JP2021104305A - Game machine and game frame - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine and a game frame capable of appropriately performing a subtraction process to a return ball to a shooting device that is a part of a foul ball.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 2 manages information on a game point as a game value in which a game can be played by shooting a game ball corresponding to the game point includes a shooting mechanism 30, a frame control board 17, a subtraction mechanism 32, and a foul ball detection switch 703. The frame control board 17 executes an addition process of a game point on the basis of the fact that the foul ball detection switch 703 detects the game ball. The shooting mechanism 30 is operated without executing the subtraction process of the game point by the frame control board 17 and the transfer of the game ball by the subtraction mechanism 32, on the basis of the fact that the game ball is detected by a subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c provided in the subtraction mechanism 32 within a return ball monitoring period, after a subtraction reference signal is output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

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

In an enclosed gaming machine in which a gaming ball is enclosed, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a launching device is provided in the upper left portion of the main body frame, and the gaming ball moves from the launching port of the launching device to the gaming board. A game ball that is fired toward and does not enter any of the winning openings flows down from the out opening toward the rear of the game board.

Further, in the enclosed gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, the launching unit for launching the gaming ball is located on the mounting panel provided on the lower side of the gaming board at a position below the gaming area and viewed from the front side. It is installed at a position slightly to the right of the center of the game board. Therefore, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 2, among the gaming balls played by the launching unit, the foul balls that have flowed down without reaching the gaming area are collected between the opening on the lower end side of the guide rail guide path and the launching unit. A foul rail and a foul ball detection sensor are provided. When the foul ball detection sensor detects a foul ball, the launchable ball number management unit adds and updates the number of launchable balls when these foul balls are detected.

JP-A-2017-164318 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-196244

When the launching device is provided at the lower part of the main body frame as in the gaming machine of Patent Document 2, in addition to the foul ball that returns to the foul rail and is collected, a part of the foul ball has a return ball that returns to the launching device. However, if the return ball is not properly subtracted, there is a risk that the managed game points will be inconsistent.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a gaming machine and a gaming frame capable of appropriately performing subtraction processing on a return ball to a launching device which is a part of a foul ball. Is to provide.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, P machine 2) that manages information about a gaming point as a gaming value and enables a game by launching a gaming medium (for example, a gaming ball) corresponding to the gaming point. hand,
A launching means (for example, a launching mechanism 30) that is provided below a predetermined area (for example, a game area 27) and is capable of launching a game medium toward the predetermined area.
The subtraction process of the game point is executed based on the special signal (for example, the subtraction reference signal) generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means (for example, the signal for exciting the launch solenoid 31a is output). Control means (for example, frame control board 17) and
A transport means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that executes the transport of the game medium to the launching means based on the special signal.
A specific detection means (for example, a foul ball detection switch 703) capable of detecting a game medium that is launched by the launching means and does not reach the predetermined area is provided.
Based on the detection of the game medium by the specific detection means, the control means executes a game point addition process (for example, when a foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703, the number of game balls is incremented by 1. ),
After the output of the special signal, the game medium is detected by the special detection means (for example, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c) provided in the transport means within a predetermined period (for example, the return ball monitoring period). The control means does not execute the subtraction process of the game points and the transfer means does not execute the transfer of the game medium (for example, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 does not execute the subtraction process, and the subtraction mechanism 32 is movable. The launching means is operated (for example, three blank shots) by controlling the piece 45 to not execute the transfer of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the game medium (return ball) returning to the launching means detected by the special detection means.

(2) A game of a gaming machine (for example, P machine 2) that manages information about a gaming point as a gaming value and can play a game by launching a gaming medium (for example, a gaming ball) corresponding to the gaming point. A frame (for example, a game frame 5)
A launching means (for example, a launching mechanism 30) that is provided below a predetermined area (for example, a game area 27) and is capable of launching a game medium toward the predetermined area.
The subtraction process of the game point is executed based on the special signal (for example, the subtraction reference signal) generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means (for example, the signal for exciting the launch solenoid 31a is output). Control means (for example, frame control board 17) and
A transport means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that executes the transport of the game medium to the launching means based on the special signal.
A specific detection means (for example, a foul ball detection switch 703) capable of detecting a game medium that is launched by the launching means and does not reach the predetermined area is provided.
Based on the detection of the game medium by the specific detection means, the control means executes a game point addition process (for example, when a foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703, the number of game balls is incremented by 1. ),
After the output of the special signal, the game medium is detected by the special detection means (for example, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c) provided in the transport means within a predetermined period (for example, the return ball monitoring period). The control means does not execute the subtraction process of the game points and the transfer means does not execute the transfer of the game medium (for example, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 does not execute the subtraction process, and the subtraction mechanism 32 is movable. The launching means is operated (for example, three blank shots) by controlling the piece 45 to not execute the transfer of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the game medium (return ball) returning to the launching means detected by the special detection means.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) above
The special detection means is provided at the outlet of the launching means from the transporting means (for example, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c).
Based on the detection state of the special detection means after receiving the special signal, it is possible to determine a transport error of the game medium (for example, the game ball p sent to the launch mechanism can be detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c. If not, it can be determined that the game ball p is not conveyed to the launch mechanism).

With such a configuration, it is possible to detect a malfunction in the operation of the transport means.

(4) In the gaming machine of (1) or (3) above
A launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) for controlling the operation of the launch means is provided.
The launch control means generates the special signal in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means and transmits the special signal to the control means (for example, a subtraction reference signal is output from the launch control board 31 to the frame control board 17). Will be),
The control means executes a game point subtraction process (for example, subtracts the number of skill balls) based on the reception of the special signal from the launch control means.

According to such a configuration, the subtraction process can be appropriately executed.

(5) In the gaming machine of (4) above
The control means controls the operation of the transport means, and causes the transport means to execute the transport operation of the game medium based on the reception of the special signal from the launch control means (for example, the subtraction mechanism 32 has a subtraction mechanism 32). By energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a with reference to the subtraction reference signal and moving the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 14, the game ball recorded by the electromagnetic method is converted into a real ball and sent to the launch mechanism 30). ..

According to such a configuration, the transport means can be appropriately operated in response to the firing operation of the launching means.

(6) In the gaming machines (1), (3) to (5) above,
The transport means is provided with an inlet detection means (for example, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b) at an inlet for carrying in the game medium.
After receiving the special signal, the control means executes a game point subtraction process based on the detection of the passage of the game medium by the entrance detection means (for example, when the game ball p passes through the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b). The number of game balls is subtracted and displayed on the game ball number display 29).

According to such a configuration, the subtraction process corresponding to the firing operation of the firing means and the operation of the transporting means can be executed.

(7) In the gaming machines (1), (3) to (6) above,
The control means executes a game point subtraction process based on the special signal generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means.
Among the game media that are launched by the launching means and do not reach the predetermined area, the game point addition process is executed corresponding to the game medium detected by the specific detection means (for example, the foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703). If detected, the number of game balls is added by 1.)

According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the launching operation of the launching means, and an appropriate game when there is a gaming medium (foul ball) that is launched and does not reach a predetermined area. Point addition processing can be realized.

(8) In the gaming machines (1), (3) to (7) above,
Even when the specific detection means detects the game medium, the control means controls the game based on the fact that the special detection means provided in the transport means detects the game medium within a predetermined period after the output of the special signal. Do not add points.

According to such a configuration, even if the specific detection means detects the game medium, an appropriate addition process can be executed when the special detection means detects the game medium within a predetermined period.

It is a front view which shows the card unit and the pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the information sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the game machine information notification transmitted from a pachinko game machine to a card unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the information of a game machine type. It is a figure for demonstrating the game machine performance information. It is a figure for demonstrating the game machine installation information. It is a figure for demonstrating hall control / fraud monitoring information. It is a figure for demonstrating hall control / fraud monitoring information. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information which is sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the main thing among the various data stored in each of a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine, and the transmission / reception mode thereof. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the circulation path of a game ball. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure of the launch mechanism. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the state which the ball passage of a launch mechanism is filled with a game ball. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the launching of a game medium and the subtraction of the number of game balls. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence for demonstrating the communication timing. It is a figure which shows the list of the command which is sent and received between the main control board and a frame control board. It is a figure for demonstrating the response of the game machine installation information notification command and the game machine installation information response. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of the game machine information notification. It is a figure for demonstrating the type information included in the game information. It is a figure for demonstrating the count information of the performance information state notification. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of a game machine information response. It is a figure which shows the control sequence in a free game state between a main control board and a frame control board. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the effect at the time of transitioning to a free game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the performance information item. It is a figure for demonstrating the maximum number of difference balls. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the game system including a card unit and a pachinko game machine.

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

<Composition of pachinko machine>
First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. Each game island (not shown) arranged in a plurality of game halls (halls) may be abbreviated as an enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine (hereinafter, a game machine, a pachinko machine or a P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. A card unit (hereinafter, also abbreviated as CU) 3 which is an example of a gaming device is installed one-to-one with respect to the P stand 2 at a predetermined side position of the P stand 2. There is. The card unit will be described below as an example of the gaming device according to the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game information such as jackpots, abnormality notifications, and the number of winnings can be collected by connecting to the P unit 2. It may be a call lamp device or the like. Further, as an example of the gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine in which a gaming ball (pachinko ball) is enclosed will be described below, but the same can be applied to a medalless gaming machine which is a slot machine that does not use medals.

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

When the firing solenoid is driven to drive the enclosed balls into the game area 27 one by one, the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts one ball from the number of game balls that can be played on the P stand 2. The firing strength of the game ball (hereinafter, also simply referred to as firing strength T) can be adjusted according to the rotation operation amount of the hitting ball operating handle 25 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the handle operating amount), and the handle operating amount is increased. The firing intensity T increases accordingly. Therefore, the player can adjust the firing intensity T so that the game ball passes through the area aimed at by the player by adjusting the amount of steering wheel operation. When a launching device is provided on the lower side of the game board 26, a foul ball flows down through a foul ball return path and is detected by a foul ball detection switch provided in the middle of the foul ball return path, so that the number of foul balls is negative. May be counted (that is, the game points may be added according to the detection of the foul ball detection switch).

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

The variable display device 278 includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs), and based on the detection signals of the starting winning balls that have won each starting winning opening 275, 276, 277. Start variable display of multiple types of identification information. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a combination of specific identification information (for example, doublet), a big hit state (also referred to as a big hit game state) is set, and the big winning opening 271 is opened.

Further, the display result of the variable display device 278 is a combination of special identification information (for example, a combination of probabilistic symbols such as 777) among the combinations of jackpot symbols (doublets), so that the probabilistic jackpot state Occurs, and after the end of the jackpot state, a probability fluctuation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is improved occurs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A display 54 is provided at a portion extending from the CU 3 to the front surface side of the P stand 2. The display 54 displays the prepaid balance stored in the inserted game storage medium (card), and can display the number of game balls and other various information, and has a transparent touch panel on the surface. It is configured so that various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 54 with a finger. For example, in the display 54 shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending button 321 and a return button 319 and a replay button are displayed, and operation input is possible by touching these display items with a finger. A replay button may be displayed on the display 54.

The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P stand 2. The return button 319 is operated when the player ends the game, and the fixed number of balls held at the end of the game (number of balls held when the card is inserted-number of conversions to game balls + counting operation) is inserted into the inserted card. It is a button for storing and discharging the number of balls held by the player.

When the replay button (not shown) is operated and the number of balls held by the player is stored in the inserted card, a part of the number of balls held is withdrawn and converted into a game ball. It is possible to play a game with the P stand 2 based on the game ball. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of balls held is not stored and the stored balls are stored in the hall management computer or the like, a part of the stored balls is withdrawn and used as a game ball. It is converted and the game by the P stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the holding ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the holding ball is preferentially withdrawn. In addition to the replay button, a dedicated ball withdrawal button for withdrawing the ball may be provided, and the replay button may be a button dedicated to withdrawing stored balls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320 is further provided on the front side of the CU3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by a staff member of the amusement park, converts it into an electronic signal, and outputs the infrared signal.

Although not shown, the P stand 2 is provided with a game frame (hereinafter, also referred to as a cell) 5 and a glass door 6 that can be opened and closed with the left side edge as a swing center with respect to the frame-shaped outer frame 4. ing.

A back mechanism opening switch 13 shown in FIG. 2 is provided at a position in contact with the outer frame 4 in the lower portion of the game frame 5, and it is detected that the game frame 5 has been opened. Further, the front decoration opening switch 12 shown in FIG. 2 is provided at the contact portion with the glass door 6 in the upper portion of the game frame 5, and it is detected by the front decoration opening switch 12 that the glass door 6 is opened. NS.

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

The main control board 16 shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the back surface of the game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the glass door 6). Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 becomes removable from the game board 26 by first opening the game frame 5 and removing the game board 26 from the game frame 5. That is, in order to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26 or replace the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the game frame 5, so that the back mechanism portion open switch 13 is used. The work can always be detected. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26 or the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism opening switch 13.

Further, a frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the back surface of the game frame 5. The frame control board 17 also needs to be removed from the back surface of the game frame 5 after the game frame 5 is first opened. Therefore, if the frame control board 17 is illegally removed from the back surface of the game frame 5 or the semiconductor chip provided on the frame control board 17 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism portion opening switch 13.

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

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

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal 340 for communicating with a management computer, a hall controller, or the like. The CU 3 transmits the status of the CU 3 and the gaming machine status information (including the information displayed by the performance display monitor 40) received from the P stand 2 to the outside such as a management computer or a hall controller via the external output terminal 340. .. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 via the SC board 325. The SC board 325 and the frame control board 17 are connected by, for example, a dedicated PIF wiring 322 (see FIG. 1). The communication between the CU control unit 323 and the frame control board 17 is the lending information (information on the operation for withdrawing the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for the game by the P machine 2) and the lending response information (lending information). (Response information to) is bidirectionally performed, and other counting information (information regarding counting processing from the game ball to the holding ball) and game machine information are transmitted in one direction from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. It is done by communication. Therefore, the P machine 2 side does not recognize whether or not the CU 3 has received the counting information and the gaming machine information. The CU 3 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the P stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection portions are composed of, for example, connectors. The SC board 325 is equipped with an SC microcomputer (SC) that executes various processes for ensuring security in communication between the P stand 2 and the CU 3.

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

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's ball when the player is playing. Data such as the balance or the number of balls held is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the display 54 extending from the CU 3 to the front side of the P stand 2. An image corresponding to the display data is displayed on the display 54. Further, when the player operates the touch panel provided on the surface of the display 54, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. For example, when the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the return button 319 displayed on the display 54, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. The ball lending button 321 and the return button 319 are not limited to the configuration provided on the CU 3, but may be provided on the front surface of the CU 3 or provided on the P stand 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. There may be. When the player operates the replay button (not shown) displayed on the display 54, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. The replay button is not limited to the configuration provided on the CU 3, but may be provided on the front surface of the CU 3 or may be provided on the P stand 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323.

The P stand 2 has a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P stand 2, a frame control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a launch solenoid 31a that is driven and controlled based on a command from the frame control board 17. A launch control board 31 for displaying, a variable display device 278, and an effect control board 15 for displaying and controlling the variable display device 278 based on a command transmitted from the main control board 16 are provided.

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

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

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

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

The frame control board 17 is provided on the game frame 5. A frame control microcomputer, which is a frame control unit 171, is mounted on the frame control board 17. The frame control unit 171 is a frame control function unit of the gaming machine. The frame control microcomputer maintains signal consistency with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface for the purpose is provided.

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

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

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

Here, the base is the large winning opening 271, the normal winning opening 272 to 274, and the starting winning opening 275 to 277 provided in the game area 27 with respect to the number of game balls driven into the game area 27 of the P stand 2. It is the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given according to the prize of the game ball to the winning opening such as. Further, the accessory ratio (also referred to as a role ratio) refers to the ratio of the game balls acquired by the game balls launched in 10 hours due to the operation of the accessory. In the present embodiment, the bonus ratio corresponds to the game value given by winning all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls can be fired in 1 minute). Of the number of game balls to be played, a game is played in the starting winning opening 276 composed of an electric tulip, which is one of the winning characters, and the large winning opening 271 composed of the variable winning ball device, which is one of the winning characters. The ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning a ball. Further, the continuous bonus ratio (also referred to as the continuous ratio) is the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the game balls fired in 10 hours due to the operation of the bonus when the bonus is continuously operated. say. In the present embodiment, the continuous bonus ratio is the game value given by winning all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls can be fired in 1 minute). Of the number of corresponding game balls, the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the game ball to the large winning opening 271 provided with the variable winning ball device which is one of the winning characters. say.

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

The main control chip ID (also referred to as the main chip ID) is a chip ID stored in the main control board 16 of the P stand 2, and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P stand 2 is turned on. Information. The winning opening information includes the type of winning opening (starting winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of balls to be paid out when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is managed by the game value as a game point used for a person's game, and below, the number of game balls given when a game ball enters the winning opening, and in a medalless slot, a small prize such as BB is awarded. This is information including the number of medals to be given (game value corresponding to medals), and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on.

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

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

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

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

A gaming machine installation information notification and a gaming machine information notification are transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 (see FIG. 19). On the contrary, the gaming machine installation information response and the gaming machine information response are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16 (see FIG. 19). The gaming machine installation information response and the gaming machine information response are commands for indicating that the gaming machine installation information notification and the gaming machine information notification have been received from the main control board 16.

The SC board 325 of the CU 3 and the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 are electrically connected via the PIF wiring 22, and various commands are transmitted from the SC board 325 to the frame control board 17 (see FIG. 3). ). On the contrary, various responses are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the SC board 325 (see FIG. 3).

In addition to the frame control board 17, the game frame 5 is provided with a launch control board 31, a launch solenoid 31a, and a game ball number indicator 29. Although the game ball number display 29 may be directly attached to the game frame 5, the game frame 5 may be attached to the game frame 5 like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko game machine on which balls are paid out. It may be provided in a rotatable manner. This point is the same for the display 54. The frame control unit 171 of the frame control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29.

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

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

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

A subtraction reference signal is output to the subtraction mechanism 32 in conjunction with the activation of the firing solenoid 31a and the firing of the game ball. In the subtraction mechanism 32, based on the output subtraction reference signal, the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized to move the movable piece to send the game ball to the launch mechanism 30, and the game ball passes through the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b. Subtract the number of game balls.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of information transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. Hereinafter, the outline of the information (telegram) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 and the SC board 325 of the CU 3 are divided into (a) lending information, (b) lending response information, (c) counting information, and (d) gaming machine information. Telegrams are being communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port. The four types of information (telegrams) (a) to (d) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 have different telegram headers, and it is possible to distinguish the type of telegram by the header. It has become.

Even if (a) lending information and (b) lending response information are communicated through a common asynchronous serial communication port, (a) lending information and (c) counting information are used in a common asynchronous serial communication port. The rental information and the game machine information may be communicated with each other through a common asynchronous serial communication port. Further, even if (b) lending response information and (c) counting information are communicated by a common asynchronous serial communication port, (b) lending response information and (d) gaming machine information are shared asynchronous serial communication. Communication may be performed by the port, or (c) counting information and (d) game machine information may be communicated by a common asynchronous serial communication port.

Lending information is shown in FIG. 3A. The lending information includes information on the number of lending balls and information on the lending serial number for communication management as information included in the telegram of the lending notification transmitted by the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The information on the number of rented balls is information on the number of game balls related to renting, and includes, for example, information on 125 balls as information on the number of game balls transmitted in one piece of information. When the number of rented balls is 0 (zero), the lending information may be transmitted by including the information of 0 (zero) in the information on the number of rented balls.

FIG. 3B shows lending response information. The loan response information includes information on the number of loaned balls received as information included in the message of the loan receipt result response transmitted by the P unit 2 to the CU 3, and information on the loan serial number for communication management. The information on the number of rented balls received is information that informs the CU3 of the result of receiving the information on the number of rented balls transmitted from the CU3.

The counting information is shown in FIG. 3 (c). In the counting information, the P unit 2 transmits to the CU 3 as a telegram of the counting notification including the number of counting balls, the cumulative number of counting balls, and the counting serial number for communication management. The P unit 2 does not receive the information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The number of counting balls, the cumulative number of counting balls, and the counting serial number are all information for the purpose of counting game balls. Further, the number of counting balls transmitted in one piece of information is, for example, 250 balls. When the number of counting balls is 0 (zero), the counting information may be transmitted by adding 0 (zero) information to the information on the number of counting balls.

FIG. 3D shows game machine information. In the gaming machine information, the P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine installation information, the gaming machine performance information, and the hall control / fraud monitoring information to the CU3. The P unit 2 does not receive the information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The gaming machine installation information is information for the purpose of managing the machine history, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of the gaming machine installation information notification after the power is turned on. The gaming machine installation information includes information such as a maker code, a model code, and a chip ID number of the main / frame control CPU.

The gaming machine performance information is information for the purpose of totaling the performance information, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of the gaming machine performance information notification. The game machine performance information outputs the result calculated based on the game, and includes the total number of launched game balls, the total number of acquired game balls, the ball output rate, the number of minutes acquired game balls (low base), and the minute acquired game balls. Number (high base), total number of game balls acquired by special electric accessory, total number of game balls acquired by ordinary electric accessory, total number of game balls acquired by continuous differential device of accessory, total number of game balls acquired by start port, normal Total number of winning game balls, total number of special electric accessories, total number of normal electric accessories, total number of special symbol display devices, total number of normal symbol display devices, bonus ratio, continuous Includes information such as the accessory ratio. Further, as conditions for the frame control board 17 to notify the CU3 of the game machine performance information, for example, (1) notification is made 3 minutes after the power of the P machine 2 is turned on, and (2) the number of game balls to be launched is specified. Notification is made every minute (for example, 60,000 balls) is launched or every specified time (for example, 10 hours), (3) notification is given priority over notification of gaming machine installation information, and (4) hall control / fraud monitoring information is notified. There are conditions such as notification in the next cycle (after 300 ms). It should be noted that these conditions are examples and other conditions may be adopted, or only one of the above conditions may be adopted, or a plurality of conditions may be combined and adopted. good.

Hallcon / fraud monitoring information is information for the purpose of information aggregation of hallcon / fraud monitoring by CU3. Hallcon / fraud monitoring information includes jackpot, probability fluctuation, time reduction, holecon information such as the number of winning balls in each winning opening, number of gaming balls (current number of balls held), number of gaming balls serial number, gaming machine error status, Includes fraud monitoring information such as fraud detection status.

<Notification of gaming machine information>
Next, the command for notifying the gaming machine information will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming machine information notification transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine to the card unit. The game machine information notification command shown in FIG. 4 is a command for the P machine 2 to notify the CU3 of the game machine information, and the game machine information includes the game machine installation information, the game machine performance information, and the hall controller. -Includes three types of fraud monitoring information. The type of game machine information included in the game machine information notification command is determined to be one of them according to the notification conditions of each information, and is notified to CU3.

The game machine information notification command includes message length information, command information, serial number information, game machine type information, game machine information type information, and game machine information. The telegram length information indicates the length of the telegram to be transmitted (telegram length to error detection code (CRC) of the communication frame). The command information indicates the command code of the telegram. The serial number information indicates the sequence number. The serial number is a sequence number that the primary station side (for example, the P unit side) counts up (+1) at the time of transmission with the initial value set to "0" and transmits. However, when the primary station side resends, the serial number is not counted up, and the secondary station side (for example, the CU side) also transmits the received serial number as it is. Note that the commands and responses used for communication commonly include telegram length information, command information, and serial number information, so explanations will be omitted in the following commands and responses.

The information on the game machine type is information for indicating the game machine type of the P machine 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining information on the type of gaming machine. In FIG. 5, if the game machine type information is "10", it indicates that the P stand 2 connected to the CU 3 is the "pachinko" of the "pachinko game machine", and if it is "11", it indicates the "pachinko game". It indicates that it is a "parrot" of "machine". Further, if the gaming machine type information is "20", it indicates that the P stand 2 connected to the CU 3 is the "rotating body" of the "rotating machine", and if it is "30", it indicates "arrangement". It indicates that it is an "arranged ball" of "ball", and if it is "40", it indicates that it is a "jan ball game machine" of "jan ball game machine". In CU3, if the transmitted gaming machine type information is "10" or "11", the number of gaming balls is displayed, for example, the unit used for the game is displayed as "ball", and the gaming machine type information is displayed. If is "20", the number of game medals is displayed, for example, the unit used for the game is displayed as "sheets".

Returning to FIG. 4, the information of the gaming machine information type is a type code indicating the type of information included in the gaming machine information. If the information of the gaming machine information type is "0x00", it means that the information included in the gaming machine information is the gaming machine performance information, and if it is "0x01", the information included in the gaming machine information is installed in the gaming machine. It indicates that it is information, and if it is "0x02", it indicates that the information included in the gaming machine information is hall control / fraud monitoring information. If the information of the gaming machine information type is a value other than the above, it is determined that the notified CU3 is abnormal.

The gaming machine information includes any one of gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information based on the type code set in the gaming machine information type information, and is notified to the CU3. The game machine performance information is information such as the number of game balls acquired per minute (base), the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio, and the game machine installation information is the manufacturer code, model code, and chip ID of the main control CPU and the frame control CPU. Information such as numbers, hall control / fraud monitoring information is information such as jackpot, probability fluctuation, time reduction, number of winning balls at each winning opening, and number of gaming balls.

Further, the gaming machine information will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining game machine performance information. FIG. 6 shows the gaming machine performance information included in the gaming machine information when the information of the gaming machine information type is “0x00”. For example, the gaming machine information includes the total number of launched game balls, the total number of acquired game balls, the ball output rate, ..., the number of times the normal symbol display device is operated, the bonus ratio, and the continuous bonus ratio. The total number of launched game balls is the information obtained by accumulating the number of launched balls, the total number of acquired game balls is the information obtained by accumulating the number of prize balls, and the ball output rate is the total number of acquired game balls divided by the total number of launched game balls. This is the information that was given. Further, the number of times the normal symbol display device is operated is the information obtained by accumulating the number of times the normal symbol is stopped, and the bonus ratio is the information of the cumulative value of the number of prize balls for the movement of the prize / the cumulative value of the number of prize balls x 100. The object ratio is information of the cumulative value of the number of continuous operation prize balls for the accessory / the cumulative value of the number of prize balls × 100.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining game machine installation information. FIG. 7 shows the gaming machine installation information included in the gaming machine information when the information of the gaming machine information type is “0x01”. For example, the gaming machine information includes a main control chip ID number, a main control CPU maker code, a main control CPU model code, a frame control chip ID number, a frame control CPU maker code, and a frame control CPU model code.

8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the hall control / fraud monitoring information. In FIGS. 8 and 9, when the information of the gaming machine information type is “0x02”, the hall control / fraud monitoring information included in the gaming machine information is shown. For example, the game machine information includes "game ball number", "launch ball number", "total prize ball number", "main control state", "game machine error state", "illegal detection state", and "game information". ”Is included.

The "number of game balls" indicates the current number of game balls, and for example, when the number of game balls is 10,000 balls, it is indicated as "0x102700". "Number of launched balls" indicates the number of launched balls (-128 to 127), subtracted the number of back balls if there are back balls, and added up if there are multiple launched balls at the time of transmission. Indicates the number. "Total number of prize balls" indicates the total number of prize balls x number of prizes.

The "main control state" is information on the gaming state of the P unit 2, and includes the "main control state 1" and the "main control state 2". The "main control state 1" includes information on jackpot 1 (all jackpots), jackpot 2 (specific jackpot), jackpot 3 (big hit with shortened fluctuation time), and information on gaming machine status signals 1 to 4. .. The game machine state signal 1 is information indicating that the game state of the P machine 2 is a free game state. The game machine status signals 2 to 4 are used to output the status from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3 to the outside of the hall controller or the like, and are output from the external output terminal of the CU 3 "external terminal board status output signal terminals 1 to 4". 2 ”corresponds to. The "main control state 2" includes information during the jackpot + time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time), during high probability, and during time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time).

The "game machine error state" includes information on an error code occurring in the game machine. Specifically, in the "game machine error state", Bits 0 to 5 represent error codes, and if Bit6 is "0", it is an error on the frame control side, if it is "1", it is an error on the main control side, and then Bit6. If is "0", only the alarm is issued, and if "1", the alarm + hall controller output.

The "fraud detection state" includes "fraud detection state 1" to "fraud detection state 3". "Fraud detection state 1" is a setting confirmation indicating that the setting is confirmed on the main control board 16 with Bit0 for the information of the setting changing signal indicating that the setting is changed on the main control board 16. The information of the middle signal is shown by Bit1 and the information of the RAM clear signal indicating that the RAM is cleared by the main control board 16 is shown by Bit2. Information indicating that 3 has been detected is shown in Bit3 to Bit5. Bit6 to Bit7 are unused. "Fraud detection state 2" indicates a fraud detection state on the frame control board 17, Bit0 opens the front decoration, Bit1 opens the back mechanism, Bit2 detects fraudulent radio waves, Bit3 detects the number of game balls, and Bit4 wins a prize. Includes information indicating that 1 detection of abnormal number of balls and 2 detection of abnormal number of winning balls 2 have been detected. Here, the winning ball number abnormality 1 detection detects that the difference between the winning number detected by the main control board 16 and the winning number detected by the frame control board 17 is 100 balls or more, and detects the winning ball number abnormality 2 Detects that the difference between the number of launched balls and the total number of returned balls (number of winning balls + number of non-winning balls) is 100 or more. The "fraud detection state 3" indicates a fraud detection state on the frame control board 17, and includes information indicating that Bit0 detects a small ball and Bit1 detects an iron ball.

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

The type information is set for each value of the data type (Bits 4 to 7). For example, when the value of the data type is 1, it is the information of the starting opening winning. Further, a data number (Bit 0 to 3) is set for each data type, and if the data number is 1, the starting port 1 and the like and the starting port number are indicated.

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

Next, communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 using the telegrams described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9 will be described. Of the information transmitted from the P machine 2 to the CU 3, (d) the gaming machine information is transmitted every specified period A as shown in FIG. That is, the period from the transmission of information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 to the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.3 seconds). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the timing of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. The P machine 2 can transmit the game machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A regardless of the reception status of the game machine information in the CU 3. Therefore, in the P machine 2, it is not necessary to retransmit the gaming machine information, it is not necessary to store the past gaming machine information, and the processing load can be reduced.

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

The gaming machine information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port common to the counting information. Therefore, if you try to send the counting information at the timing of sending the game machine information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur, and communication will not be performed correctly. be. Therefore, in the P machine 2, when the gaming machine information is transmitted to the CU 3 every specified period A, in order to optimize the information transmission, the specified period shorter than the specified period A after the gaming machine information is transmitted. (C) Counting information is transmitted to CU3 at a timing corresponding to B (for example, 100 ms). The counting information is transmitted to the CU3 every specified period B regardless of the reception status in the CU3. If the player operates the counting button 28 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the number of counting balls includes information of, for example, 250 balls, and the player operates the counting button 28. If not done before sending, the number of counting spheres includes information on 0 (zero) spheres.

The transmission of the counting information is not limited to the case where the counting information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information, as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the gaming machine information, and the next game is performed after the lapse of the specified period B. It may be until the timing when the machine information is transmitted.

In FIG. 10, after the count information is transmitted to the CU 3, the loan information is received from the CU 3 during the reception valid time (for example, 170 ms). The lending information transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 includes information on the number of lending balls and the lending serial number. If the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button before transmitting the game machine information, the number of rented balls includes, for example, information on 125 balls, and the player rents the ball button 321. Alternatively, if the replay button is not operated before the gaming machine information is transmitted, the number of rented balls includes information on 0 (zero) balls.

The lending response information communicates with the game machine information via the common asynchronous serial communication port. Therefore, when the loan response information is transmitted from the CU3 at the timing of transmitting the game machine information, the information is congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision occurs, and communication is not performed correctly. there is a possibility.

Therefore, the CU 3 transmits the lending information to the P unit 2 during the reception valid time after receiving the counting information. That is, the P unit 2 receives the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number from the CU 3 at the timing within the reception valid time after transmitting the counting information, and within the response time, the rented ball number receipt result and the rented serial number The loan response information is transmitted to CU3.

In FIG. 10, communication between the CU 3 and the P machine 2 which determines the timing of transmitting the counting information based on the timing of transmitting the technical machine information and determines the timing of receiving the lending information based on the timing of transmitting the counting information. Although the example of the above has been described, the communication between the CU 3 and the P machine 2 may be performed at another timing such as determining the timing of transmitting / receiving the counting information and the lending information based on the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information.

<Transmission / reception mode between the card unit side and the pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 11, the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof will be described.

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

FIG. 11 shows the stored data of the RAM provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side and the stored data of the RAM mounted on the frame control board 17 on the P stand 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on in a state where the P stand 2 and the CU 3 are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the amusement park, the frame control board 17 on the P stand 2 side is changed from the main control board 16 to the main chip. The ID (main control chip ID) is transmitted, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU3 side, and the frame chip ID (frame control chip ID) stored in the frame control board 17 itself is transmitted to the CU3 side. ..

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

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

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

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

The information of these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU3 side as game machine information. In CU3, the change in the number of gaming balls is grasped from the latest gaming machine performance information and hall control information transmitted from the P machine 2. In CU3, for example, the number of game balls is added based on the "number of prize balls x number of winning balls" included in the hall control information, and the number of game balls is subtracted based on the "number of launch balls". Further, the counting ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of counting balls. The number of counting balls is "the number of balls converted from a game ball to a holding ball by a counting operation". The counting cumulative ball count counter is a counter that counts the counting cumulative ball count. The total number of counting balls is the "cumulative number of balls converted from a game ball to a holding ball by a counting operation", and is the cumulative number of balls counted from the RAM clear (initialization operation) or the cumulative number counted on that day. The number of balls. It is assumed that the cumulative number of balls does not change even if the player changes. Further, a 2-byte data area is allocated to the counting cumulative ball count counter, and information on 0 balls to 65,535 balls can be stored. Therefore, when the counting cumulative number of balls counts up to "0xFFFF (65,535 balls)", the counting cumulative number of balls counter updates the next value to "0x0000 (0 balls)". If a counting operation is accepted during the launch of the game ball, the update process of the game point to be counted is prioritized, the launch of the game ball is stopped, and the update process of the game point corresponding to the launch is performed. Stops execution. As a result, it is possible to prevent the timing of the subtraction of the game points to be counted and the subtraction of the game points corresponding to the firing from overlapping, and the game point update process can be realized more accurately, which is erroneous. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of update processing. Further, the subtraction of the game points to be counted and the subtraction of the game points corresponding to the firing may be performed at the same time. As a result, the launch of the game ball is not stopped, so that a smooth game can be realized. Here, the "prize ball" is a game ball given by winning a ball in the winning opening (in a medalless slot, the number of medals given by a small bonus prize such as BB (corresponding to a medal). Game value)), safe ball. The "launched ball" is a ball launched by the gaming machine, and if there is a back ball, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the back ball is the number of launched balls.

By pressing the counting button 28, the frame control unit 171 counts the number of game balls as the number of counting balls, and transmits the value of the counting ball counter (the number of counting balls) from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side. Further, the frame control unit 171 updates the value of the counting cumulative ball counter every time the value of the counting ball counter (counting ball number) is counted, and the value of the counting cumulative ball counter (counting cumulative ball number). Is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a result, for example, an error notification is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the display 54, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or the hall server (in this case, the hall management computer). And error notification may be performed by the hall server). As a result, a predetermined notification is performed to encourage the staff to take an artificial response.

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

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

Further, when the CU3 cannot receive the counting information, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side do not match, so that the CU 3 executes a special process. .. As the special processing, a process of displaying the history information of the game machine information is performed in order to compensate the number of game balls based on the game machine information, the number of game balls is compensated based on the history information, and an error notification is performed. Or

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the prepaid balance of the received (inserted) card, and a ball held when the card is inserted. It also has a storage area for storing. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) stores the stored balls in response to an input requesting the use of the stored balls (for example, a pressing input of a replay button provided on the CU 3 (however, when there is no ball)). Subtract a predetermined number of stored balls from the area.

The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) stores the holding ball in response to an input requesting the use of the holding ball (for example, a pressing input of a replay button provided on the CU 3 when the holding ball is present). Subtract a predetermined number of balls from. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the prepaid balance in response to an input requesting the use of the prepaid balance (for example, a pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

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

<Circulation route of game balls>
Next, based on FIG. 12, the circulation path of the game ball in the P platform 2 will be outlined. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the circulation path of the game ball. The circulation path of the game ball shown in FIG. 12 is provided on the wall portion of the game frame 5.

In the present embodiment, the launch mechanism and the subtraction mechanism are provided in the upper left portion of the game area 27, and the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 are not in the form of launching the game ball from the upper left portion of the game area 27, but the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 are in the game area 27. It is provided at the lower left position, and the game ball is launched upward from the lower left position of the game area 27. The launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32 have different basic configurations and launch controls, although the launching directions of the game balls are different.

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

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the launch mechanism 30 and the subtraction mechanism 32, and the circulation path for returning the game ball collected from the game area 27 to the launch mechanism 30 are provided below the game area 27, and the game ball is placed above the game area 27. By launching toward the area 27, the launch mechanism 30, the subtraction mechanism 32, the lifting device, and the like on the game frame 5 side are located below the placement position of the game board 26 manufactured by the game machine manufacturer (outside the placement position). By providing a device or the like, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in design such as increasing the size of the game area 27. Hereinafter, the circulation route will be described.

A launch mechanism 30 is provided at the lower left position on the front surface of the game frame 5, and the front surface side of the launch mechanism 30 is covered with a launch cover (not shown). The launch cover and the front side around the launch cover are covered with a cover body that can be opened and closed to prevent other game balls, dust, and the like from entering the launch mechanism 30. From the launch pad 43, the launch ball guidance rail 1301A constituting the launch ball guidance path 1301 extends diagonally upward to the left, and the board-side launch ball guidance path provided on the game board 26 (not shown). The game ball is guided to. The hitting hammer is provided so that the game ball supplied to the launch pad 43 can be flipped from below by the punch 42.

Further, the game ball launched from the launch pad 43 includes a game ball launched into the game area 27 via the launch ball guidance path 1301 and the board-side launch ball guidance path, but falls without reaching the game area 27. There is a game ball that comes back. The returning game ball includes a foul ball that returns as shown by arrow F1 through the foul ball guidance path 1303 and a return ball that returns as shown by arrow F2 through the launch ball guidance path 1301. do.

First, the processing of the foul ball will be described. The launch cover constitutes the front wall, the left side wall, and the bottom wall of the foul ball guidance path 1303 that guides the foul ball. The foul ball guided by the foul ball guidance path 1303 is guided to the back side of the game frame 5, and is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703 provided in the middle of the game frame 5. The upper ends of the launch ball guidance path 1301 and the foul ball guidance path 1303 are connected to the lower part of the board-side launch ball guidance path.

A subtraction mechanism 32 is provided at the lower left position on the back surface of the game frame 5, and a foul ball guidance path 1303 extends toward the lower right. Further, on the back side of the game frame 5, various guidance paths forming a circulation path are provided.

When the launch mechanism 30 is provided in the upper left portion of the game area 27, the foul ball guidance path and the foul ball detection switch are unnecessary because the launch mechanism 30 is close to the game area 27. Then, since the launch mechanism 30 is provided below the game area 27, the launch ball guidance path 1301 and the board-side launch ball guidance path are longer than when the launch mechanism 30 is provided in the upper left portion of the game area 27. , The foul ball guidance path 1303, the foul ball detection switch 703, and the processing related to the detection of the foul ball described later are required. Further, the arrangement position of the foul ball detection switch 703 in the foul ball guidance path 1303 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 12, and can be changed in various ways.

First, when the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a is driven. As a result, one game ball supplied to the launch position is repelled by the hitting hammer. The launching motion of the game ball may be detected by a signal for exciting the firing solenoid 31a or by a signal for detecting the motion of the punch 42 of the hitting hammer. The repelled game ball is guided diagonally upward to the left by the launch ball guidance path 1301, further guided to the upper left portion of the game area 27 by the board-side launch ball guidance path, and then enters the game area 27.

A subtraction reference signal is output to the subtraction mechanism 32 in conjunction with the activation of the firing solenoid 31a and the firing of the game ball. In the subtraction mechanism 32, the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized based on the output subtraction reference signal to move the movable piece 45 (see FIG. 14) to send the game ball to the launch mechanism 30, and the game ball is the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor. The number of game balls is subtracted by passing through 32b.

Of the game balls driven into the game area 27, the out balls that have entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 1) are guided to the back side of the game board 26 and then provided on the lower back surface of the game frame 5. It falls on the out ball receiving portion 1311A formed in the upper part of the out ball flow path 1311. Then, it flows down to the right side by the out-ball flow-down path 1311, and is detected by the out-ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle of the flow.

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

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

The iron ball detection mechanism 1315 includes a ball jam release member 1316 provided in the middle of the recovery ball flow-down path 1313 and a ball jam detection switch 1317 provided on the upstream side of 8 to 10 game balls from the ball jam release member 1316. It is mainly composed of and. The ball clogging release member 1316 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the recovery ball flow-down path 1313 below the recovery ball flow-down path 1313.

The ball clogging release member 1316 is inserted through an opening (not shown) formed in the game frame 5, and the operation unit 1316A formed at the front end at the first position projects toward the front side of the game frame 5 and at the same time. The magnet 1316B provided at the rear end is arranged close to the lower surface side of the bottom wall of the recovery ball flow path 1313.

When an improper iron ball flows down, the magnetic force of the magnet attracts the iron ball to regulate the flow down, so the subsequent game ball that flows down after the iron ball stays and becomes clogged. Occurs. Then, when the subsequent game ball in which the ball clogging detection switch 1317 is retained is continuously detected for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds or the like), the frame control unit 171 transmits fraud monitoring information to the CU3. ing.

As shown in FIG. 12, a confluence portion 1325 is provided between the ball pulling portion 1314 and the iron ball detection mechanism 1315 in the recovery ball flow down path 1313 to join the game balls that have flowed down the foul ball guidance path 1303. It is said that the game ball that has flowed down the foul ball guidance path 1303 can be discharged from the ball pulling portion 1314 and can be immediately guided to the lifting device 1330.

<Launch mechanism>
Next, the launch mechanism 30 will be described in more detail. FIG. 13 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration of the launch mechanism. 13 (a) is a front view of the launch mechanism 30, FIG. 13 (b) is a right side view of the launch mechanism 30, and FIG. 13 (c) is a back view of the launch mechanism 30. FIG. 14 is a schematic view for explaining a state in which the ball passage of the launch mechanism 30 is filled with game balls. FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining the launch of the game medium and the subtraction of the number of game balls.

With reference to FIG. 13, the launch mechanism 30 mainly includes a launch solenoid 31a, a punch 42, a launch pad 43, and a valve 44. Further, a subtraction mechanism 32 is provided in the vicinity (back side) of the launch mechanism 30. The subtraction mechanism 32 mainly includes a subtraction solenoid 32a, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, and a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c.

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

When the connection state of the CU 3 and the launch permission signal are input from the main control board 16, the frame control board 17 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control board 31. If the launch permission signal is not output, the launch solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of each state of the ball striking operation handle 25. When the main control board 16 receives a specific error signal from the frame control board 17, the main control board 16 stops the output of the firing permission signal.

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

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

When the player turns the handle lever of the ball striking operation handle 25, the detection voltage of the handle volume changes, and the strength of the energizing current to the firing solenoid 31a can be changed according to the turning angle.

When the launch solenoid 31a is driven, the punch 42 shown in FIG. 13 operates in the direction of the game ball p, and launches the game ball p stopped on the launch pad 43. The fired game ball p passes through the valve 44 and is fired on the game board 26. The valve 44 returns to a fixed position after the game ball p has passed. Therefore, the valve 44 prevents the launched game ball p from returning to the launch pad 43.

When the firing solenoid 31a is activated, a subtraction reference signal linked with each other is output from the firing control board 31 to the frame control board 17 as shown in FIG. In the frame control board 17, the subtraction reference signal is processed in the subtraction mechanism control process by the game ball number management program in which the CPU (payout control microcomputer) of the frame control unit 171 is in the user program area (used area). The subtraction solenoid 32a of the subtraction mechanism 32 is controlled by the game ball number management program. The subtraction mechanism 32 converts the game ball recorded by the electromagnetic method into a real ball by energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a and moving the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 14 with reference to the subtraction reference signal, and the launch mechanism 30. I am sending it to. When the game ball p passes through the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b, the number of game balls is subtracted and displayed on the game ball number display 29.

Next, the details of the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 will be described. First, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has the game ball p, the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c does not have the game ball p, and the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c has the number of game balls, the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts 80 ms after the subtraction reference signal is output. The solenoid 32a is energized. When the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. 14A. When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p moves to the notch portion of the movable piece 45. When the subtraction solenoid 32a is de-energized with the game ball p sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. 14 (c). When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45 is sent out to the launch pad 43 of the launch mechanism 30.

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

When the energization of the subtraction solenoid 32a is stopped, the game ball p sent to the launch mechanism is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c as shown in FIG. The detection signal of the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17. Further, if the game ball p sent to the launch mechanism cannot be detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c, it can be determined that the game ball p has not been conveyed to the launch mechanism. Therefore, the frame control board 17 has a subtraction mechanism. Based on the detection signal of the exit sensor 32c, it is possible to determine the transport error of the game ball p.

When the foul ball detection switch 703 detects a foul ball, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 adds 1 to the number of game balls and displays the added value on the game ball number display 29. When the game ball passes through the foul ball detection switch 703, the frame control board 17 has the number of shot balls detected by the out ball detection switch 701, the number detected by the safe ball detection switch 702, and the number of foul ball detection switches 703. Whether or not it is equal to or greater than the total number of detected balls, that is, the total number of detected balls of the out ball detection switch 701, the number of detected safe ball detection switches 702, and the total number of detected foul ball detection switches 703 is larger than the number of launched balls. Judging whether or not the situation is abnormal.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the return ball returning as shown by the arrow F2 through the launch ball guidance path 1301 cannot be detected by the foul ball detection switch 703, so that the above processing cannot be performed. Since the return ball returns to the launch mechanism 30 through the launch ball guidance path 1301, it can be detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c. Therefore, a return ball monitoring period (predetermined period) is provided after the launch solenoid 31a is turned on, and when a game ball is detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c within this return ball monitoring period, the detected game ball is returned. Count as. The return ball monitoring period is, for example, about 80 ms from the output of the subtraction reference signal to the turning on of the subtraction solenoid 32a.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c detects the game ball within the return ball monitoring period, the frame control board 17 does not turn on the subtraction solenoid 32a. When the return ball flows backward from the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c, the game balls lined up in the subtraction mechanism 32 are not pushed back and the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is changed to the off state as shown in 15, but the subtraction solenoid 32a is Since it is not in the ON state, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 does not execute the subtraction process, and the subtraction mechanism 32 controls the movable piece 45 to not execute the transfer of the game balls. When the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c detects a game ball within the return ball monitoring period, the frame control board 17 functions as a subtraction stop means for stopping the subtraction process of subtracting one game ball number. Further, the frame control board 17 turns on the firing solenoid 31a three times and hits the ball three times in order to discharge the return ball that has returned to the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. If the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c does not detect the game ball within the return ball monitoring period after three blank hits, the frame control board 17 turns on the subtraction solenoid 32a and launches the game ball on the launching platform of the launching mechanism 30. It is sent out to 43, subtracted by the game ball number management program, and the number of game balls subtracted by one ball is displayed on the game ball number display 29.

When the game ball is detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c within the return ball monitoring period after three blank hits, the frame control board 17 turns on the firing solenoid 31a three times without turning on the subtraction solenoid 32a. In this state, the ball is hit three times as an operation to clear the ball jam. After that, when the game ball is detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c within the return ball monitoring period, the frame control board 17 determines that the game machine is abnormal and causes a game machine error, for example, CU3, management computer 802, or hall controller output BOX811. Notify to. If the game ball is detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c within the return ball monitoring period after three blank hits, the frame control board 17 may determine that the game machine error without hitting the blank three times again. A gaming machine error may be determined by repeating blank hits a plurality of times and three times.

If the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c detects a game ball within the return ball monitoring period, the subtraction solenoid 32a is not in the ON state. Therefore, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 simply does not execute the subtraction process. Therefore, the addition process of adding 1 to the number of game balls is not performed as in the case where the foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703.

In this way, in the P stand 2 where the game can be performed by managing the information about the game point as the game value and firing the game ball corresponding to the game point, the P stand 2 is provided below the game area 27 and is provided in the game area. A frame control board that executes a subtraction process of game points based on a launch mechanism 30 capable of launching a game ball toward 27 and a subtraction reference signal generated in response to the launch operation of the game ball in the launch mechanism 30. 17, a subtraction mechanism 32 that executes the transfer of the game ball to the launch mechanism 30 based on the subtraction reference signal, and a foul ball detection switch 703 that can detect a game ball that is launched by the launch mechanism 30 and does not reach the game area 27. And prepare. Based on the fact that the foul ball detection switch 703 detects the game ball, the frame control board 17 executes the game point addition process. After the subtraction reference signal is output, the frame control board 17 performs the subtraction process of the game point and the subtraction mechanism based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c provided in the subtraction mechanism 32 within the return ball monitoring period. 32 operates the launch mechanism 30 without executing the transfer of the game ball. According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of the game point corresponding to the return ball returning to the launch mechanism 30 detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c.

<Communication between the main control board and the frame control board>
Next, the communication timing between the main control board 16 (main control unit 161) and the frame control board 17 (frame control unit 171) provided in the P stand 2 (see FIG. 2), and the frame control board 17 The relationship between (P unit 2) and the communication timing between the CU 3 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for explaining the communication timing. As shown in FIG. 16, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the gaming machine information at a fixed cycle (108 ms). On the other hand, the frame control board 17 transmits game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle (300 ms) slower than a fixed cycle (108 ms) of communication with the main control board 16. The frame control board 17 may transmit game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 200 ms instead of 300 ms.

That is, it is a communication timing in which the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 are communicated three times while the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 are communicated once. When the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 has a cycle of 200 ms, the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed by 2 while the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 is performed once. It is the communication timing to be performed. Therefore, the frame control board 17 can acquire the information of the gaming machine from the main control board 16 more frequently, so that the change of the gaming machine can be grasped more accurately, and the information of the gaming machine is obtained at appropriate intervals by the CU3. Can be sent to. The communication timing between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is intentionally shifted to 108 ms so that the communication timing between the frame control board 17 (P stand 2) and the CU 3 does not match. The communication cycle between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is not limited to 108 ms, and may be any cycle as long as it does not exceed 100 ms and is an integral multiple of 100 ms.

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

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

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

<Notification of gaming machine installation information / Response of gaming machine installation information>
Next, the command of the gaming machine installation information notification and the response of the gaming machine installation information response will be described in detail. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the response of the game machine installation information notification command and the game machine installation information response. The command for notifying the gaming machine installation information shown in FIG. 18A is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of the gaming machine installation information, and the game machine installation information is "game machine type". , "Main control chip ID number", "Main control CPU maker code", and "Main control CPU model code". The information shown in FIG. 5 is included in the "game machine type". When the main control board 16 transmits a command for notifying the gaming machine installation information to the frame control board 17, the communication serial number notifies the fixed value "0". In addition, the telegram of the gaming machine installation information notification must be completed in one frame and not divided and transmitted. Further, if the frame control board 17 cannot receive the checksum within 20 ms after receiving the telegram length of the gaming machine installation information notification, the frame control board 17 cancels the received data up to that point and receives the telegram length again. The same is done for the following commands and responses.

The response of the gaming machine installation information response shown in FIG. 18B is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the main control board 16 with the receipt result of the gaming machine installation information notification, and is "game machine installation information". Includes "receipt result". The frame control board 17 responds with the communication serial number as a fixed value "0" as in the case of the gaming machine installation information notification.

<Notification of gaming machine information>
Next, the command for notifying the gaming machine information will be described in detail. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a command for notifying game machine information. The game machine information notification command is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of the game machine information (hall control information, fraud monitoring information, etc.), and the game machine information is "main control state". , "Game machine error state", "Fraud detection state", and "Game information" are included. The main control board 16 adds 1 to the communication serial number when the gaming machine information is notified. The communication serial number has a maximum of 255, and the count is returned to 1 after 255. Also, when the message is resent, the communication serial number is not added (updated) by 1.

The "main control state" is information on the gaming state of the P unit 2, and includes the "main control state 1" and the "main control state 2". The "main control state 1" includes information on jackpot 1 (all jackpots), jackpot 2 (specific jackpot), jackpot 3 (short-time jackpot), and information on gaming machine status signals 1 to 5. The game machine state signal 1 is information indicating that the game state of the P machine 2 is a free game state. The gaming machine state signal 1 indicating that the game is in the free game state may be output from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3 to the hall controller 810 via the hall controller output BOX 811. When the game machine state signal 1 indicating that the game is in the free game state is output to the hall control 810 via the hall control output BOX811, the state signal indicating the jackpot state and the state indicating that the time is shortened (or probable change state). It shall be output as a state signal different from the signal. The game machine status signals 2 to 4 are used to output the status from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3 to the hall controller 810 via the hall controller output BOX 811, and are output from the hall controller output BOX 811 "external terminal board state output". Corresponds to "Signal Terminals 1 and 2". The "main control state 2" includes information during the jackpot + time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time), during high probability, and during time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time). Regarding the state output signal output from the hall controller output BOX811, the state output from "L" to "H" corresponds to the bit changing from "0" to "1" corresponding to the gaming machine state signals 1 to 5. It changes to a signal and changes from "H" to "L" in response to the bit changing from "1" to "0" corresponding to the gaming machine state signals 1 to 5.

The "game machine error state" includes information on an error code occurring in the game machine. "Fraud detection state 1" is a setting confirmation indicating that the setting is confirmed on the main control board 16 with Bit0 for the information of the setting changing signal indicating that the setting is changed on the main control board 16. The information of the middle signal is shown by Bit1 and the information of the RAM clear signal indicating that the RAM is cleared by the main control board 16 is shown by Bit2. Information indicating that 3 has been detected is shown in Bit3 to Bit5. Bit6 to Bit7 are unused.

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

The type information will be described in more detail. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the type information included in the game information. The type information is set for each value of the data type (Bits 4 to 7). For example, when the value of the data type is 1, it is the information of the starting opening winning. Further, a data number (Bit 0 to 3) is set for each data type. For example, if the data number is 1, the starting port 1 and the starting port number are indicated.

When the value of the data type is 2, it is notified that the special electric accessory operation has won the big prize opening, and when the data number is 1, the big winning opening 1 or the like and the big winning opening number are shown. When the value of the data type is 9, the number of times the symbol is confirmed is notified, and when the data number is 1, the special figure number such as special figure 1 is indicated. When the value of the data type is 12, the number of bonuses, that is, the number of times the large winning opening is opened is notified, and when the data number is 1, the bonus number is indicated as the bonus 1. When the value of the data type is 14, it is instructed to output a pulse from CU3, and the terminal of the external output terminal 340 of CU3 is indicated by the data number. When the value of the data type is 15, the state required for the calculation of the performance information is notified, and the data number is fixed at 1.

As the count information, different number of times information is set for each data type. Data type is 1 = Starting opening prize 1, 2 = Starting opening winning 2, 3 = Starting opening winning 3, 4 = Starting opening winning 1, 5 = Starting opening winning 2, 6 = In the case of the starting opening winning 3 by operating other accessories, the count information is composed of the number of prize balls (upper 4 bits) and the number of winnings (lower 4 bits). For example, when two prizes are won in the starting port 1 of three prize balls, the data type (Bits 4 to 7) is "1 = starting port winning", the data number (Bits 0 to 3) is "1 = starting port 1", and the prize. The game information (0x1131) in which the number of balls (Bits 4 to 7) is "3 = 3 prize balls" and the number of prizes (Bits 0 to 3) is "1 = 1 prize" is 2 data.

When the data type is 9 = the number of times the symbol is confirmed, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of times the symbol is confirmed (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 10 = per special symbol and 11 = per normal symbol, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and number of hits (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 12 = the number of bonuses (the number of times the large winning opening is opened), the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of bonuses (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 13 = passage through a specific area, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of passages in the specific area (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 14 = external terminal board pulse output, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and pulse output count (lower 4 bits).

When the data type is 15 = performance information status notification, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and status flag (lower 4 bits). FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the count information of the performance information status notification. In the state flags (Bits 0 to 3), Bit0 indicates a base state, when Bit0 is "0", it indicates that it is in a low base, when it is "1", it indicates that it is in a high base, Bit1 indicates a jackpot state, and Bit1 indicates a jackpot state. "0" indicates a normal time, "1" indicates a big hit, Bit2 indicates a high probability state, Bit1 indicates a low probability, and "1" indicates a high probability. There is. It indicates whether or not Bit3 is in the free game state, and when Bit1 is "0", it indicates that it is in the free game state, and when it is "1", it indicates that it is in the normal state.

<Game machine information response>
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a command for responding to the gaming machine information. The response of the gaming machine information response shown in FIG. 22 is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the main control board 16 with the receipt result of the gaming machine information notification, and includes the “game machine information receiving result”. There is. The "game machine information reception result" includes information on the number of foul balls in the upper 4 bits and the number of launched balls in the lower 4 bits. The information on the number of foul balls and the number of launched balls included in the "game machine information reception result" is a difference value since the previous transmission. The frame control board 17 responds as it is to the communication serial number received in the gaming machine information notification. However, when the frame control board 17 receives a communication serial number whose continuity is not established, the frame control board 17 makes no response.

<Free game>
Next, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the main control board 16 shifts the gaming state of the P units to the free game state. A game in a free game state is a game state in which a game can be played without subtracting the number of game points. Therefore, while the game state is the free game state, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 stops the subtraction process, but the counted number of foul balls and the number of launched balls are the “game machine information reception” shown in FIG. It is included in the "result" and notified to the main control board 16. Since the number of foul balls and the number of launched balls are continuously counted, each item of the performance information described later is calculated including the number of launched balls launched in the game during the free game state. The frame control board 17 performs addition processing of game points such as winning a prize even when the game state is in the free game state in the same manner as in other game states, but does not perform addition processing for foul balls.

Under the predetermined condition that the game state of the P machine 2 shifts to the free game state, for example, in the P machine 2, a specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display device 278, and then the game state is changed to the big hit game state. Is to be. However, the predetermined condition for shifting to the free game state is not limited to this, and the game state of the P unit 2 is a big hit + time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time), high probability, medium time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time) (high base). In the case of (middle) and a special gaming state (special state) in which the combination thereof is used, the game may shift to the free game state assuming that the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Further, in a gaming state (low probability low base state) that is neither in a short time nor in a high probability, the game may shift to a free game state by fluctuating a certain number of times (for example, 500).

Further, in the P stand 2, a lottery may be performed to determine whether or not the game ball shifts to the free game state when the game ball wins the normal winning opening 272, and if the game ball is won, the predetermined condition may be satisfied. Further, on the P stand 2, a specific display result (big hit symbol) may be derived and displayed on the variable display device 278, and then a predetermined condition may be satisfied when the game ball passes through the winning combination operation gate.

In the case where the P machine 2 is a slot machine, as a predetermined condition for shifting to the free game state, for example, when a bonus (BB, RB, CB, etc.) is won, the game shifts to the free game state assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied. May be good. Further, for example, the internal establishment of ART (assist replay time) and AT (assist time) may be a predetermined condition for shifting to the free game state. Further, when the state is controlled in a section advantageous to the player such as CZ (chance zone), the game may shift to the free game state assuming that a predetermined condition is satisfied. Further, for example, a lottery may be performed to determine whether or not to shift to the free game state when the number of digested games reaches 1000 games (ceiling), and if the game is won, a predetermined condition may be satisfied. Further, for example, a predetermined condition may be satisfied when a specific small winning combination is won.

Next, the control of the free game state will be described in detail. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a control sequence in a free game state between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of the effect when shifting to the free game state. In the following description, it is assumed that the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display device 278, and then the game state becomes the big hit game state, so that a predetermined condition for shifting to the free game state is satisfied.

First, as shown in FIG. 23, the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine information notification (see FIG. 19) to the frame control board 17 after the power is turned on. The gaming machine information notification includes information such as communication serial number = n. The main control board 16 transmits the next game machine information notification message to the frame control board 17 108 ms after the game machine information notification is transmitted to the frame control board 17. The frame control board 17 transmits a game machine information response to the main control board 16 between the time when the game machine information notification is received from the main control board 16 and the time when the next game machine information notification is received. The gaming machine information response includes information such as communication serial number = n, number of foul balls, and number of launched balls.

A case of shifting to the free game state in the game on the P unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. Note that FIG. 24 will be described based on a game board provided with a structure capable of allowing the game ball to enter at a position different from that of the game board 26 shown in FIG. First, hitting a game ball into the left side area (left side game area) of the variable display device (variable display device 278 shown in FIG. 1) is called left-handed, and the game is played in the right side area (right side game area) of the variable display device. Hitting a ball is called right-handed. In the game board of FIG. 24, a game ball in which a start winning opening (starting winning opening 276 shown in FIG. 1), which is a special drawing 1 starting opening called a so-called “navel”, is divided into a left gaming area in the game area. Is provided as a structure that can be entered. Further, in the game board of FIG. 24, as a structure through which a game ball hit into the right game area of the game area can enter, a passing gate (general figure gate) and a normal electric accessory which is a variable winning ball device It is assumed that (special figure 2 starting port), attacker (large winning opening 271 shown in FIG. 1), etc. are provided respectively.

In the left game area, game nails are planted so that the game ball is guided to the starting winning opening of the structure. Therefore, when aiming to allow the game ball to enter the starting winning opening, the player may hit the game ball to the left. Further, in the right game area, game nails are planted so that the game ball is guided to the passing gate (general figure gate) and the ordinary electric accessory (special figure 2 starting port) which is a variable winning ball device among the structures. It is installed. Therefore, when aiming to allow the game ball to enter the passing gate (normal figure gate) and the ordinary electric accessory (special figure 2 starting port), the player may hit the game ball to the right.

In the P stand 2, it is decided that the special symbol fluctuation shortening control that shortens the fluctuation display time of the special symbol as compared with the normal state and the stop symbol of the normal symbol as the winning symbol as compared with the normal state when the time is shortened. Normal figure probability change control (normal figure (normal identification information) high probability state) that improves the probability of being performed, normal figure fluctuation shortening control that shortens the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol compared to the normal state, and the player compared to the normal state Of the open-opening extension controls that are advantageous for the open mode (extension of open time, increase in the number of open times, etc.), at least one of them may be controlled, and a plurality of controls are selectively combined. It may be one that controls everything. That is, in the P stand 2, the starting condition of the ordinary electric accessory (special figure 2 starting port) is likely to be satisfied when the time is shortened.

In FIG. 24 (a), the variable display of the variable display device 278 is stopped, but since one game ball has won a prize in the start winning opening 276 (the number of holdings is one), FIG. 24 (b) is shown. The variable display of the variable display device 278 starts as described above. The variation display of the variable display device 278 has started, and the effect of the reach state in which the numbers of the variation display on the left and right are aligned is shown in FIG. 24 (c). After reaching during the reach of FIG. 24 (c), a specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display of the variable display device 278 as shown in FIG. 24 (d), and when it becomes a big hit, it is shown in FIG. 24 (e). The big hit effect is displayed.

FIG. 24 (e) suggests that after the big hit, the player will hit right. Further, in FIG. 24 (f), "CAHNCE" is displayed on the variable display device 278 to suggest that the gaming state shifts. After that, in FIG. 24 (g), "free game rush" indicating that the game state has shifted to the free game state is displayed on the variable display device 278.

Returning to FIG. 23 and shifting to the free game state (entering the free game), the main control board 16 sends the game machine information notification with the communication serial number = n + 1, the game machine status signal 1 (Bit3) = ON, and the performance information status notification. Count information (Bit3) = ON information is also transmitted to the frame control board 17.

When the frame control board 17 receives the information of the game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON from the main control board 16, the frame control board 17 does not subtract the game points even if the game ball is fired thereafter. The frame control board 17 can count the number of foul balls and the number of launched balls in the free game state by receiving the information of the count information (Bit3) = ON of the performance information status notification. The frame control board 17 transmits the information of the communication serial number = n + 1, the number of foul balls, and the number of launched balls to the main control board 16 in the gaming machine information response.

Next, when the main control board 16 ends the free game state, the main control board 16 includes information of communication serial number = n + x, game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = OFF, and performance information status notification count information (Bit3) = OFF. It is transmitted to the frame control board 17. As conditions for ending the free game state, for example, the jackpot state ends, the high probability state ends, the high base state ends, the number of fluctuations exceeds a certain number of times (for example, 100 times), a certain time elapses, and a lottery is drawn. In some cases, it was rejected.

When the frame control board 17 receives the information of the game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = OFF from the main control board 16, after that, when the game ball is launched, the game points are subtracted. The frame control board 17 can count the number of foul balls and the number of launched balls during another gaming state by receiving the information of the count information (Bit3) = OFF of the performance information state notification. The frame control board 17 transmits the information of the communication serial number = n + x, the number of foul balls, and the number of launched balls to the main control board 16 in the gaming machine information response.

In this way, in the P machine 2 that manages information about the game points as the game value and enables the game to be played using the game points, the main control board 16 is in a free game state (specification) based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. It is possible to transmit the information (specific information) of the game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON that can be specified to be controlled by the state) to the frame control board 17. The frame control board 17 adds game points in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event such as a prize without reducing the game points by the game based on the information of the game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON. do. As a result, in the P unit 2, a new game property can be realized by the free game state, and appropriate game point management can be realized regarding the control of the free game state.

Further, the main control board 16 controls the information of the gaming machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON in a frame corresponding to the fact that the main control board 16 is controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit) which is advantageous for the player as a free game state. It may be transmitted to the substrate 17. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest in the advantageous state.

Further, the main control board 16 can be controlled to an advantageous state which is advantageous for the player as a free game state, and is also controlled to a special state (for example, a high probability state and a high base state) based on the establishment of the special condition. Corresponding to the above, the information of the game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON may be transmitted to the frame control board 17. This makes it possible to improve the interest in special conditions.

Further, the main control board 16 stops transmitting information of the game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON to the frame control board 17 in response to the establishment of the end condition (end of the free game state) (that is, the game machine). The status signal 1 (Bit3) = OFF information may be transmitted). As a result, the end of the free game state can be notified to the frame control board 17.

Further, the frame control board 17 may output information of the gaming machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON to the outside (for example, CU3 (SC board 325), a management computer via CU3, etc.) (see FIG. 8). ). As a result, the control status of the free game state can be monitored externally.

Further, the frame control board 17 can specify the game performance related to the addition of the game value depending on whether the main control board 16 is controlled in the free game state or the main control board 16 is not controlled in the free game state. Performance information arithmetic processing may be executed in common. Since the number of foul balls and the number of launched balls in the free game state are counted, the calculation of the performance information when controlled in the free game state is different even if it is the same as when it is not controlled in the free game state. May be good. As a result, the calculation processing of the performance information can be appropriately performed even when the game is controlled in the free game state.

Further, the effect control board 15 that performs the effect control based on the command transmitted from the main control board 16 may be provided. The effect control board 15 executes an effect related to the free game state (for example, FIG. 24 (g)) based on the fact that the effect control board 15 is controlled to the free game state. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest in the free game state.

As described above, even when the game is controlled in the free game state, the frame control board 17 counts the number of foul balls and the number of fired balls and notifies the main control board 16. Therefore, the frame control board 17 can execute the performance information storage process and the performance information calculation process including the number of foul balls and the number of launched balls in the free game state. First, the performance information storage process and the performance information items to be stored or calculated in the performance information calculation process will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining performance information items. The total number of fired game balls is the cumulative number of shots detected by the frame control board 17. The total number of game balls acquired is the number of all game balls acquired by the game, and is "starting opening prize", "large winning opening winning by operating a special electric accessory", "winning opening winning", "passing through the gate". Or, "Public figure operation opening prize", "Starting opening prize by operating ordinary electric accessory", "Large winning opening prize by operating continuous electric accessory", "Prize by operating ordinary electric accessory", "By operating other accessories" This is the total number of game balls acquired by winning a prize.

The payout rate is a value obtained by multiplying the total number of acquired game balls / the total number of launched game balls x 100. The number of acquired game balls per minute (base) is a value obtained by multiplying the total number of acquired game balls in the low base / the total number of normally launched game balls in the low base × 100. The bonus ratio is a value obtained by multiplying the total number of prize balls by the movement of the bonus by the total number of acquired game balls x 100. In addition, the cumulative total number of prize balls due to the movement of the accessory is "the number of game balls acquired by the operation of the special electric accessory when the continuous operation device of the accessory is not activated" and "the number of game balls acquired by the operation of the normal electric accessory". , And "the number of game balls acquired by other characters" is the total number. The continuous bonus ratio is a value obtained by multiplying the cumulative total number of prize balls by the continuous bonus movement / the total number of acquired game balls x 100. The cumulative total number of prize balls due to the continuous movement of the accessory is the cumulative number of "the number of game balls acquired by the operation of the continuous accessory operation device". The above ball output rate, number of game balls acquired per minute (base), bonus ratio, and continuous bonus ratio are performance information items calculated by the performance information calculation process.

The total number of launched game balls and the total number of acquired game balls are performance information items accumulated in the performance information storage process, but in addition, "the number of times the accessory continuous operation device is operated" and "the maximum number of difference balls (MY)". and so on.

It is possible to similarly apply the performance information storage process and the performance information calculation process to the medalless slot machine. In that case, in the performance information item shown in FIG. 25, the total number of launched game balls is read as the total number of medals used, and the total number of acquired game balls is read as the total number of acquired medals, and the number of medals (game value corresponding to medals) is accumulated. .. For example, the total number of game balls won is the total number of medals awarded by the small winning combination in BB, RB, CB, or AT, and the number of medals awarded by the small winning combination in the normal state. .. The number of game balls acquired per minute (base) is a value obtained by multiplying the total number of medals acquired in the normal state other than BB, RB, CB, or AT / the total number of medals used in the normal state in the normal state × 100. .. Further, the accessory ratio is a value obtained by multiplying the total number of acquired medals in BB, RB, and CB by the total number of acquired medals x 100.

Next, the timing of the calculation process in the performance information calculation process will be described. In the frame control board 17, for example, the CU 3 transmits the gaming machine performance information 180s after the completion of starting the gaming machine, and then transmits the gaming machine performance information at a cycle of every 180s. In this case, the frame control board 17 performs the performance information calculation process included in the main loop process 100 ms before the transmission in the 180 s period, but it may be that all of the plurality of parameters are calculated in one main loop process. One main loop process increases the processing time and the load of calculation processing. For example, when the frame control board 17 executes the performance information calculation process 100 ms before transmitting the game machine performance information, the ball output rate, the number of game balls acquired per minute (base), and the accessory ratio in one main loop process. , If all the continuous accessory ratios are calculated, there is a risk of affecting other processing in the main loop processing.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the performance information calculation process can be executed a plurality of times within a predetermined period (for example, 100 ms), and the parameters (ball output rate, minute acquisition) to be calculated in the predetermined performance information calculation process in the predetermined period can be executed. The number of game balls (base), bonus ratio, continuous bonus ratio) is set to one. Then, the frame control board 17 avoids the concentration of the calculation process by calculating another parameter in the performance information calculation process of the specific time after the predetermined time within the predetermined period.

Next, the maximum number of difference balls (MY) will be described in detail. FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the maximum number of difference balls. The vertical axis shown in FIG. 26 indicates an increase or decrease in the number of game balls, which is increased by a prize ball and decreased by firing. When the power is turned on, the difference ball counter = 0 and the maximum difference ball number = 0. Then, when the game is started, the number of game balls decreases as the game balls are launched, and continues to decrease until the first big hit occurs. When the difference number counter = 0, the difference number counter is not counted even if the game ball is fired.

The number of game balls starts to increase by winning a prize ball due to the occurrence of the first big hit. The difference ball number counter is updated by the difference ball number counter + the prize ball number as a process at the time of the prize ball, and when the difference ball number counter is larger than the maximum difference ball number, the maximum difference ball number is updated. In FIG. 26, when the first big hit occurs, the difference ball number counter = 0 and the maximum difference ball number = 0, so that the difference ball number counter increases as the number of prize balls increases, and the maximum difference ball number increases. The numbers will continue to be updated.

When the first big hit is completed and 1000 prize balls are won, the difference number counter = 1000 and the maximum difference number = 1000. After that, when the game is continued and the game ball is fired, the difference ball number counter is not 0, so the difference ball number counter is updated by the difference ball number counter-the number of fired balls. That is, when the difference number counter is 1 or more, the number of shot balls is subtracted from the difference number counter every time a game ball is fired.

In FIG. 26, the difference ball number counter continues to decrease until the second big hit occurs. The maximum number of difference balls is not updated while the difference number counter is decreasing. After that, the difference number counter increases by acquiring a prize ball, and continues to decrease by firing the number of game balls. Next, when the difference ball number counter exceeds the maximum difference ball number of 1000, the maximum difference ball number is updated. When the second big hit is completed and the difference ball number counter reaches 1200, the maximum difference ball number = 1200 is updated.

Since the maximum number of difference balls is included in the performance information item calculated in the performance information storage process, the CU3 is notified every 180s. The process of counting the difference ball counter shown in FIG. 26, updating the maximum difference ball number, and notifying the CU 3 of the maximum difference ball number is repeated until the power of the P unit 2 is turned off.

<Configuration of game system including card unit and pachinko machine>
The P stand 2 is connected to the CU 3 on a one-to-one basis. In the game hall (hall), there are a plurality of sets of the P stand 2 and the CU 3, and each set is connected to a management computer or a hall controller to form a game system. Hereinafter, a gaming system including the CU 3 and the P stand 2 will be described. FIG. 27 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a gaming system including a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. In the gaming system shown in FIG. 27, an example in which a set of P units 2 and CU 3 are connected to a management computer 802 and a hall controller 810 is shown for simplification of explanation.

The P stand 2 and the CU 3 are connected via the PIF wiring 322. The PIF wiring 322 connects the PIF-E circuit 171a connected to the frame control unit 171 of the P stand 2 and the PIF-E circuit 325a connected to the SC board 325 of the CU3. In the CU 3, the information transmitted from the P stand 2 is concealed by the SC board 325 as necessary, and is output to the outside (management computer 802 or hall controller 810) via the CU control unit 323. The SC board 325 is a security monitoring board for a gaming system. The SC board 325 and the CU control unit 323 may be integrated into one.

The management computer 802 is a computer connected to the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3, the card company data center 801 is the center of the card company connected to the management computer 802, and the gaming machine information center 800 is output from the P stand 2. It is a center that collects various kinds of information.

The Hallcon 810 is a computer that collects game information output from the P unit 2, and the Hallcon output BOX811 can receive information output from the external output terminal 340 of the CU3 by the Hallcon 810, a data lamp, or the like. It is a device that converts to a signal and outputs it. Although FIG. 27 shows a configuration in which the hall control output BOX 811 is provided outside the CU 3, the hall control output BOX 811 may be provided inside the CU 3.

<Communication between Hallcon output BOX and card unit>
The Hallcon output BOX811 is a signal conversion unit for game information, and is a device that outputs game information to the outside (for example, Hallcon 810 or the like). Further, a plurality of Hallcon output boxes 811 may be connected to the Hallcon 810 via a repeater (not shown). The Hallcon output BOX811 and the CU3 are connected by serial communication, and it is necessary to ensure some security when connecting to the CU3. Specifically, if the Hallcon output BOX811 is illegally modified and inaccurate information is output to the Hallcon 810, the inaccurate information will be provided to the player, resulting in an inappropriate state. Further, if the possibility of outputting the gaming machine information differs depending on the specifications of the card unit, the output of the gaming machine information itself may be wasted. Therefore, while unifying the output from the Hallcon output BOX811 to the outside, the Hallcon output BOX811 performs an authentication process when connecting to the CU3. The CU 3 may have a built-in circuit unit corresponding to the Hallcon output BOX811. The CU3 having a built-in circuit unit corresponding to the hall control output BOX 811 is connected to the hall control 810 by serial communication, and the circuit unit corresponding to the hall control output BOX 811 performs authentication processing. Output is disabled.

<Structure of Embodiment>
(1) In an enclosed gaming machine in which a gaming ball is enclosed, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-164318), a launching device is provided in the upper left portion of the main body frame. The game ball is launched from the launching port of the launching device toward the game board, and the game ball that has not entered any of the winning ports flows down from the out port toward the rear of the game board.

Further, in the enclosed gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-196244), a launching unit for launching a gaming ball is mounted on a mounting panel provided on the lower side of the gaming board in a gaming area. It is installed in a position that is located downward and slightly to the right of the center of the game board when viewed from the front side. Therefore, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 2, among the gaming balls played by the launching unit, the foul balls that have flowed down without reaching the gaming area are collected between the opening on the lower end side of the guide rail guide path and the launching unit. A foul rail and a foul ball detection sensor are provided. When the foul ball detection sensor detects a foul ball, the launchable ball number management unit adds and updates the number of launchable balls when these foul balls are detected.

When the launching device is provided at the lower part of the main body frame as in the gaming machine of Patent Document 2, in addition to the foul ball that returns to the foul rail and is collected, a part of the foul ball has a return ball that returns to the launching device. However, if the return ball is not properly subtracted, there is a risk that the managed game points will be inconsistent.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a gaming machine and a gaming frame capable of appropriately performing subtraction processing on a return ball to a launching device which is a part of a foul ball. Is to provide.

(1-1) A gaming machine (for example, P machine 2) that manages information about a gaming point as a gaming value and enables a game by launching a gaming medium (for example, a gaming ball) corresponding to the gaming point. And
A launching means (for example, a launching mechanism 30) that is provided below a predetermined area (for example, a game area 27) and is capable of launching a game medium toward the predetermined area.
The subtraction process of the game point is executed based on the special signal (for example, the subtraction reference signal) generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means (for example, the signal for exciting the launch solenoid 31a is output). Control means (for example, frame control board 17) and
A transport means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that executes the transport of the game medium to the launching means based on the special signal.
A specific detection means (for example, a foul ball detection switch 703) capable of detecting a game medium that is launched by the launching means and does not reach the predetermined area is provided.
Based on the detection of the game medium by the specific detection means, the control means executes a game point addition process (for example, when a foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703, the number of game balls is incremented by 1. ),
After the output of the special signal, the game medium is detected by the special detection means (for example, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c) provided in the transport means within a predetermined period (for example, the return ball monitoring period). The control means does not execute the subtraction process of the game points and the transfer means does not execute the transfer of the game medium (for example, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 does not execute the subtraction process, and the subtraction mechanism 32 is movable. The launching means is operated (for example, three blank shots) by controlling the piece 45 to not execute the transfer of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the game medium (return ball) returning to the launching means detected by the special detection means.

(1-2) A gaming machine (for example, P machine 2) that manages information about a gaming point as a gaming value and enables a game by launching a gaming medium (for example, a gaming ball) corresponding to the gaming point. (For example, game frame 5)
A launching means (for example, a launching mechanism 30) that is provided below a predetermined area (for example, a game area 27) and is capable of launching a game medium toward the predetermined area.
The subtraction process of the game point is executed based on the special signal (for example, the subtraction reference signal) generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means (for example, the signal for exciting the launch solenoid 31a is output). Control means (for example, frame control board 17) and
A transport means (for example, a subtraction mechanism 32) that executes the transport of the game medium to the launching means based on the special signal.
A specific detection means (for example, a foul ball detection switch 703) capable of detecting a game medium that is launched by the launching means and does not reach the predetermined area is provided.
Based on the detection of the game medium by the specific detection means, the control means executes a game point addition process (for example, when a foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703, the number of game balls is incremented by 1. ),
After the output of the special signal, the game medium is detected by the special detection means (for example, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c) provided in the transport means within a predetermined period (for example, the return ball monitoring period). The control means does not execute the subtraction process of the game points and the transfer means does not execute the transfer of the game medium (for example, the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17 does not execute the subtraction process, and the subtraction mechanism 32 is movable. The launching means is operated (for example, three blank shots) by controlling the piece 45 to not execute the transfer of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the game medium (return ball) returning to the launching means detected by the special detection means.

(1-3) In the gaming machine of (1-1) above,
The special detection means is provided at the outlet of the launching means from the transporting means (for example, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c).
Based on the detection state of the special detection means after receiving the special signal, it is possible to determine a transport error of the game medium (for example, the game ball p sent to the launch mechanism can be detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c. If not, it can be determined that the game ball p is not conveyed to the launch mechanism).

With such a configuration, it is possible to detect a malfunction in the operation of the transport means.

(1-4) In the gaming machine of (1-1) or (1-3) above,
A launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) for controlling the operation of the launch means is provided.
The launch control means generates the special signal in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means and transmits the special signal to the control means (for example, a subtraction reference signal is output from the launch control board 31 to the frame control board 17). Will be),
The control means executes a game point subtraction process (for example, subtracts the number of skill balls) based on the reception of the special signal from the launch control means.

According to such a configuration, the subtraction process can be appropriately executed.

(1-5) In the gaming machine of (1-4) above
The control means controls the operation of the transport means, and causes the transport means to execute the transport operation of the game medium based on the reception of the special signal from the launch control means (for example, the subtraction mechanism 32 has a subtraction mechanism 32). By energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a with reference to the subtraction reference signal and moving the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 14, the game ball recorded by the electromagnetic method is converted into a real ball and sent to the launch mechanism 30). ..

According to such a configuration, the transport means can be appropriately operated in response to the firing operation of the launching means.

(1-6) In the gaming machines (1-1), (1-3) to (1-5) above,
The transport means is provided with an inlet detection means (for example, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b) at an inlet for carrying in the game medium.
After receiving the special signal, the control means executes a game point subtraction process based on the detection of the passage of the game medium by the entrance detection means (for example, when the game ball p passes through the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b). The number of game balls is subtracted and displayed on the game ball number display 29).

According to such a configuration, the subtraction process corresponding to the firing operation of the firing means and the operation of the transporting means can be executed.

(1-7) In the gaming machines (1-1), (1-3) to (1-6) above,
The control means executes a game point subtraction process based on the special signal generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means.
Among the game media that are launched by the launching means and do not reach the predetermined area, the game point addition process is executed corresponding to the game medium detected by the specific detection means (for example, the foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 703). If detected, the number of game balls is added by 1.)

According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of game points corresponding to the launching operation of the launching means, and an appropriate game when there is a gaming medium (foul ball) that is launched and does not reach a predetermined area. Point addition processing can be realized.

(1-8) In the gaming machines (1-1), (1-3) to (1-7) above,
Even when the specific detection means detects the game medium, the control means controls the game based on the fact that the special detection means provided in the transport means detects the game medium within a predetermined period after the output of the special signal. Do not add points.

According to such a configuration, even if the specific detection means detects the game medium, an appropriate addition process can be executed when the special detection means detects the game medium within a predetermined period.

(2) In an enclosed game machine in which a game ball is enclosed, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document A (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-170533), a payout control microcomputer is used as an effect control board for a display. The display control effect control command is transmitted to the built-in display display effect control microcomputer, and the display device effect control microcomputer performs various display controls on the display device based on the received display display effect control command. .. In the gaming machine of Patent Document A, the effect of the game is executed on the display based on the effect control command for the display.

Further, in the enclosed gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document B (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-89399), the condition that it is the birthday of the player, the condition that it is a specific day (ladies' day), and the visit to the amusement park It is disclosed that free games can be played by granting free balls when the conditions such as the condition of having played, the condition of visiting the amusement park more than a predetermined frequency, and the condition of visiting the store are satisfied.

However, as in the case of the gaming machine of Patent Document B, when the gifting condition is satisfied, simply giving a free ball to the pachinko machine and letting the player play the game for free is not good enough to play and is not entertaining.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having game performance that can sufficiently improve the interest.

(2-1) A gaming machine (for example, P machine 2, slot machine) that manages information about a gaming point as a gaming value and enables a game to be played using the gaming point.
A first control means (for example, a main control board 16) that controls the progress of the game,
It is possible to communicate with the first control means, manage information related to the game value (for example, game ball number information, launch ball number information, foul ball number information, out ball number information), and update the game value according to the game result. A second control means (for example, a frame control board 17) is provided.
The first control means can specify that it is controlled to a specific state (for example, a free game state) based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, the establishment of a condition for shifting to a free game state such as a big hit). Information (for example, game machine state signal 1 (Bit3) = ON information) can be transmitted to the second control means.
Based on the reception of the specific information, the second control means adds the game value in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event (for example, winning) without reducing the game value by the game.

According to such a configuration, a new game property can be realized depending on the specific state, and appropriate game point management can be realized with respect to the control of the specific state.

(2-2) In the gaming machine of (2-1) above,
The first control means transmits the specific information to the second control means in response to the fact that the specific state is controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit) that is advantageous to the player.

With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the interest in the advantageous state.

(2-3) In the gaming machine of (2-1) above,
The first control means can be controlled to an advantageous state which is advantageous to the player as the specific state, and is also controlled to a special state (for example, a high probability state and a high base state) based on the establishment of the special condition. Correspondingly, the specific information is transmitted to the second control means.

With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the interest in special conditions.

(2-4) In the gaming machines (2-1) to (2-3) above,
The first control means stops transmitting the specific information to the second control means in response to the establishment of the end condition (for example, the establishment of the condition for ending the free game state such as the end of the big hit and the end of the high base state). do.

According to such a configuration, the end of the specific state can be notified to the second control means.

(2-5) In the gaming machines (2-1) to (2-4) above,
The second control means outputs the specific information to the outside (for example, SC board 325 of CU3).

According to such a configuration, the control status of a specific state can be monitored externally.

(2-6) In the gaming machines (2-1) to (2-5) above,
The second control means can specify the game performance related to the addition of game value depending on whether the first control means is controlled to a specific state or the first control means is not controlled to a specific state. The arithmetic processing of the performance information (for example, the performance information shown in FIG. 25) is executed in common.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately perform arithmetic processing of performance information even when it is controlled to a specific state.

(2-7) In the gaming machines (2-1) to (2-6) above,
An effect control means (for example, an effect control board 15) that performs effect control based on a command transmitted from the first control means is provided.
The effect control means executes an effect related to the specific state (for example, an effect of entering a free game shown in FIG. 24) based on being controlled to the specific state.

With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the interest in a specific state.

<Modification example>
(1) Although the above-described embodiment has been described as the P stand 2 is an enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine in which pachinko balls are enclosed, an enclosed circulation type slot machine in which medals are enclosed and a medalless slot machine It may be similarly applied to the above-described embodiment. It has been explained that the P stand 2 communicates with the CU 3 which is a unit by the frame control board 17, but in the slot machine, a communication board is provided instead of the frame control board and communicates with the unit via the communication board. I do.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined information such as the performance information, the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio regarding the given game value (for example, a prize ball) calculated by the frame control unit 171 is , Identified by gaming machine or gaming device, and sent. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the above-mentioned predetermined information is specified by a management device such as a server inside the game hall (such as Hallcon 810) or an external server (such as the game machine information center 800). good.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the subtraction mechanism 32 energizes the subtraction solenoid 32a 80 ms after the subtraction reference signal is output, and the movable piece 45 moves to launch the game ball p. The number of game balls sent to the table 43 is subtracted by detecting the passage of one game ball by the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, the number of game balls is subtracted by one, and the number of game balls is subtracted by the game ball number display 29. Was explained to be displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and based on the fact that the subtraction reference signal is output from the launch control board 31 to the frame control board 17, the subtraction process is performed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17, and the number of game balls is reduced to 1. You may subtract the sphere.

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

2 Pachinko game machine, 3 card unit, 16 main control board, 17 frame control board, 26 game board, 29 game ball number indicator, 171 frame control unit, 309 card insertion / ejection port, 319 return button, 320 IR light receiving unit , 321 Ball lending button, 323 CU control unit.

Claims (2)

It is a gaming machine that enables gaming by managing information about gaming points as gaming value and launching gaming media corresponding to the gaming points.
A launching means provided below a predetermined area and capable of launching a game medium toward the predetermined area.
A control means that executes a game point subtraction process based on a special signal generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means, and a control means.
A transport means that executes transport of the game medium to the launching means based on the special signal, and a transport means.
Provided with a specific detection means capable of detecting a game medium that is launched by the launching means and does not reach the predetermined area.
Based on the detection of the game medium by the specific detection means, the control means executes the game point addition process.
After the output of the special signal, the control means subtracts the game points and the transport means is the game medium based on the detection of the game medium by the special detection means provided in the transport means within a predetermined period. A gaming machine that operates the launching means without executing transportation. It is a game frame of a game machine that manages information about game points as game value and enables games by firing a game medium corresponding to the game points.
A launching means provided below a predetermined area and capable of launching a game medium toward the predetermined area.
A control means that executes a game point subtraction process based on a special signal generated in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means, and a control means.
A transport means that executes transport of the game medium to the launching means based on the special signal, and a transport means.
Provided with a specific detection means capable of detecting a game medium that is launched by the launching means and does not reach the predetermined area.
Based on the detection of the game medium by the specific detection means, the control means executes the game point addition process.
After the output of the special signal, the control means subtracts the game points and the transport means is the game medium based on the detection of the game medium by the special detection means provided in the transport means within a predetermined period. A game frame that operates the launching means without executing transportation.

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