JP4844962B2 - Game equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus including a gaming machine, a ball rental based on valuable value information, and a payment machine that performs payment of a ball that has been generated by game execution in the gaming machine.

  In an encapsulated pachinko machine that allows the player to play without directly touching the pachinko ball, the player can play when the number of balls that represent the number of pachinko balls is one or more. The number of possessed balls is related to valuable value information, and is recorded as balance information on a card when not playing a game. When a card is inserted into a slot of a card unit (settlement machine) provided in the enclosed pachinko machine, the balance information recorded on the card is read as the number of balls. The number of balls read in this way is stored in a memory in the enclosed pachinko machine through the card unit. When the number of held balls is within a predetermined range, a pachinko game can be performed, and the number of held balls increases or decreases according to the game result of the pachinko game. When the payment is completed after the game is finished, the number of balls held at the time of payment is transmitted from the enclosed pachinko machine to the card unit, and this number of balls is recorded as balance information on the card again through the card unit.

  In addition, the data processing means includes a data processing means disposed in the card unit (accounting machine) and a game processing means disposed in the gaming machine, the data processing means including a recording unit for recording the number of game media representing the number of game media, and a game A first transmission unit that transmits a permission signal for permitting the execution of the game on condition that the number of media is within the first predetermined range, and a status signal (launch information, return information, number of winning balls according to a winning opening) A first receiving unit for receiving, and an arithmetic unit for increasing or decreasing the number of game media based on the status signal; the game processing means executes the game based on the second receiving unit for receiving the permission signal; and the permission signal A game execution unit, and a second transmission unit that transmits a state signal based on a game result of executing the game, and the number of game media recorded in the recording unit is increased or decreased by a calculation unit, and a data processing unit, a game processing unit, During this period, status signals based on game results are transmitted. Gaming system only to be is known (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

  The gaming system described in Patent Document 1 does not transmit the number of balls that is often a large numerical value as data transmitted from the gaming machine to the card unit, but a state signal (launch information, return) that is a small numerical value. The number of game media recorded in the recording unit is increased or decreased based on the status signal in the calculation unit of the data processing means of the card unit. Therefore, even if it is affected by factors such as noise (failure occurrence) when transmitting a status signal, the number of game media affected by disappearance or modification etc. is small because the number of balls to be fired and the number of return balls is small. As a small value, the number of game media that are lost even if affected by the occurrence of a failure is suppressed, and the number of game media is managed more accurately.

JP 2002-239183 A

  In the gaming system described in Patent Document 1, communication from the gaming machine to the card unit is performed due to a configuration in which a status signal (launch information, return information, number of prize balls according to a winning opening) is transmitted from the gaming machine to the card unit. Must be done frequently. For example, when a big hit occurs in a game and the winnings increase rapidly, the communication density of the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening becomes high. In particular, during the big hit game, the process related to winning in the game control process becomes complicated, which may affect communication such as the number of winning balls corresponding to winning detection, and hinder communication from the gaming machine to the card unit. Sex cannot be denied. For this reason, it is desirable to reduce the communication density from the gaming machine to the card unit.

  In addition, in the case of a player, even in an enclosed pachinko machine, such as a normal pachinko game machine in which award balls are actually paid out by a pachinko ball, a holding ball equivalent to an upper plate and a ball box (so-called so-called pachinko machine) If the ball equivalent to the dollar box) can be clearly understood, there is an advantage that the game can be enjoyed with peace of mind.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which the communication density from the gaming machine to the checkout machine is reduced as compared with the conventional one while maintaining the reliability regarding the management of the number of balls.

  The gaming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided with a gaming machine and the gaming machine, and rents a ball based on valuable value information and settles the number of balls held as the number of balls used for game execution in the gaming machine. And a game control unit that controls the game and a ball information control unit that controls the ball information, and the player can operate the control unit of the settlement machine. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the ball lending command input means and the payment command input means are connected, and the ball information control unit and the control unit of the payment machine are connected so as to communicate with each other. The number of balls is stored in a first number of balls stored in the first number of balls storage area managed by the ball information control unit and in a second number of balls storage area managed by the control unit of the checkout machine. The first holding ball is configured to be divided and managed into the stored second holding ball number. A first holding ball number display unit for displaying the second holding ball number display unit for displaying the second holding ball number at a position visible by a player of the gaming machine, The information control unit includes means for displaying the first number of balls on the first number-of-balls display unit, a launch ball signal generated by execution of a game, a return ball signal, and a prize ball signal sent from the game control unit. And a means for increasing / decreasing the first holding ball number based on the first ball number, when the first ball holding number exceeds a predetermined upper limit number, a predetermined movement number is sent to the controller of the checkout machine and the first Means for subtracting the number of movements from the number of balls held, means for transmitting a predetermined number of requests to the control unit of the settlement machine when the first number of balls falls below a predetermined lower limit number; When the return number sent from the control unit of the settlement machine in response to the transmission of the requested number is received, the first number of balls Means for adding the return number, and the controller of the settlement machine displays the second number of balls on the second number of balls display and the movement sent from the ball information controller. If the number is received, the means for adding the number of movements to the second number of balls and the number of requests transmitted from the ball information control unit, the second number of balls is greater than or equal to the number of requests Means for determining whether or not the second number of balls is equal to or greater than the required number and sending the requested number as a return number to the ball information control unit and subtracting the return number from the second number of balls A gaming device characterized by comprising:

  The gaming device according to claim 2 is the gaming device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit of the settlement machine receives the request number transmitted from the ball information control unit, the second number of possessed balls is the request. It is determined whether or not the number of balls is equal to or greater than the number, and if the second number of held balls is not equal to or greater than the required number and the second number of held balls is not 0, the second ball number is used as a return number and the ball information Means is provided for sending to the control unit and setting the second number of balls held to zero.

  According to the gaming apparatus according to claim 1, the player can clearly grasp the number of balls managed by the gaming machine and the number of balls managed by the settlement machine, and can play the game with peace of mind. I can enjoy it. Moreover, while the reliability regarding the management of the number of balls can be maintained, the communication density from the gaming machine to the checkout machine can be reduced as compared with the related art.

  According to the gaming apparatus of the second aspect, the player can use up the game without performing any special operation even when the remaining number of balls less than the required number remains in the checkout machine. it can.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a payment machine and an enclosed pachinko machine that constitute a gaming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming device according to the embodiment includes an enclosed pachinko machine 1 and a payment machine 2 provided alongside the enclosed pachinko machine 1. The enclosed pachinko machine 1 plays a game by circulating a predetermined number of game balls in a closed manner without paying out the game balls. The enclosed pachinko machine 1 includes a game area 4 set on the front surface of the game board 3 and a hitting ball handle 5 for launching the game ball toward the game area 4, as in the known pachinko machines. In addition, a horizontally long operation panel 6 is provided at a position facing the player near the lower part of the front intermediate portion of the encapsulated pachinko machine 1.

  On the left side of the operation panel 6, a remaining frequency display unit 7, a point number display unit 8, and a gaming machine ball number display unit 9 are arranged in order from the top to the bottom, and on the right side of the remaining frequency display unit 7. The adjusting machine possession ball number display section 10 is arranged. In addition, these display units are arranged with five segment display units (7 segment display units) arranged so that the numeral “8” can be displayed in parallel in a horizontal row, and can display a 5-digit numerical value. . Also, below the settlement machine possession ball number display section 10, a sphere unit price display section 11 including a segment display (7-segment display) in which the numeral “8” can be displayed is disposed. The display contents displayed by these display units will be described later.

  A ball lending button (push button type switch) 12 as a ball lending command input means that can be operated by a player is disposed at the upper center of the operation panel unit 6. An operable notification lamp 15 for notifying that the operation by the ball lending button 12 is in an effective state is provided. The ball lending button is used to instruct lending of a ball for playing a game.

  Further, a settlement button (push button type switch) 13 as a settlement command input means that can be operated by the player is disposed at the center lower portion of the operation panel unit 6. A YES button (push button type switch) 16 and a NO button (push button type switch) 17 are respectively provided for selecting whether the operation by 13 is valid or cancels the operation. The settlement button 13 is used for instructing settlement after the pachinko game is finished.

  Also, on the lower right side of the operation panel 6, a ball unit price change button (push button type switch) 14 as a ball unit price change command input means that can be operated by the player is disposed. On the upper edge, an operable notification lamp 18 for notifying that the operation by the sphere unit price change button 14 is in an effective state is provided. The sphere unit price change button 14 instructs to change the rate indicating the valuable value (consideration) for one sphere at the time of lending and settlement. For example, the rate of 4 yen per sphere is changed to the rate of 3 yen per sphere. Operate when changing.

  Further, a message display unit 53 made of, for example, a liquid crystal display is disposed between the settlement button 13 and the sphere unit price change button 14 on the right side of the central portion of the operation panel unit 6. The message display unit 53, for example, when the payment button 13 ends the pachinko game and instructs the payment, the message display of “waiting for completion” or “whether to forcibly terminate” is selected by the YES button 16 or the NO button 17 Display a message for “input”.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming apparatus showing the main part of the control system mainly deployed in the enclosed pachinko machine. The main control board 19 controls pachinko games, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like (not shown). The ball information control board 20 performs control related to the number of balls to be increased or decreased by launching a game ball or playing a game. Although not shown, the control unit of the ball information control board 20 is a CPU. ROM, RAM, input / output interface, communication interface, and the like. The sub-integrated board 21 controls the game board 3, the winning device attached to the game board 3, the control of various decoration LEDs arranged on the machine frame to which the game board is attached, and the control related to the sound output. Although not shown, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like are provided.

  The main control board 19 is arranged with respect to a gate switch 22 arranged on a gate (not shown) that allows game balls to pass through on the surface of the game board 3 and a normal winning opening (not shown). Detection signals from the normal winning opening detection switch 23, the large winning opening detection switch 24 arranged for the big winning opening (not shown), and the start opening detection switch 25 arranged for the starting opening (not shown). Based on the above, processing related to the game is performed, and commands and signals as processing results are displayed on the sub-integrated board 21, the special symbol display device 26, the special symbol hold number display device 27, the normal symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol hold number display device. 29, output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 30, the big prize opening solenoid 31 and the like.

  In addition, the main control board 19 responds to detection signals from detection switches (ordinary prize opening detection switch 23, large prize opening detection switch 24, and start opening detection switch 25 are provided) for each prize opening. A prize ball command for instructing the number of prize balls set according to a winning opening where a game ball has won is output to the ball information control board 20 as necessary.

  Further, the main control board 19 periodically outputs a game state signal (status) indicating the type of the current game state to the ball information control board 20. The gaming state means, for example, a winning lottery due to a winning at the start opening and a start opening, a special symbol variable display based on the lottery result to stop the symbol, and the lottery result In the case of the first type pachinko gaming machine that shifts to the special gaming state (big hit gaming state) in the case of, the normal gaming state (the probability of winning by the lottery is normal probability, and the time of variable display of the normal symbol is normal), short time Game state (state in which the time for variable symbol display is shortened from normal), jackpot game state, high probability game state (in which the probability of winning by lottery is higher than normal), special symbol pattern During fluctuations, there is a state where there is a hold based on a start opening prize.

  Based on the command output from the main control board 19, the sub integrated board 21 outputs a command to the liquid crystal display control board 32 and sends control signals to the accessory decoration board 33, the board decoration board 34, and the frame decoration board 35. By outputting, the lighting display of various decorative LEDs is controlled, and the sound (sound, sound, sound effect, etc.) output from the speaker 36 is controlled. The liquid crystal display control board 32 controls the symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 37 based on the command output from the sub integrated board 21.

  The ball information control board 20 outputs signals to the launch control board 38, the ball circulation device 45, the gaming machine possession ball number display unit 9, and the checkout machine 2 based on various input signals. The launch control board 38 considers a signal transmitted from a touch sensor 39 that detects whether or not the player is touching, a launch stop switch 40 that instructs the stop of the launch device 41 that is driven by a motor, etc. Is controlled to drive or stop driving. The ball circulation device 45 is driven by a motor or the like and circulates the game ball in the enclosed pachinko machine 1. The ball information control board 20 instructs the launch control board 38 to launch (permit) or stop firing (impossible). Further, the ball circulation device 45 is instructed to be operable or to be deactivated.

  A game state signal and a prize ball command output from the main control board 19 are input to the ball information control board 20. In addition, the ball information control board 20 detects a shot ball detecting sensor 42 for detecting the shot game ball, and a return for detecting the game ball collected at the foul ball entrance (not shown) without reaching the game area 4. In the ball detection sensor 43 and the game area 4, each detection signal of the out ball detection sensor 44 that detects a game ball collected from the back of the game board 3 from an out port (not shown) without winning a winning hole is input. During the game, the ball information control board 20 increases or decreases the first number of balls based on the detection signal of the launch ball detection sensor 42, the detection signal of the return ball detection sensor 43, and the prize ball command.

  The ball information control board 20 and the settlement machine 2 are connected so as to be capable of data communication in both directions. From the ball information control board 20 to the checkout machine 2, when the first number of balls managed by the ball information control board 20 exceeds the upper limit number defined, the checkout machine is the same as the number of movements determined in advance from the first number of balls. Send to 2. In addition, when the game machine 2 is instructed to end the game based on the operation of the payment button 13, all of the first number of balls managed by the ball information control board 20 are transmitted to the payment machine 2. Further, when the first number of balls managed by the ball information control board 20 falls below the lower limit number defined, a predetermined number of requests is sent to the settlement machine 2.

  From the checkout machine 2 to the ball information control board 20, a ball rental number based on the operation of the ball rental button 12 is sent to the ball information control board 20. Further, according to the number of requests from the ball information control board 20, the number of balls that can be sent within the range of the second number of balls managed by the settlement machine 2 is sent to the ball information control board 20.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram mainly showing a main part of the settlement machine 2. Although not shown, the control unit of the settlement machine 2 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like. In the checkout machine 2, the operation input signals of the ball lending button 12, the checkout button 13, the ball unit price change button 14, the YES button 16 and the NO button 17 disposed on the operation panel unit 6 of the enclosed pachinko machine 1 are For example, it is connected to be able to input through an interface. Further, the remaining number display unit 7, the point number display unit 8, the adjustment machine ball number display unit 10, the operable notification lamp 15, the operable notification lamp 18, and the like disposed on the operation panel unit 6 of the enclosed pachinko machine 1, A message display unit 53 is connected so that it can be displayed by a control output from the settlement machine 2. Further, the checkout machine 2 is provided with a card processor 47 behind the card insertion slot 46 of FIG.

  The card 48 used in the embodiment is composed of, for example, a magnetic card or an IC card, and is issued to a player by being issued by a card issuing machine (not shown) when the player pays a predetermined amount. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration stored in the card 48. In the card 48, an ID storage unit 49 in which an ID number (hereinafter simply referred to as an ID) as identification information individually given to the card 48 is stored, which corresponds to the amount paid when the card 48 is purchased. The remaining number storage unit 50 in which the remaining number as the valuable value information to be stored is stored, the number of points calculated by multiplying the number of balls possessed by the player as the game result of the game by the ball unit price is stored A number storage unit 51 is set. When the card 48 is issued, the ID is stored in the ID storage unit 49, and the remaining number corresponding to the amount paid when the card 48 is purchased in the remaining number storage unit 50 (for example, the amount paid is 5000 yen). In this case, “5000” is stored as the remaining number, but the point number storage unit 51 stores an initial value as the number of points and “0” as the number of points.

  The card processor 47 is conventionally known, a card sensor for detecting the card 48, a card reader / writer for reading data stored in the card 48 and writing data to the card 48, and data reading of the card 48. A card conveying means for feeding to the writing position and discharging the card 48 to the card insertion slot 46 is provided. When the card 48 is inserted into the card insertion slot 46, the card processor 47 sends the card 48 to a predetermined data reading / writing position, and the card reader / writer stores the stored data, that is, ID, remaining frequency and point. The number is read and output to the checkout machine 2. In response to a write command from the settlement machine 2, the ID, the remaining number, and the number of points are written (stored) in each of the aforementioned storage units.

  The checkout machine 2 stores the ID, the remaining number, and the number of points read from the card 48 through the card processor 47 in the RAM. The read ID, the remaining number and the number of points are transmitted to the management computer 52 connected via a bus or the like (see FIG. 2), and the card data file (card database) created by the management computer 52 when the card is issued It is determined whether or not the remaining frequency and the number of points stored in association with the corresponding ID in FIG. 2 match the remaining frequency and the number of points sent from the settlement machine 2, and if they match, the settlement machine 2 On the other hand, in the case of mismatch, it may be possible to transmit unavailable. In this case, when the checkout machine 2 receives an unusable message, the checkout machine 2 instructs the card processing machine 47 to eject the card, and returns the card 48 from the card insertion slot 46 via the card processing machine 47. If comprised as mentioned above, it will become possible to prevent use of the card | curd 48 by the act which illegally changes the remaining number of points and the number of points, or the hole illegally alters the contents of the card data file.

  On the other hand, when the checkout machine 2 receives the availability, the checkout machine 2 enables ball lending, ball price change, etc. by using the card 48. Note that authentication of the data on the card 48 by the management computer 52 described above is not essential.

  When the settlement machine 2 reads the data of the card 48, the remaining number of times stored in the RAM is displayed on the remaining number display unit 7 and the number of points stored in the RAM is displayed on the point number display unit 8. When the card 48 can be used, the checkout machine 2 lends a ball according to the operation of the ball lending button 12. This ball lending is assumed to lend a ball lending number of 125 for each operation of the ball lending button 12. The checkout machine 2 transmits the number of balls lent to the ball information control board 20. When the ball information control board 20 receives the number of balls, the ball information control board 20 adds the number to the first number of balls, and the launching device can be launched to enter a playable state. Further, the consideration for the ball rental is obtained by multiplying the set ball unit price by the number of the ball rental, and the obtained consideration (the remaining number or the number of points corresponding to the ball rental) is subtracted from the current value. If there are points, the number of points is given priority over the remaining number.

  Ball lending by the enclosed pachinko machine 1 and the checkout machine 2 configured as described above, management of the number of balls in the game due to ball lending, game end and payment, and change of the ball unit price are shown in FIGS. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 to 5 are flowcharts showing a main routine of processing executed by a CPU (referred to as a CPU of the settlement machine 2, hereinafter referred to as an SCPU) provided in the settlement machine 2. In the following description, the CPU provided on the sphere information control board 20 is referred to as a CPU of the sphere information control board 20 and is referred to as a TCPU.

  When starting the main routine, the SCPU first sets an initial value “0” in the execution flag (step A01). The execution flag takes values of “0 (initial state)”, “1 (ball unit price can be changed, ball rental available)”, and “2 (ball unit price not changeable, ball rental available)”. Next, the SCPU determines whether or not the card 48 is inserted into the card insertion slot 46 (step A02). The detection of the insertion of the card 48 into the card insertion slot 46 is based on a detection signal of a card sensor disposed inside the card insertion slot 46 that is conventionally known. If the card 48 is not inserted into the card insertion slot 46, the SCPU determines that step A02 is NO and waits until the insertion of the card 48 into the card insertion slot 46 is detected.

  When the player inserts the card 48 into the card insertion slot 46, insertion of the card 48 is detected, and the SCPU determines YES in step A02 and proceeds to step A03. In step A03, data stored in the card 48 is read (step A03). That is, the ID stored in the ID storage unit 49 of the card 48 of FIG. 19, the remaining number stored in the remaining number storage unit 50, and the number of points stored in the point number storage unit 51 are read to determine a predetermined RAM. In the storage area (ID storage area, remaining frequency storage area, point count storage area).

  Next, the SCPU determines whether the inserted card 48 is usable or unusable (step A04). As described above, the read ID, the remaining number, and the number of points are transmitted to the management computer 52 (see FIG. 2), and each data managed by the management computer 52 and each data transmitted by the management computer 52 are transmitted. It is good also as a structure which judges whether it is usable or unusable by whether or not. In this embodiment, when the read remaining number is 0 and the read point number is 0, it is determined that the card 48 is unusable, and the card 48 is ejected from the card insertion slot 46 (step A05). Return to step A02. For this reason, when it is determined that the card 48 is unusable, the processing described below is not executed.

  On the other hand, if the read remaining frequency is not 0, or if the read remaining frequency is 0 and the read point number is not 0, it is determined that the card 48 is usable, and processing is performed in the following processes. “1” is set to an execution flag for identifying whether to perform or not (step A06).

  Next, the initial value “4” of the sphere unit price (frequency 4 or 4 points per sphere) is set in the sphere unit price storage area of the RAM (step A07), and the second sphere number storage area of the RAM (the adjustment machine possession) The initial value “0” of the second number of balls Q1 is set in the ball count area) (step A08), “1 (lighted)” is set in the lighting data of the operable notification lamps 15 and 18 (step A09), It progresses to the display process of step A10.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display processing executed by the SCPU. When the SCPU starts the display process, the SCPU displays the remaining frequency stored in the remaining frequency storage area on the remaining frequency display unit 7 (step A101), and displays the number of points stored in the point number storage area as the point number display unit. 8 (step A102), the second holding ball number (the number of holding balls managed by the adjusting machine 2) stored in the second holding ball number storage area is displayed on the adjusting machine holding ball number display unit 10 ( Step A103), the value of the sphere unit price stored in the sphere unit price storage area is displayed on the sphere unit price display unit 11 (Step A104), and the lighting data of the operable notification lamps 15 and 18 are output (Step S105) and displayed. The process exits and proceeds to step A11.

  Accordingly, the remaining number of points and the number of points stored in the card 48 are displayed, the initial value “0” is displayed as the number of adjusted machine balls, the initial value “4” is displayed as the ball unit price, and An operable notification lamp 15 for notifying that the button 12 is in an operable state is turned on, and an operable notification lamp 18 for notifying that the unit price change button 14 is in an operable state is turned on.

  In step A11, the SCPU determines whether or not the value of the execution flag is “1” (step A11). If the value of the execution flag is not “1”, it is determined that the ball unit price cannot be changed (NO in step A11), and the process jumps to step A13. Therefore, when the value of the execution flag is not “1”, it is impossible to substantially change the ball unit price.

  On the other hand, when the value of the execution flag is “1”, for example, immediately after inserting the usable card 48, the ball unit price can be changed, and step A11 is determined as YES and step A12 is performed. Proceed to the unit price change process.

  That is, after the card is inserted and until the ball rental is substantially performed, the player can arbitrarily select and specify the ball unit price in the range of 4 to 1 by operating the ball unit price change button 14. On the other hand, when the ball rental is substantially performed, the value of the execution flag is changed to “2”, so that the ball unit price cannot be changed. In addition, the value of the ball unit price at the time of lending the ball is used when the number of balls is settled.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the unit price changing process executed by the SCPU. When the SCPU starts the sphere unit price change process, it first determines whether or not there is an operation of the sphere unit price change button 14 (step A121). If the ball unit price change button 14 is not operated, step A121 is determined to be NO, the subroutine of the ball unit price change process is exited, the process returns to the main routine, and the process proceeds to step A13.

  On the other hand, if there is an operation of the unit price change button 14 in step A121, step A121 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step A122, and the value of the unit price stored in the unit price storage area of the RAM is decreased by one. (Step A122), it is determined whether or not the result of the reduced sphere unit price is 0 (Step A123). If the result of the reduced sphere unit price is 0, the result is returned to the initial value “4” (Step A124). Exits the unit price change processing subroutine and returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the result of the reduced sphere unit price is not 0, the sphere unit price change process subroutine is exited and the process returns to the main routine. Note that unless the actual ball lending is performed in the later-described ball lending process, the execution flag value is maintained at “1” and the ball unit price changing process subroutine is executed. Thus, each time the sphere unit price change button 14 is operated, the sphere unit price is cyclically changed in the order of “4” → “3” → “2” → “1” → “4”.

  If the SCPU exits the subroutine of the unit price change process in step A12, the process proceeds to step A13. In step A13, the SCPU determines whether or not the ball lending button 12 is operated (step A13). If there is no operation of the ball lending button 12, step A13 is determined as NO and the process proceeds to step A18.

  The player operates the ball lending button 12 to play a game, and receives a ball lending from the checkout machine 2. That is, if there is an operation of the ball lending button 12 at step A13, the SCPU determines that step A13 is YES and proceeds to the ball lending process at step A14.

  6 to 7 are flowcharts showing a ball lending process subroutine executed by the SCPU. When the SCPU starts the ball lending process, it first transmits a ball lending preparation command to the TCPU (step A50). Next, the process proceeds to step A51, where it is determined whether or not the number of points stored in the point number storage area (hereinafter referred to as PS) is 0 (step A51). In the present embodiment, when there are points in ball lending, the number of points is consumed with priority over the remaining number. In ball lending, the number of points and the remaining number are handled equivalently. The difference between the remaining number and the point number differs in that the remaining number can be exchanged for cash in the prize counter, but the point number cannot be exchanged for cash.

  If it is determined in step A51 that the number of points is not 0, that is, if there are points, step A51 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step A52. In step A52, the sphere unit price (hereinafter referred to as TK) stored in the sphere unit price storage area in the specified sphere rental number KD (in this embodiment, for example, 125) corresponding to one sphere rental operation. The number of points required for ball lending by multiplication (same in frequency and equivalent) is obtained and stored in the A register (step A52). Next, the number of points PS is compared with the number of points required for ball rental (referred to as the number of ball rental points) stored in the A register to determine whether or not the point number PS is less than the number of ball rental points (step A53). ).

  In step A53, if the number of points PS is equal to or greater than the number of ball rental points, the ball rental is immediately possible only with the number of points, step A53 is determined to be NO, and the specified ball rental number KD is set as the ball rental number. (Step A54), and waits until the end of the ball rental sent from the TCPU is received (Step A55 is repeatedly determined to be NO). The processing performed by the CPU (TCPU) of the sphere information control board 20 corresponding to the transmitted lent number will be described later.

  Then, when the processing of the TCPU corresponding to the number of ball rentals transmitted from the SCPU is completed, the TCPU transmits the ball rental termination, so the SCPU receives the ball rental termination, and determines that step A55 is YES, Proceeding to step A56, the number of ball rental points stored in the A register is subtracted from the point number PS stored in the point number storage area (step A56) (the subtraction result is stored in the point number PS), and further The point number PS is written in the point number storage unit 51 of the card 48 (step A57), the ball lending process subroutine is exited, the process returns to the main routine, and the process proceeds to step A15.

  On the other hand, if the number of points PS is less than the number of ball rental points in step A53, step A53 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step A58. It is determined whether or not. In step A58, the point number PS is stored in the B register (step A58). Next, the remaining number (hereinafter referred to as DS) stored in the remaining number storage area is added and stored to the point number PS stored in the B register (step A59). Next, the ball lending counter C1 for counting the ball lending by 1 is cleared to 0 (step A60), the process proceeds to step A61, and the total value of the number of points and the remaining number stored in the B register, The sphere unit price TK is compared, and it is determined whether or not the total value of the number of points stored in the B register and the remaining number is equal to or more than the sphere unit price TK (step A61).

  In step A61, if the sum of the number of points stored in the B register and the remaining number (hereinafter simply referred to as the sum of the B register) is equal to or greater than the unit price TK, the step A61 is determined as YES. Then, the ball unit price TK is subtracted and stored from the total value of the B register (step A62), the ball lending counter C1 is incremented by 1 (step A63), and the process proceeds to step A64 where the value of the ball lending counter C1 is the specified ball lending number. It is determined whether or not it has become equal to KD (whether or not it has been reached) (step A64).

  If the value of the ball lending counter C1 is not equal to the specified ball lending number KD at step A64, step A64 is determined as NO and the process returns to step A61. Therefore, by repeatedly performing the processing routine for determining NO in step A61 to step A63 and step A64, the total value of the B register is decreased by the unit price TK in step A62, but the total value of the B register is the base unit price TK. During the period above, the value of the ball lending counter C1 is incremented by one, and if the value of the ball lending counter C1 becomes equal to the specified ball lending number KD, the number of points PS and the remaining number of times It is possible to lend the specified ball lending amount KD based on the sum of the DS and the step A64, YES is determined, and the process proceeds to step A65.

  In step A65, since the number of points is consumed with priority over the remaining frequency, the point number PS is completely consumed when the ball lending is performed with the sum of the point number PS and the remaining frequency DS. Therefore, the point number PS is cleared to 0 (step A65), and the sum value stored in the B register becomes a new remaining frequency number. Therefore, the sum value stored in the B register remains as the remaining frequency DS. Store in the frequency storage area (step A66), send the specified sphere rental number KD to the TCPU as the sphere rental number (step A67), and wait in step A68 until receiving the end of the sphere rental sent from the TCPU. (Step A68 is repeatedly determined to be NO).

  Then, when the processing of the TCPU corresponding to the number of ball rentals transmitted from the SCPU is completed, the TCPU transmits the ball rental termination, so the SCPU receives the ball rental termination, and determines that step A68 is YES, Proceeding to step A69, the point number PS (in this case, 0) is written into the point number storage unit 51 of the card 48 and the remaining number DS is written into the remaining number storage unit 50 (step A69), and the ball rental processing subroutine is exited. Returning to the main routine, the process proceeds to step A15.

  In step A51, if the number of points is 0, step A51 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step A58. If it is determined in step A51 that the number of points is 0, logically only the remaining frequency DS (if the remaining frequency DS is 0, it is already excluded that the card cannot be used. Step A04 in FIG. 4). (Refer to NO for determination)) It is determined whether or not ball lending is possible. In step A58, the number of points PS stored in the B register is “0”. The following processing is the same as the processing for lending a ball with the number of points + the remaining frequency described above because the number of points and the remaining frequency are handled equivalently in the ball lending.

  On the other hand, even if the processing routine for determining NO in step A61 to step A63 and step A64 is repeated, the value of the ball lending counter C1 is not equal to the specified ball lending number KD, and the total value of the B register is the ball unit price. If it is smaller than TK, the ball lending number does not satisfy the specified ball lending number KD, step A61 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step A70.

  In the case of proceeding to Step A70, the ball lending number becomes the value of the ball lending number counter C1. In addition, the total value stored in the B register becomes a new remaining frequency. In step A70, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball lending counter C1 is “0” (step A70). If the value of the ball lending counter C1 is not “0”, the ball lending can be performed. Therefore, it is determined that the step A70 is NO and the process proceeds to the step A71, and the point number PS is completely consumed. PS is cleared to 0 (step A71), and the total value stored in the B register becomes a new residual frequency, so the total value stored in the B register is stored in the residual frequency storage area as the residual frequency DS ( In step A72), the value of the ball lending counter C1 is transmitted to the TCPU as a ball lending number (step A73). In step A74, the process waits until a ball lending end sent from the TCPU is received (NO in step A74). Is repeatedly performed).

  Then, when the processing of the TCPU corresponding to the number of ball rentals transmitted from the SCPU is completed, the TCPU transmits the ball rental termination, so the SCPU receives the ball rental termination, and determines that step A74 is YES, Proceeding to step A75, the point number PS (in this case, 0) is written into the point number storage unit 51 of the card 48 and the remaining number DS is written into the remaining number storage unit 50 (step A75), and the ball rental processing subroutine is exited. Returning to the main routine, the process proceeds to step A15.

  Also, for example, when the ball unit price is “4”, the number of points of the card 48 is “0”, and the remaining frequency is “3”, that is, the number of points stored in the B register and the remaining frequency are If the total value (hereinafter simply referred to as the total value of the B register) is smaller than the ball unit price TK from the beginning, it is determined NO in step A61 and the process proceeds to step A70, where the value of the ball lending counter C1 is 0. Therefore, step A70 is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step A76, a ball lending impossibility command is transmitted to the TCPU (step A76), and the process waits until a ball lending end sent from the TCPU is received in step A77. (Step A77 is repeatedly determined to be NO).

  Then, when the processing of the TCPU corresponding to the number of ball rentals transmitted from the SCPU is completed, the TCPU transmits the ball rental termination, so the SCPU receives the ball rental termination, determines YES in step A77, The execution flag is set to the initial value “0” and returned (step A78), the ball lending process subroutine is exited, the process returns to the main routine, and the process proceeds to step A15.

  After exiting the ball lending process subroutine, the SCPU proceeds to step A15. In step A15, it is determined whether or not the execution flag has been returned to "0" (step A15). As described above, the execution flag is returned to “0” only when a ball lending disabling command is transmitted to the TCPU in the ball lending process, and when the ball lending number is transmitted to the TCPU in the ball lending process (ie, substantially In the case of a ball rental), the execution flag is set to “1”. When “1” is set in the execution flag, the SCPU determines NO in step A15, sets “2” in the execution flag (step A16), and the operable notification lamp 18 (ball unit price change button). 14) is set (step A17), and the process proceeds to step A18. Since the value of the execution flag is changed to “2”, it is impossible to change the ball unit price thereafter.

  On the other hand, when a ball lending impossibility command is transmitted to the TCPU in the ball lending process, the execution flag is returned to “0”. In this case, step A15 is determined as YES, and the process directly proceeds to step A18.

  In step A18, the SCPU determines whether or not the settlement button 13 is operated (step A18). If the settlement button 13 is not operated, step A18 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step A19. The processing when the settlement button 13 is operated will be described later.

  In step A19, it is determined whether or not the execution flag is “1” (step A19). When the ball rental is not performed, the execution flag remains “1”. In this case, step A19 is determined to be YES, and the process returns to the display process of step A10. For this reason, the sphere unit price display of the sphere unit price display unit 11 is changed to the selected sphere unit price. After the change card is inserted, until the ball rental is substantially performed, the player can arbitrarily select and designate the ball unit price in the range of 4 to 1 by operating the ball unit price change button 14.

  If the execution flag is returned to “0”, step A19 is determined to be NO, and in subsequent step A20, the execution flag is determined to be “0”, and step A20 is determined to be YES. Then, the display process returns to step A10. In this case, there is no substantial ball rental. For this reason, it is necessary to eject the card 48 by the player's operation to the checkout button 13, but the gist of the present invention relates to the management of the number of balls in the game due to the fact that the ball rental is actually performed. Since the description is simplified, the operation of the settlement button 13 determines that step A18 is YES and proceeds to step A23. As a result of the execution flag being “0”, step A23 is determined to be YES and step A27 is reached. The process proceeds (the settlement process is not substantially performed), the card 48 is ejected from the card insertion slot 46 (step A27), and the process is terminated.

  Further, after the card 48 is inserted, if the settlement button 13 is operated without performing any operation on the ball lending button 12, the execution flag remains “1”. In this case, the settlement button 13 Step A18 is determined as YES and the process proceeds to Step A23. As a result of the execution flag being “1”, Step A23 is determined as NO and the process proceeds to Step A24. Proceeding to step A27 (the checkout process is not substantially performed), the card 48 is ejected from the card insertion slot 46 (step A27), and the process ends.

  When the number of balls is transmitted to the TCPU in the ball lending process, that is, when the ball lending is substantially performed, “2” is set to the execution flag in step A16. In this case, it is determined that step A19 is NO and step A20 is NO, and the process proceeds to the movement number process of step A21. If the movement number process is exited, the process proceeds to the request number process of step A22. Return to the display process. In addition, the movement number process of step A21 and the request number process of step A22 are processes performed from when the game is started in the enclosed pachinko machine 1 until the settlement button 13 is operated and the settlement is performed. .

  Next, processing executed by a CPU (referred to as a CPU of the sphere information control board 20 hereinafter referred to as a TCPU) provided on the sphere information control board 20 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing executed by the TCPU provided on the sphere information control board 20. When starting the main routine, the TCPU first clears the first ball number storage area of the RAM for performing update storage of the first ball number P1 managed by the TCPU (step S01). Subsequently, it progresses to step S02 and it is determined whether the ball lending preparation command sent from SCPU was received (step S02). Here, the TCPU waits until a ball lending preparation command is received (step S02 is repeatedly determined to be NO).

  As described above, when the SCPU of the checkout machine 2 executes the ball lending process (see step A14 in FIG. 4) according to the operation of the ball lending button 12, the SCPU transmits a ball lending preparation command to the TCPU ( The TCPU receives the ball lending preparation command, determines that step S02 is YES, and proceeds to step S03. If it progresses to step S03, it will be determined whether the ball lending number or ball lending impossible sent from SCPU next was received. That is, first, it is determined whether or not the number of spheres has been received (step S03). If the number of spheres has not been received, step S03 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S04 to receive a notification that the number is not lent. (Step S04), if it is not received that ball rental is not possible, it is determined NO in Step S04 and the process returns to Step S03.

  In a ball lending process, when a ball lending impossibility command is transmitted from the SCPU due to insufficient remaining number of cards 48 (see step A76 in FIG. 7), the TCPU receives the ball lending impossibility command, and step S04 Is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step S05, a ball lending end is transmitted to the SCPU (step S05), and the process of the main routine is ended. Therefore, the game is not started when the ball lending instruction is received.

  On the other hand, in the ball lending process, when the ball lending number is substantially transmitted from the SCPU (the specified ball lending number in step A54 in FIG. 6, or the specified ball lending number in step A67, or in FIG. In step A73, the number of ball lending that is less than the prescribed ball lending number (see each step A), the TCPU will receive the ball lending number, determine that step S03 is YES, and proceed to step S06.

  In step S06, the TCPU adds the received ball lending number to the first holding ball number P1, and stores the addition result as the first holding ball number P1 (step S06). Next, a ball lending end is transmitted to the SCPU (step S07), a command to enable the launch device to be fired is output to the launch control board 38 (step S08), the monitoring flag is cleared to 0 (step S09), and step Proceed to S10. By the processing in step S08, the game ball can be launched toward the game area 4, so that the game can be started. Further, the monitoring flag is a flag for identifying whether to branch to any of the processes related to the determination of the gaming state and the game end from the time when the game end command transmitted from the settlement machine 2 is received, It represents a state of “0 (initial state or normal termination is possible)”, a state of “1 (waiting for termination)”, and a state of “2 (only forced termination is possible)”.

  When the TCPU proceeds to step S10, the TCPU displays the value of the first ball number P1 stored in the first ball number storage area on the gaming machine ball number display unit 9 (step S10). Thereby, the player is made to recognize the current number of balls managed by the enclosed pachinko machine 1.

  When the player hits the batting handle 5 and fires the game ball toward the game area 4, the game ball enters each winning opening provided in the game area 4, and a winning occurs. When a winning is detected by a winning opening detection switch (ordinary winning opening detection switch 23 or large winning opening detection switch 24) arranged in each winning opening, the main control board 19 is placed in the winning opening where the game ball has won. A prize ball command instructing the number of prize balls set accordingly is output to the ball information control board 20 as necessary. Each time one game ball is launched, the ball detection signal of the launch ball detection sensor 42 is input to the ball information control board 20, and the game ball 4 does not reach the game area 4 and is played at the foul ball entrance (not shown). Each time the sphere is collected, the sphere detection signal of the return sphere detection sensor 43 is input to the sphere information control board 20.

  Subsequent to step S10, the TCPU performs input processing of each sensor signal (step S11), and then performs input processing of a prize ball command transmitted from the main control board 19 (step S12). Next, the process proceeds to ball information processing during the game (step S13).

  Here, the ball information processing during the game will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of ball information processing during a game performed by the TCPU. The TCPU first determines whether or not there is a shot ball detection signal from the shot ball detection sensor 42 (step S30). If there is a shot ball detection signal from the shot ball detection sensor 42, it is determined as YES in step S30, the value of the first number of balls P1 is decremented by 1 (step S31), and the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if there is no fired ball detection signal from the fired ball detection sensor 42, step S30 is determined as NO, and the process directly proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether there is a return ball detection signal from the return ball detection sensor 43 (step S32). If there is a return ball detection signal from the return ball detection sensor 43, step S32 is determined to be YES, the value of the first number of balls P1 is incremented by 1 (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if there is no return sphere detection signal from the return sphere detection sensor 43, step S32 is determined as NO, and the process directly proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is received in the prize ball command input process in step S12 (step S34). That is, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is stored in the reception buffer. If a prize ball command has been received, it is determined as YES in step S34, and the number of prize balls according to the received prize ball command is added and stored in the value of the first number P1 (step S35). Exit the information processing subroutine and return to the main routine. On the other hand, if no prize ball command is received, step S34 is determined to be NO, and the ball information processing subroutine during the game is exited and the process returns to the main routine. For example, when a winning occurs at the winning opening set to the number of winning balls “4”, the number of winning balls “4” is added and stored in the value of the first number of balls P1, for example, the number of winning balls “ When a winning occurs at the winning opening (large winning opening) set to “15”, the number of winning balls “15” is added and stored in the value of the first number of balls P1.

  When the TCPU exits the ball information processing subroutine during the game, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether or not a game end command transmitted from the settlement machine 2 has been received (step S14). When the player inputs an operation to the checkout button 13, the game end command is transmitted in a checkout process (see step A25 in FIG. 5) performed by the SCPU described later. Here, a description will be given assuming that the game end command is not received. If no game end command is received, step S14 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, it is determined whether or not the monitoring flag is “1” (step S15). In this case, since the monitoring flag is set to “0” in step S09, step S15 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to the number-of-balls check process 1 in step S16.

  One of the features of the present invention is that when the first number of balls P1 managed by the ball information control board 20 (TCPU) exceeds a predetermined upper limit number, a predetermined movement from the first number of balls P1 is determined. Only the number X1 is sent to the settlement machine 2, and the movement number X1 transmitted to the second number of balls held Q1 managed by the settlement machine 2 (SCPU) is added and stored.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the number-of-balls check process 1 executed by the TCPU. When starting the number-of-balls checking process 1, the TCPU determines whether or not the number of first balls P1 exceeds the upper limit number defined in advance (step S40). Here, the upper limit number is equivalent to the holding ball on the upper plate of the pachinko machine that actually pays out the prize ball (equivalent to the upper plate). In this embodiment, the upper limit number is, for example, “ 250 ". If the first number of balls P1 does not exceed the predetermined upper limit number, it is determined that step S40 is NO, the subroutine of the number-of-balls check process 1 is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. Therefore, when the first number of held balls P1 does not exceed the predetermined upper limit, the number of held balls P1 is not changed by the number of held balls check process 1.

  On the other hand, if the first number of balls P1 exceeds the predetermined upper limit, step S40 is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the TCPU transmits a predetermined movement number X1 (of course, the upper limit number> X1) to the settlement machine 2 (step S41), and the process sent from the SCPU in step S42. Wait until the end is received (the process of determining NO in step S42 is repeated).

  When the TCPU transmits the movement number X1, the SCPU of the settlement machine 2 adds and stores the movement number X1 transmitted to the second holding ball number Q1 in the movement number process of step A21 in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of movement number processing executed by the SCPU. When starting the movement number process, the SCPU determines whether or not the movement number X1 has been received (step A211). If the movement number X1 is not received, step A211 is determined as NO, and the movement number processing subroutine is exited and the process returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, when the movement number X1 is received, step A211 is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step A212. In step A212, the SCPU adds the received movement number X1 to the second holding ball number Q1 and stores the addition result as the second holding ball number Q1 (step A212). Next, the end of processing is transmitted to the TCPU (step A213), the movement number processing subroutine is exited, and the process returns to the main routine.

  When the SCPU transmits the process end, the TCPU receives the process end. The SCPU determines YES in step S42, proceeds to step S43, and subtracts the movement number X1 transmitted from the first ball number P1. The subtraction result is stored as the first number of held balls P1 (step S43), the subroutine of the number of held balls check process 1 is exited, and the process returns to the main routine.

  In this embodiment, the movement number X1 that moves from the first number of balls P1 managed by the TCPU of the ball information control board 20 to the second number of balls Q1 managed by the SCPU of the settlement machine 2 is, for example, “100”. To do. The movement number “100” is an example, and the movement number X1 may be changed depending on the gaming state. For example, in a gaming state that is not a big hit gaming state, the number of winning balls according to winning is often determined to be small (for example, the number of winning balls for winning at the start opening is set to “4”). Since the additional increment of the first ball number P1 does not increase, the movement number X1 is set to “100” as described above. On the other hand, in the big hit gaming state, a large number of winnings are concentrated in a short time, and the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning is large (for example, the number of winning balls for winning a big winning opening is “15”). In many cases, the number of movements X1 is set to “200”, which is twice as large as the increment of the first number of balls P1 increases. The game state is periodically transmitted from the main control board 19 to the ball information control board 20 (for example, every 4 ms), and is determined by inputting the game state in the number-of-balls check process 1. To do.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the TCPU exits the number-of-balls check process 1 in step S16, it proceeds to the number-of-balls check process 2 in step S17.

  Another feature of the present invention is that when the first number of balls P1 managed by the ball information control board 20 (TCPU) falls below a predetermined lower limit, the second holding device managed by the settlement machine 2 is used. A return number corresponding to the predetermined number of requests Y1 is returned from the number of balls Q1 to the TCPU, and a return number corresponding to the number of requests Y1 transmitted to the first number of held balls P1 managed by the ball information control board 20 (TCPU). It is configured to perform addition storage. In this case, the condition is that the second number of balls Q1 managed by the checkout machine 2 is not “0”.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the number-of-balls check process 2 executed by the TCPU. When starting the number-of-balls checking process 2, the TCPU determines whether or not the number of first balls P1 is below a predetermined lower limit number (step S50). Here, the lower limit number corresponds to the holding ball on the upper plate of the pachinko machine that actually pays out the prize ball (equivalent to the upper plate). In this embodiment, the lower limit number is, for example, “ 100 ".

  Here, for example, if the pachinko game being performed in the game area 4 is a second type of pachinko game, the large winning opening of the variable winning device is opened or closed once or twice according to the winning at the starting opening. Perform the action. At the timing when the grand prize opening is open, the game ball passes through the big prize opening and jumps into the prize winning space in the variable prize winning device, and the game ball under the jump is luckily provided in the prize winning space. When winning a mouth (so-called V prize opening), the game shifts to a big hit gaming state. At this time, if the first number of balls P1 is the number that can continue the game, the game can be continued without any trouble, but the number of first balls P1 is insufficient to continue the game, so-called shortage of balls. If you do, it will hinder you to continue playing. The number-of-balls checking process 2 compensates for the occurrence of such a shortage of balls. Thereby, the player can continue to play the game without worrying about the decrease in the first number of balls P1.

  If the first number of balls P1 is not less than the predetermined lower limit number, step S50 is determined as NO, the subroutine of the number-of-balls checking process 2 is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. Therefore, when the first number of held balls P1 is not less than the predetermined lower limit, the number of held balls P1 is not changed by the number of held balls check process 2.

  On the other hand, if the first number of balls P1 is less than the predetermined lower limit, step S50 is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the TCPU transmits a predetermined number of requests Y1 to the settlement machine 2 (step S51), and waits in step S52 until reply data sent from the SCPU is received (step S52). The process of determining NO is repeated). In the present embodiment, the request count Y1 is “100”.

  When the TCPU transmits the request number Y1, the SCPU of the settlement machine 2 receives the request number Y1 and manages the current second number Q1 range in the request number process in step A22 of FIG. The return number to be transmitted is determined, the determined return number is transmitted to the TCPU, and the return number transmitted is subtracted from the second ball count Q1, and the subtraction result is stored as the second ball count Q1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of request number processing executed by the SCPU. When starting the request count process, the SCPU first determines whether or not the request count Y1 has been received (step A221). If the request number Y1 is not received, step A221 is determined as NO, and the request number processing subroutine is exited and the process returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, when the request number Y1 is received, step A221 is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step A222. In step A212, the SCPU determines whether or not the currently managed second number of balls Q1 is “0” (no number of balls) (step A222). If the second number of held balls Q1 is “0” (no number of balls), step A222 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step A230, and the return number that can be transmitted is zero. Is transmitted to the TCPU (step A230), and the process waits until the process end sent from the TCPU is received in step A231 (the process of determining step A231 as NO is repeated).

  When the SCPU transmits “no balls held”, the TCPU receives “no balls held” as reply data sent from the SCPU. First, step S52 is determined to be YES, and step S53. Proceed to Then, it is determined whether or not the reply data is “no balls held” (step S53), step S53 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step S55, and the processing end is transmitted to the SCPU (step S55). Exit the number check process 2 subroutine and return to the main routine. Further, when the TCPU transmits the process end, the SCPU receives the process end, and determines that step A231 is YES, exits the request number process subroutine and returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, if the second number of held balls Q1 is not “0” (no number of held balls), the SCPU determines NO in step A222 and proceeds to step A223. If the second number of held balls Q1 is not “0”, there is a return number that can be transmitted, and in step A223, it is determined whether or not the second number of held balls Q1 currently managed is equal to or greater than the requested number Y1. (Step A223).

  If the second number of balls Q1 is equal to or greater than the requested number Y1, step A223 is determined to be YES, the process proceeds to step A224, and the return number according to the received requested number Y1 is transmitted to the TCPU (step S224). The process waits until the end of the process sent from the TCPU is received (the process of determining step S225 as NO is repeated).

  When the SCPU transmits the return number according to the request number Y1, the TCPU receives “return number (= request number Y1)” as reply data sent from the SCPU. First, step S52 is set to YES. Determine and proceed to step S53. Then, it is determined whether or not the reply data is “no balls” (step S53). Since the reply data is not “no balls”, step S53 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S54. When the process proceeds to step S54, the received return number (requested number Y1) is added to the first possessed ball number P1, and the addition result is stored as the first possessed ball number P1 (step S54). Next, the processing end is transmitted to the SCPU (step S55), the subroutine of the number-of-balls checking process 2 is exited, and the process returns to the main routine.

  Further, when the TCPU transmits the processing end, the SCPU receives the processing end, and determines that step A225 is YES, proceeds to step A226, and returns the number (= request) transmitted from the second holding ball number Q1. The number Y1) is subtracted, and the subtraction result is stored as the second ball holding number Q1 (step A226). When step A226 is completed, the SCPU exits the request number processing subroutine and returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, if the second number of held balls Q1 is not greater than or equal to the required number Y1 in step A223, that is, if the currently managed second number of held balls Q1 is less than the required number Y1, step A223 is determined as NO. The process proceeds to step A227. In this case, all of the second number Q1 currently managed is transmitted to the TCPU. The TCPU transmits the second number of balls Q1 as a return number to the TCPU (step S227), and waits until it receives the end of processing sent from the TCPU in step S228 (processing for determining NO in step S228). repeat).

  When the SCPU transmits the second number of balls Q1 as a return number, the TCPU receives “return number (= second ball number Q1)” as return data sent from the SCPU. It determines with step S52 being YES and progresses to step S53. Then, it is determined whether or not the reply data is “no balls” (step S53). Since the reply data is not “no balls”, step S53 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S54. When the process proceeds to step S54, the received return number (second holding number Q1) is added to the first holding number P1, and the addition result is stored as the first holding number P1 (step S54). Next, the processing end is transmitted to the SCPU (step S55), the subroutine of the number-of-balls checking process 2 is exited, and the process returns to the main routine.

  In addition, when the TCPU transmits the processing end, the SCPU receives the processing end, and determines that step A228 is YES, proceeds to step A229, and returns to the TCPU all the second holding numbers Q1 as the return numbers. Since the second ball number Q1 to be managed is 0, the second ball number storage area of the RAM is cleared to 0 (the second ball number Q1 is cleared to 0) (step A229). When step A229 is completed, the SCPU exits the request number processing subroutine and returns to the main routine.

  As is clear from the above description, the number of movements X1 from the TCPU (ball information control board 20) to the SCPU (settlement machine 2) and the number of balls held from the SCPU (settlement machine 2) to the TCPU (ball information control board 20). The return number depends on the upper limit number and the lower limit number of the first number of balls P1 determined by the TCPU. In the above-described embodiment, the movement number X1 from the TCPU to the SCPU is set to “100”, and the return number of balls from the SCPU to the TCPU (requested number Y1) is described as “100”. The number of movements X1 and the required number of balls Y1 from the SCPU to the TCPU may be determined as follows.

  The number of movements X1 from the TCPU to the SCPU is such that 1/2 of the sum of the upper limit number and the lower limit number (average of the sum of the upper limit number and the lower limit number) is equal to or greater than the difference obtained by subtracting the movement number X1 from the upper limit number. The movement number X1 is determined so as to satisfy the above condition, and is preset in the TCPU. That is, the movement number X1 that satisfies (the upper limit number + the lower limit number) / 2 ≧ (the upper limit number−the movement number X1) may be set in advance in the TCPU. In addition, the number of balls returned from the SCPU to the TCPU (request number Y1) is ½ of the sum of the upper limit number and the lower limit number (average of the sum of the upper limit number and the lower limit number), but the lower limit number and the request. The request number Y1 is determined so as to satisfy a condition that is less than or equal to the sum of the number Y1, and is preset in the TCPU. That is, the required number Y1 that satisfies (the upper limit number + the lower limit number) / 2 ≧ (the lower limit number−the requested number Y1) may be set in the TCPU in advance. If the number of movements X1 and the number of requests Y1 are determined and set so as to satisfy the above two conditions, the frequency of communication between the TCPU and the SCPU related to the first number of balls P1 can be reduced.

  The SCPU of the checkout machine 2 returns to the display process in step A10 after exiting the request number process subroutine (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Accordingly, when the second number of balls Q1 changes (increases or decreases) by the movement number process at step A21 or the request number process at step A15, the second number stored in the second ball number storage area is displayed by the display process at step A10. The number of possessed balls Q1 is displayed on the settlement machine possession ball number display section 10, and the player can recognize the current second possession number Q1 managed by the settlement machine 2.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the TCPU exits the subroutine of the number-of-balls check process 2 in step S17, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, it is determined whether or not the monitoring flag is “2” (step S18). In this case, since the monitoring flag is set to “0” in step S09, step S18 is determined to be NO, and the process returns to step S10 to display the first number of balls P1. Accordingly, when the first ball number P1 changes (increases / decreases) by the ball number check process 1 in step S16 or the ball number check process 2 in step S17, the display process in step S10 causes the first ball number storage area to be stored. The stored first ball number P1 is displayed on the game machine ball number display unit 9, and the player uses the current first ball number P1 managed by the enclosed pachinko machine 1. Can be recognized.

  Until the game end command is received, the TCPU determines that Steps S10 to S13 and Step S14 are NO, determines that Step S15 is NO, Steps S16 and S17, based on the value “0” of the monitoring flag. The processing routine for determining NO in step S18 is repeated.

  Next, the settlement of the game result and the game end related to the settlement will be described. In order to settle the number of possessed balls acquired by the player (first possessed number P1 + second possessed number Q1), the settlement button 13 is operated. When the settlement button 13 is operated, an operation signal for the settlement button 13 is input to the SCPU of the settlement machine 2. The SCPU determines in step A18 of FIG. 5 whether or not the settlement button 13 is operated, determines that step A18 is YES, and proceeds to step A23. Here, when the ball rental is substantially performed for starting the game, the result of the execution flag being “2” (see step A16 in FIG. 4), step A23 is determined to be NO, and then step A24 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to the settlement process of step A25.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a settlement process executed by the SCPU. When the SCPU starts the checkout process, it first transmits a game end command to the TCPU of the ball information control board 20 (step A30), and then proceeds to a determination process after step A31 and ends the game sent from the TCPU. An answer to the end status for the command is determined. In step A31, it is determined whether or not “normal termination is possible” has been received (step A31). If “normal end OK” is not received, step A31 is determined as NO and the process proceeds to step A32. In step A32, it is determined whether or not “only forced termination is possible” has been received (step A32). If “forcible termination only is acceptable” is not received, step A32 is determined as NO and the process proceeds to step A33. In step A33, it is determined whether or not “wait for completion” has been received (step A33). If “waiting for completion” is not received, step A33 is determined as NO and the process returns to step A31.

  Hereinafter, the SCPU determines that step A31 is NO, determines that step A32 is NO, and receives step A33 until it receives any one of “normally end possible”, “forced end only allowed” and “wait for end”. NO is determined and the processing routine returning to step A31 is repeated.

  In response to the operation of the checkout button 13, the SCPU transmits a game end command to the TCPU, so that the TCPU receives the game end command sent from the SCPU. In step S14 of FIG. 13, the TCPU determines whether or not a game end command has been received, determines that step S14 is YES, and proceeds to the gaming state determination process in step S22.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of gaming state determination processing executed by the TCPU. When the TCPU starts the gaming state determination process, the TCPU first inputs a gaming state signal (see FIG. 2) transmitted from the main control board 19 (step S60). Next, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S61 and subsequent steps, the type of gaming state represented by the input gaming state signal is determined, and the process branches to each process based on the determination result.

  In step S61, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a jackpot gaming state (during a jackpot gaming) (step S61). If it is in the big hit gaming state, it is determined as YES in step S61, and the process proceeds to step S68, and during the big hit gaming state, it is a gaming state that is particularly advantageous to the player, so that “only forced termination is possible” is transmitted to the SCPU ( Step S68). On the other hand, when it is not in the big hit game state, it determines with step S61 being NO, and progresses to step S62.

  In step S62, it is determined whether or not the gaming state has a high probability (a gaming state in which the probability of a big hit is high) (step S62). If the probability is high, step S62 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S68. Since the gaming state is particularly advantageous to the player even during the high probability, “forced termination is only possible” is transmitted to the SCPU (step S68). ). On the other hand, when the probability is not high, step S62 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S63, the game state is in a short-time game (usually, the variable display time of the normal symbol of about 30 seconds is shortened to several seconds, and at the same time, the variable prize opening that is opened by the driving of the normal electric accessory solenoid 30 when the normal symbol hits. The opening time of the starting port composed of is increased, so the number per unit time to win the starting port is increased, and the fluctuation time of the special symbol is also shortened. It is determined whether or not (step S63). If it is during the short-time game, it is determined as YES in step S63, and the process proceeds to step S68. Since the game state is particularly advantageous to the player even during the short-time game, "only forced termination is possible" is transmitted to the SCPU (step S68). ). On the other hand, when it is not in the short-time game, step S63 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S64, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is changing a special symbol (step S64). If the special symbol is changing, step S64 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to step S71. Since the gaming state is recognized as a game state during the special symbol change, “waiting for completion” is transmitted to the SCPU. (Step S71). On the other hand, when the special symbol is not changing, step S64 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S65.

  In step S65, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is holding a special symbol (a state where there is a holding for a change in the special symbol) (step S65). If the special symbol is on hold, step S65 is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step S71. If the special symbol is on hold, the game is in play until all the changes in the reserved special symbol are digested. Since the gaming state is recognized, “waiting for completion” is transmitted to the SCPU (step S71). On the other hand, when there is no special symbol hold, step S65 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S66.

  When the process proceeds to step S66, it is recognized that the game state can be ended, so “normal end is possible” is transmitted to the SCPU (step S66). Next, the monitoring flag is cleared to 0 in response to the transmission of “normal end is possible” (step S67), and the subroutine of the gaming state determination process is exited to return to the main routine.

  If “forced termination is only possible” is transmitted to the SCPU, the monitoring flag is set to “2” in response to the transmission of “forced termination is only permitted” after step S68 (step S69). Can be fired and the game can be continued (step S70), the subroutine of the game state determination process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine.

  When “waiting for completion” is transmitted to the SCPU, “1” is set in the monitoring flag in response to the transmission of “waiting for completion” after step S71 (step S72), and the launching device is stopped. The game is stopped (step S73), the subroutine of the game state determination process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine.

  Returning to the main routine of the TCPU of FIG. 13, when the SCPU exits the gaming state determination process, the SCPU proceeds to step S23 to determine whether or not the monitoring flag is “0” (step S23). If “normal end is possible” is transmitted to the SCPU in the game state determination process, the monitoring flag is cleared to 0 (see step A67 in FIG. 17), step S23 is determined to be YES, and the game end process in step S24 Proceed to

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game end processing executed by the TCPU. When the TCPU starts the game end process, the TCPU first stops the launching device and stops the game (step S80). Next, the current first number of balls P1 (number of balls managed by the ball information control board 20) stored in the first number-of-balls storage area is transmitted to the SCPU of the settlement machine 2 (step S81). In step S82, the process waits until the end of the process sent from the TCPU is received (the process of determining step S82 as NO is repeated). The processing performed by the SCPU of the settlement machine 2 corresponding to the transmitted first number of balls P1 will be described later.

  When the processing of the SCPU corresponding to the first number of balls P1 transmitted from the TCPU is completed, the SCPU transmits an end of processing, so that the TCPU receives the end of processing and determines that step S82 is YES. Since the first ball count P1 is transmitted to the SCPU of the settlement machine 2, the first ball count P1 to be managed is 0, and the first ball count storage area of the RAM is cleared to 0 (the first ball count). The number of balls P1 is cleared to 0) (step S83). When step S83 is completed, the TCPU exits the game end process subroutine and returns to the main routine. When the TCPU returns to the main routine, the process ends.

  Returning to the flowchart of the settlement process subroutine of FIG. 12, first, the case where the TCPU transmits “normal termination is possible” will be described. When the TCPU transmits “normal end is possible”, the SCPU receives “normal end is possible” as an answer to the end state in response to the game end command, determines YES in step A31, and proceeds to step A35. It is determined whether or not the first number of balls P1 transmitted from the TCPU has been received (step A35). Thereafter, the SCPU waits until it receives the first number of balls P1 (repeats the process of determining step A35 as NO).

  As described above, when the TCPU transmits “normal end is possible”, since the TCPU transmits the first number of balls P1 to the SCPU of the settlement machine 2, the SCPU receives the first number of balls P1. Step A35 is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to Step A36. In step A36, the SCPU adds the received first ball number P1 to the second ball number Q1 and stores the addition result as the second ball number Q1 (step A36). Thereby, all of the number of possessed balls (first possessed number P1 + second possessed number Q1) as a game result that the player has played is stored as the second possessed number Q1. Next, the number of points as the game result is calculated by multiplying the second holding number Q1 by the sphere unit price TK stored in the sphere unit price storage area, and stored in the A register (step A37). Next, proceeding to step A38, the number of points as the game result stored in the A register is added to the number of points PS stored in the point number storage area, and the addition result is stored in the point number storage area as the number of points PS. (Step A38). Thereby, the number of points as the current game result is added to the number of points PS stored in the point number storage area and stored as the number of points PS. Then, the process end is transmitted to the TCPU (step A39), the process proceeds to step A40, the point number PS is written in the point number storage unit 51 of the card 48 (step A40), the subroutine of the settlement process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. Proceed to step A26.

  When the SCPU proceeds to step A26, it determines whether or not the end stop flag is “1 (end stop)” (step A26). The end cancellation flag indicates whether to perform settlement (operation of YES button 16) or to cancel settlement (operation of NO button 17) when "forced termination is only possible" is received as an answer corresponding to the operation of settlement button 13 ) Is a flag for identifying which button has been operated by allowing the player to select and input. Further, the end stop flag is set to an initial value “0” by a work area initialization process performed when power is turned on (not shown).

  When the SCPU receives “normal termination is possible” in the settlement process, the content of the termination cancellation flag is not changed, and the termination cancellation flag has an initial value “0”. Accordingly, the SCPU determines that step A26 is NO, proceeds to step A27, ejects the card 48 from the card insertion slot 46 (step A27), and ends the process. Thereby, the card 48 in which the number of points as a game result is added and the number of points PS is rewritten is returned to the player.

  Next, a case where the TCPU transmits “only forced termination is possible” will be described. As described above, for example, this corresponds to the case where the player operates the checkout button 13 during the big hit gaming state. Returning to the main routine of the TCPU of FIG. 13, when the SCPU exits the gaming state determination process, the SCPU proceeds to step S23 to determine whether or not the monitoring flag is “0” (step S23). If “only forced termination” is transmitted to the SCPU in the gaming state determination process, the monitoring flag is set to “2” (see step A69 in FIG. 17), and the TCPU determines that step S23 is NO. The process returns to the display process in step S10. Hereinafter, based on the value “2” of the monitoring flag, Steps S10 to S13 and Step S14 are determined to be NO, Step S15 is determined to be NO, Steps S16 and S17 are performed, and the monitoring flag is “2”. Therefore, step S18 is determined as YES, and the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, it is determined whether a forced termination command has been received (step S19). When the forced termination command is not received, step S19 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, it is determined whether an end stop command has been received (step S20). When the termination stop command is not received, step S20 is determined as NO, and the display process returns to step S10. Hereinafter, the processing routine until the above-described steps S10 to S20 are determined to be NO is repeated until the forced termination command or the termination cancellation command is received. In this case, the game state is particularly advantageous for the player, and the game is continued.

  Returning to the flowchart of the settlement process subroutine of FIG. 12, when the TCPU transmits "only forced termination is possible", the SCPU will receive "only forced termination is possible" as an answer to the termination status in response to the game termination command. Then, step A32 is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step A41, a message at the time of forced termination is displayed on the message display unit 53 (step A41), and the process proceeds to step A42.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating one display mode of the message at the time of forced termination displayed on the message display unit 53. In the message display section 53, for example, “If you want to end the game after paying out, press YES. If you want to continue the game without paying out, please press NO.” (Operation of YES button 16) It is displayed that the player is required to make a selection input to cancel payment (operation of NO button 17). The player visually recognizes the message display at the time of forced termination, operates the YES button 16 when performing settlement, and operates the NO button 17 when canceling settlement.

  In step A42, the SCPU determines whether or not the YES button 16 has been operated (step A42). When the YES button 16 is not operated, step A42 is determined as NO, and the process proceeds to step A43. In step A43, it is determined whether or not the NO button 17 has been operated (step A43). When the NO button 17 is not operated, step A43 is determined as NO, and the process returns to step A42. Therefore, when the message at the time of forced termination is displayed, the processing routine in which step A42 is determined to be NO, step A43 is determined to be NO, and the process returns to step A42 is repeated until the YES button 16 or the NO button 17 is operated.

  When the YES button 16 is operated, it means that the player has settled and finished the game, so that step A42 is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step A44, and a forced termination command is transmitted to the TCPU (step A44), the process proceeds to step A35. In Step A35, it is determined whether or not the first number of possessed balls P1 transmitted from the TCPU has been received (Step A35). Thereafter, the SCPU waits until it receives the first number of balls P1 (repeats the process of determining step A35 as NO).

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the SCPU transmits a forced termination command, the TCPU receives the forced termination command, determines YES in step S19, and proceeds to a game termination process in step S24. Since the game end process has been described above, a detailed description is omitted. To simplify, the launching device is stopped to stop the game, and the current first holding time stored in the first number-of-balls storage area is stored. When the number of balls P1 is transmitted to the SCPU of the settlement machine 2 and the processing end sent from the TCPU is received, the first ball number storage area of the RAM is cleared to 0 (the first ball number P1 is cleared to 0), Exit the game end processing subroutine and return to the main routine. When the TCPU returns to the main routine, the process ends.

  As described above, when the SCPU transmits a forced termination command to the TCPU in response to the operation of the YES button 16, the TCPU transmits the first number of balls P1 to the SCPU of the checkout machine 2, so that the SCPU has the first number of balls held. P1 will be received, step A35 will be judged as YES, and it will progress to step A36. In step A36, the SCPU adds the received first ball number P1 to the second ball number Q1 and stores the addition result as the second ball number Q1 (step A36). Thereby, all of the number of possessed balls (first possessed number P1 + second possessed number Q1) as a game result that the player has played is stored as the second possessed number Q1. Next, the number of points as the game result is calculated by multiplying the second holding number Q1 by the sphere unit price TK stored in the sphere unit price storage area, and stored in the A register (step A37). Next, proceeding to step A38, the number of points as the game result stored in the A register is added to the number of points PS stored in the point number storage area, and the addition result is stored in the point number storage area as the number of points PS. (Step A38). Thereby, the number of points as the current game result is added to the number of points PS stored in the point number storage area and stored as the number of points PS. Then, the process end is transmitted to the TCPU (step A39), the process proceeds to step A40, the point number PS is written in the point number storage unit 51 of the card 48 (step A40), the subroutine of the settlement process is exited, and the process returns to the main routine. Proceed to step A26.

  When the SCPU proceeds to step A26, it determines whether or not the end stop flag is “1 (end stop)” (step A26). When the SCPU receives “forcible termination only” in the settlement process and transmits a forced termination command in response to the operation of the YES button 16, the content of the termination cancellation flag is not changed, and the termination cancellation flag has an initial value “0”. It is. Accordingly, the SCPU determines that step A26 is NO, proceeds to step A27, ejects the card 48 from the card insertion slot 46 (step A27), and ends the process. Thereby, the card 48 in which the number of points as a game result is added and the number of points PS is rewritten is returned to the player.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 12, on the other hand, if the NO button 17 is operated in response to the message display at the time of forced termination, the player has instructed to stop payment and continue the game, and YES in step A43. The process proceeds to step A45, where an end stop command is transmitted to the TCPU (step A45), the process proceeds to step A46, the end stop flag is set (step A46), and the settlement process subroutine is exited to return to the main routine. For this reason, in the settlement process, the substantial number of balls is not settled.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the SCPU exits the checkout process and returns to the main routine, as a result of the end stop flag being set, it is determined that step A26 is YES, the process proceeds to step A28, and the end stop flag is cleared to 0. Return to the initial value (step A28), and return to step A10. Therefore, the processing routine before the settlement button 13 whose execution flag is “2” is operated is returned to.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the SCPU transmits an end stop command, the TCPU will receive the end stop command, determine YES in step S20, proceed to step S21, clear the monitoring flag to 0, and initialize The state is returned (step S21), and the display process returns to step S10. Hereinafter, based on the value “0” of the monitoring flag, it is determined that Steps S10 to S13 and Step S14 are NO until the game end command is received again. Since the monitoring flag is “0”, Step S15 is NO. Step S16 and Step S17 are performed, and since the monitoring flag is “0”, Step S18 is determined to be NO, and the processing routine returning to Step S10 is repeated. Therefore, the process during the game is continued. Then, when the settlement button 13 is operated again, a game end command is transmitted from the SCPU. When the TCPU receives the game end command again, the game state determination process is performed, and the game state is determined again. Accordingly, the value of the monitoring flag is reset.

  Next, a case where the TCPU transmits “wait for termination” will be described. As described above, for example, this corresponds to a case where the player operates the checkout button 13 in a gaming state in which a special symbol is changing or a gaming state in which a special symbol is on hold. Returning to the main routine of the TCPU of FIG. 13, when the SCPU exits the gaming state determination process, the SCPU proceeds to step S23 to determine whether or not the monitoring flag is “0” (step S23).

  If “waiting for completion” is transmitted to the SCPU in the gaming state determination process, the monitoring flag is set to “1” (see step A72 in FIG. 17), and the TCPU determines that step S23 is NO, and the step The process returns to the display process of S10. Hereinafter, Steps S10 to S13 and Step S14 are determined to be NO, and the monitoring flag is “1”. Therefore, Step S15 is determined to be YES, and the process proceeds to the gaming state determination process of Step S22 again. In this case, the game is continued.

  Returning to the flowchart of the settlement process subroutine of FIG. 12, when the TCPU transmits “waiting for completion”, the SCPU will receive “waiting for completion” as an answer to the completion status in response to the game end command. The process proceeds to step A47, where a message for waiting for completion is displayed on the message display unit 53 (step A47), and the process returns to step A31 again. After that, until the “normal termination is possible” transmitted from the TCPU is again received or the “forced termination is only permitted” is transmitted from the TCPU, the step A31 is determined to be NO, and the step A32 is determined to be NO. Step A33 is determined to be NO, and the processing routine to return to step A31 is repeated to enter a standby state.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of a message waiting for completion displayed on the message display unit 53. In the message display section 53, for example, there is still an undigested symbol variation and an undigested special symbol hold as a game state, such as “Waiting for the end. Please wait for a while.” The player is informed that it is waiting for completion until it can be finished.

  On the other hand, in the TCPU, if there is no change in the gaming state in the gaming state determination processing in step S22 of FIG. 13, the monitoring flag is set to “1” again, so the processing routine is the same as described above. On the other hand, if all of the special symbol hold is digested and the determination processes in steps S61 to S65 are all NO, the process proceeds to step S66, where it is recognized as a gaming state in which the game can be terminated. Is transmitted to the SCPU (step S66). Next, the monitoring flag is cleared to 0 in response to the transmission of “normal end is possible” (step S67), and the subroutine of the gaming state determination process is exited to return to the main routine. And it determines with step S23 being YES, performs the game end process of step S24, and complete | finishes a process.

  In this case, the SCPU receives “normal termination is possible” and proceeds to step A35. The processing after step A35 has already been described as a case where the above-mentioned “normal termination is possible” has been received, and thus the description will be simplified. When the first number of possessed balls P1 is received, step A35 is determined as YES, steps A36 to A40 are executed, and the process returns to the main routine after exiting the settlement process subroutine. It is determined that the subsequent step A26 is NO, the process proceeds to step A27, the card 48 is ejected from the card insertion slot 46 (step A27), and the process ends. Thereby, the card 48 in which the number of points as a game result is added and the number of points PS is rewritten is returned to the player.

  On the other hand, when any one of the determination processes in steps S61 to S63 is determined as YES during the digestion of the special symbol hold (see FIG. 17), for example, when a big hit occurs during the hold digestion, etc. Corresponds. In this case, the process proceeds to step S68, and since it is recognized that the game state is particularly advantageous to the player, "only forced termination is possible" is transmitted to the SCPU (step S68). Next, “2” is set in the monitoring flag in response to the transmission of “only forcible termination is possible” (step S69), the launching device can be launched and the game can be continued (the firing stop state is released). (Step S70), the game state determination process subroutine is exited and the process returns to the main routine. Note that the subsequent processing performed by the TCPU and the processing performed by the SCPU have already been described as processing when the TCPU transmits “only forcible termination allowed” and when the SCPU receives “forcibly termination only”. Therefore, explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 22 shows the remaining number of points, the number of points according to the game result from when the card is purchased until the prize is exchanged at the counter, the number of balls held by the settlement machine 2 (second number of balls) in the gaming device of the present invention. It is a figure showing an example of transition of the number of balls (first ball number) managed by the gaming machine (ball information control board 20) in a table format.

  In FIG. 22, the purchase indicates that the player has purchased the card 48 by paying 5000 yen. That is, the remaining number “5000” is stored in the remaining number storage unit 50 (see FIG. 4) of the card 48, and the point number “0” is stored in the point number storage unit 51. Next, when the player inserts the card 48 into the checkout machine 2, the data on the card 48 is read into the checkout machine. Therefore, the remaining number “5000” is stored in the remaining number storage area of the RAM of the settlement machine 2, the point number “0” is stored in the point number storage area, and the second holding number storage area managed by the settlement machine 2 is stored. “0” is stored as the second number of possessed balls Q1. Further, “0” is stored as the first number of balls P1 in the first ball number storage area of the RAM of the ball information control board 20 of the enclosed pachinko machine 1.

  Next, the player operates the ball lending button 12, and as a result of lending the ball lending number “250” at the ball unit price 4, 4 × “250” = 1000 degrees is necessary for ball lending. The frequency is subtracted from the remaining frequency. As a result, the remaining frequency “4000” is stored in the remaining frequency storage area of the checkout machine 2, and the ball rental number “250” is transmitted to the ball information control board 20. In the first ball count storage area, “250” is stored as the first ball count P1.

  Next, assuming that the player has played a game and has gained a total number of balls “2000” as a result of the big hit, the first holding number storage area managed by the ball information control board 20 has the first holding number. “250” is stored as the number of balls P1, the remaining number of balls “1750” is moved to the settlement machine 2, and “1750” is stored as the second number of balls Q1 in the second ball number storage area. Is.

  Next, as a result of the player operating the checkout button 13 to make a checkout, the checkout is performed at the unit price of 4 and stored in the point number storage area of the checkout machine 2 as 4 × “250 + 1750” = 8000 points. The remaining number “4000” is stored in the remaining number storage unit 50 of the card 48, and the point number “8000” is stored in the point number storage unit 51. In addition, by performing the settlement, the second ball number storage area of the settlement machine 2 is cleared to 0, and the first ball number storage area of the ball information control board 20 is cleared to 0.

  Next, when the player inserts the card 48 into the checkout machine 2 in order to play a game on the next table, the data on the card 48 is read into the checkout machine. Therefore, the remaining number “4000” is stored in the remaining number storage area of the RAM of the settlement machine 2, and the point number “8000” is stored in the point number storage area.

  Then, the player operates the ball lending button 12, and as a result of lending the ball lending number “250” at the ball unit price 4, the number of points is not 0. 4 × “250” = 1000 points are subtracted from the number of points as the number of points necessary for the ball rental, and as a result, the number of points “7000” is stored in the point number storage area of the checkout machine 2, “250” is transmitted to the sphere information control board 20, and “250” is stored as the first sphere number P 1 in the first sphere number storage area of the sphere information control board 20.

  Next, when the player spends all the games for the first number of balls P1 = “250” on the next stand and consumes them, the settlement is performed at the unit price of 4 as a result of the settlement, and 4 × “0 ”= 0 is added and stored in the point number storage area of the checkout machine 2, the remaining number storage unit 50 of the card 48 stores the remaining number“ 4000 ”as it is, and the point number storage unit 51 stores the point number“ 7000 ”. Is remembered. In addition, by performing the settlement, the second ball number storage area of the settlement machine 2 is cleared to 0, and the first ball number storage area of the ball information control board 20 is cleared to 0.

  Next, as a result of the player bringing the card 48 to the free gift counter and exchanging the free gift, cash 4000 yen corresponding to the remaining number “4000” is returned and exchanged for a free gift corresponding to the number of points “7000”. It is shown that. In addition, when exchanging the number of points for prizes, the points are exchanged at a monetary rate of how much is one point.

It is a front view of a payment machine and an enclosed pachinko machine that constitute a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the game device which shows the principal part of the control system mainly deployed in the enclosed pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which mainly shows the principal part of a payment machine. It is a flowchart which shows a part of main routine of the process which CPU (SCPU) arrange | positioned at the checkout machine performs. It is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball lending process which SCPU performs. It is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the display process which SCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the sphere unit price change process which SCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the movement number process which SCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the request number process which SCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the adjustment process which SCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of the process which TCPU arrange | positioned by the ball | bowl information control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of ball | bowl information processing in the game which TCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the number-of-balls check process 1 which TCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the number-of-balls check process 2 which TCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game state determination process which TCPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game end process which TCPU performs. It is a figure which shows the data structure memorize | stored in the card | curd used in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the message at the time of forced termination displayed on a message display part. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the message at the time of completion | finish waiting displayed on a message display part. In the gaming apparatus of the present invention, the number of remaining degrees, points, the number of balls managed by the settlement machine and the number of balls managed by the gaming machine are changed according to the game result from the time of card purchase until the prize is exchanged at the counter. It is a figure shown in a table format.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Enclosed pachinko machine 2 Checkout machine 3 Game board 4 Game area 5 Hitting ball handle 6 Operation panel part 7 Remaining frequency display part 8 Point number display part 9 Game machine ball number display part 10 Settlement machine ball number display part 11 Display unit 12 Ball lending button 13 Checkout button 14 Ball unit price change button 15 Operational notification lamp 16 YES button 17 NO button 18 Operational notification lamp 19 Main control board 20 Ball information control board 21 Sub-integrated board 22 Gate switch 23 Ordinary prize opening Detection switch 24 Large winning opening detection switch 25 Start opening detecting switch 26 Special symbol display device 27 Special symbol holding number display device 28 Normal symbol display device 29 Normal symbol holding number display device 30 Normal electric accessory solenoid 31 Large winning port opening solenoid 32 Liquid crystal Display control board 33 Accessories decoration board 34 Panel decoration board 35 Frame Substrate 36 Speaker 37 Liquid crystal display panel 38 Launch control board 39 Touch sensor 40 Launch stop switch 41 Launch device 42 Launch ball detection sensor 43 Return ball detection sensor 44 Out ball detection sensor 45 Ball circulation device 46 Card insertion port 47 Card processor 48 Card 49 ID storage unit 50 Remaining frequency storage unit 51 Point number storage unit 52 Management computer 53 Message display unit

Claims (2)

A gaming machine, and a checkout machine that is attached to the gaming machine and that settles the number of balls used as the number of balls used for game execution in the gaming machine, based on valuable value information; The gaming machine includes a game control unit that controls the game and a ball information control unit that controls the ball information, and the control unit of the settlement machine has a ball lending command input means and a settlement that can be operated by the player. In a gaming device to which command input means is connected, and the ball information control unit and the control unit of the checkout machine are connected to be able to communicate with each other,
The number of balls is stored in the first number of balls stored in the first number of balls storage area managed by the ball information control unit and in the second number of balls storage area managed by the control unit of the checkout machine. It is configured to be divided and managed with the second number of balls held,
A first holding ball number display unit for displaying the first holding ball number and a second holding ball number display unit for displaying the second holding ball number are provided at a position visible by the player;
The ball information control unit displays means for displaying the first number of balls on the first number of balls display unit, a launch ball signal generated by execution of a game, a return ball signal, and a prize sent from the game control unit. A means for increasing / decreasing the first number of balls based on a ball signal; and when the first number of balls exceeds a predetermined upper limit number, a predetermined number of movements is sent to the controller of the settlement machine Means for subtracting the number of movements from the first number of balls, and means for transmitting a predetermined number of requests to the control unit of the checkout machine when the first number of balls falls below a predetermined lower limit number; A means for adding the return number to the first number of balls when receiving the return number sent from the control unit of the checkout machine in response to the transmission of the request number;
When the control unit of the settlement machine receives means for displaying the second number of balls on the second number-of-balls display unit and the number of movements sent from the ball information control unit, the number of second balls When the means for adding the number of movements and the request number transmitted from the ball information control unit are received, it is determined whether or not the second ball number is equal to or greater than the request number, and the second ball When the number is equal to or more than the requested number, the request number is sent as a return number to the ball information control unit, and a means for subtracting the return number from the second holding number,
A gaming device characterized by that. When the control unit of the settlement machine receives the request number transmitted from the ball information control unit, the control unit determines whether or not the second ball number is equal to or greater than the request number, and the second ball number is When the number is not equal to or more than the required number and the second number of balls is not zero, the second number of balls is sent as a return number to the ball information control unit, and the second number of balls is set to zero. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein

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