JP4822290B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming apparatus that can enjoy a game with a game ball.

  In general, a pachinko gaming apparatus includes a game mechanism that allows a player to enjoy a game ball (so-called pachinko ball) and a management control system that manages and controls this game mechanism. Recent game mechanisms and management control systems have been digitized and have realized various game modes that allow the player to more enjoy the game.

As an example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the ratio of the number of game balls that can be actually launched by the launching device to the game board is changed with respect to the number of game balls taken into the launching device that launches the game ball. A pachinko gaming apparatus that can change the ratio of the number of game balls to be paid out for one winning is disclosed. In the example of the pachinko gaming device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the ball value is played at 1 yen, the ball value is 4 yen while the game balls are successively supplied from the upper plate to the launching device. In the case of a game, four game balls are supplied to the launching device, but three game balls are collected with the launch of one game ball, and the ball value is 1 yen for winning. Compared to playing, when playing with a ball value of 4 yen, four times as many game balls are paid out to the upper plate.
JP 2003-210782 A

  Recently, so-called one-yen pachinko or four-yen pachinko, pachinko gaming devices with different values per gaming ball at the time of lending gaming balls have been developed, and the attention of players has been attracted to such pachinko gaming devices ing. Here, the value per game ball corresponds to the amount of money to be exchanged for one game ball, or a point on an IC card. If the value per gaming ball is high, it becomes a pachinko gaming device with high gambling ability and low gaming property, and if the value per gaming ball is low, it becomes a pachinko gaming device with low gambling property and high gaming property. .

  In the current pachinko gaming apparatus, the number of game balls that can be exchanged for a certain amount of money or points (referred to as exchange rate) is fixed. Therefore, when a game is played at an exchange rate different from the currently playing exchange rate, the player must move from the currently playing pachinko gaming device to another pachinko gaming device with a different exchange rate. There is an inconvenience. In addition, the administrator must prepare a pachinko gaming machine and secure an installation place for it, taking into account the bias in the operating rate of pachinko gaming machines with different exchange rates, There is a problem that costs.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the value of one ball itself is not changed, and the number of game balls to be fired and the ratio of the number of game balls to be paid out are changed. Therefore, even when the assumed number of game balls is always prepared for circulation or supply during operation of the pachinko gaming machine, the higher the exchange rate, the more balls are consumed in the game ball. There is a possibility that the gaming device itself cannot withstand the load of the number of gaming balls. For example, in a 1-yen pachinko, the gaming device is operated with a maximum of 1000 balls, whereas in a 4-yen pachinko, there is a risk that the gaming device will be operated with a maximum of 4000 balls, and the pachinko gaming device is operated with that number of balls. There is a problem that needs to be designed assuming that Further, every time the value is changed, it is necessary to change the number of game balls to be fired and the ratio of the number of game balls to be paid out, and there is a possibility that the mechanism or structure of the launching device and the payout device becomes complicated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a pachinko gaming apparatus that allows a player to change the exchange rate at the time of renting a game ball.

A pachinko gaming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a gaming mechanism in which a predetermined number of gaming balls circulate, and a management control system that manages and controls the gaming mechanism. The gaming mechanism is configured by a transparent front door portion. Is closed so as to be visible, a play space is provided between the board surface and the front door portion, and a game board having a collection port for collecting game balls dropped in the play space; and A launching mechanism for launching a game ball; a supply mechanism for supplying the game ball to the launching mechanism; and a passage for the game ball for circulating the game ball in the game mechanism, from a collection port of the game board A circulation path having a first passage that guides the game ball to the supply mechanism and a second passage that guides the game ball from the supply mechanism to the launching mechanism, and the management control system includes: Exchangeable points憶to read the remaining points from the card and, an update unit for updating the remaining points in accordance with the number of playable game ball which changes with the progress of the game, the exchange rate from the first exchange rate 2 In order to change to the exchange rate, a selection unit that selects the second exchange rate from among a plurality of different exchange rates, and a game ball in any of the game board, the launch mechanism, and the circulation path When it is determined by the first determination unit that determines whether or not there is a game ball by the first determination unit, the change to the second exchange rate is prevented, and the game ball by the first determination unit If it is determined that there is no game, the supply mechanism is driven to supply a predetermined number of game balls based on the selected second exchange rate and a predetermined point for lending game balls. And a control unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pachinko gaming apparatus in which a player can change the exchange rate (the value of a game ball) when renting a game ball.

  Hereinafter, pachinko gaming machines according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, when inventing a pachinko gaming apparatus in which a player can change the exchange rate (the value of a gaming ball) at the time of renting a gaming ball, the inventors pay attention to the following points.

  In the following description, the exchange rate means an IC card point required for exchanging for one game ball. Here, when the exchange rate is set to 10 points (10 points are required to exchange for one game ball), for example, 100 points are deducted from the remaining points, for example, 1000 balls. A ball is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine. Also, when the exchange rate is set to 40 points (40 points are required to exchange for one game ball), for example, 1000 points are subtracted from the remaining points, for example, 25 game balls Is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine. In a pachinko gaming device in which a player is playing, the following specific problem arises when the exchange rate is changed from 10 points to 40 points.

  It is assumed that many game balls are paid out to the player as prize balls during the game with an exchange rate of 10 points, and the game balls overflowing from the tray are stored in boxes (so-called ball boxes, dollar boxes). In this situation, it is assumed that the exchange rate is changed from 10 points to 40 points, and the game balls stored in the box are returned to the tray. Thus, if the game balls stored in the box are returned to the tray after the change of the exchange rate, the game balls obtained with a low exchange rate can be played with a high exchange rate, and the manager's profit is It will be unjustly harmed.

  In addition, it is assumed that a game ball taken from the saucer during a game with an exchange rate of 10 points is returned to the saucer after being changed to an exchange rate of 40 points. In this way, after the exchange rate is changed, if the game ball taken from the saucer before the change is returned to the saucer, the manager's profit is unjustly harmed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventor firstly adopted a card system in the pachinko gaming machine, and exchanged points after the acquired ball is exchanged for points and recorded as points on the card. It is said that it is necessary to change the rate (value of game balls). Secondly, if the pachinko gaming device has a sealed structure in which a game ball is not taken out by the player, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the game ball is returned after the point exchange rate is changed. I can do it. As the pachinko gaming machine adopts a card system and the mechanism is sealed, the game balls supplied to the pachinko gaming machine are required to circulate in the enclosed circulation path. A predetermined number (for example, 4000) of game balls are encapsulated in such an enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming device, and the enclosed game balls are composed of one pachinko gaming device, a plurality of pachinko gaming devices, pachinko islands, Alternatively, it is necessary to circulate the circulation path provided in the pachinko hall so that the player cannot directly touch the game ball. However, since it is necessary for maintenance of the gaming device and the game ball circulation system that the administrator of the pachinko gaming device can touch the gaming ball as necessary, this From the point of view, it should be noted that the pachinko gaming machine is not completely enclosed circulation type.

  Note that the pachinko gaming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a lid for covering the opening of the saucer as will be described later, in order to realize a sealed structure, unlike a normal pachinko gaming apparatus.

  Even if the pachinko gaming device has a game ball sealing structure, the exchange rate is changed in a state where there is a game ball that can be played in the pachinko gaming device or in a game mode advantageous to the player. That needs to be blocked. This is because if the exchange rate is changed in such a state, the manager's profit may be unjustly harmed. The pachinko gaming device according to the present embodiment has a game ball sealing structure for a player, has a function of determining whether there is a game ball that can be played, and determines that there is no game ball that can be played. The exchange rate can be changed only in some cases.

(Configuration of pachinko gaming machine)
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 2 shows a side view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming apparatus includes a frame-like storage unit 11 in which a game mechanism unit 10 for enjoying a pachinko game with a game ball is stored. A game board 12 directed to the player is fixed in the frame-shaped storage unit 11 of the game mechanism unit 10, and a launch handle 14 operated by the player to perform a game ball launching operation is provided in the frame-shaped storage unit 11. At the base of the. When the launch handle 14 is fired by the player, the launch mechanism 16 provided in the game mechanism unit 10 causes the game ball in the launch position (not shown) to be placed inside the launch mechanism 16 on the game board 12. Can be fired.

The game board 12 is closed by a front door 123 having a transparent glass plate 122 surrounded by a frame 121 of the frame-shaped storage unit 11. That is, the door 123 seals the game board 12 so that the board surface can be seen from the outside, and a space in which the game ball launched from the launch mechanism 16 moves between the front door 123 and the game board 12 is defined. ing. As is well known, the game board 12 includes a start port 12a, a winning port 12b, a large winning port 12c, a gate (passing port) 12d, an out port (discharge port) 12e, a nail 12f, and an effect display unit 12g. . The game balls fired on the game board 12 are collected at the start opening 1 2 a, the winning opening 1 2 b, the big winning opening 1 2 c, or the out opening 1 2 e, and provided inside or on the back of the gaming mechanism section 10. Collected in a single collection path (not shown). Then, the game ball passes through this collection path and flows out to the game ball supply mechanism 18 provided on the back surface of the game mechanism unit 10. As is well known, a game ball that flows out from the start port 1 2 a, the winning port 1 2 b, the big winning port 1 2 c, or the out port 1 2 e through the recovery path to the gaming ball supply mechanism 18 is: It is called an in ball.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball supply mechanism 18 includes a tank 181 and a pump (hopper) 182. The tank 181 accommodates game balls, and the pump 182 is operated based on a player's instruction to supply game balls. The tank 181 inhales the game balls accommodated in the tank 181 and puts them in the back and inside of the game mechanism unit 10. Supply to the provided first supply path LA1. The first supply path LA1 has a function as a passage for connecting the tank 181 and the tray 20 provided on the front surface of the game mechanism unit 10 and supplying the game balls to the tray 20. When the game balls enter the start port 12a, the winning port 12b, and the big winning port 12c, the gaming ball supply mechanism 18 is operated and a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out to the tray 20 as the winning balls.

The tray 20 has a function as a storage tray that temporarily holds a game ball supplied to the launching handle 14 and is typically formed in an opening structure having an upper opening. In the pachinko gaming apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening is covered with a lid 22 so that the game ball inside can be seen so that the player cannot directly touch the game ball. Naturally, the lid 22 is fixed to the tray 20 so that the player cannot remove it. In order to make the inside of the tray 20 visible, the lid 22 is made of a member such as a transparent or translucent plastic. Note that the tray 20 and the lid 22 may be integrally formed.

The tray 20 and the game ball launch position of the launch handle 14 in the game mechanism unit 10 are connected by a second supply path LA2 extending inside the game mechanism unit 10. The tray 20 and the game ball supply mechanism 18 are also connected by a prize ball path LB different from the first supply path LA1, and when a game ball wins as described above, it is supplied as a prize ball. The game balls are supplied via the award ball path LA1, and the game balls overflowing from the tray 20 are returned to the tank 181 via the award ball path LB while being counted. Information about the number of counted game balls is stored in the IC card (point card) as points as described later.

  In this way, the game balls are in the first supply path LA1, the second supply path LA2, the collection path (not shown) returned from the out port (discharge port) 12e to the tank 181 and the prize ball path LB. Circulated. The first supply path LA1, the second supply path LA2, the recovery path (not shown), and the prize ball path LB constitute a circulation path through which game balls are circulated.

  A plurality of selection buttons BA for selecting a game ball exchange rate at the time of lending are provided on the front surface of the frame-shaped storage unit 11. A plurality of selection buttons BA are provided according to the value of the exchange rate. For example, a button BA1 for setting the exchange rate to 10 points, a button BA2 for setting the exchange rate to 20 points, and an exchange rate of 25 There are a button BA3 for setting points, a button BA4 for setting the exchange rate to 40 points, a button BA5 for setting the exchange rate to 50 points, and the like. Note that the exchange rate is not limited to the above five types, and a button that can set two or more exchange rates may be provided. The exchange rate selected by the button BA is displayed on the exchange rate display unit 24 provided above the selection button BA.

  In addition, a lending button BB for lending game balls, a settlement button BC for settlement, and a card insertion slot 26 into which an IC card is inserted are provided at the upper part of the frame-shaped storage unit 11. The IC card records points that can be exchanged for game balls. When an IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot 26, the points stored in the IC card are read out to the memory of the card information read / write unit 38. Thereafter, when the game ball lending button BB is pressed, predetermined points are consumed in the memory at a preset exchange rate, and game balls having a number of balls determined according to the exchange rate and the consumed points are obtained. Loaned. That is, the pump 182 is operated based on the supply instruction, and the game balls accommodated in the tank 181 are sucked and supplied to the tray 20 via the first supply path LA1. While the IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot 26, the remaining points recorded in the memory are displayed on the card information display unit 28 as playable points. When the settlement button BC is pressed at the end of the game, the remaining points recorded in the memory of the card information read / write unit 38 are written to the IC card, and the IC card is ejected from the card insertion slot 26.

  Next, a management control system for a pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine includes a management control system 30 for managing and controlling the gaming mechanism unit 10. The management control system 30 controls the operation of the launch mechanism 16 according to the operation of the launch handle 14, and the start opening 12a, the winning opening 12b, the big winning opening 12c and the gate 12d on the game board 12. A game control unit 34 is provided for controlling the start port 12a, the special prize opening 12c, and the effect display unit 12g in accordance with the passage of the game ball. The management control system 30 includes a system control unit 50 that manages and controls the launch control unit 32 and the game control unit 34. Further, the management control system 30 includes an exchange rate selection switch SA, a lending switch SB, a settlement switch SC, a prize ball counting unit 36, a card information read / write unit 38, a tray sensor 40, a passage sensor 42, and a game board as described below. A sensor 44, a game ball presence / absence determination unit 46, and a game ball supply control unit 48 are provided.

  The launch controller 32 controls the launch mechanism 16 by supplying a drive signal to the launch mechanism 16 based on the launch operation signal from the launch handle 14. The drive unit of the launch mechanism 16 is activated by the supply of the drive signal, and the launch mechanism 16 launches a game ball at the launch position onto the game board 12. In this launch operation, the launch mechanism 16 moves the game ball at a speed determined according to the amount of operation of the launch handle 14, typically the difference between the initial angle of the launch handle 14 and the angle after the launch operation. The game board 12 can be fired.

  The game control unit 34 drives and controls various game mechanisms of the game board 12 when the game ball passes through the start port 12a, the winning port 12b, the big winning port 12c, the gate 12d and the like of the game board 12. ing. The game control unit 34 also switches the game mode on condition that a predetermined condition at the time of game is satisfied.

  For example, the game control unit 34 variably displays the normal symbol on the effect display unit 12g, triggered by the game ball passing through the gate 12d. When the normal symbols are stopped in the winning arrangement, the game control unit 34 releases the normal accessory provided at the start port 12a for a predetermined time. In addition, when the game ball has won the start opening 12a, the game control unit 34 causes the effect display unit 12g to variably display the special symbol. When the special symbol stops in the jackpot arrangement, the game control unit 34 opens the special combination provided in the big prize opening 12c for a predetermined time and switches from the normal mode to the jackpot mode. Note that the jackpot mode has a higher probability of winning (big hit), a shorter variable display time (lottery cycle), a special feature release, or a special feature release time longer than the normal mode. This is a game mode advantageous to the player. That is, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the so-called probability variation mode and time reduction mode are included in the jackpot mode. The game control unit 34 switches from the jackpot mode to the normal mode when a preset condition for ending the jackpot mode is satisfied.

  When the exchange rate selection button BA is pressed and the exchange rate is selected, the exchange rate selection switch SA outputs an exchange rate selection signal corresponding to the pressed selection button to the game ball supply control unit 48. The game ball supply control unit 48 causes the exchange rate display unit 24 to display the selection rate corresponding to the selection button and keeps the selected exchange rate in the memory.

  The lending switch SB outputs a lending signal to the game ball supply control unit 48 when the lending button BB is pressed. The game ball supply control unit 48 controls the game ball lending operation in response to the lending signal and lends a predetermined game ball from the game ball supply mechanism 18. Here, the game ball supply control unit 48 converts the predetermined number of game balls to be supplied from the game ball supply mechanism 18 into points at the exchange rate set by the exchange rate selection switch SA, and uses these points as consumption points. This is supplied to the card information read / write unit 38. In the card information read / write unit 38, the consumption points are subtracted from the remaining points and written so as to update the remaining points in the memory, and the next playable points are stored as update points. These consumption points and update points are given to the card information display unit 28 as point signals and displayed.

  The settlement switch SC outputs a settlement signal to the system control unit 50 when the settlement button BC is pressed. The system control unit 50 starts the settlement operation in response to the settlement signal and controls a series of settlement operations. For example, the system control unit 50 controls the settlement operation of the card information read / write unit 38. In the checkout operation, the card information read / write unit 38 writes the update point stored in the memory into an IC card (not shown) inserted in the card insertion slot 26 and ejects the IC card from the card insertion slot 26.

  The prize ball counting unit 36 counts the number of game balls flowing from the tray 20 to the tank 181 through the prize ball path LB. The prize ball counting unit 36 includes a counter that counts game balls on the same principle as a so-called jet counter. The prize ball counting unit 36 generates a count signal corresponding to the count, and the count signal is supplied to the game ball supply control unit 48. In the game ball supply control unit 48, the count value included in the count signal is converted into points at the exchange rate set by the exchange rate selection switch SA. The converted points are supplied to the card information read / write unit 38. In this card information read / write unit 38, a point corresponding to the count value is added as an acquired point in the memory and written so as to update the remaining point, and the points that can be played are stored as update points. The acquired points and update points are given to the card information display unit 28 as point signals and displayed.

  Further, the card information read / write unit 38 displays the update points sequentially recorded in the memory as the update points that can be played at the card information display unit 28 at the start of the game ball payout operation for the game. When the lending button BB is pressed and the lending operation is started, lending consumption points are given from the game ball supply control unit 48 to the card information read / write unit 38 and recorded in the memory in the card information read / write unit 38. Loan consumption points will be deducted from the remaining points. The lending consumption points and the remaining points that can be played from which the lending consumption points are deducted are given to the card information display unit 28 and displayed.

  As described above, when the points are written in the memory, the card information read / write unit 38 adds the acquired points determined based on the counted number of prize balls and the exchange rate to the memory. Further, when renting out game balls, the card information read / write unit 38 subtracts the points exchanged for game balls from the points recorded in the memory.

  The saucer 20 is provided with a saucer sensor 40. The saucer sensor 40 is a sensor that senses a game ball fastened to the saucer 20, for example, a weight sensor that senses the weight of a game ball placed on the saucer 20. Realized. When the game ball is detected, the tray sensor 40 outputs a tray signal indicating that the game ball is in the tray 20 to the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46.

  The passage sensor 42 is provided in the second supply path LA2 from the tray 20 to the launch position, and senses whether or not a game ball remains in the second supply path LA2. The passage sensor 42 is realized by, for example, a magnetic sensor that magnetically senses a game ball in the second supply path LA2 or an optical sensor that optically senses the game ball. When the game ball is sensed, the passage sensor 42 outputs a passage signal indicating that the game ball has been sensed in the second supply path LA2 to the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46.

  The game board sensor 44 is provided in the game board 12 and senses a game ball moving on the game board 12. For example, the game board sensor 44 is realized by a vibration sensor that senses the vibration of the game board 12 generated by the movement of the game ball. When the game ball is detected, the game board sensor 44 outputs a game board signal indicating the detection to the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46.

  The game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines whether there is a game ball that can be played. A game ball that can be played is a game ball supplied from the game ball supply mechanism 18 and does not pass through the start port 12a, the winning port 12b, the big winning port 12c, or the out port 12e on the gaming board 12. It is a game ball. In other words, a game ball that can be played is a game ball in any of the tray 20, the launch mechanism 16, the game board 12, and the circulation path. Specifically, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines whether the tray 20 and the second supply are based on the tray signal from the tray sensor 40, the path signal from the path sensor 42, and the game board signal from the game board sensor 44. It is determined whether or not there is a game ball on the road LA2 and the game board 12. In the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46, when any of the saucer signal from the saucer sensor 40, the passage signal from the passage sensor 42, and the game board signal from the game board sensor 44 is input, the exchange rate is changed. An exchange rate change refusal signal that prevents the game ball is supplied from the game ball existence determination unit 46 to the game ball supply control unit 48. In addition, in the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46, when any of the saucer signal from the saucer sensor 40, the passage signal from the passage sensor 42, and the game board signal from the game board sensor 44 is not input, the exchange rate is changed. An exchange rate change permission signal to be permitted is supplied from the game ball existence determination unit 46 to the game ball supply control unit 48.

  The game ball supply control unit 48 supplies a drive start signal to the game ball supply mechanism 18. In response to this drive start signal, the pump 182 of the game ball supply mechanism 18 starts to operate, the game ball is supplied to the tray 20, and the game ball is supplied to the launch position of the launch mechanism 14 via the tray 20. Specifically, at the time of renting out game balls, the game ball supply control unit 48 responds to the input of the rent signal from the rent switch SB so as to supply the number of game balls according to the set exchange rate. The game ball supply mechanism 18 is controlled. When the exchange rate selection signal from the exchange rate selection switch SA is input, the game ball supply control unit 48 controls the game ball supply mechanism 18 and pumps 182 only when a predetermined condition as described later is satisfied. To allow a predetermined game ball to be supplied. When this predetermined condition is not satisfied, the driving of the game ball supply mechanism 18 is blocked, and after the predetermined condition is satisfied, the driving start of the game ball supply mechanism 18 is permitted. Here, the predetermined condition is that there is no game ball that can be played when the exchange rate is changed by the exchange rate selection switch SA, and the game mode is in the normal mode. As described above, at the time of paying out the winning ball, the gaming ball supply control unit 48 supplies a driving signal to the gaming ball supply mechanism 18 so as to supply a predetermined number of balls.

  The system control unit 50 functions as the center of the management control system 30 and controls the management control system 30 as a whole.

(Game ball flow)
Hereinafter, the flow of game balls circulating in the game mechanism unit 10 will be described. There are two game ball flows depending on whether or not the tray 20 is full. First, the flow of the game ball when the tray 20 is not full will be described.

  Prior to the start of the game, the tank 181 contains a predetermined number (eg, 4000) of game balls. When a game ball lending instruction or a prize ball payout instruction is given from the game ball supply control unit 48 in a state where the tray 20 is not full, the game ball is supplied from the tank 181 to the first supply path LA1. The game ball is supplied to the tray 20 through the first supply path LA1 and temporarily held on the tray 20. The game ball fastened to the tray 20 reaches the launch position of the launch mechanism 16 through the second supply path LA2. The game ball that has reached the launch position is launched into the play space in the game board 12 by operating the launch handle 14. The game ball launched into the guidance space is guided to the start port 12a, the winning port 12b, the big winning port 12c, or the out port 12e by a nail 12f or the like. The game balls collected by the start port 12a, the winning port 12b, the big winning port 12c, or the out port 12e are transferred to the tank 181 via a collection path (not shown) installed inside or behind the game mechanism unit 10. It is returned again and accommodated in the tank 181.

  When the tray 20 is full, the prize ball path LB is opened. The game balls are supplied from the tray 20 through the prize ball path LB to the tank 181 and stored in the tank 181. As described above, the game balls passing through the winning ball path LB are counted one by one by the counter of the winning ball counting unit 36 and a counter signal is generated from the winning ball counting unit 36.

  As described above, the game ball is stored in the tank 181, the first supply path LA1, the tray 20, the second supply path LA2, the launch position of the launch mechanism 16, the game board 12, the recovery path, the tank 181, or the tank 181. It flows in the order of the first supply path LA1 → the tray 20 → the prize ball path LB → the tank 181 and is circulated through the game mechanism unit 10. When the game ball is circulating, the player cannot touch the game ball at all because the saucer 20 has the lid 22.

(Change rate change process)
Next, the exchange rate changing process in the game ball supply control unit 48 will be described. FIG. 4 shows the flow of the exchange rate changing process in the game ball supply control unit 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the game ball supply control unit 48 waits for an exchange rate to be selected (step SA1). When the player desires to change the exchange rate and presses the exchange rate selection button BA corresponding to the desired exchange rate, an exchange rate selection signal is output from the exchange rate selection switch SA corresponding to the pushed exchange rate selection button BA. Is done. When the exchange rate selection signal is output (step SA1: YES), the game ball supply control unit 48 determines whether or not a condition for changing the exchange rate is satisfied.

  To determine whether or not the condition for changing the exchange rate is satisfied, the game ball supply control unit 48 first determines whether or not the game mode is in the normal mode (step SA2). In other game modes other than the normal mode, for example, the jackpot mode, a change in the exchange rate is prohibited because a winning ball is more likely to be produced than in the normal mode. Information relating to the game mode is transmitted from the game control unit 34 to the game ball supply control unit 48 every predetermined time. The game ball supply control unit 48 determines whether or not the game mode is in the normal mode based on the transmitted information regarding the game mode.

  When it is determined that the game mode is not the normal mode (step SA2: NO), the game ball supply control unit 48 notifies that the exchange rate cannot be changed (step SA3). As a specific example of the notification method, a message such as “Please select the replacement rate again after shifting to the normal mode” is displayed on the replacement rate display unit 24. In addition, instead of displaying a message on the exchange rate display unit 24, a voice message such as “Please select the exchange rate again after switching to the normal mode” via a speaker (not shown), or notification that the exchange rate cannot be changed Warning sound may be output. Alternatively, a lamp (not shown) may be turned on or blinked to notify that the exchange rate cannot be changed. After the notification, the game ball supply control unit 48 ends the exchange rate changing process.

  When it is determined that the game mode is the normal mode (step SA2: YES), the game ball supply control unit 48 causes the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 to perform a process for determining whether or not a game ball exists (step SSA4). In the game ball presence / absence determination process, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines whether there is a game ball that can be played, based on output signals from the tray sensor 40, the passage sensor 42, and the game board sensor 44. . Details of the process of determining whether or not a game ball exists will be described later.

  When it is determined that there is a game ball that can be played (step SA5: NO), the game ball supply control unit 48 proceeds to step SA2. That is, until there are no more game balls that can be played, the process for determining whether or not the player is in the normal mode and the process for determining the presence or absence of game balls that can be played are repeated.

  When it is determined that there is no game ball that can be played (step SA5: YES), the game ball supply control unit 48 sets the exchange rate for lending to the selected exchange rate (step SA6).

  When the exchange rate is set, the game ball supply control unit 48 waits for a game ball rental instruction (step SA7). While waiting for the rental instruction, the player presses the rental button BB or the settlement button BC. In order to notify the player that the lending instruction is on standby, the game ball supply control unit 48 may display a message on the exchange rate display unit 24 or the like informing that the player is on standby. Further, a voice notifying that the user is waiting or a warning sound may be output to a speaker (not shown). Alternatively, a lamp (not shown) may be turned on or blinked. When the lending button BB is pressed, the lending switch SB outputs a lending signal. Further, when the settlement button BC is pressed, the settlement switch SC outputs a settlement signal.

  When a rental signal or a settlement signal is output (step SA7: YES), the game ball supply control unit 48 lends a number of game balls according to the set exchange rate (step SA8). For example, the game ball supply control unit 48 stores a determination table (LUT) in which the set exchange rate is associated with the number of game balls to be lent, and by referring to the determination table, the sphere of game balls to be lent Determine the number. The number of game balls to be rented is a value obtained by dividing a preset consumption point by the exchange rate. For example, assume that the consumption points are 1000 points and the exchange rate is 10 points. In this case, the number of game balls to be lent is 1000/10 = 100 balls.

  When the game ball is supplied, the exchange rate changing process ends. In addition, you may enable it to set the consumption point at the time of rental by a player or an administrator. In this case, the game ball supply control unit 48 stores a determination table (LUT) in which the exchange rate, the consumption points, and the number of game balls to be lent are associated with each other. Then, the number of game balls associated with the set consumption points and the exchange rate on the decision table is supplied.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a determination table in which the exchange rate, the consumption points, and the number of game balls to be lent are associated with each other. As shown in FIG. 5, the number of game balls to be rented is determined according to the consumption points and the exchange rate. For example, when the exchange rate is 25 points and the consumption points are 3000 points, the number of game balls to be rented is 75.

(Judgment process for the presence or absence of playable game balls)
The details of the process for determining the presence / absence of a game ball that can be played, which is performed by the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 in step SA4 of the exchange rate changing process, will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of the game ball existence determination process. First, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines whether or not there is a game ball on the tray 20 based on the tray signal from the tray sensor 40 (step SB1). For example, the saucer sensor 40 transmits a saucer signal indicating that a game ball has been detected or a signal indicating that it has not been detected to the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 at predetermined time intervals. The game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines that there is a game ball in the tray 20 when it receives a saucer signal indicating that it has been detected, and if it receives a signal that indicates that it has not been detected, Judge that there is no.

  When it is determined that there is a game ball in the tray 20 (step SB1: YES), the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 proceeds to step SB4.

  When it is determined that there is no game ball in the saucer 20 (step SB1: NO), the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines whether there is a game ball in the second supply path LA2 based on the path signal from the path sensor 42. Is determined (step SB2). For example, the passage sensor 42 transmits a passage signal indicating that a game ball has been detected or a signal indicating that it has not been detected to the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 at predetermined time intervals. The game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines that there is a game ball in the second supply path LA2 when receiving a passage signal indicating that it has been detected, and receives a signal indicating that it has not been detected when receiving a second signal. It is determined that there is no game ball in the supply path LA2.

  When it is determined that there is a game ball on the second supply path LA2 (step SB2), the game ball existence determination unit 46 proceeds to step SB4.

  When it is determined that there is no game ball in the second supply path LA2 (step SB2: NO), the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 has a game ball on the game board 12 based on the game board signal from the game board sensor 44. It is determined whether or not there is (step S3). For example, the game board sensor 44 transmits a game board signal indicating that a game ball has been detected or a signal indicating that it has not been detected to the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 at predetermined time intervals. The game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines that there is a game ball on the game board 12 when it receives a game board signal indicating that it has been detected, and if it receives a signal indicating that it has not been detected, It is determined that there is no game ball. Note that the game ball on the game board 12 is sensed at least during a period from when it is fired to the game board 12 until it enters any of the start port 12a, the winning port 12b, the big winning port 12c, and the out port 12e.

  When it is determined that there is a game ball on the game board 12 (step SB3: YES), the game ball existence determination unit 46 proceeds to step SB4.

If it is determined that the pan 20 there is a game ball (step SB1: YES), it determines that when it is determined that the second supply path LA2 is a game ball (step SB2), or on the game board 1 2 is the game balls If (step SB3: YES), game ball existence judgment unit 4 6 determines that there is playable game ball (step SB4).

If it is determined that there is no game ball on the game board 1 2 (step SB3: NO), i.e., pan 22, when the second supply path LA2, and the gaming board 12 there is no game ball, game ball existence judgment unit 46 It is determined that there is no game ball that can be played (step SB5). The determination result is transmitted to the game ball supply control unit 48.

  When it is determined that there is a game ball that can be played or not, the process for determining whether or not there is a game ball ends.

  Note that the sensor is unnecessary if it is possible to determine whether or not there is a game ball that can be played without providing any of the tray sensor 40, the passage sensor 42, and the game board sensor 44. For example, if the passage sensor 42 does not sense a game ball, the tray sensor 40 may not be provided if it is considered that there is no game ball in the tray 20 as well as the second supply path LA2. Also, other sensors are installed in places other than the tray 20, the second supply path LA2, and the game board 12, and the presence or absence of a game ball that can be played is determined in consideration of the output signals of the other sensors installed. Also good.

In addition, the method for determining whether or not there is a game ball on the game board 12 in step SB3 is not limited to the method for determining based on the output signal of the game board sensor (vibration board sensor) 44. For example, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 may determine that there is no game ball on the game board 12 when no game ball is fired in a predetermined period. Hereinafter, this determination method will be described in detail. Each time the launch control unit 32 launches a game ball, the launch control unit 32 supplies a launch signal indicating that the game ball has been launched to the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46. Each time the launch signal is supplied, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 measures the elapsed time from the launch time. Typically, elapsed time is measured only for the last launched game ball. When a new game ball is launched during the measurement of the elapsed time, that is, when a new launch signal is supplied, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 resets the elapsed time that has been measured so far and starts a new game ball. The elapsed time of the game ball is measured again from 0 seconds. When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines that the game ball does not exist on the game board 12. The predetermined time is a time from at least a game ball being fired to entering the start port 1 2 a, the winning port 1 2 b, the big winning port 1 2 c, or the out port 1 2 e. For example, it is assumed that this predetermined time is 3 seconds. The elapsed time exceeding 3 seconds means that the next game ball has not been fired for 3 seconds after the game ball has been fired. It means that it has been collected through the start opening 1 2 a, the winning opening 1 2 b, the big winning opening 1 2 c, or the out opening 1 2 e. That is, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines that there is no game ball on the game board 12 when the elapsed time exceeds 3 seconds. On the other hand, when the elapsed time does not exceed 3 seconds, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines that there is a game ball on the game board 12. Note that when this determination method is used, the game board sensor 44 is unnecessary.

In step SB3, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 places the game ball 12 on the game board 12 based on the number of game balls launched from the launch mechanism 16 and the number of game balls (in balls) flowing through the collection path. It may be determined whether or not there is a game ball. Hereinafter, this determination method will be described in detail. In order to count the game balls fired from the launch mechanism 16, a counter is provided at the launch position of the launch mechanism 16. With this counter, the number of game balls that have been fired is counted from a reference time (for example, when the power is turned on or when the number of game balls that have been fired is equal to the number of in balls). A count signal corresponding to the number of game balls is supplied to the game ball existence determination unit 46. A counter is also provided in the collection path, and the counter counts game balls flowing through the collection path from a reference time (for example, when the power is turned on). A count signal corresponding to the number of game balls (prize balls) is supplied to the game ball existence determination unit 46. As described above, the game balls fired from the launching mechanism 16 are always collected at the start opening 1 2 a, the winning opening 1 2 b, the big winning opening 1 2 c, or the out opening 1 2 e. Collected in the collection path. That is, when the number of game balls fired from the launch mechanism 16 is equal to the number of in balls, it means that no game balls are flowing on the game board 12. Therefore, the game ball presence / absence determination unit 46 determines that there is no game ball on the game board 12 when the number of game balls fired from the launch mechanism 16 is equal to the number of in balls. On the other hand, when the number of game balls fired from the launch mechanism 16 is different from the number of in-balls (typically, when the number of game balls to be fired is larger than the number of in-balls), Determines that there is a game ball. Note that when this determination method is used, the game board sensor 44 is unnecessary.

  With the above configuration, the pachinko gaming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the lid 22 for the tray 20, and determines whether or not there is a game ball that can be played, and whether the game mode is in the normal mode. It has a function to determine whether or not. The pachinko gaming apparatus makes it possible to change the exchange rate only when there is no game ball that can be played and the game mode is in the normal mode. Therefore, the pachinko gaming apparatus can change the exchange rate while preventing an undue damage of the manager accompanying the change of the exchange rate at the time of lending, in other words, an illegal act of the player.

  Since a plurality of exchange rates can be selected with one pachinko gaming device, the player does not need to move to another pachinko gaming device in order to play at different exchange rates. In addition, the player can easily play at different exchange rates according to the mood during the game. Therefore, the customer satisfaction of the player is improved. On the other hand, the manager does not need to manufacture and purchase a pachinko gaming machine according to the exchange rate, so that the cost for that can be reduced. In addition, the manager does not need to consider the difference in the degree of congestion between pachinko gaming devices due to the difference in the exchange rate, and therefore can easily manage the pachinko gaming devices and the like.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a pachinko gaming apparatus in which a player can change the exchange rate at the time of renting game balls.

  Note that the game mechanism unit 10 includes a lid 22 for the tray 20 so that the player does not touch the game ball. Accordingly, the gaming mechanism unit 10 does not need to include the lid 22 as long as it has a structure in which the player cannot touch the game ball without the lid 22. For example, the tray 20 may be provided inside the game mechanism unit 10. Further, the pachinko gaming machine may not include the tray 20. When there is no tray 20, the first supply path LA1 and the second supply path LA2 are connected without the tray 20, and the first supply path LA1 and the second supply path LA2 are the third Configure the supply path. In this case, when the game ball is lent out, the game ball is supplied from the tank 181 to the launch position of the launch mechanism 16 via the third supply path. The award ball path LB branches from the middle of the third supply path and connects to the tank 181. At the time of paying out the winning ball, the gaming ball flows from the dunk 181 to the branch portion of the third supply path, and flows from the branch portion to the tank 181 while being counted through the winning ball path. Further, the pachinko gaming apparatus circulates the game balls in one pachinko gaming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and game balls may be circulated in a plurality of pachinko gaming machines, pachinko islands, or pachinko halls.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

(Modification)
In the pachinko gaming apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the game mechanism unit 10 for enjoying the game has the necessary components (card mechanism unit, for example, the card insertion slot 26 and the card insertion unit 26) for processing the points recorded on the IC card. A card read / write unit 38) was incorporated. In the card mechanism section, since it is necessary to take all possible security measures for preventing fraudulent acts related to points, the manufacturing cost is inevitably high. On the other hand, it is necessary to frequently replace the game board 12 and the like of the game mechanism unit 10 due to a failure, a new model to be developed one after another, or a legal system. Therefore, when the card mechanism unit is incorporated in the game mechanism unit 10, the cardboard unit having a high manufacturing cost must be replaced at the same time when the game board 12 and the like are replaced, which may be very costly. is there.

  Therefore, as a modification of the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine in which the card mechanism unit is physically separated from the game mechanism unit 10 will be described. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those of the present embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

  FIG. 7 is a front view of a pachinko gaming apparatus according to a modification of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the pachinko gaming apparatus according to the modified example stores a box-shaped storage unit 71 in which a card mechanism unit 70 for processing points is stored, and a game mechanism unit 80 in which the card mechanism unit 70 is removed. The frame-shaped storage part 81 is provided. The box-shaped storage part 71 and the frame-shaped storage part 81 are connected by, for example, an electrical wiring 90 or the like. Signals are transmitted and received between the card mechanism unit 70 and the game mechanism unit 80 via the electrical wiring 90.

  A card insertion slot 26, a lending button BB, a plurality of exchange rate selection buttons BA1 to BA5, an exchange rate display unit 24, and a card information display unit 28 are provided on the front surface of the box-shaped storage unit 71 according to the modification. . A memory of the card information read / write unit 38 is mounted inside the box-shaped storage unit 71. When the IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot 26, the card information read / write unit 38 reads the points recorded on the IC card into the memory of the card information read / write unit 38. Each time points are consumed or acquired as the game progresses, the card information read / write unit 38 updates the remaining points recorded in the memory.

  A game board 12 and a launch handle 14 are attached to the front surface of the frame-shaped storage portion 81 according to the modification. In addition, a settlement button BC is provided at the bottom of the frame-shaped storage unit 81. When the checkout button BC is pressed, when the checkout button BC is pressed at the end of the game, the remaining points stored in the memory of the card information read / write unit 38 installed in the box-shaped storage unit 71 are stored in the card. The data is written on the IC card inserted in the insertion slot 26. When the point writing is completed, the IC card is ejected from the card insertion slot 26.

  In the pachinko gaming machine according to the modification, the card mechanism unit 70 and the gaming mechanism unit 80 are physically separated. Therefore, the card mechanism unit 70 and the game mechanism unit 80 can be managed independently.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It is a front view showing roughly a game mechanism part of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows roughly the game mechanism part shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a management control system for a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the change process of the exchange rate by the game ball supply control part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the determination table which linked | related the exchange rate, the consumption point, and the number of the game balls to lend which the game ball supply control part shown in FIG. 3 memorize | stores. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of determination processing for presence / absence of a game ball that can be played in the game ball presence determination processing in step SA4 shown in FIG. 4; It is a front view which shows roughly the game mechanism part and card | curd mechanism part of the pachinko game apparatus concerning the modification of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Game board , 14 ... Launch handle , 16 ... Launch mechanism , 18 ... Game ball supply mechanism, 20 ... Saucer, 22 ... Cover, 24 ... Exchange rate display part, 26 ... Card insertion slot, 28 ... Card information display part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Management control system, 32 ... Launch control part, 34 ... Game control part, 36 ... Prize ball counting part, 38 ... Card information reading / writing part, 40 ... Receptacle sensor, 42 ... Passage sensor, 44 ... Game board sensor, 46 ... Game ball presence / absence determination unit, 48: Game ball supply control unit, 50: System control unit, BA: Exchange rate selection button, BB rental button, BC: Checkout button, SA: Exchange rate selection switch, SB: Rental switch, SC ... Checkout switch

Claims (8)

A game mechanism in which a predetermined number of game balls circulate, and a management control system for managing and controlling the game mechanism;
The gaming mechanism is
A game board that is sealed so that the board surface is visible by a transparent front door part, has a play space between the board surface and the front door part, and has a collection port for collecting game balls that have fallen in the play space When,
A launch mechanism for launching the game ball into the play space;
A supply mechanism for supplying the game ball to the launch mechanism;
A path of game balls for circulating game balls in the game mechanism, a first path for guiding the game balls from a collection port of the game board to the supply mechanism, and from the supply mechanism to the launch mechanism A circulation path having a second passage for guiding a game ball,
The management control system includes:
An update unit that reads a remaining point from a card storing points that can be exchanged for the game ball, and updates the remaining point according to the number of game balls that can be changed as the game progresses;
To change the exchange rate from the first exchange rate to a second exchange rate, a selecting section for selecting the second exchange rate from among a plurality of different exchange rates from each other,
A first determination unit for determining whether or not there is a game ball in any of the game board, the launch mechanism, and the circulation path;
When the first determination unit determines that there is a game ball, the change to the second exchange rate is prevented, and when the first determination unit determines that there is no game ball, the supply mechanism is driven. And a supply control unit for supplying a predetermined number of game balls based on the selected second exchange rate and a predetermined point for renting game balls. apparatus. The game mechanism further includes a tray that temporarily holds the game ball supplied from the supply mechanism to the launch mechanism, and a lid that covers an opening of the tray.
The second passage includes a third passage for guiding the game ball from the supply mechanism to the tray, and a fourth passage for guiding the game ball from the tray to the launch mechanism.
The pachinko gaming apparatus according to claim 1.   The pachinko gaming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lid is formed of at least one of a transparent member and a translucent member that allows the game ball held on the tray to be visually recognized from the outside. The management control system further includes a second determination unit that determines whether the game mode is a normal mode or a jackpot mode that is more advantageous to the player than the normal mode,
The supply control unit has the predetermined number of balls when the first determination unit determines that there is no game ball and when the second determination unit determines that the game mode is in the normal mode. Supplying a game ball to the supply mechanism;
The pachinko gaming apparatus according to claim 1. The management control system includes:
A first sensor for sensing a game ball passing on the game board;
A second sensor for sensing a game ball passing through the second passage,
The first determination unit determines whether or not there is a game ball in any of the game board, the launch mechanism, and the circulation path based on outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor.
The pachinko gaming apparatus according to claim 1. The game mechanism further includes a tray that temporarily holds the game ball supplied from the supply mechanism to the launch mechanism, and a lid that covers an opening of the tray.
The second passage is composed of a third passage for guiding the game ball from the supply mechanism to the tray, and a fourth passage for guiding the game ball from the tray to the launch mechanism,
The management control system further includes a third sensor that senses a game ball held on the tray.
The first determination unit determines whether or not there is a game ball in any of the game board, the launch mechanism, and the circulation path based on outputs of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor. Determine
The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 5.   The pachinko gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gaming mechanism further includes a plurality of buttons for selecting the plurality of exchange rates.   The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming mechanism further includes a display unit that displays the selected exchange rate.

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