a variation start command indicating the variation time of the special symbol, the result of the big hit lottery, etc. is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, the variation of the special symbol is started, and the success / failure determination process is terminated. The sub-integrated control device 83 that has received the change start command uses the effect symbol display device 6 from among the effects having the same time as the change time of the special symbol based on the change time of the special symbol as a result of the big hit lottery. The pseudo effect to be displayed is selected, and the selected pseudo effect is displayed.

  In S250 of FIG. 8 following the affirmative determination in S105 described above, it is determined whether or not the special symbol fluctuation time has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S250: Yes), the process proceeds to S255, and in the case of a negative determination. (S250: No) ends the determination processing. In S255, the special symbol variation display is ended, and the special symbol fixed symbol (that is, the big hit symbol determined in S255 described above, the small hit symbol determined in S175, or the lost symbol determined in S190) is displayed. A symbol confirmation command for executing the effect symbol confirmation display is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83, and the success / failure determination process ends.

  Further, in S300 of FIG. 9 following the affirmative determination of S110 described above, it is determined whether or not the duration of the special symbol fixed display has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305. In the case of negative determination (S300: No), the determination process is ended. In S305, the special symbol confirmation display is terminated, and the process proceeds to S310. In S310, it is determined whether or not the special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is a big hit. If the determination is affirmative (S310: Yes), the process proceeds to S315. If the determination is negative (S310: No), S360. Proceed to In S315, the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is referred to. When the probability variation flag = 1, the probability variation flag is cleared (S320), and the process proceeds to S325. In S325, with reference to the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state, if the time reduction flag = 1, the time reduction flag is cleared (S330), and the process proceeds to S340. After that, the state designation command transmission processing (S340), the condition device operation start processing (S345), the accessory continuous operation device operation start processing (S350), and the big hit start effect processing (S355) are executed in order, so that the mode of the big hit game Is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83, for example, a command indicating the start of the big hit game is started, and the success / failure determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in S360 following the negative determination in S310, the probability variation flag is referred to, and when the flag = 1 (S360: Yes), the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed in the probability variation mode (the number of probability variation) is referred to. (S365). If the probability variation number = 0 (S365: Yes), the probability variation flag is cleared (S370), and the process proceeds to S375. In S375, the short time flag is referred to, and when the flag = 1 (S375: Yes), the remaining number of jackpot lotteries (number of short times) that can be executed in the short time mode is referred to (S380). If the number of time reductions = 0 (S380: Yes), the time reduction flag is cleared (S385), and the process proceeds to S390. In S390, a state designation command transmission process is executed, and the process proceeds to S395.

  In S395, it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is a symbol that is a small hit. If the determination is affirmative (S395: Yes), the process proceeds to S400, the special electric accessory operation start process (S400), small By sequentially executing the hit start effect process (S405), a command indicating the mode of the small hit game, a command for instructing the start of the small hit game, and the like are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. Start and end the success / failure determination process. If the determination in S395 is negative (S395: No), the determination process is terminated.

  Next, the jackpot game process executed by the main controller 80 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. This big hit game process is one of the subroutines called in the special game process (S20) of the main routine described above when the big hit is determined by the above-described success / failure determination process.

  In the big hit game process, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (that is, the big hit game is being executed) (S500). If the determination is affirmative (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S505. If the determination is negative (S500: No), the big hit game process is terminated.

  In S505, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 14 is being opened. If the determination is affirmative (S505: Yes), the process proceeds to S550 in FIG. 11, and if the determination is negative (S505: No), The process proceeds to S510. In S510, it is determined whether each open / close round interval in the jackpot game is in progress. If the determination is affirmative (S510: Yes), the process proceeds to S570 in FIG. 11, and if the determination is negative (S510: No), the process proceeds to S515. In S515, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being ended. If the determination is affirmative (S515: Yes), the process proceeds to S600 of FIG. 12, and if the determination is negative (S515: No), the process proceeds to S520.

  In S520, it is determined whether or not the start effect time in the big hit game has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S520: Yes), the process proceeds to S525. If the determination is negative (S520: No), the big hit game process is terminated. In S525, a special winning opening release process is executed to release the special winning opening 14, and a command indicating that the opening of the special winning opening 14 is started is transmitted to the frame control device 81. After S525, the big hit game process is terminated.

  In S550 in FIG. 11 following the affirmative determination in S505, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the big winning opening 14 has become ten. If the determination is affirmative (S550: Yes), the process proceeds to S560. If the determination is negative (S550: No), the process proceeds to S555. In S555, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 14 has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S555: Yes), the process proceeds to S560. If the determination is negative (S555: No), the big hit game process is terminated. In S560, a special winning opening closing process is executed to close the special winning opening 14, and a command indicating the closing of the special winning opening 14 is transmitted to the frame control device 81. After S560, the process proceeds to S565. In S565, a big hit interval process for setting an interval of each round of the big hit game is executed, and the big hit game process is ended.

  On the other hand, in S570 following the affirmative determination in S510, it is determined whether or not the big hit game interval time has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S570: Yes), the process proceeds to S575. If the determination is negative (S570: No), the big hit game process is terminated. In S575, it is determined whether or not the final round (16th round) is completed. If the determination is affirmative (S575: Yes), the process proceeds to S580, and if the determination is negative (S575: No), the process proceeds to S585. In S580, a jackpot end effect process for performing an effect when the jackpot game is ended is executed, and the jackpot game process is terminated. In S585, a special winning opening release process is executed to release the special winning opening 14, and a command indicating that the opening of the special winning opening 14 is started is transmitted to the frame control device 81. After S585, the big hit game process is terminated.

  Further, in S600 of FIG. 12 following the affirmative determination in S515, it is determined whether or not the time for the end effect has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S600: Yes), the process proceeds to S605, and the steps S605 and S610 are sequentially executed. If the determination is negative (S600: No), the big hit game process is terminated. In S605 and S610, the accessory continuous operation device and the condition device are stopped, and the process proceeds to S615. In S615, it is determined whether or not to shift to the probability variation state after the big hit game. In the case of an affirmative determination (S615: Yes), the number of jackpot lotteries (number of times of probability variation) for continuing the probability variation state is set (S620), the probability variation flag is set (S625), and the process proceeds to S630. In S630, it is determined whether or not the time-saving state is set after the big hit game. If the determination is affirmative (S630: Yes), the number of jackpot lotteries (number of time reductions) for continuing the time-saving state is set (S635). The time reduction flag is set (S640), and the process proceeds to S645. In S645 and S650, a process for transmitting a jackpot end command for terminating the effect related to the jackpot game and a state designation command transmission process are executed to the sub integrated control device 83, and the jackpot game process is terminated.

Next, the main part of the present invention will be described.
The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment determines that the main controller 80 does not detect a launch abnormality related to the launching device 31 when it does not detect the entry of the big winning opening 14 for a predetermined time during the big hit game. As the operation abnormality on the side, processing corresponding to the operation abnormality is performed. Here, the main control device 80 includes an incoming ball abnormality detection process (FIG. 13) that transmits an incoming ball abnormality signal when the entrance of the big winning opening 14 is not detected, and the frame control device 81 includes the launching device 31. A firing abnormality detection process (FIG. 14) for detecting a launch abnormality according to the above, and an abnormality handling process (FIG. 15) corresponding to an operation abnormality of the main controller 80.

  The entrance abnormality detection process executed by the main controller 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, this incoming ball abnormality detection process is one of the subroutines called in the special game process (S20) of the main routine when the big hit is made by the success / failure determination process, similar to the big hit game process described above.

  In the incoming ball abnormality detection process, it is determined in S1000 whether or not the special winning opening 14 is being opened. Here, when the special winning opening 14 is being opened (S1000: Yes), the process proceeds to S1005, and when the special winning opening 14 is being closed (S1000: No), the ball entry abnormality detecting process is terminated. In S1005, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the big winning opening 14. The entry of the game ball into the special winning opening 14 is confirmed by the detection of the game ball by the count switch 14a. If there is a ball entering the big winning opening 14 (S1005: Yes), the process proceeds to S1025. If there is no ball entering the big winning opening 14 (S1005: No), the process proceeds to S1010.

  In S1010, a process of adding 1 to the timer counter T1 is performed, and the process proceeds to S1015. In S1015, it is determined whether or not the timer counter T1 has reached a predetermined set value M. If the determination is affirmative (S1015: Yes), the process proceeds to S1020. If the determination is negative (S1015: No), the incoming ball abnormality detection process is terminated. Here, as the set value M, for example, a value corresponding to 10 seconds is set. As a result, when the timer counter T1 reaches the set value M, it indicates that no game ball has entered the special winning opening 14 for 10 seconds. The set value M can be set as appropriate, for example, by setting a value corresponding to 5 seconds or 15 seconds in addition to 10 seconds.

  In S1020, an abnormal entry transmission process is executed, and an abnormal entry signal indicating that no game ball has entered the special winning opening 14 for a predetermined time (10 seconds) is transmitted to the frame control device 81. To do. Following S1020, the timer counter T1 is cleared in S1025, and the ball entry abnormality detection process is terminated. Note that S1025 is also executed in the case of an affirmative determination in S1005 described above, and clears the timer counter T1 when there is a ball entering the big winning opening 14.

  The reasons why the game ball does not enter the big winning opening 14 include abnormal operation of the large winning opening solenoid, abnormal operation of the count switch 14a, disconnection, meridian, abnormality of the input port connected to the count switch 14a, large There may be an abnormality in the output port connected to the winning prize solenoid. In this embodiment, the count switch 14a corresponds to the ball entry detecting means according to the present invention. Further, the incoming ball abnormality detection means corresponds to the abnormality transmission means according to the present invention, and the time (for example, 10 seconds) indicated by the set value M corresponds to the predetermined time according to the present invention.

  Further, the firing abnormality detection process executed by the frame control device 81 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This firing abnormality detection process is a process periodically executed by the frame control device 81 (for example, a timer interrupt process with a period of 2 ms).

  In the firing abnormality detection process, it is determined in S1100 whether or not the firing handle 64 has been rotated. This determination is made based on a rotation amount signal from the handle volume 101. If the determination is affirmative (S1100: Yes), the process proceeds to S1105. If the determination is negative (S1100: No), the firing abnormality detection process is terminated.

  In S1105, an abnormality detection process is executed. The abnormality detection process confirms whether or not it is normal based on signals received from various sensors and switches connected to the frame control device 81. Specifically, (1) based on the signal from the launch inlet sensor 105, whether or not the game ball is normally supplied to the launch device 31, (2) launch based on the signal from the ball feed sensor 104 Check whether or not the game ball is normally set at the launch position of the device 31, (3) Check whether or not both are normal based on signals from the handle volume 101 and the touch switch 102, and (4) hold Based on the signals from the ball number display device 61 and the counting switch 62, it is confirmed whether or not both are operating normally.

  Subsequent to S1105, the process proceeds to S1110, and it is determined whether or not it is normal (abnormal) with reference to the result of the abnormality detection process of S1105. If it is determined to be abnormal (S1110: Yes), the process proceeds to S1115. If it is determined to be normal (S1110: No), the process proceeds to S1120. In S1115, the firing abnormality flag = 1 is set, and the firing abnormality detection process is terminated. On the other hand, in S1120, the firing abnormality flag = 0 is set, and the firing abnormality detection process is terminated. In the present embodiment, the firing abnormality detection process corresponds to the firing abnormality detection means according to the present invention.

  Next, the abnormality handling process executed by the frame control device 81 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This abnormality handling process is a process periodically executed by the frame control device 81 (for example, a timer interrupt process with a period of 2 ms).

  In the abnormality handling process, it is determined in S1200 whether an open flag = 1. If the determination is affirmative (S1200: Yes), the process proceeds to S1250. If the determination is negative (S1200: No), the process proceeds to S1205. The open flag indicates whether or not the big prize opening 14 is being opened. As will be described later, when the command indicating the opening of the big prize opening 14 is received from the main control device 80, the open flag is displayed. = 1, and when a command indicating the closing of the special winning opening 14 is input from the main controller 80, the open flag = 0.

  In S1250, it is determined whether or not a command issued in the big winning opening closing process (S560) of the above-mentioned jackpot game process is received. If the determination is affirmative (S1250: Yes), the process proceeds to S1255. If the determination is negative (S1250: No), the process proceeds to S1215. In S1255, the release flag is set to 0, and the abnormality handling process ends.

  On the other hand, in S1205, it is determined whether or not the command issued in the big winning opening release process (S525 or S585) of the jackpot game process is received. If the determination is affirmative (S1205: Yes), the process proceeds to S1210. If the determination is negative (S1205: No), the abnormality handling process ends. In S1210, the open flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S1215.

  In S1215, it is determined whether or not the incoming ball abnormality signal issued in the incoming ball abnormality transmission process (S1020) of the incoming ball abnormality detection process has been received. If the determination is affirmative (S1215: Yes), the process proceeds to S1220. If the determination is negative (S1215: No), the abnormality handling process ends. In S1220, it is determined whether or not the firing abnormality flag = 0. If the firing abnormality flag = 0 (S1220: Yes), the process proceeds to S1225. If the firing abnormality flag = 1 (S1220: No), the abnormality handling process is terminated.

  In S1225, it is determined whether or not a game ball detection signal is input from the out ball sensor 121. If the determination is affirmative (S1225: Yes), the process proceeds to S1230. If the determination is negative (S1225: No), the process proceeds to S1240.

In S1230, a firing stop process is performed. In the firing stop process, the command transmission to the firing motor 106 and the ball feed solenoid 107 is forcibly stopped, and the driving of the launching device 31 is forcibly stopped. Thereby, a game ball cannot be launched from the launch device 31 toward the game area 3. It should be noted that the firing stop process forcibly stops the command transmission even when a signal is received from the handle volume 101 or the like.
In the next S1235, abnormality notification processing is performed. In the abnormality notifying process, the symbol 141a indicating the occurrence of an abnormal operation and the symbol 142 indicating that the game ball has been stopped are displayed on the display screen of the unit display device 47 to notify the player. (See FIG. 17A). After this S1235, the abnormality handling process ends. It should be noted that the firing stop by the launch stop process and the notification by the abnormality notification process are canceled based on the elimination of the operation abnormality by the return process (not shown).

  On the other hand, in S1240, out-ball abnormality processing is performed. In this out-ball abnormality process, it is assumed that there is a possibility that a detection abnormality of the out-ball sensor 121 or a clogging of the collection path from the out port 16 to the polishing apparatus 35 may occur. Specifically, a symbol 141b indicating the occurrence of these operational abnormalities is displayed on the display screen of the unit display device 47 to notify the player (see FIG. 17B). After this S1240, the abnormality handling process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the frame control device 81 is connected to the main control device 80 side based on the entrance abnormality signal transmitted from the main control device 80 and the launch abnormality flag set in the launch abnormality detection process. The abnormal operation is verified and the abnormal operation is dealt with. In the present embodiment, the firing stop process (S1230) and the abnormality notification process (S1235) correspond to the abnormality handling process according to the present invention, and the launch stop process (S1230) is the launch process according to the present invention. This corresponds to the contents of the stop process. Further, the abnormality handling process of FIG. 15 corresponds to the abnormality handling means according to the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, although not described, when an abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection process (S1105) of the above-described emission abnormality detection process (firing abnormality flag = 1), processing corresponding to the abnormality is performed. For example, measures such as notifying the occurrence of an abnormality or interrupting the big hit game are taken.

Next, display examples on the unit display device 47 by the abnormality notification process (S1235) and the out mouth abnormality process (S1240) of the abnormality handling process described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
The unit display device 47 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and includes a lending operation area 132 and a return operation area 133 on its display screen as shown in FIG. When the player touches the lending operation area 132, the lending switch 58 is turned on, and the signal is transmitted to the frame control device 81. Similarly, when the player touches the return operation area 133, the return switch 59 is turned ON, and the signal is transmitted to the frame control device 81. On the display screen of the unit display device 47, a balance symbol 131 indicating a credit balance exchangeable for holding balls is displayed. The display contents of the balance symbol 131 are updated by the frame control device 81 every time the credit balance increases or decreases in accordance with the operation of the lending operation area 132 and the return operation area 133. FIG. 16 is an example in a normal state (normal state with no abnormal operation).

  Furthermore, the unit display device 47 includes abnormality information symbols 141a and 141b indicating the occurrence of an abnormal operation, a firing stop symbol 142 for informing the stop of launching of the game ball, an instruction symbol 143 for instructing correspondence, and the like. According to the command transmitted from 81, it is appropriately selected and displayed. The abnormal information symbols 141a and 141b, the firing stop symbol 142, and the instruction symbol 143 are character symbols indicating the respective contents, and the player can recognize the contents indicated by the symbols relatively easily. The frame control device 81 instructs the various symbols to be displayed on the unit display device 47 through the abnormality notification process (S1235) and the out mouth abnormality process (S1240) of the abnormality handling process described above.

  FIG. 17A is displayed by the abnormality notifying process (S1235) when a game ball is normally launched without detecting a ball entering the grand prize port 14 while the grand prize port 14 is opened. This is an example. Specifically, in the case where there is no detection of the game ball by the count switch 14a for a predetermined time during the opening of the big winning opening 14 in the big hit game, and the launching device 31 is normally firing the game ball, This is displayed on the unit display 47 together with the stop of the game ball firing by the launching device 31. On the display screen of the unit display device 47, the above-described abnormality information symbol (character symbol of “abnormal occurrence!”) 141a, firing stop symbol (character symbol of “stopping the launch of game ball!”) 112, and instructions A symbol (a character symbol “Please call a clerk”) 113 is displayed. Further, the call operation area 138 provided in advance on the unit display device 47 is made effective, and a symbol (a character pattern of “call”) that prompts the player to operate is displayed in the call operation region 138. When the player operates the call operation area 138, a predetermined ringing sound is generated from the speaker, or a predetermined ringing light is emitted from the lamp, thereby notifying the attendant of the game store of the occurrence of an abnormal operation.

  On the other hand, FIG. 17 (b) shows an example displayed by the out mouth abnormal process (S1240) when the out ball sensor 121 cannot detect the game ball in the big hit game but is normally launched. is there. This is displayed on the unit display device 47 when the frame control device 81 receives a ball entry abnormality signal while the special winning opening 14 is opened, but the out ball sensor 121 does not detect a game ball. On the display screen of the unit display device 47, the above-described abnormality information design (character design of “out ball abnormal occurrence!”) 141b and instruction design (character design of “please call an attendant”) 113 are displayed. The call operation area 138 is made valid.

  Note that the display of the abnormal information symbols 141a, 141b and the like shown in FIG. 17 is terminated and returned to the normal display as the clerk of the game shop resolves the abnormal operation.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to be able to communicate in only one direction from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81, and cannot access the main control device 80 from the frame control device 81. The frame control device 81 verifies the operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side based on the entrance abnormality signal transmitted from the main control device 80, and responds to the operation abnormality. That is, even if the configuration of the first embodiment is configured to allow communication from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81 only in one direction, the frame control device 81 is appropriate for the operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side. It can correspond to.

As described above, since the configuration of the first embodiment cannot access the main control device 80 from the frame control device 81, unauthorized access to the main control device 80 from the outside can be prevented. In particular, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a sealed type that circulates a predetermined number of game balls sealed in the machine base, and the frame control device 81 transmits and receives data and signals via the CR unit 46. Since it is a (management gaming machine), the frame control device 81 can communicate with the outside. In such a sealed configuration (that is, a management gaming machine), since unauthorized access to the main control device 80 can be prevented as described above, the effect of preventing unauthorized access to the main control device 80 is extremely high.
In addition, even if an unauthorized board is attached between the main controller 80 and the frame controller 81, the unauthorized controller cannot access the main controller 80 from the unauthorized board. The effect of preventing (so-called hanging goto) is also high.

  Further, in the configuration of the first embodiment, when the big winning game winning opening 14 is opened, when the count switch 14a does not detect the game ball and the launching device 31 normally launches the game ball, the launching device 31 is used. Since the launch of the game ball by force is forcibly stopped, it is possible to prevent the launched game ball from becoming a waste ball. That is, during the opening of the jackpot 14 for the big hit game, it is an opportunity for the player to obtain a great profit, so that the game ball is actively launched. In this state, if an operation abnormality is detected that the count switch 14a does not detect, it may become a waste ball that is not detected even if it enters the big winning opening 14. Therefore, by forcibly stopping the launch of the game ball, the generation of the waste ball can be prevented, and the disadvantage suffered by the player can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Further, in the first embodiment, an operation abnormality on the main controller 80 side is detected by non-detection of the game ball by the count switch 14a while the big winning opening 14 of the big hit game is opened. It can respond to abnormalities relatively quickly. More specifically, during the big hit game, as described above, the player fires game balls relatively positively, and a large number of game balls are launched into the game area 3, so that the count switch can be performed in a relatively short time. The non-detection due to 14a can be verified. And since it can verify and cope with such operation abnormality in a comparatively short time, it is excellent also in the effect which suppresses the disadvantage of the player which arises by this operation abnormality.

  In addition, since the verification of the operation abnormality of the main control device 80 and the handling of the operation abnormality are performed by the frame control device 81, there is also an advantage that the burden on the main control device 80 can be reduced.

  In the configuration of the second embodiment, the launching device 31 launches when the frame control device 81 cannot receive the entrance detection signal that is issued for each entrance to the grand prize winning opening 14 during the big hit game. If the abnormality is not detected, an operation abnormality on the main controller 80 side is performed, and processing corresponding to the operation abnormality is performed. In the second embodiment, the main control device 80 includes a big winning hole count process (FIG. 18) for transmitting a ball detection signal every time a game ball is detected by the count switch 14a, and the frame control device 81 has a ball detection signal. Is provided with an abnormality handling process (FIG. 19) for performing a process corresponding to an operation abnormality when it is not received for a predetermined time. Furthermore, the frame control device 81 includes the same launch abnormality detection process as that of the first embodiment, and confirms whether or not the launch of the game ball by the launch device 31 is normal by the launch abnormality detection process.

  In the second embodiment, the main controller 80 does not include the ball entry abnormality detection process of the first embodiment described above, and the frame controller 81 performs an abnormality handling process different from that of the first embodiment. Since other than this is the same as in the first embodiment, the details are omitted as appropriate. That is, the second embodiment is a sealed pachinko machine 1 (management game machine), and is configured to be able to communicate in only one direction from the main controller 80 to the frame controller 81.

  18 is executed by the main controller 80, and is one of the subroutines called in the above-described main routine winning confirmation process (S18). The winning prize counting process is not limited to the configuration of the second embodiment, and the configuration of the first embodiment described above may be provided, and there is no problem even if it is used in the first embodiment.

  In the big prize winning count processing, it is determined in S1300 whether or not a big hit game is being played. Here, if the determination is affirmative (S1300: Yes), the process proceeds to S1305, and if the determination is negative (S1300: No), the winning prize count processing is terminated. In S1305, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 14 is being opened. If the special winning opening 14 is being opened (S1305: Yes), the process proceeds to S1310. If the special winning opening 14 is being closed (S1305: No), the process proceeds to S1330. In S1330, the count number P is cleared, and the big winnings counting process is terminated.

  In S1310, it is confirmed whether or not a game ball detection signal is input from the count switch 14a. If the detection signal is input (S1310: Yes), the process proceeds to S1315. If the detection signal is not input (S1310: No), the big prize winning count process is terminated. In S1315, a process of adding 1 to the count number P is performed. This count number P indicates the number of winnings to the big winning opening 14 in one opening / closing round, and is used for the determination in S550 of the above-mentioned big hit game processing.

  In the next S1320, the incoming signal transmission process is performed. In this incoming ball signal transmission process, a process of transmitting a incoming ball detection signal indicating that a game ball has entered the big winning opening 14 to the frame control device 81 is executed. After the winning signal transmission processing, the big winning count processing is finished.

  In this way, in the special winning opening counting process, every time the count switch 14a detects a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 14, a winning detection signal is transmitted to the frame control device 81. The count switch 14a corresponds to the incoming ball detecting means according to the present invention, and the incoming signal transmission process corresponds to the incoming signal transmission process according to the present invention.

  The abnormality handling process shown in FIG. 19 is a process periodically executed by the frame control device 81 (for example, a timer interrupt process with a period of 2 ms).

  In the abnormality handling process, it is determined in S1400 whether or not the open flag = 1. If the determination is affirmative (S1400: Yes), the process proceeds to S1460. If the determination is negative (S1400: No), the process proceeds to S1405. The open flag indicates whether or not the special winning opening 14 is open as in the first embodiment. In S1460, it is determined whether or not the command issued in the big winning opening closing process (S560) of the big hit game process is received. If the determination is affirmative (S1460: Yes), the process proceeds to S1465. If the determination is negative (S1460: No), the process proceeds to S1415. In S1465, the open flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S1470. In S1470, the timer counter T2 is cleared and the abnormality handling process ends.

  On the other hand, in S1405, it is determined whether or not the command issued in the big winning opening process (S525 or S585) of the above-mentioned jackpot game process is received. If the determination is affirmative (S1405: Yes), the process proceeds to S1410. If the determination is negative (S1405: No), the abnormality handling process ends. In S1410, the open flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S1415.

  S1415 is a negative determination of S1460 or a process subsequent to S1410, and confirms whether or not the ball entry detection signal transmitted by the ball signal transmission process (S1320) of the above-described winning prize count process has been received. Here, if the incoming ball detection signal is received (S1415: Yes), the process proceeds to S1470, the timer counter T2 is cleared, and the abnormality handling process ends. On the other hand, when the incoming ball detection signal is not received (S1415: No), the process proceeds to S1420. In S1420, a process of adding 1 to the timer counter T2 is performed, and the process proceeds to S1425. In S1425, it is determined whether or not the timer counter T2 has reached a predetermined set value N. If the determination is affirmative (S1425: Yes), the process proceeds to S1430. If the determination is negative (S1425: No), the abnormality handling process ends. Here, as the set value N, for example, a value corresponding to 10 seconds is set. As a result, when the timer counter T2 reaches the set value N, it indicates that there is no game ball entering the special winning opening 14 for 10 seconds. The set value N can be set as appropriate, for example, by setting a value corresponding to 5 seconds or 15 seconds in addition to 10 seconds.

  In S1430, it is determined whether or not the firing abnormality flag = 0. If the firing abnormality flag = 0 (S1430: Yes), the process proceeds to S1435. If the firing abnormality flag = 1 (S1430: No), the abnormality handling process is terminated. In S <b> 1435, it is determined whether or not a game ball detection signal is input from the out ball sensor 121. If the determination is affirmative (S1435: Yes), the process proceeds to S1440. If the determination is negative (S1435: No), the process proceeds to S1450.

In S1440, a firing stop process is performed. In the firing stop process, the command transmission to the firing motor 106 and the ball feed solenoid 107 is forcibly stopped and the driving of the launching device 31 is forcibly stopped as in the first embodiment. In the next S1454, abnormality notification processing is performed. In the abnormality notification process, as in the first embodiment described above, the symbol indicating that an operation abnormality has occurred in the winning of the game ball and the symbol indicating that the game ball has been stopped are displayed on the unit display device described above. It displays on the display screen of 47 and alert | reports to a player. In this abnormality notification process, the abnormality information symbol 141a, the firing stop symbol 142, and the instruction symbol 143 are displayed and the call operation area 138 is validated, as in FIG. 17A of the first embodiment.
After S1445, the abnormality handling process ends.

In S1450, out-ball abnormality processing is performed. This out-ball abnormality process is similar to the above-described first embodiment, because there is a possibility that detection abnormality of the out-ball sensor 121 or clogging of the collection path from the out port 16 to the polishing device 35 may occur. Perform the corresponding process. Specifically, the abnormality information symbol 141b and the instruction symbol 143 are displayed as in FIG. 17B of the first embodiment, and the call operation area 138 is validated.
After this S1450, the abnormality handling process ends.

In the second embodiment, the firing abnormality detection process (FIG. 14) corresponds to the firing abnormality detection means according to the present invention. The firing stop process (S1230) and the abnormality notification process (S1235) correspond to the abnormality handling process according to the present invention, and the abnormality handling process of FIG. 19 corresponds to the abnormality handling means according to the present invention.
Further, the big prize opening process (S525 or S585) of the big hit game process corresponds to the release signal transmitting means according to the present invention, and the command transmitted in the big prize opening process is the big prize opening according to the present invention. Corresponds to an open signal.

  As described above, in the configuration of the second embodiment, the operation of the launching device 31 is performed when the frame control device 81 cannot receive the ball detection signal transmitted every time the ball enters the big winning opening 14 for a predetermined time. If it is normal, it is determined as an operation abnormality on the main controller 80 side, and the operation abnormality is verified based on the incoming ball detection signal. That is, in the second embodiment, the main controller 80 only transmits a ball-in detection signal every time the count switch 14a is detected. As in the first embodiment, the main controller 80 determines whether the count switch 14a is not detected. Processing such as sending a ball abnormality signal (incoming ball abnormality detection processing) is not required. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the processing load on the main controller 80 can be further reduced.

The second embodiment is configured to be able to communicate in only one direction from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81 as in the first embodiment, but the frame control device 81 is on the main control device 80 side. It is possible to respond appropriately to abnormal operation.
Further, as described above, except that the operation abnormality is verified based on the incoming ball detection signal, it is the same as the first embodiment, and therefore the configuration of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. , The effect of preventing unauthorized access from outside, the effect of preventing the act of attaching an unauthorized board, and the disadvantage of the player by forcibly stopping the launch of the game ball in the case of abnormal operation on the main controller 80 side And the effect of verifying and responding to the abnormal operation in a relatively short time.

  In the configuration of the third embodiment, in a non-game state in which the player is not playing a game, the main control device 80 transmits a fixed cycle signal to the frame control device 81 at a fixed cycle, and the frame control device 81 transmits the fixed cycle signal. Is not received for a predetermined time, processing corresponding to the operation abnormality is performed as an operation abnormality on the main controller 80 side.

  In the third embodiment, the main control device 80 transmits a fixed cycle signal to the frame control device 81 in the non-game state by the fixed cycle transmission processing shown in FIG. 20, and the frame control device 81 performs the abnormality handling processing shown in FIG. Thus, a process for notifying the operation abnormality is performed when the fixed-cycle signal is not received for a predetermined time. By such processing, the third embodiment verifies the operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side in the non-game state, and the above described ball abnormality detection process, launch abnormality detection process, and abnormality of the first and second embodiments described above. There is no corresponding processing. In addition, about the special winning a prize mouth count process of Example 2, it may be provided and does not need to be provided.

  Since the third embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments except for the above processing, the details are omitted as appropriate. Even in the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, it is the enclosed pachinko machine 1 (management game machine) and communicates only in one direction from the main controller 80 to the frame controller 81. This is a possible configuration.

  The fixed-cycle transmission process shown in FIG. 20 is executed by the main controller 80, and is one of the subroutines called in the above-described fraud monitoring process (S21) of the main routine.

In the periodic transmission process, in S1500, it is determined whether or not the player is in a non-game state in which no game is played. Here, in the non-game state, the first start port switch 11a, the second start port switch 12a, the normal symbol operation switch 17a, the normal winning port switch 15a, the out port switch 16a, and the count are input to the main controller 80. From any of the switches 14a, the game ball detection signal is not input for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) or longer. When there is a game ball detection signal from any of these switches, it is determined that the player is playing a game (not in a non-game state).
If it is determined in S1500 that it is a non-gaming state (S1500: Yes), the process proceeds to S1505. If it is determined that it is not a non-game state (S1500: No), the process proceeds to S1520.

  In S1505, 1 is added to the timer counter T3, and the process proceeds to S1510. In S1510, it is determined whether or not the timer counter T3 has reached a predetermined set value R. If the determination is affirmative (S1510: Yes), the process proceeds to S1515. If the determination is negative (S1510: No), the periodic transmission process ends. Here, as the set value R, for example, a value corresponding to 3 seconds is set. The set value R can be set as appropriate, for example, by setting a value corresponding to 1 second or 5 seconds in addition to 3 seconds.

In S1515, signal transmission processing is performed, and a predetermined periodic signal is transmitted. Since this signal transmission process is executed every time the timer counter T3 reaches the set value R in S1510 described above, a fixed-cycle signal is transmitted at a fixed period (for example, every 3 seconds) indicated by the set value R. The fixed period signal may be any signal as long as the received frame control device 81 can recognize that the signal is a fixed period signal.
In next step S1520, the timer counter T3 is cleared, and the fixed-cycle transmission process ends.

  As described above, the main control device 80 transmits the periodic signal to the frame control device 81 periodically (for example, every 3 seconds) by the periodic transmission processing. The periodic transmission process corresponds to the periodic signal transmission unit according to the present invention.

  The abnormality handling process shown in FIG. 21 is a process periodically executed by the frame control device 81 (for example, a timer interrupt process with a period of 2 ms).

In the abnormality handling process, in S1600, it is determined whether or not the player is in a non-game state in which no game is played. Here, in the abnormality handling process, a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) is received from any of the counting switch 62, the handle volume 101, the touch switch 102, the winning ball sensor 120, and the out ball sensor 121 that input signals to the frame control device 81. It is determined that the player is in a non-gaming state by not inputting a signal for a minute). When a signal is input from any one of these switches and sensors, it is determined that the player is playing a game.
If it is determined in S1600 that it is in a non-game state (S1600: Yes), the process proceeds to S1605, and if it is determined that it is not in a non-game state (S1600: No), the process proceeds to S1625.

  In S1605, it is determined whether or not a fixed cycle signal has been received from the main controller 80. If a fixed period signal is received, the process proceeds to S1625. If the fixed period signal is not received, the process proceeds to S1610.

  In S1610, a process of adding 1 to the timer counter T4 is performed, and the process proceeds to S1615. In S1615, it is determined whether or not the timer counter T4 has reached a predetermined set value W. If the determination is affirmative (S1615: Yes), the process proceeds to S1620. If the determination is negative (S1615: No), the abnormality handling process ends. Here, the set value W is set to a value larger than the set value R so that the time corresponding to the set value W is longer than the time corresponding to the set value R in the above-described periodic transmission process. Is set. As described above, in S1615, it is determined whether or not the periodic signal can be received over a predetermined time longer than the transmission interval of the stop periodic signal. For example, the set value W is set to a value corresponding to 7 seconds longer than the transmission interval of the periodic signal (3 seconds indicated by the set value R). The set value W is not limited to 7 seconds as long as it is longer than the transmission interval of the stop cycle signal, and can be set as appropriate.

In S1620, an abnormality notification process is performed. In the abnormality notification process, a symbol indicating that an operation abnormality has occurred on the main control device 80 side is displayed on the display screen of the unit display device 47 and notified (not shown). As a result, it is possible to notify an attendant of a game store that an operation abnormality has occurred in the machine stand, and to notify a player who is about to start a game at the machine stand that an operation abnormality is occurring. . The abnormality notification process is not limited to such display on the unit display device 47, and a lamp, a speaker, or the like that can be directly driven and controlled by the frame control device 81 may be provided and notified by these.
In the next S1625, the timer counter T4 is cleared, and the abnormality handling process ends.

  In the third embodiment, the abnormality notification process (S1620) corresponds to the abnormality handling process according to the present invention, and the abnormality handling process of FIG. 21 corresponds to the abnormality handling means according to the present invention.

  As described above, in the configuration of the third embodiment, in the non-game state, the main control device 80 transmits a fixed-cycle signal at a fixed cycle, and the frame control device 81 cannot receive the fixed-cycle signal. The operation abnormality is notified as the operation abnormality. According to the configuration of the third embodiment, in the non-game state in which the player is not playing a game, it is confirmed whether or not the main control device 80 is normal. It is possible to eliminate the abnormal operation before the operation is performed. Furthermore, by notifying the occurrence of an abnormal operation, it can be prevented that a player starts a game on the machine. Therefore, it is possible to suppress as much as possible that the player suffers a disadvantage due to an operation abnormality occurring on the main controller 80 side.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the frame control device 81 verifies the operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side based on the periodic signal transmitted from the main control device 80, and therefore, the first embodiment described above. 2, even if the main control device 80 can communicate with the frame control device 81 only in one direction, the frame control device 81 can appropriately cope with an operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side. In addition, unauthorized access to the main control device 80 from the outside can be prevented, and an unauthorized act of disposing an unauthorized substrate between the main control device 80 and the frame control device 81 can also be prevented. Further, since the frame control device 81 verifies the operation abnormality of the main control device 80 and copes with the operation abnormality, the burden on the main control device 80 can be reduced.

  In the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described first to third embodiments, and configurations other than the above-described embodiments can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, another example of the above-described embodiment will be illustrated.

The configuration of the first embodiment is a configuration in which an incoming ball abnormality signal is transmitted when the timer counter T1 reaches the set value M in the incoming ball abnormality detection process (FIG. 13). Instead, a plurality of different entrance abnormality signals may be sequentially transmitted according to the elapsed time by the timer counter T1. Specifically, a plurality of different set values are set, and each time the timer counter T1 reaches each set value, an incoming ball abnormality signal corresponding to each set value is transmitted. For example, a setting value M1 corresponding to 10 seconds, a setting value M2 corresponding to 20 seconds, and a setting value M3 corresponding to 30 seconds are set, and each of the setting values M1 to M3 is subjected to a different rank of the incoming abnormal signal Assign each one. Thus, in the incoming ball abnormality detection process, when the timer counter T1 reaches the set value M1, a first rank incoming ball abnormal signal is transmitted, and when the set value M2 is reached over time, the second rank incoming ball When an abnormal signal is transmitted and the set value M3 is reached as time elapses, a third-rank entry abnormal signal is transmitted. On the other hand, in the abnormality handling process (FIG. 15), when the first rank entry abnormality signal or the second rank entry abnormality signal is received, the launch stop process (S1230) is skipped, and the abnormality notification process is performed. (S1235) is executed, and a symbol indicating a warning such as “abnormal occurrence! Winning abnormality” is displayed on the display screen of the unit display device 47. Further, when the third rank entry abnormality signal is received, the launch stop process (S1230) and the abnormality notification process (S1235) are executed, and the launch of the game ball is forced as in the first embodiment. The symbols 141a, 141b, etc., which stop and indicate abnormal operation are displayed (see FIG. 17). Here, since the entrance abnormality signals of each rank are sequentially transmitted, the above-described abnormality notification process and launch stop process are selectively executed every time each entry abnormality signal is received. Therefore, of course, if the counter switch 14a is detected before receiving the third rank entry abnormality signal, the third rank entry abnormality signal is not transmitted. Only abnormality notification processing by the second rank entry abnormality signal is executed. Then, the warning symbol displayed by the abnormality notification process is terminated on the basis of detection of the counter switch 14a (elimination of operation abnormality), and the normal display (see FIG. 16) is resumed. The out-ball abnormality process (S1240) is preferably skipped when the first and second rank incoming abnormality signals are received, and is executed only when the third rank incoming abnormality signal is received. It is.
Here, although the three set values M1 to M3 are set here, the number of set values and the corresponding time can be set as appropriate.
As another example of the second embodiment, the abnormality handling process (see FIG. 19) includes a firing stop process (S1440), an abnormality notification process (S1445), and an elapsed time by the timer counter T2 after receiving the release command. May be selectively executed. Even in the abnormality handling process of this other example, similarly to the other example of the first embodiment, for example, a setting value N1 corresponding to 10 seconds, a setting value N2 corresponding to 20 seconds, and a setting value corresponding to 30 seconds Set N3. If the timer counter T2 reaches the set value N1 or N2, the firing stop process (S1440) is skipped, an abnormality notification process (S1445) is executed, and a warning symbol is displayed on the display screen of the unit display device 47. indicate. Further, when the timer counter T2 reaches the set value N3, the firing stop process (S1440) and the abnormality notification process (S1445) are executed to forcibly stop the launch of the game ball as in the second embodiment. In addition, symbols 141a, 141b and the like indicating operation abnormality are displayed (see FIG. 17). Even in the other example of the second embodiment, as in the other example of the first embodiment described above, if the incoming ball detection signal is received before the set value N3 is reached, the display of the warning symbol by the abnormality notification process is terminated. In addition, it is preferable that the out-ball abnormality process (S1450) is executed only when the set value N3 is reached. The number of set values and the respective times can be set as appropriate.

  In the configurations of the first and second embodiments, the operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side is verified based on the non-detection of the game ball only by the count switch 14a of the special winning opening 14, However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to verify the abnormal operation based on the non-detection of the start port switches 11a and 12a and the normal winning port switch 15a. For example, the abnormal operation may be verified based on the non-detection of the game ball only by the first start port switch 11a or the second start port switch 12a, or the non-game ball may be detected only by the normal winning port switch 15a. The operation abnormality may be verified based on the detection. Further, the abnormal operation may be verified based on the fact that all or any one of the count switch 14a, the start port switches 11a and 12a, and the normal winning port switch 15a are not detected.

  Further, in the configurations of the first and second embodiments, the out-port switch 16a that detects the game ball that has entered the out-port 16 is connected to the main control device 80. The abnormal operation on the main controller 80 side may be verified based on the non-detection of the game ball by the outlet switch 16a. In this case, the verification may be performed based on the non-detection of the game ball by only the out port switch 16a, the count switch 14a, the start port switches 11a and 12a, the normal winning port switch 15a, and The verification may be performed based on the fact that all or any of the outlet switches 16a are not detected. Further, in the configuration in which the non-detection of the game ball by the outlet switch 16a is used as the verification condition in this way, S1225 and S1240 of the abnormality handling process in the first embodiment (FIG. 15), and the abnormality handling process in the second embodiment (FIG. 19) S1435 and S1450 can be omitted.

  Further, in the configuration of the first embodiment, in the abnormality handling process (FIG. 15), when the affirmative determination is made in S1240, the firing stop process (S1245) is performed immediately, but not limited thereto, the affirmative determination is made in S1240. In such a case, the player may be prompted to launch a game ball aiming at the big winning opening 14, and if there is still no entry, a firing stop process may be performed. Even in the abnormality handling process (FIG. 19) of the second embodiment, the same may be applied.

  In addition, the configurations of the first and second embodiments are such that the operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side is verified based on the non-detection of the game ball by the count switch 14a during the big hit game. It is also possible to verify the operation abnormality in a gaming state other than the big hit game (a gaming state performed by closing the big prize opening). In the configuration implemented in this gaming state, the frame control device 81 is connected to the main control device 80 side based on non-detection by any of the start port switches 11a, 12a, the normal winning port switch 15a, and the out port switch 16a. Verify abnormal operation. The time for determining non-detection of the game ball by each of these switches is set to a time (for example, 1 minute or 3 minutes) longer than the time (for example, 10 seconds) set in the configuration during the big hit game. . This is because the frequency at which a player fires a game ball is different in a game state other than a big hit game.

  In addition, in the configuration of the first and second embodiments, in the case of an abnormal operation on the main controller 80 side, the launch of the game ball is forcibly stopped and the occurrence of the abnormal operation is notified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one of the stop of game ball firing and the notification of abnormal operation may be performed. Further, the notification of the operation abnormality is not limited to the display on the unit display device 47, but can also be performed by the display on the effect symbol display device 6. Furthermore, the abnormal operation can be notified by a predetermined notification sound from the speaker 66 or a predetermined notification light from the lamp 65. It should be noted that in the case where notification is performed using the effect symbol display device 6, the speaker 66, and the lamp 65, a configuration in which the frame control device 81 and the sub integrated control device 83 are arranged to be communicable is necessary.

  Further, since the third embodiment described above is for verifying whether or not there is an operation abnormality on the main control device 80 side in a non-game state in which no game is performed by the player, the first embodiment described above or It can also be combined with the second embodiment. According to the combined configuration, the operation abnormality can be verified both in the non-game state and in the big hit game, so that the effects of both the first and second embodiments and the third embodiment are exhibited. The effect of preventing the player's disadvantage can be remarkably improved.

  It should be noted that the above-described other examples can be constituted by combining a plurality of other examples in addition to the independent structures.

1 Pachinko machine (ball game machine)
2 Game board 3 Game area 11 First start opening (entrance entrance, start opening)
12 Second start (entrance, start)
14 Grand Prize Exit (Winner Exit)
14a Count switch 15 Regular winning opening (winning opening)
16 Out port 31 Launcher 80 Main controller 81 Frame controller

Claims (6)

A launching device for launching a game ball to a game area where at least a game entrance capable of entering a game ball, a winning entrance, and an out entrance are provided;
A main control device that controls execution of a special game that opens a predetermined winning opening, triggered by the entry of a game ball into the entrance.
In a ball game machine comprising a frame control device for driving and controlling the launching device,
The main control device and the frame control device are arranged so that they can communicate in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device,
The main controller is
Provided in at least one of the entrance, winning entrance, and out entrance, a entrance detection means for detecting entrance of a game ball,
An abnormal transmission means for transmitting a predetermined incoming ball abnormality signal to the frame control device when the incoming ball detecting means has not detected the incoming game ball for a predetermined time at least during execution of the special game; With
The frame control device
Launch abnormality detection means for detecting launch abnormality of a game ball by the launch device;
When the ball abnormality signal is received from the main control device, if the launch abnormality detection means does not detect the game ball launch abnormality, a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to the operation abnormality on the main control device side is performed. A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising an abnormality handling means to be executed. A launching device for launching a game ball to a game area provided with a start opening, a normal winning opening, a large winning opening, and an out opening capable of entering a game ball;
A main control device that controls the execution of a special game that opens the grand prize winning port when the game ball enters the starting port, when the winning lottery is performed, and the result of the corresponding lottery is winning,
In a ball game machine comprising a frame control device for driving and controlling the launching device,
The main control device and the frame control device are arranged so that they can communicate in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device,
The main controller is
Provided in at least one of the start opening, the normal winning opening, the big winning opening, and the out opening, and a ball detecting means for detecting the entering of a game ball,
An abnormal transmission means for transmitting a predetermined incoming ball abnormality signal to the frame control device when the incoming ball detecting means has not detected the incoming game ball for a predetermined time at least during execution of the special game; With
The frame control device
Launch abnormality detection means for detecting launch abnormality of a game ball by the launch device;
When the ball abnormality signal is received from the main control device, if the launch abnormality detection means does not detect the game ball launch abnormality, a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to the operation abnormality on the main control device side is performed. A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising an abnormality handling means to be executed. The entrance detection means is provided at the grand prize opening,
The abnormal transmission means, when the special winning game is open, when the special ball detection means does not detect the entry of the game ball into the special winning opening for a predetermined time, The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the ball game machine is transmitted to a frame control device.   4. The abnormality handling process executed by the abnormality handling means of the frame control device includes a launch stop processing content for forcibly stopping the launch of the game ball by the launch device. Ball game machine. A launcher that launches game balls into the game area;
When a game ball enters a start opening provided in the gaming area, a winning lottery is performed. If the result of the corresponding lottery is a win, a special winning opening provided in the gaming area is opened. A main controller for controlling the execution of the game;
In a ball game machine comprising a frame control device for driving and controlling the launching device,
The main control device and the frame control device are arranged so that they can communicate in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device,
The main controller is
Entry detection means for detecting entry of a game ball into the grand prize opening,
Each time the entrance detection means detects an entrance of a game ball, an entrance signal transmission means for transmitting an entrance detection signal to the frame control device;
An opening signal transmitting means for transmitting a winning prize opening signal indicating opening of the winning prize opening to the frame control device;
The frame control device
Launch abnormality detection means for detecting launch abnormality of a game ball by the launch device;
When opening the grand prize opening indicated by the reception of the big prize opening signal, when the ball detection signal is not received over a predetermined time and the launch abnormality detecting means is not detecting the launch abnormality, A bullet ball game machine characterized by comprising an abnormality handling means for executing a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to an operational abnormality on the main controller side. A launcher that launches game balls into the game area;
A main control device that controls execution of a special game that gives a predetermined gain to the player, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the start opening provided in the game area,
In a ball game machine comprising a frame control device for driving and controlling the launching device,
The main control device and the frame control device are arranged so that they can communicate in only one direction from the main control device to the frame control device,
The main control device includes a periodic signal transmission means for periodically transmitting a predetermined periodic signal to the frame control device in a non-game state where the player is not playing a game,
The frame control device includes an abnormality handling means for executing a predetermined abnormality handling process corresponding to an operational abnormality on the main control device side when the fixed-cycle signal is not received for a predetermined time in the non-gaming state. A ball game machine characterized by comprising.

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