JP2019205778A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that suppresses a decline in game interest, in the game machine having a ball shooting device provided at the upper corner of the game board.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a ball shooting device 12 and a game board 5 where a game area 8 in which a game ball shot from a shooting port 38 of the ball shooting device 12 flows down is formed. The ball shooting device 12 is arranged at a position corresponding to one of upper corners of the game board 5, and the game board 5 is provided with an upper game area partition 451 that partitions the upper part of the game area 8 and a ball collision part 29 on the opposite side of the ball shooting device 12. The upper game area partition 451 includes: a ball shooting side upper section 454 formed with an ascending curve surface 453 that guides a game ball in an arc shape from the shooting port 38 to the top of the game area 8; and a ball collision side upper section 456 formed with a descending curve surface 455 that guides a game ball in an arc shape from the top of the game area 8 to the ball collision part 29. An arc length α2 of the descending curve surface is longer than the arc length α1 of the ascending curve surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 113

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game ball in a game area.

There is known an enclosed game machine in which a game ball previously enclosed in the machine is circulated to advance the game (see Patent Document 1). Such enclosed game machines are equipped with a circulation mechanism (circulation path) such as a ball polishing device for removing dirt and moisture from the game ball, a ball lifting device for lifting the game ball, etc. Is provided at the upper part (upper left corner) of the game board.
In addition, the gaming machine has a ball launcher attached to the main body frame, while a game board is detachably attached to the main body frame, and a cutout portion is provided in the upper left corner of the game board to accommodate the ball launcher. ing.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-159953

  If a ball launcher is provided in the upper corner of the game board, the launch position and the game area are very close, so if the player wants to play a game on the right side of the game area (so-called right-handed), A game ball launched from the ball launcher draws a minute arc and immediately reaches the right side of the game area. For this reason, it is difficult to grasp the feeling of flying, and it is difficult to make a fine setting of the right-handed strength.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in gaming interest in a gaming machine in which a ball launcher is provided at the upper corner of the gaming board.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as described in claim 1,
A ball launcher that launches game balls;
A game board in which a game area in which a game ball launched from the launch port of the ball launcher flows down is formed,
The ball launcher is disposed at a position corresponding to the upper corner of at least one of the game boards,
A gaming machine in which the gaming board is provided with an upper gaming area section having a ball collision section on the side opposite to the ball launching device, and the upper section of the gaming area is partitioned in an arc shape. ,
The upper game area section includes a ball launch side upper section formed with a rising curve surface that guides a game ball in an arc from the launch port of the ball launcher to the top of the game area, and the game A ball collision side upper partition portion formed with a descending curved surface for guiding the game ball in an arc shape from the top of the region to the ball collision portion,
There is provided a gaming machine configured such that an arc length of the descending curve surface is longer than an arc length of the ascending curve surface.
In this case, it is preferable that the ball collision portion has a lower limit at a substantially three o'clock position of the substantially circular game area.
According to such a gaming machine, when a player desires to play a game far from the launch port, for example, on the right side of the game area (so-called right-handed), the game ball launched from the ball launcher is Since the ball hits the ball collision part from the ascending curve surface along the descending curve surface that is longer than before, the feeling of flying the ball is easy to grasp because of the long fall time, and it becomes easy to make a fine setting of the hitting strength (paragraph [0545]. ] To paragraph [0592] and FIGS. 103 to 113).

  The upper game area partition may be separate from the other game area partitions that partition the game area, and the upper game area partition may include the ball launch side upper partition and the ball You may divide | segment into a collision side upper division part.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, about the game machine which provided the ball | bowl launcher in the upper corner part of the game board, the fall of a game interest can be suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and a payment machine installed in the gaming machine. It is a front view of the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed. It is a front perspective view which shows the main body frame which comprises a game machine. It is a back perspective view which shows the main body frame which comprises a game machine. It is a perspective view which shows a ball | bowl launcher, a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit, and a ball assembly part. It is a right view which shows a ball launching device, a ball supply path member, and a ball lifting device. It is the perspective view by the eyes | visual_axis which looked up at the upper part of the game board from the front lower part of the game board which shows a ball | bowl launcher and a launch area. It is a front view showing a ball launching device (launching hammer hitting position). It is a perspective view which shows a ball | bowl launcher as seen from the front left side. It is a perspective view which looks at a ball | bowl launcher from back left. It is a perspective view which removes the ball feeding unit cover and shows the ball launching device as viewed from the rear left. It is a figure which shows the open state of the ball | bowl launcher in the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed. It is a right view which shows the longitudinal cross-section of the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. It is the perspective view which showed the state which the junction part with the base plate in a ball | bowl launcher and the protrusion part of the panel holder in a game board are contact | abutting. It is a perspective view which shows a ball | bowl launcher as seen from the front right side. It is a front view which shows a ball | bowl launcher (launching hammer standby position). It is a right view which shows a ball launcher (ball feed solenoid de-excitation, ball feed member is held position and return ball blocking position). It is sectional drawing of the ball | bowl launching apparatus shown broken by the BB line of FIG. 10 (a ball | bowl feed solenoid is not excited, a ball | bowl feed member is a holding position and a return ball | bowl blocking position). It is a perspective view which shows the ball | bowl feed member, ball | bowl feed shaft, and ball | bowl feed sheet metal in a ball | bowl feeder from diagonally back. It is a right view which shows a ball launcher (ball feed solenoid excitation, a ball feed member is a supply position and an allowable position). It is sectional drawing of the ball | bowl launcher shown broken by the BB line of FIG. 10 (a ball feed solenoid excitation, a ball feed member is a supply position and an allowable position). It is sectional drawing which fractured | ruptured the main body frame longitudinally so that the ball launching device, the ball supply path member, and the ball lifting device could be shown. It is a time chart which shows the drive timing of a ball feed solenoid and a launch solenoid. It is a front perspective view of a ball exit opening and closing unit. It is a back perspective view of a ball exit opening and closing unit. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between an upper launch unit and the ball | bowl exit opening / closing unit in a main body frame. It is an external appearance perspective view explaining a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure which isolate | separates and reverses a magnetic ball discharge part cover in FIG. It is a top view of a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a rear view of a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure explaining the base plate of a deformed sphere and a magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure which isolate | separates a deformed sphere and a magnetic sphere discharge unit into a deformed sphere discharge unit and a magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure explaining the path | route by which a deformed sphere and a magnetic sphere are discharged | emitted in a deformed sphere and a magnetic sphere discharge | emission unit. It is a figure explaining the situation where a magnetic ball is separated from the circulation path and discharged. It is a figure explaining the state where the magnetic sphere reached the magnetic sphere discharge inclined surface. It is a front left perspective view of a ball gathering part and a ball lifting device. It is a front view of a ball gathering part and a ball lifting device. It is a front view which shows the state which removed the ball polishing cartridge in a ball gathering part. It is a back perspective view which shows the state which removed the case of the ball assembly part and the cover of the ball lifting device. It is the back perspective view which expanded the ball gathering part in Drawing 40. It is the figure which expanded FIG. 41 further. It is the top view which removed the case of the ball gathering part. It is a back perspective view showing the state where an upper gearbox and a lower gearbox were removed. It is a right view which shows the state which removed the cover of the ball lifting apparatus. It is an enlarged view of (A) in FIG. It is a figure showing the state which decomposed | disassembled the screw. It is a perspective view which shows the upper part of a ball lifting apparatus. It is a figure which shows the fitting / non-fitting state of a screw and a fitting member. It is a left view which shows the state with which the ball polishing cartridge was mounted | worn. It is a perspective view explaining the mechanism which fixes a ball polishing cartridge. It is a perspective view which shows the state in the middle of mounting | wearing a ball polishing cartridge. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of a ball polishing cartridge are pressed. It is a left view which shows the state in which the ball polishing cloth of a game ball and a ball polishing cartridge is pressed. In FIG. 54, it is a left view which shows the state which removed the left side cover of the ball polishing cartridge. In FIG. 55, it is the figure which expanded the ball polishing cartridge vicinity. It is a perspective view which shows the state with which the ball polishing cartridge was mounted | worn. In FIG. 57, it is a perspective view which shows the state which removed only the right outer side cover for description. In FIG. 58, it is an upper perspective view which shows the state which opened the right side cover. It is a perspective view of a ball polish cartridge. It is a front view of a ball polish cartridge. It is a side view of a ball polish cartridge. In FIG. 62, it is a side view which shows the state which removed the left side cover. It is a perspective view of a ball polish cartridge mounting part. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between a ball polishing cartridge and a ball polishing cartridge mounting part. FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge of FIG. 39. It is a side view which shows the 2nd Example in a conveyance slope member. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd Example in a conveyance slope member. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the upper gear box in the lifting apparatus. It is a rear view which shows the state which removed the raising part cover in the raising apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the state in which the game ball | bowl thrown in when enclosing a game ball | bowl to an enclosure ball-type game machine is less than a predetermined number. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a predetermined number of game balls are inserted when a game ball is encapsulated in an encapsulated ball game machine. It is the schematic which shows the behavior of the game ball | bowl when the game ball | bowl thrown into the enclosure ball | bowl type game machine exceeds the predetermined number when the game ball | bowl is enclosed. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the game ball introduction member in the game panel protruded. It is a perspective view which shows the state which accommodated the game ball introduction member in a game panel. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part in embodiment of the main control board | substrate arrange | positioned at the enclosed ball type game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the ball | bowl information control board arrange | positioned at the enclosed ball-type game machine. It is a block diagram which shows each element connected to the payment machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side power-on process which the main control MPU of the main control board performs. 80 is a flowchart showing a continuation of main-control-side power-on processing in FIG. 79. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process which main control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the ball | bowl information control side power-on process which the ball | bowl information control MPU of a ball | bowl information control board performs. FIG. 83 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the power-on process on the ball information control side in FIG. 82. FIG. FIG. 84 is a flowchart showing a continuation of power-on processing on the ball information sphere concession control side following FIG. 83. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the sphere information control power-off which the sphere information control MPU of a sphere information control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a sphere information control side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball rental process which sphere information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a ball | bowl hit possibility determination process which ball information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the number-of-balls counting process which ball information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball | bowl feed and discharge drive process which sphere information control MPU performs. It is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the shot ball detection process which sphere information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the number-of-balls subtraction process which sphere information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the lifting drive process which sphere information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball clogging notification process performed by the ball information control MPU. It is the figure which showed the cushion and the follower member provided in the back surface side of the door frame, and the cushion receiving plate provided in the ball launcher. It is an example of the block diagram which showed the game board and main body frame with which drawer connector connection was carried out. It is an example of the block diagram which showed the game board and main body frame with which drawer connector connection was carried out. It is a figure which shows the prior art example in the signal output from a ball | bowl information control board to an external terminal board. It is a figure which shows the present Example in the signal output from a ball | bowl information control board to an external terminal board. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a gaming machine ecosystem. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a gaming machine management system. It is a perspective view which shows the main body frame of the gaming machine of Embodiment 2. (A)-(C) are perspective views which show the insertion procedure of the game board of the game machine of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a cross-sectional front view showing a game board of the gaming machine of the second embodiment. It is a cross-sectional front view which shows the state which accommodated the ball | bowl launcher in the notch part of the game board of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is an enlarged view which shows the part enclosed with the dashed-two dotted line of FIG. 105B. It is a principal part enlarged front view which shows the modification of the game board and ball | bowl launcher of the gaming machine of Embodiment 2. It is a principal part enlarged front view which shows the modification of the game board and ball | bowl launcher of the gaming machine of Embodiment 2. It is a principal part enlarged front view which shows the modification of the game board and ball | bowl launcher of the gaming machine of Embodiment 2. FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line SS of FIG. 106 showing a state where the game board is not sufficiently installed. FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line SS of FIG. 106 showing a state where the game board is normally installed. It is a principal part enlarged front view which shows the modification of the game board and ball | bowl launcher of the gaming machine of Embodiment 2. It is a principal part enlarged front view which shows the modification of the game board and ball | bowl launcher of the gaming machine of Embodiment 2. It is a partially enlarged front view showing the upper part of the ball launcher and game board of the gaming machine of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side power-on process which the main control MPU of the main control board in this modification performs. FIG. 114B is a flowchart showing a continuation of the main control side power-on processing of FIG. 114A. It is a modification of the flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process which the main control MPU in this modification performs. It is a figure explaining an example of prize information transmitted to a ball information control board from a main control board in this modification. It is a figure explaining an example of the table which defines the number of prize balls corresponding to a winning mouth in this modification. It is a figure which shows the example at the time of including the number of prize balls in winning information in this modification, (A) collects the number of winnings for every general winning slot, (B) collects the general winning slot and wins This is the case of counting the numbers. It is a figure which shows the example which memorize | stored winning information in order of winning in this modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the game information transmitted to a ball | bowl information control board from the main control board in this modification, (A) is an example of winning information, (B) is an example of main control recognition information. It is a figure which shows another example of the game information transmitted to the ball | bowl information control board from the main control board in this modification. It is a figure explaining communication with the main control board and ball information control board at the time of starting of the game machine of this modification. It is a figure which shows the case where there is no response from a ball information control board with respect to the notification from a main control board in communication with the main control board and ball information control board of the game machine of this modification. It is a figure which shows another example in case there is no response from a ball information control board with respect to the notification from a main control board in communication with the main control board and ball information control board of the game machine of this modification.

[Embodiment 1]
[Outline of gaming machine]
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine 1 (encapsulated ball type gaming machine) according to the first embodiment can be installed in the current island facility in the hall (game hall), and the game content is the same as a well-known gaming machine. However, it is a gaming machine that does not use the ball supply mechanism or ball discharge mechanism of the island facility. That is, the encapsulated ball type gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment accommodates a predetermined number of gaming balls formed of a non-magnetic material (for example, stainless steel) in the gaming machine, and places the gaming balls in the gaming area by the ball launching device. A game is played by circulating a game ball encapsulated in advance in the gaming machine, such as launching and playing a game, collecting the game ball that has been played, and guiding it to the ball launching device. The game balls can be launched in accordance with the number of game balls (data on the number of balls held) based on the data on the number of rented balls input from a storage medium such as a card via a checkout system. Then, the data on the number of possessed balls is subtracted corresponding to the number of game balls that have been launched.

  In addition, when the launched game ball wins a winning opening in the game area and a prize ball (game ball) is generated, the actual game ball is not paid out, and the number of prize balls is included in the number-of-balls data. Is added. Further, when the data on the number of possessed balls becomes “0”, the game ball cannot be launched. In this state, when a numerical value (number of rented balls) is added to the data of the number of balls based on the amount data stored in a storage medium such as a card or the data of the stored balls, the game balls can be launched again. It becomes.

  First, the main body frame 2 (FIG. 3) and the door frame 3 (FIG. 1) constituting the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In addition, the game machine 1 of FIG. 1 is provided with a settlement machine 4 as an external device.

The gaming machine 1 has a rectangular frame shape and is installed on an island facility on the hall side, and is supported by the outer frame 1a so as to be openable and closable and a game board 5 (FIG. 2). A main body frame 2 that can be mounted and a door frame 3 that is pivotally supported by the main body frame 2 so as to be openable and closable are provided.
A decorative cover 6 is attached to the front surface of the outer frame 1a at a position below the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3, so that the front surface of the outer frame 1a is completely closed by the door frame 3 and the decorative cover 6. It has become. The outer frame 1a, the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 are arranged so that their upper ends are substantially aligned, and the main body frame 2 can be rotated by a hinge 7 (FIG. 3) provided on the left side of the outer frame 1a. The main body frame 2 is opened by moving the right side of the main body frame 2 forward relative to the outer frame 1a. The door frame 3 is attached to the main body frame 2 so as to be rotatable with a pin, and the door frame 3 is opened by moving the right side of the door frame 3 to the front side.

[Door frame 3]
The door frame 3 is disposed below the game window 9 so that the player can visually recognize the game area 8 into which the game ball of the game board 5 is to be shot, and is placed in the game area 8 based on the player's operation. It has a hitting ball handle 10 for driving a game ball. A transparent plate 11 is attached to the game window 9 so that the front surface (the game area 8) of the game board 5 mounted on the main body frame 2 side is visibly covered with the door frame 3 closed with respect to the main body frame 2. It has been. The hitting handle 10 drives the launch solenoid 13 (see FIG. 5) of the ball launcher 12 attached to the upper left of the main body frame 2 based on the player's turning operation, thereby playing the game area 8. The ball is driven. The hitting handle 10 includes a micro switch (not shown) that is turned on when the turning operation is performed, and a firing stop switch and the hitting handle 10 that are turned off when the micro switch is pressed while the micro switch is turned on. There is provided a touch switch for detecting contact of the player with the ball striking handle 10 through conductive plating applied to the outer peripheral surface of the player. The ball launcher 12 will be described later.

  The door frame 3 and the main body frame 2 are connected by a key device disposed at the lower right corner of the door frame 3, and the door frame 3 is moved by inserting a key into the key device and turning it to one side. The main body frame 2 can be opened.

[Touch panel unit 14]
The door frame 3 is provided with a touch panel portion 14 that is formed horizontally long in a lower portion of the gaming window 9 (a portion corresponding to an upper plate of a well-known gaming machine that is a non-enclosed ball type). The touch panel unit 14 displays the remaining number, the number of gaming machine balls, and the number of terminal balls.

  Here, the remaining number is a value corresponding to the amount stored in the card used in the checkout machine 4, and the number of player's balls is lent to the player by lending the ball. It is the total of the number of balls and the number of prize balls acquired by the player as a result of playing the game.

  The touch panel unit 14 displays a ball lending button as a ball lending command input means that can be operated by the player and a payment button as a payment command input means that can be operated by the player. The ball lending button is used to instruct lending of a ball for playing a game. Further, the settlement button is used for instructing settlement after the game is finished.

  Further, the touch panel unit 14 further displays an end ball number display button as an end ball number display command input means which can be operated by the player. Here, the number of end balls is the number of extra balls when the number of player's balls is divided by the number of balls corresponding to one special prize at the time of prize exchange. When the display of the number of end balls is instructed by the end ball number display button, the touch panel unit 14 can also display a message such as “Would you like to drive only the end ball”? A message in the form of an interactive question is displayed together with the number of hemisphere display buttons, and a YES button and a NO button for making a selection input for the player to answer either yes or no are displayed.

[Main frame 2]
The main body frame 2 has a box shape having a frame-like fitting frame 15 and a peripheral wall portion 16 so as to fit within the rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 1a (FIGS. 3 and 4). The fitting frame 15 has a square-shaped accommodation opening 17 for fitting and accommodating the game board 5 on the front side thereof. A projecting wall 18 projecting inward is integrally formed behind the housing opening 17 (FIGS. 3 and 12). The back is closed with a back cover. When the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the front surface (game area 8) of the game board 5 accommodated in the main body frame 2 can be seen through the game window 9 of the door frame 3.

  A deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit accommodating portion 19 is formed below the accommodating opening 17, and the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit accommodating portion 19 is provided with the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20. . As will be described later, a discharge ball receiving box 234 for storing a deformed ball or a magnetic ball having a smaller diameter than the regular game ball discharged from the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 It can be detached from the front direction.

  FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view in which the main body frame is broken in the vertical direction so as to show the ball launching device, the ball supply path member, and the ball lifting device. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 23, the main body frame 2 is provided with a ball launching device 12, a ball collecting unit 21, a ball lifting device 22, and a ball supply path member 24. The ball assembly unit 21 receives the game balls that have passed through the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 and guides them to the base of the ball lifting device 22 (FIG. 5), and includes a ball polishing device and the like.

  A ball launching device 12 for launching a game ball toward the game area 8 is disposed at one side (upper left corner) of the front and upper part of the main body frame 2 (FIGS. 3 and 23). Further, the ball feeding device 28 for feeding the game balls arranged and stored in the guide passage (ball feeding guide rod 69 described later, see FIG. 11) one by one to the firing position of the ball launching device 12 is the ball launching device 12. Are arranged so as to overlap with the rear in the front-rear direction (FIGS. 6 and 23).

  The ball lifting device 22 uses the screw 25 driven by the ball lifting motor 150 (see FIG. 24) in the first embodiment, and the game balls that have reached the base are spaced apart by the rotation of the screw 25. Is opened and conveyed to the upper part of the main body frame 2 from below. The ball lifting device 22 is attached to the rear surface of the main body frame 2 behind the ball launching device 12, and the upper end portion of the ball lifting device 22 is disposed above the ball feeding device 28 (FIGS. 3 and 3). 4, FIG. 23).

  Between the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 and the upper portion of the ball launching device 12, the ball supply in the front-rear direction for feeding the game ball lifted by the ball lifting device 22 from above to the ball feeding device 28. A path member 24 is provided (FIGS. 3, 4, and 23). Further, in this embodiment, the ball supply path member 24 is formed at the upper end portion of the ball lifting device 22 and is gently inclined downward toward the front, and the transferred game ball is moved forward from the upper side. The ball delivery rod 23 to be sent out, and the lifting communication rod 65 formed at the upper part of the rear part of the ball launcher 12 and connected to the ball delivery rod 23 and having a gentle downward slope toward the front. In addition, the game ball lifted by the ball lifting device 22 is sent out to the ball delivery basket 23. The ball delivery basket 23 of the ball supply path member 24 is provided with a launch standby ball detection switch 26 that detects the presence or absence of a game ball flowing down the ball delivery basket 23 (see FIG. 6).

  FIG. 8 is a front view showing the ball launching device, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the ball launching device as viewed from the front left. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the ball launcher as viewed from the rear left, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the ball launcher as seen from the rear left with the ball feed unit cover removed.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing an open state of the ball launcher in the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed, and FIG. 13 is a right side view showing a longitudinal section of the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a cross-sectional perspective view along the line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the joint portion with the base plate in the ball launching device is in contact with the protruding portion of the panel holder in the game board.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the ball launcher as viewed from the front right side, FIG. 17 is a front view of the ball launcher (launching hammer standby position), and FIG. 18 is a right side of the ball launcher. FIG.

  The ball launching device 12 receives a game ball arriving from the metal plate-like base plate 39 and the ball supply path member 24 for pivotally attaching to the main body frame 2, and the hitting launch position of the launching hammer 30 (FIG. 8). A ball feeding solenoid 31 (FIG. 11) and a ball feeding device 28 for reliably feeding game balls one by one by a ball feeding member 32 are provided (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

  The ball feeding device 28 receives a game ball reaching from the ball supply path member 24 (FIG. 6), and sends one game ball to the firing position of the launching hammer 30 (FIG. 8) of the ball launching device 12 by the ball feeding member 32. It is a device for reliably sending out one by one.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the ball launcher 12 includes a launch hammer 30, a launch solenoid 13, a rail member 33, a launch stopper 34, a return stopper 35, a launch ball confirmation switch 36, a launcher hinge 37, and a launch port. 38. These members are attached to a base plate 39 (a metal plate in this embodiment) as a substrate. The launch port 38 is formed to face the tip of the launch hammer 30, and the rail member 33 is attached to this portion. The rail member 33 is a member that holds, by the rail portion 332, one game ball that is sent to the launch position (hit position) by the ball feed member 32. The game ball launched by the firing hammer 30 is launched from the launch port 38 to the game area 8.

  The firing ball confirmation switch 36 is arranged with respect to the rail portion 332 of the rail member 33, and detects the presence or absence of a game ball driven by the firing hammer 30, and the detection of the game ball by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is not detected. By switching, it is detected that one game ball has been fired by the firing hammer 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the circulation mechanism (circulation path) of the game ball includes the ball launching device 12, the game area 8, the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20, the ball assembly portion 21, the ball lifting device 22, the ball supply route The game ball, which is generally composed of the member 24 and is launched from the ball launching device 12 to the launch area 40 (FIG. 7) of the game area 8, flows down from the upper side to the lower side of the game area 8, and wins a winning hole 41 or an out hole. 42 returns to the ball launching device 12 through the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20, the ball collecting unit 21, the ball lifting device 22, and the ball supply path member 24.

[Game board]
The game board 5 is mounted on the fitting frame 15 of the main body frame 2. In this embodiment, the game board 5 has a transparent panel plate 44 attached to the panel holder 43, a front component member 45 attached to the front surface thereof, and the game region 8 is partitioned into a substantially circular shape by the front component member 45 (FIG. 2). , FIG. 12).
In addition, the front component member 45 extends the game region 8 from the launch port 38 of the ball launching device 12 to the rubber ball impacting portion 29 provided on the side opposite to the ball launching device 12 in the range of a subarc. And an upper game area partition section 451 that partitions the lower side thereof.
Further, the upper game area partitioning section 451 is a ball launching side upper partitioning section 454 formed with a rising curve surface 453 that guides the game ball in an arc shape from the launch port 38 of the ball launching device 12 to the top of the game area 8. And a ball collision side upper section 456 formed with a descending curved surface 455 for guiding the game ball in an arc from the top of the game area 8 to the ball collision part 29. In the first embodiment, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the arc length of the rising curve surface 453 and the arc length of the descending curve surface 455 are substantially the same.

  As shown in FIG. 97, the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 are mechanically and electrically connected by a drawer connector. The game board 5 is provided with a game board side main drawer connector and a game board side sub drawer connector, and the main body frame 2 is provided with a main body frame side main drawer connector and a main body frame side sub drawer connector. Yes. By fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the game board side main drawer connector and the main body frame side main drawer connector, the game board side auxiliary drawer connector and the main body frame side auxiliary drawer connector are connected, and the game board 5 And the body frame 2 are mechanically connected and simultaneously electrically connected. Thereby, electrical communication can be performed between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2.

A notch 47 (FIG. 12) is formed at the upper left corner of the game board 5 so as to match the outline of the ball launching device 12. The notch 47 reaches a part of the transparent panel plate 44 in the game area 8 from the front component member 45. The launch port 38 of the ball launcher 12 faces the location where the transparent panel plate 44 is cut out. As shown in FIG. 7, the game area 8 near the launch port 38 along the upward rising curved surface 453 is shown. Is the launch area 40.
Therefore, the game ball strongly hit by the launching hammer 30 of the ball launching device 12 rises along the ascending curve surface 453 of the front component 45 in the launching region 40, and passes over the top of the gaming region 8 as it is, and the descending curve The ball hits the ball collision portion 29 along the surface 455 and bounces back or falls in front of it, and flows down from the center or the upper right side of the game area 8 toward the out port 42. On the other hand, the weakly launched game ball exits the launch port 38 and descends immediately and flows down from the upper left part of the game area 8 toward the out port 42.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming area 8 of the first embodiment is provided with a number of obstacle nails 503, a liquid crystal display device 1400, various winning ports such as a general winning port 93x and a grand winning port 98x. A predetermined number of prize balls are awarded according to the prizes received at various winning openings. Since the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment is an encapsulated ball type, “1” is subtracted from the number-of-balls data according to the driving of one gaming ball, while awards corresponding to winnings at various winning holes are obtained. The number of balls is added to the data on the number of balls held, and the number of balls held corresponding to this is displayed on the touch panel unit 14.

  In addition, because it is an enclosed ball type, prize balls are not paid out, and the number of balls played, the number of balls entered, the number of difference balls, the number of balls held, etc. are not the actual number of game balls, but numerical values in the data . That is, there are only a limited number of game balls that are actually used (for example, 50 or 75) that are circulated, and the number of balls that can be used is, for example, a game ball that is launched into the game area 8 is detected. From the numerical values such as the number of shot balls counted, the number of collected balls detected and counted in the game area 8 and collected, the number of winning balls when winning, the number of balls rented from the hall side, etc. The number of incoming balls, the number of outgoing balls, the number of difference balls, the number of balls held can be obtained.

  That is, as long as there is no trouble such as opening the door frame 3 and the game balls going out, the number of shot balls is equal to the number of collected balls. Then, the number of incoming balls = the number of recovered balls = the number of launched balls, the number of outgoing balls = the number of winning balls (accumulated value) = the number of incoming balls−the number of rental balls (the number of replayed balls) + the number of held balls Number of balls (or the number of replayed balls) + number of balls played-number of balls entered, number of balls exited-number of balls entered = number of difference balls, number of balls held = number of balls lent (or number of replay balls) + number of difference balls It becomes. In this way, the game by the gaming machine 1 is completely performed as a numerical value on the data, and there is no error caused by spilling the game ball or leaving the game ball on the lower plate or the upper plate, It becomes possible to manage in an integer unit. In addition, in the structure of the ball launching device 12 to be described later, a foul ball due to a hit is basically not generated.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the front component member 45, the panel holder 43, and the transparent panel plate 44 are configured as separate members. However, whether these are integrated by, for example, bonding or integrally formed as a single member. Alternatively, the front structural member 45 can be screwed to a wooden plywood board. Thus, when the front structural member 45, the panel holder 43, and the like are integrally formed on the transparent panel plate 44, the front structural member 45 and the panel holder 43 have been provided by providing the cutout portion 47 in the game board 5. Structural weakening of these members due to the cutting of the frame structure (with the four sides connected) can be suppressed.

[Ball launcher 12]
The ball launcher 12 can drive the game ball supplied from the ball feeder 28 into the game area 8 of the game board 5 with strength according to the rotation operation of the hitting handle 10. The ball launching device 12 includes a firing solenoid 13 attached to the upper rear surface of the base plate 39 so that the rotational drive shaft 60 projects forward, and a firing hammer 30 fixed to the rotational drive shaft 60 of the firing solenoid 13 so as to be integrally rotatable. A tip 61 fixed to the tip of the firing hammer 30, a rail member 33 attached to the front surface of the base plate 39 with a predetermined position on the movement trajectory of the tip 61 as a firing position, and the rail member 33 at the launch position. The firing stopper 34 for restricting the rotation of the tip 61 counterclockwise from the hitting position where the stopped game ball can be hit, and the standby position (initial position) of the launching hammer 30 for the turning operation. A return stopper 35 that regulates to a launch position, a launch ball confirmation switch 36 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball that is parked at the launch position, And 置用 hinge 37, the ejection port 38 which is opened to face the game area 8, and a (8, 9, 16, see FIG. 18).

  The firing solenoid 13 in the ball launching device 12 is configured to reciprocately rotate at a strength (speed) corresponding to the rotational operation angle of the hitting handle 10 although the detailed illustration is omitted. The launching hammer 30 of the ball launching device 12 has a fixed portion 301 fixed to the rotational drive shaft 60 of the launch solenoid 13, and extends from the fixed portion 301 in a gentle arc shape, with the tip at the axis of the rotational drive shaft 60. A hook 302 facing the normal direction and having a hook 61 fixed to the tip thereof, and a stopper that extends to the opposite side of the hook 302 with the fixing part 301 sandwiched therebetween and can come into contact with the stopper 34 at the time of firing A contact portion 303. The stopper abutting portion 303 of the firing hammer 30 abuts against the stopper 34 at the time of firing, so that the counterclockwise rotation in front view is restricted (see FIG. 8).

  Further, a ball supply port 63 formed in a ball feed unit base (described later) of the ball feed device 28 is disposed immediately above the rail member 33 of the ball launcher 12. The rail member 33 stops one game ball sent out from the ball supply port 63 by the ball feeding operation of the ball feeding member 32 of the ball feeding device 28 described later at the launch position.

  The rail member 33 is formed by bending a metal plate, and includes a mounting plate portion 331 that is fixedly attached to the base plate 39, and a rail portion 332 that is bent forward from the mounting plate portion 331. (Refer to FIG. 8). The rail portion 332 for setting the launch position has a substantially L-shape inclined 45 degrees obliquely to the left in front view, and a left rail plate 333 that forms the left side of the rail portion 332, and a right side of the rail portion 332 And a right rail plate 334 that forms a shape (see FIG. 8). The left rail plate 333 is formed with a through-hole 335 through which the tip 61 passes when the firing hammer 30 is struck (see FIGS. 9 and 21).

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when viewed from the front direction, a portion extending from the center to the lower end of the right side of the ball launching device 12 is exposed and arranged facing the game area 8. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 16, a launcher decoration member 64 is disposed on the right side of the front surface of the base plate 39, and the launcher decoration member 64 is attached to the base plate 39 and a ball feed unit base 67 described later. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 16, the launcher decoration member 64 is disposed so that the right side surface portion and the lower side surface portion thereof are exposed facing the game area 8. The surface portion and the lower side surface portion are formed on a ball entry preventing wall 51 that prevents a game ball launched into the game area 8 from entering the inside of the ball launching device 12. The launch opening 38 is formed in the ball entry prevention wall 51 on the right side surface portion of the launch opening decoration member 64, and the ball entry prevention wall 51 surrounds the launch opening 38 from substantially the same plane as the rear end face of the game area 8. It has an arch shape that rises forward.

  As can be understood with reference to FIGS. 8 and 16, the launch port 38 is located obliquely upward and to the right in the front view with respect to the rail portion 332. As can be understood from FIGS. 8 and 17, the distance between the rail portion 332 (launch position) and the launch port 38 is short (about twice the diameter of the game ball P), and therefore the launch distance is short, A foul ball is not generated, and the launched game ball can be reliably driven into the game area 8.

  The launch ball confirmation switch 36 detects the presence or absence of a game ball that is stopped at the launch position, and the game ball at the launch position is driven by the launch hammer 30 and fired to detect the detection of the game ball. By switching to, it is detected that one game ball has been fired by the firing hammer 30.

  The projecting ball confirmation switch 36 includes a transmissive photosensor, and a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit are disposed so as to straddle the rail unit 332 that sets the projecting position. The firing ball check switch 36 is arranged with respect to the firing position by being supported by the photo bracket 361, and the photo bracket 361 is attached and fixed to the lower front portion of the base plate 39.

  The ball launching device 12 has a stopper cover 62 that covers the front surface of the firing stopper 34 that can regulate the rotation end of the firing hammer 30 toward the hitting position, and a position away from the hitting position of the launching hammer 30. A return-time stopper 35 that restricts the rotation end (the rotation end in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front) is provided. The surfaces of the stoppers 34 and 35 are covered with rubber so that the impact when the launching hammer 30 abuts can be absorbed and the generation of noise due to the abutment can be suppressed. .

  In addition, the ball launching device 12 is configured such that the launch solenoid 13 is driven with a driving strength according to the rotation operation of the hitting ball handle 10 by a ball information control unit described later, With respect to the drive timing of the solenoid 31, it is driven so as to perform a hitting operation at a drive timing described later (see FIG. 24). Specifically, in the ball feeder 28 that supplies the game ball to the ball launcher 12, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is driven (ON), the game ball received by the ball feed member 32 is sent to the ball launcher 12, and the state When the driving of the ball feed solenoid 31 is released (OFF), the ball feed member 32 receives the game ball.

  In the ball launching device 12, when the hitting handle 10 is launched, the energization / disconnection of the firing solenoid 13 is repeated at a voltage corresponding to the operation amount. By this excitation / de-excitation of the firing solenoid 13, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, the firing hammer 30 rotates from the initial position (FIG. 17) in the firing direction (counterclockwise) to the firing position. After the stopped game ball is launched at the tip 61 (FIG. 8), the firing operation of rotating clockwise to return to the initial position is repeated.

[Ball feeder 28]
Next, the ball feeder 28 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the ball feeder 28 is mainly configured as a unit, and has a ball inlet 66 connected to the front end of the ball feed rod 23 of the ball supply path member 24 shown in FIG. A ball feed that is connected to the ball 65 and the lifting communication rod 65 and has a ball supply port 63 for supplying the game ball that has entered from the lifting communication rod 65 to the ball launcher 12 and is open at the rear. A unit base 67, a ball feed unit cover 68 that closes the rear end of the ball feed unit base 67 and is opened forward, a ball feed solenoid 31 that is disposed below the ball feed unit base 67, and a ball feed solenoid 31 And a ball feed member 32 that simultaneously realizes a ball feed operation and a return ball blocking operation described later.

  The lifting communication rod 65 is gently inclined downward from the rear end where the ball inlet 66 is formed toward the front end. The ball feeding unit base 67 is attached to the left side of the rear surface of the base plate 39, and the front end of the lifting communication rod 65 is connected to the upper right side portion, and is connected to the front end of the lifting communication rod 65 in the rear view. A ball feed guide rod 69 that is gently inclined downward to the left in the left-right direction from the upper right side portion to the center in the vertical direction, and a lower end of the ball feed guide rod 69 that is bent downward in the middle. And a ball supply port 63 penetrating in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 11).

  In addition, on the rear surface of the ball feed unit cover 68 below the bent portion of the ball feed guide rod 69 and facing the upper portion of the ball supply port 63, the game balls waiting in the ball feed guide rod 69 are placed. A launch standby ball detection switch 70 for detecting the presence or absence is provided (see FIG. 10). Each of the launch standby ball detection switches 70 includes a flat proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body based on a change in impedance of a detection coil of the high-frequency oscillation circuit.

  The ball feed solenoid 31 of the present embodiment is composed of an electromagnet, and is disposed below the ball feed unit base 67 in a posture in which a suction portion that exhibits a suction function by excitation is directed downward. The ball feed member 32 is disposed below the ball feed unit base 67 adjacent to the left side of the ball feed solenoid 31. In the present embodiment, the ball feed member 32 is allowed to pass the hit ball without interfering with the hit ball launched from the launch position by the hitting operation of the ball launching device 12 by the excitation / de-excitation of the ball feed solenoid 31. And a return ball blocking portion which is movable between a return ball blocking position for blocking the return ball returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38.

[Ball feed member 32]
Hereinafter, the ball feeding member 32 will be described. 18 is a right side view showing the ball launching device 12 (the ball feed solenoid 31 is de-energized, the ball feed member 32 takes the holding position and the return ball blocking position), and FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the ball launching device 12 shown broken along line B (the ball feed solenoid 31 is de-energized, the ball feed member 32 takes the holding position and the return ball blocking position), and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the ball feed member 32 in FIG.

  21 is a right side view showing the ball launcher 12 (the ball feed solenoid 31 is excited, the ball feed member takes the supply position and the allowable position), and FIG. 22 is a view taken along the line BB in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ball | bowl launching apparatus shown broken by a line (the ball feed solenoid 31 is excited, and the ball feed member 32 takes a supply position and an allowable position).

  As shown in FIG. 20, a shaft hole 75 is formed in the middle of the ball feed member 32 in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction. A ball feed shaft 76 is inserted into the shaft hole 75 with both ends projecting, and both ends in the left-right direction of the ball feed shaft 76 are supported by the ball feed unit base 67. Thereby, the ball feed member 32 is supported so as to be able to turn in the front-rear direction with the ball feed shaft 76 as a turning center.

  Further, an arm portion 77 is formed in the middle of the ball feed member 32 so as to extend rearward, and the lower end of the arm portion 77 is actuated to extend below the ball feed solenoid 31 as shown in FIG. A flange 72 is formed, and a sheet metal accommodating portion 73 is formed in the operating collar 72, and a ball feeding sheet metal 71 made of a metal material attracted by a magnet is accommodated in the sheet metal accommodating portion 73.

  A sheet metal locking claw 78 that protrudes rearward and prevents the ball-feeding sheet metal 71 from falling off is formed immediately below the sheet-metal housing portion 73. The ball feeding sheet metal 71 is prevented from falling off from the sheet metal housing part 73.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a latching protrusion 79 is formed at the end of the operating collar 72, and one end of a tension spring 52 shown in FIG. 19 is latched on the latching protrusion 79. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the other end of the tension spring 52 is hooked on a spring locking portion 53 formed on the bottom bottom surface of the ball feed unit base 67.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a roof-shaped ball feed portion 74 is formed above the shaft hole 75 of the ball feed member 32 so as to be integrated with the ball feed member 32 toward the lower edge of the ball supply port 63. Yes. The ball feeding part 74 is formed in a mountain shape whose upper surface center is raised upward, from the center to the front, that is, in the ball supply port 63 formed at the lower end of the ball feeding guide rod 69 in FIG. The ball feed guiding surface 80 inclined toward the lower edge and the arc convex toward the rear from the center, that is, toward the ball feed unit cover 68 that closes the rear end of the ball feed guide rod 69 in FIG. And a sphere holding surface 81 that is inclined so as to fall in a shape. A hanging piece 82 is formed at the rear end of the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feeding portion 74 so as to hang downward.

  Further, the upper part in the vertical direction of the ball feed member 32 penetrates the ball feed unit base 67 toward the front, and as shown in FIGS. 18, 20 and 21, a rail portion 332 (launch position) in a side view. A rectangular ball-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 is formed extending toward the hitting ball path from the center, and a hitting ball passage opening 85 having a rectangular shape is formed at the center of the return ball blocking portion 83.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 formed integrally with the ball feeding member 32 is disposed adjacent to the launch port 38 in the firing position direction. In addition, a ball stopper 84 is formed on the front side of the frame of the return ball blocking portion 83 in the launch position direction, with the bottom portion extending horizontally and in a triangular shape toward the rail portion 332. The ball stopper 84 is disposed in front of the ball feeder 74 and facing the ball feeder 74 at an interval above the firing position.

  Further, the ball feeding unit cover 68 is formed with a ball guide projection 54 having a “<” shape in the longitudinal section toward the front at a position facing the ball supply port 63 at the rear of the ball supply port 63. In addition, a front guide surface 55 having an arcuate concave shape facing the sphere supply port 63 is formed on the upper part of the sphere guide protrusion 54 facing forward. The lower part of the ball guide protrusion 54 is convexly curved rearward, and in the space below the lower part of the ball guide protrusion 54, the front and rear direction of the ball feed member 32 with the ball feed shaft 76 as the center of rotation. In the rotation operation, the ball feeding portion 74 can be retracted. Further, a stopper piece 56 is formed at the lower end of the ball guide protrusion 54 so as to protrude forward.

[Ball feeding operation and return ball blocking operation of the ball feeding member 32]
The ball feeding operation and the return ball blocking operation by the ball feeding member 32 of the ball feeding device 28 configured as described above will be described. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is in the non-excited state, the ball feed member 32 is hooked on the latch protrusion 79 at the end of the operating collar 72 and the spring locking portion 53 formed on the bottom bottom surface of the ball feed unit base 67. Due to the tensile force of the stopped tension spring 52, the lower end portion of the ball feeding member 32 is pulled toward the ball feeding unit base 67.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the normal state (when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in a non-excited state), the ball feed member 32 is a rectangular frame-like return ball in a turning posture with the ball feed shaft 76 as a turning center. The blocking portion 83 takes a posture inclined backward, and in the side view as viewed from the game area 8, that is, in the hitting path from the launch position of the ball launcher 12 to the launch port 38, the launch port 38 is immediately launched. At the position on the position direction side, the portion located in front of the frame of the return ball blocking portion 83 is in a posture intersecting the launch port 38, and the hit ball passing port 85 with respect to the launch port 38 in the hit ball path. Is shifted to the rear, and it is impossible for the ball to pass to the hit ball passing port 85 in the hit ball path. That is, the return ball blocking portion 83 takes a return ball blocking position that blocks the return ball from returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38 in this posture.

  After the hitting of the hit ball, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes the return ball blocking position, thereby blocking the game ball launched into the game area 8 from entering the launch port 38 as a return ball and blocking the return ball. Therefore, it can suppress that the interest for a game falls by a return ball.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the ball feed member 32 is normally in a state where the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feed portion 74 is in the ball guide projection of the ball feed unit cover 68 (when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in a non-excited state). Retreating to the space below the portion 54, the hanging piece 82 formed at the lower end of the ball feeding portion 74 abuts on the stopper piece 56, and in a turning posture with the ball feeding shaft 76 of the ball feeding member 32 as the rotation center. The holding position in the ball feeding operation is restricted.

  In the holding position, the ball feed guide surface 80 of the ball feed portion 74 is located in front of the lower end of the front guide surface 55 of the ball guide protrusion 54 and is located on the extension line in the tangential direction of the front guide surface 55. In addition, the ball stopper 84 approaches the ball supply port 63, and the game ball P1 is fitted in the gap between the lower end of the ball supply port 63 and the ball stopper 84, and the game ball P1 remains. It becomes.

[Excitation of ball feed solenoid 31]
When energized by energizing the ball feed solenoid 31, the ball feed sheet metal 71 is attracted upward by the electromagnet function, and the operating collar 72 of the ball feed member 32 moves upward against the tensile force of the tension spring 52. The ball feed member 32 rotates in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 19 with the ball feed shaft 76 as the rotation center, and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the ball feed member 32 passes the supply position and the passing ball in the ball feed operation. Move to an allowable position that allows

  As a result, the ball stopper 84 moves forward from the position approaching the ball supply port 63, and at the same time, the ball feeder 74 moves forward, and sends the game ball P1 remaining in the holding position to the launch position (FIG. 22). reference).

  As shown in FIG. 21, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in an excited state, the return ball blocking portion 83 having a rectangular frame shape takes an upright posture in the turning posture with the ball feeding shaft 76 as the turning center, and the game area 8, that is, at a position immediately on the side of the launch position direction of the launch port 38 in the strike path from the launch position of the ball launcher 12 to the launch port 38, the launch ball 38 is in the hit ball path with respect to the launch port 38. The hitting ball passage opening 85 is a coincident position, and the ball is allowed to pass to the hitting ball passage opening 85 in the hitting ball path. That is, in this posture, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes an allowable position that allows the hit ball to pass without interfering with the hit ball launched from the launch position.

  As shown in FIG. 22, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in an excited state, the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feed unit 74 is positioned in front of the ball guide projection 54 of the ball feed unit cover 68 at the supply position in the ball feed operation. Then, the succeeding game ball P2 is fitted into the gap between the upper end portion of the ball supply port 63 and the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feed portion 74, and the subsequent game ball P2 remains. By the ball feeding operation described above, the ball feeding member 32 sends the game balls aligned and stored in the ball feeding guide rod 69 one by one to the firing position of the ball launching device 12.

  FIG. 24 is a time chart showing drive timings of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the firing solenoid 13. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the firing solenoid 13 is turned on when the period A has elapsed, and from the time when the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off when the time B has elapsed. The firing solenoid 13 is turned off when the period C has elapsed since the solenoid 31 was turned off.

  In the first embodiment, the period A is 300 ms, the period B is 30 ms, and the period C is 50 ms. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the ball is fed into the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the shot ball is detected by the shot ball confirmation switch 36. In the present embodiment, when a game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time (30 ms as the period D), it is determined that there is a launch ball. To do.

  As described above, when the game ball stopped at the launch position by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is detected for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball. The erroneous ball count of the sphere can be eliminated, and the certainty in detecting the shot sphere can be increased.

  Operation control is performed by a ball information control MPU 111 of a ball information control unit 118 (described later) according to the driving timing of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the firing solenoid 13 shown in FIG. That is, when the return ball blocking portion 83 of the ball feeding member 32 is in the allowable position, the ball launching device 12 is operated to perform a hitting operation by the launching hammer 30 and is determined in advance from the time when the ball launching device 12 is actuated. After the specified time has elapsed (30 ms has elapsed), the return ball blocking unit 83 is moved to the return ball blocking position by de-energizing the ball feed solenoid 31 so that the return ball is blocked by the return ball blocking unit 83. To control.

  According to this, when the return ball blocking portion 83 takes the permissible position, the hit ball is allowed to pass without interfering with the hit ball launched from the launch position. It is possible to prevent feeling of distrust with driving the ball to the target position, and to prevent the interest in the game from deteriorating.

  After the hitting of the hit ball, the return ball blocking unit 83 takes the return ball blocking position, so that the return ball blocking unit 83 blocks the game ball launched into the game area 8 from entering the launch port 38 as a return ball. Since the return ball can be blocked, it is possible to prevent the return ball from reducing the interest in the game.

  In the first embodiment, since the return ball blocking portion 83 is formed integrally with the ball feed member 32, the ball to the launch position is excited by excitation / non-excitation of one electric drive source (ball feed solenoid 31). Feed and return ball prevention can be realized at the same time. That is, when the ball feeding member 32 takes the supply position, the hitting ball passage opening 85 is positioned on the hitting path through which the game ball launched from the launching position passes, whereas when the holding position is taken, the ball feeding member 32 deviates from the hitting path. And a frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 formed so that the hitting ball passage opening 85 is positioned at the retracted position.

  When the ball feeding member 32 takes the supply position, the return ball blocking portion 83 takes the allowable position and does not interfere with the hit ball launched from the launch position. It is possible to prevent feelings of distrust and to prevent the interest in games from deteriorating.

  When the ball feeding member 32 moves to the holding position, the return ball blocking portion 83 simultaneously moves to the return ball blocking position, so that the game ball launched into the game area 8 becomes a return ball and enters the launch port 38. Since the return ball can be blocked and the return ball can be prevented, it is possible to prevent the return ball from reducing the interest in the game.

  In the ball launching device 12 of the present example, when the launching hammer 30 performs a hitting operation, the return ball blocking portion 83 of the ball feeding member 32 is allowed to pass the launching ball (the hitting ball passing port 85 and the launching port 38). In the state where both of them are on the hitting ball path) and does not interfere with the shot ball, it is only necessary to provide a hitting force for hitting the hitting ball in the game area 8, and thus an electric drive source with low power. Adopting can be enough. For this reason, the electrical drive source can be reduced in size and thickness, and the power consumption required for the drive can be kept low.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the firing solenoid 13 is excited for a period C from the time when the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, and the tip 61 protrudes through the through hole 335 of the rail portion 332 (FIG. 9). Therefore, the game ball can be prevented from stopping on the rail portion 332, and the return ball can be prevented and the error count of the shot ball can be made more reliable.

  Although the return ball blocking portion 83 of the first embodiment has a rectangular frame shape and includes a hitting ball passage opening 85 in the center, the shape of the return ball blocking portion 83 is not limited to this, For example, the shape may be a piece or a bowl, and the hitting ball passage opening 85 may not be provided. In other words, on the hitting path from the launching position to the launching hole 38, the allowable position is provided adjacent to the launching position direction of the launching opening 38 and allows the passing of the hitting ball without interfering with the hitting ball launched from the launching position. And a return ball blocking position for blocking the return ball returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38.

  In the encapsulated ball type gaming machine of the present embodiment described above, the ball lifting device 22 is located at the front of the main body frame 2 and behind the ball launching device 12 disposed on one side of the upper portion. It is attached to the rear surface, and the upper end portion of the ball lifting device 22 is disposed above the ball feeding device 28, and the ball lifting device 22 is interposed between the upper end portion of the ball lifting device 22 and the upper portion of the ball launching device 12. The ball supply path member 24 extending in the front-rear direction for feeding the game ball lifted in the above to the ball feeding device 28 from above is provided.

  Since it has the above-described configuration, various members (the movable body, a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear train) for driving the movable body), the left and right of the ball supply path member 24 attached to the rear portion of the game board 5 A slide rail for guiding in the direction, a drive motor as a drive source, a position detection sensor for detecting the position of the movable body, an LED board, a relay board, etc.) The game ball lifted to the upper part of the main body frame 2 by the lifting device 22 can be smoothly fed into the ball launching device 12.

  Further, since the ball supply path member 24 does not become an obstacle to various members attached to the rear part of the game board 5, the space formed behind the ball launcher 12 is taken in the rear part of the game board 5. It can be applied to the arrangement space of each member.

  Further, the ball launching device 12 shown in FIG. 23 employs an electric drive source that is smaller and thinner than the conventional one for the reason described above. As shown in FIG. 23, since the electrical drive source (launch solenoid 13) of the ball launcher can be reduced in size and thickness, the electrical drive source does not protrude behind the ball launcher 12. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a wide arrangement space 57 for each member attached to the rear portion of the game board 5.

  Further, since the ball launching device 12 of the first embodiment can be rotated by the ball launching device hinge 37 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2 (FIG. 12), the game board 5 is attached when the game board is mounted. It can be rotated and arranged at a position deviating from the movement path when the left end of the is inserted. Therefore, the operation of attaching the game board 5 to the main body frame 2 is easy.

  In this case, when the ball launching device 12 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2, the ball delivery basket 23 prevents the game ball from spilling even if the game ball remains in the ball delivery basket 23. It is advisable to provide means for preventing spilled balls from blocking the ball outlet 58.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the spilling ball preventing means (ball outlet opening / closing unit) will be described. FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the ball outlet opening / closing unit, and FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the ball outlet opening / closing unit. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the upper firing unit and the ball outlet opening / closing unit.

  As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 23, the ball supply path member 24 is formed at the upper end of the ball lifting device 22, and a ball delivery rod 23 for feeding the raised game ball forward from above, and an upper launch unit. In the state where the upper firing unit 12 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the front end of the ball delivery rod 23 is formed. By opening the ball outlet 58, the ball outlet 58 and the ball inlet 66 at the rear end of the lifting communication rod 65 are communicated so that a game ball can be supplied from the ball outlet 58 to the ball inlet 66.

  The ball feeding device of the ball launching device 12 includes an opening / closing operation piece 426 for operating the opening / closing shutter 412 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 on the right side of the ball feeding unit cover (FIG. 27). This opening / closing operation piece 426 rotates the opening / closing crank 413 by contacting the spherical contact portion 424 of the opening / closing crank 413 in the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 when the ball launcher 12 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2. Thus, the open / close shutter 412 can be opened.

[Ball exit opening / closing unit]
The ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 in the main body frame 2 of the present embodiment is attached to an attachment member 407 attached to the lower surface of the ball feeding rod 23 of the ball lifting device 22, and the ball launches to the main body frame 2. When the device 12 is opened, the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery rod 23 in the ball lifting device 22 is closed, and the flow of the game ball from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball feeding device 28 of the ball launching device 12 is made. It can be shut off.

  The ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 includes a shutter base 411 attached to a hanging wall 408 facing the vertical direction of the mounting member 407, a plate-like opening / closing shutter 412 slidably held on the shutter base 411, and an open / close An open / close crank 413 that slides the shutter 412 in the vertical direction and an open / close spring 414 that biases the open / close shutter 412 to rise through the open / close crank 413 are provided.

  The shutter base 411 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 has a pair of slide grooves 415 extending in the vertical direction for holding the open / close shutter 412 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction so as to protrude upward from the upper end of the shutter base 411. A rectangular opening 416 that penetrates between the pair of slide grooves 415 in the front-rear direction, and a crank that is disposed in front of the left end in front view and supports the open / close crank 413 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. A support portion 417 and a spring locking portion 418 that locks one end (upper end) of the opening / closing spring 414 are provided. The crank support portion 417 of the shutter base 411 is disposed on the left side of the opening 416 when viewed from the front, and the spring locking portion 418 is disposed near the upper portion on the left side from the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front.

  The opening / closing shutter 412 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 includes a flat shutter body 419 and a pair of sliding protrusions (not shown) that protrude from the front surface of the shutter body 419 and slide in the slide groove 415 of the shutter base 411. , And a horizontally elongated drive hole 420 that is disposed between the pair of sliding protrusions so as to face the opening 416 of the shutter base 411 and penetrates in the front-rear direction.

  The opening / closing crank 413 of the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 includes a shaft portion 421 that is supported by a crank support portion 417 of the shutter base 411 so as to be pivotable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and a right-hand outer periphery of the shaft portion 421 from the right outer periphery. A driving rod 422 that extends outward and has a tip extending to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the opening 416, projects backward from the tip of the driving rod 422, and is slidably inserted into the driving hole 412 b of the opening / closing shutter 412. The drive pin 423, the contact portion 424 extending downward from the outer periphery on the lower side of the front view of the shaft portion 421, and having a spherical shape at the tip, and the other end of the opening / closing spring 414 formed on the middle upper surface of the drive rod 422 And a spring locking portion 425 for locking (lower end).

  The ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 rotates about the axis in which the opening / closing crank 413 extends in the front-rear direction, so that the driving pin 423 of the opening / closing crank 413 rotates up and down in an arc shape and at the same time the driving pin 423 is inserted. The opening / closing shutter 412 slides in the vertical direction through the drive hole 420.

  In the state where the ball launcher 12 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 is configured such that the contact portion 424 of the open / close crank 413 contacts the opening / closing operation piece 426 in the ball launcher 12. 424 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the front view against the biasing force of the opening / closing spring 414, and the drive pin 423 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the front view together with the contact portion 424. The open / close shutter 412 is lowered so that the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery rod 23 can be opened. In other words, the ball outlet 58 and the ball inlet 66 at the rear end of the lifting communication rod 65 are communicated so that a game ball can be supplied from the ball outlet 58 to the ball inlet 66.

  When the ball launching device 12 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2 from this state, the contact between the contact portion 424 of the opening / closing crank 413 and the opening / closing operation piece 426 in the ball launching device 12 is released, and the opening / closing crank 413 is opened and closed. The opening / closing shutter 412 is raised simultaneously with the rotation in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front by the urging force of 414, and the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery rod 23 can be closed (FIG. 27). ).

  Thus, the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery rod 23 in the ball lifting device 22 can be automatically opened and closed by the ball outlet opening / closing unit 410 in accordance with the opening and closing of the ball launching device 12 with respect to the main body frame 2. Even if the ball launching device 12 is opened while the game ball remains in the ball delivery basket 23, it is possible to prevent the game ball from spilling from the ball outlet 58.

[Deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit]
FIG. 28 is a view for explaining a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the magnetic ball discharger cover in FIG. 28 separated and turned over. FIG. 30 is a plan view of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 31 is a rear view of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 32 is a view for explaining the base plate of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit separately into a deformed sphere discharge unit and a magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a path through which the deformed sphere and the magnetic sphere are discharged in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharging unit. FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a situation where magnetic spheres are separated from the circulation path and discharged. FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a state where the magnetic sphere has reached the magnetic sphere discharge inclined surface.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharging unit 20 has a deformed sphere discharging function and a magnetic sphere discharging function. The deformed sphere is a spherical object such as a bearing having a smaller diameter than a regular game ball. The deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharging unit 20 is a transparent resin molded product, and is disposed in the lower part of the gaming machine main body (the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharging unit accommodating portion 19). The front side is a front plate (not shown), The side is covered with a rear plate (ball receiving base 201). At the top, as a safe ball that has flowed down to various winning gates (special variable winning device, general winning port, ordinary variable winning device) and won out to various winning ports, and flowed down the safe ball discharge route A collection port 202 for collecting the game balls is provided. The out ball flows into the recovery port 202 through the out port 42 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 5). The safe ball flows into the collection port 202 through the winning port 41 (see FIG. 5).

  The circulation path in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 communicating with the recovery port 202 is formed by meandering the left and right sides of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 and folded up and down. A detection switch 203, a deformed sphere discharge unit 204, a magnetic sphere discharge unit 205, a spherical path full tank detection switch 206, and an appropriate sphere detection switch 207 are provided. The game balls that have flowed into the recovery port 202 are moved in a line along the circulation path in the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 and reach the ball assembly 21 connected to the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20. However, the deformed sphere and the magnetic sphere are separated from the regular game sphere circulation path in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 so as not to move to the sphere collecting portion 21 and are discharged out of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20. The

  Next, the movement of the game sphere collected in the collection port 202 in the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 will be described in order. The number of game balls collected in the collection port 202 is counted one by one by the collection ball detection switch 203. The game ball that has passed through the recovery ball detection switch 203 reaches the deformed ball discharge unit 204. When the difference in the number of game balls detected by the collected ball detection switch 203 and the shot ball detection means increases, it can be detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine.

  The deformed sphere discharge portion 204 is fixed to a deformed sphere discharge portion base mounting portion 212 provided on the ball receiving base 201 and two deformed sphere discharge portions base 208 are fixed to the deformed sphere discharge portion base 208. It is composed of deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210.

  As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the deformed sphere discharge part base mounting part 212 is a rectangular opening provided in the ball receiving base 201. As shown in FIG. 28, the deformed ball discharger base mounting portion 212 is provided on the ball receiving base 201 so as to be inclined so that the side on the recovery port 202 side becomes higher. As a result, the odd-shaped ball separation shafts 209 and 210 are arranged to be inclined, so that the game ball can move from the upstream side 213 (see FIG. 30) toward the downstream side 214.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit separately into a deformed sphere discharge unit and a magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 33A shows the deformed sphere discharge unit 204. FIG. 33B shows the magnetic ball discharge unit 205.

  The deformed sphere discharging unit 204 uses the difference in diameter between the regular game ball and the illegal sphere to exclude the illegal sphere having a diameter smaller than the regular game ball from the circulation path in the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20. . As shown in FIG. 30, the deformed sphere discharge unit 204 includes two deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210 having a circular cross section and arranged in parallel from the upstream side 213 to the downstream side 214 of the circulation path. In order to eliminate the deformed sphere, that is, the inferior sphere having a diameter smaller than that of the regular game ball, from the circulation path through which the regular game ball circulates, the gap distance between the two deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210 is The deformed sphere separation shaft is narrower than the diameter of the regular game sphere and wider than the diameter of the regular game sphere on the downstream side 214, that is, the distance between the two modified sphere separation shafts 209 and 210 is gradually increased. 209 and 210 are fixed to the deformed sphere discharge portion base 208.

  The game balls that flow down to the deformed ball discharge unit 204 one by one via the collection port 202 and the collected ball detection switch 203 flow down while rolling across the two deformed ball separation shafts 209 and 210. To do. Since the gap distance between the two deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210 is narrower than the diameter of the regular game ball on the upstream side, the regular game ball does not fall from between the deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210.

  On the other hand, an irregular sphere that is a deformed sphere having a diameter smaller than that of a regular game sphere falls from between the two deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210. As shown in FIG. 33A, the dropped deformed sphere is discharged from the deformed sphere discharge port 216 to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 via the deformed sphere discharge path 215. The deformed sphere discharge path 215 is formed by a deformed sphere discharge path forming member 217 attached to the front side of the ball receiving base 201 and below the deformed sphere discharge part base 208. The deformed sphere discharge path forming member 217 is also integrally provided with a communication path 218 that guides a sphere having the same diameter as the regular game ball to the magnetic sphere discharge unit 205.

  A game ball of a normal size rolling down the two deformed sphere separation shafts 209, 210 falls from between the two deformed sphere separation shafts 209, 210 on the downstream side 214, and passes through the communication path 218. Then, it reaches the circulation path 219 formed in the magnetic ball discharge unit 205.

  The magnetic ball discharge unit 205 is fixed to the ball receiving base 201 as shown in FIG. FIG. 33 shows a state in which the magnetic ball discharge unit 205 is removed from the ball receiving base 201. The magnetic ball discharge portion 205 is formed with an inclined surface 220 connected to the communication path 218, and a falling surface 221 that is steeply lowered is connected to the downstream side of the inclined surface 220. A magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 is formed. A gap between the discontinuous portions 223 is provided so that the inclined surface 220 and the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 are not continuous. In the magnetic ball discharge unit 205, a magnet is attached to at least one of the front surface, the back surface, or the inside of at least one of the side wall 224 and the ceiling wall 225.

  FIG. 35 shows an example in which a magnet 229 is mounted in the magnet housing space 230 on the back surface of the ceiling wall 225. The magnet housing space 230 is formed as a space having a rectangular cross section disposed along the back side of the ceiling wall 225. The magnet 229 is a plate-shaped magnet, and is a permanent magnet having one side having an N pole or S pole and the other side having an S pole or N pole. The magnetic force of the magnet is not so strong that the game ball (magnetic ball 232) made of a magnetic material is attracted and the rolling is inhibited, and the magnet flows down the region of the inclined surface 220 and falls from the discontinuous portion 223. It is sufficient that the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 can be reached. The magnet to be attached may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

  The regular game ball 233 flowing from the communication path 218 rolls down the inclined surface 220 and flows down from the inclined surface 220 while rolling on the falling surface 221. The normal non-magnetic game ball 233 falls on the discontinuous portion 223 and reaches the ball assembly portion 21 connected to the deformed ball / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 through the circulation path 219.

  On the other hand, the illegal sphere (magnetic sphere 232) made of a magnetic material is attached to the inner wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 by the attractive force of the magnet 229 accommodated in the magnet accommodation space 230, and passes through the circulation path 219 upstream of the inclined surface 220. It flows down while rolling by the action of gravity from the side to the downstream side. Then, as shown in FIG. 35, the magnetic sphere 232 reaches the region of the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 (see FIG. 28) as shown in FIG. 36 without falling from the discontinuous portion 223. The illegal sphere made of a magnetic material reaching the region of the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 is discharged from the magnetic ball discharge port 227 to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 through the magnetic ball discharge path 226 (see FIG. 34). ).

  A portion of the ceiling wall 225 on the upper side of the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 is configured as a magnetic force adjusting unit 231. The magnetic force adjusting portion 231 is formed such that the distance between the magnet housing space 230 and the magnetic ball discharge path 226 increases as it goes downstream of the magnetic ball discharge path 226. In FIG. 35, the magnetic ball discharge path 226 has a curved portion, and this curved portion functions as the magnetic force adjusting unit 231. Thereby, the distance between the magnetic sphere 232 and the magnet 229 becomes longer toward the downstream side of the magnetic sphere discharge path 226. As a result, the magnetic force (attraction) of the magnet 229 acting on the magnetic sphere 232 gradually decreases. For this reason, the magnetic sphere 232 that has adhered to the wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 and moved in the downstream direction is separated from the wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 and falls onto the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222. Then, it is discharged from the magnetic ball discharge port 227 via the magnetic ball discharge path 226.

  The deformed sphere and the irregular sphere of the magnetic material are discharged from the deformed sphere discharge port 216 and the magnetic sphere discharge port 227 to the outside of the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20, respectively (FIG. 34). The deformed sphere or magnetic sphere discharged from the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 is collected in the discharge sphere receiving box 234 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5). In this way, the irregular sphere / magnetic sphere discharging unit 20 can be used to exclude the illegal sphere composed of the irregular sphere and the magnetic material from the regular game sphere circulation path 219. In the present embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by using gravity to discharge the deformed sphere and the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 to the outside. The deformed sphere discharge path 215 is disposed along the side surface of the magnetic sphere discharge portion 205, and the deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 can be configured in a compact manner.

  The deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharging unit 20 can eliminate the irregular balls made of deformed spheres or magnetic bodies from the regular game sphere circulation path 219 without stopping the game, thereby reducing the interest of the player. On the other hand, the employees of the game hall can be called to each gaming machine for processing illegal balls, and the opportunity to deal with the malfunction of the gaming machine can be reduced. Note that the deformed sphere discharge unit 204 and the magnetic sphere discharge unit 205 may be configured separately. That is, when discharging the deformed sphere with other components in the gaming machine, the magnetic ball discharging unit 205 may be configured alone.

  And one embodiment of the enclosed ball type gaming machine of the present invention is arranged on the upper part of the main body frame, a game board in which a game area is defined, a main body frame in which the game board is fitted and accommodated, A ball launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area, and a game ball that is launched by the ball launcher is recovered as an encapsulated ball on the back side of the game board, and the illegal ball is eliminated and the ball launcher again. A circulating path including a deformed sphere / magnetic sphere discharging means for supplying the encapsulated sphere, and the encapsulated spheres arrayed and stored in an array passage formed in a part of the circulating path based on driving of an electric drive source. In each of the game control processes, a ball feeder that feeds the ball launcher to the launch position one by one, a main control board that performs a game control process related to a game, and bidirectional communication with the main control board are possible. Sent from the main control board The control of increase / decrease of the number of balls based on the prize ball command and the ball number information of the shot balls launched by the ball launcher, the launch control of the game balls by the ball launcher, and the game by the ball feeder A ball information control board that controls the sending of the ball to the launch position, and performs a game by circulating a predetermined number of game balls in a closed manner without paying out the game balls The ball launching device performs a hitting operation based on a driving rail for stopping the game ball at the launch position and an electric driving source, and launches the game ball stopped at the launch position. A launching member to be fired, and a launching ball confirming unit for detecting a game ball stopped at the launching position, and the ball information control board has the launching ball confirming unit over a predetermined time. By said launch position When a stopped game ball is detected, the shot ball detection determining unit determines that there is a shot ball, and the shot ball confirmation unit determines that the shot ball detection determination unit determines that there is a shot ball. A game ball subtraction unit that determines that the game ball that has been stopped at the launch position has been launched when the game ball is not detected, and subtracts the number of possession balls by one;

  According to the first embodiment, when a game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirming unit for a predetermined time, a launch ball detection determination unit that determines that there is a launch ball. If the game ball is not detected by the launch ball checking means, the game ball that has been stopped at the launch position is determined to have been fired, provided that the launch ball detection determining means determines that there is a launch ball. Since the number is reduced by one, if noise enters the shot ball confirmation means, it is possible to eliminate the wrong ball count of the shot ball due to noise, and increase the certainty in detection of the shot ball. Balls and magnetic balls can be excluded from the circulation path through which regular game balls circulate.

[Sphere assembly part 21]
37 is a front left perspective view of the ball collecting unit and the ball lifting device, FIG. 38 is a front view of the ball collecting unit and the ball lifting device, and FIG. 39 is a state where the ball polishing cartridge is removed from the ball collecting unit. FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the case of the ball assembly portion and the cover of the ball lifting device are removed, and FIG. 41 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the ball assembly portion in FIG. FIG. 41 is a further enlarged view of FIG. 41, and FIG. 43 is a plan view with the case of the ball assembly portion removed.

  The ball assembly portion 21 (FIG. 41) includes a ball feeding passage 275, a ball polishing cartridge 251, a ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 (FIG. 39), and a feed inlet switch 156. The ball feed passage 275 is a groove structure having walls on both sides arranged at the lower part of the ball assembly portion 21, and a ball receiving port 275a connected to a ball outlet (not shown) of the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20, It has a ball feed port 275b that opens to a ball feed rotating body 350 (described later) (FIGS. 41, 42, and 43).

  The ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 is an opening provided in the ball collecting portion 21 for detaching a ball polishing cartridge 251 described later (FIG. 39). The ball polishing cartridge 251 is detachable from the front side of the gaming machine to the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273, and a ball polishing cloth 263 is disposed at a portion of the ball polishing cartridge 251 facing the ball lifting device 22 described later. It is arranged (FIG. 41). The lifting / lowering entrance switch 156 is provided on the outside of one wall constituting the ball feeding passage 275, and detects the presence or absence of a game ball passing through the ball feeding passage 275 (FIG. 41).

[Ball lifting device 22]
FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the upper gear box and the lower gear box are removed. 45 is a right side view showing a state in which the cover of the ball lifting device is removed, and FIG. 46 is an enlarged view of a portion (A) in FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a state where the screw is disassembled, FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing an upper portion of the ball lifting device, and FIG. 49 shows a fitted / non-fitted state of the screw and the fitting member. FIG.

  The ball lifting device 22 includes a screw 25 (FIG. 40), a ball lifting motor 150 (FIGS. 38 and 48), a lifting guide rail 282 (FIGS. 40 and 44), and an upper gear box 356 (FIG. 37). 40), a lower gear box 357 (FIGS. 37 and 40), a ball feed rotating body 350 (FIG. 40), a ball feed inclined portion 351 (FIGS. 40 and 41), a lifting portion cover 353 ( 37), a spiral base cover 352 (FIG. 37), a lifting slope member 354 (FIG. 46), and a ball delivery rod 23 (FIGS. 44, 46, and 48).

The spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 are cover members 368 disposed so as to surround the screw 25 and are formed of a transparent resin (acrylic resin). In the spiral base cover 352, an opening 281 is provided obliquely at a portion facing the ball polishing cartridge 251 in the ball collecting portion 21 (FIG. 39).
Further, the upper surface of the cover member 368 is formed with a protrusion for installing the lower surface of the upper gear box 356 described later (FIG. 69).

  The screw 25 is vertically arranged in the rectangular cylindrical cover member 368 from the base to the upper end of the ball lifting device 22. The cover member 368 is disposed so as to surround the screw 25 by assembling the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353. The screw 25 includes a screw shaft 25a, two small pitch ridge members 25b positioned above and below, and four large pitch ridge members 25c positioned in the center (FIG. 45). . These are fitted in the screw shaft 25a.

  The small pitch ridge member 25b includes a cylindrical portion 25e and a helical ridge 25d (FIG. 45). As shown in FIG. 47, the small pitch protrusion member 25b is assembled by assembling a half body 25bR and a half body 25bL, which are divided in half by a vertical surface including the screw shaft 25a, with the screw shaft 25a interposed therebetween. It is united. A pair of a concave portion 25g and a convex portion 25h for assembling the half halves 25bR and 25bL on both sides is formed on the cut surface of the cylindrical portion 25e, and these can be integrated with each other. it can.

  Further, an upper edge recess 25j that opens upward is formed on the upper edge 25i of the halves 25bR and 25bL, and a lower edge protrusion 25m that protrudes downward is formed on the lower edge 25k. The upper edge concave portion 25j and the lower edge convex portion 25m are for connecting the small pitch ridge member 25b and the large pitch ridge member 25c in the vertical direction and transmitting rotation to each other.

  The same applies to the large pitch ridge member 25c, the same reference numerals are given, and a specific description thereof is omitted, but the pitch of the spiral ridge 25d is larger than that of the small pitch ridge member 25b. A portion where the spiral protrusion 25d of the small pitch protrusion member 25b and the spiral protrusion 25d of the large pitch protrusion member 25c are continuous is smoothly continuous although the pitch changes. The large pitch ridge member 25c is composed of a half body 25cR and a half body 25cL.

  The pitch is the interval between the spiral ridges 25d along a straight line. The pitch of the spiral protrusion 25d of the small pitch protrusion member 25b is smaller than the spiral protrusion 25d of the large pitch protrusion member 25c. For example, the pitch of the small pitch ridge member 25b is 25 mm, and the pitch of the large pitch ridge member 25c is 43.2 mm.

  The screw shaft 25a shown in FIG. 47 is a rotating shaft of the screw 25. As shown in FIG. 44, the upper lifting gear 360 (spur gear) is fixed to the upper end and the lower lifting gear 362 ( Spur gear) is fixed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 49, the small pitch protrusion member 25b at the lower part of the screw 25 has a fitting recess 366a of a fitting member 366 in which a lower edge convex part 25m is integrally formed with the lower lifting gear 362. It is fitted using a concave-convex fitting and is driven and rotated integrally with the screw shaft 25a and the lower lifting gear 362.

  The ball lifting motor 150 is a motor that drives the screw 25, and is attached to the lower surface of the upper gear box 356 in the ball lifting device 22 (FIGS. 38 and 48).

  The upper gear box 356 is disposed at the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 and houses and supports the ball lifting motor gear 358, the idle gear 359, and the upper lifting gear 360 (FIGS. 40 and 44). . The ball lifting motor gear 358 is fixed to the drive shaft of the ball lifting motor 150 and meshes with the idle gear 359. The idle gear 359 is a two-stage gear in which an upper gear having a large number of teeth and a lower gear having a small number of teeth on the lower surface thereof are integrated, and is engaged with the ball lifting motor gear 358 by the upper gear, and the lower gear. It meshes with the upper lifting gear 360. These gears are spur gears, and the upper gearbox has a lower vertical dimension. The upper lifting gear 360 is fixed to the upper end of the screw shaft 25a. With these gear configurations, the screw 25 is driven and rotated by the ball lifting motor 150.

  The lower gear box 357 is disposed from the lower end of the ball lifting device 22 to the lower end of the ball assembly portion 21, and houses and pivotally supports the lower lifting gear 362 and the ball feeding rotating body gear 363 (see FIG. 44). The lower lifting gear 362 is fixed to the lower end of the screw shaft 25a and meshes with the ball feeding rotating body gear 363. The gear ratio between the ball feed rotor gear 363 and the lower lift gear 362 is 2: 1.

  The ball feed rotator 350 is fixed to the gear shaft 363 a of the ball feed rotator gear 363, and the ball feed rotator 350 is driven to rotate by the ball feed rotator gear 363. The ball feed rotating body 350 is arranged corresponding to the ball feed port 275b of the ball feed passage 275 in the ball gathering portion 21, and is a low columnar member, and at the peripheral portion, in this embodiment, at 180 degree intervals. A ball engaging recess 350a for receiving the ball is provided. The ball engaging recess 350a has a depth to accommodate approximately half of the game ball (FIG. 43).

  The ball feed inclined portion 351 (FIG. 42) is a member formed around the ball feed rotating body 350 and having a slope for lifting the game ball. The range in which the ball feed inclined portion 351 exists is that the ball feed rotary body 350 screws the game ball from the position of the ball feed port 275b which is the ball feed rotary body side exit of the ball feed passage 275 with respect to the rotation direction of the ball feed rotary body 350. This is the range up to the delivery position to 25.

  The ball feed inclined portion 351 has an arc shape along the outer periphery of the ball feed rotating body 350 from the ball feed port 275b to the delivery position as described above, and is 7 mm (about 5 to 8 mm) upward from the position of the ball feed port 275b. ) It has an inclined surface 351a that rises to a high delivery position, and a top inclined portion 351b that protrudes from the top in the direction of the screw 25 and inclines downward. The width of the inclined surface 351a is 4 mm (about 3 to 5 mm), and the top inclined surface 351b is formed in a range larger than the diameter of the game ball before and after the transfer position with respect to the rotation direction of the ball feed rotating body 350.

  The positional relationship in a plan view of the ball feed rotating body 350 and the screw 25 is a positional relationship in which a game ball dropped from the top inclined surface 351b can be received between the pitches of the spiral protrusions 25d. A cover member 368 (not shown) is disposed along the outer periphery of the ball feed inclined portion 351 up to the vicinity of the delivery position to prevent the game ball from falling from the inclined surface 351a.

  A guide block 365 (FIGS. 42 and 43) is disposed on the upper surface of the lower gear box 357 adjacent to the lower front side of the screw 25. The guide block 365 has an arcuate spherical guide surface close to the spiral protrusion 25d of the screw 25, 365a, and a stopper surface 365b following this. The spherical guide surface 365a is formed from the vicinity of the top inclined surface 351b to the opening 281 provided in the spiral base cover 352, and the tip is a stopper surface 365b (FIG. 43).

Two lifting guide rails 282 are arranged adjacent to and parallel to the screw 25, and have a role of a guide for guiding a game ball lifted by the screw 25 linearly upward, about 5 mm in diameter. This is a round bar-shaped guide member. The lifting guide rail 282 is located on the substantially opposite side to the ball feeding rotating body 350 with respect to the rotation direction of the screw 25, and from the position corresponding to the upper end of the opening 281 (FIG. 39) provided obliquely in the spiral base cover 352. It is arranged vertically upward, and its upper end is fixed to the lower surface of the upper gear box 356. The distance between the two adjacent lifting guide rails 282 is a width that allows the game ball (diameter 11 mm) to not pass (the inner distance between the lifting guide rails 282 is 5 to 8 mm).
Further, when the game ball is lifted, it is lifted while being in contact with the guide rail 282. Therefore, the lift guide rail 282 has a low friction coefficient and is guided from the game ball generated by the rotation of the screw 25. It is assumed to have rigidity enough to prevent deformation by the pressing force to the rail 282. It is preferable to use stainless steel as the material.

The support member 367 is a cushion member that prevents deformation of the lifting guide rail 282 and absorbs vibration transmitted between the game ball and the lifting guide rail 282 and to the ball launching device 12. 282 has a portion for maintaining the original position, and has a thickness enough to fit between the cover member 368 including the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 and the lifting guide rail 282. The plate-shaped block member has a flat surface on the side in contact with the cover member 368 and a concave portion on the side that supports the lifting guide rail 282.
The lifting guide rail 282 has such rigidity that it is not deformed by the pressing force from the game ball to the guide rail 282 generated by the rotation of the screw 25, but the pressing force from the game ball is applied over a long period of time. Then, the lifting guide rail 282 is gradually deformed in the pressing direction, and the game ball may be deviated from the guidance by the lifting guide rail 282. Therefore, the deformation is restricted.

Further, since the clearance is made in the portion where the game ball mainly passes, such as the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282, the vibration generated by driving the ball lifting motor 150, for example, is generated by the screw. 25 and the lifting guide rail 282, and there is a possibility that an abnormal noise may be generated between the lifting guide rail 282 and the game ball. Further, the lifting device 22 is a cover member 368 and the screw 25, the lifting guide rail 282, etc. Therefore, if an abnormal noise occurs in the lifting device 22, the sound will resonate and become louder. However, by disposing the support member 367, vibration generated in the gaming machine can be absorbed and generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.
The support members 367 are arranged in such a number that the deformation of the guide rail 282 can be restricted between the cover member 368 and the lifting guide rail 282, and abnormal noise due to vibration does not occur.

  46 is a block member having an inclined surface formed on the lower surface of the upper gear box 356 so as to face the upper end of the screw 25, and the inclined surface intersects the path through which the game ball is fed up. The moving direction of the game ball vertically lifted by the screw 25 is turned to the horizontal direction and guided to the ball delivery rod 23.

  The ball delivery rod 23 is provided on the upper end of the spiral base cover 352 and is a passage having an inclination for feeding the game ball guided from the lifting slope member 354 to the ball launching device 12. Further, a ball removing member 355 for discharging the game ball inside the game machine to the outside of the game machine is provided on the side surface of the ball delivery basket 23 (FIGS. 44 and 48). The ball removal member 355 is a detachable lid member, and can be removed from the side wall of the ball delivery rod 23 by operating a lower knob to open an opening provided on the side wall. The ball delivery rod 23 has a skew portion, and a ball removing member 355 is disposed on the wall on the tip side of the skew portion (FIG. 44).

  Further, a launch ball standby ball detection switch 26 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball is disposed on the outer surface of the ball delivery basket 23 (FIG. 45). When the standby ball detection switch 26 does not detect a game ball, the screw 25 is driven and new game balls are supplied from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball launcher 12 one by one.

[Operation of ball assembly 21 and ball lifting device 22]
The game balls sent from the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20 constituting a part of the circulation path pass through the ball feed passage 275 of the ball collecting unit 21 and are sent to the ball feed rotating body 350 in the ball lifting device 22. It is done. On the other hand, the screw 25 is rotated through the gear trains 358, 359 and 360 by driving the ball lifting motor 150, and the ball feed rotor 350 is rotated through the screw shaft 25a and the lower gear trains 362 and 363. Since the gear ratio between the lower lifting gear 362 and the ball feed rotator gear 363 is 2: 1, the ball feed rotator 350 rotates once by the two rotations of the screw 25. The ball feed rotating body 350 receives game balls one by one from the ball feed passage 275 into the ball engaging recess 350a and rotates counterclockwise (FIG. 43).

Thereafter, the rotation of the ball feed rotating body 350 causes the game ball to move while being engaged with the ball engaging recess 350a, and the remaining outer half moves along the inclined surface 351a of the ball feed inclined portion 351. Reach 351b. Since the top inclined surface 351b is inclined downward, the game ball is sent from the position to the spiral protrusion 25d of the small pitch protrusion member 25b. At this time, the game balls sent from the top inclined surface 351b, which is slightly higher, have a larger distance from the subsequent game balls and are reliably separated one by one.
In order to carry out a stable game ball feeding, it is conceivable that the terminal portion of the top inclined surface 351b and the game ball delivery position of the small pitch ridge member 25b are set to substantially the same height.
Further, when the game ball is fed from the top inclined surface 351b to the small pitch ridge member 25d, the structure is not limited to using the downward inclination, and for example, a configuration may be used in which the game ball is guided to the small pitch ridge member 25d using a rail. .
Further, when the step between the end of the inclined surface 351a and the small pitch ridge member 25d below the screw 25 that receives the game ball is small, the game ball may be dropped directly from the inclined surface 351a to the small pitch ridge member 25d. Is possible.

Next, the game ball moves along the ball guide surface 365a of the guide block 365 with the rotation of the small pitch projecting member 25b and collides with the stopper surface 365b. During this time, the game ball rises with the rotation of the screw 25 and reaches the lower end of the opening 281 provided in the spiral base cover 352. In this case, as described above, the ball feed rotating body 350 is provided with the ball engaging recess 350a every 180 degrees and rotates at a half speed with respect to the screw 25. A game ball is supplied to the screw 25. Since one half rotation of the ball feed rotator corresponds to one pitch of the small pitch ridge member 25b, a game ball fed from the ball feed rotator 350 is always one pitch between the pitches of the small pitch ridge members 25b. One by one and continuously. (FIG. 41).
That is, it is possible to prevent the game balls from being linked together in the ball lifting device 22.

  Through the opening 281, the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is brought into contact. That is, as the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 of the ball lifting device 22, the game ball is rubbed against the ball polishing cloth 263 through the opening 281 and the game ball is cleaned and polished (FIG. 39). And the area of the above-mentioned ball polishing cloth 263 can be used effectively by being guided diagonally upward.

After passing through the opening 281, the game ball is lifted up to the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 as the screw 25 rotates. At this time, the game ball is placed on the lifting guide rail 282 arranged in parallel. It is guided and moves in a straight line. The guide rail 282 allows the game ball lifted by the screw 25 to move in the vertical direction and restricts the movement in the left-right direction. During this time, the game ball is lifted so that the movement of the game ball is relatively slow due to the small pitch at the lower small pitch protrusion member 25a, so that the ball receiving from the ball feed rotating body 350 is not hindered. Yes. Further, the movement of the game ball is made relatively slow by the small pitch even at the upper small pitch protrusion member 25b, so that the ball feeding to the ball launcher 12 is not hindered.
On the other hand, in the middle portion of the screw 25, there is no particular problem even if the speed of lifting the game ball is increased. The number of game balls to be circulated in the ball lifting device 22 can be reduced. Further, this can reduce the burden due to the weight of the game ball applied to the screw 25 (FIG. 45).
In addition, the lifting in the present embodiment is used to mean that the game ball is continuously carried from the lower part to the upper part of the gaming machine.

The game ball that has reached the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 comes into contact with the slope of the lifting slope member 354 from below, so that the moving direction of the game ball lifted by the screw 25 changes from the vertical direction to the substantially horizontal direction. The ball is turned, and the game ball is smoothly fed from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball delivery basket 23. Then, the game ball sent to the ball delivery basket 23 rolls on a gentle slope of the ball delivery basket 23 and is sent to the ball launcher 12 (FIG. 46).
In this case, when the lifted game ball comes into contact with the slope portion of the lift slope member 354, the guide of the lift guide rail 282 is released and naturally flows down to the floor surface of the ball delivery rod 23. The ball pressure is not applied to the lifting guide rail 282 and the screw 25, and the feeding can be smoothly performed.

  When it is necessary to take out the circulating game ball from the game machine for maintenance or the like, it can be easily discharged out of the game machine by operating the ball removal member 355 provided on the outer surface of the ball delivery basket 23 ( FIG. 37, FIG. 48).

  In this embodiment, the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting unit cover 353 are made of a transparent resin (acrylic resin), and the state in the ball lifting device 22 is obtained by using such a transparent resin. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 may be made of an opaque resin, metal, or the like.

  In addition, the small pitch ridge member 25b and the large pitch ridge member 25c are configured to be joined in half, but may be formed into a cylindrical shape integrally formed from the beginning. Furthermore, if the synthetic resin molding technique is fully utilized, the entire screw 25 excluding the screw shaft 25a can be integrally molded.

  Further, the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 are made of a material that is slippery and has a rigidity that does not cause deformation due to the pressing force from the game ball generated by the rotation of the screw 25 to the lifting guide rail 282. Preferably, a metal such as aluminum or a synthetic resin may be used. In addition, it is conceivable that the spiral protrusion 25d uses a hard silicon material or the like at least in a portion that receives the game ball from the ball feed rotating body 350. Thereby, the impact which arises when a game ball falls to the spiral protrusion 25d can be absorbed.

  In this embodiment, the lifting guide rail 282 guides the game ball in the vertical direction with two rails. However, the present invention is not limited to the two rails. The other guide may be configured to guide the game ball by extending the inner wall of the cover member 368 so as to be adjacent to the lifting guide rail 282.

  Further, the support member 367 is disposed between the cover member 368 including the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting portion cover 353 and the lifting guide rail 282. For example, as shown in FIG. 70, the support member 367 may be disposed so as to cover both ends of the lifting guide rail 282 as shown in FIG. 70. Accordingly, the player operates the touch panel portion 14 disposed on the door frame 3 or vibration generated by operating an electric drive source such as a movable accessory (not shown) or a motor disposed on the game board. Since various vibrations generated in gaming machines, such as vibrations caused by impacts that occur during the game, are absorbed, there is a situation in which the game balls cannot be lifted off the guide rail guides, or the launch of the game balls is caused by vibrations. It can suppress becoming unstable.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the game balls are sent and lifted one by one continuously in one pitch of the spiral protrusion 25d over the entire length of the screw 25. However, the game balls are lifted at the pitch of all the screws 25. Even if it is not sent, it is not limited to this as long as it is a configuration that continuously lifts the game balls.

  The lifting slope member 354 may have a structure that can smoothly feed the game ball vertically lifted by the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 to the ball delivery rod 23, and is integrally formed with the upper gear box 356. As shown in FIG. 67 and FIG. 68, the upper surface of the ball delivery path 23 may be extended to the play path of the game ball, and a slope may be formed on the lower surface of the extended portion.

  In addition, the ball lifting device 22 of the first embodiment is configured to lift the game ball using the vertical screw 25, but lifts the game ball so as to be transported while being guided vertically. If it exists, not only a screw but various methods, such as a belt conveyor which can carry a game ball continuously, can be selected.

[Ball polishing equipment]
Next, a ball polishing apparatus that cleans and polishes the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 38 described above is a front view showing a state in which a ball polishing cartridge is mounted with respect to the ball polishing apparatus, and FIG. 39 described above is a ball polishing apparatus with the ball polishing cartridge removed. It is a front view which shows the state which carried out.

  FIG. 50 is a left side view showing a state where the ball polishing cartridge is mounted, and FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating a mechanism for fixing the ball polishing cartridge. FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of mounting the ball polishing cartridge.

  53 and 54 are views showing a state where the game balls and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other, and FIG. 53 shows a state where the game balls and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other. 54 is a left side view showing a state where the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other, and FIG. 55 is a left side cover of the ball polishing cartridge removed in FIG. It is a left view which shows the state which carried out. FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG.

  Next, FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which a ball polishing cartridge is mounted, and FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which the right outer side cover is removed for explanation of the inside of the right side cover in FIG. 59 is a top perspective view showing a state in which the right side cover is opened in FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge, FIG. 61 is a front view thereof, FIG. 62 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 63 is a side view showing a state in which the left side cover is removed in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 38 and FIG. 50, the ball collecting unit 21 is provided at the lower part of the ball lifting device 22, and the ball polishing cartridge 251 is attached to a part of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 of the ball collecting unit 21. Can be installed. Here, the outside of the ball lifting device 22 is formed of a transparent plastic member, and if a game ball is clogged in the ball lifting device 22, the location where the clogging occurs can be easily visually confirmed. It is like that. As shown in FIG. 51, the ball polishing cartridge 251 mounted on the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 is provided on the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 with one end supported on the shaft and the other end rotated. The other end of the sphere polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 that is made possible is hung on the sphere polishing cartridge fixing stopper 272 also provided in the sphere collecting portion 21 so that the sphere polishing cartridge 251 is pressed in the back direction and the left direction. It has a structure. In FIG. 51, both the opened state and the closed state of the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 are shown together in order to make the movement mode of the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 easier to understand.

  FIG. 39 is a front view showing a state where the ball polishing cartridge 251 is removed. As shown in FIG. 39, the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 has a ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 formed of a hollow portion so that the ball polishing cartridge 251 can be mounted. In FIG. 39, the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 and the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 are provided inside the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 for easy viewing, and the mounting sensor 291 and the drive shaft 290 are visible from the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 66 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge mounting opening 273 of FIG. The inner surface of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 is behind the right side surface of the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 and is coaxial with the second drive gear 257 shown in FIG. A drive shaft 290 that fits into one gear shaft 261 is provided, and a mounting sensor 291 including a pushable button 292 is provided above the right side surface. By the series of mounting operations of the ball polishing cartridge 251, the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is pressed, and the mounting of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is detected. A specific aspect of the mounting operation will be described later.

  Further, in a portion of the innermost portion of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 that faces the ball lifting device 22, the long side of the ball lifting device 22 is advanced by a ball polishing cloth 263 of a ball polishing cartridge 251 described later. An opening 281 having an angle different from the direction is provided. As a result, there is a difference between the direction in which the game ball is lifted and the direction in which the ball polishing cloth 263 travels, so that only a part of the ball polishing cloth 263 having a predetermined width in the width direction is not used. Effective use of the width of H.263 makes it possible to clean and polish the game balls.

  Further, the width between the long sides of the opening 281 is such that at least a part of the peripheral edge of the game ball being lifted by the ball lifting device 22 can protrude outside the ball lifting device 22 at the opening position. In this embodiment, the width of the long sides of the opening 281 is set to 8.4 mm with respect to the diameter of 11 mm of the game ball. Thus, the game ball protrudes from the opening 281 to the ball polishing cloth 263 side by about 1.5 mm.

  As a result, during the game period, the game ball lifted in the ball lifting device 22 is partially polished at the position of the opening 281 so that a part of the peripheral portion protrudes to the outside of the ball lifting device 22 to polish the ball. The ball polishing cloth 263 of the cartridge 251 can come into contact with the game ball. In particular, when the ball polishing cartridge 251 has an elastic member and is configured to press the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game ball, the ball polishing cloth 263 can be more reliably brought into contact with the game ball. Reliable ball polishing is possible.

  Further, even if the ball polishing cartridge 251 is removed in a state where the game ball remains in the ball lifting device 22 in a time zone outside the game period, the width of the opening 281 is made smaller than the diameter of the game ball. With this configuration, the game balls remaining in the ball lifting device 22 are not spilled down to the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 side of the ball polishing cartridge 251.

  FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of mounting the ball polishing cartridge 251 from the state of FIG. As can be seen from FIGS. 39 and 52, in this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is configured to be inserted and mounted from the front of the main body frame 2.

  60 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge 251, FIG. 61 is a front view thereof, FIG. 62 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 63 is a side view showing a state in which the left side cover is removed in FIG. Here, 259 is a take-up roller, 260 is a driven roller, 261 is a first gear shaft, 262 is a second gear shaft, and the first gear shaft 261 is a take-up roller 259, which will be described later. The second gear shaft 262 is configured to be coaxial with the driven roller 260. The second gear shaft 262 is configured to be coaxial with the drive gear 257. Also, 268 is a game ball contact trace, and as shown in FIG. 39, the direction in which the game ball is lifted by the ball lifting device 22 and the direction in which the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is wound are: Since the angles are different with respect to the vertical direction, the game ball contact trace 268 is formed with an inclination with respect to the long side direction of the ball polishing cloth 263.

  53 and 54 are views showing a state where the game balls and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other, and FIG. 53 shows a state where the game balls and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other. FIG. 54 is a left side view showing a state where a game ball and a ball polishing cloth of a ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 provided in the ball lifting device 22, and the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball lifting device 22 and the ball polishing cartridge 251 is used. The game ball comes into contact with the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 through the opening 281 of the ball lifting device 22 at the opposite position, and the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 of the ball lifting device 22. By this, it is rubbed with the ball polishing cloth 263 so that the game ball is cleaned and polished.

  As shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the screw 25 in the ball lifting device 22 has different shapes at the upper and lower portions and at the intermediate portion. In the upper part and the lower part, the inclination angle of the spiral of the screw 25 (spiral ridge 25d in FIG. 47) is reduced to reduce the pitch, while in the intermediate part, the inclination angle of the screw spiral is increased to increase the pitch. It is also wide. Since it is not necessary to spend time in the intermediate part, the game ball can be lifted in a short period of time by increasing the spiral inclination angle and increasing the speed of transportation. The number of game balls included in the game machine can be reduced, and the number of game balls enclosed in the game machine can be reduced.

  Further, by reducing the pitch interval at the lower portion, the game ball and the ball polishing cloth 263 are reduced by reducing the speed at which the game ball is lifted at the portion facing the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251. This makes it possible to reliably clean the game balls and polish the balls. Further, by narrowing the pitch interval at the upper part, the speed at which the game ball is lifted at the lifting end portion of the ball lifting device 22 can be reduced, and the ball is transferred from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball delivery rod 23. Occurrence of troubles such as biting of balls during delivery can be eliminated, and game balls can be smoothly fed into the ball delivery basket 23.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 54, the ball lifting device 22 is provided with two guide rails 282 for guiding the lifting of the game ball. The distance between the two guide rails is set to be approximately the same as the diameter of the game ball, but adjustments are also made to make it somewhat narrower and stable at places where the behavior of the game ball being lifted may become intense. be able to. Thus, the game ball is lifted in the ball lifting device 22 so that both sides are supported by both guide rails.

  FIG. 55 is a left side view showing a state where the left side cover of the ball polishing cartridge is removed in FIG. FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. Here, 259 is a take-up roller, 260 is a driven roller, and a driving force from a ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 described later is transmitted thereto. The winding roller 259 is rotated by the rotation of the second drive gear 257 configured to be coaxial with the winding roller 259, and the ball polishing cloth is caused by the frictional force between the winding roller 259 and the driven roller 260. 263 is wound up.

  Further, a ball polishing cloth 263 is disposed in a portion of the ball polishing cartridge 251 facing the ball lifting device 22, and a tensioner 267 having a function of pressing the ball polishing cloth 263 is provided behind the ball polishing cloth 263. In addition, behind the tensioner 267, two coil-shaped ball polishing cloth holding springs 264 having a function of pressing the tensioner 267 and the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game ball are provided. Further, a spring presser 266 for supporting the ball polisher presser spring 264 is provided behind the ball polisher presser spring 264. Further, a plate spring 265 is provided on the upper part of the ball polishing cartridge, and the ball spring cloth 263 is lightly pressed and aligned by the plate spring 265 so that the ball polishing cloth 263 is arranged at a portion facing the ball lifting device 22. It plays the role of aligning before sending.

  The ball polishing cloth 263 taken up by the winding roller 259 and the driven roller 260 is housed in the ball polishing cartridge 251. In FIGS. 55 and 56, the ball polishing cloth 263 is wound by the winding roller 259 and the driven roller 260. Description of the ball polishing cloth 263 inside the ball polishing cartridge after being wound up is omitted.

  FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which a ball polishing cartridge is mounted. Reference numeral 253 denotes a right side cover, which includes a right outer side cover 253a and a right inner side cover 253b, and is integrated. Reference numeral 258 denotes a second drive gear case that covers a second drive gear 257 to be described later. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which only the right outer side cover 253a is removed from the right side cover 253 for the sake of explanation in FIG. 57, 253b is a right inner side cover, and 155 is a ball polishing ribbon. This is a feed motor and serves as a driving source for winding the ball polishing cloth 263 in the ball polishing cartridge 251. Further, the back end of the right side cover 253 is provided with a hinge 255 that engages with the hinge receiving portion 254, and the right side cover 253 is rotatable with the hinge 255 as a fulcrum. In this embodiment, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 is a stepping motor. A specific driving mode of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 will be described later.

  FIG. 59 is an upper perspective view showing a state in which the right side cover 253 is opened in FIG. 58, and the right side cover 253 can be rotated with the hinge 255 engaging with the hinge receiving portion 254 as a fulcrum. . Between the right outer side cover 253a and the right inner side cover 253b of the right side cover 253, a first shaft (not shown) that is rotated by the drive of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155. A drive gear is provided, and a gear having 16 teeth is used in this embodiment. Similarly, a second drive gear that is coaxial with the drive shaft 290 and meshes with the first drive gear is provided between the right outer side cover 253a and the right inner side cover 253b. In this embodiment, the number of teeth is 32. The gear is used.

  Next, the mounting operation and mounting detection of the ball polishing cartridge 251 will be described. 64 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270, and FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the ball polishing cartridge 251 and the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270. The ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 is configured so that the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 spreads around the hinge portion (A direction in FIG. 64) when the right side cover 253 is rotated about the hinge 255 as a fulcrum. Yes.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 65, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is inserted into the ball polishing cartridge mounting opening 273 from the front direction. At the time of insertion, the ball polishing cartridge mounting opening 273 is expanded by the rotation of the right side cover 253, so that the drive shaft 290 and the mounting sensor 291 do not interfere with the insertion. After the ball polishing cartridge 251 is inserted, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is rotated in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 64A so that the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 is returned to the original width, and then the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever. By engaging 271 with the ball polishing cartridge fixing stopper 272, the drive shaft 290 engages with the first gear shaft 261 of the ball polishing cartridge 251, and the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is pushed in, so that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is engaged. It is detected that it is attached.

  If the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is pressed while the gaming machine is turned on, it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is normally mounted and no notification is given, but the power is turned on. Nevertheless, when the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is not pushed in, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is notified that it is not normally mounted. As a notification mode, a display device (not shown) that is normally provided in a gaming machine and displays an effect according to the game mode can be notified by displaying that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not installed. . Further, as another notification mode, notification can be performed by lighting or blinking in a predetermined manner a decoration lamp for production or a dedicated lamp indicating the mounting state of the ball polishing cartridge 251.

  In addition, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine as in the present embodiment, the game ball enclosed in the gaming machine is circulated to perform the game, so the game continues for a long time without cleaning the game ball. Then, dirt on the game sphere accumulates, and the rolling of the game sphere may be worsened. Therefore, it is preferable to clean the game sphere with a ball polishing device in any of the circulation paths of the game sphere. However, because it is not impossible to play a game without a ball polishing device, even if it is detected that a ball polishing cartridge is not installed, the game can be continued only by notifying with a display device or a lamp. it can.

  Further, the game time by the player is accumulated and measured by measurement means (not shown) by detection by a touch switch 87 provided on the handle. In this embodiment, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 is fed by one step every time the accumulated measurement time by the measuring means becomes 1 minute. In this embodiment, since the diameter of the winding roller 259 is 25 mm, the circumferential length is about 78.5 mm (= 25 × 3.14), and the first drive gear 256 and the second drive gear 257 are Considering that the gear ratio is 1/2, the feed amount of the ball polishing cloth 263 per step is 0.11 mm (= 78.5 / 360/2).

In this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is pressed and fixed by hooking a lever on a stopper. However, the fixing method is not limited to this method, and other fixing methods are used. A method can also be used.
In this embodiment, a coiled ball polishing cloth holding spring 264 is used as a means for pressing the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game ball. However, the pressing means is not limited to this, Shaped springs, other elastic members, and the like can also be used.

  In this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is arranged at the lowermost part of the gaming machine, but the arrangement position of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not limited to this position, and is located at the middle or upper part of the gaming machine. It can also be arranged. In that case, the opening provided in the portion facing the ball polishing cartridge 251 in the ball lifting device 22 may be changed to a location corresponding to the arrangement position of the ball polishing cartridge 251.

  In the present embodiment, the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is used as a technique for differentiating the direction in which the game ball is lifted by the ball lifting device 22 and the winding direction of the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251. Is transported in a direction inclined to the vertical direction from the direction in which the game ball of the ball lifting device 22 facing the ball polishing cloth 263 is lifted. Not limited to this, the transport direction of the game ball of the ball lifting device 22 is set to the vertical direction, and the transfer direction of the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is tilted from the vertical direction, or both are tilted. Various methods such as a direction can be selected.

  Further, in this embodiment, the mounting sensor 291 for the ball polishing cartridge 251 has a pushable button 292, and the button 292 is pressed by the mounting operation of the ball polishing cartridge 251, thereby mounting the ball polishing cartridge 251. Although detected, the mode of the mounting sensor 291 is not limited to these sensors, and other types of sensors such as an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor can be used.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if it is detected by the mounting sensor 291 that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not correctly mounted, it is assumed that the game can continue to be performed simply by performing notification. When it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not correctly mounted, the game can be disabled.

[Game ball enclosing operation]
Next, a description will be given of the enclosing operation for enclosing a predetermined number of game balls in an encapsulated ball type gaming machine when a newly installed encapsulated ball type game machine is installed or when a dirty game ball is taken out and cleaned once. To do. The enclosing operation is performed in a state where no power is supplied to the enclosing ball type gaming machine. For this reason, the ball lifting device 22 and various sensors in the enclosed ball type gaming machine are not activated.

In the enclosed ball type gaming machine, the game ball is launched into the game area by the launching device, and then rolls in the game area and then wins the prize winning device or is collected from the out port 42. The game is transported again to the launching device, and fired again in the game area in the launching device to play a game. That is, a circulation path for game balls is formed as a whole.
In order to introduce the game ball in the enclosing operation, the game ball may be inserted into the circulation path. In this embodiment, the game ball is introduced from the out port 42. Thereby, it is not necessary to separately provide an enclosure port for enclosing the game ball in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, and the configuration of the enclosed ball type gaming machine can be simplified. Further, instead of the out port 42, a game ball may be introduced from the winning port 41 of the winning device. The game balls that have entered the winning opening 41 of the winning device are also merged with the gaming balls that have entered the out opening 42 and are then transported to the launching device. Therefore, the gaming balls from the winning opening 41 of the winning device. Even if the game ball is introduced, the game ball can be put into the circulation path as in the case where the game ball is introduced to the out port 42. In any case, when introducing the game ball, care must be taken so that the game ball, the hand, and the like do not hit the nail. When a game ball is introduced into the out port 42, it is possible to prevent the game ball from hitting the nail during the insertion by providing a game ball introduction member 427 described later. The out port 42 and the winning port 41 correspond to a game ball collection port.

  FIG. 71 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the number of game balls is less than a predetermined number when the game balls are sealed in the sealed ball type gaming machine. As described above, at the time of the game ball enclosing operation, since the energized ball game machine has not been powered on, the ball lifting device 22 is not driven. Therefore, the game balls thrown in from the out port 42 and the winning port 41 enter from the collection port 202, pass through the deformed sphere / magnetic ball discharge unit 20, and are aligned with the front of the ball lifting device 22 as the head.

  FIG. 72 shows a state in which a game ball is further inserted from the state of FIG. 71 and a predetermined number of game balls is reached. As shown in FIG. 72, when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed, the last-entered game ball 233 is a discontinuous portion 223 where the magnetic ball discharge path 226 and the regular game ball path branch off. And is configured to block the discontinuous portion 223.

  FIG. 73 shows a state where game balls are further inserted from the state of FIG. 72 and a predetermined number of game balls are inserted. As described above, when a predetermined number of game balls are encapsulated, the last inserted game ball 233 is configured to block the discontinuous portion 223. The game ball 235 exceeds the limit, and the normal game ball 233 cannot enter the discontinuous portion 223, but is guided to the magnetic ball discharge chestnut 227 from the magnetic ball discharge path 226 and collected.

  In the present embodiment, in the magnetic ball discharge unit, the discontinuous portion 223 to which the regular game ball 233 is guided when a predetermined number of game balls are sealed is blocked, and a predetermined number or more of the game balls are magnetic balls. Although it is configured to collect in the discharge unit, similarly in the deformed ball discharge route, the route through which the regular game ball 233 is guided when a predetermined number of game balls are sealed is blocked and collected in the deformed ball discharge unit. It can also be done.

  Further, in order to increase the efficiency when the game ball is thrown into the out port 42, a game ball introducing member 427 is provided on the rail portion of the front component member 45 located at the lower edge of the out port 42 (FIGS. 74 and 74). 75). When the game ball is placed on the upper surface of the game ball introduction member 427, the game ball is poured toward the out port 42, so that the game ball can be efficiently enclosed. Also, it is possible to throw a game ball without hitting a nearby nail.

  FIG. 74 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball introducing member 427 is protruded. The game ball introducing member 427 can be protruded by opening the door frame 3 and sliding it forward.

  FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball introducing member 427 is stored. In the state shown in FIG. 74, the game ball introduction member 427 can be stored by being pushed back, so that the game is not hindered.

  In this embodiment, the game ball introduction member 427 has a structure that can be advanced and retracted by manually sliding. However, the present invention is not limited to the above method, and a door frame is used by using an urging member such as a spring spring. Various methods can be selected, such as automatically opening and closing by opening and closing 3.

[Outline of control of gaming machines and external devices]
Next, the outline | summary of control of the payment machine 4 as an external apparatus arrange | positioned adjacent to the game machine 1 and its one side is demonstrated. FIG. 76 is a block diagram showing a main part in an embodiment of a main control board provided in an encapsulated ball type gaming machine and provided with an RTC. The control of the gaming machine 1 is broadly divided between the main board group and the peripheral board group, and among these, the main board group controls the gaming operation, and the peripheral board group performs the rendering operation (the liquid crystal display device 1400, Lamp, body frame lamp, door frame lamp, sound). The main board group includes a main control board 100 and a sphere information control board 110, and the peripheral board group includes a peripheral control board 130.

[Main control board 100]
The main control board 100 controls the game. The main control board 100 and a later-described sphere information control board 110 are connected so as to enable bidirectional data communication. As shown in FIG. 76, the main control board 100 that controls the progress of the game is a main control MPU 101 that is a microprocessor in which a ROM for storing various processing programs and various commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and the like are incorporated. A main control I / O port 102 as an input / output device (I / O device), a main control input circuit 103 to which detection signals from various detection switches are input, and a main control solenoid for driving various solenoids A drive circuit 104 and a RAM clear switch 105 for completely erasing information stored in a RAM (hereinafter referred to as “main control built-in RAM”) built in the main control MPU 101 are provided.

  The main control MPU 101, in addition to its built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as “main control built-in ROM”) and main control built-in RAM, in addition to a watchdog timer that monitors its operation (system) and to prevent fraud These functions are also built in. The main control MPU 101 has a built-in non-volatile memory, and this non-volatile RAM has a unique code for identifying an individual by the manufacturer that manufactured the main control MPU 101 (a code having only one in the world). ) Is stored in advance. Since the ID code once attached is stored in the nonvolatile RAM, it cannot be rewritten even if an external device is used. The main control MPU 101 can take out and refer to the ID code from the nonvolatile RAM.

[RTC control unit]
The main control MPU 101 of the embodiment includes an external real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as “RTC”) 107 capable of acquiring time information as time information acquisition means. Although not shown, the RTC 107 includes a register circuit, a clock input circuit, a clock output circuit, an interrupt output circuit, a data input / output circuit, and a control circuit.

  The RTC 107 has a clock / calendar function. The clock / calendar function is a function that counts the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. Moreover, you may use what counts to a day of the week as needed. The RTC control unit 106 is provided with an RTC 107 and a battery 108 for driving the RTC 107. By providing the battery 108, the RTC 107 does not interrupt the timekeeping and calendar function even when the power supply of a power supply board (not shown) is shut off.

  The battery 108 may be a primary battery (for example, a button battery), or a rechargeable secondary battery, thereby avoiding the need to arrange a backup power supply and avoiding the complicated configuration of the main control board 100. Can do. The battery 108 is also used as a backup power source for the RAM 109.

  The main control MPU 101 includes the RTC 107 and has a function of specifying year / month / day / hour / minute / second (calendar information and time information). The main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 acquires time information (hour / minute / second) from the RTC 107 when the gaming machine is turned on.

  An upper start port detection switch 90 for detecting a game ball won in an upper start port (not shown) arranged in the game area 8 of the game board 5 and a game ball won in a lower start port (not shown) are detected. Detection signals from the lower start opening detection switch 91 and the general winning opening detecting switch 93 for detecting a game ball won in the general winning opening (not shown) are first input to the main control input circuit 103, and the main control I / It is input to the main control MPU 101 via the O port 102.

  In addition, a gate switch 92 that detects a game ball that has passed through a gate portion (not shown), a general winning opening detection switch 94 that detects a gaming ball that has won a general winning opening (not shown), and a big winning opening (not shown) The detection signal from the count switch 98 that detects the winning game ball is first input to the main control input circuit 103 via the panel relay terminal board 140 attached to the game board 5, and the main control I / O port It is input to the main control MPU 101 via 102.

  Based on these detection signals, the main control MPU 101 outputs a control signal from the main control I / O port 102 to the main control solenoid drive circuit 104, so that the start-up solenoid 96 and the large-size solenoid 96 are connected via the panel relay terminal plate 140. A drive signal is output to the winning opening solenoid 97, the upper special symbol display 142, the lower special symbol display 143, and the upper special symbol from the main control I / O port 102 through the panel relay terminal board 140 and the function display board 141. A drive signal is output to the symbol memory display 144, the lower special symbol memory display 145, the normal symbol display 146, the normal symbol memory display 147, the game state display 148, and the round display 149.

  Further, the main control MPU 101 transmits various information related to the game (game information) and various commands related to the winning ball according to the winning to the ball information control board 110 in a serial manner, or a gaming machine from the ball information control board 110 Various commands relating to the state of 1 are received in a serial manner. Further, the main control MPU 101 transmits various commands related to the control of the game effect and various commands related to the state of the gaming machine 1 to the peripheral control board 130. When the peripheral control board 130 receives the control command transmitted from the main control board 100, various effects (for example, a decorative pattern for notifying the result of the determination on the display panel of the liquid crystal display device 1400 according to the received control command). Control related to the change display of the column, the accompanying display, the lamp, the sound, the operation of the movable decorative accessory for the display, etc.) is performed.

[Sphere Information Control Board 110]
FIG. 77 is a block diagram showing a main part of the ball information control board 110 mainly disposed in the enclosed ball type gaming machine. The ball information control board 110 controls the ball holding and the launch solenoid 13 and the ball feed solenoid 31 as the first drive source for driving the ball launcher 12, and the ball polish ribbon feed as the second drive source for driving the ball polisher. A ball information control unit 118 that performs various controls related to the motor 155, the ball lifting motor 150 as a third driving source for driving the ball lifting device 22, and the like is provided. Further, the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110 are connected so that bidirectional data communication is possible.

[Sphere Information Control Unit 118]
As shown in FIG. 77, the sphere information control unit 118 includes a sphere information control MPU 111 that is a microprocessor in which various processing programs and various commands are stored, a ROM that stores various data, a RAM that temporarily stores data, and the like. A sphere information control I / O port 112 as an O device and an external watchdog timer 116 (hereinafter referred to as “external WDT 116”) for monitoring whether or not the sphere information control MPU 111 is operating normally. , A ball lifting motor drive circuit 114 for outputting a driving signal to the ball lifting motor 150 of the ball lifting device 22 for performing ball lifting, and a ball information control input circuit for receiving detection signals from various detection switches 113 and a CR unit input / output circuit 115 for exchanging various signals between the settlement machine 4 and a ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155. A spherical polish ribbon feeding motor driving circuit 119 for, and a. In addition to its built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as “ROM with built-in sphere information control”) and RAM (hereinafter referred to as “RAM with built-in sphere information control”), the sphere information control MPU 111 is also adapted to fraud. In order to prevent this, functions and the like are also incorporated.

  The ball information control MPU 111 receives various information (game information) related to games from the main control board 100 and various commands related to prize balls in a serial manner via the ball information control I / O port 112, or from the main control board 100. An operation signal (detection signal) of the RAM clear switch 105 is input via the ball information control I / O port 112.

  Detection signals from a door frame opening switch 131 that detects opening of the door frame 3 with respect to the main body frame 2 and a body frame opening switch 132 that detects opening of the main body frame 2 with respect to the outer frame are first input to the ball information control input circuit 113. And input to the sphere information control MPU 111 via the sphere information control I / O port 112. Further, a touch detection signal (ON signal) from the touch switch 87 for detecting whether or not a palm or finger is touching the hitting handle 10 is input to the ball information control board 110 via the handle relay terminal plate 123 and further touched. The detection signal is input to the sphere information control MPU 111 via the sphere information control I / O port 112.

  The ball information control MPU 111 is connected to the launch solenoid 13 through the launch solenoid drive circuit 120 and is connected to the ball feed solenoid 31 through the ball feed solenoid drive circuit 122. The ball feed solenoid 31 is driven. In addition, the launch standby ball detection switches 26 and 70, the launch ball confirmation switch 36, the recovered ball detection switch 203, the ball path full tank detection switch 206, the appropriate ball amount detection switch 207, and the presence or absence of a game ball to be supplied to the ball lifting device 22 A lifting inlet switch 156 for detecting the rotation, a lifting motor sensor (photo sensor) 157 for detecting the rotation speed of the ball lifting motor 150, and a ball polishing cartridge containing a ball polishing cloth ribbon. A detection signal from the cassette detection switch 158 for detecting the signal is input to the ball information control input circuit 113 via the sensor relay board 124 and input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I / O port 112. Yes. The ball information control MPU 111 sends drive signals for driving the ball lifting motor 150, the ball polishing ribbon feeding motor 155, the firing solenoid 13 and the ball feeding solenoid 31 to each driving element via the ball information control I / O port 112. Output to.

  In addition, a touch panel unit 14 is connected to the sphere information control MPU 111 so that it can be displayed by a control output from the sphere information control I / O port 112. In addition, the ball information control board 110 relays the electrical connection between the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 133, and in addition to the door frame opening switch 131, the body frame opening switch 132, the external terminal board 133, The electrical connection between is relayed. The external terminal board 133 is electrically connected to a hall computer installed in the game hall (hall).

  A detection signal from a touch switch 87 for detecting whether or not a palm or finger is touching the hitting handle 10 and a firing stop switch 86 for detecting whether or not the game ball is forcibly stopped according to the player's will. Is first input to the ball information control input circuit 113 via the handle relay terminal plate 123. Further, when the settlement machine 4 and the ball information control board 110 are electrically connected, the CR unit input / output circuit 115 is input as a CR connection signal.

  Note that DC power supplies + 24V, + 12V, and + 5.2V are supplied to the spherical information control board 110 from a power supply board (not shown). Also, DC power supplies + 24V, + 12V, and + 5.2V are supplied to the main control board 100 via the sphere information control board 110.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 117 compares and monitors the voltage V1 based on + 24V and the reference voltage, and the voltage V2 based on + 12V and the reference voltage, respectively, and detects a sign of power failure or instantaneous power failure, that is, the voltage V1 or V2 is the reference. When it becomes smaller than the voltage, a power failure warning signal is output as a power failure warning. The power failure notice signal output from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 is supplied to the main control MPU 101 in addition to being supplied to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110. Although not shown, the power failure warning signal is also input to the peripheral control board 130.

[Electrical connection between game board 5 and main body frame 2]
The electrical connection of the game board 5 to the main body frame 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 97 is a block diagram showing a game board and a main body frame connected using a drawer connector. The mechanical and electrical connection between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 is performed by connection using a drawer connector. The game board 5 is provided with a game board side main drawer connector and a game board side sub drawer connector, and the main body frame 2 is provided with a main body frame side main drawer connector and a main body frame side sub drawer connector. Yes. By fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the game board side main drawer connector and the main body frame side main drawer connector, the game board side sub drawer connector and the main body frame side sub drawer connector are connected, and the game board 5 And the main body frame 2 are mechanically connected and simultaneously electrically connected. Thereby, electrical communication can be performed between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2.

[Authentication of main control board 100 and ball information control board 110]
When it is possible to perform electrical communication between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 as described above, mutual authentication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 is performed when the power is turned on. The authentication functions of the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Although it has been described that the main control MPU 101 in the main control board 100 previously stores an ID code, the above-described ID code is also stored in advance in the sphere information control MPU 111 of the sphere information control board 110. Hereinafter, the ID code stored in advance in the main control MPU 101 is referred to as a first MPU recognition number, and the ID code stored in advance in the ball information control MPU 111 is referred to as a second MPU recognition number.

  The main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110 in this embodiment are capable of bidirectional data communication, and each MPU is authorized by performing an authentication process between the boards when the power is turned on. It is the structure which can judge whether it exists. Details will be described below.

  The main control board 100 includes at least a main control MPU 101. Whether the first MPU recognition number storage unit 101a in which the first MPU recognition number stored in advance is stored in the main control MPU 101 and the second MPU recognition number are appropriate A first authentication unit 162 that performs the authentication process, and a main encryption communication unit 160 that encrypts information transmitted to the sphere information control MPU 111 and decrypts information transmitted from the sphere information control MPU 111. Further, the first authentication unit 162 includes a second MPU recognition number storage unit 161 that stores a second MPU recognition number.

  The sphere information control board 110 includes at least a sphere information control MPU 111. The sphere information control MPU 111 has a second MPU recognition number storage unit 111a in which a second MPU recognition number stored in advance is stored, and a first MPU recognition number. A second authentication unit 167 that performs an authentication process as to whether it is appropriate, and a sphere information encryption communication unit 165 that encrypts information transmitted to the main control MPU 101 and decrypts information transmitted from the main control MPU 101. The second authentication unit 167 further includes a first MPU recognition number storage unit 166 that stores the first MPU recognition number.

  When power is turned on to the gaming machine, the first MPU recognition number is encrypted by the main encryption communication unit 160 from the first MPU recognition number storage unit 101a through the two-way communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110. The second MPU recognition number is transmitted from the sphere information control MPU 111 to the main encryption communication unit 160 after being encrypted by the sphere information encryption communication unit 165.

  Next, the main control MPU 101 decrypts the second MPU recognition number transmitted from the sphere information encryption communication unit 165 from the sphere information control MPU 111 using the main encryption communication unit 160 and then stores the second MPU recognition number in the first authentication unit 162. The sphere information control MPU 111 stored in the 2 MPU recognition number storage unit 161 decrypts the first MPU recognition number transmitted from the main control MPU 101 using the sphere information encryption communication unit 165 and then stores the first MPU recognition number in the second authentication unit 167. It is stored in the 1 MPU recognition number storage unit 166.

  Next, the main control MPU 101 performs authentication processing at the first authentication unit 162 based on the second MPU recognition number stored in the second MPU recognition number storage unit 161, and determines whether the second MPU recognition number is appropriate. To do.

  On the other hand, the sphere information control MPU 111 performs authentication processing by the second authentication unit 167 based on the first MPU recognition number stored in the first MPU recognition number storage unit 166, and the first MPU recognition number is appropriate. Determine whether.

  When it is determined that the main control MPU 101 and the ball control MPU 111 are appropriate based on the results of authentication performed by the first authentication unit 162 and the second authentication unit 167, respectively, when the main control side power is turned on in FIG. 82 and the ball information control side power-on process in FIG. 82 are permitted to start and the game can be started. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not appropriate, the main control side power-on process and the ball information The start of the control-side power-on process is not permitted, making it impossible to play a game.

  With these configurations, by causing the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 to perform mutual authentication processing, if such authentication processing is not performed appropriately, a game is not performed. It is possible to effectively prevent fraud such as the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 being replaced with counterfeit chips.

  As described above, when it is determined that the mutual authentication result is appropriate in the mutual authentication process performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111, the main control side power-on process and FIG. 82 sphere information control side power-on processing start is permitted. In other words, the gaming board 5 is normally attached to the main body frame 2 on the condition that the mutual authentication result is determined to be appropriate in the mutual authentication process performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111. It is guaranteed that the game board 5 exists.

[Combination authentication of main frame and game board]
Next, the manufacturer authentication process execution means regarding the combination of the main body frame 2 and the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Pachinko machines, pachislot machines, etc. are delivered to the amusement hall (game hall). It is obliged to apply for a frame including the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 as a set of gaming machines. Therefore, even if the main body frame is common to all manufacturers, the combination of the main body frame and the game board must be the combination that has been applied for.

  Even if the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 are applied as a set of gaming machines, the main body frame in this embodiment has a common structure for each manufacturer, and therefore, different combinations of main bodies. Even if the game board is inserted into the frame, it is not possible to judge whether it is the wrong combination just by looking, and which manufacturer's game board fits in the main frame of the place where it is really set correctly May be difficult to grasp and manage. The present embodiment presents a specific solution for solving the above problem.

  First, a specific implementation method for authenticating whether or not the combination of the game board 5 and the frame body including the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 is a combination for which an application has been applied will be described.

  In addition to the first MPU recognition number and the second MPU recognition number used to authenticate whether or not the MPU is legitimate, the main control MPU 101 on the main control board 100 includes the manufacturer information and model number of the game board. Game board manufacturer identification information necessary for recognition is stored in advance, and frame manufacturer identification information is stored in advance in the ball information control MPU 111 on the ball information control board 110.

  The game board 5 stores different game board manufacturer identification information for each individual, and can be recognized separately based on the difference in the character string of the identification information. Also, in the main body frame 2, different frame maker identification information is stored for each individual, and can be recognized separately by the difference in the character string of the identification information.

  Next, the interrelationship of wording in the present invention and the present embodiment is presented. The main control board 100 corresponds to the first control board, the sphere information control board 110 corresponds to the second control board, the main control MPU 101 corresponds to the first MPU, and the sphere information control MPU 111 corresponds to the second MPU.

  The main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 in this embodiment are capable of two-way data communication, and when the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2 and then the power is turned on, By performing the combination authentication process in, it is possible to determine whether or not the game board and the main body frame are a regular combination. Details will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 98, the main control board 100 includes at least a main control MPU 101. The main control MPU 101 stores a game board maker identification information storage unit 4101 storing game board maker identification information stored in advance, and a frame maker. A first authentication unit 162 that performs authentication processing as to whether the identification information is proper, and a main encryption communication unit that encrypts information transmitted to the sphere information control MPU 111 and decrypts information transmitted from the sphere information control MPU 111 The first authentication unit 162 further includes a frame maker identification information storage unit 4112 for storing frame maker identification information.

  The sphere information control board 110 includes at least a sphere information control MPU 111. The sphere information control MPU 111 includes a frame maker identification information storage unit 4112 in which prestored frame maker identification information is stored, and game board maker identification information is appropriate. A second authentication unit 167 that performs authentication processing to determine whether the information is correct, and a sphere information encryption communication unit 165 that encrypts information transmitted to the main control MPU 101 and decrypts information transmitted from the main control MPU 101. The second authentication unit 167 further includes a game board manufacturer identification information storage unit 4101 for storing game board manufacturer identification information.

  When the game board 5 is fitted in the main body frame 2 and the power is turned on, the game board manufacturer identification information storage unit 4101 identifies the game board manufacturer by bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110. The information is encrypted by the main encryption communication unit 160 and then transmitted to the sphere information encryption communication unit 165, and the frame maker identification information is encrypted by the sphere information encryption communication unit 165 from the frame maker identification information storage unit 4112. It is transmitted to the main encryption communication unit 160.

  Next, the main control MPU 101 decrypts the frame manufacturer identification information transmitted from the sphere information encryption communication unit 165 from the sphere information control MPU 111 using the main encryption communication unit 160 and then the frame in the first authentication unit 162. Stored in the manufacturer identification information storage unit 4112, the ball information control MPU 111 decrypts the game board manufacturer identification information transmitted from the main control MPU 101 using the ball information encryption communication unit 165, and then in the second authentication unit 167. Stored in the game board manufacturer identification information storage unit 4101.

  Thereafter, the main control MPU 101 performs authentication processing by the first authentication unit 162 based on the frame maker identification information stored in the frame maker identification information storage unit 4112, and determines whether the frame maker identification information is appropriate. To do.

  Then, the ball information control MPU 111 performs an authentication process in the second authentication unit 167 based on the game board manufacturer identification information stored in the game board manufacturer identification information storage unit 4101, and the game board manufacturer identification information is appropriate. Determine if there is.

  When it is determined that the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 are an appropriate combination at the time of application based on the results of authentication by the first authentication unit 162 and the second authentication unit 167, the game is started. If it is determined that it is not appropriate, it is impossible to start the game.

  With these configurations, an authentication process is performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111, and a game is not performed when the authentication process is not properly performed. It is possible to effectively prevent the game board from being inserted into a different frame from the application at the time of application by mistake and being started with a combination different from the set of game machines applied for. Become.

  Furthermore, because the hall computer installed in the game hall is configured to transmit the result of the authentication process performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 via the external terminal board 133. When it is determined that the combination of the game board manufacturer identification information and the frame manufacturer identification information is abnormal, an error signal is output from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer, so that the game board 5, the main body frame 2, the door frame It is possible to accurately grasp the combination abnormality 3.

[Information output from conventional external terminal board]
Next, how information is conventionally output and managed from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer will be described with reference to FIG. As the game progresses, various signals are transmitted from the ball information control board 110 to the external terminal board 133, and the signals are transmitted to the hall computer installed in the game hall, so that all of the signals installed in the game hall are transmitted. It is a mechanism to manage the game machines. Specifically, in addition to the door frame opening signal and the main body frame opening signal, an award ball number information output signal indicating the number of winning balls for the player, 15 round hits through the ball information control board 110 from the main control board 100 In addition to information output signal and jackpot information output signal such as 2-round jackpot information output signal, information output signal during probability change, special symbol display information output signal, normal symbol display information output signal, short and medium information output signal, and start The game information signal such as the mouth winning information output signal is output to the external terminal board 133.

  As described above, as information output from the ball information control board 110, for example, a signal such as 15 round jackpot information is transmitted to the external terminal board 133, and then output from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer. However, the time when the signal is transmitted is output after the game process is started.

  In the authentication process of the present embodiment, the timing of outputting the above-described authentication process result from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer is when the power is turned on after the game board is fitted into the main body frame (see step S20 in FIG. 79). ). For this reason, it is possible to divert the output line that is output to the external terminal board 133 during the game as the output line that outputs the result of the authentication process.

  Conventionally, the ball information control board 110 and the external terminal board 133 are directly connected, and after the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2, a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses after the power is turned on. Various information such as a code identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine, a code identifying the model name of the gaming machine, and MPU specific information is output to the external terminal board, and then output from the external terminal board to the hall computer. Thus, the various information transmitted from the sphere information control board 110 is directly output to the external terminal board.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, in addition to the code identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine, the code identifying the model name of the gaming machine, and the MPU specific information, the authentication information related to the authentication described above is an authentication information output signal described later. It is configured to output to the hall computer through the external terminal board 133.

[Information output from external terminal board of this embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a switching circuit switch for selecting either a 15 round jackpot information output signal or an authentication information output signal for transmitting MPU specific information, an authentication result, etc. between the ball information control board 110 and the external terminal board 133 Is provided (FIG. 100). This pulse width changing circuit C1 has a switching circuit switch of two circuits, a normally open contact and a normally closed contact, and each time the pulse width changing circuit C1 receives a switching control signal S1 transmitted from the ball information control board 110. The normally-open contact and the normally-closed contact are switched and controlled to select either the 15 round big hit information output signal or the authentication information output signal.

  The 15 round jackpot information output signal transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is output through LINE1. During the game, switching from the ball information control board 110 is performed so that it is output to the external terminal board 133 through the LINE3 after being connected to a connection point that is a contact with the LINE2 described later through the normally closed contact of the pulse width changing circuit C1. It is controlled by the control signal S1.

  An authentication information output signal from the sphere information control board 110 is output through LINE2. When the gaming machine is turned on and enters the authentication process in the main control side power-on process and the ball information control side power-on process described above, each contact is switched by the switching control signal S1 from the ball information control board 110. The normally closed contact is opened, and the normally open contact is closed. Then, the pulse width of the authentication information output signal including the MPU specific information and the authentication result is changed by the memory PMC provided in the pulse width changing circuit C1 through LINE2 (described later). Thereafter, the signal is output from the LINE3 connected to the connection point, which is a contact point of the LINE1 and LINE2, to the external terminal board 133, and then output to the hall computer.

  The MPU specific information and the authentication signal are converted into a 1-bit 125 ms (millisecond) width pulse (equivalent to 8 bps) by the memory PMC provided in the pulse width change circuit C1 before being output to the external terminal board 133. ), The output is expanded to a pulse width that can be reliably received by the hall computer. When sending such information by serial transmission, for example, in a form in which one frame is composed of 8 bits of data and 1 bit of stop bits following 1 start bit, MPU specific information, game board If the manufacturer identification information and the frame manufacturer identification information are 4 bytes, and the authentication result is 1 byte, a 5-bit signal and a 1-bit start bit and a stop bit are added to each byte data. Will be sent. If a 1-bit pulse width is 125 ms, it takes 125 ms × 50 bits = 6.25 s to be transmitted.

  With the configuration described above, the signal for outputting the authentication information output signal and the signal for outputting the jackpot information can be output by switching between the normally open contact and the normally closed contact. It is possible to output without adding a dedicated terminal for 133.

  In the present embodiment, the terminal that transmits the 15-round jackpot information output signal during the game is used as a terminal that outputs the authentication information output signal only when the power is turned on, but this is only one embodiment. It is. During the power-on process, the output terminals other than the 15 round jackpot information output signal do not output signals, so it is possible to select and use various terminals.

[Settlement machine 4]
FIG. 78 is a block diagram mainly showing each element connected to the checkout machine 4. The settlement machine 4 and the ball information control board 110 are connected so that data communication can be performed in both directions. Although not shown, the control unit of the settlement machine 4 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like.

  To the checkout machine 4, operation input signals of a ball lending button and a checkout button disposed on the touch panel unit 14 of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 1 are connected to be able to be input through an interface, for example. In addition, a remaining frequency display unit and an operable notification lamp disposed on the touch panel unit 14 of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 1 are connected so as to be able to be displayed by a control output from the settlement machine 4. Further, the checkout machine 4 is provided with a card processing machine 402 at the back of the card insertion slot of FIG.

[Card 403]
The card 403 used in the embodiment is composed of, for example, a magnetic card or an IC card, and is issued to a player by being issued by a card issuing machine (not shown) when the player pays a predetermined amount. In FIG. 78, the data structure memorize | stored in the card | curd 403 is shown.

  In the card 403, an ID storage unit 404 in which an ID number (hereinafter simply referred to as an ID) as identification information individually given to the card 403 is stored, which corresponds to the amount paid when the card 403 is purchased. A remaining number storage unit 305 in which the remaining number as valuable value information to be stored is stored, and a number of stored balls storage unit 406 in which the number of balls acquired by the player (the number of gaming machine balls) is stored as a game result. Is set. When the card 403 is issued, the ID is stored in the ID storage unit 404 and the remaining number corresponding to the amount paid when the card 403 is purchased in the remaining number storage unit 405 (for example, the amount paid is 5000 yen). In this case, “5000” is stored as the remaining number, but “0” is stored as the initial value of the number of balls in the ball number storage unit 406.

  The card processor 402 is conventionally known, a card sensor for detecting the card 403, a card reader / writer for reading data stored in the card 403 and writing data to the card 403, and data reading of the card 403. A card conveying means is provided for feeding the writing position and discharging the card 403 to the card insertion slot. When the card 403 is inserted into the card insertion slot, the card processor 402 sends the card 403 to a predetermined data reading / writing position, and the card reader / writer stores the stored data, that is, the ID, remaining frequency, and possession. The number of balls is read and output to the checkout machine 4. Further, the ID, the remaining number, and the number of balls are written (stored) in the above-described storage units in response to a writing command from the settlement machine 4.

  The checkout machine 4 stores the ID read from the card 403 through the card processing machine 402, the remaining number and the number of balls in the RAM.

[Lending by ball with card 403]
When the settlement machine 4 reads the data of the card 403, the settlement machine 4 displays the remaining frequency stored in the RAM on the remaining frequency display section. If the card 403 can be used, the checkout machine 4 lends a ball according to the operation of the ball lending button. This ball lending shall lend, for example, a ball lending number of 125 (ball unit price is 4 yen) per operation of the ball lending button. In the ball lending, when there is a number of balls and the number of balls is less than 125, the whole ball number is lended as the number of balls to be lended. The checkout machine 4 transmits the number of rented balls to the ball information control board 110. Further, the checkout machine 4 obtains the consideration for the ball rental by multiplying the set ball unit price by the number of the rental balls, and subtracts the calculated consideration (the consideration corresponding to the ball rental is the remaining frequency) from the current remaining frequency. If there is a number of balls and if a ball is lent from the number of balls, the number of balls is subtracted from the current number. The checkout machine 4 displays this result on the remaining frequency display section. In addition, the remaining number is written in the remaining number storage unit 405 of the card 403.

[Game start]
When the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 receives the number of rented balls transmitted from the settlement machine 4, the ball information control MPU 111 adds it to the number of gaming machine balls and displays the addition result on the touch panel unit 14. The ball launcher 12 can be launched, and a game is enabled.

[During game]
When the player operates the hitting handle 10, the ball launching device 12 is activated, and when the game ball in the ball launching position is launched into the game area 8 by the launching hammer 30, this is used for the ball detection of the launching ball confirmation switch 36. Based on this, driving into each game area 8 for each game ball is detected. Then, the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 sequentially “1” from the gaming machine possession ball number data stored in the gaming machine possession ball number storage area in response to the detection of each gaming ball. And the number of balls held is displayed on the touch panel unit 14.

  On the other hand, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 has a gate switch 92 disposed in a gate portion (not shown) that allows game balls to pass through on the surface of the game board 5 and a normal winning opening (not shown). ) For general winning opening detection switches 93 and 94 arranged for), a count switch 98 arranged for a large winning opening (not shown), and a starting opening (not shown) as an upper starting opening. Based on the detection signals from the upper and lower start port detection switches 90 and 91, processing related to the game is performed, and commands and signals as processing results are sent to the ball information control board 110, the peripheral control board 130, and the upper and lower specials. The symbols are output to the symbol displays 142 and 143, the upper and lower special symbol storage displays 144 and 145, the normal symbol display 146, the normal symbol storage display 147, the start opening solenoid 96, the big prize opening solenoid 97, and the like.

  When the game ball launched by the ball launcher 12 wins various winning holes in the game area 8 (start winning hole, large winning hole, etc.), the game ball is various winning detection switches provided for each winning hole. (Upper start opening detection switch 90, lower start opening detection switch 91, general winning opening detection switch 93, general winning opening detection switch 94, count switch 98).

  The main control MPU 101 responds to detection signals from detection switches (general winning opening detection switches 93 and 94, count switch 98, upper and lower starting opening detection switches 90 and 91 are applicable) provided for each winning opening. A prize ball command for instructing the number of prize balls set according to the winning opening where the game ball has won is output to the ball information control board 110 as necessary.

  Further, the main control MPU 101 periodically outputs a gaming state signal (status) indicating the type of the current gaming state to the peripheral control board 130. The gaming state means, for example, a winning lottery due to a winning at the start opening and a start opening, a special symbol variable display based on the lottery result to stop the symbol, and the lottery result In the case of the first type pachinko gaming machine that shifts to the special gaming state (big hit gaming state) in the case of, the normal gaming state (the probability of winning by the lottery is normal probability, and the time of variable display of the normal symbol is normal), short time Game state (state that normal symbol variable display time is shortened than usual, time output information output signal), jackpot gaming state (15 round jackpot information output signal or 2 round jackpot information output signal), high probability game Status (probability of winning due to lottery, status change information output signal during probability change), special symbol change (special symbol display information output signal), hold based on start-up winnings There are certain conditions (starting opening winning information output signal) and the like.

  The peripheral control board 130 is based on a command output from the main control board 100, and includes a liquid crystal display device 1400, an accessory decoration board (not shown), a board decoration board (not shown), and a frame decoration board (see FIG. (Not shown) outputs a control signal to control the lighting display of various decorative LEDs, and controls the sound (sound, sound, sound effect, etc.) output from a speaker (not shown) and a liquid crystal display The apparatus 1400 controls the symbols to be displayed.

  The ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 displays the number of balls held by the launch solenoid 13, the ball feed solenoid 31, the ball lift motor 150, the ball polish ribbon feed motor 155, and the touch panel unit 14 based on various input signals. And outputs a signal to the settlement machine 4.

  A game state signal and a prize ball command output from the main control board 100 are input to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110.

  In response to receiving such a prize ball command, the ball information control MPU 111 sets the value of the number of prize balls set in advance for each winning slot in the gaming machine ball number data stored in the gaming machine ball number storage area. Are added and displayed on the touch panel unit 14.

[Game ends, settlement]
Thereafter, when the checkout button is operated by the player to end the game, the checkout machine 4 transmits a game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110.

  When the settlement machine 4 transmits a game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 according to the operation of the settlement button, the ball information control MPU 111 receives the game end command sent from the settlement machine 4, and the ball information control The MPU 111 transmits “Finishable” to the settlement machine 4. Next, the ball information control MPU 111 stops the firing solenoid 13 and the ball feed solenoid 31 to stop the game. The current number of gaming machine balls stored in the gaming machine ball number storage area is transmitted to the settlement machine 4.

  Then, when the process of the settlement machine 4 corresponding to the number of gaming machine possessed balls transmitted from the ball information control MPU 111 is completed, the settlement machine 4 transmits a process end, so that the ball information control MPU 111 receives the process termination. Thus, the gaming machine possession ball number storage area in the RAM is cleared to 0, and the processing is completed.

  On the other hand, after the settlement machine 4 receives “end ready” as an answer to the end state in response to the game end command, the ball information control MPU 111 transmits the number of gaming machine balls to the settlement machine 4. When the number of held balls is received, the received number of gaming machine balls is added to the number of adjusted machine balls stored in the RAM when the card is inserted, and the addition result is stored as the number of adjusted machine balls. Thereby, all of the number of possessed balls as the game result of the game played by the player is stored as the number of adjusted machine possessed balls. Then, the processing end is transmitted to the ball information control MPU 111, the number of adjusted machine balls is written in the number-of-balls storage unit 406 of the card 403, the card 403 is ejected from the card insertion slot, and the processing is ended. As a result, the card 403 rewritten by adding the number of gaming machine balls as a game result is returned to the player.

[Various control processing of main control board]
First, various control processes performed by the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 76 according to the progress of the game of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 79 to 81. 79 is a flowchart showing main control-side power-on processing executed by the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100, and FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing continuation of main control-side power-on processing in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main control timer interrupt process executed by the main control MPU 101. FIG.

[Main control side power-on processing]
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter simply referred to as main control MPU) of the main control board 100 performs main control side power-on processing as shown in FIGS. When the main control side power-on process is started, the main control MPU sets the stack pointer (step S10). The stack pointer indicates, for example, the address accumulated on the stack to temporarily store the contents of the memory element (register) being used, or temporarily returns the return address of this routine when returning to this routine after completing the subroutine. It indicates the address that is stacked on the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is stacked. In step S10, an initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the contents of the register, the return address, etc. are stacked on the stack from this initial address.
Then, the stack pointer returns to the initial address by sequentially reading from the last stacked stack to the first stacked stack.

  Subsequent to step S10, wait timer processing 1 is performed (step S12), and it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal is input (step S14). The voltage does not rise immediately from when the power is turned on until the voltage reaches the predetermined voltage. On the other hand, when a power failure or a momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the supply of power is suddenly stopped) occurs, the voltage drops and becomes smaller than the power failure warning voltage. A signal is output and input to the main control MPU. Similarly, when the voltage becomes lower than the power failure notice voltage from when the power is turned on until it reaches the predetermined voltage, a power failure notice signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110.

  Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S12 is a process for waiting after the power is turned on until the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes. In this embodiment, the wait timer process 200 is 200 milliseconds (wait timer). ms) is set. The determination in step S14 is performed based on a power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110. After the power is turned on, when the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and becomes stable, the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 is not output, and the main control MPU proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the main control MPU determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 (FIG. 76) is operated (step S16). This determination is made based on whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and an operation signal (detection signal) is input to the main control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated. On the other hand, when the detection signal is not input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not operated.

  When it is determined in step S16 that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is set to a value 1 (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S30, while the RAM clear switch 105 is set in step S16. When it is determined that it is not operated, the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is set to 0 (step S19), and the process proceeds to step S20.

  This RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is a game related to games such as probability variation, unpaid prize balls, etc. stored in a RAM (hereinafter referred to as “main control built-in RAM”) built in the main control MPU 101. It is a flag indicating whether or not to erase information, and is set to a value of 1 when erasing game information and a value of 0 when not erasing game information. Note that the value of the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG set in step S18 and step S19 is stored in a general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the main control MPU.

  In step S20, combination authentication processing for determining whether or not the combination of the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 is appropriate is executed. The frame maker identification information output from the sphere information control board is stored in the frame maker identification information storage unit 4112 of the main control MPU 101 to authenticate whether or not appropriate frame maker identification information has been output. If the authentication is properly performed, the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if it is determined that the authentication is not appropriate, abnormality notification is performed using a speaker, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

  When the main control MPU proceeds to step S30, the main control MPU performs the wait timer process 2 (step S30). In this wait timer process 2, the system waits until the system that performs the drawing control of the liquid crystal display device 1400 by the liquid crystal control unit of the peripheral control board 130 starts (boots). In the present embodiment, 2 seconds (s) is set as the time until booting (boot timer).

  Subsequent to step S30, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is 0 (step S32). As described above, the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is set to a value of 1 when erasing game information and a value of 0 when not erasing game information. When it is determined in step S32 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is 0, that is, when the game information is not erased, a checksum is calculated (step S34). This checksum calculates the sum by regarding the game information stored in the main control built-in RAM as a numerical value.

  Following step S34, whether or not the calculated checksum value (sum value) matches the checksum value (sum value) stored in the main control side power-off processing (power-off) described later. Is determined (step S36). If they match, it is determined whether or not the backup flag BK-FLG is 1 (step S38). The backup flag BK-FLG is stored and held in the main control built-in RAM in the main control side power-off processing described later, such as game information, checksum value (sum value), and backup flag BK-FLG value. This flag is set to a value of 1 when the main control side power-off process is normally terminated, and a value of 0 when the main control-side power-off process is not terminated normally.

  When the backup flag BK-FLG has a value of 1 in step S38, that is, when the main control side power-off process has been completed normally, the work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as the time of power recovery (step S40). In this setting, the backup flag BK-FLG is set to a value of 0, and the power recovery time information is read from a ROM built in the main control MPU (hereinafter referred to as “main control built-in ROM”). Time information is set in the work area of the main control built-in RAM. In addition, “recovery” means not only the state where the power is turned off but also the state where the power is turned on. It also includes the state of returning after that.

  Subsequent to step S40, power-on command creation processing is performed (step S42). In the power-on command creation process, the game information is read from the backup information, and various commands corresponding to the game information are stored in a predetermined storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is not 0 (i.e., 1), that is, when the game information is deleted, or the checksum value (sum value) matches in step S36. If not, or if it is determined in step S38 that the backup flag BK-FLG is not a value 1 (value 0), that is, if the main control side power-off process has not been terminated normally, the main control built-in RAM All areas are cleared (step S44). Specifically, the value 0 is written in the main control built-in RAM (Note that a predetermined value may be read from the main control built-in ROM as an initial value and set). Further, the big hit determination initial value determination random number used for determining the initial value of the big hit determination random number is when the RAM clear switch 105 is operated to erase the game information, the sum value does not match, or When the main control-side power-off process has not ended normally, a unique ID code stored in advance in the non-volatile RAM of the main control MPU is extracted, and the jackpot determination random number is updated based on the extracted ID code An initial value deriving process for always deriving the same fixed value from the fixed numerical value range of the counter is executed, and this fixed value is set as the initial value.

  Following step S44, a work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S46). In this setting, initial information is read from the main control built-in ROM, and this initial information is set in the work area of the main control built-in RAM.

  Subsequent to step S46, RAM clear notification and test command creation processing is performed (step S48). In the RAM clear notification and test command creation processing, a power-on command classified into power-on for notifying that the main control built-in RAM is cleared and the initial setting is performed is created, and various peripheral control board 130 Test commands that are classified as related to tests for inspection are created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

  Subsequent to step S42 or step S48, interrupt initialization is performed (step S50). This setting is to set an interrupt cycle when a main control timer interrupt process described later is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 4 ms.

  Subsequent to step S50, interrupt permission is set. (Step S52). With this setting, the main control side timer interrupt process is repeated every interrupt cycle set in step S50, that is, every 4 ms. The processing in steps S10 to S52 is referred to as “main control side power-on processing”.

  Subsequent to step S52, a value A is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S54). The watchdog timer is cleared by setting value A, value B and value C in this watchdog timer clear register WCL in order.

  Subsequent to step S54, it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal is input (step S56). As described above, when the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is cut off, or when a power failure or a momentary power failure occurs, if the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the power failure warning voltage, the power failure warning signal is displayed on the ball information control board 110 as a power failure warning. It is input from. The determination in step S56 is made based on this power failure notice signal.

  If no power failure warning signal is input in step S56, a non-winning random number update process is performed (step S58). In this non-winning random number update process, for example, a reach determination random number, a variable display pattern random number, a big hit symbol initial value determining random number, a small hit symbol initial value determining random number, and the like are updated. As described above, in the non-winning random number update process, random numbers that are not involved in the winning determination (big hit determination) are updated. It should be noted that the random number for normal symbol determination, the random number for initial value determination for normal symbol determination, the random number for normal symbol variation display pattern, and the like are also updated by this non-winning random number update process.

  Following step S58, the process returns again to step S54, the value A is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL, it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal is input in step S56, and this power failure warning signal is not input. For example, a non-winning random number update process is performed in step S58, and steps S54 to S58 are repeated. The processing from step S54 to step S58 is referred to as “main control side main loop processing”.

  On the other hand, when a power failure warning signal is input in step S56, interrupt prohibition setting is performed (step S60). By this setting, the main control side timer interrupt processing described later is not performed, writing to the main control built-in RAM is prevented, and rewriting of game information is protected.

  Subsequent to step S60, the start opening solenoid 96, the big prize opening solenoid 97, the upper special symbol display 142, the lower special symbol display 143, the upper special symbol storage display 144, and the lower special symbol storage display shown in FIG. The drive signal output to the display unit 145, the normal symbol display unit 146, the normal symbol storage display unit 147, the game state display unit 148, the round display unit 149, etc. is stopped (step S62).

  Subsequent to step S62, a checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S64). This checksum is calculated by considering the game information in the work area of the main control built-in RAM as a numerical value, excluding the storage area for the checksum value (sum value) and the backup flag BK-FLG.

  Subsequent to step S64, a value 1 is set in the backup flag BK-FLG (step S66). Thereby, the storage of the backup information is completed.

  Subsequent to step S66, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S68). As described above, the clear setting is performed by sequentially setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in the watchdog timer clear register WCL.

  Subsequent to step S68, a loop process of repeating a state in which nothing is executed is entered. Note that the processing and the loop processing in steps S60 to S68 are referred to as “main control side power-off processing”. In this loop processing, since the value A, the value B, and the value C are not sequentially set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL, the watchdog timer is not cleared. Therefore, the watchdog timer times out and outputs a time-out signal, and the main control MPU is reset by the time-out signal, and then the main control MPU performs this main control side power-on process from the beginning again.

  The gaming machine 1 (main control MPU 101) is reset when a power failure occurs or when a momentary power failure occurs, and performs power-on processing on the main control side by subsequent power recovery.

  In step S36, it is checked whether or not the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM is normal. In step S38, it is determined whether or not the main control side power-off process has been normally completed. I am inspecting. In this way, by checking the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM twice, it is inspected whether the backup information is stored by an illegal act.

[Main control timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main control side timer interrupt process will be described. This main control side timer interruption process is repeated at every interruption period (4 ms in this embodiment) set in the main control side power-on process shown in FIGS.

  When the main control timer interrupt process is started, the main control MPU of the main control board 100 sets a value B in the watchdog timer clear register WCL as shown in FIG. 81 (step S70). At this time, the value B is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL following the value A set in step S54 of the main loop on the main control side.

  Subsequent to step S70, the interrupt flag is cleared (step S72). By clearing the interrupt flag, the interrupt cycle is initialized, and the next interrupt cycle is counted from the initial value.

  Subsequent to step S72, switch input processing is performed (step S74). In this switch input process, various signals input to the input terminal of the main control I / O port 102 are read and stored as input information in the input information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

  Subsequent to step S74, timer subtraction processing is performed (step S76). In this timer subtraction process, for example, the time during which the upper special symbol display unit 142 and the lower special symbol display unit 143 are lit according to the variable display pattern determined in the special symbol and special electric accessory control process described later, In addition to the time that the normal symbol display 146 is turned on according to the normal symbol variation display pattern determined in the normal electric accessory control process, the ball information control board 110 receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 100 (main control MPU). Time management such as an ACK signal input determination time set as a determination condition is performed when determining whether or not a sphere information main ACK signal that indicates normal reception is input. Specifically, when the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is 5 seconds, the timer interruption period is set to 4 ms. Therefore, every time this timer subtraction process is performed, the fluctuation time is subtracted by 4 ms. When the subtraction result is 0, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is accurately measured.

  In this embodiment, the ACK signal input determination time is set to 100 ms. Each time this timer subtraction process is performed, the ACK signal input determination time is subtracted by 4 ms, and the result of the subtraction becomes 0, thereby accurately measuring the ACK signal input determination time. The various times and the ACK signal input determination time are stored as time management information in the time management information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

  Subsequent to step S76, a winning random number update process is performed (step S78). In the winning random number update process, the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the small hit symbol random number described above are updated. Further, in addition to these random numbers, a big hit symbol initial value determining random number that is updated by the non-winning random number update process of step S58 in the main control side power-on process (main control side main process) shown in FIG. And the random number for determining the initial value for the small hit symbol is also updated. The random value for determining the initial value for the big hit symbol and the random number for determining the initial value for the small hit symbol are updated in the main control side main process and the main control side timer interrupt process, respectively, thereby improving the randomness. . On the other hand, the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the small hit symbol random number are random numbers related to the winning determination (big hit determination), so each time the winning random number update process is performed, the counter Counts up. For example, the counter for updating the jackpot determination random number is an initial value update type counter as described above, and is a predetermined fixed numerical value range from the minimum value to the maximum value (in this embodiment, the value as the minimum value). 0 to the maximum value is updated within the value 32767), and the range from the minimum value to the maximum value is incremented by incrementing by 1 each time the main control timer interrupt process is performed. The big hit determination initial value determining random number is counted up toward the maximum value (value 32767), and then the big hit determination initial value determining random number is counted up. When the counter for updating the big hit determination random number finishes counting up in the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the big hit determination random number, the big hit determination initial value determination random number is updated by the winning random number update process. At this time, the updated value is always the same from the fixed numerical value range of the counter in which the main control MPU extracts the ID code from the built-in nonvolatile RAM and updates the big hit determination random number based on the extracted ID code. An initial value deriving process for deriving a fixed value of is performed, and the derived fixed value is set as an initial value. In other words, the initial value determination random number for jackpot determination is always overwritten and updated with the same fixed value derived based on the ID code as a result of execution of the initial value derivation process. Note that the above-described random numbers for normal symbol determination and random numbers for determining the initial value for normal symbol determination are also updated by this winning random number update process. The random number for determining normal symbols is the same as the method for updating the random number for determining big hits, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Following step S78, a prize ball control process is performed (step S80). In this prize ball control process, the input information is read from the above-described input information storage area and a prize ball command for transmitting to the ball information control board 110 based on this input information is created, or the main control board 100 and the ball information A self-check command for confirming a connection state between the control board 110 and the board is created. Then, the created prize ball command and self-check command are transmitted to the ball information control board 110 as main ball information serial data. For example, when one game ball enters the big prize opening, a prize ball command representing 15 balls as the number of prize balls is created and transmitted to the ball information control board 110, or this prize ball command is sent to the ball information control board. When a ball information main ACK signal notifying that 110 has been successfully received is not input within a predetermined time, a self-check command is generated to check the connection state between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110. Or transmitted to the sphere information control board 110.

  Subsequent to step S80, frame command reception processing is performed (step S82). The sphere information control board 110 transmits various commands of 1 byte (8 bits) divided into status displays. In the frame command reception process in step S82, when these various commands are normally received as the sphere information main serial data, information to that effect is sent to the sphere information control board 110 as output information in the output information storage area of the main control built-in RAM. Remember. Further, the command normally received as the sphere information main serial data is shaped into a 2-byte (16-bit) command and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area described above.

  Subsequent to step S82, fraud detection processing is performed (step S84). In this fraud detection process, the abnormal state related to the prize ball is confirmed. For example, when the input information is read from the above-described input information storage area and the detection signal from the count switch 98 is input when the game is not in the big hit game state (when the game ball enters the big winning opening), etc. A winning abnormality display command that is classified as a notification display as an abnormal state is created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area described above.

  Subsequent to step S84, a special symbol and special electric accessory control process is performed (step S86). In this special symbol and special electric accessory control processing, the value of the counter for updating the jackpot determination random number described above is taken out and it is determined whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM. Whether to generate a gaming state (referred to as “special lottery”)), or the value of a counter for updating the jackpot symbol random number is taken out and the probability variation hit determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM It is determined whether or not they match (determining whether or not probability fluctuations are generated). Here, “probability fluctuation” means that the probability of a big hit changes to a high probability (at the time of a probable change) set higher than normal (low probability). In the present embodiment, the value 32668 to the value 32767 are set in the low probability as the range of the big hit determination value (big hit determination range) described above, and read from the normal determination table, whereas the value 32438 in the high probability. ˜value 32767 is set and read from the probability variation determination table. As described above, in the special symbol and special electric accessory control process in step S86, the value of the counter for updating the big hit determination random number matches the big hit determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM. Is determined depending on whether or not the value of the counter for updating the jackpot determination random number is included in the jackpot determination range.

  When these determination results are based on the upper start opening detection switch 90, various commands related to the special effect shown in FIG. 1 are produced. On the other hand, when the lottery results are based on the lower start opening detection switch 91, FIG. 2 Various commands related to the tuning effect are created and stored in the transmission information storage area as transmission information, and the upper special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is turned on according to the determined special symbol variation display pattern. The lighting signal output to the upper special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is set and stored as output information in the output information storage area described above.

  Also, depending on the gaming state to be generated, for example, when the big hit gaming state is entered, various commands classified into the big hit relation are created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area, or the opening / closing member is opened and closed. When the output of the drive signal to the winning opening solenoid 97 is set and stored in the output information storage area as output information, or when the number of times that the large winning opening is changed from the closed state to the opened state (round) is two times, the round display The lighting signal output to the two-round display lamp is set so that the two-round display lamp of the device 149 is lit, and stored in the output information storage area as output information, or when the number of rounds is fifteen, the round indicator 149 The lighting signal output to the 15-round display lamp is set to light the 15-round display lamp, and output information is output as output information. And stores in the storage area, presence or absence of occurrence probability variations sets the output of the lighting signal to the game state indicator 148 to be lit in a predetermined color, or stored in the output information storage area as the output information.

  Subsequent to step S86, normal symbol and normal electric accessory control processing is performed (step S88). In the normal symbol and normal electric accessory control process, the input information is read from the above-described input information storage area, and the gate winning process is performed based on the input information. In this gate winning process, it is determined from the input information whether the detection signal from the gate switch 92 has been input to the input terminal. Based on the determination result, when the detection signal is input to the input terminal, the gate value storage area of the main control built-in RAM is extracted as the gate information by extracting the value of the counter for updating the random number for determination per normal symbol described above. To remember.

  Subsequent to step S88, port output processing is performed (step S90). In this port output process, output information is read from the output information storage area described above from the output terminal of the main control I / O port 102, and various signals are output based on this output information. For example, the main sphere information ACK signal is output to the sphere information control board 110 when various commands from the sphere information control board 110 are normally received from the output terminal of the main control I / O port 102 based on the output information. When in the big hit gaming state, a driving signal is output to the big winning opening solenoid 97 for opening / closing the opening / closing member of the big winning opening, or a driving signal is output to the starting opening solenoid 96 for opening / closing the movable piece. In addition, 15 rounds jackpot information output signal, 2 rounds jackpot information output signal, probability fluctuation information output signal, special symbol display information output signal, normal symbol display information output signal, short and medium time information output information, start opening prize information output signal For example, various information (game information) signals relating to the game such as, are output to the ball information control board 110.

  Subsequent to step S90, peripheral control board command transmission processing is performed (step S92). In the peripheral control board command transmission process, the transmission information is read from the transmission information storage area described above, and the transmission information is transmitted to the peripheral control board 130 as main peripheral serial data. This transmission information includes various commands created in the main control side timer interrupt processing, which is this routine, classified as related to the special figure 1 tuning effect, various commands classified as related to the special figure 2 synchronous effect, and classified as related to the jackpot. Various commands that are classified as power-on, various commands that are classified as related to ordinary drawing effects, various commands that are classified as related to ordinary electronic effects, various commands that are classified into notification displays, and status displays Various commands classified, various commands classified as related to tests, and various commands classified into others are stored. The main serial data consists of 3 bytes per packet.

  Specifically, the main serial data includes a status indicating a command type having a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), a mode indicating a variation of an effect having a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), and a status. And a sum value obtained by considering the mode as a numerical value and calculating the sum, and this sum value is created at the time of transmission. The processing from step S74 to step S92 is referred to as “game control processing”.

  Subsequent to step S92, a value C is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S94). By setting the value C in the watchdog timer clear register WCL in step S94, the value C is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL following the value B set in step S70. As a result, the value A, the value B, and the value C are sequentially set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL, and the watchdog timer is cleared.

  Subsequent to step S94, the register is switched (returned) (step S96), and this routine is terminated. Here, when the main control side timer interrupt processing, which is this routine, is started, the main control MPU loads the contents of the general-purpose registers on the stack and saves them. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose register used in the main process on the main control side from being destroyed. In step S96, the contents saved on the stack are read and written to the original register. The main control MPU sets interrupt permission after the return in step S96.

[Various control processing of sphere information control board]
Next, various control processes performed by the sphere information control board 110 shown in FIG. 77 will be described with reference to FIGS. 82 is a flowchart showing a sphere information control side power-on process executed by the sphere information control MPU 111 of the sphere information control board 110, and FIG. 83 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the sphere information control side power-on process of FIG. FIG. 84 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the power-on process on the sphere information control side following FIG. 83, and FIG. 85 is a sphere information control power-off process executed by the sphere information control MPU 111 of the sphere information control board 110. FIG. 86 is a flowchart showing an example of the ball information control side timer interruption process.

[Ball information control side power-on processing]
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the sphere information control MPU 111 (hereinafter simply referred to as the sphere information control MPU) of the sphere information control unit 118 on the sphere information control board 110 is configured as a sphere as shown in FIGS. The information control side power-on process is performed. When the ball information control side power-on process is started, the ball information control MPU sets an interrupt mode (step S500). This interrupt mode is for setting the priority of interrupt of the sphere information control MPU. In this embodiment, a sphere information control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is set as the highest priority, and when this sphere information control unit timer interrupt process interrupt occurs, the process is preferentially performed.

  Subsequent to step S500, input / output setting (I / O input / output setting) is performed (step S502). In this I / O input / output setting, the I / O port input / output setting of the sphere information control MPU is performed.

  Subsequent to step S502, output of a power failure clear signal is started to the power failure monitoring circuit 117 shown in FIG. 77 (step S504). The power failure monitoring circuit 117 is composed of a voltage comparison circuit and a D-type flip-flop IC. The voltage comparison circuit compares the voltage between + 24V and the reference voltage, or compares the voltage between + 12V and the reference voltage, and outputs the comparison result. This comparison result shows that when no power failure or instantaneous power failure occurs, the logic becomes HI and is input to the PR terminal which is the preset terminal of the D-type flip-flop. The logic becomes LOW and is inputted to the PR terminal which is a preset terminal of the D-type flip-flop. In step S504, output of the power failure clear signal is started to the CLR terminal which is the clear terminal of the D type flip-flop. This power failure clear signal is input to the clear terminal with the logic being LOW via the ball information control I / O port 112 of the ball information control unit 118. Thereby, the sphere information control MPU can release the latch state of the D-type flip-flop, and inverts the logic input to the PR terminal which is the preset terminal of the D-type flip-flop until the latch state is set. Thus, the output from the 1Q terminal, which is the output terminal, can be made, and the signal from the 1Q terminal can be monitored.

  Subsequent to step S504, wait timer processing 1 is performed (step S506), and it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal is input (step S508). The voltage does not rise immediately from when the power is turned on until the voltage reaches the predetermined voltage. On the other hand, when there is a power failure or a momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the supply of power is temporarily stopped), the voltage decreases, and when it becomes lower than the power failure warning voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 as a power failure warning. Similarly, when the voltage becomes lower than the power failure warning voltage from when the power is turned on until it reaches the predetermined voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117. Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S506 is a process for waiting until the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes after the power is turned on. ms) is set. In step S508, it is determined whether or not the power failure notice signal is input. This determination is performed based on the signal output from the 1Q terminal, which is the output terminal of the D-type flip-flop described above, as the power failure warning signal.

  Subsequent to step S508, the output of the power failure clear signal is stopped at the CLR terminal which is the clear terminal of the D-type flip-flop (step S510). By stopping the output of the power failure clear signal, the logic becomes HI via the ball information control I / O port 112 and is input to the CLR terminal which is a clear terminal. Thereby, the sphere information control MPU can set the D-type flip-flop in the latched state. When the D-type flip-flop latches the state where the logic is LOW and is input to the PR terminal which is the preset terminal, the D-type flip-flop outputs a power failure warning signal from the 1Q terminal which is the output terminal.

  Subsequent to step S510, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 is operated (step S512). This determination is made based on whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and an operation signal (detection signal) is input to the sphere information control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated. On the other hand, when the detection signal is not input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not operated.

  If it is determined in step S512 that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, the value 1 is set in the sphere information RAM clear flag (step S514), and the process proceeds to step S518, while the RAM clear switch 105 is operated in step S512. If it is determined that it is not, the value 0 is set in the ball information RAM clear (step S516), and the process proceeds to step S518.

  The sphere information RAM clear flag is stored in, for example, various flags and various information storage areas stored in a RAM (hereinafter referred to as “sphere information control built-in RAM”) built in the sphere information control MPU. It is a flag indicating whether or not to delete various sphere information, and is set to a value of 1 when the sphere information is deleted and a value of 0 when the sphere information is not deleted. The sphere information RAM clear flag set in step S514 and step S516 is stored in a general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the sphere information control MPU.

  Subsequent to step S514 or step S516, setting for permitting access to the spherical information control built-in RAM is performed (step S518). This setting allows access to the sphere information control built-in RAM, for example, writing (storage) or reading of the sphere information.

  Subsequent to step S518, the stack pointer is set (step S520). The stack pointer indicates, for example, the address accumulated on the stack to temporarily store the contents of the memory element (register) being used, or temporarily returns the return address of this routine when returning to this routine after completing the subroutine. It indicates the address that is stacked on the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is stacked. In step S520, an initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the contents of the register, the return address, etc. are stacked on the stack from this initial address. Then, the stack pointer returns to the initial address by sequentially reading from the last stacked stack to the first stacked stack.

  Subsequent to step S520, when the process proceeds to step S521, a combination authentication process for determining whether or not the combination of the ball information control MPU 111 and the main control MPU 101 is proper is executed. The game board manufacturer identification information output from the main control board 100 is stored in the game board manufacturer identification information storage unit 4101 of the ball information control MPU 111 to authenticate whether or not appropriate game board manufacturer identification information has been output. If the authentication is properly performed, the process proceeds to step S527. On the other hand, if it is determined that the authentication is not appropriate, abnormality notification is performed using a speaker, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

  Subsequent to step S521, the sphere information control MPU proceeds to step S527. In step S527, it is determined whether or not the sphere information RAM clear flag is 0 (step S527). As described above, the sphere information RAM clear flag is set to a value of 1 when the sphere information is erased, and a value of 0 when the sphere information is not erased.

  When the sphere information RAM clear flag is 0 in step S527, that is, when the sphere information is not deleted, a checksum is calculated (step S528). This checksum calculates the sum by regarding the sphere information stored in the sphere information control built-in RAM as a numerical value.

  Subsequent to step S528, it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum value matches a checksum value stored in a sphere information control unit power-off process (power-off) described later (step S530). ). If they match, it is determined whether or not the sphere information backup flag is 1 (step S532). This sphere information backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not sphere information backup information such as sphere information and checksum value is stored and held in the sphere information control built-in RAM in the sphere information control unit power-off process described later. A value of 1 is set when the sphere information control unit power-off process is normally terminated, and a value of 0 is set when the sphere information control unit power-off process is not terminated normally.

  When the sphere information backup flag has a value of 1 in step S532, that is, when the sphere information control unit power-off process is normally terminated, the work area of the sphere information control built-in RAM is set as power recovery (step S534). In this setting, in addition to setting the value 0 to the sphere information backup flag, the power recovery time information is read from a ROM built in the sphere information control MPU (hereinafter referred to as “sphere information control built-in ROM”). The power recovery information is set in the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM. As a result, information used for various processes is set based on various flags, various information stored in various information storage areas, etc., which are the above-described spherical information backup information stored in the spherical information control built-in RAM. . Note that “recovery” includes not only the state in which the power is turned off but also the state in which the power is turned on, but also the state in which the power is restored after a power failure or a momentary power failure.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S527 that the sphere information RAM clear flag is not 0 (value 1), or if the checksum values do not match in step S530, or the sphere information backup flag is set in step S532. When it is determined that the value is not 1 (value 0), that is, when the process of turning off the power of the sphere information control unit is not normally terminated, the entire area of the sphere information control built-in RAM is cleared (step S536). Thereby, the sphere information backup information stored in the sphere information control built-in RAM is cleared.

  Subsequent to step S536, the work area of the sphere information control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S538). In this setting, the initial information is read from the sphere information control built-in ROM, and the initial information is set in the work area of the sphere information control built-in RAM.

  Subsequent to step S534 or step S538, interrupt initialization is performed (step S540). This setting is to set an interrupt cycle when a sphere information control unit timer interrupt process described later is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 2 ms.

  Subsequent to step S540, interrupt permission setting is performed (step S542). With this setting, the sphere information control unit timer interruption process is repeatedly performed every interruption period set in step S540, that is, every 2 ms.

  Subsequent to step S542, it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal is input (step S544). As described above, when the power of the gaming machine 1 is shut off, or when a power failure or a momentary power failure occurs, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 as a power failure warning voltage when the voltage falls below the power failure warning voltage. The determination in step S540 is made based on this power failure notice signal.

  When no power failure warning signal is input in step S544, it is determined whether or not the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 1 (step S546). This 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that measures 2 ms in a sphere information control unit timer interrupt process that is processed every 2 ms, which will be described later. The value is 1 when 2 ms has elapsed and 1 when the time has not elapsed. Each is set.

  If it is determined in step S546 that the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 0, that is, if 2 ms has not elapsed, the process returns to step S544 to determine whether a power failure warning signal is input.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S546 that the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1, that is, if 2 ms have elapsed, a value 0 is set in the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG (step S547), and the process proceeds to step S550. Then, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116 (turned ON, step S550). The external WDT 116 monitors the operation (system) of the sphere information control MPU. When the external WDT clear signal is not stopped at the clear signal release time, a reset signal is sent to the sphere information control MPU and the sphere information control I / O port 112. Is output and reset (periodically diagnoses whether or not the system of the sphere information control MPU is out of control).

  Subsequent to step S550, port output processing is performed (step S552). In this port output process, various information is read from the output information storage area of the spherical information control built-in RAM, and various signals are output from the output terminal of the spherical information control I / O port 112 based on the various information.

  In the output information storage area, for example, ball information main ACK information indicating that various commands (prize ball command and self-check command) related to the prize ball from the main control board 100 have been normally received, Various information such as drive information for performing drive control is stored, and when a prize ball command from the main control board 100 is normally received from the output terminal of the ball information control I / O port 112 based on this output information. The ball information main ACK signal is output to the main control board 100, or the drive signal is output to the firing solenoid 13.

  Subsequent to step S552, port input processing is performed (step S554). In this port input process, various signals input to the input terminal of the sphere information control I / O port 112 are read and stored as input information in the input information storage area of the sphere information control built-in RAM. For example, a door frame opening switch 131, a body frame opening switch 132, firing standby ball detection switches 26 and 70, a firing ball confirmation switch 36, a collection ball detection switch 203, a ball path full tank detection switch 206, a proper ball amount detection switch 207, Lifting inlet switch 156, lifting motor sensor (photo sensor) 157, cassette detection switch 158, firing stop switch 86, touch switch 87, BRQ signal from the adjustment machine 4, BRDY signal and CR connection signal, command transmission processing to be described later The main sphere information ACK signal or the like from the main control board 100 that informs the main control board 100 that the main control board 100 has normally received the various commands transmitted in the above is read and stored as input information in the input information storage area.

  Subsequent to step S554, timer update processing is performed (step S556). The various determination times are stored as time management information in the time management information storage area of the sphere information control built-in RAM. In the timer update process, it is determined whether or not the timer values of various timers are set. If the timer value is set, 1 is subtracted from the timer value. For example, when “1000” is set as a value corresponding to 2 seconds (2000 ms) in the timer, the timer interrupt period is set to 2 ms. Therefore, the timer value is incremented by 1 every time the timer subtraction process is performed in the 2 ms period. Subtraction is performed, and when the subtraction result becomes 0, the time is up and the time is accurately measured.

  Subsequent to step S556, settlement machine communication processing is performed (step S558). In the settlement machine communication processing, whether or not various signals (BRQ signal, BRDY signal, and CR connection signal) from the settlement machine 4 are input based on the input information read from the input information storage area described above. Determine. Based on various signals from the settlement machine 4, the ball information control MPU exchanges various signals with the settlement machine 4. For example, when the ball information control MPU receives the number of balls lent transmitted from the checkout machine 4, the ball information control MPU adds the number of balls rented to the number of balls held by the gaming machine.

  Following step S558, command reception processing is performed (step S560). In this command reception process, various commands (prize ball commands and self-check commands) related to prize balls from the main control board 100 are received. When these various commands are normally received, the sphere information main ACK information to that effect is stored in the output information storage area described above. On the other hand, when various commands cannot be received normally, a connection that indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the connection between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 (an abnormality has occurred in various command signals). Abnormality information is stored in the state information storage area described above.

  Following step S560, command analysis processing is performed (step S562). In this command analysis processing, the command received in step S562 is analyzed, and the analyzed command is stored as received command information in the received command information storage area of the sphere information control built-in RAM.

  Subsequent to step S562, main operation setting processing is performed (step S564). In the main operation setting process, the ball information control MPU performs operation settings of the firing solenoid 13, the ball feeding solenoid 31, the ball lifting device 22 (ball lifting motor 150), the ball polishing ribbon feeding motor 155, and the like. In addition, the ball information control MPU sequentially “1” from the game machine ball number data stored in the game machine ball number storage area in response to the detection of each game ball shot based on the ball detection of the launch ball confirmation switch 36. "Is subtracted. Further, when a winning ball command is stored in the received command information storage area, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning ball command is added to the gaming machine ball number data stored in the gaming machine holding ball number storage area.

  Following step S564, LED display data creation processing is performed (step S566). In this LED display data creation processing, for example, the gaming machine possession ball number data stored in the above-mentioned gaming machine possession ball number storage area is read out, and display data for displaying the number of possession balls on the touch panel unit 14 is created. The display information is stored in the output information storage area described above.

  Subsequent to step S566, command transmission processing is performed (step S568). In this command transmission process, various information is read from the state information storage area described above, and various commands classified into status displays are created based on the various information and transmitted to the main control board 100.

  Subsequent to step S568, output of the external WDT clear signal to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116 is stopped (turns OFF, step S570). Thereby, the external WDT 116 is cleared so that the sphere information control MPU and the sphere information control I / O port 112 are not reset. The external WDT 116 starts counting the clear signal release time when the output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped.

  Following step S570, the process returns to step S544 again to determine whether or not a power failure warning signal is input. If this power failure warning signal is not input, the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 1 in step S546. When the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1, that is, when 2 ms has elapsed, the value 0 is set in the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG in step S547, and the external WDT 4120c is externally connected in step S550. A WDT clear signal is output (ON), port output processing is performed in step S552, port input processing is performed in step S554, timer update processing is performed in step S556, settlement machine communication processing is performed in step S558, and step S560 is performed. Command reception processing is performed, and command analysis processing is performed in step S562. In step S564, main operation setting processing is performed. In step S566, LED display data creation processing is performed. In step S568, command transmission processing is performed. In step S570, the output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped (OFF). Steps S544 to S570 are repeated. The processing from step S544 to step S570 is referred to as “sphere information control main processing”.

  On the other hand, when a power failure warning signal is input in step S544, interrupt prohibition setting is performed (step S572). With this setting, a sphere information control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is not performed, writing to the sphere information control built-in RAM is prevented, and the above-described rewriting of the sphere information is protected.

  Subsequent to step S572, the power failure clear signal is output to the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of the D-type flip-flop of the power failure monitoring circuit 117, via the ball information control I / O port 112 (step S574). Thus, the D-type flip-flop can be released from the latched state by outputting the power failure clear signal.

  Subsequent to step S574, output of the drive signal to the firing solenoid 13 is stopped (step S576). Thereby, the launch of the game ball is stopped. Subsequent to step S576, output of the drive signal to the ball feed solenoid 31 is stopped (step S578). Thereby, the sending of the game ball to the ball launching device 12 side is stopped.

  Subsequent to step S578, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116 and the output is stopped (ON / OFF, step S580). As a result, the external WDT 116 is cleared. Subsequent to step S580, a checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S582). The checksum is calculated by considering the sphere information in the work area of the sphere information control built-in RAM as a numerical value, excluding the storage area of the checksum value calculated in step S528 and the value of the sphere information backup flag HBK-FLG. To do. Subsequent to step S582, a value 1 is set in the sphere information backup flag (step S584). Thereby, the storage of the sphere information backup information is completed. Subsequent to step S584, access prohibition to the sphere information control built-in RAM is set (step S586). With this setting, access to the sphere information control built-in RAM is prohibited, and writing and reading cannot be performed, and the sphere information backup information stored in the sphere information control built-in RAM is protected.

  Subsequent to step S586, a loop process of repeating a state of doing nothing is entered. In this loop processing, the clear signal is not turned ON / OFF to the external WDT 116. Therefore, the external WDT 116 resets the sphere information control MPU and the sphere information control I / O port 112 by outputting a reset signal. Thereafter, the sphere information control MPU performs this sphere information control side power-on process from the beginning again. Note that the processing and loop processing in steps S572 to S586 are referred to as “sphere information control power-off processing”.

  The gaming machine 1 (ball information control MPU) is reset when a power failure occurs or when a momentary power failure occurs, and the ball information control side power-on process is performed by power recovery thereafter.

  In step S530, it is checked whether or not the sphere information backup information stored in the sphere information control built-in RAM is normal, and in step S532, the sphere information control unit power-off process is normally terminated. It is inspected whether or not. In this way, the sphere information backup information stored in the sphere information control built-in RAM is double checked to check whether or not the sphere information backup information has been stored by fraud.

[Timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side]
Next, the sphere information control side timer interruption process will be described. This sphere information control side timer interruption process is repeated at every interruption period (2 ms in this embodiment) set in step S540 of the sphere information control side power-on process shown in FIG.

  When the sphere information control side timer interrupt process is started, the sphere information control MPU of the sphere information control unit 118 in the sphere information control board 110 sets the timer interrupt to be prohibited and switches registers (see FIG. 86). (Evacuation) is performed (step S590). Here, the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) used in the above-described sphere information control unit main process is switched to the auxiliary register. By using this auxiliary register in the sphere information control side timer interrupt process, the value of the general-purpose register is not overwritten. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose register used in the main process on the sphere information control side from being destroyed.

  Subsequent to step S590, the value 1 is set to the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG (step S592). The 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that counts 2 ms every time the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is performed, that is, every 2 ms. The value is 0 when 2 ms has elapsed and 1 has not elapsed. Respectively. Subsequent to step S592, the register is switched (returned) (step S594). This return is switched from the auxiliary register used in the sphere information control side timer interrupt process to the general-purpose memory element (general-purpose register). By using this general-purpose register in the main process on the sphere information control side, the value of the auxiliary register is not overwritten. This prevents the contents of the auxiliary register used in the ball information control unit timer interrupt processing from being destroyed. Subsequent to step S594, interrupt permission is set (step S596), and this routine ends.

[Each process executed in the sphere information control main process]
Next, each process executed by the sphere information control MPU of the sphere information control board 110 every 2 ms in the sphere information control main process of FIG. 84 will be described. First, the ball lending process will be described, and then the hitting ball availability determination process, the number-of-balls counting process, the ball feeding / launching drive process, the shot-ball detecting process, and the number-of-balls subtracting process will be described. The hit / impossible ball hitting determination process, the number-of-balls counting process, the ball feeding / launching driving process, the shooting ball detection process, the number-of-balls subtracting process, and the lifting driving process are one of the main operation setting processes in step S564. Is executed in the order of hitting / impossible ball hitting determination processing, number-of-balls counting processing, ball-feeding / firing driving processing, shooting-ball detecting processing, number-of-ball-subtracting processing, and lifting driving processing.

  When the player inserts the card 403 into the card insertion slot, the checkout machine 4 detects the insertion of the card 403 and reads the data stored in the card 403 through the card processor 402. That is, the RAM stored in the RAM 403 reads the ID stored in the ID storage unit 404 of the card 403 in FIG. 78, the remaining number stored in the remaining number storage unit 405, and the number of balls held in the ball number storage unit 406. Are stored in predetermined storage areas (ID storage area, remaining frequency storage area, and ball count storage area).

  Next, the checkout machine 4 determines whether the inserted card 403 is usable or unusable. In this embodiment, when the read remaining number is 0 and the read number of held balls is 0, it is determined that the card 403 cannot be used, and the card 403 is ejected from the card insertion slot. For this reason, when it is determined that the card 403 is unusable, each of the number-of-balls counting process, the ball feeding / firing driving process, and the number-of-balls subtracting process described below is not executed.

  On the other hand, when the read remaining frequency is not 0, or when the read remaining frequency is 0 and the read number of held balls is not 0, the checkout machine 4 determines that the card is usable, and the ball information The card usable information is transmitted to the control board 110.

  When the player presses the ball lending button to play a game, an operation signal for the ball lending button is input to the settlement machine 4. In response to the operation signal of the ball lending button, the checkout machine 4 performs ball lending processing, for example, transmits a specified number of balls to the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110, and thereafter from the ball information control MPU. It waits until it receives the end of the ball rental sent.

[Rental processing]
Here, the lending process executed by the ball information control MPU will be described. FIG. 87 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a ball lending process performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball lending process is executed as one of the settlement machine communication processes in step S558 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

  When the ball information control MPU starts the ball lending process, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is received (step S600). In step S600, if the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is received, the process proceeds to step S601, and the number-of-ball counter (game machine possession) that is a part of the storage area set in the built-in RAM. (Ball number storage area) is cleared to 0 (step S601), and the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is not received in step S600, the process proceeds directly to step S602. Note that the initial value of the number-of-ball counter is set to “0” by the power recovery setting in the RAM work area in step S534.

  When proceeding to step S602, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the number of rented balls transmitted from the settlement machine 4 is received (step S602). If the number of rented balls transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is received in step S602, the process proceeds to step S603, and the received number of lent balls is added to the value of the number of held balls counter (step S603). The end of lending is transmitted to the checkout machine 4 (step S604), and the lending process subroutine is exited.

  On the other hand, if the number of rents transmitted from the checkout machine 4 is not received in step S602, the process does not proceed to step S603 and step S604, and the direct renting process subroutine is exited.

  In this way, card usable information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 only when a newly usable card 303 is inserted into the checkout machine 4. In addition, the number of balls lent is transmitted to the ball information control MPU only when the operation signal of the ball lending button is input to the checkout machine 4 after the card usable information is received. Then, when the number of rented balls is received, the number of rented balls is added and stored in the value of the number of held balls counter for the first time.

[Battery ball impossibility determination processing]
Next, the hitting / impossible determination process executed by the ball information control MPU will be described. FIG. 88 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of hitting / impossible hitting determination processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The hit / impossibility determination process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

  When the ball information control MPU starts the hit / impossibility determination process, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the number of held balls is 0, that is, whether or not the value of the held ball number counter is 0 (step S710). If it is determined in step S710 that the value of the number-of-balls counter is not 0, that is, if step S710 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S711, and the standby standby ball detection switch 70 (see FIG. 10). ) Is on, that is, whether there is a waiting ball in the ball feeder 28 (step S711).

  If it is determined in step S711 that the firing standby ball detection switch 70 (see FIG. 10) is on, 1 (can be fired) is set in the fireable flag (step S712), and a ball is not permitted determination process. Exit the subroutine. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S710 that the value of the number-of-balls counter is 0, and if it is determined in step S711 that the firing standby ball detection switch 70 is not on (off), the firing is performed. The possible flag is set to 0 (cannot be fired) (step S713), and the subroutine of the ball hitting possibility determination process is exited.

  Thus, when the value of the possession ball counter is not 0 and there is a waiting ball in the ball feeding device 28, the firing solenoid 13 and the ball feeding solenoid 31 can be driven, and the game area 8 of the game ball is substantially obtained. The game is ready to be played. In addition, when the value of the number-of-balls counter is 0, or when there is no standby ball in the ball feeder 28, the firing solenoid 13 cannot be driven, and the game ball is substantially driven into the game area 8. You are in a state where you cannot play. At the same time, the ball feed solenoid 31 cannot be driven.

[Ball count processing]
Next, a description will be given of the number-of-balls counting process corresponding to the ball information processing during the game assuming that the game is substantially possible. FIG. 89 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the number-of-balls counting process performed by the ball information control MPU. The number-of-balls counting process is executed as one of the main action setting processes in step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

  When the ball information control MPU starts the ball count process, it determines whether or not there is a prize ball command analyzed in the command analysis process in step S562 (step S720). That is, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is stored in the received command information storage area. If a prize ball command is stored, step S720 is determined to be present, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command stored in the received command information storage area is added to the value of the number-of-balls counter and stored (step S722). ), Exit the subroutine of the number-of-balls counting process. On the other hand, if no prize ball command is stored, step S720 is determined to be none and the subroutine for counting the number of balls held is exited.

  For example, when a winning occurs at the winning opening set with the number of winning balls “4”, the number of winning balls “4” is added to the value of the holding ball counter and stored, for example, the number of winning balls “15”. When a winning occurs at the winning opening (large winning opening) set to “15”, the number of winning balls “15” is added and stored in the value of the holding ball counter.

[Ball feed and launch drive processing]
Next, the ball feeding / firing driving process will be described. FIG. 90 to FIG. 91 are flowcharts showing an example of a subroutine of the ball feeding / firing driving process performed by the ball information control MPU. Note that the ball feeding / firing driving process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

  FIG. 24 is a time chart showing drive timings of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the firing solenoid 13. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the firing solenoid 13 is turned on when the period A has elapsed, and from the time when the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off when the time B has elapsed. The firing solenoid 13 is turned off when the period C has elapsed since the solenoid 31 was turned off.

  In this embodiment, the period A is 300 ms, the period B is 30 ms, and the period C is 50 ms. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the ball is fed into the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the shot ball is detected by the shot ball confirmation switch 36. In the present embodiment, when a game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time (30 ms as the period D), it is determined that there is a launch ball. To do.

  As described above, when the game ball stopped at the launch position by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is detected for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball. The erroneous ball count of the sphere can be eliminated, and the certainty in detecting the shot sphere can be increased.

  When the launch solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball stopped at the launch position by the launch hammer 30 is launched into the game area 8 and the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. As a result, the number of balls held is decremented by one.

  When the ball information control MPU starts the ball feeding / firing driving process, it first determines whether or not the fireable flag is 1 (fireable) (step S730). When it is determined that the shot is possible in the hitting ball impossibility determination process described above, the launchable flag is set to 1 (fireable). If it is determined in step S730 that the launchable flag is not 1 (can be fired), that is, if the fireable flag is 0 (cannot be fired), the subroutine of the ball feed / fire drive processing is exited. In this case, the substantial ball feeding / firing driving process is not executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S730 that the fireable flag is 1 (fireable), the process proceeds to step S731, and it is determined whether or not the processing flag is 0 (step S731).

  Here, the process flag is a flag for identifying whether the sphere information control MPU branches to any of the processes in a later-described ball feed / fire drive process, in other words, control in the ball feed / fire drive. It is a flag for identifying the state, “0” means initial setting, and “1” defines a period from turning on the ball feed solenoid 31 to turning on the firing solenoid 13. Yes, the period from turning on the firing solenoid 13 at “2” to turning off the ball feeding solenoid 31 is defined. After turning off the ball feeding solenoid 31 at “3”, the firing solenoid 13 is turned off. It defines the period until.

  The value of the processing flag is set to 0 when the ball feeding / firing driving process is started. Therefore, step S731 is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step S732, a timer value corresponding to the period A (see FIG. 24, 300 ms) is set in the timer (step S732), and the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on (step S733). Then, 1 is set in the processing flag (step S734), and the subroutine of the ball feeding / firing driving process is exited. Note that the timer value set in the timer is decremented by 1 every 2 ms in the timer update process in step S556 of FIG.

  The next processing cycle of the ball feeding / firing drive processing is 2 ms later. As a result of setting the processing flag to 1, in the ball feeding / firing driving process of the next cycle, it is determined as YES in step S730, NO is determined in step S731, and the process proceeds to step S735. In step S735, it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 1 (step S735). In this case, since 1 is set in the process flag, step S735 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S736 to determine whether or not the timer has expired (step S736). If the timer has not expired, step S736 is determined as NO, and the ball feed / firing drive processing subroutine is exited.

  Hereinafter, based on the value 1 of the processing flag until the timer that sets the period A expires, step S730 is determined as YES, step S731 is determined as NO, step S735 is determined as YES, step The processing routine for determining NO in S736 is repeated.

  Then, when the timer expires, step S736 is determined as YES, and it is determined that the period A has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S737, and the timer value corresponding to the period B (see FIG. 26, 30 ms) is set in the timer. (Step S737), the firing solenoid 13 is turned on (Step S738), the processing flag is set to 2 (Step S739), and the subroutine of the ball feeding / firing driving process is exited.

  As a result of setting 2 in the processing flag, in the ball feeding / firing driving process of the next cycle, step S730 is determined as YES, step S731 is determined as NO, step S735 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S740. . In step S740, it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 2 (step S740). In this case, since 2 is set in the process flag, step S740 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S741 to determine whether or not the timer has expired (step S741). If the timer has not expired, step S741 is determined to be NO, and the ball feed / fire drive processing subroutine is exited.

  Hereinafter, based on the value 2 of the processing flag until the timer that sets the period B expires, step S730 is determined as YES, step S731 is determined as NO, step S735 is determined as NO, step The processing routine in which S740 is determined as YES and step S741 is determined as NO is repeated.

  When the timer expires, step S741 is determined as YES, and it is determined that the period B has elapsed. Then, the process proceeds to step S742, and the timer value corresponding to the period C (see FIG. 24, 50 ms) is set. (Step S742), the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off (Step S743), the process flag is set to 3 (Step S744), and the subroutine of the ball feed / firing drive process is exited.

  As a result of setting 3 in the processing flag, in the next period of the ball feeding / firing driving process, step S730 is determined as YES, step S731 is determined as NO, step S735 is determined as NO, and step S740 is set as NO. The determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S745. In step S745, it is determined whether the timer has expired (step S745). If the timer has not expired, step S745 is determined to be NO, and the subroutine of ball feed / firing drive processing is exited.

  Hereinafter, based on the value 3 of the processing flag until the timer that sets the period C expires, step S730 is determined as YES, step S731 is determined as NO, step S735 is determined as NO, step The processing routine in which S740 is determined as NO and step S745 is determined as NO is repeated.

  When the timer expires, step S745 is determined to be YES, and it is determined that the period C has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S746, the firing solenoid 13 is turned off (step S746), and the processing flag is set to 0. The initial value is returned (step S747), and the subroutine of the ball feeding / firing driving process is exited.

[Fireball detection processing]
Next, the firing ball detection process will be described.
FIG. 92 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a fired ball detection process performed by the ball information control MPU. The shot ball detection process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

  When starting the shot ball detection process, the ball information control MPU first determines whether or not the shot ball confirmation switch 36 is on (step S750). As described above, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the ball is fed into the launch position (rail portion 332) by the ball feed member 32. That is, the shot ball is detected by the shot ball confirmation switch 36.

  If it is determined that the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is on, the value of the time counter, which is a counter for measuring the time in the on state, is incremented by 1 (step S751), and the process proceeds to step S753.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is not on, that is, when the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is off, the time counter is set to 0 (step S752), and the process proceeds to step S753.

  In step S753, it is determined whether or not the value of the time counter has reached a predetermined time D (30 ms in this example) (step S753). If the value of the time counter does not reach the predetermined time D set in advance, step S753 is determined as NO and the subroutine for the shot ball detection process is exited.

  Since the shot ball detection process is executed every 2 ms, if the game ball stopped at the launch position by the shot ball confirmation switch 36 is continuously detected for a predetermined time D, the time counter is counted every 2 ms. The value is incremented by 1, and the value of the time counter reaches a predetermined time D (in this example, 30 ms, count value 15). In this case, it is determined as YES in step S753, and it is assumed that a projecting ball has been detected, 1 (with detection) is set in the projecting ball detection flag (step S754), and the subroutine of the projecting ball detection process is exited.

  On the other hand, when noise enters the firing ball confirmation switch 36, the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is turned on instantaneously, but then the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. Accordingly, since the value of the time counter is set to 0 in response to the turning off of the launch ball confirmation switch 36, the value of the time counter is set to a predetermined time D (30 ms, count value 15 in this example). Never reach.

  As described above, when the game ball stopped at the launch position by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is detected for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball. The erroneous ball count of the sphere can be eliminated, and the certainty in detecting the shot sphere can be increased.

[Number of balls subtracted]
Next, the holding ball number subtraction process will be described. FIG. 93 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the number-of-balls subtraction process performed by the ball information control MPU. The number-of-balls subtraction process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

  When starting the ball number subtraction process, the ball information control MPU first determines whether or not the shot ball detection flag is 1 (detected) (step S760). If it is determined that the shot ball detection flag is not 1 (detected), that is, if step S760 is determined to be NO, the subroutine for the number-of-balls subtraction process is exited. In this case, the number of balls is not subtracted.

  If it is determined in step S760 that the firing ball detection flag is 1 (detected), that is, if it is determined YES in step S760, the process proceeds to step S761, and is the firing ball confirmation switch 36 turned off? It is determined whether or not (step S761). If it is determined in step S761 that the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is not OFF, that is, if it is determined NO in step S761, the subroutine for subtracting the number of balls is exited.

  As described above, when the launch solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball stopped at the launch position by the launch hammer 30 is launched into the game area 8 and the launch ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. As a result, the number of balls held is decremented by one. If it is determined in step S761 that the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is off, that is, if step S761 is determined to be YES, the value of the number-of-balls counter is decremented by 1 (step S762), and the firing ball detection flag is set. 0 (no detection) is set (step S763), and the subroutine for the number-of-balls subtraction process is exited.

  As described above, when a game ball stopped at the launch position is detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a launch ball, and it is determined that there is a launch ball. When the game ball is not detected by the launch ball confirmation switch 36, it is determined that the game ball stopped at the launch position has been launched and the number of possessed balls is reduced by one. When noise enters 36, it is possible to eliminate the erroneous ball count of the fired ball due to noise, and to increase the certainty in detecting the fired ball.

[Ball lifting drive processing]
Next, the lifting drive process will be described. FIG. 94 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of the lift drive process performed by the ball information control MPU. The lifting drive process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

  When the ball information control MPU starts the lifting drive process, it first determines whether or not the firing standby ball detection switch 26 is on (step S770). If it is determined in step S770 that the firing standby ball detection switch 26 is off, that is, if step S770 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S771, and it is determined whether or not the feed inlet switch 156 is on. (Step S771). If it is determined in step S771 that the lifting entrance switch 156 is on, that is, if it is determined YES in step S771, the ball lifting motor 150 is driven (step S772), and the lifting drive processing subroutine is performed. Exit.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S770 that the firing standby ball detection switch 26 is on, that is, if it is determined YES in step S770, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S773), and the lifting drive process is performed. Exit the subroutine.
In addition, when it is determined in step S771 that the pumping inlet switch 156 is off, that is, when it is determined that step S771 is NO, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S773), and the lifting driving process is performed. Exit the subroutine.

  As described above, when a game ball is not detected by the firing standby ball detection switch 26, it is determined that the required number of game balls is not satisfied in the ball supply path member 24, and the ball feed path is determined by the lift inlet switch 156. When a game ball waiting for alignment in 275 is detected, on the condition that it is determined that there is a game ball, the ball lifting motor is driven, and the launch standby ball detection switch 26 enters the ball supply path member 24. On the condition that the game balls waiting for alignment are detected, the ball lifting device 22 is stopped driving and the game balls are not lifted. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging. Thereby, since it is the structure which lifts a game ball, a game ball can be sent into the ball supply path | route member 24 without excess and deficiency.

In addition, the game ball to the ball supply path member 24 by the ball lifting device 22 is compared with the game ball launch cycle of the ball launcher 12 in the upper launch unit 12 and the ball feed cycle of the game ball of the ball feeder 28. The feed cycle is set short. In this embodiment, the game ball firing cycle of the ball launching device 12 and the ball feeding cycle of the game ball of the ball feeding device 28 are 600 ms (100 shots per minute are fired), and the ball supply path member by the ball lifting device 22 is used. The delivery period of game balls to 24 is 384 ms.
Thereby, during the game, the upper launch unit 12 is operated, so that the game ball is launched into the game area by the ball launcher 12 and the game ball is sent to the launch position by the ball feeder 28. In addition, since the game ball is sent out to the ball supply path member 24 by the ball lifting device 22 shorter than the cycle of feeding the game ball to the launch position, it waits before being lifted by the lift inlet switch 156. In the case where the state in which the game balls are satisfied is maintained, the game balls in the ball supply path member 24 are not detected by the firing standby ball detection switch 26 while the game balls are being shot. Then, the ball lifting device 22 is driven to start lifting the game ball, and the game ball to the ball supply path member 24 is faster than the game ball driving pace. When a game ball waiting for alignment in the ball supply path member 24 is detected by the firing standby ball detection switch 26, the ball lifting device 22 stops driving and the game ball is lifted. Is stopped. In other words, during the game, the ball lifting operation of the ball lifting device 22 is intermittently performed, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the clogging of the ball and to efficiently and stably lift the game ball. The ball can be efficiently supplied and a stable number of game balls can be supplied to the upper launch unit.

  In this embodiment, the game ball launching cycle of the ball launching device 12 and the ball feeding cycle of the game ball of the ball feeding device 28 are 600 ms (100 shots per minute), and the ball supply by the ball lifting device 22 is performed. The game ball delivery cycle to the path member 24 is set to 384 ms, but the method is not limited to this, and the game ball launch cycle and the ball feed cycle, and the game ball delivery cycle to the ball supply path member 24 are not limited thereto. Various methods can be selected, such as setting each other to 600 ms.

[Clogged ball notification processing]
Next, the ball clogging notification process will be described. FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ball clogging notification processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball clogging notification process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564 executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process. Further, the ball clogging notification processing is performed after the hitting ball impossibility determination processing shown in FIG. The firing standby sphere detection switch 26 corresponds to first firing standby sphere detection means, and the firing standby sphere detection switch 70 corresponds to second firing standby sphere detection means.

  When starting the ball clogging notification process, the ball information control MPU 111 first determines whether or not the firing standby ball detection switch 26 is on (step S780). If it is determined in step S780 that the firing standby ball detection switch 26 is on, that is, if it is determined YES in step S780, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S782), and the process proceeds to step S786 to wait for firing. It is determined whether or not the sphere detection switch 70 is on (step S786). If it is determined in step S786 that the firing standby ball detection switch 70 is off, that is, if it is determined NO in step S786, 1 is set in the abnormality detection flag (step S788), and the notification means is turned on. (Step S789) exits the subroutine of ball clogging notification processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S786 that the firing standby ball detection switch 70 is on, that is, if step S786 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S787, and it is determined whether or not the abnormality detection flag is 1 ( Step S787). If it is determined in step S787 that the abnormality detection flag is 1, that is, if step S787 is determined to be YES, the abnormality detection flag is cleared to 0 (step S790), the abnormality notification unit is turned off (step S792), and the recovery notification unit. Is turned on (step S794), and the subroutine for ball clogging notification processing is exited.

  If it is determined in step S780 that the firing standby ball detection switch 26 is off, that is, if it is determined NO in step S780, the ball lifting motor 150 is driven (step S784), and the abnormality detection flag is set. It is determined whether or not 1 (step S787). If it is determined in step S787 that the abnormality detection flag is 0, that is, if it is determined NO in step S787, the subroutine of the ball clogging notification process is exited.

  As described above, the ball supply path member 24 and the ball feeding device 28 are provided with the sensors for detecting the game balls, the game balls in the ball supply path member 24 are detected, and the game balls in the ball feeding device 28 are detected. On the condition that the ball is not jammed, it is determined that there is an abnormal state due to the occurrence of the ball clogging, and a notice is given by an abnormality notifying unit (not shown in particular, for example, the touch panel unit 14 indicates that the ball is clogged). Thereby, for example, it is possible to reliably notify a staff member of a game hall that a ball jam has occurred.

  Further, since the ball launching device 12 of the first embodiment can be rotated by the ball launching device hinge 37 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2 (FIG. 12), After the door frame 3 is opened, the state of the ball launching device 12 can be immediately grasped, and the ball clogging can be easily eliminated. When the ball clogging is eliminated, the abnormality detection flag is cleared to 0, and the abnormality notification means stops. After that, the recovery notification means (for example, display on the touch panel unit 14 to the extent that the player in the game hall can recognize that the ball has been recovered from the clogged state is displayed (for example, 5 seconds to 10 seconds)), and the notification is surely made. It can be recognized that the ball clogging has been eliminated.

  Further, the arrangement position of the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is attached so as to detect a game ball in the vicinity of the launch position in the path of the ball feeder 28, but a game ball passing through the path of the ball feeder 28 is detected. Various arrangement positions can be selected as long as the arrangement can be performed.

[Amusement machine ecosystem]
By the way, interest in ecology (environmental issues, resource issues, etc.) is increasing in the industrial world. In the gaming machine industry as well, it is necessary to consider from the ecological standpoint the processing of the removed gaming machines that occur one after another. For example, if a removal game machine that contains many reusable parts is disposed of by simply destroying it, resources that can be reused are wasted.

  When recycling gaming machines, it is effective to track sold gaming machines, but it is conceivable to use identification IDs for identifying gaming machines in order to track them. Even with a removed gaming machine, for example, liquid crystal display panels, proximity switches, etc. can be reused as they are, and motors, solenoids, etc. can be reused as raw materials after being dissolved and separated in iron, copper, and steel. . The ABS resin and the like constituting the transparent resin panel and the back box are crushed into flakes, separated by type and color, and then reused as a new material for gaming machines. Therefore, it is preferable for a gaming machine manufacturer to reliably collect and recycle the gaming machine removed from the hall.

  Therefore, in the embodiment described below, it is possible for a gaming machine manufacturer to reliably trade in gaming machines from the hall (installation store) for recycling, and what is the current recycling rate? The present invention relates to an amusement machine ecosystem that prepares an environment in which it is possible to know such information as needed.

[Outline of the gaming machine ecosystem]
It is assumed that all new game machines shipped from the manufacturer will be traded in by the manufacturer after going through the market. A gaming board specifying ID as a unique ID that enables individual identification of the gaming board 5 is given to the gaming machine to be shipped.

  The game board specifying ID is, for example, a first MPU recognition number stored in advance in the first MPU recognition number storage unit 101a of the main control MPU 101 mounted on the main control board 100 provided in the game board 5 described in FIG. Alternatively, the unique ID code described in FIG. 76 can be used. The first MPU identification number corresponds to the first MPUID registration number described in claim 1. Hereinafter, the first MPUID registration number will be described as a game board specifying ID. In addition, the manufacturer management device and the hall management device are connected by a communication network with the center management device as a center.

  Each management device includes a computer such as a PC, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a database, a manual input device, and the like. Then, the following processing is performed when the new machine is shipped and when the machine is traded in.

[When shipping new game machines]
The shipping information of the gaming machine is input and recorded in the manufacturer management device. The manufacturer management device transmits to the center management device the record contents relating to the gaming machine of the shipping information input at the time of shipping the new machine. The shipping information includes at least a game board specifying ID, a hole specifying ID of the shipping destination hole, a shipping date, and a manufacturer ID.

  On the other hand, when the new game machine is installed in the hall, the hall management device that has recognized the installation transmits installation information regarding the new game machine to the center management device. The installation information includes at least a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, an installation date, a manufacturer ID, and the like. The center management device collates the shipping information transmitted from the manufacturer management device with the installation information transmitted from the hall management device based on the game board specifying ID, and records the collation result (new stand shipping process).

  The collation result is a “pair” of the shipping information and the installation information that match the game board specifying ID, and this pair is recorded in the database. This data can be accessed from the outside using the game board specifying ID as a key.

[When trade-in]
When a manufacturer trades in an old gaming machine due to replacement with a new machine, trade-in information of the trade-in gaming machine is input and recorded in the manufacturer management device. The manufacturer management apparatus transmits the input trade-in information to the center management apparatus. The trade-in information includes a game board specifying ID, a hole specifying ID, a trade-in date, a manufacturer ID, and the like.

  On the other hand, on the hall side, with the removal of the old gaming machine generated by the exchange with the new machine, the removal information of the gaming machine is transmitted to the center management apparatus through the hall management apparatus. The removal information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a removal date, a manufacturer ID, and the like.

  The center management device collates the trade-in information transmitted from the manufacturer with the removal information transmitted from the hall management device, and records the collation result (trade-in management process). The collation result is a “pair” of trade-in information and removal information with matching game board identification IDs, and this pair is recorded in the database. This data can be accessed from the outside using the game board specifying ID as a key.

  As described above, the gaming machine ecosystem accumulates the matching results in the database, so that the current state of the gaming machine having the gaming board specifying ID can be known by searching the database using the gaming board specifying ID as a key. Can do. For example, if the collation result is stopped by the shipment information and the installation information, the gaming machine should be present in the hall having the hole identification ID, and further, removal and trade-in information is added to the collation result. In other words, the gaming machine has been traded in from the hall having the hole identification ID.

  And since shipping information and installation information, removal information and trade-in information should be “paired” in the center management device, it is unusual for the center management device to have only one of them for a long time. From the point of view, you can go to the scene to investigate the cause.

  Furthermore, if there is shipping information, installation information, removal information, or trade-in information for which the verification result is not recorded for a certain period of time by the center management device due to a mismatch in the game board identification ID, the manufacturer is determined based on the game board identification ID. The manufacturer is notified that a plurality or one of these pieces of information cannot be verified in the center management device. Thereby, it can be confirmed at which point the location of the gaming machine has become unknown. As a result, basically all gaming machines can be collected and traded in, and useful resources such as liquid crystal display screens, proximity switches, transparent panels, motors, solenoids, and ABS resins can be recycled.

[Overall configuration of the gaming machine ecosystem]
FIG. 101 shows the overall configuration of the gaming machine ecosystem 1010. In this embodiment, in addition to the center management device 1020, the manufacturer management device 1040, and the hall management device 1050, the eco unit 1060 and the used sales company management device 1070 are shown. And a decryption management device 1080, which are connected via a communication network. The communication network uses the Internet 1100 (the communication network may be a dedicated line). The eco unit 1060 is connected to the hall management device 1050 only by I / O (not shown). Further, the decryption management device 1080 is dedicated to the center management device 1020 from the viewpoint of security, and is connected by a dedicated line.

  Since the gaming machine ecosystem 1010 of this embodiment is based on the center management device 1020, the manufacturer management device 1040, and the hall management device 1050, the basic configuration will be described first.

  The center management device 1020 includes, for example, a device centered on a personal computer. Although not shown, the center management device 1020 includes memories such as a CPU, a database, a ROM, a RAM, a manual input device, an I / O, a display, and a hard disk. Organically connected by internal computer wiring. Further, it is connected to the Internet 1100 and the decryption management device 1080 through I / O.

  The manufacturer management device 1040 includes, for example, a device centered on a personal computer and the like, and includes a memory such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a manual input device, an I / O, a display, and a hard disk, which are not shown in the drawing. They are organically connected by internal computer wiring. Further, it is connected to the Internet 1100 through I / O.

  The hall management device 1050 is composed of, for example, a device centered on a personal computer, and includes a memory such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a manual input device, an I / O, an eco unit 1060, and a hard disk (not shown). They are organically connected by normal computer wiring. In addition, it is connected to the Internet 12 through I / O.

  When the manufacturer ships the new machine to the hall, the shipping information is manually input to the manufacturer management device 1040, and the shipping information is sent to the center management device using the shipping information line L1 configured on the Internet 1100 (communication network). 1020. Installation information is manually input into the hall management device 1050 of the hall in which the new machine is installed, and the center management device 2 uses the installation information line L3 in which the input installation information is configured on the Internet 12 (communication network). Sent to.

  Each piece of information sent from the hall management device 1050 to the line L3 is encrypted and transmitted, including installation information, removal information and non-operation information described later, for security reasons. The center management device 2 collates the shipping information and the installation information transmitted from the manufacturer management device 1040 and the hall management device 1050 based on the game board identification ID, and “matches” the information that matches the game board identification ID. And this pair is taken as a matching result. The collation result is transmitted to the database 1030 using the collation result line L5 and recorded. This database 1030 can be accessed from the outside.

  When an old gaming machine is traded in by a manufacturer for replacement of a new machine, the removal information is manually input to the hall management device 1050, and the removal information is received through a removal information line L3 formed on the Internet 1100 (communication network). It is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020.

  Trade-in information is manually input to the manufacturer management device 1040 that is the trade-in side of the old gaming machine, and the trade-in information is transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the trade-in information line L4 configured on the Internet 1100 (communication network). . The center management device 1020 collates the trade-in information transmitted from the manufacturer management device 1040 with the removal information transmitted from the hole management device 1050 based on the game board specifying ID, and when the game board specifying ID matches, The “pair” of these pieces of information is transmitted as a collation result to the database 1030 through the collation result line L5 and recorded.

  Next, in this embodiment, an eco unit 1060, a used sales company management device 1070, and a decryption management device 1080 are attached to the basic configuration described above. The eco unit 1060 is located between the gaming machine 1 and the hall management device 1050. In FIG. 101, the gaming machine 1 and the eco unit 1060 are connected via an ECO gaming machine interface. Since the eco unit 1060 serves as a relay device that connects the gaming machine 1 to the hall management device 1050, the eco unit 1060 can also be used as a currently known CR unit or the checkout machine 4 shown in FIG. The decryption management device 1080 is dedicated to the center management device 1020 and is connected by a dedicated line.

  When the gaming machine 1 is installed in the hall and the power is turned on, the eco unit 1060 receives the game board specifying ID from the installed gaming machine 1 and transmits it to the hall management device 1050. The hall management device 1050 stores a game board specifying ID for business management.

  When the hole management device 1050 has already acquired the game board identification ID and the operation information does not reach the hole management device 1050 through the eco unit 1060, the hole management device 1050 is not in operation after a set predetermined period. Information is automatically transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through a non-operation information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100. The non-operating information includes at least a game board specifying ID, a hole specifying ID, a non-operating date, and a manufacturer ID.

  The used sales company management device 1070 is composed of, for example, a device centered on a personal computer and the like (not shown), but includes a memory (not shown) such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, manual input device, I / O, display, and hard disk. These are organically connected by a normal intra-computer communication network.

  The decryption management device 1080 is composed of a computer-centric device and the like. Although not shown, the decryption management device 1080 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a manual input device, an I / O, a display, and the like. Are combined.

  As described above, the installation information, the removal information, and the non-operation information are encrypted when they are transmitted from the hall management device 1050 so as not to flow out to the outside. Therefore, these pieces of information received by the center management apparatus 1020 are decoded so as to be readable by the decoding management apparatus 1080, and are directly transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the line L3 configured on the dedicated line.

  The operation of the embodiment is summarized as follows. There are operating scenes at the time of shipment of a new machine, at the time of second-hand movement, and at the time of trade-in. In the present embodiment, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a security function. The main control MPU 101 has, as a security function, for example, a function for determining whether a built-in ROM is a ROM that has received normal authentication, or an internal access when access is made to areas other than a predetermined area. A function for generating a reset, a game board identification ID stored in a ROM built in the main control MPU 101, data stored in the ROM, etc. can be read from a terminal provided outside the main control MPU 101 It has functions that can be done.

[When shipping a new machine]
When a manufacturer ships a new game machine, as described above, a game board specifying ID for specifying the main control MPU 101 of each game machine is given. In FIG. 101, the game board specifying ID, the hole specifying ID of the hole that is the shipping destination, the shipping date (for example, the date), and the like are input to the manufacturer management device 1040 from the manual input device at the time of shipment.

  The manufacturer management apparatus 1040 records shipping information in a memory (not shown) based on the operation software stored in the ROM. Next, when a command for transmitting shipping information to the center management device 1020 is input from a manual input device (not shown), the manufacturer management device 1040 adds manufacturer identification information (maker ID) to the shipping information stored in the memory. At the same time, it is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the shipment information line L1 configured on the Internet 1100 as shipment information.

  When the shipping information is transmitted from the manufacturer management device 1040, the center management device 1020 stores and registers the shipping information in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. Thus, every time shipping information is transmitted from the manufacturer management apparatus 1040, the shipping information is accumulated and stored in the shipping information file. The shipping information includes a game board specifying ID, a hole specifying ID of the hall, a shipping date (for example, a date), and a manufacturer ID.

  On the other hand, in the shipping destination hall, when the installed new game machine 1 is powered on, the game board specific to the game machine built in the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 of the new machine 1 is specified. The business ID is read and transmitted to the eco unit 1060 (see FIG. 101).

  The eco unit 1060 automatically recognizes the installation of the new game machine 1 together with the game board specifying ID and transmits it to the hall management device 1050. When the hall management device 1050 receives the game board identification ID from the eco unit 1060, it records this in the memory based on the operating software stored in the ROM (not shown).

  Next, the hall management device 1050 uses the above game board identification ID, hole identification ID for identifying its own hall, installation date (for example, date), manufacturer ID, etc. as installation information on the Internet 1100 The information is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the configured installation information line L3.

  Note that installation information and non-operation information (described later) transmitted from the hall management device 1050 are encrypted and transmitted to the Internet, decrypted by the decryption management device 1080, and transmitted to the center management device 1020.

  The decryption management device 1080 receives the encrypted installation information from the hall and decrypts the encrypted installation information stored in the RAM (not shown) using the decryption software stored in the ROM (not shown). After saving in (not shown), the installation information is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the installation information line L3 configured on the dedicated line.

  When the installation information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 receives the installation information and collates it using collation software stored in a ROM (not shown). The shipping information file is searched using the game board specifying ID contained in the received installation information as a search key. When the shipping information including the game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received installation information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, the hole specifying ID included in the received installation information Then, it is determined whether or not the hole identification ID of the hole that is the shipping destination included in the matched shipping information matches.

  Then, the “pair” of these pieces of information is transmitted to the database 1030 using the verification result line L5 and recorded as a verification result. In addition, when collation is materialized, you may comprise so that the collated information may be added to the shipping information memorize | stored in the shipping information file, and it may store and register again. This data is set to be accessible (inquiry possible) from the outside using the game board specifying ID as a key.

  As a result, the information from the shipping side (manufacturer) and the installation side (hall) associated with the shipment of the new game machine is recorded as being combined and correctly processed (correctly processed) using the game board identification ID as a key. The

  In addition, for example, when the installation information is not transmitted from the hall management device 1050 or when the game board specifying IDs of the installation information and the shipping information do not match, the verification result is not recorded, so the verification result corresponding to the shipping information Data is missing. In the case of the configuration described above, the collated information is not added to the shipping information stored in the shipping information file.

  When the center management apparatus 1020 cannot obtain a collation result for a certain period of time (for example, three days from the shipping date) for the shipping information stored in the shipping information file, in this embodiment, the game board specifying ID The manufacturer is identified using the key, and the manufacturer management apparatus 1040 of the manufacturer is notified through the notification line L6 configured on the Internet 1100 to the manufacturer management apparatus 1040 from the center management apparatus 1020 that the game board identification ID cannot be collated. Notify

  The notification information includes a game board specifying ID, a hole specifying ID of the hall, a shipping date (for example, a date), and the fact that the verification is impossible. By doing so, the cause can be ascertained and it is possible to prevent a gaming machine that cannot be traded in again from appearing.

[Matching game board]
By the way, the development and production of the main body frame into which the game board is inserted is currently carried out independently by each manufacturer. It is conceivable to develop a body frame that can be used.

  However, if the main body frame is a common frame that does not depend on the manufacturer, the structure of the main body frames is the same, so even if a different combination of game boards is inserted into the main body frame, it is incorrect only by appearance There is a possibility that it may be difficult to grasp and manage whether a regular game board is fitted in the main body frame.

  In the embodiment described below, whether or not the game board 5 fitted in the main body frame 2 is authentic is authenticated. FIG. 102 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the gaming machine management system according to the embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 97 and 102, the gaming machine 1 includes a first MPU (main control MPU 101) that is provided on the game board 5 and performs game control, and accepts a game ball at a winning opening. A first control board (main control board 100) that outputs a prize ball signal based on the second MPU (ball information control MPU 111) that is provided in the main body frame 2 and that performs prize ball control based on the prize ball signal. 2 control boards (sphere information control board 110).

  As described above, when power is turned on to an installed gaming machine (which will be described as a new machine, but also used later described) 1 in the shipping destination hall, the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 are turned on. , The game board specifying ID is read from the first MPU recognition number storage unit 101a, encrypted by the main encryption communication unit 160, transmitted to the ball information encryption communication unit 165, and the ball information control MPU 111 The second MPU recognition number is encrypted by the sphere information encryption communication unit 165 and then transmitted to the main encryption communication unit 160 (see FIG. 97).

  The ball information control MPU 111 decrypts the game board specifying ID transmitted from the main control MPU 101 using the ball information encryption communication unit 165 and then stores it in the first MPU recognition number storage unit 166 in the second authentication unit 167. (See FIG. 97). Next, the ball information control MPU 111 transmits the game board specifying ID stored in the first MPU identification number storage unit 166 to the eco unit 1060 via the communication unit 1110 (see FIG. 102).

  The eco unit 1060 automatically recognizes the installation of the new game machine 1 together with the game board specifying ID and transmits it to the hall management device 1050. When the hall management device 1050 receives the game board identification ID from the eco unit 1060, it records this in the memory based on the operating software stored in the ROM (not shown).

  Next, the hall management device 1050 uses the above game board identification ID, hole identification ID for identifying its own hall, installation date (for example, date), manufacturer ID, etc. as installation information on the Internet 1100 The information is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the configured installation information line.

  Note that installation information and non-operation information (described later) transmitted from the hall management device 1050 are encrypted and transmitted to the Internet, decrypted by the decryption management device 1080, and transmitted to the center management device 1020.

  The decryption management device 1080 receives the encrypted installation information from the hall and decrypts the encrypted installation information stored in the RAM (not shown) using the decryption software stored in the ROM (not shown). After saving in (not shown), the installation information is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the installation information line configured on the dedicated line.

  When the installation information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 receives the installation information and collates it using collation software stored in a ROM (not shown). The shipping information file is searched using the game board specifying ID contained in the received installation information as a search key. When shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received installation information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, “match” is determined as a judgment result through the Internet 1100. Reply to device 1050. The determination result may include a game board specifying ID, a hole specifying ID of the hall, and a shipping date (for example, date).

  On the other hand, if the shipping information including the game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received installation information is not stored and registered in the shipping information file, in other words, the game board of the installation information and the shipping information. If the identification IDs do not match, “no match” is returned as a determination result to the hall management device 1050 via the Internet 1100.

  Upon receiving the determination result, the hall management device 1050 transmits the received determination result to the eco unit 1060, and the eco unit 1060 sends the received determination result to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 through the ECO gaming machine interface. Send. When the ball information control MPU 111 receives the determination result transmitted via the communication unit 1110, the ball information control MPU 111 executes the award ball control when the determination result is “match”, while the determination result is “no match”. Do not execute ball control.

  Therefore, it is possible to authenticate whether the game board fitted in the main body frame is genuine without connecting a verification machine from outside the board box and individually inspecting the MPU. It is possible to determine whether or not the combination of and is a regular one. In addition, when the determination result of the authentication process is “not coincident”, the prize ball control is not performed, so that it is possible to prevent the game from being played on a non-regular game board, and the MPU is a counterfeit chip. It is possible to effectively deter fraudulent acts such as replacement.

[When moving second-hand]
When a second-hand sales company moves a used gaming machine to the hall, a manual input device (not shown) moves to a second-hand sales company management device 1070 together with an ID for identifying the used gaming machine to be moved (not changed from the time of shipping the new machine). The movement information (installation information) including the hall identification ID of the movement destination, the movement date (for example, date), and manufacturer identification information (maker ID) is input. These data are once stored in the memory, and when a transmission command is input from a manual input device (not shown), the center information is managed from the second-hand sales company management device 1070 through the second-hand movement line L2 in which movement information is configured on the Internet 1100. Transmitted to the device 2. The used sales company acquires the gaming machine 1 by purchasing the gaming machine 1 removed from the hall.

  When the movement information is transmitted from the used sales company management apparatus 1070, the center management apparatus 1020 stores the movement information in the memory. The center management device 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board identification ID included in the movement information as a search key, and collates the movement information with the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is good also as composition to do.

  In this case, when shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received movement information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that the verification is established.

  In this way, the center management device 1020 can recognize how many years have passed since the shipment date of the used gaming machine related to the movement by comparing the shipment date and the movement date. And, for example, when a saleable period is determined from shipment, it is possible to grasp that the saleable period has passed by using this system. For example, a date alarm can be set from the center management apparatus 1020. It becomes possible and can be encouraged to the hall as optimization guidance information.

  In the destination hall of the used game machine, the same processing as the installation of the new machine described above is performed. When the moved and installed gaming machine is turned on, the eco-unit 1060 recognizes the gaming board identification ID of the gaming machine 1 and transmits the gaming board identification ID to the hall management device 1050.

  The hall management device 1050 once records the game board identification ID in the memory, and then determines that the gaming machine 1 having the game board identification ID is installed based on the software stored in the ROM (not shown). The encrypted installation information is transmitted via the decryption management apparatus 1080 to the center management apparatus 1020 through the installation information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100. The decryption management device 1080 decrypts the encrypted installation information and transmits it to the center management device 1020 through the installation information line L3 configured on the dedicated line.

  Then, the center management device 1020 collates the installation information with the movement information from the second-hand sales company management device 1070, and when both of the game board specifying IDs match, a “pair” of these information is obtained as a collation result. It is transmitted to the database 1030 through the verification result line L5 and recorded. The recorded collation result can be referred to from the outside using the game board specifying ID as a key. Thereby, it can be grasped that the gaming machine has been moved from the second-hand sales company to the hall.

  If the game board identification IDs of the information to be paired do not match and the information of the opponent to be paired does not reach after the set period, the center management device 1020 makes a maker as the set period elapses. The non-verification information is automatically transmitted to the management apparatus 1040 through the notification line L6.

  The non-verification information includes the game board identification ID of the movement information (not changed from the time of shipment of the new machine), the hall identification ID of the movement destination, the movement date (for example, date), manufacturer ID, and the fact that the verification is impossible. include. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the location of the gaming machine is unknown.

  As described above, the hall management device 1050 determines a non-operating gaming machine based on the gaming machine operating information received from the eco unit 1060, and determines the non-operating information regarding the gaming machine as the game board identification. The ID is automatically transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 via the decryption management apparatus 1080 using the non-operation information line L3 through the Internet 1100. This transmission is encrypted in the hall management device 1050, decrypted in the decryption management device 1080, transmitted to the center management device 1020 through a dedicated line, and stored in a RAM (not shown) of the center management device 1020. This non-operation information is managed by the center management apparatus 1020 as a timer and is related to the following trade-in information.

[When trade-in]
When a gaming machine is traded in from a hall, such as by replacing it with a new machine, the gaming machine 1 is first powered off, so the eco unit 1060 does not recognize the operation of the gaming machine 1. The eco-unit 1060 notifies the hall management device 1050 that this operation cannot be recognized, and the hall management device 1050 uses this as non-operation information as described above for the non-operating gaming machine identification ID, hall The identification ID, non-working date, manufacturer ID, and non-working information are transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the non-working information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100. Since the transmission of this information is encrypted, the information is decrypted by the decryption management apparatus 1080, and the non-operation information is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020 through the non-operation information line L3 configured on the dedicated line.

  When the non-operation information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 stores the non-operation information in the memory. The center management apparatus 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board identification ID included in the non-operating information as a search key, and stores the non-operating information and the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is good also as a structure which collates.

  In this case, if shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received non-operating information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that collation is established.

  When the removal information is input about the gaming machine removed for trade-in from the manual input device (not shown), the hall management device 1050 sends this information together with the game board identification ID to the center management device 1020 on the Internet 1100. It transmits through the configured removal information line L3. The removal information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a removal date (for example, date), and a manufacturer ID.

  When the removal information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 stores the removal information in the memory. The center management device 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board identification ID included in the removal information as a search key, and compares the removal information with the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is good also as composition to do.

  In this case, if shipping information including the game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received removal information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that collation is established.

  On the other hand, when the manufacturer trades in the gaming machine 1, the manufacturer management apparatus 1040 trades in the trade-in information on the traded gaming machine 1 to the center management apparatus 1020 along with the game board specifying ID on the Internet 1100. Transmit through the information line L4. The trade-in information includes a game board specifying ID, a hole specifying ID of the hall, a trade-in date (for example, date), and a manufacturer ID.

  When the trade-in information is transmitted from the manufacturer management apparatus 1040, the center management apparatus 1020 stores the trade-in information in the memory. The center management device 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board specifying ID included in the trade-in information as a search key, and collates the trade-in information with the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is good also as composition to do.

  In this case, if shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received trade-in information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that collation is established.

  The center management device 1020 collates the non-working information with the removal information and trade-in information, and if these game board identification IDs match, these information is “paired” to the database 1030 using the collation result line L5. Record as. That is, the non-operating information and the removal information are recorded as being generated by trade-in of the gaming machine.

  However, since non-operation information may occur for other reasons, if a period is set as described above, and other information to be paired within the period does not reach the center management apparatus 1020, As an anomaly, attention is paid to manufacturers on the trade-in side. According to this, it is possible to grasp that the gaming machine has been correctly traded in by matching the removal information and the trade-in information.

  Further, after storing the non-operation information, the center management apparatus 1020 determines that an abnormality has occurred and the removal information is not transmitted for a long time, and notifies the manufacturer management apparatus 1040 of the abnormality information. The abnormality information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a non-working date (for example, a date), a manufacturer ID, and a non-working abnormality. As a result, it is possible to deal with the situation before trade-in becomes impossible due to an abnormal situation.

  Also, when removal information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050 to the center management device 1020, information that can be traded in from the center management device 1020 to the manufacturer management device 1040 (game board identification ID, hall identification ID, removal date, trade-in) It is good also as a structure which notifies through the alerting | reporting line L6. By implementing this, the manufacturer can trade in gaming machines that have been removed from the hall.

[Notification line]
By the way, the gaming machine is tested to meet the specified conditions by the Security Communication Association, which is a designated testing organization of the National Public Safety Commission, and then the examination of each prefecture's Public Safety Commission (hereinafter referred to as the certification organization) It can only be installed in the hall.

  The validity period of the certification is 3 years, and a gaming machine that has expired cannot be installed in the hall. If you want to continue to operate the gaming machine in the future, if the game hall is installed in the game hall before the expiration of 3 years, which is the validity period, It is possible to operate for 3 years from the date of certification.

  In other words, if 3 years, which is the validity expiration date, has passed without certification, you will not be able to receive certification after that, so even if you want to continue operating the gaming machine, You will have to remove it.

  In order to solve this problem, when the deadline is approaching (for example, six months ago), a due date alarm is transmitted from the center management apparatus 1020 to the hall management apparatus 1050 through the notification line L6, and how long the validity period of the examination is delayed. I will inform you. As a result, it is possible to prevent a gaming machine that is out of certification from being installed, and to prevent a situation in which it is not possible to receive authorization by an accreditation body. Details will be described below.

  A configuration in which a notification alarm related to the test date is notified from the center management device 1020 to the hall management device 1050 through the notification line L6 first includes test date information (including a game board specifying ID) for the gaming machine 1 that has been tested by the testing organization. ) Is input using a manual input device (not shown) and stored in the center management device 1020.

  After that, when the gaming machine that has received the certification is installed in the gaming hall and the power is turned on, the game board specifying ID unique to the gaming machine built in the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 of the gaming machine is read. And transmitted to the eco-unit 1060 (see FIG. 101).

  The eco-unit 1060 automatically recognizes the installation of the gaming machine 1 together with the game board specifying ID and transmits it to the hall management device 1050. Upon receiving the game board specifying ID from the eco unit 1060, the hall management device 1050 records this in the memory. Next, the hall management device 1050 encrypts the above-mentioned game board identification ID, hole identification ID for identifying its own hall, installation date (for example, date), manufacturer ID, and the like as installation information. Then, the data is transmitted to the decryption management device 1080 through the installation information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100.

  The decryption management device 1080 receives the encrypted installation information from the game hall, decrypts it using decryption software, temporarily stores it in RAM (not shown), and then passes through the installation information line L3 configured on the dedicated line. The decrypted installation information is transmitted to the center management apparatus 1020.

  When the installation information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 receives the installation information and collates it using collation software stored in a ROM (not shown). The shipping information file stored at the time of shipping the new machine is searched by using the game board specifying ID contained in the received installation information as a search key.

  When the shipping information including the game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received installation information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, the hole specifying ID included in the received installation information Then, it is determined whether or not the hole identification ID of the hole that is the shipping destination included in the matched shipping information matches.

  Next, if the installed gaming machine 1 is in an installed state without being removed by pre-sale or trade-in, the center management device 1020 (for example, before reaching the valid examination deadline of 3 years (for example, 6 months ago), the verification date information stored at the time of shipment of the new machine is compared with the current date and installation information, and the date stored in the verification date information is compared with the current date information When the difference between the test date and the current date information reaches a preset number of days (for example, 6 months), a due date alarm is transmitted to the hall management device 5 through the notification line L6.

  As a result, it is possible to notify the fact that the gaming machine is about to expire, since it is possible to notify the fact that three years have passed since the gaming machine can be operated in the gaming hall. It is possible to immediately know the machine, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the gaming machine has expired and cannot be certified.

  The first embodiment has been described above. According to this, the manufacturer can grasp the location and state (new or used) of the gaming machine from shipment to trade-in. When the recycle rate is sluggish, the database is searched in various ways. By identifying the cause by notifying the center management device 1020 to the manufacturer management device 1040 through the notification line L6, it is possible to increase the recycling rate of the gaming machine 1 and lead to eco activities.

  Further, since the location information of the gaming machine 1 can be managed by the center management device 1020, the manufacturer can grasp the current past location of each gaming machine based on the gaming board specifying ID. As a result, specific tracking is possible when the recycling rate is sluggish, which leads to suppression of illegal dumping, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, the Internet 1100 is used for communication between the center management apparatus 1020, the manufacturer management apparatus 1040, and the used sales company management apparatus 1070, but these may be communication lines such as a dedicated telephone line. In this case, it is not necessary to encrypt the information transmitted from the hole management device 1050 through the line L3. Accordingly, the decryption management device 1080 is not necessary.

  In addition, it is assumed that all information transmitted from the hall management device 1050 to the center management device 1020 is encrypted. However, encryption is limited to information important for management, and other information may be transmitted without encryption. Conceivable.

[Embodiment 2]
103 to 113 show the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, FIG. 103 is a perspective view showing a main body frame of the gaming machine, and FIGS. 104 (A) to 104 (C) show a procedure for fitting the gaming board. 105A is a sectional front view showing a gaming board of a gaming machine, FIG. 105B is a sectional front view showing a state in which a ball launcher is housed in a notch portion of the gaming board, and FIG. 106 is a two-dot chain line in FIG. FIG. 107 to FIG. 109 are main part enlarged front views showing modifications of the game board and the ball launching device, and FIG. 110A is an S-show in FIG. 106 showing a state where the game board is not sufficiently installed. FIG. 110B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S in FIG. 106 showing a normal state of the game board, and FIGS. 111 and 112 are enlarged front views of the main part showing a modification of the game board and the ball launcher. FIG. 113 is a partially enlarged front view showing the upper part of the ball launcher and the game board. Note that the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment is based on the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to elements having the same or the same functions as the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment. In principle, the configuration, operation, and the like of the first embodiment not mentioned in the following description also apply to the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment. The gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment is described as the base of the second embodiment, and the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment corresponds to a mode for carrying out the present invention.

[Ball launcher]
As described above, the ball launching device 12 drives the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 28 to the rail member 33 into the game area 8 of the game board 5.
In the ball launching device 12 of the second embodiment, instead of the return ball blocking portion 83 of the ball launching device 12 of the first embodiment, a backflow prevention valve is provided in the middle of the firing path leading from the rail portion 332 of the rail member 33 to the launching port 38. 121 is provided.

[Backflow prevention valve]
The backflow prevention valve 121 is composed of a pair of gate pieces 121a that are pivotably mounted so as to close the firing path at the position of the mechanical end and are urged in a direction to close the firing path. That is, the pair of gate pieces 121a has a closed state in which the space between the tip portions of each pair of gate pieces 121a is smaller than the diameter of the game ball (11 mm) so as to block the launch path, and the launch path. It is possible to change to an open state in which the distance between the tip portions is equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball (11 mm) or larger than the diameter of the game ball (11 mm) so as to be opened. More specifically, as shown in an imaginary line in FIG. 106, the pair of gate pieces 121a are changed from the closed state to the open state by being pushed around by the game balls launched from the rail portion 332, and the game balls are placed in the game area. After entering the inside, the back of the game ball from the game area 8 side can be prevented by returning to the closed state in which the launch path is closed by urging with a spring or the like. In the state where the game board 5 is normally installed in the main body frame 2, the surface of the exit part of the launch port 38 of the ball launcher 12 and the face (boundary part) of the entrance part of the game area 8 on the game board 5 side. Are substantially flush with each other, and when the pair of gate pieces 121a are in an open state, the tip portion of the gate piece 121a located on the lower side enters the game area 8 side. .

  Further, the ball launching device 12 of the second embodiment is provided with a transparent front cover part 121b on the front of the launch position from the rail part 33 to the launch opening 38, and the game window 9 is opened by the front cover part 121b. In addition to preventing forward spilling of the ball, it is possible to supply a stable ball into the game area 8. Further, in the ball launching device 12 of the second embodiment, the side frame member 121c corresponding to the ball entry preventing wall 51 (see FIG. 16) of the first embodiment is formed of a translucent resin including a transparent resin, and the ball launching is performed. Maintenance performance is enhanced by making it possible to grasp the internal mechanism of the device 12 from the outside.

The ball launching device 12 of the second embodiment is fixedly attached to the upper left side of the main body frame 2.
Therefore, when the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2 due to installation of a new stand or the like, the ball launcher 12 must be avoided and fitted. However, since the ball launching device 12 is arranged on the same surface into which the game board 5 is fitted, the handling difficulty when fitting the game board 5 is high, and the ball launching device 12 is mistaken when fitting the game board 5. The ball launching device 12 and the game board 5 may be damaged due to the collision. Therefore, a positioning guide member 450 that plays a role of positioning when the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2 is disposed in the main body frame 2 in order to cope with such a problem.

[Positioning guide member]
The positioning guide member 450 is provided on the inner wall of the left side plate of the main body frame 2 as shown in FIG. The positioning guide member 450 is pivotally supported by a hinge member and can be rotated by about 90 degrees. Moreover, since it is urged | biased by biasing members, such as a spring, when the game board 5 is not inserted in the main body frame 2, the location contact | abutted on the left side surface of the game board 5 has faced the front side. Further, a floor surface for reaching the lower left corner of the game board 5 is formed. Further, in order to stabilize when fitting, a positioning guide member 450 having no floor surface may be disposed above the positioning guide member 450 having a floor surface.

  As shown in FIG. 104 (A), the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2 by positioning the left side surface and the lower left corner surface of the game board 5 in accordance with the positioning guide members 450, and then FIG. 104 (B). As shown in FIG. 104, the game board 5 is rotated to the main body frame 2 side with the positioning guide member as a fulcrum, and is fitted into the main body frame 2 as shown in FIG. By doing so, the positional relationship between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 is fixed and constant.

  In addition, when the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2, the positioning guide member 450 is rotated in accordance with the fitting operation of the game board 5, so that the game board 5 is guided to the position where the main body frame 2 is fitted. The board 5 can be fitted into the main body frame 2 without accidentally colliding with the ball launcher 12. Therefore, the risk of damaging the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5 due to a collision can be reduced.

[Game board]
As described above, the game board 5 is detachably attached to the fitting frame 15 of the main body frame 2, and corresponds to the right side and the lower side of the ball launcher 12 at the upper left corner of the transparent panel plate 44. It has a notch 47 formed in a shape (see FIG. 105A). In the empty area outside the notch 47, the ball launcher 12 is disposed so that the notch 47 and the ball launcher 12 are in a state where the game board 5 is normally installed in the main body frame 2. The surface of the exit portion of the launch port 38 of the launching device 12 and the surface of the entrance portion of the game area 8 on the game board 5 side are provided so as to be substantially flush with each other.

[Game board-Launch area section]
In the game board 5 of the second embodiment, the game area 8 side to the ball launcher 12 is located below the notch 47, that is, at a position facing the lower side of the launch port 38 of the side frame member 121 c of the ball launcher 12. A fence-like launch area section 500 is provided so as to prevent the entry of game balls from. This launch area partition 500 is a standing wall provided so as to rise from the surface portion of the transparent panel plate 44, and is attached to the front side of the transparent panel plate 44 via a mounting portion (screw fixing portion) (not shown). Yes. Of course, as a means for preventing the intrusion of the game ball from the game area 8 side, it is only necessary to provide the side frame member 121c on the ball launcher 12 itself, as is the case with the ball launcher 12 of the first embodiment. However, in the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments, the ball launching device 12 is provided in the main body frame 2 and is separated from the game board 5, so that the game ball rubs or collides with long-term use. Dirt and damage can occur. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, the launch area section 500 is provided on the game board 5 side so that the game ball does not come into contact with the ball launcher 12, so that the ball launcher 12 can be prevented from being soiled or damaged by long-term use. Can be suppressed.

[Game board-visual confirmation structure]
Since the launch area section 500 is provided so as to cover the lower side of the ball launcher 12, the launch region partition 500 itself may be a hindrance to visual confirmation of the relative positional relationship with the ball launcher 12.
If the ball launcher 12 is provided at the upper corner of the game board 5 as in the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments, the launch position and the game area 8 are too close to correct the ball jump disorder. Since there is almost no sliding area to be obtained, the disturbance at the time of launching the game ball can affect the game. Therefore, if the relative positional relationship between the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5 is out of order, and a gap or a step is generated between the ball launcher 12 and the game area 8 of the game board 5, for example, The launch is not stable and the player may feel stress.

  In view of the above problems, the launch area partition unit 500 according to the second embodiment is configured such that the state of the ball launcher 12 and the relative relationship between the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5 with the game board 5 installed on the main body frame 2. A visual confirmation structure is provided so that the positional relationship can be checked. As this visual confirmation structure, there are two major structural features, the first of which is the height of the launch area section 500 of the second embodiment (which rises from the surface side of the transparent panel plate 44 toward the front side). The height is set to be equal to the height of the side frame member 121c of the ball launcher 12 in a state where the game board 5 is normally installed in the main body frame 2. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 110A arrow E1 and arrow E3 in FIG. 110A, the height of the launch area partition 500 is higher than the normal installation state with respect to the height of the side frame member 121c of the ball launcher 12. (The game board 5 is in a state of being floated with respect to the main body frame 2), and although not shown, the height of the launch area partition 500 is the height of the side frame member 121c of the ball launcher 12. It is lower than the normal installation state with respect to the height (the ball launching device 12 is floated and the game board 5 is in a state of being recessed relative to the main body frame 2). The relationship between the height of the launch area section 500 and the height of the side frame member 121c of the ball launcher 12 can be recognized from the outside, thereby facilitating maintenance of the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5, and normal. Sure to play a game with a simple ball jump Rukoto is enabled.

Note that the height of the launch area section 500 and the height of the side frame member 121c of the ball launcher 12 do not necessarily have to be set equal to each other. If it can be specified that the relative positional relationship in the installed state is different from that when it is normal, for example, the height of the firing area partition 500 is slightly higher than the height of the side frame member 121c, You may make the height of the division part 500 slightly lower than the height of the side frame member 121c.
Further, the side frame member 121c of the ball launching device 12 may be either a permeable material or an impermeable material. However, the use of the impermeable material is advantageous in that it can be easily visually confirmed. .

  Further, the second structural feature of the visual confirmation structure is that the firing region partition 500 is formed of a transparent material (a material having transparency) whose back side can be seen through. In other words, since the launch area section 500 is provided so as to cover the lower side of the ball launcher 12, if the launch area section 500 is made of an impermeable material, the launch area section 500 itself is relative to the ball launcher 12. It can be a presence that hinders visual confirmation of the positional relationship.

  In this regard, the firing area partition 500 of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 110A arrow E2 when the firing area partition 500 is viewed from the gaming area 8 side with the game board 5 installed on the main body frame 2. The state of the ball launcher 12 and the relative positional relationship between the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5 (the height of the launch zone compartment 500 and the side of the ball launcher 12 described above) The height relationship) of the frame member 121c can be inspected. In particular, the state in which the game board 5 is installed in a floating state with respect to the main body frame 2 (inappropriate installation state) is that the game area 8 side is formed when the launch area section 500 is made of an impermeable material. Discovery may be delayed from. In that respect, as shown in FIG. 110A, the height of the launch region partition 500 is set to be the side frame member 121c of the ball launcher 12 by allowing the launch region partition 500 to be seen through on the back side as in the second embodiment. It is higher than the normal installation state with respect to the height (the game board 5 is in a state of being floated with respect to the main body frame 2) from the game area 8 side to the launch area partition section. Easy to find through 500. As a result, the state of the ball launcher 12 and the relative positional relationship between the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5 can be visually confirmed in a state where the game board 5 is installed on the main body frame 2. Maintenance of the game board 5 is facilitated, and it is possible for a player to reliably perform a game with a normal ball flight.

  In addition, in order to make the visual confirmation structure described above more effective, it is possible to visually recognize the launch area section 500 made of a material having permeability through the game window 9 with the door frame 3 closed. Thus, even when the door frame 3 is closed, the state of the ball launcher 12 and the relative positional relationship between the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5 can be confirmed from the front side. Thus, the maintenance efficiency can be further increased.

In addition, as a visual confirmation structure of the launch region partition unit 500, in addition to using a material having permeability, is it possible to provide one or more through holes in the standing wall so that a part of the ball launcher 12 can be seen? Alternatively, for example, a fence shape about half the height of the game ball may be formed so as not to obstruct the visual observation of the ball launcher 12 and to prevent the game ball from entering the ball launcher 12 side. It is done.
Further, as described above, the side frame member 121c of the ball launching device 12 may be either a permeable material or an impermeable material, but is particularly impermeable when the firing area partition 500 is made permeable. This material is advantageous in that it can be easily confirmed visually.

Further, the above-described visual confirmation structure does not necessarily have the second structural feature, and only the first structural feature of the visual confirmation structure may be adopted according to the game board 5. . Furthermore, if only the first structural feature of the visual confirmation structure is employed, the launch area partition 500 may be made of an opaque material.
Further, in adopting the second structural feature of the visual confirmation structure, the launch area section 500 is not limited to being made of a colorless and transparent material, but is made of a colored and transparent material to enhance the decorative performance. You may make it leave.

  Further, in addition to the launch area section 500, the front component 45 is also made of a material having the same height and permeability as the launch area section 500, and the height of the front component 45 is on the right side of the ball launcher 12. It is lower than the normal installation state with respect to the height of the upper member (the game board 5 is in a state of being recessed with respect to the main body frame 2), and the front component member 45 The height is higher than the normal installation state with respect to the height of the upper member on the right side of the ball launcher 12 (the game board 5 is in a state of floating with respect to the main body frame 2). This may be recognized from the outside in relation to the height of the front component member 45 and the height of the upper member on the right side of the ball launching device 12. As a result, maintenance of the ball launcher 12 and the game board 5 can be performed from various directions, and it is possible for the player to reliably perform a game with a normal ball flight.

  Further, in the case where a visual confirmation structure in which the launch region partition 500 is formed of a transparent material is adopted, the following configuration may be used in order to make confirmation on the ball launcher 12 side easier. That is, in the example shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 110B, the panel holder 43 and the transparent panel plate 44 are configured by members having transparency, and a light emitting unit that irradiates light forward to the effect device 501 provided on the rear surface side thereof. (Lighting for production can be used) is provided, and the light of the light emitting part is guided forward through the panel holder 43 and the transparent panel plate 44. And the light which passed through the panel holder 43 and the transparent panel board 44 passes through the launch area division part 500 which consists of the raw material which was further provided in the front side of the transparent panel board 44, and is an exit of the ball | bowl launcher 12 The vicinity (near the launch port 38) is illuminated. By doing so, visual confirmation of the vicinity of the exit of the ball launcher 12 (near the launch opening 38) is facilitated, and the vicinity of the exit of the ball launcher 12 (the launch opening 38) from the front side of the gaming machine 1 during the game. You can easily check the status of the launch by checking the vicinity.

  In the example shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 110B, since the transparent front cover part 121b is provided in front of the launch position from the rail part 33 to the launch port 38, the panel holder 43, the transparent panel plate 44, and The light that has passed through the launch area section 500 is also guided to the front cover 121b side, and the front side of the ball launcher 12 is brightened through the front cover 121b. Thereby, in addition to the vicinity of the exit of the ball launcher 12 (near the launch port 38), the internal structure of the ball launcher 12 (near the back side of the front cover part 121b) can be easily confirmed by visual observation, and during the game In addition, the vicinity of the exit of the ball launcher 12 (near the launch port 38) can be confirmed from the front side of the gaming machine 1 to easily confirm the status of the launch.

  In addition, regarding the internal structure of the ball launcher 12 (near the back side of the front cover 121b), in the state that the door frame 3 is closed in view of the point that the player does not want to know details from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like. The outer edge of the gaming window 9 is located on the center side of the gaming area from the front cover 121b so that the internal structure of the ball launching device 12 (near the back side of the front cover 121b) is not visible or difficult through the gaming window 9. The inside of the game area) may be configured, or a decoration and blindfold seal may be applied to the corresponding upper corner of the transparent plate 11 of the game window 9. Thereby, only when the door frame 3 is opened, the front side of the ball launching device 12 is brightened through the front cover part 121b, so that the maintenance efficiency of the operator who inspects can be improved while preventing fraud. .

[Game board-guidance part]
In the launch area section 500 of the game board 5, when the game ball collides (contacts) as shown in FIGS. 106 to 108, the flow direction of the game ball can be directed toward the center of the game area 8 A game ball that has been provided with a portion 502 and has not been normally fired due to some trouble, or a game ball that has been fired with a remarkably weak firing force that would conventionally be a foul ball has entered the game area 8, Even if it flows down the area immediately below the ball launching device 12 without any interest regardless of the intention of the player, the probability that the game ball will rebound toward the center of the game area 8 by the guiding portion 502 is increased. In order to prevent the game interest from deteriorating, it is possible to actively increase the game ball by changing the behavior of the game ball by the obstacle nail 503 or the like, or to enter the winning opening accompanying the profit provision. Hereinafter, the form of each guiding unit 502 in FIGS. 106 to 108 will be described in order.

  First, the guide unit 502 of FIG. 106 has a contact surface 504 in which the upper end surface on the game region 8 side of the firing region partition 500 is bulged in the shape of an arrowhead, and the game ball hitting the contact surface 504 is a game region. It bounces back toward the center side of 8. In this case, the angle of the contact surface 504 with respect to the vertical line is made different from the angle with respect to the vertical line of the outer surface (outer surface on the game area 8 side) of the lower gate piece 121a (backflow prevention valve 121) of the ball launcher 12. In addition, the game ball 8 is directed toward the center side of the game area 8 even when the game ball rebounds by hitting any one of the contact surface 504 and the outer surface of the gate piece 121a (backflow prevention valve 121).

  Further, the guiding unit 502 in FIG. 106 rebounds the game ball toward the center of the game area 8 regardless of whether the game ball rebounds by hitting the guide unit 502 or the rebound prevention valve 121. The direction of rebound is changed, so that not only the game ball that has entered the game area 8 in an unintended manner can be relieved, but also the flow variation can be varied. Further, it is possible to give an advantageous and disadvantageous game characteristic depending on which member hits and bounces back. Incidentally, in the second embodiment, the gate piece 121a has a different rebound mode on the outer side surface of the lower gate piece 121a (backflow prevention valve 121) and the contact surface 504 of the guide portion 502 when the gate piece 121a is in the closed state described above. When the gate piece 121a is in the closed state described above, it is closest to the vertical line and has a steep inclination. As a result, in addition to measures to reduce interest caused by game balls that have entered the game area 8 in an unintended manner, a relatively rare game ball flow-down mode occurs (the game ball hits the gate piece 121a in the closed state). In this case, it is possible to give a privilege that the game ball bounces back to the upstream side of the game area 8 as much as possible so that the player can sufficiently enjoy the flow of the game ball.

  106 has a jaw-shaped depression formed so as to be depressed toward the ball emitting device 12 from the lowermost end portion of the contact surface 504. When the contact portion 504 hits the contact surface 504, the guide portion 502 in FIG. The staying time for the game balls that have not been in the game area 8 is extended as much as possible. As a result, even when a game ball that has entered the game area 8 in an unintentional drop mode does not collide with the contact surface 504 and bounces upward from below the guiding portion 502, the game ball immediately rebounds downward. Without this, it is possible to secure a staying time for the game ball to stay in the game area 8 only for the hollow area of the hollow part, and to suppress a decrease in the gaming interest.

  Next, the guidance unit 502 in FIG. 107 will be described. The guiding portion 502 in FIG. 107 has a contact surface 504 bent in a dogleg shape so that the rebound direction varies depending on the surface on which the game ball collides. That is, the lower contact surface 504 of the dog-shaped contact surface 504 shown in FIG. 107 has an angle closer to the vertical line than the upper contact surface 504, and any of the contact surfaces 504 Depending on whether the game ball collides with the part, the direction of the game ball bounces is changed, not only to rescue the game ball that has entered the game area 8 in an unintentional falling manner, but also its variation Can be varied.

  Next, the guide unit 502 in FIG. 108 will be described. The guiding portion 502 in FIG. 108 is configured as a passage portion through which a game ball is discharged toward the center of the game area 8 by using a shooter-like through hole 505. This passage portion has a passage length in which two game balls can stay inside in the vertical direction, and even when game balls that have entered the game area 8 in an unintentional dropping manner are continuous, The game balls can be released toward the center of the game area 8 by relieving them. In addition, a right side standing wall having a slanted right-down shape is formed at the right end of the passage portion shown in FIG. 108, and the right side standing wall itself directs the game ball collided from the outside toward the center side of the game area 8. It can be bounced back. The passage portion is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 108, and may have a passage length in which three or more game balls can stay inside in the vertical direction, or one game ball in the vertical direction. It may have a passage length that can only stay inside. In addition, the route may change in the middle of the passage portion, or the route may be divided into a plurality of portions in the middle of the passage portion, and the game balls may be discharged from different points toward the center side of the game area 8. You may do.

  The guide unit 502 as shown in FIGS. 106 to 108 described above is not limited to the case where it is integrally provided at the tip of the launch region partition unit 500 as described above, and the launch region partition unit 500 as shown in FIG. May be separate islands. In this way, maintenance can be facilitated when the guiding portion 502 is deteriorated or damaged due to a collision of game balls. In addition, when the variation of the launch area partition unit 500 is changed for each model, the guiding unit 502 can be used and versatility can be improved.

  Moreover, you may employ | adopt the visual confirmation structure mentioned above about the discharge | emission area | region division part 500 integrally provided with the guidance | induction part 502 like FIGS. 106-108 mentioned above. Specifically, it is possible to exemplify that the launch area section 500 is composed of a member having transparency for each of the guiding portions 502. In this case, in addition to the suppression of the above-described decrease in interest, the maintenance performance is improved by the visual confirmation structure. It is possible to exert both effects.

[Game board-backflow guard]
The game board 5 has a backflow guard portion 506 for preventing a game ball that flows back from the game area 8 toward the ball launching device 12 from colliding with the backflow prevention valve 121 outside the movable range of the backflow prevention valve 121. May be provided. Hereinafter, FIGS. 111 and 112 will be described in order as an example of the backflow guard unit 506.

  First, the backflow guard portion 506 in FIG. 111 is provided below the launch port 38 and uses the same nail as the obstacle nail 503, and the game area 8 in the backflow prevention valve 121 (a pair of gate pieces 121a). The lower gate piece 121a, which is relatively likely to be affected by the rebound of the game ball inside, is planted outside the movable range of the lower gate piece 121a so as not to hinder its operation. It is installed. By this backflow guard portion 506, the game ball that flows back from the game area 8 toward the ball launcher 12 side becomes an obstacle nail that is the backflow guard portion 506 before colliding with the gate piece 121 a on the lower side of the backflow prevention valve 121. Since it collides and returns to the game area 8, it does not collide with the gate piece 121a below the backflow prevention valve 121. Therefore, even if the timing at which the previously launched game ball bounces back from the game area 8 toward the backflow prevention valve 121 overlaps with the timing at which the next game ball is fired, the backflowing game ball is protected against backflow. Since it hits the part 506 and is returned to the game area 8 side, the game ball of the ball launcher 12 is normally launched from the launch port 38 through the backflow prevention valve 121.

  Further, the backflow guard portion 506 in FIG. 111 is composed of a plurality of obstacle nails arranged vertically at intervals smaller than the diameter of the game ball, in other words, the plurality of obstacle nails form a wall extending up and down. It is formed as follows. Thereby, the backflow guard unit 506 not only prevents collision with the gate piece 121a on the lower side of the backflow prevention valve 121, but also the game ball toward the center side of the game area 8 like the guide unit 502 described above. It also has the characteristic of rebounding.

  In addition, the backflow guard 506 in FIG. 111 has the gate piece 121a below the backflow prevention valve 121 in the open state described above and the gate piece 121a below the backflow prevention valve 121 in the closed state described above. In any case, the distance from the tip of the gate piece 121a is smaller than the diameter of the game ball (11 mm or less in the present embodiment), so that the backflow guard 506 and the gate piece Although the game ball is prevented from staying between the front end portion of the 121a, the backflow card portion is conversely made larger than the diameter of the game ball (12 mm or more in this embodiment). The game ball may be prevented from staying between 506 and the tip of the gate piece 121a. In addition, in the case where the game ball stays between the backflow guard portion 506 and the tip portion of the gate piece 121a in spite of adopting such a configuration, the ball launcher 12 Since it can also be recognized that there is a possibility that some kind of abnormality (displacement) has occurred in the mounting state between the game board 5 and the game board 5, it is possible to exert an effect in improving the maintenance performance.

  Next, the backflow guard 506 in FIG. 112 will be described. The backflow guard 506 in FIG. 112 is provided with the backflow guard 506 in the form of extending to the upper end of the launch area section 500 that is integrally provided with the aforementioned guide section 502. The backflow guard portion 506 has an outer surface that is closer to the vertical than the lower guide portion 502, and the game ball that bounces off the outer surface and the ball that bounces off the guide portion 502 are at different angles on the center side of the game area 8. It is going to go. Thereby, the backflow guard part 506 not only prevents the game ball from colliding with the gate piece 121a on the lower side of the backflow prevention valve 121 but also plays a game toward the center side of the game area 8 as a second guide part. It has the characteristic of rebounding the ball, and can contribute to the suppression of the decline of the game entertainment.

  In addition, the backflow guard portion 506 in FIG. 112 is similar to the backflow guard portion 506 in FIG. 111 when the gate piece 121a on the lower side of the backflow prevention valve 121 is in the open state described above and below the backflow prevention valve 121. In any case when the gate piece 121a is in the closed state, the distance from the tip of the gate piece 121a is smaller than the diameter of the game ball (less than 11 mm in this embodiment). Furthermore, the tip height of the lower gate piece 121a is arranged so that the tip of the lower gate piece 121a is higher than the tip of the backflow guard portion 506, and each tip constitutes a downward right spherical flow channel. I am doing so. Thereby, a game ball can be made to flow down without staying between the backflow guard part 506 and the front-end | tip part of the gate piece 121a. In addition, in the case where a game ball stays between the backflow guard portion 506 and the distal end portion of the gate piece 121a in spite of adopting such a configuration, the ball launcher 12 Since it can also be recognized that there is a possibility that some kind of abnormality (displacement) has occurred in the mounting state between the game board 5 and the game board 5, it is possible to exert an effect in improving the maintenance performance.

[Game board-Upper game area section]
As described above, the front component member 45 is attached to the front surface of the transparent panel plate 44 of the game board 5.
This front component member 45 has a game arc 8 extending from the launch port 38 of the ball launching device 12 to the rubber ball impacting portion 29 provided on the side opposite to the ball launching device 12 within a range of a subarc. An upper game area partition section 451 for partitioning and a lower game area partition section 452 for partitioning the lower side thereof are provided, and a substantially circular game area 8 is formed as a whole.

Further, the upper game area partitioning section 451 is a ball launching side upper partitioning section 454 formed with a rising curve surface 453 that guides the game ball in an arc shape from the launch port 38 of the ball launching device 12 to the top of the game area 8. And a ball collision side upper section 456 formed with a descending curved surface 455 for guiding the game ball in an arc shape from the top of the game area 8 to the ball collision part 29. In the second embodiment, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the arc length α2 of the descending curve surface 455 is longer than the arc length α1 of the ascending curve surface 453.
By doing so, when the player desires to play the game far from the launch port 38, for example, on the right side of the game area 8 (so-called right hit), the game ball launched from the ball launcher 12 in the upper left part of the game board 5 However, since the ball hitting portion 29 is reached from the ascending curve surface 453 of the upper game area partitioning portion 451 along the descending curve surface 455 that is longer than the conventional one, the ball hitting handle can be easily grasped because the falling time is long. Subtle setting of the hitting strength by 10 can be easily performed. Thereby, even if it is the structure by which the ball launcher 12 is provided in the upper left part of the game board 5, it can suppress reducing the interest of the game in the game area 8 right side.

  In addition, when the length of the arc length α2 of the descending curve surface 455 shown in FIG. 113 is such a length that it reaches the lower part on the right side of the game area 8, the game on the right side of the game area 8 cannot be performed sufficiently. there is a possibility. In this regard, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 113, while the ball collision portion 29 is provided on the right side of the game area 8 (equivalent to various members (gate portion 92 and windmill) or upstream thereof), The arc length of the surface 453 is configured to maintain the relationship of the arc length α1 <the arc length α2 of the descending curved surface 455 ”. By doing so, the rebound distance of the game ball when colliding with the ball collision unit 29 is taken into consideration, and the game on the right side of the game area 8 can be performed sufficiently. As described above, the game area 8 Decreasing the interest of the game on the right side can be efficiently suppressed.

In addition, the front component member 45 is good to make it combine the upper game area division part 451 and the lower game area division part 452 separately. By doing so, it is possible to change the position of the ball collision unit 29 according to the game content only by changing the upper game area partitioning part 451.
For the same reason, the upper game area partition 451 may be divided into the ball launching side upper partition 454 and the ball collision side upper partition 456 and combined.

[Circulation stop control means]
The ball-enclosed gaming machine 1 has, as a circulation mechanism, a ball launcher 12 that launches a game ball to the game area 8 by driving by a launch solenoid 13 and a ball feed solenoid 31 as a first drive source, and a flow down the game area 8 A ball polisher that polishes the surface of the game ball by driving with a ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 as a second drive source, and a game ball polished with the ball polisher is driven by a ball lift motor 150 as a third drive source And a ball lifting device 22 for lifting to the ball launching device 12.
In the second embodiment, a circulation stop control means for stopping the circulation mechanism based on a predetermined circulation stop condition is provided.
The circulation stop control unit stops at least a part of the drive by the first drive source, the drive by the second drive source, and the drive by the third drive source when a specific circulation stop condition is established. In this case, it is possible to execute processing for continuing driving by another driving source.
Specifically, even when the ball stopping device 22 detects the clogging of the ball and the circulation stop condition is satisfied, the ball lifting motor 155 (third drive source) of the ball lifting device 22 is stopped. For example, when the game state is advantageous to the player (big hit state), the ball hitting by driving the launch solenoid 13 and the ball feed solenoid 31 (first drive source) of the ball launcher 12, and the ball polishing ribbon feed motor After the drive of 155 (second drive source) is continued as much as possible, the second drive source and the first drive source are sequentially stopped. As a result, it is possible to minimize the damage that can be caused to the player by stopping the circulation mechanism.
Alternatively, even when the ball stop condition is established by detecting the ball clogging by the ball polisher and the ball polish ribbon feed motor 155 (second drive source) is stopped, the game state is advantageous to the player, for example. In such a case (a big hit state), the ball is launched by driving the launch solenoid 13 and the ball feed solenoid 31 (first drive source) of the ball launcher 12, and the ball lift motor 155 (third drive source) is driven. Is continued as much as possible, and then the first drive source and the third drive source are sequentially stopped. As a result, it is possible to minimize the damage that can be caused to the player by stopping the circulation mechanism.
Or, for example, even after the stop of hitting the ball by stopping the launch solenoid 13 and the ball feed solenoid 31 (first drive source) of the ball launcher 12 due to fraud detection, the standby standby ball detection switches 26 and 70 (see FIG. 6). Until the ball is detected as a game ball, the ball polisher ribbon feed motor 155 (second drive source) and the ball lift motor 155 (third drive source) continue to drive as much as possible, and then the third drive source And the second drive source are sequentially stopped. Thereby, the environment for performing the next launch smoothly can be prepared.

As described above, the circulation stop control means includes the second drive source (ball polish) and the first drive source (ball launch) when the circulation stop condition of the third drive source (ball lifting) is satisfied. Stop pattern that stops in order, and stop that stops the first drive source (ball firing) and the third drive source (ball lifting) in order when the circulation stop condition of the second drive source (ball polishing) is satisfied A stop pattern for stopping the third drive source (ball lifting) and the second drive source (ball polishing) in order when the pattern and the circulation stop condition of the first drive source (ball firing) are satisfied is set. ing.
In addition, in order to prevent clogging of the game ball which circulates until it stops following, it is good to expand the ball | bowl storage area | region provided in each apparatus to a circulation mechanism.

[Technical idea included in Embodiment 2]
Although the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment has been described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment includes, for example, technical ideas 1 to 5 corresponding to the following solving problems 1 to 5. In addition, the technical ideas 1 to 5 listed here are the same as those in the second embodiment, even if the ball launcher 12 is movable with respect to the main body frame 2 as in the first embodiment. Can be either. Further, the arrangement of the ball launching device 12 need not be limited to the upper left corner of the game board 5, but may of course be in the upper right corner.

[Solution 1]
If a ball launcher is provided in the upper corner of the game board, the launch position and the game area are very close, so that the disturbance at the launch of the game ball can affect the game. This is because there is almost no sliding area that can correct the ball jump disturbance.
Therefore, if there is an error in the relative positional relationship between the ball launcher and the game board, and a gap or a step occurs between the ball launcher and the game area of the game board, the launch of the game ball will not be stable, May cause player stress.
The invention of the technical idea 1 has been made in view of the above, and the object thereof is to provide a stable ball even in a gaming machine in which a ball launcher separate from the gaming board is provided at the upper corner of the gaming board. The goal is to get a jump.
[Technical Thought 1]
A ball launcher that launches game balls;
A game board formed with a game area in which a game ball launched from the ball launcher flows down, and
The ball launcher is separate from the game board and disposed at a position corresponding to the upper corner of at least one of the game boards,
The gaming board is a gaming machine in which a notch portion in which the ball launching device is accommodated is formed at a position corresponding to the ball launching device,
The game board is provided with a launch area partition portion that partitions the game area below the notch and can prevent entry of a game ball from the game area side to the ball launch device,
Furthermore, the launching area section is configured so that the relative positional relationship with the ball launching device can be visually confirmed.
[Technical thought 1-2]
The launch area section is formed of a transparent material, or a part of the ball launcher is provided with a through-hole that can be seen, or set to a height that does not hinder the view of the ball launcher. A gaming machine of technical idea 1 characterized by
[Technical thought 1-3]
The launch area section has a visual confirmation structure formed of a transparent material, and the launch area section is irradiated with light from the game area or the rendering device at the rear of the game board, and the light is emitted from the ball launcher. A gaming machine of the technical idea 1 characterized in that at least a part of the game machine is illuminated.
[Technical thought 1-4]
A transparent plate-like front cover part is formed on the front side of the ball launcher on the side opposite to the game board, and light from the effect device irradiated on the launch area partition part is formed on the front cover part. A gaming machine according to the technical idea 1-3, characterized in that at least a part of the ball launcher is illuminated by the light and is illuminated by the light.
According to the above gaming machines, since the game area side is provided with a launch area partition portion that can prevent the entry of game balls from the game area side, even if the launch area partition portion is soiled or damaged due to the contact of the game balls The old and new are replaced with the game board. Therefore, it can be used in a clean state for a long time without replacing the ball launcher.
In addition, since the launch area section is provided so as to cover the lower part of the ball launcher, the launch region partitioning part itself can be a hindrance to visual confirmation of the relative positional relationship with the ball launcher. Since the launch area section is provided with a visual confirmation structure such as formed of a transparent material, for example, the relative positional relationship with the ball launcher can be confirmed by visual observation to obtain a normal ball jump. .

[Solution Issue 2]
Conventionally, in a gaming machine, for example, when the firing strength by the ball launching device is too weak against the player's will, the game ball flows down in the direction directly below the ball launching device, and the flow mode of the game ball in the gaming area is changed. There is a problem that the player can not entertain enough, but if a ball launcher is provided in the upper corner of the game board, the launch position and game area are very close, so As the game balls flow down in the downward direction, it is easy to feel a strong sense of loss, which may lead to a decrease in the game interest.
The invention of the technical idea 2 has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to suppress a decrease in gaming interest in a gaming machine in which a ball launcher is provided in the upper corner of the gaming board.
[Technical Thought 2]
A ball launcher that launches game balls;
A game board formed with a game area in which a game ball launched from the ball launcher flows down, and
The ball launcher is separate from the game board and disposed at a position corresponding to the upper corner of at least one of the game boards,
The gaming board is a gaming machine in which a notch portion in which the ball launching device is accommodated is formed at a position corresponding to the ball launching device,
The game board is provided with a launch area partition section below the notch section that partitions the game area and can prevent the game ball from entering the game launcher side from the game area side,
Furthermore, a gaming machine comprising a guide unit capable of directing the flowing-down direction of the contacted game ball toward the center side of the game area at or near the firing area partition section itself.
According to the gaming machine of the technical idea 2, even when a game ball immediately after launching flows down in the downward direction, the game is made by hitting the obstacle nail and coming into contact with the launch area section itself or in the vicinity thereof. Since the probability of flowing down toward the center side of the area increases, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the gaming interest.

[Solution 3]
If a ball launcher is provided at the upper corner of the game board, the launch position and the game area are very close, so that the launched game ball may hit an obstacle nail or the like and bounce back to the launcher of the ball launcher.
In order to prevent the game ball from rebounding, the launch unit of the ball launching device is biased in a direction to close the launch path of the game ball, while being pushed by the launched game ball to open the launch path. However, in rare cases, the timing at which the previously-launched game ball bounces off the game area and collides with the backflow prevention valve, and the next game ball is fired. The timing may overlap, and in that case, the game ball may be left behind in the launching portion of the ball launcher.
The invention of the technical idea 3 has been made in view of the above, and an object of the invention is to prevent a game ball from being damaged in a gaming machine provided with a ball launcher at the upper corner of the game board. It is in.
[Technical Thought 3]
A ball launcher that launches game balls;
A game board formed with a game area in which a game ball launched from the ball launcher flows down, and
The ball launcher is separate from the game board and disposed at a position corresponding to the upper corner of at least one of the game boards,
The gaming board is a gaming machine in which a notch portion in which the ball launching device is accommodated is formed at a position corresponding to the ball launching device,
The ball launcher is provided with a backflow prevention valve that is constantly urged in a direction to block the launch path of the game ball, and that can be pushed by the game ball to be launched and turn in a direction to open the launch path,
The game board is provided with a backflow guard portion that prevents a collision of a game ball that flows back from the game area toward the ball launcher side to the backflow prevention valve outside the movable range of the backflow prevention valve. A gaming machine characterized by
[Technical thought 3-1]
The game board is provided with a launch area partition section below the notch section that partitions the game area and can prevent the game ball from entering the game launcher side from the game area side,
Further, the launch area partition section is provided with the backflow guard section and a guide surface that can rebound the game ball toward the center of the game area when the game ball collides. A gaming machine of technical idea 3.
According to the gaming machine of the technical idea 3, the game ball that flows backward from the game area toward the ball launcher side collides with the backflow guard portion and is returned to the game area side, so that it does not collide with the backflow prevention valve. Therefore, even if the timing at which the previously launched game ball rebounds from the game area and heads toward the backflow prevention valve overlaps with the timing at which the next game ball is fired, the backflowing game ball hits the backflow guard section. Since it is returned to the game area side, the game ball of the ball launcher is normally launched.

[Solution 4]
If a ball launcher is provided in the upper corner of the game board, the launch position and the game area are very close, so if the player wants to play a game on the right side of the game area (so-called right-handed), A game ball launched from the ball launcher draws a minute arc and immediately reaches the right side of the game area. For this reason, it is difficult to grasp the feeling of flying, and it is difficult to make a fine setting of the right-handed strength.
The invention of the technical idea 4 has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to suppress a decrease in gaming interest in a gaming machine having a ball launcher provided at the upper corner of the gaming board.
[Technical Thought 4]
A ball launcher that launches game balls;
A game board in which a game area in which a game ball launched from the launch port of the ball launcher flows down is formed,
The ball launcher is disposed at a position corresponding to the upper corner of at least one of the game boards,
A gaming machine in which the gaming board is provided with an upper gaming area section having a ball collision section on the side opposite to the ball launching device, and the upper section of the gaming area is partitioned in an arc shape. ,
The upper game area section includes a ball launch side upper section formed with a rising curve surface that guides a game ball in an arc from the launch port of the ball launcher to the top of the game area, and the game A ball collision side upper partition portion formed with a descending curved surface for guiding the game ball in an arc shape from the top of the region to the ball collision portion,
A gaming machine, wherein the arc of the descending curve surface is longer than the arc of the ascending curve surface.
In this case, it is preferable that the ball collision portion has a lower limit at a substantially three o'clock position of the substantially circular game area.
[Technical thought 4-1]
The gaming machine according to the technical idea 4, wherein the upper game area partition section is formed separately from other game area partition sections that partition the game area.
[Technical Thought 4-2]
The gaming machine according to the technical idea 4-1, wherein the upper game area partition section includes the ball launch side upper partition section and the ball collision side upper partition section as separate bodies.
According to the gaming machine of the technical idea 4, when a player desires to play a game far from the launch port, for example, on the right side of the game area (so-called right-handed), the game ball launched from the ball launcher is Since it reaches the ball collision part from the ascending curve surface of the area section along the descending curve surface that is longer than the conventional one, it will be easy to grasp the feeling of ball jumping and make it easy to set the hitting ball strength delicately, etc. .

[Solution 5]
In the above-described enclosed game machine, when there is a situation where any device of the circulation mechanism is stopped, if the devices constituting the circulation mechanism are stopped all at once, there is a possibility that trouble may occur when the operation is resumed. For example, if a ball polishing device is malfunctioning and stopped, and other devices are also stopped all at once, there is a risk of causing a disadvantage to the player if it is a big hit state.
The invention of the technical idea 5 has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to be able to safely stop a circulation mechanism that circulates an enclosed game ball in a game machine.
[Technical Thought 5]
In a gaming machine equipped with a circulation mechanism for circulating enclosed game balls in the machine,
A ball launcher that launches a game ball into the game area by driving with a first drive source;
A ball polishing device for polishing the surface of the game ball flowing down the game area by driving with a second drive source;
A ball lifting device that lifts the game ball polished by the ball polishing device to the ball launching device by driving with a third drive source;
Circulation stop control means for stopping the circulation mechanism based on a predetermined circulation stop condition,
The circulation stop control means includes
When a specific circulation stop condition is satisfied and at least a part of driving by the first driving source, driving by the second driving source, and driving by the third driving source is stopped, A gaming machine characterized in that processing for continuing driving by another driving source can be executed.
[Technical thought 5-1]
The game machine according to the technical idea 5, wherein the circulation stop control means is configured to follow and stop another drive source after the stopped drive source.
According to the gaming machine of the technical idea 5, at least a device that satisfies the circulation stop condition is stopped, and a process for continuing the drive of other devices is executed, so that no trouble is caused at the time of restarting the circulation. it can. Therefore, the circulation mechanism can be safely stopped.

[Modification]
The configuration / control and management system of the enclosed ball type gaming machine in the present embodiment has been described above. Subsequently, a modified example of game control and ball information control in the enclosed ball type gaming machine will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the game is controlled based on the setting information defined in advance. However, in this modification, the setting information can be changed, which gives various changes to the game. , Can improve interest.

  Confirmation of the setting information (“confirmation of setting”) and change (“change of setting”) can be performed when a specific operation unit is operated. For example, the setting information is displayed on the display device when a predetermined operation is performed on a specific operation unit, and the setting information can be changed when the specific operation unit is operated while operating the RAM clear switch 105. To do. For example, the setting information may be displayed on the touch panel unit 14 so that the setting information can be changed when the setting is changed. In addition, setting confirmation and setting change can be performed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on and during the game, but can only be operated by opening the door frame so that the player cannot confirm (change) the setting information. It is necessary to dispose the operation unit on the door or to prevent operation unless a specific instrument (for example, a key) is used. Hereinafter, a configuration for executing setting confirmation and setting change will be described focusing on main control side power-on processing and main control side timer interrupt processing.

  In this modification, main control recognition information, which is information for recognizing the main control board 100, is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 when the gaming machine is turned on and when the setting information is changed. The main control recognition information includes, for example, the chip ID number of the main control MPU 101. As a result, it is determined on the side of the ball information control board 110 whether the main control MPU 101 (main control board 100) installed in the gaming machine is legitimate, and if it is not judged legitimate, the ball information The control board 110 can stop the operation related to the prize ball, and can prevent unauthorized operation such as falsification of the main control MPU 101 (main control board 100), and change the setting information on the main control board 100 as ball information. It can be reflected on the control board 110 at an appropriate timing.

[Main control side power-on processing (modification)]
First, the main control side power-on process in this modification will be described. 114A and 114B are flowcharts showing the main-control-side power-on processing of the present modification. The main control-side power-on process of the present modification includes a process related to setting information in addition to the main control-side power-on process described with reference to FIGS. 79 and 80. Since the basic process flow is the same as the main control side power-on process described with reference to FIGS. 79 and 80, the description of common processes is omitted, and common reference numerals are given.

  When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 starts execution of each process, and the process from the stack pointer setting (step S10) to the wait timer process 2 (step S30) is common. Execute the process. When the wait timer process 2 (step S30) is completed, in the present modification, the main control MPU 101 determines whether or not there has been an operation for changing the setting information (step S3031). The operation for changing the setting information is not an operation for confirming the setting information but an operation for changing the setting information.

  When there is an operation to change the setting information (the result of step S3031 is “YES”), the main control MPU 101 proceeds with the game after power-on based on the new setting information. In order to clear game information, the process after step S44 is performed.

  On the other hand, when there is no operation to change the setting information (the result of step S3031 is “NO”), main control MPU 101 branches the process based on the value of RAM clear notification flag RCL_FLG (step S32). Thereafter, the procedure up to the backup flag determination processing in step S38 is the same as the procedure described in FIG.

  Here, as a case where the game information in the storage area is cleared in the process of step S44, when the RAM clear switch is operated (the RAM clear operation, the result of step S32 is “NO”), the information is normally stored in the RAM. If not (RAM abnormality, the result of step S36 is “NO”, the result of step S38 is “NO”), the setting may be changed (the result of step S31 is “YES”). The areas to be cleared may be different. For example, when a RAM clear operation is performed, all areas other than the work area related to the setting value and setting (including a part of the RAM area related to the game process) are cleared. When the RAM is abnormal, all areas in the RAM are cleared. Only a part of the RAM area related to the game process may be cleared. That is, all areas are cleared when the RAM is abnormal, but in other cases, the corresponding area is cleared according to the operation content. For example, the work area related to the setting value and the setting process is cleared unless it is determined that the RAM is abnormal. Do not.

  In addition to clearing the area, “00h” may be set for each area, and an initial value that does not disadvantage the player or the game hall (hall) may be set. For example, when the set value is “00h”, if the setting is most advantageous to the player (high setting), 00h is set when the RAM is cleared, and the game starts from the high setting, which is advantageous for the player. However, since it is disadvantageous for the hall, the minimum setting (for example, “05h”) is set when the work area of the set value is cleared.

  When the backup flag determination process (step S38) ends, the main control MPU 101 determines whether or not there has been an operation for confirming the setting information (step S3038). If there is an operation for confirming the setting information (the result of step S3038 is “YES”), setting confirming information indicating that the setting information is being confirmed is set (step S3039). In order to prevent the game from being continued when the setting information is being confirmed, it is possible to control not to execute the process related to the game or the winning ball by setting the setting confirmation information. When there is no operation for confirming the setting information (the result of step S3039 is “NO”), or after the setting confirmation information is set (step S3039), the processing of step S40 and step S42 is executed. These processes are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

  When the process of step S42 ends, the main control MPU 101 determines whether there is a setting process, that is, whether there is a setting confirmation or a setting change (step S3048). If there is no setting process (the result of step S3048 is “NO”), the main information recognition information is set to be notified to the ball information control board 110 (step S3049). If there is a setting process (the result of step S3048 is “YES”), the process after step S50 is executed without performing the setting for notifying the sphere information control board 110 of the main control recognition information. In this case, in the main control timer interruption process, after the setting confirmation or setting change is completed, a setting for notifying the ball control board 110 of the main control recognition information is performed.

  Further, the main control MPU 101 clears a storage area for storing information to be transmitted to the ball information control board 110 when setting notification of main control recognition information. For example, if the area for storing untransmitted information is a ring buffer format, the read counter and the write counter indicating the read position and write position in the buffer are initialized (both are set to 0), and the SIO communication Also clear the buffer. If information remains in these buffers, the first remaining information is transmitted when the power is restored, so that the main control recognition information is always transmitted to the ball information control board 110 first after the power is turned on. It is configured like this. When the sphere information control board 110 receives the main control recognition information from the main control board 100, the sphere information control board 110 executes a corresponding process in the sphere information control main process shown in FIG. 84 and transmits a response signal to the main control board 100. The main control board 100 enters a main control recognition information response signal reception waiting state after the notification of the main control recognition information is set and before the response signal is received. When the main control recognition information response signal is received, the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state is canceled.

  Subsequently, the main control MPU 101 permits the execution of the main control timer interrupt process by executing the interrupt-related processes (steps S50 and S52). In this modification, when the main control recognition information is set to be notified to the ball information control board 110, the process for performing the normal game is not executed until a response signal is received from the ball information control board 110. Composed. For example, it is determined whether or not a response signal is received in a main control timer interrupt process described later, and if not received, the process is skipped. By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to start the game after ensuring that the ball information control board 110 is activated.

  When the execution of the main control side timer interrupt process is permitted, the main control MPU 101 executes the main control side main loop process. The main control side main loop processing from step S54 to S58 is the same as the processing described in FIG. 80, and is continuously executed until a power failure warning signal is detected. When a power failure warning signal is detected, the main control side power-off process from steps S60 to S68 is executed. The main-control-side power-off process is the same as the process from step S60 to S68 in FIG. 80, and game information is backed up when the gaming machine is powered off.

[Main control timer interrupt processing (modified)]
Next, the main control side timer interruption process in this modification will be described. FIG. 115 is a flowchart of main-control-side timer interrupt processing in this modification. A difference from the main control timer interrupt process described in FIG. 81 is that a process for checking and changing the setting information is added. The main control timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed every set interrupt cycle (4 ms in this embodiment), similarly to the main control timer interrupt process described with reference to FIG. As for the main control side timer interrupt process, as in the main control side power-on process, the description common to the main control side timer interrupt process described with reference to FIG. .

  When the main control side timer interrupt process of this modification is started, the main control MPU 101 first determines whether or not it is in a main control recognition information response signal reception standby state (step S3070). As described above, the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state is a state where the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state is on standby until a response signal output from the ball information control board 110 is received after the main control recognition information notification is set. When the main control MPU 101 is in a main control recognition information response signal reception standby state (the result of step S3070 is “YES”), the main control side interrupt processing is terminated after the subsequent processing is skipped. Note that in the process of step S3070, not only it is determined whether or not it is in the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state, but a process of communicating with the sphere information control board 110 may be executed. For example, when various signals transmitted from the ball information control board 110 in the process of step S3070 are received and the response signal of the main control recognition information is included, the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state is canceled, In the case of other signals, processing corresponding to the received signal may be executed. When the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state is released, a launch permission signal is input to the ball information control board 110, and the game ball can be launched from the hitting ball launcher and the game can be started. .

  When the main control MPU 101 is not in the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state (the result of step S3070 is “NO”), the main control MPU 101 executes the processing after step S70. The process from the setting of the watchdog timer clear register WCL in step S70 to the winning random number update process in step S78 is the same as the procedure shown in FIG.

  When the winning random number update process in step S78 ends, the main control MPU 101 determines whether or not a process (setting process) relating to the setting information is being executed (step S3080). Specifically, it is determined whether the setting information is being changed or confirmed. For example, it may be determined whether or not the setting confirmation information is set in the main control side power-on process. When the process regarding the setting information is not being executed (the result of step S3080 is “NO”), the processes after step S80 are executed.

  On the other hand, if the process related to the setting information is being executed (the result of step S3080 is “YES”), the main control MPU 101 stops the progress of the game by skipping the process such as the prize ball control process (S80). Let Then, a setting change / confirmation process for changing or confirming the setting information is executed (step S3082). In the setting change / confirmation process, the setting information is displayed on the touch panel unit 14 or the liquid crystal display device 1400, or the setting information change is received from an input device such as the touch panel unit 14.

  Subsequently, the main control MPU 101 determines whether or not the setting process (setting change / confirmation process) has been completed (step S3083). If the setting process has not been completed (the result of step S3083 is “NO”), the subsequent processes are executed. On the other hand, when the setting change / confirmation process is completed (the result of step S3083 is “YES”), the main control recognition information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 (step S3084), and the processes after step S92 are executed. At this time, the storage area (work area) temporarily used for executing the setting process is initialized, and thereafter, the setting process is set so that the setting process is not executed, such as canceling the setting confirmation information. Thereafter, until the response signal of the main control recognition information is received from the ball information control board 110, the main control board 100 enters the main control recognition information response signal reception standby state.

  As described above, when the setting information is changed or confirmed, the main control recognition information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 after the setting process is completed. On the other hand, when the setting information is not changed or confirmed, the power-on process is performed. The main control recognition information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 (step S3039). Thus, in this modification, the main control recognition information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 only once when the power is turned on. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the ball information control board 110 from executing the processing related to the setting information unnecessarily a plurality of times, and to quickly complete the start-up by reducing the load at the start-up of the gaming machine.

  Here, in the main control side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 115, the processing from step S80 to step S90 was skipped during the setting processing, but switch input processing (step S74) and timer subtraction processing (step S76), The winning random number update process (step S78) may be skipped. Further, the port output process (step S90) may be skipped. Since the process for performing the normal game is not executed during the execution of the setting process, there is no problem in the subsequent games even if these processes are not executed. Therefore, it may be possible to reduce the load on the gaming machine during the setting process by skipping the random number related process, or the random number related process while the setting process is being executed by an employee of the game hall. The random number may be updated more frequently by executing the above, so that the randomness of the random number becomes higher. Also, with regard to switch input processing and port output processing, it is possible to reduce the load on the gaming machine by skipping the processing during the setting change, or from the setting processing by continuing the processing even during the setting change. The result of the switch input accepted during the setting change may be reflected immediately after returning, or the port output may be continuously performed so that processing at the output destination is not delayed.

[Data transmission to sphere information control board]
In the above-described embodiment, transmission of data (main sphere information serial data) from the main control board 100 to the sphere information control board 110 is performed by the port output process of the main control side timer interrupt process. As described above, the main ball information serial data includes information relating to the prize ball (prize ball command) and information for checking the connection state (self-check command), and also includes the main control recognition information in this modification. It is.

  Since the main control side timer interruption process is executed every 4 ms, the main ball information serial data is frequently transmitted to the ball information control board 110, but the total number of prize balls is not incorrect, and the player It is not always necessary to pay out the winning balls in the order in which the winning prizes are generated as long as they do not feel uncomfortable. When winning occurs in a plurality of types of winning holes in a short period of time, for example, after a winning occurs in the winning hole set with the number of winning balls “4”, the winning hole set with the number of winning balls “15” Even if a winning occurs at the (large winning prize opening), there is no problem if processing is performed in the order of the number of winning balls “15” and the number of winning balls “4”. For this reason, when a situation in which prize ball commands are frequently created, such as a big hit gaming state, the load may temporarily increase.

  Here, in this modification, the interval for transmitting data from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110 is set to be longer than the execution interval (4 ms) of the timer interrupt process (for example, 100 ms), and the number of times of communication is set. This reduces the load of transmitting data from the main control board 100 to the sphere information control board 110. Further, instead of generating a prize ball command for each winning prize, the award ball information is aggregated for each communication cycle to the ball information control board 110, thereby further reducing the load by reducing the amount of data to be communicated. Plan. Hereinafter, a configuration example of winning ball data transmitted to the ball information control board 110 will be described.

  FIG. 116 is a diagram illustrating an example of winning information transmitted from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110 in the present modification. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 116, the number of winnings for each winning opening including the gate is counted and stored as winning information. Then, every time the communication cycle arrives, the stored winning information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110. At this time, if the number of winnings is 0, transmission may not be performed.

  When the ball information control board 110 receives the winning information from the main control board 100, the ball information control board 110 calculates the number of prize balls by matching with the prize ball number table shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 116 and FIG. 117, the number of winnings of the gate is 1, the number of winnings of the upper start port is 2, the number of winnings of the general winning port 1 is 1, and the number of winnings of the general winning port 2 is 1. The prize ball of the gate is 1 × 0 = 1, the prize ball of the upper start opening is 2 × 3 = 6, the prize ball of the general prize opening 1 is 1 × 1 = 1, and the prize ball of the general prize opening 2 is 1 × 1 = The total number of winning balls is 0 + 6 + 1 + 1 = 8.

  Further, the ball information control board 110 may transmit the winning information including the number of winning balls without holding the winning ball number table. Furthermore, as in the case of a general winning opening, if the number of prize balls is the same even if they are arranged in a plurality of game areas, they may be aggregated. FIG. 118 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the number of winning balls is included in the winning information in the present modification example. FIG. 118A shows a case where the number of winnings is totaled for each general winning opening, and FIG. 118B shows a general winning opening. This is a case where the number of winnings is aggregated. As a result, it is not necessary to hold the prize ball number table on the ball information control board 110, and the main control board 100 can manage them in a unified manner.

  In the example described with reference to FIGS. 116 to 118, the winning information is generated ignoring the winning order in the communication cycle. Conventionally, the winning order can be grasped by generating the sequential commands at the time of winning. It was. Here, FIG. 119 shows an example in which winning information is transmitted collectively for each communication cycle and information related to winning order is added. FIG. 119 is a diagram illustrating an example in which winning information is stored in the order of winning in the present modification.

  In the example shown in FIG. 119, every time a game ball wins a winning opening, 1 is added to the order counter, and a record composed of the order, the winning type (winning opening), the number of winning balls, and the winning number is generated. The number of winning balls may be omitted if the ball information control board 110 holds the winning ball. Further, since the number of winnings is usually one, it may be omitted. However, when winnings are continuously generated at the same winning opening, the number of winnings may be added by the number of winning continuously.

  In the example shown in FIG. 116 to FIG. 118, 1 is added to the number of winnings for each winning, and the winning information for transmission is created at the timing when the winning information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110, but as shown in FIG. In the example, each record of the winning information is generated for each winning, and the winning information generated for each communication cycle is transmitted. In any case, the received winning information is discarded, and in the example shown in FIGS. 116 to 118, the winning number is cleared to zero. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 119, the transmitted record may be deleted.

  As in the example shown in FIG. 116 to FIG. 118, it is possible to reduce the processing load at the time of winning by counting only the number of winnings while ignoring the winning order. On the other hand, as in the example shown in FIG. 119, it is possible to maintain the winning order by creating the winning information at the time of winning, and it is generated without having to create the winning information again when the winning information is transmitted. Since it is only necessary to transmit the winning information as it is, it is possible to reduce the load when transmitting the winning information. In addition, the number of records in the winning information can be reduced by adding the number of winning prizes when winning the same winning opening continuously. Usually, if the game state is a big hit game state, the game ball is launched aiming at the big winning opening, and if a winning opening that can be won only in a specific gaming state (for example, a probable change state) is arranged, a specific gaming state In this case, since the game ball is launched aiming at the winning opening, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of winning information particularly in a state where the winning number is increased.

  The configuration for transmitting the winning information from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110 has been described. Information transmitted from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110 includes not only winning information (prize ball information, prize ball command), but also a game state signal and the board between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110. A self-check command for confirming the connection state is transmitted. Further, in this modification, main control recognition information is transmitted when the power is turned on or during setting processing (setting change / confirmation).

  Here, it is necessary to transmit the gaming state signal to the ball information control board 110 at least whenever the gaming state changes. Therefore, the transmission process is made common by collecting the winning information, the gaming state signal, and other information to be transmitted to the ball information control board 110 as gaming information in a common format. The control can be simplified.

  FIG. 120 is a diagram showing an example of game information transmitted from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110 in the present modification, where (A) is an example of winning information and (B) is an example of main control recognition information. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 120, “data type” as a major classification and “type 1” and “class 2” as minor classifications are defined to distinguish the types of data to be transmitted. The item for distinguishing the data type may be changed as necessary. For example, by defining the data type in detail, other types may be excluded, or more detailed classification can be set. You may add more items. In FIG. 120, the item for distinguishing the type of data is written with the name as it is for easy understanding, but actually coded information is set in advance. In the example shown in FIG. 120, two types of data can be stored, and the size of each data is 1 byte.

  FIG. 120A shows data corresponding to winning information, and “winning” (may be “principal ball”) indicating winning information (principal ball data) is set as the data type. In addition, the type 1 is set with the type of the winning opening, and the type 2 is set with information for specifying the winning opening. At this time, if only the information for specifying the winning opening needs to be set, one item may be left blank. In the example shown in FIG. 120, two types of data can be set. In the example shown in (A), the number of winning balls and the number of winning prizes can be set. Since the number of prize balls and the number of prizes won't actually exceed 100, the number of prize balls is set in the upper 4 bits and the number of prizes is set in the lower 4 bits. May be set. Further, when there is no winning, data indicating that there is no winning and the number of winning balls is 0 may be transmitted.

  FIG. 120A shows a case where five types of prize ball information (prize ball commands) are transmitted in one data (command) transmission cycle, but more in one cycle (for example, Ten types of prize ball information may be transmitted together. On the other hand, if the number of data (commands) to be transmitted is excessive, such as when a large number of prize balls are generated, the unit time for the data (command) transmission side (main control board 100) and reception side (ball information control board 110) Since the hit load becomes high, an upper limit transmitted in one cycle may be provided. In this case, data (commands) for the amount that cannot be transmitted in one cycle (exceeding the upper limit) is transmitted in the next cycle. If a large number of prize balls are generated, such as during a big hit, there is a possibility that a time lag will occur between the actual winning and the addition of the prize balls, which may give the player a sense of incongruity. Is 600 ms, the data (command) transmission cycle is about 100 ms, so even if the upper limit is temporarily exceeded, the player is less likely to feel discomfort because it immediately becomes less than the upper limit. ing. Also, although the firing cycle (600 ms) is fixed, the command transmission cycle can be set arbitrarily, so the data (command) to be transmitted as the data (command) transmission cycle is set shorter than the firing cycle. It can suppress that a number exceeds a maximum number and time lag occurs.

  FIG. 120B shows an example of transmitting a chip ID for identifying the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 included in the main control recognition information. Here, the chip ID has a data length of 4 bytes and is stored as data of two records. The chip ID is recorded in the main control MPU 101. For example, the chip ID is defined by a specific register and can be read from the program. In this modification, it is possible to transmit data (commands) of a plurality of types of data in one cycle, but when the upper limit number of data (commands) that can be transmitted in one cycle is exceeded Alternatively, a priority order may be set for each data type, and data (command) with a higher priority order may be preferentially transmitted. For example, as described above, the award ball information is likely to generate a larger amount of data than other data, but the player is less likely to feel discomfort even if a slight time lag occurs as described above. For this reason, data (commands) of other data types may be transmitted with priority. Note that, regardless of the data type, up to the upper limit number may be transmitted in the order of data (command) generation.

  In the example shown in FIG. 120, since the data size is fixed, there is a problem that the number of records becomes large when transmitting a large amount of data. For example, if the chip ID included in the main control recognition information shown in FIG. 120B is 9 bytes, it is necessary to transmit data for 5 records, and all information such as the data type is set in each record. There is a need. In view of this, a data length is set for each record, and the data is made variable so that it can be adapted to data of many types. FIG. 121 is a diagram showing another example of game information transmitted from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110 in the present modification.

  In the example shown in FIG. 121, an item indicating the data length is added, and data having an arbitrary size can be stored in an allowable range in the item indicating data. In the example shown in FIG. 121, since there is no need to divide the data, items indicating detailed classification are reduced from 2 to 1. In addition, since the data to be transmitted has a variable length and the capacity may increase, a check item such as a checksum may be added.

  Next, communication between the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110 will be described. FIG. 122 is a diagram illustrating communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 when the gaming machine according to the present modification is activated. In the gaming machine 1 in this modification, when the power is turned on and the main control board 100 is activated, the main control recognition information is sent to the ball information control board 110 by the main control side power-on process or the main control side timer interruption process. Notify (main control recognition information notification). The main control recognition information is information for identifying the main control board 100 as described above, and the ball information control board 110 determines whether or not the received main control recognition information is normal. If the main control recognition information notification is not normal, for example, if the main control board 100 is not legitimate and an illegal MPU is mounted, it is notified that the main control board 100 is abnormal.

  Further, when the time from when the power is turned on until the main control recognition information notification is transmitted exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 200 seconds), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the occurrence of the abnormality is notified. At this time, the activation of the main control board 100 may be continued as it is, and when the activation process is completed during the abnormality notification, the alarm output may be stopped at that time, or the notification may be continued as it is. Good. In the case where the notification is continued as it is, an employee or the like of the game hall may check the situation and determine whether or not to use the game machine as it is.

  Upon receiving the main control recognition information notification from the main control board 100, the ball information control board 110 transmits a response signal (main control recognition information response notice) to the main control board 100. When the main control board 100 receives the main control recognition information response notification from the ball information control board 110, the main control board 100 is in a state where a normal game can be started.

  Thereafter, the main control board 100 periodically transmits game information to the ball information control board 110 (game information notification). As described above, the game information transmission interval is 100 milliseconds. As a specific example of the game information, prize ball information (prize ball command) may be mentioned. When the game information is received from the main control board 100, the ball information control board 110 transmits a response signal (game information response notification) to the main control board 100. Thus, it can be ensured that communication is normally performed by transmitting a response signal from the ball information control board 110 in response to the game information notification from the main control board 100. Note that when the notification is sent from the sphere information control board 110 to the main control board 100, a response signal is similarly transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sphere information control board 110.

  Next, a case where an abnormality occurs in communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 will be described. FIG. 123 is a diagram showing a case where there is no response from the ball information control board 110 in response to a notification from the main control board 100 in communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 of the gaming machine of this variation. It is.

  In the example shown in FIG. 123, when the game information is notified from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110 at a predetermined communication cycle, and the response from the ball information control board 110 has not been repeated a predetermined number of times, an abnormality occurs. Communication is interrupted as occurrence of the error, and the occurrence of abnormality is notified. Here, the predetermined number of times is set to 8 times, and the game information having the same content is notified a maximum of 8 times. Even after the communication from the main control board 100 is cut off, if a response signal is received from the ball information control board 110, the communication cut-off is canceled and the processing is performed assuming that the normal state is restored. Resume. In the example shown in the figure, when the response signal is not received within one communication cycle, the notification is made again, but the next cycle notification is stopped, the response is waited, and the next cycle ends. If a response signal cannot be received later, it may be determined that one communication has failed. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid missing response signals.

  When there is no response from the ball information control board 110, the game information has not reached the ball information control board 110 from the main control board 100, and the ball information control board 110 is transferred from the main control board 100. In some cases, the response signal does not reach the main control board 100 from the ball information control board 110 even though the game information has arrived. Here, when the game information is prize ball information (prize ball command), in the latter case, there is a possibility that prize balls may be continuously paid out based on the same prize ball information. There is a risk that the number of awarded balls will be wrinkled. In order to avoid such a problem, an example in which the next game information is transmitted without retransmitting the game information even when the response signal cannot be normally received will be described.

  FIG. 124 shows another example in the case where there is no response from the ball information control board 110 in response to the notification from the main control board 100 in the communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 of the gaming machine of this variation. FIG. Here, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 123, the game information is transmitted every communication cycle, and even when the response signal cannot be received, the next game information is transmitted. Then, when response signals for the maximum number of transmissions (for example, 8 times) cannot be continuously received, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, communication is interrupted, and the occurrence of the abnormality is notified. By configuring in this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of wrinkles in the number of prize balls when the game information is prize ball information.

  In addition, by resending the same game information, there is a possibility that newly generated game information may stay in the buffer and cannot be held in the progress of the game, but this can be prevented. It should be noted that the following information is transmitted without re-sending only in the case of prize ball information for which a large amount of data is likely to be created, while FIG. 123 shows other information that is created with a relatively small amount of information. The processing may be varied depending on the data type by retransmitting as shown. In this case, the number of times that the response signal cannot be continuously received (the number of transmission failures) is counted, and when the predetermined number of times is reached, communication is interrupted and the occurrence of an abnormality is notified.

  The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as described below. And design changes are possible.

  That is, in the embodiment, the game machine applied to the pachinko machine 1 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to a pachislot machine, or a game machine in which the pachinko machine and the pachislot machine are fused. Even in this case, the same effect can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 5 Game board 500 Launch area division part 501 Direction apparatus 502 Guide part 503 Obstacle nail 504 Contact surface 505 Through hole 506 Backflow guard part 12 Ball | bowl launcher 121 Backflow prevention valve 121a Gate piece 121b Front cover part 121c Side frame member 8 Game area 13 Launch solenoid (circulation mechanism)
22 Ball lifting device (circulation mechanism)
28 Ball feeder (circulation mechanism)
29 Ball collision part 31 Ball feed solenoid (circulation mechanism)
45 Front component 451 Upper game area section 452 Lower game area section 453 Ascending curve surface 454 Ball launch side upper section 455 Down curve surface 456 Ball collision side upper section α1 Length of arc of ascending curve surface α2 Down curve Surface arc length 47 Notch 150 Ball lifting motor (circulation mechanism)
155 Ball polishing ribbon feed motor (circulation mechanism)

Claims (1)

A ball launcher that launches game balls;
A game board in which a game area in which a game ball launched from the launch port of the ball launcher flows down is formed,
The ball launcher is disposed at a position corresponding to the upper corner of at least one of the game boards,
A gaming machine in which the gaming board is provided with an upper gaming area section having a ball collision section on the side opposite to the ball launching device, and the upper section of the gaming area is partitioned in an arc shape. ,
The upper game area section includes a ball launch side upper section formed with a rising curve surface that guides a game ball in an arc from the launch port of the ball launcher to the top of the game area, and the game A ball collision side upper partition portion formed with a descending curved surface for guiding the game ball in an arc shape from the top of the region to the ball collision portion,
A gaming machine, wherein the arc of the descending curve surface is longer than the arc of the ascending curve surface.

Images