JP4710453B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, there is known a slot machine (revolving gaming machine) provided with a reel device that changes a symbol by rotating an annular reel having a plurality of symbols attached to the surface thereof. In this type of gaming machine, when a stop symbol displayed on a predetermined active line is a combination of specific symbols, a predetermined game (special game state) advantageous to a player such as a big bonus game occurs. What to do is provided.

  In recent years, a ball-cylinder revolving type game machine that can play a game similar to a slot machine using a game ball instead of a medal has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a gaming machine, a take-in device is provided, and after a predetermined number of game balls have been taken in by the take-in device, the lever is operated so that the reel circulates and the symbol variation display is performed. Further, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out in accordance with the combination of symbols when the symbol variation display ends. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, the game ball can be handled as a common game medium with the pachinko machine in a gaming hall such as a pachinko hall and the gaming characteristics of the slot machine can be maintained. In addition, in this case, problems such as the burden on equipment due to the separate handling of medals and game balls and restrictions on the location of game machines, which are often seen in current game halls where pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed, are solved. In addition, there is an advantage that flexibility such as installing the game machine on the island of the pachinko machine is generated.

  In this case, the take-in device has, for example, a take-in passage for taking in the game ball therein, and the ball receiving means prevents or passes the game ball through the take-in passage. Allowed. Then, the fact that the game ball has been taken in via the take-in passage is confirmed by detecting the passage of the game ball by a detection sensor arranged on the downstream side of the ball receiving means in the take-in passage.

In the gaming machine as described above, the passing of the game ball is misunderstood by performing an illegal act such as reciprocating the game ball in the vicinity of the detection sensor, and the game ball is not actually taken in. Regardless, it is assumed that a game will be played. Therefore, in order to suppress such an illegal act, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which two detection sensors are connected in series and the illegal detection is detected by confirming the detection order in which the detection sensors detect the game balls. Has been.
JP 2004-166756 A

  However, even in the configuration in which two detection sensors are connected in series as described above, an illegal act of playing a game without taking in a game ball by using a fraudulent jig is assumed. For example, in the case where the detection sensor is a photo sensor, the improper behavior may be one using a jig in which two light emitters are embedded in a film or the like corresponding to the interval between the two detection sensors. In this case, a film is inserted so that each light emitter is positioned at a detection position of each detection sensor, and each light emitter flashes in correspondence with the detection order of the detection sensor, thereby erroneously detecting that a game ball has been taken in. it is conceivable that.

  Therefore, the fraud countermeasures as shown in Patent Document 1 are insufficient, and it is necessary to take further fraud countermeasures.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances exemplified above, and in a gaming machine equipped with a take-in passage for taking in a game ball, by cheating on a detection means provided in the take-in passage. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can suppress an act of playing a game even though the game ball is not actually taken in.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a take-in passage for taking in a game ball, a ball receiving means for blocking the passage of the take-in passage by receiving the game ball passing through the take-in passage, and a game ball in the take-in passage Driving means for driving the ball receiving means so as to allow passage of the ball, and detection means provided on the downstream side of the position of the ball receiving means in the take-in passage and detecting a game ball passing through the take-in passage A gaming machine that is allowed to start a game when it is confirmed that a predetermined number of game balls have passed through the take-in passage based on a detection result by the detection means,
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means so that the game ball passes through the intake passage at a specific period;
Comparison means for comparing the detection period of the detection means and the specific period;
An abnormal process executing means for executing an abnormal process based on the comparison result of the comparing means;
A specific period storage means for storing a plurality of the specific periods;
It is provided at a position where it can be manually operated based on rotating the front portion of the gaming machine forward with respect to the support target, and sets which of the specific patterns of the plurality of patterns controls the driving means. Manually operated operation unit and
With
The drive control means drives and controls the drive means so that a game ball passes through the take-in passage in one specific cycle set based on a manual operation of the operation unit.

According to the present invention, in a gaming machine having a take-in passage for taking in a game ball, the game ball is not actually taken in by cheating on the detection means provided in the take-in passage. Nevertheless, it is possible to suppress the act of playing a game.

First, invention groups that can be extracted from the present embodiment are shown as means n (n = 1, 2, 3,...), And will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A take-in passage (upstream passage 167, take-in passage 168) for taking in a game ball, and a ball receiving means (rotating body 171) for blocking the passage of the take-in passage by receiving the game ball passing through the take-in passage. A driving means (ball derivation motor 175) for driving the ball receiving means so as to allow a game ball to pass through the intake passage, and a position downstream of the position of the ball receiving means in the intake passage. Detecting means (count sensor 185) for detecting a game ball passing through the intake passage, and it is confirmed that a predetermined number of game balls have passed through the intake passage based on a detection result by the detection means. In a gaming machine in which a game is allowed to start,
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means so that the game balls pass through the take-in passage at a specific cycle (game ball taking-in process in the main controller 131);
Comparison means (processing in step S504 of game ball detection processing in the main controller 131) for comparing the detection period of the detection means and the specific period;
A gaming machine comprising: abnormality processing execution means (processing in steps S507 and S508 of game ball detection processing in the main controller 131) for executing abnormality processing based on the comparison result of the comparison means.

In the gaming machine of means 1, the game ball passing through the take-in passage is received by the ball receiving means, whereby the passage of the game ball in the take-in passage is blocked, and the ball receiving means is driven by the drive means so that the take-in passage The game balls can be passed. Further, detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided downstream of the position of the ball receiving means in the take-in passage. Then, when it is confirmed that a predetermined number of game balls have passed through the take-in passage based on the detection result of the detection means, the start of the game is permitted.

In this case, the driving means is controlled so that the game ball passes through the take-in passage at a specific period. And the detection period of a detection means and a specific period are compared, and an abnormality process is performed based on the comparison result. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an illegal act that causes the detection means to erroneously detect the passage of the game ball and misidentify the game ball.

Mean 2. In the means 1, the comparison means includes measurement means (period measurement timer) that enables measurement of time after the detection means detects the passage of the game ball, and the detection period measured by the measurement means. Is within a predetermined range for the specific period,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormal process executing means executes the abnormal process when the detection period is a comparison result that the detection period is not within a predetermined range with respect to the specific period.

According to the means 2, when the detection period measured by the measuring means is not within a predetermined range with respect to the specific period, the abnormality process is executed. By adopting such a configuration, abnormal processing is executed when the detection period slightly deviates from the specific period, even though there is no fraud, such as when a drive error of the drive means occurs. Can be prevented.

Means 3. In the means 1 or 2, the drive control means comprises specific period storage means (rotation speed storage area of the ROM 152 in the main controller 131) for storing the specific period in a plurality of patterns, and one of the plurality of patterns is specified. A gaming machine characterized by drivingly controlling the driving means so that a game ball passes through the take-in passage in a cycle.

According to the means 3, since a plurality of specific cycles are stored, the specific cycle can be changed. Therefore, even if one specific cycle is known to the fraudster, by changing to another specific cycle, it is possible to suppress cheating that misidentifies the taking of the game ball.

Means 4. Means 3 comprises a take-in start operation means (max bet switch 109) operated to start taking in the game ball through the take-in passage,
The drive control means is a selection means (rotation speed determination process in the main control device 131) that selects which of the specific patterns of the plurality of patterns is used to control the drive means when the capture start operation means is operated. A game machine characterized in that the drive means is driven and controlled so that a game ball passes through the take-in passage at a specific period selected by the selection means.

According to the means 4, when the take-in start operation means is operated, it is selected which of the specific cycles of the plural patterns is used to control the drive means. As a result, a pattern with a specific period is arbitrarily selected each time the game ball is taken in via the take-in passage in accordance with the operation of the take-in start operation means. Therefore, even if the specific period of all the patterns is known to the fraudster, it is possible to suppress the fraud that misidentifies the taking of the game ball.

Means 5. The game machine according to claim 3, characterized in that setting means for setting which of the specific periods of the plurality of patterns controls the driving means is provided.

According to the means 5, the setting means for setting which of the specific periods of the plurality of patterns is used to control the driving means is provided. Thereby, for example, the manager of the game hall where the gaming machine is installed can change the specific cycle every predetermined time or every day.

In this case, it is necessary that only the game hall manager can set the specific period via the setting means (so that the player cannot do it). For this purpose, a configuration is conceivable in which an operation unit for operating the setting means is arranged at a position where it cannot be operated during normal games, such as the back of a gaming machine. In addition, a configuration may be considered in which a receiving unit is provided in the gaming machine and a specific period is set via the setting means by receiving radio waves of a specific frequency from a transmitter provided independently of the gaming machine.

By adopting the above configuration, even if the specific period of all the patterns is known to the fraudster, it is possible to suppress the fraud that misleads the game ball.

In addition, in a gaming hall in which a plurality of the gaming machines are arranged, it is possible to set a specific cycle in some gaming machines to be different from a specific cycle in other gaming machines. By adopting such a configuration, even if a specific period in one gaming machine is known to a fraudster, the specific period is used to carry out illegal acts on all the gaming machines arranged in the game hall. Can be prevented.

Means 6. In any one of the means 1 to 5, the ball receiving means is a rotating body (rotating body 171). The rotating body is connected to the driving means at the center of rotation, and has one game ball on the outer periphery thereof. Has a recess (recess 171a) on which
When the rotating body is stopped, the game ball flowing down from the upstream is received by the rotating body so that the passage of the take-in passage is blocked, and the rotating body is driven to rotate by the driving means. In some cases, the game ball is configured such that the game ball placed on the recess moves downstream with the rotation of the rotating body so that the game ball passes through the take-in passage.

According to the means 6, when the rotating body is stopped, the game ball flowing down from the upstream is received by the rotating body, thereby preventing the passage of the intake passage. On the other hand, when the rotating body is rotating, the game ball on the recess moves downstream as the rotating body rotates, so that the game ball passes through the take-in passage. In this case, since only the game ball on the concave portion passes through the take-in passage, the game ball does not pass through the take-in passage at a cycle other than the specific cycle by keeping the rotation speed of the rotating body constant. Is possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the abnormal process from being executed even when the illegal act is not performed.

In the configuration provided with the means 3, the specific cycle storage unit may store a plurality of patterns of the rotational speed of the rotating body (driving speed of the drive unit), thereby being configured to “store a plurality of specific cycles”. Good. In such a case, the specific cycle can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the rotating body.

Mean 7 A gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the concave portions are provided so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the rotation direction of the rotating body.

According to the means 7, since a plurality of recesses are provided, a plurality of game balls can be taken in during one rotation of the rotating body. In addition, since the plurality of concave portions are arranged so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the rotation direction of the rotator, a plurality of game balls can be taken in during one rotation of the rotator. The sphere can pass through at a specific period.

Means 8. Means 6 or 7 includes a discharge passage (discharge passage 169) branched downstream of the rotating body in the take-in passage, and the rotating body rotates in one direction so that a game ball is placed in the take-in passage. A gaming machine characterized in that a gaming ball is led out to the discharge passage by being led out and rotated in the opposite direction.

According to the means 8, by providing a discharge passage that branches downstream of the rotating body in the intake passage, a game ball that is blocked from passing through the intake passage is removed from the gaming machine via the discharge passage, etc. Can be discharged. In this case, the game ball is led out to the intake passage by rotating the rotating body in one direction, and the game ball is led out to the discharge passage by rotating in the opposite direction. That is, the passage of the game ball in the intake passage and the discharge passage is blocked or permitted by one ball receiving means. Thereby, in the structure which provided the discharge passage, the structure can be simplified.

Means 9. In any one of the means 1 to 8, the abnormal process execution means does not allow a game to start even when it is confirmed that the predetermined number of game balls have passed through the take-in passage as the abnormal process. A gaming machine characterized by that.

According to the means 9, even if it is confirmed that a predetermined number of game balls have passed through the take-in passage by executing the abnormal process, the start of the game is not allowed. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to prohibit a game from being started after a fraudulent act that misidentifies the taking-in of a game ball is performed, so that a gaming hall or the like suffers a disadvantage due to the fraudulent act. It can be surely suppressed.

Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the abnormality processing execution means notifies the occurrence of abnormality to the outside of the gaming machine as the abnormality processing.

According to the means 10, the abnormality occurrence is notified to the outside of the gaming machine by executing the abnormality process. Therefore, it becomes possible to clearly tell the game hall manager that an abnormality has occurred. In addition, it is possible to suppress a person who intends to perform an illegal act from reaching an actual act.

Means 11. In any one of the means 1 to 10, a plurality of rotating bodies (reels 71 to 73) that circulate in the circumferential direction and in which a plurality of kinds of patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction;
A display window (transparent panel 65) that makes it possible to visually recognize a part of each of the patterns for each orbiting body,
Start operation means (start lever 101) operated to start rotation of each of the circuit bodies;
Stop operation means (stop buttons 102 to 104) operated to stop the rotation of the respective circling bodies,
A predetermined number of game balls are taken in via the take-in passage, and the start operation means is operated to start rotation of each of the circuit bodies, or due to the operation of the stop operation means or A configuration in which the rotation of each of the circuit bodies is stopped due to a lapse of a predetermined time without operating the stop operation means, and a privilege is given to the player according to the stop picture or combination of stop pictures after the stop; A gaming machine characterized by that.

According to the means 11, the effects of the means 1 and the like can be enjoyed in the spinning ball type game machine.

In the configuration including the means 9, the abnormal process execution means invalidates the operation of the start operation means as the abnormal process, and it is confirmed that a predetermined number of game balls have passed through the take-in passage. Even so, it is possible not to allow the start of the game.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to a gaming machine in which a game is started after taking a game ball will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the outline of the external configuration and internal structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire gaming machine 1, FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 3 is a front view showing the front configuration of the gaming machine body, and FIG. 4 is a line AA in FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 as a main body frame, and a front frame that is provided at a front portion of the outer frame 2 and is openable and closable at one side of the outer frame 2. 3 is provided. In this case, the outer frame 2 and the front frame 3 are connected to each other by hinges 31 and 32 at the upper and lower portions of the left end so as to be opened and closed. The outer frame 2 is configured by connecting wooden plate members to four sides, and has a rectangular shape as a whole. Further, the front frame 3 is made of a rectangular frame-like plate material whose outer dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the outer frame 2, and is provided so as to contact the front surface of the outer frame 2. A back set board 16 extending from the back side to the back side along the inner peripheral surface of the outer frame 2 is attached and fixed to the front frame 3, and a reel unit or a game ball described later is attached to the back set board 16. A device for taking in or paying out (so-called back set), various control devices, and the like are mounted. In the present embodiment, the gaming machine main body is basically constituted by the outer frame 2, the front frame 3, and the back set board 16 provided on the front frame 3.

  A front door 4 as an openable / closable door that can be opened and closed with respect to the front frame 3 is provided on the front side of the front frame 3, and a lower dish unit 5 is provided below the front door 4. That is, the front side of the front frame 3 is covered with the front door 4 and the lower plate unit 5, and the front frame 3 and the upper plate 3 above the lower plate unit 5 are opened by opening the front door 4. Various mechanisms (such as a belt unit) mounted thereon are exposed forward. The front frame 3 and the front door 4 are connected in an openable and closable manner by upper and lower hinges 33 and 34 at the left end. Therefore, the right side of the front door 4 is rotated around the left side of the front frame 3.

  The front surface of the front door 4 and the lower tray unit 5 is formed in a continuous three-dimensional shape so as to form an integrated appearance as a whole gaming machine, and is formed in a ring shape over the entire outer periphery of the gaming machine 1 and the front surface of the gaming machine. Have annular portions 6, 7 projecting from each other. The annular portions 6 and 7 have a substantially symmetrical shape when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A large number of light emitters 8 and 9 made of light emitting diodes or the like are embedded in these annular portions 6 and 7 (see the partially broken portion in the lower right of FIG. 2), and the light emitters 8 and 9 emit light during the game. Thus, for example, the annular portions 6 and 7 illuminate all at once or around the outer periphery of the gaming machine. Of the annular part 6, the top part 6a located at the uppermost part protrudes further forward than the other parts. The top part 6a is provided with a pair of left and right lamp display parts 10 and a pair of left and right speakers. 11 is provided. Further, in the annular portion 6, a constricted portion 6 b that is constricted on the inside is provided near the center in the height direction, and the lamp display portions 12 and 13 are also provided on the constricted portion 6 b.

  The annular portions 6 and 7 (light emitters 8 and 9) and the lamp display portions 10, 12, 13 and the like are for performing an auxiliary effect during the game while intending to diversify the display contents and make the display effect heavy. It is provided and performs various display effects as the game progresses. For example, when it becomes possible to acquire a big bonus game, the annular portions 6 and 7 (light emitters 8 and 9) are caused to emit light all at once or all around the lamp display portions 10, 12, and 13 The player is notified by turning on or blinking.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a game is played with an actual game ball taken in as a necessary condition, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when the predetermined condition is satisfied. A configuration for using a game ball as a game medium will be described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper plate forming body 17 is detachably attached to the back set board 16 attached and fixed to the front frame 3 below the front side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the upper plate forming body 17.

  An upper plate 18 as a storage portion is formed in the upper plate forming body 17, and the upper plate 18 is positioned on the upstream side of the main upper plate 18 a that leads to a loading port to the take-in device 30 described later. And an auxiliary upper dish portion 18b. Basically, the main upper tray portion 18a stores game balls paid out from a payout mechanism to be described later, while the auxiliary upper tray portion 18b is a game ball supplied from a nozzle of a ball rental machine (not shown). The game balls in the main upper plate 18a flow into the insertion port through the ball guide unit 19. The ball guide unit 19 is configured so that game balls can be arranged in a line and supplied to the slot, and a stainless steel cover (protective cover) 20 is attached to the ball guide unit 19. The main upper plate portion 18a and the sub upper plate portion 18b are provided so as to be folded back and forth, the sub upper plate portion 18b is inclined slightly downward toward the left side of FIG. It is inclined somewhat downward toward the right side of FIG. Therefore, the game balls in the main upper tray portion 18a and the sub upper tray portion 18b flow in the downstream order in order, and flow into the inlet as described above.

  At both left and right ends of the upper plate forming body 17, mounting fixing portions 21 are provided. By fastening the mounting fixing portion 21 to the back set board 16 side, the upper plate forming body 17 is attached to the back set board 16. It has come to be. By releasing the fastening of the mounting fixing portion 21, the upper plate forming body 17 is detached from the back set board 16. The attachment fixing part 21 may be any fastening method as long as it can be attached to and detached from the back set board 16, and a fastener (for example, Nylatch (registered trademark)) is pushed into a fastening hole provided on the back set board 16 side. A push-type fastening method, a method of screwing a male screw into a screw hole provided on the back set board 16 side, or the like can be applied.

  When the front door 4 is closed while the upper plate forming body 17 is mounted on the back set board 16, the upper plate forming body 17 is fixed between the back set board 16 and the front door 4. The upper plate forming body 17 is provided with a flange 22 extending in the longitudinal direction, and the flange 22 is sandwiched between the back surface of the front door 4. That is, since a holding recess is formed at a corresponding position on the back surface of the front door 4 so as to sandwich the flange 22, the upper plate forming body 17 is prevented from falling off when the front door 4 is closed. The weight of a large amount of game balls stored in the upper plate 18 can also be supported. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a portion of the front door 4 corresponding to the upper plate forming body 17 (operation unit 100) is bulged to the front side, and the upper surface of the bulged portion is open. is doing. For this reason, when the front door 4 is in the closed state, the upper plate 18 of the upper plate forming body 17 is opened above the bulging portion (operation unit 100). With the above configuration, the upper plate forming body 17 can be easily removed from the gaming machine main body or the front door 4, and the upper plate 18 (in particular, the ball guide portion 19) is cleaned after the upper plate forming body 17 is removed. Work becomes easier. In addition, inspection, repair, and the like of the operation unit 100 described later can be easily performed from the back side of the front door 4. In other words, maintenance is improved. The bulging portion of the front door 4 is an operation unit 100, and a back wall 64 is provided in the front door 4 immediately above the operation unit 100. The configurations of the operation unit 100 and the back wall 64 will be described later.

  The take-in device 30 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the back set board 16, and a predetermined number of game balls are taken in via the take-in device 30 based on an operation by the player. A predetermined number of game balls are taken in, so that a game (game) start condition is established, and preparations for game start are made. At this time, the taken game ball is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through a discharge path (not shown).

  Here, the configuration of the capture device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the capture device 30. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the capture device 30. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the line BB in FIG. In the following description, the vertical and horizontal directions are described in the state shown in FIG.

  The take-in device 30 includes a front cover 160, a passage formation plate 161, and a storage case 162, and is fixed by screws 164 in a state where the passage formation plate 161 is sandwiched between the front cover 160 and the storage case 162. The take-in device 30 is attached with the front cover 160 as the front side of the gaming machine and the storage case 162 as the rear side of the gaming machine.

  A game ball inlet 30a for taking in the game ball supplied from the upper plate 18 into the inside of the take-in device 30 is formed on the upper surface of the take-in device 30, and inside the take-in device 30 from the game ball inlet 30a. A game ball passage 165 is formed for passing the entered game ball. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the passage forming plate 161 is formed with a passage wall 161b extending forward from the front surface 161a, and covers the opening formed by the passage wall 161b. The game ball passage 165 is defined by the cover 160 being in contact with the passage formation plate 161.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the game ball passage 165 has a distribution portion 166 whose width is widened to the left and right in the vicinity of the center of the game ball flow direction, and in two directions on the downstream side of the distribution portion 166. Branched. That is, the game ball passage 165 includes an upstream passage 167 extending in the vertical direction from the game ball inlet 30a to the distribution portion 166, the above-described distribution portion 166, and an intake passage extending vertically downward from the rightmost downstream portion of the distribution portion 166. 168 and a discharge passage 169 extending vertically downward from the left side of the most downstream part of the distribution unit 166. A predetermined number of game balls as game start conditions are taken in through the take-in passage 168. When the game balls are settled at the end of the game, the game balls stored in the upper plate 18 and the take-in device 30 are discharged to the lower plate 41 described later through the discharge passage 169. The intake passage 168 and the discharge passage 169 have passage widths that allow a single game ball to pass through.

  The distribution unit 166 is provided with a rotating body 171. The center of the rotator 171 is fixed to the output shaft 175a of the ball lead-out motor 175. The ball lead-out motor 175 is fixed to the back surface of the passage forming plate 161, and the output shaft 175a protrudes into the distribution portion 166 through a through hole 161c formed in the passage forming plate 161 (see FIG. 8). The through hole 161 c is formed in the distribution portion 166 and on an extension line of the center line of the upstream passage 167.

  The ball lead-out motor 175 is constituted by a stepping motor, and the output shaft 175a is rotationally driven in both the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction. Thereby, the rotating body 171 can rotate in both the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction. Further, the output shaft 175a is set to advance one step by giving a drive signal of one pulse and to make one rotation by giving a drive signal of 360 pulses. The main body 175 b of the ball lead-out motor 175 is housed in the housing case 162.

  On the periphery of the rotating body 171, concave portions 171 a are formed at three positions at intervals of 120 °. The concave portion 171a has a curved surface that is gently curved in the rotational direction of the rotating body 171 and has a curvature that is approximately the same as the curvature of the game ball. In addition, the distance between the claw portion 171b between the concave portion 171a of the rotating body 171 and the passage wall of the distributing portion 166 is shorter than the diameter dimension of the game ball, whereas the concave portion 171a and the distributing portion 166 are used. The distance from the passage wall is longer than the diameter dimension of the game ball. As a result, when the game ball flowing down from the upstream passage 167 reaches the recess 171 a of the rotator 171, the game ball is led to the intake passage 168 or the discharge passage 169 as the rotator 171 rotates. In addition, the rotation direction dimension of the rotating body 171 in the claw portion 171b is slightly shorter than the diameter dimension of the game ball.

  The intake passage 168 is provided with a substantially flat count sensor 185 at the entrance. The count sensor 185 is configured by a well-known magnetic field type proximity sensor, and converts a magnetic field change caused by a game ball passing through the detection unit 185a into an electric signal and outputs it. With this count sensor 185, it is possible to confirm the uptake of a predetermined number of game balls, which is a game start condition. Since the count sensor 185 accommodates the sensor substrate therein, the length dimension in the front-rear direction is longer than the length dimension of the passage wall 161b. Therefore, a through hole 161d is formed at the position where the count sensor 185 is disposed on the passage forming plate 161, and the sensor substrate housing portion 185b of the count sensor 185 projects into the housing case 162 through the through hole 161d ( (See FIG. 8).

  Next, referring to FIG. 10, an actual game ball take-in operation by the take-in device 30 will be described. 10A shows an initial state, FIG. 10B shows a state in which the game ball Y is taken in, and FIG. 10C shows a state in which the game ball Y is discharged.

  In the initial state shown in FIG. 10A, the ball derivation motor 175 is not driven. Therefore, among the plurality of game balls Y in the upstream passage 167, the top game ball Y is received by the rotating body 171. In this case, since the rotation axis of the rotating body 171 is on an extension of the center line of the upstream passage 167, the rotating body 171 is suppressed from moving in the rotating direction due to the weight of the game ball Y.

  In the taking-in state of the game ball Y shown in FIG. 10B, the ball lead-out motor 175 is driven and the rotating body 171 rotates in the clockwise direction. As a result, the game ball Y placed on the recess 171a of the rotating body 171 is led out to the intake passage 168 side as the rotating body 171 rotates and passes through the intake passage 168 by its own weight. Is done. At this time, the game ball Y led out to the take-in passage 168 is detected by the count sensor 185.

  In the discharged state of the game ball Y shown in FIG. 10C, the ball lead-out motor 175 is driven and the rotating body 171 rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the game ball Y placed on the recess 171a of the rotating body 171 is led to the discharge passage 169 side as the rotating body 171 rotates and passes through the discharge passage 169 by its own weight, so that the game ball Y is discharged. Is called.

  On the back side of the back set board 16, a payout mechanism for paying out game balls when a predetermined condition is established during the game is provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a tank 25 is provided at the uppermost part on the back side of the back set board 16, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 25. A tank rail 26 is connected to the lower side of the tank 25, and a case rail 27 is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 26. The payout device 28 is provided on the downstream side of the case rail 27, and a required number of game balls are paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 28 are supplied to the upper plate 18 through the game ball passage unit 29.

  The payout mechanisms such as the tank rail 26, the case rail 27, and the payout device 28 are arranged so as to bypass a reel unit 70 (actually a protective cover 135 surrounding the reel unit 70) described later. Further, in FIG. 5 (rear view of the gaming machine 1), the front frame 3 is pivotally supported by the upper and lower portions at the right end so as to be openable and closable, and the above-described payout mechanism is disposed on the shaft side. In this case, a large number of game balls are stored in the payout mechanism, and the weight of the game ball naturally increases. However, since the payout mechanism is provided on the shaft side, the front frame 3 can be opened and closed without hindrance. Moreover, since the weight burden concerning a shaft member (hinges 31 and 32) is reduced at this time, the effect which protects a coaxial member (hinges 31 and 32) is also acquired collectively. Since the take-in device 30 is also provided on the shaft side like the payout mechanism, all the mechanisms relating to handling of the game balls are integrated on the shaft side, and it becomes easier to deal with problems related to the flow of game balls, An act of opening the front door 4 and illegally paying out or taking in a game ball can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a lower plate 41 is formed in the lower plate unit 5 provided below the front surface of the front door 4, and a lower plate discharge port 42 is formed on the back side of the lower plate unit 5. ing. When the game balls are fully stored in the upper plate 18 or the like and are further paid out from the payout device 28, the game balls are paid out to the lower plate 41 through the lower plate discharge port 42. It is. An ashtray 44 is formed adjacent to the lower plate 41.

  The lower surface of the operation unit 100 including the bulging portion on the front surface of the front door 4 is cut out in a trapezoidal shape (convex shape) (in fact, a lower part of a stop button operation surface 113 described later is cut out). The space below the operation unit 100 (the space formed by the cutout) is also a space into which a hand is inserted in order to scrape out the game balls stored in the lower plate 41.

  A ball punching hole 45 is formed in the lower tray unit 5, and a ball punching mechanism (not shown) is interlocked by pressing the ball punching button 46, and the game balls stored in the lower tray 41 are discharged downward from the ball punching hole 45. It has come to be.

  An upper panel 59 is disposed below the top portion 6 a of the annular portion 6. The upper panel 59 is made of a transparent synthetic resin, and a translucent film on which a model name, a character related to a game, etc. are drawn on the rear surface thereof can identify the character from the front of the gaming machine. It is pasted. An upper light 59a for illuminating the upper panel 59 from the inside is disposed inside the upper panel 59, and a character or the like drawn on the film is illuminated by the light of the upper light 59a. The player can easily see the character and the like. The transparent upper panel 59 may have a configuration in which the model name, characters related to games, and the like are directly printed. Further, since the upper panel 59 is disposed to be inclined, the front surface of the upper panel 59 is configured to face slightly downward.

  A case body 60 having a three-dimensional shape is disposed below the upper panel 59 so as to protrude from the upper panel 59 to the front of the gaming machine 1. The case body 60 is made of a synthetic resin colored in black, has an upper end along the lower end of the upper panel 59, and left and right ends are the left and right constricted portions of the annular portion 6. It has a shape along the inner side of 6b, and has a shape such that the lower end is along the upper end of the upper plate 18. The case body 60 is disposed in a region surrounded by the upper panel 59, the constricted portion 6b, and the upper plate 18.

  The case body 60 includes an upper inclined portion 61, a frame portion 62, a lower inclined portion 63, and a back wall 64 in order from the top, and the frame portion 62 projects most forward. The frame 62 has an opening at the center, and the opening is provided with a transparent panel 65 that is formed of a transparent synthetic resin and allows a part of the symbol attached to the reel to be visually recognized. ing. As described above, since the frame portion 62 projects most forward in the case body 60, the transparent panel 65 is positioned in front of the gaming machine with respect to the upper panel 59. As shown in FIG. 4, the case body 60 is located immediately in front of the reel unit 70, and forms an accommodation area for the reel unit 70 together with the outer frame 2, the front frame 3, and the protective cover 135. Since the transparent panel 65 protrudes ahead of the gaming machine from the upper panel 59, the reel unit 70 having a relatively large size can be arranged. However, in order to prevent the transparent panel 65 from overhanging the front of the gaming machine, the reel unit 70 is positioned so that the rear end of the reel unit 70 is positioned near the rear end of the protective cover 135. Further, a control device or the like is not provided behind the protective cover 135. The configuration of the reel unit 70 will be described in detail later.

  The upper inclined portion 61 has an upper end in contact with the lower end of the upper panel 59 and connects the upper panel 59 to the frame portion 62 and the transparent panel 65 disposed in the frame portion 62. ing. Further, the upper inclined portion 61 is located above the front side of the reel unit 70. And, by being formed of a synthetic resin colored in black, light from the ceiling lighting and the upper light 59a in the game hall is blocked by the upper inclined portion 61. This prevents the light from being irradiated onto the reel unit 70 and the visibility of the symbol at the irradiated position from being lowered. The front surface of the upper inclined portion 61 is inclined downward from the back side toward the near side.

  The transparent panel 65 disposed in the frame portion 62 has a planar shape. This prevents light such as ceiling lighting in the game hall from being reflected by the transparent panel 65. Further, the front surface of the transparent panel 65 faces upward. Thereby, the improvement of the visibility of a symbol is achieved. On the other hand, since the frame portion 62 is formed of the synthetic resin colored black as described above, the structure around the reel unit 70 cannot be visually recognized from the outside.

  The front surface of the downward inclined portion 63 is inclined downward from the lower end of the frame portion 62 toward the back side. The back end portion corresponds to the upper end of the back wall 64. Thereby, the back wall 64 can be disposed on the back side to some extent as compared to the transparent panel 65. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower part on the near side of the reel unit 70 is located on the back side of the downward inclined portion 63 and the back wall 64, and the portion is curved. Then, by tilting the downward inclined portion 63 so as to conform to the curved surface, the rear wall 64 can be disposed as far as possible in the range where the rear wall 64 is not in contact with the reel unit 70. Moreover, even if it is the structure where the back wall 64 is located in the back | inner side rather than the transparent panel 65 because the front surface of the downward inclination part 63 inclines as mentioned above, it is provided in the back wall 64. The contents displayed on the acquired number display section 122 and the like can be visually recognized by the player without being obstructed by the transparent panel 65. Further, since the downward inclined portion 63 is formed of a synthetic resin colored in black, the internal structure of the gaming machine 1 cannot be visually recognized from the outside.

  The back wall 64 extends substantially vertically downward from the lower end of the downward inclined portion 63 over a predetermined range, and its center is opened. In the opening, an acquisition number display unit 122 and an information display unit 123 are provided. Further, below the back wall 64, the upper plate 18 having the operation unit 100 disposed on the front surface is located. The back wall 64 is located on the back side of the transparent panel 65 and is further located near the center of the upper plate 18 in the depth direction. With this configuration, a space for the player to replenish game balls to the upper plate 18 is secured while suppressing the operation unit 100 from protruding forward of the gaming machine as much as possible.

  For the sake of convenience of explanation, although description by illustration is omitted, a front light member having a panel shape is similarly attached to the back surface of the case body 60 so as to overlap. The front light member constitutes a light emitting means, a light source (light), and a transparent light guide that introduces light from the light source along the panel surface and reflects it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the panel surface and emits it to the outside of the panel. And a panel. That is, according to the front light member, surface light emission is performed substantially vertically toward the rear thereof, and a belt surface (design) of the belt unit 70 described later is illuminated brightly. In this case, surface light emission is performed with respect to the visible range of the symbol by the transparent panel 65.

  Next, the configuration of the reel unit 70 as a display device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 11, and 12. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the reel unit 70 taken out from the gaming machine main body. In FIG. 11, the front surface of the reel unit 70, that is, the symbol display surface is shown on the left front side. FIG. 12 is an assembled perspective view of the left reel.

  The reel unit 70 constitutes variable display means, and is installed on the back set board 16 from the front on the back side of the front door 4. That is, the belt unit 70 includes a metal base 80 (base member). The base 80 includes a rear portion 80a on the rear side of the reel unit 70, an upper surface portion 80b on the upper side, and a lower surface portion 80c on the lower side. Two support fixing portions 81 as fixed portions are provided at the front end portion of the upper surface portion 80b by bending a part of the end portion. Each support fixing portion 81 is formed with one insertion hole 81a. On the other hand, a support fixing portion 82 as a fixed portion is provided at the front end portion of the lower surface portion 80c by bending the entire end portion. The support fixing portion 82 has one insertion hole 82a at each end. The reel unit 70 is fixedly attached to the back set board 16 by screwing screws inserted through the insertion holes 81a and 82a into the back set board 16.

  The base 80 accommodates a left reel 71, a middle reel 72, and a right reel 73 that are formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each reel 71, 72, 73 is rotatably supported such that its central axis is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 71, 72, and 73 are disposed on the same axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and a part of the surface of each reel 71, 72, 73 is in a state that can be visually recognized through the transparent panel 65. ing. Further, when the reels 71, 72, and 73 are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 71, 72, and 73 are projected through the transparent panel 65 as if they are moving from top to bottom.

  Each of the reels 71, 72, and 73 is connected to a reel motor 74, 75, and 76 that includes a stepping motor, and the reels 71, 72, and 73 are driven by the reel motors 74, 75, and 76, respectively. 73 is configured to be able to rotate individually, that is, independently. Since these reels 71, 72, and 73 have the same configuration, the left reel 71 will be described as an example here with reference to FIG.

  The left reel 71 includes a cylindrical skeleton member 50 forming a cylindrical cage, and a belt-like belt wound endlessly on the outer peripheral surface thereof. And it is affixed on the cylindrical skeleton member 50 through a pair of seal part formed along the both sides of the long side of the belt so that the wound state may be maintained. A large number of symbols as identification information are printed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the belt. A boss portion 51 is formed at the center of the cylindrical skeleton member 50, and is attached to the drive shaft of the left reel motor 74 via a disk-like boss reinforcing plate 52. Accordingly, when the drive shaft of the left reel motor 74 rotates, the cylindrical skeleton member 50 rotates around the drive shaft, and the left reel 71 circulates along the annular reel surface. ing.

  The left reel motor 74 is fixed to the side surface of the motor plate 53 arranged in an upright state in the reel unit 70 (FIG. 11) with screws 54. The motor plate 53 is provided with a reel index sensor (rotational position detection sensor) 55 in which a light emitting element 55a and a light receiving element 55b are held at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, a base end portion 56 b of a sensor cut bun 56 extending in the radial direction is fixed to the boss reinforcing plate 52 integrated with the left reel 71 with a screw 57. The front end portion 56a of the sensor cut bun 56 is bent at a substantially right angle and is positioned so as to pass between both elements 55a and 55b of the reel index sensor 55. Each time the left reel 71 makes one revolution, the reel index sensor 55 detects the passage of the front end portion 56a of the sensor cut bun 56, and a detection signal is output to the main controller 131 described later each time the detection is made. Therefore, the main controller 131 can confirm and correct the angular position of the left reel 71 every rotation based on the detection signal.

  The reel motor 74 is set to rotate once by giving, for example, a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; the same applies hereinafter). The rotation position of the reel motor 74 is determined by this excitation pulse, That is, the rotational position of the left reel 71 is controlled.

  On each belt of each of the reels 71, 72, 73, a plurality of, specifically, 21 symbols are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). Therefore, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position. Based on the number of pulses from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 55 is output, it is possible to recognize which symbol is visible from the transparent panel 65 or to visually recognize any symbol from the transparent panel 65 It is possible to perform control to achieve a proper state.

  Of the symbols attached to each of the reels 71, 72, 73, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized through the transparent panel 65 is limited to a predetermined number mainly determined by the vertical length of the transparent panel 65. Yes. In this embodiment, three reels are provided. For this reason, when all the reels 71, 72, 73 are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible to the player.

  Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, although illustration explanation is omitted, the reel unit 70 is provided with a backlight (rear light emitting means) for illuminating a symbol visible through the transparent panel 65 from behind. . This backlight is composed of a fluorescent lamp or the like, and is arranged so as to illuminate a symbol visible from the rear through the transparent panel 65 on the inner peripheral side of each reel.

  Here, the symbols attached to the reels 71, 72, 73 will be described. FIG. 13 shows a symbol arrangement drawn on the belt wound around each of the left reel 71, the middle reel 72, and the right reel 73. As shown in the figure, each of the reels 71, 72, 73 is provided with 21 symbols in a row. Numbers 1 to 21 are assigned to the reels 71, 72, and 73 for convenience of explanation, but are not actually assigned to the reels 71, 72, and 73. . However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  As the symbols, there are a “7” symbol (for example, the left belt 20th) and a “youth” symbol (for example, the left belt 19th) as the first special symbol for shifting to the big bonus game. Further, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 14th left belt) as the second special symbol for shifting to the regular bonus game. In addition, there is a “replay” symbol (for example, the eleventh left belt) as a third special symbol for shifting to the replay game. In addition, a “watermelon” symbol (for example, the left belt ninth), a “bell” symbol (for example, the left belt eighth), and a “cherry” symbol (for example, left) as the small character symbols from which the small character is paid out. Belt 4th). As shown in FIG. 13, in the belt wound around each of the reels 71, 72, 73, the number and arrangement order of various symbols are completely different.

  In this embodiment, a total of five active lines are set up, up, middle, down, right up, and left up. The “7” symbol and the “youth” symbol are left, middle and right on the effective line. When they are ready, 75 game balls are paid out and a big bonus game is entered. Further, when the “BAR” symbols are aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, 75 game balls are paid out and the player enters the regular bonus game. Further, when the “replay” symbols are aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, the game balls are not paid out and the player enters the replay game.

  Furthermore, regarding the small role design, when the “Watermelon” design is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, 75 game balls are paid out, and the “Bell” design is on the left, middle, and right on the active line. In the event that they are aligned, 40 gaming balls are paid out. Further, when the “cherry” symbol of the left reel 71 is stopped on the active line, ten game balls are paid out. That is, the “cherry” symbols on the middle reel 72 and the right reel 73 are irrelevant to the payout of the game ball, and are meaningless symbols. In addition, for the “cherry” symbols, the game balls are paid out regardless of the combination with other symbols, and therefore the positions where the plurality of effective lines of the left reel 71 overlap (specifically, the upper or lower level). When the “cherry” symbol is stopped at the same time, game balls are paid out by multiplying the number of overlapping active lines. As a result, in this embodiment, 20 game balls are paid out. Done.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a main controller 131 for performing various controls relating to the game is installed on the back set board 16 on the back of the gaming machine 1. The main control device 131 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, an IO port that communicates with various devices, and an input / output driver that functions as a buffer. The control circuit board includes a random number circuit used in various lotteries, a reset circuit that outputs a reset signal, and the like.

  Similarly, the back set board 16 is provided with a sub-control device 132 for controlling the various lamps 8 to 10, 12, 13 and the speaker 11 so as to be accommodated in the protective cover 135. Similarly, the sub-control device 132 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and adopts a one-way communication configuration that receives a control signal from the main control device 131 but does not transmit a signal to the main control device 131 side. Yes. A payout control device 136 is installed on the back set panel 16 so as to be aligned with the main control device 131. The payout control device 136 also includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and adopts a bidirectional communication configuration with the main control device 131 via an input / output buffer. The main control device 131, the sub control device 132, and the payout control device 136 are all housed in a transparent or non-transparent control board box, and are fixed to the back set board 16 with the control board box sealed. ing. The reel unit 70 is housed and integrated in a colorless and transparent protective cover 135 as a case member.

  A power supply device 133 is installed on the back set panel 16 so as to be in contact with the side surface of the protective cover 135 (reel unit 70). The power supply device 133 houses a power supply board for supplying necessary power to the control device such as the main control device 131, the sub control device 132, the payout control device 136, and the other payout device 28 described above, and the power supply device. A colorless and transparent substrate box and a metal plate for noise countermeasures for eliminating noise generated inside and outside the power supply substrate are provided, and these are integrally assembled. In addition, the back set board 16 is provided with a vertically long concave portion 134 immediately next to the reel unit 70, and the side portion of the power supply device 133 is accommodated in the concave portion 134. Thereby, the power supply device 133 is attached in a state in which the power supply device 133 is arranged vertically in a direction extending in the depth direction of the gaming machine 1.

  The arrangement of the main control device 131, the sub control device 132, the power supply device 133, the payout control device 136, and the like is not limited to the arrangement described above.

  The power supply device 133 is provided with a power switch, a reset switch, a setting key insertion hole, and the like. The power switch is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main controller 131. The reset switch is a switch for resetting various states of the gaming machine 1. This game machine 1 has a backup function for various data. Even if a power failure occurs, the gaming machine 1 maintains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure (power recovery). It can be done. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is turned off in the normal procedure, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before the turn-off is stored, but if the power switch is turned on while pressing the reset switch, the backup data is reset. It has become. If the reset switch is pressed while the power switch is on, the error state is reset. The setting key insertion hole is used by a hall manager or the like to adjust the ball appearance. That is, the setting state (winning probability setting process) of the gaming machine 1 can be changed from, for example, “setting 1” to “setting 6” by inserting and operating the setting key into the setting key insertion hole. It has become.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the left side of the operation unit 100 provided at the bulging portion of the front door 4, the reels 71 to 73 are started simultaneously (not necessarily simultaneously). A start lever 101 is provided which is operated by the user. The start lever 101 constitutes start operation means that is operated to start variable display. An operation piece 211 a of the operation member 211 is disposed below the start lever 101.

  A stop button operation surface 113 is provided on the right side of the start lever 101, and stop buttons 102, 103, 104 for individually stopping the rotating reels 71 to 73 are provided on the stop button operation surface 113. ing. The stop buttons 102 to 104 are provided for the reels 71 to 73 to be stopped, respectively. The stop buttons 102 to 104 constitute stop means for stopping the variable display and stop operation means operated to stop the variable display. In the present embodiment, the reels 71 to 73 are configured to stop when a predetermined time elapses without the stop buttons 102 to 104 being pressed.

  A flat operation assisting surface 105 is formed on the upper surface of the operation unit 100 (the bulging portion of the front door 4). The operation assisting surface 105 is provided in an arch shape so as to surround the upper tray 18 behind it, and an opening 106 having substantially the same shape as the upper tray 18 is formed between the operation assisting surface 105 and the front surface of the gaming machine. When the front door 4 is closed, the upper plate 18 opens upward through the opening 106. Further, the operation assisting surface 105 is provided with a slight inclination so as to descend toward the front (front side). However, the inclination may not be present, and conversely, the inclination may be lowered downward.

  Here, the portion directly above the stop buttons 102 to 104 (stop button operation surface 113) on the operation assisting surface 105 has a substantially uniform width in the front-rear direction, and the rear edge of the operation assisting surface 105 (L portion in FIG. 1). ) Is configured in a straight line. In this case, assuming that the player presses each of the stop buttons 102 to 104 with the thumb, another finger such as an index finger or a middle finger may be put on the rear edge (L portion) of the operation assisting surface 105. By moving the hand to the left and right in this state, the stop buttons 102 to 104 can be continuously pressed along the operation assisting surface 105. In other words, the above pressing operation can be performed by placing a finger on the upper plate portion. In short, since the operation assisting surface 105 is flat and the rear edge thereof is a straight line, the operation assisting surface 105 is used to perform the continuous pressing operation of the stop buttons 102 to 104 quickly and smoothly. Can do.

  Further, the upper plate 18 (in this embodiment, particularly the sub-upper plate portion 18b shown in FIG. 5 and the like) may be provided with a step or an inclination so that the operation assisting surface 105 side is slightly raised. . That is, a height difference is provided so that the front of the upper plate 18 is high and the rear is low. According to this, even if game balls are stored in the upper plate 18, many of them are stored in a lower part of the upper plate 18 (that is, a part away from the operation assisting surface 105). Therefore, in the case where the upper plate 18 is used as a finger rest, the inconvenience that the finger and the game ball interfere can be avoided.

  Above the start lever 101 (that is, on the left hand side for the player), the operation assisting surface 105 of the operation unit 100 is provided with a button-like bet switch that constitutes an input operation means for starting to take in a game ball. It has been. In the present embodiment, a max bet switch 109 is provided as a bet switch.

  The max bet switch 109 is provided with a light-emitting body (light-emitting member) for notifying that an operation is being effectively accepted. The light emitter is built in the button pressing portion of the max bed switch 109, and the button pressing portion emits light when the light emitter emits light. The illuminator is turned on (or flashes) when the operation of the max bet switch 109 is effectively accepted, and after the operation of the max bet switch 109 is effectively accepted or when the operation is not accepted. Turns off. Alternatively, the light emitter emits red light when the operation of the max bet switch 109 is effectively accepted, and after the operation of the max bet switch 109 is effectively accepted or when the operation is not accepted. It may emit blue light.

  Each time the max bet switch 109 is pressed, the game balls on the upper plate 18 are taken in by the take-in device 30 by “15”. As a result, all five active lines are activated. This state is the maximum bet state. In other words, when the maximum bet switch 109 is pressed once, no further game balls are taken in. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the maximum bet state is reached and the maximum bet switch 109 is further pressed, the operation is invalidated. However, in the jack-in game in the big bonus game which is in a special game state, five game balls are taken in by one press operation of the max bet switch 109. In this case, only the center line of the five active lines is activated.

  A settlement switch 111 is provided on the display unit 63 of the front door 4. The settlement switch 111 is for discharging the game balls stored in the upper plate 18 and the game balls stored in the take-in device 30 to the lower plate 41. That is, when the player finishes the game and tries to take out the game ball stored in the upper plate 18 and the take-in device 30, the settlement switch 111 is pressed and operated via the take-in device 30. The game balls in the upper plate 18 and the take-in device 30 are discharged to the lower plate 41.

  Further, the display unit 63 is provided with an acquisition number display unit 122 for displaying the number of acquired game balls and an information display unit 123 for displaying information (for example, the number of games) during the big bonus game. Yes. In the present embodiment, each of the display units 122 and 123 is constituted by a three-digit seven-segment display. However, the number of digits is not particularly limited, and can naturally be replaced by a liquid crystal display or the like. is there.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control device 131 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on a CPU 151 as arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 133, the CPU 151 is connected to a clock circuit 154 that outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 155, and the like via an internal bus. The main controller 131 functions as a main base built in the gaming machine 10. Note that the power from the power supply device 133 is supplied directly or indirectly to the sub control device 132, the payout control device 136, etc. in addition to the main control device 131. Various signals based on the operation of the reset switch 138 provided in the power supply device 133 are transmitted to the main control device 131 and the payout control device 136, thereby executing the above-described ball removal processing and the like.

  On the input side of the main control device 131, a settlement detection sensor 111a that detects a pressing operation of the settlement switch 111, a maximum bed detection sensor 109a that detects a pressing operation of the maximum bed switch 109, and a start detection that detects an operation of the start lever 101. Various sensors such as a sensor 101a, stop detection sensors 102a, 103a, and 104a that individually detect operations of the stop buttons 102 to 104, and a reel index sensor 55 that individually detects the rotation positions (origin positions) of the reels 71 to 73 Is connected.

  On the output side of the main control device 131, reel motors 74 to 76 mounted on the reel unit 70, and an acquisition number display unit 122 and an information display unit 123 provided in the display unit 63 are connected.

  The take-in device 30 is connected to the main control device 131. Specifically, the count sensor 185 of the capture device 30 is connected to the input side of the main control device 131, and the ball lead-out motor 175 of the capture device 30 is connected to the output side of the main control device 131. .

  In addition, a payout control device 136 is connected to the main control device 131 so that bidirectional communication can be performed. Accordingly, the payout control device 136 can receive a command from the main control device 131, and the main control device 131 can receive a signal from the payout control device 136. In addition, a payout device 28 is connected to the payout control device 136.

  Further, a sub control device 132 is connected to the output side of the main control device 131. The light emitters 8 and 9, the lamp display units 10, 12 and 13, and the speaker 11 are connected to the output side of the sub-control device 132. From the main control device 131, game information at that time is transmitted as a signal to the sub-control device 132. The sub-control device 132 to which signals relating to each game information are input executes various effects based on various control signals based on its own control program.

  The CPU 151 described above stores various control programs executed by the CPU 151 and a ROM 152 storing fixed value data, and temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 152 is executed. In addition to the RAM 153 for securing an area, various processing circuits necessary for the gaming machine 1 such as a timer circuit such as a period measurement timer, a data transmission / reception circuit, etc. (not shown) and various counters such as a bet counter are incorporated. . The ROM 152 and the RAM 153 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing the processes shown in various flowcharts shown in FIG. 15 and subsequent figures is stored in the ROM 152 described above as a part of the control program. The ROM 152 is set with a rotation speed storage area for storing a rotation speed determination random number table shown in FIG. The random number table will be described in detail later.

  The RAM 153 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 133 provided in the power supply box 121 and the data can be held (backed up) even after the gaming machine 1 is powered off. In addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data such as a bet operation flag, a backup area is provided.

  The backup area indicates the values of the stack pointer, registers, I / O, etc. when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure, etc. This is an area to be stored, and when the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch; the same applies hereinafter), the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area. You can return. Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is cut off by the power failure process, and restoration of each value written to the backup area is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 151 is configured to receive a power failure signal from the power supply device 133 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. NMI interrupt processing as generation processing is immediately executed.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 151 in the main controller 131 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The main controller 131 is roughly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in a cycle of 1.49 msec in the present embodiment), and an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). NMI interrupt processing activated by the input of a power failure signal to). For convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt processing and timer interrupt processing will be described first, and then the main processing will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of NMI interrupt processing. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power supply device 133 to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) provided in the CPU 151 of the main controller 131. In the main controller 131 that has received the power failure signal via the NMI terminal, NMI interrupt processing is executed.

  In the NMI interrupt processing, first, in step S101, the data of the used register provided in the CPU 151 is saved in the backup area of the RAM 153. Subsequently, in step S102, the power failure flag is set in the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 153. Thereafter, the data saved in the backup area of the RAM 153 in step S103 is restored to the use register of the CPU 151 again. With this return processing, the NMI interrupt processing ends. If the power failure flag can be set without destroying the data in the register used by the CPU 151, the saving and restoring processing to the backup area can be omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing periodically executed by the main control device 131, and a timer interrupt is generated by the CPU 151 of the main control device 131 every 1.49 msec, for example.

  First, in the register saving process shown in step S201, the values of all the registers in the CPU 151 used in the normal process described later are saved in the backup area of the RAM 153. In step S202, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to step S203, and a power failure process is executed.

  Here, the power failure process will be described with reference to FIG. Since the power failure process is performed immediately after the register saving process in the timer interrupt process, other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. Therefore, the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process, for example, during the transmission process of various commands, the process of reading the switch state (ON / OFF), and the like. It is no longer necessary to create a power failure processing program that also takes into account This simplifies the processing program for power failure processing and reduces the program capacity. This also applies to a processing program for power recovery processing described later.

  In step S301, it is determined whether command transmission has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, the process is terminated and the process returns to the timer interrupt process to terminate the command transmission. In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the power failure process, the transmission process is prioritized when the transmission is incomplete, and the power failure process is executed after the unit command transmission process is completed. By doing so, it is not necessary to construct a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed during command transmission. As a result, the power failure processing program can be simplified and the ROM 152 can be reduced in capacity.

  If YES in step S301, that is, if command transmission is complete, the process proceeds to step S302, and the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 151 is stored in the backup area in the RAM 153. Thereafter, in step S303, a RAM determination value, which will be described later, is cleared as a stop process, and the output state of the output port in the input / output port is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. In step S304, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area. The RAM determination value is specifically a 2's complement of the checksum at the work area address of the RAM 153. By saving the RAM determination value in the backup area, the checksum of the RAM 153 becomes zero. By setting the check sum of the RAM 153 to 0, subsequent RAM access is prohibited in step S305. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. In consideration of, for example, the case where the power failure flag is set erroneously due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output until the infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal is not output, it means that the power failure state has been recovered. Therefore, writing to the RAM 153 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power outage signal is continuously output, the infinite loop is entered.

  Note that the power supply unit of the power supply device 133 holds the output of the stabilization voltage (5 volts) used as the drive voltage for the control system for a time sufficient to execute the above-described NMI interrupt processing and power failure processing. It is configured as follows. In the present embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, if the power failure flag is not set in step S202, various processes after step S204 are performed.

  That is, in step S204, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S205, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the CPU 151 itself is performed. In step S206, in order to rotate the reels 71, 72, and 73, a reel motor control process for driving the reel motors 74 to 76, which are the respective reel driving motors, is performed. In step S207, sensor monitoring processing is performed to monitor the state of various sensors (see FIG. 14) connected to the input / output port. In step S208, a game ball detection process is performed based on the monitoring result in the sensor monitoring process. In step S209, a game ball take-in process for controlling the take-in of game balls by the take-in device 30 is performed. In step S210, a game ball discharge process for controlling the discharge of game balls by the take-in device 30 is performed. In step S211, timer subtraction processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S212, counter processing is performed to output the result of counting the number of game balls bet and the number of payouts to the external concentration terminal board. Incidentally, the information output to the external concentration terminal board is transmitted to the hall management device or the like through the external concentration terminal board.

  In step S213, command output processing for transmitting a command or the like to the sub-control device 132 is performed. In step S214, segment data to be displayed on the acquisition number display unit 122 and the information display unit 123 is set, and the set segment data is supplied to the display units 122 and 123 to display corresponding numbers, symbols, and the like. Perform segment data display processing. In step S215, port output processing is performed for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port. In step S216, the value of each register saved in the backup area in the previous step S201 is restored to the corresponding register in the CPU 151. Thereafter, in step S217, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

  Here, the game ball detection process in step S208, the game ball take-in process in step S209, and the game ball discharge process in step S210 will be described. However, for convenience of explanation, after explaining the game ball taking-in process using FIG. 18, the game ball detecting process will be explained using FIG. 20, and the game ball discharging process will be explained using FIG.

  In the game ball take-in process, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the ball derivation motor 175 is driven. However, here, it is determined whether or not the rotator 171 is driven in the clockwise direction (as viewed in the state of FIG. 9). If the ball derivation motor 175 is not driven, it is determined in step S402 whether or not the bet operation flag is set in the bet operation flag storage area provided in the RAM 153. The bet operation flag is a flag that is set when the max bet switch 109 is operated by the player and the main controller 131 receives an ON signal from the max bet detection sensor 109a. However, while the reels 71 to 73 are rotating, while a game ball is being paid out via the payout device 28 (that is, in a state in which the take-in is not permitted) and via the take-in device 30 Even if the max bet switch 109 is operated while the discharge is being performed (that is, while the discharge operation flag described later is set), the bet operation flag is not set. This is to prevent the game balls from being taken in while the reels 71 to 73 are rotating.

  If the bet operation flag is not set, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the bet operation flag is set, a rotational speed determination process is executed in step S403. In the rotational speed determination process, the rotational speed of the rotating body 171 is determined by drawing the driving speed of the ball derivation motor 175 based on the operation timing of the max bet switch 109. Specifically, a random number counter for determining the rotational speed is provided, and the random number is latched from the random number counter at the timing when the max bet switch 109 is operated. Then, the rotational speed is determined by comparing the random number with a rotational speed determination random number table stored in the ROM 152.

  Here, a random number table for determining the rotational speed will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the range of random numbers is set as 0 to 359, and the driving speed of the sphere derivation motor 175 is set in four stages of patterns 1 to 4. Specifically, the pattern 1 is 2 step / msec, the pattern 2 is 1 step / msec, the pattern 3 is 2/3 step / msec, and the pattern 4 is 1/2 step / msec. ing. The random number range of pattern 1 is 0 to 89, the random number range of pattern 2 is 90 to 179, the random number range of pattern 3 is 180 to 269, and The range of random numbers is 270-359.

  As described above, the output shaft 175a of the sphere derivation motor 175 is set to advance one step by giving a drive signal of one pulse and to make one rotation by giving a drive signal of 360 pulses. That is, the total number of steps required for one rotation is 360 steps. Therefore, in the case of pattern 1, a game ball is derived to the intake passage 168 at a cycle of 60 msec, and in the case of pattern 2, a game ball is derived to the intake passage 168 at a cycle of 120 msec. The game ball is led out to the take-in passage 168 at a cycle of 180 msec, and in the case of pattern 4, the game ball is led out to the take-in passage 168 at a cycle of 240 msec.

  Returning to the description of the game ball take-in process of FIG. 18, after the process of step S403, a predetermined value is set to drive the ball derivation motor 175 based on the speed determined in the rotation speed determination process of step S403 in step S404. A drive signal is output with a period of However, here, the ball derivation motor 175 is driven so that the rotating body 171 rotates clockwise (as viewed in the state of FIG. 9). Thereby, the game ball is led out to the intake passage 168 at any of the above-described periods. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the ball derivation motor 175 is driven in step S401, an affirmative determination is made, and whether or not the game ball has been taken in is determined by determining whether or not the bet counter is 15 in step S405. Determine whether. The bet counter is a counter that is counted up in the game ball detection process, and details thereof will be described later. If the game ball has been taken in, the bet flag is set in the bet flag storage area provided in the RAM 153 in step S406, the value of the bet counter is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, the output of the drive signal to the sphere derivation motor 175 is stopped. Thereby, the driving of the ball lead-out motor 175 is stopped, whereby the rotation of the rotating body 171 is stopped, and the taking-in of the game ball by the taking-in device 30 is finished. In step S407, the bet operation flag set in the bet operation flag storage area is deleted.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S405 (that is, when the game ball has not been taken in), the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, it is determined whether or not an allowable capture time has elapsed since the driving of the ball derivation motor 175 was started in step S404. If the allowable capture time has not elapsed, the present process is terminated. If the allowable capture time has elapsed, the process is terminated after performing the process of step S407 described above. In this way, by determining whether or not the allowance time has elapsed, it is possible to prevent the ball lead-out motor 175 from being continuously driven even though the game ball is not stored in the upper plate 18. be able to. In this case, the number of game balls stored in the bet counter is paid back to the player via the payout device 28.

  Next, the game ball detection process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the game ball detection process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not a bet operation flag is set in the bet operation flag storage area. If the bet operation flag has been set, it is determined in step S502 whether or not a signal indicating that the passing of the game ball has been detected is input from the count sensor 185 in the capture device 30. As a result, if the signal has not been input, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the signal has been input, it is determined in step S503 whether or not the period measurement timer is measuring time. If the period measurement timer has not measured the time, the process ends after performing the processes of steps S505 and S506 without performing the process of step S504. In step S505, the value of the bet counter is incremented by 1. In step S506, the period measurement timer is reset and time measurement is started. Here, the bet counter is a counter that is counted up each time a game ball is taken in by the take-in device 30. The period measurement timer measures the time from when the count sensor 185 detects one game ball until the next game ball is detected when a large number of game balls are continuously captured by the capture device 30. It is a timer to do.

  On the other hand, if the cycle measurement timer is measuring time in step S503, it is determined in step S504 whether the time of the cycle measurement timer is within the specific time range. The specific time range determined here is set within a range of ± 10 msec with respect to the specific time. The reason why the range of ± 10 msec with respect to the specific time is set in consideration of the driving error of the ball derivation motor 175 and the like. This range is not limited to ± 10 msec, and may be set to be less than 10 msec or more than 10 msec. The specific time varies depending on the rotation speed of the rotating body 171. That is, as described above, in the present embodiment, four patterns are set for the rotational speed of the rotating body 171 (the driving speed of the ball lead-out motor 175), and the rotating body 171 is set according to the timing at which the max bet switch 109 is operated. Is determined (see FIG. 19). Therefore, when the rotation speed of the rotating body 171 is pattern 1, the specific time is 60 msec, in the case of pattern 2, the specific time is 120 msec, in the case of pattern 3, the specific time is 180 msec, In the case of 4, the specific time is 240 msec.

  If the time of the period measurement timer is within the specific time range in step S504, the process ends after performing the processes of steps S505 and S506. On the other hand, if the time of the period measurement timer is not within the specific time range in step S504, the process proceeds to step S507, where error information is transmitted to the hall management device or the like through the external concentration terminal board, and an error is displayed in the information display unit 123. An external notification process for displaying the letter “E” indicating the occurrence is performed. In subsequent step S508, a game prohibition process (game progress stop process) for prohibiting subsequent games is performed. In the game prohibition process, first interrupt processing is prohibited and all output ports in the input / output port are cleared, so that all actuators connected to the input / output port are controlled to be in the off state, and gaming is impossible. And Then, an error is displayed on the lamp display units 10, 12, 13 and the like so as to notify the hall manager of the occurrence of the error, and this state is maintained until the reset switch 138 is turned on. The reason for this is to suppress an illegal act that causes the count sensor 185 to erroneously detect the passage of the game ball and misidentify the game ball uptake.

  If the bet operation flag is not set in step S501, a negative determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S509. In step S509, it is determined whether or not a signal indicating that the passing of the game ball is detected is input from the count sensor 185. As a result, if the signal is input, an external notification process is performed in step S507, and a game prohibition process is performed in subsequent step S508. The reason for this is to suppress the above-mentioned fraudulent behavior in a situation where the bet operation flag is not set.

  On the other hand, if a signal indicating that the passing of the game ball has been detected is not input from the count sensor 185 in step S509, it is determined in step S510 whether or not the period measurement timer is measuring time. . If the time has been measured, the process ends after stopping the time measurement by the period measurement timer in step S511. If the time has not been measured, the process ends. .

  Whether or not the period measurement timer is measuring time in steps S503 and S510 is determined by setting a measurement flag storage area in the RAM 153 and setting the measurement flag in the area, for example. It is good also as a structure which determines. The measurement-in-progress flag is set when the period measurement timer starts measurement, and is cleared when the period measurement timer ends measurement. Further, for example, it may be configured to determine whether or not the period measurement timer is measuring time by comparing the previous update history of the period measurement timer and the current update history.

  Here, an outline of the game ball detection process will be described using the timing chart of FIG. In addition, about the rotary body 171, the timing which guide | induces a game ball from the upstream channel | path 167 side to the intake channel | path 168 side is shown. In addition, it is actually determined that the acquisition is completed by acquiring 15 game balls, but here, it is determined that the acquisition is completed by acquiring 5 game balls.

  First, a case where fraud is not performed will be described. The bet operation flag is set by operating the max bet switch 109 at the timing of t1. In this case, the rotational speed of the rotator 171 is determined. Here, 2 steps / msec of pattern 1 is selected. Then, as the game ball is led out to the take-in passage 168 by the rotating body 171 at the timing t2, the count sensor 185 detects one game ball at the timing t3. In this case, time measurement by the period measurement timer is started, and the bet counter is incremented by one.

  Thereafter, as the game ball is led out again to the take-in passage 168 by the rotating body 171 at the timing t4, the count sensor 185 detects one game ball at the timing t5. In this case, the cycle in which the rotating body 171 leads the game ball to the take-in passage 168 is c1, the cycle in which the count sensor 185 detects the game ball is c2, and c1≈c2. If no fraud is performed, the detection of the game ball at the timing of t5 is fraudulent because c2 is within the range of ± 10 msec with respect to 60 msec even in consideration of the driving error of the ball derivation motor 175. The period measurement timer is reset and the bet counter is incremented by 1.

  Thereafter, a game ball is detected in the period of c2, and a fifth game ball is detected at the timing of t6. As a result, the bet operation flag is erased and the rotation of the rotating body 171 is stopped. Further, as the bet flag is set in the game ball taking-in process, the value of the bet counter is reset. However, the time measurement by the period measurement timer is reset at the timing t6, and is stopped at the timing t7, which is the timing at which the first timer interrupt processing thereafter is executed.

  In addition, when the rotation speed of the rotating body 171 is 1 step / msec of the pattern 2, the period in which the game balls are led out to the intake passage 168 by the rotating body 171 is c3 that is about twice as long as c1. Thus, the cycle in which the count sensor 185 detects the game ball is c4 that is approximately twice as long as c2. And c3≈c4. In this case, since c4 is within a range of ± 10 msec with respect to 120 msec and it is determined that the detection of each game ball is not due to fraud, the bet counter is incremented by 1 each time a game ball is detected. Go.

  Next, a case where an illegal act is performed will be described. By operating the max bet switch 109 at the timing of t8, the rotation speed of the rotating body 171 is determined and the rotation of the rotating body 171 is started. Note that 1 step / msec of pattern 2 is selected as the rotation speed of the rotating body 171. Thereafter, the game ball is not led out to the take-in passage 168 by the rotating body 171 and the count sensor 185 detects the game ball at timings t9 and t10. In this case, the cycle is c5, and c3 ≠ c5. Therefore, when c5 is not within the range of ± 10 msec with respect to 120 msec and it is determined that an illegal act is performed, the game is prohibited. Thereafter, the game prohibition state is released by turning on the reset switch 138 at the timing of t11. In this case, the bet counter is reset.

  Next, the game ball discharge process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the game ball discharge process, it is first determined in step S601 whether or not the ball lead-out motor 175 is being driven. However, it is determined here whether or not the rotator 171 is driven in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in the state of FIG. 9). If the ball lead-out motor 175 is not driven, it is determined in step S602 whether or not the discharge operation flag is set in the discharge operation flag storage area provided in the RAM 153. The discharge operation flag is a flag that is set when the settlement switch 111 is operated by the player and the main control device 131 receives an ON signal from the settlement detection sensor 111a. However, while the reels 71 to 73 are rotating, while a game ball is being paid out via the payout device 28 (that is, in a state in which the take-in is not permitted) and via the take-in device 30 Even if the settlement switch 111 is operated while the take-in is being performed (that is, while the above-described bet operation flag is set), the discharge operation flag is not set. If the discharge operation flag is not set, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the discharge operation flag is set, a drive signal is output at a predetermined cycle in order to drive the ball lead-out motor 175 in step S603. However, here, the ball lead-out motor 175 is driven so that the rotating body 171 rotates counterclockwise (as viewed in the state of FIG. 9). Further, the driving speed of the ball lead-out motor 175 in the case of discharging is constant.

  If the ball derivation motor 175 is driven in step S601, an affirmative determination is made, and the flow proceeds to step S604. In step S604, it is determined whether or not the discharge allowable time has elapsed since the driving of the ball derivation motor 175 was started in step S603. If the allowable discharge time has not elapsed, the present process is terminated. If the allowable discharge time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, the output of the drive signal to the sphere derivation motor 175 is stopped. Accordingly, the driving of the ball lead-out motor 175 is stopped, whereby the rotation of the rotating body 171 is stopped, and the discharge of the game ball by the take-in device 30 is ended. In step S605, the discharge operation flag set in the discharge operation flag storage area is deleted.

  Next, the main process in the main controller 131 executed after power-on will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The main process is executed when power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on a power switch.

  First, in step S701, as initialization processing, the value of the stack pointer is set in the CPU 151, and an interrupt mode that permits interrupt processing is set. Thereafter, various settings are made for a register group in the CPU 151, an I / O device, and the like. Etc.

  When these initialization processes are completed, it is next determined in step S702 whether or not the reset switch 138 is turned on. If the reset switch 138 is turned on, the process advances to step S703 to clear all data stored in the RAM 153 as a RAM clear process.

  Thereafter, in step S704, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole. If the setting key has been inserted, the process advances to step S705 to perform setting change processing. As the setting change process, first, all data stored in the RAM 153 is cleared. Then, after determining which setting state is selected from a plurality of preset setting states (for example, “setting 1” to “setting 6”), internal processing corresponding to the selected setting state is executed. To do.

  In step S706, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. When the power failure flag is not set, that is, when the data in the RAM 153 is cleared in the previous step S703 or step S705, the process proceeds to a normal process described later, and this process ends.

  When the power failure flag is set in step S706, the process proceeds to power recovery processing shown in step S708 and thereafter. The fact that the power failure flag is set means that subroutine processing such as RAM clear processing in step S703 and setting change processing in step S705 is not executed at all. Therefore, the data in the RAM 153 is not rewritten at all, and the power recovery process requires confirmation processing such as whether or not the data in the RAM 153 is normal. For this purpose, first, in step S708, it is confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal. Specifically, the checksum value of the RAM 153 is checked to check whether the value is normal, that is, whether the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0. If the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0, it is determined that the data in the RAM 153 is normal.

  If the RAM determination value is abnormal in step S708, that is, if the checksum value is not zero, there is a high possibility that the data in the RAM 153 has been destroyed. Therefore, in such a case, error display processing is performed in step S709. As the error display processing, first, interrupt processing is prohibited, and all output ports in the input / output port are cleared to control all actuators connected to the input / output port to the off state. Thereafter, an error display for notifying the occurrence of an error to the hall manager or the like is performed, and this state is maintained until the reset switch is turned on.

  If it is determined in step S708 that the RAM determination value is normal, the process proceeds to step S710, where the stack pointer value stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the CPU 151, and the stack state before the power is shut off is written. Return to the state. Next, in step S711, a power recovery command used during power recovery processing is transmitted to the sub-control device 132. After that, in step S712, the game state is stopped and automatic settlement setting storage processing is performed, and in step S713, various sensors such as the start detection sensor 101a are initialized. After the above processing is completed, the power failure flag is reset in step S714, and the processing returns to the address before the power is shut off. Specifically, the process returns to the timer interrupt process described above, and the watch interrupt timer clear process for the timer interrupt is executed.

  Next, normal processing for performing main control related to the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S801, it is determined whether or not a bet flag is set in a bet flag storage area provided in the RAM 153, that is, whether or not a game ball is bet. The bet flag is set in the above-described game ball take-in process. When the bet flag is set, the process proceeds to step S802, and when the bet flag is not set, the process of step S801 is performed again. In step S802, a capture non-permission process is executed. In such a take-in disapproval process, even if the max bet switch 109 is operated, a take-in disallow state in which the operation is invalidated is set. Thereafter, in step S803, it is determined whether or not the start lever 101 has been operated. If the start lever 101 has been operated, the lottery process in step S804, the reel control process in step S805, the payout monitoring process in step S806, and the special game state process in step S807 are executed in sequence, and in step S808, the acquisition permission is performed. Execute the process. In such a take-in permission process, when the max bet switch 109 is operated, a take-in permission state is set in which a bet operation flag is set. And after performing the above process, it returns to step S801. On the other hand, if the start lever 101 has not been operated in step S803, the process waits in step S803.

  Hereinafter, the lottery process in step S804 and the reel control process in step S805 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. In the payout monitoring process in step S806, a game ball payout process (described later) executed by the payout control device 136 is monitored. Further, in the special game state process of step S807, the start or end of the big bonus game and the regular bonus game is determined. Detailed explanation of these payout monitoring processing and special game state processing is omitted for the sake of convenience.

  First, the lottery process in step S804 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S901, a random number table for determination of success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the gaming machine 1 and the like. Here, the setting state of the gaming machine 1 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6”. When “setting 1”, the random number table having the lowest winning probability of the winning combination is selected, and “setting 6” is selected. Sometimes the random number table with the highest winning probability is selected. Note that the random number table for determination of success / failure may have a configuration in which something other than those described above is set, or may have a configuration in which only a table based on the setting state is set.

  In step S902, the lottery of the winning combination is performed by comparing the random number table selected in this way with the random number latched by the random number counter when the start lever 101 is operated. In step S903, it is determined whether or not any of the winning combinations has been won. If any of the winning combinations has not been won, the process is terminated. If any winning combination is won, the process proceeds to step S904, where a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set, and an effective line to be aligned is determined. In step S905, a reel table for reel stop control is determined and stored in the slip table storage area of the RAM. Here, the slip table is a predetermined symbol to be stopped when the symbol on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop buttons 102 to 104 are pressed differs from the symbol to be stopped on the effective line. This is a table that defines how much the reels 71 to 73 are slid so as to stop on the active line.

  Next, the reel control processing in step S805 will be described based on the flowchart in FIG.

  In the reel control process, first, a wait process is performed in step S1001. This wait process is a process of waiting without starting the reel rotation in the current game until a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the time when the reel rotation is started in the previous game. For this reason, even if the start lever 101 is operated after the maximum bet switch 109 is operated, the reels 71 to 73 may not immediately rotate.

  Following the wait process, the reel start process in step S1002 is performed to rotate the reels 71 to 73. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1003, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the left reel 71 started to rotate. If not, the process waits until the predetermined time elapses. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1004, where one of the stop buttons 102 to 104 is pressed to generate a reel stop command, more specifically from the stop detection sensors 102a to 104a. It is determined whether an ON signal is received. That is, in this embodiment, a period from when the left reel 71 starts to rotate until a predetermined time elapses is set as an invalid period, and even if the stop buttons 102 to 104 are pressed during this invalid period. The ON signals from the stop detection sensors 102a to 104a are invalidated. If no stop command has been issued, the process advances to step S1005 to determine whether or not a predetermined maximum rotation time (for example, 40 seconds) of each reel 71 to 73 has elapsed. If the maximum rotation time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1004. If the maximum rotation time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1006 to perform forced stop processing for forcibly stopping all the rotating reels.

  On the other hand, if any stop button 102 to 104 is pressed in step S1004 and a stop command is generated, the process proceeds to step S1007 to perform reel stop processing. In this reel stop process, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped. If a winning combination is won in the winning lottery, and the winning flag is set, the reel is stored in the sliding table storage area of the RAM 153. With reference to the sliding table, control is performed so that the winning combinations are arranged on a predetermined effective line as much as possible. For example, if the “Watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line and the stop button is pressed at the timing when the “Watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, the symbol 2 will stop on the lower line. Slide the reel as much as you can. However, since the range that can be slid is predetermined (for example, up to four symbols), the “watermelon” symbol may not stop on the lower line depending on the timing of pressing the stop button. Even in the forced stop process in step S1006, if the winning flag is set, the same process is performed.

  In step S1008, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop button has been pressed when all three reels are rotating. In the case of the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S1009 to perform a slip table changing process. In this slide table change process, for example, it is determined whether or not a combination of combinations occurs when trying to align a combination on the selected active line, and when a combination of combinations does not occur, the process proceeds to the next step as it is. When a combination of combinations occurs, the selected effective line is changed to another effective line, and after changing to a sliding table suitable for the changed effective line, the process proceeds to the next step. Here, “combination of a combination” means that, for example, when a “watermelon” symbol is arranged on the upper line, a “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line when the “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line. Refers to cases. The sliding table changing process may be performed other than when avoiding the combination of the combinations.

  On the other hand, if the current stop command is not the first stop command in step S1008, the process proceeds to step S1010, and whether or not the second stop command is present, that is, one of the three reels is stopped and the two reels are rotating. Whether or not the stop button has been pressed is determined. When it is the second stop command, the process proceeds to step S1011 and a stop eye determination process is performed. In this stop eye determination process, when two reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the two are aligned with a bonus symbol such as “7” symbol. If they are not aligned, the process proceeds to the next step as it is. When sound effects are generated from the speaker 11, the process proceeds to the next step. In the stop eye determination process, it may be determined whether another condition other than the two bonus symbols is met, or an effect using the lamp display units 10, 12, and 13 other than the sound effect is performed. May be.

  Then, after the forced stop process in step S1006, after the slip table change process in step S1009, when the current stop command is not the second stop command in step S1010, or the stop eye determination process in step S1011 is performed. Thereafter, in step S1012, it is determined whether or not all rotations of the left, middle, and right reels 71, 72, and 73 have stopped. If the rotation has not stopped, the process returns to step S1004. If the rotation has stopped, a payout determination process is performed in the subsequent step S1013, and this process ends.

  The payout determination process is a process for setting the payout number of game balls on the condition that the winning combinations are arranged on the active line. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is arranged on the effective line. When the winning combination is not aligned on the effective line, 0 is set in the payout scheduled number storage area of the RAM 153, and the winning combination is aligned on the effective line. When it is, it is determined whether or not the winning combination matches the winning combination, and when they do not match, an error is displayed on the lamp display unit 10 or the like and 0 is set in the scheduled payout number storage area. When the winning combination on the active line matches the winning combination, the payout number corresponding to the winning combination in the payout amount storage area is set, and information on the payout amount is further stored in the payout control device 136. To output, a payout number command including payout number information is set.

  Next, game ball payout processing executed by the CPU of the payout control device 136 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the game ball payout process, first, it is determined whether or not the payout number counted by the payout detection counter in step S1101 matches the payout amount determined from the command stored in the RAM of the payout control device 136. . When the number of payouts does not match the planned payout number, the payout device 28 is driven in step S1102 to pay out the game balls to the upper plate 18. At this time, in step S1103, the number of payouts is incremented by 1 according to the detection signal of the payout detection sensor provided in the payout device 28. At this time, a payout command indicating that the payout number is incremented by 1 is output to the main controller 131. Then, the process returns to step S1101. When the number of payouts matches the planned payout number in step S1101, the payout device 28 is stopped in step S1104, and this process is terminated. The number of payouts is reset when the number of game balls to be paid out is paid out.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  Detection is output from the count sensor 185 so that the game ball passage 165 of the take-in device 30 is provided with a rotating body 171 so that the game ball is led out to the take-in passage 168 at a specific period as the rotation body 171 rotates. When the signal output cycle (detection cycle) is not within a predetermined range with respect to the specific cycle, an abnormality process is performed. Thereby, for example, it is possible to suppress an illegal act that causes the count sensor 185 to erroneously detect the passage of the game ball using a jig in which the light emitter is embedded in the film.

  In addition, a plurality of recesses 171 a are formed at the periphery of the rotating body 171, and a game ball placed on the recess 171 a is led out to the take-in passage 168. With this configuration, a plurality of game balls can be led out to the intake passage 168 by rotating the rotating body 171 once. Even if only one recess 171a is formed, the number of game balls passing through the intake passage 168 per unit time may be made approximately the same by increasing the rotational speed of the rotating body 171. Is possible. However, in this case, the rotation of the rotating body 171 becomes unstable, and it may not be possible to derive the game ball at a specific period, which is not preferable.

  In addition, a plurality of rotation speeds of the rotating body 171 are set, and the lottery of the rotation speed is selected every time the max bet switch 109 is operated, so that the passing of the game ball in the intake passage 168 is constant. It becomes possible to prevent continuing being permitted in a specific period, and it is possible to more reliably suppress fraud that misidentifies the taking-in of game balls.

  In addition, the measurement of the time of the period measurement timer is ended when the game ball has been taken in. In other words, it is determined whether or not the output cycle of the detection signal output from the count sensor 185 is a specific cycle, the period from the start of the taking of the game ball through the take-in passage 168 to the end (take-in Period). Thereby, the fraudulent act which misidentifies taking-in of a game ball can be suppressed suitably. In other words, if the period for performing the determination (determination period) is shorter than the capture period, the fraudulent act is easily performed while avoiding abnormal processing easily by causing the count sensor 185 to erroneously detect the detection period once in the determination period. I can do it. In addition, if the determination period is longer than the capture period, for example, a period that extends over two consecutive capture periods, there is a risk that abnormal processing may be performed even though fraudulent activity is not performed. In other words, since it is common for a predetermined number of game balls to be captured in one capture period, the first game ball in the subsequent capture period is detected from the time of detection of the last game ball in the previous capture period. This is because the period until the game ball is detected becomes longer than the specific period.

  Further, each of the passages 168 is configured such that a game ball is led out to the take-in passage 168 by rotating the rotating body 171 clockwise, and a game ball is led out to the discharge passage 169 by rotating counterclockwise. , 169 can be derived by one drive mechanism, and the configuration can be simplified.

  In addition, a game prohibition process is performed as an abnormal process. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to prohibit a game from being started after a fraudulent act that misidentifies the taking-in of a game ball is performed, so that a gaming hall or the like suffers a disadvantage due to the fraudulent act. It can be surely suppressed.

  Further, by adopting a configuration in which the game ball detection process is performed by the timer interrupt process performed at a cycle of 1.49 msec, the abnormal process can be immediately performed when the above fraud is performed. By setting it as this structure, it can suppress that the said fraud is continued at the time of the said fraud. Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress the gaming hall and the like from being disadvantaged by the fraud.

  In addition, when performing the above-described abnormality processing, it is possible to clearly notify the game hall manager or the like that an abnormality has occurred by adopting a configuration in which the occurrence of the abnormality is notified outside the gaming machine. In addition, it is possible to suppress a person who intends to perform an illegal act from reaching an actual act.

  In addition to the embodiment described above, for example, the following may be implemented.

  (A) Modification examples of the capture device 30 are shown in FIGS.

  In FIGS. 28A and 28B, the take-in device 30 is not provided with a discharge passage, and a part of the rotating body 171 is located in the game ball passage 165. Further, in the above embodiment, the upstream passage 167 extends straight in the vertical direction. However, in this configuration, the upstream passage 167 extends downward while being curved. As shown in FIG. 28A, when the rotating body 171 is stopped, the game ball Y is received by the rotating body 171 and the passage of the game ball in the intake passage 168 is blocked. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), when the rotating body 171 rotates, the game ball Y placed on the recess 171 a of the rotating body 171 is led out to the intake passage 168. Even in this configuration, when the output cycle of the detection signal output from the count sensor 185 is different from the specific cycle corresponding to the rotation speed of the rotator 171, an abnormal process is performed so that the game ball can be captured. It is possible to suppress misconduct that causes misunderstanding.

  The upstream passage 167 is configured to extend downward while being curved, so that the weight of the game ball stored in the upstream passage 167 is distributed to the passage wall 161b and the load applied to the rotating body 171 is reduced. be able to.

  Further, in FIGS. 29A to 29C, the ball receiving means, which is the rotating body 171 in the above embodiment, is constituted by two gate members 191 and 192 arranged vertically. Each of the gate members 191 and 192 is provided with an electromagnetic solenoid as a driving means (not shown). When the electromagnetic solenoid is in an OFF state, the distal end portions of the gate members 191 and 192 protrude into the game ball passage 165, When the electromagnetic solenoid is turned on, the gate members 191 and 192 slide out of the game ball passage 165. Then, each electromagnetic solenoid is ON / OFF controlled at a specific cycle, so that one game ball passes through the take-in passage 168 at a specific cycle.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 29 (a), in a state where both the gate members 191 and 192 are arranged at the passage blocking position and there is one game ball between the both gate members 191 and 192, FIG. As shown, the lower gate member 192 slides out of the game ball passage 165, so that one game ball passes through the intake passage 168. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 29 (c), the lower gate member 192 protrudes into the game ball passage 165, and the upper gate member 191 slides out of the game ball passage 165, thereby causing the game in the upstream passage 167. The sphere Y is received by the lower gate member 192. Then, the upper gate member 191 protrudes into the game ball passage 165, resulting in the state of FIG. By repeating the series of operations shown in FIGS. 29A to 29C at a specific cycle, one game ball passes through the take-in passage 168 at a specific cycle.

  Even in this configuration, a fraudulent act that misrecognizes the ingestion of a game ball by performing an abnormal process when the output cycle of the detection signal output from the count sensor 185 is different from the specific cycle of the series of operations. Can be suppressed.

  (B) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the rotational speed of the rotating body 171 is set to four patterns, but the rotational speed is one pattern, two patterns, three patterns, or five patterns. It may be configured as described above.

  (C) The rotation speed of the rotating body 171 is not changed when the max bet switch 109 is operated. For example, the rotating body 171 is turned on when the gaming machine 1 is turned on or the reels 71 to 73 are stopped rotating. It is good also as a structure which changes the rotational speed. Moreover, it is good also as a structure by which the rotational speed of the rotary body 171 is automatically changed for every predetermined time.

  (D) A configuration in which the rotation speed of the rotating body 171 is not changed every time the max bet switch 109 is operated, but the rotation speed of the rotating body 171 can be changed by a game hall manager or the like. Good. For example, a setting operation unit for setting the rotation speed of the rotating body 171 may be provided on the back set panel 16. More specifically, a configuration in which the setting operation unit is configured by a button switch and the four patterns shown in FIG. 19 are switched in ascending order or descending order every time the pressing operation is performed can be considered. Further, a configuration in which the setting operation unit is configured by a rotary switch and can be switched to any of the four patterns shown in FIG. 19 is conceivable.

  Further, for example, by providing a receiving unit in the gaming machine 1 and transmitting a radio wave of a specific frequency by a transmitter provided independently of the gaming machine, it can be set to any of the four patterns shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure.

  By setting it as the above structure, it becomes possible to change the rotational speed of the rotary body 171 for every predetermined time or every day. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the passage of the game ball in the take-in passage 168 from being continuously permitted at a specific period, and it is possible to suppress an illegal act that misidentifies the take-in of the game ball.

  In addition, when the rotation speed of the rotating body 171 can be changed by a game hall manager or the like as described above, the rotation of some gaming machines 1 in a gaming hall where a large number of gaming machines 1 are arranged. The rotational speed of the body 171 can be set to be different from the rotational speed of the rotational body 171 in the other gaming machines 1. By adopting such a configuration, even if a specific period in one gaming machine 1 is known to a fraudulent person, it is illegal to act on all gaming machines 1 arranged in the game hall by using the specific period. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage that the game hall suffers from spreading due to an illegal act that misidentifies the taking of the game ball. Moreover, by setting the rotational speed of the rotating body 171 to be different for each gaming machine 1, it is possible to surely prevent the disadvantage suffered by the gaming hall from being expanded due to the above fraud.

  (E) In the above-described embodiment, the rotating body 171 has three recesses 171a. However, this may be changed. For example, a configuration in which only one recess 171a is formed may be used. Moreover, the structure by which the recessed part 171a was formed 2, 4, 5 or more may be sufficient. However, when a plurality of recesses 171a are formed, the distance between the recesses 171a needs to be equal. This is because it is necessary to lead the game ball to the intake passage 168 at a period corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotating body 171.

  (F) When the bet counter value is 1 or more and the game ball has been taken in a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) or more, abnormal processing such as external notification processing or game prohibition processing is executed. It is good also as a structure. In the above embodiment, in the first game ball detection after the bet operation flag is set, it is not determined whether an improper act has been performed, and each time the bet operation flag is cleared, the cycle is repeated. The time measurement by the measurement timer is terminated. Therefore, after operating the max bet switch 109 to cause the count sensor 185 to erroneously detect one time, wait until the allowable time has passed, and then operate the max bet switch 109 again to detect once after the count sensor 185 once. By repeating the act of making it happen, it becomes possible to erroneously detect capture while avoiding abnormal processing. On the other hand, when the value of the bet counter is 1 or more and the game ball is started to be taken in a predetermined number of times or more, the abnormal action can be suppressed by executing the abnormal process. .

  (G) In the above embodiment, the game ball detection process (FIG. 20) is configured to determine whether the measurement time of the period measurement timer is within a range of ± 10 msec with respect to the specific time. It is good also as a structure which determines whether it exists in the range of +/- 10msec with respect to natural number times. By adopting such a configuration, when the game ball is not placed continuously in the three recesses 171a of the rotating body 171 and, for example, every second or every second game ball is placed, the abnormal process is not executed. Can be. As a case where such a situation occurs, for example, after the start of taking in the state where there are no 15 game balls in the upper plate 18 and the take-in device 30 and all of the game balls are taken in, the take-in allowable time is reached. In addition, there may be a case where a game ball is replenished to the upper plate 18 and the game ball is taken in.

  (H) In the above embodiment, when an illegal act that erroneously detects the game ball by the count sensor 185 is performed, the game prohibition process is performed in the game ball detection process (FIG. 20). Instead of performing the game prohibition process, the subsequent operation of the start lever 101 may be invalidated. Even in this configuration, it is possible to prohibit a game from being started after a fraudulent act has been performed, and it is possible to reliably prevent a gaming hall or the like from being disadvantaged by the fraudulent act. .

  (I) In the above embodiment, the count sensor 185 is configured by a magnetic field type proximity sensor, but may be configured by an optical sensor such as a photo sensor. Moreover, you may comprise by the sensor which performs transmission / reception of an ultraviolet-ray. In these cases, the detection accuracy of each game ball can be increased. Moreover, you may comprise with an ultrasonic sensor etc.

  In addition, a plurality of (for example, two) photosensors or the like may be arranged in the flow direction of the game ball in the intake passage 168. In this case, the detection order from each sensor is confirmed, and when the detection order is not a preset order, it is determined that an illegal act that erroneously detects the passage of the game ball has been performed. By adding the configuration to the embodiment, the cheating can be more reliably suppressed.

  (J) A configuration in which a plurality of capture devices 30 are provided may be employed. Alternatively, a plurality of game ball passages may be provided side by side in one take-in device 30, and the game balls supplied from the upper plate 18 may be distributed to the game ball passages. In these cases, the time required for taking in the game ball can be shortened.

  (K) In the above embodiment, when a detection signal is output from the count sensor 185 in a situation where the bet operation flag is not set in the game ball detection process (FIG. 20), the external notification process and the game are immediately performed. The prohibition process is performed, but this may be changed. For example, an external flag process or a game prohibition process may be performed after an error flag is set and the reels 71 to 73 stop rotating or the payout of the game ball via the payout device 28 is completed. If the game prohibition process is performed while the reels 71 to 73 are rotating or the game ball is paid out, it is necessary to perform the game prohibition process in parallel with the reel control process and the payout monitoring process. The control load will increase. On the other hand, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the control load of the main control device 131 from increasing.

  (L) In the above embodiment, only the maximum bet switch 109 is provided as the bet operating means. However, a configuration in which a 1-bet switch or a 2-bet switch is also provided may be used. In other words, in a normal game, a 1-bet game or a 2-bet game can be performed.

  (M) In the above embodiment, the credit function (virtual game medium storage function) is not provided. However, the credit function may be provided.

  (N) Information providing means for auxiliary effects may be installed in the gaming machine 1. For example, the information providing means is installed integrally with the reel unit 70 on the front side of the reel unit 70, installed near the transparent panel 65 (one of the left, right, top, and bottom) in the case body 60, What is necessary is just to install in the upper part rather than the body 60, or install in the top part 6a among the annular parts 6. As the information providing means, a liquid crystal display device, which is a kind of electrical display device, can be used, and other electrical display devices such as CRT, dot matrix, LED, electroluminescence (EL), fluorescent display tube. Etc. may be used. In addition to the electrical display device, a sound generating device such as a speaker may be used, thereby enabling dynamic sound effects for the player. Furthermore, you may comprise an information provision means as a combination of the speaker 11 which is an audio | voice generator, and a display apparatus.

  (O) In the above embodiment, the reels 71 to 73 are cylindrical skeleton members that form a cylindrical cage, and a belt-like belt (not shown) is wound around the outer peripheral surface thereof. The belt and the belt may be integrally formed, and the design may be individually attached to the outer peripheral surface of the belt. In such a case, the integrally formed body corresponds to the rotating body. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which uses the belt | belt-shaped belt by which the design was attached | subjected to the outer peripheral surface without providing a cylindrical frame member instead of the reels 71-73. In such a case, the belt-like belt corresponds to the rotating body.

  (P) The maximum take-in number, payout number, etc. of the game balls in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited to the above numerical values.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine in one Embodiment. It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of a front frame. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the AA line vicinity of FIG. It is a rear view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an upper plate formation body. It is a perspective view which shows the whole taking-in apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows a taking-in apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the BB line vicinity in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a taking-in apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a reel unit. It is an assembly perspective view of a left reel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of the belt of each rotary body. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of a game machine. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of a power failure. It is a flowchart which shows a game ball taking-in process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number table for taking-in speed determination. It is a flowchart which shows a game ball detection process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the outline | summary of a game ball detection process. It is a flowchart which shows a game ball discharge process. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows a reel control process. It is a flowchart which shows a game ball payout process. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of another taking-in apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of another taking-in apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Outer frame, 3 ... Front frame, 4 ... Front door 10, 12, 13 ... Lamp display part, 28 ... Dispensing device, 30 ... Taking-in device, 70 ... Reel unit, 71-73 ... Reel, 101 ... Start lever, 102 to 104 ... Stop button, 109 ... Max bet switch as take-in start operation means, 111 ... Settlement switch, 131 ... Main controller, 132 ... Sub-controller, 160 ... Front cover, 161 ... passage forming plate, 165 ... game ball passage, 167 ... upstream passage, 168 ... take-in passage, 169 ... discharge passage, 171 ... rotating body as ball receiving means, 171a ... recess, 175 ... lead out ball as drive means Motor, 185... Count sensor as detection means.

Claims (2)

A take-in passage for taking in a game ball, ball receiving means for blocking the passage of the take-in passage by receiving the game ball passing through the take-in passage, and the game ball in the take-in passage to allow passage of the game ball A driving means for driving the ball receiving means; and a detecting means provided on the downstream side of the position of the ball receiving means in the take-in passage and detecting a game ball passing through the take-in passage. In a gaming machine that is allowed to start a game when it is confirmed that a predetermined number of game balls have passed through the take-in passage based on the detection result,
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means so that the game ball passes through the intake passage at a specific period;
Comparison means for comparing the detection period of the detection means and the specific period;
An abnormal process executing means for executing an abnormal process based on the comparison result of the comparing means ;
A specific period storage means for storing a plurality of the specific periods;
It is provided at a position where it can be manually operated based on rotating the front portion of the gaming machine forward with respect to the support target, and sets which of the specific patterns of the plurality of patterns controls the driving means. Manually operated operation unit and
With
The game machine characterized in that the drive control means drives and controls the drive means so that a game ball passes through the take-in passage in one specific cycle set based on a manual operation of the operation unit. . A take-in start operating means operated to start taking-in of the game ball through the take-in passage;
An end means for terminating the taking-in of the game ball via the take-in passage when a predetermined take-in allowable time has elapsed since the take-in start operation means has been operated;
The time from when one game ball is detected by the detection means until the next game ball is detected by the detection means is measured as the detection cycle, and during the time measurement, the end means A measurement means for stopping the measurement of the time when the capture is terminated;
Means for executing an abnormal process based on the fact that the take-in start operation means has been operated a predetermined number of times or more in a situation where at least one game ball has been taken in;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: