JP2021062314A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game device capable of displaying the number of odd balls by depressing odd ball number display instruction input means.SOLUTION: A ball information control MPU of an enclosed ball type game machine includes: exchange ball number storage means for storing the number of exchange balls as the number of own balls required for exchanging with one prescribed prize; and odd ball number calculation storage means (S753) for dividing the number of own balls managed by own ball number management means by the number of exchange balls, and for obtaining and storing the number of odd balls as the number of remaining own balls smaller than the number of exchange balls. When odd ball number display instruction input means performs instruction input for displaying the number of odd balls, odd ball number display means displays the number of odd balls stored by the odd ball number calculation storage means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 30

Description

The present invention relates to an enclosed ball-type game machine having a circulation path in which balls circulate.

In an enclosed ball-type pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a gaming machine) having a circulation path in which the gaming balls used for pachinko games circulate, the game is performed with a certain number of gaming balls enclosed inside the gaming machine. (Patent Document 1). For this reason, the game ball is not touched by the player's hand or directly exposed to the air in the hall that is outside when viewed from the game machine. It is lower than the type game machine.

In an enclosed pachinko machine that allows a player to play a game without directly touching the pachinko ball, the game can be played when the number of balls held, which represents the number of pachinko balls, is one or more. The number of balls held is related to valuable value information, and is recorded as balance information on the card when not in the game. When the card is inserted into the slot of the card unit (payment machine) attached to the enclosed pachinko machine, the balance information recorded on the card is read as the number of balls held. The number of balls held in this way is stored in the memory inside the enclosed pachinko machine through the card unit. When the number of balls held is within a predetermined range, the pachinko game can be performed, and the number of balls held increases or decreases according to the game result of the pachinko game. When the game is completed and the payment is made, the number of balls held at the time of payment is transmitted from the enclosed pachinko machine to the card unit, and the number of balls held is recorded again as balance information on the card through the card unit (Patent Document 2).

Further, a data updating means for updating the game ball number data in a predetermined unit according to the inserted medals, and a medal payout means for converting the game ball number data into medals in a predetermined unit and paying out when the game is finished. , A game machine provided with a fractional ball processing means for firing a game ball corresponding to the fraction when a fraction is generated when the game ball number data is converted into a medal by the medal payout means has been proposed. (Patent Document 3).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-131559 JP-A-2007-267833 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-142257

In the amusement park, a large number of pachinko gaming machines are installed that pay out the actual number of winning balls specified for the winning opening in response to the entry of the gaming ball into the winning opening. When a player plays a game with such a game machine and repeats a big hit game a plurality of times in a short period of time, the actual balls are paid out intensively, and the player has a large number of game balls. Will be acquired. The player will carry the acquired game balls (referred to as possession balls in this specification) into the ball box one by one, but if one ball box does not fit, the clerk who is patrolling the game hall will notice. The general situation is that the balls are piled up behind the player.

Now, when the player tells the clerk that he is satisfied with the result of the game and finishes the game, the clerk carries the piled ball boxes to the jet counter installed in the hall and sequentially carries all the balls in the ball boxes. Put it in the jet counter and count. At this time, if you are a veteran player (called a customer because you have finished playing with the game machine), you know empirically how many balls are in one box, so the number of balls you have acquired. Although you can get a rough idea of how many balls there are by the number of balls, it is impossible to know the exact number of balls.

Then, when the counting of all the balls held is completed, the clerk operates the receipt issuing button attached to the jet counter to issue a receipt to the player, and at this time, the player is accurate for the first time. You will know the number of balls you have. Then, the player brings the receipt to the prize counter and hands it to the clerk at the prize counter, and the clerk operates the exchange such as the prize POS, and the exchange rate when exchanging for one special prize (a ball that is commensurate with the exchange). Exchange for the number of special prizes corresponding to the number of balls recorded on the receipt according to the number of balls and the number of exchanged balls. The exchange rate differs depending on the amusement park, and the exchange rate is not disclosed to the player by the amusement park side.

By the way, when the balls are exchanged for special prizes at the prize counter, the number of balls held is less than the number of exchanged balls. That is, in this specification, a ball having a number of balls less than the number of exchanged balls is referred to as an end ball. In addition, the number of generated end balls is digitally displayed on the display of the exchange such as the prize POS, so that the player recognizes the accurate number of end balls for the first time at this time. .. Between the number of balls held (called the number of balls held), the number of exchanged balls, the number of special prizes (called the number of prizes), and the number of end balls (called the number of end balls), the number of balls held = The relationship of (number of exchanged balls x number of prizes) + number of end balls is established.

In addition, the handling of end balls that cannot be exchanged for special prizes differs depending on the type of playground, but for example, they will be exchanged for prizes such as candy balls and chocolate.

For players, regardless of the number of balls at the prize counter, they are forced to exchange for prizes such as candy balls and chocolates. Then, when I knew the number of end balls, there were not a few players who thought that it would have been better to hit them in the game if the number of end balls was this much.

In this way, in a pachinko gaming machine in which the number of prize balls is paid out by paying out actual balls, it is impossible to accurately know the number of balls held and the number of end balls acquired by the player playing the game. .. There is a desire for the player to know how many end balls will be less than the exchange of special prizes if the currently acquired balls are exchanged for special prizes.

On the other hand, in the enclosed ball type game machine, the actual balls are not paid out, so the number of balls held by the player is the number of rented balls-the number of launched balls + the number of foul balls + the number of prize balls, which is completely as a numerical value on the data. Be managed. Therefore, as long as the exchange rate (number of exchanged balls) when exchanging the number of balls for one special prize is set, it is possible to surely grasp the number of end balls. In the field of enclosed ball type game machines, no one that displays the number of end balls can be found.

Therefore, an object of the present invention to be solved is to provide a gaming device capable of displaying the number of end balls by pressing the end ball number display instruction input means.

The gaming device according to the solution 1 is
A game board in which the game area is divided into sections,
A ball launching device that launches a game ball into the game area in response to an operation on the ball striking handle, and a ball launching device.
A circulation path for collecting the game ball launched by the hitting ball launching device as an enclosed ball and supplying it to the hitting ball launching device again.
A circulating ball feeding member that feeds the enclosed balls, which are arranged and stored in an array passage formed in a part of the circulation path based on the drive of an electric drive source, one by one to the ball launching position of the hitting ball launching device. A main control board that performs game control processing related to pachinko games,
Bidirectional data communication is possible with the main control board, and the launching control of the game ball by the hitting ball launching device, the feeding control of the game ball to the ball launching position by the circulating ball feeding member, and the start of the game A ball information control board that manages the number of balls held by the player as the number of balls owned by the player during the game until the end of the game.
With an enclosed ball-type game machine equipped with
An external device attached to the enclosed ball-type game machine and connected to the enclosed ball-type game machine so as to be able to communicate with each other.
In order to solve the above problems,
The enclosed ball type game machine is
The end ball as the number of remaining balls that is less than the number of exchanged balls generated when the number of balls held is divided by the number of exchanged balls as the number of balls held when exchanging for one special prize. A means for displaying the number of end balls for displaying a number,
An end ball number display instruction input means that can be operated by the player and that allows the end ball number display means to input an instruction for displaying the end ball number.
With
The sphere information control board is
The ball holding number management means for increasing or decreasing the number of balls held, and
It has an exchange ball number storage means for storing the exchange ball number, and has.
further,
When there is an instruction input for displaying the number of end balls from the end ball number display instruction input means, the number of possessed balls managed by the number of possessed balls management means is divided by the number of exchanged balls, and the exchange is performed. An end ball number calculation storage means for obtaining and storing the number of end balls as the number of remaining balls less than the number of balls, and
An end ball number display processing means for displaying the end ball number stored by the end ball number calculation storage means on the end ball number display means, and an end ball number display processing means.
Allowable processing means that allows input of a selection instruction as to whether to drive the end balls or to end the display of the number of ends and return to the normal gaming state when the number of ends is displayed.
When the permissible processing means ends the display of the number of end balls and inputs a selection instruction for returning to the normal game state, or when the end balls are driven, the game state is changed to the game. When the game state is favorable to the player, the return processing means for ending the display of the number of odd balls and returning to the normal game state, and
With,
It is characterized by that.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 1, the number of end balls can be displayed on the end ball number display means by pressing the end ball number display instruction input means. The person can know how many end balls will be less than the exchange of the special prize if the currently acquired ball is exchanged for the special prize during the game.
In addition, it is presumed that the player who knows the number of end balls has a desire to hit only the end balls and finish the game sharply. On the other hand, some players who know the number of end balls just want to know the number of end balls and want to continue the game as usual. According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 1, when the number of end balls is displayed, the player can drive the end balls and end the display of the number of end balls to continue the normal game. You can choose.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the settlement machine attached to the pachinko machine. It is a front perspective view which shows the main body frame which comprises the pachinko machine. It is a rear perspective view which shows the main body frame which comprises the pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the various constituent members provided in the lower part of a game board and the lower part of the back surface side of a main body frame. It is a perspective view which shows the hitting ball launching device, a circulation path, and a ball cleaning mechanism. It is a front view which shows the hitting ball launching apparatus and the 1st and 2nd ball passage forming members which form a circulation path. It is a top view which shows the hitting ball launching apparatus and the 1st and 2nd ball passage forming members which form a circulation path. It is a perspective view which shows the launch rail which constitutes the hitting ball launching apparatus, and the 2nd ball passage forming member. It is a rear view which shows the launch rail which constitutes the hitting ball launching apparatus, and the 2nd ball passage forming member. FIG. (A) is a front view showing the casing constituting the blower device and the first duct forming member, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the casing forming the blower device and the first duct forming member. is there. FIGS. (A) to (C) are explanatory views showing feeding control of a game ball based on ball detection by the first and second launch standby ball switches, respectively. FIGS. (A) to (C) are explanatory views showing feeding control of a game ball based on ball detection by the first and second launch standby ball switches in the modified example, respectively. It is a block diagram which shows the main part in embodiment of the main control board provided with RTC, which is deployed in the enclosed ball type pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main part in embodiment of the ball information control board which is deployed in the enclosed ball type pachinko machine and does not have RTC. It is a block diagram which mainly shows each element connected to a settlement machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on of the main control side which the main control MPU of FIG. 13 executes. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the main control side of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt process of the main control side which the main control MPU executes. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on of the sphere information control side executed by the sphere information control MPU of the sphere information control board of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the ball information control side of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the sphere information control main processing which the sphere information control MPU executes after the sphere information control side power-on processing of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the ball information control power-off processing which the ball information control MPU executes after the ball information control main processing of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt process of the ball information control side executed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball lending process performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the hitting possibility judgment processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the number of possession count processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the subroutine of the LED display data creation processing performed by a sphere information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the end ball number display button check processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a figure which shows one display mode of the message at the time of initial display of the number of end balls displayed in a message display part. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the subroutine of the end ball number display processing performed by a ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the subroutine of the end ball number display processing of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main part in embodiment of the main control board which does not have RTC. It is a block diagram which shows the main part in embodiment of the sphere information control board provided with RTC. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of the main control side power-on processing executed by the main control MPU of FIG. 32. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the main control side of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of the ball information control side power-on processing executed by the ball information control MPU of FIG. 33. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the sphere information control side power-on processing of FIG. 36 which a sphere information control MPU executes. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on of the main control side by the main control MPU in embodiment that neither the main control board nor the ball information control board is provided with an RTC. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the main control side of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main loop processing and the main control side power-off processing which the main control MPU executes following FIG. 39. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the sphere information control side power-on processing which the sphere information control MPU executes in embodiment that neither the main control board nor the sphere information control board is provided with an RTC. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the sphere information control side power-on processing of FIG. 41 which a sphere information control MPU executes. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a sphere information control main process executed by the sphere information control MPU following FIG. 42. It is a flowchart which shows the ball information control power-off processing which the ball information control MPU executes following FIG. 43. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of the subroutine of the idle rotation control process executed by the ball information control MPU of FIGS. 14 and 33. It is a continuation of the flowchart of the subroutine of the idle rotation control process of FIG. It is a continuation of the flowchart of the subroutine of the idle rotation control process of FIG. It is the continuation of the flowchart of the subroutine of the idle rotation control process of FIGS. 46 and 47. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between the arrangement position of the sphere capacity confirmation switch, and the maximum number of spheres of an enclosed sphere in a collection flow path.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The pachinko machine 1 (enclosed ball type game machine) according to the present embodiment is the same as a well-known pachinko machine in terms of game content, external size, etc., and can be installed in the current island equipment in a hall (pachinko game hall). However, it is a gaming machine that does not use the ball supply mechanism or ball discharge mechanism of the island equipment. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a game is played using a game ball pre-enclosed in the game machine. Then, the game ball can be launched corresponding to the number of game balls (data of the number of balls held) based on the data of the number of loaned balls input from the storage medium such as a card via the settlement system or the like, and the game ball is launched. Then, the data of the number of possessed balls is subtracted according to the number of the fired game balls.

In addition, when the launched game ball wins a prize in the winning opening in the game area and a prize ball (game ball) is generated, the actual game ball is not paid out, and the number of prize balls is added to the data of the number of balls held. Is added. Further, when the data of the number of balls held becomes "0", the game ball cannot be launched. In this state, if a numerical value (number of rented balls) is added to the data of the number of balls held based on the data of the amount of money stored in the storage medium such as a card or the data of the stored balls, the game ball can be launched again. It becomes. In addition, the launched game ball is collected in the game machine, is in a state where it can be fired again, and circulates in the game machine. That is, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is an enclosed ball-type game machine that collects the game balls launched in the game area and uses them again for the game.

First, the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 constituting the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a payment machine 200 as an external device attached to the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a main body frame 2 constituting the pachinko machine 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an outer frame (not shown) that is configured in a rectangular frame shape and is installed in an island facility on the hall side, and can be opened and closed in the outer frame. It is configured to include a main body frame 2 that is pivotally supported by the main body frame 2 and on which the game board 4 can be mounted, and a door frame 3 that is pivotally supported by the main body frame 2 so as to be openable and closable.

As shown in the figure, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an outer frame, a main body frame 2, and a door frame 3 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction, respectively, and each has a horizontal width in the horizontal direction. The dimensions are substantially the same, and the vertical width in the vertical direction is formed so that the dimensions of the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 are slightly shorter than those of the outer frame. A decorative cover 55 is attached to the front surface of the outer frame at a position below the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3, and the front surface of the outer frame is completely closed by the door frame 3 and the decorative cover 55. It has become. Further, the outer frame, the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 are arranged so that the upper ends are substantially aligned, and the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 are rotatably supported at a position on the front side of the left end of the outer frame. The door frame 2 is opened by moving the right end of the main body frame 2 to the front side with respect to the outer frame, and the door frame 3 is opened by moving the right end of the door frame 3 to the front side with respect to the main body frame 2. It is supposed to be in a state.

The door frame 3 has a game window 6 formed on the game board 4 so that the player can visually recognize the game area 5 into which the game ball is driven, and a game window 6 arranged below the game window 6 and based on the player's operation. It has a hitting ball handle 7 for hitting a game ball into the area 5. In the game window 6, the front surface of the game board 4 mounted on the main body frame 2 side (the game area 5 partitioned by the guide rail 8) can be visually recognized in a state where the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2. A transparent plate 9 is attached to cover the door. The hitting ball handle 7 drives a launching motor 23 (see FIG. 3) of the hitting ball launching device 20 attached to the back surface of the main body frame 2 based on the rotation operation of the player, thereby moving the gaming ball to the gaming area 5. It is designed to type in. The ball striking handle 7 has a micro switch (not shown) that turns ON when the ball is rotated, and a firing stop switch 86 (not shown) that turns the micro switch OFF when the micro switch is pressed while the micro switch is ON (FIG. 11). (Only the code is described in) and the touch switch 87 (only the code is described in FIG. 11) that detects the player's contact with the ball striking handle 7 through the conductive plating applied to the outer peripheral surface of the ball striking handle 7. I have. The hitting ball launching device 20 will be described later.

The hook cover of the door frame 3 (shown) by inserting the key into the cylinder lock 1010 of the key device provided on the upper side of the ball striking handle 7 arranged in the lower right corner of the door frame 3 and rotating the key in one direction. The door frame 3 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2 by disengaging the hook portion (not shown) of the sliding rod for the door frame of the main body frame 2 and pulling the door frame 3 toward the front side. You can do it.

[Operation panel unit 10]
The door frame 3 is provided with an operation panel portion 10 formed horizontally in a lower portion of the game window 6 (a portion corresponding to an upper plate of a well-known pachinko machine that is a non-encapsulated ball type). On the left side of the operation panel unit 10 located in the middle of the front surface of the door frame 3, the remaining power display unit 13, the game machine holding ball number display unit 14, and the end ball number display unit 15 are arranged in order from top to bottom. It is arranged. In these display units, five segment displays (7-segment displays) arranged so that the number "8" can be displayed are arranged side by side in a horizontal row, and a 5-digit number can be displayed.

Here, the remaining power is a value corresponding to the amount of money stored in the card 203, which will be described later, and the number of balls held by the player is the number of balls lent to the player by lending the ball. It is the total number of prize balls acquired by the player as a result of playing the game.

At the upper center of the operation panel unit 10, there is a ball lending button (push button type switch) 11 as a ball lending command input means that can be operated by the player, and a settlement command input means that can be operated by the player. Settlement buttons (push button type switches) 12 are arranged side by side side by side. An operable notification lamp 52 is provided on the upper edge of the ball lending button 11 to notify by lighting that the operation by the ball lending button 11 is in an effective state. The ball lending button 11 instructs to lend a holding ball for playing a game. In addition, the settlement button 12 ends the pachinko game and instructs the settlement.

Further, in the lower center of the operation panel unit 10, the number of end balls is displayed as an end ball number display command input means that can be operated by the player at a position below the ball lending button (push button type switch) 11. A button (push button type switch) 16 is arranged, and further, a message display unit 57 made of, for example, a liquid crystal display is arranged on the right side of the central portion of the operation panel unit 10. Here, the number of end balls is the number of surplus balls when the number of balls held by the game machine is divided by the number of balls corresponding to one special prize at the time of prize exchange. When the message display unit 57 instructs the display of the number of end balls by the end ball number display button 16, for example, the message display unit 57 displays a message such as "Do you want to hit only the end balls?". On the left and right of the end ball number display button 16, YES buttons are used for the player to make a selection input for answering either yes or no to the interactive question format message displayed on the message display unit 57. A (push button type switch) 53 and a NO button (push button type switch) 54 are provided, respectively.

[Body frame 2]
On the other hand, the main body frame 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape so as to fit within the rectangular frame-shaped outer frame, and has a rectangular accommodating opening for accommodating the game board 4 by fitting it on the front side thereof. The portion 18 is formed. Then, by closing the door frame 3 with respect to the main body frame 2, the front surface of the game board 4 housed in the main body frame 2 (the game area 5 partitioned by the guide rail 8) becomes the game window 6 of the door frame 3. It comes to face the front side from.

Then, in the pachinko machine 1 provided with the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 described above, the game is played on the front side (game area 5) of the game board 4 fitted in the accommodating opening 18 of the main body frame 2. .. That is, the pachinko machine 1 fires a game ball into the game area 5 surrounded by the guide rail 8 of the game board 4 to play a game, and a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are in the game area 5. ), Various winning openings such as a starting winning opening and a large winning opening (in FIG. 13, an upper starting opening switch 90 that detects a winning game ball in the upper starting winning opening arranged in the game area 5 and an upper starting opening switch 90. A lower start port switch 91 that detects a game ball that has won a prize in the lower start winning opening arranged in the game area 5, and a gate switch 92 that detects a game ball that has passed through a gate arranged in the game area 5. , The left winning opening switch 93 that detects the winning game ball that has won the winning opening arranged on the left side of the game area 5, and the game ball that has won the winning opening in the upper and lower right sides of the gaming area 5 is detected. The upper right / lower right winning opening switch 94, the LED substrate for displaying ordinary symbols and special symbols arranged in the game area 5, the starting port solenoid 96 for ordinary electric accessories arranged in the game area 5, and so on. A solenoid 97 for a large winning opening arranged in the game area 5 and a large winning opening count switch 98 for detecting a game ball won in the large winning opening are described only by a code), and various winning openings are provided. A predetermined number of prize balls are given according to the winning of the prize. Specifically, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, which is an enclosed ball-type game machine, "1" is subtracted from the data of the number of balls held according to the driving of one game ball, while winning prizes in various winning openings. The number of prize balls corresponding to the above is added to the data of the number of balls held, and the corresponding number of balls held is displayed on the game machine number of balls display unit 14.

Further, an out port 19 is provided at the lower end portion of the game area 5 to receive a game ball that has flowed down to the lowermost end without winning any winning opening and discharge it to the back surface side of the game board 4. On the back surface of the game board 4, a collection gutter that collects the game balls that have won various winning openings and the game balls that have flowed into the out openings 19 and guides these game balls toward the out-safe ball collection path 31 described later. (Not shown) is installed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the prize balls are not paid out, and the number of balls released, the number of balls entered, the number of difference balls, the number of balls held, etc. are not the actual number of game balls. It is a numerical value on the data. That is, the number of game balls actually used is limited to a predetermined number (for example, 25 or 50) that is circulated and used, and the number of possessed balls detects, for example, the game balls fired in the game area 5. The number of fired balls counted by detecting, the number of foul balls counted by detecting the game balls that have been fired but returned, the number of collected balls that have been detected and counted by detecting the game balls that have been fired and collected in the game area 5. The number of balls entered, the number of balls released, the number of difference balls, and the number of balls held can be obtained from numerical values such as the number of prize balls when a prize is won and the number of balls lent from the hall side.

That is, unless there is a problem such as opening the door frame 3 and the game ball going out, the number of launched balls = the number of foul balls + the number of recovered balls (when the number of foul balls is not included). Then, the number of balls entered = the number of collected balls = the number of launched balls-the number of foul balls, and the number of balls released = the number of prize balls (integrated value) = the number of balls entered-the number of rented balls (the number of replayed balls) + the number of balls held. Number of balls held = number of rented balls (or number of replayed balls) + number of balls released-number of balls entered, number of balls released-number of balls entered = number of difference balls, number of balls held = number of balls rented (or number of balls replayed) ) + Number of difference balls. In this way, the game by the pachinko machine 1 is completely performed as a numerical value on the data, and there is no error due to spilling the game ball or leaving the game ball on the lower plate or the upper plate. It can be reliably managed in integer units.

Next, the ball striking device 20, the circulation path 30, and the ball cleaning mechanism 60 provided on the back surface side of the main body frame 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a main body frame 2 constituting the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 4 is a front view showing various constituent members provided in the lower portion of the game board 4 and the lower portion on the back surface side of the main body frame 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the ball striking device 20, the circulation path 30, and the ball cleaning mechanism 60. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the ball launching device 20 and the first and second ball passage forming members 33 and 37 forming the circulation path 30. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the hitting ball launching device 20 and the first and second ball passage forming members 33 and 37 forming the circulation path 30. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a launch rail 21 and a second ball passage forming member 37 constituting the ball launching device 20. FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a launch rail 21 and a second ball passage forming member 37 constituting the ball launching device 20. FIG. 10A is a front view showing a casing 65 and a first duct forming member 69 constituting the blower device 62. FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a casing 65 and a first duct forming member 69 constituting the blower device 62.

[Striking ball launcher 20]
As shown in FIG. 3, at the lower part on the back surface side of the main body frame 2, a hitting ball launching device 20 (see FIG. 2) for launching a game ball into a launching guide path 8a (see FIG. 2) of a guide rail 8 provided on the game board 4 (see FIG. 2). Ball launching means) is provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the hitting ball launching device 20 launches a launching rail 21 provided in communication with the launching guide path 8a and a game ball at a ball launching position near the starting point of the launching rail 21. A launching hammer 22 and a launching motor 23 serving as a driving source for the launching hammer 22 are provided, and the launching hammer 22 is rotatably supported on the launching base frame 80 and the launching hammer 22 is supported. A slide rod 81 and a slide member for adjusting the urging force of an urging spring (not shown) that attaches a launch motor 23 that imparts reciprocating rotation to the launching hammer 22 and further imparts an urging force that returns to the launching hammer 22. 82 (both see FIG. 6) is provided in the launch base frame 80. Further, a reverse rotation prevention cam 83 is fixed to the tip of the motor shaft of the launch motor 23. A large number of reverse teeth are formed on the outer circumference of the reverse rotation prevention cam 83, and engage with the stopper piece 85 swingably fixed to the stopper piece mounting boss 84 to rotate the firing motor 23 in the reverse direction. It is preventing.

Then, the firing hammer 22 is operated (reciprocating rotation) by driving the firing motor 23 based on the rotation operation of the ball striking handle 7 described above. Further, at the ball launch position near the starting point of the launch rail 21, a launch ball confirmation switch 24 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball driven by the launch hammer 22 is arranged, and at a position on the tip side of the launch rail 21. , A launch ball detection switch 25 for detecting a game ball launched from the launch rail 21 is arranged (FIG. 4). As a result, when the launch ball detection switch 25 detects the passage of the game ball after the launch ball confirmation switch 24 switches the detection of the game ball to non-detection, one game ball is fired by the launch hammer 22. It is designed to detect that.

The launch ball confirmation switch 24 is composed of a flat type proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body by changing the impedance of the detection coil of the high-frequency oscillation circuit. The launch ball detection switch 25 is composed of a pair of light emitting and light receiving sensors, and is composed of a transmissive photo sensor that detects the game ball by shading as the game ball passes.

Further, each mounting portion of the launch ball confirmation switch 24 and the launch ball detection switch 25 is provided with opening / closing plate members 26 and 27 for facilitating maintenance work of the switches 24 and 25, respectively (FIG. 5). .. The opening / closing plate members 26 and 27 are attached so as to be rotatable (open / close) side by side side by side with respect to the support shaft 28 (see FIG. 2). A switch mounting portion 26a is formed on the opening / closing plate member 26 arranged on the right side when viewed from the player side, and a launch ball confirmation switch 24 is integrally attached to the switch mounting portion 26a. By opening, the maintenance work on the launch ball confirmation switch 24 and the launch rail 21 is facilitated. On the other hand, the opening / closing plate member 27 arranged on the left side when viewed from the player side is formed with an opening 27a for avoiding interference with the launch ball detection switch 25 in the closed state of the opening / closing plate member 27. By opening 27, the maintenance work of the launch ball detection switch 25 is facilitated.

[Circulation route 30]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the first ball passage in which the out-safe ball recovery path 31 and the foul ball recovery path 32 constituting the ball passage of the circulation path 30 are formed in the lower portion on the back surface side of the main body frame 2. A forming member 33, and a second ball passage forming member 37 formed by sequentially communicating the recovery combined flow path 34, the arrangement passage 35, and the launch / delivery passage 36 are provided. Then, a launch passage composed of the launch rail 21, a launch guide path 8a composed of the guide rail 8, a game area 5, various winning openings, an out port 19, a collection gutter on the back surface of the game board 4, and an out-safe ball collection path. The circulation path 30 of the game ball is configured by the 31, foul ball recovery path 32, recovery joint flow path 34, arrangement passage 35, and launch / delivery path 36.

It should be noted that the recovery combined flow path 34 as the circulation path 30 formed by the second ball passage forming member 37 (strictly speaking, arranged directly under each ball outlet of the out-safe ball recovery path 31 and the foul ball recovery path 32). The passage portion on the downstream side of the ball inflow port 42, which will be described later), the arrangement passage 35, and the launch / delivery path 36 are each formed in a passage shape for sequentially transporting one game ball. Further, the ball guiding passage according to the present invention is configured by the collecting gutter on the back surface of the game board 4, the out-safe ball collecting passage 31, the foul ball collecting passage 32, the collecting combined passage 34, the arrangement passage 35, and the launching sending passage 36. There is.

As described above, the out-safe ball collection path 31 is arranged in communication with the collection gutter mounted on the back surface of the game board 4, and the safe ball (game ball that has won various winning openings) and the out-safe ball collected by the collection gutter. The ball (the game ball that has flowed into the out port 19) is received and guided to the collection flow path 34. Further, in the middle of the passage of the out-safe ball recovery path 31, a game ball that has passed through the out-safe ball recovery path 31, in other words, a game ball (out ball and safe ball) that has been driven into the game area 5 is detected. An out-safe ball detection switch 40 is provided for this purpose. The out-safe ball detection switch 40 is composed of a penetration type proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body by changing the impedance of the detection coil of the high-frequency oscillation circuit.

The foul ball recovery path 32 receives the foul ball recovered from the foul ball recovery port 38 (see FIG. 4) formed in the game board 4 and guides the foul ball to the recovery confluence 34. The foul ball collection port 38 is a drop port provided between the launch rail 21 and the lower portion of the outer rail portion of the guide rail 8, and the game ball launched from the launch rail 21 (ball striking device 20) is a game area. When the guide rail 8 flows backward without being driven into the 5, the game ball enters the foul ball collection port 38 and is collected as a foul ball. Further, in the middle of the passage of the foul ball collection path 32, a game ball that has passed through the foul ball recovery path 32, in other words, a game ball (foul ball) that has become a foul without being driven into the game area 5 is detected. The foul ball detection switch 41 is provided. The foul ball detection switch 41 is composed of a penetration type proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body by changing the impedance of the detection coil of the high frequency oscillation circuit.

The recovery combined flow path 34 is formed in a meandering shape in a substantially S shape, and the ball inflow port 42 at the upper end thereof faces directly below each ball outlet of the out-safe ball recovery path 31 and the foul ball recovery path 32 and communicates with each other. It is formed in a shape. Further, in the middle of the passage on the downstream side of the collection combined flow path 34, a ball capacity confirmation switch 43 (ball capacity confirmation means) for confirming the capacity of the game balls collected in the collection combination flow path 34 is provided. The ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is composed of a flat type proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body by changing the impedance of the detection coil of the high-frequency oscillation circuit.

The arrangement passage 35 is provided so as to communicate with the ball outlet in the downstream portion of the collection joint flow path 34, and a plurality of game balls are arranged and stored in a state of being in contact with each other. The arrangement passage 35 is formed in a U-shaped passage shape that communicates with the ball outlet of the collection junction 34 having a downward slope on one end side and communicates with the ball entrance of the launch / delivery path 36 having an upward slope on the other end side. In the U-shaped passage, a circulating ball feed member 44 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) made of a sprocket-shaped rotating body is rotatably assembled around a shaft 45. A plurality of (two in the embodiment) ball receiving portions 46 are formed on the outer periphery of the circulating ball feed member 44 at a predetermined angle (180 degrees in the embodiment). The circulation ball feed member 44 is rotated by using the circulation ball feed motor 47 (see FIG. 5: electrical drive source) as a drive source, and sends out the game balls of the array passage 35 one by one toward the launch / delivery path 36. It has become. That is, the output shaft of the circulation ball feed motor 47 is coupled to the shaft 45 of the circulation ball feed member 44 so as to be able to transmit torque.

The launch transmission path 36 has an inlet passage portion 48 that communicates with the ball outlet at the upper end of the arrangement passage 35 that forms an uphill slope to form an uphill slope, and a ball launching device 20 (launch rail) from the top of the upper end of the entrance passage portion 48. 21) is provided with a delivery passage portion 49 having a gentle downward slope toward the ball launch position side, and is substantially in the shape of a sword.

In the middle of the passage of the delivery passage portion 49, the first and second for detecting the game ball passing through the delivery passage portion 49 and controlling the feeding of the game ball to the hit ball launching device 20 by the circulation ball feed motor 47. Launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 (first and second sending ball detecting means) are provided side by side. The launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 are each composed of a flat type proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body by changing the impedance of the detection coil of the high-frequency oscillation circuit. The control of sending the game ball to the hit ball launching device 20 based on the ball detection by the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 will be described in detail later.

[Ball cleaning mechanism 60]
Further, a ball cleaning mechanism 60 for removing dust and the like adhering to the game balls circulating in the circulation path 30 is provided in the lower portion on the back surface side of the main body frame 2. The ball cleaning mechanism 60 is provided from a conductive brush 61 having conductivity provided in the entrance passage portion 48 of the launch / delivery path 36 serving as the circulation path 30 so as to be in contact with the game ball, and a portion where the conductive brush 61 is arranged. A blower 62 (blower means) for blowing artificial air into the inlet passage portion 48 of the launch / delivery path 36 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 9, three conductive brushes 61 are provided side by side on the upper wall side of the launch / delivery path 36, and the tip portion of the brush is formed in the upper wall portion of the entrance passage portion 48 of the launch / delivery path 36. It is arranged in a state of being slightly inserted into the entrance passage portion 48 through the brush insertion port 63. As a result, the tip portion of the conductive brush 61 is rubbed against the game ball passing through the entrance passage portion 48 as it passes through the entrance passage portion 48, and deposits such as dust adhering to the outer peripheral surface are removed. It has become.

Further, a ground wiring 64 (see FIG. 6) is connected to the conductive brush 61. As a result, when the conductive brush 61 is rubbed against the game ball, in addition to removing the deposits, the static electricity charged on the surface of the game ball is removed. Two such conductive brushes 61 are provided side by side on the upper wall side in the downstream portion of the recovery joint flow path 34, and are provided with the conductive brush 61 on the launch / delivery path 36 (entrance passage portion 48) side. Similarly, deposits and static electricity are removed from the game ball passing through the passage (in this case, the downstream portion of the recovery combined flow path 34).

As shown in FIG. 10, the blower device 62 is a well-known blower fan for exhausting heat (cooling) of a power source of an electric product, a substrate, etc., and is a fan and a motor (motor) for rotating the fan in a substantially circular casing 65. Both are not shown). On the outer peripheral portion of the casing 65, a screw fixing boss 66 for screwing the blower 62 to the back surface side of the second ball passage forming member 37 (the portion forming the recovery joint flow path 34) and an artificial wind for blowing out. The air outlet 67 and the air outlet 67 of the above are formed.

Further, a blower duct 68 for guiding the artificial air blown from the blower port 67 toward the launch / delivery path 36 is attached to the blower port 67. The ventilation duct 68 includes a first duct forming member 69 having a housing shape and a second duct forming member 70 having a flat plate shape assembled so as to cover the housing opening of the first duct forming member 69. , Consists of an assembly. The first duct forming member 69 is provided with a screw boss 71 for integrally assembling the second duct forming member 70 and a second ball passage forming member 37 side (a portion near the launch / delivery path 36). An air outlet 73 is formed, which is connected to the air inlet 72 (see FIG. 6) and sends the artificial air blown out from the air outlet 67 into the launch / delivery path 36 and the recovery joint flow path 34.

As a result, the artificial air blown from the air outlet 67 of the air blower 62 is sent from the air outlet 73 of the air duct 68 to the air inlet 72 of the second ball passage forming member 37. Then, the artificial wind sent to the wind inlet 72 is provided adjacent to the arrangement position of the conductive brush 61 (the brush insertion port 63 through which the brush tip portion is inserted) on the upper wall side of the inlet passage portion 48 of the launch / delivery path 36. The three air outlets 74 are blown into the inlet passage portion 48, and the three air outlets 77 provided adjacent to the arrangement position of the conductive brush 61 on the upper wall side of the downstream portion of the recovery combined flow path 34. It is blown into the recovery combined flow path 34.

As a result, the artificial wind from the blower 62 is blown to the game balls in the recovery joint flow path 34 and the inlet passage portion 48, so that the game balls pass through the recovery joint flow path 34 and the inlet passage portion 48. , It is possible to remove deposits such as dust adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the game ball. Further, at this time, since the game balls in the recovery joint flow path 34 and the entrance passage portion 48 are also removed by rubbing the conductive brush 61 as described above, the game balls are collected in the recovery joint flow path 34. The ball cleaning when passing through the inner and entrance passages 48 is performed by two methods (a method of rubbing the conductive brush 61 against the game ball and a method of blowing the artificial wind of the blower 62 onto the game ball). The cleaning effect can be greatly enhanced. Specifically, the adhering matter is peeled off from the outer peripheral surface of the game ball by rubbing the conductive brush 61, and the adhering matter peeled off by the blowing of artificial wind is completely removed from the game ball to surely clean the game ball. Can be done. However, by removing the static electricity on the surface of the game ball, it is possible to reduce the adhesion of dust, especially dry dust, and by blowing artificial wind on such a game ball, the deposits attached to the game ball can be removed. Efficiently removed.

Further, the artificial wind blown from the blower 62 into the recovery joint flow path 34 and the inlet passage portion 48 removes the deposits adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the game ball, and at the same time, adheres to the conductive brush 61 by rubbing the game ball. The adhering matter is also blown off from the tip of the brush to clean the conductive brush 61. For this reason, maintenance such as gradually winding up the used tape part and finally replacing it with new polishing paper, as in the configuration of removing the deposits on the game ball using tape-shaped polishing paper. Since it is not necessary to perform the work frequently, the maintenance cycle for the configuration for removing the deposits on the game ball can be dramatically extended.

A launch / delivery path is provided in a portion of the second spherical passage forming member 37 (a portion facing the upper wall in which the outlet 74 is formed) forming the lower wall portion of the inlet passage portion 48 of the launch / delivery path 36. Two discharge ports for discharging the artificial wind of the blower 62 blown into the 36 and the deposits on the surface of the game ball removed by the blowing of the artificial wind to the outside of the inlet passage portion 48 (circulation path 30). 75 is formed. Further, the same exhaust port 78 (see FIG. 6) is also provided in the portion of the second ball passage forming member 37 (the portion facing the upper wall portion in which the outlet 77 is formed) forming the lower wall portion of the recovery combined flow path 34. ) Is formed. Therefore, the artificial wind of the blower 62 blown into the inlet passage portion 48 and the recovery joint flow path 34 does not stay in the inlet passage portion 48 and the recovery joint flow path 34 (circulation path 30), and is a smooth artificial wind. In other words, it is possible to invite smooth cleaning of the game ball by blowing artificial wind. Further, according to such a configuration, the removed deposits on the surface of the game ball are discharged to the outside of the inlet passage portion 48 and the recovery combined passage 34 (circulation path 30), so that the deposits are discharged to the inlet passage portion 48 and the inlet passage portion 48 and the collection passage 34 (circulation path 30). It is possible to avoid a problem that the ball remains in the recovery passage 34 (circulation passage 30) and adheres to the surface of the game ball again.

Further, three vents 76 are formed in a row in a slit shape at the lower part of the outer peripheral wall of the first duct forming member 69 on the air outlet 73 side, and the artificial wind blown from the air outlet 67 is wind. It is sent from the outlet 73 to the launch / delivery path 36 (inlet passage portion 48) and the recovery joint flow path 34, and is also slightly blown out from the ventilation port 76 to the outside of the blower device 62. The three vents 76 serve as a drive source for the circulating ball feed member 44 in a state where the blower 62 is screwed to the back surface side of the second ball passage forming member 37 (the portion forming the recovery combined flow path 34). It is arranged at a position close to the upper position of the circulation ball feed motor 47. As a result, the artificial wind blown out from the vent 76 hits the circulating ball feed motor 47 and cools the circulating ball feed motor 47. That is, the artificial wind of the blower 62 circulates the game ball in the circulation path 30 in addition to the action of cleaning the game ball in the circulation path 30 (the inlet passage portion 48 of the launch / delivery path 36 and the recovery joint flow path 34). It also has the function of cooling the electrical drive source (circulating ball feed motor 47) that functions to perform the function.

Then, in the above-mentioned pachinko machine 1, the game balls are circulated and used in the circulation path 30, and the deposits adhering to the circulated game balls are removed by the ball cleaning mechanism 60. The game ball supplied to the hitting ball launching device 20 is launched by the hitting ball launching device 20 from the lower front side of the game board 4 into the game area 5 through between the two guide rails 8 inside and outside. Then, the game balls launched into the game area 5 flow down in the game area 5, and various winning holes (for example, a normal winning port and a starting winning opening) in which some of the game balls are arranged in the game area 5 are arranged. , A large winning opening, etc.), and is guided to the back side of the game board 4 to become a safe ball, and is guided to the out-safe ball collection path 31 through the collection gutter on the back side of the game board 4.

On the other hand, a game ball that does not win a prize in any of the winning openings after flowing down in the game area 5 flows into the out opening 19 at the lower end of the game area 5 and becomes an out ball, and passes through the collection gutter on the back surface of the game board 4. You will be guided to the out-safe ball collection path 31. Then, the out ball and the safe ball guided to the out-safe ball recovery path 31 through the recovery gutter on the back surface of the game board 4 are each provided as an out-safe ball detection in the middle of the passage of the out-safe ball recovery path 31. After being detected by the switch 40, it is sent into the collection flow path 34.

Further, the game ball that has flowed back through the guide rail 8 without flowing down the game area 5 despite being launched by the hit ball launching device 20 becomes a foul ball and enters the foul ball collection port 38, and enters the foul ball collection path 32. Is guided to. Then, the foul ball guided from the foul ball collection port 38 to the foul ball recovery path 32 is detected by the foul ball detection switch 41 provided in the middle of the passage of the foul ball recovery path 32, and then sent into the collection combined flow path 34. Then, it joins with the out ball and the safe ball and is collected.

After that, the game balls (out spheres, safe spheres, and foul spheres) sent into the recovery merging flow path 34 flow down in the recovery merging passage 34 formed by meandering in a substantially S shape, and then flow down into the collecting merging flow path 34. 34 It is sent to the array passage 35 after being detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 provided in the middle of the passage on the downstream side. Then, the game ball sent into the array passage 35 is fitted into the ball receiving portion 46 of the circulating ball feeding member 44, and 1 is accompanied by the rotational operation of the circulating ball feeding member 44 based on the drive of the circulating ball feeding motor 47. It is sent out to the entrance passage portion 48 side of the launch transmission path 36 forming an upward gradient one by one.

At this time, the game ball conveyed in the entrance passage portion 48 is rubbed with the tip portion of the conductive brush 61 as it passes through the entrance passage portion 48, so that dust and the like adhered to the outer peripheral surface. Is removed, and the static electricity charged on the outer peripheral surface is removed. At the same time, the artificial wind from the blower 62 is blown to the game ball passing through the entrance passage portion 48. As a result, the artificial wind is blown to the game ball that has passed through the entrance passage portion 48, the deposits have been peeled off by the conductive brush 61, and the static electricity has been removed.

Therefore, by removing static electricity, the adhesiveness of dust, especially dry dust, is reduced, and artificial wind is blown to the game ball from which the deposits on the outer peripheral surface have been peeled off. It is possible to efficiently remove the deposits adhering to the. Further, since the deposits such as dust blown off from the game ball are discharged to the outside from the artificial wind discharge port 75 formed on the lower wall portion of the entrance passage portion 48, the removed deposits are discharged to the outside from the entrance passage portion. It is possible to avoid a problem that the ball remains in the 48 (circulation path 30) and adheres to the game ball display again. It should be noted that such removal of deposits and static electricity on the game ball is also performed by the conductive brush 61 in the recovery joint flow path 34 when the game ball is sent from the downstream portion of the recovery joint flow path 34 to the arrangement passage 35. It is something that is said.

Further, when the game balls fitted in the ball receiving portion 46 of the circulating ball feeding member 44 are sent out one by one to the inlet passage portion 48 side in accordance with the rotational operation of the circulating ball feeding member 44, the game ball is said to be this. Even a small amount of deposits on the outer peripheral surface can be removed by the feeding operation by the circulating ball feeding member 44. Specifically, on the outer circumference of the circulating ball feeding member 44 in the present embodiment, two ball receiving portions 46 for receiving the game ball are formed at a distance of 180 degrees. Therefore, even when the game balls are continuously fed by the rotational operation of the circulation ball feed member 44, a slight interval is provided between the first game ball and the next game ball. ..

Then, during this interval period, that is, during the period when the outer peripheral portion of the circulating ball feeding member 44 other than the ball receiving portion 46 comes into contact with the game ball at the lowermost end of the entrance passage portion 48, the ball is stopped in the entrance passage portion 48. The game ball moves slightly back to the arrangement passage 35 side. Therefore, due to the rotational movement of the circulating ball feed member 44, the movement in which the game balls are pushed up one by one in the entrance passage portion 48 and the movement in which the game balls are slightly lowered in the entrance passage portion 48 are alternately repeated. A slight impact force can be applied to the game ball by the vertical movement of the game ball in the entrance passage portion 48, and the impact force removes any deposits on the outer peripheral surface of the game ball. There is.

After that, the game ball that has passed through the entrance passage portion 48 is a communication portion between the entrance passage portion 48 and the delivery passage portion 49 that form the apex portion of the launch transmission path 36 that is substantially shaped like a to, in other words, the launch transmission path 36. As a boundary, the delivery passage portion 49, which has a downward slope, naturally flows down due to its own weight. Then, the game ball that naturally flows down the delivery passage portion 49 is sent to the hit ball launching device 20 side after being detected by the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 provided in the middle of the passage of the delivery passage portion 49. Then, it is led out to a ball launching position near the starting point of the launching rail 21 constituting the hitting ball launching device 20.

After that, the game ball is circulated and used by being launched from the hit ball launching device 20 into the game area 5 again. Further, the game ball (the game ball led out to the ball launch position again through the circulation path 30) collected through the circulation path 30 after being driven by the hit ball launching device 20 is the launch transmission path 36 (entrance passage portion). Since the deposits and static electricity are removed in 48), it is unlikely that the deposits such as dust will be attached to the ball launching device 20 by being charged again. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent uneven flying of the game ball caused by being fired with deposits attached.

The above-mentioned second ball passage forming member 37 is detachably provided with respect to the back surface of the main body frame 2, and is a fully enclosed ball that is circulated and used in the collection passage 34, the arrangement passage 35, and the launch / delivery passage 36. For example, it may be configured like an enclosed ball exchange unit that can be exchanged in a state where 50 balls) are enclosed. According to such a configuration, by exchanging the enclosed ball exchange unit with a new one, it is possible to exchange all the enclosed balls that are circulated at the same time with clean game balls.

Next, the outline of the control of the pachinko machine 1 and the settlement machine 200 as an external device arranged adjacent to the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main part in an embodiment of a main control board provided in an enclosed ball-type pachinko machine and equipped with an RTC. The control of the pachinko machine 1 is roughly divided into the main board group and the peripheral board group. Of these, the main board group controls the game operation, and the peripheral board group controls the production operation (liquid crystal display panel, lamp). , Body frame lamp, door frame lamp, sound) is controlled. The main board group is composed of the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110, and the peripheral board group is composed of the peripheral control board 130.

[Main control board 100]
The main control board 100 controls the pachinko game. The main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110, which will be described later, are connected so as to enable bidirectional data communication. As shown in FIG. 13, the main control board 100 that controls the progress of the game is a main control MPU 101 that is a microprocessor in which a ROM for storing various processing programs and various commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and the like are built-in. The main control I / O port 102 as an input / output device (I / O device), the main control input circuit 103 into which detection signals from various detection switches are input, and the main control solenoid for driving various solenoids. It includes a drive circuit 104 and a RAM clear switch 105 for completely erasing the information stored in the RAM (hereinafter, referred to as “main control built-in RAM”) built in the main control MPU 101.

In addition to its built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in ROM") and main control built-in RAM, the main control MPU 101 includes a watchdog timer that monitors its operation (system) and prevents fraud. Functions etc. are also built-in. In addition, the main control MPU 101 has a built-in non-volatile RAM, and this non-volatile RAM has a unique code for identifying an individual by the manufacturer of the main control MPU 101 (a code that exists only once in the world). ) Is stored in advance as a unique ID code. Since the ID code once attached is stored in the non-volatile RAM, it cannot be rewritten even if an external device is used. The main control MPU 101 can take out the ID code from the non-volatile RAM and refer to it.

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

The RTC107 has a clock / calendar function. The clock / calendar function is a function that counts the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. Further, if necessary, a device that counts up to the day of the week may be used. The RTC control unit 106 is provided with a battery 108 for driving the RTC 107 and the RTC 107. By providing the battery 108, the RTC 107 does not interrupt the timekeeping and calendar functions even when the power supply of the power supply board (not shown) is cut off.

The battery 108 may be a primary battery (for example, a button battery), or a rechargeable secondary battery, which eliminates the need to arrange a backup power source and avoids complicating the configuration of the main control board 100. Can be done. The battery 108 is also used as a backup power source for the RAM 109.

The main control MPU 101 is provided with an RTC 107 to have a function of specifying a year, month, day, hour, minute, and second (calendar information and time information). That is, in this embodiment, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 acquires time information (hours, minutes, seconds) from the RTC 107 when the power of the gaming machine is turned on.

Upper start port switch 90 for detecting a game ball winning in the upper start port (not shown) arranged in the game area 5 of the game board 4, lower for detecting a game ball winning in the lower start port (not shown) The detection signals from the start port switch 91 and the general winning port switch 93 for detecting the game ball that has won the general winning opening (not shown) are first input to the main control input circuit 103, and then the main control I / O port 102. Is input to the main control MPU 101 via.

Further, a gate switch 92 for detecting a game ball that has passed through a gate portion (not shown), a general winning opening switch 94 for detecting a game ball that has won a prize in a general winning opening (not shown), and a large winning opening (not shown). The detection signal from the count switch 98 that detects the winning game ball is first input to the main control input circuit 103 via the panel relay terminal plate 140 attached to the game board 4, and then the main control I / O port 102. Is input to the main control MPU 101 via.

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

Further, the main control MPU 101 serially transmits various information related to the game (game information) and various commands related to the prize ball according to the winning to the ball information control board 110, or a pachinko game from the ball information control board 110. It receives various commands related to the status of the machine 1 in a serial manner. Further, the main control MPU 101 transmits various commands related to the control of the game effect and various commands related to the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the peripheral control board 130.

[Sphere information control board 110]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a main part in an embodiment of a ball information control board 110 that is deployed in an enclosed ball-type pachinko machine and does not have an RTC. The ball information control board 110 includes a ball information control unit 118 that manages the number of balls held and various controls related to the circulation ball feed motor 47, and a launch control unit 119 that controls launch by the launch motor 23. Further, the main control board 100 and the sphere information control board 110 are connected so as to enable bidirectional data communication.

[Sphere information control unit 118]
As shown in FIG. 14, the sphere information control unit 118 includes a sphere information control MPU 111, which is a microprocessor having a built-in ROM for storing various processing programs and various commands, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and the like, and I / O. A ball information control I / O port 112 as an O device and an external watchdog timer 116 (hereinafter, referred to as "external WDT 116") for monitoring whether or not the ball information control MPU 111 is operating normally. , A circulation ball feed motor drive circuit 114 for outputting a drive signal to the circulation ball feed motor 47 that performs ball feed, a ball information control input circuit 113 for inputting detection signals from various detection switches related to circulation ball feed, and It includes a CR unit input / output circuit 115 for exchanging various signals with the checkout machine 200. In addition to the built-in ROM (hereinafter, referred to as "sphere information control built-in ROM") and RAM (hereinafter, referred to as "ball information control built-in RAM"), the ball information control MPU 111 is fraudulent. It also has built-in functions to prevent it.

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

The detection signals from the door frame opening switch 131 for detecting the opening of the door frame 3 with respect to the main body frame 2 and the main body frame opening switch 132 for detecting the opening of the main body frame 2 with respect to the outer frame are first input to the ball information control input circuit 113. It is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I / O port 112. Further, a touch detection signal (on signal) by the touch switch 87 that detects whether or not the palm or finger is touching the ball striking handle 7 is input to the launch control input circuit 120 via the handle relay terminal plate 123, and further touched. The detection signal is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I / O port 112.

Further, the blower 62, the circulation ball feed motor 47, the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51, the ball capacity confirmation switch 43, the launch ball confirmation switch 24, the launch ball detection switch 25, the foul ball detection switch 41, The detection signal from the out-safe ball detection switch 40 is input to the ball information control input circuit 113 via the sensor relay board 124, and is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I / O port 112. .. The ball information control MPU 111 outputs a drive signal for driving the blower 62 and the circulation ball feed motor 47 to the blower 62 and the circulation ball feed motor 47 via the ball information control I / O port 112.

Further, in the ball information control MPU 111, the operation input signals of the end ball number display button 16, the YES button 53, and the NO button 54 arranged on the operation panel unit 10 can be input through the ball information control I / O port 112. It is connected. Further, in the ball information control MPU 111, the game machine holding ball number display unit 14, the end ball number display unit 15, and the message display unit 57 arranged on the operation panel unit 10 are controlled from the ball information control I / O port 112. It is connected so that it can be displayed by the output. The ball information control board 110 relays the electrical connection between the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 133, and also includes the door frame opening switch 131, the main body frame opening switch 132, and the external terminal board 133. Relays the electrical connection between. The external terminal plate 133 is electrically connected to a hall computer installed in the amusement park (hall).

[Launch control unit 119]
The launch control unit 119 that controls launch by the launch motor 23 includes a launch control input circuit 120 that inputs detection signals from various detection switches related to launch, an oscillation circuit 121 that outputs a clock signal at regular time intervals, and this clock. It includes an output of a launch reference pulse for launching a game ball toward the game area 5 based on a signal, and a launch motor drive circuit 122 that outputs a drive signal to the launch motor 23 based on the launch reference pulse. ..

Detection signal from the touch switch 87 that detects whether or not the palm or finger is touching the ball striking handle 7, and the launch stop switch 86 that detects whether or not the launch of the game ball is forcibly stopped by the player's will. Is first input to the launch control input circuit 120 via the handle relay terminal plate 123. Further, when the settlement machine 200 and the ball information control board 110 are electrically connected, they are input to the launch control input circuit 120 as a CR connection signal.

The DC power supply + 24V, + 12V, and + 5.2V is supplied from the power supply board (not shown) to the ball information control board 110. Further, DC power supplies + 24V, + 12V, and + 5.2V are supplied to the main control board 100 via the ball information control board 110.

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

[Payment machine 200]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram mainly showing each element connected to the checkout machine 200. The settlement machine 200 and the ball information control board 110 are connected so that data communication can be performed in both directions. Although not shown, the control unit of the settlement machine 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like.

The operation input signals of the ball lending button 11 and the settlement button 12 arranged on the operation panel portion 10 of the enclosed ball-type game machine 1 are connected to the settlement machine 200 so as to be inputtable through, for example, an interface. Further, the residual frequency display unit 13 and the operable notification lamp 52 arranged on the operation panel unit 10 of the enclosed ball type game machine 1 are connected so as to be displayable by the control output from the settlement machine 200. Further, the payment machine 200 is provided with a card processing machine 202 behind the card insertion slot 201 of FIG.

[Card 203]
The card 203 used in the embodiment is composed of, for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, or the like, and is issued by a card issuing machine (not shown) and provided to the player when the player pays a predetermined amount. FIG. 15 shows the data structure stored in the card 203.

The card 203 corresponds to an ID storage unit 204 in which an ID number (hereinafter, simply referred to as an ID) as identification information individually assigned to the card 203 is stored, and an amount paid when purchasing the card 203. Remaining frequency storage unit 205 that stores the remaining frequency as valuable value information to be used, and the number of balls possessed ball storage unit 206 that stores the number of balls held by the player (the number of balls held by the game machine) as a result of playing the game. Is set. When the card 203 is issued, the ID is stored in the ID storage unit 204, and the remaining frequency corresponding to the amount paid when the card 203 is purchased in the residual frequency storage unit 205 (for example, the amount paid is 5000 yen). If so, "5000") is stored as the remaining frequency, but "0" is stored as the initial value of the number of balls held in the ball holding number storage unit 206.

The card processor 202 has been well known in the past, and is a card sensor that detects the card 203, a card reader / writer that reads data stored in the card 203 and writes data to the card 203, and data reading of the card 203. It is provided with a card transporting means for feeding the card 203 to the writing position and ejecting the card 203 to the card insertion slot 201. When the card 203 is inserted into the card insertion slot 201, the card processor 202 sends the card 203 to a predetermined data reading / writing position, and the data stored by the card reader / writer, that is, the ID, the remaining frequency, and the remaining frequency The number of balls held is read and output to the checkout machine 200. Further, in response to a writing command from the settlement machine 200, the ID, the remaining frequency, and the number of balls held are written (stored) in each of the above-mentioned storage units.

The settlement machine 200 stores the ID, the remaining frequency, and the number of balls held from the card 203 through the card processing machine 202 in the RAM.

[Ball lending by card 203]
When the settlement machine 200 reads the data of the card 203, the remaining frequency stored in the RAM is displayed on the residual frequency display unit 13. When the card 203 can be used, the settlement machine 200 lends the ball in response to the operation of the ball lending button 11. In this ball lending, for example, a ball lending number of 125 (ball unit price is 4 yen) is lent for each operation of the ball lending button 11. In ball lending, if there is a number of balls held and the number of balls held is less than 125, the total number of balls held is used as the number of balls to be lent. The settlement machine 200 transmits the number of rented balls to the ball information control board 110. Further, the settlement machine 200 obtains the consideration for the ball lending by multiplying the set ball unit price by the number of balls lent, and subtracts the obtained consideration (the consideration corresponding to the ball lending is the remaining frequency) from the current remaining frequency. If there is a number of balls held and the ball is lent from the number of balls held, the number of balls lent is subtracted from the current number of balls held. The settlement machine 200 displays this result on the remaining frequency display unit 13. Further, the remaining frequency is written in the remaining frequency storage unit 205 of the card 203.

[Start game]
When the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 receives the number of rented balls transmitted from the checkout machine 200, it adds the number of balls to the game machine and displays the addition result on the game machine number of balls display unit 14. A launch permission signal is output to the launch control input circuit 120 of the launch control unit 119 to enable the hit ball launch device 20 to launch and the game is ready for play.

[During the game]
When the player operates the hitting handle 7 to operate the firing motor 23 and the launching hammer 22 launches the game ball at the ball launching position into the game area 5, this is the launching ball confirmation switch 24 and the launching ball detection switch. Based on the ball detection of 25, the driving of each game ball into the game area 5 is detected. Then, the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 sequentially "1" from the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area in response to the detection of each game ball being driven. Is subtracted and this is displayed on the game machine possession number display unit 14.

The ball information control MPU 111 detects a launch ball confirmation switch 24 and a launch ball detection switch 25 that detect a game ball launched by the launch hammer 22, and a game ball (out ball and safe ball) that has been driven into the game area 5. Out-safe ball detection switch 40, a foul ball detection switch 41 that detects a fouled game ball (foul ball), a ball capacity confirmation switch 43 that confirms the capacity of the game ball collected in the collection junction 34, and circulation. Based on the signals input from the first and second launch standby ball switches 50, 51 and the like that control the feeding of the game ball to the hit ball launching device 20 by the ball feed motor 47, the corresponding signals are transmitted to the main control board. Output to 100, circulation ball feed motor 47 and the like.

Further, when the game ball is driven, when the game ball flows backward through the launch guide path 8a to become a foul ball, the foul ball enters the foul ball collection port 38 and is sent to the foul ball collection path 32 to foul. It is detected by the sphere detection switch 41. Then, the ball information control MPU 111 adds "1" to the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area each time one foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 41 in this way. At the same time, by displaying this on the game machine possession number display unit 14, the problem of subtracting the foul ball from the game machine possession number data is avoided.

On the other hand, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 has a gate switch 92 arranged at a gate (not shown) that allows the game ball to pass through on the four sides of the game board, and a normal winning opening (not shown). The general winning opening detection switch 93 and 94 arranged for the large winning opening (not shown), the count switch 98 arranged for the large winning opening (not shown), and the starting opening (not shown) as the upper starting opening. Based on the detection signals from the start port switches 90 and 91, processing related to the game is performed, and the commands and signals as the processing results are sent to the ball information control board 110, the peripheral control board 130, and the upper and lower special symbol indicators 142 and 143. , Upper and lower special symbol storage indicators 144 and 145, ordinary symbol indicators 146, ordinary symbol storage indicators 147, starting port solenoid 96, large winning opening solenoid 97 and the like.

When a game ball launched by the hitting ball launching device 20 wins in various winning openings (starting winning opening, large winning opening, etc.) in the game area 5, the game ball is provided with various winning detection switches for each winning opening. (Upper start port switch 90, lower start port switch 91, general winning port switch 93, general winning port switch 94, count switch 98).

In the main control MPU 101, the game ball responds to the detection signals of the detection switches (general prize opening detection switches 93, 94, count switch 98, start opening switches 90, 91 corresponding to each winning opening) provided for each winning opening. A prize ball command indicating the number of prize balls set according to the winning opening is output to the ball information control board 110 as needed.

Further, the main control MPU 101 periodically outputs a game state signal (status) indicating the type of the current game state to the ball information control board 110. In the game state, for example, a winning lottery is performed due to winning a prize in the starting port and the starting port, and a special symbol is variably displayed based on the lottery result to stop the symbol, and the lottery result is won. In the case of the first-class pachinko gaming machine that shifts to the special gaming state (big hit gaming state) in the case of, the normal gaming state (the probability of winning by lottery is the normal probability, and the variable display time of the normal symbol is normal), the time is shortened. Game state (normal symbol variable display time is shorter than usual, time saving and medium information output signal), big hit game state (15 round big hit information output signal, or 2 round big hit information output signal), high probability game State (state where the probability of winning by lottery is higher than usual, information output signal during probability fluctuation), state during special symbol symbol change (special symbol display information output signal), state where there is a hold based on the start opening prize ( Starting port winning information output signal), etc.

The peripheral control board 130 includes a liquid crystal display panel (not shown), an accessory decorative board (not shown), a board decoration board (not shown), and a frame decoration based on a command output from the main control board 100. By outputting a control signal to the board (not shown), the lighting display of various decorative LEDs is controlled, and the sound (sound, sound, effect sound, etc.) output from the speaker (not shown) is also controlled. , The LCD display panel (not shown) controls the design to be displayed.

Based on various input signals, the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 includes a launch control unit 119, a circulation ball feed motor 47 constituting a ball circulation device, a blower device 62, a game machine holding ball number display unit 14, and a game machine holding ball number display unit 14. A signal is output to the checkout machine 200. The launch control unit 119 launches a game ball in consideration of a signal transmitted from a touch switch 87 that detects whether or not the player is touching and a launch stop switch 86 that instructs the stop of the ball launch device 20. Drive control or drive stop control of the launching device 20 is performed. The ball circulation device (circulation ball feed member 44) is driven by the circulation ball feed motor 47 to circulate the game ball in the enclosed ball type pachinko machine 1. The ball information control board 110 instructs the launch control unit 119 to launch (permit) or stop (disable) launch. In addition, the circulation ball feed motor 47 is also instructed to be operable or to be stopped.

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

In response to receiving such a prize ball command, the ball information control MPU 111 determines the number of prize balls preset for each winning opening in the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area. As the values are added, this is displayed on the game machine possession number display unit 14.

The game machine holding number display unit 14 of the present embodiment can display a 5-digit numerical value, that is, it can display up to "99999" as the game machine holding number, but it is set in recent game machines. Since the number of balls held by the game machine may be 100,000 or more depending on the content of the game being played, there is a risk that the number of balls held by the game machine display unit 14 cannot display 100,000 or more balls. Assuming such a case, when the number of balls held exceeds the specified number, a certain number of balls is sent to the checkout machine 200. For example, when the number of balls held exceeds 30,000, a certain number of balls are held. The number of balls may be sent to the checkout machine 200, and the checkout machine 200 may be configured to manage the number of balls held by the checkout machine.

In the present embodiment, since the function of displaying the number of end balls, which will be described later, is provided, it is necessary to prevent the number of end balls from appearing in the number of balls held by the checkout machine. The number of balls held, which is a multiple of, is sent to the checkout machine 200. Here, the number of exchanged balls (so-called exchange rate) is the number of balls held when exchanging for one special prize (corresponding to the predetermined prize according to claim 1). Further, the number of rounded balls is the number of balls held with a fraction less than the number of exchanged balls. The number of exchanged balls differs depending on the area where the amusement park is located and the management company that manages the amusement park, that is, the amusement park.

For example, in Tokyo, the minimum number of exchanged balls is 333 in most amusement parks, and in Nagoya, the minimum number of exchanged balls is 66. As an example, when the number of exchanged balls is 333, the number of balls to be sent to the checkout machine 200 may be 9990, which is 30 times 333, and when the number of exchanged balls is 66, the number of balls to be sent to the checkout machine 200 may be set to 9990. The number may be 9900, which is 150 times 66. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the number of odd balls from appearing in the number of balls held by the checkout machine. In the case of 9990 in the above example, the number of balls held by the game machine holding number display unit 14 is 201010. A checkout machine number display unit is provided, and the checkout machine 200 is configured to display the checkout machine number of balls (9990) on the checkout machine number display section.

That is, the number of balls held as the number of balls used for the game in the game machine is divided into the number of balls held by the game machine managed by the ball information control MPU of the game machine and the number of balls held by the checkout machine 200. The configuration may be divided and managed. If the ball managed by the game machine and the ball managed by the checkout machine 200 can be clearly grasped, there is an advantage that the game can be enjoyed with peace of mind. If you want to return the number of balls you have from the number of balls you have in the checkout machine and add them to the number of balls you have in the game machine, the checkout machine 200 will have a certain number of balls from the number of balls you have in the checkout machine according to the operation to the ball lending button 11. The number may be configured to be transmitted to the ball information control MPU in the form of a specified number of balls to be rented. In this case as well, by setting the number of balls that is a multiple of the number of exchanged balls as the specified number of balls to be rented, it is possible to prevent the number of odd balls from appearing in the number of balls held by the checkout machine.

In addition, the game balls (safe balls) that have won various winning openings are out through the collection gutter on the back side of the game board 4 together with the game balls (out balls) that have flowed into the out opening 19 without winning any winning openings. -It is sent to the safe ball collection path 31 and detected by the out-safe ball detection switch 40. Further, the game ball that has passed through the out-safe ball recovery path 31 is sent to the recovery joint flow path 34 together with the game ball that has passed through the foul ball recovery path 32, and is detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43. Then, the ball information control MPU 111 determines whether or not the game ball to be sent to the array passage 35 (circulating ball feeding member 44) is secured based on the detection of the game ball by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43, in other words, the circulation. It is detected whether or not the game ball is properly circulated in the route 30.

After that, the game balls sent out one by one to the entrance passage portion 48 of the launch transmission path 36 along with the rotational operation of the circulation ball feed member 44 naturally flow down the delivery passage portion 49 with the apex portion of the launch delivery path 36 as a boundary. Then, it is led out to the ball launching position of the ball launching device 20. At this time, the game balls that naturally flow down the delivery passage portion 49 are detected by the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51.

Then, the ball information control MPU 111 controls the drive of the circulation ball feed motor 47 that rotates the circulation ball feed member 44 based on the detection of the game ball by the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51. By doing so, the feeding of the game ball from the collection joint flow path 34 side to the launch / delivery path 36 side is controlled. The control of sending the game ball to the launch / delivery path 36 side will be described in detail later.

[End of game, settlement]
After that, when the settlement button 12 is operated by the player to end the game, the settlement machine 200 transmits a game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110.

When the settlement machine 200 transmits the game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 in response to the operation of the settlement button 12, the ball information control MPU 111 receives the game end command sent from the settlement machine 200, and the ball information The control MPU 111 transmits "end possible" to the settlement machine 200. Next, the ball information control MPU 111 stops the launch motor 23 to stop the game, stops the circulation ball feed motor 47, and stops the ball feed. The current number of balls held by the game machine stored in the storage area for the number of balls held by the game machine is transmitted to the checkout machine 200.

Then, when the processing of the settlement machine 200 corresponding to the number of balls possessed by the game machine transmitted from the ball information control MPU 111 is completed, the settlement machine 200 transmits the processing completion, so that the ball information control MPU 111 receives the processing completion. Then, the game machine holding number storage area of the RAM is cleared to 0, and the process ends.

On the other hand, after the settlement machine 200 receives "end possible" as a response to the game end command about the end state, the ball information control MPU 111 transmits the number of balls held by the game machine to the settlement machine 200, so that the settlement machine 200 is a game. When the number of balls held by the machine is received, the number of balls held by the game machine received is added to the number of balls held by the checkout machine stored in the RAM when the card is inserted, and the addition result is stored as the number of balls held by the checkout machine. As a result, all the number of balls held as a result of the game played by the player is stored as the number of balls held by the checkout machine. Then, the processing end is transmitted to the ball information control MPU 111, the number of balls held by the checkout machine is written in the ball holding number storage unit 206 of the card 203, the card 203 is ejected from the card insertion slot 201, and the processing is completed. As a result, the card 203 rewritten by adding the number of balls held by the game machine as a result of the game is returned to the player.

[Control of sending a game ball to the hit ball launcher 20 side]
Next, to the drive control of the circulation ball feed motor 47 by the ball information control MPU 111 (ball circulation control means), in other words, to the ball launching device 20 side based on the ball detection by the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51. The control of feeding the game ball will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing feeding control of a game ball based on ball detection by the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51.

First, in a state where the driving of the game ball by the hitting ball launching device 20 (the operation of the launching hammer 22 based on the drive of the launching motor 23) is stopped, the ball is arranged in the delivery passage portion 49 as shown in FIG. 11 (A). Of the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51, the first launch standby ball switch 50 located on the circulation ball feed member 44 side (closer to the entrance passage portion 48) is stopped in the delivery passage portion 49. The last game ball is located. In this state, the game ball is most stopped in the delivery passage portion 49, and the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 are both in the game ball detection state (ON).

The ball information control MPU 111 is a game ball parked in the delivery passage portion 49 based on the detection status of the game ball by the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 (both launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 are ON). Detects that is full. Then, by stopping the drive of the circulation ball feed motor 47 (rotational operation of the circulation ball feed member 44), the recovery joint flow path 34 side to the launch delivery path 36 side (in other words, the inlet passage portion 48 side of the launch delivery path 36). The feeding of the game ball to the sending passage portion 49 side) is stopped.

The first launch standby ball switch 50 is arranged at a position separated from the apex T (the boundary between the entrance passage portion 48 and the delivery passage portion 49) of the launch transmission path 36 by a distance A1 equivalent to approximately one game ball. ing. Therefore, in the driving stopped state of the game ball, approximately one game ball is provided between the rearmost game ball parked in the delivery passage portion 49 and the frontmost game ball parked in the entrance passage portion 48. The space for the minute becomes empty. Therefore, there is at least one game ball between the game ball in the delivery passage portion 49 that naturally flows down to the hit ball launching device 20 side and the game ball in the entrance passage portion 48 that is pushed up by the circulation ball feed member 44. Space can be secured at all times.

As a result, it is possible to avoid a problem that pressure is applied to the game ball stopped in the entrance passage portion 48 due to the feeding operation of the game ball by the circulating ball feeding member 44, and the hitting ball launching device 20 can be affected by the problem. The game ball can be sent smoothly. However, the position of the first launch standby ball switch 50 is a position at which a distance A1 of approximately one game ball is provided from the apex T of the launch / delivery path 36, which is the boundary between the entrance passage portion 48 and the delivery passage portion 49. It is not limited to the above, and it is sufficient that the game is arranged at a distance of at least one game ball from the apex portion T, whereby the game is stopped in the entrance passage portion 48 and the delivery passage portion 49. It is possible to avoid a problem of applying excessive pressure to the ball.

After that, when the game ball is driven by the hit ball launcher 20, as shown in FIG. 11B, the game balls parked in the delivery passage portion 49 are hit one by one (of the launch rail 21). It is sent to the ball launch position near the starting point) side, and there are no game balls on the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51, so that each launch standby ball switch 50 and 51 is in a non-detection state of the game ball. (OFF).

In the ball information control MPU 111, the game ball stopped in the delivery passage portion 49 is based on the detection status of the game ball by the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 (both of the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 are OFF). It is detected that the number of game balls to be reduced and supplied to the hitting ball launching device 20 is insufficient. Then, by driving the circulating ball feed motor 47 (rotating the circulating ball feed member 44), the ball is fed from the recovery joint flow path 34 side to the launch / delivery path 36 side (in other words, from the inlet passage portion 48 side of the launch / delivery path 36). Send the game ball to the passage part 49 side).

Of the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 arranged in the delivery passage portion 49, the second launch standby ball switch 51 located on the hitting ball launching device 20 side has a front end portion of the first launch standby ball switch 51. It is arranged at a position separated from the rear end of the ball switch 50 by a distance A2 of about three game balls. Therefore, the operation of feeding the game balls by the circulating ball feeding member 44 is started when the number of three game balls is reduced from the full state of the game balls in the delivery passage portion 49. That is, the ball information control MPU 111 detects that the number of game balls supplied to the hitting ball launching device 20 is insufficient when the number of three game balls decreases from the full state of the game balls in the transmission passage portion 49. It has become.

After that, the circulating ball feeding member 44 sends out one game ball from the entrance passage portion 48 side at a speed faster than the driving speed of the game ball by the hit ball launching device 20 (the speed at which one game ball is driven into the game area 5). By sending the ball to the passage portion 49 side, as shown in FIG. 11C, the number of game balls parked in the entrance passage portion 48 gradually increases. FIG. 11C shows a state in which one more game ball is stopped in the entrance passage portion 48 than in the state shown in FIG. 11B, and is located on the hit ball launching device 20 side accordingly. The case where the game ball is stopped on the second launch standby ball switch 51 and the second launch standby ball switch 51 is in the detection state (ON) of the game ball is illustrated. At this time, the game ball is not parked on the first launch standby ball switch 50, and the first launch standby ball switch 50 is in the non-detection state (OFF) of the game ball.

After that, the circulation ball feed member 44 continues to feed the game ball from the inlet passage portion 48 side to the delivery passage portion 49 side, and is located on the circulation ball feed member 44 side as shown in FIG. 11 (A). When the game ball is also stopped on the first launch standby ball switch 50, the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 are both in the game ball detection state (ON). Then, the ball information control MPU 111 drives (circulates) the circulation ball feed motor 47 based on the detection status of the game ball by the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 (both launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 are ON). The rotation operation of the ball feeding member 44) is stopped, and the feeding of the game ball from the entrance passage portion 48 side to the delivery passage portion 49 side is stopped.

By the way, as described above, in the present embodiment, two ball detection switches (first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51) are provided in the delivery passage portion 49, and the two ball detection switches are provided. Based on the detection of the game ball by the above, the ball information control MPU 111 controls the feeding of the game ball to the hit ball launching device 20 by the circulation ball feed motor 47 (circulation ball feed member 44).

Specifically, due to the arrangement of the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 having a distance A2 of approximately three game balls, the game balls on the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51 disappear and the launch standby ball switches 50 are eliminated. , 51 are both turned off, that is, when three game balls are reduced from the full state of the game balls in the delivery passage portion 49, the feeding of the game balls by the circulation ball feed member 44 is started. It has become.

That is, in the feeding control of the game balls in the present embodiment, every time the number of game balls stopped in the sending passage portion 49 decreases in response to the driving of the game balls, the feeding passage portion 49 side from the entrance passage portion 48 side. It is designed to send a game ball to. Therefore, when the game ball is driven into the game area 5, the circulation ball feed motor 47 is not frequently started and stopped in response to the drive of the game ball, so that the drive load of the circulation ball feed motor 47 is reduced. can do.

Further, when the game ball in the delivery passage portion 49 is detected by one ball detection switch and the game ball is controlled to be sent, the ball detection switch momentarily causes an erroneous detection of the game ball. There is a risk that an abnormality will occur in the feeding. On the other hand, in the configuration in which two ball detection switches are provided in the delivery passage portion 49 for sending the game ball to the hit ball launching device 20 side as in the present embodiment, one of the ball detection switches can be used instantaneously. Even if an erroneous detection occurs, by causing the other ball detection switch to perform normal detection, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an abnormality caused by a momentary erroneous detection, and it is possible to more reliably control the feeding of the game ball. ..

In the above-described embodiment, the two ball detection switches (launch standby ball switches 50 and 51) provided in the delivery passage portion 49 are arranged so as to provide a distance A2 for approximately three game balls. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the configuration of the modified example shown in FIG. 12 may be used.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing feeding control of a game ball based on ball detection by the first and second launch standby ball switches 50, 51'in the modified example. However, the second launch standby ball switch 51'in the modified example is made of the same constituent member as the second launch standby ball switch 51 of the above-described embodiment, and only the arrangement position in the delivery passage portion 49 is different.

As a configuration of the modified example, as shown in FIGS. 12 (A) to 12 (C), the circulating ball feed member 44 of the first and second launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'arranged in the delivery passage portion 49. The first launch standby ball switch 50 located on the side (closer to the entrance passage portion 48) is located at the same position as the above-described embodiment, that is, the apex T (entrance passage portion 48 and the delivery passage portion 49) of the launch transmission path 36. It is located at a distance A1 of about one game ball from the boundary). On the other hand, the second launch standby ball switch 51'located on the hit ball launcher 20 side is located at a position where the front end thereof is separated from the rear end portion of the first launch standby ball switch 50 by a distance A3 of about 6 game balls. Have been placed.

Then, in a state where the driving of the game ball by the hitting ball launching device 20 (the operation of the launching hammer 22 based on the drive of the launching motor 23) is stopped, the ball is arranged in the delivery passage portion 49 as shown in FIG. 12 (A). Of the first and second launch standby ball switches 50, 51', stay in the delivery passage portion 49 on the first launch standby ball switch 50 located on the circulation ball feed member 44 side (closer to the entrance passage portion 48). The last game ball that has been played is located. In this state, the game ball is most stopped in the delivery passage portion 49, and the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'are both in the game ball detection state (ON).

The ball information control MPU 111 was stopped in the transmission passage portion 49 based on the detection status of the game ball by the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'(both launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'are ON). Detects that the game ball is full. Then, by stopping the drive of the circulation ball feed motor 47 (rotational operation of the circulation ball feed member 44), the recovery joint flow path 34 side to the launch delivery path 36 side (in other words, the inlet passage portion 48 side of the launch delivery path 36). The feeding of the game ball to the sending passage portion 49 side) is stopped.

After that, when the game ball is driven by the hit ball launcher 20, as shown in FIG. 12B, the game balls parked in the delivery passage portion 49 are hit one by one (starting point of the launch rail 21). It is sent to the nearby ball launch position) side, and when there are no game balls on the first and second launch standby ball switches 50, 51', each launch standby ball switch 50, 51'does not detect the game ball. It becomes the state (OFF).

The ball information control MPU 111 is a game that stays in the transmission passage portion 49 based on the detection status of the game ball by the launch standby ball switches 50, 51'(the launch standby ball switches 50, 51'are both OFF). It is detected that the number of balls is reduced and the number of game balls supplied to the hitting ball launching device 20 is insufficient. Then, by driving the circulating ball feed motor 47 (rotating the circulating ball feed member 44), the ball is fed from the recovery combined flow path 34 side to the launch / delivery path 36 side (in other words, from the inlet passage portion 48 side of the launch / delivery path 36). Send the game ball to the passage part 49 side).

At this time, in the configuration of the modified example, as described above, the front end portion of the second launch standby ball switch 51'is at a position where the distance A3 of about 6 game balls is separated from the rear end portion of the first launch standby ball switch 50. Is located in. Therefore, the operation of feeding the game balls by the circulating ball feeding member 44 is started when the number of the six game balls is reduced from the full state of the game balls in the delivery passage portion 49. That is, the ball information control MPU 111 detects that the number of game balls supplied to the hitting ball launching device 20 is insufficient when the number of six game balls decreases from the full state of the game balls in the transmission passage portion 49. It has become.

After that, the circulating ball feeding member 44 sends out one game ball from the entrance passage portion 48 side at a speed faster than the driving speed of the game ball by the hit ball launching device 20 (the speed at which one game ball is driven into the game area 5). By sending the ball to the passage portion 49 side, as shown in FIG. 12C, the number of game balls parked in the entrance passage portion 48 gradually increases. FIG. 12 (C) shows a state in which two more game balls are stopped in the entrance passage portion 48 than in the state shown in FIG. 12 (B), and is located on the hit ball launching device 20 side accordingly. The case where the game ball is stopped on the second launch standby ball switch 51'and the second launch standby ball switch 51'is in the detection state (ON) of the game ball is illustrated.

At this time, the game ball is not parked on the first launch standby ball switch 50, and the first launch standby ball switch 50 is in the non-detection state (OFF) of the game ball. After that, the circulation ball feed member 44 continues to feed the game ball from the inlet passage portion 48 side to the delivery passage portion 49 side, and is located on the circulation ball feed member 44 side as shown in FIG. 12 (A). When the game ball is also stopped on the first launch standby ball switch 50, the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'are both in the game ball detection state (ON).

Then, the ball information control MPU 111 drives the circulation ball feed motor 47 based on the detection status of the game ball by the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'(the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'are both ON). (Rotating operation of the circulating ball feeding member 44) is stopped to stop feeding the game ball from the entrance passage portion 48 side to the delivery passage portion 49 side.

As described above, in the configuration of the modified example, the distance A3 between the two ball detection switches (first and second launch standby ball switches 50, 51') in the delivery passage portion 49 is approximately six game balls. Is provided and arranged. As a result, when the game balls on the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51'are eliminated and both the launch standby ball switches 50 and 51' are turned off, in other words, the game balls in the delivery passage portion 49 are full. When the number of 6 game balls is reduced, the circulation ball feed member 44 starts feeding the game balls.

That is, as the feeding control of the game ball in the modified example, every time the number of game balls stopped in the sending passage portion 49 decreases in response to the driving of the game ball, the entrance passage portion 48 side to the sending passage portion 49 side. It is designed to send game balls. Therefore, as compared with the configuration in which the circulation ball feeding member 44 starts feeding the game balls when the number of three game balls decreases from the full state of the game balls in the delivery passage portion 49 shown in the above-described embodiment. , The interval at which the game ball feed starts (the drive stop period of the circulation ball feed motor 47 when the game ball is driven) can be lengthened, and as a result, the drive load of the circulation ball feed motor 47 can be further reduced. ..

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, two delivery ball detection means (first and second delivery ball detection) are provided in the launch delivery path (delivery passage portion) to which the game ball is sent by the circulating ball feed member. Means) are provided, and the two sending ball detecting means are arranged at individual arrangement positions at predetermined intervals for detecting the presence or absence of individual game balls.

Then, when the game balls are detected by the two delivery ball detection means, it is determined that a sufficient game ball is stopped in the launch transmission path (delivery passage portion), and the game ball is fed by the circulating ball feed member. Stop. On the other hand, if the two sending ball detecting means do not detect each of the game balls, it is determined that sufficient game balls are not stopped in the launching sending path (delivery passage portion), and the playing balls are sent by the circulating ball feeding member. Start. Therefore, even when the game is continuously played, it is not necessary to frequently start and stop the electric drive source for operating the circulating ball feed member, and the burden on the electric drive source can be reduced, and the drive circulation Since the deterioration of the performance of the function can be suppressed, the normal game ball can be continuously fed by the circulating ball feeding member.

Further, among the first and second sending ball detecting means, the first sending ball detecting means located on the circulating ball feeding member side is from the apex of the firing sending path which is the boundary between the entrance passage portion and the sending passage portion. They are arranged at a distance of at least one game ball. In this case, in the state where the game ball is stopped, there is a space of at least one game ball between the rearmost game ball parked in the delivery passage portion and the frontmost game ball parked in the entrance passage portion. Can be vacated.

Therefore, a space of at least one game ball is always secured between the game ball in the delivery passage portion that naturally flows down to the ball launching means side and the game ball in the entrance passage portion that is pushed up by the circulating ball feed member. be able to. As a result, it is possible to avoid a problem that pressure is applied to the game ball stopped in the entrance passage due to the feeding operation of the game ball by the circulating ball feeding member, and the game ball is smoothly made to the ball launching means. Can be sent to.

[Idle rotation of the enclosed ball]
In the embodiment described below, when the power is turned on before the opening time, all the enclosed spheres (25 in this embodiment) that launch all the enclosed spheres at least once are fired at least once and set on the circulation path 30. The hit ball is moved along the moved movement path, and the surface of all the enclosed balls is cleaned by the ball cleaning member (conductive brush 61). The present invention relates to an invention that equalizes the game conditions of all the machines.

In the enclosed ball type game machine, the balls used for the game are not replaced, so the enclosed balls are easily soiled, and depending on whether the game balls are clean or not, for example, the repulsion between the balls or the game balls hit the nails. It is conceivable that there will be a large difference in the movement of the game ball, such as the mode when it is repelled and the mode when it is fluttering on the stage. That is, if the enclosed sphere does not move and stays for a long time, tobacco tar, dust, fiber dust, etc. in the air adhere to the surface of the enclosed sphere. For this reason, the movement of the enclosed ball may not be equal to the player at the beginning of the game. There is a risk that any enclosed ball-type game machine installed in the hall will break the principle that the player has a fairness in the chance of winning a prize with the game ball used.

Therefore, if the enclosed ball is launched and moved at least once a day when there are no players, the state in which the enclosed ball does not move and stays for a long time can be avoided, and the game ball can be kept clean. Conceivable.

[Various control processes on the main control board]
First, various control processes performed by the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 13 according to the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main control side power-on processing executed by the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 of FIG. 13, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the main control side power-on processing of FIG. 16 executed by the main control MPU. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the continuation, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt process executed by the main control MPU 101.

[Processing when the power is turned on on the main control side]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the main control MPU) of the main control board 100 performs the main control side power-on processing as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. When the main control side power-on processing is started, the main control MPU sets the stack pointer (step S10). The stack pointer indicates, for example, the address loaded on the stack to temporarily store the contents of the storage element (register) in use, or temporarily returns the return address of this routine when the subroutine is terminated and returned to this routine. It indicates the address stacked on the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is stacked. In step S10, the initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the contents of the register, the return address, and the like are pushed onto the stack from this initial address. Then, the stack pointer returns to the initial address by reading in order from the last stacked stack to the first stacked stack.

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

Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S12 is a process for waiting until the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the waiting time (wait timer) is 200 milliseconds (waiting timer). ms) is set. The determination in step S14 is performed based on the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110. After the power is turned on, when the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes, the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 is output, and the main control MPU proceeds to step S16.

Proceeding to step S16, the main control MPU determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 shown in FIG. 11 is being operated (step S16). This determination is made based on whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and the operation signal (detection signal) thereof is input to the main control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, while when the detection signal is not input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not operated.

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

This RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is stored in the RAM built in the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, referred to as "main control built-in RAM"), and is a game related to a game such as a probability fluctuation or an unpaid prize ball. It is a flag indicating whether or not to delete the information, and is set to a value of 1 when the game information is deleted and a value of 0 when the game information is not deleted. The values of the RAM clear notification flags RCL-FLG set in steps S18 and S19 are stored in the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the main control MPU.

When the process proceeds to step S20, the current time information acquisition process is performed (step S20). That is, the current time information is acquired from the external RTC 107 and stored in the current time data storage unit set in the predetermined area of the built-in RAM.

Following step S20, the current time acquired in step S20 is compared with the opening time preset and stored according to the opening time of the amusement park, and whether or not the current time is earlier than the opening time is determined. Determine (step S21). For example, when the store opening time is set and stored at 10:00 and the power-on time is 8:30, it is determined that the current time is earlier than the store opening time. Since the opening time differs depending on the amusement park, the setting is stored in the ROM in advance according to the opening time of the amusement park when the product is delivered. Further, the opening time may be configured so that the opening time can be set and input by using the input device connected to the main control I / O port 102 during idle rotation.

In this embodiment, the main control MPU determines whether or not to perform idle rotation based on the current time, and then identifies whether to perform idle rotation or not according to the determination result. The idle rotation identification data is transmitted to the sphere information control MPU. Further, the ball information control MPU waits until the idle rotation identification data is received.

When the main control MPU determines that the current time is earlier than the opening time, the main control MPU transmits the idle rotation identification data including the idle rotation execution to the ball information control board 110 (step S22). Next, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S23). The watchdog timer is cleared by setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in the watchdog timer clear register WCL in this order. Then, the process proceeds to step S24, and it is determined whether or not the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is received (step S24).

Since the idle rotation control process is directly performed by the ball information control MPU, the main control MPU cannot directly determine the end of the idle rotation. On the other hand, the ball information control MPU directly determines whether or not the idling end condition is satisfied in the idling control process.

If the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is not received, the main control MPU returns to step S23 and sets the watchdog timer to clear. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step S23 and the process of determining step S24 as NO. That is, while setting the watchdog timer to clear, it waits until the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is received. This prevents the watchdog timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

On the other hand, the ball information control MPU 111 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the ball information control MPU) of the ball information control board 110 does not depend on the operation of the hitting handle 7 when the content of the received idle rotation identification data is the idle rotation execution. By automatically operating the hitting ball launching device 20 (launching motor 23) and the circulating ball feeding member 44 (circulating ball feeding motor 47), all the enclosed balls (25 or 50 in this embodiment) are pressed at least once. It is fired to circulate the circulation path 30, and idle rotation control is performed to clean the surfaces of all the enclosed balls with a ball cleaning member (conductive brush 61).

During the idle rotation control, the ball information control MPU determines that the idle rotation has ended when the execution time from the start of the idle rotation execution reaches a predetermined end condition, and transmits the idle rotation end signal to the main control MPU. When the main control MPU receives the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control board 110, the main control MPU proceeds to step S30.

By idling the enclosed sphere, the enclosed sphere moves and circulates in the circulation path 30, so that it is possible to avoid a state in which the enclosed sphere does not move and stays for a long time, and dust and dirt accumulate on the enclosed sphere. Can be avoided. As a result, the game conditions for the enclosed ball can be made uniform for all the machines, and the player can ensure fairness regarding the chance of winning a prize by the game ball used. Further, the conductive brush 61 of the ball cleaning mechanism 60 removes dust and the like adhering to the surface, so that the enclosed ball can be kept clean.

On the other hand, in step S21, when the acquired current time is compared with the store opening time set and stored in advance and it is determined that the current time is not before the store opening time, the main control MPU performs step S21. It is determined as NO, the process proceeds to step S28, the idle rotation identification data including the idle rotation non-execution is transmitted to the ball information control MPU (step S28), and the process proceeds to step S30. Therefore, the enclosed ball is idled only once when the power is turned on before the opening time.

For example, if a power outage or a momentary power outage (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped) occurs during business hours after the opening time, when the power is restored, the enclosed ball will be idled before the opening time. Since it has been completed, there is no need for idle rotation, and there is a possibility that the game was being played by the player at the time of a power failure or a momentary power failure, the idle rotation control process is not performed.

In this way, by avoiding a momentary power failure or power outage during the operation of the amusement park and then idling when the power supply is restored, the player can recover from the momentary power failure or power failure. It is possible to avoid the problem that a meaningless and useless idle rotation is suddenly performed for the player, and it is not necessary to bother the player.

Further, in the main control side power-on processing, the main control MPU does not shift to the game control processing (main control side timer interrupt processing) described later from the execution of the idle rotation to the reception of the idle rotation end signal. stand by. As a result, the hit ball launched for idling will win a prize, and despite the fact that it is idling, it will be added to the number of balls possessed by the game machine as a prize ball, a change in the design due to the winning, a big hit, and a production. It is possible to avoid problems such as being played, and since the game data in the reset RAM work area does not become inconsistent when the power is restored, it is possible to avoid inconvenience to both the player and the game field. In addition, it does not impose an unnecessary load on the main control MPU and does not interfere with other necessary processing.

When the main control MPU shifts to step S30, the wait timer process 2 is performed (step S30). In this wait timer process 2, the system waits until the system that controls the drawing of the liquid crystal display device (not shown) by the liquid crystal control unit of the peripheral control board 130 starts (boots). In this embodiment, 2 seconds (s) is set as the time until booting (boot timer).

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

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

When the backup flag BK-FLG has a value of 1 in step S30, that is, when the main control side power off processing is normally completed, the work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as the time of power recovery (step S40). In this setting, in addition to setting the value 0 to the backup flag BK-FLG, the power recovery information is read from the ROM built in the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, referred to as "main control built-in ROM"), and this power recovery is performed. The time information is set in the work area of the main control built-in RAM. In addition, "recovery" means that the power is turned on from the state where the power is cut off, the state where the power is restored after the power failure or momentary power failure, and the state where high frequency is irradiated is detected and reset. The state of returning after that is also included.

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

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is not a value 0 (value 1), that is, when the game information is deleted, or in step S36, the checksum values (sum values) match. When it is not set, or when it is determined in step S38 that the backup flag BK-FLG is not a value 1 (value is 0), that is, when the main control side power off processing is not normally completed, the main control built-in RAM Clear all areas (step S44). Specifically, the value 0 is written to the main control built-in RAM (note that a predetermined value may be read from the main control built-in ROM as an initial value and set). Further, the random number for determining the initial value for determining the jackpot to be used for determining the initial value of the random number for determining the jackpot is used when the RAM clear switch 105 is operated to erase the game information, when the sum values do not match, or when the sum values do not match. When the main control side power off processing is not completed normally, the unique ID code stored in advance in the non-volatile RAM of the main control MPU is taken out, and the big hit judgment random number is updated based on the taken out ID code. The initial value derivation process for always deriving the same fixed value from the fixed numerical value range of the counter is executed, and this fixed value is set as the initial value.

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

Following step S46, RAM clear notification and test command creation processing are performed (step S48). In this RAM clear notification and test command creation process, a power-on command classified into power-on for clearing the main control built-in RAM and notifying that the initial setting has been performed is created, and various peripheral control boards 130 are used. A test command classified into test-related commands for performing an inspection is created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S42 or step S48, interrupt initial setting is performed (step S50). This setting sets the interrupt cycle when the main control side timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 4 ms.

Following step S50, interrupt enable setting is performed (step S52). With this setting, the main control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 4 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S50. The process of steps S10 to S52 is referred to as "main control side power-on process".

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

Following step S54, it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input (step S56). As described above, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off, a power failure occurs, or a momentary power failure occurs, when the voltage falls below the power failure warning voltage, a power failure warning signal is sent as a power failure warning to the power failure monitoring circuit of the ball information control board 110. It is input from 117. The determination in step S56 is performed based on this power failure warning signal.

When there is no input of the power failure warning signal in step S56, the non-winning random number update process is performed (step S58). In this non-winning random number update process, for example, a reach determination random number, a variable display pattern random number, a big hit symbol initial value determination random number, a small hit symbol initial value determination random number, and the like are updated. In this way, in the non-winning random number update process, random numbers that are not related to the winning determination (big hit determination) are updated. The random number for determining the normal symbol hit, the random number for determining the initial value for determining the normal symbol hit, the random number for the normal symbol variation display pattern, and the like are also updated by this non-winning random number update process.

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

[Processing when the power is turned off on the main control side]
On the other hand, when the power failure warning signal is input in step S56, the interrupt prohibition setting is set (step S60). With this setting, the timer interrupt process on the main control side, which will be described later, is not performed, writing to the main control built-in RAM is prevented, and rewriting of game information is protected.

Following step S60, the starting port solenoid 96, the winning opening solenoid 97, the upper special symbol indicator 142, the lower special symbol indicator 143, the upper special symbol memory indicator 144, and the lower special symbol memory display shown in FIG. 13 are shown. The drive signal output to the device 145, the normal symbol display 146, the normal symbol storage display 147, the game status display 148, the round display 149, and the like is stopped (step S62).

Following step S62, the checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S64). This checksum calculates the total of the game information of the work area of the main control built-in RAM, excluding the storage area of the checksum value (sum value) and the backup flag BK-FLG value described above, as numerical values.

Following step S64, the backup flag BK-FLG is set to a value of 1 (step S66). This completes the storage of backup information.

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

Following step S68, a loop process of repeating a state in which nothing is executed is entered. The processing and loop processing of steps S60 to S68 are referred to as "main control side power off processing". In this loop processing, the watchdog timer is not set to clear because the value A, the value B, and the value C are not set in order in the watchdog timer clear register WCL. Therefore, the watchdog timer times out and outputs a timeout signal, the main control MPU is reset by the timeout signal, and then the main control MPU performs the main control side power-on processing from the beginning again.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 (main control MPU 101) is reset when there is a power failure or when there is a momentary power failure, and the main control side power is turned on when the power is restored thereafter.

In step S36, it is inspected whether the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM is normal, and then in step S38, it is checked whether or not the main control side power off processing is normally completed. Inspecting. In this way, by double-checking the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM, it is inspected whether or not the backup information is stored by fraudulent activity.

[Main control side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt processing on the main control side will be described (see FIG. 18). This main control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every interrupt cycle (4 ms in this embodiment) set in the main control side power-on process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

When the main control side timer interrupt process is started, the main control MPU of the main control board 100 sets the value B in the watchdog timer clear register WCL as shown in FIG. 18 (step S70). At this time, the value B is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL following the value A set in step S54 of the main control side main loop processing.

Following step S70, the interrupt flag is cleared (step S72). When this interrupt flag is cleared, the interrupt cycle is initialized, and the next interrupt cycle is clocked from the initial value.

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

Following step S74, timer subtraction processing is performed (step S76). In this timer subtraction process, for example, the time during which the upper special symbol display 142 and the lower special symbol display 143 are lit according to the variable display pattern determined by the special symbol and the special electric accessory control process described later, the normal symbol described later, and the normal symbol In addition to the time when the normal symbol display 146 lights up according to the normal symbol variation display pattern determined by the normal electric accessory control process, the ball information control board 110 sends various commands transmitted by the main control board 100 (main control MPU). When determining whether or not the ball information main ACK signal for transmitting the normal reception is input, time management such as the ACK signal input determination time set as the determination condition is performed. Specifically, when the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is 5 seconds, the timer interrupt cycle is set to 4 ms, so that the fluctuation time is subtracted by 4 ms each time the timer subtraction process is performed. Then, when the subtraction result becomes a value of 0, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is accurately measured.

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

Following step S76, the winning random number update process is performed (step S78). In this winning random number update process, the above-mentioned big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number, and small hit symbol random number are updated. Further, in addition to these random numbers, the random number for determining the initial value for the jackpot symbol, which is updated by the non-winning random number update process in step S58 in the main control side power-on processing (main control side main process) shown in FIG. And the random number for determining the initial value for the small hit symbol is also updated. These random numbers for determining the initial value for the big hit symbol and the random numbers for determining the initial value for the small hit symbol are updated in the main control side main process and the main control side timer interrupt process, respectively, to further enhance the randomness. .. On the other hand, the big hit judgment random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the small hit symbol random number are random numbers related to the winning judgment (big hit judgment). Counts up. For example, the counter that updates the random number for jackpot determination is an initial value update type counter as described above, and is a predetermined fixed numerical value range from the minimum value to the maximum value (in the present embodiment, the value is set as the minimum value). It is updated within the value 32767) as 0 to the maximum value, and the range from the minimum value to the maximum value is counted up by adding a value of 1 each time the main control side timer interrupt process is performed. The random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is counted up toward the maximum value (value 32767), and then the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is counted up from the minimum value (value 0). When the counter that updates the big hit judgment random number finishes counting up in the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the big hit judgment random number, the big hit judgment initial value determination random number is updated by this winning random number update process. At this time, the updated value is always the same from the fixed numerical range of the counter in which the main control MPU extracts the ID code from the built-in non-volatile RAM and updates the jackpot determination random number based on the extracted ID code. The initial value derivation process for deriving the fixed value of is executed, and the derived fixed value is set as the initial value. That is, the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is constantly overwritten and updated with the same fixed value derived based on the ID code as the initial value by executing the initial value derivation process. The above-mentioned random number for determining the hit of the normal symbol and the random number for determining the initial value for determining the hit of the normal symbol are also updated by this winning random number update process. The normal symbol hit determination random number and the like are the same as the above-mentioned method for updating the big hit determination random number, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Following step S78, prize ball control processing is performed (step S80). In this prize ball control process, a prize ball command for reading input information from the above-mentioned input information storage area and transmitting it to the ball information control board 110 based on this input information can be created, or the main control board 100 and ball information can be transmitted. A self-check command for confirming the connection state between the control board 110 and the board is created. Then, the created prize ball command and self-check command are transmitted to the ball information control board 110 as main ball information serial data. For example, when one game ball enters the large winning opening, a prize ball command representing 15 balls as the number of prize balls is created and transmitted to the ball information control board 110, or this prize ball command is sent to the ball information control board. Create a self-check command to check the connection status between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 when the ball information main ACK signal telling that 110 has completed reception normally is not input within a predetermined time. It is transmitted to the sphere information control board 110.

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

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

Following step S84, special symbol and special electric accessory control processing is performed (step S86). In this special symbol and special electric accessory control process, the value of the counter that updates the above-mentioned random number for jackpot determination is taken out, and it is determined whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM (big hit). It is determined whether or not to generate a game state (referred to as "special lottery")), and the value of the counter that updates the random number for the jackpot symbol is taken out and used as the probability variation hit determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM. It is determined whether or not they match (determination of whether or not a probability fluctuation is generated). Here, the "probability fluctuation" means that the probability of a big hit changes to a high probability (probability change) set higher than that in the normal time (low probability). In the present embodiment, the value 32668 to the value 32767 are set as the above-mentioned jackpot determination value range (big hit determination range) with a low probability, and are read from the normal judgment table, whereas the value 32438 is set with a high probability. ~ Value 32767 is set and is read from the probability change determination table. As described above, in the special symbol and the special electric accessory control process in step S86, whether or not the value of the counter that updates the random number for jackpot determination and the jackpot determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM match. When determining whether or not, the value of the counter that updates the jackpot determination random number is included in the jackpot determination range.

When these determination results are based on the upper start port switch 90, various commands related to the special figure 1 tuning effect are created, while when the lottery result is based on the lower start port switch 91, special figure 2 is created. Various commands related to the synchronization effect are created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area, and the upper special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is turned on according to the determined variation display pattern of the special symbol. The output of the lighting signal to the special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is set and stored in the output information storage area described above as output information.

In addition, depending on the game state to be generated, for example, when a big hit game state is reached, various commands classified in relation to the big hit are created and stored in the transmission information storage area as transmission information, or the opening / closing member is opened / closed. When the output of the drive signal to the winning port solenoid 97 is set and stored as output information in the output information storage area, or when the number of times (round) that the large winning opening is opened from the closed state is 2, a round display is displayed. Set the output of the lighting signal to the 2-round indicator lamp so that the 2-round indicator lamp of the device 149 is turned on, and store it in the output information storage area as output information, or when the round is 15 times, the round indicator 149 The output of the lighting signal to the 15-round indicator lamp is set to light the 15-round indicator lamp, and it is stored in the output information storage area as output information, or the presence or absence of probability fluctuation is lit in a predetermined color in the gaming state. The output of the lighting signal to the display 148 is set and stored in the output information storage area as output information.

Following step S86, a normal symbol and a normal electric accessory control process are performed (step S88). In this ordinary symbol and ordinary electric accessory control process, input information is read from the above-mentioned input information storage area, and gate winning processing is performed based on this input information. In this gate winning process, it is determined from the input information whether or not the detection signal from the gate switch 92 has been input to the input terminal. Based on this determination result, when the detection signal is input to the input terminal, the value of the counter that updates the above-mentioned normal symbol hit determination random number is extracted and used as the gate information in the gate information storage area of the main control built-in RAM. Remember in.

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

Following step S90, peripheral control board command transmission processing is performed (step S92). In this peripheral control board command transmission process, transmission information is read from the transmission information storage area described above, and this transmission information is transmitted to the peripheral control board 130 as main peripheral serial data. This transmission information includes various commands classified in the special figure 1 synchronization effect-related, various commands classified in the special figure 2 synchronization effect-related, and jackpot-related, which are created by the main control side timer interrupt processing of this routine. Various commands to be executed, various commands to be classified as power-on, various commands to be classified to the normal electric service production, various commands to be classified to the notification display, and status display. Various commands to be classified, various commands to be classified for testing, and various commands to be classified to others are stored. One packet of the main peripheral serial data is composed of 3 bytes.

Specifically, the main peripheral serial data has a status indicating the type of command having a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), a mode indicating a variation of an effect having a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), and a status. It is composed of a sum value obtained by regarding the mode as a numerical value and the sum of the sum values, and this sum value is created at the time of transmission. The process of steps S74 to S92 is referred to as "game control process".

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

Following step S94, register switching (returning) is performed (step S96), and this routine is terminated. Here, when the main control side timer interrupt process, which is this routine, is started, the main control MPU stacks the contents of the general-purpose register in hardware and saves it. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose register used in the main processing on the main control side from being destroyed. In step S96, the contents loaded on the stack and saved are read and written to the original register. The main control MPU sets interrupt enable after returning in step S96.

[Various control processing of sphere information control board]
Next, various control processes performed by the sphere information control board 110 shown in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the ball information control side power-on processing executed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 of FIG. 14, and FIG. 20 is the ball information control side of FIG. 19 executed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the power-on processing, FIG. 21 is a flowchart which shows the ball information control main processing which a ball information control MPU executes after the ball information control side power-on processing of FIG. 20, FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a ball information control power cutoff process executed by the ball information control MPU following the ball information control main process of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 shows a ball information control side timer interrupt process executed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart.

[Processing when the power is turned on on the ball information control side]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the ball information control MPU 111 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the ball information control MPU) of the ball information control unit 118 on the ball information control board 110 is as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. Sphere information control side Performs power-on processing. When the power-on processing on the ball information control side is started, the ball information control MPU sets the interrupt mode (step S500). This interrupt mode sets the interrupt priority of the ball information control MPU. In the present embodiment, the ball information control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is set to the highest priority, and when an interrupt of the ball information control unit timer interrupt process occurs, the process is preferentially performed.

Following step S500, input / output settings (I / O input / output settings) are performed (step S502). In this I / O input / output setting, the input / output setting of the I / O port of the ball information control MPU is performed.

Following step S502, the output of the power failure clear signal to the power failure monitoring circuit 117 shown in FIG. 14 is started (step S504). The power failure monitoring circuit 117 includes a voltage comparison circuit and a D-type flip-flop IC. The voltage comparison circuit outputs the comparison result by comparing the voltage of + 24V and the reference voltage or comparing the voltage of + 12V and the reference voltage. This comparison result becomes HI when no power failure or momentary power failure occurs and is input to the PR terminal which is a preset terminal of the D type flip-flop, while when a power failure or momentary power failure occurs, the comparison result is input. The logic becomes LOW and is input to the PR terminal which is a preset terminal of the D type flip-flop. In step S504, the output of the power failure clear signal is started to the CLR terminal which is the clear terminal of the D type flip-flop. The power failure clear signal is input to the clear terminal with its logic set to LOW via the ball information control I / O port 112 of the ball information control unit 118. As a result, the ball information control MPU can release the latch state of the D type flip-flop, and inverts the logic input to the PR terminal which is the preset terminal of the D type flip-flop until the latch state is set. Then, it is possible to output from the 1Q terminal which is an output terminal, and the signal from the 1Q terminal can be monitored.

Following step S504, wait timer processing 1 is performed (step S506), and it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input (step S508). The voltage does not rise immediately between the time the power is turned on and the voltage reaches the specified voltage. On the other hand, when a power failure or a momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped) occurs, the voltage drops, and when the voltage becomes smaller than the power failure warning voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 as a power failure warning. Similarly, when the voltage becomes smaller than the power failure warning voltage between the time when the power is turned on and the voltage rises to a predetermined voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117. Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S506 is a process for waiting until the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the waiting time (wait timer) is 200 milliseconds (waiting time). ms) is set. In the determination in step S508, it is determined whether or not the power failure warning signal is input. This determination is performed based on the signal output from the 1Q terminal, which is the output terminal of the above-mentioned D type flip-flop, as the power failure warning signal.

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

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

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

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

Following step S514 or step S516, a setting is made to allow access to the ball information control built-in RAM (step S518). With this setting, the RAM with built-in ball information control can be accessed, and for example, ball information can be written (stored) or read out.

Following step S518, the stack pointer is set (step S520). The stack pointer indicates, for example, the address loaded on the stack to temporarily store the contents of the storage element (register) in use, or temporarily returns the return address of this routine when the subroutine is terminated and returned to this routine. It indicates the address stacked on the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is stacked. In step S520, the initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the contents of the register, the return address, and the like are pushed onto the stack from this initial address. Then, the stack pointer returns to the initial address by reading in order from the last stacked stack to the first stacked stack.

Following step S520, the ball information control MPU outputs an external WDT clear signal to the external WDT 116 and stops the output (ON / OFF, step S521). As a result, the external WDT 116 is cleared so that the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 are not reset. Then, the process proceeds to step S522, and it is determined whether or not the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the main control MPU is received (step S522).

If the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the main control MPU is not received, the ball information control MPU returns to step S521, outputs an external WDT clear signal to the external WDT 116 ON / OFF, and stops the output. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step S521 and the process of determining step S522 as NO. That is, while setting the clear of the external WDT 116, it waits until the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the main control MPU is received. This prevents the external WDT 116 from timing out during standby and resetting the ball information control MPU.

When the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the main control MPU is received, the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S523 and determines whether or not the received idle rotation identification data is idle rotation execution (step S523). .. If it is determined that the idle rotation identification data is not idle rotation execution (idle rotation non-execution), the process proceeds to step S526, the idle rotation execution flag is set to a value 0 (step S526), and the process proceeds to step S527.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S523 that the idle rotation identification data is idle rotation execution (idle rotation execution), the process proceeds to step S524, the idle rotation execution flag is set to a value 1 (step S524), and processing is performed. The value 0 is set in the flag (step S525), and the process proceeds to step S527.

Here, the idle rotation execution flag is a flag for identifying whether the sphere information control MPU executes the idle rotation control process or not in the subsequent processing, and "0" indicates that the idle rotation is not executed. It means that "1" means that the execution is idle.

Further, the processing flag is a flag for identifying whether the sphere information control MPU branches to any of the processing in the idle rotation control processing, and "0" means the initial setting, and "1". It means the judgment of the timekeeping start of the movement time of the hit ball fired by "2", and it means the judgment of the timekeeping end of the movement time of the hit ball fired by "2", and it is idle by "3". It means the end detection of the control process. The idle rotation control process will be described later.

When the power is turned on before the opening time, the main control MPU transmits the idle rotation identification data including the idle rotation execution in step S22, so that the ball information control MPU is empty via the ball information control I / O port 112. The rotation identification data will be received, and step S523 is determined to be YES, and steps S524 and S525 prepare for the idle rotation control process.

On the other hand, if a power outage or momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped) occurs during business hours after the opening time, when the power is restored, the main control MPU will idle and will not be executed. In order to transmit the rotation identification data, the ball information control MPU receives the idle rotation identification data via the ball information control I / O port 112, determines step S523 as NO, and performs the process of step S526. Set not to perform idle rotation control processing.

Now, in step S527, it is determined whether or not the ball information RAM clear flag has a value of 0 (step S527). As described above, the sphere information RAM clear flag is set to a value of 1 when the sphere information is erased and a value of 0 when the sphere information is not erased.

When the ball information RAM clear flag has a value of 0 in step S527, that is, when the ball information is not erased, the checksum is calculated (step S528). This checksum considers the ball information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM as a numerical value and calculates the total.

Following step S528, it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value stored in the ball information control unit power off processing (when the power is turned off), which will be described later (step S530). ). If they match, it is determined whether or not the ball information backup flag has a value of 1 (step S532). This sphere information backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not the sphere information backup information such as the sphere information and the checksum value is stored and held in the sphere information control built-in RAM in the sphere information control unit power off processing described later. The value is set to 1 when the power-off processing of the ball information control unit is normally completed, and to 0 when the power-off processing of the ball information control unit is not normally completed.

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

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S527 that the ball information RAM clear flag is not a value 0 (value 1), or when the checksum values do not match in step S530, or when the ball information backup flag is set to a value in step S532. When it is determined that the value is not 1 (value is 0), that is, when the ball information control unit power off processing is not normally completed, the entire area of the ball information control built-in RAM is cleared (step S536). As a result, the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is cleared.

Following step S536, the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S538). This setting reads the initial information from the sphere information control built-in ROM and sets this initial information in the work area of the sphere information control built-in RAM.

Following step S534 or step S538, interrupt initial setting is performed (step S540). This setting sets the interrupt cycle when the ball information control unit timer interrupt processing, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 1.75 ms.

Following step S540, interrupt enable setting is performed (step S542). With this setting, the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 1.75 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S540.

[Sphere information control main processing]
Following step S542, it is determined whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input (step S544). As described above, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off, a power failure or a momentary power failure occurs, when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the power failure warning voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 as a power failure warning. The determination in step S540 is performed based on this power failure warning signal.

When there is no input of the power failure warning signal in step S544, it is determined whether or not the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1 (step S546). Here, the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that measures 1.75 ms by the timer interrupt process of the ball information control unit, which is processed every 1.75 ms, which will be described later, and has a value of 1 when 1.75 ms has elapsed. When 1.75 ms has not passed, the value is set to 0, respectively.

When it is determined in step S546 that the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 0, that is, when 1.75 ms has not elapsed, the process returns to step S544 to determine whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input. To do. Under a normal situation in which a power failure warning signal is not input, the ball information control MPU repeats a processing loop in which step S544 is determined to be NO (none) and step S546 is determined to be NO. When 1.75 ms has elapsed, a timer interrupt is applied, and the sphere information control MPU shifts to the sphere information control unit timer interrupt process (FIG. 23).

[Timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side]
Here, the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side will be described. This ball information control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every interrupt cycle (1.75 ms in this embodiment) set in the ball information control side power-on time process shown in step S540 of FIG.

When the timer interrupt process on the ball information control side is started, the ball information control MPU of the ball information control unit 118 on the ball information control board 110 sets the timer interrupt to disabled and switches the register (as shown in FIG. 23). Evacuation) (step S590). Here, the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) used in the above-mentioned sphere information control unit main processing is switched to the auxiliary register. By using this auxiliary register in the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side, the value of the general-purpose register is not overwritten. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose register used in the main processing on the sphere information control side from being destroyed.

Following step S590, the value 1 is set in the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG (step S592). The 1.75 elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that clocks 1.75 ms every time the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is performed, that is, every 1.75 ms, and the value is 1, when 1.75 ms elapses. When 1.75 ms has not passed, the value is set to 0, respectively. Following step S592, register switching (returning) is performed (step S594). This return switches from the auxiliary register used in the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side to the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register). By using this general-purpose register in the main processing on the sphere information control side, the value of the auxiliary register will not be overwritten. This prevents the contents of the auxiliary register used in the timer interrupt processing of the ball information control unit from being destroyed. Following step S594, the interrupt enable setting is set (step S596), the interrupt processing routine is exited, and the process returns to step S544 of the ball information control main processing.

[Continued explanation of sphere information control main processing]
When the ball information control MPU exits the ball information control unit timer interrupt process and returns to the ball information control main process, the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1 in step S592 of the ball information control side timer interrupt process. Is set, and if step S544 is determined to be NO, it is determined in step S546 that the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 1 (step S546 is determined to be YES), and the process proceeds to step S547. ..

When the process proceeds to step S547, that is, when 1.75 ms has elapsed, the value 0 is set in the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG (step S547), and it is determined whether or not the idle execution flag is 1 (step S548). ). As described above, the idle rotation execution flag is a flag for identifying whether the sphere information control MPU executes or does not execute the idle rotation control process, and "0" means that the idle rotation is not executed. , "1" means that the execution is idle.

If it is determined in step S548 that the idle rotation execution flag is 1, the process proceeds to step S549, the idle rotation control process is executed (step S549), and when the idle rotation execution process is exited, the process returns to step S544. Then, under a normal situation in which the power failure warning signal is not input, the ball information control MPU repeats a processing loop in which step S544 is determined to be NO (none) and step S546 is determined to be NO. Then, when 1.75 ms elapses, a timer interrupt is applied, the ball information control MPU shifts to the ball information control unit timer interrupt process (FIG. 23), and when the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is exited, step S544 is NO. In step S546, it is determined that the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 1 (determines that step S546 is YES), the process proceeds to step S547, and it is determined that the idle rotation execution flag is 1. The idle rotation control process in step S549 will be executed.

As is clear from the above description, when the idle rotation execution flag is 1, the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is set to a value of 1 every 1.75 ms, so that step S546 is determined to be YES. Since the process of step S547 and step S548 are determined to be YES and the process proceeds to step S549, the idle rotation control process of step S549 is executed every 1.75 ms. The idle rotation control process will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S548 that the idle rotation execution flag is not 1, that is, if the idle rotation execution flag is 0, step S548 is determined to be NO, and the process does not shift to the idle rotation control process. The process proceeds to step S550.

Proceeding to step S550, an external WDT clear signal is output (ON, step S550) to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116. The external WDT 116 monitors the operation (system) of the ball information control MPU, and when the external WDT clear signal is not stopped at the clear signal release time, a reset signal is sent to the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112. Is output and reset is applied (regularly diagnoses whether the ball information control MPU system is out of control).

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

In the output information storage area, for example, ball information main ACK information for transmitting that various commands (prize ball command and self-check command) related to the prize ball from the main control board 100 have been normally received, to the circulation ball feed motor 47. Various information such as drive information for performing drive control is stored, and when a prize ball command from the main control board 100 is normally received from the output terminal of the ball information control I / O port 112 based on this output information. The sphere information main ACK signal is output to the main control board 100, and the drive signal is output to the launch motor 23.

Following step S552, port input processing is performed (step S554). In this port input process, various signals input to the input terminal of the ball information control I / O port 112 are read and stored as input information in the input information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM. For example, door frame opening switch 131, main body frame opening switch 132, launch standby ball switch 50, launch standby ball switch 51, ball capacity confirmation switch 43, launch ball confirmation switch 24, launch ball detection switch 25, foul ball detection switch 41, It conveys that the main control board 100 has normally received the out-safe ball detection switch 40, the touch switch 87, the BRQ signal from the checkout machine 200, the BRDY signal and the CR connection signal, and various commands transmitted in the command transmission process described later. The main ball information ACK signal and the like from the main control board 100 are read and stored in the input information storage area as input information.

Following step S554, timer update processing is performed (step S556). The various determination times are stored in the time management information storage area of the sphere information control built-in RAM as time management information.

Following step S556, the settlement machine communication process is performed (step S558). In the settlement machine communication process, whether or not various signals (BRQ signal, BRDY signal and CR connection signal) from the settlement machine 200 are input based on the input information read from the above-mentioned input information storage area. To judge. Based on various signals from the settlement machine 200, the sphere information control MPU exchanges various signals with the settlement machine 200. When the ball information control MPU receives, for example, the number of balls rented from the checkout machine 200, it adds the number of rented balls to the number of balls held by the game machine.

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

Further, in the command reception process, a game state signal (status) indicating the type of the current game state transmitted from the main control board 100 is received, and the received game state signal is stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM.

In the game state, for example, a winning lottery is performed due to winning a prize in the starting port and the starting port, and a special symbol is variably displayed based on the lottery result to stop the symbol, and the lottery result is won. In the case of the first-class pachinko gaming machine that shifts to the special gaming state (big hit gaming state), the normal gaming state (the probability of winning by lottery is the normal probability, and the variable display time of the normal symbol is normal), the time-saving game State (normal symbol variable display time is shorter than usual, time saving and medium information output signal), jackpot gaming state (15 round jackpot information output signal, or 2 round jackpot information output signal), high probability gaming state (The probability of winning by lottery is higher than usual, information output signal during probability fluctuation), special symbol symbol is changing (special symbol display information output signal), and there is a hold based on the start opening prize (start) There is a winning information output signal).

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

Following step S562, the main operation setting process is performed (step S564). In this main operation setting process, the ball information control MPU sets the operation of the circulation ball feed motor 47, the blower device 62, and the like. Further, the ball information control MPU sequentially "1" from the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area in response to the hit detection of each game ball by the ball detection of the launch ball detection switch 25. Is subtracted, and each time one foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 41, "1" is added to the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area. Further, when the prize ball command is stored in the received command information storage area, the number of prize balls corresponding to this prize ball command is added to the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area.

Following step S564, LED display data creation processing is performed (step S566). In this LED display data creation process, for example, the game machine possession number data stored in the game machine possession number storage area described above is read out, display data to be displayed on the game machine possession number display unit 14 is created, and the LED display is performed. The information is stored in the output information storage area described above.

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

Following step S568, the output of the external WDT clear signal to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116 is stopped (turned off, step S570). As a result, the external WDT 116 is cleared so that the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 are not reset. Further, when the output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped, the external WDT 116 starts timing the clear signal release time.

Following step S570, the process returns to step S544 again to determine whether or not a power failure warning signal has been input. If this power failure warning signal is not input, the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1 in step S546. When the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG has a value of 1, that is, when 1.75 ms has elapsed, the 1.75 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is set to a value of 0 in step S548. , It is determined in step S548 that the idle rotation execution flag is not 1, the external WDT clear signal is output (ON) to the external WDT4120c in step S550, the port output process is performed in step S552, and the port input process is performed in step S554. , Step S556 performs timer update processing, step S558 performs settlement machine communication processing, step S560 performs command reception processing, step S562 performs command analysis processing, step S564 performs main operation setting processing, and step S566. The LED display data creation process is performed in step S568, the command transmission process is performed in step S568, and the output of the external WDT clear signal to the external WDT 116 is stopped (OFF) in step S570. As is clear from the above description, steps S544 to S570 are repeated every 1.75 ms. The processing of steps S544 to S570 is referred to as "sphere information control main processing".

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

Following step S572, the power failure clear signal is output to the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of the D type flip-flop of the power failure monitoring circuit 117, via the ball information control I / O port 112 (step S574). As a result, the D-type flip-flop can release the latch state by outputting the power failure clear signal.

Following step S574, the output of the drive signal to the launch motor 23 is stopped (step S576). As a result, the launch of the game ball is stopped. Following step S576, the output of the drive signal to the circulating ball feed motor 47 is stopped (step S578). As a result, the feeding of the game ball to the hit ball launching device 20 side is stopped.

Following step S578, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116 and the output is stopped (ON / OFF, step S580). This clears the external WDT116. Following step S580, a checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S582). This checksum calculates the total of the checksum value calculated in step S528 and the ball information of the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM excluding the storage area of the value of the ball information backup flag HBK-FLG as a numerical value. To do. Following step S582, the value 1 is set in the ball information backup flag (step S584). As a result, the storage of the ball information backup information is completed.

Following step S584, access prohibition setting to the ball information control built-in RAM is set (step S586). By this setting, access to the ball information control built-in RAM is prohibited, writing and reading are not possible, and the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is protected.

Following step S586, a loop process of repeating the state of doing nothing is entered. In this loop processing, the clear signal is not turned ON / OFF to the external WDT116. Therefore, the external WDT 116 outputs a reset signal to the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 to perform a reset. After that, the sphere information control MPU performs the sphere information control side power-on processing again from the beginning. The process of steps S572 to S586 and the loop process are referred to as "ball information control power cutoff process".

The pachinko gaming machine 1 (ball information control MPU) is reset when there is a power failure or when there is a momentary power failure, and when the power is restored thereafter, the ball information control side power-on processing is performed.

In step S530, it is inspected whether or not the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is normal, and then in step S532, the ball information control unit power off processing is normally terminated. We are inspecting whether or not it is. In this way, by double-checking the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM, it is inspected whether or not the ball information backup information is stored by fraudulent activity.

[Each process to be executed in the sphere information control main process]
Next, each process executed by the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110 every 1.75 ms in the ball information control main process of FIG. 21 will be described. First, the ball lending process will be described, and then the ball hitting possibility determination process, the number of balls held count process, the LED display data creation process, the end ball number display button check process, and the end ball number display process will be described. It should be noted that the ball hitting possibility determination process, the number of balls held count process, the end ball number display button check process, and the end ball number display process are executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564, and the ball hitting possibility / non-determination process , The number of balls held, the number of end balls display button check process, and the number of end balls display process are executed in this order.

When the card 203 is inserted into the card insertion slot 201 by the player, the checkout machine 200 detects the insertion of the card 203, and the data stored in the card 203 is read through the card processing machine 202. That is, the ID stored in the ID storage unit 204 of the card 203 of FIG. 15, the remaining number stored in the remaining frequency storage unit 205, and the number of balls held in the ball holding number storage unit 206 are read and stored in the RAM. Is stored in a predetermined storage area (ID storage area, remaining number storage area, ball holding number storage area).

Next, the checkout machine 200 determines whether the inserted card 203 is usable or unusable. In this embodiment, when the remaining frequency read is 0 and the number of balls held is 0, it is determined that the card 203 cannot be used, and the card 203 is ejected from the card insertion slot 201. Therefore, when it is determined that the card 203 cannot be used, the respective processes of the number of possessed balls count process, the number of end balls display button check process, and the number of end balls display process described below are not executed.

On the other hand, if the remaining frequency read is not 0, or if the remaining frequency read is 0 but the number of balls read is not 0, the checkout machine 200 determines that the card can be used and ball information. The card usable information is transmitted to the control board 110.

Further, the settlement machine 200 transmits the card usable information to the ball information control board 110, and then transmits the number of exchanged balls to the ball information base control board 110. Here, the number of exchanged balls (so-called exchange rate) is the number of balls held when exchanging for one special prize (corresponding to the predetermined prize according to claim 1).

The number of exchanged balls differs depending on the area where the game is located and the management company that manages the game, that is, the game field, and the unit price of balls is different for each island these days. (In the amusement park, there are both so-called 1-yen pachinko and 4-yen pachinko). Therefore, the management computer installed in the amusement park may transmit the number of exchanged balls to the settlement machine 200, and the settlement machine 200 may be configured to receive and store the number of exchanged balls.

When the player presses the ball lending button 11 to play the game, the operation signal of the ball lending button 11 is input to the checkout machine 200. In response to the operation signal of the ball lending button 11, the settlement machine 200 performs ball lending processing, for example, transmits a specified number of ball lending to the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110, and then the ball information control MPU. Wait until you receive the end of ball lending sent from.

[Ball rental processing]
Here, the ball lending process executed by the ball information control MPU will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ball lending processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball lending process is executed as one of the settlement machine communication processes of step S558, which is executed every 1.75 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball lending process, it determines whether or not the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is received (step S700). When the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is received in step S700, the process proceeds to step S701, and the number of balls held counter (game machine holding) which is a part of the storage area set in the built-in RAM. The ball number storage area) is cleared to 0 (step S701), and the process proceeds to step S702. On the other hand, if the card usable information transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is not received in step S700, the process directly proceeds to step S702. The initial value of the number of balls held counter is set to "0" by the setting at the time of power recovery in the RAM work area in step S534.

When the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S702, it determines whether or not the number of exchanged balls transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is received (step S702). When the number of exchanged balls transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is received in step S702, the process proceeds to step S703, and the number of exchanged balls is received in the exchanged ball number storage area which is a part of the storage area set in the built-in RAM. The number of exchanged balls is stored (step S703), and the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, if the number of exchanged balls transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is not received in step S702, the process directly proceeds to step S704. The initial value of the number of exchange balls is also set to "0" by the setting at the time of power recovery in the RAM work area in step S534.

When the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S704, it determines whether or not the number of rented balls transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is received (step S704). When the number of rented balls transmitted from the checkout machine 200 is received in step S704, the process proceeds to step S705, the received number of rented balls is added to the value of the ball number counter (step S705), and the balls are lent. The end of lending is transmitted to the settlement machine 200 (step S706), and the subroutine of ball lending processing is exited.

On the other hand, if the number of ball lendings transmitted from the settlement machine 200 is not received in step S704, the process does not proceed to step S705 and step S706, and the subroutine of the ball lending process is directly exited.

In this way, only when a newly usable card 203 is inserted into the checkout machine 200, the card usable information and the number of exchanged balls are transmitted to the ball information control board 110. Further, only when the operation signal of the ball lending button 11 is input to the checkout machine 200 after the card usable information and the number of exchanged balls are received, the ball lending number is transmitted to the ball information control MPU. Come on. Then, when the number of rented balls is received, the number of rented balls is added and stored in the value of the number of balls held counter for the first time.

[Determination of hitting / not hitting]
Next, the ball hitting possibility determination process executed by the ball information control MPU will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball hitting possibility determination process performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball hitting possibility determination process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564, which is executed every 1.75 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball hitting possibility determination process, it determines whether or not the number of balls held is 0, that is, whether or not the value of the number of balls held counter is 0 (step S710). If it is determined in step S710 that the value of the number of balls held counter is 0, that is, if step S710 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S711, and the operation signal to the launch control input circuit 120 is transmitted. By turning off the output, the launch motor 23 cannot be driven (step S711), the circulation ball feed motor 47 cannot be driven, the ball can not be fed to the ball launch position (step S712), and the ball can be hit. Exit the judgment processing subroutine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S710 that the value of the number of balls held counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S713, and the output of the operation signal to the launch control input circuit 120 is turned on to turn on the launch motor. 23 can be driven (step S713), the circulation ball feed motor 47 can be driven to feed the ball to the ball launch position (step S714), and the subroutine of the ball hitting possibility determination process is exited.

As described above, when the value of the ball holding counter is not 0, the launch motor 23 and the circulation ball feed motor 47 can be driven, and the game ball can be substantially driven into the game area 5. It is in. Further, when the value of the number of balls held counter is 0, the launch motor 23 cannot be driven, and the game cannot be driven into the game area 5 of the game ball. At the same time, it is impossible to drive the circulation ball feed motor 47.

[Number of balls held]
Next, the number of balls held counting process corresponding to the ball information processing during the game will be described assuming that the game is substantially possible. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball holding number counting process performed by the ball information control MPU. The number of balls held count process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 1.75 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball holding number counting process, it first determines whether or not there is a launch ball detection signal by the launch ball detection switch 25 (step S720). When there is a launch ball detection signal by the launch ball detection switch 25, it is determined that step S720 is present, the value of the number of balls held counter is set to -1 (step S721), and the process proceeds to step S722. On the other hand, when there is no launch ball detection signal by the launch ball detection switch 25, it is determined that step S720 is none, and the process directly proceeds to step S722.

In step S722, it is determined whether or not there is a foul ball detection signal by the foul ball detection switch 41 (step S722). When there is a foul ball detection signal by the foul ball detection switch 41, it is determined that step S722 is present, the value of the number of balls held counter is incremented by +1 (step S723), and the process proceeds to step S724. On the other hand, when there is no foul ball detection signal by the foul ball detection switch 41, it is determined that step S722 is none, and the process directly proceeds to step S724.

In step S724, it is determined whether or not there is a prize ball command analyzed in the command analysis process of step S562 (step S724). That is, it is determined whether or not the prize ball command is stored in the received command information storage area. If the prize ball command is stored, it is determined that step S724 is present, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command stored in the received command information storage area is added and stored in the value of the ball number counter (step S725). ), Exit the subroutine for counting the number of balls. On the other hand, if the prize ball command is not stored, it is determined that step S724 is none, and the subroutine of the number of balls held count process is exited.

For example, when a prize is generated in the winning opening set to the number of prize balls "4", the number of prize balls "4" is added and stored in the value of the number of balls held counter, for example, the number of prize balls "15". When a prize is generated in the winning opening (large winning opening) set in, the number of winning balls "15" is added and stored in the value of the number of balls held counter.

[LED display data creation process]
Next, the LED display data creation process will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of LED display data creation processing performed by the sphere information control MPU. The LED display data creation process is executed as one of the LED display data creation processes of step S566, which is executed every 1.75 ms in the ball information control main process. The ball information control MPU creates LED display data to be displayed on the game machine number of balls display unit 14 corresponding to the value of the number of balls stored in the ball number counter (game machine number of balls storage area). Then, the data is transferred to the LED output data storage unit in the output information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM (step S730).

Following step S730, the ball information control MPU corresponds to the value of the number of end balls stored in the end ball number storage area which is a part of the storage area set in the built-in RAM, and the end ball number display unit 15 The LED display data to be displayed in is created and transferred to the LED output data storage unit in the output information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM (step S731). When the sphere information control MPU finishes the process of step S731, it exits the subroutine of the LED display data creation process. In the port output process of step S552, various information is read from the output information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM, and various signals are output from the output terminal of the ball information control I / O port 112 based on the various information.

[End ball number display button check process]
If the player wants to know how many end balls will be less than the exchange of special prizes if he / she exchanges the currently acquired balls for special prizes during the game, the operation panel By pressing the end ball number display button (push button type switch) 16 provided on the unit 10, the end ball number display unit 15 can display the number of end balls.

The end ball number display button check process is a process for checking whether or not the end ball number display button 16 has been pressed. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the end ball number display button check process performed by the ball information control MPU. The end ball number display button check process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 1.75 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the end ball number display button check process, it first determines whether or not there is an operation signal from the end ball number display button 16 (step S740). When there is an operation signal from the end ball number display button 16, step S740 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S741 to determine whether or not the end ball number display execution flag has a value of 0 (step S741). On the other hand, when there is no operation signal from the end ball number display button 16, step S740 is determined as NO, and the subroutine of the end ball number display button check process is exited.

Here, the end ball number display execution flag is a flag for identifying whether the ball information control MPU substantially executes or does not execute the end ball number display process in the end ball number display process described later, and is "0". "" Means non-execution, and "1" means execution. The initial value of the end ball number display execution flag is set to "0" according to the setting at the time of power recovery in the RAM work area in step S534.

If it is determined in step S741 that the value of the end ball number display execution flag is 0, that is, if step S741 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S742, and 1 is set in the end ball number display execution flag. It is memorized to execute the end ball number display process (step S742), the value 0 is set in the display process flag (step S743), and the subroutine of the end ball number display button check process is exited. On the other hand, if it is determined that the end ball number display execution flag is not a value 0, that is, if step S741 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the end ball number display button check process is exited.

Here, the display processing flag is a flag for identifying whether the ball information control MPU branches to any of the processing in the end ball number display processing described later, and "0" is the initial display of the end ball number. , And "1" means the determination of the driving of the end ball.

[End ball number display processing]
Next, the end ball number display process will be described. 30 to 31 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of the end ball number display process performed by the ball information control MPU. The end ball number display process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes of step S564 executed every 1.75 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the end ball number display process, it first determines whether or not the end ball number display execution flag is 1 (execution) (step S750). If it is determined in step S750 that the end ball number display execution flag is not 1 (execution), that is, if step S750 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the end ball number display process is exited. Therefore, when the end ball number display execution flag is 0 (non-execution), the end ball number display process is not substantially performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S750 that the end ball number display execution flag is 1 (execution), that is, if step S750 is determined to be YES, a substantial end ball number display process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S751, the value of the number of exchanged balls counter is divided by the number of exchanged balls (step S751), and the number of end balls is calculated from the division result by step S751, that is, the possession of a remainder less than the number of exchanged balls. The number of end spheres as the number of spheres is obtained (step S752), and the obtained number of end spheres is stored in the end sphere number storage area set in the built-in RAM (step S753).

Here, the number of end balls will be described. As an example, when the number of exchange balls is 333, the number of end balls obtained in steps S751 to S753 is in the range of 0 to 332. When the number of exchange balls is 66, the number of end balls is in the range of 0 to 65.

Following step S753, the sphere information control MPU determines whether or not the value of the display processing flag is 0 (step S754). If it is determined that the value of the display processing flag is 0, that is, if step S754 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S755, and the output of the operation signal to the emission control input circuit 120 is turned off to execute the emission. The motor 23 is stopped (step S755), the driving of the circulation ball feed motor 47 is stopped to stop the ball feed to the ball launch position (step S756), and the message display data 1 is displayed on the message display unit 57 (step S756). S757), the process proceeds to step S758.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing one display mode of the message displayed on the message display unit 57 at the time of initial display of the number of end balls. On the message display unit 57, for example, "Do you want to hit only the end ball?", "Press YES to hit only the end ball.", "Press NO to finish displaying the number of end balls." It is displayed that it is possible to input a selection instruction as to whether to drive only the end ball (YES button 53 pressing operation) or to end the display of the number of end balls (NO button 54 pressing operation). ing.

It should be noted that, on the left and right of the end ball number display button 16, a player can select and input to answer either yes or no to the interactive question format message displayed on the message display unit 57. A YES button (push button type switch) 53 and a NO button (push button type switch) 54 are provided, respectively. The player visually recognizes the message display at the time of initial display of the number of end balls, presses the YES button 53 when driving only the end balls, and presses the NO button 54 when ending the display of the number of end balls. Press.

In step S758, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the YES button 53 has been operated (step S758). If it is determined that the YES button 53 is not operated, that is, if it is determined that step S758 is NO, the process proceeds to step S764. In step S764, it is determined whether or not the NO button 54 has been operated (step S764). If the NO button 54 is not operated, that is, if step S764 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the end ball number display process is exited.

Further, the LED display data creation process (FIGS. 21 and 27) described above creates the LED display data corresponding to the value of the number of end balls, and the port output process in step S552 displays the number of end balls. The number of end balls is displayed on the unit 15.

In this way, by pressing and operating the end ball number display button 16, it is possible to display the end ball number on the end ball number display unit 15, so that the player can currently acquire the number of end balls during the game. If you exchange your own ball for a special prize, you can know how many end balls will be less than the exchange of the special prize.

It is presumed that the player who knows the number of end balls has a desire to hit only the end balls and finish the game sharply. On the other hand, some players who know the number of end balls just want to know the number of end balls and want to continue the game as usual. Therefore, when the number of end balls is displayed, the player's intention is to pause the firing of the hit ball and the sending of the ball, to hit only the end ball, and to end the display of the number of end balls and continue the normal game. Can be selected by.

Therefore, when the message at the initial display of the number of end balls is displayed, the value of the end ball number display execution flag is displayed every time the end ball number display process is performed until either the YES button 53 or the NO button 54 is operated. Based on 1, step S750 is determined to be YES, step S751 to step S753, step S754 is determined to be YES based on the value 0 of the display processing flag, and steps S755 to step S757 and step S758 are determined to be NO. The processing routine for determining NO in step S764 is repeated.

Then, when the YES button 53 is pressed, it means that the player has selected to drive only the end ball, determines that step S758 is YES, proceeds to step S759, and sets the display processing flag to 1. It is memorized that the driving of only the end sphere is selected (step S759), the process proceeds to step S760, and the number of end spheres stored in the end sphere storage area is used as the initial value and copied to the initial value end sphere storage area. And memorize (step S760), and by turning on the output of the operation signal to the launch control input circuit 120, the launch motor 23 can be driven (step S761), and the ball launch position can be driven as the circulation ball feed motor 47. The ball can be sent to (step S762), the message display displayed on the message display unit 57 is erased (step S763), and the subroutine of the end ball number display process is exited.

In this case, the end ball number display process is executed even after the next cycle, and the process related to the driving of only the end ball is executed in the end ball number display process.

On the other hand, when the NO button 54 is pressed, it means that the player has selected the end of the display of the number of end balls, that is, the return to the normal game state, and the step S764 is determined to be YES, and the step Proceed to S765, set the end ball number display execution processing flag to 0 to return to the initial value (step S765), proceed to step S766, and turn on the output of the operation signal to the launch control input circuit 120 to fire. The motor 23 can be driven (step S766), the circulating ball feed motor 47 can be driven to feed the ball to the ball launch position (step S767), and the message display displayed on the message display unit 57 is erased (step S767). Step S768), exit the subroutine of the end ball number display process.

In this case, since the end ball number display execution processing flag is returned to the initial value 0, the end ball number display processing is not substantially executed after the next cycle. Even if the launch is paused, by selecting it, the launch stop state is canceled and the normal game state is restored by returning to the state before the number of end balls is displayed.

[Driving only the end ball]
It is presumed that a player who wants to know the number of end balls has a desire to hit only the end balls and finish the game sharply. Therefore, when the player selects to drive only the end balls, the end balls can be driven and the number of end balls that changes with the driving is displayed.

The number of end balls displayed on the end ball number display unit 15 decreases by 1 each time a hit ball is launched, assuming that no prize is generated in the game area 5. For example, if the number of exchanged balls is 66 and the initial value of the number of end balls is 50, 49 → 48 → 47 → 46 → ... → 30 → ... → every time a hit ball is fired. It circulates in the range of 0 to 65, such as 1 → 0 → 65 → 64 → ... → 51 → 50.

It is up to the player to decide whether to continue driving the end ball or stop it in the middle. For example, if the player wants to exchange for juice with an end ball, when the number of end balls displayed on the end ball number display unit 15 reaches 30, the number of balls to be exchanged for juice is reached by driving the end ball. You just have to take your hand off the hitting handle 7. As a result, the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 in the launch control input circuit 120 is turned off, so that the launch motor 23 is stopped and the circulation ball feed motor 47 is stopped. After that, the player presses the settlement button 12 to end the game.

In addition, when the player continued to drive the end balls, when the number of end balls returned to the initial value in one order, the number of end balls was shown to the player in one order, and the in-law was fulfilled. Therefore, the end ball number display process is terminated. Then, it returns to the normal state before the number of end balls is displayed. Then, if necessary, the end ball number display button 16 is pressed again.

In addition, if a big hit is made during the driving of the end ball, a prize ball command due to a large number of prizes is received and the number of balls held increases greatly, meaning that the number of end balls is displayed and that only the end ball is continuously driven. Since it fades, the end ball number display process is terminated and the normal state before the end ball number display is restored. Then, if necessary, the end ball number display button 16 is pressed again.

By the way, when the YES button 53 is pressed in step S758, the end ball number display process is executed even in the next cycle and thereafter. The ball is driven, and the value of the ball counter is updated and stored in the ball counting process described above.

In the end ball number display process, step S750 is determined to be YES based on the value 1 of the end ball number display execution flag, and the number of end balls is calculated each time from the value of the ball possession counter in steps S751 to S753. Update and memorize. Then, step S754 is determined to be NO based on the value 1 of the display processing flag, and the process proceeds to step S769.

As described above, assuming that no winning is generated in the game area 5, the value of the number of balls held counter is decremented by 1 each time the hit ball is fired. Therefore, the number of end balls calculated and stored each time from the value of the number of balls held counter is also reduced by one. Therefore, the number of end balls displayed on the end ball number display unit 15 decreases by 1 each time a hit ball is launched. For example, if the number of exchanged balls is 66 and the initial value of the number of end balls is 50, 50 → 49 → 48 → 47 → 46 → ... → 30 → ... -→ 1-> 0-> 65-> 64-> ...-> 51-> 50, and circulates in the range of 0 to 65. Of course, if there is a prize in the game area 5, the value of the number of balls held counter is increased by the number of prize balls, so that the number of end balls displayed on the end ball number display unit 15 is also increased by the number of prize balls. ..

In step S769, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a big hit (step S769). Here, the game state information is received in the command reception process from the main control MPU in step S560 in the ball information control main process, and is stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM. In the process of step S768, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the content of the game state information storage area is a big hit.

If it is determined in step S769 that the gaming state is not a big hit, that is, if step S769 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S770, and whether or not the number of end balls is the initial value stored in step S760 is determined. Determine (step S770). That is, it is determined whether or not the current number of end balls has returned to the initial value in one order from the initial value.

When it is determined that the number of end balls is not the initial value, that is, when step S770 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the end ball number display process is exited. Further, the LED display data corresponding to the value of the number of end balls is created by the LED display data creation process described above, and is displayed on the end ball number display unit 15 by the port output process of step S552.

Therefore, when the player continues to drive the end ball, unless the game state becomes a big hit, step S750 is determined to be YES until the number of end balls reaches the initial value, and the number of end balls is determined by steps S751 to S753. The processing routine of calculating and updating and storing each time, determining step S754 as NO based on the value 1 of the display processing flag, determining step S769 as NO, and determining step S770 as NO is repeated. Therefore, if the number of exchanged balls is 66 and the initial value of the number of end balls is 50, the number of end balls displayed on the end ball number display unit 15 is 50 for each shot. → 49 → 48 → 47 → 46 → ・ ・ ・ → 30 → ・ ・ ・ → 1 → 0 → 65 → 64 → ・ ・ ・ → 51 → 50.

Then, when the number of end balls in one order reaches the initial value while hitting the possessed ball, step S770 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S771. Then, the display processing flag is set to 0 to return to the initial value (step S771), the process proceeds to step S772, the end ball number display execution processing flag is set to 0 to return to the initial value (step S772), and the end ball is set. Exit the subroutine of number display processing.

In this case, since the end ball number display execution processing flag is returned to the initial value 0, the end ball number display processing is not substantially executed after the next cycle. That is, the end ball number display process is completed.

In this way, when the number of end balls = the initial value in the process of driving the end balls, the number of end balls is shown to the player in one order, and the in-law is fulfilled. By returning to the state before the number of end balls is displayed, the game state returns to the normal state.

If a big hit occurs during the end ball driving, step S769 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S773, the display processing flag is set to 0, and the value is returned to the initial value (step S773). The process proceeds to S774, the end ball number display execution processing flag is set to 0 to return to the initial value (step S774), and the subroutine of the end ball number display processing is exited.

In this case, since the end ball number display execution processing flag is returned to the initial value 0, the end ball number display processing is not substantially executed after the next cycle.

In this way, if a big hit occurs during the end ball driving, the prize ball command by a large number of prizes is received and the number of balls held increases greatly, and the meaning of the end ball number display and the driving of only the end ball are continued. Since the meaning is diminished, the end ball number display process is terminated and the normal state before the end ball number display is restored.

[Modified embodiment of idle rotation control processing based on time information by RTC]
In the above-described embodiment, an external real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as “RTC”) 107 capable of acquiring time information is provided on the main control board 100 as a time information acquisition means, and the main control MPU 101 is the RTC 107. However, instead of this, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the main control MPU 101 may not be provided with the RTC 107, and the ball information control MPU 111 may be provided with the RTC 107.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a main part in the embodiment of the main control board without the RTC, and FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the main part in the embodiment of the sphere information control board with the RTC. As shown in FIGS. 32 to 33, the RTC control unit 106 (see FIG. 11) is not connected to the main control MPU 101, but is mounted on the ball information control unit 118 and connected to the ball information control MPU 111. Therefore, the ball information control MPU 111 can acquire the current time information from the external RTC 107. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a part of the main control side power-on processing executed by the main control MPU of FIG. 32, and FIG. 35 shows a continuation of the main control side power-on processing of FIG. 34 executed by the main control MPU. It is a flowchart. The main control side timer interrupt process executed by the main control MPU 101 is the same as that of the previous embodiment (see FIG. 18).

[Processing when the power is turned on on the main control side]
In the main control side power-on processing of this embodiment, each of the processes of step S10, step S12, step S14, step S16, step S18, and step S19 is the same as the main control-side power-on processing of the embodiment shown in FIG. Since the processing is the same, the description thereof will be omitted. The main control MPU proceeds to step S25 following step S18 or step S19.

In this embodiment, since the main control MPU does not include the RTC107, it is not possible to directly determine whether or not the idle rotation is performed based on the current time. On the other hand, the ball information control MPU equipped with the RTC 107 directly determines whether or not the idle rotation is performed based on the current time. Therefore, in this embodiment, after the sphere information control MPU determines whether or not to perform idle rotation based on the current time, it is determined whether or not to execute idle rotation or not according to the determination result. The idle rotation identification data for identification is transmitted to the main control MPU. Further, the main control MPU waits until the idle rotation identification data is received.

When the main control MPU proceeds to step S25, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S25). The watchdog timer is cleared by setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in the watchdog timer clear register WCL in this order. Then, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether or not the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is received (step S26).

If the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is not received, the main control MPU returns to step S25 and sets the watchdog timer to clear. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step S25 and the process of determining step S26 as NO. That is, while setting the clear of the watchdog timer, it waits until the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received. This prevents the watchdog timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

When the main control MPU receives the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control MPU, the main control MPU proceeds to step S27 and determines whether or not the received idle rotation identification data is the idle rotation execution (step S27). .. If it is determined that the idle rotation identification data is not idle rotation execution (idle rotation non-execution), the process proceeds to step S30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the idle rotation identification data is idle rotation execution (idle rotation execution), the process proceeds to step S23. Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S24 to determine whether or not the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received (step S24).

If the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is not received, the main control MPU returns to step S23 and sets the watchdog timer to clear. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step S23 and the process of determining step S24 as NO. That is, while setting the watchdog timer to clear, it waits until the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received. This prevents the watchdog timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

Also in this embodiment, in the main control side power-on processing, the main control MPU stands by without shifting to the game control processing (main control side timer interrupt processing) until the idle rotation end signal is received. As a result, the hit ball launched for idling will win a prize, and despite the fact that it is idling, it will be added to the number of balls possessed by the game machine as a prize ball, a change in the design due to the winning, a big hit, and a production. It is possible to avoid problems such as being played, and since the game data in the reset RAM work area does not become inconsistent when the power is restored, it is possible to avoid inconvenience to both the player and the game field. In addition, it does not impose an unnecessary load on the main control MPU and does not interfere with other necessary processing.

On the other hand, when the sphere information control MPU transmits the idle rotation identification data indicating that the idle rotation is executed as the content of the idle rotation identification data to the main control MPU, the idle rotation control process described later is executed. Then, when the execution time from the start of the idle rotation reaches a predetermined end condition, it is determined that the idle rotation has ended, and the idle rotation end signal is transmitted to the main control MPU. When the main control MPU receives the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU, the main control MPU proceeds to step S30. Since the configuration of the processing after step S30 is the same as that of FIG. 17 as shown in FIG. 35, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Processing when the power is turned on on the ball information control side]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a part of the ball information control side power-on processing executed by the ball information control MPU of FIG. 33, and FIG. 37 is a flowchart of the ball information control side power-on processing of FIG. 36 executed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of a process.

In the ball information control side power-on processing of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, each process executed from the time of power-on is the step of FIG. 19 of the main control-side power-on processing of the embodiment described above. Since the processes are the same as the processes of S500 to S520, the description thereof will be omitted. When the sphere information control MPU sets the stack pointer in step S520, the sphere information control MPU proceeds to step S5021 and performs the current time information acquisition process (step S5021). That is, the current time information is acquired from the external RTC 107 and stored in the current time data storage unit set in the predetermined area of the built-in RAM.

Following step S5021, the current time acquired in step S5021 is compared with the store opening time set and stored in advance, and it is determined whether or not the current time is before the store opening time (step S5022). For example, when 9:00 is set and stored as the opening time and the power-on time is 8:30, it is determined that the current time is earlier than the opening time.

When the ball information control MPU determines that the current time is earlier than the opening time, the ball information control MPU transmits the idle rotation identification data including the idle rotation execution to the main control MPU (step S5023). Then, the process proceeds to step S5024, the idle rotation execution flag is set to the value 1 (step S5024), the processing flag is set to the value 0 (step S5025), and the process proceeds to step S527.

On the other hand, in step S5022, when the acquired current time is compared with the store opening time set and stored in advance and it is determined that the current time is not before the store opening time, the ball information control MPU determines in step S5022. Is determined as NO, the process proceeds to step S5026, the idle rotation identification data including the non-execution of idle rotation is transmitted to the main control MPU (step S5026), the process proceeds to step S5027, and the value 0 is set in the idle rotation execution flag. (Step S5027), and the process proceeds to step S527.

The idle rotation execution flag is a flag for identifying whether the sphere information control MPU executes the idle rotation control process or not in the subsequent processing, and "0" means that the idle rotation is not executed. However, "1" means that the execution is idle. The processing flag is a flag for identifying whether the sphere information control MPU branches to any of the processing in the idle rotation control processing, and "0" means the initial setting. Further, since the configuration of the processing after step S527 is the same as that in FIGS. 20 to 22, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also in this embodiment, the enclosed ball is idled only once when the power is turned on before the opening time. On the other hand, if a power outage or a momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped) occurs during business hours after the opening time, and when the power supply is restored, the ball information control MPU performs idle rotation control processing. Absent.

In the main control side power-on processing, the main control MPU shifts to the above-mentioned game control processing (main control side timer interrupt processing) from the reception of the idle rotation execution to the reception of the idle rotation end signal. Do not wait (the process of step S23 and the process of determining NO in step S24 are repeated). Then, when the idle rotation end signal is received, step S24 is determined to be YES, and the game control process is started.

As a result, the hit ball launched for idling will win a prize, and despite the fact that it is idling, it will be added to the number of balls possessed by the game machine as a prize ball, a change in the design due to the winning, a big hit, and a production. It is possible to avoid problems such as being played, and when the power is restored, the game data in the work area of the reset RAM does not become inconsistent, so that both the player and the game hall are prevented from being inconvenienced. In addition, it does not impose an unnecessary load on the main control MPU and does not interfere with other necessary processing.

In the two embodiments described above, as an example of performing the idle rotation control process when there are no players, the idle rotation control process is performed when the current time is before the opening time when the power is turned on. It is a thing. That is, the time information by the RTC is used as a trigger to start the idle rotation control process, and when the time information by the RTC is before the opening time, the idle rotation control process is started.

However, the trigger for starting the idle rotation control process is not limited to the one using the time information by the RTC. When the power is turned on, the idle rotation control process is performed on the condition that it is determined that there is no memory of the touch of the hitting handle 7 and that the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2. It may be configured to start.

The embodiment described below is different from the two embodiments described above in that the time information by the RTC is not used, and the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 do not include the RTC control unit 106. The main control board 100 in the embodiment not provided with the RTC described below is the same as the block diagram showing the main parts of the main control board shown in FIG. 32, and the sphere information control board 118 is the sphere information control board shown in FIG. It is the same as the block diagram showing the main part of.

The enclosed ball-type game machine of the embodiment in which neither the main control board nor the ball information control board is provided with an RTC has a ball striking handle arranged in the lower right corner of the door frame 3 of FIG. 1, similarly to a well-known game machine. By inserting a key (not shown) into the cylinder lock 1010 of the key device provided on the upper side of the door 7 and rotating it in one direction, the hook cover (not shown) of the door frame 3 and the sliding rod for the door frame of the main body frame 2 The door frame 3 can be opened with respect to the main body frame 2 by pulling the door frame 3 toward the front side after being disengaged from the hook portion (not shown).

Here, the power to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on by turning on the power of the island equipment of the amusement park in a state where the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2. As a result, power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1. The term "when the power is turned on in normal times" means that, for example, a clerk who has come to work turns on the power of the island equipment before the opening time. Therefore, when the power is turned on in normal times, the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, that is, the door frame opening switch 131 (see FIG. 14) is off. .. In this way, when the power is turned on in normal times, the idle rotation control process described later is performed.

However, even when the power is turned on, when the door frame 3 is open to the main body frame 2, that is, when the door frame opening switch 131 (see FIG. 14) is on. Does not perform idle rotation control processing. For example, when the clerk decides to prevent the idle rotation control process, the door frame 3 is pulled toward the front side after inserting a key (not shown) into the cylinder lock 1010 and rotating it in one direction. Is open to the main body frame 2. Then, even if the power is turned on in this state, it is possible to prevent the idle rotation control process from being performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, for example, if a momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped for a very short time) or a power failure occurs during business hours after the opening time, the power supply is restored after that. When the power is restored, the enclosed ball has already been idled before the opening time, there is no need for idle rotation, and the player is playing the game when a momentary power failure or power outage occurs. If it is detected, the idle rotation control process is not performed.

In this way, when a player recovers from a momentary power failure or power failure by avoiding a momentary power failure or power failure while the player is playing and then idling when the power supply is restored. , It is possible to avoid the problem that the player suddenly makes a meaningless and useless idle rotation, and it is possible to avoid inconvenience to the player.

[Processing when the power is turned on on the main control side]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a main control side power-on processing executed by the main control MPU 101 in an embodiment in which neither the main control board nor the ball information control board is provided with an RTC, and FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the main control side of FIG. 38. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the power-on processing, and FIG. 40 is the flowchart which shows the main control side main loop processing and the main control side power-off processing which the main control MPU 101 executes following FIG. The main control side timer interrupt process executed by the main control MPU 101 is the same as in FIG.

When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the main control MPU) of the main control board 100 performs the main control side power-on processing as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. When the main control side power-on processing is started, the main control MPU sets the stack pointer (step S10). The stack pointer indicates, for example, the address loaded on the stack to temporarily store the contents of the storage element (register) in use, or temporarily returns the return address of this routine when the subroutine is terminated and returned to this routine. It indicates the address stacked on the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is stacked. In step S10, the initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the contents of the register, the return address, and the like are pushed onto the stack from this initial address. Then, the stack pointer returns to the initial address by reading in order from the last stacked stack to the first stacked stack.

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

Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S12 is a process for waiting until the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the waiting time (wait timer) is 200 milliseconds (waiting timer). ms) is set. The determination in step S14 is performed based on the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110. After the power is turned on, when the voltage becomes larger than the power failure warning voltage and stabilizes, the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 is output, and the main control MPU proceeds to step S16.

Proceeding to step S16, the main control MPU determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 shown in FIG. 11 is being operated (step S16). This determination is made based on whether or not the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and the operation signal (detection signal) thereof is input to the main control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, while when the detection signal is not input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not operated.

When it is determined in step S16 that the RAM clear switch 105 is being operated, the value 1 is set in the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S100, while the RAM clear switch 105 is set in step S16. When it is determined that the operation has not been performed, the value 0 is set in the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG (step S19), and the process proceeds to step S100.

This RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is stored in the RAM built in the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, referred to as "main control built-in RAM"), and is a game related to a game such as a probability fluctuation or an unpaid prize ball. It is a flag indicating whether or not to delete the information, and is set to a value of 1 when the game information is deleted and a value of 0 when the game information is not deleted. The values of the RAM clear notification flags RCL-FLG set in steps S18 and S19 are stored in the general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the main control MPU.

When the main control MPU shifts to step S100 following step S18 or step S19, the main control MPU performs the wait timer process 2 (step S100). In this wait timer process 2, the system waits until the system that controls the drawing of the liquid crystal display device (not shown) by the liquid crystal control unit of the peripheral control board 130 starts (boots). In this embodiment, 2 seconds (s) is set as the time until booting (boot timer).

Following step S100, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG has a value of 0 (step S102). As described above, the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is set to a value of 1 when the game information is erased and a value of 0 when the game information is not erased. When it is determined in step S102 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG has a value of 0, that is, when the game information is not erased, the checksum is calculated (step S104). This checksum considers the game information stored in the main control built-in RAM as a numerical value and calculates the total.

Following step S104, whether or not the calculated checksum value (sum value) matches the checksum value (sum value) stored in the main control side power off processing (power off) described later. (Step S106). If they match, it is determined whether or not the backup flag BK-FLG has a value of 1 (step S108). The backup flag BK-FLG stores and holds backup information such as game information, checksum value (sum value), and backup flag BK-FLG value in the main control built-in RAM in the main control side power cutoff process described later. It is a flag indicating whether or not, and is set to a value 1 when the main control side power off processing is normally completed, and a value 0 when the main control side power off processing is not normally completed.

When the backup flag BK-FLG has a value of 1 in step S108, that is, when the main control side power off processing is normally completed, the work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as the time of power recovery (step S110). In this setting, in addition to setting the value 0 to the backup flag BK-FLG, the power recovery information is read from the ROM built in the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter, referred to as "main control built-in ROM"), and this power recovery is performed. The time information is set in the work area of the main control built-in RAM. In addition, "recovery" means that the power is turned on from the state where the power is cut off, the state where the power is restored after the power failure or momentary power failure, and the state where high frequency is irradiated is detected and reset. The state of returning after that is also included.

Following step S110, a power-on command creation process is performed (step S112). In this power-on command creation process, game information is read from backup information, and various commands corresponding to the game information are stored in a predetermined storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S102 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is not a value 0 (value 1), that is, when the game information is erased, or in step S106, the checksum values (sum values) match. When it is not set, or when it is determined in step S108 that the backup flag BK-FLG is not a value 1 (value is 0), that is, when the main control side power off processing is not normally completed, the main control built-in RAM Clear all areas (step S114). Specifically, the value 0 is written to the main control built-in RAM (note that a predetermined value may be read from the main control built-in ROM as an initial value and set). Further, the random number for determining the initial value for determining the jackpot to be used for determining the initial value of the random number for determining the jackpot is used when the RAM clear switch 105 is operated to erase the game information, when the sum values do not match, or when the sum values do not match. When the main control side power off processing is not completed normally, the unique ID code stored in advance in the non-volatile RAM of the main control MPU is taken out, and the big hit judgment random number is updated based on the taken out ID code. The initial value derivation process for always deriving the same fixed value from the fixed numerical value range of the counter is executed, and this fixed value is set as the initial value.

Following step S114, the work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S116). This setting reads the initial information from the main control built-in ROM and sets this initial information in the work area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S116, RAM clear notification and test command creation processing are performed (step S118). In this RAM clear notification and test command creation process, a power-on command classified into power-on for clearing the main control built-in RAM and notifying that the initial setting has been performed is created, and various peripheral control boards 130 are used. A test command classified into test-related commands for performing an inspection is created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

By the way, since the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 (FIG. 14) and the detection signal of the door frame opening switch 131 (FIG. 14) are not directly input to the main control MPU, whether or not the door frame is idle is directly input. I can't judge. On the other hand, the ball information control MPU in which the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 and the detection signal of the door frame opening switch 131 are directly input is empty based on the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 and the detection signal of the door frame opening switch 131. It will be directly determined whether to turn or not. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the ball information control MPU determines whether or not to perform idle rotation, it is empty to identify whether to execute idle rotation or not, depending on the determination result. The turning identification data is transmitted to the main control MPU. Further, the main control MPU waits until the idle rotation identification data is received.

When the main control MPU shifts to step S120 following step S112 or step S118, the watchdog timer is set to clear (step S120). The watchdog timer is cleared by setting the value A, the value B, and the value C in the watchdog timer clear register WCL in this order. Then, the process proceeds to step S122, and it is determined whether or not the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is received (step S122).

If the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control MPU is not received, the main control MPU returns to step S120 and sets the watchdog timer to be cleared. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step S120 and the process of determining step S122 as NO. That is, while setting the clear of the watchdog timer, it waits until the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received. This prevents the watchdog timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

When the main control MPU receives the idle rotation identification data transmitted from the ball information control MPU, the main control MPU proceeds to step S124 and determines whether or not the received idle rotation identification data is the idle rotation execution (step S124). .. If it is determined that the idle rotation identification data is not idle rotation execution (idle rotation non-execution), the process proceeds to step S50.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S124 that the idle rotation identification data is idle rotation execution (idle rotation execution), the process proceeds to step S126. Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S126), and the process proceeds to step S128 to determine whether or not the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received (step S128).

Since the idle rotation control process is directly performed by the ball information control MPU, the main control MPU cannot directly determine the end of the idle rotation. On the other hand, the ball information control MPU directly determines whether or not the idling end condition is satisfied in the idling control process.

If the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is not received, the main control MPU returns to step S126 and sets the watchdog timer to clear. Therefore, the main control MPU waits by repeating the process of step S126 and the process of determining step S128 as NO. That is, while setting the watchdog timer to clear, it waits until the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU is received. This prevents the watchdog timer from timing out during standby and resetting the main control MPU.

Further, in the main control side power-on processing, the main control MPU stands by without shifting to the game control processing (main control side timer interrupt processing) described later until the idle rotation end signal is received. As a result, the hit ball launched for idling will win a prize, and despite the fact that it is idling, it will be added to the number of balls possessed by the game machine as a prize ball, a change in the design due to the winning, a big hit, and a production. It is possible to avoid problems such as being played, and since the game data in the reset RAM work area does not become inconsistent when the power is restored, it is possible to avoid inconvenience to both the player and the game field. In addition, it does not impose an unnecessary load on the main control MPU and does not interfere with other necessary processing.

On the other hand, the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110 executes the idle rotation control process when the idle rotation identification data indicating that the idle rotation is executed as the content of the idle rotation identification data is transmitted to the main control MPU.

That is, by operating the hitting ball launching device 20 (launching motor 23) and the circulating ball feeding member 44 (circulating ball feeding motor 47) without operating the hitting ball handle 7, all the enclosed balls (in this embodiment). 25 or 50 balls) are fired at least once to circulate the circulation path 30, and idle rotation control is performed in which the surfaces of all the enclosed balls are cleaned by a ball cleaning member (conductive brush 61).

During the idle rotation control process, the ball information control MPU determines that the idle rotation has ended when a predetermined end condition regarding the number of collected balls or the end timer described later is satisfied, and transmits an idle rotation end signal to the main control MPU. .. When the main control MPU receives the idle rotation end signal transmitted from the ball information control MPU, it determines that step S128 is YES and proceeds to step S50.

By idling the enclosed sphere, the enclosed sphere moves and circulates in the circulation path 30, so that it is possible to avoid a state in which the enclosed sphere does not move and stays for a long time, and dust and dirt accumulate on the enclosed sphere. Can be avoided. As a result, the game conditions for the enclosed ball can be made uniform for all the machines, and the player can ensure fairness regarding the chance of winning a prize by the game ball used. Further, the conductive brush 61 of the ball cleaning mechanism 60 removes dust and the like adhering to the surface, so that the enclosed ball can be kept clean.

Following step S128 or step S124, interrupt initial setting is performed (step S50). This setting sets the interrupt cycle when the main control side timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 4 ms.

Following step S50, interrupt enable setting is performed. (Step S52). With this setting, the main control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 4 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S50. The process of steps S10 to S52 is referred to as "main control side power-on process". The ball information control MPU proceeds to step S54 following step S52. Since the configuration of each process of steps S54 to S68 shown in FIG. 40 is the same as that of FIG. 17, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Processing when the power is turned on on the ball information control side]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a part of the ball information control side power-on processing executed by the ball information control MPU in the embodiment in which neither the main control board nor the ball information control board is provided with an RTC, and FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a ball. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process at the time of power-on of the ball information control side of FIG. Further, FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a sphere information control main process executed by the sphere information control MPU following FIG. 42. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a ball information control power cutoff process executed by the ball information control MPU following FIG. 43. Since the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side executed by the ball information control MPU is the same as in FIG. 23, the description thereof will be omitted.

Further, the first half of the ball information control side power-on processing of the third embodiment is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, and each process executed from the time of power-on is the ball information of the first embodiment described above. Since the processing is the same as each processing of steps S500 to S520 of FIG. 19 of the control side power-on processing, the description thereof will be omitted.

The ball information control MPU proceeds to step S526 following step S520, and determines whether or not the ball information RAM clear flag has a value of 0 (step S526). As described above, the sphere information RAM clear flag is set to a value of 1 when the sphere information is erased and a value of 0 when the sphere information is not erased.

When the ball information RAM clear flag has a value of 0 in step S526, that is, when the ball information is not erased, the checksum is calculated (step S528). This checksum considers the ball information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM as a numerical value and calculates the total.

Following step S528, it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value stored in the ball information control power off processing (when the power is turned off), which will be described later (step S530). .. If they match, it is determined whether or not the ball information backup flag has a value of 1 (step S532). This sphere information backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not the sphere information backup information such as the sphere information and the checksum value is stored and held in the sphere information control built-in RAM in the sphere information control power supply cutoff process described later. The value is set to 1 when the information control power off processing is normally completed, and the value is set to 0 when the ball information control power off processing is not normally completed.

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

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S526 that the ball information RAM clear flag is not a value 0 (value 1), or when the checksum values do not match in step S530, or when the ball information backup flag is set to a value in step S532. When it is determined that the value is not 1 (value is 0), that is, when the ball information control power off processing is not normally completed, the entire area of the ball information control built-in RAM except the touch memory flag is cleared (step S537). .. As a result, the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM excluding the touch storage flag is cleared. The touch memory flag will be described later.

Following step S537, the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S538). This setting reads the initial information from the sphere information control built-in ROM and sets this initial information in the work area of the sphere information control built-in RAM.

[Judgment of touch memory]
Following step S534 or step S538, the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S5030 and determines whether or not the value of the touch memory flag is "1" (step S5030).

Here, the touch memory flag has a momentary power failure or a power failure when the player is playing a game in the power-on processing performed by the ball information control MPU this time, and then the power supply is restored and the power is restored. It is a flag to identify whether it is when the power is turned on in normal times (when the store is open), "1" means that the handle touch is memorized, and "0" means that the handle touch is not memorized. means.

In other words, it is considered that no player is playing a game with a game machine under the situation where the clerk turns off the power of the island equipment at the time of closing because the game hall is closed. Can be done. Therefore, the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 in the ball information control power off processing described later should be off, and in this case, "0" is set in the touch storage flag. In other words, the memory of the handle touch is memorized.

On the other hand, if a momentary power failure or a power outage occurs while the player is playing a game on the game machine during the business hours after the opening time, the player operates the ball striking handle 7 by hand. Therefore, the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 in the ball information control power off processing described later should be on, and in this case, "1" is set in the touch storage flag. In other words, the memory of the handle touch is memorized.

When the ball information control MPU determines in step S5030 that the touch memory flag is set to "1", that is, when it is determined that the handle touch is memorized, the ball information control MPU is empty, which means that it is not executed idle. The rotation identification data is transmitted to the main control MPU (step S5040), the idle rotation execution flag is set to a value 0 (step S5042), and the process proceeds to step S540. In this case, the idle rotation control process described later is not executed.

For example, if a momentary power failure (a phenomenon in which the power supply is suddenly stopped for a very short time) or a power outage occurs during business hours after the opening time, and then the power supply is restored and the power is restored. It was detected that the enclosed ball had already been idled, for example, before the opening time, did not need to be idled, and was played by the player when a momentary power failure or power outage occurred. If so, the idle rotation control process is not performed.

In this way, when a player recovers from a momentary power failure or power failure by avoiding a momentary power failure or power failure while the player is playing and then idling when the power supply is restored. , It is possible to avoid the problem that the player suddenly makes a meaningless and useless idle rotation, and it is possible to avoid inconvenience to the player.

[Door frame open judgment]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5030 that the touch memory flag is set to "0", in other words, if it is determined that there is no memory of the handle touch, the process proceeds to step S5032 and the door frame opening switch is performed. It is determined whether or not 131 is on (step S5032). In this way, when there is no memory of the handle touch, it is determined whether or not the door frame opening switch 131 is on. When the door frame 3 is released from the main body frame 2, the door frame opening switch 131 is turned on. On the other hand, when the door frame 3 is closed to the main body frame 2, the door frame opening switch 131 is turned off.

When the power of the island equipment of the amusement park is turned on when the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the door frame is turned on in normal times (so-called when the power is turned on before the opening time). The release switch 131 is off. In this case, the ball information control MPU determines step S5032 as NO, that is, determines that the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, and proceeds to step S5034. The idle rotation identification data containing the idle rotation execution is transmitted to the main control MPU (step S5034), the process proceeds to step S5036, the idle rotation execution flag is set to the value 1 (step S5036), and the processing flag is set to the value 0. It is set (step S5038), and the process proceeds to step S540. In this case, the idle rotation control process described later is executed. The idle rotation control process will be described later.

On the other hand, when the power is turned on while the door frame 3 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2 by pulling the door frame 3 toward the front side, the door frame opening switch 131 is turned on. In this case, the ball information control MPU determines that step S5032 is YES, that is, determines that the door frame 3 is open to the main body frame 2, and indicates that the door frame is not idle. The idle rotation identification data is transmitted to the main control MPU (step S5040), the value 0 is set in the idle rotation execution flag (step S5042), and the process proceeds to step S540. In this case, the idle rotation control process described later is not executed.

In this way, on the condition that it is determined that there is no memory of the handle touch when the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2 (step S5032). Then, on the condition that the door frame opening determination means determines that the door frame is closed, the idle rotation control process is executed. Therefore, the door frame 3 is closed to the main body frame 2 in the amusement park. It is possible to distinguish between the normal power-on when the island equipment is turned on and the recovery from a momentary power failure or a power failure while the player is playing a game on the game machine. Further, when the power of the island equipment of the amusement park is turned on when the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the door frame 3 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2 when the power is turned on in normal times. It is possible to identify the state when the power is turned on.

Following step S5036 or step S5038, the ball information control MPU performs interrupt initial setting (step S540). This setting sets the interrupt cycle when the ball information control unit timer interrupt processing, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 1.75 ms.

Following step S540, interrupt enable setting is performed (step S542). With this setting, the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed every 1.75 ms, that is, the interrupt cycle set in step S540. The ball information control MPU proceeds to step S544 following step S542.

In the above embodiment, in step S537, the entire area of the sphere information control built-in RAM excluding the touch storage flag is cleared, but the entire area of the sphere information control built-in RAM including the touch storage flag is cleared. It may be.

In the game machine of the present embodiment in which neither the main control board nor the ball information control board is provided with an RTC, a clerk inserts a key into the cylinder lock 1010 (FIG. 1) and rotates in one direction as in the conventional case. With the closing plate of the outer frame (not shown) and the hook portion on the main body frame 2 side (not shown) disengaged, the main body frame 2 is pulled toward the front side to make the main body frame 2 the outer frame. On the other hand, it can be opened.

A RAM clear switch 105 (FIG. 13) and a power switch attached to the power supply board on the rear surface of the power supply board box are provided on the back surface of the main body frame 2 in the open state so that the power supply can be turned on and off. Has been done. Since such a RAM clear switch 105 and a power switch are provided on the back surface side of the game machine, the clerk of the game hall who can open the main body frame 2 with respect to the outer frame can operate the RAM clear switch 105 and the power switch. , The player cannot operate it.

Therefore, when the power is turned on by the power-on operation of the power switch while the RAM clear switch 105 is pressed by the store clerk, it is considered that there is no player. Therefore, when the RAM clear switch 105 is on, the touch memory flag is cleared, it is determined in step S5030 that there is no memory of the handle touch, and in step S5032, it is determined that the door open switch 131 is off (door frame closed). The value 1 may be set in the idle rotation execution flag of S5036, and the value 0 may be set in the processing flag in step S5038.

Since the configuration of the sphere information control main process composed of steps S544 to S570 is the same as that in FIG. 21, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Handling when the ball information control power is turned off]
On the other hand, when the power failure warning signal is input in step S544, the interrupt prohibition setting of FIG. 44 is set (step S572). With this setting, the timer interrupt process of the ball information control unit, which will be described later, is not performed, writing to the ball information control built-in RAM is prevented, and the above-mentioned rewriting of the ball information is protected.

Following step S572, the power failure clear signal is output to the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of the D type flip-flop of the power failure monitoring circuit 117, via the ball information control I / O port 112 (step S574). As a result, the D-type flip-flop can release the latch state by outputting the power failure clear signal, and the logic input to the PR terminal, which is the preset terminal of the D-type flip-flop, is inverted to be the output terminal. It is possible to output from the 1Q terminal, and it is possible to monitor the on / off state of the power failure warning signal from the 1Q terminal.

Following step S574, it is determined whether or not the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 is on (step S5070). When it is determined that the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 is on, the touch memory flag is set to "1" (step S5072), and the process proceeds to step S576, while the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 is off. If it is determined, the touch memory flag is set to "0" (step S5074), and the process proceeds to step S576.

As explained earlier, if the player is playing a game on the game machine during business hours after the opening time, when a momentary power failure or a power outage occurs, the player operates the ball striking handle 7 by hand. doing. Therefore, the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 in the ball information control power supply cutoff process described later is on, and in this case, "1" is set in the touch storage flag. In other words, the memory of the handle touch is memorized.

On the other hand, it is considered that no player is playing a game with a game machine under the situation where the clerk turns off the power of the island equipment at the time of closing due to the closing of the amusement park. Can be done. Therefore, the touch detection signal of the touch switch 87 in the ball information control power off processing described later is off, and in this case, "0" is set in the touch storage flag. In other words, the memory of the handle touch is memorized.

Following step S5072 or step S5074, the output of the drive signal to the launch motor 23 is stopped (step S576). As a result, the launch of the game ball is stopped. Following step S576, the output of the drive signal to the circulating ball feed motor 47 is stopped (step S578). As a result, the feeding of the game ball to the hit ball launching device 20 side is stopped.

Following step S578, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116 and the output is stopped (ON / OFF, step S580). This clears the external WDT116. Following step S580, a checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S582). This checksum calculates the total of the checksum value calculated in step S528 and the ball information of the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM excluding the storage area of the value of the ball information backup flag HBK-FLG as a numerical value. To do.

Following step S582, the value 1 is set in the ball information backup flag (step S584). As a result, the storage of the ball information backup information is completed. Following step S584, access prohibition setting to the ball information control built-in RAM is set (step S586). By this setting, access to the ball information control built-in RAM is prohibited, writing and reading are not possible, and the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is protected.

Following step S586, a loop process of repeating the state of doing nothing is entered. In this loop processing, the clear signal is not turned ON / OFF to the external WDT116. Therefore, the external WDT 116 outputs a reset signal to the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 to perform a reset. After that, the sphere information control MPU performs the sphere information control side power-on processing again from the beginning. The process of steps S572 to S586 and the loop process are referred to as "ball information control power cutoff process".

The pachinko gaming machine 1 (ball information control MPU) is reset when there is a power failure or when there is a momentary power failure, and when the power is restored thereafter, the ball information control side power-on processing is performed from the beginning.

In step S530, it is inspected whether or not the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is normal, and then in step S532, the ball information control unit power off processing is normally terminated. We are inspecting whether or not it is. In this way, by double-checking the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM, it is inspected whether or not the ball information backup information is stored by fraudulent activity.

[Idle rotation control processing]
45 to 48 show a subroutine of idle rotation control processing executed by the sphere information control MPU common to the two embodiments using the RTC and the embodiment in which neither the main control board nor the sphere information control board is provided with the RTC. It is a flowchart which shows. In the idle rotation control process, all the enclosed balls (circulating ball feed motor 47) are operated by operating the ball striking device 20 (launching motor 23) and the circulating ball feeding member 44 (circulating ball feeding motor 47) without operating the ball striking handle 7. In this embodiment, 50 balls) are fired at least once to move the hit ball along the movement path set above the circulation path 30, and the ball cleaning mechanism 60 controls to clean the surfaces of all the enclosed balls. ..

As described above, the idle rotation control process is executed every 1.75 ms when the idle rotation execution flag is set to 1. That is, 1 is set in the idle rotation execution flag in step S524 of FIG. 20, step S5024 of FIG. 29, and step S5036 of FIG. 34.

When the ball information control MPU starts the idle rotation control process, it first determines whether or not the process flag is 0 (step S600). As described above, when the idle execution flag is set to 1, the processing flag is set to 0. That is, 0 is set in the processing flag in step S525 of FIG. 20, step S5025 of FIG. 29, and step S5038 of FIG. 34.

The processing flag is a flag for identifying whether the sphere information control MPU branches to any of the processing in the idle rotation control processing, and "0" means the initial setting, and "1" means the initial setting. It means the determination of the start of timekeeping of the movement time of the launched ball, and means the determination of the end of the timekeeping of the movement time of the shot ball launched in "2", and the idle rotation control process in "3". It means the end detection of.

When the idle rotation control process is executed for the first time, as a result of the process flag being set to 0, the ball information control MPU determines that step S600 is YES, proceeds to step S602, and the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is on. Whether or not it is determined (step S602).

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the arrangement position of the sphere capacity confirmation switch 43 and the maximum number of enclosed spheres in the recovery combined flow path 34. In a state where the driving of the game ball by the hitting ball launching device 20 (the operation of the launching hammer 22 based on the drive of the launching motor 23) is stopped, as shown in FIG. The last game ball that has been collected and stopped will be located. That is, when the number of enclosed balls is 50 (specified number of balls), the 50th game ball is located on the ball capacity confirmation switch 43. In this state, the game ball is most stopped in the collection flow path 34, and the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is in the game ball detection state (ON). Therefore, when the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is on, the number of balls is enclosed up to the specified number of balls (maximum number of balls), and the number of balls is not insufficient.

If it is determined that the sphere capacity confirmation switch 43 is not on, it means that there is a shortage of spheres in which the number of enclosed spheres is not within the specified number of spheres. (Step S604), the idle rotation control process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine.

As a result of setting 0 in the idle rotation execution flag, after 1.75 ms has elapsed, step S548 in FIG. 21 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S550. In this way, when it is determined that the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is not on, there is a shortage of balls, so that the ball is not substantially idle. When it is determined that the ball is insufficient, the ball information control MPU transmits an error command to the main control MPU, the main control MPU 101 transmits an error command to, for example, the peripheral control board 130, and the peripheral control board 130 transmits, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. It may be configured to notify by displaying the lack of balls in the above.

On the other hand, the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S606 when it is determined in step S602 that the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is on, that is, when the ball is not insufficient. In step S606, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116 and the output is stopped (ON / OFF, step S606). As described above, the external WDT 116 monitors the operation (system) of the ball information control MPU, and the external WDT clear signal input to the CK terminal (not shown) stops (cancels) at the clear signal release time. ), A reset signal is output to the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 to reset the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 (when the on state is not turned off).

The process of step S606 clears the external WDT 116 so that the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 are not reset during the idle rotation control process. Further, when the output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped, the external WDT 116 starts timing the clear signal release time.

Following step S606, the processing flag is set to 1 (step S608). Next, the number of shot balls counter is cleared to 0 (step S610), and the number of collected balls counter is cleared to 0 (step S612). Following step S612, the minimum time Tmin is set to the default value (step S614), and the maximum time Tmax is set to the default value (step S616).

Here, the firing intensity of the hitting ball launching device 20 at the time of idling when idling is performed is controlled so that the hitting movement path becomes a constant path. The firing intensity of the hitting ball launching device 20 is set, for example, by adjusting the exciting current that energizes the firing motor drive circuit 122. As an example, although it jumps over the launch rail 21 shown in FIG. 4, it is configured so that the game area 5 cannot be reached along the guide rail 8 of the game board 4. That is, even if the game ball launched by the launching hammer 22 driven by the launch motor 23 can jump over the launch rail 21, the game ball is played along the guide rail 8 of the game board 4 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Since the region 5 cannot be reached, the launch guide path 8a flows backward to enter the foul ball collection port 38, and the foul ball is received by the foul ball recovery path 32 and collected.

The hit ball launched for idling is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25 (a specific example of the launch ball detecting means) arranged on the tip side of the launch rail 21 to pass the game ball. Further, the foul ball collected in the foul ball recovery path 32 is sent into the recovery confluence channel 34, merges with the out ball and the safe ball, is collected as a recovery ball, and flows down in the recovery confluence flow path 34. After the passage of the game ball is detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 (a specific example of the collection ball detecting means) provided in the middle of the passage on the downstream side of the collection passage 34, the ball is sent to the arrangement passage 35.

The movement time of the hit ball from the time when the hit ball is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25 to the time when the hit ball is detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 as a recovery ball is such that the ball splashes, etc. There are variations due to this. For this reason, it is necessary to measure how long the swing width of the moving time of the hit ball will be. Then, the minimum time Tmin and the maximum time Tmax of the movement time of the hit ball obtained by the timekeeping are updated and stored.

From the time when the last ball (50th ball) is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25, if this hit ball is caught in the middle of the movement path, it is not detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 as a recovery ball, and idle rotation control is performed. There is a risk that the process cannot be completed. Even in such a case, in order to be able to end the idle rotation control process, the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 detects the last ball (50th ball) as a recovery ball from the time when it is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25. Even if it is not done, it is configured to end the idle rotation control process when a certain time (end time) elapses. A margin must be taken for this end time. In this embodiment, the difference between the minimum time Tmin and the maximum time Tmax, that is, the maximum value (= Δt) of the swing width of the moving time of the hit ball is used as the margin. Then, the time obtained by adding the margin Δt to the maximum time Tmax is set as the end time.

Then, in this embodiment, the time of the movement time of the hit ball is started from the time when the hit ball is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25, and the time of the movement time of the hit ball is measured when the hit ball is detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 as the collected ball. To finish. The above-mentioned minimum time Tmin and maximum time Tmax are times compared with the timed movement time of the hit ball.

Following step S616, the ball information control MPU drives the launch motor 23 to perform a ball striking operation by the ball striking device 20 by outputting an operation signal to the launch motor drive circuit 122 (step S618). Next, the circulation ball feed motor 47 is driven to start feeding the ball to the ball launch position (step S620), exits the idle rotation control process, and returns to the main routine.

As a result, the game ball is launched and the ball is sent to the hitting ball launching position. The game balls launched for idling are aligned with the array passage 35 via the collection combined flow path 34 after all the launched game balls are collected as foul balls. As described above, the hit ball launched for idling is recovered as a foul ball in the foul ball recovery path 32, and then detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 while flowing down the recovery junction 34 as a recovery ball. Will be done. Here, the moving path of the hit ball is a moving path from the launching ball detecting means (launching ball detecting switch 25) to the collecting ball detecting means (ball capacity confirmation switch 43).

Due to this as well, the hit ball launched for idle rotation should win a prize, and despite the fact that it is idle, the pattern changes due to the winning, big hits occur, and the number of balls possessed by the game machine as a production or prize ball. Since problems such as being added to the game can be avoided and the game data in the reset RAM work area will not be disturbed at the time of power restoration, it is possible to avoid inconvenience to both the player and the game field.

The next processing cycle of the idle rotation control processing is 1.75 ms later. As a result of setting 1 in the processing flag, in the idle rotation control processing of the next cycle, step S600 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S622. In step S622, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116 and the output is stopped (ON / OFF, step S622). The process of step S606 clears the external WDT 116 so that the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I / O port 112 are not reset during the idle rotation control process.

Following step S622, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not there is detection of a launch ball (step S624). If the launch ball detection switch 25 does not detect the launch ball in step S624, the process proceeds to step S626 to determine whether or not the value of the processing flag is 1. (Step S626). In this case, since 1 is set in the processing flag, step S626 is determined to be YES, the idle rotation control processing is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. Therefore, the ball information control MPU outputs an external WDT clear signal to the external WDT 116 and stops (ON / OFF) the output, that is, while clearing the external WDT 116, the ball information control MPU of the launch ball by the launch ball detection switch 25 Waiting for detection.

Then, in step S624, if the launch ball detection switch 25 detects the launch ball, the ball information control MPU increments the value of the launch ball counter by +1 each time the launch ball is detected (step S628), and steps. Move to S630. In step S630, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the value of the launch ball counter has reached the specified number of balls (50 balls in this embodiment) (step S630).

If it is determined in step S630 that the value of the number of launched balls counter has not reached the specified number of balls, the process proceeds to step S632, and it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 1. (Step S632). In this case, since 1 is set in the processing flag, step S632 is determined to be YES, 0 is set in the timekeeping timer (step S634), 2 is set in the processing flag, and the timed start of the movement time of the hit ball is started. It is stored (step S636), exits the idle rotation control process, and returns to the main routine.

Here, in this embodiment, what is performed before the detection determination (S624) of the launch ball is performed before the value of the processing flag is determined (S632, S626) is how to take the length of the movement path of the hit ball with respect to the hit ball interval. Depending on the case, the next launch ball is the launch ball detection switch 25 after the hit ball is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25 and before this ball is collected and detected by the recovery ball detection means (ball capacity confirmation switch 43). This is because it can happen to be detected by. This avoids the omission of detection of the launch ball.

Here, as another example of controlling the movement path of the hit ball so as to be a constant path, so-called right-handed hitting may be used. In this case, all the hit balls move along the guide rail 8 on the right side of FIG. 2, enter the out port 19, and are collected in the out-safe ball collection path 31 shown in FIG. The ball capacity confirmation switch 43 (which is sent into the ball, merges with the out ball and the safe ball, is collected as a recovery ball, flows down in the recovery junction 34, and is provided in the middle of the passage on the downstream side of the recovery junction 34 ( After the passage of the game ball is detected by the collected ball detecting means), the ball is sent to the array passage 35. That is, the launch ball detection switch 25 is used as a specific example of the launch ball detecting means, and the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is used as a specific example of the recovery ball detection means.

By the way, as a result of setting 2 in the processing flag, in the idle rotation control processing of the next cycle, step S600 is determined as NO, the process proceeds to step S622, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116, and the output is stopped. If there is no detection of the launch ball by the launch ball detection switch 25 in step S624, the process proceeds to step S626 to determine whether or not the value of the processing flag is 1 (step S626). In this case, since 2 is set in the processing flag, step S626 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S638.

If the launch ball detection switch 25 detects the launch ball in step S624, the process proceeds to step S628, and each time the launch ball is detected, the value of the launch ball counter is incremented by 1 (step S628), and step S630 is performed. When it is determined that the value of the number of launched balls counter has not reached the specified number of balls, the process proceeds to step S632, and it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 1 (step S632). In this case, since 2 is set in the processing flag, step S632 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S638.

In step S638, it is determined whether or not the value of the processing flag is 2. (Step S638). In this case, since 2 is set in the processing flag, it is determined that step S638 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S640.

In step S640, the sphere information control MPU determines whether or not there is detection of a recovered sphere (step S640). If the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 does not detect the collected ball in step S640, the process proceeds to step S642, the value of the timekeeping timer is incremented by +1 (step S642), the idle rotation control process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. Therefore, the value of the timekeeping timer is added and updated by 1 every 1.75 ms until the recovered ball is detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43.

If the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 detects the collected ball in step S640, the process proceeds to step S644, and each time the collected ball is detected, the value of the collected ball counter is incremented by 1 (step S644) to determine the movement time of the hit ball. The timing is finished, and the process proceeds to step S646.

The value of the timekeeping timer (moving time of the hit ball) measured in this way is compared with the value of the minimum time Tmin, and it is determined whether or not the value of the timekeeping timer is less than the value of the minimum time Tmin (step S646). ). When it is determined that the value of the timekeeping timer (movement time of the hit ball) is less than the value of the minimum time Tmin, the value of the timekeeping timer is set as the value of the minimum time Tmin, updated and stored (step S648), and the step is performed. Move to S650. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the timekeeping timer (movement time of the hit ball) is not less than the value of the minimum time Tmin, the process directly proceeds to step S650.

In step S650, the value of the timekeeping timer (moving time of the hit ball) is compared with the maximum time Tmax to determine whether or not the value of the timekeeping timer exceeds the value of the maximum time Tmax (step S650). When it is determined that the value of the timekeeping timer exceeds the value of the maximum time Tmax, the value of the timekeeping timer is set as the value of the maximum time Tmax, updated and stored (step S652), and the process proceeds to step S654. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the timekeeping timer does not exceed the value of the maximum time Tmax, the process directly proceeds to step S654.

When the process proceeds to step S654, the processing flag is set to 1 and returned (step S654), the idle rotation control process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. That is, the time of movement of the hit ball based on the detection of the next launch ball is started. The processing routine described above is repeated until the value of the number of shot balls counter reaches the specified number of balls, the moving time of the shot ball is measured by the timekeeping timer, and the value of the minimum time Tmin and the value of the maximum time Tmax are updated and stored. To do. During this period, the value of the processing flag is alternately switched between 1 and 2.

Then, when the 50th game ball is launched, the launch ball is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25, and the value of the launch ball counter reaches the specified number (50 balls), step S630 is determined to be YES. , Step S656 is performed, the processing flag is set to 3, and the end detection of the idle rotation control process is started (step S656), and the output of the operation signal to the launch motor drive circuit 122 is stopped, so that the launch motor 23 is started. It stops and stops driving the ball (step S658), stops driving the circulation ball feed motor 47, and stops feeding the ball to the ball launch position (step S660).

Following step S360, the difference Δt (margin time) between the minimum time Tmin and the maximum time Tmax is calculated (step S662), Δt is added to the maximum time Tmax to obtain the end time, and the end time is set in the end timer. Then, the time counting of the elapsed time is started (step S664), the idle rotation control process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. Here, the end time corresponds to the estimated return time until the collected balls are detected by the collected ball detecting means when the number of launched balls reaches the specified number, which is described in claim 1. is there.

As a result of setting 3 in the processing flag, in the idle rotation control processing after the next cycle, step S600 is determined as NO, the process proceeds to step S622, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116, and the output is stopped. If the launch ball detection switch 25 does not detect the launch ball in step S624, the process proceeds to step S626, the step S626 is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S638, the step S638 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S666.

In step S666, the sphere information control MPU determines whether or not there is detection of a recovered sphere (step S666). If the recovery ball is not detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 in step S666, the process proceeds to step S672, the value of the end timer is decremented by -1 (step S672), and whether or not the value of the end timer has become 0, in other words. Then, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the detection of the 50th hit ball has expired (step S672). If it is determined in step S672 that the value of the end timer is not 0, the idle rotation control process is exited and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 detects the collected spheres in step S666, the process proceeds to step S668, the value of the collected sphere counter is incremented by +1 (step S668), and the value of the collected sphere counter is the specified number (step S668). It is determined whether or not the number of balls (50 balls) has been reached (step S670).

When it is determined in step S670 that the value of the collected ball count counter has reached the specified number (50 balls), as shown in FIG. 49, the collected balls are collected in the collection flow path 34 on the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 and stopped. The rearmost collected ball (50th ball) is located. That is, when it is determined that the number of collected balls has reached the specified number (50 balls), it is determined that the idle rotation is completed, the process proceeds to step S676, and the idle rotation end signal is transmitted to the main control MPU ( Step S676), the idle rotation execution flag is set to 0 to return to the initial state (step S678), the idle rotation control process is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine. In this way, if all the hit balls are detected as collected balls before the end time set in the end timer elapses, it can be confirmed that the idle rotation can be completed and the idle rotation is performed. All spheres can be reliably homogenized.

On the other hand, in step S670, when it is determined that the value of the collected ball count counter has not reached the specified number (50 balls), that is, it is determined that the number of collected balls has not reached the specified number (50 balls). If so, the process proceeds to step S672, the value of the end timer is set to -1 (step S672), and whether or not the value of the end timer has become 0, in other words, the elapsed time since the 50th ball was detected. Determines whether or not the end time has expired (step S674). If it is determined in step S674 that the value of the end timer is not 0, that is, if it is determined that step S674 is NO, the idle rotation control process is exited and the process returns to the main routine.

Therefore, if the state in which the collected balls are not detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 continues, or even if the collected balls are detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43, the value of the collected ball count counter has reached the specified number (50 balls). If the non-existent state continues, the value of the end timer is decremented and updated by 1 every 1.75 ms by shifting to step S672.

Then, when the above state continues and the elapsed time from the detection of the 50th ball hit expires the end time, the value of the end timer becomes 0, and the ball information control MPU ends in step S674. It is determined that the value of the timer has reached 0, that is, it is determined that the idle rotation is completed, the process proceeds to step S676, the idle rotation end signal is transmitted to the main control MPU (step S676), and the idle rotation execution flag is set to 0. Is set to return to the initial state (step S678), the idle rotation control process is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine.

As a result of setting 0 in the idle rotation execution flag, after 1.75 ms have elapsed, step S548 in FIG. 21 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S550. After that, the idle rotation control process is not executed. Absent.

By idling the enclosed sphere, the enclosed sphere moves and circulates in the circulation path 30, so that it is possible to avoid a state in which the enclosed sphere does not move and stays for a long time, and dust and dirt accumulate on the enclosed sphere. Can be avoided. As a result, the game conditions for the enclosed ball can be made uniform for all the machines, and the player can ensure fairness regarding the chance of winning a prize by the game ball used. Further, the conductive brush 61 of the ball cleaning mechanism 60 removes dust and the like adhering to the surface, so that the enclosed ball can be kept clean.

As described above, the launch ball detection switch 25 is used as a specific example of the launch ball detection means, and the ball capacity confirmation switch 43 is used as a specific example of the recovery ball detection means, so that the movement time of the launched ball is determined. Timed by a timer. That is, the timer starts timing when the launch ball detection switch 25 detects the launch ball, and ends the timer when the recovery ball is detected by the ball capacity confirmation switch 43. Then, the last ball is hit (50th ball when the number of enclosed balls is 50), and when the 50th ball is detected by the launch ball detection switch 25, the ball driving and the ball feeding are stopped. Then, the difference Δt (margin time) between the minimum time Tmin and the maximum time Tmax is calculated, Δt is added to the maximum time Tmax to obtain the end time (estimated return time), the end time is set in the timer, and the elapsed time. Since it is configured to start idling and end idling when the end time is timed by the timer, even if all the hit balls are not detected as recovered balls, for example, the number of balls is insufficient. Even when the number of shot balls becomes uncontrollable due to the occurrence of, when the idle rotation control process is executed, the idle rotation control process can be surely terminated.

In this way, if (1) all the hit balls are detected as recovery balls before the end time set in the end timer elapses, (2) the end time is not detected as all the hit balls as recovery balls. When timed, in either case (1) or (2), the idle rotation can be completed.

1 Pachinko machine 2 Main body frame 3 Door frame 4 Game board 5 Game area 6 Game window 7 Hitting ball handle 8 Guide rail 8a Launch guide path 9 Transparent plate 10 Operation panel part 11 Ball rental button 12 Settlement button 13 Residual frequency display part 14 Game machine Number of balls held 15 Display number of end balls 16 Number of end balls Display button 18 Storage opening 19 Out port 20 Hit ball launcher 21 Launch rail 22 Launch hammer 23 Launch motor 24 Launch ball confirmation switch 25 Launch ball detection switch 26 Open / close Plate member 26a Switch mounting part 27 Opening and closing plate member 27a Opening 30 Circulation route 31 Out-safe ball recovery path 32 Foul ball recovery path 33 First ball passage forming member 34 Recovery combined flow path 35 Arrangement passage 36 Launch delivery path 37 Second ball Passage forming member 38 Foul ball recovery port 40 Out-safe ball detection switch 41 Foul ball detection switch 42 Ball inlet 43 Ball capacity confirmation switch 44 Circulating ball feed member 45 Axis 46 Ball receiving part 47 Circulating ball feed motor 48 Inlet passage part 49 Delivery passage 50 Launch standby ball switch 51 Launch standby ball switch 52 Operable notification lamp 53 YES button 54 NO button 55 Decorative cover 57 Message display 60 Ball cleaning mechanism 61 Conductive brush 62 Blower 63 Brush insertion port 64 Earth wiring 65 Casing 66 Screw stop boss 67 Blow port 68 Blow duct 69 First duct forming member 70 Second duct forming member 71 Screw stop boss 72 Air inlet 73 Air outlet 74 Air outlet 75 Outlet 76 Vent 77 Air outlet 78 Exhaust port 80 Launch base frame 81 Slide rod 82 Slide member 83 Reverse rotation prevention cam 84 Stopper piece mounting boss 85 Stopper piece 86 Launch stop switch 87 Touch switch 90 Upper start port switch 91 Lower start port switch 92 Gate switch 93 General winning port switch 94 General Winning port switch 96 Starting port solenoid 97 Large winning port solenoid 98 Count switch 100 Main control board 101 Main control MPU
102 Main control I / O port 103 Main control input circuit 104 Main control solenoid drive circuit 105 RAM clear switch 106 RTC control unit 107 RTC
108 Battery 109 RAM
110 Sphere Information Control Board 111 Sphere Information Control MPU
112 Sphere information control I / O port 113 Sphere information control input circuit 114 Circulation feed motor drive circuit 115 CR unit input / output circuit 116 External WDT
117 Power failure monitoring circuit 118 Ball information control unit 119 Launch control unit 120 Launch control input circuit 121 Oscillation circuit 122 Launch motor drive circuit 123 Handle relay terminal board 124 Sensor relay board 130 Peripheral control board 131 Door frame open switch 132 Main body frame open switch 133 External terminal board 140 Panel relay terminal board 141 Function display board 142 Upper special symbol display 143 Lower special symbol display 144 Upper special symbol storage display 145 Lower special symbol storage display 146 Normal symbol display 147 Normal symbol storage display 148 Game status display 149 Round display 200 Settlement machine 201 Card insertion slot 202 Card processing machine 203 Card 204 ID storage unit 205 Remaining number storage unit 206 Number of balls held 1010 Cylinder lock

Claims (1)

A game board in which the game area is divided into sections,
A ball launching device that launches a game ball into the game area in response to an operation on the ball striking handle, and a ball launching device.
A circulation path for collecting the game ball launched by the hitting ball launching device as an enclosed ball and supplying it to the hitting ball launching device again.
A circulating ball feeding member that feeds the enclosed balls, which are arranged and stored in an array passage formed in a part of the circulation path based on the drive of an electric drive source, one by one to the ball launching position of the hitting ball launching device. A main control board that performs game control processing related to pachinko games,
Bidirectional data communication is possible with the main control board, and the launching control of the game ball by the hitting ball launching device, the feeding control of the game ball to the ball launching position by the circulating ball feeding member, and the start of the game A ball information control board that manages the number of balls held by the player as the number of balls owned by the player during the game until the end of the game.
With an enclosed ball-type game machine equipped with
An external device attached to the enclosed ball-type game machine and connected to the enclosed ball-type game machine so as to be able to communicate with each other.
In the gaming device composed of
The enclosed ball type game machine is
An end ball as the number of remaining balls that is less than the number of exchanged balls generated when the number of balls held is divided by the number of exchanged balls as the number of balls held when exchanging for one predetermined prize. A means for displaying the number of end balls for displaying a number,
An end ball number display instruction input means that can be operated by the player and that allows the end ball number display means to input an instruction for displaying the end ball number.
With
The sphere information control board is
The ball holding number management means for increasing or decreasing the number of balls held, and
It has an exchange ball number storage means for storing the exchange ball number, and has.
further,
When there is an instruction input for displaying the number of end balls from the end ball number display instruction input means, the number of possessed balls managed by the number of possessed balls management means is divided by the number of exchanged balls, and the exchange is performed. An end ball number calculation storage means for obtaining and storing the number of end balls as the number of remaining balls less than the number of balls, and
An end ball number display processing means for displaying the end ball number stored by the end ball number calculation storage means on the end ball number display means, and an end ball number display processing means.
Allowable processing means that allows input of a selection instruction as to whether to drive the end balls or to end the display of the number of ends and return to the normal gaming state when the number of ends is displayed.
When the permissible processing means ends the display of the number of end balls and inputs a selection instruction for returning to the normal game state, or when the end balls are driven, the game state is changed to the game. When the game state is favorable to the player, the return processing means for ending the display of the number of odd balls and returning to the normal game state, and
With,
A game device characterized by that.

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