JP2020162850A - Game machine and game frame - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine and a game frame capable of performing appropriate subtraction processing of game points (the number of game balls) corresponding to shooting operation of a shooting device.SOLUTION: In a Pachinko machine 2 capable of playing a game by shooting game balls in accordance with the number of game balls, a subtraction reference signal corresponding to shooting operation is generated, and the number of game balls is subtracted based on the subtraction reference signal when the shooting operation of game balls is performed by conveying game balls to a shooting mechanism part 30. A shooting solenoid 31a is turned on and a pounder 42 is operated when a shooting stop switch is turned on and a shootable condition is not satisfied, but the subtraction reference signal is not turned on for an ON state of the shooting solenoid 31a when the shooting stop switch is turned on and a shootable condition is not satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 30

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine and a game frame.

In the enclosed game machine in which the game ball is enclosed, the game machine that subtracts the game point (the number of game balls) based on the ball detection accompanying the ball feed operation in the ball feed mechanism in the front stage of the launcher is in Patent Document 1. It is disclosed. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2017-164318

However, in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the subtraction timing of the game points electromagnetically managed does not correspond to the launching operation of the launching device, resulting in inappropriate processing.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a problem, and provides a game machine and a game frame capable of performing an appropriate subtraction process of game points (number of game balls) corresponding to the launch operation of the launcher. The purpose is to provide.

The game machine of means 1
A game machine (for example, P unit 2 / P unit 1002) capable of managing game points (for example, the number of game balls) as a game value and launching a game medium (for example, game ball p) using the game points. There,
A launch operation means capable of detecting a launch operation (for example, a ball striking handle 25) and
Establishment of launchable conditions (for example, the launch permission signal and the touch sensor are ON, the launch stop switch is OFF, and the handle volume is equal to or higher than the threshold value) based on the detection of the launch operation by the launch operation means. A launching device (eg, launching mechanism 30) that enables the launching operation of the game medium toward the gaming area (for example, the gaming area 27).
A special signal generating means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that generates a special signal (for example, a subtraction reference signal) in response to a firing operation due to the establishment of the launchable condition,
With
A subtraction process of game points (for example, a subtraction mechanism control process by the frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 29) is executed based on the special signal.
Based on the change from the satisfied state of the launchable condition to the non-established state of the launchable condition, the launcher has a specific launch operation (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, the launch stop switch is turned on and the launchable condition is not satisfied. When the established state is reached, the firing solenoid 31a is turned on and the punch 42 is operated).
The special signal generating means does not generate a special signal when the specific firing operation is performed (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the firing stop switch is turned on and the firing condition is not satisfied. Regarding the ON state of the firing solenoid 31a, the part where the subtraction reference signal is not ON)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the launching operation of the launching device, and the specific launching operation prevents the game medium from staying in the launching device. It is also possible to prevent the game points from being improperly subtracted.

The game frame of means 2 is
A game machine (for example, P unit 2 / P unit 1002) capable of managing a game point (for example, the number of game balls) as a game value and launching a game medium (for example, a game ball p) using the game point. A game frame (for example, a game machine frame 5) to which a game board (for example, a game board 26) used and having a game area (for example, a game area 27) formed can be attached.
A launch operation means capable of detecting a launch operation (for example, a ball striking handle 25) and
Establishment of launchable conditions (for example, the launch permission signal and the touch sensor are ON, the launch stop switch is OFF, and the handle volume is equal to or higher than the threshold value) based on the detection of the launch operation by the launch operation means. A launching device (for example, launching mechanism 30) that enables the launching operation of the game medium by
A special signal generating means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that generates a special signal (for example, a subtraction reference signal) in response to a firing operation due to the establishment of the launchable condition,
With
A subtraction process of game points (for example, a subtraction mechanism control process by the frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 29) is executed based on the special signal.
Based on the change from the satisfied state of the launchable condition to the non-established state of the launchable condition, the launcher has a specific launch operation (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, the launch stop switch is turned on and the launchable condition is not satisfied. When the established state is reached, the firing solenoid 31a is turned on and the punch 42 is operated).
The special signal generating means does not generate a special signal when the specific firing operation is performed (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the firing stop switch is turned on and the firing condition is not satisfied. Regarding the ON state of the firing solenoid 31a, the part where the subtraction reference signal is not ON)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the launching operation of the launching device, and the specific launching operation prevents the game medium from staying in the launching device. It is also possible to prevent the game points from being improperly subtracted.

The gaming machine or gaming frame of means 3 is the gaming machine or gaming frame described in means 1 and is the gaming frame described in means 2.
The specific firing operation includes a plurality of firing operations (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the firing stop switch is turned on, the firing solenoid 31a is turned on three times to operate the punch 42. )
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to more reliably prevent the game medium from staying in the launching device.

The gaming machine or gaming frame of means 4 is the gaming machine or gaming frame according to any one of means 1 to 3.
A launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) capable of controlling the operation of the launch device, and
A game having a game board (for example, a game board 26) in which a game area (for example, a game area 27) is formed can be attached, and a display device (for example, a game ball number display 29) capable of displaying game points can be attached. A frame control means (for example, a frame control board 17) provided in a frame (for example, a game machine frame 5) and capable of controlling the game frame, and
With
The special signal generating means is provided in the firing control means (a portion where a subtraction reference signal is generated and output by the firing control board 31 as shown in FIG. 20).
The frame control means executes the subtraction process based on the reception of the special signal from the launch control means, and also executes display control for displaying the game points after the subtraction process on the display device ( For example, the part that executes S309 of the subtraction mechanism control process by the frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 29)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since the special signal generating means is provided in the firing control means that controls the firing, an appropriate special signal can be generated, and the subtraction process is executed by the frame control means that controls the display. Since the game points displayed on the display device can be appropriately updated, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of the game points corresponding to the firing operation in the launching device.

The gaming machine or gaming frame of means 5 is the gaming machine or gaming frame according to means 4.
A transport means (for example, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) capable of supplying a game medium to the launcher by transport is provided.
The frame control means can control the transport of the game medium by the transport means, and controls the transport means to transport the game medium based on the reception of the special signal (for example, a subtraction reference signal). A part that drives the movable piece 45 and conveys the game ball p by controlling the subtraction solenoid 32a based on the reception)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to realize an appropriate transport corresponding to the firing operation.

The gaming machine or gaming frame of means 6 is the gaming machine or gaming frame according to means 5.
An intrusion detection means (for example, a subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b) for detecting a game medium entering the transport means is provided.
The frame control means executes a subtraction process of game points based on the detection of the game medium by the approach detection means after receiving the special signal (for example, the subtraction mechanism control by the frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 29). In the process, after the subtraction reference signal is ON, it is determined as "Y" in S301, and then the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is turned on and the game ball p is detected, so that it is determined as "Y" in S303. The part that executes the processing of S309)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, not only the firing operation but also the subtraction process corresponding to the transportation by the transportation means can be executed.

The gaming machine or gaming frame of means 7 is the gaming machine or gaming frame according to any one of means 4 to 6.
A transport means (for example, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) capable of supplying a game medium to the launcher by transport, and
Discharge detection means (for example, subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c) for detecting the game medium discharged from the transport means, and
With
The frame control means can determine a transport abnormality in the transport means based on the special signal and the detection status of the game medium by the discharge detection means (for example, as shown in FIG. 32, the subtraction reference signal can be used. When the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the ON state 16 ms after the ON state, it is determined that ball clogging has occurred)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to appropriately determine a transport abnormality in the transport means.

The gaming machine or gaming frame of means 8 is the gaming machine or gaming frame according to any one of means 4 to 7.
The frame control means transmits a predetermined signal (for example, a signal of a game machine information response including an error notification) for notifying the occurrence of the special event (for example, an error) based on the occurrence of the game. It has a predetermined signal output means (for example, a serial communication unit that performs serial communication with the main control board 16) for outputting to a game control means (for example, a main control board 16) that controls a game on a board.
Based on the output of the predetermined signal from the predetermined signal output means, the game control means has a firing prohibition process for prohibiting the firing operation in the launching device (for example, as shown in FIG. 40, launch permission). It is characterized by being able to execute the process of stopping the signal output).
According to this feature, the game control means can grasp the occurrence of a special event and can prohibit the firing operation in response to the occurrence of the special event.

The gaming machine or gaming frame of means 9 is the gaming machine or gaming frame according to any one of means 1 to 8.
The launching device is provided below the game area (for example, as shown in the P stand 1002 of the second embodiment, a portion where the launching mechanism 30 is provided below the game area 27. FIG. 57, (See FIGS. 61 and 62),
A non-reachable medium detection means (for example, a foul ball detection switch 703) capable of detecting a game medium launched from the launcher but not reaching the game area is provided.
It is possible to execute the game point addition process based on the non-reachable medium detection means detecting the game medium (for example, as shown in FIG. 79, the portion where the frame control board 17 executes the process of steps S311 to S314. )
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, even when a game medium that does not reach the game area is launched, an appropriate addition process of game points can be realized.

In addition, the present invention may have only the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention, and has a configuration other than the invention-specific matters together with the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention. It may be a thing.

It is a front view which shows the card unit and the pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the glass door and the game machine frame of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the state before and after the game board is attached to the game machine frame. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the signal sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the timing of the signal sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the main thing among various data stored in each of a card unit and a pachinko game machine, and the transmission / reception mode thereof. It is a figure which shows the type of game machine information, and the priority of each type. It is a figure which shows the basic sequence of a game machine information notification. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence when the transmission of the game machine information of different types overlaps. It is a figure which shows the other communication form between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the count notification sequence in other communication forms. It is a figure which shows the lending notification sequence in other communication forms. It is a figure which shows the communication recovery sequence at the time of communication disconnection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the sequence when a communication abnormality occurs during counting. It is a figure which shows the sequence when a communication abnormality occurs at the time of lending. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure of the launch mechanism. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the state which the ball passage of a launch mechanism is filled with a game ball. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the launching of a game medium and the subtraction of the number of game balls. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the processing in a firing mechanism. It is a figure which showed the memory map of the CPU in the frame control board. It is a figure which showed the memory map of the built-in ROM area. It is a figure which shows the structure of the program area in use area and the program area outside use area in a built-in ROM area. It is a flow chart which shows the process in the CPU mounted on the frame control board. It is a flow chart which shows the process at the time of power-on in the CPU mounted on the frame control board. It is a flow diagram which shows the main loop processing in the CPU mounted on the frame control board. It is a flow chart which shows the timer interrupt control processing in the CPU mounted on the frame control board. It is a flow figure which shows the subtraction mechanism control process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the processing in a firing mechanism, and the operation of a hitting ball operation handle. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation of the subtraction mechanism and the game ball number display. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation when the ball clogging is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification processing when an abnormality is detected. It is a figure for demonstrating the type of an error and fraud detection which can be notified. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the error and fraud detection which occur in a game machine frame and a game board. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a backup power supply board. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a main control board and a frame control board. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence for demonstrating the communication timing. It is a figure which shows the list of the command which is sent and received between the main control board and a frame control board. It is a timing chart which shows the situation which the output of a firing permission signal is stopped by a main control board. It is a figure for demonstrating the response of the game machine installation information notification command and the game machine installation information response. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of the game machine information notification. It is a figure for demonstrating the type information included in the game information. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of a game machine information response. It is a front view which shows the enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine and the card unit in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine is seen from diagonally right front. It is a left side view, the right side view and the back view which show the enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine. It is a top view and the bottom view which shows the enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine. FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the mounting method of a game board. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the mounting method of a game board. (A) and (B) are views showing the mounting state by the upper board presser, and (C) is a perspective view showing the lower board presser. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the lower part of the front surface of a game machine frame is seen from the diagonally right front side. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the structure of the lower part of a back surface is seen from the diagonally right front side by removing a part member of a game machine frame. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the lower part of the back surface of a game machine frame is seen from the rear side diagonally to the right. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the lower part of the back surface of a game machine frame is seen from the diagonally left rear side. It is a schematic front view which shows the circulation path of a game ball. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the circulation path of a game ball. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a normal time of the recovery ball flow path, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing a ball clogging detection of the recovery ball flow path. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ball clogging of the recovery ball flow path is cleared, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the ball removal of the recovery ball flow path. (A) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the polishing cassette is supported, and (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the polishing cassette is pulled out. It is a schematic front view which shows the circulation path of the game ball as a modification 1. FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the circulation path of the game ball as a modification 1. FIG. It is a schematic front view which shows the circulation path of the game ball as a modification 2. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the circulation path of a game ball as a modification 2. It is a schematic front view which shows the circulation path of a game ball as a modification 3. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the circulation path of a game ball as a modification 3. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the glass door base and the decorative cover are seen from the diagonally right front side. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the glass door base and the decorative cover are seen from the diagonally right rear side. It is a schematic rear view which shows the lock mechanism of a glass door base. (A) is a schematic front view showing a locked state of the left locking mechanism, and (B) is a schematic front view showing an unlocked state. (A) is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a locked state of the left locking mechanism, and (B) is a schematic vertical sectional view showing an unlocked state. It is explanatory drawing which shows that various decorative covers can be exchanged with a glass door base. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the pachinko game machine of the 2nd form which has a launching apparatus under the game board. It is a flow chart which shows the launch control and the return ball control in the pachinko gaming machine of the 2nd form. It is a timing chart for explaining the processing by a firing mechanism, the operation of a hitting ball operation handle, and the addition of the number of game balls by a foul ball.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Structure of pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment>
First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each game island (not shown) arranged in a plurality of game halls (halls) may be abbreviated as an enclosed circulation pachinko machine (hereinafter, a game machine, a pachinko machine or a P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. In addition, at the side position on the predetermined side of the P stand 2, a card unit (hereinafter, also abbreviated as CU) 3 which is an example of a gaming device is installed on the P stand 2 in a one-to-one correspondence. There is. The card unit will be described below as an example of the game device according to the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game information such as big hits, notification of abnormalities, and number of winnings can be collected by connecting to the P unit 2. It may be a call lamp device or the like.

The P stand 2 contains a game ball (pachinko ball) p, which is an example of a game medium, inside (hereinafter, also referred to as an enclosed ball), and is provided on the upper left side by the player operating the ball striking operation handle 25. The launching solenoid 31a of the launching mechanism 30, which is a launching device, is driven to drive the enclosed balls one by one into the gaming area 27 on the front surface of the gaming board 26 so that the game can be played. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the ball striking operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the ball striking operation handle 25, and the player's hand The contact is detected by the touch sensor and the firing solenoid is driven. In this state, the hitting ball launching momentum is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the hitting ball operating handle 25 by the player, and the enclosed ball is launched into the game area 27.

When the firing solenoid 31a is driven to drive the enclosed balls one by one into the game area 27, the subtraction mechanism 32 is used to play one ball (1 point) at a time from the number of game balls (game points) that can be played on the P stand 2. Subtract. The firing strength of the game ball (hereinafter, also simply referred to as firing strength T) can be adjusted according to the rotation operation amount of the hitting ball operating handle 25 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the handle operating amount), and the handle operating amount is increased. The firing intensity T increases accordingly. Therefore, the player can adjust the firing intensity T so that the game ball passes through the area aimed at by the player by adjusting the amount of steering wheel operation.

The P stand 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called first-class pachinko gaming machine, and a variable display device (also referred to as a special symbol) 278 is provided in the center of the gaming area 27. Further, the game area 27 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings in which the enclosed ball that has been driven can be won. In the game area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one large winning opening (variable winning ball device) 271, three ordinary winning openings 272, 273, 274, and three starting winning openings 275, 276, 277 are shown. ing. In particular, the start winning opening 276 is composed of an electric tulip that can be changed into a first state (for example, an open state) that is advantageous to the player and a second state (for example, a closed state) that is disadvantageous for the player. ..

The variable display device 278 includes three variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs), and is based on a detection signal of a starting winning ball that has won a prize in each starting winning opening 275, 276, 277. Variable display of these multiple types of identification information is started. When the display result of the variable display device is a combination of specific identification information (for example, doublet in which the same symbol is derived and displayed on each variable display unit), a big hit state (also called a big hit game state) is set, and the big winning opening 271 Opens.

Further, the display result of the variable display device 278 is a combination of special identification information (for example, a combination of probabilistic symbols such as 777) among the combinations of jackpot symbols (doublets), so that the probabilistic jackpot state is changed. After the big hit state ends, a probability fluctuation state (probability change state) in which the probability of occurrence of the big hit is improved occurs.

The enclosed ball driven into the game area 27 wins in one of the winning openings or is collected in the out opening 154 without winning. The enclosed ball that has won a prize in any of the winning openings and the enclosed ball that has been collected in the out opening 154 are returned to the hitting ball launching position through the collection path in the P stand 2 again. Then, when the player operates the hitting ball operation handle 25, the enclosed ball at the hitting ball launching position is hit into the game area 27 again.

Further, a game ball number display 29 for displaying the number of game balls is provided at a position above the ball striking operation handle 25 of the P stand 2. The game ball number display 29 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and is controlled by a frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4) described later. The game ball number display 29 displays the number of game balls, which are game points that can be used for the game, the error number of the error that has occurred, and the like. The game ball number display 29 is not limited to the 7-segment LED display, and may be composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display.

Further, a counting button 28 for executing a counting process for shifting the number of game balls to a ball is provided at a position on the left side of the game ball number display 29 on the P stand 2. In the present embodiment, the counting process is repeatedly executed according to the time that the counting button 28 is continuously pressed (for example, the counting process of 250 balls is executed every time the pressing state for 0.3 seconds continues). Regardless of the duration of pressing, if the button is pressed once, the number of game balls may be counted (shifted) from the number of game balls to the possessed ball by a predetermined number (for example, 250 balls), or the counting button 28 may be pressed by 1. When the button is pressed once, all the number of game balls owned by the player at that time may be counted (shifted) regardless of the pressing time (whether or not the button is pressed for a long time). .. In addition, the counting speed is further improved when the card return operation is performed, and smooth card return processing is realized.

In this way, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P stand 2 side, the operability of the player sitting facing the P stand 2 can be improved as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU3 side. .. Further, the P stand 2 is provided with speakers 270 at the upper right position and the upper left position of the game area 27 for outputting music data to be reproduced according to the effect displayed by the variable display device 278. The position and number of speakers are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the position and number may be changed as needed.

The P stand 2 according to the present embodiment can be divided into a game board 26 and other game machine frames (front frames) 5. In particular, the game board 26 is different for each model of the pachinko game machine developed by each company, while the game machine frame 5 is a common frame regardless of the model. For this reason, it is sufficient for the game store to replace only the game board 26 when replacing the new machine.

<Card unit configuration>
Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (also called a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a storage medium for games issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member at the game hall. Accepts membership cards, which are storage media for games issued to. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

The CU3 that receives these cards uses the player-owned game value (for example, the prepaid balance, the number of balls held, or the number of stored balls) specified by the stored information of the card to launch the game ball on the P unit 2. It has a function to convert into possible "game ball data". On the P stand 2, it is possible to play a ball corresponding to the number of balls specified by the data of the game balls. That is, the "game ball data" is data indicating the number of remaining shots (number of game balls) that can be fired. In the following description, the "game ball data" may be simply referred to as a "game ball" in the same manner as a stored ball or a holding ball.

On the front side of the CU 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a card insertion / discharge port 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, and the like are provided. The membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 309 is accepted by the card reader / writer (not shown), and the information stored in the card is read.

On the front side of the CU3, when a membership card is received, it is specified by a display 312, a membership card ID (simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID) stored in the membership card, and a membership card ID. A replay button 319 for carrying out a replay game using the number of stored balls is provided.

The display 312 displays the prepaid balance stored in the inserted game storage medium (card), but can display the number of game balls and various other information, and has a transparent touch panel on the surface. It is configured so that various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

When the replay button 319 is operated and the number of balls held by the player is stored in the inserted card, a part of the number of balls held is withdrawn and converted into a game ball, and the converted game ball is used. Therefore, it is possible to play a game with the P stand 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of balls held is not stored and the stored balls are stored in the hall management computer or the like, a part of the stored balls is withdrawn and the game is played. It is converted into a ball, and the game by the P stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the possessed ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the possessed ball is preferentially converted. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for converting the ball possession may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button dedicated to withdrawing the stored ball.

Here, the "stored ball" is a ball that has been acquired before the previous day and is deposited in the hall, and becomes a game ball by paying out the stored ball. The ball storage is a game medium deposited in the game hall, and is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the game hall.

"Holding ball" is a ball acquired on the day, and becomes a game ball by paying out the holding ball. In addition, the number of balls held is the number of game balls owned by the player as a result of the player playing the game on the P stand 2, and is the number of balls that have not yet been deposited in the game hall. That is. Generally, the number of balls acquired by the player on the day of the game is called "holding ball", and the number of balls acquired by the player before the previous day and deposited in the game field is "stored ball". ".

The "game ball" is a ball that can be launched by the P stand 2. The data on the number of game balls is generated in exchange for the remaining amount of the prepaid card, the possessed balls, or the conversion to withdraw the stored balls, as described above.

The number of balls held may be managed by a management device for managing the number of balls held in the amusement park. In short, the difference between "reservoir" and "holding ball" is the number of balls deposited in the amusement park after the ball storage operation for depositing in the amusement park, or it is still deposited in the amusement park. It is the point whether it is the number of balls at the stage where it is not entered.

In the present embodiment, the ball storage data is not directly stored in the membership card, but is stored in a server installed in a game hall such as a hall management computer in association with the membership card number, and the corresponding ball storage is performed based on the membership card number. It is configured so that you can search for. On the other hand, the possession ball is directly stored in the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. Even in the case of a visitor card, the possession ball is stored directly in the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. When the hall server stores the data in correspondence with the card number, the data that can specify the time stored in the hall server may be written on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged. In addition, the prepaid balance is written directly on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged.

The timing of storing the possessed ball in the card (membership card, visitor card) or the hall server is stored at regular intervals, for example, when the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed in real time. It is conceivable that the timing may be such that the cards are to be stored or stored in a batch when the cards are returned.

In addition, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from the CU3, the ball held in the CU3 is temporarily stored in the hall server as a storage ball, and the day when the player receives the card return. When the card is inserted into the same or another CU3 again on the same day as, only the ball held for the day once stored as a stored ball is stored in the CU3 again, and the game ball is added within the range of the ball held. You may be able to play.

The bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency classifier (not shown) to identify its authenticity and bill type.

Further, an IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) 321 and a card return button 322 are provided on the front side of the CU 3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by a staff member of the amusement park, converts it into an electronic signal, and outputs the infrared signal. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P stand 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player ends the game, and the fixed number of balls held at the end of the game (number of balls held when the card is inserted-number of conversions to game balls + counting) is inserted into the inserted card. It is an operation button for storing (the number of balls held) counted (shifted) by the operation and discharging it.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, in the P stand 2, the game machine frame (hereinafter, also referred to as a cell) 5 and the glass door 6 have the left side edge as the swing center with respect to the frame-shaped outer frame 4. It is provided so that it can be opened and closed.

A pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are provided near the edge (free end side) on the side opposite to the swing center in the game machine frame 5. The engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are pressed downward by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b are provided at the positions of the outer frame 4 facing the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b. By pressing the game machine frame 5 in the open state against the outer frame 4, the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b get over the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b, and in the overcoming state, the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are lowered by the urging force of the spring. Moves to and locks.

Then, a staff member of the game hall inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks the key (for example, clockwise rotation) to counteract the urging force of the spring and perform a pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a. 6b is pushed upward, and as a result, the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b are released from the engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b to be in the unlocked state, and the game machine frame 5 is opened.

Further, the gaming machine frame 5 is also provided with an engaging protrusion 8 for the glass door 6, and an engaging hole 9 is provided in the glass door 6 portion facing the engaging protrusion 8. The engaging protrusion 8 is pressed downward by a spring (not shown), and when the open glass door 6 is pressed against the game machine frame 5, the engaging protrusion 8 is pushed up by the lower edge portion of the engaging hole 9. The engaging projection 8 is pushed down by the urging force of the spring, and the engaging projection 8 and the engaging hole 9 are engaged with each other to be in a locked state. In this state, when the staff of the game hall inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks it (for example, counterclockwise rotation), the engaging protrusion 8 is pulled up against the urging force of the spring. Then, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 8 and the engaging hole 9 is released, the lock is released, and the glass door 6 is opened.

A back mechanism opening switch 13 is provided at a position in contact with the outer frame 4 in the lower portion of the game machine frame 5, and it is detected that the game machine frame 5 is opened. Further, the front decoration opening switch 12 is provided at the contact portion with the glass door 6 in the upper portion of the game machine frame 5, and the opening of the glass door 6 is detected by the front decoration opening switch 12.

The number of times the front decoration opening switch 12 and the back mechanism opening switch 13 are opened is counted by a counting counter (not shown). The counting counter is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and can be operated by a backup power supply even when the power supply of the P unit 2 is interrupted, such as at night. Even when the power is turned off, the number of times the glass door 6 and the game machine frame 5 are detected to be opened can be counted and the counted value can be transmitted to the frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4). Here, the backup power source is, for example, a capacitor or a storage battery provided in the P unit 2.

The main control board 16 is provided on the back surface of the game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the glass door 6). Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 becomes removable from the game board 26 by first opening the game machine frame 5 and removing the game board 26 from the game machine frame 5. That is, in order to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26 or replace the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the game machine frame 5, so that the back mechanism portion open switch 13 The work can always be detected with. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26 or the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism portion open switch 13.

Further, a frame control board 17 is provided on the back surface of the game machine frame 5. The frame control board 17 also needs to be removed from the back surface of the game machine frame 5 after the game machine frame 5 is first opened. Therefore, if the frame control board 17 is illegally removed from the back surface of the game machine frame 5 or the semiconductor chip provided on the frame control board 17 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism portion opening switch 13.

Next, a configuration in which the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state before and after the game board 26 is attached to the game machine frame 5. As shown in FIG. 3, mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b are provided on the back surface of the game machine frame 5 so as to be openable and closable around hinges 35a and 35b, respectively. The mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b are U-shaped and have a bottom having a width corresponding to the game board 26. By pushing the game board 26 against the game machine frame 5 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 (b), the game board 26 is fixed by the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b as shown in FIG. 3 (a). When the game board 26 is fixed by the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 33A provided on the game board 26 side is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33B provided on the game machine frame 5 side. Here, the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B are floating connectors having flexibility against misalignment.

Further, when the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5, the convex drawer connector 33A is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33B to form a main control board 16 on the game board 26 side and a frame on the game machine frame 5 side. The control board 17 will be connected. Further, since the game board 26 is fixed at a fixed position and the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B have flexibility against a certain degree of misalignment, the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer are provided. These can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship with the connector 33B. Even if the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5 with only the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B without providing the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector Since the 33B itself is a flexible floating connector, these can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship between the game board 26 and the game machine frame 5. Here, the convex drawer connector 33A is connected to the main control board 16 via the internal wiring (not shown) of the game board 26, and the concave drawer connector 33B is connected to the frame shown in FIG. 2 via the signal cable 36. It is connected to the control board 17.

<Composition of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used for the CU 3 and the P stand 2. The outline of the control circuit between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The CU 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. This CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of the CU 3, and is a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripherals. Input / output interfaces are provided to maintain signal consistency with the equipment.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal 340 for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server that manages security. The CU 3 receives the status of the CU 3 and the game machine status information (including the information displayed on the performance display monitor 40) received from the P stand 2 via the external output terminal 340 for the hall management computer (hall controller) and security. It is sent to the outside such as a hall server that manages. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 via a security board (SC board; not shown) on which a communication control IC 325 or the like is mounted. The communication control IC 325 of the SC board and the frame control board 17 are connected by, for example, an asynchronous serial communication port. The communication between the CU control unit 323 and the frame control board 17 bidirectionally transmits a signal related to lending (a signal related to an operation for withdrawing the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P unit 2). ing. The other signals related to counting (signals related to counting processing from the game ball to the holding ball) and signals related to the game machine information are unidirectional communication from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. The CU 3 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the P stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection portions are composed of a dedicated interface (dedicated PIF) such as a connector.

The authenticity and type of banknotes are identified by the above-mentioned money classifier in the CU control unit 323, and the identification result signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Further, when the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller possessed by a staff member of the amusement park, the CU control unit 323 receives the received signal. The card reader / writer reads the stored information of the inserted card into the CU control unit 323, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323, and at the same time, the CU control unit 323 writes the stored information of the inserted card to the inserted card. When the data is transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card. The stored information of the card includes the card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader / writer until the end of the game.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's ball when the player is playing. Data such as the balance or the number of balls held is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the display 312 provided on the front surface of the CU 3. An image corresponding to the display data is displayed on the display 312. Further, when the player operates the touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be provided in the P stand 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

The P stand 2 controls the main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P stand 2 and the game machine frame 5, and also manages and stores the game balls to control the display of the game ball number display 29. Frame control board 17, launch control board 31 that drives and controls the launch solenoid 31a based on commands from the frame control board 17, variable display device 278, and variable display based on commands transmitted from the main control board 16. An effect control board 15 for displaying and controlling the device 278 is provided.

The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. A game control microcomputer, which is a main control unit 161, is mounted on the main control board 16. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the game machine. The microcomputer for controlling a game machine maintains the consistency of signals with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface for the purpose is provided. The main control unit 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26.

When a ball wins in each starting winning opening 275, 276, 277, the main control unit 161 draws a random number for determining a big hit (or further including a small hit) / loss, and stores the random number. This is called hold memory. The maximum value of the number of reserved memories is, for example, "4". When the variable display device 278 is in a state where a new variable display can be started, the main control unit 161 digests one reserved memory, makes a big hit determination based on the reserved memory, and derives a display result from the variable start. The variable display time up to that point is determined from multiple types. In addition, when the jackpot is decided, it is also decided whether or not to cause a probability fluctuation. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to make a probability change) and information on the variable display time as commands to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15.

For the commands related to the variable display transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151, the variable start command indicating the start of the variable display, the display result command (big hit / miss) indicating the result of the variable display, and the variable display pattern are specified. It includes a possible variable display time command, a variable stop command that indicates when to derive and display the variable display result, and so on. Further, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 include a command that can specify the progress of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of a new hold memory, and the occurrence of a game state error. There are commands to show.

The effect control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies the variable display result and the variable display time based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to determine the stop symbol and the variable display pattern (presence / absence of reach, type of reach). And also decide the production pattern of the notice production regarding big hits and reach. The effect control unit 151 displays and controls the variable display device 278 according to the determined variable display content.

The frame control board 17 is provided on the game machine frame 5. A payout control microcomputer, which is a frame control unit 171, is mounted on the frame control board 17. The frame control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the game machine. The payout control microcomputer maintains signal consistency with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface for the purpose is provided. By executing various programs stored in the ROM (built-in), the CPU of the frame control board 17 performs various processing such as power-on processing, communication processing, game ball number display processing, performance display calculation processing, and error detection processing. Various control processes are performed (see FIG. 24).

Further, with respect to the frame control board 17, the counting button 28, the performance display monitor 40, the radio wave sensor 173, the subtraction solenoid 32a, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c, the lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33, and the out ball detection switch 701 , The safe ball detection switch 702, the front decoration opening switch 12, and the back mechanism opening switch 13 are provided in a state of being electrically connected. An out-ball detection signal is input from the out-ball detection switch 701 to the frame control board 17. As will be described later, the main control board 16 calculates a base value (simply also referred to as a base) based on the out-sphere detection signal. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting fraudulent acts that illegally transmit radio waves and mainly keep the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b on at all times. The detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the frame control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the frame control board 17. The subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b detects the launch of the game ball by changing from off to on, and the frame control unit 171 subtracts the number of game balls by "1" based on the detection.

Therefore, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is constantly turned off due to an illegal radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. The radio wave sensor 173 detects such fraud due to radio waves.

A performance display monitor 40 is provided on the frame control board 17. The performance display monitor 40 is a 7-segment LED display. The performance display monitor 40 displays predetermined information such as a base, a bonus ratio, and a continuous bonus ratio by the frame control unit 171. The information displayed on the performance display monitor 40 can be output to the hall server or the like via the CU 3, but the P stand 2 may be provided with an external output terminal and directly output to the hall server or the like.

Here, the base is the large winning opening 271, the normal winning opening 272 to 274, and the starting winning opening 275 to the number of game balls driven into the game area 27 of the P stand 2. It is a ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given according to the winning of the game balls to the winning opening such as 277. Further, the character ratio (also referred to as a character ratio) refers to the ratio of the game balls acquired by the game balls launched in 10 hours due to the operation of the character. In the present embodiment, the bonus ratio corresponds to the game value given by winning all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls can be fired in 1 minute). Of the number of game balls to be played, the game is played in the starting winning opening 276 composed of the electric tulip which is one of the winning characters and the large winning opening 271 composed of the variable winning ball device which is one of the winning characters. The ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning a ball. Further, the continuous bonus ratio (also referred to as the continuous ratio) is the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the game balls fired in 10 hours due to the operation of the bonus when the bonus is continuously operated. Say. In the present embodiment, the continuous bonus ratio is the game value given by winning all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls can be fired in 1 minute). Of the number of corresponding game balls, the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the game ball to the large winning opening 271 provided with the variable winning ball device which is one of the winning characters. Say. In the present embodiment, the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio are displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other than these bases, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio. Other performance information may be displayable, and these other performance information that can be displayed may also be output to the outside in the same manner as the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio.

Information such as the main control chip ID, winning opening information, round information, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, symbol confirmation count, and jackpot information is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17.

The main control chip ID (also referred to as the main chip ID) is a chip ID stored in the main control board 16 of the P stand 2, and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P stand 2 is turned on. Information. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (starting winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of payout balls when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the stand 2 is turned on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on.

The winning detection signal is a detection signal of a game ball that has won a prize in a winning opening other than the starting winning opening. The frame control board 17 that receives this detection signal controls to add the number of balls to be given to one winning ball to the number of game balls and the number of additional balls.

The starting winning opening winning information is information indicating that the game ball has won a prize in any of the starting winning openings. The error information is information for notifying the frame control board 17 when an error occurs while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

The symbol fixed number of times is information on the symbol confirmed as a display result of the variable display device for winning a prize in each starting winning opening.

The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred, and the breakdown thereof includes common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each manufacturer and manufacturer-specific jackpot information indicating a manufacturer-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot that is commonly adopted by each game machine manufacturer, such as a 15-round jackpot, and if a probability change occurs due to the jackpot, the probability variation information is included, and the jackpot is accompanied by the probability variation information. When a time saving state (a control state that shortens the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time saving information is included. The manufacturer-specific jackpot is a jackpot state adopted only by a certain gaming machine manufacturer, such as a sudden change (sudden probability).

The game machine installation information reception result, the game machine information reception result, and the frame control state are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16. The game machine installation information reception result and the game machine information reception result are commands for indicating that the game machine installation information and the game machine information have been received from the main control board 16. The frame control state is a command for notifying the control state of the frame control board 17.

The communication control IC 325 of the CU 3 and the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 are electrically connected, and various commands are transmitted from the communication control IC 325 to the frame control board 17 as described later. On the contrary, various responses are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the communication control IC 325 as described later.

In addition to the frame control board 17, the game machine frame 5 is provided with a launch control board 31, a launch solenoid 31a, and a game ball number display 29. The game ball number display 29 may be directly attached to the game machine frame 5, but the game machine frame 5 is like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko game machine on which balls are paid out. It may be provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the relative. The frame control unit 171 of the frame control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29.

A launch permission signal is output from the frame control board 17 to the launch control board 31. Upon receiving this, the launch control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the launch solenoid 31a of the launch mechanism 30. As a result, the game ball is in a state of being shot and fired into the game area 27. The launch control board 31 emits a launch solenoid excitation output when an input signal of a touch ring for detecting that the player is touching the ball striking handle 25 is input, and drives the launch solenoid 31a.

The RAM clear switch 293 is a switch for erasing the game machine information and the game information stored in the RAM of the P unit 2, and is initially operated by a store clerk after the P unit is in an error state. It becomes possible to return to the state. The RAM clear switch 293 is operated by a clerk, for example, after the card is ejected.

<Circulation route of game balls>
Here, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the circulation path of the game ball in the P platform 2 will be outlined. When the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a is driven. As a result, one game ball supplied to the launch position is repelled by the punch 42 described later, and the game ball is driven into the game area 27.

A subtraction reference signal is output to the subtraction mechanism 32 in conjunction with the activation of the firing solenoid 31a and the firing of the game ball. In the subtraction mechanism 32, based on the output subtraction reference signal, the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized to move the movable piece to send the game ball to the launch mechanism 30, and the game ball sends the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b and the subtraction mechanism exit sensor. The number of game balls is subtracted by passing through 32c (see FIG. 29).

Of the balls driven into the game area 27, the out balls that have entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 1) flow down the out ball flow path and are detected by the out ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle of the out ball flow path. ..

All the winning balls that have won the winning opening or the variable winning ball device are collected on the back of the game machine and guided to the collection ball passing path. Similarly, out balls and foul balls are also guided to the recovery ball passage path. A lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33 is provided in the collection ball passage path. Therefore, all of the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are detected by the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33. That is, the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33 is a switch that detects all of the bounced game balls. When the number of detections of this switch and the number of shots of the game balls repelled by the firing solenoid 31a become equal, it can be determined that all the hit game balls have been recovered.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the difference between the number of detections of the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33 and the number of shots is calculated, and when this difference is not 0, the ball hit into the game area 27 is collected. It is judged that it has not been completed. By making this determination, it can be determined whether or not the game area 27 is rolling, or whether or not there is a floating ball that is caught between nails or the like in the game area and does not fall.

<Frame configuration used for communication between CU3 and P stand 2>
Next, the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. The telegram used in the communication is composed of frames having a predetermined format. The transmission data (telegram) is always transmitted in units of one frame. That is, the telegram is not divided and transmitted. In addition, when transmitting telegrams continuously, leave an interval of 1 millisecond or more.

<Signals sent and received between CU and P unit>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the outline of the signal (telegram) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described. A common asynchronous message from the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 to the CU3 by separating (a) a signal related to lending, (b) a signal related to counting, and (c) a signal related to game machine information. Communicate via the serial communication port. The three types of signals (telegrams) (a) to (c) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 have different telegram headers, and it is possible to distinguish the type of telegram by the header. It has become. Note that (b) the signal related to counting and (c) the signal related to game machine information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port. Further, (a) the signal related to lending and (b) the signal related to counting may be communicated with each other through a common asynchronous serial communication port.

FIG. 5A shows a signal relating to lending. In the signal related to lending, the P unit 2 receives the lending serial number for managing the number of rented balls and communication from the CU3, and transmits the rented ball number receipt result and the renting serial number to the CU3 in order to respond to the reception result. The number of rented balls, the result of receiving the number of rented balls, and the rental serial number are all signals for the purpose of renting game balls. The number of rented balls transmitted by one signal is, for example, 125 balls. When the number of rented balls is 0 (zero), the signal related to renting may be transmitted by inserting 0 (zero) information into the signal of the number of rented balls.

FIG. 5B shows a signal related to counting. In the signal related to counting, the P unit 2 transmits the number of counting balls and the counting serial number for communication management to the CU 3. Note that the P unit 2 does not receive a signal from the CU 3 for confirming the transmission result. Both the counting ball number and the counting serial number are signals for the purpose of counting game balls. Further, the number of counting balls transmitted by one signal is, for example, 250 balls. When the number of counting balls is 0 (zero), the signal related to counting may be transmitted by inserting 0 (zero) information into the signal of the number of counting balls.

FIG. 5C shows signals related to game machine information. In the signal related to the game machine information, the P unit 2 transmits the game machine installation information, the game machine performance information, the hall control information, and the fraud monitoring information to the CU 3. Note that the P unit 2 does not receive a signal from the CU 3 for confirming the transmission result. The game machine installation information is a signal for the purpose of managing the machine history, and is a signal transmitted after the power is turned on. The game machine installation information includes information such as a maker code, a model code, and a chip ID number of the main / frame control CPU. The game machine performance information is a signal for the purpose of aggregating the performance information, and includes information such as the number of game balls acquired per minute (low base), the character ratio, and the continuous character ratio, and the hallcon information is the information of the hallcon. It is a signal for the purpose of aggregation, including big hits, probability fluctuations, time reduction, number of winning balls for each winning opening, etc., and the fraud monitoring information is a signal for the purpose of fraud monitoring by CU3, and the number of game balls (current possession). The number of balls), the number of game balls, the fraud detection state 1, the fraud detection state 2, the fraud detection state 3, and the like are included.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the timing of signals transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. In the sequence shown in FIG. 6, among the signals related to (a) lending shown in FIG. 5, No. 3 to No. The signal of No. 4, (b) the signal related to counting, and (c) the signal related to game machine information are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 through a common asynchronous serial communication port. On the contrary, among the signals related to (a) lending shown in FIG. 5, No. 1-No. The signals of 2 are transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 through a common asynchronous serial communication port.

Of the signals transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3, (c) the signal related to the game machine information is transmitted every specified period A as shown in FIG. That is, the period from the transmission of the signal from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 to the transmission of the next signal is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 milliseconds = 0.3 seconds). The P unit 2 can transmit the game machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A regardless of the reception status of the game machine information in the CU 3. Therefore, in the P unit 2, it is not necessary to retransmit the game machine information, it is not necessary to store the past game machine information, and the processing load can be reduced. In the following, milliseconds may be expressed as ms.

In this way, signals are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 at intervals of 300 ms. On the other hand, in the P stand 2, 100 game balls are hit into the game area 27 per minute by operating the hit ball operation handle 25, so that the hit ball launch time interval is 0.6 seconds. As a result, a plurality of signals are transmitted and received during the firing of one ball.

The signal related to the game machine information communicates on the asynchronous serial communication port common to the signal related to counting (half-duplex communication). Therefore, if an attempt is made to transmit a signal related to counting at the timing of transmitting a signal related to game machine information, the signals will be congested within a common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur, and communication will be performed correctly. It may not be broken. Therefore, in the P unit 2, when the signal related to the game machine information is transmitted to the CU 3 every specified period A, in order to optimize the information transmission, the signal related to the game machine information is transmitted for the specified period. The signal related to counting is communicated with CU3 at a timing corresponding to a specified period B (for example, 50 ms) shorter than A.

In FIG. 7, after the hall control signal and the fraud monitoring signal are transmitted to the CU 3 as the signals related to the game machine information, and immediately before and immediately before the timing (after the lapse of the specified period A) when the signal related to the game machine information is transmitted next. The number of counting balls and the counting serial number are transmitted to the CU 3 as signals related to counting at a timing within the specified period B after the game machine information is transmitted. When the operation of the counting button 28 by the player is performed before transmitting the signal related to the game machine information, the transmission of the signal related to counting is the timing of transmitting the signal related to the game machine information after the operation. Waiting for, it will be performed within the specified period B from the relevant timing.

The transmission of the signal related to the counting is not limited to the case where the signal related to the game machine information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing of transmitting the signal related to the game machine information, and it is sufficient as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the signal related to the game machine information. It may be between the elapse of the period B and the timing at which the signal related to the next game machine information is transmitted.

As for the signal related to lending, when the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319, the signal of the number of rented balls and the lending serial number is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The signal related to the rental also communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port common to the signal related to the game machine information. Therefore, when the signal related to lending is transmitted from CU3 at the timing of transmitting the signal related to the game machine information, the signals are congested in the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision occurs, and communication is performed. It may not be done correctly.

Therefore, the CU 3 receives the signal related to the game machine information on the condition that the signal related to the counting is not received when the P unit 2 transmits the signal related to the game machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A. Is transmitted, the signal related to lending is communicated with the P unit 2 at a timing corresponding to the specified period C (for example, 100 ms) different from the specified period A and the specified period B. That is, the P unit 2 receives the signals of the number of rented balls and the rented serial number from the CU 3 at the timing after the lapse of the specified period C after transmitting the signal related to the game machine information. When the P unit 2 receives the signal of the number of rented balls and the signal of the rented serial number from the CU3, the P unit 2 transmits the signal of the number of rented balls and the signal of the rented serial number to the CU3. When the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the signal related to the game machine information, the signal of the number of lending balls and the lending serial number is transmitted after the operation. It waits for the timing of receiving the signal related to the game machine information from the P unit 2, and is performed after the specified period C elapses from the timing.

The transmission of the lending signal is not limited to the case where the signal related to the game machine information is transmitted after the lapse of the specified period C, and it is sufficient as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the signal related to the game machine information. It may be between the time when the signal related to the machine information is received and the time after the specified period B elapses until the timing within the specified period C. For the specified periods A to C, different values can be appropriately set so that the communication timings of various information are deviated.

<Transmission mode when transmission of game machine information for each type is duplicated>
Next, a transmission mode when transmission of game machine information for each type is duplicated will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the types of game machine information, the notification conditions thereof, and the priority order in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as described above in FIG. 5C, as signals related to the game machine information, the game machine installation information, the game machine performance information, the hall control information, and the fraud monitoring information are transmitted to the CU3. To.

Of these game machine information, the hall control information / fraud monitoring information is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3 every 300 milliseconds, which is a predetermined period A from the completion of the activation of the P unit 2, and the transmission priority is given. Is the highest "1". Further, the game machine installation information is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 every 60 seconds after the activation of the P unit 2 is completed, and the priority of transmission is "2". Further, the game machine performance information is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 every 180 seconds after the activation of the P unit 2 is completed, and the priority of transmission is "3".

Note that the hall control information / fraud monitoring information is transmitted not only when the game information to be transmitted (hole control information or fraud monitoring information) exists, but also when the game information to be transmitted does not exist, and these are transmitted. Hall control information and fraud monitoring information when there is no game information to be played are also transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3 every 300 milliseconds, which is a predetermined period A from the completion of the activation of the P unit 2, but the priority is The lowest "4". That is, the hall control information / fraud monitoring information has the highest priority when there is game information to be transmitted, but has the lowest priority when there is no game information to be transmitted. The game machine information of the type is preferentially transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. In the following explanation, the case where the game information to be transmitted exists is described as hall control information / fraud monitoring information (with game information), and the case where the game information to be transmitted does not exist is described as hall control information / fraud. Notated as monitoring information (no game information).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when the activation of the P unit 2 is completed, first, the hall control information / fraud monitoring information (without the game information) is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 as the game machine information. After that, in the period from the elapse of the predetermined period A to the next transmission of the game machine information, the transmission / reception of the counting signal, the lending signal, and the like is executed. After the lapse of the predetermined period A, the game machine information (for example, hall control information / fraud monitoring information (without game information) and hall control information / fraud monitoring information (with game information)) is repeatedly generated every time the predetermined period A elapses. It is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3.

Then, when 60 seconds have passed from the completion of activation, for example, the game machine installation information is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 as the game machine information in preference to the hall control information / fraud monitoring information (no game information). .. Since the game machine installation information is transmitted every 60 seconds after the transmission, the transmission timing overlaps with the game machine performance information that should be originally transmitted when 180 seconds have passed from the completion of activation. In some cases.

In this way, when the transmission timing of the game machine installation information and the transmission timing of the game machine performance information overlap, as shown in FIG. 9, the game machine installation information having a higher priority than the game machine performance information has priority. The gaming machine performance information, which is transmitted first and has a low priority, is transmitted when a predetermined period, for example, 300 milliseconds has elapsed from the transmission of the gaming machine installation information.

Note that FIG. 9 shows an example in which the game machine installation information is transmitted when 60 seconds have passed since the start-up was completed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when 60 seconds have passed from the start-up completion. When the game information to be transmitted exists and the highest priority hall control information / fraud monitoring information (with game information) is transmitted (hole control information / fraud before 60 seconds have passed since the start was completed). In the monitoring information (including the case where the game information is present), the hall control information / fraud monitoring information (with the game information) is transmitted prior to the game machine installation information. As for these hall control information / fraud monitoring information (with game information), the game information disappears and the hall control information / fraud monitoring information (without game information) is transmitted every 300 milliseconds. Is sent with the highest priority. Then, at the timing when there is no game information to be transmitted and the hall control information / fraud monitoring information (no game information) is transmitted, the game machine installation information whose transmission has been suspended will be transmitted. ..

Similarly, when 180 seconds have passed from the completion of activation, if there is game information to be transmitted and the highest priority hall control information / fraud monitoring information (with game information) is transmitted (activation). For hall control information / fraud monitoring information (including the case where game information is available) has been sent before 180 seconds have passed since the completion, the hall control information / fraud monitoring has priority over the game machine performance information. Information (with game information) is transmitted. As for these hall control information / fraud monitoring information (with game information), the game information disappears and the hall control information / fraud monitoring information (without game information) is transmitted every 300 milliseconds. Is sent with the highest priority. Then, at the timing when there is no game information to be transmitted and the hall control information / fraud monitoring information (no game information) is transmitted, the game machine performance information whose transmission has been suspended will be transmitted. ..

As described above, in the present embodiment, different transmission timings are set in advance and priorities are set for each type of game machine information, so that even if the transmission timings overlap, priority is given. Since the game machine information of the high-ranking type is transmitted first, and after all the game machine information of the high-priority type is transmitted, the gaming machine information of the low-priority type whose transmission has been reserved is transmitted. , Even if the transmission timings overlap, it is possible to accurately transmit and receive various game machine information by asynchronous serial communication.

<Modified example of communication mode between P stand 2 and CU3>
As described above, in the present embodiment, an example in which a signal related to lending, a signal related to counting, and a signal related to game machine information are communicated with a common asynchronous serial communication port has been described. As a modification 1, a common asynchronous serial communication port may be used to communicate a signal related to counting and a game machine information, and another asynchronous serial communication port may be used to communicate a signal related to lending. As a second modification, a common asynchronous serial communication port may be used to communicate a signal related to lending and a signal related to counting, and another asynchronous serial communication port may be used to communicate a signal related to game machine information. Further, in this way, instead of classifying the asynchronous serial communication ports according to the signal type, the communication from the P unit 2 to the CU3 and the communication from the CU3 to the P unit 2 are performed by the individual asynchronous serial communication ports. You may do so. That is, as described above, in the present embodiment, as the communication between the P unit 2 and the CU 3, the connection between the P unit 2 and the CU 3 is performed by performing half-duplex communication with the common asynchronous serial communication port. Although the number of cables can be reduced, as described above, it is necessary to adjust the transmission timing in order to prevent congestion between the signal transmitted from the P unit 2 and the signal transmitted from the CU 3. Therefore, as a method of preventing these congestions, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the communication from the P unit 2 to the CU3 and the communication from the CU3 to the P unit 2 are performed by the communication line 1 which is an individual communication line. By using full-duplex communication performed by the communication line 2 and the communication line 2, it may be possible to prevent the occurrence of congestion without performing a process of adjusting the transmission timing. In addition, in the case of full-duplex communication, although the process of adjusting the transmission timing is not required to prevent congestion, the process related to the duplication of game machine information described with reference to FIGS. Is performed in the same manner as the half-duplex communication, so that even if the transmission timing of the game machine information is duplicated, the game machine information can be accurately transmitted and received.

<Sequence for signals related to counting>
Next, FIG. 12 shows a specific sequence of signals related to counting when the counting button 28 is operated. In the example shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the game ball of the P stand 2 is "1000" and the number of balls held by the CU 3 is "100".

When the counting button 28 is pressed and held on the P stand 2, the number of game balls is "1000" and the number of game balls is the number of game balls when the signal related to the game machine information is first transmitted after the operation is detected. A signal (game machine information notification) related to the game machine information including the serial number n is transmitted, and the CU3 is notified of the number of game balls.

Then, 100 milliseconds after the game machine information is transmitted, the counting including the counting ball number "250" corresponding to one operation of the counting button 28, the counting cumulative ball number "250", and the counting serial number m. The signal (counting notification) related to the above is output from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. Along with the transmission of the signal related to this counting, the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is updated to "750" by subtracting "250" from "1000", and the number of balls held in the CU 3 is changed from "100" to "250". It is added and updated to "350".

After transmitting the signals related to these counts, as described above, the signal related to lending including the lending serial number k and the number of lending balls "0" (lending notification) and the result of receiving the number of lending balls (lending serial number k, lending balls) The transmission / reception with the number receipt result “normal”) is executed before the next game machine information is transmitted, as described above.

Then, 300 milliseconds after the transmission of the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n, the signal related to the game machine information including the subtracted game ball number "750" and the game ball number serial number n + 1 is transmitted. Then, the CU3 is notified of the number of game balls after the subtraction. As a result, in CU3, the number of game balls notified in the game machine information after receiving the signal related to counting is changed from the number of game balls "1000" notified in the game machine information before the signal related to counting is received. From "750", it can be confirmed that "250" added by the signal related to the counting is appropriately subtracted in the P unit 2.

Then, 100 milliseconds after the game machine information is transmitted, the number of counting balls corresponding to one operation of the counting button 28 is counted as "250" as the operation of the counting button 28 is continued. A signal related to counting including the cumulative number of balls "500" and the counting serial number m + 1 is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. Along with the transmission of the signal related to this counting, the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is updated to "500" by subtracting "250" from "750", and the number of balls held in the CU 3 is changed from "350" to "250". It is added and updated to "600".

After transmitting the signals related to these counts, the signal related to lending (rental serial number k + 1, the number of rented balls "0") and the result of receiving the number of rented balls (lending serial number k + 1, rented balls) are the same as when the game ball number serial number n is transmitted. The transmission / reception with the number receipt result “normal”) is executed before the next game machine information is transmitted, as described above.

Then, if the operation of the count button 28 is released before 300 milliseconds have elapsed from the transmission of the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 1, it is related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 1. When 300 milliseconds have elapsed from the transmission of the signal, the game machine information including the subtracted game ball number "500" and the game ball number serial number n + 2 is transmitted, and the CU3 is notified of the game ball number.

Then, 100 milliseconds after the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 2 is transmitted, the number of counting balls is "0" and the cumulative number of counting balls is counted, especially when the operation of the counting button 28 is released. A signal related to counting including "500" and the counting serial number m + 2 is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. In this way, since the signal related to the counting of the number of counting balls "0" is transmitted, the number of balls held remains "600" in the CU3.

After that, transmission and reception of the signal related to lending (lending serial number k + 2, number of rented balls "0") and the result of receiving the number of rented balls (lending serial number k + 2, result of receiving the number of rented balls "normal") are related to the next game machine information. It is executed before the signal is transmitted, and 300 milliseconds after the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 2 is transmitted, the game ball number "500" and the game ball number serial number n + 3 are included again. The game machine information is transmitted, and the CU3 is notified of the number of game balls.

In this way, when the operation of the counting button 28 is executed and the signal related to counting is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 and the addition to the number of balls held is executed, the number of game balls before the addition and the addition are performed. The later number of game balls is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3 as a signal related to the game machine information and notified to the CU3, so that the game ball in the CU3 does not transmit the signal related to the counting from the CU3 side. It is possible to know exactly that the number subtraction has been performed.

<Sequence for signals related to lending>
Next, FIG. 13 shows a specific sequence of signals related to lending when the ball lending button 321 is operated in CU3. In the example shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the game ball of the P stand 2 is "50" and that the CU 3 has a balance that can be lent.

When the ball lending button 321 is operated in the CU 3, the lending signal is not immediately transmitted to the P stand 2 at the timing of the operation, but the signal related to the game machine information from the P stand 2 after the operation. And the signal related to the subsequent counting is transmitted at the timing corresponding to the reception.

That is, when the game machine information is first transmitted after the operation of the ball lending button 321, a signal related to the game machine information including the game ball number "50" and the game ball number serial number n is transmitted, and the CU3 Is notified of the number of game balls.

100 milliseconds after the signal related to the game machine information is transmitted, for example, the signal related to counting including the number of counting balls "0", the cumulative number of counting balls "0", and the counting serial number m is the P unit 2. Is transmitted to CU3.

Then, within 170 milliseconds from the reception of the signal related to the counting of the counting serial number m, that is, within 270 milliseconds from the transmission of the signal related to the game machine information including the game ball number serial number n, for example, the rental serial number k, the rental. A signal relating to the lending of the number of balls "125" is transmitted.

In response to the reception of the signal related to the lending of the lending serial number k, in the P unit 2, "125" is added to "50" which is the number of game balls at that time and updated to "175". Within 10 milliseconds from the reception, the rental ball number receipt result (rental serial number k, loan ball number receipt result “normal”) is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3.

Upon receiving the result of receiving the number of rented balls, the CU3 confirms whether or not the result of receiving the number of rented balls is "normal", and if it is "normal", the amount corresponding to "125" is calculated from the balance. Subtract update. If the result of receiving the number of loaned balls is not "normal", the balance will not be subtracted and updated.

It should be noted that the signal related to lending and the result of receiving the number of rented balls are executed within 170 milliseconds + 10 milliseconds from the reception of the signal related to counting transmitted 100 milliseconds after the game machine information is transmitted, that is, Since it is executed within 270 ms + 10 ms after the game machine information is transmitted, the period from the transmission of the rental ball number receipt result to the next transmission of the game machine information is 20 mm or more. Since it will be secured, the transmission of the result of receiving the number of rented balls and the transmission of the game machine information will not be duplicated.

In this way, the signal related to the game machine information, the signal related to counting, the signal related to lending, and the result of receiving the number of rented balls are transmitted at different timings, so that signal congestion occurs in half-duplex communication. In addition to being able to prevent it from occurring, in full-duplex communication, although there is no congestion between the lending signal and other signals, communication occurs due to both signal transmission and reception in the short term. It is possible to prevent the processing load related to the above from increasing in the short term.

<Recovery sequence when the dedicated interface is disconnected>
Next, FIG. 14 shows a recovery sequence when a disconnection occurs in the dedicated interface connecting the P stand 2 and the CU 3. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the game ball of the P stand 2 is assumed to be "1000".

Before the disconnection occurs in the dedicated interface, as described above, the signals related to the game machine information are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 and the signals related to the game machine information are transmitted every 300 milliseconds. In between, the signal related to counting, the signal related to lending, and the result of receiving the number of rented balls are sequentially transmitted and received at different timings.

Specifically, a signal related to game machine information (game ball number "1000", game ball number serial number n), and a signal related to counting 100 milliseconds later (counting ball number "0", counting cumulative ball number "0"" , Counting serial number m), signal related to lending within 170 milliseconds (loan ball number "0", lending serial number k), lending ball number receipt result within 10 milliseconds (lending serial number k, lending ball number receipt result) "Normal") is transmitted, and a signal related to the game machine information (game ball number "1000", game ball number serial number n + 1) is transmitted 300 milliseconds after the transmission of the game ball number serial number n.

Then, when a disconnection of the dedicated interface occurs after transmission of a signal related to the game machine information of the number of game balls serial number n + 1, the occurrence of these disconnections is detected by the communication control IC 325, so that CU3 (CU control unit 323) ) Turns off the connection signal (VL signal (also referred to as BRDY signal), see FIG. 20). The connection signal (VL signal) is a signal of a predetermined voltage output from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 by a dedicated line constituting the dedicated interface, and the P unit 2 can identify that the CU 3 is connected. It is a signal to do.

When this connection signal (VL signal) is turned off, the P stand 2 stops the firing of the game ball p to disable the game and invalidates the operation of the counting button 28. Then, since a disconnection occurred in the dedicated interface after the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 1 was transmitted, the P stand 2 was charged with the signal related to counting corresponding to the invalid operation of the counting button 28 (counting ball number "0"). , Counting cumulative number of balls "0", counting serial number m + 1) is transmitted. However, the transmission is not received by CU3.

Further, after the signal related to counting is transmitted, normally, the signal related to lending is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, but the signal related to counting is not transmitted due to the disconnection of the dedicated interface.

After that, a signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 2 and a signal related to the counting of the counting serial number m + 2 are transmitted, but these signals are also not received by the CU3.

When a disconnection occurs in these dedicated interfaces, a dedicated interface error is notified on the P unit 2 and CU3, so the clerk at the game hall confirms the number of game balls at that time and recovers the dedicated interface error. Let me. Then, the CU 3 (CU control unit 323) checks the connection status of the dedicated interface with the communication control IC 325 after turning on the connection signal (VL signal). In addition, in response to the connection signal (VL signal) being turned ON, the P stand 2 enables the game ball p to be launched and the operation of the counting button 28 is enabled.

After that, a signal related to the game machine information (game ball number "1000", game ball number serial number n + 3) and a signal related to counting (counting ball number "0", counting cumulative ball number "0", counting serial number m + 3) are transmitted. After that, a signal related to lending (number of lending balls "0", lending serial number 0) is transmitted from CU3 to P unit 2. In this case, a signal related to lending with the lending serial number set to "0" is transmitted. Then, the lending serial number in CU3 is updated from "0" to "k" by transmitting the lending ball number receipt result (lending serial number k, lending ball number receiving result "abnormal") corresponding to the signal related to this lending. Will be done.

Then, 300 milliseconds later, as shown in FIG. 14, a signal related to lending (loan ball number "0", lending serial number k + 1) is transmitted from CU3 to P unit 2 based on the updated lending serial number. As a result, the result of receiving the number of rented balls (lending serial number k + 1, the result of receiving the number of rented balls "normal") is transmitted, and the communication between the P unit 2 and the CU 3 is normally restored.

<Sequence in communication error during counting>
Next, FIG. 15 shows a recovery sequence when a communication abnormality occurs during counting. In the example shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the game ball of the P stand 2 is "1000" and the number of balls held by the CU 3 is "100". In FIG. 15, the same as in FIG. 12 described above up to the stage where the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 1 is transmitted, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

100 milliseconds after the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 1 is transmitted, the counting ball number "250" corresponding to the operation of the counting button 28, the counting cumulative ball number "500", and the counting serial number m + 1 A signal related to counting including and is output from the P unit 2 to the CU3, but the signal related to the counting is not received by the CU3 due to some error, but in the P unit 2, the game ball. The number is subtracted from "750" by "250" and updated to "500". After the signal related to the counting of the counting serial number m + 1 is transmitted, the signal related to the lending from the CU 3 is not transmitted due to the occurrence of the error.

Then, 300 milliseconds after the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number serial number n + 1 is transmitted, the signal related to the game machine information including the game ball number "500" and the game ball number serial number n + 2 is transmitted. However, the signals related to the game machine information are not received by the CU3 because some error has occurred in the CU3.

Since the signal related to the game machine information cannot be received, the CU 3 detects a communication abnormality and turns off the connection signal (VL signal) after 300 milliseconds. As a result, in the P stand 2, the firing of the game ball p is stopped, the game is disabled, and the operation of the counting button 28 is also invalidated.

Then, since these errors are notified in the P stand 2 and the CU 3, the clerk of the game hall confirms the number of game balls and the number of balls held at that time, and recovers the error. The CU3 turns on the connection signal (VL signal) after the error is recovered, so that the game ball p can be launched on the P stand 2 and the count button is displayed along with the error recovery of the CU3. Twenty-eight operations are valid.

The recovery sequence by turning on the connection signal (VL signal) is the same as in the case of FIG. 14, and the rental serial number and the like are updated to recover the communication.

<Sequence in communication abnormality at the time of lending>
Next, FIG. 16 shows a recovery sequence when a communication abnormality occurs during lending. In the example shown in FIG. 16, as in the case of FIG. 13, the game ball of the P stand 2 is "50", and it is assumed that the CU 3 has a balance that can be lent.

In FIG. 16, the flow until the signal relating to the lending of the lending serial number k and the number of lending balls “125” is transmitted is the same as in the case of FIG. 13, so the description here will be omitted.

In response to the reception of the signal related to the lending of the lending serial number k, in the P unit 2, "125" is added to "50" which is the number of game balls at that time and updated to "175", and the reception is also performed. The result of receiving the number of rented balls (lending serial number k, the result of receiving the number of rented balls "normal") is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 within 10 milliseconds. However, if the result of receiving the number of rented balls is not received by the CU3 due to some problem, the CU3 cannot receive the result of receiving the number of rented balls even after 10 milliseconds have passed from the transmission of the signal related to the loan. Judge as incomplete.

Then, after the signal related to the game machine information of the game ball number "175" and the game ball number serial number n + 1 after the addition update, it is determined that the loan is not completed within 170 milliseconds after receiving the signal related to the counting. Therefore, the same lending serial number k and lending ball number "125" lending signal, which is the same as the previously transmitted lending signal, is transmitted again.

The P unit 2 (frame control unit 171) checks the continuity of the lending serial number of the signal related to lending, and since the lending serial number that should originally be "k + 1" is "k", the lending serial number "k". Not the result of receiving the number of rented balls of "k + 1" and the result of receiving the number of rented balls "normal", but the result of receiving the number of rented balls of "k" and the result of receiving the number of rented balls "abnormal" is transmitted.

CU3, which received the loan serial number "k" and the loan ball number receipt result "abnormal", has a signal related to lending P based on the fact that the signal related to the previous lending and the lending serial number match. It is determined that the signal has been received by the unit 2 (frame control unit 171), and the loan is determined to be completed.

<Transmission / reception mode between the card unit side and the pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 17, the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof will be described.

In the present embodiment, the fluctuation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P stand 2 side, and the current latest number of game balls is stored and managed. The CU3 side also calculates and stores the current number of game balls, but the number of game balls is based on the information transmitted from the P unit 2 side. On the other hand, the number of balls held (number of cards held), the number of stored balls, and the prepaid balance (remaining amount) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

FIG. 17 shows the stored data of the RAM provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side and the stored data of the RAM mounted on the frame control board 17 on the P stand 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on in a state where the P stand 2 and the CU 3 are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the amusement park, the frame control board 17 on the P stand 2 side is changed from the main control board 16 to the main chip. The ID (main control chip ID) is transmitted, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU3 side, and the frame chip ID (frame control chip ID) stored in the frame control board 17 itself is transmitted to the CU3 side. ..

On the CU3 side, the transmitted main chip ID and frame chip ID are stored. In this state, the information of the main chip ID and the frame chip ID is stored in the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side. When the power is turned on after that, the two pieces of information, that is, the main chip ID and the frame chip ID, are transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side.

On the CU3 side, the transmitted data is collated with the already stored data, and it is determined whether or not the same P unit 2 as the previous time is connected. On the other hand, in the P unit 2, after the power is turned on, information such as main chip ID and frame chip ID information, which are installation information, is transmitted to the CU 3, and then the game machine information is transmitted to the outside including the CU 3 at predetermined intervals. Is possible. Since the game machine information can be output on the P unit 2 without going through the authentication process, the processing load can be reduced.

Both the CU 3 and the P unit 2 transmit the telegram with a "serial number" added. Further, both the CU 3 and the P unit 2 store the "serial number" received from the other party. As described above, there are three types of "serial numbers": "game ball number serial number", "counting serial number", and "rental serial number". "Serial number" indicates the sequence number of the telegram. The "serial number" is transmitted by counting up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission by the transmitting side (primary station side) with the initial value set to "1". However, when resending, the "serial number" is not counted up. The receiving side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. If the continuity of the serial numbers is not established, there is no response. The "game ball number serial number" is a serial number used when the P unit 2 notifies the CU 3 of the number of game balls. The "counting serial number" is a serial number used when the P stand 2 requests the CU 3 to count the game balls. The "rental serial number" is a serial number used when the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to lend a game ball.

The latest game machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information are transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. The latest game machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information are stored in the RAM of the frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4) on the P unit 2 side. Specifically, the information of the counting ball number counter is included. As for the number of game balls, the count value of the game ball counter is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side as fraud monitoring information. However, instead of this, or in addition to the game ball number counter, the game ball number may be included in the latest game machine performance information.

The information of these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU3 side as a signal related to the game machine information. In CU3, the change in the number of game balls is grasped from the latest game machine performance information and hall control information transmitted from the P unit 2. In CU3, for example, the number of game balls is added based on the "number of prize balls x number of winning balls" included in the hall control information, and the number of game balls is subtracted based on the "number of launch balls". Further, the counting ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of counting balls. The counting ball is a "ball converted from a game ball to a holding ball by a counting operation". Here, the "prize ball" is a ball that is paid out when the ball wins a prize in the winning opening, and is a safe ball. The "launched ball" is a ball launched by the game machine, and if there is a back ball, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the back ball is the number of launched balls.

By pressing the counting button 28, the frame control unit 171 counts the number of game balls as the number of counting balls, and transmits the value (counting number of balls) of the counting number counter from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side (FIG. 12). ).

On the P unit 2 side, each time the value of the counting ball counter is transmitted to the CU3 side, the count value is stored (rewritten) as backup data in the previous game machine information storage area (RAM of the frame control unit 171 or the like). After that, the value of the counting ball counter is cleared to 0 (excluding the game ball counter). In the present embodiment, "clear" has the same meaning as "initialization".

As a result, the data of the number of counting balls transmitted to the CU3 side immediately before is stored as backup data in the storage area of the previous game machine information (game machine information transmitted immediately before). This backup data is not only the value of each counter this time but also the value of each previous counter that was not transmitted at the time of the next transmission when the data of the number of counting balls was not transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side. Is also intended to be able to be sent. The number of game balls transmitted immediately before may be further added to the previous game machine information and stored.

Further, the frame control board 17 updates the value of the game ball number counter according to the occurrence of winning, the firing of the ball, and the generation of the counting ball (conversion from the game ball to the possessed ball), and the game after the update. The value of the ball number counter is transmitted to the CU3 side as the number of game balls.

On the CU3 side, the number of game balls, the number of cards held (also simply referred to as the number of balls held), the number of stored balls, the remaining amount, and the number of balls held when the card is inserted are stored in the cumulative data storage area in the RAM. .. The number of cards held is the number of balls lent out (the number of balls converted from the number of cards held into the number of game balls) subtracted from the number of balls held when the card is inserted, and the number of counting balls added. That is, the number of cards held is the number of balls held by the player at the present time.

The number of cards held is added based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2, and is subtracted from the number of game balls to update. In this way, the CU 3 can manage the latest information by updating the number of game balls and the number of cards held by the latest game machine information transmitted from the P unit 2 one by one.

As shown in the figure, the CU 3 has an area for storing the number of game balls, and also receives the count value of the game ball counter (also referred to as the number of game balls or the total number of game balls) from the P stand 2 side. .. The CU 3 updates the area for storing the number of game balls by the following procedure. That is, the CU 3 grasps the change in the number of game balls from the latest game machine performance information and the hall control information transmitted from the P unit 2 side, and is based on the value of the counting ball counter and the value of the number of rented balls. , The stored number of game balls is updated, and it is determined whether or not the count value of the game ball counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side and the updated number of game balls match. If they match, the game is allowed to continue, but if they do not match, control is performed to shift to an error state.

As a result, for example, an error notification is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the display 312, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or the hall server (in this case, the hall management computer). Or error notification may be performed by the hall server). As a result, a predetermined notification is performed to encourage the staff to take an artificial response.

In addition, instead of shifting to the error state and stopping the game, even if the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side is replaced with the count value of the game ball counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Good. Alternatively, instead, it may be corrected to the average value of the number of game balls managed on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored on the CU3 side, but it is determined whether or not the number of game balls matches the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side. (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side does not match the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side due to fraudulent activity or other circumstances, it is possible to check that fact. Here, the determination function is provided on the CU3 side. For example, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side are stored by the hall server or hall management computer connected to the CU3. It may be possible to receive the number of game balls and determine whether or not the two are consistent.

Further, if the CU3 cannot receive the signal related to the counting, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side do not match, so special processing is performed. Execute. As the special process, in order to compensate the number of game balls based on the game machine information, a process of displaying the history information of the game machine information is performed, the number of game balls is supplemented based on the history information, and an error notification is performed. Or.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the prepaid balance of the received (inserted) card, and holding at the time of card insertion. It also has a storage area for storing spheres. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the ball in response to an input requesting the use of the ball (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 (however, when there is no ball)). A predetermined number of stored balls are subtracted from the storage area to be stored.

The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the holding ball in response to an input requesting the use of the holding ball (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the holding ball is present). Subtract a predetermined number of balls from the area. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the prepaid balance in response to an input requesting the use of the prepaid balance (for example, a pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

When the player performs an operation of lending a value of a predetermined size from the possessed value owned by the player (for example, the number of balls held, the number of stored balls, or the balance of the prepaid card) and using it for the game, the ball for the withdrawal amount. The number of rented balls for adding the number to the game ball number counter is transmitted from the CU3 side to the P unit 2 side. In response to this, the P-unit 2 side adds and updates the game ball number counter.

On the other hand, in the game system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accept an order of a so-called wagon service in which the ownership value owned by the player is deducted and exchanged for a drink or the like. However, receiving the wagon service with a game ball is restricted, and you can only receive the wagon service with your own ball. This is an image that prohibits the conventional enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine in which each machine is equipped, from grasping the uncounted ball remaining on the plate by hand and using it for the wagon service.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the operation of performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of balls held is less than the number of balls corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is urged to perform the counting operation. Has been done. At that time, when the player executes the counting operation, the number of counting balls based on the operation is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side. In response to this, the CU3 side subtracts the number of game balls and adds the number of cards held to update.

<Launch mechanism>
Next, the launch mechanism 30 will be described in more detail. 18 (a) is a front view of the launch mechanism 30, FIG. 18 (b) is a right side view of the launch mechanism 30, and FIG. 18 (c) is a back view of the launch mechanism 30. FIG. 19 is a schematic view for explaining a state in which the ball passage of the launch mechanism 30 is filled with game balls. FIG. 20 is a block diagram for explaining the launch of the game medium and the subtraction of the number of game balls.

With reference to FIG. 18, the launch mechanism 30 mainly includes a launch solenoid 31a, a punch 42, a launch pad 43, and a valve 44. Further, a subtraction mechanism 32 is provided in the vicinity (back side) of the launch mechanism 30. The subtraction mechanism 32 mainly includes a subtraction solenoid 32a, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, and a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c.

When the firing solenoid 31a can be energized by the firing permission signal from the main control board 16 and each state of the ball striking operation handle 25 accompanying the direct operation of the player, the firing mechanism 30 puts the game ball p on the game board. Fire at 26. Further, when the firing solenoid 31a is activated, a subtraction reference signal linked with each other is output from the firing control board 31 to the frame control board 17 as shown in FIG. The subtraction reference signal serves as a reference for energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a in the subtraction mechanism 32.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the CU 3 is connected to the game ball rental device connection terminal plate, the VL signal is output from the CU 3, and the launch permission signal is output from the main control board 16, the launch solenoid 31a is energized. Is possible. FIG. 21 is a block diagram for explaining the processing in the launch mechanism. As shown in FIG. 21, the AND circuit 172 provided on the frame control board 17 permits firing to the firing control board 31 when the connection state of the CU 3 and the firing permission signal are input from the main control board 16. Output a signal. If the launch permission signal is not output, the launch solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of each state of the ball striking operation handle 25. When the main control board 16 receives a specific error signal from the frame control board 17, the main control board 16 stops the output of the firing permission signal (see FIG. 40).

Here, the operating principle and each state of the ball striking operation handle 25 will be described. Although not shown, the ball striking operation handle 25 includes a launch stop button, a launch stop switch, a handle lever, a touch sensor, a handle volume, a ring, and the like. When the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a can be activated and stopped, and the firing intensity can be changed. Also, by operating the launch stop button, the game balls can be launched one by one.

When the player touches the ring of the ball striking operation handle 25, the touch sensor connected to the ring outputs a detection signal to the firing control board 31 as shown in FIG. When the launch control board 31 detects this signal, the launch solenoid 31a can be energized on condition that the launch permission signal is output. If the player does not directly touch the ring of the ball striking handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of the state of the ball striking handle 25. When the player stops pressing the firing stop button and the firing stop switch is opened, the firing solenoid 31a can be energized.

When the player turns the handle lever of the ball striking operation handle 25, the detection voltage of the handle volume changes, and the strength of the energizing current to the firing solenoid 31a can be changed according to the turning angle. In FIG. 21, the operation condition determination unit 31b outputs an operation permission signal to the pulse clock generation unit 31c based on a firing permission signal, a touch sensor detection signal, a rotation detection signal from the handle volume, and the like. The pulse clock generation unit 31c generates various pulses and clocks of the emission control board 31 based on the operation permission signal from the operation condition determination unit 31b. By generating various pulses and clocks in the pulse clock generation unit 31c, the constant current control unit 31d emits a solenoid based on the detection value from the handle rotation value detection unit 31e according to the turning angle of the handle volume. The energizing current to 31a is controlled. As a result, the flight distance of the game ball p changes, and the player can launch the game ball p at an arbitrary position on the game board 26.

When the handle lever is in the origin position state and the detected voltage becomes equal to or lower than the set voltage, the firing solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of each state of the handle. In the steering wheel rotation value comparison unit 31f shown in FIG. 21, when the detection voltage is equal to or lower than the set voltage, the rotation detection signal is not output to the operation condition determination unit 31b.

When the launch solenoid 31a is driven, the punch 42 operates in the direction of the game ball p and launches the game ball p stopped on the launch pad 43. The fired game ball p passes through the valve 44 and is fired on the game board 26. The valve 44 returns to the fixed position after the game ball p has passed. Therefore, the valve 44 prevents the launched game ball p from returning to the launch pad 43.

When the firing solenoid 31a is activated, a subtraction reference signal linked with each other is output from the firing control board 31 to the frame control board 17 as shown in FIG. In the frame control board 17, the subtraction reference signal is processed by the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) of the frame control unit 171 in the subtraction mechanism control process described later by the game ball number management program in the user program area (used area). .. The subtraction solenoid control unit 32d controls the subtraction solenoid 32a of the subtraction mechanism 32 by the game ball number management program. The subtraction mechanism 32 converts the game ball recorded by the electromagnetic method into a real ball by energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a and moving the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 19 with reference to the subtraction reference signal, and the launch mechanism 30. Is being sent to. When the game ball p passes through the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b, the number of game balls is subtracted and displayed on the game ball number display 29.

Next, the details of the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 will be described. First, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has the game ball p, the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c does not have the game ball p, and the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c has the number of game balls, the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is output. The solenoid 32a is energized. When the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. 19A. When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p moves to the notch portion of the movable piece 45. When the subtraction solenoid 32a is de-energized with the game ball p sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. 19 (c). When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45 is sent out to the launch pad 43 of the launch mechanism 30.

When the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized and the game ball p moves to the notch portion of the movable piece, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b detects the passage of one game ball. The detection signal of the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b is processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17, subtracts one game ball number, and displays the subtracted game ball number on the game ball number display 29.

When the energization of the subtraction solenoid 32a is stopped, the game ball p sent to the launch mechanism is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. The detection signal of the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17.

<Program of frame control board 17>
Next, a program executed by the CPU (payout control microcomputer) of the frame control board 17 will be described. The CPU of the frame control board 17 executes a program to perform various processing such as power-on processing, main loop processing, timer interrupt control processing, communication processing, game ball number display processing, performance display calculation processing, and error detection processing. Performs various control processes. First, the memory space of the CPU of the frame control board 17 will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a memory map of the CPU in the frame control board 17. The CPU of the frame control board 17 has a memory space for accessing built-in registers, ROM, RAM, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the memory map of FIG. 22, the ROM address / data signal line is a built-in ROM area of a 16 Kbyte area of 0000H to 2FFFH (H indicates a hexadecimal number; the same applies hereinafter) in the memory space. Is assigned to. The CPU of the frame control board 17 performs various control processes in the built-in ROM area.

Further, the address / data signal line of the built-in register is assigned to the built-in register area of FE00H to FEBFH in the memory space. The CPU of the frame control board 17 reads data from the built-in register and writes data to the register via the built-in register area.

Further, the address / data signal line of the RAM is allocated to the RAM area (built-in RAM area) of F000H to F3FFH in the memory space. The CPU of the frame control board 17 specifies this RAM area and reads data from the RAM and writes data to the RAM. The other areas of the memory space (3000H to EFFFH, F400H to FDFFH, FEC0H to FFFFH in this embodiment) are unused areas.

Further, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a memory map of the built-in ROM area. As shown in FIG. 23, the built-in ROM area is assigned a program area in the used area, a data area in the used area, a program area outside the used area, and a data area outside the used area. In addition, a free area is allocated between the program area in the used area and the data area outside the used area. Similarly, free space is allocated between the data area in the used area and the program area outside the used area, and between the program area outside the used area and the data area outside the used area. The CPU of the frame control board 17 specifies the built-in ROM area and reads data from the ROM.

Of these, the program area in the used area is required for instruction data (opcode) corresponding to each of a plurality of types of instructions executed by the CPU of the frame control board 17 and for the CPU of the frame control board 17 to execute each instruction. It is composed of supplementary data (operators) and stores data of related programs for playing games. The related program stored in the program area in the used area includes a control program which is a program for controlling the frame control board 17 and a related program for managing and displaying the number of game balls. These related programs are stored in the program area in the used area.

In the program area outside the used area, the CPU of the frame control board 17 is the base, and the instruction data (opcode) for calculating the connection ratio and the combination ratio and the CPU of the frame control board 17 are required to execute each instruction. It consists of supplementary data (operands). Data of a program (hereinafter, may be referred to as a performance display related program) for calculating or displaying a base, a connection ratio, and a combination ratio is stored. The performance display-related program includes a performance display calculation program for calculating and displaying a base, a connection ratio, and a combination ratio. In the program area outside the used area, a program different from the related program for playing the game is stored.

Here, the program area in the used area and the program area outside the used area will be further described. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of a used area program area and a non-used area program area in the built-in ROM area. As shown in FIG. 24, in the program area in the used area, as related programs, "power-on processing", "main loop processing", "timer interrupt control processing", "memory processing", "port processing", Each program of "communication processing", "rental processing", and "game ball number display processing" is stored. In addition, in the program area outside the used area, each program of "performance display calculation processing", "error detection processing", "error cancellation processing", "fraud monitoring processing", "game ball circulation processing", and "ball polishing processing" Is remembered.

<Processing on the frame control board 17>
FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing processing in the CPU (payout control microcomputer) of the frame control board 17. When the power is turned on, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) executes the power-on process (step S1). After that, the main loop process (step S2) is started. After that, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) of the frame control board 17 periodically executes the timer interrupt control process (step S3) according to the timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined time (for example, 1 ms). Therefore, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) executes the main loop process (step S2) after the startup, and periodically executes the timer interrupt control process (step S3) according to the timer interrupt. , Returning to the main loop process (step S2) is repeated.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a specific processing content of the power-on processing shown in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 26, in the power-on processing, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) first performs the CPU initial setting process (step S11) for enabling the process in the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) to be executed. Is executed, and a RAM clearing process for clearing the data stored in the built-in RAM shown in FIG. 22 is executed (step S12).

Further, the CPU (CPU (microcomputer for payout control)) has a game ball clearing process (step S13) for clearing data on the number of game balls stored in a predetermined storage area of the frame control unit 171 and an area described later. In-area initial value setting process (step S14) for setting each initial value for enabling internal processing, and out-of-area initial value setting for setting each initial value for enabling extra-area processing described later. The process (step S15) and the process are executed. The out-of-area initial value setting process (step S15) is executed as an out-of-area process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the main loop process (step S2) shown in FIG. 25. In the main loop process, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) first performs a launch stop control process (step S101) including control of launch stop due to output / non-output of a launch permission signal, and a main control board 16 (main control). Main control board communication process for communicating with unit 161) (step S102), game machine information management process for managing game machine information (step S103), and for communicating with the SC board provided in the CU3. SC board communication process (step S104), game ball number display control process (step S105) for displaying the number of game balls (number of balls) possessed by the player on the game ball number display 29, within the area. The intra-regional error cancellation process (step S106) for canceling the error generated in the process is executed. The processes from steps S101 to S106 are executed as intra-regional processes.

Following step S106, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) performs a ball polishing mechanism control process (step S110) for controlling a ball polishing mechanism (not shown), and a game ball for circulating the enclosed game ball p. In the game ball circulation mechanism control process (step S111) for controlling the circulation mechanism, the out-of-area error detection process (step S112) for detecting an error generated by executing the out-of-area process, and the out-of-area error detection process. Performance information such as out-of-area error cancellation processing (step S113) for canceling the detected error, fraud detection processing (step S114) for detecting fraud on the P unit 2, and the base value displayed on the performance display monitor 40. The performance information storage process (step S115) for accumulating information such as the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls for calculation, and the performance display monitor 40 based on the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls accumulated in the performance information storage processing. The performance information calculation process (step S116) for calculating each data such as the base value to be displayed is executed. After executing the performance information calculation process (step S116), the process returns to step S101 and the main loop process is repeated. The processes from steps S110 to S116 are executed as out-of-area processes.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt control process shown in FIG. 25. In the timer interrupt control process, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) executes a 1 ms timer subtraction process (step S201), and then drives a cassette motor drive process (step S202) for driving a cassette motor of a ball polishing mechanism (not shown). Then, a lifting motor drive process (step S203) for driving the lifting motor of the game ball circulation mechanism (not shown) is executed. Therefore, these processes are processes that are executed every 1 ms and are executed as out-of-area processes. Then, it is determined whether or not it is the execution timing of the process to be executed every 2 ms (step S204).

When it is the execution timing of the process to be executed every 2 ms (step S204; Y), after the 2 ms timer subtraction process (step S205) is executed, the game ball for controlling the lighting of the LED of the game ball number display 29 Number indicator LED control process (step S206), port input process (step S207), switch detection process for detecting input from the out-ball detection switch 701, front decoration release switch 12, and back mechanism release switch 13 (step). S208), the subtraction mechanism control process shown in FIG. 29 (step S209), the ball polishing mechanism control timer subtraction process for updating the ball polishing mechanism control timer used to control the ball polishing mechanism (step S210), the ball polishing mechanism. Ball polishing mechanism switch detection process (step S211) related to detection of the ball polishing mechanism switch for detecting the game ball p provided in the above, and a game for detecting the game ball p provided in the game ball circulation mechanism (not shown). Game related to detection of ball circulation mechanism switch Executes ball circulation mechanism switch detection process (step S212), out-of-area error monitoring process (step S213), out-of-area error release monitoring process (step S214), and fraud monitoring process (step S215). To do. The process of steps S210 to S215 is executed as an out-of-area process.

In step S204, when it is not the execution timing of the process to be executed every 2 ms (step S204; N), or the process of steps S205 to S215 is executed as the process to be executed every 2 ms by the CPU (microcomputer for payout control). After that, it is further determined whether or not it is the execution timing of the process to be executed every 4 ms (step S220).

When it is not the execution timing of the process to be executed every 4 ms (step S220; N), the timer interrupt control process is finished, and when it is the execution timing of the process to be executed every 4 ms (step S220; Y), the CPU (payout control) (Microcomputer) executes a 4 ms timer subtraction process (step S221) and a test signal output process (step S222) to end the timer interrupt control process.

In this way, by executing each process at an appropriate timing frequency every 1 ms, 2 ms, and 4 ms, it is possible to execute an appropriate process while preventing an increase in the processing load.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the subtraction mechanism control process (step S208) in FIG. 28. In the subtraction mechanism control process, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) determines whether or not the subtraction reference signal is on (step S301). When the subtraction reference signal is off (step S301; N), the subtraction mechanism control process is terminated, and when the subtraction reference signal is on (step S301; Y), whether or not the number of game balls is 0. Is determined (step S302).

When the number of game balls is 0 (step S302; Y), the subtraction mechanism control process is terminated, and when the number of game balls is 1 or more (step S302; N), is the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b turned on? It is determined whether or not (step S303). When the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is off (step S303; N), the subtraction mechanism control process is completed, and when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is on (step S303; Y), the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is further operated. It is determined whether or not it is on (step S304).

When the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is off (step S304; N), the subtraction mechanism control process is terminated, and when the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is on (step S304; Y), the subtraction solenoid 32a is displayed. As shown in (Step S306), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b by turning on the subtraction solenoid 32a after executing the process of turning it on for a predetermined period (step S305). ..

When the game ball has not passed through the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b (step S306; N), it is determined whether or not 500 ms has elapsed since the subtraction solenoid 32a was turned on (step S307). When 500 ms has not elapsed since the subtraction solenoid 32a was turned on (step S307; N), the processes of steps S306 and S307 are repeatedly executed, and 500 ms have elapsed since the subtraction solenoid 32a was turned on. (Step S307; Y) executes the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor abnormality processing (S308).

On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b in step S306 (step S306; Y), the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of game balls is displayed on the game ball number display 29 (step S309), and the subtraction mechanism End the control process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the movable piece 45 is driven by controlling the subtraction solenoid 32a based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal which is a special signal, and the game ball p is conveyed. , Appropriate transport corresponding to the firing operation can be realized, and after the subtraction reference signal is in the ON state and determined to be "Y" in step S301, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is turned on to turn on the game ball p. Since it is determined as "Y" in S303 due to the detection, the processing of S309 in which the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of game balls is displayed on the game ball number display 29 is executed, so that not only the firing operation but also the firing operation is executed. , Subtraction processing corresponding to transportation can be executed.

Next, the processing in the firing mechanism and the subtracting mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 30 is a timing chart for explaining the processing by the firing mechanism 30 and the operation of the ball striking operation handle 25. The state (i) shown in FIG. 30 is a state in which the CU 3 is connected and the launch permission signal is changed from off to on from the main control board 16, and the game ball p can be launched.

When the player holds the ball striking handle 25 to play a game, the player directly touches the ring of the ball striking handle 25, and the detection signal of the touch sensor changes from off to on (Fig.). (Ii) shown in 30).

When the player turns the hitting ball operation handle 25 clockwise to play a game, the detection voltage of the handle volume of the hitting ball operation handle 25 changes from weak to strong, and the set voltage is exceeded (FIG. 30). (Iii) state).

The firing stop switch of the ball striking operation handle 25 is in the off state (state of (iv) shown in FIG. 30). When the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied, the firing mechanism 30 turns on the firing solenoid 31a 37.5 ms after the state of (iv).

The launch mechanism 30 turns on the launch solenoid 31a for 16 ms with an energizing current corresponding to the angle of the ball striking operation handle 25, and outputs a subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31 for 37.5 ms (FIG. 30). The state (v) shown).

When the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied 562.5 ms after the launch solenoid 31a is turned on, the launch mechanism 30 turns the launch solenoid 31a on for 16 ms after 37.5 ms to control the launch. The subtraction reference signal is output from the substrate 31 for 37.5 ms (state (vi) shown in FIG. 30). The firing mechanism 30 then turns on the firing solenoid 31a at a cycle of about 600 ms as long as the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied.

If the states (i) to (iv) are not satisfied 562.5 ms after the firing solenoid 31a is turned on, the firing mechanism 30 does not output the subtraction reference signal from the firing control board 31 to cause the subtraction solenoid 32a. The subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped without turning it on. Since there is a space for three game balls p3 in the ball passage from the subtraction mechanism 32 to the punch 42, even if a ball is clogged in the ball passage, the subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped and only the firing solenoid 31a is used. For example, the jammed game ball p can be ejected by performing a specific firing operation of turning on the state three times with the same firing intensity as the final firing intensity. Therefore, when the subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped without satisfying the states (i) to (iv), only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on three times as shown in FIG. 30 for the purpose of preventing ball clogging. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball p from staying in the launch mechanism 30 by the specific launch operation, and also prevent the number of game balls from being improperly subtracted by the specific launch operation.

The number of specific firing operations in which only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on is set to a minimum of three, but the number may be changed according to the length of the ball passage and the firing conditions. After that, when the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied, the launch mechanism 30 returns to the state (v) shown in FIG. 30 and launches the game ball p. Even if the ball jam is not cleared even when the launch solenoid 31a is turned on three times, only the launch solenoid 31a is turned on every 0.6 seconds in response to the operation of the ball striking operation handle 25 by the player. It may be in a state.

Next, FIG. 31 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 and the game ball number display 29. First, when the states (i) to (iv) shown in FIG. 30 are satisfied and the firing solenoid 31a of the firing mechanism 30 is turned on, a subtraction reference signal is output from the firing control board 31 for 37.5 ms (FIG. 31). (I) shown in (1).

The subtraction mechanism 32 turns on the subtraction solenoid 32a for 75 ms on condition that the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the off state 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is turned on (shown in FIG. 31). (Ii) state).

By turning on the subtraction solenoid 32a, the subtraction mechanism 32 drives the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 19 to move the game ball p stopped in front of the movable piece 45. When the game ball p moves, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is turned on (state (iii) shown in FIG. 31). When the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b is turned on and the game ball p is detected, the game ball number display 29 subtracts one from the display of the number of X game balls and changes the display to the display of the number of game balls of X-1. ..

In the subtraction mechanism 32, when the subtraction solenoid 32a is turned off, the game ball p moves to the position of the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c and the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is turned on ((iv) shown in FIG. 31. In 32, as long as the firing mechanism 30 satisfies the states (i) to (iv) shown in FIG. 30, the firing solenoid 31a is turned on at a cycle of about 600 ms thereafter, and the subtraction process of the number of game balls is repeated. ..

Next, FIG. 32 is a timing chart for explaining the operation when ball clogging is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. First, the frame control board 17 determines that ball clogging has occurred when the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the ON state 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is in the ON state (FIG. 32). (I) shown). In this case, the frame control board 17 does not turn on the subtraction solenoid 32a.

When the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is turned off, the frame control board 17 determines that the ball clogging has been cleared, turns on the firing solenoid 31a twice, and returns it to the normal state (FIG. 32). The state of (ii) shown).

The P stand 2 includes a launching mechanism 30 that launches the game ball p, a subtraction mechanism 32 (particularly, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) that conveys the game ball p to the launching mechanism 30, and the game ball p in the launching mechanism 30. The firing control board 31 that generates a subtraction reference signal corresponding to the firing operation of the above, and the number of game balls (game points) are managed, and the subtraction mechanism 32 is made to execute the transport operation of the game ball p based on the subtraction reference signal. A frame control board 17 for subtracting the number of game balls based on a subtraction reference signal is provided. As a result, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30.

Conventionally, a launch detection signal indicating that a game ball has been launched is input from the launch unit to the frame control board 17, and the frame control board 17 that receives the launch detection signal detects that the number of launch balls is one. The number of subtracted balls and the number of balls in the game are updated by 1 addition, and the number of game balls is updated by 1 subtraction. That is, the subtraction of the number of game balls by the launch of the game balls and the transportation of the game balls were performed individually. Therefore, when a problem related to the transport of the game ball occurs, such as detecting a foul ball with the foul ball detection switch, the frame control board 17 needs to add and return the number of game balls once subtracted.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the subtraction reference signal corresponding to the launch operation of the game ball p in the launch mechanism 30 is generated, and the subtraction mechanism 32 performs the transport operation of the game ball p based on the subtraction reference signal. As a result, the number of game balls is subtracted, so that the number of game balls is not subtracted even if a problem related to the transportation of the game balls occurs. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the number of game balls can be appropriately subtracted in response to the launch of the game balls p in the launch mechanism 30. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, unlike the modification by lower firing described later, the foul ball detection switch itself for detecting the foul ball is not required, and the process related to the detection of the foul ball can be omitted.

The frame control board 17 executes the subtraction process of the managed game points based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 subtracts one from the number of X game balls based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal, and causes the game ball number display 29 to display the number of game balls of X-1. .. As a result, the frame control board 17 can realize an appropriate subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30.

The frame control board 17 causes the subtraction mechanism 32 to execute the transfer operation of the game ball p based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 drives the movable piece 45 by controlling the subtraction solenoid 32a based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal, and conveys the game ball p. As a result, the frame control board 17 can realize an appropriate transfer of the game ball p corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30.

After receiving the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31, the frame control board 17 executes the subtraction process of the managed game points based on the detection of the game ball p by the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b. .. Specifically, the frame control board 17 receives the subtraction reference signal, and when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is turned on by transporting the game ball p and detects the game ball p, X games are played. The number of game balls of X-1 is displayed on the game ball number display 29 by subtracting one from the number of balls. As a result, the frame control board 17 can realize an appropriate subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30 and the operation of the transport mechanism (for example, the movable piece 45).

The frame control board 17 can determine the transport error of the game ball p based on the detection state of the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c within a predetermined period after receiving the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 determines that ball clogging has occurred when the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is turned on 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is turned on. As a result, it is possible to detect a malfunction in the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 including the subtraction solenoid 32a and the movable piece 45.

The main control board 16 executes a firing stop process based on the reception of a predetermined signal for notifying that a special event has occurred from the frame control board 17. Specifically, the main control board 16 stops the output of the launch permission signal when it receives a specific error signal (a predetermined signal for notifying that a special event has occurred) from the frame control board 17. As a result, the firing operation can be stopped in response to the occurrence of the special event detected on the frame control board 17.

<Notification processing of abnormalities that occur in card units and pachinko machines>
FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the notification process when an abnormality is detected. With reference to FIG. 33, when an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323, the communication control IC 325, the frame control unit 171 or the main control board 16, notification is given in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 33. The abnormality mentioned here is that the CU control unit 323, the communication control IC 325, the frame control unit 171 or the main control board 16 is replaced with another illegally manufactured one, or malfunctions or malfunctions due to noise or the like. It includes various error states such as when it is dropped or when it goes offline due to disconnection. The machine history management server 800 shown in FIG. 33 manages the ID information written in the P stand 2 by the manufacturer of the P stand 2 or the chip provider, and the ID information written in the CU 3 by the equipment manufacturer. Is to do.

First, when an abnormality occurs due to the communication control IC 325 of the CU 3, the CU control unit 323 detects the abnormality. When the CU control unit 323 detects an abnormality in the communication control IC 325, the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect and transmits an abnormality notification command to the display control unit 350 of the CU 3. The CU control unit 323 causes the display control unit 350 to control the display 312 to indicate that an abnormality has occurred, and also lights or blinks an abnormality notification lamp (not shown) to notify the abnormality. Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal from the external communication unit to the hall management computer to the effect that an abnormality has occurred.

When an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3, the CU control unit 323 detects the occurrence of the abnormality and notifies the hall server 801 of a signal (abnormality notification signal) to that effect. When the frame control unit 171 detects an abnormality in the frame control unit 171, it notifies the CU control unit 323 to that effect via the communication control IC 325, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect. Although not shown in FIG. 33, when the frame control unit 171 detects an abnormality, the main control board 16 is notified by the game machine response information described later. Further, the communication control IC 325 is connected to the frame control unit 171 by a parallel signal via a dedicated interface (dedicated PIF) composed of a PIF circuit which is a parallel interface circuit.

When an abnormality occurs in the main control board 16, the frame control unit 171 detects the occurrence of the abnormality, notifies the CU control unit 323 of a signal indicating the abnormality, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect. .. Of course, when an abnormality occurs in the main control board 16, the main control board 16 detects the occurrence of the abnormality, notifies the CU control unit 323 of a signal indicating the abnormality, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect. You may notify.

The game machine management server 802 shown in FIG. 33 is provided in, for example, an organization that manages game machines operated by an organization to which a plurality of game machine makers belong, and the game machines installed in the game hall are different from the design values. It is a server that manages game machines by checking whether it is in an abnormal state. The game machine management server 802 may be provided in another organization. The game machine management server 802 can communicate with the hall server 801 and the CU 3 and the P unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the game machine management server 802 designs the game machine for determining the model name of the game machine and the abnormality of the game machine by associating each game machine such as the main chip ID with the identification information. Remember the value.

<Operation after error and fraud detection of P stand 2>
Next, the operation after the error and fraud detection of the P unit 2 will be described. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the types of error and fraud detection that can be notified. In FIG. 34, 26 types of errors are described, and the "error code", "error name", "error and fraud detection content", and "operation after error and fraud detection" of each error are described. There is.

For example, for the error of number 3, the "error code" is "F06", the "error name" is "communication error in the managed game machine", and the "error detection content" is "communication between the managed game machine game board and the managed game machine frame". "No response or non-connection detected" and "Operation after error and fraud detection" detect an abnormality in the game machine frame 5, and the audio output of the game ball number display 29 and the game board 26 on the game machine frame 5 side. (1st audio output means), LCD effect, and illumination are used to notify and output error information to the hall controller.

Here, when the game machine frame 5 is used for notification, in addition to displaying an "error code" on a display device such as the game ball number display 29 (for example, variable display device 278) for notification, the frame control board 17 is used for notification. An "error code" may be displayed on the provided 7-segment LED display for notification. Further, instead of displaying the "error code", the game may be stopped to notify the error, or the error information may be output to the outside.

Further, for example, the error number 23 does not start even if the "error code" is "F97", the "error name" is "main control board startup abnormality", and the "error detection content" is "main control board does not start even after the specified period elapses". "Detected that" and "Operation after error and fraud detection" detect an abnormality on the game board 26, notify by audio output, LCD effect, and illumination on the game board 26 side, stop firing, and hall. Output error information to the LCD.

Depending on the type of error, the notification means may notify the error by outputting voice on the game board or turning on the illumination. Further, the notification means may notify the error by outputting error information output or invalid information output to the hall controller depending on the type of error.

Next, the plurality of errors shown in FIG. 34 will be described in more detail. FIG. 35 is a block diagram for explaining an error and fraud detection that occur in the game machine frame 5 and the game board 26. First, when the game machine frame 5 detects no communication response between the dedicated unit (CU3) and the management game machine frame (game machine frame 5), the frame control board 17 does not respond to the communication of the dedicated unit (error code = F05). ) Error notification. Specifically, when the frame control board 17 detects an error of no response in the dedicated unit communication, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29, and the counting process does not function even if the counting button 28 is operated. The counting is stopped, and a dedicated unit communication non-response signal is output to the main control board 16 as shown in FIG. 35. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the dedicated unit communication non-response signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the audio output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker). 270Z), LCD production, and lighting will notify the error. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall controller, and the operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 becomes invalid in the CU3.

Next, in the game machine frame 5, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b detects ball clogging or detects a failure of the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, the frame control board 17 causes the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor abnormality (error code). = F14) error notification is performed. Specifically, when the frame control board 17 detects an error of the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor abnormality, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and subtracts from the main control board 16 as shown in FIG. Mechanism entrance sensor Outputs an error signal. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor abnormality signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker). 270Z), LCD production, and lighting will notify the error. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall controller.

Next, in the game machine frame 5, when the number of game balls exceeds 40,000, the frame control board 17 notifies an error that the number of game balls is exceeded (error code = F23). Specifically, when the frame control board 17 detects an error that the number of game balls is exceeded, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and, as shown in FIG. 35, the game balls with respect to the main control board 16. Outputs a few over signals. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the game ball number over signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the audio output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270Z). ), LCD production, and illumination to notify the error. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall controller.

Next, when the game board 26 detects that there is no communication response or no connection between the management game machine game board and the management game machine frame, the main control board 16 causes an error of communication abnormality (error code = F06) in the management game machine. Notify. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the communication abnormality detection 16c in the management game machine, the audio output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270Z). The error is notified by LCD production and illumination. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs error information to the hall controller.

Here, since the game machine frame 5 and the game board 26 perform serial communication, the error and fraud detection detected on the main control board 16 side are notified to the frame control board 17 via the serial communication. .. Therefore, the frame control board 17 can grasp the error and fraud detection detected on the main control board 16 side. For example, when the main control board 16 side detects a communication abnormality (error code = F06) in the management game machine and the frame control board 17 side detects a game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17), the frame control board 17 , It is possible to grasp the error detection on the main control board 16 side via serial communication. The main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the error information by the information of the "game machine error state" included in the command of the game machine information notification shown in FIG. 42, which will be described later. In the "game machine error state", the error code information is displayed in Bit0 to Bit5, and the information on whether the frame control board 17 ("0") or the main control board 16 ("1") detects the error in Bit6. Bit7 includes information on the output destination of error information. When Bit 7 of the "game machine error state" is "0", only the error notification (reporting) is performed on the frame control board 17 side. Further, when Bit 7 of the "game machine error state" is "1", in addition to the error notification (reporting) on the frame control board 17 side, the error information is output (HC output) to the hall controller. That is, when the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the error information, the frame control board 17 includes the error information in the signal related to the game machine information (for example, the hall control signal) shown in FIG. And send it to CU3. The CU 3 outputs the error information included in the signal related to the game machine information to the hall controller via the external output terminal 340.

Therefore, in the frame control board 17, the error notification of the communication abnormality in the management game machine performed by the voice output on the main control board 16 side (for example, the game board side speaker 270Z) and the voice output on the frame control board 17 side (game machine frame). The error priority is set so as to limit the error notification of the game ball circulation device abnormality so as not to overlap with the error notification of the game ball circulation device abnormality performed by the side speaker 270W). That is, in the frame control board 17, the error notification from the game board side speaker 270Z has a higher priority, and the error notification from the game machine frame side speaker 270W is restricted while the error notification is being performed.

The frame control board 17 can detect the occurrence of an error (specific event) different from the error (predetermined event) on the main control board 16 side, and the error notification (predetermined notification) is the audio output (third) on the main control board 16 side. The error notification (specific notification) based on the fact that an error (specific event) is detected by the frame control board 17 when not performed by the frame control board 17) is the voice output (second) on the frame control board 17 side. When the error notification (predetermined notification) is performed by the voice output on the main control board 16 side, the error notification (specific notification) is performed by the voice output on the frame control board 17 side. Not done at. For example, when a game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) is detected on the frame control board 17 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is notified when the error notification is not performed on the main control board 16 side. Therefore, when the error is notified on the main control board 16 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is not notified. By determining the priority of the error to be notified in this way, even when the game board 26 of one manufacturer is mounted on the game machine frame 5, the game board 26 of another manufacturer is mounted on the game machine frame 5. It is possible to perform unified error notification even at any time.

Further, the frame control board 17 can detect the occurrence of a special event different from the specific event, and when the occurrence of the special event is detected, the frame control board 17 transmits information regarding the detection of the special event to the main control board 16. For example, unlike an error in which notification is performed only on the frame control board 17 side such as an error in the game ball circulation device (error code = F17), when the number of game balls is exceeded (error code = F23) in which notification is also performed on the main control board 16 side. When the frame control board 17 detects an error (special event), information regarding the detection of the error (special event) is transmitted to the main control board 16. Specifically, the frame control board 17 transmits information regarding the detection of the error to the main control board 16 side via serial communication. The main control board 16 is the sound output (for example, the game board side speaker 270Z) controlled by the effect control board 15 based on the reception of information regarding the detection of the error (special event), the LCD effect, and the illumination. Notify the error. By doing so, it is possible to appropriately notify the occurrence of an error (special event) detected on the frame control board 17.

As shown in FIG. 40, the information regarding the detection of an error (special event) on the main control board 16 is obtained by the game machine information response to the game machine information notification transmitted from the main control board 16 every 100 milliseconds. It is notified as information on the frame control state (see FIGS. 38 and 39). When it is notified that an error (special event) has occurred, the launch permission signal is turned off to disable the launch of the game ball.

When the game board 26 detects the opening of the front decoration (detects the ON state of the front decoration opening switch 12), the main control board 16 notifies the error of the opening of the front decoration (error code = F64). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the front decoration release switch open detection 16d, the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270Z). The error is notified by LCD production and illumination. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs illegal information to the hall controller.

When the game board 26 detects that the back mechanism portion is open (detects the ON state of the back mechanism portion open switch 13), the main control board 16 notifies the error of the back mechanism portion opening (error code = F65). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the back mechanism portion open switch open detection 16e, the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270Z). , LCD production, and illumination to notify the error. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs illegal information to the hall controller.

Here, the back mechanism portion release switch 13 is connected to the backup power supply board 174, and can detect the opening even at night when the power is turned off. FIG. 36 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the backup power supply board 174. Since the backup power supply board 174 is connected to the power supply circuit 400, power is supplied from the power supply line DC5V-1 shown in FIG. 36 when the power supply is turned on. Further, the backup power supply board 174 has a backup power supply II (5V) 17c. The backup power supply II (5V) 17c is charged by the power from the power supply line DC5V-1 via the charging circuit 174a of the power generation function when the power is turned on, and is backed up by the diode circuit 174b of the power supply selection function when the power is turned off. The power supply can be switched to the power supply board 174.

The backup power supply board 174 also backs up the power supply for the configuration in which the disconnection opening detection is determined based on the game board connection confirmation signal and the clear signal and the detection signal of the back mechanism portion opening switch 13.

The frame control board 17 stores a program (communication process shown in FIG. 24) used for communication control with the main control board 16 in the use area (in the specific area) of the user program. The frame control board 17 is different in the event that can be detected between the process executed in the used area of the user program and the process executed outside the used area (outside the specific area). For example, since the game ball number display process (FIG. 24) is executed in the used area of the user program, the error of the game ball number over (error code = F23) can be detected in the used area, and the user program Since the game ball circulation process (FIG. 24) is executed outside the used area, the error of the game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) can be detected outside the used area. Therefore, an error (event) detected by a process executed in the area used by the user program can be transmitted to the main control board 16 by executing the program (particularly, communication process). As a result, the process can be executed without straddling the inside and outside of the used area of the user program.

The main control board 16 can control the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30, and as shown in FIG. 40, the firing mechanism 30 receives information regarding the detection of an error (special event) from the frame control board 17. Stop the firing operation. As a result, the firing operation can be stopped in response to the occurrence of an error (special event) detected on the frame control board 17.

When the frame control board 17 detects the occurrence of an error (either a specific event or a special event), the number of game balls is displayed regardless of the detection status of the error (predetermined event) by the main control board 16. Information (for example, an error code) that can identify the detected error may be displayed on the device 29. As a result, the detected error can be identifiable and displayed regardless of the control state on the game board 26 side.

<Communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17>
Next, communication between the main control board 16 (main control unit 161) and the frame control board 17 (frame control unit 171) provided in the P stand 2 (see FIG. 4) will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 37, a sequence processed between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 when the power is turned on will be described. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17.

Further, the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed by a polling method with the main control board 16 as the primary station, and the polling interval is, for example, 100 ms. The power-on notification and power-on reception communications are excluded. If the main control board 16 cannot receive the response for 100 ms after transmitting the notification message, the main control board 16 retransmits the notification message. If the response cannot be received 10 times in a row, the communication line is disconnected. If the frame control board 17 cannot receive the next notification for 1000 ms after receiving the notification message, the frame control board 17 disconnects the communication line.

Further, the frame control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 only when normal data is received. The serial numbers used for transmission and reception are stored in the storage unit for both the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17, and are used for command normality confirmation, power failure recovery, and communication line disconnection recovery.

Specifically, to explain the communication sequence, first, when the power is turned on, the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 are waited for activation, and communication is started between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17. For example, a maximum of 10000 ms is used for starting the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17. Although the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed in plain text, encrypted communication may be performed.

First, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information after the start-up. Specifically, the main control board 16 transmits a command for notifying the game machine installation information to the frame control board 17 with the communication serial number set to "1". The frame control board 17 that has received the command for notifying the game machine installation information transmits the response of the game machine installation information response to the main control board 16 with the communication serial number set to "1" without counting up.

The main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information, and then notifies the frame control board 17 of the game machine information at regular intervals (100 ms). Specifically, the main control board 16 transmits a command for notifying game machine information to the frame control board 17 with the communication serial number set to "2". The frame control board 17 that has received the game machine information notification command transmits the response of the game machine information response to the main control board 16 with the communication serial number set to "2" without counting up. After that, when the main control board 16 transmits a command to the frame control board 17, the game machine information is notified to the frame control board 17 while counting up the communication serial number.

Here, the relationship between the communication timing between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 and the communication timing between the frame control board 17 (P stand 2) and the CU 3 will be described. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for explaining the communication timing. As shown in FIG. 38, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the game machine information at a fixed cycle (100 ms). On the other hand, the frame control board 17 transmits game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle slower (200 ms) than a fixed cycle (100 ms) of communication with the main control board 16. The frame control board 17 may transmit game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 300 ms instead of 200 ms.

That is, it is a communication timing in which the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 are communicated twice while the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 are communicated once. When the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 has a cycle of 300 ms, the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed 3 while the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 is performed once. It is the communication timing to be performed. Therefore, the frame control board 17 can acquire the game machine information from the main control board 16 more frequently, so that the change of the game machine can be grasped more accurately, and the game machine information can be obtained at appropriate intervals by the CU3. Can be sent to. Although the communication timing between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 has a cycle of 200 ms, and the communication timing between the frame control board 17 (P stand 2) and the CU 3 has a cycle of 300 ms is illustrated. The present invention is not limited to this, and these cycles may be the same cycle of, for example, 200 ms, or these cycles may be different from 200 ms or 300 ms.

<Command between main control board 16 and frame control board 17>
Next, commands transmitted and received between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 will be described. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a list of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17.

As shown in FIG. 39, the commands transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 include a game machine installation information notification and a game machine information notification. The game machine installation information notification command is a command for notifying the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information. The game machine information notification command is a command for notifying the frame control board 17 of the game machine information.

On the other hand, the response transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16 includes a game machine installation information response and a game machine information response. The response of the game machine installation information response is a response for responding to the main control board 16 with the result of receiving the game machine installation information. The response of the game machine information response is a response for responding the game machine information reception result to the main control board 16.

<Notification of game machine installation information / Response of game machine installation information>
Next, the command of the game machine installation information notification and the response of the game machine installation information response will be described in detail. FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining the command of the game machine installation information notification and the response of the game machine installation information response. The command for notifying the game machine installation information shown in FIG. 41A is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information, and the game machine installation information is "main control chip". Includes "ID number", "main control CPU maker code", and "main control CPU model code". When the main control board 16 transmits a command for notifying game machine installation information to the frame control board 17, the communication serial number is 1. In addition, the telegram of the game machine installation information notification must be completed in one frame and not divided and transmitted. Further, if the frame control board 17 cannot receive the checksum within 20 ms after receiving the message length of the game machine installation information notification, the frame control board 17 cancels the received data up to that point and receives the message length from the message length again. The same is done for the following commands and responses.

The response of the game machine installation information response shown in FIG. 41B is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the main control board 16 with the receipt result of the game machine installation information notification, and is "game machine installation information". Includes "receipt result". The frame control board 17 responds as it is to the communication serial number received in the game machine installation information notification. However, when the frame control board 17 receives a communication serial number other than 1, it makes no response.

<Notification of game machine information>
Next, the command for notifying game machine information will be described in detail. FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining a command for notifying game machine information. The game machine information notification command is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of game machine information (hall control information, fraud monitoring information, etc.), and is "main control" as game machine installation information. Includes "status", "game machine error status", "fraud detection status", and "game information". The main control board 16 adds 1 to the communication serial number when the game machine information is notified. The communication serial number has a maximum of 255, and the count is returned to 1 after 255. Also, when the message is resent, the communication serial number is not added (updated) by 1.

The "main control state" is information on the gaming state of the P unit 2, and includes the "main control state 1" and the "main control state 2". The "main control state 1" includes information on jackpot 1 (all jackpots), jackpot 2 (specific jackpot), jackpot 3 (short-time jackpot), and information on game machine status signals 1 to 5. The game machine status signals 1 to 5 are used to output the status from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3, and correspond to the "external terminal status output signals 1 to 5" output from the external output terminal of the CU 3. The "main control state 1" includes information during the jackpot + time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time), high probability, and time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time), and information of the game machine state signals 6 to 9. The game machine status signals 6 to 9 are used to output the status from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3, and correspond to the "external terminal status output signals 6 to 9" output from the external output terminal of the CU 3.

The "game machine error state" includes information on an error code occurring in the game machine. The "fraud detection state" includes information indicating that board frauds 1 to 6 have been detected.

The "game information" includes information for notifying the frame control board 17 of the starting opening winning, the large winning opening winning, the number of times the symbol is confirmed, and the like generated on the main control board 16. The "game information" is composed of a total of 2 bytes of type information (upper 1 byte) and count information (lower 1 byte). The type information is composed of a data type and a data number, and a data number is set for each data type.

The type information will be described in more detail. FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining the type information included in the game information. The type information is set for each value of the data type (Bits 4 to 7). For example, when the value of the data type is 1, it is the information of the starting opening winning. Further, a data number (Bit 0 to 3) is set for each data type. For example, if the data number is 1, the starting port 1 and the starting port number are indicated.

When the value of the data type is 2, it is notified that the big winning opening has been won, and when the data number is 1, the big winning opening 1 and the like are shown. When the value of the data type is 4, the number of times the symbol changes is notified, and when the data number is 1, the special figure number such as special figure 1 is indicated. When the value of the data type is 8, the continuous operating device for the accessory notifies the opening of the large winning opening when it is not operating, and if the data number is 1, the accessory number such as the accessory 1 is indicated. When the value of the data type is 13, it is instructed to output a pulse from CU3, and the terminal of the external output terminal 340 of CU3 is indicated by the data number. When the value of the data type is 14, the state required for the calculation of the performance information is notified, and the data number is fixed at 1.

As the count information, different number of times information is set for each data type. Data type is 1 = starting mouth prize, 2 = big winning mouth prize, 3 = winning mouth prize, 9 = starting mouth prize by operating the character, 10 = big winning mouth winning by continuous operation of the character, 11 = depending on the character operation In the case of winning a prize, the count information is composed of the number of prize balls (top 4 bits) and the number of prizes (bottom 4 bits). For example, when two prizes are won in the starting port 1 of three prize balls, the data type (Bit4 to 7) is "1 = starting port 1", the data number (Bit0 to 3) is "1 = starting port 1", and the prize. The game information (0x1131) in which the number of balls (Bits 4 to 7) is "3 = 3 prize balls" and the number of prizes (Bits 0 to 3) is "1 = 1 prize" is 2 data.

When the data type is 4 = the number of confirmed symbols, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of confirmed symbols (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 5 = big hit and 6 = small hit, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and number of hits (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 7 = gate passage, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of gate passages (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 8 = the number of bonuses (the number of times the large winning opening is opened), the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of bonuses (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 12 = passage through a specific area, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of passages in the specific area (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 13 = the number of pulse counts, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of pulse outputs (lower 4 bits).

When the data type is 14 = performance information status notification, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and status flag (lower 4 bits). In the state flags (Bits 0 to 3), Bit0 indicates the base state, when Bit0 is "0", it indicates that the base is low, when it is "1", it indicates that the base is high, Bit1 indicates the state of being a big hit, and Bit1 indicates the state. "0" indicates a normal time, "1" indicates a big hit, Bit2 indicates a high probability state, Bit1 indicates a low probability, and "1" indicates a high probability. There is.

<Game machine information response>
FIG. 44 is a diagram for explaining a command for responding to game machine information. The response of the game machine information response shown in FIG. 44 is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the main control board 16 with the reception result of the game machine information notification, and is the “game machine information reception result” and the “frame”. Includes "control state". The frame control board 17 responds as it is to the communication serial number received in the game machine information notification. However, when the frame control board 17 receives a communication serial number whose continuity is not established, the frame control board 17 makes no response.

The "frame control state" includes the state information of the frame control board 17, and specifically, Bit0 includes information (error) that the number of game balls is exceeded. The frame control board 17 mainly transmits information related to detection of an error of exceeding the number of game balls (error code = F23) shown in FIG. 34 by transmitting a game machine information response to the main control board 16 side via serial communication. The control board 16 can be notified. Therefore, the error that the number of game balls is exceeded (error code = F23) can be notified even on the main control board 16 side.

That is, as shown in FIG. 40, when the game machine information response in the frame control state regarding the detection of the error of exceeding the number of game balls (error code = F23) is transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16. The main control board 16 disables the launch of the game ball by turning off the launch permission signal.

<Structure of pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment>
Next, the configuration of the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 45 to 80. FIG. 45 is a front view showing an enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine and a card unit. FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a state in which the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine is viewed from diagonally right front. FIG. 47 is a left side view, a right side view, and a rear view showing the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a plan view and a bottom view showing an enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 45. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 45. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 45. FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 45. FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 45. In the following, the differences from the pachinko gaming machine 2 of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and detailed description will be omitted by adding the same reference numerals to the same components and control contents. Further, in the following figures, members, devices, and the like may be partially omitted so that the structure can be understood.

As shown in FIG. 45, the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine 1002 (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as P stand 1002) as the second embodiment is the pachinko gaming machine 2 (hereinafter, P stand) as the first embodiment. Similar to (sometimes abbreviated as 2), it can be installed on a game island (not shown) installed in a game hall (hall), and the P machine is located at a predetermined side position of the P machine 1002. A card unit 3 (hereinafter, also abbreviated as CU3), which is an example of a gaming device, is installed one-to-one with respect to 1002.

A predetermined number (for example, 40) of game balls (pachinko balls; hereinafter also referred to as enclosed balls), which is an example of a game medium, are enclosed in the P stand 1002, and the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25. As a result, the launch solenoid 31a of the launch mechanism 30 (see FIG. 61), which is a launch device provided on the lower left side of the game board 26, is driven to drive the game balls one by one into the game area 27 on the front surface of the game board 26. Is configured to allow In the second embodiment, a game ball made of a synthetic resin material is used as the game ball, but the material is not limited to the synthetic resin material, and an iron game ball like the current game ball ( Hereinafter, it may be abbreviated as an iron ball) or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 45 to 53, the P stand 1002 is rotatably supported by a square frame-shaped outer frame 4 fixed to a game island (not shown) and the outer frame 4 about the left side. It is mainly composed of a game machine frame 5 and a glass door 6 rotatably supported around the left side of the game machine frame 5.

A game board 26 is provided in the game machine frame 5. The glass door 6 is provided with a glass window 6G composed of two glass plates 6GF and 6GB (may be a synthetic resin material having translucency), and when the glass door 6 is closed, the game board 26 and the glass are provided. A game area 27 through which the game ball can flow down is formed between the window 6G and the game area 27, and the game area 27 can be seen through from the player side through the glass window 6G.

The P stand 1002 can be divided into a game board 26 and a game frame including the other outer frame 4, the game machine frame 5, the glass door 6, and the like. In particular, the game board 26 differs depending on the model of the pachinko game machine developed by each company, while the game frame including the outer frame 4, the game machine frame 5, the glass door 6, etc. is common regardless of the model. It is said to be a common frame used. For this reason, it is sufficient to replace only the game board 26 when replacing the table in the game hall.

On the front surface of the P stand 1002, a decorative body composed of a plurality of decorative covers 1201A to 1201D is provided so as to surround the glass window 6G. The decorative cover 1201A is arranged on the upper side of the glass window 6G, the decorative cover 1201B is arranged on the left side of the glass window 6G, the decorative cover 1201C is arranged on the lower side of the glass window 6G, and the decorative cover 1201D is arranged on the glass window 6G. It is placed on the right side of.

As shown in FIGS. 47 to 51, the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are made of a translucent synthetic resin material, and have a substantially triangular shape in a horizontal cross section whose outer shape gradually tapers toward the front and the rear surface is open. The decorative covers 1201A to 1201D, which are formed in the shape of a hollow box and project forward, form a three-dimensional frame-shaped decorative portion surrounding the glass window 6G. As a result, a space surrounded by the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D is formed on the front side of the glass window 6G.

Inside each of the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D, a plurality of effect LEDs 1202A to 1202D (see FIG. 51) are provided so as to be able to irradiate light toward the front, and the back surface of each decorative cover 1201A to 1201D is uneven. Since the light diffusing portion (not shown) having a shape is formed, the light from the effect LEDs 1202A to 1202D is diffused inside the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D and emitted to the outside, so that the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D Lights up. Further, speakers 270A and 270B are provided on the left and right sides inside the decorative cover 1201A, and the sound output from the speakers 270A and 270B is emitted to the outside at positions corresponding to the speakers 270A and 270B in the decorative cover 1201A. Sound emitting portions 1203A and 1203B formed of slits and holes for the purpose are formed.

As shown in FIG. 47, the longest portion of the protruding dimensions (front and rear dimensions) from the rear end to the front end of each of the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D is the protruding dimensions LA, LB, LC, and LD. Among these protruding dimensions LA, LB, LC, LD, the protruding dimension LA on the left and right sides of the decorative cover 1201A is the longest, and the protruding dimension LD, the protruding dimension LC, and the protruding dimension LB are the shortest in that order ( LA> LD> LC> LB). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a recess 1204 recessed to the rear side is formed in the central portion in the left-right direction of the upper decorative cover 1201A, and the protrusion dimension LA of the shortest portion corresponding to the recess 1204 in the decorative cover 1201A. 'Is smaller than the protruding dimension LB of the decorative cover 1201B (LB> LA').

Further, as shown in FIG. 47, the front end edge of the decorative cover 1201B on the left side is formed in an arc shape that curves convexly toward the rear side, and the front end edge of the decorative cover 1201D on the right side curves convexly toward the front side. The protruding dimension LB of the left decorative cover 1201B is shorter than the protruding dimension LD of the right decorative cover 1201D because it is formed in an arc shape. Therefore, when the glass door 6 is opened centering on the left side, the decorative cover 1201B on the left side is less likely to come into contact with a game device such as CU3 or the P stand 1002 arranged on the left side of the P stand 1002.

Since the P stand 1002 does not require a game ball input portion (upper plate) like the current pachinko game machine because the game ball is enclosed, the lower decorative cover 1201C is another decorative cover 1201A. , 1201B, 1201D are provided so as to project forward. The upper surface of the lower decorative cover 1201C is formed in an inclined shape that is inclined downward toward the front, and an operation unit 1205 that can be operated by the player is provided on the upper surface. A non-contact capacitance type detection switch (touch sensor) (not shown) is provided inside the decorative cover 1201C, and it is possible to detect that the player is in close proximity to or in contact with the operation unit 1205. The operation unit 1205 may be configured by a button switch or the like capable of a pressing operation. Further, the decorative cover 1201C itself may be configured as a button switch by operably providing the decorative cover 1201C with respect to the glass door 6.

Below the glass window 6G on the front surface of the P stand 1002, the operation unit 1210 is provided so as to project forward. The operation unit 1210 is formed in a three-dimensional shape having a substantially trapezoidal shape in a plan view, and a counting button 28 and a game ball number display 29 are provided on the upper surface thereof, and a ball striking operation handle 25 is provided on the right side surface. .. The protruding dimension LE (front-rear dimension LE) from the rear end to the front end of the operation unit 1210 is substantially the same as the protruding dimension LD of the right decorative cover 1201D, and is larger than the protruding dimension LC of the lower decorative cover 1201C. It is said to be long (LE = LD, LE> LC). That is, since the front end portion protrudes so as to be located slightly forward of the front end portion of the decorative cover 1201C, the counting button 28 and the game ball number display 29 can be arranged so that the player can operate them. ..

Further, speakers 270C and 270D are provided at the center position and the right side in the left-right direction inside the operation unit 1210 (see FIG. 53), and at positions corresponding to the speakers 270C and 270D in the operation unit 1210, respectively. Sound emitting portions 1203C and 1203D formed of slits and holes for emitting the sound output from the speakers 270C and 270D to the outside are formed.

As described above, in the enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine 1002, unlike the current pachinko game machine, the upper plate which is the throwing part for throwing the game ball is unnecessary, so that the lower decorative cover 1201C is used, for example. It can be projected forward from the decorative cover 1201C on the left side, and the space such as the upper surface of the decorative cover 1201C formed by this can be used to count the production units and the like related to the production such as the operation unit 1205 and the decoration unit. It is possible to separately arrange the buttons 28 and the game ball number display 29 at positions closer to the game area 27 and the variable display device 278 than the game units related to the game.

In addition, the current pachinko gaming machine has a payout unit for paying out the game balls to the player, so that a space for installing a storage box or a counting device capable of storing the game balls is secured below the payout unit. However, since the P stand 1002 does not require a payout portion, the operation unit 1210 having the ball striking operation handle 25 or the like can be arranged at the lower position of the outer frame 4. Therefore, the gaming area 27 can be expanded downward as compared with the current pachinko gaming machine, so that the degree of freedom in designing the gaming board 26 is improved.

As shown in FIGS. 47 to 52, on the back surface of the game board 26, the main control board storage case 16A in which the main control board 16 is housed and the effect control board storage case 16A in which the effect control board 15 is housed (not shown). Also, various effect devices (not shown) are provided, and these are covered with a cover member 1211 made of a translucent synthetic resin material. The cover member 1211 projects rearward from the outer frame 4 when the game board 26 is attached to the game machine frame 5. The game board 26 is a structure including a board surface plate 26A and obstacle nails, wind turbines, various winning devices, etc. provided on the board surface plate 26A, and is integrated with the game board 26 on the back side of the game board 26. A game board unit including a main control board storage case 16A, an effect control board storage case (not shown), various effect devices, and a cover member 1211 covering them is provided by each game machine manufacturer.

Various devices including a power supply board storage case 18A in which the power supply board 18 is housed and a frame control board storage case 17A in which the frame control board 17 is housed at a position below the game board 26 on the back surface of the game machine frame 5. And members are provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 52, the power supply board storage case 18A is mounted on the right side of the back surface of the mounting member 1212 mounted on the back surface of the game machine frame 5, and the frame control board storage case 17A is mounted on the back surface of the mounting member 1212. It is mounted on the back surface of a mounting member 1213 provided so as to overlap the side. Therefore, by removing the mounting members 1212 and 1213, it is possible to open the back side of the circulation path of the game ball, which will be described later, provided in the lower part of the game machine frame 5.

<Composition of pachinko machine>
Next, the configuration of the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine 1002 will be described with reference to FIGS. 53 to 56. FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing a method of mounting the game board. FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of mounting the game board. 56A and 56B are perspective views showing a mounting state by the upper board presser, and FIG. 56C is a perspective view showing the lower board presser.

As shown in FIG. 53, the P stand 1002 has a square frame-shaped outer frame 4 fixed to a game island (not shown) and a game machine rotatably supported around the left side of the outer frame 4. It is mainly composed of a frame 5 and a glass door 6 rotatably supported around the left side of the game machine frame 5.

On the right side of the game machine frame 5 opposite to the center of rotation, a pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are provided so as to project toward the back side. The engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are pressed downward by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b are provided on the right side of the outer frame 4 corresponding to the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b. By pressing the game machine frame 5 in the open state against the outer frame 4, the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b get over the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b, and in the state where they get over, the engaging protrusions 6a are generated by the urging force of the spring (not shown). , 6b move downward and become locked.

In addition, a clerk at the game hall inserts a key (not shown) with a game location into the keyhole 10 and unlocks it (for example, clockwise rotation) to move it up and down against the urging force of the spring (not shown). A pair of engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are pushed upward, and as a result, the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are disengaged from the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b to be in an unlocked state, and the game machine frame 5 is removed. It is opened to the frame 4.

Further, engaging protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c for the glass door 6 are provided on the upper, central, and lower parts of the right side of the game machine frame 5 so as to project forward, and the engaging protrusions 8a, 8b are provided. Engagement holes 9a, 9b, 9c are provided on the right side of the back surface of the glass door 6 facing the glass door 6 and 8c. The engaging protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c are pressed downward by a spring (not shown) (not shown), and the engaging holes 9a, 9b, 9c are formed by pressing the open glass door 6 against the game machine frame 5. When the engaging protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c are pushed up by the lower edge portion and get over, the engaging protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c are pushed down by the urging force of the spring, and are engaged with the engaging protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c. The joint holes 9a, 9b, and 9c are engaged with each other to be locked. In this state, a clerk at the game hall inserts a key (not shown) with a game location into the keyhole 10 and unlocks it (for example, counterclockwise rotation) to counteract the urging force of the spring and engage the protrusion. The 8a, 8b, 8c are pulled up, the engaging protrusions 8a, 8b, 8c are disengaged from the engaging holes 9a, 9b, 9c, the lock is released, and the glass door 6 is opened.

A back mechanism opening switch 13 is provided at a position in contact with the outer frame 4 in the lower portion of the game machine frame 5, and it is detected that the game machine frame 5 is opened. Further, the front decoration opening switch 12 is provided at the contact portion with the glass door 6 in the upper portion of the game machine frame 5, and the opening of the glass door 6 is detected by the front decoration opening switch 12.

The number of times the front decoration opening switch 12 and the back mechanism opening switch 13 are opened is counted by a counting counter (not shown). The counting counter is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and can be operated by a backup power supply even when the power supply of the P unit 1002 is interrupted, such as at night. Even when the power is turned off, the number of times the glass door 6 and the game machine frame 5 are detected to be opened can be counted and the counted value can be transmitted to the frame control unit 171. Here, the backup power source is, for example, a capacitor or a storage battery provided in the P unit 1002.

As shown in FIGS. 47 to 51, the main control board 16 is provided on the back surface of the game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the glass door 6). Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 becomes removable from the game board 26 by first opening the game machine frame 5 and removing the game board 26 from the game machine frame 5. That is, in order to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26 or replace the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the game machine frame 5, so that the back mechanism portion open switch 13 The work can always be detected with. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26 or the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism portion open switch 13. The effect control board 15 may be provided on the back surface of the game board 26.

Further, a frame control board 17 is provided on the back surface of the game machine frame 5. The frame control board 17 also needs to be removed from the back surface of the game machine frame 5 after the game machine frame 5 is first opened. Therefore, if the frame control board 17 is illegally removed from the back surface of the game machine frame 5 or the semiconductor chip provided on the frame control board 17 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism portion opening switch 13.

As shown in FIG. 54, the game board 26 is made of a board surface plate 26A formed of a translucent synthetic resin material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin in a substantially square shape in front view, and a board surface plate 26A. The game board surface on the front surface is composed of obstacle nails (not shown), guide rails 1220, various winning devices, and the like. The board surface plate 26A may be formed of a non-transmissive member such as a veneer plate in a substantially square shape in front view.

The game machine frame 5 is formed with an opening 1230 into which the game board 26 cannot be inserted and the cover member 1211 can be inserted, so that the game board 26 can be attached from the front side. Locking recesses 1231A and 1231B are provided at the upper and lower positions on the left side of the opening 1230 by a pair of front and rear leaf springs arranged apart from each other in the front and rear, and board retainers 1232 and 1233 are provided at the upper and lower positions on the right side. The left end of the game board 26 is inserted into the locking recesses 1231A and 1231B, and the right end is locked with the board presser 1232, 1233 to be attached. In a state where the game board 26 is attached to the game machine frame 5, the cover member 1211 on the back surface of the game board 26 projects to the back side of the game machine frame 5 through the opening 1230.

As shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 (A) and 56 (B), the board retainer 1232 is provided on the game machine frame 5 with a first rotating portion 1235 rotatably provided around a rotating shaft 1234 facing in the vertical direction. A second rotating portion 1237 provided on the first rotating portion 1235 so as to be rotatable around a rotating shaft 1236 facing in the vertical direction, and a leaf spring 1238 for urging the first rotating portion 1235. It is mainly composed of a regulation shaft 1239 that regulates the rotation of the second rotation portion 1237. As shown in FIG. 56 (A), the first rotating portion 1235 is formed with a recess 1235A into which the game board 26 can be inserted, and the recess 1235A is urged by a leaf spring 1238 so as to face forward. ..

As shown in FIG. 56 (C), the board retainer 1233 has a base portion 1240 fixed to the lower right side of the opening 1230 in the game machine frame 5 and a rotation facing the vertical direction provided on the right side with respect to the base portion 1240. It is mainly composed of a rotating portion 1242 rotatably provided about a moving shaft 1241 and a locking portion 1243 rotatably provided so as to be slidable in the lateral direction with respect to the rotating portion 1242.

The rotating portion 1242 is always urged toward the opening direction by a coil spring (not shown) ringed on the rotating shaft 1241, and a pressing portion that presses the right side of the lower front side of the game board 26 from the front side at the upper part. 1242A is extended in the left-right direction.

The locking portion 1243 includes a locking claw (not shown) that can be locked to a locked portion (not shown) formed on the base portion 1240, and an operation piece 1243A for performing a locking release operation. However, it is always urged in the locking direction by a compression spring (not shown).

When the game board 26 is attached to the game machine frame 5, first, the board presser 1232 is set to the non-fixed state shown in FIG. 56 (A), and the board presser 1233 is set to the non-fixed state shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 56 (C). .. Next, as shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, from the front side of the game machine frame 5, the upper and lower parts of the left side of the game board 26 are inserted into the locking recesses 1231A and 1231B, and the right side of the game machine frame 5 is inserted. Push it to the side.

Then, as shown in FIG. 56 (B), the first rotating portion 1235 and the second rotating portion 1237 of the board retainer 1232 rotate clockwise around the rotation shaft 1234 in the game board 26. When the right side portion is inserted into the recess 1235A and becomes substantially parallel to the game machine frame 5, the second rotating portion 1237 is restricted from rotating by the regulation shaft 1239, and the elastic piece 1237A of the second rotating portion 1237 regulates the rotation. The first rotating portion 1235 is also restricted from rotating and is held at a fixed position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 56 (C), the rotating portion 1242 of the board retainer 1233 is rotated substantially clockwise in a plan view, and the locking portion 1243 is formed on the base portion 1240. ), The lower right side of the front surface of the game board 26 is fixed by the holding portion 1242A. When removing the game board 26, the game board 26 can be easily removed from the game machine frame 5 simply by releasing the fixing by the board pressers 1232 and 1233 and pulling out from the locking recesses 1231A and 1231B.

Although not shown in particular, when the game board 26 is fixed by the board pressers 1232 and 1233, the convex drawer connector (not shown) provided on the game board 26 side is provided on the game machine frame 5 side. Combine with (not shown). Here, the convex drawer connector and the concave drawer connector are floating connectors having flexibility against misalignment. When the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5, the convex drawer connector is combined with the concave drawer connector to form a main control board 16 on the game board 26 side and a frame control board 17 on the game machine frame 5 side. Will be connected. Further, since the game board 26 is fixed at a fixed position and the convex drawer connector and the concave drawer connector have flexibility against a certain degree of misalignment, the convex drawer connector and the concave drawer connector can be separated from each other. These can be combined without being aware of the positional relationship. Even if the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5 by using only the convex drawer connector and the concave drawer connector without providing the board retainers 1232 and 1233, the convex drawer connector and the concave drawer connector itself are flexible. Since it is a floating connector having a property, these can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship between the game board 26 and the game machine frame 5. The convex drawer connector is connected to the main control board 16 via the internal wiring (not shown) of the game board 26, and the concave drawer connector is connected to the frame control board 17 via a signal cable.

Further, the mounting mechanism of the game board 26 including the locking recesses 1231A and 1231B and the board pressers 1232 and 1233 corresponds to the game board 26 manufactured by each game machine manufacturer having a slightly different shape, plate thickness, size and the like. It is preferable that they can be used in common.

<Circulation route of game balls>
Next, the circulation path of the game ball in the P platform 1002 will be outlined based on FIGS. 57 to 62. FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower front portion of the game machine frame is viewed from the diagonally right front side. FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which a part of the member of the game machine frame is removed and the structure of the lower part of the back surface is viewed from the diagonally right front side. FIG. 59 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower part of the back surface of the game machine frame is viewed from the diagonally right rear side. FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower part of the back surface of the game machine frame is viewed from the diagonally left rear side. FIG. 61 is a schematic front view showing the circulation path of the game ball. FIG. 62 is a schematic perspective view showing a circulation path of the game ball. FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view showing a normal time of the recovery ball flow-down path, and FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view showing a ball clogging detection of the recovery ball flow-down path. FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ball clogging of the recovery ball flow path is cleared, and FIG. 64 (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the ball removal of the recovery ball flow path. 65A and 65B are a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the polishing cassette is supported, and FIG. 65B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the polishing cassette is pulled out. The area indicated by halftone dots in FIG. 62 indicates the wall portion of the game machine frame 5. In addition, in FIG. 59 and FIG. 60, the lifting device 1330 is in a state where a part of the case body is removed.

In the above embodiment (first embodiment), the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 are provided in the upper left portion of the game area 27, and the embodiment in which the game ball is launched from the upper left portion of the game area 27 is illustrated. In the embodiment, the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 are provided at the lower left position of the game area 27, and the game ball is launched upward from the lower left position of the game area 27. Regarding the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32, although the launching direction of the game ball is different, the basic configuration and the launch control are the same. Therefore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the above embodiment, since the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 are arranged in the upper left portion of the game area 27, it is necessary to secure the arrangement space of the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 in the upper left portion of the game board 26. It was. Further, in order to collect the out balls and safe balls (winning balls) launched into the game area 27 and flowed down below the game area 27, and then lift them to the upper left part of the game area 27 to supply them to the launch mechanism 30. A long lifting device or the like is arranged on the left back surface of the game board 26. Therefore, the game machine manufacturer that manufactures the game board 26 manufactures the game board 26 in consideration of the arrangement positions of the launch mechanism 30, the subtraction mechanism 32, and the lifting device provided in the game machine frame 5, which is a common frame. Since it is necessary, there is a limit in increasing the degree of freedom in design, such as the inability to increase the size of the game area 27.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32, and a circulation path for returning the game ball collected from the game area 27 to the launch mechanism 30 are provided below the game area 27, and the game ball is placed above the game area 27. By launching toward the area 27, the launching mechanism 30, the subtraction mechanism 32, the lifting device, and the like are located below the placement position of the game board 26 manufactured by the game machine manufacturer (outside the placement position). By providing the above-mentioned device and the like, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in design such as increasing the size of the game area 27. The circulation route will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, a launch mechanism 30 is provided at the lower left front position of the game machine frame 5, and the front side of the launch mechanism 30 is covered with a launch cover 1300. The launch cover 1300 and the front side around the launch cover 1300 are covered with a cover body 1310 that can be opened and closed (see FIGS. 53 and 54), and other game balls, dust, and the like are mixed in the launch mechanism 30. Is prevented from doing. From the launch pad 43, the launch ball guide rail 1301A constituting the launch ball guide path 1301 extends diagonally upward to the left, and the game ball is extended to the board side launch ball guide path 1302 provided on the game board 26. It is designed to be guided. The hitting hammer is provided so that the game ball supplied to the launch pad 43 can be flipped from below by the punch 42.

Further, the launch cover 1300 was launched from the front wall of the launch ball guidance path 1301, the launch pad 43 to the launch ball guidance path 1301 and the board side launch ball guidance path 1302, but fell without reaching the game area 27. It constitutes the front wall, left side wall, and bottom wall of the foul ball guidance path 1303 that guides the returned foul ball (also referred to as a return ball). The game ball guided by the foul ball guidance path 1303 is guided to the back side of the game machine frame 5, and is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703 provided in the middle thereof. The upper ends of the launch ball guidance path 1301 and the foul ball guidance path 1303 are connected to the lower part of the board-side launch ball guidance path 1302.

As shown in FIGS. 59 and 60, a subtraction mechanism 32 is provided at the lower left position on the back surface of the game machine frame 5, and a foul ball guidance path 1303 extends downward to the lower right. Further, on the back side of the game machine frame 5, various guidance paths forming a circulation path are provided.

In the above embodiment, since the launch mechanism 30 is provided close to the upper left portion of the game area 27, the foul ball guidance path and the foul ball detection switch are unnecessary, but in the second embodiment, the foul ball guidance path and the foul ball detection switch are unnecessary. Since the launch mechanism 30 is provided below the game area 27, the launch ball guidance path 1301 and the board-side launch ball guidance path 1302 are longer than those in the above embodiment, so that the foul ball guidance path 1303 and the foul ball detection are detected. Processing related to the detection of the switch 703 and the foul ball described later is required. Further, the arrangement position of the foul ball detection switch 703 in the foul ball guidance path 1303 is not limited to the positions shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, and can be changed in various ways.

Next, the circulation path will be described with reference to FIGS. 57 to 60 based on FIGS. 61 and 62. First, when the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a is driven. As a result, one game ball that has been supplied to the launch position is repelled by the hitting hammer. The repelled game ball is guided diagonally upward to the left by the launch ball guidance path 1301, further guided to the upper left portion of the game area 27 by the board-side launch ball guidance path 1302, and then enters the game area 27.

A subtraction reference signal is output to the subtraction mechanism 32 in conjunction with the activation of the firing solenoid 31a and the firing of the game ball. In the subtraction mechanism 32, the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized based on the output subtraction reference signal to move the movable piece 45 (see FIG. 19) to send the game ball to the launch mechanism 30, and the game ball is the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor. The number of game balls is subtracted by passing through 32b.

Of the game balls driven into the game area 27, the out balls that have entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 45) are guided to the back side of the game board 26 and then provided on the lower back surface of the game machine frame 5. It falls on the out ball receiving portion 1311A formed in the upper part of the out ball flow path 1311 (see FIG. 49). Then, it flows down to the right side by the out-ball flow-down path 1311, and is detected by the out-ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle of the flow.

In addition, all the safe balls (winning balls) that have won the winning opening or the variable winning ball device are guided to the back side of the game board 26, and then the winning ball guidance path 1312B provided on the back side of the game board 26 (FIG. It is guided by (see 49) and falls to the safe ball receiving portion 1312A formed in the upper part of the safe ball flow path 1312 provided on the lower back surface of the game machine frame 5. Then, it flows down to the right side by the safe ball flow path 1312, and is detected by the safe ball detection switch 702 provided in the middle of the flow.

The game balls flowing down the out ball flow path 1311 and the safe ball flow path 1312 are guided downward on the lower back right side of the game machine frame 5, and then merge immediately after being guided toward the left side, and the collected ball flows down. It is guided to the left by route 1313. The game ball guided by the recovery ball flow path 1313 is guided to the rear left at the ball pulling portion 1314 provided at a position slightly to the right of the launch mechanism 30, and enters the lower part of the lifting device 1330. Further, the recovery ball flow path 1313 is provided with an iron ball detection mechanism 1315 capable of detecting iron balls that have entered the circulation path.

As shown in FIGS. 63 and 64, the iron ball detection mechanism 1315 has a ball clogging release member 1316 provided in the middle of the recovery ball flow-down path 1313 and 8 to 10 game balls upstream of the ball jam release member 1316. It is mainly composed of a ball clogging detection switch 1317 provided on the side. The ball clogging release member 1316 is extended below the recovery ball flow path 1313 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the recovery ball flow path 1313, and is the first position shown in FIGS. 63 (A) and 64 (B) and FIG. 64 (A). It is supported by the game machine frame 5 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction from the second position shown in (B), and is always maintained in the first position by a spring member (not shown).

The ball clogging release member 1316 is inserted through an opening 1318 (see FIG. 57) formed in the game machine frame 5, and an operation portion 1316A formed at the front end at the first position projects toward the front side of the game machine frame 5. At the same time, the magnet 1316B provided at the rear end is arranged close to the lower surface side of the bottom wall of the recovery ball flow path 1313.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 63 (A), the recovery ball flow path 1313 is allowed to flow down for an appropriate game ball p made of a synthetic resin material, but is inappropriate as shown in FIG. 63 (B). When the iron ball pt flows down, the magnetic force of the magnet 1316B attracts the iron ball pt to regulate the flow down, so that the subsequent game ball p that flows down after the iron ball pt stays. Ball clogging occurs. Then, when the subsequent game ball p in which the ball clogging detection switch 1317 is retained is continuously detected for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds or the like), the frame control unit 171 transmits the fraud monitoring information to the CU3. It has become.

As shown in FIGS. 63 and 64, a ball outlet 1320 in the recovery ball flow path 1313 is formed with a ball outlet 1320 capable of allowing the game ball flowing down the recovery ball flow path 1313 to flow out of the path. The ball pulling port 1320 can be opened and closed by the ball pulling lever 1321. The ball pulling lever 1321 is rotatably provided around a rotation shaft 1322 that faces in the vertical direction, and at the closed position shown in FIG. 63, constitutes a part of the bottom wall and the side wall of the recovery ball flow path 1313. Then, while the game ball that has flowed down to the right side can be guided toward the rear side, at the open position shown in FIG. 64, the bottom wall and the side wall on the front side of the recovery ball flow-down path 1313 are removed. , The game ball that has flowed down to the right side flows out of the route.

Specifically, when the ball pulling lever 1321 rotates to the open position and retracts from the recovery ball flow-down path 1313, the bottom wall on the front side of the communication port 1324 formed in the game machine frame 5 disappears and the game ball falls downward. Therefore, the iron ball pt and the game ball p that have flowed down toward the right side can be discharged from the ball outlet 1320 to the outside of the route without flowing into the communication port 1324. The iron ball pt and the game ball p that have flowed out of the path from the ball extraction port 1320 are stored in the ball extraction plate 1323 provided in the lower front portion of the game machine frame 5.

In this way, when the iron ball pt is detected by the iron ball detection mechanism 1315, the iron ball pt can be discharged out of the circulation path before entering the downstream lifting device 1330 or the launch mechanism 30. Further, the operation unit 1316A of the ball removal lever 1321 and the ball jam release member 1316 can be operated on the lower front side of the game machine frame 5, and the iron ball pt and the game ball p discharged out of the circulation path are also played. Since the ball is stored in the ball pulling plate 1323 on the lower front side of the machine frame 5, the game machine frame 5 can be used for removing the iron ball pt and pulling out the enclosed game ball from the circulation path. This can be easily done by simply opening the glass door 6 without opening it.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 59 to 62, a merging portion where the game balls flowing down the foul ball guiding path 1303 join between the ball pulling portion 1314 and the iron ball detecting mechanism 1315 in the collected ball flowing down path 1313. A 1325 is provided so that the game ball that has flowed down the foul ball guidance path 1303 can be discharged from the ball pulling portion 1314 and can be immediately guided to the lifting device 1330.

<Freighting device 1330>
As shown in FIGS. 59, 60, and 65, the lifting device 1330 is provided at the lower part of the back surface of the game machine frame 5, and is guided to the back side of the game machine frame 5 at the ball pulling portion 1314 in the recovery ball flow path 1313. The ball sending mechanism unit 1331 that sends out the game ball to the lifting unit 1332, the lifting unit 1332 extending upward from the ball sending mechanism unit 1331, and the game ball sent out by the ball sending mechanism unit 1331 are lifted. A lifting screw body 1333 for rotating the lifting screw body 1333, a lifting motor 1334 for rotationally driving the lifting screw body 1333, a gear for transmitting the power of the lifting motor 1334 to the lifting screw body 1333, a ball delivery mechanism unit 1331, etc. The power transmission mechanism unit 1339 provided with the power transmission member of the above, the lifting case body 1336 forming the lifting path 1335 for lifting and guiding the game ball, and the game ball lifted by the lifting path 1335 are discharged. It mainly has a lifting ball outlet 1337 and a polishing device 1338 for polishing a game ball moving on the lifting path 1335.

Based on the fact that the predetermined lifting conditions are met (for example, the firing conditions are met), the ball sending mechanism unit 1331 and the lifting screw body 1333 rotate in synchronization with the lifting motor 1334. , The game balls that have entered the ball delivery mechanism unit 1331 are sent out one by one to the lifting path 1335, lifted upward by the rotational drive of the lifting screw body 1333, and then discharged from the lifting ball outlet 1337. It has become. The game ball discharged from the lifting ball outlet 1337 is detected by the lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33, and then flows down the lifting ball guidance path 1340 and is guided to the subtraction mechanism 32.

As shown in FIG. 65, the polishing apparatus 1338 has a polishing case body 1342 fitted in an opening 1341 formed along the lifting path 1335 on the lifting path 1335 side of the lifting case body 1336, and polishing. It mainly has a polishing cassette 1343 provided in the case body 1342 and a lever member 1344 for attaching and detaching the polishing cassette 1343.

The polishing case body 1342 is composed of a tubular body formed so that the front surface and the rear surface are opened and the opening is gradually increased toward the rear side, and the lifting case body is in a state where the rear surface opening faces the opening 1341. It is fixed at 1336. Further, as shown in FIGS. 57, 58 and 65 (A), the front portion of the polishing case body 1342 is arranged on the front side of the game machine frame 5 through the opening formed in the game machine frame 5. , The rear portion is provided so as to be arranged on the back side of the game machine frame 5.

The polishing cassette 1343 includes an elastic material 1350 for pressing the abrasive (not shown) provided so as to be in contact with the game ball p moving in the lifting path 1335 against the game ball p, and a holding member 1351 for holding the elastic material 1350. And consists of. The elastic material 1350 is made of an elastic member having a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape having a size capable of closing the rear opening of the polishing case body 1342, and is removed by polishing dust or the like adhering to the surface of the game ball p on the surface thereof. It is said that the holding member 1351 can hold the polishing member in a wound state. The material of the abrasive can be changed in various ways, and a cloth member, a paper member, a synthetic resin sheet material, or the like may be applied.

The holding member 1351 is provided with a boss 1352 that can be locked to a locking portion (not shown) formed on the bottom wall of the polishing case body 1342 at the lower portion, and can be locked to the left and right sides of the rear end of the lever member 1344. Locking portions 1353 are provided on the upper left and right sides.

In the lever member 1344, a cylindrical boss 1356 that can be locked to the locking portion 1353 is projected on the left and right sides of the rear end, and an arc shape formed on the upper left and right sides of the front opening of the polishing case body 1342. Cylindrical bosses 1357 that can be locked to the locking portion 1358 are projected on the left and right sides of the front end.

Therefore, the lower boss 1352 of the holding member 1351 is locked to the locking portion (not shown) formed in the polishing case body 1342, and the rear boss of the lever member 1344 is locked to the upper locking portion 1353 of the holding member 1351. With the 1356 locked, the front boss 1357 is locked to the locking portion 1358 of the polishing case body 1342, so that the lever member 1344 is in a horizontal posture toward the front and back. As a result, the lower part of the polishing cassette 1343 is supported by the bottom wall of the polishing case body 1342, and the upper part of the polishing cassette 1343 is supported by the polishing case body 1342 via the lever member 1344. By supporting the polishing cassette 1343 so as to face the rear opening of the polishing case body 1342 in this way, the polishing agent (not shown) is pressed against the game ball p moving upward along the lifting path 1335, and the game is played. The sphere p is polished.

As shown in FIG. 65 (A), when the abrasive (not shown) becomes dirty and needs to be replaced, the front end of the lever member 1344 exposed on the front side of the game machine frame 5 is pressed downward. After releasing the locked state of the boss 1357 by the locking portion 1358, as shown in FIG. 65 (B), by grasping the front end of the lever member 1344 and pulling it toward the front side, the upper part of the polishing cassette 1343 is lowered. Tilt forward around the boss 1352. Further, when it is pulled out to the front side, the locked state of the lower boss 1352 by the locking portion (not shown) of the polishing case body 1342 is released, so that the polishing cassette 1343 can be pulled out from the polishing case body 1342 to the front side. ..

To support the polishing cassette 1343, which has been replaced with a new polishing agent (not shown) by removing the polishing agent wound around the elastic material 1350, the boss 1356 of the lever member 1344 is used to support the polishing cassette 1343 so as to face the rear opening of the polishing case body 1342. With the holding member 1351 locked to the upper locking portion 1353, the polishing case body 1342 is pushed from the lower side to the rear side through the front opening of the polishing case body 1342, and the lower boss 1352 is locked to the polishing case body 1342. After locking to the portion (not shown), the lever member 1344 is pushed to the rear side, and then the front side is pushed upward to lock the front boss 1357 to the locking portion 1358 of the polishing case body 1342. As a result, the polishing cassette 1343 is supported so as to face the rear opening of the polishing case body 1342.

In this way, since the lever member 1344 connected to the polishing cassette 1343 can be operated from the front side of the game machine frame 5, the glass can be replaced without opening the game machine frame 5. This can be done simply by opening the door 6.

In the polishing apparatus 1338, unlike the current pachinko game machines, the game balls are enclosed in the circulation path without being paid out to the player, so that dirt does not easily adhere to the game balls. The polishing agent is provided so as to be replaceable as appropriate, but it may be possible to replace the polishing pad with a new polishing pad by appropriately winding the polishing pad or the like with a drive source such as a motor. Further, it is not always necessary to provide a polishing device 1338 in the circulation path.

As shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, the circulation path of the game ball in the second embodiment is the launch mechanism 30, the launch ball guide path 1301, the board side launch ball guide path 1302, the foul ball guide path 1303, the game area 27, It is mainly composed of an out ball flow path 1311, a safe ball flow path 1312, a recovery ball flow path 1313, a ball delivery mechanism unit 1331, a lift path 1335, a lift ball guidance path 1340, and a subtraction mechanism 32.

In the second embodiment, the launch mechanism 30 is arranged on the lower left side of the game area 27 in the game machine frame 5, and is launched diagonally upward to the left toward the upper left portion of the game area 27. The distance between the launch ball guidance path 1301 and the board-side launch ball guidance path 1302 can be shortened as compared with the one arranged on the lower right side of the game area 27 in the game machine frame 5. Further, since the lifting device 1330 is arranged slightly closer to the launching mechanism 30 than the center of the game machine frame 5 in the left-right direction, the foul ball guidance path 1303 can also be shortened.

Further, since the replacement work of the polishing cassette 1343, the ball removal from the ball removal portion 1314, the ball clogging release operation by the iron ball detection mechanism 1315, and the like can all be performed from the front side of the game machine frame 5, maintenance work. You can improve your sex.

Further, in the circulation path, the launch mechanism 30, the launch ball guide path 1301, the board side launch ball guide path 1302, the foul ball guide path 1303, and the game area 27 are arranged on the front side of the game machine frame 5, and the out ball is arranged. The flow path 1311, the safe ball flow path 1312, the recovery ball flow path 1313, the ball delivery mechanism unit 1331, the lift path 1335, the lift ball guidance path 1340, and the subtraction mechanism 32 are arranged on the back side of the game machine frame 5. As a result, only the minimum path necessary for launching the game ball into the game area 27 is arranged on the front side closed by the glass door 6, while the other paths are placed on the back side of the game machine frame 5. Since it can be arranged, it is possible to prevent an illegal game medium such as an iron ball pt from being mixed into the circulation path when the glass door 6 is opened during the business of the game hall.

<Modification example 1 of circulation path>
Next, the circulation path as the first modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 66 and 67. FIG. 66 is a schematic front view showing the circulation path of the game ball as the first modification. FIG. 67 is a schematic perspective view showing a circulation path of the game ball as the first modification. In the following modification 1, the points different from the circulation paths described with reference to FIGS. 61 and 62 will be mainly described, and detailed description will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to the same components. To do. Further, the area indicated by halftone dots in FIG. 67 indicates the wall portion of the game machine frame 5.

In the circulation path described with reference to FIGS. 61 and 62, the out ball flow path 1311, the safe ball flow path 1312, and the recovery ball flow path 1313 are substantially reversed in the region to the right of the center position in the left-right direction in the lower part of the game machine frame 5. Although it was arranged in the shape of a dogleg, as shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, in the circulation path of the first modification, the out ball flow path 1311 and the safe ball flow path 1312 are located in the lower part of the game area 27. It is arranged in the vertical direction below the out port 154 provided at a substantially central position in the left-right direction. Other structures are the same as those described in FIGS. 61 and 62. In addition, the number of enclosed spheres is about 20 to 25.

By doing so, the out ball flow path 1311 and the safe ball flow path 1312 can be shortened to make the entire circulation path compact, so that the region to the right of the center position in the left-right direction in the lower portion of the game machine frame 5 Can be used as a space for arranging other devices and the like. Further, since the period from the collection of the out balls and the safe balls to the return to the launch mechanism 30 can be shortened, the number of game balls to be enclosed can be reduced to about 20 to 25.

<Modification example 2 of the circulation path>
Next, the circulation path as the second modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 68 and 69. FIG. 68 is a schematic front view showing the circulation path of the game ball as the second modification. FIG. 69 is a schematic perspective view showing a circulation path of the game ball as the second modification. In the following modification 2, the points different from the circulation paths described with reference to FIGS. 61 and 62 will be mainly described, and detailed description will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to the same components. To do. Further, the area indicated by halftone dots in FIG. 69 indicates the wall portion of the game machine frame 5.

In the circulation path described with reference to FIGS. 61 and 62, the launch mechanism 30, the subtraction mechanism 32, and the lifting device 1330 were arranged in a region on the left side of the center position in the left-right direction in the lower part of the game machine frame 5. And as shown in FIG. 69, in the circulation path of the second modification, the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 are arranged below the game area 27 and at the center position in the left-right direction in the lower part of the game machine frame 5. The lifting device 1330 is arranged near the left side of the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32. Other structures are the same as those described in FIGS. 61 and 62. In addition, the number of enclosed spheres is about 40.

According to the second modification, the launching mechanism 30 is arranged at the center position in the left-right direction in the lower part of the game machine frame 5, so that the game ball is moved from the center position in the left-right direction below the game area 27 to the upper left of the game area 27. It is fired diagonally upward to the left toward the part. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 68, the space on the left side of the central position in the left-right direction at the lower part of the game machine frame 5 can be used as a space for arranging other devices and the like.

Further, by extending the foul ball guidance path 1303 provided along the launch ball guidance path 1301 diagonally downward to the right on the front side of the game machine frame 5, the foul ball guidance path 1303 can be immediately guided to the back side and immediately collected. It can be merged with 1313. Therefore, the size is shorter than that of the foul ball guidance path 1303 in the circulation path described with reference to FIGS. 61 and 62, so that the structure of the circulation path can be simplified.

<Modification example 3 of circulation path>
Next, the circulation path as the third modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 70 and 71. FIG. 70 is a schematic front view showing the circulation path of the game ball as the third modification. FIG. 71 is a schematic perspective view showing a circulation path of the game ball as the third modification. In the following modified example 3, the points different from the circulation paths described with reference to FIGS. 61 and 62 will be mainly described, and detailed description will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to the same components. To do. Further, the area indicated by halftone dots in FIG. 71 indicates the wall portion of the game machine frame 5.

In the circulation path described with reference to FIGS. 61 and 62, the launch mechanism 30, the subtraction mechanism 32, and the lifting device 1330 were arranged in a region on the left side of the central position in the left-right direction in the lower part of the game machine frame 5. And as shown in FIG. 71, in the circulation path of the third modification, the launching mechanism 30 and the subtracting mechanism 32 are arranged at the center position in the left-right direction in the lower part of the game machine frame 5, and the lifting device 1330 is placed in the launching mechanism 30. And it is arranged near the left side of the subtraction mechanism 32. Other structures are the same as those described in FIGS. 61 and 62. In addition, the number of enclosed spheres is about 40.

According to the third modification, the launching mechanism 30 is arranged below the game area 27 and at the center position in the left-right direction in the lower part of the game machine frame 5, so that the game ball is located below the game area 27 in the left-right direction. It is fired from the central position toward the upper left portion of the game area 27 and diagonally upward to the left. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 70, the space on the left side of the central position in the left-right direction at the lower part of the game machine frame 5 can be used as a space for arranging other devices and the like.

Further, the foul ball guidance path 1303 provided along the launch ball guidance path 1301 is not merged with the recovery ball flow down path 1313, but is merged with the lift ball guidance path 1340 on the downstream side of the lifting device 1330. Therefore, the size is further shorter than that of the foul ball guidance path 1303 in the second modification, so that the structure of the circulation path can be simplified.

Further, a valve 44 is provided in the middle of the launch ball guidance path 1301, passes through the valve 44, and is launched onto the game board 26. The valve 44 returns to the fixed position after the game ball has passed. Therefore, the valve 44 prevents the launched game ball from returning to the launch pad 43. In addition, such a valve 44 may be provided in the middle of the launch ball guidance path 1301 of the second embodiment and the modified examples 1 and 2.

As described above, the form of the circulation path is not limited to the form of the circulation path of the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. It may be in a form other than these, and can be variously deformed.

Further, although not particularly shown, one of the plurality of types of game machine frames 5 having the above-mentioned various circulation paths may be used, or various circulation paths may be unitized. By replaceably attaching these various circulation path units to the common game machine frame 5, it may be possible to use the optimum circulation path according to the game board 26.

Further, in the circulation path of the second embodiment and the circulation path described in the modified examples 1 to 3, the embodiment in which the launch mechanism 30 is arranged at a substantially central position in the left-right direction below the game area 27 or in the left side area is illustrated. , It may be arranged in the right side area below the game area 27.

Further, in the circulation path of the second embodiment and the circulation path described in the first to third embodiments, by arranging the launch mechanism 30 below the game area 27, the upper part of the game area 27 as in the above-described embodiment. The lifting route can be made shorter than the lifting device that lifts the game ball to the launching mechanism 30 of the above, and the collected game ball is directly supplied to the launching mechanism 30 without being lifted by the lifting device 1330. You may. Even if it is not necessary to lift the game ball by the lifting device 1330, when a transport device for transporting (transferring) the game ball is provided in order to provide a polishing device for polishing the game ball, the game ball is used. It does not have to be a lifting device capable of transporting the game ball upward, but may be a transport device or the like capable of transporting the game ball substantially horizontally or downward.

<Structure of glass door>
Next, the structure of the glass door 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 72 to 77. FIG. 72 is a perspective view showing a state in which the glass door base and the decorative cover are viewed from the diagonally right front side. FIG. 73 is a perspective view showing a state in which the glass door base and the decorative cover are viewed from the diagonally right rear side. FIG. 74 is a schematic rear view showing the locking mechanism of the glass door base. 75 is a schematic front view showing a locked state of the lock mechanism on the left side in FIG. 75 and an unlocked state in FIG. 75. FIG. 76 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a locked state of the left locking mechanism in (A) and an unlocked state in FIG. 76. FIG. 77 is an explanatory view showing that various decorative covers can be replaced with a glass door base.

As shown in FIGS. 72 and 73, the glass door 6 is provided around the glass door base 6W, the operation unit 1210 provided at the lower part of the front surface of the glass door base 6W, and the glass window 6G in front of the glass door base 6W. It is mainly composed of a plurality of attached decorative covers 1201A to 1201D, which are possible decorative bodies (directing bodies). The glass door base 6W is formed with an opening 6M that penetrates in the front-rear direction in a portion corresponding to the game area 27 when the game machine frame 5 is closed, and the opening 6M is on the back side of the glass door 6. It is closed by the attached glass window 6G. The glass window 6G has locking pieces 1402 provided on the left and right sides of the upper edge of the opening 1230 in a state where the lower end is supported by the support portion 1401 provided on the lower edge of the opening 1230 on the back surface of the glass door base 6W. It is attached by locking the upper left and right sides, and can be removed by releasing the locked state by the locking piece 1402.

A plurality of decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are attached around the opening 6M on the front surface of the glass door base 6W. These decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are removable from the glass door base 6W, and as will be described later, by opening the glass door 6 and operating from the back side, different decorative covers are used depending on the model change or the like. It is said that it can be replaced with.

Around the opening 6M on the front surface of the glass door base 6W, a plurality of positioning bosses 1410A to 1410D for determining the mounting positions of the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D, and boss holes 1411A forming a vertically long rectangular shape in the front view. ~ 1411D and connector holes 1412A to 1412D forming a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front are provided corresponding to the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D.

On the other hand, the rear openings of the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are closed by the metal reinforcing plates 1423A to 1423D, and the positioning bosses 1410A to 1410D of the glass door base 6W can be inserted into the reinforcing plates 1423A to 1423D. LED substrate provided with positioning holes 1420A to 1420D facing in the vertical direction, bosses 1421A to 1421D for supporting each decorative cover 1201A to 1201D on the glass door base 6W, and a plurality of production LEDs 1202A to 1202D on the front surface. Board-side connectors 1422A to 1422D connected to 1252A to 1252D (see FIGS. 49 to 51 and 76) are provided.

The board-side connector 1422A includes not only the board-side connector to which the wiring from the effect LED 1202A is connected, but also the board-side connector to which the wiring from the speakers 270A and 270B is connected. Further, the board-side connector 1422C is connected not only to the board-side connector to which the wiring from the effect LED 1202C is connected, but also to the wiring from a photoelectric sensor (not shown) for detecting the operation of the operation unit 1205. The board side connector etc. are included.

The LED substrates 1252A to 1252D are arranged on the front side of the reinforcing plates 1423A to 1423D, that is, inside the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D. Further, a concave groove-shaped locking portion 1425 is formed in the lower portion of the peripheral surface of each of the bosses 1421A to 1421D in a direction orthogonal to the axis.

As shown in FIGS. 74 to 76, the glass door base 6W is arranged on the metal support plates 1430A to 1430D for supporting the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D and the back side of the support plates 1430A to 1430D. Lock mechanism 1435A mainly composed of slide plates 1431A to 1431D and lock operation units 1432A to 1432D for changing between a lock state in which the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are irremovably locked and an unlocked state in which the lock is released. ~ 1435D is provided.

Further, to the glass door base 6W, relay board side connectors 1455A to 1455D (see FIG. 76) to which the board side connectors 1422A to 1422D of the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D can be connected are located near the lower side of the connector holes 1412A to 1412D. It is provided in. These relay board side connectors 1455A to 1455D are electrically connected to the relay board 1456 (see FIG. 73) provided on the upper back surface of the glass door base 6W. Since the relay board 1456 is connected to the effect control board 15 on the game board 26 side via a cable (not shown), the speakers 270A and 270B, the operation unit 1205, and the LED boards 1252A to 1252D are connected to the board side connectors 1422A to 1252D. By connecting the 1422D and the relay board side connectors 1455A to 1455D, the connector is connected to the effect control board 15 via the relay board 1456. Although the speakers 270C and 270D are connected to the frame control board 17, at least one of the speakers 270C and 270D may be connected to the effect control board 15.

In each of the lock mechanisms 1435A to 1435D, the upper and lower slide plates 1431A and 1431C are provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction, and the left and right slide plates 1431B and 1431D are provided so as to be movable in the up-down direction. Since the basic configurations are almost the same except for the above, the left lock mechanism 1435B will be described below, and the upper, lower, and right lock mechanisms 1435A, 1435C, and 1435D will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 75 and 76, a plurality of positioning bosses 1410B are projected forward from the support plate 1430B. Further, a support hole 1441B into which the boss 1421B can be inserted is formed at a position corresponding to the boss hole 1411B of the glass door base 6W of the support plate 1430B. The boss hole 1411B and the support hole 1441B have a vertical dimension (for example, about twice the diameter of the boss 1421B) into which the boss 1421B can be inserted and which can be moved in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIGS. 74 and 76, a locking hole 1451B into which the boss 1421B can be inserted is formed at a position corresponding to the support hole 1441B of the slide plate 1431B. The lock hole 1451B has a vertical dimension in which the slide plate 1431B can slide and move in a state where the boss 1421B is inserted.

Further, in the lower part of the slide plate 1431B, a connecting hole 1452B is formed in which the connecting shaft 1432K projecting from the front side of the lock operating portion 1432B is slidably inserted in the left-right direction. The lock operation unit 1432B is rotatably supported on the back surface of the glass door base 6W around a rotation axis facing in the front-rear direction, and is operably provided from the back surface side of the glass door base 6W (glass door 6).

The slide plate 1431B is guided by a guide portion (not shown) so as to be slidable in the vertical direction between the lock position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 75 (A) and the unlock position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 75 (B). .. That is, the slide plate 1431B is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the support plate 1430B. Further, the slide plate 1431B is always urged toward the unlocked position by locking the lower end of the compression spring 1453B whose upper end is locked to the glass door base 6W.

Next, an operation example of the lock mechanism 1435B will be described with reference to FIG. 76.

As shown in FIG. 76 (A), in the locked state of the lock mechanism 1435B in which the decorative cover 1201B is attached to the front surface of the glass door base 6W and the slide plate 1431B is in the locked position, the boss 1421B of the decorative cover 1201B is glass. In the state of being inserted into the boss hole 1411B and the support hole 1441B of the door base 6W, the locking portion 1425 of the boss 1421B is fitted and locked from above to the lower side of the support hole 1441B, whereby the decorative cover 1201B The load is received by the support plate 1430B via the boss 1421B.

Further, the decorative cover 1201B is restricted from moving back and forth by the locking action of the locking portion 1425 and the lower edge of the support hole 1441B in a state where the decorative cover 1201B is in contact with the glass door base 6W. Movement in the front-back direction is restricted.

When the slide plate 1431B is located in the locked position, the boss 1421B is in contact with or close to the upper edge of the locking hole 1451B, while being located below the boss hole 1411B and the support hole 1441B. Further, since the connecting shaft 1432K of the lock operation unit 1432B is located directly below the rotation center position of the lock operation unit 1432B (see FIG. 75 (A)), the upward movement of the slide plate 1431B is restricted. There is. Therefore, since the upward movement of the boss 1421B is restricted by the slide plate 1431B and the locked state by the locking portion 1425 cannot be released, the decorative cover 1201B cannot be removed from the front surface of the glass door base 6W.

Next, when releasing the locked state, as shown in FIG. 76 (B), the lock operation unit 1432B is rotated about 90 degrees clockwise in front view (see FIG. 75 (B)) to connect. The slide plate 1431B rises from the locked position to the upper unlocked position in response to the upward movement of the shaft 1432K. As a result, the locking hole 1451B rises, so that the upper edge of the locking hole 1451B separates upward from the boss 1421B. Further, the upper edges of the boss hole 1411B and the support hole 1441B are also separated upward from the boss 1421B.

Therefore, by lifting the decorative cover 1201B upward, the boss 1421B rises and the locked state by the locking portion 1425 is released. Further, by lifting the decorative cover 1201B upward, the substrate side connector 1422B is deviated from the relay board side connector 1455B provided on the upper part of the glass door base 6W. Then, the decorative cover 1201B can be removed from the front surface of the glass door base 6W by pulling the decorative cover 1201B toward the front while lifting it upward.

When the decorative cover 1201B is attached to the front surface of the glass door base 6W, the boss 1421B is inserted into the boss hole 1411B and the support hole 1441B from the front side of the glass door base 6W with the lock mechanism 1435B unlocked. Later, by lowering the decorative cover 1201B, the locking portion 1425 of the boss 1421B is locked to the lower side of the support hole 1441B. Further, the substrate side connector 1422B of the decorative cover 1201B is connected to the relay board side connector 1455B of the glass door base 6W. Then, the lock operation unit 1432B is rotated counterclockwise by about 90 degrees to lower the slide plate 1431B to the lock position, so that the upper edge of the lock hole 1451B comes into contact with or approaches the upper part of the boss 1421B. , The connecting shaft 1432K of the lock operation unit 1432B is located directly below the rotation center position of the lock operation unit 1432B, and the upward movement of the slide plate 1431B is restricted, so that the lock mechanism 1435B is locked and the glass door. The decorative cover 1201B cannot be removed from the front of the base 6W.

In this way, the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D lock the lock mechanisms 1435A to 1435D by operating the lock operation units 1432A to 1432D corresponding to the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D provided on the back side of the glass door base 6W. By releasing the glass door base 6W, the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D can be removed from the front side of the glass door base 6W, and the corresponding lock mechanisms 1435A to 1435D are locked while the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are locked to the front surface of the glass door base 6W. As a result, it can be attached to the front side of the glass door base 6W.

Further, in the second embodiment, when the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are removed from the glass door base 6W, it is necessary to lift the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D in order to release the locked state. Therefore, all the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are removed. When removing, it is preferable to release the lock mechanisms 1435A to 1435D in the unlocked state, and then remove the upper decorative cover 1201A, the left and right decorative covers 1201B and 1201D, and the lower decorative cover 1201C in this order. On the other hand, when installing, it is necessary to lower the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D in order to lock them, so the lower decorative cover 1201C, the left and right decorative covers 1201B and 1201D, and the upper decorative cover 1201A are installed in this order. Is preferable.

Further, by providing the lock operation units 1432A to 1432D and the lock mechanisms 1435A to 1435D corresponding to the respective decorative covers 1201A to 1201D, not only all the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D can be replaced at once, but also a plurality of decorative covers 1201A to 1201D can be replaced at once. Since it is possible to partially replace only one of the decorative covers, only the minimum number of parts can be removed according to the damage of the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D, the failure of the operation unit 1205 and the production LEDs 1202A to 1202D, etc. Since it is only necessary to replace it, the cost associated with the replacement can be suppressed.

Further, since the lock operation units 1432A to 1432D are provided on the back side of the glass door base 6W, the glass door 6 must be opened when the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are removed from the glass door base 6W. That is, in order to open the glass door 6, a clerk of the game hall or the like needs to insert a key (not shown) having a game place into the keyhole 10 and perform an unlocking operation, so that the player or the like needs to perform the unlocking operation. Since it is difficult to remove ~ 1201D from the glass door base 6W, foreign matter such as a wire enters the inside of the game frame through the boss holes 1411A to 1411D exposed by removing the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D. It is possible to preferably prevent fraudulent acts such as causing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 77, since the decorative body composed of the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D is removable from the front surface of the glass door base 6W, for example, a game different for each model of the pachinko gaming machine developed by each company. The decorative covers 1201A to 1201D prepared by the manufacturer of the game frame (outer frame 4, game machine frame 5, glass door 6) that can be used in common with the board 26 are also prepared by the manufacturer of the game frame. It is possible to replace it with the decorative body 1201X, 1201Y or the like, and it is also possible to replace it with the decorative body 1201Z or the like prepared by the manufacturer of the game board 26.

Therefore, when the game board 26 is replaced due to a model change, a plurality of decorative bodies 1201X and 1201Y having different designs such as an outer shape, decoration, and an operation unit 1205 for directing, and a decorative body 1201Z with a design according to the model, etc. Since one of them can be selected and used, not only the game area 27 but also the design around the game area 27 can be changed according to the model, so that the player can perform decoration and production suitable for the model. It will be possible to provide to.

In the second embodiment, the decorative body detachably provided around the glass window 6G on the front surface of the glass door 6 is exemplified by the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D divided into four parts. May be composed of 5 or more decorative members, may be composed of 3 or 2 decorative members, or may be composed of a single decorative member such as the decorative body 1201Z. It may have been done. Further, the decorative body is not necessarily removable from the glass door 6, and may be fixed to the glass door 6.

Further, the design including the outer shape, color, pattern and other decorations of the decorative body such as the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D is arbitrary and can be changed in various ways. Further, the decorative body includes not only sound output means such as speakers 270A and 270B and light emitting means such as effect LEDs 1202A to 1202D as described above, but also a movable effect means having a movable body provided so as to be movable. Or, it may have a display means for directing. Further, these sound output means, light emitting means, movable effect means, display means and the like may be provided not on the decorative body side but on the glass door base 6W side so that they can be commonly used for various decorative bodies.

Further, in the second embodiment, the embodiment in which the lock operation units 1432A to 1432D and the lock mechanisms 1435A to 1435D corresponding to the decorative covers 1201A to 1201D are provided has been illustrated, but at least two of the plurality of decorative covers 1201A to 1201D have been illustrated. Only the lock operation unit and the lock mechanism corresponding to the above covers may be provided. Therefore, for example, a plurality of decorative bodies may be made capable of being changed between a locked state and an unlocked state by one lock operation unit and a lock mechanism.

Further, the structure of the lock operation unit and the lock mechanism is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and can be changed in various ways. For example, a solenoid or a motor may be provided in the lock mechanism so that the lock mechanism can be changed between a locked state and an unlocked state by remote control from a remote controller, a management computer, or the like. Further, the lock mechanism of a plurality of pachinko game machines installed in the amusement park may be changed into a locked state and an unlocked state all at once by remote control from a remote controller or a management computer. By doing so, it is possible to easily replace the decorative body when the model is changed.

<Structure of game machine frame 5 of P stand 1002>
FIG. 78 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the game machine frame 5 of the P stand 1002. As the firing mechanism 30 is provided below the game board 26, the frame control board 17 has a counting button 28, a performance display monitor 40, a radio wave sensor 173, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b, and a subtraction. In addition to the mechanism outlet sensor 32c, the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33, the out ball detection switch 701, the safe ball detection switch 702 for detecting the winning safe ball, the front decoration release switch 12, and the back mechanism opening switch 13. A lifting device 1330, a foul ball detection switch 703 for detecting a foul ball, and a ball jam detection switch 1317 for detecting a ball jam are connected. Therefore, the operation of the lifting device 1330 is controlled by the frame control board 17. The program of the lifting control processing related to the operation control of the lifting device 1330 is stored as a program outside the used area of the ROM, as in the game ball circulation processing shown in FIG. 24.

Further, in the P stand 1002, as described above, the polishing of the game ball p is performed by the non-operating polishing cassette 1343, so that the ball polishing processing program is not stored as a program outside the used area of the ROM, and these Out-of-area processing (cassette motor drive processing, ball polishing mechanism control timer subtraction processing, ball polishing mechanism switch detection processing) based on the ball polishing processing program is also not executed.

<Subtraction mechanism control process for P unit 1002>
FIG. 79 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the subtraction mechanism control process in the case of the P unit 1002. The subtraction mechanism control process in the case of lower launch is obtained by adding the foul ball control portion of steps S311 to S314 to the content of the launch control of the subtraction mechanism control process in the case of upper launch shown in FIG. 29. .. Since the content of the launch control is the same as the content shown in FIG. 29, the description thereof is omitted here.

In the foul ball control, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) first determines whether or not the game ball p is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703. That is, it is determined whether or not the game ball p has passed through the foul ball detection switch 703 (step S311). When the game ball p has not passed through the foul ball detection switch 703 (step S311; N), the subtraction mechanism control process is terminated, while when the game ball p has passed through the foul ball detection switch 703 (step S311; N). S311; Y), whether or not the number of launched balls is equal to or greater than the total number of detected numbers of the out ball detection switch 701, the safe ball detection switch 702, and the foul ball detection switch 703, that is, the out ball. It is determined whether or not the total number of detections of the detection switch 701, the safe ball detection switch 702, and the foul ball detection switch 703 is larger than the number of launch balls (step S312). If the total number is smaller than the number of launched balls, the difference between the number of game balls is flowing down the game area, the launch path, etc. after being launched, so that the out ball detection switch 701 and the safe ball This is because it is in a state before it is detected by the detection switch 702 and the foul ball detection switch 703.

As described above, in the foul ball control shown in FIG. 79, a mode in which the number of detected balls (the number of safe balls) of the safe ball detection switch 702 is included in the total number and compared with the number of launched balls is illustrated. This is preferable because the foul number abnormality can be detected more accurately, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection number (safe ball number) of these safe ball detection switches 702 is the out ball detection switch. Since it is significantly smaller than the number of detections of 701 (number of out balls), the number of detections of the out ball detection switch 701 and foul ball detection are not included in the total number of detections of the safe ball detection switch 702 (number of safe balls). By comparing the total number of detected switches 703 with the number of launched balls, the processing load related to the determination of these foul number abnormalities may be reduced.

The information on the number of detected foul ball detection switches 703 used to calculate the total number in step S312 is transmitted as a signal related to the game machine information transmitted from the P unit 1002 to the CU, as described above. In the signals related to the game machine information, as described above, the number of game balls and the serial number of the number of game balls are transmitted to the CU 3 to be notified, but the foul ball is not present even though the number of game balls does not exist. When the number of game balls is added by the detection switch 703, a negative number of fired balls may be notified as the number of fired balls, and the SC board mounted on the CU3 is notified by the notification of the negative number of fired balls. In addition to being able to determine an abnormality and execute error notification, it is possible to notify an external management device such as a hall computer of the occurrence of the error (abnormality).

If the number of launched balls is not equal to or greater than the total number in step S312 (step S312; N), the foul number abnormality processing is executed (step S314). In this foul number abnormality processing, the operation of the counting button 28 and the firing of the game ball p are disabled, the error code corresponding to the foul number abnormality is displayed on the game ball number display 29, and the game machine frame. Error notification is executed from the side speakers 270C and 270D. Note that this error notification does not overlap with the error notification performed by the audio output (for example, the game board side speakers 270A, 270B) on the main control board 16 side, similarly to the error notification of the game ball circulation device abnormality described above. , The error priority is set so as to limit the error notification of the abnormal number of fouls.

On the other hand, when the number of launched balls is equal to or greater than the total number (step S312; Y), the value obtained by adding 1 to the number of game balls is displayed on the game ball number display 29 (step S313), and then the subtraction mechanism control process is performed. finish.

FIG. 80 is a timing chart showing a situation in which 1 is added to the number of game balls by detecting the game ball p (foul ball) by the foul ball detection switch 703 as described above. The states (i) to (iv) in FIG. 80 are the same as the states (i) to (iv) shown in FIG. 31, and the states (v) to (vivi) are also states (i) to (ivii). It is the same as the state of iv), and the game ball p is launched by turning on the firing solenoid 31a in (i) and (v), and the input of the subtraction reference signal and the subtraction solenoid 32a after the firing are turned on. The number of game balls X is subtracted and updated to X-1 and X-2 according to the detection of the game ball p by the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b based on the state.

Here, the game ball p launched by turning on the launch solenoid 31a in the state (i) does not reach the game area due to, for example, insufficient firing intensity, and the launch ball. When the foul ball detection switch 703 is passed through the induction path 1301 in the reverse direction, the foul ball detection signal is input to the frame control board 17 from the foul ball detection switch 703 (state of (ix)).

In response to the input of the foul ball detection signal, the CPU (microcomputer for payout control) of the frame control board 17 is one from the display of the number of X-2 game balls displayed on the game ball number display 29. Add and update to the display of the number of game balls of X-1 (state of (x)).

As shown in FIG. 30, the firing mechanism 30 in the P stand 1002 also does not satisfy the states (i) to (iv) 562.5 ms after the firing solenoid 31a is turned on. In order to prevent ball clogging in the ball passage, a specific firing operation is performed in which only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on, but the firing intensity of the game ball p fired in this specific firing operation is too weak. When it is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703, as described above, the number of game balls is not subtracted because the subtraction reference signal is not output for the firing by the specific firing operation, so that the firing is performed in these specific firing operations. If the number of game balls is added when the game ball p is a foul ball, the number of game balls will be added inappropriately. Therefore, during the specific launch operation and the specific launch operation From the end of the process to the maximum period during which the foul ball can be detected, the addition to the number of game balls due to the detection of the foul ball may be prohibited, and the launch of a new game ball may be prohibited.

<Structure of Embodiment>
(1) A gaming device (1) that is connected to an enclosed gaming machine in which a gaming ball is enclosed so as to be communicable with the gaming machine, and enables the gaming machine to play using the gaming value owned by the player. A gaming system including a unit) is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-042799). In the game system disclosed in Patent Document 1, information such as the number of game balls for playing a game on the game machine is transmitted by bidirectional communication between the game machine and the game device (unit). are doing. However, in the gaming system of Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the transmission method of information exchanged between the gaming machine and the gaming device (unit) from the viewpoint of stability and safety. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine and a game system capable of stably and safely transmitting information communicated between a game machine and a game device. It is to be.

(1-1) A game machine (for example, P stand 2) capable of communicating with a game device (for example, CU3), and game information (for example, a signal related to the game machine information) related to a game performed by the game machine. Is transmitted to the game device every predetermined period (for example, a specified period A) (for example, a communication control IC 325 that communicates between the CU 3 and the P unit 2), and the transmission means transmits the game information. Then, at a timing corresponding to a specific period (for example, a specified period B or a specified period C) shorter than the predetermined period, the game device is provided with specific information regarding the game value (for example, a signal related to counting or a signal related to lending). It is provided with a communication means (for example, a communication control IC 325) for communicating with and from. According to such a configuration, information transmission can be optimized, and since the transmission timing of the game information and the specific information is separated, information congestion can be avoided.

(1-2) A gaming system including a gaming device (for example, CU3) and a gaming machine (for example, P stand 2) capable of communicating with the gaming device, and the game is performed by the gaming machine. A transmission means (for example, a communication control IC 325 that communicates between the CU 3 and the P unit 2) that transmits game information (for example, a signal related to game machine information) to the game device every predetermined period (for example, a specified period A). With respect to the specific information regarding the game value (for example, the signal related to counting) at the timing corresponding to the specific period (for example, the specified period B) shorter than the predetermined period after the transmitting means transmits the game information. It is provided with a communication means (for example, a communication control IC 325) for communicating with the game device. According to such a configuration, information transmission can be optimized, and since the transmission timing of the game information and the specific information is separated, information congestion can be avoided.

(1-3) In the game machine of the above (1-1), the communication means said at a timing corresponding to the specific period (for example, the specified period B) after the transmitting means transmits the game information. Of the specific information, counting information (for example, a signal related to counting) regarding the magnitude of the game value managed by the game machine can be transmitted to the game device, and after the transmitting means transmits the game information. Within the predetermined period (for example, the specified period A), the specific information was lent out for a game on the gaming machine at a timing corresponding to a special period (for example, the specified period C) different from the specific period. Lending information (for example, a signal related to lending) regarding the magnitude of the game value can be communicated with the game device. According to such a configuration, since the rental information is transmitted from the game device at the timing corresponding to the special period from the reception of the game information, data collision in the two-way communication can be avoided and the information transmission is optimized. be able to.

(1-4) In the game machine according to (1-3), in the transmission line (for example, an asynchronous serial communication port) to which the transmission means transmits the game information, the communication means transmits the counting information and the lending information. It is common to the transmission line for transmission (for example, FIG. 6). According to such a configuration, it is possible to simplify the wiring constituting the transmission line and to optimize the information transmission in the configuration in which the transmission line is shared.

(1-5) In any of the game machines (1-1), (1-3) to (1-4) above, the transmission means is used for installation information (for example, a signal related to the game machine information) after the power is turned on. Of the signals, the game machine installation information) is transmitted to the game device, and then the game information (for example, among the signals related to the game machine information, the game machine performance information, the hall control information, etc.) is transmitted to the game device. It is transmitted at the predetermined period. According to such a configuration, the game machine can output the game information without going through the authentication process, so that the processing load can be reduced.

(1-6) In any of the game machines (1-1), (1-3) to (1-5), the transmission means is related to the reception status of the game information in the game device. Instead, the game information is transmitted to the game device at the predetermined period (for example, the game information is transmitted to the CU 3 at each specified period A regardless of the reception status of the game information at the CU 3). According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to retransmit the game information in the game machine, it is not necessary to store the past game machine information, and the processing load can be reduced.

(2) In an enclosed game machine in which a game ball is enclosed, a patented game machine that subtracts game points (number of game balls) based on ball detection accompanying a ball feed operation in the ball feed mechanism in the front stage of the launcher. It is disclosed in Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-164318). However, in the game machine of Patent Document 2, the subtraction timing of the game points (number of game balls) electromagnetically managed does not correspond to the actual firing operation of the launching device, and there is a possibility that the processing may be inappropriate. there were. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine and a game frame that perform subtraction processing of an appropriate game point (number of game balls) corresponding to the launch operation of the launcher. That is.

(2-1) A game machine (for example, P unit 2) capable of playing a game by firing a game medium corresponding to a game point (for example, the number of game balls), and a launching device for firing the game medium (for example, P unit 2). For example, the launch mechanism 30), the transport means for transporting the game medium to the launch device (for example, the subtraction solenoid 32a, the movable piece 45, etc.), and the special signal corresponding to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch device (for example, for example). A signal generation means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that generates a subtraction reference signal) and a game point are managed, and the transfer means is made to execute a transfer operation of the game medium based on the special signal, and the game medium is conveyed based on the special signal. It is provided with a control means (for example, processed by a game ball number management program of the frame control board 17) for subtracting game points. According to such a configuration, the game points are subtracted by the transport means performing the game medium transport operation based on the special signal, so that the appropriate game point subtraction process can be performed in response to the launch operation of the launcher. realizable.

(2-2) In a game frame (for example, game machine frame 5) of a game machine (for example, P unit 2) capable of playing by firing a game medium corresponding to a game point (for example, the number of game balls). A launching device (for example, a launching mechanism 30) for launching a game medium, a transporting means for transporting the game medium to the launching device (for example, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.), and a game medium in the launching device. A signal generation means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that generates a special signal (for example, a subtraction reference signal) corresponding to the firing operation, and a game point are managed, and the game medium is conveyed to the transfer means based on the special signal. Is provided, and a control means (for example, processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17) for subtracting game points based on the special signal is provided. According to such a configuration, the game points are subtracted by the transport means performing the game medium transport operation based on the special signal, so that the appropriate game point subtraction process can be performed in response to the launch operation of the launcher. realizable.

(2-3) In the game machine according to (2-1), a launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) for controlling the operation of the launch device and a frame control means (for example, frame control) as the control means. The frame control means further includes a substrate 17), and the frame control means executes a managed game point subtraction process based on the reception of the special signal from the launch control means (for example, the frame control board 17). Is to subtract one from the number of X game balls based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal and display the number of game balls of X-1 on the game ball number display 29). According to such a configuration, the frame control means can realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the firing operation of the launching device.

(2-4) In the gaming machine according to (2-3), the frame control means executes a transfer operation of the game medium by the transfer means based on the reception of the special signal from the launch control means. (For example, the movable piece 45 is driven by controlling the subtraction solenoid 32a based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal to convey the game ball p). According to such a configuration, the frame control means can realize an appropriate transfer of the game ball corresponding to the launching operation of the launching device.

(2-5) In the game machine according to (2-3) or (2-4), the transport means includes an approach sensor (for example, a subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b) for detecting the approach of the game medium. After receiving the special signal from the launch control means, the frame control means executes a subtraction process of managed game points based on the detection of the game medium by the approach sensor (for example, subtraction). When the mechanism entrance sensor 32b is turned on and the game ball p is detected, one is subtracted from the number of X game balls to display the number of game balls of X-1 on the game ball number display 29). According to such a configuration, the frame control means can realize the subtraction process of the game points corresponding to the firing operation of the launching device and the operation of the transport mechanism.

(2-6) In the game machines (2-3) to (2-5) above, the transport means includes a discharge sensor (for example, a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c) for detecting the discharge of the game medium. The frame control means can determine a transport error of the game medium based on the detection state of the discharge sensor within a predetermined period after receiving the special signal from the launch control means (for example, the subtraction reference signal can be used. If the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the ON state 16 ms after the ON state, it is determined that ball clogging has occurred). According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect a malfunction in the operation due to the transport mechanism such as a ball clogging.

(2-7) In any of the game machines (2-3) to (2-6) above, the frame control means can communicate with the game control means (for example, the main control board 16), which is a special event. Based on the occurrence of (for example, an error), a predetermined signal (for example, an error signal) for notifying the occurrence of the special event is transmitted to the game control means, and the game control means receives the predetermined signal. Based on what has been done, the launch stop process is executed (for example, the output of the launch permission signal is stopped). According to such a configuration, the firing operation can be stopped in response to the occurrence of a special event detected by the frame control means.

(3) The enclosed game machine in which the game ball is enclosed is composed of a game board and a game machine frame, and the game board is provided with a main control board and the game machine frame side is provided with a frame control board. Patent Document 3 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-158716) discloses a gaming machine capable of notifying an error detected on the frame control board side on the gaming machine frame side as well as on the gaming board side. However, in a configuration in which an error detected on the frame control board side can be notified by voice output, the detected error is not notified on the game machine frame side as in the game machine of Patent Document 3, but also on the game board side. If it is possible to notify, the error notification detected on the game machine frame side and the error notification detected on the main control board side of the game board may overlap, and the error becomes difficult to recognize. there is a possibility. Furthermore, when it is possible to mount game boards of different manufacturers on a common game machine frame, and if there is no specified priority for the error to be notified, when a game board of a certain manufacturer is mounted on the game machine frame, The error detected on the frame control board side is notified with priority, and when a game board of another manufacturer is mounted on the game machine frame, the error detected on the main control board side is notified with priority and unified error notification is performed. Can't. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is that even if it is possible to notify an error on the game machine frame side and the game board side, the error notification is duplicated. It is to provide a game machine and a game frame that can avoid being performed and perform unified error notification.

(3-1) A game machine (for example, P stand 2) including a game board (for example, a game board 26) and a game frame (for example, a game machine frame 5) to which the game board can be attached. The game board has a first control means (for example, a main control board 16) for controlling the progress of the game and a first sound output means (for example, a sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (game board side speaker 270Z)). The game frame includes a second control means (for example, a frame control board 17) for managing information related to the game value, and a second sound output means (for example, a sound output controlled by a frame side effect control board 15A). (Game machine frame side speaker 270W)), the first control means can detect the occurrence of a predetermined event (for example, an error detected by the main control board 16), and the first control means can detect the occurrence of the predetermined event. A predetermined notification (for example, an error notification) based on the detection of the event is performed by the first voice output means, and the second control means is a specific event different from the predetermined event (for example, a frame control board 17). It is possible to detect the occurrence of an error), and when the predetermined notification is not performed by the first voice output means, the specific notification based on the detection of the specific event by the second control means is performed. When the predetermined notification is performed by the second voice output means and the predetermined notification is performed by the first voice output means, the specific notification is not performed by the second voice output means (for example, frame control). When the game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) is detected on the board 17 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is notified and the main control is performed when the error is not notified on the main control board 16 side. When the error is notified on the board 16 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is not notified). According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid duplication of notifications based on events on the game board side and the game machine frame side, and to perform unified error notifications.

(3-2) The first control means (for example, the main control board 16) for controlling the progress of the game and the first sound output means (for example, the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15) are included. A game board (for example, a game) in which a predetermined notification (for example, an error notification) based on the detection of a predetermined event (for example, an error detected by the main control board 16) by the control means is performed by the first voice output means. A game frame (for example, a game machine frame 5) of a game machine (for example, P stand 2) to which a board 26) can be attached, and a second control means (for example, a frame control board 17) for managing information on game value. And a second audio output means (for example, an audio output controlled by the frame-side effect control board 15A), the second control means detects a specific event different from the predetermined event (for example, the frame control board 17). It is possible to detect the occurrence of the error), and when the predetermined notification is not performed by the first voice output means, the specific notification based on the detection of the specific event by the second control means is described. When the predetermined notification is performed by the second voice output means and the predetermined notification is performed by the first voice output means, the specific notification is not performed by the second voice output means (for example, a frame control board). When the game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) is detected on the 17 side, when the error notification is not performed on the main control board 16 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is notified and the main control board is notified. When the error is notified on the 16 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is not notified). According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid duplication of notifications based on events on the game board side and the game machine frame side, and to perform unified error notifications.

(3-3) In the game machine of (3-1), the second control means can detect the occurrence of a special event (for example, an error that also notifies the main control board 16 side) different from the specific event. When the occurrence of the special event is detected, information regarding the detection of the special event is transmitted to the first control means (for example, the error (special event) is detected for the main control board 16). The first control means can notify the first voice output means based on the reception of the information regarding the detection of the special event (for example, the error (special event). The error is notified by the audio output (game board side speaker 270Z) controlled by the effect control board 15 based on the reception of the information regarding the detection of). According to such a configuration, the occurrence of a special event detected by the second control means can be appropriately notified.

(3-4) In the gaming machine according to (3-3), the second control means is a program used for communication control with the first control means in a specific area (for example, in a use area) (FIG. 37). The indicated communication process) is stored, and the event that can be detected differs between the process executed in the specific area and the process executed outside the specific area (for example, outside the used area), and is executed within the specific area. The event detected by the processing can be transmitted to the first control means by executing the program (for example, the error (event) detected by the processing executed in the area used by the user program) can be transmitted to the program (particularly). , Communication processing) can be executed and transmitted to the main control board 16). According to such a configuration, the process can be executed without straddling the inside of the specific area and the outside of the specific area of the user program.

(3-5) In the game machine according to (3-3) or (3-4), the first control means can control the launch operation of the launch device (for example, the launch mechanism 30), and the special event. The launching operation of the launching device is stopped based on the reception of the information regarding the detection of. According to such a configuration, the first control means can stop the firing operation in response to the occurrence of the special event detected by the second control means.

(3-6) In the gaming machines (3-1) to (3-5) above, when the second control means detects the occurrence of any of a specific event and a special event, the above-mentioned Regardless of the detection status of the predetermined event by the first control means, information that can identify the detected event is displayed on the display unit (for example, the game ball number display 29). According to such a configuration, the detected event can be identifiable and displayed regardless of the control state on the game board side.

Although examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these examples, and any changes or additions within the scope of the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. Is done.

For example, in the above embodiment, even in the P-unit 2 which is the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine as shown in FIG. 1, the performance information (predetermined information) regarding the given game value is calculated, and the performance information is used as the performance. It includes a frame control board 17 capable of executing display control for displaying on the display monitor 40, and an output terminal (connection terminal with CU3) capable of outputting a signal to the outside. The frame control board 17 can output a serial signal (FIG. 5; Hallcon signal) for specifying performance information to the CU 3. The CU 3 can output from the external output terminal 340 to the hall controller (management device).

The external output terminal 340 (see FIG. 4) may include both a serial terminal and a parallel terminal. As a result, the CU 3 can be connected to a conventional hall controller having only a parallel terminal. When the terminal configuration of the external output terminal 340 is a parallel terminal configuration, the terminal number that outputs performance information such as the base value and the terminal number that outputs the security signal are different even in the external output terminal 340. It has become. Further, although not shown, the terminal connecting the P stand 2 and the CU 3 may be configured so that the terminal for outputting the performance information and the terminal for outputting the security signal are different terminals.

Further, even in the P stand 2 which is an enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine as shown in FIG. 1, the frame control board 17 satisfies a predetermined condition corresponding to the number of shots of the game balls (for example, when the power is turned on). When a big hit occurs, the number of out balls reaches 60,000), and a serial signal can be output from the external output terminal 340 to the outside of a gaming machine such as a hall controller (management device) or a data lamp. As a result, performance information (for example, base value) can be notified to the outside each time a predetermined condition is satisfied, and changes in performance related to the addition of game value in the game machine can be grasped at any time.

Further, even in the P-unit 2 which is the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine as shown in FIG. 1, the CPU of the frame control board 17 identifies the gaming machine (for example, "model name" and "model name" and ". "Main chip ID") can be output to the outside together with performance information (for example, base value). As a result, the hall control (management device) outside the game machine can manage the identification information and the performance information in association with each other, so that the hall control (management device) can manage the information more appropriately.
(1) By operating the operation switch for displaying the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio provided on the frame control board 17, the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio is displayed on the performance display monitor 40 (display monitor P29). The ratio may be displayed. Further, by operating an operation switch (for example, an error release switch, a RAM clear switch) for displaying the accessory ratio provided on the frame control board 17, the accessory ratio is displayed and the frame control board 17 displays the accessory ratio. The continuous accessory ratio may be displayed by operating an operation switch (for example, a ball removal switch, a game ball clear switch) for displaying the provided continuous accessory ratio. At this time, it may be added as a display condition that the game machine frame 5 is open.

(2) The accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v may be displayed on the performance display monitor 40 (display monitor P29). Further, it may be displayed on a part other than the performance display monitor 40 of the game machine. For example, it may be displayed on the display 312 or displayed on the game ball number display 29. You may. Even if it is displayed on a portion other than these performance display monitors 40, it may be displayed according to a predetermined operation. Further, it may be displayed on a dedicated display different from the performance display monitor 40. For example, a dedicated display may be provided on the main control board 16.

(3) The accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated and displayed by the frame control unit 171. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated or displayed by a control unit other than the frame control unit 171 of the game machine, for example, the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16. You may try to do it.

(4) The start winning opening 276 described above may be such that the game ball cannot win a prize in a state where the accessory is closed. The game ball can be won and is open regardless of whether the accessory of the start winning opening 276 is closed (the accessory is not operating) or open (the accessory is operating). May be easier to win than the closed state.

(5) In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the above-mentioned predetermined information is specified and transmitted by the game machine or the game device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned predetermined information is used for card management that manages the cards handled by the internal server (hall server 801, hall computer, etc.) or the external server (game machine management server 802, CU3) of the amusement park. It may be specified by a management device such as a company card management server).

(6) In the management device or the gaming device that has received the predetermined information, the base, the accessory ratio, or the continuous combination is based on the predetermined information itself (for example, the result of determining the suitability of the base, the accessory ratio, or the continuous accessory ratio). The abnormality of the object ratio may be monitored, and if it is determined to be abnormal, the abnormality may be notified, or predetermined information (for example, low base time base, high base time base, continuous accessory ratio, accessory ratio, out From the number of balls + the number of safe balls, the number of out balls + the number of safe balls for each winning opening), calculate the base, bonus ratio or continuous bonus ratio, monitor the abnormality, and notify the abnormality if it is judged to be abnormal. You may try to do it.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined information is specified by the frame control unit 171 of the frame control board 17. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be specified by another control unit of the game machine, such as the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16.

(8) In the above-described embodiment or modification, when the predetermined information is specified in the gaming machine or the gaming device, the gaming machine or the gaming device may notify the abnormality based on the predetermined information.

(9) In the above-described embodiment, if communication is disabled (offline state) when the above-mentioned predetermined information is transmitted to the outside of the game hall, the game machine, the game device, etc. on the game hall side. The predetermined information may be temporarily stored in the management device, and when the communication is restored, the predetermined information may be transmitted to the external management device.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio are calculated, and the above-mentioned predetermined information is transmitted at each predetermined opportunity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned predetermined information may be transmitted periodically (for example, every hour).

(11) In the above-described embodiment, the fact that the base, accessory ratio, and continuous accessory ratio are abnormal indicates that the performance display monitor 40 (see FIG. 4) is a 7-segment LED display of the frame control board 17. It was made to be notified by displaying it on the display part of. This notification may be performed according to a specific operation. Further, the values of the base, the accessory ratio, or the continuous accessory ratio may be displayed on the display unit of the frame control board 17. Further, the display may be displayed on a display unit that can be viewed by a player different from the display unit that the player cannot normally see, such as the display unit of the frame control board 17, for example, the display 312. In this case, the display may be displayed according to a specific operation on the touch panel of the display device 312. Further, it may be always displayed even if there is no specific operation. Also, even if the base, the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are abnormal, and at least one or more of the base, the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are displayed. Good. Also, information suggesting one or more of these pieces of information (eg, displaying a red icon, making the background red) or related information (eg, base, bonus ratio, or continuous bonus ratio). A graph display such as a bar graph or a line graph) may be displayed.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, when the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio are continuously determined to be abnormal, when it is determined that the abnormality has been resolved, information indicating that fact is provided. It may be transmitted to the management device outside or inside the game hall.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

The game machine capable of playing is not limited to a pachinko game machine, but may be a slot machine or a general game machine as long as it can play at least a predetermined game.

2 Pachinko game machine 3 Card unit 16 Main control board 17 Frame control board 26 Game board 29 Game ball number display 171 Frame control unit 309 Card insertion / ejection port 319 Replay button 320 IR light receiving unit 321 Ball lending button 322 Return button 323 CU control unit

Claims (2)

It is a game machine that manages game points as game value and can launch game media using the game points.
Launch operation means that can detect launch operation and
A launching device that enables the launching operation of the game medium toward the game area by establishing the launchable condition based on the detection of the launching operation by the launching operation means.
A special signal generating means that generates a special signal in response to the firing operation due to the establishment of the launchable condition,
With
The game point subtraction process is executed based on the special signal,
The launching device performs a specific launching operation based on the change from the satisfied state of the launchable condition to the non-established state.
The special signal generating means is a gaming machine characterized in that it does not generate a special signal when the specific firing operation is performed. It is a game frame in which a game board that manages game points as a game value and is used for a game machine capable of launching a game medium using the game points and has a game area formed therein can be attached.
Launch operation means that can detect launch operation and
A launching device capable of launching a game medium by establishing a launchable condition based on the detection of the launching operation by the launching operation means, and
A special signal generating means that generates a special signal in response to the firing operation due to the establishment of the launchable condition,
With
The game point subtraction process is executed based on the special signal,
The launching device performs a specific launching operation based on the change from the satisfied state of the launchable condition to the non-established state.
The special signal generating means is a gaming frame characterized in that it does not generate a special signal when the specific firing operation is performed.

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