JP2704522B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a ball game machine represented by a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine, and the like, and more particularly, to a game area formed on a game board, The present invention relates to a ball game machine provided with a variable prize ball device provided in a game area, a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball winning the variable prize ball device, and a game control means for controlling a game state.

[Prior Art] In this type of ball game machine, generally known hitherto, a variable winning ball device is opened when a predetermined game state is established, and a hit ball is won. This is a so-called big hit state that is advantageous to a player who is likely to play the ball, and the hit ball hit in the variable winning ball device is detected by the winning ball detecting means.

In this conventional ball game machine, there is a case where an abnormal state occurs in which the winning ball detecting means cannot be detected due to clogging or failure during a game. In order to eliminate the abnormal state related to the means, the game is set to the inactive state, the jamming is eliminated, and the winning ball detecting means is repaired.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in this type of conventional ball game machine, in order to return the game state to a normal state again after the game inactive state is once set and the cause of the abnormal state is eliminated. The power was turned on again or a manual reset was performed to restore the initial state. Therefore, despite being in a jackpot state that is advantageous to the player, the jackpot state is effectively returned to the initial state unilaterally due to a cause on the gaming machine side such as jamming or a failure of the winning ball detection means. When the game was restarted, the player was greatly dissatisfied when the game was restarted, and there was a problem that a trouble might occur with the clerk.

Further, as described above, for example, as described above, the abnormality related to the prize ball detecting means is such that the prize ball is blocked and detected at the prize ball detection portion of the prize ball detecting means, or the disconnection or short-circuit of the prize ball detecting means occurs. Various causes can be considered, such as a state in which a winning ball detection signal is not derived from the winning ball detecting means due to a failure such as. If the cause is a clogging, the clogging may be automatically cleared, and it is desirable to automatically return to a state where the game can be restarted if the clogging is automatically cleared. In the case of a failure of the winning ball detection means,
Repairing the winning ball detection means to make it a normal winning ball detecting means, and confirming that the winning ball detecting means can normally detect a winning ball, and then returning to a state where the game can be resumed. desirable.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a state in which the game can be resumed after the game is inactive once to eliminate the abnormal state related to the winning ball detection means, An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of restarting a game by satisfying an abnormality elimination condition suitable for each cause of an abnormality without dissatisfaction with a player.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a game area formed on a game board, a first state arranged in the game area, which is advantageous for the player, and a second state which is disadvantageous for the player. A variable winning ball device that can be changed to a state, a winning ball detecting unit that detects a winning ball that has won the variable winning ball device, and a game control unit that controls a game state, the game control unit includes: An abnormal state determining means for determining that an abnormal state has occurred in relation to the winning ball detecting means; and a game inactivating means for setting the game to an inactive state when an abnormal state determination output is provided by the abnormal state determining means. An abnormality elimination determining means for determining that the abnormal state has been eliminated; and when the abnormality elimination determination means outputs a elimination determination output, the game inactive state is released and the game state at the time of occurrence of the abnormal state is returned. Play First abnormality determination means for determining a first abnormality in an abnormal output state in which the detection signal of the winning ball detection means is output for a predetermined period of time. And a second abnormality determining means for detecting a second abnormality in which no prize ball is detected by the prize ball detecting means even though the variable prize ball device has been in the first state for a predetermined period. The abnormality elimination determination means performs a determination that the first abnormality has been eliminated when the abnormal output state of the prize ball detection means is released, and a prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection means. In this case, it is determined that the second abnormality has been resolved.

[Operation] According to the present invention, by the function of the abnormal state determining means, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in relation to the winning ball detecting means for detecting a winning ball that has won the variable winning ball device. By the function of the game inactivation means, the game is made inactive when there is an abnormality determination output by the abnormal state determination means. It is determined by the function of the abnormality elimination determining means that the abnormal state has been eliminated. By the function of the game state return means, when there is a resolution determination output by the abnormality resolution determination means, the game inactive state is released and the game state returns to the game state at the time of occurrence of the abnormal state.

Then, by the function of the first abnormality determination means included in the abnormality determination means, the first output state in which the detection signal of the winning prize ball detection means is output for a predetermined period is maintained.
Is determined. A second part included in the abnormality determining means;
By the function of the abnormality determination means, the second abnormality in which no prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection means is determined even though the variable prize ball device has been in the first state for a predetermined period. Then, when the abnormal output state of the prize ball detection means is released, the abnormality elimination determination means determines that the first abnormality has been resolved, and the prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection means. The second
Is determined that the abnormality has been resolved.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine which is an example of a ball game machine will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
Includes all those that play games by hitting balls, such as coin gaming machines.

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine 10 which is an example of a ball game machine according to the present invention.

A door holding frame 12 is mounted on a front frame 11 of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and a glass door 13 as an example of a transparent plate door is rotatably mounted on the door holding frame 12. The glass door 13 opens and closes a game area 27 formed by the game board 26. An operation handle 20 is provided below the pachinko gaming machine 10.
Is operated by the player, so that the pachinko ball is driven into the game area 27.

A variable display device is provided at the center of the game area 27.
A variable winning prize ball device 29 is provided below the ball 28. In the present embodiment, the variable display device 28 and the variable winning ball device 29 are configured as separate members,
Both devices may be configured integrally. If the pachinko ball hit into the game area 27 by the operation of the operation handle 20 wins one of the start winning openings 31a, 31b, 31c,
The variable display device 28 starts the variable display, and the variable display of the variable display device 28 stops when a certain period of time has passed without pressing the stop switch 18 or pressing the stop switch 18. When the identification information displayed by the stopped variable display device 28 becomes a predetermined specific combination (for example, 777), a specific game state is set, and the opening and closing plate 30 of the variable winning ball device 29 is set.
To be in a value-addable state (big hit state).

The gaming area 27 is further provided with normal winning ports 32, 33, and a predetermined amount of prize balls is provided by the pachinko balls winning in the normal winning ports 32, 33 or the variable winning ball device 29. The prize ball is discharged from the ball exit 16 into the hitting ball supply tray 15. When the prize balls in the hit ball supply tray 15 are full and cannot be stored any more, the prize balls are paid out from the surplus prize ball outlet 23 into the surplus prize ball tray 22. The surplus prize ball tray 22 is provided with a ball removal operation lever 24.By operating the ball removal operation lever 24, the premium balls in the surplus premium ball saucer 22 can be discharged to a ball box or the like. . In the drawing, reference numeral 34 denotes an out port, which is used to collect the out ball when the pachinko ball hit into the game area 27 falls without winning.

In the drawing, reference numerals 25 and 35 denote game effect lamps, which are lit or flashed in accordance with the occurrence of the specific game state, to enliven the atmosphere of the game, or illuminated or flashed in response to the occurrence of an abnormal situation, to notify of an abnormal situation. Or to do. Also,
Reference numeral 17 denotes a speaker for generating a sound effect when the specific game state occurs or for generating an alarm sound when an abnormal situation occurs. A hitting motor stop switch 21 temporarily stops driving of the hitting motor when the hitting motor 51 (see FIG. 2) of the hitting device 5 is driven in response to the operation of the operation handle 20. It is for. 14 is a front plate, and 19 is a mounting board which also serves as a decorative plate.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG.

A hitting device 5 that operates in response to the operation of the operation handle 20 (see FIG. 1) is provided below the pachinko gaming machine 10. The hitting device 5 includes a hitting motor 51, a driving blade 52 rotated by the hitting motor 51, a lever 53 abutting on the driving blade 52, and an integrally formed lever 53 with the rotation of the driving blade 52. A striking ball rod 54 that is intermittently oscillated, and an interlocking elevating body 55 that moves up and down in conjunction with the intermittent oscillation of the striking ball 54. In addition, the interlocking elevating body 55 is for operating a hit ball feeding mechanism (not shown) to feed pachinko balls one by one to a hit ball firing position.

The pachinko ball hit by the hitting device 5 and winning in the winning opening 32 is guided on a winning ball collecting gutter 47 and a winning ball processor.
Guided to 48. The prize ball dispenser 46 is operated by the prize ball processor 48 for each prize ball, and a predetermined number (for example, 13) of prize balls are paid out. The prize balls passing through the prize ball processor 48 are discharged outside the machine through the prize ball discharge passage 49. The premium ball dispenser 46
Is supplied with a prize ball in the prize ball storage tank 43. That is, the prize balls in the prize ball storage tank 43 are aligned in two rows by the ball alignment gutter 44, and are supplied into the prize ball dispenser 46 through the curve gutter 45.

In the figure, reference numeral 38 denotes a winning ball aggregate cover body,
The pachinko ball that has won inside is guided on the winning ball collecting gutter 47, or the pachinko ball winning in the starting winning opening 31a passes through the starting winning ball detecting switch 41a, and then the winning ball collecting gutter 47 is made.
It is for leading on. Also, the starting winning opening
The pachinko balls that have won 31b and 31c are also detected by the starting winning ball detection switches 41b and 41c, and are thereafter guided onto the winning ball collecting gutter 47. In the figure, 40 is a variable display device main body, 34 is an out port, and 42 is a solenoid as an example of an electric drive source for opening and closing the open / close plate 30 (see FIG. 1) of the variable prize ball device 29. 39 is a wiring relay board. Reference numeral 50 denotes a control board box for controlling the opening and closing of the variable winning ball device 29 and controlling the lighting of the game effect lamps 25 and 35.

The game board 26 provided with the winning ball set cover body 38, the variable display device main body 40, and the like is detachably attached to a game board mounting frame 36 by a game board fixing member 37. That is, the game board fixing member 37 is configured to be rotatable as shown by an arrow in the figure, and by unlocking the game board 26 by rotating the game board fixing member 37, the game board 26 Can be detached from the game board mounting frame 36, and by exchanging only the game board 26 when replacing the pachinko machine in the amusement arcade, there is an advantage that the cost associated with the replacement can be reduced.

 FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the variable winning ball device 29.

The variable winning ball device 29 is configured to be attachable to the game board 26 (see FIG. 1) by a plate-like mounting board 60.
The mounting substrate 60 has a rectangular opening 61 formed in an upper portion thereof for winning a pachinko ball. A winning ball collecting gutter 88 is formed below the opening 61 on the rear surface side of the mounting board 66 so that the pachinko balls winning from the opening 61 are gathered to one side.
At the position where the pachinko balls are collected by the prize ball collecting gutter 88, a prize ball detector (10-count detector) 89 is disposed so as to detect the passage of the prize ball. Bearing grooves 64a (64b are not visible in the drawing) for pivotally supporting the opening / closing plate 30 are formed on the left and right side edges of the opening 61.
A start winning port 31a is formed above the mounting board 66. Further, the mounting board 66 is formed with a locking hole 103 and a locking projection 102 for mounting the lamp insertion hole 92, the wiring lead hole 98b, and the lamp cover 99. In the drawing, reference numeral 108 denotes an opening position restricting projection, which restricts the opening angle of the opening / closing plate 30 pivotally supported by the bearing grooves 64a and 64b.

The opening / closing plate 30 pivotally supported by the bearing grooves 64a, 64b is provided with shaft ends 65a, 65b of a rotating shaft 65 combined with the bearing grooves 64a, 64b so as to protrude on both left and right sides. An opening position regulating projection 109 is provided to abut the opening position regulating projection 108 on the mounting board 66 side to regulate the opening angle of the opening / closing plate 30. An engagement groove 67 is formed in a lower portion of the opening position regulating protrusion 109, and a lever 69 attached to the plunger 68 of the solenoid 42 is configured to be able to engage with the engagement groove 67. When the lever 69 is engaged with the engagement groove 67, the open / close plate 30 is opened and closed by turning the solenoid 42 on and off. In the drawing, reference numeral 68a denotes a return spring for extending the plunger 68 by the restoring force when the excitation of the solenoid 42 is released. Further, a plurality of guide pieces 66 are formed on the back side of the opening / closing plate 30, and are configured to smoothly guide the pachinko balls that have won when opening the opening / closing plate 30 into the variable winning ball device 29. . Further, the guide piece 66 also has a function as a framework for enhancing the shape retaining force of the opening / closing plate 30.

On the back side of the mounting substrate 60, a back cover body 62 is mounted. The back cover body 62 has a ball detection plate insertion hole 73 formed therein, and is configured to be attachable with the ball detection plate 75 partially protruding forward. The ball detection plate 75 has a shaft insertion hole 76 formed therein, and is rotatably supported on a mounting board 79 by a support shaft 80 inserted into the shaft insertion hole 76. Then, the mounting board 79 pivotally supporting the ball detection plate 75 is screwed to the back side of the back cover body 62. And ball detection plate
A weight 77 is attached to 75, and in a state of being pivotally supported by a support shaft 80 and attached to the back side of the back cover body 62, the lower bent portion of the ball detection plate 75 is weight-balanced by the weight 77. Project forward from the ball detection plate insertion hole 73. In this state, the pachinko ball won from the opening 61 is one left and right.
It is distributed by the distribution inclined plate 70 provided as a pair, and when a part of the winning ball is distributed and dropped to the ball detection plate 75 side, it projects forward from the ball detection plate insertion hole 73 of the ball detection plate 75. The pachinko ball collides with the bent portion, and the ball detection plate 75 swings around the support shaft 80 accordingly. A reflecting plate 78 is provided on the upper surface of the ball detecting plate 75.
Is installed. Further, a mounting plate 81 and a light detection substrate 83 provided with a photosensor are screwed above the mounting substrate 79. In its assembled state, the light detection plate
The light projected from the 83 side is irradiated to the reflection plate 78 through the light projection / reflected light detection hole 82 formed in the mounting substrate 81. The irradiated light is reflected backward because the reflecting plate 78 is inclined backward. However, if the pachinko ball collides with the ball detection plate 75 as described above, the ball detection plate 75 swings, so that the reflection plate 78 becomes horizontal for a moment, and the light radiated to the reflection plate 78 is projected and reflected. The light is again received by the light detection board 83 through the light detection hole 82, and the light detection board 83 detects that the pachinko ball hits the ball detection plate 75.

An LED display window 86 is further formed on the back cover body 62, and the wiring relay board 84, which also serves as an LED board, is attached to the back cover body 6.
By being attached to 2, the display by a pair of V winning display LEDs 85 provided on the wiring relay board 84 is configured to be visible from the LED display window 86. This back cover body
The ball detection plate 75 and the light detection board 83 attached to the back cover body 62 and 62 constitute a V prize ball detector 74 for detecting that a pachinko ball has won a specific prize area.

On the back side of the mounting board 60, a lamp board 90 and a lamp cover 93 are further mounted. This lamp board 90
, A plurality of game effect lamps 91 (eight in the drawing) are mounted, and the game effect lamps 91 are inserted into the lamp insertion holes 92 in a state where the game effect lamps 91 are mounted on the mounting board 60, and a part thereof projects forward. It is configured to be. Also lamp cover 93
Is mounted so as to cover the lamp substrate 90 from the back surface side, and a downward flow conversion projection 94 is protruded from a part of the upper edge thereof. The down-flow direction conversion projections 94 are disposed so that the pachinko balls gathered by the winning ball collecting gutter 88 fall in a state where the pachinko balls fall in the attached state to the mounting board 60, and the pachinko balls that have fallen from above are disposed. It has a function to convert the flowing direction to the back.

The surrounding frame 95a is screwed on the front side of the mounting board 60. In the surrounding frame 95a, a winning number display 96 for displaying the number of pachinko balls winning in the opening 61, that is, the number of pachinko balls detected by the winning ball detector 89 is screwed and attached. And this siege frame
A wiring drawing hole 98a is formed in 95a, and a wiring for transmitting a signal for displaying the winning number indicator 96 can be drawn. Further, a plurality of (four in the drawing) lamp insertion holes 97 are formed in the surrounding frame 95a,
The lamp insertion hole 97 is configured to be in communication with a lamp insertion hole 92 drilled in the mounting board 60 when mounted on the mounting board 60, and protrudes forward from the lamp insertion hole 92. The attached gaming effect lamp 91 is further configured to partially project forward from the lamp insertion hole 97.
A heat release portion 107 is formed in a lower portion of the surrounding frame 95a, so that heat when the game effect lamp 91 projecting from the lamp insertion hole 97 into the surrounding frame 95a is turned on can be released to the outside. ing. The front side of the surrounding frame 95a is closed by another surrounding frame 95b, and the winning number indicator 96 and the game effect lamp 91 are surrounded by the surrounding frames 95a and 95b. Due to the surrounding frames 95a and 95b, the prize-number display is performed by the collision of the pachinko balls falling from above.
In addition to protecting 96, the pachinko ball collides with the surrounding frames 95a and 95b, thereby mitigating the drop impact force and reducing the surrounding frames 95a and 95b.
This has the advantage of reducing the impact force of the pachinko balls falling on the inner rail located below the 95b.

A front decorative plate 104 is further mounted on the mounting substrate 60 from the front side of the surrounding frame 95b. Lamp window holes 105 are formed on both left and right sides of the front decorative plate 104, and a lamp cover 99 is mounted at a position corresponding to the lamp window holes 105. The start winning ports 31b and 31c are formed by the lamp cover 99. A locking claw 100 is formed on the side of the lamp cover 99, and a locking hole 10 formed in the mounting board 60 is formed.
It is configured to be inserted into 3 so as to be locked and held. The lamp cover 99 is formed with an engagement tube 101, and the lamp cover 99 is attached to the attachment substrate 60 such that the engagement protrusion 102 protruding from the attachment substrate 60 is inserted into the engagement tube 101. . And a front decorative plate on the front part of this lamp cover 99
Since the lamp cover 99 is attached to the mounting board 60 by the engaging cylinder 101 and the engaging claw 100, the front decorative plate 104 is mounted on the mounting board 60 together with the lamp cover 99. Further, a display window hole 106 is formed in the center of the front decorative plate 104, and the display by the winning number indicator 96 can be visually recognized from the display window hole 106. Further, a lamp window hole 105 is formed in the front decorative plate 104, and the lighting or blinking of the game effect lamp 91 inserted into the lamp insertion hole 97 can be visually recognized from the lamp window hole 105.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the variable winning ball device 29. Fifth
The figure is a vertical sectional view of the variable winning ball device 29. Next, the structure and operation of the variable winning ball device 29 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, when the opening / closing plate 30 is opened, the opening 61 formed in the mounting board 60 is opened, and the pachinko balls can enter the winning space 63. At the center position of the winning space 63, a ball detecting plate 75 constituting a part of the V winning ball detector 74 is arranged. (Winning opening) 71 is constituted. In addition to the special winning opening (V pocket winning opening) 71, a normal winning opening 72
a, 72b.

Pachinko balls that win in the prize space 63 are prize ball collecting gutters
It falls on 88 and gathers in the left direction in the figure. The collected pachinko balls are detected by a winning ball detector (10-count detector) 89, and the detection output is used for game control described later. In the figure, 65a and 65b are shaft ends, 66 is a ball guide piece, 31a, 31b and 31c are starting winning openings, 96 is a winning number display, 9
1 is a game effect lamp.

The opening / closing plate 30 is opened and closed by the driving force of a solenoid 42 as shown in FIG. That is, the lever 69 attached to the plunger 68 of the solenoid 42 is engaged in the engagement groove 67 of the opening / closing plate 30, and the plunger 68 is sucked when the solenoid 42 is excited, and the lever 69 is pulled upward. As a result, the opening / closing plate 30 is rotated clockwise about the rotation shaft 65 to be in an open state. Note that reference numerals 108 and 109 denote opening position restricting projections, which restrict the opening angle of the opening / closing plate 30 when they come into contact with each other. Next, when the solenoid 42 is de-energized, the plunger 68 is extended by the restoring force of the return spring 68a, and the lever 69 moves downward, whereby the opening / closing plate 30 is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing to open. State. With the opening / closing plate 30 in the opened state, the first pachinko ball is advantageous to a player who can win in the winning space 63.
In the closed state of the opening / closing plate 30, a second state is formed which is disadvantageous for a player who cannot enter or win a pachinko ball in the winning space 63. The first state of the variable winning prize ball device constitutes a value assignable state in which a predetermined game value can be assigned. The variable winning ball device 29 is mounted on the game board 26 by its mounting board 60, and the pachinko balls that have won in the winning space 63 are gathered by a winning ball collecting gutter 88 and a winning ball detector (10-count detector). After passing through 89, it collides with the down-flow direction conversion projection 94, and its down-flow direction is changed to the back (left direction in the figure), and is guided to the back side of the game board 26.

In the figure, 13a and 13b are glass plates, 31a is a starting winning opening, 104 is a front decorative plate, 95a and 95b are surrounding frames, 96 is a winning number display, 9
1 is a gaming effect lamp, 107 is a heat release part, 90 is a lamp board,
93 is a lamp cover, and 84 is a wiring relay board which also serves as an LED board.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the variable display device 28. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the variable display device. Next, the structure of the variable display device 28 will be described based on FIG. 6 and FIG.

Inside the storage box 123, a drum-shaped variable display member 121a,
121b and 121c are provided in a state of being pivotally supported by the rotating shaft 128. Furthermore, on the side of the storage box 123,
A drum rotation motor 124 is provided, and a driving force of the drum rotation motor 124 is transmitted from the motor output shaft 125 to the rotation shaft 128 via a drive gear 126 and a transmission gear 127 in a gear box 129. Have been.
The drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b, and 121c are loosely fitted on the rotating shaft 128, and have springs 134a, 134b, and 1c.
By 34c, it is configured to be pressed by fixed washers 133c, 133e, 133g formed integrally with the rotating shaft 128,
By the frictional force with the fixed washers 133c, 133e, and 133g, the rotational force from the rotary shaft 128 is changed to the drum-shaped variable display member 121.
a, 121b, and 121c. In the drawing, reference numerals 132a, 132b, 132c denote locking rings, which are prevented from moving in the left direction in the figure by fixed washers 133b, 133d, 133f, respectively.
The springs 134a, 134b, 134c can be held in a compressed state between the springs 21b, 121c. The rotating shaft 128 has both ends held by shaft bearings 130a and 130b by fixed washers 133a and 133h, and the rotating shaft 128 is rotatably attached to the storage box 123 by the shaft bearings 130a and 130b. .

Ratchet gears 131a, 131b, 131c are integrally formed on one side of the drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b, 121c, and are oscillated by drum solenoids A (140a), B (140b), C (140c). The stop levers 144a, 144b, 144c are configured to engage with the ratchet gears 131a, 131b, 131c. Then, the drum solenoids A (140a) and B (140
b), the operation of C (140c) causes the stop levers 144a, 144
When the engagement between the ratchet gears 131a, 131b, and 131c is released by swinging the b and 144c, the drum-shaped variable display member 121 is released.
The a, 121b, and 121c can be rotated. To stop the rotation of the rotating drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b, 121c, the drum solenoid A (140) corresponding to the drum-shaped variable display member (for example, 121a) to be stopped is stopped.
The excitation of a) is released and its return spring 143a (see FIG. 7)
The restoring force causes the stop lever 144a to swing and engage with the ratchet gear 131a to cause a slip between the drum-shaped variable display member 121a and the rotating shaft 128, thereby stopping the drum-shaped variable display member 121a. The stop levers 144a, 144b, 144c are, as shown in FIG.
It is configured to swing about the shaft 146, and by swinging according to the plungers 142a, 142b, and 142c of the drum solenoids A (140a), B (140b), and C (140c) moving back and forth. , Hooks 145a, 145b, 145c are ratchet gears 131a, 131b, 13
It is configured to be able to switch to an engaged state and a disengaged state with respect to 1c. The storage box 123 described above, the various devices in the storage box 123, the drum rotation motor, and the like constitute the variable display device main body 40.
In the figure, 141 is the drum solenoid A (140a), B (140
b) This is a solenoid mounting plate for mounting C (140c), which is mounted at a distance d from the storage box 123 as shown in FIG. There are advantages. As shown in FIG. 6, on the inner surface of the storage box 123, light transmitter covers 138a to 138e and light receiver covers 139a to 139e are formed, and light transmitters 136a to 136e are provided in the light transmitter covers 138a to 138e. Light receivers 137a to 137e are provided in the light receiver covers 139a to 139e. The light projectors 136a to 136e are provided with through holes 13 formed in the drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b, and 121c in a stopped state.
This is to allow light to pass through 5a, 135b, and 135c. Then, by detecting the passing light by the light receivers 137a to 137e and detecting which position the light has passed, any combination of the symbols displayed by the drum-shaped variable display member in the stopped state can be determined. Is configured to be detectable. When the combination of the symbols becomes a predetermined specific combination, a specific game state is set. Incidentally, each of the drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b,
A plurality of types of identification information displayed by 121c, that is, a pattern composed of a plurality of types of numbers and the like, is provided on the outer periphery of the drum of each of the drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b, 121c with a symbol display sticker 122a,
It is formed by attaching 22b and 122c. Also in the figure
149 is a front cover lens, which has magnifying lenses 150a, 150b, 150c at positions corresponding to the front of each drum-shaped variable display member 121a, 121b, 121c, respectively, and enlarges the design of each drum-shaped variable display member. It is configured to show. Also,
In the figure, reference numeral 152 denotes a mounting board, and the variable display device 28 is connected to the game board 26.
It is for attaching to. Furthermore, in the figure, 147a, 147
b and 147c are wirings for supplying power to the respective drum solenoids 140a, 140b and 140c, and are wiring relay boards shown in FIG.
Connected to 148. Reference numerals 13a and 13b denote glass plates of glass doors, and reference numeral 38 denotes a winning ball collecting cover body.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 151 denotes a decorative body, and upper locking pieces 159a and 159b are provided.
And, it is locked and held on the mounting board 152 by the lower locking pieces 160a and 160b. The decorative body 151 has a colored and transparent cover member 158. In the figure, reference numeral 156 denotes a number-of-openings indicator for displaying the number of times the variable prize-ball apparatus has been opened due to a big hit. Reference numeral 157 denotes a start winning prize memory display LED for storing and displaying the winning prize number when a pachinko ball continuously wins in the start winning prize opening 31a, 31b, 31c (see FIG. 4). is there. In addition, the memory of the winning start is 4 as an upper limit. 154 is a decorative LED and 163 is a winning opening.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the decorative body 151 provided on the front side of the main body 40 of the variable display device. The variable display device main body 40 includes a storage box 123, a gear box 129 including a transmission gear 127 and the like disposed on the side of the storage box 123, a drum rotation motor 124, a front cover lens 149, and the like. The front cover lens 149 includes magnifying lenses 150a, 150b, and 150c for enlarging the identification information of the variable display device 28 for easy viewing. In the drawing, reference numeral 131c denotes a chillet gear.

On the front side of the variable display device main body 40, a decorative body 151 is provided. The decorative body 151 includes a mounting substrate 152 and a colored and transparent cover member 158. The mounting substrate 152 is cut out at the center and has a front cover lens 149 of the variable display device body 40.
And opening number display 156 and start winning memory display LED 157a ~
An opening 153 in which 157d is provided is formed. Above the mounting board 152, a winning opening 163 where a pachinko ball wins.
Are formed, and a decorative lamp 155 is provided. In addition, a decorative L
A plurality of EDs 154 (five in the drawing) are provided. Further, the mounting board 152 has upper locking portions 161a and 161b and lower locking holes 162a and 162a for locking and holding the cover member 158.
2b is drilled.

On the other hand, on the back surface of the cover member 158, the mounting substrate 1
Upper locking pieces 159a and 159b that lock to the upper locking portions 161a and 161b formed in the projection 52 are protruded. Lower locking pieces 160a, 160b to be locked are projected. The respective locking pieces are locked to the respective locking portions and locking holes on the mounting board 152 side, so that the cover member 158 is locked and held on the mounting board 152 side.

On the back side of the cover member 158, an integrally formed opening number indicator 156 and start winning memory display LEDs 157a to 157d are screwed. This opening number display 156
The upper limit of the number of times of opening displayed by is 10 times, and when displaying 10 times, 0 is displayed by the opening number display 156.
Is displayed.

Although the variable display device 28 described above is of a drum type in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a digital display using liquid crystal or the like. The display may be of a belt type or by electroluminescence. Further, a so-called roulette type in which a plurality of lamps or LEDs are provided, and the lamps or LEDs are turned on and turned on one by one to perform variable display may be used. Further, a combination of two or more of the above-described various variable display members, such as a combination of a drum type and a digital type, may be used.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the control circuit of the present invention.

Microcomputer 170 as an example of game control means
Has a function of controlling the operation of the entire pachinko gaming machine 10 as described below. For this purpose, the microcomputer 170 is constituted by, for example, an LSI of several chips, in which the control operation can be executed in a predetermined procedure.
MPU171 and RO for storing operating program data of MPU171
M172 and RA that can write and read necessary data
M173.

Further, the microcomputer 170 includes an input circuit 174 that receives an input signal and provides input data to the MPU 171;
Output circuit 175 that receives output data from
And a sound generator that receives sound data from the MPU171
176, a power-on reset circuit 177 for applying a reset pulse to the MPU 171 when the power is turned on, a clock generation circuit 178 for applying a clock signal to the MPU 171, and a clock generation circuit 178.
A frequency dividing circuit (periodical reset circuit) 179 for dividing the clock signal from the MPU 171 and periodically (eg, every 4 msec) to the MPU 171 and an address decoding circuit 180 for decoding address data from the MPU 171 .

The address decode circuit 180 decodes address data from the MPU 171 and supplies a chip select signal to each of the ROM 172, the RAM 173, the input circuit 174, the output circuit 175, and the sound generator 176.

In this embodiment, a programmable ROM is used as the ROM 172 so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, if necessary, the program data for the MPU 171 stored therein can be changed. Have been.
The MPU 171 provides control signals to various devices according to the program data stored in the ROM 172 and in response to the input of each control signal described below.

The following signals are given to the microcomputer 170 as input signals.

Start winning prize ball detector 41a accompanying the pachinko ball starting prize,
In response to the turning on of 41b and 41c, the starting winning ball detection circuit 1
Starting prize ball detection signal from 81
Given to. Based on the operation of the stop switch 18,
A stop signal is provided from the stop switch circuit 182 to the microcomputer 170. The pachinko ball wins in the specific winning opening (V pocket winning opening) and the V winning ball detector 74 is activated.
In response to being turned ON, a V winning ball detection signal is supplied from the V winning ball detecting circuit 183 to the microcomputer 170. In response to the detection output of the 10-count detector 89, a 10-count detection signal is supplied from the 10-count detection circuit 184 to the microcomputer 170. In response to detection signals from the light receivers 137a to 137e provided in the variable display device 28, a light reception signal is supplied from the light receiver circuit 185 to the microcomputer 170. The variable display device 28
The information on the light receiving position of the light passing through the through holes 135a, 135b, 135c (see FIG. 6) formed in the drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b, 121c in the microcomputer 170 is provided.
Given to.

The microcomputer 170 supplies control signals to the following circuits and devices. First, a control signal for turning on the projectors is provided to the projectors 136a to 136e of the variable display device 28 via the projector circuit 187. The receiver 137a
To 137e and the receiver circuit 185 and the projectors 136a to 136e
And the projector circuit 187 and the microcomputer 170
A predetermined game state for generating a predetermined game state in which the variable winning prize ball device can be changed to the first state, that is, a value possible state in which a predetermined game value can be provided. Specific game state detection means for detecting that the state has been reached is configured. Next, the motor circuit 18
A motor drive signal is given to the motor 124 via 8. Also,
Via the solenoid circuit 189, the drum solenoid A (140
a), a solenoid drive signal is given to each of B (140b) and C (140c). Solenoid 4 via solenoid circuit 190
2 to the solenoid drive signal. The solenoid 42 and the solenoid circuit 190 and the microcomputer 1
According to 70, the variable winning prize ball device is set to a first state based on the detection output of the specific game state detection means, and is changed to a second state based on a detection output of an end condition detection means described later, Value assignable state control means for generating the value assignable state based on the detection output of the specific game state detecting means and terminating the value assignable state based on the detection output of the end condition detecting means is configured. Next, the lamps 25, 35, 91, 155
A control signal for lighting the lamp is given to each. These lamps may be LEDs. Also, it outputs a control signal for turning on the V winning display LEDs 85 and 154 via the LED circuit 192. Further, it outputs a control signal for displaying the start prize storage displays 157a to 157d via the LED circuit 193. Further, a control signal for digitally displaying the opening number display 156 and the winning number display 96 via the digital display drive circuit 194 is output. In addition, amplifier 195
And outputs a control signal for generating sound from the speaker 17 via the. Note that each circuit having the above configuration includes a power supply circuit 19.
A predetermined DC current is supplied from 6.

10A to 10L are flow charts for explaining the operation of the control circuit of FIG.

Next, specific operations of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10K.

First, FIG. 10A shows the processing of the main routine. This main routine is executed once for each reset pulse in accordance with a reset pulse periodically (for example, 4 msec) given from the pulse dividing circuit 179. First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not a RAM error has occurred. Then, when the power is turned on and when the program runs out of control, YES is determined in step S1, and the process proceeds to step S2, and after the process of setting the initial data is performed, the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, when the power is not turned on and the program does not run away, a NO determination is made in step S1 and the process proceeds to step S3 without performing the process in step S2. In step S3,
Subroutine control processing, which will be described later, is performed, and the flow advances to step S4 to output data and wait for a reset.

FIG. 10B shows a subroutine control process in step S3. First, a sound / lamp / LED control process, which will be described later, is executed in step S5, then the number-of-openings display control process is performed in step S6, and then the process proceeds to step S7. Proceed to S8. In step S8, it is determined whether or not the game prohibition flag or is set. This game prohibition flag is set in step S90 shown in FIG. 10G and step S109 shown in FIG. 10J, which will be described later, during one opening of the variable prize ball device in the big hit state based on the specific game state. If no winning ball is detected or V
Despite the winning being detected, a certain period of time (for example, 3
It is set when the detection is not performed by the 10-count detector within the second. Normally, it is not considered that no pachinko ball wins during one opening of the variable winning ball device in the jackpot state, and if a V win is detected, the pachinko ball is always detected by a 10-count detector immediately after that. Should be detected, and if no prize of one of the pachinko balls is detected, or if detection by the 10-count detector is not performed, an abnormal situation such as the 10-count detector being pulled out or malfunctioning. Therefore, a game prohibition flag is set to deal with the abnormal situation. The game prohibition flag is set in step S122 of FIG. 10K. When the 10-count detector is disconnected (or short-circuited) or jammed, the 10-count detector is set for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). ) It is set when it remains ON for the above, and is intended to cope with an abnormal situation such as disconnection (or short-circuit) of the 10-count detector or clogging. If it is determined in step S8 that the game prohibition flag or the game prohibition flag is set, the game is in an inactive state in which the subsequent steps S9 to S13 are not performed, and the process directly proceeds to step S14, where the 10 count detector Check processing is performed. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9, where control processing of the variable display is performed. Next, proceeding to step S10, after performing the processing of the solenoid control of the variable winning ball device, proceeding to step S11, the control processing of the starting winning storage display is performed, the check processing of the starting winning ball detector is performed by step S12, step In step S13, the V winning ball detector is checked.
Is performed and the subroutine ends.

Next, the contents of the subroutine program defined by steps S5 to S7 and steps S9 to S14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10C to 10K. The subroutine shown in FIGS. 10C to 10K is executed every predetermined time (for example, 4 msec) determined by the oscillation interval of the reset pulse from the pulse frequency dividing circuit 179.

First, a subroutine program for sound / lamp / LED control processing will be described with reference to FIG. 10C. First, it is determined in step S15 whether or not the game prohibition flag or the flag has been set. As described above, this game prohibition flag and step S109, respectively,
This is set by steps S90 and S122. Then, if it is determined in step S15 that the game prohibition flag or any of them is set, the process proceeds to step S16, in which the sound, lamp, LED data when the game is prohibited is set, and the step of FIG.
The set data is output by S4, a sound when the game is prohibited is emitted, and a lamp and an LED are displayed when the game is prohibited. Next, NO in step S15
Is determined, the process proceeds to step S17, and it is determined whether the big hit flag is set.
The setting of the big hit flag is set in step S70 of FIG. 10F described later, and is for starting a big hit state, that is, a specific game state. If it is determined in step S17 that the jackpot flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S18.
To determine whether the stop flag is set. This stop flag is set in step S53 of FIG. 10F described later, and is for stopping variable display of the variable display device. If it is determined in step S18 that the stop flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S19, in which it is determined whether the variable display flag has been set. The setting of the variable display flag is set in step S47 of FIG. 10F, which will be described later, and is for starting variable display of the variable display device. Step S1
If it is determined that the variable display flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S21, in which sound, lamp, and LED data for variable display are set. If it is determined in step S19 that the variable display flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S20, in which the sound, lamp, and LED are turned off. That is, the process in step S20 is a case where the jackpot flag is not set and the variable display flag is not set, the normal gaming state is not a jackpot state, and the variable display device is stopped, Further, since no abnormal situation has occurred in which the game prohibition flag or the flag is set, the sound / lamp / LED is controlled to be OFF. Next, when it is determined in step S18 that the stop flag is set, the process proceeds to step S22, in which the sound, lamp, and LED data when the variable display is sequentially stopped is set. If this stop flag is set,
The variable display is sequentially controlled to stop as shown in FIG. 10F to be described later.
It controls the LED.

Then, when the jackpot flag by the step S17 is determined to be set, the process proceeds to step S23, determining whether or not the timer T ₅ is completed is made. The timer T ₅ is intended to be set in step S85 of the 10G diagram below, a maximum time for opening the variable winning ball device is permitted based on the set of jackpot flag. If you want to set this T _5, for example, in 30 seconds,
The pulse dividing circuit 179 when the pulse from the (9 see Figure) has been issued for example, every 4msec, the value of T ₅ is
30000/4 = 7500 may be set. When the by the step S23 the timer T ₅ is determined not to be ended, the process proceeds to step S24, is determined whether V winning flag is set it is performed. This V winning flag is
This is set in step S107 of FIG. 10J, which will be described later, and is set by the winning of the pachinko ball in the big hit state to maintain the big hit state. If it is determined in step S24 that the V winning flag has not been set, the flow advances to step S25 to set the sound, lamp, and LED data when the opening and closing plate is opened. In other words, the processing in step S25 is a case where the big hit flag is set and the V winning flag is not set. The sound, lamp and LED are controlled according to the opening. Next, when it is determined in step S24 that the V winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S26, in which the sound, lamp, and LED data when the V winning and opening / closing plate are opened are set. That is, the process in step S26 is performed when the big hit flag is set and the V winning flag is also set, and the sound, lamp, and LED are controlled in accordance with the V winning and opening of the open / close plate. .

In the step S23, when the timer T ₅ is determined to be ended, the process proceeds to step S27, determines whether or not the timer T ₄ is completed is made. This timer T
₄ is set in step S71 of FIG. 10F to be described later, and is an interval from when the big hit state is established to when the variable winning ball apparatus is first opened, for example, when it is desired to set to 5 seconds Set the value to 5000/4 = 1250. By providing an interval of T _4,
There is a gaming effect of improving the player's expectation until the jackpot control is started. Then, step S27
Accordingly, when the timer T ₄ is determined not to be ended, the process proceeds to step S28, sound lamp · LED during jackpot
A set of data is made. That treatment with step S28, the is intended to be performed by the timer T ₄ during the interval, the control of the sound lamp · LED is made to the notice that the jackpot state perform from now jackpot control satisfied . Further, in the step S27, when the timer T ₄ is determined to be ended, the process proceeds to step S29, opening plate unfolded, a set of sound lamp · LED data when V accept wait is made.

Next, a subroutine program of the opening number display control process defined in step S6 of FIG. 10B will be described with reference to FIG. 10D.

First, in step S30, it is determined whether or not the game prohibition flag or is set. If any of the game prohibition flags is set, YES is determined in step S30, and the flow advances to step S34 to display "E" on the opening number display 156 (see FIG. 7). . By the display of this "E",
It is displayed that the game is prohibited. If the determination in step S30 is NO, step S30 is performed.
Proceeding to 32, the value of the opening number counter is displayed by the opening number display 156 (see FIG. 7) as usual.

Next, a subroutine program of the control processing of the winning number indicator defined in step S7 of FIG. 10B will be described with reference to FIG. 10E.

The control processing of the winning number display is performed in the fourth step.
It controls the display of the winning number indicator 96 shown in the figure. First, in step S33, it is determined whether or not the game prohibition flag is set. If it is determined that the game prohibition flag is set, step S34
To display "A". If the game prohibition flag has not been set, a NO determination is made in step S33, and the flow advances to step S35 to determine whether the game prohibition flag has been set. When it is determined in step S35 that the game prohibition flag is set, the process proceeds to step S36, and "C" is displayed. By displaying different types of display such as "A" and "C" on the winning number display, it is configured so that the current state of the ball game machine can be understood. Next, when it is determined in step S35 that the game prohibition flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S37, and the value of the 10-count detector is displayed. The process in step S37 is performed in the case of a normal game state in which neither the game prohibition flag nor the game prohibition flag is set, and the count value of the pachinko ball detected by the 10-cant detector is displayed as usual. .

Next, the subroutine program of the variable display control process defined in step S9 of FIG.
Explanation will be given based on the 10F diagram.

First, a description will be given of a case of a normal game state in which there is no start winning prize yet. In step S38, it is determined whether or not the stop flag is set. The setting of the stop flag is performed in step S53 described later. If it is determined in step S38 that the stop flag has not yet been set, the process proceeds to step S39, and it is determined whether the variable display flag has been set. This variable display flag is set in step S47 described later.
Is set by If it is determined in step S39 that the variable display flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S40. At step S40, it determines whether or not the timer T ₁ is being completed is made. The timer T ₁ is intended to be set by the step S44 to be described later, is determined that the timer T ₁ is being completed when the value of the starting winning storage counter without starting winning by pachinko ball is 0 Proceed to step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set. This jackpot flag is set in step S70, which will be described later. Since no jackpot flag has been set at the stage where no start winning has occurred, a NO determination is made in step S41 and the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, it is determined whether or not the start winning storage counter is 0. If there is no start winning, it is determined to be 0, and the subroutine program ends as it is.

Next, control when a pachinko ball wins for the first time will be described.

If there is a start prize, the start prize storage counter is incremented by 1 in step S99 of FIG. 10I to be described later.Therefore, it is determined in step S42 that the value of the start prize storage counter is not 0, and the process proceeds to step S43. The start prize memory counter is decremented by 1 and step S4
Timer T ₁ proceed to 4 is set. This timer T ₁
This is the time provided for reducing the load when the motor for driving the drum-shaped variable display member of the variable display device is started. That is, it is a delay time for exciting the drum solenoids A to C that lock the drum-shaped variable display member and completely releasing the lock, for example, a short time of about 0.1 second, for example, 100 seconds. / 4 = 25 is set. Next, the process proceeds to step S45, where the drum solenoids A to C are turned on to be excited, and the lock of the drum-shaped variable display member is controlled to be released. For timer T ₁ is set by the step S44 in this state, if during the counting period by the timer T ₁ step S40 the judgment of NO is made, the processing proceeds to step S46 in the step S40. In step S46, it determines whether or not the timer T ₁ is finished is made if the timer T ₁ and 1 decremented. Then, the set value of the timer T ₁ is for example 25
If the count value is the set value of the timer T ₁ 25
If the count is reduced from 1 to 1, a determination of YES is made in step S46. If the count is 2 or more, a determination of NO is made in step S46. If the determination in step S46 is NO, the subroutine program is terminated.
If YES is determined in S46, the process proceeds to step S47, and a process of setting a variable display flag is performed. That is, when there is start winning, so as not to perform the set of variable display flag to set the time by the timer T ₁ (e.g. 0.1 seconds) has elapsed, the period step S4
5 has the advantage that the drum solenoids A to C can be excited to reliably release the lock of the drum-shaped variable display member. The flow advances to step S48, the timer T ₂ is set. The timer T ₂ are a preset time for automatically stopping the variable display of the variable display device, for example, about 5 seconds, in the case of 5 seconds 5000/4 = 1250
Is set to the value of Next, in step S49, the motor for driving the drum-shaped variable display member is turned on, and the subroutine program ends.

Then, since the variable display flag is set by the step S47, the in step S39, and a determination of YES is made processing proceeds to step S50, determines whether or not the timer T ₂ has been completed is made. The timer T ₂ are the step S
48 are set by, when the timer T ₂ is determined to not yet completed, the process proceeds to step S51,
It is determined whether or not the stop switch has been turned ON. If it is determined that the stop switch has not been turned ON, the subroutine program ends. Moreover, the stop switch optionally timer T ₂ is determined to be completed or the step S51 by the step S50 is ON
If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S52, and after the variable display flag is cleared, the process proceeds to step S53, and the stop flag is set. Next, the timer _TR1 is set in step S54. This timer T _R1 is one time arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of time set in order to randomize the display result when the variable display device is stopped and to have irregularities, for example, 1 preset in the range of 0.5 to 1 second
This is one time arbitrarily selected from zero time.

Since the stop flag has been set in step S53, a determination of YES is made in step S38, and the flow advances to step S55 to determine whether or not the timer _TR1 has expired. If it is determined that the timer T _R1 has not yet expired, the process proceeds to step S56, and it is determined whether or not the timer T _R1 is terminated by decrementing by one. If it is determined that the subroutine program is terminated, the process proceeds to step S57 if it is determined that the drum solenoid A is to be turned off to rotate the drum-shaped variable display member 121a (see FIG. 6). To stop. The flow advances to step S58, the process of setting the timer T _R2 is made. This timer T _{R2 is} also the timer T
It is set for the same purpose as _R1, and it is one time arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of time previously set in order to randomize the display result at the time of stop and give irregularities. is there. The processing in step S58 is performed, and the subroutine program ends.

Next, when the subroutine program of the variable display control process is executed in the next round, the step
In S55, since the timer T _R1 is terminated by decrementing 1 from the timer T _{R1 in} step S56, the value of the timer T _R1 becomes exactly 0 in this case, and
Is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step S59. At step S59, the above step S58 determines whether the timer T _R2 which is set is completed by is made, the process proceeds to step S60 if it is determined that not yet completed, to 1 decrements the timer T _R2 Thus, it is determined whether or not to end the processing. If it is determined that the processing is not ended even if the value is decremented by one, the subroutine program ends. If it is determined that the operation is to be terminated by decrementing by one, the process proceeds to step S61, in which the drum solenoid B is turned off to stop the rotation of the drum-shaped variable display member 121b (see FIG. 6). Next, proceeding to step S62, the timer _TR3 is set, and the subroutine program ends. The timer T _R3 has the same purpose as the timers T _R1 and T _R2 described above, and a plurality of types are set in advance in order to randomize the stop result when the variable display device is stopped and to have irregularities. This is one time that is arbitrarily selected from the time periods.

Next, when the subroutine program of the variable time display control process is executed, if the determination of YES is made in step S60, since the value of the timer _TR2 is just 0, Step S5
A determination of YES is made in accordance with 9 and the flow advances to step S63 to determine whether or not the timer _TR3 has expired. The timer T _R3 is set in the step S62. If it is determined that the timer T _R3 has not yet ended, the process proceeds to step S64, and whether the timer T _R3 ends by decrementing by one is determined. Judgment is made. If it is determined that the subroutine does not end even if it is decremented by one, the subroutine program ends as it is,
If it is determined that the operation is to be terminated, the process proceeds to step S65, in which the drum solenoid C is controlled to be turned off to stop the drum-shaped variable display member 121c (see FIG. 6). As described above, the drum-shaped variable display members 121a, 121b, 121c (see FIG. 6) are controlled to stop in order from the left side.
_The stop of the variable display of the variable display device is controlled to stop randomly and irregularly because the stop of the variable display member of the variable display device is controlled in order by the passage of _R1 , _TR2 , and _TR3 , respectively. It is possible to eliminate the regularity that the combination of symbols is biased toward a specific combination of symbols. The flow advances to step S66, the timer T ₃ is set. The timer T ₃ is a waiting time until the stop of the variable display member at the time of stop is determined, and is intended to prevent erroneous determination when determining a combination of symbols at the time of stop, For example, the time is about 0.4 seconds. The timer T _3, may be set to a value of 400/4 = 100 in the case of 0.4 seconds. Next, proceeding to step S67, the projector is controlled to be ON, and the subroutine program ends.

Next, when the subroutine program of the next variable display control process is executed, if YES is determined in step S64, the process proceeds to step S64.
A determination of YES is made by S63, the program proceeds to step S68, determining whether or not the timer T ₃ is completed is made, but it subroutine program is ended if it is determined that not yet finished, completed with If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S69. In step S69, it is determined whether or not the predetermined light receiver is turned on, and the predetermined light receiver is turned on.
If it is determined that the power is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S72, the motor is turned off, and the light emitter is turned off in step S73.
After the stop flag is cleared in step S74, the subroutine program ends. If it is determined in step S69 that the predetermined light receiver has been turned ON, the combination of symbols when the variable display device is stopped is determined to be a predetermined combination (for example, 77).
For the case that is the 7), the process proceeds to step S70, the set of jackpot flag is made, the process proceeds to step S71, after said set of timer T ₄ is made step S72
Proceed to. The timer T ₄ is a time of first to open the interval of the variable display device after the particular game state or jackpot occurs, and for example of the order of 5 seconds, in the case of 5 seconds 5000/4 = Set to a value of 1250.

Next, a subroutine program of the solenoid control process of the variable winning ball device defined in step S10 shown in FIG. 10B will be described with reference to FIG. 10G.

First, a determination whether the timer T ₅ is completed is made in step S75. The timer T ₅ is intended to be set in step S85 to be described later, a maximum time for opening the variable winning ball device is permitted. If it is not in the jackpot state, Y is determined in step S75.
After the determination of ES is made, the process proceeds to step S76, and it is determined whether the big hit flag is set. The jackpot flag is set in step S70. If the pachinko game is in a normal game state other than the jackpot state, a NO determination is made in step S76 and the process proceeds to step S94, where the variable winning ball is set. The solenoid of the device is turned off and the subroutine program ends.

If the big hit flag has been set in step S70, a determination of YES is made in step S76, and the flow advances to step S77 to determine whether the value of the opening counter is 0 or not. This opening number counter is incremented by one in step S82 described later each time the variable winning ball device is opened during the jackpot control, and the variable winning ball device is opened to enter the first state. This is for counting the number of times the big hit state continues. If the variable prize ball device has not been opened even once after the jackpot flag has been set, the value of the opening number counter is 0, and the step
A determination of YES is made in S77, and the flow proceeds to step S78.
In step S78, it determines whether or not the timer T ₄ is completed is made. The timer T ₄ is intended to be set in the step S71, a first period interval after opening of the variable winning ball device after the jackpot condition is satisfied. The process proceeds to step S94 if the timer T ₄ is judged not yet been completed, OFF solenoid
And the subroutine program ends. Also,
Step If the timer T ₄ is determined to have ended S82
Advances to, incremented by one open counter, clears the 10 count cans Songs by step S84 while clearing the V winning flag by step S83, the timer T ₅ is set in step S85. This timer T ₅
Is the maximum time during which the opening of the variable winning ball device is allowed, as described above, for example, about 30 seconds. When setting the timer T ₅ for example 30 seconds, 30000/4 =
It should be set to a value of 7500. Next, in step S95, the solenoid is controlled to be ON, the variable winning ball device is opened, and the subroutine program ends.

Next, when the subroutine program for the next solenoid control process is executed, the step S7 is executed.
The 5, determines whether or not the timer T ₅ is completed is made, the process proceeds to step S86 if it is determined that not yet completed, whether the timer T ₅ is completed by 1 decrements Is determined, if it is determined that the process is not terminated even if the value is decremented by one, the process proceeds to step S87, and it is determined whether the value of the 10 count counter is 10. This 10-counter counts the number of pachinko balls that have won the variable prize ball device at the time of opening, and has a value added one by one in step S119 described later based on the detection output of the 10-count detector. is there. And the value of the 10-count detector is still
If the number has not reached 10, the determination of NO is made in step S87, the process proceeds to step S95, the solenoid is turned on, and the subroutine program ends. Further, the process proceeds to step S88 if the value of the 10 count detector is determined to have reached 10, the process proceeds to step S89 to clear the timer T ₅ which is set by the step S85, the timer T
_After the setting of ₆ is performed, the process proceeds to step S94. This timer T ₆ is used to wait for the V reception after the variable winning ball device is closed, the waiting time for the abnormality determination of the 10-count detector, and the time from when the variable winning ball device is closed to the next time during the jackpot control. It has a meaning of an interval period, for example, a time of about 3 seconds. When setting the T ₆ for example, 3 seconds may be set to a value of 3000/4 = 750. next,
Timer T ₅ is 1 when terminated by being decremented is in the step S86 YES in the decision is made, the program proceeds to the step S89, the process of setting the timer T ₆ is made, the processing proceeds to step S94. That is, the timer T
₆ is the opening time of the variable winning ball device is T ₅ (for example, 30 seconds)
Is set when either of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, when the number of pachinko balls in the variable winning ball apparatus reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10).

Next, in the step S89 in a state where the timer T ₆ is set, will be described the case where the next solenoid control subroutine program is executed. First, when a determination of YES has been made in step S86 upon execution of the previous subroutine program is than timer T ₅ is just a zero upon execution of this subroutine program, also previous subroutine program Step S87 when executing
Timer T ₅ in step S88 if the determination of YES has been made in order to have clear, in any case is upon execution of this subroutine program, a determination of YES is made in step S75 by. And
In the case of this execution of the subroutine program, since the jackpot flag has already been set and the opening counter is not 0, it is determined in step S76 that Y
An ES determination is made, and a NO determination is made in step S77, and the process eventually proceeds to step S79. And this step S79
Then, it is determined whether or not the timer T ₆ set in the step S89 has expired. If the timer T ₆ has not expired yet, the process proceeds to step S94.If it is determined that the timer T ₆ has expired, the process proceeds to step S80. , The value of the 10 count counter is zero. And step
If it is determined in S80 that the value of the 10-counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S90. After the game prohibition flag is set, the process proceeds to step S94. In other words, the game prohibition flag indicates that the pachinko ball is not detected at all during the single opening of the variable winning ball device in the jackpot state, and that the V reception waiting time T ₆ after the variable winning ball device is closed. Is set when no prize for a pachinko ball has yet been detected despite the passage of time. In general, such a situation cannot occur. For example, since it is considered that the 10-count detector is pulled out or has failed, the game prohibition flag is set to deal with the abnormal situation.

Next, when it is determined in step S80 that the value of the 10-count detector is not 0, the process proceeds to step S81, and it is determined whether the V winning flag is set. This V winning flag is set in step S107 described later. If the V winning flag has not been set, a NO determination is made in step S81, the flow proceeds to step S91, the jackpot flag is cleared, the flow proceeds to step S92, the opening counter is cleared, and the flow proceeds to step S93. The count counter is cleared, the process proceeds to step S94, the solenoid is controlled to be turned off, and the variable winning ball device is kept in the closed state. If it is determined in step S81 that the V winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S82, where the opening counter is incremented by one.
Clear winning flag, the 10 count counter is cleared by step S84, the in set of timer T ₅ is made by step S85, the process proceeds to step S95, ON the solenoid
To open the variable winning ball device again.

Next, the subroutine program of the start winning storage display control process defined in step S11 shown in FIG. 10B will be described with reference to FIG. 10H.

The control processing of the start winning prize memory display is for controlling the display by the start winning prize memory display (LED) 156 (see FIG. 7). In step S96, the value of the start winning prize storage counter is displayed. Is performed. The start winning storage counter is incremented by one in step S99 described later and decremented by one in step S43.

Next, a subroutine program of a start winning ball detector check process defined in step S12 shown in FIG. 10B will be described with reference to FIG. 10I.

First, in step S97, it is determined whether or not the starting winning ball detector has been turned ON. If the start winning ball detector is not turned on, the subroutine program ends. However, the pachinko balls win in the starting winning ports 31a to 31c (see FIG. 1) and the start winning ball detectors 41a to 41c ( If a pachinko ball is detected by (see FIG. 2), the determination of YES is made in step S97, and the process proceeds to step S98, in which it is determined whether or not the start winning storage counter is "4". The determination in step S98 is to prevent the start winning prize storage from being performed any more because the upper limit of the start winning prize storage counter is set to 4.
Only when the value is less than "4", the process proceeds to step S99, in which a process of incrementing the start winning storage counter by 1 is performed. The subroutine program ends without performing the addition process.

Next, a subroutine program for the V winning ball detector check processing defined in step S13 shown in FIG. 10B will be described with reference to FIG. 10J.

First, in step S100, it is determined whether the V-10 check flag is set. This V-10
The check flag is set in step S102 described later. If the V-10 check flag has not been set yet, a NO determination is made in step S100, and the flow advances to step S101, in which it is determined whether the V winning ball detector has been turned ON, and the flag is still ON. If not, the subroutine program is terminated, but if it is determined that the V winning ball detector has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S102, where the V-10 check flag is set. At the same timer T ₇ is set in step S103 at the same time. The timer T _7, said a waiting time of abnormality determination is made based on a set of V-10 check flag, for example, about 3 seconds. For example, when setting the T ₇ to about 3 seconds, it may be set to the value of 3000/4 = 750. Next, proceeding to step S104, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag has been set. If the jackpot flag has not been set, the subroutine program ends as it is, but the jackpot flag has been set in step S70. If so, step
The determination of YES is made in S104, and the process proceeds to step S105,
It is determined whether or not the value of the opening counter is “10”. If the opening counter is already “10”, the subroutine program is terminated as it is, but it is not yet “10”. If so, go to step S105
If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S106. Step S1
At 06, it is determined whether or not the V winning flag has been set. Only when the V winning flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S107, where the V winning flag is set. If so, a determination of YES is made in step S106, and the subroutine program ends. In other words, when the V winning flag is set, when the V winning ball detector is turned ON, the jackpot flag is set, and the opening counter is not yet set to “10”, and V is still set.
Only when the winning flag is not set. As a condition for setting the V winning flag, the opening count counter is required to be less than “10” because the maximum number of continuations of the jackpot state in which the variable winning ball device is set to the first state is 10
This is in order to prevent further continuation of the jackpot because it is set as a round. Further, as a condition for setting the V winning flag, it is required that the V winning flag has not been set yet because the upper limit of the storing of the V winning is limited to one time. This is because they will not be performed. In the present invention, the upper limit number of times of the jackpot may be set to 10 or more.
The upper limit of the storage of the winning may be set to two or more times. Also,
If it is determined that the opening counter is "10", the subroutine ends without setting the V winning flag in step S107. Therefore, the determination in step S81 is NO, and the variable winning ball is determined in step S94. The device is closed and the jackpot condition ends. Moreover, V as V winning acceptance waiting time T ₆ after closure, namely the variable winning ball apparatus determination of YES is made and the step S81 the judgment of NO is made in the step S79 has elapsed
Similarly, when the winning flag is not set, the variable winning ball device is closed in step S94, and the big hit state ends. According to the steps S105, S79 and S81, even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the variable prize ball device is closed, if there is no V prize of a pachinko ball, or a big hit state that sets the variable prize ball device to the first state Has reached a predetermined number (for example, 10 times). That is, by the steps S105, S79 and S81, the first
Is changed to the second state by changing the variable winning ball device in the state described above to the second condition, and at least a predetermined number of hits to the variable winning ball device can be achieved under predetermined conditions for terminating the value giving possible state. End condition detecting means for detecting that the following end condition is satisfied is constituted.

Next, by step S102 and step S103,
In the case where a set of V-10 check flag and the timer T ₇ have been made, it will be described the subroutine of the next V winning ball detector check process is executed. In this case, YES determination is made by first step S100, the process proceeds to step S108, determining whether or not the timer T ₇ is completed is made, as a subroutine program if it is determined that not yet finished The process is terminated, and a 10-count detector check process, which is a subroutine executed after the subroutine of the V winning ball detector check process, is executed. At this time, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the V-10 check flag is cleared in step S120. And said step
The S108, step S10 until the timer T ₇ is completed
A determination of 0 is made, during which V
-10 when the check clearing of flags are made, although the decision of NO is made by the step S100, when the timer T ₇ is processed by the step S120 until the end has not been made, YES in step S108 Is determined, the process proceeds to step S109, the game prohibition flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S110 to turn off the solenoid and close the variable winning ball device. Game prohibition flag by the step S109, since pachinko balls in spite T ₇ V winning by pachinko ball has been detected (for example, 3 seconds) is set if it is not detected at all in 10 count detector is there. After the pachinko ball is detected by the V winning detector, it always passes through the 10-count detector, and although the V winning is detected, the absence of the detection output of the 10-count detector means that It is assumed that the 10-count detector has been pulled out or has failed, and the game prohibition flag is set to deal with such an abnormal situation.

Next, a subroutine program of the 10-count detector check process defined in step S14 shown in FIG. 10B will be described with reference to FIG. 10K.

First, in step S111, it is determined whether the 10-count detector has been turned ON. Then, when it is determined that it has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S114, and it is determined whether or not the 10-count detector check counter has reached MAX. This 10-count detector check counter is used to detect an abnormal situation in which the 10-count detector remains ON due to disconnection (or short-circuit) of the 10-count detector and a clogging, etc. For example, 3
It is judged as abnormal when the 10-count detector is turned ON for about 10 seconds. When the determination time is 3 seconds as described above,
Change the MAX value of the 10-count detector check counter to 3000 /
4 = 750 should be set. If it is determined in step S114 that the 10-count detector check counter has not yet reached MAX, the process proceeds to step S115. After the 10-count detector check counter is incremented by 1, the process proceeds to step S116, and the 10-count detection is performed. It is determined whether or not the container check counter is "1".
Then, in the subroutine program being executed this time, when the determination of YES is made for the first time in step S111, the value of the 10-count detector check counter is “1”.
After the determination of S is made, the process proceeds to step S117. This step S
At 117, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is set. If the jackpot flag is set at step S70, the process proceeds to step S117.
After the determination of YES is made, the process proceeds to step S118, and it is determined whether or not the value of the 10 count counter is “10”. If it is determined that it is not yet "10", the process proceeds to step S119, where a process of incrementing the 10 count counter by 1 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S120. Also, 10
When the count value of the count detector becomes “10”, since the control for closing the variable prize ball device is performed as described above, it is not necessary to perform any further counting, so YES in step S118 Then, the process proceeds to step S120 without performing the process of step S119. If the jackpot flag has not been set, there is no need to perform counting by the 10-counter.
The process proceeds to step S120 without performing the process of step S19. In step S120, a process of clearing the V-10 check flag is performed. In step S121, a process of clearing the game prohibition flag is performed, and the subroutine program ends. The V-10 check flag indicates that the V
This is to check for an abnormal situation where there is no detection output by the 10-count detector despite the winning, and the 10-count detector is turned on by the step S111.
If it is determined that the abnormal situation has been reached, such an abnormal situation is considered to have been cleared, and the process of clearing the V-10 check flag is performed in step S120. In addition, even if the set time of the timer T ₇ has elapsed,
If the V-10 check flag remains set,
In other words, if the 10-counter is not incremented even though the predetermined period has elapsed since the V-prize ball detector is turned on, or if a pachinko ball has not been detected at all during the opening of the variable prize ball device in a big hit state. If Sarezu yet the of still pachinko balls despite V acceptance waiting time T ₆ has elapsed after opening prize is not detected one is a game inhibition flag set in step S109 or step S90 as described above In this case, the staff of the game hall takes predetermined measures such as checking the 10-count detector based on the setting of the game prohibition flag, and if the abnormal situation can be resolved, the staff of the game hall is variable One pachinko ball is passed through a 10-count detector in the winning ball device. As a result, a determination of YES is made in step S111, so that step S12
The processing for clearing the game prohibition flag is performed by 1 and the subroutine program ends.

Next, in the subroutine program of the 10-count detector check process executed this time, if YES has already been determined in step S111 from the previously executed subroutine program, the 10-count detector check counter Since the value is “1” or more, “NO” is determined in the step S116, and the subroutine program ends without performing the processes in the steps S117 to S121. In the present embodiment, as shown in step S116, it is determined whether or not to perform the processing of steps S117 to S121 based on the determination of whether or not the value of the 10-count detector check counter is "1". However, based on the determination as to whether or not the value of the 10-count detector is “2” or “3”, it may be determined whether to perform the processing from step S117 to step S121. Good. If the value determined in step S116 is "2" or "3", for example, 10
When the count detector instantaneously erroneously detects and the erroneous 10-count detector check counter counts, it is possible to prevent the processing of steps S117 to S121 based on the erroneous detection. That is, it is possible to surely confirm that the pachinko ball has passed the 10-count detector, and to perform the processing of steps S117 to S121. In addition, not only the erroneous detection due to the noise but also the erroneous detection based on the so-called chattering phenomenon of the 10-count detector
The control of 21 can also be avoided.

Next, if it is determined in step S114 that the 10-count detector check counter has reached MAX (for example, 750), the process proceeds to step S122, where a game prohibition flag is set, and the solenoid is turned off in step S123.
By controlling to F, the variable winning ball device is closed and the subroutine program ends. That is, the determination of YES in step S114 means that the time until the 10-count detector check counter reaches MAX (for example, 750) (for example, 3 seconds), the case where the 10-count detector is turned on and released In such a case, an abnormal situation is assumed in which the 10-count detector is turned on and released due to disconnection (or short-circuit) or clogging of the 10-count detector. In such a case, the game prohibition flag is set to deal with such an abnormal situation. This step S114 and the steps S80 and S
108 constitutes an abnormal state determining means for determining that an abnormal state has occurred in relation to the winning ball detecting means.

Next, in step S111, the 10-count detector
If it is determined that it has not been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S112, where the 10-count detector check counter is cleared. The 10-count detector check counter was originally
This is to detect an abnormal situation where the 10-count detector is turned on and released, and if it is determined that the 10-count detector is not turned on, such an abnormal situation has been cleared. This is cleared in step S112 because it is not necessary to count by the 10-count detector check counter. Next, the process proceeds to step S113, where the game prohibition flag is cleared. This game prohibition flag is set in step S122, and based on the setting of this game prohibition flag, the staff at the game hall performs work for eliminating abnormal situations such as checking the 10 count detector, If the abnormal situation can be resolved, a 10-count detector
In order to be turned off, a NO determination is made in step S111, and based on this, the game prohibition flag is cleared in step S113. If the game prohibition flag is cleared in steps S121 and S113, a negative determination is made in step S8, and the processing in step S9 and subsequent steps is restarted. When the determination in step S111 is NO and the determination in step S116 is YES, abnormality elimination determining means for determining that the abnormal state has been eliminated is configured. When NO is determined in step S121, step 113, and step S8, the game inactive state is released and the game state returns to the game state at the time of occurrence of the abnormal state when there is a resolution determination output by the abnormality eliminating means. A game state return means is configured. By determining YES in the step S114, the first abnormality determination unit configured to determine the first abnormality in which the detection signal of the winning ball detection unit is in the abnormal output state for a predetermined period of time is output. Have been. By determining YES in the step S80, the second abnormal state in which no prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection means even though the variable prize ball device has been in the first state for a predetermined period. Second abnormality determining means for determining is configured. Then, as described above, the abnormality elimination determination means determines that the first abnormality has been eliminated when the determination in step 111 is NO, that is, when the abnormal output state of the winning ball detection means is released. The determination is made, and when YES is determined in the step S116, that is, when the winning ball is detected by the winning ball detecting means, it is determined that the second abnormality has been resolved.

In the above-described embodiment, the ball game machine with the variable display device is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the variable prize ball device performs a predetermined number of times (for example, 1 Open or close twice or twice, during which the ball hitting the variable prize ball device may enter a special prize area to generate a big hit state, or the hit ball may enter a specific prize opening to obtain a right. When the ball hits and the ball hits again and the right disappears, the variable winning ball device is opened for 10 seconds or until the number of hit balls reaches 10 with the start winning of the hit ball during the right generation. It may be something that causes it. That is, any game content may be used as long as the variable winning ball device in the first state can be changed to the second state by winning at least a certain number of hit balls.

Further, in the above embodiment, when playing a game, a pachinko ball was borrowed, and a game played with the pachinko ball was picked up. By using the recorded data recording medium and applying the recording medium to a pachinko gaming machine, a pachinko ball built in the pachinko gaming machine can be played, so that the player does not carry the pachinko ball. Also, in this case, instead of paying out the prize ball by winning a pachinko ball or the like, the prize ball score to which the points are sequentially added is displayed, and the score, that is, the prize ball data is recorded on the recording medium. Alternatively, it may be configured in place of the ball.

[Effect of the Invention] In the present invention having the above-described configuration, even if the game state at the time of occurrence of the abnormal state is in a state advantageous to the player, once the cause of the abnormal state is resolved, the present invention does not return to the initial state. To return to the gaming state at the time of occurrence of the abnormal state which is advantageous to the player, even if the player is once inactive to eliminate the abnormal state related to the winning ball detecting means, the player is dissatisfied. Ball game machine that can restart the game without any problem. Further, the first output state is an abnormal output state in which the detection signal of the winning ball detection means is output for a predetermined period.
Is determined, it is determined that the first abnormality has been resolved by canceling the abnormal output state of the winning ball detection means, and the variable winning ball device is kept in the first state for a predetermined period. In the case where a second abnormality occurs in which no winning ball is detected by the winning ball detecting means despite the fact that the winning ball has been detected, the second abnormality is resolved by detecting the winning ball by the winning ball detecting means. Is determined,
A ball game machine capable of restarting a game by satisfying an abnormality elimination condition suitable for each cause of abnormality can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a pachinko game machine which is an example of a ball game machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the variable winning ball device. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a partial internal structure of the variable winning ball device. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable winning ball device in the mounted state. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the variable display device. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the variable display device. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a decorative body provided on the front surface of the variable display device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling a pachinko gaming machine. 10A to 10K are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. In the figure, 26 is a game board, 27 is a game area, 29 is a variable prize ball device, 89 is a 10-count detector which is an example of winning ball detection means, and 170 is a microcomputer which is an example of game control means.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game area formed on a game board, and a first area arranged in the game area, which is advantageous to a player.
Variable prize ball device that can be changed between a state of the variable prize ball and a second state that is disadvantageous for the player, a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball that has won the variable prize ball device, and a game control for controlling a game state Means, the game control means comprising: an abnormal state determining means for determining that an abnormal state has occurred in relation to the winning ball detecting means; and a game when an abnormal state determination output by the abnormal state determining means is provided. A game inactivating means for making the game inactive, an abnormality solving determining means for determining that the abnormal state has been solved, and a game inactive state being canceled when there is a cancellation determination output by the abnormality solving determining means. And a game state return means for returning to the game state at the time of occurrence of the abnormal state. No first prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection means even though the variable prize ball device has been in the first state for a predetermined period of time. A second abnormality determining unit that detects a second abnormality, wherein the abnormality elimination determining unit determines that the first abnormality has been resolved when the abnormal output state of the winning ball detection unit is released. A ball game machine, wherein a determination is made, and when the winning ball is detected by the winning ball detecting means, a determination is made that the second abnormality has been resolved.