JP2022092805A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of launching a game ball positioned on a launching position in a proper state.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a launcher for launching a game medium toward a game area, a guiding device for guiding the game medium to the launcher, and existence detection means for detecting existence of a game ball positioned on the launcher launchably. When existence of a game ball is detected by the existence detection means, guide of a new game ball to the launcher by the guiding device is not performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

Regarding pachinko gaming machines.

Conventionally, the presence or absence of a game ball at the launch position of the game ball has not been detected, and the main control board has not controlled whether or not the launch of the game ball has been completed. Therefore, the firing is controlled on the assumption that one game ball exists at the firing position by the operation of the ball feed valve.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-221370

The firing hammer was operated with a plurality of game balls guided to the launch standby position, and the launch hammer was operated even though the game ball did not exist in the launch standby position.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of launching a gaming ball located at a launching position in an appropriate state.

A launcher that launches the game medium toward the game area,
A guide device that guides the game medium to the launcher, and
The launching device is provided with a presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of a game ball positioned so as to be able to be launched.
When the presence / absence detecting means detects the presence of the game ball, the guide device does not guide the new game ball to the launching device.

It is possible to launch a game ball located at the launch position in an appropriate state.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an overall electrical configuration diagram of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the handle unit HU100. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the handle unit HU100. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the case lid member BU120. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the case body member BU110 and the case lid member BU120. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the configuration of the case main body member BU110. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the state of change of various signals. FIG. 11 is a main flowchart on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the auxiliary game content determination random number acquisition process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the electric accessory drive determination process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a random number acquisition process for determining the main game content on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a main game symbol display process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the first (second) main game symbol display process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a main game table used in the first (second) main game symbol display process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the specific game end determination process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a special game operating condition determination process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a special game control process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the game state determination process after the end of the special game on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a main flowchart on the sub-main control unit side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the hold information management process on the sub-main control unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the decorative symbol display content determination process on the sub-main control unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the decorative symbol display control process on the sub-main control unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the special game-related display control process on the sub-main control unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 28 is a block diagram related to launch control of a gaming ball in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the launch control board W820 and the ball feeding device W830. FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing the operation of the launching device W840 and the handle portion W812. FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing the operations of the ball feeding device W830 and the game ball number display W10. FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing an operation when the ball feed outlet sensor W836 detects a ball jam in a game ball. FIG. 33 is a block diagram related to the launch control of the gaming ball in the sparrow ball gaming machine J10. FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configurations of the ball feeding device J100 and the launching device J200. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the launching device J200. FIG. 36 is a timing chart related to the launch control of the game ball. FIG. 37 is a timing chart showing a state when the game start button J400 is operated by the player when the game is not permitted. FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing a state in which a gaming ball is present at the launching position of the launching device J200 when the power of the sparrow ball gaming machine J10 is turned on. FIG. 39 shows a block diagram of a circuit that controls and drives the solenoid L100 on the main control board M. 40 (a-1) to (a-4) are timing charts showing a normal state. FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing an opening instruction signal and a holding instruction signal output from the main CPU of the main control board M, and a state of the solenoid L100. Is a schematic cross-sectional view ((a-1) and (a-2) showing the arrangement of the light emitting unit SN110 and the light receiving unit SN120 of the pass-through type sensor SN100 with a sphere, and the light emitting unit SN310 of the reflective type sensor SN300 with a sphere. It is a schematic cross-sectional view ((c-1) and (c-2)) which shows the arrangement of a light receiving part 320. FIG. 43 is a schematic view showing a vertical launch system and a horizontal launch system. FIG. 44 is a front view showing a schematic configuration in which a game ball is launched onto the game board D35 by a vertical launch method. FIG. 45 is a front view showing a schematic configuration in which a game ball is launched onto the game board D35 by a horizontal firing method.

First, the meaning of each term in the present specification will be described. "Prize ball" includes not only a prize in which a prize ball is paid out, but also a passage to a "through chucker" in which no prize ball is paid out. The "identification information" may be in any form as long as the type of information can be identified through the five senses (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.), but preferably visual information such as numbers, letters, and patterns. Those having a shape such as, etc. can be mentioned. Further, in the present specification, the "identification information" may be referred to as a main game symbol / special symbol (special symbol) or a decorative symbol (designation), but the "special symbol (special symbol)" is the main control board. It is the identification information whose display is controlled on the side, and the "decorative pattern (designation)" is the identification information as an effect displayed on the sub-control board side. "Displayable identification information" is not limited to the display method, and includes, for example, light emission of light emitting means (for example, liquid crystal display, LED, 7-segment display) (including not only the presence or absence of light emission but also the difference in color) and physics. Display (for example, the symbol drawn on the reel band is stopped and displayed at a predetermined position) and the like. "Direction" refers to the display content that enhances the interest of the game, for example, moving images such as animations and live-action photographs, still images such as pictures, photographs, characters, etc., including identification information fluctuation / stop, notice, etc. The combination can be mentioned. The "open state, open state" and "closed state, closed state" are, for example, in the configuration of a general large winning opening (so-called attacker), the open state = easy winning state, and the closed state = non-winning state. It will be in an easy state. Further, for example, a state of protruding from the game board (player side) (hereinafter, may be referred to as an advanced state) and a state of being retracted into the game board (the side opposite to the player side) (hereinafter referred to as an evacuation state). In a configuration that can take (there is) (so-called tongue-type attacker), the advance state = the winning easy state, and the evacuation state = the winning non-easy state. A "random number" is a random number used in a lottery (lottery by an electronic computer) for determining some game content in a pachinko game machine, and includes pseudo-random numbers in addition to random numbers in a narrow sense (for example, hard as a random number). Random numbers, soft random numbers as pseudo-random numbers). For example, the so-called "basic random number" that affects the result of the game, specifically, the "winning random number (random number for winning or losing lottery)" related to the transition of the special game, and the variation mode (or variation time) of the identification symbol are determined. "Random number for determining variable mode", "Random number for determining stop symbol", "Random number for determining winning symbol" for determining whether to shift to a specific game (for example, probability variable game) after a special game, etc. be able to. It is not necessary to use all of these random numbers when determining the content of the variation mode and the content of the definite identification information, but at least one random number that is the same as or different from each other may be used. Further, in the present specification, the number of random numbers may be displayed in the form of the number of random numbers or a plurality of random numbers, but once the entry port (for example, the start entry port) that triggers the acquisition of random numbers. The random number obtained by entering the ball is called one (that is, in the above example, a bundle of random numbers such as winning random number + variation mode determination random number + symbol determination random number ... is referred to as one random number). .. Further, for example, a kind of random number (for example, a winning random number) may also serve as another kind of random number (for example, a symbol determination random number). In the case of a pachinko gaming machine, the "game state" is, for example, a special game state in which the large winning opening can be opened, or a non-probability variable game state in which the lottery probability for transition to the special game state is a predetermined value. Transition to special game state Probability fluctuation game state with high probability of lottery, auxiliary game state with assistance for winning a prize at the start opening that triggers the transition to special game (so-called normal symbol time saving state, for example, variable to the start opening) When the member is attached, the opening period of the variable member is long, the probability of winning the opening of the variable member is high, and the time for notifying the result of the opening lottery of the variable member is short). .. The "game area" is an area in which the game ball can roll, and is not limited to the front side of the game board D35 (as seen from the player), for example, the back side of the game board D35 (as seen from the player). It may be a region where the game ball including both the front side of the game board D35 and the front side (as seen from the player's point of view) can roll.

The first embodiment is merely an example, and the order of each step regarding various processes such as the location and function where each means exists, the on / off timing of the flag, and the name of the means responsible for the process of each step. Etc., the present invention is not limited to the following aspects. Further, the above-described embodiments and modifications should not be limitedly understood to be applied to specific ones, and may be any combination. For example, it should be understood that a modification of one embodiment is a modification of another embodiment, even if one modification and another modification are described independently. It should be understood that a combination of the modified example and the other modified example is also described.

The following embodiment is a model (type 1 type 1 multifunction device) in which two conventional type 1 pachinko gaming machines are mixed. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also within the scope when applied to other gaming machines (for example, conventional pachinko gaming machines of type 1, type 2, type 3, general electric service, etc.). .. The first embodiment is merely an example, and the order of each step regarding various processes such as the location and function where each means exists, the on / off timing of the flag, and the name of the means responsible for the process of each step. Etc., the present invention is not limited to the following aspects. Further, the above-described embodiments and modifications should not be limitedly understood to be applied to specific ones, and may be any combination. For example, it should be understood that a modification of one embodiment is a modification of another embodiment, even if one modification and another modification are described independently. It should be understood that a combination of the modified example and the other modified example is also described. Further, in the first embodiment, there are a lottery table and a reference table for various tables, but these are also not limited, and the lottery table may be used as a reference table or vice versa. Further, the term "table" in this example is not limited to the format, and one or more selection candidates are selected from a plurality of selection candidates based on one or more information. It should be understood that it is an associated aspect. Further, the numerical values as specific examples shown in the following embodiments and modification {for example, winning probability at the time of lottery execution, maximum number of rounds at the time of special game, symbol variation time, number of continuations in each game state, etc.} are It is just an example, and in particular, different conditions (for example, conditions between the first main game side and the second main game side, conditions between the probability fluctuation game and the non-probability fluctuation game, time reduction game and non-time reduction game). It is understood that the magnitude relations and combinations of the numerical values shown in (conditions with time reduction games, etc.) may be changed as appropriate as long as they do not greatly deviate from the purpose of the following embodiments and modification examples. Should. For example, the magnitude relationship between the first main game side and the second main game side in terms of the winning probability at the time of lottery execution and the expected value of the maximum number of rounds at the time of special game is the first main game side = the second main game side. Even if it is exemplified so as to be, even if the magnitude relationship is appropriately changed such that the first main game side <second main game side, or the first main game side> the second main game side. Good (same for other numbers and conditions). Further, for example, when the number of continuations of the probability fluctuation game state is configured based on the purpose of continuing until the next big hit occurs, whether to set "65535" as the number of continuations (configured so as to substantially continue). Alternatively, even in the option of the realization method based on the same purpose, such as maintaining the probability fluctuation game state until the next big hit occurs without setting the number of continuations, as long as the purpose of the following embodiments and changes is not significantly deviated. Should be understood that may be changed as appropriate.

<<<<< First Embodiment >>>>>
Here, before explaining each component, the features (outline) of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, each element will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, the basic structure on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board D35. Hereinafter, these will be described in order.

First, the gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine includes an outer frame D12, a front frame D14, a transparent plate D16, a door D18, an upper ball plate D20, a lower ball plate D22, and a firing handle D44. First, the outer frame D12 is a frame body for fixing the pachinko gaming machine at a position where it should be installed. The front frame D14 is a frame body that matches the opening portion of the outer frame D12, and is attached to the outer frame D12 so as to be openable and closable via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The front frame D14 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably accommodating the game board D35, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. The transparent plate D16 is formed of glass or the like and is supported by the door D18. The door D18 is openably and closably attached to the front frame D14 via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The upper ball plate D20 has a mechanism for storing the game ball, sending the game ball to the launch rail, and extracting the game ball from the lower ball plate D22. The lower ball plate D22 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. Further, a speaker D24 is provided at the lower right of the lower ball plate D22, and a sound effect according to a game state or the like is output.

Next, the firing handle D44 is arranged at the lower right of the front frame D14 so that the player can operate it. When the player operates the launch handle D44, the game ball is launched and the game ball flows down to the game area D30. The configuration of the launch handle D44 and the details of the launching operation of the game ball will be described later.

Next, the game board D35 is formed with a game area D30 partitioned by an outer rail D32 and an inner rail D34. In the game area D30, in addition to mechanisms such as a plurality of game nails and windmills (not shown) and various general winning openings, a first main game start port A10, a second main game start port B10, an auxiliary game start port H10, 1st big winning opening C10, 2nd big winning opening C20, 1st main game symbol display device A20, 2nd main game symbol display device B20, effect display device SG, auxiliary game symbol display device H20, center decoration D38 and out opening D36 is installed. Hereinafter, each element will be described in detail in order.

Next, the first main game start opening A10 is installed as a start winning opening corresponding to the first main game. As a specific configuration, the first main game start port A10 includes a first main game start port entry ball detection device A11s. Here, the first main game start port entry detection device A11s is a sensor that detects the entry of the game ball into the first main game start opening A10, and the first main game start indicating the entry at the time of entry. Generates mouth ball information.

Next, the second main game start opening B10 is installed as a start winning opening corresponding to the second main game. As a specific configuration, the second main game start port B10 includes a second main game start port entry ball detection device B11s and a second main game start port electric accessory B11d. Here, the second main game start port entry detection device B11s is a sensor that detects the entry of the game ball into the second main game start opening B10, and the second main game start indicating the entry at the time of entry. Generates mouth ball information. Next, the second main game start port electric accessory B11d is variable to a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to win in the second main game start port B10 and an open state in which the game ball is easier to win than the closed state.

Here, in the first embodiment, the first main game start port A10 and the second main game start port B10 are provided apart from each other, and the game ball flowing down on the left side of the game area D30 is the first. 1 It is configured so that it is easy to be guided to the main game start port A10, but it is difficult to be guided to the second main game start port B10, and the game ball flowing down the right side of the game area D30 is guided to the second main game start port B10. On the other hand, it is configured so that it is difficult to be guided to the first main game starting port A10.

In the first embodiment, the electric accessory is provided on the second main game start port B10 side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the electric accessory is provided on the first main game start port A10 side. It may be configured as follows. Further, in the first embodiment, the first main game start port A10 and the second main game start port B10 are arranged apart from each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first main game start port is not limited to this. The A10 and the second main game start port B10 may be arranged so as to overlap each other. In that case, the presence of the first main game start port A10 blocks the upper part of the second main game start port B10. It may be configured to be.

Next, the auxiliary game start port H10 includes an auxiliary game start port entry ball detection device H11s. Here, the auxiliary game start opening ball entry detection device H11s is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the auxiliary game start opening H10, and generates auxiliary game start opening entry information indicating the entry at the time of entry. do. The entry of the game ball into the auxiliary game start port H10 triggers a lottery for expanding the second main game start port electric accessory B11d of the second main game start port B10.

Here, in the first embodiment, the game ball flowing down the right side of the game area D30 (based on the center of the game area) is easily guided to the auxiliary game start opening H10, and the left side of the game area D30 (center of the game area). The game ball flowing down the reference) is configured to be difficult to be guided to the auxiliary game start port H10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a game ball flowing down the right side and the left side (reference to the center of the game area) of the game area D30 may be configured to be guided to the auxiliary game start port H10.

Next, a first large winning opening C10 and a second large winning opening C20 are provided on the upper right side of the out opening D36, and the game ball flowing down the right side of the game area D30 (based on the center of the game area) is , It is configured to easily pass through the area where the first special winning opening C10 and the second special winning opening C20 are arranged before reaching the out opening D36.

Next, the first big winning opening C10 has a horizontal rectangular shape and is an out opening that opens when the first main game symbol (special symbol) or the second main game symbol (special symbol) stops the big hit symbol. It is a winning slot corresponding to the main game, located on the upper right side of D36. As a specific configuration, the first large winning opening C10 includes the first large winning opening winning detection device C11s for detecting the entry of a game ball, the first large winning opening electric accessory C11d {and the first large winning opening. The mouth electric accessory solenoid C13 (not shown)} is provided. Here, the first large winning opening winning detection device C11s is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the first large winning opening C10, and the first large winning opening entry information indicating the entry at the time of entry. To generate. The first large winning opening electric accessory C11d changes the first large winning opening C10 into a normal state in which the game ball cannot or is difficult to win in the first large winning opening C10 and an open state in which the game ball is easy to win (the first). 1 Large winning opening The electric accessory solenoid C13 is excited and changed). In the first embodiment, the mode of the large winning opening is changed to a normal state in which the game ball is incapable of winning or difficult to win, and an open state in which the game ball is easy to win. However, it is not limited to this. In that case, for example, an advanced state in which the rod-shaped member provided in the large winning opening is projected toward the player side and a retracted state in which the rod-shaped member is retracted toward the player side can be adopted (so-called so-called). A tongue-type attacker) or an opening on the passage where the game ball can roll is used as a big winning opening, and the opening can be closed or opened (so-called slide-type attacker). It is often suitable when it is desired to ensure that the number of balls entered into the large winning opening is a predetermined number (for example, 10).

Next, the second big winning opening C20 forms a horizontal rectangular shape and is out, which is opened when the first main game symbol (special symbol) or the second main game symbol (special symbol) stops at the jackpot symbol. It is a winning opening corresponding to the main game, which is located on the upper right side of the opening D36. As a specific configuration, the second major winning opening C20 includes a second major winning opening winning detection device C21s for detecting the entry of a game ball, a second major winning opening electric accessory C21d {and a second major winning opening. The mouth electric accessory solenoid C23 (not shown)} is provided. Here, the second special winning opening winning detection device C21s is a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball into the second large winning opening C20, and the second major winning opening entry information indicating the entry at the time of entry. To generate. The game ball that has entered the second special winning opening C20 is configured to be detected by the second large winning opening winning detection device C21s. Next, the second major winning opening electric accessory C21d has the second major winning opening C20 in a normal state in which the game ball cannot or is difficult to win in the second major winning opening C20 and in an open state in which the game ball is easily won. Make it variable. In the first embodiment, the mode of the large winning opening is changed to a normal state in which the game ball is incapable of winning or difficult to win, and an open state in which the game ball is easy to win. However, it is not limited to this. In that case, for example, an advanced state in which the rod-shaped member provided in the large winning opening is projected toward the player side and a retracted state in which the rod-shaped member is retracted toward the player side can be adopted (so-called so-called). A tongue-type attacker) or an opening on the passage where the game ball can roll is used as a big winning opening, and the opening can be closed or opened (so-called slide-type attacker). , It is suitable when it is desired to guarantee that the number of balls entered into the large winning opening is a predetermined number (for example, 10).

Next, the first main game symbol display device A20 (second main game symbol display device B20) is related to the first main game symbol (second main game symbol) corresponding to the first main game (second main game). It is a device that executes the displayed display. As a specific configuration, the first main game symbol display device A20 (second main game symbol display device B20) includes a first main game symbol display unit A21g (second main game symbol display unit B21g) and a first main game symbol display unit B21g. It is provided with a symbol hold display unit A21h (second main game symbol hold display unit B21h). Here, the first main game symbol hold display unit A21h (second main game symbol hold display unit B21h) is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamps is the first main game (second main game). Corresponds to the number of pending random numbers related to (the number of fluctuations in the main game symbol that has not been executed). The first main game symbol display unit A21g (second main game symbol display unit B21g) is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED, and the first main game symbol (second main game symbol) is "0" to "9". It is displayed with 10 kinds of numbers of "" and "-" of the loss {However, it is not limited to this, and the 7-segment LED is displayed so that it is difficult for the player to recognize which main game symbol is displayed. It is preferable to use and display by a symbol or the like. Further, the holding number display is not limited to being composed of four lamps, and is configured to be able to display a maximum of four holding numbers (for example, it is composed of one lamp and is held). Number 1: Lighting, Number of Holds 2: Low-speed blinking, Number of Holds 3: Medium-speed blinking, Number of Holds 4: High-speed blinking).

Since the main game symbol does not necessarily have to have a staging role, the size of the first main game symbol display device A20 is set to an inconspicuous degree in the first embodiment. However, when a method is adopted in which the main game symbol itself has a staging role and the decorative symbol is not displayed, the main game symbol is displayed on a liquid crystal display such as the staging display device SG described later. It may be configured in.

Next, the effect display device SG is a device that displays an effect image including a decorative symbol that fluctuates / stops in conjunction with the main game symbol. Here, as a specific configuration, the effect display device SG includes a display area SG10 in which the effect is executed including the variable display of the decorative symbol. Here, the display area SG10 is, for example, a decorative symbol display area SG11 for displaying a moving image of a plurality of rows of decorative symbol fluctuations imitating a game of a slot machine, a first hold display unit SG12 for displaying main game hold information, and the like. It has a second hold display unit SG13 and. Although the staging display device SG is configured by a liquid crystal display in the first embodiment, it may be configured by other display means such as a mechanical drum or an LED. Next, the first hold display unit SG12 and the second hold display unit SG13 are each composed of four lamps, and the lamps are interlocked with the hold lamps of the main game symbol.

Next, the auxiliary game symbol display device H20 is a device that executes display and the like related to the auxiliary game symbol. As a specific configuration, the auxiliary game symbol display device H20 includes an auxiliary game symbol display unit H21g and an auxiliary game symbol hold display unit H21h. Here, the auxiliary game symbol hold display unit H21h is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamps corresponds to the number of reserved auxiliary game symbol changes (the number of auxiliary game symbol changes that have not been executed).

Next, the center decoration D38 is installed around the effect display device SG, and has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the effect display device SG, and decoration. Further, the game effect lamp D26 is provided in an area other than the game area D30 and / or the game area D30, and plays a role of staging by blinking or the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine will be described. The pachinko gaming machine controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine, and controls the overall gaming operation (that is, the game, such as a lottery when the ball enters the first main game starting port A10 (second main game starting port B10). Mainly the main control board M that performs control that is directly related to the interests of the pachinko machine, and the sub-main control unit SM that performs display control related to various effects on the effect display device SG that gives interest to the game content. A sub-sub control unit SS that executes the effect display, and a payout unit that pays out the game balls supplied from the prize ball tank KT, the prize ball rail KR, and the prize ball tank KT to the upper ball plate D20 according to the prizes in each prize opening. A prize ball payout device (set base) KE equipped with a KE10 or the like, a prize ball payout control board KH for controlling a payout operation by the payout unit KE10, and a game ball (reservoir ball) of the upper ball plate D20 to the game area D30. The launch control board D40 that controls the launch operation of the launch device D42 that launches one by one, the power supply unit E that supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine, and the power switch Ea that is a switch that turns the power of the pachinko gaming machine on and off. Etc. are provided on the back surface of the front frame D14 (the side opposite to the game side).

Next, the electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. First, as described above, the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment is a gaming ball based on a main control board M that controls the progress of the game and information (signals, commands, etc.) from the main control board M. From the prize ball payout control board KH that controls the payout of the pachinko machine, various effects on the effect display device SG such as fluctuation / stop of the decorative pattern based on the information (signals, commands, etc.) from the main control board M, and the speaker D24. Sub-control board S (in this example, the sub-main control unit SM and the sub-sub control unit SS are arranged on one board) that controls the execution of the sound, the lighting of the game effect lamp D26, the error notification, etc. , A power supply unit E that supplies power to the entire gaming machine including these control boards, and various devices / devices that are controlled by each of the above-mentioned control boards or input to the control board. Is provided at appropriate locations on the gaming machine.

The sub-control board S includes a sub-main control unit SM that controls various effects on the effect display device SG such as fluctuation / stop of decorative symbols, sound from the speaker D24, lighting of the game effect lamp D26, and error notification. It is provided with two control units, a sub-sub control unit SS, which executes display processing such as variable display / stop display, hold display, and notice display of decorative symbols on the effect display device SG.

Here, the main control board M, the prize ball payout control board KH, the sub-main control unit SM, and the sub-sub control unit SS include a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, and a ROM that stores in advance a program that defines the arithmetic processing of the CPU. It is equipped with a RAM that temporarily stores data handled by the CPU (various data generated during the game, computer programs read from the ROM, etc.). Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of each board and the electrical connection mode between each board / device will be outlined.

First, the main control board M is an electric member of each first main game-related electric member, an electric member of each second main game-related electric member, an electric member of each first and second shared main game member, and each auxiliary game-related. It is electrically connected to an electric member (input / output device) that is indispensable for the progress of the game, such as an electric member of the electric member, and controls the progress of the game based on an input signal from each input device. The electric members of each main game-related electric member and the auxiliary game-related electric member will be described later. Further, the main control board M is also electrically connected to the prize ball payout control board KH and the sub control board S (sub-main control unit SM / sub-sub control unit SS), and the prize ball is paid out based on the progress of the game. Information (commands) related to the prize ball payout control board KH can be transmitted to the prize ball payout control board KH, and information (commands) related to the progress state of the production / game can be transmitted to the sub-control board S. The main control board M can be connected to the hall computer HC or the like via an external connection terminal (not shown), and the main control board M can be connected to the hall computer HC via an external connection terminal by wiring. It is configured to be able to output game-related information to an external device.

Further, in the first embodiment, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the main control board M and the prize ball payout control board KH are configured to enable bidirectional communication, while the main control board M is configured. And the sub-main control unit SM are configured to enable one-way communication from the main control board M to the sub-main control unit SM (the communication method may be either serial communication or parallel communication). ). The communication between the control boards (between the control devices) may be one-way communication or two-way communication.

Next, the prize ball payout control board KH is a prize ball payout device KE that executes the payout of the game ball, and a device that can be operated by the player and receives a request for lending the game ball to the prize ball payout control board KH. It is connected to the game ball lending device R for transmission and the launch control board D40 for controlling the launch device (handle unit HU100, ball launch unit BU100, etc.). In the first embodiment, the gaming ball lending device R is separated from the gaming machine and adjacent to the gaming machine, but it may be integrated with the gaming machine. In that case, the prize ball payout control board is used. Lending control and management control of recording media for lending such as electronic money may be supervised by KH.

Next, the sub-control board S is connected to an effect display device SG for displaying a decorative pattern, a notice effect, and the like, a speaker D24, and a game effect lamp D26. In the first embodiment, as described above, the sub-main control unit SM and the sub-sub control unit SS are provided in the sub-control board S, and the sub-main control unit SM controls the sound output from the speaker D24. It is configured so that the lighting control of the game effect (decoration) lamp D26 and the determination control of the display content to be displayed on the effect display device SG are performed, and the display control on the effect display device SG is performed by the sub-sub control unit SS. ing. In the first embodiment, the sub-main control unit SM and the sub-sub control unit SS are configured to be integrated by the sub-control board S, but the present invention is not limited to this (separately). It may be configured as a board, but if it is configured to be integrated, there will be advantages such as space merit and reduction of the situation where noise is mixed into wiring and the like). Further, the division of work between the two control units can be appropriately changed, for example, the voice control is executed by the sub-sub control unit SS (suitable when the VDP integrated with the voice control circuit is adopted). Further, an electronic value may be given without giving a physical prize ball as a prize ball. Here, the effect controlled by the sub-main control unit SM includes the variation of the first main game symbol and the variation of the second main game symbol and the variation of the decorative symbol in a time-synchronized manner, and is included in the result of the game. It is related to the display of only information that does not affect.

Next, the game-related electric members will be described. As shown in the figure, in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment, as the game-related electric members, the first main game-related electric member A, which is the game-related electric member on the first main game side, and the second main game-related electric member. The second main game-related electric member B, which is the game-related electric member on the main game side, and the first and second main game-related electric members, which are the game-related electric members shared between the first main game side and the second main game side. It has an electric member C and an auxiliary game-related electric member H which is a game-related electric member on the auxiliary game side. The main control board M includes the first main game-related electric member A, the second main game-related electric member B, the first and second main game sharing-related electric members C, and the auxiliary game-related electric member H. It is electrically connected. The main control board M includes a control signal, a drive signal, and the like on the first main game-related electric member A, the second main game-related electric member B, the first and second main game shared electric member C, and the auxiliary game-related electric member H. Various signals of the above are output, and are output from the first main game-related electric member A, the second main game-related electric member B, the first and second main game sharing-related electric members C, and the auxiliary game-related electric member H. Various signals such as sensor signals are input to the main control board M. Hereinafter, these game-related electric members will be described in order.

First, the first main game-related electric member A is an electric member related to the first main game. For example, as the electric member of the first main game-related electric member A, the ball enters the first main game symbol display device A20 capable of stopping display and variable display of the first main game symbol, and the first main game start port A10. There is a first main game start opening ball entry detection device A11s and the like capable of detecting. The main control board M outputs a control signal to the first main game symbol display device A20. Further, the detection signal output from the first main game start port entry ball detection device A11s is input to the main control board M.

Next, the second main game-related electric member B is an electric member related to the second main game. For example, as the electric member of the second main game-related electric member B, the ball enters the second main game symbol display device B20 capable of stopping display and variable display of the second main game symbol, and the second main game start port B10. There is a second main game start opening ball entry detection device B11s and the like capable of detecting. The main control board M outputs a control signal to the second main game symbol display device B20. Further, the detection signal output from the second main game start port entry ball detection device B11s is input to the main control board M.

Next, the first and second main game sharing-related electric members C are electric members related to both the first main game and the second main game. For example, as the first and second main game sharing-related electric members C, the first large winning opening electric accessory solenoid C13 (not shown) of the first large winning opening C10 and the second large winning opening C20 of the second large winning opening C20. Winning port There is an electric accessory solenoid C23 (not shown). In addition, as the first and second main game sharing-related electric members C, the first large prize opening winning detection device C11s, which is a sensor for detecting the entry of a game ball into the first large winning opening C10, and the second large winning opening. There is also a second large winning opening winning detection device C21s, which is a sensor for detecting the entry of a game ball into the opening C20. The main control board M outputs a drive signal to the first special winning opening electric accessory solenoid C13 and the second special winning opening electric accessory solenoid C23. Further, the sensor signals output from the first special winning opening winning detection device C11s and the second special winning opening winning detection device C21s are input to the main control board M.

Next, the auxiliary game-related electric member H is an electric member related to the auxiliary game. For example, as the auxiliary game-related electric member H, a solenoid (not shown) for driving the second main game start port electric accessory B11d provided in the second main game start port B10, a stop display and variation of the auxiliary game symbol. There are an auxiliary game symbol display device H20 capable of displaying, an auxiliary game start port entry ball detection device H11s capable of detecting entry into the auxiliary game start opening H10, and the like. The main control board M outputs a drive signal to the solenoid that drives the second main game start port electric accessory B11d, and outputs a control signal to the auxiliary game symbol display device H20. Further, the detection signal output from the auxiliary game start port entry ball detection device H11s is input to the main control board M.

The electric member of the first main game symbol display device A20, the electric member of the second main game symbol display device B20, and the electric member of the auxiliary game symbol display device H20 are connected to the main control board M so as to be able to transmit information. .. Further, the electric members constituting the effect display device SG are connected to the sub-main control unit SM so as to be able to transmit information. That is, the first main game symbol display device A20, the second main game symbol display device B20, and the auxiliary game symbol display device H20 are controlled by the main control board M, and the effect display device SG is controlled by the sub-main control unit SM. Means that. It should be noted that it may be configured to control another game peripheral device via the main control board M and another control board controlled by one-way communication (one-way communication).

<<< Configuration of launcher D42 >>>
As described above, the launcher D42 mainly has a handle unit HU100, a ball launch unit BU100, and a launch control board D40. Hereinafter, the details of the launching device D42 will be described. In this example, the handle unit HU100, the ball launch unit BU100, and the launch control board D40 are configured as separate bodies.

<< Handle unit HU100 >>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the handle unit HU100 in a state where the launch handle D44 is located at the origin (details will be described later). FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the handle unit HU100. The configuration of the handle unit HU100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The handle unit HU100 includes a mounting base unit HU130 for mounting on the gaming machine frame (front frame 14), a handle body HU140 rotatably supported by a bearing portion HU134 provided on the mounting base unit HU130, and a bearing portion HU134. It is mainly composed of a spring HU108, which is wound around the outer circumference of the slingshot and urges the firing handle D44 by an elastic force.

The mounting base unit HU130 includes a mounting base body HU132 formed into a plate shape by cutting metal, a bearing portion HU134 that is attached to the mounting base body HU132 and supports the handle body HU140, and a handle body HU140 (control). A stopper HU106 that regulates the rotation of the lever portion HU104) between the origin and the maximum position, a firing volume HU110 that is attached to the mounting base body HU132 and for detecting the rotation angle of the firing handle D44, and a control lever portion HU104. It is mainly composed of a transmission mechanism HU136 that transmits the amount of rotation of the firing volume HU110 to the firing volume HU110, a cover member HU138 that covers the firing volume HU110 and the transmission mechanism HU136, and a touch sensor HU120 for detecting the contact state of the firing handle D44. There is.

The stopper HU106 regulates the rotation of the control lever portion HU104 by contacting a part of the control lever portion HU104 when the control lever portion HU104 is at the origin position, and has two origins for positioning the firing handle D44 at the origin position. It is provided with a position regulating stopper HU106A and a maximum position regulating stopper HU106B (see FIG. 5) that regulates the rotation of the control lever portion HU104 by a predetermined amount or more. In the present specification, the origin position regulation stopper HU106A and the maximum position regulation stopper HU106B are collectively referred to as a stopper HU106 when it is not necessary to distinguish them. Each of the stoppers HU106 is made of an elastic body such as rubber, and can absorb the impact from the control lever portion HU104. Further, by using two stoppers HU106A for controlling the origin position, the impact of the control lever portion HU104 urged by the spring HU108 can be accurately absorbed while being dispersed.

The handle body HU140 includes a rotary support shaft portion HU102 formed in a cylindrical shape, a launch handle D44 attached to the front of the rotary support shaft portion HU102 by fastening means such as a screw, and a nut or the like behind the rotary support shaft portion HU102. It is composed of a control lever portion HU104 fixed by the fastening means of the above. In the handle body HU140, the rotary support shaft portion HU102 is inserted through the bearing portion HU134 of the mounting base main body HU132, and the rotary support shaft portion HU102 is rotatably supported with respect to the mounting base main body HU132. By fastening the launch handle D44 to the front side and the control lever portion HU104 to the rear side, the control lever portion is pivotally supported so as to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the launch handle D44.

The launch handle D44 has an operation portion whose surface is made of a hard material such as a metal that can be energized, is slightly curved outward from the center of rotation, and is formed to be somewhat thin. By electrically connecting this operation unit and the touch detection means (touch sensor HU120) described later via a metal mounting base, it is possible to detect whether or not an operation based on the manual operation of the player is performed. It is configured in.

The control lever portion HU104 is connected to the launch handle D44 via the rotation support shaft portion HU102, and operates in the same manner as the launch handle D44. When the launch handle D44 rotates, the control lever portion HU104 also rotates at the same time.

The spring HU108 urges the firing handle D44 by an elastic force. The spring HU 108 may be any as long as it can be elastically deformed according to the manual operation of the player and can be returned to the origin of the firing handle D44 by an urging force.

<Operation of handle unit>
The operation (action) when the player operates the handle unit HU100 configured as described above will be described.
When the firing handle D44 is not operated by the player, the handle unit is urged toward the origin by the urging force of the spring HU108, and the control lever portion HU104 is in contact with the two stoppers HU106A at the same time. The state in which the control lever portion HU104 is in contact with the stopper HU106A is the origin of the firing handle D44. When the player applies a clockwise force (direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 4) to the firing handle D44, the firing handle D44 rotates in the direction of arrow A against the urging force of the spring HU108, and according to this rotation. The control lever portion HU104 is separated from the two stoppers HU106A. When the player releases the launch handle D44 while the launch handle D44 is rotated, the launch handle D44 and the control lever portion HU104 rotate counterclockwise with the rotation support shaft portion HU102 as the center of rotation due to the urging force of the spring HU108 (FIG. 4). The firing handle D44 returns to the origin by rotating in the direction of the arrow B shown in.
When the control lever portion HU104 is most separated from the two stoppers HU106A, the control lever portion HU104 is in contact with the stopper HU106B described above, and the contact with the stopper HU106B regulates the maximum operating angle of the firing handle D44.

The urging force of the spring HU108 increases or decreases according to the rotation angle of the firing handle D44. That is, as the firing handle D44 rotates clockwise and the control lever portion HU104 separates from the two stoppers HU106A, the spring HU108 is pulled and the urging force increases. Therefore, it is better to release the launch handle D44 from the launch handle D44 when the rotation angle of the launch handle D44 is larger than to release the hand from the launch handle D44 when the rotation angle of the launch handle D44 is small. It returns to the origin by a large urging force.

The firing volume HU110 is for detecting the rotation angle of the firing handle D44. The firing volume HU110 is composed of a variable resistor and is rotatably mounted on the cover member HU138 of the mounting base unit HU130. A transmission mechanism HU136 composed of a plurality of gears is attached to the cover member HU138, and the rotational operation of the launch handle D44 is transmitted to the launch volume HU110 via the transmission mechanism HU136, and the movable contact of the launch volume HU110 (FIG. (Not shown) rotates with the launch handle D44. In the firing volume HU110, the resistance value changes with the rotation of the firing handle D44 due to the movement of the movable contactor, and the rotation angle of the firing handle D44 can be acquired by the resistance value. The gear ratios of the plurality of gears constituting the transmission mechanism HU136 are appropriately determined so that the rotatable range of the firing handle D44 corresponds to the rotatable range of the firing volume HU110.

The touch sensor HU120 is a sensor for detecting the contact state of the firing handle D44, and is mounted on the back surface of the HU132 of the mounting base body as shown in FIG. The firing handle D44, the rotary support shaft portion HU102, the control lever portion HU104, and the mounting base body constituting the handle body HU140 are all composed of conductive members, and the firing handle D44 is electrically connected to the touch sensor HU120. The firing handle D44 itself constitutes a part of the operation detecting unit (contact portion described later) for determining whether or not the firing handle D44 is operated. Therefore, when the player touches the firing handle D44, the touch sensor HU120 electrically detects that the player's hand has come into contact with the rotation support shaft portion HU102, the control lever portion HU104, and the mounting base main body. do. With this configuration, when the player's hand comes into contact with the launch handle D44, the player's hand launches via the launch handle D44, the rotary support shaft portion HU102, the control lever portion HU104, and the mounting base body. It means that the handle D44 has been touched. The touch sensor HU120 can be, for example, a touch switch such as "W2GC-02" manufactured by OMRON Corporation. The touch sensor HU120 is electrically connected to the launch control board D40, which will be described later. The touch sensor HU120 detects whether or not the player's hand has touched the firing handle D44, and outputs a detection signal to the firing control board D40. A contact portion electrically connected to the touch sensor HU120 may be provided in the vicinity of the launch handle D44, specifically, in a range where the player can touch the launch handle D44 when operating the launch handle D44. The contact portion also has conductivity, and by forming a plurality of contact portions, the touch sensor HU120 may be configured to detect the contact state when the player's hand comes into contact with any of the contact portions. good. The electrical operation of the touch sensor HU120 will be described later.

<<< Ball Launch Unit BU100 >>>
The basic configuration of the ball launching unit BU100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the case lid member BU120. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the case body member BU110 and the case lid member BU120. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the configuration of the case main body member BU110.

The ball launch unit BU100 is composed of a ball feed unit BU140 and a launch unit BU160. As shown by an arrow C in FIG. 7, the ball feed unit BU140 is a launch unit that can be opened and closed forward around a rotation support portion BU102. It is provided in the BU 160.

The ball launching unit BU100 is detachably attached to the front side of the front frame D14 so that the launching unit BU160 (hammer head BU168), which will be described later, is located below the bottom surface of the ball of the upper ball dish D20. The ball launching unit BU100 includes a case body member BU110, a case lid member BU120, a ball feeding unit BU140, a launching unit BU160, and a launching control board D40 (not shown (see FIG. 9)). The case body member BU110 serves as a mounting base for the firing unit BU160. The case lid member BU120 is attached to the front side of the case body member BU110 and serves as a mounting base for the ball feed unit BU140.

In the ball launching unit BU100, a launch port BU132 for launching a game ball is formed so that the game ball can pass through. The game ball launched by the operation of the launch unit BU160 passes through the launch port BU132 and is guided to the outer rail D32.

Hereinafter, the ball feed unit BU140 attached to the case lid member BU120 and the launch unit BU160 attached to the case body member BU110 will be described in detail in this order.

<Case lid member BU120>
The case lid member BU120 is formed by a molding means such as injection molding with a resin material such as ABS resin, and is assembled so as to be integrated with the case body member BU110.

A ball feed duct (not shown) is formed on the rear side of the upper ball dish D20, and a ball inlet BU 122 located below the ball feed duct is formed on the case lid member BU 120. The case lid member BU 120 is arranged so that the ball inlet BU 122 communicates with the ball feed duct, and the game ball sent out from the upper ball dish D20 flows down toward the ball inlet BU 122 via the ball feed duct.

A ball supply passage BU124 is formed inside the case lid member BU120. The game ball sent out from the upper ball plate D20 is guided along the ball supply passage BU 124 and flows down to the launch unit BU 160. The ball supply passage BU124 is formed by a ball introduction path BU126 and a ball lead-out path BU128. The ball introduction path BU126 communicates with the ball inlet BU122 and the ball lead-out path BU128, and is formed so as to be inclined diagonally downward. By forming the ball introduction path BU126 so as to be inclined, it is possible to move the game ball flowing down from the ball inlet BU122 while adjusting the speed. The ball lead-out path BU128 is formed so as to be able to communicate with the ball introduction path BU126 and the ball outlet BU130. A ball outlet BU130 is formed on the BU110 side (launch unit BU160 side) at the end of the ball lead-out path BU128, and the game ball that has reached the ball lead-out path BU128 is guided to the launch unit BU160 via the ball outlet BU130.

The ball supply passage BU124 (ball introduction path BU126 and ball lead-out path BU128) has a width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the game balls entering from the ball entrance BU122 are in the order of entering the ball supply passage BU124. While maintaining it, it is moved and guided toward the firing unit BU160 according to the operation of the ball feed valve BU142 described later.

<Ball feed unit BU140>
The ball feed unit BU140 has a ball feed valve BU142. The ball feed valve BU 142 is provided so as to be able to swing around the swing pin BU 144. A ball feed solenoid BU 152 is provided above the ball feed valve BU 142, and the ball feed valve BU 142 is swung by the drive of the ball feed solenoid BU 152.

The ball feed valve BU 142 has a ball receiving recess BU146, a ball guide piece BU148, and a ball stop piece BU150. The ball receiving recess BU146 is formed in a concave shape, and when it is positioned facing the ball introduction path BU126 (ball outlet open position described later), one of the game balls staying in the ball introduction path BU126 is a game ball. It is stored in the ball receiving recess BU146. The ball guide piece BU148 constitutes the bottom surface of the ball receiving recess BU146, and holds one game ball housed in the ball receiving recess BU146. The ball guide piece BU148 is formed so as to incline toward the launch unit BU160. When the ball stop piece BU150 is positioned facing the ball introduction path BU126 (ball exit closing position described later), the ball stop piece BU150 stops and retains the game ball existing in the ball introduction path BU126.

As described above, the ball feed valve BU 142 is provided so as to be swingable around the swing pin BU144, and can reciprocate between the ball outlet closed position and the ball outlet open position. The ball outlet closing position of the ball feed valve BU142 is located above the ball outlet opening position. The ball outlet closing position is a position where one game ball can be stored in the ball receiving recess BU146 when the ball receiving recess BU146 faces the ball introduction path BU126, and the ball outlet BU130 is closed by moving to the highest position. It is the position to be done. On the other hand, the ball outlet opening position is a position where the ball stop piece BU150 faces the ball introduction path BU126, so that the ball introduction path BU126 is closed by the ball stop piece BU150, and the ball guide piece BU148 moves to the lowest position. This is the position where the ball outlet BU130 is opened by the ball guide piece BU148.

When the ball feed solenoid BU 152 is supplied with power and becomes energized, the ball feed valve BU 142 is positioned at the upper ball outlet closing position, and the ball introduction path BU126 and the ball receiving recess BU146 communicate with each other, and the ball receiving recess BU146 One game ball is stored in. On the other hand, when the power supply to the ball feed solenoid BU 152 is interrupted and the communication is not energized, the ball feed valve BU 142 is positioned at the ball outlet open position by descending by its own weight, and the ball receiving recess BU146 and the ball outlet BU130. One game ball stored in the ball receiving recess BU146 flows down to the hitting position of the launching unit BU160 via the ball outlet BU130. By doing so, the game balls arranged in the ball supply passage BU124 are stored one by one in the ball feed valve BU142 in the order of arrangement, and the skill balls stored in the ball feed valve BU142 are allowed to flow down to the launch unit BU160. Can be done.

The energization / de-energization control of the ball feed solenoid BU152 is synchronized with the operation of the launch solenoid BU176 that swings the hammer BU162 of the launch unit BU160 described later by the launch control board D40, and the launch unit BU160 is based on the operation of the launch handle D44. After the game balls are fired from, the next game balls for launch are ejected one by one to the hitting position of the launch unit BU160. As shown by the broken line in FIG. 7, a ball feed sensor BU 190 that detects a game ball discharged from the ball outlet BU 130 by the ball feed valve BU 142 and guided by the launch mechanism 160 may be provided in the vicinity of the ball outlet BU 130.

<Launch unit BU160>
The firing unit BU160 includes a case body member BU110, a hammer BU162, a firing solenoid BU176, and a firing rail portion BU180. The hammer BU 162 is arranged on the front surface side of the case main body member BU 110, and is provided so as to be swingable in a plane substantially parallel to the board surface of the game board 10. The firing solenoid BU176 is provided on the back side of the case body member BU110 (the rear surface side of the hammer BU162 (see FIG. 7)), and the hammer BU162 is driven by the firing solenoid BU176. The game ball launched toward the game area by the hammer BU 162 passes through the launch port BU 132 and is guided to the outer rail D32.

<Case body member BU110>
The case body member BU110 is a base body of a launching unit, and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape by a molding means such as injection molding using a resin material such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyacetal resin (POM).

The firing solenoid BU176 is composed of, for example, a rotary solenoid. The drive shaft BU178 of the firing solenoid BU176 projects to the front side of the case body member BU110 via a drive shaft insertion hole (not shown) formed in the case body member BU110. By inserting the drive shaft BU178 into the shaft hole (not shown) of the hammer BU162 and fixing the hammer BU162 to the drive shaft BU178 with a nut (not shown), the hammer BU162 is integrally connected to the drive shaft BU178. Will be done.

By driving the launch solenoid BU176 based on the launch solenoid drive signal (described later) output from the launch control board D40, the hammer BU162 swings around the drive shaft BU178.

The hammer BU 162 has a hammer arm BU 164 made of a thin metal plate, and a synthetic resin covering portion BU 166 formed by covering the peripheral portion of the hammer arm BU 164 by insert molding or the like. A hammer head BU 168 for hitting a game ball is formed at the tip of the hammer BU 162. A gap BU170 is formed in the vicinity of the hammer head BU168. By forming the gap portion BU170, elastic deformation is facilitated in the vicinity of the hammer head BU168, and elastic force can be applied to the game ball to launch the game ball.

On the front side of the case body member BU 110, a lower stopper BU172 and an upper stopper BU174 are provided adjacent to the hammer BU162. The lower stopper BU172 is a stopper for elastically receiving the covering portion BU166 when the hammer head BU168 is retracted. The position when the covering portion BU166 abuts on the lower stopper BU172 and the downward swing of the hammer BU162 is restricted is the lower limit position (hereinafter referred to as a firing standby position). The upper stopper BU174 is a stopper for elastically receiving the covering portion BU166 when an impact force is applied to the game ball. The position when the covering portion BU166 abuts on the upper stopper BU174 and the upward swing of the hammer BU162 is restricted is the upper limit position (hereinafter referred to as the firing completion position). The hammer BU 162 can swing between the firing standby position and the firing completion position about the drive shaft BU178 of the firing solenoid BU176.

The launch rail portion BU180 has a guide holder BU182, a launch rail BU184, and a guide member BU186. The guide holder BU182 holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding unit BU140 via the ball outlet BU130 at the hitting position (launching position of the game ball) of the hammer head BU168. The launch rail BU184 is a rail that is integrally formed with the case body member BU110 and has a V-shaped cross section. The launch rail BU184 extends diagonally upward to the right from the holding position of the game ball by the guide holder BU182, and the launch port BU132 is located on the extension line thereof.

In this embodiment, as the ball launch unit BU100, the case body member BU110, the case lid member BU120, the ball feed unit BU140, the launch unit BU160, and the launch control board D40 (not shown (see FIG. 9)). For example, the ball feed unit BU140, the launch unit BU160, and the launch control board D40 are configured as separate units to function as the ball launch unit BU100 as a whole, or the launch unit BU160 is used as a unit. It is also possible to form (assemble) directly on the front frame.

<Launch control board D40>
As described above, the launch control board D40 includes a launch intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 and the like. Hereinafter, the details of the launch control board D40 will be described.

The launch control board D40 is a board mainly for controlling the launch (launch intensity, launch timing, etc.) of the game ball. As shown in FIG. 9, the launch control board D40 mainly includes a touch determination section BU210, a handle rotation detection section BU220, a data latch section BU230, a launch intensity adjusting volume voltage holding section BU240, and a launch intensity adjusting section BU250. And a firing cycle timer unit BU260. Hereinafter, these circuits will be described.

<Touch judgment unit BU210>
As the touch determination unit BU210, a touch sensor such as the touch sensor HU120 (for example, "W2GC-02" manufactured by OMRON Corporation) provided in the handle unit HU100 described above can be used. In the touch switch manufactured by OMRON Corporation, so-called capacitance can be used. It is called a capacitance detection method, and a method of determining the capacitance that changes when the human body comes into contact with the touch portion (launch handle D44) is used.) The player's hand touches the touch portion based on the detection signal of the touch portion. It is determined whether the contact state is in contact with (launch handle D44) or the player's hand is not in contact with the touch portion (launch handle D44). Specifically, the touch determination unit BU210 has a comparator circuit using an operational amplifier (operational amplifier), compares the voltage output from the touch sensor HU120 with the reference voltage, and the player's hand is placed on the firing handle D44. It is possible to detect whether or not they are in contact with each other.

The touch sensor BU210 has a method of determining whether or not the player's hand is in contact with the touch portion based on a change in capacitance, and also converts a change in electrical resistance into a voltage to convert a change in electrical resistance into a voltage, such as a comparator circuit. A method of detecting whether or not the player's hand is in contact with the firing handle D44 can also be used by comparing with the reference voltage.

The touch state signal indicates whether the player's hand is in contact with the launch handle D44 or the player's hand is not in contact with the launch handle D44. For example, in the contact state, the touch determination unit BU210 outputs a touch state signal having a positive voltage, and in the non-contact state, the touch determination unit BU210 outputs a touch state signal having a voltage of zero. The touch state signal is output to the data latch unit BU230 and the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240, which will be described later.

<Handle rotation detection unit BU220>
The handle rotation detection unit BU220 is electrically connected to the firing volume HU110 of the firing handle D44. The firing volume HU110 is configured to be interlocked with the firing handle D44, and the resistance value of the firing volume HU110 changes according to the rotation angle of the firing handle D44.

The handle rotation detection unit BU220 has a rotation state signal indicating that the launch handle D44 has been rotated beyond a reference angle by the player, and a rotation corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle D44 (resistance value of the launch volume HU110). Outputs an angle signal. For example, the handle rotation detection unit BU220 has a comparator circuit using an operational amplifier, and by comparing the voltage output from the firing volume HU110 with the reference voltage, the firing handle D44 is rotated beyond the reference angle. It is possible to detect whether or not it is. The rotation state signal is output to a data latch unit described later. The rotation angle signal is output to the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit, which will be described later.

<Data latch unit BU230>
The data latch unit BU 230 is electrically connected to the handle rotation detection unit BU 220, and a rotation state signal is supplied to the data latch unit BU 230. For example, the data latch unit BU230 has a flip-flop circuit. The data latch unit BU 230 detects the timing at which the touch state signal from the touch determination unit 210 changes from the contact state to the non-contact state, and generates and outputs a firing start signal. The firing start signal is supplied to the firing cycle timer unit, which will be described later. More specifically, the touch state signal (high signal (H) if the firing handle D44 is touched) is latched at the timing when the rotation state signal indicating the rotation state of the firing handle D44 is input, and then the touch state. At the timing when the signal is in the non-contact state (low signal (L)), the launch start signal (high signal) is used using the latched touch state signal (high signal (H) if touched by the launch handle D44). (H)) is output. In other words, the touch state is reached when the firing handle D44 reaches the reference angle, and then the touch state is released (the timing when the touch state signal is once in the contact state and then in the non-contact state). Since the launch start signal is generated only in, it functions as a sequential circuit (conditional circuit) for generating the launch start signal.

<Launch intensity adjustment volume voltage holding unit BU240>
The firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 is a circuit for holding a voltage value indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle D44 at the timing when the touch sensor HU120 changes from the contact state to the non-contact state. A touch state signal and a rotation angle signal are supplied to the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240. The firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 can obtain the timing of transition from the touch state to the non-touch state by the touch state signal, and the voltage value corresponding to the resistance value of the firing volume HU110 at that timing by the rotation angle signal. Can be obtained.

As described above, the rotation angle of the launch handle D44 is changed by the operation of the player, and when the player releases the launch handle D44, the launch handle D44 returns to the origin by the urging force of the spring HU108. Therefore, due to the urging by the spring HU108, the rotation operation of the firing handle D44 starts immediately after the player releases the firing handle D44, and the resistance value also starts to change due to the movement of the movable contact of the firing volume HU110. With such a configuration, the voltage value corresponding to the resistance value of the firing volume HU110 at the timing when the player releases the firing handle D44, that is, at the timing when the touch sensor HU120 changes from the contact state to the non-contact state. Need to be retained. The firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 detects the timing when the touch sensor HU120 changes from the contact state to the non-contact state, and holds the voltage value corresponding to the resistance value of the firing volume HU110. The firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU 240 outputs a holding voltage signal indicating a held voltage value (holding voltage value), and the holding voltage value is supplied to the firing intensity adjusting unit BU 250 described later.

The emission intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 is mainly composed of operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2, transistors TR1 and TR2, a capacitor C1 and a resistor RE3. In FIG. 9, only the main elements are shown in order to briefly show the operation.

The rotation angle signal output from the handle rotation detection unit BU220 is input to the operational amplifier OP1 via a low-pass filter composed of a resistor and a capacitor. The voltage follower circuit is configured by the operational amplifier OP1, and the rotation angle signal input to the operational amplifier OP1 is impedance-converted and output from the operational amplifier OP1. The operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the operational amplifier OP2 via the transistor TR2, the capacitor C1 and the resistor RE3.

The touch state signal output from the touch determination unit BU210 is input to the transistor TR1 via two resistors. The transistor TR1 functions as a switching element. When the touch state signal is low, the transistor TR1 is turned off (non-energized state), and when the touch state signal is high, the transistor TR1 is turned on (energized state). The signal output from the transistor TR1 is input to the transistor TR2 via the two resistors RE1 and RE2. RE1 is a so-called pull-up resistor, which can be a voltage indicating an appropriate logic level. The transistor TR2 also functions as a switching element. When the signal output from the transistor TR1 is off, the transistor TR2 is off (non-energized state), and when the signal output from the transistor TR1 is on, the transistor TR2 is on (energized state).

The transistor TR2 is connected to the operational amplifier OP2 via the capacitor C1 and the resistor RE3. The voltage follower circuit is configured by the operational amplifier OP2, and the rotation angle signal input to the operational amplifier OP2 is impedance-converted and output from the operational amplifier OP2.

When the transistor TR2 is on, the power is turned on, and the rotation angle signal output from the operational amplifier OP1 is input to the capacitor C1 and the operational amplifier OP2. When the transistor TR2 is on, the capacitor C1 is stored by the rotation angle signal output from the operational amplifier OP1, and the potential difference between the terminals of the capacitor C1 becomes the same as the voltage value of the rotation angle signal output from the operational amplifier OP1. Further, when the transistor TR2 is on, the rotation angle signal output from the operational amplifier OP1 is also input to the operational amplifier OP2.

With this configuration, when the player's hand is in contact with the firing handle D44, the transistors TR1 and TR2 are turned on, and a voltage value indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle D44 is input to the operational amplifier OP2. The potential difference between the terminals of the capacitor C1 becomes a voltage value corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle D44 by storing electricity. Further, when the player rotates the firing handle D44, the resistance value of the firing volume HU110 changes, and the voltage value of the rotation angle signal also changes. When the player's hand is in contact with the firing handle D44, the rotation angle signal whose voltage value is changed by the rotation of the firing handle D44 is impedance-converted by the operational amplifiers OP1 and OP2 and output from the operational amplifier OP2. Further, the potential difference between the terminals of the capacitor C1 becomes a voltage value changed according to the rotation of the firing handle D44.

On the other hand, when the transistor TR2 is off, it is in a non-energized state, and the rotation angle signal output from the operational amplifier OP1 is not input to the operational amplifier OP2. The input impedance of the voltage follower circuit by the operational amplifier OP2 is a high value, and when the transistor TR2 is turned off, the capacitor C1 is separated from the transistor TR2, and the potential difference between the terminals of the capacitor C1 is maintained. Therefore, when the transistor TR2 is turned off, the voltage signal indicating the voltage value held by the capacitor C1 is output from the operational amplifier OP2 as the rotation angle signal indicating the rotation angle.

With this configuration, when the player's hand is not in contact with the firing handle D44, the transistors TR1 and TR2 are turned off, and the operational amplifier OP2 is disconnected from the transistor TR2 and held by the capacitor C1. The voltage signal corresponding to the voltage value is output from the operational amplifier OP2.

As described above, the launch handle D44 is urged by the spring HU108, and when the player releases the launch handle D44, the launch handle D44 immediately begins to rotate toward the origin due to the urging force of the spring HU108. The resistance value of the firing volume HU110 also begins to change with rotation. Therefore, it is assumed that it becomes difficult to appropriately detect the rotation angle of the firing handle D44 at the timing when the player releases the firing handle D44 from the resistance value of the firing volume HU110.

The firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 has a configuration in which a voltage value (the above-mentioned holding voltage value) can be held by the capacitor C1, and the rotation angle of the firing handle D44 at the timing when the player's hand is separated from the firing handle D44. The voltage value to be shown can be the holding voltage value held by the capacitor C1. By doing so, even if the resistance value of the firing volume HU110 changes immediately due to the urging force of the spring HU108, the rotation angle of the firing handle D44 at the timing when the player's hand is separated from the firing handle D44 is shown. As the rotation angle signal, a holding voltage signal indicating a holding voltage value can be output from the operational amplifier OP2.

In this way, by supplying the holding voltage value to the firing intensity adjusting unit BU250, the timing when the player releases the hand from the firing handle D44 (the timing when the touch sensor HU120 outputs the touch state signal indicating the non-contact state). The firing intensity, that is, the firing intensity desired by the player, can be used to launch the game ball. In the present specification, the rotation angle signal output from the operational amplifier OP2 is referred to as a holding voltage signal, and the voltage value of the holding voltage signal is referred to as a holding voltage value regardless of the rotational state of the firing handle D44.

Further, when the player's hand is not in contact with the firing handle D44, the operational amplifier OP2 is disconnected from the transistor TR2, and the voltage is held by the capacitor C1. After that, when the player's hand comes into contact with the firing handle D44, the transistors TR1 and TR2 are turned on again. When the transistors TR1 and TR2 are energized, the capacitor C1 and the resistors RE2 and RE3 are short-circuited, the capacitor C1 is discharged, and the voltage of the capacitor C1 is reduced. The capacitance of the capacitor C1 and the resistance values of the resistors RE2 and RE3 are the period during which the capacitor C1 supplies the drive signal of the firing solenoid described later when the transistors TR1 and TR2 are off (when 100 firings are performed per minute). When the holding voltage can be sufficiently maintained for 300 ms to 600 ms) and the transistors TR1 and TR2 are on, the capacitor C1 may be set to a value that allows rapid discharge. It should be noted that the timing of the ball feed and the timing of the launch are exactly reversed timings, and if the holding voltage can be maintained for at least 300 ms, it is possible to make it in time for the ball feed of the game ball to be launched next.

<Launch intensity adjustment unit BU250>
The holding voltage signal output from the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding section BU240 is input to the firing intensity adjusting section. The firing intensity adjusting unit BU250 generates a firing solenoid drive signal according to the holding voltage signal output from the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240. The emission intensity adjusting unit BU250 includes a comparator circuit and a power MOSFET (field effect transistor having a metal-oxide-semiconductor structure).

The firing solenoid drive signal generated by the firing intensity adjusting unit BU250 is supplied to the firing solenoid BU176, and the firing solenoid BU176 stores electric power corresponding to the holding voltage value output from the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240. By doing so, the launch solenoid BU176 can be driven with the electric power corresponding to the rotation angle (launch volume HU110) of the launch handle D44 at the timing of transition from the contact state to the non-contact state to launch the game ball. ..

<Fire cycle timer unit BU260>
This is a circuit for setting a time for invalidating the touch state signal output from the touch determination unit BU210 and the rotation state signal output from the handle rotation detection unit BU220. Even if a touch state signal or a rotation state signal is output during the invalidation, power is not supplied to the firing solenoid BU176, and the game ball cannot be fired. By providing an invalid time (about 600 milliseconds in this example) in this way, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired in a short time.

The firing cycle timer unit BU260 is mainly composed of a clock crystal oscillator, a counter element, and the like, and can measure a predetermined predetermined time, for example, about 600 milliseconds. The firing start signal output from the data latch section BU230 is input to the firing cycle timer section BU260. The firing cycle timer unit BU260 outputs a valid signal indicating that the firing cycle is in the valid state until the firing start signal is input. The firing cycle timer unit BU260 starts timing and stops the output of the valid signal when the firing start signal is input. It becomes invalid by stopping the output of the valid signal. The firing cycle timer unit BU260 outputs an effective signal indicating that the time is in an effective state, on condition that a predetermined time has been reached since the time counting was started. The effective signal is supplied to the firing intensity adjusting unit BU250, and the operation of the firing intensity adjusting unit BU250 is controlled by the valid signal.

While the firing cycle timer section BU260 outputs an valid signal (valid state), the firing intensity adjusting section BU250 enables the touch state signal and the rotation state signal, and supplies electric power to the firing solenoid BU176. By doing so, the player can launch the game ball by operating the firing handle D44 while the valid signal is being output. On the other hand, while the output of the valid signal is interrupted from the firing cycle timer unit BU260 (while the valid signal is not output (invalid state)), the firing intensity adjusting unit BU250 invalidates the touch state signal and the rotation state signal. And stop the supply of power to the firing solenoid BU176. By doing so, while the output of the valid signal is interrupted, even if the player operates the firing handle D44, the game ball cannot be launched. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being consumed in a short time by the timer circuit that guarantees 100 shots / minute.

As described above, the timing of changing from the contact state to the non-contact state is specified based on the determination result of the operation detection unit (touch sensor HU120), and the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 fires at this specified timing. By holding the voltage value indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle D44, which is information related to the operation amount of the handle D44, by the capacitor C1, it functions as an information holding means and fires the voltage value indicating the rotation angle of the held firing handle D44. By supplying the strength adjusting unit BU 250, the drive of the firing solenoid BU176 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at the firing strength according to the information. The voltage value held by the capacitor C1 is set to be cleared by discharging the capacitor C1 before the firing timing so as not to affect the strength setting at the time of the next firing. , Information on the amount of operation of the firing handle D44 held by the information holding means before the timing (predetermined timing) for setting the next firing intensity (in this embodiment, synonymous with information on firing intensity). ) Is cleared. Instead of holding the voltage value indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle D44, the information holding means holds the strength information set based on the information supplied to the firing strength adjusting unit BU250, that is, the information related to the firing strength. Alternatively, the information related to the operation amount of the launch handle D44 and the intensity information may be retained. In that case, it is desirable to configure to clear both, but only the intensity information should be cleared. Is also possible. Further, in order to make the discharge of the capacitor C1 more reliable, it is also possible to generate a signal indicating the completion of driving when the firing solenoid BU176 is driven, and to operate the discharge circuit based on the signal.

As described above, by adopting a configuration in which the operation of the launch handle D44 is transmitted to the ball launch unit BU100 by an electric signal, it is possible to eliminate the mechanism for mechanically transmitting the operation of the launch handle D44, and it is possible to eliminate the mechanism of mechanically transmitting the operation of the launch handle D44 over time such as wear. By omitting the members that deteriorate to the above, the overall durability can be improved. Further, by configuring the handle unit HU100 and the ball launching unit BU100 separately from each other, the handle unit HU100 and the ball launching unit BU100 can be arranged at desired positions, and the degree of freedom in layout can be increased. Of course, the handle unit HU100 and the ball launch unit BU100 may be integrally configured. By configuring them integrally, it is possible to simplify the work of attaching and detaching the unit.

Further, as described above, the launch control board D40 is configured separately from the handle unit HU100 and the ball launch unit BU100, but may be integrally configured in the handle unit HU100 and the ball launch unit BU100.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the example in which the game balls are guided and fired one by one is shown, but a plurality of game balls, for example, two game balls may be guided and fired. Specifically, by configuring the ball receiving recess BU146 so that a desired number of game balls can be stored, a plurality of game balls can be guided and fired. For example, by guiding like the game ball shown by the broken line in FIG. 8, two game balls can be fired at the same time.

<<< Timing Chart >>>
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the state of change of various signals.

FIG. 10 shows a state of change between a touch state signal, a rotation state signal, a firing start signal, an effective signal, a firing solenoid drive signal, a rotation angle signal, and a holding voltage signal. In the following, changes in these signals over time will be described.

<< Time T1 >>
<Touch status signal>
The touch state signal is a signal output from the touch determination unit BU210. The touch state signal is a signal indicating whether the player's hand is in contact with the firing handle D44 or the player's hand is not in contact with the firing handle D44. The touch state signal is high (H) in the contact state and low (L) in the non-contact state. In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the player's hand comes into contact with the firing handle D44 at time T1, the touch state signal changes from low to high.

<< Time T2 >>
<Rotation status signal>
The rotation state signal is a signal indicating that the firing handle D44 has been rotated by the player. The rotation state signal is high (H) when it is rotated by the player and the firing handle D44 is in the rotating state, and low (L) when it is not rotated by the player and the firing handle D44 is in the non-rotating state. It becomes. In the example shown in FIG. 10, at time T2, when the player rotates the firing handle D44, the rotation state signal changes from low to high.

<Rotation angle signal>
The rotation angle signal is a signal indicating the rotation angle of the launch handle D44 when the launch handle D44 is rotated by the player. The rotation angle signal has a voltage value corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle D44. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the voltage value of the rotation angle signal gradually increases as the player gradually rotates the firing handle D44 from the time T2.

<< Time T3 >>
The player starts rotating the launch handle D44 at time T2, gradually rotates the launch handle D44, and when rotated to a desired position, the player hands from the launch handle D44 to launch the game ball. Release. In the example shown in FIG. 10, at time T3, the player releases his hand from the firing handle D44.

<Rotation angle signal>
The rotation angle signal is a signal indicating the rotation angle of the launch handle D44. From time T2 to time T3, the player gradually rotates the firing handle D44, so that the voltage value of the rotation angle signal gradually increases. The voltage value of the rotation angle signal is determined by the resistance value of the firing volume HU110 linked to the firing handle D44. The resistance value of the firing volume HU110 is determined according to the rotation of the firing handle D44, and the rotation angle of the firing volume HU110 can be determined by the resistance value of the firing volume HU110.

<Holding voltage signal>
The holding voltage signal is a voltage signal output from the operational amplifier OP2 of the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240. As described above, when the player's hand is in contact with the firing handle D44, the rotation angle signal whose voltage value is changed by the rotation of the firing handle D44 is impedance-converted and output from the operational amplifier OP2. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 10, a holding voltage signal that changes in the same manner as the rotation angle signal is output from the operational amplifier OP2 between the times T2 and T3.

<Touch status signal>
As described above, at time T3, the player releases his hand from the firing handle D44. Therefore, at time T3, the touch sensor HU120 changes from the contact state to the non-contact state. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the touch state signal changes from high to low at time T3.

<Launch start signal>
As described above, the data latch unit BU230 generates and outputs a firing start signal at the timing when the touch sensor HU120 changes from the contact state to the non-contact state. The launch start signal is a signal indicating the start of launch control of the game ball. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the launch start signal is output from the data latch unit BU230 as a pulse signal at the time T3.

<Valid signal>
The valid signal is output from the firing cycle timer unit BU260. Even if the output of the valid signal enables the touch state signal and the rotation state signal, the interruption of the output of the valid signal disables the touch state signal and the rotation state signal, and the player operates the firing handle D44. The game ball is never fired. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the invalid state in which the output of the valid signal is interrupted is low (L), and the valid state in which the valid signal is output is high (H).

The firing cycle timer unit BU260 is in the valid state (H) until the firing start signal is input (until time T3). The firing cycle timer unit BU260 changes from the valid state (H) to the invalid state (L) at the timing when the touch sensor HU120 changes from the contact state to the non-contact state.

The firing cycle timer unit BU260 is in the invalid state (L) until a predetermined time (for example, about 600 milliseconds) elapses after the change from the valid state (H) to the invalid state (L). In the example shown in FIG. 10, the firing cycle timer unit BU260 changes from the invalid state (L) to the valid state (H) when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time T3 (time T11). From this time T3 to time T11, the touch state signal and the rotation state signal are invalid. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the touch state signal changes from low to high at time T7 and then from high to low at time T9. Even if the time changes from high to low at T9, the launch start signal and the launch solenoid drive signal are not generated.

<< Time T4, T5 >>
<Launch solenoid drive signal>
The firing intensity adjusting unit BU250 generates a firing solenoid drive signal according to the holding voltage value indicated by the holding voltage signal output from the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240. The generated launch solenoid drive signal is supplied to the launch solenoid BU176. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the firing solenoid drive signal is output over time T4 to T5.

<< Time T6 >>
As described above, the player releases his hand from the launch handle D44 in order to launch the game ball at time T3. When the player releases his hand from the firing handle D44, it returns to the origin by the urging force of the spring HU108. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the firing handle D44 returns to the origin at time T6.

<Rotation angle signal>
The rotation angle of the rotation angle signal also changes when the firing handle D44 returns to the origin by the urging force of the spring HU108. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the voltage value of the rotation angle signal gradually decreases from the time T3 and becomes zero at the time T6 (returns to the origin).

<Holding voltage signal>
When the player releases the firing handle D44, the firing handle D44 returns to the origin by the urging force of the spring HU108. The holding voltage value of the holding voltage signal output from the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 is held at the timing (time T3) when the player's hand is separated from the firing handle D44 by the capacitor C1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the holding voltage value of the holding voltage signal is a substantially constant value.

<< Times T7 and T8 >>
<Holding voltage signal>
As described above, the voltage value of the holding voltage signal is held at the time T3. In the example shown in FIG. 10, at time T7, the player operates the firing handle D44 again, and the player's hand comes into contact with the touch sensor HU120. Due to the contact of the player's hand, the transistors TR1 and TR2 are energized, and the capacitor C1 and the resistor RE3 are short-circuited, so that the capacitor C1 is discharged and the voltage of the capacitor C1 is reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 10, at time T8, the holding voltage value of the holding voltage signal becomes approximately zero.

Since the state is invalid between the times T3 and T11, T is fired even when the touch state signal is output at times T7 to T9 or the rotation state signal is output at times T8 to T10. No start signal and launch solenoid drive signal are generated and the game ball is not fired.

<< Time T12-T17 >>
At times T12 to T17, an effective signal is output from the firing cycle timer unit BU260, and the change is the same as at times T1 to T6.

<<< Overview of this example >>>
As described above, at time T3 and time T14, the player releases the firing handle D44 in order to launch the game ball. The voltage at time T3 and time T14 is held by the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 (holding voltage value). By using the holding voltage value, the game ball can be launched at the firing intensity at the timing when the player releases the firing handle D44. In this way, if the voltage value is kept maintained, the player can continuously launch the game ball with the same firing intensity simply by touching the firing handle D44, and the playability of hand-striking is impaired. It will be lost. However, in this example, at time T7 and time T12, when the player's hand comes into contact with the touch sensor HU120, the capacitors C1 of the firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 and the resistors RE2 and RE3 are short-circuited, and the time T8 And at time T13, the holding voltage value can be set to zero.

In this way, by configuring the player to clear the holding voltage value each time the player touches the firing handle D44, a sequential circuit can be provided, and a certain sequence (contact with the touch sensor HU120 → firing) can be provided. It is possible to go through an increase in the resistance value of the volume HU110 → non-contact of the touch sensor HU120). As a result, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being continuously fired with the same firing strength, and it is possible to maintain the playability of hand-striking. Further, even when a circuit for specifying the firing intensity based on the resistance value of the firing volume HU110 is adopted, it is possible to provide a firing circuit with less variation in firing intensity at low cost, which is less dependent on the operation method of the player. can. In addition, the error of each machine due to mechanical parts such as springs and the launch error of the game ball due to the skill level of the player can be reduced as compared with the normal hand-made firing handle.

In this example, it is configured to detect that the player touches the firing handle D44 and clear the holding voltage value, but in addition to this, the timing at which the firing start signal is issued and the firing cycle timer unit BU260 The holding voltage value can be cleared at various timings such as the timing when the signal output from is changed from the invalid state to the valid state and the detection of the game ball by the ball feed sensor BU190. In any case, the holding voltage value may be cleared after the firing unit BU160 is driven and before the player releases the firing handle D44 again. The firing intensity adjusting volume voltage holding unit BU240 holds the holding voltage value from the start to the end of driving the firing unit BU160, and clears the holding voltage value by the next firing start.

Next, FIG. 11 is a main flowchart showing a general flow of processing performed by the main control board M. After the power of the gaming machine is turned on, the process of the figure (a) is executed. That is, after the power of the gaming machine is turned on and the initial setting is performed (not shown), in step 1002, the main control board M confirms the input port of the RAM clear button, and the reset button of the power supply unit E (RAM clear). It is determined whether or not the button) has been operated, that is, whether or not an operation for intentionally clearing the contents of the RAM has been performed by the administrator of the amusement park or the like. In the case of Yes in step 1002, in step 1004, the CPUMC of the main control board M clears all the RAM contents on the main control board M side. Next, in step 1006, the CPUMC of the main control board M transmits ram clear information (command) indicating that the RAM of the main control board M has been cleared to the sub-main control unit SM side (transmitted at the relevant timing). Alternatively, the command may be set at the timing and transmitted by the control command transmission process described later), and the process proceeds to step 1016. On the other hand, if No in step 1002, in step 1008, the CPUMC of the main control board M checks the contents of the RAM area in the main control board M (for example, saves in the checksum and the RAM area recorded at the time of power failure). Compare with the amount of information provided). Next, in step 1010, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the contents of the RAM are normal (whether or not the information at the time of power failure is accurately backed up in the RAM) based on the check result. do. If Yes, that is, the data backed up in the RAM is abnormal in step 1010, the process proceeds to the process of step 1004 (the RAM clear process described above). On the other hand, if No in step 1010, that is, the data backed up in the RAM is normal, in step 1012, the CPUMC of the main control board M is stored (backed up) in the RAM of the main control board M at the time of power failure. Various information commands of the above are acquired, and in step 1014, the acquired various information commands are transmitted to the sub-main control unit SM side (may be transmitted at the relevant timing, or the commands may be set at the relevant timing and described later. It may be configured to be transmitted by the control command transmission process), and the process proceeds to step 1016. Next, in step 1016, the CPUMC of the main control board M is triggered by an execution scheduled interrupt (for example, a hardware interrupt every about 1.5 ms) related to the main process on the main control board M side shown in FIG. However, in this example, the interrupt cycle is T), {as a result, when the execution scheduled interrupt timing is reached, the figure (b) is executed}, and the process in step 1018 is performed. Transition. After step 1018, the CPU MC of the main control board M repeatedly executes various random number update processes (for example, random number counter increment processes) until the next scheduled interrupt timing is reached.

Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. The CPUMC of the main control board M executes the process of FIG. 3B based on the interrupt request generated when the scheduled interrupt timing is reached. That is, when the scheduled interrupt cycle T is reached (for example, a hardware interrupt every about 1.5 ms), in step 1100, the CPU MC of the main control board M executes the auxiliary game content determination random number acquisition process described later. .. Next, in step 1200, the CPU MC of the main control board M executes the electric accessory drive determination process described later. Next, in step 1300, the CPUMC of the main control board M executes the main game content determination random number acquisition process described later. Next, in step 1400, the CPUMC of the main control board M executes the main game symbol display process described later. Next, in step 1550, the CPUMC of the main control board M executes the special game operation condition determination process described later. Next, in step 1600, the CPU MC of the main control board M executes the special game control process described later. Next, in step 1997, the CPUMC of the main control board M causes the prize ball payout control board KH to execute the prize ball payout control process (drive control of the prize ball payout device KE, etc.) based on the winning opening in which the game ball wins. , Processing to manage the result, etc.) is executed. Next, in step 1998, the CPUMC of the main control board M executes an output process of an external signal (information output to an external terminal board, a hall computer HC, or the like). Next, in step 1999, the CPUMC of the main control board M executes a control command transmission process (transmits the command set in each of the above processes to the sub-main control unit side), and immediately before the execution of this interrupt process. Return to the processing that was being executed.

Next, NMI interrupt processing will be described. As described above, the CPUMC of the main control board M is configured so that the power cutoff signal from the reset IC is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU, and the process shown in FIG. Is executed. That is, when the power of the gaming machine is turned off (in this example, when the NMI is interrupted), in step 1020, the CPU MC of the main control board M sets the power cut information (for example, checksum) based on the information in the RAM area. .. Next, in step 1022, the CPUMC of the main control board M prohibits writing to the RAM area, prohibits timer interrupt processing, and shifts to power cutoff waiting loop processing.

Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the auxiliary game content determination random number acquisition process according to the subroutine of step 1100 in FIG. First, in step 1102, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the game ball has entered (inflow, in the case of a gate, passed) into the auxiliary game start port H10. In the case of Yes in step 1102, in step 1104, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the number of reserved balls is not the upper limit (for example, four). In the case of Yes in step 1104, in step 1106, the CPUMC of the main control board M acquires an auxiliary game content determination random number (for example, an auxiliary game symbol winning random number). Next, in step 1108, the CPUMC of the main control board M adds 1 to the hold ball in the form of being set in the RAM area of the main control board M together with the information on the number of hold, and the next process ( Step 1200 process). In the case of No in step 1102 and step 1104, the process proceeds to the next process (process of step 1200).

Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the electric accessory drive determination process according to the subroutine of step 1200 in FIG. First, in step 1202, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the electric accessory opening flag is off. In the case of Yes in step 1202, in step 1204, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the auxiliary game symbol changing flag is off. In the case of Yes in step 1204, in step 1206, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not there is a reserved ball related to the auxiliary game symbol. In the case of Yes in step 1206, in step 1216, the CPUMC of the main control board M acquires the game state on the auxiliary game side (flag state of the auxiliary game time reduction flag) and sets the lottery table MN41ta-H for determining the auxiliary game symbol. Refer to it and determine the stop symbol based on the acquired game status of the auxiliary game side and the auxiliary game symbol winning random number based on the reserved ball (for example, when the auxiliary game time reduction flag is on, it is compared with the case where it is off. Then, the winning symbol is selected with high probability) and temporarily stored in the RAM area of the CPUMC of the main control board M.

Here, the right side of the figure is an example of a lottery table for determining an auxiliary game stop symbol. As shown in the same table, in this example, the stop symbols are "D0, D1, D2", and the stop symbols that are the hit symbols are "D1, D2", which are caused by the fact that each of them has stopped. In the non-time reduction game, when the stopped symbol is "D1", the opening mode is (opening → closing for 0.2 seconds), and the electric accessory is stopped. When the symbol is "D2", the opening mode is (opening for 0.2 seconds → closing for 0.8 seconds → opening for 2.0 seconds, closing) (maximum opening). Further, in the time shortening game, when the stopped symbol is "D1", the opening mode is (open for 1 second → closed for 1 second → open for 1 second → closed for 1 second → open for 1 second → closed) and stopped. When the symbol is "D2", the opening mode is configured to be (open for 0.2 seconds → closed for 0.8 seconds → open for 4.0 seconds → closed). It should be noted that the stop symbol is likely to be a lost symbol "D0" during the non-time reduction game, and the stop symbol is likely to be a hit symbol "D1" during the time reduction game.

Next, in step 1218, the CPUMC of the main control board M sets the auxiliary game symbol change time to the auxiliary game symbol change management timer MP11t-H based on the game state of the auxiliary game side (flag state of the auxiliary game time reduction flag). (For example, 1 second when the auxiliary game time reduction flag is on, 10 seconds when the auxiliary game time reduction flag is off) is set. Then, in step 1220, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the auxiliary game symbol changing flag. Next, in step 1222, the CPUMC of the main control board M subtracts 1 from the holding ball related to the auxiliary game symbol, updates the holding information recorded in the RAM area of the CPUMC of the main control board M, and assists. After starting the game symbol variation management timer MP11t-H, the auxiliary game symbol variation display is started on the auxiliary game symbol display unit H21g.

Next, in step 1224, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the auxiliary game symbol variation management timer MP11t-H and determines whether or not the predetermined time related to the variation time of the auxiliary game symbol has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 1224, in step 1226, the CPUMC of the main control board M acquires the stop symbol of the auxiliary game symbol, and confirms and displays the acquired stop symbol of the auxiliary game symbol on the auxiliary game symbol display unit H21g. do. Then, in step 1228, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the auxiliary game symbol changing flag. Next, in step 1230, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the stop symbol of the auxiliary game symbol is a "hit" (D1 and D2 in this example). In the case of Yes in step 1230, in step 1232, the CPUMC of the main control board M opens for 1 second → closes for 1 second in the opening mode (for example, in the case of the hit symbol “D1”, based on the hit symbol on the auxiliary game side. → Open for 1 second → Close for 1 second → Open for 1 second → Closed, in the case of the hit symbol “D2”, open for 0.2 seconds, closed for 0.8 seconds, open for 5 seconds,) Is determined, and a predetermined time related to the opening time (opening / closing time) of the electric accessory is set in the second main game start port electric accessory opening timer MP22t-B. Next, in step 1234, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the electric accessory opening flag. Then, in step 1236, the CPUMC of the main control board M opens the second main game start port electric accessory B11d of the second main game start port B10, and proceeds to step 1242. Even if No in step 1202, the process proceeds to step 1242. In the first embodiment, when the main game time reduction flag is off and the auxiliary game stop symbol is a predetermined hit symbol (D2), the longest time for continuing to open the second main game start port electric accessory B11d is It is configured to be.

Next, in step 1242, whether or not the CPUMC of the main control board M has reached a predetermined time related to the opening time of the electric accessory with reference to the second main game start port electric accessory opening timer MP22t-B. To judge. In the case of Yes in step 1242, in step 1244 and step 1246, the CPUMC of the main control board M closes the second main game start port electric accessory B11d, turns off the electric accessory opening flag, and performs the next process. (Processing in step 1300).

If No in step 1204, the process proceeds to step 1224, and if No in step 1206, step 1224, step 1230 and step 1242, the process proceeds to the next process (process of step 1300).

Further, in this flowchart, for convenience, after the stop symbol is displayed in step 1226, the process immediately proceeds to the next step, but the present invention is not limited to this. In that case, the process may be configured to move to the next process after a fixed stop display time of about 500 ms (for example, this process is performed by performing branch processing using the stop display fixed flag and timer. Achievable).

Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the main game content determination random number acquisition process according to the subroutine of step 1300 in FIG. First, in step 1302, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the first main game start port entry information has been received from the first main game start opening entry detection device A11s of the first main game start opening A10. judge. In the case of Yes in step 1302, in step 1304, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the reserved balls for the main game (particularly the first main game side) are within the upper limit (for example, four). In the case of Yes in step 1304, in step 1306, the CPUMC of the main control board M acquires the first main game content determination random number. In this embodiment, as the first main game content determination random number, a winning / failing lottery random number for determining the winning / failing, a symbol lottery random number for determining the symbol at the time of winning, and a fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol are determined. Three random numbers of the variation mode lottery random number for the purpose are acquired. By the way, these three random numbers are generated from random number generation means having different update cycles and random number ranges, and are acquired in series at this timing. Next, in step 1308, the CPUMC of the main control board M temporarily stores (holds) the acquired random numbers in the RAM area of the main control board M. Next, in step 1310, the CPUMC of the main control board M sends the information (hold generation command) to the effect that the first main game random number has been acquired to the command transmission buffer MT10 for transmitting the information to the sub-main control unit SM. Set (transmitted to the sub-main control unit SM side by the control command transmission process in step 1999).

Next, in step 1312, whether or not the CPUMC of the main control board M has received the second main game start opening ball entry information from the second main game start opening entry ball detection device B11s of the second main game start opening B10. To judge. In the case of Yes in step 1312, in step 1314, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the reserved balls for the main game (particularly the second main game side) are within the upper limit (for example, four). In the case of Yes in step 1314, in step 1316, the CPUMC of the main control board M acquires the second main game content determination random number. In the first embodiment, as the second main game content determination random number, three random numbers of a win / fail lottery random number, a symbol lottery random number, and a variation mode lottery random number are acquired as in the case of the first main game side. By the way, the acquisition range of each random number on the first main game side and the acquisition range of each random number on the second main game side (for example, the acquisition range of the winning / failing lottery random number for the first main game and the winning / failing lottery random number for the second main game). Is set to the same. Next, in step 1318, the CPUMC of the main control board M temporarily stores (holds) the acquired random numbers in the RAM area. Next, in step 1320, the CPUMC of the main control board M sends the information (hold generation command) to the effect that the second main game random number has been acquired to the command transmission buffer MT10 for transmitting the information to the sub-main control unit SM. It is set (transmitted to the sub-main control unit SM side by the control command transmission process in step 1999), and the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 1400). If No in step 1302 and 1304, the process proceeds to step 1312, and if No in steps 1312 and 1314, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 1400).

Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the main game symbol display process according to the subroutine of step 1400 in FIG. First, in step 1401, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the RAM area of the main control board M, and confirms whether or not there is a hold of the second main game symbol. In the case of Yes in step 1401, in step 1400 (1), the CPUMC of the main control board M executes the first main game symbol display process described later, and the next process {processes of steps 1400 (1) and (2). }. On the other hand, if No in step 1401, in step 1400 (2), the CPU MC of the main control board M executes the second main game symbol display process described later, and the next process {steps 1400 (1), (2). Process}.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the reserved ball of the second main game symbol exists, regardless of the existence of the reserved ball of the first main game symbol (even if the winning order is the first main game). It is configured to prioritize the hold digestion of the second main game symbol (even if the symbol is held first), but it is not limited to this (hold digestion based on the winning order or both main game symbols). May be configured to execute a parallel lottery that draws in parallel).

Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the first main game symbol display process (second main game symbol display process) according to the subroutine of step 1400 (1) {step 1400 (2)} in FIG. Since this processing is substantially the same for the first main game symbol side and the second main game symbol, the first main game symbol side will be mainly described, and the processing on the second main game symbol side will be described. Write in parentheses. First, in step 1403, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the fluctuation start condition is satisfied. Here, the change start condition is a condition that the special game is not in progress (or the condition device is in operation), the main game symbol is not changing, and the main game symbol is held. Although not shown in this example, when a variable fixed time (time for stopping and displaying the confirmed display symbol after the final display of the main game symbol) is provided, the variable start condition of the next fluctuation is set during the variable fixed time. It may be configured not to satisfy.

In the case of Yes in step 1403, in step 1405 and step 1406, the CPUMC of the main control board M is temporarily stored in the RAM area of the main control board M, and the first main game content determination random number related to the current symbol variation ( The second main game content determination random number) is read, deleted from the RAM area of the main control board M, and the remaining hold information temporarily stored is shifted (hold digestion process). Next, in step 1410-1, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the first main game winning / failing lottery table MN11ta-A (second main game winning / losing lottery table MN11ta-B) corresponding to each gaming state. , The main game symbol winning / failing lottery is executed based on the first main game content determination random number (second main game content determination random number) (particularly, the winning lottery random number).

Here, FIG. 17 (main game table 1) is an example of a first main game winning / failing lottery table (second main game winning / failing lottery table). As shown in this example, in the first embodiment, the jackpot winning probability in the probability-variable gaming state is configured to be higher than the jackpot winning probability in the non-probability-variable gaming state. The winning probability is just an example, and is not limited to this.

Next, in step 1410-2, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the first main game symbol determination lottery table (second main game symbol determination lottery table), and refers to the main game symbol winning / failing result and the first. A stop symbol related to the main game symbol is determined based on the main game content determination random number (second main game content determination random number) (particularly, the symbol lottery random number), and these are temporarily stored in the RAM area.

Here, FIG. 17 (main game table 2) is an example of the first main game symbol determination lottery table (second main game symbol determination lottery table). As shown in this example, in the first embodiment, when a big hit is won, a plurality of main game symbol candidates (in this example, "4A / 5A / 7A" and "4B / 5B / 7B"). It is configured so that one main game symbol is determined as a jackpot symbol from among the above. The number of rounds of the special game determined with reference to the main game symbol is 8R for 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, and 16R for 7A and 7B. It should be noted that the random value and the type of the stop symbol are also examples, and are not limited to this. {For example, the lost symbol is not limited to one type of symbol, and a plurality of types of symbols are provided. May}.

Next, in step 1412, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the first main game variation mode determination lottery table (second main game variation mode determination lottery table) corresponding to each game state, and refers to the main game symbol. The variation mode of the main game symbol is determined based on the winning / fail lottery result and the first main game content determination random number (second main game content determination random number) (particularly, the variation mode lottery random number), and these are determined in the RAM area of the main control board M. It is temporarily stored in and the process proceeds to step 1414.

Here, the main game table 3 shown in FIG. 17 is an example of the first main game variation mode determination lottery table (second main game variation mode determination lottery table). As shown in this figure, in the first embodiment, the variation mode (variation time) of the main game symbol with respect to a certain random number value is determined based on the winning / failing lottery result of the main game symbol and the main game time reduction flag state. It is configured to get. For example, when the winning / failing lottery result of the main game symbol is a hit for a certain random number value, it is easy to determine the fluctuation mode in which the fluctuation time is relatively long, and the main game time reduction flag is on (time reduction). In the game state), it is configured so that the variation mode in which the variation time is relatively short can be easily determined. It should be noted that this example is merely an example, and is not limited to the type of variation mode (variation time), selection rate, or the like. Further, the symbol variation time on the first main game side may be configured to be relatively long in the time reduction game state (when the main game time reduction flag is on) {the symbol variation on the second main game side. Is configured to be advantageous to the player, and by reducing the symbol variation efficiency of the first main game side, the hold of the second main game side is likely to occur (advantageous to the player). Since the purpose is to build a situation, it is particularly effective when the starting port on the first main game side and the starting port on the second main game side cannot be separated}.

Next, in step 1414, the CPUMC of the main control board M receives commands (stop symbol information, stop symbol attribute information, variation mode information, etc.) related to the main game symbol temporarily stored in the RAM area of the main control board M. The command related to the current game state (design variation display start instruction command) is set in the command transmission buffer MT10 for transmitting to the sub-main control unit SM side (sub-main control unit SM side by the control command transmission process in step 1999). Will be sent to). Next, in step 1415, the CPUMC of the main control board M sets a predetermined time related to the fluctuation time of the main game symbol in the first and second main game symbol fluctuation management timers MP11t-C. Next, in step 1416, the CPUMC of the main control board M is the first main game symbol display unit A21g (second main game symbol display unit) of the first main game symbol display device A20 (second main game symbol display device B20). On B21g), the variation display of the main game symbol is started according to the variation mode stored in the RAM area of the main control board M. Next, in step 1417, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the changing flag and proceeds to step 1420.

On the other hand, if No in step 1403, in step 1419, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the changing flag is on. If Yes in step 1419, the process proceeds to step 1420, and if No in step 1419, the process proceeds to the next process (process of step 1550).

Next, in step 1420, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the predetermined time related to the fluctuation time of the main game symbol has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 1420, in step 1422, the CPUMC of the main control board M is for command transmission for transmitting information (symbol confirmation display instruction command) to the effect that the symbol variation is completed to the sub-main control unit SM side. It is set in the buffer MT10 (transmitted to the sub-main control unit SM side by the control command transmission process in step 1999). Next, in step 1423, the CPUMC of the main control board M is the first main game symbol display unit A21g (second main game symbol display unit) of the first main game symbol display device A20 (second main game symbol display device B20). The variation display of the main game symbol on B21g) is stopped, and the stop symbol stored in the RAM area of the main control board M is displayed and controlled as a fixed stop symbol. Next, in step 1424, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the changing flag.

Next, in step 1430, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the RAM area of the main control board M, and determines whether or not the stop symbol of the main game symbol is a jackpot symbol. In the case of Yes in step 1430, in step 1440, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the condition device operation flag and proceeds to step 1500. On the other hand, if No in step 1430, the process proceeds to step 1500.

Next, in step 1500, the CPUMC of the main control board M executes the specific game end determination process described later, and shifts to the next process (process of step 1550). Even if No in step 1420, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 1550).

Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the specific game end determination process according to the subroutine of step 1500 in FIG. First, in step 1506, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether the main game probability change flag is off. In the case of Yes in step 1506, in step 1510, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the time reduction counter MP52c and determines whether or not the counter value is larger than 0. In the case of Yes in step 1510, in step 1512, the CPU MC of the main control board M decrements the counter value of the time reduction counter MP52c by 1. Next, in step 1514, the CPU MC of the main control board M refers to the time reduction counter MP52c and determines whether or not the counter value is 0. In the case of Yes in step 1514, in step 1516, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the main game time reduction flag. Next, in step 1518, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the auxiliary game time reduction flag, and shifts to the next process (process of step 1550). In addition, even if No in step 1506, step 1510 or step 1514, the process proceeds to the next process (process of step 1550). As described above, in this example, the number of remaining time reductions (the remaining number of symbol fluctuations at which the time shortening game state ends depending on the number of symbol variation ends after the end of the special game) is transmitted to the sub-control board S. Has been done.

Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the special game operating condition determination process according to the subroutine of step 1550 in FIG. First, in step 1552, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the condition device operation flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 1552, in step 1554, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the specific game flag (main game probability change flag, main game time saving flag, auxiliary game time saving flag). Next, in step 1558, the CPU MC of the main control board M clears the value of the time reduction counter MP52c. Next, in step 1560, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the special game transition permission flag. Next, in step 1562, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the condition device operation flag and shifts to the next process (process of step 1600). Even if No in step 1552, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 1600).

Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the special game control process according to the subroutine of step 1600 in FIG. First, in step 1602, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the special game transition permission flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 1602, in step 1604 and step 1606, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the special game transition permission flag and turns on the special game execution flag. Next, in step 1607, the CPUMC of the main control board M sets an initial value (1 in this example) in the round number counter (not shown). Next, in step 1608, the CPUMC of the main control board M sets the command transmission buffer MT10 for transmitting the information (special game start display instruction command) to the effect that the special game is started to the sub-main control unit side. (It is transmitted to the sub-main control unit SM side in the control command transmission process in step 1999), and the process proceeds to step 1612.

On the other hand, if No in step 1602, in step 1610, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the special game execution flag is on. Then, in the case of Yes in step 1610, the process proceeds to step 1612. If No in step 1610, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines that the permission for the special game has not been granted, and proceeds to the next process (process in step 1997).

Next, in step 1612, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines whether or not the round continuation flag is off, in other words, whether or not it is just before the start of each round. In the case of Yes in step 1612, that is, immediately before the start of each round, first, the set opening pattern (for example, an opening pattern that keeps opening, a pattern that opens and closes a plurality of times) is set in step 1614. Next, in step 1616, the CPUMC of the main control board M clears the counter value of the winning ball counter MP33c to zero. Next, in step 1618, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the round continuation flag. Next, in step 1620, the CPUMC of the main control board M drives the first large winning opening electric accessory C11d (or the second large winning opening electric accessory C21d) of the first large winning opening C10 to make the first major. The winning opening C10 (or the second major winning opening C20) is opened, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) is set in the special game timer MP34t (particularly the opening time timer), the start is started, and the process proceeds to step 1622. On the other hand, if No in step 1612, that is, if the big winning opening is open, the process proceeds to step 1622 without performing the processes of steps 1614 to 1620.

Next, in step 1622, the CPUMC of the main control board M transmits a game state command (for example, the current number of rounds, the number of winning games balls, etc.) related to the current special game to the sub-main control unit SM side. It is set in the command transmission buffer MT10 (transmitted to the sub-main control unit SM side in the control command transmission process in step 1999). Next, in step 1624, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the counter value of the winning ball counter MP33c, and in the round, a predetermined number (for example, 10) is applied to the first winning opening C10 (or the second winning opening C20). It is determined whether or not there is a winning ball (ball). If Yes in step 1624, the process proceeds to step 1628. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1624, in step 1626, the CPUMC of the main control board M refers to the special gaming timer MP34t (particularly the opening time timer) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) related to the opening of the large winning opening. Determines whether or not has passed. In the case of Yes in step 1626, the process proceeds to step 1628. If No in step 1626, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 1997).

Next, in step 1628, the CPUMC of the main control board M is the first large winning opening electric accessory C11d of the first large winning opening C10 (or the second large winning opening electric accessory C21d of the second large winning opening C20). 1st big winning opening C10 (or 2nd big winning opening C20) is closed. Next, in step 1630, the CPUMC of the main control board M resets the special gaming timer MP34t (particularly the open time timer). Next, in step 1632, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the round continuation flag. Next, in step 1633, the CPUMC of the main control board M adds 1 to the counter value of the round number counter (not shown). Next, in step 1634, it is determined whether or not the final round has ended (for example, whether or not the counter value of the round number counter (not shown) exceeds the maximum number of rounds). In the case of Yes in step 1634, in step 1636, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns off the special game execution flag. Next, in step 1638, the CPUMC of the main control board M sends information to the effect that the special game is ended (special game end display instruction command) to the command transmission buffer MT10 for transmitting to the sub-main control unit SM side. Set (transmitted to the sub-main control unit SM side in the control command transmission process in step 1999). Then, in step 1650, the game state determination process after the end of the special game, which will be described later, is executed, and the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 1997). Even if No in step 1634, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 1997).

Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the game state determination process after the end of the special game, which relates to the subroutine of step 1650 in FIG. First, in step 1652, the CPUMC of the main control board M determines that the stop symbol of the main game symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol (a jackpot symbol that shifts to a probability-variable gaming state after the end of the special game, and in this example, " 5A, 7A, 5B, 7B ")") is determined. In the case of Yes in step 1652, in step 1654, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the main game probability change flag and proceeds to step 1656. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1652 (in this example, the non-probability variable jackpot symbol, which is the jackpot symbol that shifts to the non-probability variable gaming state after the end of the special game, is the stop symbol, and in this example, "4A". (In the case of "4B"), the process proceeds to step 1656. Next, in step 1656, the CPUMC of the main control board M sets a predetermined number of times (100 in this example) in the time reduction counter MP52c. Next, in step 1658, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the main game time reduction flag. Next, in step 1660, the CPUMC of the main control board M turns on the auxiliary game time reduction flag and shifts to the next process (process of step 1997).

Next, the control process executed on the sub-main control unit SM side will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26. First, FIG. 22 is a main flowchart of the sub-control board S side (particularly, the sub-main control unit SM side) in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. Here, the process of FIG. 3D is a process on the sub-main control unit SM side that is executed after a reset such as when the power is turned on to the gaming machine. That is, when the power is turned on to the gaming machine, in step 2002, the CPUSC of the sub-main control unit SM executes the initial processing based on the information received from the main side (main control board M side) (for example, RAM clear). When information is received → The RAM on the sub control board S side is initialized, and when various information commands are received → The effect-related information at the time of power failure is reset to the RAM on the sub control board S side). After that, the process shifts to the loop processing in which the iterative processing routine (f) of the sub-main control unit SM is repeatedly executed. Here, when (f) is executed, first, in step 2400, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S executes the hold information management process described later, as shown in the process of FIG. Next, in step 2700, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S executes the decorative symbol display content determination process described later. Next, in step 2800, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S executes the decorative symbol display control process described later. Next, in step 2900, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S executes the special game-related display control process described later. Next, in step 2999, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S executes the display command transmission control process (transmits the command set by these series of subroutines to the sub-sub control unit SS side), and ends this iterative process routine. do.

As described above, the CPUSC of the sub-main control unit SM adopts a form in which the sub-main side routines (S2400 to S2999) are looped after being reset. Further, the process of FIG. 3E is a process at the time of interruption of the sub-main control unit SM, and the signal from the STB signal line in the main control board M described above is one terminal (this) of the CPU of the sub-main control unit SM. In the example, it is a processing flow (e) when it is connected to the NMI terminal). That is, when an NMI interrupt occurs in the sub-main control unit SM (when the STB signal line is turned on), in step 2004, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S is a command input port from the main control board M side (described above). Check the input port of the data signal line. Then, in step 2006, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S temporarily stores the command transmitted from the main control board M side in the RAM area on the sub-main control unit SM side based on the confirmation result, and immediately before the main interrupt process. Returns to the processing that was being executed in.

Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the pending information management process according to the subroutine of step 2400 in FIG. 22. First, in step 2402, whether or not the CPUSC of the sub-control board S has received a command related to the occurrence of a new hold (hold information related to the first main game symbol or the second main game symbol) from the main control board M side. Is determined. In the case of Yes in step 2402, in step 2404, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S is set to the drawing hold counter value (in this example, the maximum number is 4 for the first main game and the maximum number is 4 for the second main game). Add "1". Next, in step 2406, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S temporarily stores the hold information (random value, etc.) transmitted from the main control board M side in the RAM area of the sub-control board S, and proceeds to step 2418. ..

On the other hand, if No in step 2402, in step 2410, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not the symbol variation display start instruction command has been received from the main control board M side. In the case of Yes in step 2410, in step 2412, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S subtracts “1” from the drawing hold counter value. Next, in step 2414, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S deletes the hold information (random value, etc.) related to the symbol variation from the RAM area of the sub-control board S, and shifts the remaining hold information. Next, in step 2416, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns on the symbol content determination permission flag, and proceeds to step 2418. Even if No in step 2410, the process proceeds to step 2418.

Next, in step 2418, the CPUMC of the main control board M lights and displays the same number of hold display lamps (hold display images) as the drawing hold counter value on the effect display device SG, and the next process (step 2700). Process).

Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the decorative symbol display content determination process according to the subroutine of step 2700 in FIG. 22. First, in step 2702, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not the symbol content determination permission flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2702, in step 2704, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns off the symbol content determination permission flag. Next, in step 2706, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S is decorated with reference to the temporarily stored symbol information (stop symbol / variation mode related to the main game symbol) and the lottery table for determining the content of the map variation. Stop symbol of symbol {For example, if the stop symbol related to the main game symbol is a big hit symbol, doublet such as "7, 7, 7", if it is a lost symbol, "1, 3, 5" , Etc.} and the variation mode are determined and temporarily stored in the RAM area of the sub-control board S.

Next, in step 2712, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns on the symbol content determination flag and shifts to the next process (process of step 2800). Even if No in step 2702, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 2800).

Next, FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the decorative symbol display control process according to the subroutine of step 2800 in FIG. 22. First, in step 2802, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not the symbol content determination flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2802, in step 2804, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns off the symbol content determination flag. Next, in step 2806, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns on the symbol changing flag. Next, in step 2809, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S starts the map variation time management timer SM21t, and proceeds to step 2810. Even if No in step 2802, the process proceeds to step 2810.

Next, in step 2810, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not the symbol changing flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2810, in step 2811, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S confirms the timer value of the map variation time management timer SM21t. Next, in step 2812, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S has reached the variation start timing of the decorative symbol based on the variation time management timer SM21t and the variation mode temporarily stored in the RAM area of the sub-control board S. Judge whether or not. In the case of Yes in step 2812, in step 2814, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S sets a command for displaying the variation of the decorative symbol on the effect display device SG (sub-sub control in the display command transmission control process in step 2999). It is transmitted to the unit SS side), and the process proceeds to step 2832.

On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2812, in step 2816, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S has a decorative symbol based on the pattern variation time management timer SM21t and the variation mode temporarily stored in the RAM area of the sub-control board S. It is determined whether or not the stop display timing (temporary stop display timing) has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 2816, in step 2818, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S sets a command to display the stop display (temporary stop display) of the decorative symbol on the effect display device SG (display command transmission control in step 2999). In the process, it is transmitted to the sub-sub control unit SS side), and the process proceeds to step 2832.

On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2816, in step 2824, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S has a preview image or a notice image based on the variation mode temporarily stored in the RAM area of the drawing variation time management timer SM21t and the sub-control board S. It is determined whether or not the display timing of the reach image has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 2824, in step 2826, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S sets a command to display the image display related to the preview image and the reach image on the effect display device SG (in the display command transmission control process of step 2999). Then, it is transmitted to the sub-sub control unit SS side), and the process proceeds to step 2832. Even if No in step 2824, the process proceeds to step 2832.

Next, in step 2832, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not the main game symbol is stopped and displayed (for example, receives information from the main control board M side that the main game symbol is stopped and displayed). (Determine whether or not it was done). In the case of Yes in step 2832, in step 2834, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S sets a stop display command (confirmed display command) for the decorative symbol on the effect display device SG (sub-sub in the display command transmission control process in step 2999). It is transmitted to the control unit SS side). Next, in step 2836, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S stops and resets (zero clears) the drawing variation time management timer SM21t. Next, in step 2838, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns off the symbol changing flag and shifts to the next process (process of step 2900). Even if No in step 2810 or step 2832, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 2900).

Next, FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the special game-related display control process according to the subroutine of step 2900 in FIG. 22. First, in step 2902, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not the special gaming flag is off. In the case of Yes in step 2902, in step 2904, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not the special game start display instruction command has been received from the main control board M side. If Yes in step 2904, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns on the special gaming flag in step 2912. Next, in step 2914, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S performs a jackpot start display on the effect display device SG (displays appropriately based on the type of jackpot), and proceeds to step 2920. Even if No in step 2902, the process proceeds to step 2920.

Next, in step 2920, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S sequentially displays the number of rounds and the number of winnings on the effect display device SG based on the game information sequentially transmitted from the main control board M side (gaming property). It may be executed as needed based on the type of jackpot, etc.) Set the command. Next, in step 2926, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S determines whether or not a special game end display instruction command has been received from the main control board M side. In the case of Yes in step 2926, in step 2928, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S sets a command for displaying the end of the jackpot on the effect display device SG (displays appropriately based on the type of jackpot). Next, in step 2930, the CPUSC of the sub-control board S turns off the special gaming flag and shifts to the next process (process of step 2999). Even if No in step 2904 or step 2926, the process proceeds to the next process (process in step 2999).

(summary)
The following concepts can be extracted (listed) based on the configurations shown in the above examples. However, the concepts listed below are just examples, and not only the combination and separation of these listed concepts (upper conceptualization), but also the concepts based on the further configuration shown in the above examples are added to these concepts. You may.

The gaming machine according to this aspect (1) is
A launching device (for example, a launching device D42 described later) for launching one game medium toward a predetermined area (for example, a gaming area D30 described later) using an electric drive source is provided.
The launcher is
A guidance mechanism that guides the game medium (for example, the ball supply passage BU124 described later) and
A launching unit (for example, a hammer BU 162 described later) that launches the game medium guided by the guiding mechanism into the predetermined area, and
A launch handle (for example, a launch handle D44 described later) that can be operated by a player in a predetermined amount based on the origin position.
An operation amount detection unit (for example, a launch volume HU110 described later) that detects the operation amount of the launch handle operated by the player, and
Have,
Further, a launch control unit (for example, a launch control board D40 described later) for determining the launch intensity of the game medium based on the operation amount of the launch handle is further provided.
The launch handle
In the non-operated state, it is possible to return to the origin position by urging force.
An operation detection unit (for example, a touch sensor HU120 described later) for determining whether or not the launch handle is operated is provided in the vicinity of the launch handle or the launch handle.
The launch control unit
Information related to the operation amount of the firing handle or information related to the determined firing intensity at a predetermined timing based on the determination result of the operation detecting unit (for example, the timing when the player's hand is separated from the firing handle D44). Has information retention means to retain,
The firing intensity is determined based on the information held by the information holding means.
Next, the information related to the operation amount of the firing handle held by the information holding means or the information related to the firing intensity is cleared before the predetermined timing for determining the firing intensity. It is a game machine.

Further, the gaming machine according to this aspect (2) is
A launching device (for example, a launching device D42 described later) for launching a plurality of game media toward a predetermined area (for example, a gaming area D30 described later) using an electric drive source is provided.
The launcher is
A guidance mechanism that guides the game medium (for example, the ball supply passage BU124 described later) and
A launching unit (for example, a hammer BU 162 described later) that launches a game medium guided by the guiding mechanism into the predetermined area, and
A launch handle (for example, a launch handle D44 described later) that can be operated by a player in a predetermined amount based on the origin position.
An operation amount detection unit (for example, a launch volume HU110 described later) that detects the operation amount of the launch handle operated by the player, and
Have,
Further provided with a launch control unit (for example, a launch control board D40 described later) that determines the launch intensity of the game medium based on the operation amount of the launch handle.
The launch handle
In the non-operated state, it is possible to return to the origin position by urging force.
An operation detection unit (for example, a touch sensor HU120 described later) for determining whether or not the launch handle is operated is provided in the vicinity of the launch handle or the launch handle.
The launch control unit
Information related to the operation amount of the firing handle or information related to the determined firing intensity at a predetermined timing based on the determination result of the operation detecting unit (for example, the timing when the player's hand is separated from the firing handle D44). Has information retention means to retain,
The firing intensity is determined based on the information held by the information holding means.
Next, the information related to the operation amount of the firing handle held by the information holding means or the information related to the firing intensity is cleared before the predetermined timing for determining the firing intensity. It is a game machine.

Even in a game machine that is configured to output an electric signal from the launch handle to the launch mallet and uses the electrical signal to determine the launch strength of the launch mallet, the launch handle uses a mechanism such as the repulsive force of a spring. It is assumed that the voltage value will vary depending on the individual differences of the equipment and the skill and habit of the player's operation. According to the gaming machine according to the present aspect (1) or (2) described above, at each timing when it is determined that the firing handle has been operated based on the detection of the operation detection unit (for example, the player's hand is from the firing handle D44). Since the amount of operation of the firing handle is held at a remote timing, etc.), it is possible to prevent variations in the voltage value, absorb individual differences in equipment and the skill and habits of the player's operation, and achieve stable firing intensity. You can fire a game ball.

Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the discrepancy between the operation and the actual strength that occurs in the case of the pseudo-hand-made launching device, while maintaining the feeling of firing one ball at a time or a predetermined plurality of balls at a time.

Further, according to the gaming machine according to the above-mentioned aspect (1) or (2), it is said that the firing handle is operated next based on the detection of the operation detection unit while the operation amount of the firing handle is held. Since the operation amount of the launch handle held before the determined timing is cleared, even when launching the game balls one after another, it is launched by the voltage value that accurately reflects the operation amount of the launch handle. The strength can be determined and the game ball can be fired.

Further, it is preferable that the period for holding the operation amount of the launch handle is the time required from the timing of launching one game ball to the preparation for launching the next game ball. For example, it is preferable to determine it based on the time required to guide the game ball to the launch position and make it ready for launch.

Furthermore, the timing for clearing the operation amount of the firing handle can be determined based on signals output from various sensors and arithmetic circuits, results obtained by various arithmetic processing such as timekeeping processing, and the like.

The operation amount detection unit (launch volume HU110) described above is preferably a variable resistor (volume) having a structure that can be easily attached and detached. In general, highly durable variable resistors are often expensive, and the cost of gaming machines is inevitably high. On the other hand, when a variable resistor with low durability is used, it is possible to simplify the replacement work and prevent it from becoming complicated by using a variable resistor having a structure that can be easily attached and detached, and at a low cost. Can be done.

Next, with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 27, the electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment is an enclosed pachinko gaming machine.

In the second embodiment, the main control board M that controls the progress of the game, the display control of the game ball number display W10, the display control of the frame control notation device W20, the control related to the communication with the rental unit KU, and the like. Various effects on the display device SG such as fluctuation / stop of decorative symbols based on the information (signals, commands, etc.) from the frame control board W that controls the number and the main control board M, and the sound from the speaker D24. , The sub-control board S that controls the lighting of the game effect lamp D26, the execution of error notification, and the like, and the power supply unit E that supplies power to the entire game machine including these control boards are mainly configured. In this example, the sub-control board S is configured so that one CPU plays the same role as the sub-main control unit SM and the sub-sub control unit SS described above, but the first is not limited to this. As in the embodiment, the sub-main control unit SM and the sub-sub control unit SS may be arranged on one substrate. More specifically, the sub-control board S controls various effects on the effect display device SG such as fluctuation / stop of decorative symbols, sound from the speaker D24, lighting of the game effect lamp D26, and error notification. It may be configured to include two control units, a control unit SM and a sub-sub control unit SS that executes display processing such as variable display / stop display, hold display, and notice display of decorative symbols on the effect display device SG. .. The main control board M, the frame control board W, and the sub control board S include a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores a program that defines the arithmetic processing of the CPU in advance, and data handled by the CPU (generated during a game). It is equipped with a RAM that temporarily stores various data and computer programs read from the ROM, and a backup area (and a backup power supply) for holding information in the event of a power failure.

Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of each board and the electrical connection mode between each board / device will be outlined. First, the main control board M is a winning opening sensor (not shown) {the above-mentioned first main game start opening ball entry detection device A11s, second main game start opening entry ball detection device B11s, auxiliary game start opening entry ball detection device H11s. , 1st prize opening winning detection device C11s, 2nd winning opening winning detection device C21s, general winning opening winning ball detection device P11s}, drive solenoid (described above, 1st big winning opening solenoid C13, 2nd) Game peripherals (1st main game peripherals A, 2nd main game peripherals in the figure) that are input / output devices essential for the progress of the game, such as the large winning opening solenoid C23) and information display LED (not shown). It is electrically connected to the device B, the first and second main game shared peripheral devices C, and the auxiliary game peripheral device H), and controls the progress of the game based on the input signals from each input device. Further, the main control board M is also electrically connected to the frame control board W and the sub control board S, and based on the progress of the game, information (commands) related to the prize ball, the game state, etc. is sent to the frame control board W. , Information (commands) related to the progress state of the production / game, etc. can be transmitted to the sub-control board S, respectively.

Further, in the second embodiment, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 27, bidirectional communication is possible between the main control board M and the frame control board W, and the frame control board W to the main control board M can be connected to each other. It is configured to transmit response information and the like related to the information received from the main control board M side. On the other hand, the main control board M and the sub control board S are configured to enable one-way communication from the main control board M to the sub control board S (the communication method may be serial communication or parallel communication). May be used). The communication between the control boards (between the control devices) may be one-way communication or two-way communication.

Further, the frame control board W is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the rental unit KU via the connection terminal board STB. Information on counting (sometimes referred to as counting notification), information on the game status and prize balls, etc. are transmitted from the frame control board W to the rental unit KU, and the rental unit KU lends the game ball to the frame control board W. It is configured to send information about the information (sometimes called a loan notice). Further, the rental unit KU is capable of two-way communication with the hall computer HC. For example, the rental unit KU transmits game-related information such as a game status and a prize ball to the hall computer HC (game-related information is , It is transmitted from the main control board M to the frame control board W, and is transmitted from the frame control board W to the rental unit KU).

Further, the frame control board W is a handle / launching device including a RAM clear button RCB which is an operation member for executing RAM clearing and a launching device D42 which launches a game ball (reservoir ball) into the game area D30 one by one. W80, a ball removal button W70 for releasing a ball, a game ball number clear button W60 which is an operation member for clearing the number of balls held, a door opening sensor W50 capable of detecting the opening of the door D18, and a door opening sensor W50. A counting button W40 for executing counting, and a lifting / polishing device capable of polishing and lifting (transporting) a game ball that has been launched into the game area and entered one of the entry ports to the launching device D42. Communication with W30, a frame control display W20 capable of displaying the base value and the number of balls held (counter value of the number of balls held), a game ball number display W10 capable of displaying the number of balls held, and the rental unit KU. It has a connection terminal plate STB for doing so. Although not shown, it also has a frame opening sensor capable of detecting the opening of the front frame D14. Further, it may be configured to have only one of the door opening sensor and the frame opening sensor. Further, although not shown, an error display W3 that displays the above-mentioned error occurrence status related to the number of balls held (for example, displayed in a single-digit 7-segment display) and an error canceling switch for clearing a predetermined error. W3a and the like are also connected to the frame control board W. The lifting / polishing device W30 may be referred to as a circulation means.

Here, the frame control board W has a game ball number display W10 and a frame control display W20 as a display capable of displaying the number of balls held, and the game ball number display W10 is from the front of the game machine. It is visible, in other words, visible to the player. Further, the frame control display W20 is visible from the back of the gaming machine, in other words, it is invisible to the player. In this way, by having two indicators capable of displaying the number of balls held, for example, even if the game ball number display W10 fails or the correct number of balls held is not displayed, the game hall can be managed. By confirming the frame control display W20 (confirming the game ball number display W10 and the frame control display W20), the person can grasp the number of balls held and the number of balls held by the game ball number display W10. It is possible to recognize whether or not the display is accurate.

Here, the launching device D42 determines the firing intensity (launching position) based on the amount of operation of the firing handle when it is detected (touch detection) that the player directly operates the firing handle D44, and the game area D30. It is configured so that the game balls can be fired one by one toward any position of, and even if the game balls are fired continuously, the counter and timer are prevented so that the game balls cannot be fired more than 100 pieces per minute. The game balls are configured to be fired at regular intervals (for example, 600 ms / piece). In other words, regardless of the game state such as the probability fluctuation game state or the game state such as whether or not the special game is executed, the game ball is always launched at regular intervals and at the rate of fire based on the operation amount of the launch handle. It is configured to be performed (the rate of fire does not differ), which appropriately reflects the player's rate of fire regardless of the state of the game. More specifically, when the player desires a right-handed strike, the right-handed strike can be executed by operating the firing handle D44 at a position corresponding to the firing strength at which the right-handed strike can be executed at regular intervals. If he wants to hit left, he can hit left by operating the firing handle D44 at a position corresponding to the firing strength that can hit constant left, and is the special game being executed? Regardless of the state of the game, such as whether or not, the game ball can be fired at the firing strength and the firing interval based on the operation of the constant firing handle D44.

The launch handle D44 is provided with a launch stop switch (not shown) so that the player can stop the launch of the game ball at any timing (can be launched in units of one ball). ing. Specifically, even when the player is operating the launch handle D44 (it is detected (touch detection) that the launch handle D44 is directly operated), by operating the launch stop switch, the game ball can be operated. It is possible to stop the launch. Here, the "direct operation" means that a part of the player's body is used and the player touches the gaming machine to play the game. Further, in this example, from the viewpoint of gambling, the launch motor and the launch handle (strength adjustment) so that the performance of the launcher D42 does not change over a predetermined period or due to external noise and the durability is guaranteed. Function), the control circuit of the launcher is designed respectively. Further, it is desirable that the launch handle D44 is not equipped with a function of vibrating the launch handle D44 so as not to hinder the adjustment of the launch position by the player.

Further, the portion of the launching device D42, which is the entire device related to the launching of the gaming ball, to give kinetic energy to the gaming ball is composed of one launching motor. Further, the firing strength of the firing handle D44 returns to 0 when the player is not directly operating it (so that it is urged in the reference position direction by a spring or the like and returns to the reference position when the hand is released from the firing handle D44). The strength adjustment skill of the player can be reflected in the game result.

In this example, the game ball used is a ball having a diameter of 11 mm and a mass of 5.4 g or more and 5.7 g or less.

Next, as described above, the sub-control board S includes an effect display device SG for displaying decorative patterns, a speaker D24, a game effect lamp D26, and a drive device for other effects (not shown, but a so-called effect). It is connected to the motor, solenoid, etc. of the movable body accessory. Further, a sub input button SB that enables execution of a predetermined effect or the like by executing a predetermined operation (long press or press) is also connected to the sub control board S (not shown, but described above). The cross key SB2 is also connected to the sub control board S). Further, it can be determined that the sub-input button SB has been operated by detecting the sub-input button detection devices SBs. Further, it can be determined that the cross key SB2 has been operated by detecting the cross key detection device SB2s.

<<< Launch control of gaming balls in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment >>>
FIG. 28 is a block diagram related to launch control of a gaming ball in the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 28, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to the overall electrical configuration shown in FIG. 27.

<< Configuration related to launch control >>
As shown in FIG. 28, as a configuration related to launch control, a main control board M, a frame control board W, a launch handle W810, a launch control board W820, a ball feeding device W830, and a game ball number display W10 are included. The launch handle W810, the launch control board W820, and the ball feed device W830 are included in the handle / launch device W80 shown in FIG. 27.

A frame control board W is communicably connected to the main control board M of the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment. The frame control board W has a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read-only memory), a RAM (random access memory), and the like. The frame control board W can mainly execute a processing program related to a game ball.

A launch handle W810, a launch control board W820, a ball feeding device W830, and a game ball number display W10 are connected to the frame control board W.

The firing handle W810 has a handle portion W812, a touch sensor W814, and a firing stop switch W816.

The handle portion W812 has a handle volume (not shown) interlockable. When the player rotates the handle portion W812, the handle volume also rotates in conjunction with the rotation, and the firing intensity of the game ball is adjusted according to the detection voltage of the handle volume.

The touch sensor W814 is made of a conductive member, for example, sheet metal or plating. Since the pachinko gaming machine is connected to a commercial power source such as 100 volts, generally, a member that the player can touch is grounded, but the touch sensor W814 is connected to a touch switch (not shown). However, it is not grounded.

When the player touches the touch sensor W814, the operation of the firing handle W810 becomes effective. Further, by operating the launch stop switch W816, the player can stop the launch of the game ball while maintaining the rotation angle of the handle portion W812 (the state in which the detection voltage of the handle volume is maintained). The relationship between the specific operation of the player and the movement of the game ball will be described later.

The launch control board W820 has a launch solenoid W822. The firing solenoid W822 is driven based on the firing permission signal emitted from the main control board M. The hammer arm W842 is swung by driving the firing solenoid W822. When the firing solenoid W822 is driven, a ball feed reference signal is emitted. The ball feed reference signal is supplied to the ball feed solenoid W832 of the ball feed device W830 via the frame control board W. The ball feed reference signal functions as a control signal for driving the ball feed solenoid W832.

The ball feed device W830 includes a ball feed solenoid W832, a ball feed inlet sensor W834, and a ball feed outlet sensor W836.

The configuration of the launch control board W820 and the ball feeder W830 will be described later.

<< Configuration of launch control board W820 and ball feeder W830 >>
FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the launch control board W820 and the ball feeding device W830.

<Ball feeder W830>
The ball feeding device W830 has a movable piece W838. The movable piece W838 can swing. The movable piece W838 has either a prohibited position (FIGS. 29 (a) and 29 (c)) for prohibiting the movement of the game ball and a permitted position (FIG. 29 (b)) for permitting the movement of the game ball. Positioned.

The ball feed device W830 has a ball feed solenoid W832 for swinging the movable piece W838. By driving the ball feed solenoid W832, the movable piece W838 is positioned in the prohibited position or the permitted position. The ball feed solenoid W832 is driven by a ball feed solenoid control signal emitted from the main control board M to swing the movable piece W838.

The movable piece W838 has a recess that can accommodate one game ball. When the movable piece W838 is located in the prohibited position, the state in which one game ball is housed in the recess is maintained, and the game ball is prohibited from moving to the launching device W840 (FIG. 29 (a)). When the movable piece W838 is located at the permitted position, one game ball housed in the recess is guided to the launcher W840 (FIG. 29 (b)). As a result, one game ball passes through the flow path W839 and moves to the launching device W840.

As described above, the ball feeding device W830 supplies one game ball to the launching device W840 in response to the ball feeding solenoid control signal emitted by the CPU of the main control board M.

The ball feed device W830 has a ball feed inlet sensor W834 and a ball feed outlet sensor W836. The ball feed inlet sensor W834 and the ball feed outlet sensor W836 are provided with the movable piece W838 interposed therebetween.

The ball feed inlet sensor W834 is provided in the flow path W839 upstream of the movable piece W838. The ball feed inlet sensor W834 detects the movement of the game ball on the upstream side of the movable piece W838. The ball feed inlet sensor W834 is provided in the flow path W839. For example, the ball feed inlet sensor W834 comprises an optical sensor. The ball feed inlet sensor W834 detects the passage of the game ball when the game ball passes through the flow path W839 (FIG. 29 (a)). When the ball feed inlet sensor W834 detects the passage of the game ball, the ball feed inlet sensor W834 supplies the inlet passage detection signal to the main control board M.

The ball feed outlet sensor W836 is provided in the flow path W839 downstream of the movable piece W838. The ball feed outlet sensor W836 detects the movement of the game ball on the downstream side of the movable piece W838. The ball feed outlet sensor W836 is provided in the flow path W839. For example, the ball feed outlet sensor W836 comprises an optical sensor. The ball feed outlet sensor W836 detects the passage of the game ball when the game ball passes through the flow path W839 (FIG. 29 (b)). When the ball feed / outlet sensor W836 detects the passage of the game ball, the ball feed / outlet sensor W836 supplies an exit passage detection signal to the main control board M.

<Launcher W840>
The launching device W840 has a game ball holding portion W844 and a hammer arm W842 (FIG. 29). In FIG. 29, only the tip portion of the hammer arm W842 is shown. The game ball holding unit W844 holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device W830 at the firing position so that it can be launched (FIG. 29 (c)). The hammer arm W842 swings when a current is supplied to the firing solenoid W822. By swinging the hammer arm W842, the tip of the hammer arm W842 hits the game ball at the launch position, and the game ball is launched toward the game area (FIG. 30).

Further, as shown in FIG. 29 (c), the movable piece W838 returns to the prohibited position and accommodates one new game ball in the recess. In this way, each time one game ball is supplied to the launching device W840, the next one game ball is housed in the recess of the movable piece W838.

<< Operation of launcher W840 and handle W812 >>
FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing the operation of the launching device W840 and the handle portion W812.

The timing chart of FIG. 30 shows, in order from the top, a game permission state, a state of the touch sensor W814, a state of the handle portion W812, a state of the firing stop switch W816, a state of the firing solenoid W822, and a state of the ball feed reference signal.

Regarding the game permission state, HIGH indicates a game permission state, and LOW indicates a game non-permission state. Regarding the state of the touch sensor W814, HIGH indicates a state in which the player is touching the touch sensor W814, and LOW indicates a state in which the player is not touching the touch sensor W814. Regarding the state of the handle portion W812, the magnitude of the detection voltage of the handle volume linked with the handle portion W812 is shown.

Regarding the state of the launch stop switch W816, HIGH indicates a state in which the operator is not operating the launch stop switch W816, and LOW indicates a state in which the operator is operating the launch stop switch W816. Regarding the state of the firing solenoid W822, HIGH indicates a state in which a current is supplied to the firing solenoid W822, and LOW indicates a state in which a current is not supplied to the firing solenoid W822. Regarding the state of the ball feed reference signal, HIGH indicates that a current is supplied to the ball feed solenoid W832, and LOW indicates that a current is not supplied to the ball feed solenoid W832.

First, the launch permission signal becomes HIGH (time T1-1) (condition A). The launch permission signal is output from the main control board M and supplied to the launch device W840 via the frame control board W. Based on the fact that the launch permission signal becomes HIGH, the launch device W840 is in the launch permission state.

Next, when the player touches the touch sensor W814 of the firing handle W810, the touch sensor W814 becomes HIGH (time T1-2) (condition B).

Further, when the player rotates the handle portion W812 of the firing handle W810, the detection voltage of the handle volume linked with the handle portion W812 increases, and when the rotation angle of the handle portion W812 becomes larger than a predetermined angle, the handle volume is detected. The voltage exceeds the threshold (time T1-3) (condition C).

At this time, the launch stop switch W816 is off (condition D). That is, the launch of the game ball is not stopped.

These conditions A to D are conditions for enabling the launch solenoid W822 to be driven. When the conditions A to D are satisfied, the firing solenoid W822 is set to HIGH after a predetermined time (for example, 37.5 milliseconds) has elapsed (time T1-4). That is, a current corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle portion W812 is supplied to the firing solenoid W822, and the firing solenoid W822 is driven for a predetermined time (for example, 16 milliseconds) (time T1-4 to T1-5). .. As a result, the hammer arm W842 is swung, and the game ball is launched toward the game area.

Further, the ball feed reference signal is output from the frame control board W to the ball feed device W830 for a predetermined time (for example, 37.5 milliseconds) (time T1-4 to T1-6). The ball feed reference signal is a signal for driving the ball feed solenoid W832 of the ball feed device W830. By driving the ball feed solenoid W832, the game ball is supplied from the ball feed device W830 to the launcher W840.

After the firing solenoid W822 is driven (HIGH) (time T1-4) and a predetermined time (for example, 562.5 milliseconds) has elapsed (time T1-7), are the conditions A to D satisfied again? Judge whether or not.

When the conditions A to D are satisfied, after 37.5 milliseconds (time T1-8), the firing solenoid W822 is driven for 16 milliseconds (time T1-8 to T1-9) to control the frame. A ball feed reference signal is output from the substrate W to the ball feed device W830 for a predetermined time (for example, 37.5 milliseconds) (time T1-8 to T1-10).

By controlling in this way while the conditions satisfying the conditions A to D continue, the firing solenoid W822 is driven with a cycle of about 600 milliseconds thereafter.

Further, 562.5 milliseconds after the firing solenoid W822 is energized, it is determined whether or not the conditions A to D are satisfied. When the conditions A to D are not satisfied, the ball feed reference signal is not output from the frame control board W, the drive of the ball feed solenoid W832 is stopped, and only the launch solenoid W822 is driven three times to feed the ball. Stop.

<< Operation of ball feeding device W830 and game ball number display W10 >>
FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing the operations of the ball feeding device W830 and the game ball number display W10.

In the timing chart of FIG. 31, in order from the top, the game permission state, the touch sensor W814 state, the handle portion W812 state, the firing stop switch W816 state, the firing solenoid W822 state, the ball feed reference signal state, and the ball feed solenoid state. The state of W832, the state of the ball feed inlet sensor W834, the state of the ball feed outlet sensor W836, and the state of the game ball number display W10 are shown.

The game permission state, the state of the touch sensor W814, the state of the handle portion W812, the state of the firing stop switch W816, the state of the firing solenoid W822, and the state of the ball feed reference signal are the same as those in FIG.

Regarding the state of the ball feed solenoid W832, the ball feed solenoid W832 is driven to indicate that the movable piece W838 is located at the permitted position, and LOW indicates that the movable piece W838 is located at the prohibited position.

Regarding the state of the ball feed inlet sensor W834, it indicates that HIGH has detected the passage of the game ball by the ball feed inlet sensor W834, and LOW has not detected the passage of the game ball.

Regarding the state of the ball feed outlet sensor W836, it indicates that HIGH has detected the passage of the game ball by the ball feed outlet sensor W836, and that LOW has not detected the passage of the game ball.

Regarding the state of the game ball number display W10, the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display W10 is shown. The upper row indicates that the number X of the game balls is displayed, the middle row indicates that the number X-1 of the game balls is displayed, and the lower row indicates that the number X-2 of the game balls is displayed. show.

First, when the firing solenoid W822 is driven (HIGH) (time T2-1 to T2-2), the ball feed reference signal is transmitted for a predetermined time (for example, 37.5 milliseconds) (time T2-1). ~ T2-3), is supplied from the launch control board W820 to the ball feed device W830 via the frame control board W.

After a predetermined time (for example, 16 milliseconds) has elapsed from when the state of the ball feed reference signal becomes HIGH (time T2-1) (time T2-3), the ball feed outlet sensor W836 is set to LOW. The ball feed solenoid W832 is driven for a predetermined time (for example, 75 milliseconds) (time T2-2 to T2-5).

By driving the ball feed solenoid W832, the movable piece W838 moves from the prohibited position to the permitted position. As a result, the game ball stopped in front of the movable piece W838 moves toward the downstream, and the ball feed inlet sensor W834 detects the passage of the game ball (HIGH) (time T2-4 to T2-6). ..

When the ball feed inlet sensor W834 detects the passage of the game ball, X-1 obtained by subtracting one from X by one is displayed on the game ball number display W10 (time T2-4).

The game ball is accommodated in the recess of the movable piece W838 and then moves toward the launcher W840. The ball feed outlet sensor W836 detects the movement of the game ball (time T2-7 to T2-8). As a result, the game ball is guided to the launching device W840.

By controlling in this way, the same operation is repeated with a cycle of about 600 milliseconds thereafter.

<< Operation of the game ball in a jammed state >>
FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing an operation when the ball feed outlet sensor W836 detects a ball jam in a game ball.

In the timing chart of FIG. 32, in order from the top, the game permission state, the touch sensor W814 state, the handle portion W812 state, the firing stop switch W816 state, the firing solenoid W822 state, the ball feed reference signal state, and the ball feed solenoid state. The state of W832, the state of the ball feed inlet sensor W834, the state of the ball feed outlet sensor W836, and the state of the game ball number display W10 are shown. These states are the same as the timing chart of FIG.

First, after the state of the ball feed reference signal becomes HIGH (time T3-1) and after a predetermined time (for example, 16 milliseconds later) (time T3-2), the state of the ball feed outlet sensor W836 is changed. When it is HIGH, the frame control board W determines that ball clogging has occurred and does not drive the ball feed solenoid W832.

After that, when the state of the ball feed outlet sensor W836 becomes LOW, the frame control board W determines that the ball clogging has been cleared, and drives the firing solenoid W822 twice to return to the normal state. ..

<<< Modification >>>
The configuration and control related to the launch control described above can be applied to the conventional non-encapsulated pachinko gaming machine, and the hitting ball and medal launching device such as pinball, smart ball, and medal pusher.

Pinball is a game in which a game ball guided to a game area is played by two movable bars and hits a target placed in the game area to increase the score. Smart ball is a game area of a pachinko machine. Is diagonally arranged, and a hit ball is launched into the game area by a launching device similar to a pinball, and the ball is entered into a predetermined entrance to obtain a prize ball. The launch handle W810, the launch control board W820, and the ball feeder W830 can be used for the pinball and the smart ball.

The medal pusher inserts medals inside the gaming machine, moves the inserted medals toward the discharge port by moving the movable plate placed inside, and acquires the medals discharged from the discharge port. It is a game machine. As the medal pusher, the above-mentioned launch handle W810, launch control board W820, or ball feed device W830 can be used.

<<<<<< Third Embodiment >>>>>
The first embodiment shows the configuration of a normal pachinko gaming machine (non-encapsulating pachinko gaming machine) using a gaming ball, and the second embodiment shows an enclosed pachinko gaming machine using a gaming ball. The configuration of the machine is shown. In the third embodiment, the configuration of a sparrow ball gaming machine is shown as another example of a gaming machine using a gaming ball. For the sake of simplicity, in the third embodiment, the configuration will be described with reference to a block diagram.

<<< Launch control of a gaming ball in the sparrow ball gaming machine J10 according to the third embodiment >>>
FIG. 33 is a block diagram related to the launch control of the gaming ball in the sparrow ball gaming machine J10.

The sparrow ball game machine J10 puts the launched game ball into a predetermined entry port, stores the entry information as self-removal information, and when the predetermined aggression role is established by the self-reliance information, the game becomes aggression. It is a game machine for playing. The game ball is paid out to the player by Agari. In the sparrow ball game machine J10, a ball feeding device J100, a launching device J200, and the like are used. The launch handle J210 is adjusted to launch the game ball so as to be directed toward the ball entry port desired by the player.

The firing handle J210 according to the present embodiment has a rotating portion J212 and a trigger portion J214. The player adjusts the firing intensity of the game ball by rotating the rotating portion J212. When the player operates the trigger unit J214, the game ball is launched toward the game area with a firing intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating unit J212. The rotating portion J212 is interlocked with the handle volume (not shown) (variable resistor). When the player rotates the rotating portion J212, the handle volume also rotates, and the firing intensity of the game ball is adjusted according to the detection voltage of the handle volume. That is, the game ball is not launched only by the player rotating the rotating portion J212, and the game ball is launched with the strength corresponding to the handle volume by the player operating the trigger portion J214.

The trigger portion J214 can have a structure that imitates, for example, a trigger for starting a firearm such as a gun. You can fire a game ball by pulling the trigger with your index finger. While the player continues to operate the trigger unit J214, the game ball can be continuously (continuously) fired. The relationship between the specific operation of the player and the movement of the game ball will be described later.

<< Configuration related to launch control >>
As shown in FIG. 33, the main control board J300 of the sparrow ball game machine J10 has a game start button J400, a ball feed count sensor J110, a ball presence sensor J220, a return ball count sensor J500, and a ball feed solenoid J230. And a hardware timer (launch control circuit) J600.

<Game start button J400>
The game start button J400 is a button for starting a game. The player can start the game by operating the game start button J400. When the game start button J400 is operated, a certain number of game balls become available. That is, a certain number of game balls can be fired, and the player can play a game until a certain number of game balls are used up. The number of game balls that can be fired may differ depending on the game state after the game is started, and the number of game balls that can be fired can be increased to advance the game.

The game start button J400 is electrically connected to the main control board J300. When the player operates the game start button J400, the game start signal is supplied to the main control board J300.

<Ball feed count sensor J110>
The ball feed count sensor J110 is a sensor for detecting a game ball sent from the ball feed device J100 (see FIG. 34) to the launch device J200 (see FIG. 34). For example, the ball feed count sensor J110 comprises an optical sensor. The passage of the game ball is detected by detecting that the light is blocked when the game ball passes, or by detecting the light reflected by the game ball when the game ball passes.

The ball feed count sensor J110 is electrically connected to the main control board J300. When the ball feed count sensor J110 detects the passage of the game ball, the ball feed count sensor J110 supplies the game ball passage signal to the main control board J300.

<Sensor with ball J220>
The ball sensor J220 is a sensor for detecting a game ball that has been sent from the ball feeding device J100 to the launching device J200 and has become ready to be launched by the launching device J200. The game ball that is ready to be fired is a game ball that exists at a position where the hammer arm J700 swings to be fired. The sensor J220 with a sphere is made of, for example, an optical sensor. The presence (presence or absence) of the game ball is detected by detecting that the light is blocked by the presence of the game ball or detecting the light reflected by the existing game ball.

The ball sensor J220 is electrically connected to the main control board J300. When the ball presence sensor J220 detects the presence of the game ball, it supplies the game ball presence signal to the main control board J300.

<Return ball count sensor J500>
The return ball count sensor J500 is a sensor for detecting a game ball (foul ball) that the game ball launched from the launcher J200 cannot reach the game area and returns. If the rotating portion J212 of the firing handle J210 is not sufficiently rotated and is fired at a sufficient initial velocity, the game area cannot be reached. By providing a collection passage for collecting the returned game ball, it is possible to prevent the next game ball from being hindered from launching. Since a passage for recovery is provided, the game ball that has returned along the launch rail after being launched is at the launch position (the position where the hammer arm J700 is launched and the position where the ball sensor J220 is provided). ), And can be collected accurately.

The return ball count sensor J500 is provided in the collection passage. The return ball count sensor J500 detects the passage of the game ball moving in the collection passage. The return ball count sensor J500 comprises an optical sensor. The return ball count sensor J500 detects that the light is blocked when passing through the game ball, or detects the light reflected by the game ball when passing through the game ball, thereby detecting the light of the game ball. Detect passage.

The return ball count sensor J500 is electrically connected to the main control board J300. When the return ball count sensor J500 detects the passage of the game ball, the return ball count sensor J500 supplies the game ball passage signal to the main control board J300.

<Ball feed solenoid J230>
The ball feed solenoid J230 is a solenoid for driving a movable piece J102 (FIG. 34) for feeding a game ball stored in the ball feed device J100 to the launch device J200. The movable piece J102 is normally located in a prohibited position (FIG. 34 (a) or FIG. 34 (c)) and does not move the game ball to the launcher J200. When the movable piece J102 is driven by the ball feed solenoid J230, it is located at the permitted position (FIG. 34 (b)) and guides one game ball to the launcher J200. The specific movement of ball feeding will be described later.

<Hardware timer (launch control circuit) J600>
The hardware timer (launch control circuit) J600 is a timer that measures the time until a predetermined time elapses, based on the time when the trigger unit J214 is operated by the player. When a predetermined time elapses, the hardware timer J600 supplies a launcher control signal to the launcher J200 and supplies a launch signal to the main control board J300.

<Launcher control signal>
When the launcher control signal is supplied to the launcher J200, a current is supplied to the launch solenoid of the launcher J200 to swing the hammer arm J700. By swinging the hammer arm J700, a force is applied to the game ball located at the launch position of the launcher J200, and the game ball is launched from the launcher J200. Details of the launch of the game ball will be described later.

<Launch signal>
The firing signal supplied to the main control board J300 is a signal for the CPU of the main control board J300 to determine whether or not the launching device J200 has been driven. The CPU of the main control board J300 determines that the launching device J200 is driven by the firing signal. That is, the CPU of the main control board J300 determines that the game ball has been launched from the launching device J200. Details of the launch of the game ball will be described later.

<< Configuration and operation of ball feeder J100 and launcher J200 >>
FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configurations of the ball feeding device J100 and the launching device J200. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the launching device J200.

<Ball feeder J100>
The ball feeding device J100 has a movable piece J102. The movable piece J102 can swing. The movable piece J102 has either a prohibited position (FIGS. 34 (a) and 34 (c)) for prohibiting the movement of the game ball and a permitted position (FIG. 34 (b)) for permitting the movement of the game ball. Positioned.

The ball feeding device J100 has a ball feeding solenoid J230 for swinging the movable piece J102. By driving the ball feed solenoid J230, the movable piece J102 is positioned at the prohibited position or the permitted position. The ball feed solenoid J230 is driven by a ball feed solenoid control signal emitted from the main control board J300 to swing the movable piece J102.

The movable piece J102 has a recess that can accommodate one game ball. When the movable piece J102 is located in the prohibited position, the state in which one game ball is housed in the recess is maintained, and the game ball is prohibited from moving to the launching device J200 (FIG. 34 (a)). When the movable piece J102 is located at the permitted position, one game ball housed in the recess is guided to the launching device J200 (FIG. 34 (b)). As a result, one game ball passes through the flow path J120 and moves to the launching device J200.

As described above, the ball feeding device J100 supplies one of the game balls to the launching device J200 in response to the ball feeding solenoid control signal emitted from the CPU of the main control board J300.

The ball feed device J100 has a ball feed count sensor J110. The ball feed count sensor J110 is provided in the flow path J120. For example, the ball feed count sensor J110 comprises an optical sensor. The ball feed count sensor J110 detects the passage of the game ball when the game ball passes through the flow path J120 (FIG. 34 (b)). When the ball feed count sensor J110 detects the passage of the game ball, the ball feed count sensor J110 supplies a passage detection signal to the main control board J300.

<Launcher J200>
The launcher J200 has a game ball holding portion J240 and a hammer arm J700 (FIG. 35). The game ball holding unit J240 holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device J100 in a launchable position (FIGS. 34 (c) and 35). The hammer arm J700 swings when a current is supplied to the firing solenoid. By swinging the hammer arm J700, the tip of the hammer arm J700 hits the game ball at the launch position, and the game ball is launched toward the game area (FIG. 35).

The launcher J200 has a ball sensor J220 (FIG. 35). The ball sensor J220 detects whether or not a game ball is present at the launch position. For example, the sensor J220 with a sphere comprises an optical sensor. When the ball sensor J220 detects the presence of the game ball at the launch position, the ball sensor J220 supplies the ball sensor signal to the main control board J300.

<<< Launching a game ball >>>
<< When the game start button J400 is operated while the game is permitted>
FIG. 36 is a timing chart related to the launch control of the game ball. FIG. 36 shows a normal operating state. Specifically, it is a timing chart which shows the state when the game start button J400 is operated by a player in the game permission state. The game permission state means a state in which a new game can be played by operating the game start button J400. As described above, in the game permission state, a certain number of game balls can be fired to play a game.

In the timing chart of FIG. 36, in order from the top, the game permission state, the game start button J400 state, the ball feed solenoid control signal state, the ball feed count sensor J110 state, the ball presence sensor J220 state, and the firing trigger signal state. , The state of the launch signal, the state of the launcher control signal.

Regarding the game permission state, HIGH indicates a game permission state, and LOW indicates a game non-permission state. Regarding the state of the game start button J400, HIGH indicates a state in which the game start button J400 is operated by the operator, and LOW indicates a state in which the game start button J400 is not operated. Regarding the state of the ball feed solenoid control signal, HIGH indicates that the current is supplied to the ball feed solenoid J230 and the movable piece J102 is located at the permitted position, and LOW cuts off the current to the ball feed solenoid J230. It is shown that the movable piece J102 is located at the prohibited position.

Regarding the state of the ball feed count sensor J110, it indicates that HIGH has detected the passage of the game ball by the ball feed count sensor J110, and that LOW has not detected the passage of the game ball. Regarding the state of the ball sensor J220, HIGH indicates that the game ball is capable of launching at the launch position by the ball sensor J220, and LOW is not present at the launch position. show. Regarding the state of the firing trigger signal, HIGH indicates that the trigger portion J214 of the firing handle J210 is operated by the player, and LOW indicates that the trigger portion J214 of the firing handle J210 is not operated by the player. show.

Regarding the state of the launch signal, HIGH indicates that the launcher J200 has been driven, and LOW indicates that the launcher J200 has not been driven. Regarding the state of the launcher control signal, HIGH indicates that the current is supplied to the launch solenoid of the launcher J200, and LOW indicates that the current is not supplied to the launch solenoid of the launcher J200.

<Processing of the first ball>
First, when the power of the sparrow ball game machine J10 is turned on and no error related to the launch of the game ball has occurred, the CPU of the main control board J300 sets the game permission state to HIGH (time T1). The CPU of the main control board J300 sets the game permission state to LOW when the game start button J400 is operated by the player (HIGH) while the game permission state is HIGH (time T2). ). Further, the CPU of the main control board J300 sets the ball feed solenoid control signal to HIGH (time T2) when the game start button J400 is operated by the player (HIGH).

The CPU of the main control board J300 supplies a ball feed solenoid control signal to the ball feed device J100 (HIGH) to drive the ball feed solenoid J230. The CPU of the main control board J300 ends the supply of the ball feed solenoid control signal when a predetermined time (for example, 40 milliseconds) has elapsed from the time when the ball feed solenoid control signal is supplied to the ball feed device J100. (LOW) (time T3).

The ball feed device J100 drives the ball feed solenoid J230 by supplying the ball feed solenoid control signal at time T2, and positions the movable piece J102 from the prohibited position to the permitted position. As a result, one game ball (first ball) is supplied to the launching device J200. Next, the ball feed device J100 drives the ball feed solenoid J230 to position the movable piece J102 from the permitted position to the prohibited position when the supply of the ball feed solenoid control signal is terminated at time T3.

When one game ball is supplied from the ball feed device J100 to the launch device J200, the ball feed count sensor J110 provided in the flow path J120 detects the passage of the game ball (time T4 to T5).

The ball sensor J220 of the launcher J200 detects the game ball existing at the launch position by supplying the game ball (time T6 to).

The CPU of the main control board J300 starts the software timer from (time T2) when the ball feed solenoid signal is set to HIGH, and when a predetermined time (for example, about 300 milliseconds) has elapsed. , Set the game permission state to HIGH (time T7).

The player rotates the rotating portion J212 of the firing handle J210 and further operates the trigger portion J214 (time T7 to T8). For the sake of simplicity, in the present embodiment, the time when the game permission state becomes HIGH and the time when the player operates the launch handle J210 are set to the same time T7, but the game permission state becomes HIGH. After that, the player can operate the firing handle J210.

The hardware timer J600 is activated when the trigger unit J214 is operated (time T7). When a predetermined time (for example, about 200 milliseconds) has elapsed from the start of the hardware timer J600 (time T7) (time T9), a launch control signal is supplied to the launcher J200 (time T9 to T10). .. By supplying the firing control signal, a current is supplied to the firing solenoid of the launching device J200, and the hammer arm J700 is swung. The swing of the hammer arm J700 causes the game ball to be launched toward the game area.

Further, when the game ball is launched toward the game area, the ball presence sensor J220 ends the detection of the game ball (time T10).

Further, when a predetermined time (for example, about 200 milliseconds) has elapsed from the start of the hardware timer J600 (time T7) (time T9), a firing signal is emitted and supplied to the main control board J300. .. The main control board J300 can determine that the game ball has been launched from the launcher J200 based on the launch signal.

<Processing of the second ball>
As described above, the main control board J300 determines that the game ball of the first ball has been fired by receiving the firing signal. Next, the main control board J300 starts the process of launching the second ball.

The main control board J300 activates the software timer when the firing signal is received (time T9), and when a predetermined time (for example, about 40 milliseconds) has elapsed (time T11), the game is permitted. Set the state to LOW. Further, the main control board J300 sets the ball feed solenoid control signal to HIGH (time T9) when the firing signal is received, and activates the software timer for a predetermined time (for example, about 40 milliseconds). When (time T11) has elapsed, the ball feed solenoid control signal is set to LOW.

The ball feed device J100 drives the ball feed solenoid J230 by supplying the ball feed solenoid control signal at time T9, and positions the movable piece J102 from the prohibited position to the permitted position. As a result, one game ball (second ball) is supplied to the launching device J200. Next, the ball feed device J100 drives the ball feed solenoid J230 to position the movable piece J102 from the permitted position to the prohibited position when the supply of the ball feed solenoid control signal is terminated at time T11.

When the game ball of the second ball is supplied from the ball feed device J100 to the launch device J200, the ball feed count sensor J110 provided in the flow path J120 detects the passage of the game ball (time T12 to T13). ).

Next, the ball sensor J220 of the launcher J200 detects the game ball existing at the launch position by supplying the game ball (time T14 to).

The CPU of the main control board J300 starts the software timer from (time T9) when the firing signal is received, and when a predetermined time (for example, about 300 milliseconds) has elapsed (time T14). ), Set the game permission status to HIGH.

The player rotates the rotating portion J212 of the firing handle J210 and further operates the trigger portion J214 (time T15 to T16). For the sake of simplicity, in the present embodiment, the time when the game permission state becomes HIGH and the time when the player operates the launch handle J210 are set to the same time T15, but the game permission state becomes HIGH. After that, the player can operate the firing handle J210.

The hardware timer J600 is activated when the trigger unit J214 is operated (time T15). When a predetermined time (for example, about 200 milliseconds) has elapsed from the start of the hardware timer J600 (time T15) (time T17), a launch control signal is supplied to the launcher J200 (time T17 to T19). .. By supplying the firing control signal, a current is supplied to the firing solenoid of the launching device J200, and the hammer arm J700 is swung. The swing of the hammer arm J700 causes the game ball (second ball) to be launched toward the game area.

Further, when the game ball is launched toward the game area, the ball sensor J220 ends the detection of the game ball (time T18).

Further, when a predetermined time (for example, about 200 milliseconds) has elapsed from the start of the hardware timer J600 (time T15) (time T17), a firing signal is emitted and supplied to the main control board J300. .. The main control board J300 can determine that the game ball (second ball) has been launched from the launcher J200 by the launch signal.

The main control board J300 determines that the game ball of the second ball has been fired by receiving the firing signal. After that, the game ball of the third ball is also controlled and fired in the same manner.

<Setting the interval between launches of game balls (sequence of launches of game balls)>
The firing interval between the first ball and the second ball is determined by the values of the software timers of T2 to T7 and the values of the hardware timers of T7 to T9. The firing interval between the second and third balls is determined by the values of the software timers of T9 to T15 and the values of the hardware timers of T15 to T17.

In this way, the firing interval of the game ball is determined by the sum of the value of the software timer and the value of the hardware timer. The value of the hardware timer is always constant and cannot be changed. In the example described above, it is always a constant about 200 milliseconds. On the other hand, the value of the software timer can be changed by the main CPU of the main control board M.

If the game ball is already located at the launch position when the game machine is started, or if the game ball is already located at the launch position before the game starts, you can increase the value of the software timer. , Can fire a game ball. By making a so-called blank shot, the firing position can be set to an appropriate state and the subsequent game can be started smoothly. For example, when the main CPU of the main control board M sets the value of the software timer to 400 milliseconds (the value of the hardware timer is a constant 200 milliseconds), the game ball is fired about every 600 milliseconds. In this way, it is possible to set the launch position to an appropriate state while confirming the state of the launch position by blank shot.

Further, when the game balls are smoothly and continuously fired on the game board, the interval between the fires of the game balls can be shortened by reducing the value of the software timer. For example, when the main CPU of the main control board M is set to about 300 milliseconds (the value of the hardware timer is a constant 200 milliseconds), the game progresses by firing a game ball every about 500 milliseconds. Can be accelerated. By doing so, the progress of the game machine can be accelerated, the player can quickly know the result of the game, and by increasing the number of game balls used for the game, the game facility such as a hall can be used. It is possible to increase the number of game balls lent out per unit time (for example, per hour).

Further, when the game ball returns without reaching the game area, or when a so-called foul ball is generated and the return ball count sensor J500 detects the game ball, the game balls are moved at normal intervals. When fired, there is a possibility that the launched game ball and the returned game ball collide with each other, and the game ball cannot be fired into the game area, which may be disadvantageous to the player. In such a case, the timing of launching the next game ball is delayed by increasing the value of the software timer. For example, when the main CPU of the main control board M is set to about 500 milliseconds (the value of the hardware timer is a constant 200 milliseconds), the game ball is fired every 700 milliseconds to perform the next game. The timing of launching the ball can be delayed. By doing so, after the foul ball has flowed into the collection passage, the game ball can be launched, and the game can be smoothly advanced by launching the game ball without being affected by the foul ball. Can be done.

The above-mentioned software timer values and situations are merely examples, and can be set to other values depending on the phenomenon or situation that occurs in the gaming machine. The value of the software timer may be set as appropriate according to the playability, the hardware configuration, and the situation.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the firing interval of the game ball is determined by using the value of one software timer and the value of one hardware timer. The value of the hardware timer (multiple hardware timer circuits) may be provided. The firing interval can be set in detail according to the situation.

<< When the launch handle J210 is operated when the game is not permitted>
FIG. 37 is a timing chart showing a state when the firing handle J210 is operated by the player when the game is not permitted.

In the timing chart of FIG. 37, similarly to the timing chart of FIG. 36, in order from the top, the game permission state, the game start button J400 state, the ball feed solenoid control signal state, the ball feed count sensor J110 state, and the ball presence sensor The state of J220, the state of the firing trigger signal, the state of the firing signal, and the state of the launcher control signal are shown.

Similar to the above, first, when the power of the sparrow ball game machine J10 is turned on and no error related to the launch of the game ball has occurred, the CPU of the main control board J300 sets the game permission state to HIGH (time T1). ). The CPU of the main control board J300 sets the game permission state to LOW when the game start button J400 is operated by the player (HIGH) while the game permission state is HIGH (time T2). ). Further, the CPU of the main control board J300 sets the ball feed solenoid control signal to HIGH (time T2) when the game start button J400 is operated by the player (HIGH).

The CPU of the main control board J300 supplies a ball feed solenoid control signal to the ball feed device J100 (HIGH) to drive the ball feed solenoid J230. The CPU of the main control board J300 ends the supply of the ball feed solenoid control signal when a predetermined time (for example, 40 milliseconds) has elapsed from the time when the ball feed solenoid control signal is supplied to the ball feed device J100. (LOW) (time T3).

At time T2, the game permission state is LOW. Therefore, even if the player rotates the rotating portion J212 of the firing handle J210 and operates the trigger portion J214 at the time T2, the operation of the trigger portion J214 is invalid because the game permission state is LOW. The game ball is never fired.

<< When a game ball exists at the launch position of the launcher J200 when the power is turned on >>
FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing a state in which a gaming ball is present at the launching position of the launching device J200 when the power of the sparrow ball gaming machine J10 is turned on.

In the timing chart of FIG. 38, similarly to the timing charts of FIGS. 36 and 37, in order from the top, the game permission state, the game start button J400 state, the ball feed solenoid control signal state, the ball feed count sensor J110 state, The state of the ball sensor J220, the state of the firing trigger signal, the state of the firing signal, and the state of the launcher control signal are shown.

Similar to the above, first, when the power of the sparrow ball game machine J10 is turned on and no error related to the launch of the game ball has occurred, the CPU of the main control board J300 sets the game permission state to HIGH (time T1). ).

Even if the game start button J400 is operated by the player at time T2, if the ball presence sensor J220 detects the presence of the game ball, the operation of the game start button J400 is invalidated. .. As a result, the ball feed solenoid control signal does not become HIGH, and the game ball is not supplied from the ball feed device J100 to the launcher J200. By processing in this way, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from being present in the launching device J200.

As described above, when the ball presence sensor J220 detects the existence of the game ball at the launch position, the game ball is not supplied from the ball feed device J100 to the launch device J200, and the game is not started. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a plurality of game balls from being present at the firing position and to prevent ball clogging from occurring.

Further, when the game ball is present at the launch position, the main control board M should transmit information to that effect to the sub control board S to exclude the game ball from the effect display device SG, the speaker D24, or the like. It is preferable to notify.

<Operation of trigger unit J214>
As described above, the player can launch the game ball by operating the trigger unit J214. In other words, the game ball will not be fired unless the player operates the trigger unit J214. Further, the player can continuously fire a plurality of game balls by continuously operating the trigger unit J214. It should be noted that the CPU of the main control board J300 is configured to emit a launchable signal, and by controlling the launchable signal each time one game ball is fired, a single shot is repeated to continuously fire a plurality of game balls. Can be fired.

<Multiple handle volumes (variable resistors)>
As described above, the rotating portion J212 has a handle volume (not shown) (variable resistor) that can be interlocked. The rotating portion J212 may be provided with two separate handle volumes (variable resistors) that are independent of each other. When the rotating portion J212 rotates, the two handle volumes also rotate in conjunction with each other at the same time. One handle volume is connected to the main control board and the other handle volume is connected to the sub control board. As described above, the main control board can be used for controlling the launch of the game ball. On the other hand, by connecting the other handle volume to the sub-control board, it is possible to perform the effect according to the detection voltage of the handle volume. The sub-control board can convert the detection voltage of the handle volume, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal by an A / D converter or the like, and execute processing for staging. Compared to the case where the detection voltage is transmitted to the sub-control board via the main control board using only one handle volume, the storage capacity required for processing on the main control board is reduced and the information to be transmitted to the sub-control board is reduced. The amount can also be reduced.

The number of handle volumes (variable resistors) that can be interlocked is not limited to two. By providing three or more handle volumes, it is possible to perform separate effects. Further, the handle volumes of the A curve, the B curve, and the C curve may be appropriately combined, or the handle volumes having different maximum resistance values may be combined.

<<< Modification >>>
The configuration and control related to the launch control described above can be applied to the conventional non-encapsulated pachinko gaming machine, and the hitting ball and medal launching device such as pinball, smart ball, and medal pusher.

Pinball is a game in which a game ball guided to a game area is played by two movable bars and hits a target placed in the game area to increase the score. Smart ball is a game area of a pachinko machine. Is diagonally arranged, and a hit ball is launched into the game area by a launching device similar to a pinball, and the ball is entered into a predetermined entrance to obtain a prize ball. The launch handle W810, the launch control board W820, and the ball feeder W830 can be used for the pinball and the smart ball.

The medal pusher inserts medals inside the gaming machine, moves the inserted medals toward the discharge port by moving the movable plate placed inside, and acquires the medals discharged from the discharge port. It is a game machine. As the medal pusher, the above-mentioned launch handle W810, launch control board W820, or ball feed device W830 can be used.

<<<<<< 4th Embodiment >>>>>
In the fourth embodiment, control of a solenoid for displacing various electric accessories in a pachinko gaming machine (which can be used for both non-encapsulating and enclosed gaming machines) will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

<<< Circuit that controls and drives the solenoid L100 >>>
FIG. 39 shows a block diagram of a circuit that controls and drives the solenoid L100 on the main control board M.

<< Solenoid control / drive circuit >>
The main control board M includes a main CPU, a protection circuit M200, and a drive circuit M300. The solenoid control / drive circuit includes a protection circuit M200 and a drive circuit M300. The solenoid L100 is electrically connected to the drive circuit M300.

<Solenoid L100>
The solenoid L100 has shutters for various winning openings (large winning openings, etc.), shutters for V zones (provided in the large winning openings, sometimes referred to as specific areas, etc.), and easy entry of the starting port. It is used to move variable members (electric chews) (not shown) that change the sex. The solenoid L100 is interlocked with the shutter, and the shutter can be opened and closed by driving the solenoid L100.

The shutter can be urged by a spring or the like (not shown). When the drive current to the solenoid L100 is stopped (power cutoff state), the shutter is closed by the urging force (restoring force). On the other hand, when the driving current is supplied to the solenoid L100 (energized state), the shutter is opened by the driving force (electromagnetic force) of the solenoid L100. In this way, the shutter can be opened and closed by energizing or disconnecting the drive current to the solenoid L100.

The solenoid L100 can be used to move various movable bodies such as accessories. The number of the protection circuit M200 and the drive circuit M300 provided on the main control board M may be appropriately determined according to the number of solenoids L100, the number of movable bodies, and the like.

<< Opening circuit and holding circuit >>
The protection circuit M200 includes a first time constant determination unit M210 and a first waveform shaping unit M220, and a second time constant determination unit M230 and a second waveform shaping unit M240. The drive circuit M300 has a first drive unit M310 and a second drive unit M320.

The opening circuit is configured by the first time constant determination unit M210, the first waveform shaping unit M220, and the first drive unit M310. The release circuit is used to release the closed shutter. The holding circuit is configured by the second time constant determination unit M230, the second waveform shaping unit M240, and the second drive unit M320. The holding circuit is used to hold the shutter open.

<< Protection circuit M200 >>
<1st time constant determination unit and 2nd time constant determination unit>
The first time constant determination unit and the second time constant determination unit determine the timing of power interruption of the solenoid L100. The first time constant determination unit and the second time constant determination unit can be configured by, for example, a high-pass filter including a capacitor and a resistor (not shown). The timing of power interruption of the solenoid L100 can be adjusted by a time constant determined by the capacity of the capacitor and the resistance value of the resistor. The time constant by the first time constant determination unit and the time constant by the second time constant determination unit are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the timing of power interruption by the second time constant determination unit is longer than the timing of power interruption by the first time constant determination unit.

When the first time constant determination unit and the second time constant determination unit are composed of a capacitor and a resistance, the timing of power interruption is determined by the product of the capacitance of the capacitor and the resistance value of the resistance. When the resistance value is large, it may be easily affected by noise, and it is preferable to set an upper limit on the resistance value. When the capacity of the capacitor is increased, the outer shape is also increased and a mounting area is required. Therefore, it is preferable to set an upper limit for the capacity of the capacitor. It can be easily miniaturized. By shortening the time until the power is cut off, the capacity of the capacitor can be reduced.

The first time constant determination unit outputs an open operation control signal to the first waveform shaping unit. The first time constant determination unit switches from LOW to HIGH or from HIGH to LOW and outputs according to the release instruction signal issued from the main CPU. The LOW of the opening instruction signal is a signal instructing the power cutoff of the solenoid L100, and the HIGH of the opening instruction signal is a signal instructing the energization of the solenoid L100.

The second time constant determination unit outputs the holding operation control signal to the second waveform shaping unit. The second time constant determination unit switches from LOW to HIGH or from HIGH to LOW and outputs according to the holding instruction signal issued from the main CPU. The holding instruction signal LOW is a signal instructing the power cutoff of the solenoid L100, and the holding instruction signal HIGH is a signal instructing the energization of the solenoid L100.

<Decrease in potential>
As described above, the first time constant determination unit and the second time constant determination unit are composed of, for example, a high-pass filter composed of a capacitor and a resistor, and are of the open operation control signal output from the first time constant determination unit. The potential and the potential of the holding operation control signal output from the second time constant determination unit gradually decrease with the passage of time due to the discharge of the capacitor after switching from LOW to HIGH.

Even if the LOW of the release instruction signal from the main CPU is not supplied to the first time constant determination unit, the release operation control signal is changed from HIGH to LOW at the timing corresponding to the time constant of the first time constant determination unit. It can be switched and the solenoid L100 can be turned off. Even if the LOW of the hold instruction signal from the main CPU is not supplied to the second time constant determination unit, the hold operation control signal is changed from HIGH to LOW at the timing corresponding to the time constant of the second time constant determination unit. It can be switched and the solenoid L100 can be turned off.

<1st waveform shaping section and 2nd waveform shaping section>
The first waveform shaping unit shapes the waveform of the open operation control signal output from the first time constant determination unit. The second waveform shaping unit shapes the waveform of the holding operation control signal output from the second time constant determination unit. The first waveform shaping unit and the second waveform shaping unit include, for example, a two-stage Schmitt trigger circuit.

As described above, the potential of the open operation control signal from the first time constant determination unit and the potential of the hold operation control signal from the second time constant determination unit gradually decrease with the passage of time. When the open operation control signal or the holding operation control signal is affected by noise or the like, the timing of switching from HIGH to LOW tends to be unstable. Therefore, the first waveform shaping unit shapes the open operation control signal into a rectangular pulse wave, and the second waveform shaping unit shapes the holding operation control signal into a rectangular pulse wave. By shaping the open operation control signal and the holding operation control signal into a rectangular pulse wave, the timing of switching from HIGH to LOW can be made constant.

<< Drive circuit M300 >>
The first drive unit M310 converts the open operation control signal output from the first waveform shaping unit M220 into an open drive current. The second drive unit M320 converts the holding operation control signal output from the second waveform shaping unit M240 into a holding drive current. Both the open drive current and the holding drive current are supplied to the solenoid L100 to drive the solenoid L100. That is, the solenoid L100 is supplied with an open drive current and a holding drive current. The solenoid L100 generates an electromagnetic force by an open drive current to open the shutter. Further, the solenoid L100 generates an electromagnetic force by the holding drive current to hold the shutter open state.

<< Normal state and special state >>
40 (a-1) to (a-4) are timing charts showing a normal state. 40 (b-1) to (b-4) are timing charts showing special states. The normal state is a state in which an abnormality such as a failure has not occurred, and the special state is a state in which an abnormality has occurred. In FIGS. 40 (a-1) to (a-4) and 40 (b-1) to (b-4), for convenience, one opening operation and one holding operation are combined. Shown with one pulse.

<Normal state>
FIG. 40 (a-1) is a timing chart showing instruction signals (opening instruction signal and holding instruction signal) issued from the main CPU. HIGH of the instruction signal indicates an instruction of energization of the solenoid L100, and LOW indicates an instruction of disconnection of the solenoid L100. The main CPU instructs the energization of the solenoid L100 at the time T10, and instructs the solenoid L100 to be cut off at the time T20.

FIG. 40 (a-2) is a timing chart showing an operation control signal output from the time constant determination unit (first time constant determination unit and second time constant determination unit). As described above, the potential of the operation control signal gradually decreases with the passage of time according to the capacity of the capacitor. At time T10, it becomes HIGH according to the instruction signal from the main CPU, gradually decreases, and at time T20, it becomes LOW according to the instruction signal from the main CPU.

FIG. 40 (a-3) is a timing chart showing a shaped operation control signal output from the waveform shaping unit (first waveform shaping unit and second waveform shaping unit). The operation control signal is shaped into a rectangular pulse wave by the waveform shaping unit. At time T10, it becomes HIGH, and at time T20, it becomes LOW.

FIG. 40 (a-4) is a timing chart showing the state of the solenoid L100. At time T10, the solenoid L100 is energized according to the instruction signal issued from the main CPU, and at time T20, the solenoid L100 is in the power cut state according to the instruction signal issued from the main CPU.

<Special condition>
FIG. 40 (b-1) is a timing chart showing instruction signals (opening instruction signal and holding instruction signal) issued from the main CPU. HIGH of the instruction signal indicates an instruction of energization of the solenoid L100, and LOW indicates an instruction of disconnection of the solenoid L100. At time T10, the main CPU instructs the solenoid L100 to energize, and the solenoid L100 is in the normal state. If any trouble occurs, for example, a connection failure of the signal line occurs, the instruction signal instructing the power cutoff is not supplied to the protection circuit, and there is a possibility that the energized state of the solenoid L100 continues.

FIG. 40 (b-2) is a timing chart showing an operation control signal output from the time constant determination unit (first time constant determination unit and second time constant determination unit). As described above, the potential of the operation control signal gradually decreases with the passage of time according to the capacity of the capacitor. At time T10, the operation control signal becomes HIGH in response to the instruction signal from the main CPU, and gradually decreases. In the special state, even at the time T20, the instruction signal instructing the power cutoff is not supplied, and the operation control signal does not become LOW at the time T20. After that, the potential of the operation control signal gradually decreases due to the discharge of the capacitor of the time constant determination unit, and the operation control signal becomes LOW at time T30.

FIG. 40 (b-3) is a timing chart showing a shaped operation control signal output from the waveform shaping unit (first waveform shaping unit and second waveform shaping unit). The operation control signal becomes a rectangular pulse wave by the waveform shaping unit. At time T10, it becomes HIGH, and at time T30, it becomes LOW.

FIG. 40 (b-4) is a timing chart showing the state of the solenoid L100. At time T10, the solenoid L100 is energized according to the instruction signal issued from the main CPU, and at time T30, the solenoid L100 is turned off according to the operation control signal.

In this way, if the instruction signal issued from the main CPU does not become LOW even after the lapse of a predetermined time (time T20) due to some trouble, the time corresponding to the capacity of the capacitor of the time constant determination unit (time T20). At time T30), the supply of current to the solenoid L100 is stopped. It is possible to prevent the current from being continuously supplied to the solenoid L100, and it is possible to prevent the solenoid L100 from being heated.

<Opening instruction signal, holding instruction signal, state change of solenoid L100>
FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing an opening instruction signal and a holding instruction signal output from the main CPU of the main control board M, and a state of the solenoid L100.

In FIG. 41, the LOW of the release instruction signal indicates a state in which the solenoid L100 is not instructed to supply the open drive current (power cutoff state), and the HIGH of the open instruction signal indicates the solenoid L100 to supply the open drive current. Indicates the state (energized state). The holding instruction signal LOW indicates a state in which the solenoid L100 is not instructed to supply the holding drive current (power interruption state), and the holding instruction signal HIGH indicates a state in which the solenoid L100 is instructed to supply the holding drive current. (Energized state) is shown. The LOW of the solenoid L100 indicates a state in which the solenoid L100 is in a power cut state and the shutter is closed, and the HIGH of the solenoid L100 indicates a state in which the solenoid L100 is in an energized state and the shutter is open.

The release instruction signal indicates that the solenoid L100 is energized during ΔT1 for a certain period of time. The holding instruction signal indicates that the solenoid L100 is energized during ΔT2 for a certain period of time. As described above, the timing of the power interruption by the second time constant determination unit is longer than the timing of the power interruption by the first time constant determination unit, and ΔT2 is longer than ΔT1.

As shown in FIG. 41, the holding instruction signal becomes HIGH before the opening instruction signal becomes LOW, and the opening instruction signal becomes HIGH before the holding instruction signal becomes LOW. That is, in the main CPU of the main control board M, the opening instruction signal and the holding instruction signal are overlapped so that the state in which the opening instruction signal becomes HIGH and the state in which the holding instruction signal becomes HIGH overlap for a predetermined time (ΔT3). Is output.

In this way, the main CPU of the main control board M alternates between the open instruction signal and the hold instruction signal (ΔT1 and ΔT2) while ensuring the time ΔT3 in which the open instruction signal and the hold instruction signal are output in an overlapping manner. Output. In this way, the drive current can be constantly supplied to the solenoid L100, and by continuing to drive the solenoid L100, the open state of the shutter can be maintained.

As described above, the number of the protection circuit M200 and the drive circuit M300 may be appropriately determined according to the number of solenoids L100 and the like. The number of solenoids L100 may be determined according to the number of electric accessories such as attackers and electric tulips.

<Amplifier and speaker>
The pachinko gaming machine of the fourth embodiment has an amplifier and a speaker for emitting sound effects and the like. For example, the lower speaker may be located on the curtain plate and connected to the amplifier by a drawer connector. When the door D18 is opened, the drawer connector is disconnected and the sound can be cut off. Detection of the connected or disconnected state of the drawer connector may malfunction due to noise or the like.

Further, the amplifier has a mute terminal, and by using the mute terminal, the amplifier can be muted when the door D18 is opened.

The main control board M has an open / close detection switch (not shown) for detecting the open / close of the door D18. When the open / close detection switch detects that the door D18 has been opened, the mute terminal of the amplifier can be used to mute the door D18. By doing so, the sound from the lower speaker can be emitted from the lower speaker when the door D18 is closed, and the sound from the lower speaker can be stopped when the door D18 is open, without malfunction.

Further, when the disconnection of the drawer connector is detected, the effect display device SG can display information indicating that the disconnection has occurred.

Further, the sub-control board S constantly detects the disconnection state of the amplifier, and when it is determined that the disconnection has occurred, at a predetermined timing, for example, at the time of standby demonstration (3 minutes after the fluctuation stop, etc.). Detects the disconnection state of the amplifier and determines whether or not the disconnection state continues. By doing so, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the disconnection state of the amplifier actually occurs and whether or not the disconnection state continues. In addition, the standby demo state is a state in which the game shifts when the time when the game is not executed continues for a predetermined time, and "the game is not executed" means that the main game symbol is stopped or a big hit ( Small hit) When it is not running, when there is no hold, etc.

<<< Modification >>>
The above-mentioned solenoid configuration and control can also be applied to conventional non-encapsulated pachinko gaming machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, and electrically movable bodies such as pinballs, smart balls, and electric accessories such as medal pushers. can.

Pinball is a game in which a game ball guided to a game area is played by two movable bars and hits a target placed in the game area to increase the score. Smart ball is a game area of a pachinko machine. Is diagonally arranged, and a hit ball is launched into the game area by a launching device similar to a pinball, and the ball is entered into a predetermined entrance to obtain a prize ball. The above-mentioned solenoid can be used for an electrically movable body such as an electric accessory of a pinball or a smart ball.

The medal pusher inserts medals inside the gaming machine, moves the inserted medals toward the discharge port by moving the movable plate placed inside, and acquires the medals discharged from the discharge port. It is a game machine. The above-mentioned solenoid can be used for an electrically movable body such as an electric accessory of a medal pusher.

<<<<<< Fifth Embodiment >>>>>>
In the fifth embodiment, the presence or absence of a gaming ball at the launch position R120 of the pachinko gaming machine (non-encapsulating type or enclosed type) is detected. In the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

The ball sensor SN detects whether or not the game ball is located at the launch position R120. The ball sensor SN optically detects the game ball. The sensor SN with a sphere may be a pass-through type sensor or a reflection type sensor. The sensor SN with a ball is connected to the main control board M. The detection signal emitted from the sensor SN with a ball is supplied to the main control board M. The main control board M can determine whether or not the game ball is located at the launch position R120 by the detection signal.

<< Passive type sensor with ball SN100 >>
42 (a-1) and (a-2) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of the light emitting unit SN110 and the light receiving unit SN120 of the pass-through type sensor SN100 with a ball. In FIGS. 42 (a-1) and 42 (a-2), the left side of the paper is the front side of the gaming machine, and the right side of the paper is the depth side of the gaming machine. Further, the upper side of the paper surface is the upper side of the gaming machine, and the lower side of the paper surface is the lower side of the gaming machine.

The pass-through type sensor SN100 with a ball has a light emitting unit SN110 and a light receiving unit SN120. The light emitted from the light emitting unit SN110 can be received by the light receiving unit SN120. The light emitting unit SN110 and the light receiving unit SN120 are provided so as to face each other with the rail R100 interposed therebetween. The light emitting unit SN 110 and the light receiving unit SN 120 are provided so as to sandwich the firing position R120.

One of the light emitting unit SN110 and the light receiving unit SN120 is arranged on the front side, and the other is arranged on the depth side. The launch position R120 of the game ball is the end portion R110 of the rail R100, and by securing a space for arranging the light emitting portion SN110 and the light receiving portion SN120 on the front side and the depth side of the end portion R110 of the rail R100. A light emitting unit SN110 and a light receiving unit SN120 can be arranged. The detection accuracy can be improved by appropriately providing a member such as a light-shielding plate around the light-receiving unit SN120 so that the light-receiving unit SN120 does not receive stray light.

When the game ball is located at the launch position R120, the light emitted from the light emitting unit SN110 is blocked by the game ball and is not received by the light receiving unit SN120 (FIG. 42 (a-1)). At this time, the ball sensor SN100 emits a signal indicating that the game ball is located at the launch position R120.

When the game ball is not located at the firing position R120, the light emitted from the light emitting unit SN110 is received by the light receiving unit SN120 without being blocked (FIG. 42 (a-2)). At this time, the ball sensor SN100 emits a signal indicating that the game ball is not located at the launch position R120.

<< Sensor with reflective ball SN200 >>
42 (b-1) and (b-2) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of the light emitting unit SN210 and the light receiving unit SN220 of the reflective ball sensor SN200. In FIGS. 42 (b-1) and 42 (b-2), the left side of the paper is the front side of the gaming machine, and the right side of the paper is the depth side of the gaming machine. Further, the upper side of the paper surface is the upper side of the gaming machine, and the lower side of the paper surface is the lower side of the gaming machine.

The reflection type sensor with a sphere SN200 integrally has a light emitting unit SN210 and a light receiving unit SN220. The light emitted from the light emitting unit SN210 can be received by the light receiving unit SN 220 by being reflected. The reflective ball sensor SN200 is arranged near the rail R100. The light emitted from the light emitting unit SN210 travels toward the rail R100.

The reflection type sensor with a sphere SN200 is arranged on the depth side. The launch position R120 of the game ball is the end portion R110 of the rail R100, and it is sufficient to secure a space where the reflective ball sensor SN200 can be arranged on the depth side of the end end portion R110 of the rail R100. The detection accuracy can be improved by appropriately providing a member such as a light-shielding plate around the light-receiving unit SN 220 so that the light-receiving unit SN 220 does not receive stray light.

The reflection type sensor with a sphere SN200 can be arranged on either the front side or the depth side. It suffices to secure a space in which the reflective ball sensor SN200 can be arranged on either the front side or the depth side of the end portion R110 of the rail R100.

When the game ball is located at the launch position R120, the light emitted from the light emitting unit SN210 is reflected by the game ball and received by the light receiving unit SN 220 (FIG. 42 (b-1)). At this time, the ball sensor SN200 emits a signal indicating that the game ball is located at the launch position R120.

When the game ball is not located at the firing position R120, the light emitted from the light emitting unit SN210 is not reflected and is not received by the light receiving unit SN220 (FIG. 42 (b-2)). At this time, the ball sensor SN200 emits a signal indicating that the game ball is not located at the launch position R120.

The light emitting portion SN210 and the light receiving portion SN220 of the reflection type sensor SN200 with a sphere may not be integrally formed or may be formed separately. The light emitting unit SN210 and the light receiving unit SN220 may be arranged on the same side with respect to the rail R100.

<< Sensor with reflective ball SN300 >>
42 (c-1) and (c-2) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of the light emitting unit SN 310 and the light receiving unit 320 of the reflective ball sensor SN300. In FIGS. 42 (c-1) and 42 (c-2), the left side of the paper is the front side of the gaming machine, and the right side of the paper is the depth side of the gaming machine. Further, the upper side of the paper surface is the upper side of the gaming machine, and the lower side of the paper surface is the lower side of the gaming machine.

The reflective ball sensor SN300 has the same configuration as the reflective ball sensor SN200. The reflection type sensor with a sphere SN300 has a light emitting unit 310 and a light receiving unit 320 integrally.

The reflective ball sensor SN300 is arranged below the rail R100. The launch position R120 of the game ball is the end portion R110 of the rail R100, and it is sufficient to secure a space in which the reflective ball sensor SN300 can be arranged below the end portion R110 of the rail R100. The detection accuracy can be improved by appropriately providing a member such as a light-shielding plate around the light-receiving unit 320 so that the light-receiving unit 320 does not receive stray light. The rail R100 may be provided with a through hole that allows light to pass through.

When the game ball is located at the launch position R120, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 310 is reflected by the game ball and received by the light receiving unit 320 (FIG. 42 (c-1)). At this time, the ball sensor SN300 emits a signal indicating that the game ball is located at the launch position R120.

When the game ball is not located at the firing position R120, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 310 is not reflected and is not received by the light receiving unit 320 (FIG. 42 (c-2)). At this time, the ball sensor SN300 emits a signal indicating that the game ball is not located at the launch position R120.

The light emitting unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 of the reflection type sensor with a sphere SN300 may not be integrally formed or may be formed separately. The light emitting unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 may be arranged below the rail R100.

FIG. 43 is a schematic view showing a vertical launch system and a horizontal launch system.

The sensor SN100 with a ball, the sensor SN200 with a ball, and the sensor SN300 with a ball can all be used in either a vertical launch method or a horizontal launch method.

FIG. 43 (a) is a schematic view showing a vertical launch system. The vertical launch method is a method of launching a game ball in any direction included between the vertical direction and 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction. As described above, by providing the ball sensor SN100, the ball sensor SN200, and the ball sensor SN300 at the end end R110 of the rail R100, it is possible to detect whether or not the game ball is located at the launch position R120. ..

FIG. 43B is a schematic view showing a horizontal firing method. The horizontal launch method is a method of launching a game ball in any direction included between the horizontal direction and 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. As described above, by providing the ball sensor SN100, the ball sensor SN200, and the ball sensor SN300 at the end end R110 of the rail R100, it is possible to detect whether or not the game ball is located at the launch position R120. ..

FIG. 44 shows that the game ball is launched onto the game board D35 by a vertical launch method. The endmost portion R110 of the rail R100 is located in the region SR1 surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 44, and the sensor SN100 with a sphere, the sensor SN200 with a sphere, and the sensor SN300 with a sphere are also provided in the region SR1.

In FIG. 45, the game ball is launched onto the game board D35 by a horizontal firing method. The endmost portion R110 of the rail R100 is located in the region SR2 surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 45, and the sensor SN100 with a sphere, the sensor SN200 with a sphere, and the sensor SN300 with a sphere are also provided in the region SR2.

The sensor SN100 with a ball, the sensor SN200 with a ball, and the sensor SN300 with a ball may be provided according to the position of the end portion R110 of the rail R100. When the end portion R110 of R100 is located, the sensor SN100 with a ball, the sensor SN200 with a ball, and the sensor SN300 with a ball may be provided in the area SR3 or the like.

<Tama polishing unit>
A ball polishing unit can be provided in the enclosed gaming machine and the sparrow ball gaming machine. The ball polishing unit has an entrance where the game ball enters and an exit where the game ball exits. The ball polishing unit has a plurality of types of sensors and actuators (not shown). When the sensor provided at the entrance detects the game ball, the actuator is activated to polish the game ball while transporting it in the ball polishing unit. The polished game ball is discharged from the exit. When the game ball is detected by the sensor provided at the exit, the operation of the actuator is stopped.

In the case of a pachinko / pachislot machine, the player operates the BET button to start the game. A predetermined number of game balls are fired, and all the game balls are detected by the ball entry sensor provided on the game board to end the game. Therefore, when the ball polishing unit is used in the sparrow ball game machine, since a certain number of game balls are used for the game, it is not necessary to provide the ball polishing unit with an entrance sensor or an exit sensor.

That is, the ball polishing unit may be started when the game starts, and the ball polishing unit may be stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed after the game is completed. The main control board M can determine the presence or absence of a game ball to be polished by the ball polishing unit. Even if a problem occurs in the ball polishing unit, the main control board M can detect that an abnormality has occurred in the circulation of the game ball by the sensor with the ball. When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred, the error can be notified by transmitting information indicating that fact to the sub-control board S.

Further, the ball polishing unit may be provided with a bypass path that does not pass through the ball polishing section, and the ball polishing section or the bypass path may be selected by a mechanical switch. By inputting which is selected to the main control board M, it is possible to instruct the start or stop of the actuator.

In the second embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the number of balls held is subtracted by one each time the ball feed outlet sensor 836 is passed and displayed on the game ball number display W10. The launch of the game ball is detected by the ball sensor SN200 and the ball sensor SN300, and the number of balls held is subtracted by one at the timing when the game ball is launched into the game area and displayed on the game ball number display W10. May be good.

<< Summary of outline of each embodiment >>
Here, the outline of each of the above-described embodiments will be described.

<First Embodiment>
Equipped with a launcher that launches a single gaming medium into a given area using an electrical drive source.
The launcher is
A guidance mechanism that guides the game medium and
A launching unit that launches the game medium guided by the guiding mechanism into the predetermined area, and
A launch handle that allows the player to operate a predetermined amount based on the origin position,
An operation amount detection unit that detects the operation amount of the firing handle operated by the player, and
Have,
Further provided with a firing control unit that determines the firing intensity of the game medium based on the operating amount of the firing handle detected by the manipulated variable detection unit.
The launch handle
In the non-operated state, it is possible to return to the origin position by urging force.
An operation detection unit for determining whether or not the launch handle is operated is provided in the vicinity of the launch handle or the launch handle.
The launch control unit
It has an information holding means for holding information related to the operation amount of the firing handle or information related to the determined firing intensity at a predetermined timing based on the determination result of the operation detecting unit.
The firing intensity is determined based on the information held by the information holding means.
Next, the information related to the operation amount of the firing handle held by the information holding means or the information related to the firing intensity is cleared before the predetermined timing for determining the firing intensity. It is a game machine.

<Second embodiment>
A launcher that launches the game medium toward the game area,
A first detection means and a second detection means capable of detecting a game ball are provided.
It is a gaming machine capable of adjusting the firing interval of a gaming ball based on the detection status of the first detecting means and the second detecting means.

<Third embodiment>
A launcher that launches the game medium toward the game area,
A guide device that guides the game medium to the launcher, and
The launching device is provided with a presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of a game ball positioned so as to be able to be launched.
When the presence / absence detecting means detects the presence of the gaming ball, the guiding device does not guide the new gaming ball to the launching device.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the case of displacement of a movable body in a predetermined situation
A solenoid that displaces the movable body by energizing or disconnecting,
A first control unit that controls energization or disconnection of the solenoid, and
A second control unit for controlling energization or disconnection of the solenoid is provided.
After the solenoid is switched from power interruption to energization by the first control unit, the solenoid is switched from power interruption to energization by the second control unit at the first timing.
At the second timing after the first timing, the solenoid is switched from energization to power cutoff by the first control unit.
At the third timing after the second timing, the solenoid is switched from power cutoff to energization by the first control unit.
It is a gaming machine configured so that the solenoid is switched from energization to power cutoff by a second control unit at a fourth timing after the third timing.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Equipped with a presence / absence detection means for detecting the presence / absence of a game ball positioned so that it can be launched at the launch position.
The presence / absence detecting means is
A light emitting part that emits light toward the firing position,
A light receiving unit capable of receiving light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a light receiving unit.
It is a gaming machine having a determination means for determining the presence or absence of a gaming ball at the firing position based on the light receiving result in the light receiving unit.

M Main control board MN11ta-A 1st main game win / fail lottery table, MN11ta-B 2nd main game win / fail lottery table MN11ta-H Auxiliary game win / fail lottery table, MN41ta-A 1st main game symbol determination lottery table MN41ta -B 2nd main game symbol determination lottery table, MN41ta-H auxiliary game symbol determination lottery table MN51ta-A 1st main game variation mode determination lottery table, MN51ta-B 2nd main game variation mode determination lottery table MN51ta -H Auxiliary game symbol variation management lottery table, MP11t-C 1st and 2nd main game symbol variation management timer MP11t-H Auxiliary game symbol variation management timer, MP22t-B 2nd main game symbol variation management opening Electric accessory open Timer MP33c winning ball counter, MP34t special game timer MP52c time reduction counter, MT10 command transmission buffer A 1st main game related electrical member, A10 1st main game start port A11s 1st main game start port entry ball detection device, A20 1st main game symbol display device A21g 1st main game symbol display unit, A21h 1st main game symbol hold display unit B 2nd main game related electrical member, B10 2nd main game start port B11s 2nd main game start port entry ball Detection device, B11d 2nd main game start port Electric accessory B20 2nd main game symbol display device, B21g 2nd main game symbol display unit B21h 2nd main game symbol hold display unit C 1st and 2nd main game shared related electricity Parts, C10 1st big prize opening C11s 1st big winning opening winning detection device, C11d 1st big winning opening electric accessory C20 2nd big winning opening, C21s 2nd big winning opening winning detection device C21d 2nd big winning opening electric Accessory, D30 Game area D44 Launch handle D32 Outer rail, D34 Inner rail H Auxiliary game-related electrical member, H10 Auxiliary game start port H11s Auxiliary game start port entry ball detection device, H20 Auxiliary game symbol display device H21g Auxiliary game symbol display unit , H21h Auxiliary game symbol hold display unit S sub control board, SM effect display control means (sub main control board)
SM21ta drawing fluctuation content determination lottery table, SM21t drawing fluctuation time management timer SM25ta effect content determination table, SG effect display device SG10 display area, SG11 decorative symbol display area SG12 first hold display unit, SG13 second hold display unit KH Prize ball payout control board KE prize ball payout device, KE10 payout unit D16 transparent plate, KR prize ball rail KT prize ball tank, KH prize ball payout control board Ea power switch, D42 launcher E power supply unit, D40 launch control board HU100 Handle unit, HU102 rotary support shaft HU104 control lever, HU106 stopper HU108 spring, HU110 firing volume, HU120 touch sensor BU100 ball launching unit BU110 case body member, BU120 case lid member BU122 ball inlet, BU124 ball supply passage BU126 ball introduction path , BU128 ball lead-out path BU130 ball outlet, BU132 launch port BU140 ball feed mechanism, BU142 ball feed valve BU144 swing pin, BU146 ball receiving recess BU148 ball guide piece, BU150 ball stop piece BU152 ball feed solenoid, BU160 launch mechanism BU162 hammer, BU164 timer arm BU166 covering part, BU168 hammer head BU170 gap part, BU172 lower stopper BU174 upper stopper, BU176 firing solenoid BU178 drive shaft, BU180 firing rail part BU182 guide holder, BU184 firing rail BU186 guide member BU210 Rotation detection unit BU230 Data latch unit, BU240 Launch intensity adjustment volume Voltage holding unit BU250 Launch intensity adjustment unit, BU260 Launch cycle timer section W810 Launch handle W820 Launch control board W830 Ball feed device W840 Launch device J10 Sparrow ball game machine J100 Ball feed device J200 Launcher J300 Main control board J400 Game start button J500 Return ball count sensor J600 Hardware timer (launch control circuit)
M200 protection circuit M300 drive circuit SN100 ball sensor SN200 ball sensor SN300 ball sensor

Claims (1)

A launcher that launches the game medium toward the game area,
A guide device that guides the game medium to the launcher, and
The launching device is provided with a presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of a game ball positioned so as to be able to be launched.
When the presence / absence detecting means detects the presence of the gaming ball, the guiding device does not guide the new gaming ball to the launching device.

Images