JP5635328B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game ball enclosed in an internal space so as not to be touched from the outside is used in a game.

In an enclosed game machine in which game balls that flow down on the game board are shut off from the outside, a game machine that does not pay out the actual game balls to the player side and calculates the number of balls held by the player has been proposed. Yes.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes the following technology. That is, in the encapsulated ball pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, when the number of balls fired enters the out mouth, the number is counted by the out ball counter, while the ball enters the winning opening. The number of prize balls corresponding to the winning (for example, 15) is cumulatively counted by the safe ball counter. Then, the control device calculates the difference between the number of safe balls counted by the two counters and the number of out balls (the number of difference balls), adds this difference ball number to the number of balls held before the game, and newly adds that value. Displayed on the display device as the number of possessed balls.

JP-A-8-112435

  Enclosed game machines, like general non-enclosed game machines currently installed in halls, have a device for launching game balls and a supply passage for arranging the game balls supplied to the launch device. I have. However, in a general non-encapsulated gaming machine, when a game ball enters the winning opening, a prize ball for the winning is paid out to the supply passage, whereas in an enclosed gaming machine, the player side In some cases, the winning award ball number is simply memorized without being paid out.

In a general non-enclosed game machine, prize balls for winning a prize are paid out to the supply passage, and game balls that do not fit in the supply passage are stored in a plastic storage box called a dollar box. It is done. The game balls stored in these dollar boxes and the game balls in the supply passage become possession balls of the player, and the player can continue playing until these possession balls are exhausted. However, if the player continues to play using the game balls in the supply passage and the game balls stored in the dollar box, the game of the dollar box will occur when there are no more or fewer game balls in the supply passage. The act of moving the ball to the supply passage is required. In addition, when there are no more game balls stored in the dollar box at hand, it is necessary to bring the dollar box placed on the floor to the hand. On the other hand, it can be said that there is an opportunity to end the game when there is no game ball in the supply passage or the game ball stored in the dollar box at hand.
On the other hand, in the enclosed game machine, if the number of balls exceeds the number that can be accommodated in the supply passage, the number of balls is only subtracted each time the game ball is fired. A configuration is also possible. In the case of such a configuration, the player can continuously fire, for example, 10,000 game balls by simply turning the handle.

In any gaming machine, even if the player loses the ball, the player can continue to play the game until money is exhausted by purchasing a new game ball.
In other words, in a gaming machine, if the player has money or storage, whether or not to continue the game is at the discretion of the player. For this reason, there is a risk that the player will be enthusiastic about the game and the return time will be too late or the promised time may be late. Also, the player may become too hot for the game and spend unlimited money. In particular, in an enclosed game machine, unlike a general non-enclosed game machine, there is no game ball in the supply passage, or there is no game ball stored in the dollar box at hand. Since there is a case where the timing to end the game is not given, it may be difficult to find the timing to end the game.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a function that prevents the game from being continued without the player's allegiance.

The present invention that achieves the above object is a gaming machine 100 in which a plurality of game balls are enclosed in an internal space so as not to be touched from the outside, and can be electrically stored without paying out a prize ball for winning. An accepting means 22 capable of accepting a plurality of information related to game end by a player, a setting means 500 for setting a game end condition for each of a plurality of information related to game end accepted by the accepting means 22, and the setting means 500 Stop means (500, 650) for stopping the supply of the game ball to the game area 111 of the game board when any of the set plurality of game end conditions is satisfied , the stop means (500, 650), When the setting means 500 sets the game end condition and the game state is advantageous to the player, the supply means before the supply of the game ball to the game area 111 is stopped. If the game end condition set by the setting means 500 is canceled and the setting means 500 is not in the advantageous game state after the game end condition is set, the game end condition set by the setting means 500 is set. If any of the above is established , the gaming machine 100 is characterized in that the supply of the game ball to the game area 111 is stopped .

Here, the plurality of pieces of information that can be received by the receiving unit 22 includes information about time, and the setting unit 500 sets a game end condition based on the information about time received by the receiving unit 22. Is preferred.
The accepting means 22 accepts an input of a time at which the game is to be ended, the setting means 500 sets the time accepted by the accepting means 22 as a game end time as the game end condition, and the stop means ( 500, 650), it is preferable to stop the supply of game balls to the game area 111 when the game end time set by the setting means 500 is reached.

Further, a launching means for launching a game ball toward the game area, and a special game performed based on the winning of the game ball to a specific winning opening provided in the game board 110 of the game ball launched by the launching means 160 A lottery result determination unit 234 that determines whether the symbol lottery result is won or not, and the plurality of pieces of information that can be received by the reception unit 22 include the number of determinations by the lottery result determination unit 234. It is preferable that the setting unit 500 sets the game end condition based on the number of determinations of the lottery result determination unit 234 received by the reception unit 22.
Then, the accepting means 22 accepts an input of the number of times of determination of the lottery result determining means 234 for ending the game, and the setting means 500 uses the number of times accepted by the accepting means 22 as the end determination number of times as the game end condition. The stop means (500, 650) sets the game ball to the game area 111 when the number of determinations by the lottery result determination means 234 reaches the number of end determinations set by the setting means 500. It is preferable to stop the supply.

The plurality of information that can be received by the receiving unit 22 includes information about the amount of money, and the setting unit 500 may set a game end condition based on the information about the amount of money received by the receiving unit 22. Is preferred.
Then, the accepting means 22 accepts an input of an amount to be left at the end of the game, the setting means 500 sets the amount accepted by the accepting means 22 as an amount to be left at the end of the game as the game end condition, The stop means (500, 650) preferably stops the supply of the game balls to the game area 111 when the remaining amount is the amount left at the end of the game set by the setting means 500. .

The plurality of information that can be received by the receiving unit 22 includes information on the number of stored balls, and the setting unit 500 sets a game end condition based on the information on the number of stored balls received by the receiving unit 22. It is preferable to set.
The accepting means 22 accepts input of the number of stored balls to be left at the end of the game, and the setting means 500 stores the number of stored balls accepted by the accepting means 22 as the game end condition at the end of the game. The stop means (500, 650) sets the remaining number of balls to the game area 111 when the remaining number of stored balls is the number of stored balls set at the end of the game set by the setting means 500. It is preferable to stop the supply of the sphere.

  Here, it further includes launching means 160 for launching a game ball toward the game area 111, and the stop means (500, 650) launches a game ball when an end condition set by the setting means 500 is satisfied. It is preferable to control the launching means 160 to stop.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a function that prevents the game from being continued without the player's allegiance.

It is a perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine unit concerning this embodiment, (a) is a figure showing mainly a front, and (b) is a figure showing mainly a back. It is a figure which shows schematic structure inside the housing | casing of a pachinko game machine unit, (a) is the figure seen mainly from the front side, (b) is the figure seen mainly from the rear side. It is a perspective view of a unit main body. (A) is a schematic front view of the game board of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, and (b) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the presentation control part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the circulation mechanism for circulating a game ball. It is the perspective view which looked at the circulation mechanism from the slanting upper side of the upper plate. It is a figure for demonstrating a supply apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating a supply apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating a supply apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating a launching device. It is a figure which shows the inside of a handle base. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the mechanism which stops discharge | release of a game ball. It is a perspective view of a ball polishing member. It is the top view which looked at the upper plate from the upper part. (A) is sectional drawing of the AA part in FIGS. 21-2, (b) is sectional drawing of the BB part in FIGS. 21-2. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a pitching feeling production | presentation part. It is a perspective view which shows the rotary body of a pitching feeling production | presentation part. It is a figure which shows schematic structure around the discharge port of a rotary body cover. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the discharge | emission site | part of the game ball in an upper tray. It is a perspective view which shows a guide member. It is a perspective view of a storage ball feeling production | presentation part. It is the figure which looked at the storage ball feeling production | presentation part from upper direction. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of a ball | bowl insertion part and a ball | bowl discharge | emission part. It is the figure which looked at the lower side of the upper tray from the upper part. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a ball | bowl standby | waiting part. It is a schematic block diagram of the site | part which rotationally drives an insertion side cylinder. It is a schematic block diagram of the site | part which rotationally drives a discharge side cylinder. It is a figure which shows the state which made the insertion side cylinder the angle (alpha) normal rotation, and the discharge side cylinder the angle (beta) normal rotation from the origin position. It is a figure which shows a mode that a game ball is discharged | emitted from the state in which the game ball is displayed on the display shelf from the bottom to the 4th step | paragraph. It is a figure which compares the state which reversed the discharge side cylinder only by the predetermined angle (beta), and the state reversed by the angle twice the predetermined angle (beta). It is a figure which shows a mode that a discharge side cylinder rotates only predetermined angle (gamma) from the origin. It is a perspective view of a washing | cleaning part. It is sectional drawing of a washing | cleaning part. It is sectional drawing when an inner case exists in a draining position. It is sectional drawing when an inner case exists in a discharge position. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a washing ball guide part. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of a distribution device from back right diagonally upward. It is the figure which looked at the distribution apparatus from the upper part. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control unit of a pachinko gaming machine unit. It is a figure which illustrates the screen which a unit control part displays on a touch panel. It is a figure which illustrates the screen which a unit control part displays on a touch panel. It is a figure which illustrates the screen which a unit control part displays on a touch panel. It is a figure which illustrates the screen which a unit control part displays on a touch panel. It is a block diagram of a launch control part. It is a figure which shows the launch timing signal and ball | bowl feed timing signal which a timing signal generation part produces | generates / outputs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the basic process which a unit control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the basic process which a unit control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the basic process which a unit control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the end process when setting conditions are satisfied. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the away process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game end process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the visualization process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a deficient ball process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the launch ball adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a break. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a service process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an end condition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an end time setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the completion | finish determination frequency setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the remaining amount setting process at the time of an end. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the remaining number-of-stored-balls setting process at the time of completion | finish. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the sphere data management process which a sphere data management part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the sphere data management process which a sphere data management part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the required number-of-balls determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the pitching feeling control process which a pitching and storage feeling control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the storage feeling control process which a pitching and storage feeling control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the washing | cleaning management process which a washing | cleaning control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the washing process of a washing | cleaning control part.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of pachinko machine unit]
1-1 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, where (a) is a diagram mainly showing a front surface, and (b) is a diagram mainly showing a rear surface.
FIG. 1-2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the housing of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, (a) is a diagram viewed mainly from the front side, and (b) is a diagram viewed mainly from the rear side. It is a figure.
FIG. 1-3 is a perspective view of the unit main body.
The pachinko gaming machine unit PU is a unit in which a plurality of game balls are enclosed in an internal space so as not to be touched from the outside. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine unit PU has a game ball enclosed in its internal space so that the player cannot touch the game ball, and the enclosed game ball is used for the game and the game ball acquired by the game It is used to visualize the number and the number of game balls that can be used for games held by the player.

The pachinko machine unit PU can visually produce the pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine and the feeling that the pachinko gaming machine 100 has acquired a game ball, or can be used by the player in the game A rendering device 20 that visually creates a large number of game balls is provided inside the housing 10.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 is configured to acquire a prize ball when a game ball launched by a player's instruction operation wins a prize. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched.
The directing device 20 is a game appearance that can be used by a player who is playing a game, and a ballistic feeling production unit 60 that visually creates a feeling of the number of prize balls acquired by the player who is playing the game. And a storage ball feeling production unit 70 for visually producing a feeling of a large number of balls.
The enclosed game balls are roughly classified into a circulation ball that circulates in the pachinko gaming machine 100 for a game, and a production ball that is used for production in the exit ball feeling production unit 60 and the storage ball production production unit 70. To be utilized.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine unit PU includes a cleaning device 30 that cleans the enclosed game balls, and a distribution device 40 that distributes the game balls cleaned by the cleaning device 30 to the above-described circulation balls and effect balls. In the housing 10. Further, the pachinko gaming machine unit PU includes a CR unit 21 having a banknote identification machine and two card readers / writers that read information from the card and write information to the card. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine PU is, for example, a capacitance type that electrically detects a position touched by a finger by detecting a change in surface charge of a panel in which a low-voltage electric field is formed, or an electrode spaced apart from each other. A known touch panel 22 such as a resistive film type is provided that electrically detects the position touched by a finger when the position changes from a non-energized state to an energized state. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine unit PU includes, for example, an indicator lamp 23 that lights red when a player presses a button, or blinks red, blue, yellow, etc. when a big hit occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 100. ing.
The gaming board 110, the rendering device 20, the CR unit 21, the touch panel 22, the indicator lamp 23, the cleaning device 30, the distribution device 40, and the like constituting the pachinko gaming machine unit PU are the unit main body shown in FIG. 11 is directly or indirectly attached to the housing 11 and housed in the housing 10.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine unit PU includes a unit control board that controls the pachinko gaming machine unit PU in an integrated manner within the housing 10, a ball data management board that manages gaming balls circulating in the pachinko gaming machine 100, Various types (not shown) such as a ball exit / storage feeling control board that controls the stage device 20, a cleaning control board that controls the cleaning apparatus 30, a distribution control board that controls the distribution apparatus 40, and a launch board that controls the launch of game balls. A substrate or the like is attached. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, a power supply board (not shown) having a switching power supply for converting the supplied 24V AC power supply into a DC power supply is disposed in the housing 10. The power supply board outputs the converted DC power to the unit control board, the launch board, the indicator lamp 23, the panel power supply relay terminal board, and the like. The board power supply relay terminal board outputs DC power to the game board 110 and also outputs DC power to a game control board of the pachinko gaming machine 100 described later.

[Basic configuration of pachinko machines]
FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of the gaming board 110 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows an example of a display device arranged on the lower right side of the gaming board 110. It is an enlarged view.
The game board 110 has, on the front, a game area 111 for playing with a game ball, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 that win when a game ball enters and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts, The game board 110 is provided with a gate 124 that starts a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) when it passes. Here, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 refer to a winning port related to winning a game ball that activates one predetermined special symbol display.
The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 100, when the jackpot probability of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery varies under a predetermined condition (from a low probability state (for example, 1/300) to a high probability state (for example, 1/30)) Variation). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can reduce the special symbol variation time during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning during the normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol variation time during the normal symbol lottery. It may be shortened, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be extended, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be opened.

In the present embodiment, the other prize-winning and lottery items include a special prize winning hole 125 that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and the lottery starts even if a game ball wins. A normal winning opening 126 that is not to be played is provided on the game board 110.
In addition, the game board 110 has a ball gathering portion where game balls discharged from the discharge port 117 to the outside of the game area 111 and game balls won in various winning prizes gather, and the games gathered in the ball gathering portion. The balls are discharged out of the game board 110 from a lower end 118 (see FIG. 21) formed at the lower end of the ball assembly.

In the present embodiment, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are disposed in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which only one of them is disposed or another start port is disposed. A configuration example is also conceivable. Further, in the present embodiment, one big prize opening 125 is arranged in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which a plurality of big prize openings 125 are arranged is also conceivable.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

Also, on the back side of the game board 110, there are a game control board that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached.
A transparent plate 24 for separating the game board 110 from the player is attached to the front surface of the game board 110 of the housing 10.

In the pachinko gaming machine 100, when the player touches the handle 151 (see FIG. 1-1) and performs an operation of rotating the handle lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is held for a predetermined time with a hitting force according to the operation angle. A launching device 160 (see FIG. 45) for electrically firing at intervals (for example, 100 per minute) is provided. The handle 151 is provided with a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a supply device 158 (see FIG. 45) that sequentially supplies game balls one by one to the launching device 160 at a timing interlocked with an operation by the player's handle lever 152, and the supply device 158 is a launching device. And an upper plate 153 (see FIGS. 1-2 and 20-1) for temporarily storing game balls to be supplied to 160. In the upper plate 153, a return path 153a (see FIG. 20-1) for guiding a game ball (foul ball) that has been launched by the launch device 160 and has not reached the game area 111 to the supply device 158 is formed. Has been. Further, the upper part of the upper plate 153 is covered with the housing 10 so that the player cannot touch the game balls on the upper plate 153. However, the casing 10 covering the upper part of the upper plate 153 is provided with a transparent portion 10a (see FIG. 1-1 (a)) that allows the game ball on the upper plate 153 to be visually recognized from the outside. Can see a part of the game ball on the upper plate 153 through the transparent portion 10a.
The launching device 160, the supply device 158, and the upper plate 153 are directly or indirectly attached to the unit main body 11. The launching device 160 is an example of a launching unit that launches game balls toward the game board 110, and the supply device 158 is the most downstream of a later-described launching ball guide path 153r as an example of a supply passage in which game balls are aligned. It is an example of the supply means which supplies the game ball in a section to the launching device 160. The launching device 160, the feeding device 158, and the upper plate 153 will be described in detail later.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a speaker 156 (see FIG. 1-1 (a)) and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on the pattern and light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The speaker 156 and the frame lamp 157 are attached to the unit main body 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 receives the first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to the winning of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Each of the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223 is composed of an LED display device, and a symbol representing each lottery result is displayed according to its lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. Each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is configured by an LED display device, and the number of holds is displayed by its lighting mode.

  Here, the hold will be described. If there is a prize with another game ball during the fluctuation display operation of special symbols or normal symbols (while the fluctuation display for one win is being performed), the symbol fluctuation display operation for the winning game ball will be A predetermined number (for example, four) is held until the variation display operation for the game ball won in is completed. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 1A, in the present embodiment, as an example of the input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided on the housing 10. It is arrange | positioned so that it may protrude from the surface. The housing 10 is opened at a site where the input device is arranged. The production key 162 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center, and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and can select the selected image by operating the center key. Can be entered as information.

[Configuration of control unit of pachinko machine]
Next, a control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A lamp control unit 320 that controls the lamp.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, and the lamp control unit 320 are each a game control board and a sub board as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The effect control board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, fluctuation setting of winning probability at special symbol lottery (for example, fluctuation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), special symbol fluctuation time shortening at special symbol lottery, and normal symbol at normal symbol lottery The variable time is set to be shortened, and the setting content is sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 controls the extension of the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, the setting of the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. In addition, when a game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game ball is suspended until the limit number (for example, four) for the undrawn lots, or the game ball continuously passes through the gate 124. The suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots.
In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a predetermined number of rounds that maintain an open state until the special winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control to repeat. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

  Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The fact that a predetermined number of prize balls has been acquired is output to a unit controller 500 (see FIG. 45) described later. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning port 126 is output to the unit controller 500 that 10 winning balls have been acquired. Even if it is detected that a game ball has passed through the gate 124, the acquisition of a prize ball in conjunction with it is not output.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start. A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the mouth 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and a game ball to the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 that detects passage is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 for displaying the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning, a normal symbol display 223 for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery, and a status indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 , Is connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of winning balls as described above.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information regarding the number of paid-out winning balls acquired from the payout control unit 400, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. .

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
Next, the effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like, and a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 301 and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring the date and time.
The production control unit 300 sets the production content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning is a special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using an effect button or the like (the effect button 161 and the effect key 162), the contents of the effect corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as an effect button, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect. In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, an instruction to set a screen display for waiting for a customer is given as one of the effects.
Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 changes the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery, and shortens the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the production control unit 300 sets the production content corresponding to the set content.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored. Furthermore, various kinds of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles are stored. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units for executing various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
When a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol according to the lottery result.

The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “a type of jackpot when a big winner is won”, “not a big winner It is determined whether or not it is a small hit or not.
Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined by a combination of the presence / absence of a short-time gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the presence / absence of a probability-changing gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot varies with high probability. In other words, the types of jackpots include jackpots in which both a short-time gaming state and a probability variable gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends, a jackpot in which only a short-time gaming state occurs, a jackpot in which only a probability-changing gaming state occurs, a short-time gaming state and There can be a jackpot where none of the probable gaming states occur. Hereinafter, when distinguishing these jackpots, they are distinguished by describing as “with time reduction”, “without time reduction”, “with certainty change”, “without certainty change”, etc., based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “hit” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of game balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to be paid out. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the “short win”, a round in which the big prize opening 125 is opened for a predetermined time is repeated a predetermined number of times. Usually, a jackpot where a short-time gaming state occurs (with time saving) after the jackpot game ends is a long win, and a jackpot where no short-time gaming state occurs (no time saving) is a short win.

  Note that a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state occurs (with probability change) after the jackpot game ends is also called “probability jackpot”, and a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state does not occur (without probability change) is also called “normal jackpot”. Also, depending on the game mode, only a probable gaming state occurs after the jackpot game ends, and a short-time gaming state does not occur (with certain change + no short-time) jackpots are "latent probability change jackpot", "sudden probability change jackpot" Also called etc. In addition, “probability jackpot” may be distinguished as “15 round (15R) probability jackpot”, “2 round (2R) probability jackpot” or the like based on the number of rounds in which the winning prize opening 125 is open. is there.

In addition, the “small winning” in the case where the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game in which the opening and closing of the big winning opening 125 is performed a predetermined number of times is performed, and the gaming state at the time of winning the small winning is continued even after the winning. It is a hit. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the probability variation game state, the probability variation game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is a normal gaming state (normal gaming state) in which neither probability fluctuation nor time reduction is made, the normal gaming state is continued even after the end of the small hitting game, The gaming state does not transition.
Further, in the “out of game”, neither “big hit” nor “small win” is set, and none of the above-described gaming states advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 displays the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”. Select. Further, it is determined whether or not a reach effect is to be performed. The “reach effect” here is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result. The winning probability of this normal symbol lottery is high when there is a winning support (so-called electric chew support) to the second start port 122 by opening the electric tulip 123, which is mainly performed in the short-time gaming state.
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time and a specified number of times, and a state in which the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased is generated. During the above winning support (electrical chew support), the specified number of times and the specified time increase. In addition, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 does not occur.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123.
The prize ball processing unit 240 controls the management of the number of prizes received for various types of winnings related to winning or lottery.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. Further, the output control unit 241 controls the output of the number of awarded prize balls to the unit control unit 500 described later.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit and the sub control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Then, under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control on the game is performed by the effect control unit 300 which is a sub-control means.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 5, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit and the sub control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. Processing for symbol lottery is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3 and executes a process for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation. Done.
In the normal symbol processing, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs normal symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (step 504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation controller 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the winning ball process (step 505), the winning ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 manages the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls according to winning.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300. Further, the output control unit 241 outputs information related to the number of winning balls to the unit control unit 500. Information relating to the control command and the number of winning prize balls is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first starting port 121 and the first starting port switch 211 is turned on (step). 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U1 of the unlotted hold in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step). 602). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winnings for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 602), the special symbol lottery unit 231 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 603). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value. Random value here is a jackpot random value that determines jackpot, jackpot or lose, jackpot type (whether there is a short-time gaming state after the jackpot game, whether there is a promiscuous gaming state, per jackpot, short hit) A design random number value to be determined (a jackpot symbol random number value), a variation pattern random number for specifying a variation pattern in symbol variation, a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform a reachable effect, and the like are included.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 605). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect of the lottery result, this prior determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U1 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U1 in Step 603 in the RAM 203 (Step 606), and wins a prize at the first start port 121 The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved hold numbers in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit (step). 608). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the special symbol lottery unit 231 next adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U2 (Step 609). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery (a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) is acquired as in step 604 above. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This pre-determination process may also be omitted in gaming machines that do not perform a lottery result notice effect.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U2 for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and wins a prize at the second starting port 122. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process among the switch processes shown in step 502 of FIG.
In this gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big win or a small win, the win game flag is a flag that is set to identify a game state corresponding to these wins. Depending on the hit type, one of the long hit game flag, the short hit game flag, and the small hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a gaming state due to some kind of hitting (a state where the special symbol is selected and stopped), the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation. (Yes in step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . When the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) for the undrawn special symbol (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process.

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command sent to the effect control unit 300 is determined by the jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing.

  Thereafter, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233, based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the fluctuation pattern selection process, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 shown in FIG. The variation of the special symbol displayed is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information (symbol, gaming state, change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first stops the variation of the special symbols in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (step 813), a change stop command is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made. (Steps 902 and 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired at step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot. It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (any of probability variation + time reduction, probability variation + no time shortage, no probability variation + time shortage, no probability variation + no time shortage) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches one of the preset values for each jackpot type (FIG. 17B )reference).
After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  When the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 next displays a symbol indicating a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). ) As setting information in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 indicates that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol). Is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1001). This determination is the same as steps 901 and 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination result of step 902 may be used). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (Step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 17C).
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random number using the variation pattern random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006 ( Step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern tables are different, the determined variation pattern may be different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the time reduction flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). The short time flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short time gaming state. When the time-short flag is ON (Yes in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time-short game state (Step 1102), and the number of lotteries J becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in step 1104, or if the value of the number of times of lottery J is not 0 (No in step 1103), then the game progress control unit 236 Checks whether or not the probability variation flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1105). The probability variation flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a probability variation game. When both the probability change flag and the previous time reduction flag are ON, generally, the game state has a probability change and time reduction as performed after a long hit, and the probability change flag is ON and the time reduction flag is OFF. In some cases, the game is generally in a gaming state where the probability change is made after a short win but the time is not short.

  When the probability change flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the probability variation game state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X is set to 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), then the game progress control unit 236 Determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 next determines whether or not the type of big hit is a long win (Step 1110).

  These determinations can be made based on the type of symbol set in the setting information in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, when the normal symbol A or the probability variation symbol A is set among symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17B described later, it is determined that the jackpot type is long hit. Further, when the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol B or the latent probability symbol is set, it is determined that the type of jackpot is short hit. Therefore, if the normal symbol A or the probable variation symbol A is set in the setting information, “Yes” in both steps 1109 and 1110. If the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol B, or the latent probability symbol is set, Yes in step 1109 and No in step 1110. If the off symbol or the small hit symbol is set, No in step 1109. Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. Here, the presence / absence of probability fluctuation is not distinguished in the per unit length. The presence / absence of the probability change is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the gaming state setting process (FIG. 15) in the special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit.

  After the winning game flag is turned ON in step 1111 or step 1112, the game progress control unit 236 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). That is, since the special symbol lottery was a big win (step 1109), the lottery times J and X are reset to 0 and newly counted again. Further, the game progress control unit 236 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step). 1115). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the small hit game flag (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113 and turning on the small hit game flag in step 1116, the game progress control unit 236 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111, 1112, and 1116 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game, the short winning game, and the small winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game progress control unit 236 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1118), and ends the in-stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game progress control unit 236 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set in order to identify a game state (auxiliary game state) corresponding to a normal symbol lottery when winning. In the auxiliary gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later, and the second start port 122 is easily won (assisted).

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the normal symbol is already selected and stopped, so the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in Step 1301), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing the normal symbol (Step 1302). When the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the holding number G (see FIG. 7) for the undrawn of the normal symbol is 1 or more (step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1303), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery is calculated. A determination is made to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step 1305). Whether or not the game is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the normal symbol in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, step 1506 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 3 based on the setting content in Step 1307 (Step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol control unit 237 stops the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, within the range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation controller 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of long hit game, short hit game, and small hit game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in Step 1417), the special winning opening operation unit 238 next performs the game state setting process (Step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag to make a big prize. The mouth process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

  On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
As shown in FIG. 15, first of all, since the winning game flag is ON in step 1401 of FIG. 14, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines the type of winning (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If the win type is a small win (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
If the winning type is a big hit with no positive change + a short time (No at step 1501, Yes at steps 1502 and 1503), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 turns on the short flag (step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the short-time gaming state. Further, the special winning opening operation controller 238 sets an initial value of the lottery number J (step 1505) and ends the gaming state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the short-time gaming state is performed 100 times, the short-time gaming state ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with no probability change + no time reduction (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 does not set both the time reduction flag and the probability change flag to ON. The process ends. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot does not result in a short-time game state or a probabilistic game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit with certain change + short time (No at Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes at Step 1506), the winning prize opening operation control unit 238 turns on the hourly flag (Step 1507), and the number of lottery times J Is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Further, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets the probability variation flag to ON (step 1509) and sets the initial value of the lottery number X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a time-varying probability changing gaming state. If the lottery is performed 10,000 times in the time-varying probability variation game state, the time-variable probability variation game state ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with probability variation + no time reduction (No in steps 1501, 1502, and step 1506), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 turns on only the probability variation flag (step 1509), and the number of lotteries An initial value of X (10000 times) is set (step 1510). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to a probabilistic gaming state in which time is not set. If the lottery in the timeless probability change game state is performed 10,000 times, the timeless probability change game state ends.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1503 and 1506 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in step 1602), or after the electric tulip is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens the open time in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether or not elapses (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of random numbers used in the present embodiment.
17A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 17B shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number, FIG. 17C shows a configuration example of a reach random number, and FIG. Configuration examples are shown respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (a), the jackpot random number is set to two types, that is, a jackpot at normal time when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not change, a jackpot at the time of probability change, and a jackpot. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) during normal times, only one winning value is set and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of special symbol lottery at the time of probability change, ten winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). In other words, in the example shown in the figure, if the special symbol lottery is performed by winning at the start ports 121 and 122 at the time of the probability change, the winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed at the normal time. In addition, three winning values are set regardless of whether or not the probability changes, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 17B, there are five types of jackpot symbols: normal symbol A, normal symbol B, probability variation symbol A, probability variation symbol B, and latent probability symbol. Here, the normal symbol A and the normal symbol B are symbols representing a big hit without any probability change. Among them, the normal symbol A has a long hit (with a short time), and the normal symbol B has a short hit (without a short time). Represent. The probability variation symbol A and the probability variation symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot with certain probability variation. Of these symbols, the probability variation symbol A represents a long winning (with time reduction), and the probability variation symbol B represents a short winning (without time shortening). The latent pattern is a pattern that represents a jackpot with certainty + short time. Therefore, the probability variation symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is provided separately from the probability variation symbol B in order to make it a condition for performing the probability variation latent effect. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the normal symbol A, 35 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol A (no change in probability + short time) is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the normal symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning a jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol B (no probability change + no time reduction) is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the probability variation symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 25/250 (= 1/1 /) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121. 10).
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 175/250 (= 7 /) when a big win is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122. 10).

In the probability variation symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable variation symbol B (with certain variation + no short time) when winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3 / 10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the probability variation symbol B (with certain variation + no short time) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1 / 10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol (with certainty + no time) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2 / 5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17B, the jackpot when winning the first start port 121 is highly likely to be a jackpot (probability variation symbol B, latent probability symbol) with probability variation + no time reduction, There is a high probability that the jackpot when winning at the second start port 122 will be a jackpot with probability variation + short time (probability variation symbol A). In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

  Referring to FIG. 17D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state has not occurred, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state is occurring, the winning is performed with a probability of 9/10.

  These random number values start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 when a command is received from the game control unit 200.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 18B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting operations such as an effect button by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Basic structure of circulation mechanism]
Next, a circulation mechanism for circulating game balls in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described in detail.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a circulation mechanism for circulating game balls. In FIG. 19, a cover 52b described later is indicated by a broken line. Further, a fourth guide member 56 described later is omitted.
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the circulation mechanism as viewed from the upper side of the upper plate 153. 20A also shows external views of a supply device 158, a launching device 160, and a fourth guide member 56 to be described later, which are components related to the circulation of the game ball.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a discharge ball receiving tray 51 that receives game balls discharged from a lower end 118 (see FIG. 21) provided on the game board 110, and a ball lift that lifts the game balls discharged to the discharge ball receiving tray 51. A device 52 and a circulating ball stock 53 that receives the game ball raised by the ball lifting device 52 and stores the game ball before being supplied to the upper plate 153 are provided. The discharge ball tray 51, the ball lifting device 52, and the circulating ball stock 53 are directly or indirectly attached to the unit body 11.

The discharge ball receiving tray 51 is provided below the lower end port 118, and the bottom surface of the ball elevating device 52 is lowest so that the game balls supplied from the lower end port 118 and the like are directed toward the ball elevating device 52 by their own weight. Is a concave member formed.
The ball lifting device 52 includes a cylindrical cylinder 52a having a spiral groove 52ag formed on the outer periphery, a thin cylindrical cover 52b that covers the outside of the cylinder 52a, and a cover 52b that rotates on a cylindrical center line. A rotation motor 52c that is driven to rotate as a shaft. A plurality of ribs 52br are formed on the inner surface of the cover 52b so as to protrude from the inner surface in the rotational radius direction and to be formed over the entire region in the rotational axis direction. Then, the ball lifting device 52 rotates the cover 52b to push the game ball guided into the cover 52b with the rib 52br formed on the inner surface thereof, thereby forming a spiral groove formed on the outer periphery of the cylinder 52a. Raise from bottom to top along 52ag.
The circulating ball stock 53 is a concave member that is disposed on the upper part of the ball lifting device 52 and receives a game ball lifted by the ball lifting device 52. The bottom surface of the circulating ball stock 53 is such that the ball raising device 52 is high and the second guide member 55 side is low so that the received game ball is directed toward the second guide member 55 described later by its own weight. Is formed.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 further includes a first guide member 54 in which a first guide path 54a for guiding the game ball from the discharge ball receiving tray 51 to the ball lifting device 52 is formed. The first guide path 54a is positioned such that the end on the discharge ball receiving tray 51 side is higher than the end on the ball lifting device 52 side and rolls from the discharge ball receiving tray 51 to the ball lifting device 52 by the weight of the game ball. It is inclined to. The first guide member 54 is formed with a third guide path 54b that guides the game ball rolling from the discharge ball receiving tray 51 to the pre-cleaning stock 32a described later. The third guide path 54b branches from the middle of the first guide path 54a, and is inclined so that the end on the first guide path 54a side is higher than the end on the stock 32a side before cleaning. doing. Furthermore, the game ball rolled from the discharge ball receiving tray 51 side is guided to the ball raising device 52 or the pre-cleaning stock 32a at the connection portion between the first guide path 54a and the third guide path 54b. A switching valve 57 is provided for switching between guiding to the side.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 also includes a second guide member 55 in which a path for guiding the game ball from the circulating ball stock 53 toward the upper plate 153 is formed. Then, below the second guide member 55, a predetermined number (in the present embodiment) of a plurality of game balls falling from the circulating ball stock 53 through the second guide member 55. Is provided with a well-known ball-cutting device 58 for sequentially supplying a single game ball to the upper plate 153.
The game balls supplied to the upper plate 153 by the ball cutting device 58 are supplied one by one to the launching device 160 by the supply device 158 and fired toward the game area 111 of the game board 110 by the launching device 160.

Next, the supply device 158 and the launch device 160 will be described in detail.
20-2, 20-3, and 20-4 are diagrams for explaining the supply device 158. FIG.
The supply device 158 has a ball feed solenoid 158b that is driven by being energized in the case 158a (see FIG. 20-1), and a rotation axis that is predetermined by energizing or de-energizing the ball feed solenoid 158b. And a ball feed member 158c that swings within an angle range. When the ball feed solenoid 158b is not energized, the ball feed member 158c is positioned at an angle at which the game ball is stopped at the entrance of the ball feed passage 158d formed in the case 158a (state shown in FIG. 20-2). When the ball feed solenoid 158b is energized, the ball feed solenoid 158b rotates (state shown in FIG. 20-3) and guides only one game ball to the ball feed passage 158d. Thereafter, when the ball feed solenoid 158b is not energized, the ball feed member 158c rotates in a direction to return to the original position by the restoring force of the spring 158e provided in the ball feed solenoid 158b (the state of FIG. 20-4). The game ball guided to the ball feed path 158d is guided to a launch rail 160d described later.

FIG. 20-5 is a diagram for explaining the launching device 160.
The launching device 160 is driven to rotate by being energized, and swings within a predetermined angle range around the rotation axis by energizing or de-energizing the firing solenoid 160a, and is placed at the firing position. And a launcher 160b that launches the game ball toward the game area 111. In addition, the launching device 160 is formed with a launching passage 160c that guides the game ball launched by the launching rod 160b toward the game area 111. At the lower end portion of the launching passage 160c, the launching rail 160d and the launching rail are provided. A ball holding portion 160e that holds a game ball at the launch position is provided together with 160d. The upper part of the ball holding portion 160e has a function of suppressing the launching rod 160b from rotating in the counterclockwise direction when viewed in FIG. 20-5. In addition, the launching device 160 includes a suppressing unit 160f that suppresses the launching rod 160b from rotating in the clockwise direction when viewed in FIG. 20-5.

  In the launching device 160 configured as described above, when the launching solenoid 160a is energized, the launching rod 160b directly connected to the launching solenoid 160a rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed in FIG. The game ball is fired by hitting the game ball guided to the launch position at the tip of the launcher 160b (state of FIG. 20-5 (b)). Thereafter, when the firing solenoid 160a is not energized, the launching rod 160b returns to its original position due to its own weight and the force of the magnet in the firing solenoid 160a (state shown in FIG. 20-5 (a)).

The firing solenoid 160a is a rotary solenoid, and the firing strength of the hit ball increases as the current level (height) of the supplied pulse current increases. The current level of the pulse current supplied to the firing solenoid 160a is adjusted according to the operation angle (operation amount) of the rotation operation of the handle lever 152. That is, the launch intensity of the game ball is adjusted according to the operation angle (operation amount) of the rotation operation of the handle lever 152 by the player.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 also includes a rail ball detection sensor 159 that detects that a game ball is placed on the launch rail 160d of the launch device 160. The rail sphere detection sensor 159 is a well-known reflection type photosensor, and is directly or indirectly attached to the unit main body 11 on the side opposite to the firing rail 160d with respect to the specified position. More specifically, the rail ball detection sensor 159 determines the predetermined position from the predetermined position when the shooting rail 160d guides the game ball launched by the shooting rod 160b in a predetermined angular direction from the predetermined position. It can be illustrated that it is arranged in a direction opposite to the angular direction.

Next, a mechanism for adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball will be described.
The handle 151 is fixed directly or indirectly to the unit main body 11, and is disposed on the handle base 151a (see FIG. A handle cap 151b (see FIG. 1-2 (a)) for assisting the player's operation when the player operates the handle lever 152 is provided. A torsion coil spring having one end connected to the handle lever 152 and the other end connected to the handle base 151a is attached to the handle base 151a. With this torsion coil spring, the handle lever 152 is moved as shown in FIG. The rotational force in the counterclockwise direction when viewed in FIG.

FIG. 20-6 is a diagram illustrating the inside of the handle base 151a. FIG. 20-6 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the handle lever 152 is not rotated. FIG. 20-6 (b) is a diagram in which the handle lever 152 is rotated clockwise from the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows a state.
Inside the handle base 151a, a rotation shaft 151as, a first gear 151ag that rotates within a predetermined angle range around the rotation shaft 151as together with the handle lever 152, and a variable resistance for detecting the rotation operation angle of the handle lever 152. 151ar. A second gear 151af that meshes with the first gear 151ag is fixed to the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar.

  With this configuration, when the handle lever 152 is rotated, the first gear 151ag is rotated, and the second gear 151af is rotated with the rotation of the first gear 151ag. As the second gear 151af rotates, the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar rotates by an angle corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle lever 152. In the firing device 160 according to the present embodiment, when the handle lever 152 is rotated, a voltage signal corresponding to the rotational angle of the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar is output by a firing drive unit of the firing control unit 650 described later. It outputs to 662.

Next, the touch sensor 151c provided in the handle 151 will be described.
The handle 151 has a touch sensor 151c for detecting contact of a player (human body). The touch sensor 151c is, for example, a capacitive sensor. When the player touches the handle lever 152, the touch sensor 151c detects that the player has touched the handle lever 152, and sends a touch signal to a firing control unit 650 described later. .

Next, a mechanism for stopping the launch of the game ball will be described.
FIG. 20-7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mechanism for stopping the launch of the game ball.
In addition, the handle 151 is connected to the inside of the handle base 151a, a stop switch 154a for stopping the launch of the game ball, a switch lever 154b that rotates when pressed to turn on the stop switch 154a, and a switch lever 154b. A part of the lever has a stop button 154 protruding outside the handle base 151a. The stop button 154 is formed with a convex portion 154c extending in the rotation axis direction of the handle lever 152 on the inner side of the handle base 151a. The handle lever 152 is formed with a contact portion 152a that comes into contact with the convex portion 154c when not operated and displaces the stop button 154 in a direction to turn on the stop switch 154a. The stop button 154 is given a force in a direction toward the outside.

  With this configuration, when the handle lever 152 is not rotated by the player, the contact portion 152a of the handle lever 152 comes into contact with the convex portion 154c of the stop button 154, and the stop button 154 is pushed inward, so that the switch lever 154b Is displaced in the direction in which the stop switch 154a is turned on (state shown in FIG. 20-7 (a)). Thereby, the launch of the game ball is stopped.

  When the player rotates the handle lever 152 and the contact portion 152a of the handle lever 152 does not contact the convex portion 154c of the stop button 154, the stop button 154 is opened and displaced outward, and the stop switch 154a is It becomes OFF (state of FIG. 20-7 (b)). When the player presses the stop button 154 from this state, the switch lever 154b is displaced and the stop switch 154a is turned on (the state shown in FIG. 20-7 (c)). Thereby, even if the handle lever 152 is rotated, the launch of the game ball is stopped.

Next, the ball polishing member arranged in the circulation path will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 has a ball polishing member 59 between the lower end opening 118 and the discharge ball receiving tray 51.
FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the ball polishing member 59.
As shown in FIG. 21, the ball polishing member 59 has a mortar shape, and a hole 59a is formed in the lower part so that the game ball falls on the discharge ball receiving tray 51 disposed below the ball polishing member 59. The diameter increases as you go. In addition, irregularities are formed on the inner surface. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, the lower end port 118 is provided on the outer diameter side of the circular opening end of the mortar-shaped ball polishing member 59 so as to discharge the game ball in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the game ball discharged from the lower end port 118 moves downward while rotating around the inner surface of the ball polishing member 59, falls from the hole 59a, and reaches the discharge ball receiving tray 51. Then, when the game ball goes around the inner surface of the ball polishing member 59, the dust attached to the game ball is caught by the irregularities formed on the inner surface, and the game ball is polished.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above, due to the operation of the handle 151 by the player, the game balls in the upper plate 153 are sequentially supplied to the launching device 160 by the feeding device 158 one by one. Fired toward the gaming area 111 by the device 160. Then, the game ball that is launched by the launching device 160 and reaches the game area 111 reaches the lower end port 118 through the discharge port 117 or through various winning ports, and is then discharged from the lower end port 118. It reaches the discharge ball tray 51 while being polished by the polishing member 59. Thereafter, the ball riser 52 is reached through the first guide path 54 a and is raised by the ball lifter 52 to reach the circulating ball stock 53. Then, it is supplied to the upper plate 153 by the ball cutting device 58. In this way, the circulation ball circulates in the pachinko gaming machine 100. When the game ball launched by the launching device 160 does not reach the game area 111 and becomes a foul ball, the game ball returns to the upper plate 153 again via the return path 153a. Moreover, it can be illustrated that there are 150 circulation spheres.

  When the game ball is washed, such as after the opening hours of the hall, the switching valve 57 of the first guide member 54 is switched so that the game ball rolls toward the pre-wash stock 32a. Thereby, the game ball reaching the discharge ball receiving tray 51 reaches the pre-cleaning stock 32 a via the first guide member 54. In addition, when the hall is closed, game balls other than the discharge ball receiving tray 51 such as the circulating ball stock 53 and the upper plate 153 are launched through the fourth guide member 56 described later or by the launching device 160. To the discharge ball receiving tray 51, and then reaches the pre-cleaning stock 32a via the first guide member 54. In this way, after the hall business hours, all the circulating spheres are collected in the pre-cleaning stock 32 a and then cleaned by the cleaning device 30.

Next, a mechanism for adjusting the number of game balls on the upper plate 153 will be described.
First, the upper plate 153 will be described in detail.
FIG. 21B is a plan view of the upper plate 153 viewed from above.
The upper plate 153 is a concave member that is disposed slightly below the game board 110 and slightly in front of the game board 110 and receives the game ball supplied by the ball cutting device 58. On the upper plate 153, a launch ball guide path 153r that aligns the game balls supplied by the ball cutting device 58 in a line and guides the game balls toward the supply device 158, and a game ball that has been guided through the launch ball guide path 153r. And a discharge port 153e that discharges the product toward the supply device 158 to the outside of the upper plate 153. The shot ball guide path 153r is inclined so that the ball cutting device 58 side is high and the discharge port 153e is low so that the game ball supplied by the ball cutting device 58 side is directed toward the discharge port 153e by its own weight.

The upper plate 153 is formed with a launch ball stock 153s that is arranged below the ball cutter 58 and stores the game balls supplied from the ball cutter 58 on the upstream side of the launch ball guide path 153r. A suppression valve 153b that suppresses the flow of the game ball is provided at the boundary between the shot ball stock 153s and the shot ball guide path 153r.
FIG. 21-3 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 21-2, and FIG. 21-3 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 21-2.
The suppression valve 153b is moved up and down by a suppression valve solenoid 153bs disposed below the upper plate 153. As shown in FIG. 21-3, the plunger of the suppression valve solenoid 153bs is connected to the suppression valve 153b. When the suppression valve solenoid 153bs is energized, the suppression valve 153b is attracted toward the main body of the suppression valve solenoid 153bs. The suppression valve 153b is lowered to the open state, and the game ball flows down from the shot ball stock 153s to the shot ball guide path 153r. On the other hand, when the suppression valve solenoid 153bs is not energized, the suppression valve 153b returns to its original position and closes due to the restoring force of the spring mounted on the outside of the plunger, and the game ball is released from the shot ball stock 153s. The flow down to the guide path 153r is suppressed.

  The transparent portion 10a described above allows the B1 to B2 game balls to be visually recognized from the outside when counted from the discharge port 153e side when the game balls exist over the entire area of the launch ball guide path 153r. It is configured. In other words, the transparent portion 10a makes it possible to visually recognize the launch ball guide path 153r corresponding to the length of the game ball diameter × (B2−B1 + 1). It can be exemplified that B1 is 26 and B2 is 40. In such a case, when a game ball is present on the launch ball guide path 153r, the player sees the 26th to 40th game balls counting from the most downstream side. In the following, in the shot ball guide path 153r, an area that is visible from the outside via the transparent portion 10a is referred to as “visible area R2,” and an area downstream from the visible area is referred to as “downstream non-visible area R1. “, The region upstream of the visually recognizable region is referred to as“ upstream unrecognizable region R3 ”.

  In addition, in the firing ball guide path 153r of the upper plate 153, three drop holes 153h are formed for dropping the game balls flowing down the shot ball guide channel 153r one by one outside the upper plate 153 one by one. The upper plate 153 is provided with three on-off valves 153g for opening and closing the respective drop holes 153h. As shown in FIG. 21-2, the three drop holes 153h include a first drop hole H1 formed at the most downstream portion in the flow-down direction of the game ball in the launch ball guide path 153r, and a first drop hole H1. Also, from the second drop hole H2 formed in the downstream invisible region R1 at an interval of at least one game ball on the upstream side, and the third drop hole H3 formed in the upstream invisible region R3 Become. The three on-off valves 153g include a first on-off valve G1 that opens and closes the first drop hole H1, a second on-off valve G2 that opens and closes the second drop hole H2, and a third drop hole H3. It comprises a third on-off valve G3 that opens and closes.

  In addition, when there is a game ball over the entire area of the launch ball guide path 153r, the second drop hole H2 is a game ball aligned with the launch ball guide path 153r downstream of the second drop hole H2. The third drop hole H3 is formed at a position where the number of game balls aligned with the launch ball guide path 153r downstream of the third drop hole H3 is B4 at a position where the number is B3. Yes. In other words, when the second on-off valve G2 is opened from the state in which the game ball exists over the entire area of the launch ball guide path 153r, it remains in the launch ball guide path 153r without falling from the second drop hole H2. The number of game balls is B3. Further, when the third on-off valve G3 is opened from the state where the game ball exists over the entire area of the launch ball guide path 153r, the game remaining in the launch ball guide path 153r without falling from the third drop hole H3. The number of spheres is B4.

  The on-off valve 153g is moved in a horizontal direction on the game ball placement surface in the firing ball guide path 153r by an on-off valve solenoid 153gs arranged beside the firing ball guide path 153r. As shown in FIG. 21-3 (b), the plunger of the on-off valve solenoid 153gs is connected to the on-off valve 153g, and when the on-off valve solenoid 153gs is energized, the on-off valve 153g moves toward the main body of the on-off valve solenoid 153gs. The fall hole 153h is opened by being attracted. On the other hand, when the on-off valve solenoid 153gs is not energized, the on-off valve 153g returns to the original position by the restoring force of the spring mounted outside the plunger, and the drop hole 153h is closed.

  In addition, the upper plate 153 has two game balls arranged side by side in the flow direction of the game balls to grasp the number of game balls (number of remaining balls) present in the unrecognizable area R1 on the downstream side of the shot ball guide path 153r. A remaining ball photosensor 153f is attached. The remaining ball photosensor 153f is a well-known photointerrupter sensor, and has two protrusions formed upward on the sensor body, a light emitting element (not shown) and a light receiving element (not shown) provided on each of the protrusions. ). Then, depending on whether the light receiving element receives the light emitted from the light emitting element, the passage and presence of the game ball at the portion where the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other are read. The two remaining ball photosensors 153f according to the present embodiment are arranged side by side in the flow direction of the game ball, and when the game ball exists over the entire area of the downstream-side unrecognizable region R1, it counts from the discharge port 153e. The sensor includes a sensor that detects the presence of the nth game ball and a sensor that detects the presence of the (n + 1) th game ball. Then, the downstream sensor of the two remaining ball photosensors 153f shields light, and the upstream sensor receives light, thereby detecting that there are n game balls in the downstream invisible region R1.

Next, the fourth guide member 56 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided below the upper plate 153 and includes a fourth guide member 56 that guides the game ball from the launch ball guide path 153r to the discharge ball receiving tray 51.
As shown in FIG. 20-1, the fourth guide member 56 is a hollow member through which a game ball can pass, and is arranged below the upper plate 153 and has three receptions opened upward. A portion 56a and one discharge port 56b opened downward are formed. The three receiving portions 56 a are respectively disposed below one of the three dropping holes 153 h and the discharge port 56 b is disposed above the discharge ball receiving tray 51. The fourth guide member 56 is inclined so that the receiving portion 56a side is high and the discharge port 56b side is low. Then, the game balls received by the three receiving portions 56a are directed toward the discharge port 56b by their own weight, jump out of the discharge port 56b, and fall onto the discharge ball receiving tray 51. The fourth guide member 56 is fixed to the upper plate 153 by, for example, screwing.

  In such a configuration, the suppression valve 153b is controlled to open and close according to the number of possessed balls, which is the number of game balls that the player can launch toward the game board 110. Details will be described later. The first on-off valve G1 is opened when the number of game balls exceeding the number of balls of the player is in the launch ball guide path 153r, and the extra game balls are moved to the first drop hole H1, the fourth. Is discharged to the discharge ball tray 51 through the guide member 56. Details will be described later. In addition, the first on-off valve G1 to the third on-off valve G3 are opened according to the number of balls at the time of game end selection, which is the number of balls at the time when the game end is selected by the player, and the game end is selected. When the game end is selected, the number of game balls possessed when the game end is selected is adjusted so that it is in the shot ball guide path 153r. Details will be described later.

[Basic structure of production equipment]
Next, the rendering device 20 will be described in detail.
The stage device 20 includes a ballistic feeling production unit 60 (see FIG. 1-1) for visually producing a feeling of a large number of game balls acquired by a player who is playing on the pachinko gaming machine 100, and a game in progress. There is provided a storage sensation effect producing unit 70 (see FIG. 1-1) for visually producing a feeling of a large number of game balls that can be used by the player in the game.

First, the ball appearance effect production unit 60 will be described in detail.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the ball appearance effect producing unit 60. In FIG. 22, the figure which looked at schematic structure of the pitching feeling effect production | presentation part 60 from back diagonally upward is shown. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the rotating body 61a of the ball appearance effect producing unit 60. FIG. In FIG. 23, a partial cross-sectional view is shown in order to show the rotating body 61 a of the ball appearance effect producing unit 60.

The ball appearance feeling production section 60 has a ball rotation section 61 that produces a ball appearance feeling by rotating an actual game ball, an upper tray 62 that waits for a game ball supplied to the ball rotation section 61, and It has. In addition, the ball appearance feeling production section 60 stores a lower tray 63 that stores game balls sent from a main stock 41, which will be described later, via the ball appearance feeling ball guide member 46, and games stored in the lower tray 63. And a ball raising device 64 for raising the ball to the upper tray 62.
Further, the ball appearance effect producing unit 60 branches from the guide path 65a for guiding the game ball supplied from the upper tray 62 toward the ball rotating unit 61, and the guide path 65a, and the game ball is washed later. There is provided a guide member 65 formed with a branch path 65b for guiding toward the front stock 32a (see FIG. 1-2).

  As shown in FIG. 23, the ball rotating unit 61 includes a cylindrical portion and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) blades that extend in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion and stir the game ball. A rotating body 61a is provided. Further, the ball rotating unit 61 is attached to a rotating shaft 61b (see FIG. 22) for rotating the rotating body 61a and a rotating shaft to which the rotating body 61a is fixed, and rotates the driving force of the rotating body motor 61b. A transmission gear (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the body 61a and a rotating body cover 66 that covers the rotating body 61a are provided.

The rotating body 61a is an object that rotates around the center line of the cylindrical portion as a rotation axis. When the rotation axis is viewed from the front of the ball-feeling effect producing unit 60 (in this embodiment, a game The board 110 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the board surface. The blades of the rotating body 61a are formed so that the distance from the rotation axis to the tip in the rotation radius direction is substantially equal to the rotation axis direction, and the tip in the rotation radius direction is from the near side. It forms so that it may curve in the circumferential direction as it goes to the back side.
The rotating body motor 61b is rotated and adjusted by a control unit to be described later, and the rotating body 61a is rotated in two stages, for example, a low-speed rotation that rotates at 12 rotations per minute and a high-speed rotation that rotates at 24 rotations per minute, for example. The rotation speed is adjusted.

The basic shape of the rotating body cover 66 around the rotating body 61a is a cylindrical shape, and the inner peripheral radius thereof is longer than the tip of the blade of the rotating body 61a in the rotating radius direction by less than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, when the rotator 61a is rotating, the game balls cannot pass through the gap between the blades of the rotator 61a and the inner surface of the rotator cover 66, and the game balls in the rotator cover 66 are not in the rotator 61a. Stir by.
The rotary body cover 66 has an insertion port 66a for guiding the game balls supplied from the upper tray 62 into the rotary body cover 66, and a discharge port 66b for discharging the game balls on the inside to the outside of the rotary body cover 66. Is formed. The insertion slot 66a is formed in an obliquely upward right direction when viewed from the rotation center of the rotating body 61a.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration around the discharge port 66b of the rotating body cover 66. As shown in FIG.
A concave portion 66c is formed at the bottom of the rotating body cover 66 so as to be recessed from the inner periphery of the basic shape and to be lowered as it goes from the near side to the far side. And the discharge port 66b is formed in the last part of the recessed part 66c. Thereby, the game ball in the rotator cover 66 rolls in the recess 66c by its own weight, and comes out of the rotator cover 66 from the discharge port 66b.
The discharge port 66b is provided with an adjustment valve 67 that blocks the game ball from passing through the discharge port 66b. The adjusting valve 67 is rotationally driven by a rotating motor 67a that is rotated by being controlled by a ball exit / storage feeling control unit 700 described later, and a position for preventing the game ball from being discharged from the discharge port 66b, Move to the position you want.

The upper tray 62 has a concave shape in which a bottom surface is formed so that the ball lifting device 64 side is high and the guide member 65 side is low so that the game ball supplied from the ball lifting device 64 is directed toward the guide member 65 by its own weight. It is a member.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game ball discharge portion in the upper tray 62.
In the upper tray 62, a discharge port 62a is formed at a portion for discharging the game ball to the guide member 65, and an adjustment valve 62b for adjusting the passage of the game ball is attached to the discharge port 62a. The adjusting valve 62b is rotated by the adjusting valve motor 62c to open the discharge port 62a, thereby discharging the game ball from the upper tray 62, and a suppression position for suppressing the discharge by closing the discharge port 62a. Move between. The driving time of the regulating valve motor 62c is controlled by a ball exit / storage feeling control unit 700, which will be described later, and moves the regulating valve 62b from the discharging position to the suppressing position and from the suppressing position to the discharging position. In addition, the adjustment valve motor 62c suppresses the adjustment valve 62b from the discharge position to the suppression position in order to smoothly discharge the game ball when the game ball should be discharged from the upper tray 62 to the guide member 65. Repeatedly move from position to discharge position at regular intervals. The game balls are discharged from the upper tray 62 to the guide member 65 in accordance with the game situation.

As shown in FIG. 22, the lower tray 63 includes a receiving port 63 a that receives a game ball sent from the main stock 41 (see FIG. 1-2), and a discharge port 63 b that discharges the game ball to the ball lifting device 64. , And a concave shape having a bottom surface formed so that the receiving port 63a side is high and the ball lifting device 64 side is low so that the game ball supplied from the receiving port 63a is directed toward the discharge port 63b by its own weight. It is a member.
The sphere raising device 64 has the same configuration and function as the sphere raising device 52 arranged in the circulation mechanism of the circulation sphere described above, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the guide member 65.
The guide path 65a of the guide member 65 is formed so that the upper tray 62 side is high and the ball rotation unit 61 side is low so that the game balls supplied from the upper tray 62 are directed to the ball rotation unit 61 by their own weight. The branch path 65b of the guide member 65 is formed such that the guide path 65a side is high and the pre-clean stock 32a side is low so that the game balls are directed toward the pre-clean stock 32a (see FIG. 2). Then, at the connection portion of the guide member 65 between the guide path 65a and the branch path 65b, the game ball rolling from the upper tray 62 side is guided toward the ball rotating portion 61, or the pre-cleaning stock 32a side. A switching valve 65c is provided for switching between guiding to the direction.

The ball appearance effect producing unit 60 configured as described above operates as follows.
The game balls sent from the distribution device 40 (see FIG. 1-2) to the lower tray 63 are raised to the upper tray 62 by the ball raising device 64.
When the hall is open during business hours, when the game is not played in the pachinko machine unit PU, or even when a game is being played, the number of winning prizes that will produce a sense of appearance When there is not, the rotating body 61a of the ball rotating part 61 is stopped. Further, the adjustment valve 62b attached to the upper tray 62 is set to a suppression position that suppresses the discharge of the game ball.

Thereafter, when the number of winning prize balls increases, an effect is performed. The effect is set to three levels according to the increase or decrease of the number of winning prize balls.
The lowest level level 1 effect is that a predetermined number of game balls are placed in a rotating body cover 66 of the ball rotating unit 61, and the inserted game balls are placed on a rotating body 61a that rotates at a low speed. Stirring effect.
The effect of level 2 which is an intermediate level is to add a game ball to the rotating body cover 66 of the ball rotation unit 61 and insert a game ball with a predetermined second number of balls. This is an effect of stirring the rotating body 61a at a low speed.
The production of level 3, which is the highest level, is achieved by placing a predetermined second number of game balls in the rotator cover 66 of the sphere rotation unit 61 and placing the game balls in the rotator 61a with high-speed rotation. Stirring effect.
It can be exemplified that the first number of balls is about 300 and the second number of balls is about 600. Further, the low speed rotation of the rotating body 61a can be exemplified, for example, 12 rotations per minute, and the high speed rotation can be exemplified, for example, 24 rotations per minute.

Then, when the increase in the number of winning prize balls within a predetermined period becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first increase, the production starts, and the increase in the number of winning prize balls is a predetermined first increase. When the number is more than the number and less than the second increase number, the level 1 effect is performed.
When the increase in the number of winning prize balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined second increase, the effect is switched to level 2. When switching from the level 1 effect to the level 2 effect, the number of game balls in the rotating body cover 66 is increased from the first number of balls to the second number of balls while the rotating body 61a is rotated at a low speed. .
Further, when the increase in the number of winning prize balls exceeds a predetermined third increase, the effect is switched to level 3. When switching from the level 2 effect to the level 3 effect, the rotation speed of the rotator 61a is changed from the low speed rotation to the high speed rotation while the game balls having the second number of balls are put in the rotator cover 66.

On the other hand, when an effect is being performed, the level is lowered by one level each time the number of reductions in the number of winning prize balls within a predetermined period becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined number.
For example, when an effect of level 3 is being performed, if the number of reductions in winning balls within a predetermined period is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of reductions, the effect is changed from level 3 to level 2. Can be switched. When switching from the level 3 effect to the level 2 effect, the rotation speed of the rotator 61a is changed from the high speed rotation to the low speed rotation while the game balls having the second number of balls are put in the rotator cover 66.
In addition, after the level 2 effect is switched, if the number of winning prize balls decreased within a predetermined period becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the level 2 effect is switched to the level 1 effect. . When switching from the level 2 effect to the level 1 effect, the number of game balls in the rotating body cover 66 is reduced from the second number of balls to the first number of balls while the rotating body 61a is rotated at a low speed. .
In addition, after switching to the level 1 effect, the effect ends when the number of reductions in the number of winning prize balls within a predetermined period becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined decrease number. When the effect ends, the rotation of the rotating body 61a is stopped and all the game balls in the rotating body cover 66 are discharged.
In this way, the ball appearance effect producing unit 60 switches the number of game balls in the rotator cover 66 and the rotation speed of the rotator 61a according to the increase or decrease in the number of prize balls acquired by the player, thereby changing the effect level. Switch.

  When the game ball is put into the rotator cover 66, the switching valve 65c of the guide member 65 is set so that the game ball rolls toward the rotator cover 66, and the discharge port 62a of the upper tray 62 is inserted. The attached adjustment valve 62b is set to the discharge position. Thereby, the game balls stored in the upper tray 62 roll from the upper tray 62 into the rotating body cover 66. Further, when a game ball is to be put in the rotator cover 66, the adjusting valve 62b is repeatedly moved at regular intervals from the discharge position to the suppression position and from the suppression position to the discharge position. Thereby, at the time of discharge of game balls from the upper tray 62, the occurrence of ball clogging in the upper tray 62 is suppressed. Then, the number of game balls supplied into the rotator cover 66 is adjusted by controlling the period during which the adjustment valve 62b is in the discharge position.

Further, when rotating the rotating body 61a, the adjustment valve 67 provided at the discharge port 66b of the rotating body cover 66 is set to a position that suppresses the discharge of the game ball.
Then, when the effect at the ball appearance effect producing unit 60 is finished, the rotation of the rotating body 61a is stopped and the adjustment valve 67 provided at the discharge port 66b of the rotating body cover 66 is discharged from the game ball. Set to. Thereby, the game balls in the rotating body cover 66 are discharged to the lower tray 63.

  On the other hand, when the game ball is washed, such as after the opening hours of the hall, the discharge port 62a of the upper tray 62 is set with the switching valve 65c of the guide member 65 set so that the game ball rolls toward the pre-wash stock 32a. The adjustment valve 62b attached to is set to the discharge position. Thereby, the game balls stored in the upper tray 62 roll from the upper tray 62 toward the pre-cleaning stock 32a. At that time, while the game balls are present in the lower tray 63, the ball raising device 64 is driven to supply the game balls from the lower tray 63 to the upper tray 62.

Next, the storage ball feeling production unit 70 will be described in detail.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the storage ball feeling effect unit 70. FIG. 28 is a view of the storage ball feeling production unit 70 as viewed from above. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a ball insertion portion 72 and a ball discharge portion 73 described later. FIG. 30 is a view of the lower side of an upper tray 76 (see FIG. 28), which will be described later, as viewed from above.
The stored ball feeling effect production unit 70 is displayed on the ball display unit 71, a ball display unit 71 that displays actual game balls, a ball insertion unit 72 (see FIG. 29) that inserts game balls into the ball display unit 71, and the ball display unit 71. A ball discharge unit 73 (see FIG. 29) for discharging game balls from the ball display unit 71 is provided. Further, the storage ball feeling production unit 70 receives game balls sent from a main stock 41 (see FIG. 1-2), which will be described later, via a storage ball feeling ball guide member 47 (see FIG. 1-2), which will be described later. A lower tray 74 that is stored below the ball display unit 71, a ball lifting device 75 (see FIG. 28) that raises the game balls stored in the lower tray 74, and a ball lifting device 75. And an upper tray 76 for storing the game balls above the ball display portion 71.

  The ball display unit 71 includes a case 71a that is transparently formed and stores a game ball, and a plurality of display cases 71b that are arranged in the vertical direction in the case 71a and display the game ball on the display shelf 71b. . The case 71a has an arc shape when viewed from above, and is shaped to be rectangular when viewed from the front. Further, each display shelf 71b has an arc shape as shown in FIG. 28 when viewed from above, and is inclined from the left side to the right side as shown in FIG. 27 when viewed from the front. Yes. Further, in the ball display section 71 according to the present embodiment, 15 display shelves 71b are arranged in the vertical direction, and the arrangement interval between the plurality of display shelves 71b is the size of the game ball (1 .. 1 mm) is slightly larger (for example, 1.2 mm). The display shelf 71b is set to a length that allows 22 game balls to be displayed. Therefore, in the ball display section 71 according to the present embodiment, 330 game balls can be displayed as the entire ball display section 71. And the both ends of the left-right direction of the case 71a are opened, and a game ball comes in and out from these openings. In the following, the opening formed at the left end of the case 71a when viewed in FIG. 27 is referred to as “left opening 71c”, and the opening formed at the right end of the case 71a is referred to as “right opening 71d. (Refer to FIG. 29).

The ball insertion portion 72 is a cylindrical member, and includes an insertion side cylinder 81 in which a plurality of holes 81a having a size that allows a game ball to pass while rotating about the center axis of the cylinder are formed. ing. The ball insertion unit 72 includes a ball standby unit 82 for waiting for a game ball inside the insertion side cylinder 81.
The insertion side cylinder 81 is arranged such that the rotation axis direction of the rotation center thereof is the vertical direction. The plurality of holes 81a formed in the insertion side cylinder 81 have a height corresponding to the arrangement height of the display shelf 71b in the left-side opening 71c of the case 71a of the ball display portion 71 in the rotation axis direction of the rotation center. The same number as the number of display shelves 71b is formed. The plurality of holes 81a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the arrangement interval is determined to be less than an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of holes 81a. As the height of 81a increases, the circumferential position of the hole 81a is determined to be shifted at equal intervals counterclockwise when viewed from above.
In addition, a notch 81 b that is recessed from the upper surface is formed in the upper part of the insertion side cylinder 81. The notch 81b is used to detect the rotation angle of the insertion side cylinder 81.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the ball standby unit 82. (A) is a perspective view, (b) is a figure which shows the height relationship between the projection part 82bc mentioned later and the hole 81a.
The ball standby portion 82 is disposed inside the insertion-side cylinder 81, and forms a space between the inner surface of the insertion-side cylinder 81 so that game balls can be arranged in a line in the vertical direction. And an inner cylinder 82b for adjusting the minimum height of the game balls arranged in a space formed by the ball standby member 82a and the inner surface of the insertion side cylinder 81.
The ball standby member 82a is a long and narrow member that has a U-shaped basic shape when viewed from above and extends in the vertical direction so as to be substantially the same length as the insertion-side cylinder 81. The ball standby member 82a is formed in a space formed between the inner side of the U-shape and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion side cylinder 81 in the rotation center direction (vertical direction) of the insertion side cylinder 81. One game ball can be stored in the radial direction and the circumferential direction.

  The inner cylinder 82b is a cylindrical member disposed inside the insertion side cylinder 81, and a plurality of protrusions projecting into the space formed by the inner surface of the insertion side cylinder 81 and the ball standby member 82a on the outer peripheral surface thereof. It has a part 82bc. Each protrusion 82bc has a circumferential width approximately the same as the diameter of the game ball, and is formed so that the shape in the rotational radius direction becomes thinner toward the outside. The same number of the plurality of protrusions 82bc are provided at the same arrangement interval as the plurality of holes 81a formed in the insertion side cylinder 81 in the rotation center direction (vertical direction) and the circumferential direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), the height of the plurality of projections 82bc is such that the height of the top of each projection 82bc in the radial direction is the lowest of each hole 81a of the insertion side cylinder 81. It is formed to be the same as the height.

FIG. 32 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portion for driving the insertion side cylinder 81 to rotate.
The insertion side cylinder 81 is provided with a gear 83. The ball insertion portion 72 includes a transmission gear 84 that meshes with a gear 83 provided in the insertion-side cylinder 81, and an insertion-side motor 85 in which the transmission gear 84 is fixed to the rotation shaft. Thereby, the insertion side cylinder 81 is rotated by the rotational driving force of the insertion side motor 85 being transmitted via the transmission gear 84 and the gear 83. Further, the inner cylinder 82b rotates together with the insertion side cylinder 81. At that time, the inner cylinder 82b and the insertion side are arranged so that the height of the uppermost portion of the radial tip of each protrusion 82ba of the inner cylinder 82b is the same as the height of the lowermost portion of each hole 81a of the insertion side cylinder 81. The cylinder 81 is positioned (see FIG. 31B).

The ball discharge portion 73 is a cylindrical member, and has a discharge side cylinder 86 formed with a plurality of holes 87 having a size that allows a game ball to pass while rotating about the central axis of the cylinder. doing.
The discharge side cylinder 86 is arranged so that the rotation axis direction of the rotation center thereof is the vertical direction. The hole 87 formed in the discharge side cylinder 86 is a first discharge hole 87a formed at a height corresponding to the arrangement height of the display shelf 71b in the right opening 71d of the case 71a of the ball display portion 71. The first discharge hole group formed in the same number as the number of the shelves 71b and the second discharge hole 87b formed over the same length as the right opening 71d of the case 71a of the ball display section 71 in the rotation axis direction. It consists of.

The size of each first discharge hole 87a is determined as follows. That is, the size in the rotation axis direction (vertical direction) of each first discharge hole 87a is large enough for one game ball to pass, and is as large as the arrangement interval of the display shelves 71b. It is stipulated in. The size of each first discharge hole 87a in the circumferential direction is such that the size of the first discharge hole 87a at the bottom is one ball passing through the display shelf 71b at the bottom. It is set to a large enough size. The circumferential size of the first discharge hole 87a that is second from the bottom in the height direction is set to about twice the size of the first discharge hole 87a at the bottom in the circumferential direction. ing. And the one edge part of the circumferential direction of the 2nd 1st discharge hole 87a from the lowest part is set so that it may become a substantially the same position as one edge part of the 1st discharge hole 87a of the lowest part. . The size of the third and subsequent first discharge holes 87a from the bottom in the height direction is set to be the same as the size of the second first discharge hole 87a, half of which is one below (n It is formed so as to overlap with the first discharge hole 87a formed at the (n-1th) position. The second and subsequent first discharge holes 87a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential direction when viewed from above as the height of the first discharge holes 87a increases. Is formed so as to shift counterclockwise.
The second discharge hole 87b is formed so as not to overlap any of the first discharge holes 87a in the circumferential direction, and the right end in the circumferential direction is formed in parallel to the rotation axis direction, The left end is formed such that its circumferential length increases from the bottom to the top.
In addition, a notch 86 a that is recessed from the upper surface is formed in the upper portion of the discharge side cylinder 86. The notch 86a is used to detect the rotation angle of the discharge side cylinder 86.

FIG. 33 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portion where the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotationally driven.
The discharge side cylinder 86 is provided with a gear 88. The ball discharge unit 73 includes a transmission gear 89 that meshes with a gear 88 provided on the discharge side cylinder 86, and a discharge side motor 90 in which the transmission gear 89 is fixed to the rotation shaft. Thereby, the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated by the rotational driving force of the discharge side motor 90 being transmitted via the transmission gear 89 and the gear 88.

The lower tray 74 (see FIG. 27) includes a receiving port 74a that receives a game ball sent from a main stock 41 (see FIG. 1-2), which will be described later, and a discharge port (not connected) that discharges the game ball to the ball lifting device 75. And a concave member. The bottom surface is formed so that the receiving port 74a side is high and the discharging port side is low so that the game ball supplied from the receiving port 74a is directed toward the discharge port by its own weight. The lower tray 74 is disposed below the discharge side cylinder 86, and the game balls discharged from the ball display portion 71 through holes 87a and 87b formed in the discharge side cylinder 86 as will be described later. Accept.
The ball lifting device 75 is disposed inside the inner cylinder 82 b and rotates with the central axis of the inner cylinder 82 b (insertion side cylinder 81) as a rotation center to raise the game ball from the lower tray 74 to the upper tray 76. The ball lifting device 75 has the same configuration and function as the ball lifting device 52 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The upper tray 76 is a concave member that guides the game ball raised by the ball raising device 75 toward the ball standby unit 82 or the pre-cleaning stock 32a. The upper tray 76 is formed so that the ball lifting device 75 side is high and the ball standby portion 82 side is low so that the game ball raised by the ball lifting device 75 is directed to the ball standby unit 82 by its own weight. A guide path 76a and a branch path 76b formed so that the ball guide path 76a side is high and the pre-cleaning stock 32a side is low so that it branches from the middle of the guide path 76a toward the cleaning device 30 under its own weight. Is formed. Then, at the connection portion between the guide path 76a and the branch path 76b, switching is performed to switch whether the game ball rolled from the ball lifting device 75 side is guided toward the ball standby unit 82 or toward the cleaning device 30. A valve 76c is provided. The switching valve 76c is switched by a control unit described later. In addition, the game ball rolling on the guide path 76a is dropped into the space above the space formed by the above-described ball standby member 82a and the inner surface of the insertion cylinder 81 on the bottom surface of the upper tray 76. A drop hole 76d is formed.

  In addition, an insertion side photo sensor 76e disposed above the insertion side cylinder 81 and a discharge side photo sensor 76f disposed above the discharge side cylinder 86 are attached to the upper tray 76. The insertion-side photosensor 76e and the discharge-side photosensor 76f are well-known photointerrupter sensors, and have two protrusions formed downward on the sensor body and light emitting elements (not shown) provided on each of the protrusions. And a light receiving element (not shown) (see FIG. 35). Then, depending on whether or not the light receiving element receives the light emitted from the light emitting element, the passage and presence of an object at a portion where the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other are read. More specifically, the upper portion of the insertion-side cylinder 81 is disposed at a position where the two protruding portions of the insertion-side photosensor 76e face each other (see FIG. 35). When the light receiving element receives light emitted from the light emitting element when the notch 81b is interposed, the rotation angle of the insertion side cylinder 81 is detected. Similarly, the discharge-side photosensor 76f is disposed such that the upper portion of the discharge-side cylinder 86 is interposed at a portion where the two protruding portions face each other (see FIG. 35), and a notch 86a is formed at the opposite portion. When the light receiving element receives the light emitted from the light emitting element when intervening, the rotation angle of the discharge side cylinder 86 is detected.

  The upper tray 76 is attached with a ball detection photosensor 76g for detecting whether or not a game ball is present at a position downstream of the switching valve 76c in the guide path 76a. The sphere detection photosensor 76g is a well-known photointerrupter sensor, and includes two protrusions formed downward on the sensor body, a light emitting element (not shown) and a light receiving element (not shown) provided on each of the protrusions. ). Then, depending on whether the light receiving element receives the light emitted from the light emitting element, the passage and presence of the game ball at the portion where the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other are read. More specifically, the ball detection photosensor 76g detects the passage of the game ball by detecting the switching from light reception to light shielding and light shielding to light reception, and the light receiving element does not receive light so that the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other. Detect the presence of a game ball at the site to play.

The stored ball feeling effect production unit 70 configured as described above operates as follows.
If the hall is open during business hours and no game is played in the pachinko machine unit PU, or if a game is being played but the player does not have a ball, insert it The side cylinder 81 and the discharge side cylinder 86 are set to the origin positions. In addition, the switching valve 76c of the upper tray 76 is set at a position for guiding the game ball toward the ball standby unit 82, and the ball detection photosensor 76g has a game ball at its two protrusions. Until this is detected, the ball lifting device 75 is driven.

  Here, the origin position of the insertion-side cylinder 81 is determined by rotating the insertion-side cylinder 81 in the counterclockwise rotation direction as viewed in FIG. 30 (hereinafter, the clockwise rotation is “forward rotation”, and the counterclockwise rotation direction is This is the position where the insertion-side photosensor 76e detects the light-blocking → light-receiving switching point. The origin position of the discharge side cylinder 86 is a position where the discharge side photo sensor 76f detects a light blocking → light receiving switching point when the discharge side cylinder 86 is reversed. FIG. 29 shows a state where the insertion side cylinder 81 and the discharge side cylinder 86 are set to the origin positions. When the insertion side cylinder 81 is at the origin position, the left side opening 71c of the case 71a of the ball display portion 71 is completely closed by the insertion side cylinder 81. When the discharge side cylinder 86 is at the origin position, the right opening 71d of the case 71a is open only at the lowermost part and the part corresponding to the second first discharge hole 87a from the bottom.

In such a case, the game balls in the lower tray 74 are raised by the ball lifting device 75 to reach the upper tray 76 and roll on the guide path 76a toward the ball standby unit 82. Then, in the order in which the upper tray 76 is reached earlier, it falls into the space formed by the ball standby member 82a and the inner surface of the insertion side cylinder 81, and is arranged in order on the protrusion 82bc of the inner cylinder 82b. However, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 29, the insertion side cylinder 81 blocks the left opening 71 c of the ball display portion 71, so that it is not displayed on the display shelf 71 b of the ball display portion 71.
Among the game balls supplied to the upper tray 76 by the ball lifting device 75, the game balls that do not reach the ball standby unit 82 are arranged in the guide path 76 a of the upper tray 76. Then, when the ball detection photo sensor 76g detects that a game ball is present at a portion facing the two protrusions, the driving of the ball lifting device 75 is stopped.

When displaying game balls on the display shelf 71b of the ball display unit 71, the operation is as follows.
First, the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated forward by a predetermined angle β so as to close the right opening 71d corresponding to the lowermost display shelf 71b. Further, the insertion side cylinder 81 is rotated forward by a predetermined angle α to open the left side opening 71c corresponding to the lowermost display shelf 71b.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state where the insertion side cylinder 81 is rotated forward by angle α and the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated forward by angle β from the origin position.

From the origin position, the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated forward by angle β, and the insertion side cylinder 81 is rotated forward by angle α, so that the game ball waiting in the ball standby portion 82 is placed in the case 71 a of the ball display portion 71. Enter and move to the right when viewed from the front using the slope of the lowermost display shelf 71b. Since the right opening 71d corresponding to the lowermost display shelf 71b is closed, the top game ball hits the outer peripheral surface of the discharge side cylinder 86 and stops, and the subsequent game ball becomes the preceding game ball. Stop by hitting. In this way, game balls are displayed on the lowermost display shelf 71b. In addition, the game ball that has been waiting in the ball standby unit 32 enters the case 71 a of the ball display unit 71, so that the game ball moves from the upper tray 76 to the ball standby unit 82. Then, the ball detection photosensor 76g detects that the game ball no longer exists at the portion where the two protrusions face each other, whereby the driving of the ball lifting device 75 is resumed, and the lower tray 74 and the upper tray are restarted. A game ball is supplied to 76. Thereafter, when the ball detection photosensor 76g detects that a game ball is present at a portion where the two protrusions face each other, the driving of the ball lifting device 75 is stopped.
Note that the predetermined angle α is an arrangement interval (for example, 20 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the plurality of holes 81 a formed in the insertion-side cylinder 81. The predetermined angle β is an arrangement interval (for example, 20 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the second and subsequent first discharge holes 87a formed in the discharge side cylinder 86 from the bottom.

  Thereafter, the discharge side cylinder 86 is further rotated forward by a predetermined angle β, and the insertion side cylinder 81 is further rotated forward by a predetermined angle α, whereby the right side opening corresponding to the second display shelf 71b from the bottom. 71d is closed and the left opening 71c is opened. As a result, the game balls are displayed on the second display shelf 71b from the bottom. Thereafter, by repeating the forward rotation of the discharge side cylinder 86 by the predetermined angle α and the forward rotation of the insertion side cylinder 81 by the predetermined angle β, the game balls are placed on the third and subsequent display shelves 71b from the bottom. It will be displayed.

Next, a case where the game balls displayed on the ball display unit 71 are discharged will be described.
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a state in which game balls are discharged from a state in which game balls are displayed on the display shelves 71b from the bottom to the fourth level.
First, the case where the game balls displayed on the plurality of display shelves 71b are discharged out of the ball display unit 71 for each display shelf 71b will be described.
Of the currently displayed display shelves 71b, the insertion side cylinder 81 is set at a predetermined angle so as to close the left opening 71c corresponding to the highest display shelf 71b (the fourth display shelf 71b in FIG. 35). Reverse by α. Further, the discharge side cylinder 86 is reversed by a predetermined angle β so as to open the right opening 71d corresponding to the display shelf 71b (the fourth display shelf 71b in FIG. 35). Thereby, the game displayed on the display shelf 71b in a state in which the game balls are prevented from moving from the ball standby unit 82 toward the display shelf 71b (the fourth display shelf 71b in FIG. 35). The sphere goes out of the case 71 a from the right side opening 71 d and falls to the lower tray 74 arranged below the discharge side cylinder 86.
Thereafter, by repeating the rotation of the insertion side cylinder 81 by a predetermined angle α and the reverse rotation of the discharge side cylinder 86 by a predetermined angle β, the cases from the game balls displayed on the upper display shelf 71b in order. It is discharged out of 71a.
In this way, the game balls displayed on the display shelf 71b are discharged out of the ball display section 71 for each display shelf 71b.

Next, a case where the game balls displayed on the plurality of display shelves 71b are discharged out of the ball display unit 71 every two display shelves 71b will be described.
Of the display shelves 71b currently being displayed, the insertion side to close the left-side opening 71c corresponding to the first and second highest display shelves 71b (the fourth and third display shelves 71b in FIG. 35) The cylinder 81 is reversed by an angle twice the predetermined angle α. Further, in order to open the right side opening 71d corresponding to the display shelves 71b (the fourth and third display shelves 71b in FIG. 35), the discharge side cylinder 86 is set twice the predetermined angle β. Reverse only the angle.

FIG. 36 is a diagram comparing a state in which the discharge side cylinder 86 is reversed by a predetermined angle β and a state in which the discharge side cylinder 86 is reversed by an angle twice as large as the predetermined angle β.
As shown in FIG. 36, two first discharge holes 87a that are formed in the discharge side cylinder 86 and are continuous in the vertical direction overlap in the circumferential direction. Thereby, from the ball standby portion 82 to the display shelves 71b (fourth and third display shelves 71b from the bottom in FIG. 35) corresponding to the two first discharge holes 87a continuous in the vertical direction. The game balls displayed on the two display shelves 71b continuous in the vertical direction go out of the case 71a from the right side opening 71d in a state in which the game balls are prevented from heading, and the discharge cylinder 86 It falls to the lower tray 74 arranged below. At that time, in the process of reversing the discharge side cylinder 86 by an angle twice as large as the angle β, the upper first discharge hole 87a of the two first discharge holes 87a that are continuous in the vertical direction is the upper one. The right opening 71d corresponding to the display shelf 71b (the fourth display shelf 71b in FIG. 35) is opened (see FIG. 36A). Therefore, of the two display shelves 71b that are continuous in the vertical direction, the game balls displayed on the upper display shelf 71b start to come out of the case 71a through the right opening 71d first.
Thereafter, by repeating the reverse rotation of the insertion side cylinder 81 by an angle twice as large as the predetermined angle α and the reverse rotation of the discharge side cylinder 86 by an angle twice as large as the predetermined angle β, the upper 2 The game balls displayed on the two display shelves 71b are sequentially discharged out of the case 71a.
In this way, the game balls displayed on the display shelf 71b are discharged out of the ball display section 71 every two display shelves 71b.

Next, a case where the game balls displayed on the plurality of display shelves 71b are discharged from all the display shelves 71b almost simultaneously to the outside of the ball display unit 71 will be described. In other words, a case where the game balls displayed on the plurality of display shelves 71b are discharged out of the ball display unit 71 at once is described.
First, the insertion side cylinder 81 is reversed to return to the origin position so as to close the left side openings 71c corresponding to all the display shelves 71b. Thereafter, the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated forward at a predetermined angle γ from the origin position so as to open the right side opening 71d corresponding to all the display shelves 71b. The predetermined angle γ is an angle until the second discharge hole 87b of the discharge side cylinder 86 is in a position facing all the right side openings 71d of the case 71a after the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated forward from the origin position. is there. In the storage ball feeling production section 70 according to the present embodiment, the predetermined angle γ is 320 degrees.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a state in which the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated from the origin by a predetermined angle γ.
As shown in FIG. 37, the second discharge hole 87b is formed such that the right end in the circumferential direction is formed in parallel with the rotation axis direction, and the length of the left end extends in the circumferential direction from top to bottom. It is formed so as to be shorter. Therefore, in the process in which the discharge side cylinder 86 is rotated from the origin by a predetermined angle γ, that is, the second discharge hole 87b is rotated to a position facing all the right side openings 71d of the case 71a, 71d faces the second discharge hole 87b in order from the high position side. As a result, the game balls are prevented from moving from the ball standby unit 82 toward all the display shelves 71b, and the game balls displayed on the display shelves 71b at a higher position are first moved out of the case 71a. And fall to the lower tray 74. Finally, the second discharge holes 87b face all the right side openings 71d of the case 71a, so that the game balls displayed on all the display shelves 71b are discharged out of the case 71a.
In this way, the game balls displayed on the plurality of display shelves 71b are discharged out of the ball display unit 71 all at once.

Next, the case where the game ball of the stored ball feeling production unit 70 is washed will be described.
When the game ball is washed, such as after the opening hours of the hall, the game ball no longer exists in the lower tray 74 with the switching valve 76c of the upper tray 76 set so that the game ball rolls toward the cleaning device 30. Until the ball lift device 75 is driven. Thereby, the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 74 are raised by the ball raising device 75 to reach the upper tray 76, and reach the pre-cleaning stock 32a of the cleaning device 30 via the branch path 76b.

Next, the cleaning device 30 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1-2, the cleaning device 30 includes a cleaning unit 31 that cleans game balls with water, a ball collecting unit 32 that collects game balls distributed to the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the rendering device 20, A cleaning ball guiding unit 33 for guiding the game balls collected by the ball collecting unit 32 to the cleaning unit 31; Also, as shown in FIG. 1B, the cleaning device 30 cleans the washed stock 34 that stores the game balls that have been cleaned by the cleaning unit 31, and the game balls that have been cleaned by the cleaning unit 31. A guide member 35 that guides from the section 31 to the stock 34 after washing, and a ball transport device 36 that sends game balls from the stock 34 after washing to the main stock 41 are provided.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the cleaning unit 31. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning unit 31.
The cleaning unit 31 includes an outer case 37 that stores water inside, and an inner case 38 that is disposed inside the outer case 37 and can store a game ball inside.
The outer case 37 is a thin-walled cylindrical member having a water insertion portion (not shown) that inserts water into the inside at the top, and a water discharge portion 37a that is provided at the bottom and discharges the stored water. , Is formed. Further, an outer case lid 39 that covers a part of the upper surface of the outer case 37 whose upper surface is open is disposed above the outer case 37. The outer case lid 39 is formed with a fitting hole 39a into which the inner case 38 is fitted. A side wall 39b extending upward in the vertical direction is formed on the outer peripheral portion, and the upper case is penetrated and placed on the upper surface. A plurality of through holes 39c are formed to allow the game balls to fall downward. Further, the upper surface of the outer case lid 39 is inclined so that the game balls discharged from the inner case 38 roll from the inner case 38 side to the side wall 39b side, and the edge of the opening of the through hole 39c is the most. Inclined to have a low height.

The inner case 38 is a thin-bottomed cylindrical member, and a plurality of insertion holes 38a for inserting water stored in the outer case 37 into the inner side are housed on the side surface of the cylindrical part. A plurality of discharge holes 38b for discharging the game balls to the outside are formed. The insertion hole 38a is formed smaller than the size of the game ball, and the discharge hole 38b is formed larger than the size of the game ball. The plurality of discharge holes 38b are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to have the same height in the vertical direction.
In addition, a disc-shaped mounting tray 38c for mounting a game ball is attached inside the inner case 38 and slightly below the discharge hole 38b. The surface on which the game ball is placed, that is, the upper surface of the mounting tray 38c is inclined so that the central portion is high and the outer peripheral portion is low.

A plurality of opening / closing members 38d that are movable relative to the inner case 38 in the vertical direction are provided outside the lower portion of the inner case 38 so as to correspond to the plurality of discharge holes 38b, respectively. . The plurality of opening / closing members 38d move relative to the inner case 38 and allow the game balls to be discharged by opening the plurality of discharge holes 38b, or by closing the plurality of discharge holes 38b. To suppress the discharge of water.
Further, an inner case lid 38e is attached to the upper part of the inner case 38 to cover a part of the opening of the inner case 38 whose upper surface is open. Further, an introduction member 38f for introducing the game ball into the inner case 38 is attached to the central portion of the inner case lid 38e.

The outer case 37 is fixed to the unit main body, but the inner case 38 is configured to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and to be rotatable around the central axis of the cylindrical portion. Yes.
The cleaning device 30 includes a vertical movement device (not shown) that moves the inner case 38 up and down, and a rotation device (not shown) that rotates the inner case 38. As the vertical movement device, a known lifting device may be used. For example, a device including a motor-driven hydraulic pump, a lifting cylinder, a tube for transmitting hydraulic pressure to the lifting cylinder, and the like can be used. . Further, as the rotation device, for example, a rotation motor, a device constituted by a belt or the like that is wound around the rotation motor and the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 38, the rotation motor, and the rotation driving of the rotation motor are performed in the inner case 38. The apparatus comprised from the transmission gear etc. which transmit to the gear fitted by the outer peripheral surface of this can be used.

Then, the vertical movement device moves the inner case 38 to three positions having different heights. The lowest position is a position where the game balls stored inside the inner case 38 are made to catch the water stored in the outer case 37, and the highest position is a position where the game balls stored inside the inner case 38 are discharged. It is a position to be discharged to the upper surface of the outer case lid 39 through the hole 38 b, and an intermediate position is a position where the game balls stored inside cannot be held by the water stored in the outer case 37.
In the cleaning device 30 according to the present embodiment, the rotating device rotates the inner case 38 with the vertical movement device moving the inner case 38 to the lowest position described above. Wash the stored game balls. Hereinafter, this lowest position is referred to as a “cleaning position”. In addition, after the game ball stored in the inner case 38 is washed with water, the rotating device rotates the inner case 38 with the vertical movement device moving the inner case 38 to the above-described intermediate position. The drained game balls are drained. Hereinafter, this intermediate position is referred to as a “draining position”. Further, after draining the game balls stored in the inner case 38, the vertical movement device moves the inner case 38 to the highest position described above, thereby discharging the game balls. Hereinafter, this highest position is referred to as a “discharge position”. 39 is a cross-sectional view when the inner case 38 is in the cleaning position.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view when the inner case 38 is in the draining position. FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view when the inner case 38 is at the discharge position.
As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the opening / closing member 38d disposed outside the lower portion of the inner case 38 has a discharge hole 38b on the upper side of the outer case lid 39, such as the inner case 38 being in the cleaning position and the draining position. Until it comes to, it exists in the position which closes the discharge hole 38b. As shown in FIG. 41, the opening / closing member 38d is prevented from being raised by the outer case lid 39 in the process in which the inner case 38 is raised from the draining position to the discharging position, and the inner case 38 is in the discharging position. Sometimes, the discharge hole 38b is opened. Thereby, the game ball stored in the inner case 38 is allowed to flow out to the upper surface of the outer case lid 39.
The washing position and draining position are determined by the number of game balls stored in the inner case 38 at a time, the amount of water stored in the outer case 37, and the like.

  The ball collecting unit 32 has a pre-cleaning stock 32 a that stores the collected game balls before being sent to the cleaning unit 31. In addition, the ball collecting unit 32 is connected to the guide member 65 of the ball appearance feeling production unit 60 and the pre-cleaning stock 32a, and the game balls used for the production in the ball appearance feeling production unit 60 up to the stock 32a before washing. The first introduction member 32b to be guided, the upper tray 76 of the storage ball feeling production unit 70, and the pre-cleaning stock 32a are connected to the pre-cleaning stock 32a. And a second introduction member 32c that leads to the first position.

  The pre-cleaning stock 32a is formed so that the volume of the inner recess is large enough to store all of the game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, and passes through the game ball at the bottom. A through hole 32ah having a size that can be adjusted is formed. The bottom surface of the pre-cleaning stock 32a is inclined so that the portion where the through hole 32ah is formed is the lowest and the game ball rolls toward the through hole 32ah.

The first introduction member 32b has a receiving port for receiving a game ball from the branch path 65b of the guide member 65 of the ball feeling effect producing unit 60 on one end side, and a game ball on the uncleaned stock 32a on the other end side. Has a discharge outlet. The first introduction member 32b is arranged such that the one end side is higher than the other end side so that the game ball rolls under its own weight from one end side to the other end side.
The second introduction member 32c has a receiving port for receiving a game ball from the branch path 76b of the upper tray 76 of the storage ball effect production unit 70 on one end side, and a game ball on the pre-cleaning stock 32a on the other end side. Has a discharge outlet. The second introduction member 32c is arranged so that the one end side is higher than the other end side so that the game ball rolls under its own weight from one end side to the other end side.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the cleaning ball guide 33.
The cleaning ball guide 33 is disposed below the pre-cleaning stock 32a, receives a game ball that has dropped from the pre-cleaning stock 32a and sends it one by one, and a game ball sent by the ball feeding device 33a. And a nozzle 33b for guiding the inner case 38 toward the introduction member 38f (see FIG. 39).
The ball feeding device 33a has a stepping motor 33am, and with the rotation of the stepping motor 33am, the game balls are sent out one by one from the discharge port. The nozzle 33b is a hollow member through which a single game ball can pass. The nozzle 33b is disposed below the discharge port of the ball feeding device 33a and has a receiving portion 33ba opened upward. And a lateral portion 33bs formed so as to become lower as it goes to the tip where the discharge port 33be is formed. A rotation motor (not shown) is connected to the nozzle 33b. The nozzle 33b is driven by the rotation motor and is formed at the tip of the lateral portion 33bs with a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction as a rotation center. The discharge port 33be rotates between a position where the discharge port 33be exists above the introduction member 38f of the inner case 38 and a position where it does not exist above.
In the cleaning ball guide 33 configured as described above, when the discharge port 33be of the lateral portion 33bs of the nozzle 33b exists above the introduction member 38f of the inner case 38, the game sent by the ball feeding device 33a. The sphere enters the nozzle 33b from the receiving portion 33ba of the nozzle 33b, is discharged from the discharge port 33be of the lateral portion 33bs, and enters the introduction member 38f.

The post-cleaning stock 34 is a box-shaped member having a volume capable of storing all the game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, and the same number of holes as the guide members 35 in which the guide members 35 are fitted on the upper surface Is formed. And the discharge port which discharges | emits game balls is formed in the side surface of the stock 34 after washing | cleaning, and the bottom face inclines so that a game ball may go to this discharge port.
The guide member 35 is a thin cylindrical member. One end of the guide member 35 is connected to a through hole 39c formed in the outer case lid 39, and the other end is connected to the stock 34 after cleaning. The guide member 35 is provided in the same number as the through hole 39c. .
The ball transport device 36 is a device that raises a game ball discharged from the outlet of the stock 34 after washing to a main stock 41 to be described later, and has the same configuration and function as the ball lift device 52 described above. Description is omitted.

  The cleaning device 30 configured as described above operates as follows. That is, when the inner case 38 is at the cleaning position and the discharge port 33be of the lateral portion 33bs of the nozzle 33b is on the introduction member 38f, the ball feeding device 33a sends a predetermined number of game balls. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the inner case 38. Thereafter, the rotation device rotates the inner case 38 at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined period. Thereby, a predetermined number of game balls are washed with water.

Thereafter, a rotary motor that rotationally drives the nozzle 33b rotates the lateral portion 33bs of the nozzle 33b to a position where it does not interfere with the introduction member 38f even when the introduction member 38f rises, and moves the inner case 38 up and down. The device raises the inner case 38 to the draining position. A rotating device that rotates the inner case 38 rotates the inner case 38 at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined period. Thereby, a predetermined number of game balls are drained.
Thereafter, a vertical movement device that moves the inner case 38 up and down raises the inner case 38 to the discharge position. In the process, the opening / closing member 38d is lowered with respect to the inner case 38, and when the inner case 38 reaches the discharge position, the discharge hole 38b is opened to a size that allows the game ball to pass therethrough. Thereby, the game ball in the inner case 38 is discharged to the upper surface of the outer case lid 39. Thereafter, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the outer case lid 39 and falls from the through hole 39c. Then, the game ball dropped from the through hole 39c passes through the guide member 35 and reaches the stock 34 after cleaning.
The above process is repeated until all the game balls sealed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU reach the stock 34 after cleaning. Thereafter, the ball transport device 36 raises all the game balls in the stock 34 after cleaning to the main stock 41.

Next, the distribution device 40 will be described in detail.
FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the distribution device 40 from the upper right rear obliquely. FIG. 44 is a view of the distribution device 40 as viewed from above.
The distribution device 40 includes a main stock 41 that stores game balls sealed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, a guide member 42 that guides the game balls stored in the main stock 41 to a ball cutting device 43 described later, and a guide member 42. And a well-known ball-cutting device 43 for supplying game balls falling from the main stock 41 one by one in order.

In addition, the distribution device 40 distributes the game balls supplied from the ball cutting device 43 to the circulating ball stock 53, the lower tray 63 of the exit ball feeling production section 60, or the lower tray 74 of the storage ball feeling production section 70. A dispensing nozzle 44 for dispensing is provided.
In addition, the distribution device 40 guides the game ball received from the distribution nozzle 44 to the circulation ball stock member 45 that guides the game ball to the circulation ball stock 53 and to the lower tray 63 of the ball appearance feeling production unit 60. A member 46, a storage ball feeling ball guide member 47 for guiding to the lower tray 74 of the storage ball feeling production unit 70, a circulating ball guide member 45, a ball feeling ball guide member 46, and a ball feeling ball guide member And a support member 48 that supports the end portion of the distribution nozzle 44 on the 47 side.
In addition, the distribution device 40 includes a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of nozzle position detection sensors 49 that detect the position of the distribution nozzle 44, and the plurality of nozzle position detection sensors 49 includes a support member 48. Is attached.

The main stock 41 is a concave member formed so that the volume of the inner recess is large enough to store all the game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU. A receiving port for receiving the game ball sent from the stock 34 after cleaning through the outlet and a discharge port 41a for discharging the game ball are formed. The bottom of the main stock 41 is inclined so that the discharge port 41a is the lowest and the game ball rolls to the discharge port 41a.
The guide member 42 is a hollow member through which one game ball can pass. One end of the guide member 42 is connected to the discharge port 41a of the main stock 41. The other end opens downward and the ball cutting device 43 is open. It is connected to.

  The distribution nozzle 44 is a hollow member through which one game ball can pass, and is arranged below the opening portion facing downward of the guide member 42 and receiving portion 44a opened upward. And a lateral portion 44b formed so as to extend in the lateral direction and become lower toward the tip where the discharge port 44ba is formed. A rotation motor (not shown) is connected to the distribution nozzle 44. The distribution nozzle 44 is driven by the rotation motor, and a discharge port 44ba is formed around a rotation shaft extending in the vertical direction. The tip of the lateral part 44b rotates. Further, the distribution nozzle 44 has a protruding portion 44c that is lower than the lateral portion 44b and protrudes in the rotational direction.

The circulation ball guide member 45, the exit ball feeling ball guide member 46, and the storage ball sense ball guide member 47 are formed with a receiving port for receiving a game ball below the discharge port 44 ba at the tip of the distribution nozzle 44 on one end side. The other end is connected to the circulating ball stock 53, the lower tray 63 of the ball feeling effect production unit 60, and the lower tray 74 of the stored ball feeling production unit 70, respectively. And it arrange | positions so that the direction of one end side may become a higher position than the other end side so that a game ball may roll with dead weight from one end side.
The support member 48 is a bottomed cylindrical member, and a notch for supporting the circulating ball guide member 45, the exit ball feeling ball guide member 46, and the storage ball feeling ball guide member 47 is formed on each side surface. ing. A bearing 48a to which the rotation shaft of the distribution nozzle 44 is fitted is provided at the bottom of the support member 48 and on the center line of the cylinder. A rotation motor (not shown) that rotates the distribution nozzle 44 is disposed below the bottom of the support member 48.
As shown in FIG. 44, one end of the circulating ball guide member 45, the exit ball feeling ball guide member 46, and the storage ball feeling ball guide member 47 circulates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. The ball guide member 45, the stored ball feeling ball guide member 47, and the exit ball feeling ball guide member 46 are supported by the support member 48 in this order.

The nozzle position detection sensor 49 is a well-known photo interrupter sensor, and includes two protrusions formed so as to protrude in the horizontal direction from the sensor body, and light emitting elements (not shown) provided in the protrusions, respectively. A light receiving element (not shown). Then, depending on whether the light receiving element receives light emitted from the light emitting element, the presence of the distribution nozzle 44 at a portion where the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other is read. More specifically, since the light receiving element of the nozzle position detection sensor 49 does not receive light, the presence of the protruding portion 44c of the distribution nozzle 44 at the portion where the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other is detected.
In the present embodiment, three nozzle position detection sensors 49 are provided, and the light receiving element of the nozzle position detection sensor 49a, which is one of the sensors, does not receive light. It is detected that the discharge port 44ba of the lateral portion 44b exists above the receiving port of the circulating ball guide member 45. Further, since the light receiving element of the nozzle position detection sensor 49b, which is one of the three sensors, does not receive light, the discharge port 44ba of the lateral portion 44b of the distribution nozzle 44 is the receiving port of the storage ball sensation ball guide member 47. , And the light receiving element of the nozzle position detecting sensor 49c does not receive light, so that the discharge port 44ba of the lateral portion 44b of the distribution nozzle 44 is located above the receiving port of the ball sensing ball guide member 46. Detect the presence. As shown in FIG. 44, these three nozzle position detection sensors 49 are attached to the support member 48 in the order of the nozzle position detection sensors 49a, 49b, and 49c in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. ing.

  The distribution device 40 configured as described above operates as follows. In other words, the distribution device 40, before the opening of the hall, the circulation ball that circulates all the game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU in the pachinko gaming machine 100 for the game, At 60, the effect ball used for the ball feeling effect is distributed to the effect ball used for the ball feeling effect at the storage ball feeling effect unit 70. For this purpose, the distribution device 40 circulates the game balls stored in the main stock 41 via the distribution nozzle 44, the circulating ball stock 53, the lower tray 63 of the outgoing ball feeling effect unit 60, and the stored ball feeling effect unit 70. The lower tray 74 is distributed.

  When the distribution device 40 sends a game ball to the circulation ball stock 53, first, a nozzle position detection sensor is provided so that the discharge port 44ba of the lateral portion 44b of the distribution nozzle 44 exists above the reception port of the circulation ball guide member 45. The distribution nozzle 44 is rotated until 49a switches from light reception to light shielding. Thereafter, a predetermined number of game balls are sent from the main stock 41 by the ball cutting device 43. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls are sent to the circulating ball stock 53 via the circulating ball guide member 45.

  In addition, when the distribution device 40 sends a game ball to the lower tray 63 of the ball-feeling effect producing unit 60, first, the outlet 44ba of the lateral portion 44b of the distribution nozzle 44 is inserted into the ball-entrance-sensitive ball guide member 46. The distribution nozzle 44 is rotated until the nozzle position detection sensor 49c switches from light reception to light shielding. Thereafter, a predetermined number of game balls are sent from the main stock 41 by the ball cutting device 43. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls are sent to the lower tray 63 of the ball feeling effect producing unit 60 via the ball feeling ball guiding member 46.

  In addition, when the dispensing device 40 sends a game ball to the lower tray 74 of the storage ball feeling production unit 70, first, the discharge port 44ba of the lateral portion 44b of the distribution nozzle 44 is connected to the receiving port of the storage ball feeling ball guide member 47. The distribution nozzle 44 is rotated until the nozzle position detection sensor 49b switches from light reception to light shielding. Thereafter, a predetermined number of game balls are sent from the main stock 41 by the ball cutting device 43. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls are sent to the lower tray 74 of the stored ball feeling effect producing unit 70 via the stored ball feeling ball guiding member 47.

  In addition, as described above, a circulation ball that circulates in the pachinko gaming machine 100 for a game, and a production ball and a storage ball that are used for a ball production feeling production by the ball production feeling production unit 60 before the hall starts business. The game balls distributed to the effect balls used for the ball feeling effect by the feeling effect unit 70 are used for the circulation ball, the effect ball used for the ball feeling effect, and the ball feeling effect during the business hours of the hall, respectively. It is used as a production ball.

[Configuration of control unit of pachinko machine unit]
FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control unit of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU. As shown in the figure, the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU includes a unit control unit 500 that comprehensively controls the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, such as display of the player's balance, the number of pitches and the number of stored balls, And a ball data management unit 600 that manages data of game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU. In addition, a ball exit / storage feeling control unit 700 that controls the effects in the ball appearance effect producing unit 60 and the storage ball effect producing unit 70, a cleaning control unit 800 that controls washing of the game balls by the washing device 30, and a distribution device A distribution control unit 900 that controls the distribution of game balls by 40, and a launch control unit 650 that controls the launch of game balls by the supply device 158, the launch device 160, and the like.
The unit controller 500 and the launch controller 650 function as an example of a stopping unit that stops the supply of the game ball to the game area 111 of the game board 110.
The unit control unit 500, the ball data management unit 600, the ball exit / storage feeling control unit 700, the cleaning control unit 800, the distribution control unit 900, and the launch control unit 650 are arranged on the rear surface of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU. The unit control board, the ball data management board, the ball exit / ball storage feeling control board, the cleaning control board, the distribution control board, and the launch control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of unit controller]
The unit control unit 500 includes a CPU 501 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the overall control of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, a ROM 502 that stores programs executed by the CPU 501, various data, and the like, and operations of the CPU 501 And a RAM 503 used as a general memory.
As shown in FIG. 45, the unit control unit 500 is connected to a sphere data management unit 600, a firing control unit 650, a cleaning control unit 800, the CR unit 21, and the touch panel 22. The unit controller 500 is connected to the game controller 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 through a panel power supply relay terminal board. The unit control unit 500 is connected to a unit external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall.

The unit control unit 500 plays a game due to a game ball winning from the pachinko gaming machine 100 to the first starting port 121, the second starting port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126 of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Information on prize balls acquired by the player. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, information indicating that 10 winning balls have been acquired is acquired from the game control unit 200.
The unit control unit 500 transmits information regarding the number of winning balls acquired from the game control unit 200 to the host computer via the unit external information terminal board 450.

In addition, the unit control unit 500 acquires information that a game ball has been launched and information on a foul ball from the ball data management unit 600. Further, the unit controller 500 acquires information stored in a card inserted into the CR unit 21, information on the amount of cash inserted to borrow a game ball, and the like from the CR unit 21.
Then, the unit control unit 500 manages the balance and the number of stored balls based on the information acquired in this way. Further, the unit control unit 500 transmits the information on the remaining amount / the number of stored balls to the CR unit 21 as information to be stored in the card inserted in the CR unit 21.

In addition, when the business of the hall is finished, the unit control unit 500 controls the cleaning device 30 to instruct the cleaning of all the game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU.
In addition, the unit control unit 500 controls the distribution device 40 so that all game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU are circulated in the pachinko gaming machine 100 for the game, The effect part 60 distributes the effect ball used for the ball feeling effect and the effect ball used for the ball feeling effect by the storage ball feeling effect unit 70.

  Further, the above-described rail ball detection sensor 159, remaining ball photo sensor 153f, suppression valve solenoid 153bs, and on-off valve solenoid 153gs are connected to the unit controller 500. Then, the unit controller 500 controls the suppression valve solenoid 153bs, the on-off valve solenoid 153gs, and the like based on the information sent from the rail ball detection sensor 159, the remaining ball photo sensor 153f, and the like, and the shot ball guide path 153r. Adjust the number of game balls.

The unit control unit 500 displays a menu screen or the like on the touch panel 22 as an example of an accepting unit, and acquires information indicating that a button displayed on the touch panel 22 such as a menu screen has been pressed from the touch panel 22.
46-1, FIG. 46-2, FIG. 46-3, and FIG. 46-4 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 22 by the unit controller 500.
When neither card nor cash is inserted into the CR unit 21 and the game is not in progress, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen A in FIG. And unit control part 500 displays screen B of Drawing 46-1 (b), when a game is started. On the screen B, selection buttons indicated as “service”, “seating”, and “end condition setting”, the number of played balls (the number of winning prize balls), the number of stored balls, and the remaining amount are displayed. Note that the number of balls to be played (the number of winning prize balls) is the total number of game balls that the player has acquired with this pachinko gaming machine unit PU. The number of stored balls is the number of game balls that a player can use for a game in this pachinko gaming machine unit PU (can be launched toward the game board 110 by the launching device 160). The remaining amount is the amount of money that the player has put into the CR unit 21 but has not yet been used in the game. In the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, when the number of stored balls is one or more and the remaining amount is equal to or more than an amount corresponding to one gaming ball, the launching device 160 launches one gaming ball. Then, the unit controller 500 subtracts one stored ball number and does not reduce the remaining amount. In addition, in the case where a winning game ball is won due to winning a winning opening, the unit control unit 500 increases the number of stored balls by the number of winning prize balls and does not increase the remaining amount. . When the number of stored balls is zero and the remaining amount is equal to or more than the amount corresponding to one game ball, the unit control unit 500 determines the remaining amount when one game ball is fired by the launching device 160. When the game ball that has been fired becomes a foul ball, the number of stored balls is increased by the amount that has become a foul ball.

Further, when the selection button indicated as “service” on the screen B is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen C in FIG. On the screen C, there are displayed a selection button for an item to receive the service, a selection button for a payment method when receiving the service, and a selection button indicated as “Cancel”.
In addition, when the selection button indicated as “seating” on the screen B is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen D in FIG. 46-2 (a). On the screen D, a selection button indicated as “meal” and “toilet”, a selection button indicated as “game end”, and a selection button indicated as “cancel” are displayed.
In addition, when the selection button indicated as “meal” or “toilet” on the screen D is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen E in FIG. 46-2 (b). Then, when the screen E is displayed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen B when the player returns within a predetermined time as a meal break or a toilet break, and the predetermined value is determined in advance. When the player does not return within the time, the screen F of FIG. 46-2 (c) is displayed.
Further, when the selection button indicated as “end condition setting” on the screen B is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen G of FIG. 46-3 (a). On the screen G, a selection button indicated as “end time”, “number of completions”, “remaining amount at end”, “remaining number of stored balls at end”, and a selection button indicated as “cancel” are displayed. ing.
Further, when the selection button indicated as “end time” on the screen G is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen H of FIG. 46-3 (b). On the screen H, a number selection button from “0” to “9” for inputting the time, a selection button labeled “Confirm” for confirming the input time, and “Cancel” are displayed. A selection button is displayed. In addition, when the selection button indicated as “number of end times” on the screen G is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen I in FIG. On the screen I, a selection button for numbers from “0” to “9” for inputting the number of times, a selection button for indicating “number of times” for determining the number of times of input, and “cancel” are shown. A selection button is displayed. In addition, when the selection button indicated as “remaining amount at end” on the screen G is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays a screen J in FIG. 46-4 (a). On the screen J, a number selection button from “0” to “9” for inputting the amount, a selection button shown as “Confirm” for confirming the input amount, and “Cancel” are shown. A selection button is displayed. In addition, when the selection button indicated as “the number of remaining balls at the end” on the screen G is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen K in FIG. 46-4 (b). On the screen K, a number selection button from “0” to “9” for inputting the number of stored balls, a selection button labeled “Confirm” for determining the number of stored balls, and “Cancel” A selection button is displayed.
Further, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen A when the selection button indicated as “game end” on the screen D is pressed. In addition, when the selection button indicated as “Cancel” on the screen C, the screen D, the screen G, the screen H, the screen I, or the screen J is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen B again. .
The screen display on the touch panel 22 and the transition timing performed by the unit controller 500 will be described later.

[Configuration / Function of Sphere Data Management Department]
The sphere data management unit 600 includes a CPU 601 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various types of control related to management of the circulating sphere, a ROM 602 that stores programs executed by the CPU 601, various data, and the like, and a work memory of the CPU 601. Etc., and a RAM 603 used as the
As shown in FIG. 45, the ball data management unit 600 includes a launch detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611 (see FIG. 2A) for detecting a game ball launched by the launch device 160, and a game board. 110, a lower end detection unit (lower end switch (SW)) 612 (see FIG. 21-1) for detecting a game ball passing through the lower end 118, and a foul ball detection unit (foul ball switch (SW) for detecting a foul ball. )) 613 (see FIG. 2A).

The ball data management unit 600 includes information that a game ball has been launched by the launching device 160 from the launch detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611, and the game board 110 from the lower end port detection unit (lower end port switch (SW)) 612. Information indicating that the game ball has passed through the lower end 118 of the player, and information indicating that the game ball has become a foul ball from the foul ball detection unit (foul ball switch (SW)) 613, and the unit control unit 500 obtains the information. Send to.
In addition, the ball data management unit 600 acquires information on the number of winning prize balls and the number of stored balls from the unit control unit 500. Then, the ball data management unit 600 manages the number of winning prize balls and the number of stored balls, and transmits the number of winning prize balls and the number of stored balls to the outgoing and stored ball feeling control unit 700.
The sphere data management unit 600 is connected to the sphere raising device 52, the sphere cutting device 58, and the suppression valve 153b described above, and the sphere data management unit 600 controls the driving thereof.

[Configuration and function of the starting and storage feeling control unit]
The exit / storage feeling control unit 700 stores a CPU 701 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the exit feeling and the storage effect, and a program executed by the CPU 701, various data, and the like. ROM 702 and RAM 703 used as a working memory for CPU 701 and the like.
As shown in FIG. 45, the above-described ball exit / storage feeling control unit 700 is connected to the insertion side photosensor 76e, the discharge side photosensor 76f, and the ball detection photosensor 76g.
In addition, the ball-and-ball feeling control unit 700 includes driving units such as a rotating body motor 61b and an adjustment valve motor 62c provided in the ball-feeling effect unit 60, and a ball-feeling effect unit 70. The drive units such as the insertion-side motor 85 and the discharge-side motor 90 provided are connected.
Then, the exit / storage feeling control unit 700 controls the exit feeling effect part 60 and the storage effect effect part 70 based on the number of winning prize balls and the number of stored balls acquired from the ball data management part 600.

[Configuration and function of cleaning control unit]
The cleaning control unit 800 includes a CPU 801 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the cleaning of game balls, a ROM 802 that stores programs executed by the CPU 801, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 801, and the like. RAM 803 used as
The cleaning control unit 800 includes a pre-cleaning ball detection unit (pre-cleaning ball switch (SW)) 811 that detects a game ball supplied from the pre-cleaning stock 32 a to the inner case 38, and a cleaning device 30 that supplies the main stock 41. A post-cleaning ball detection unit (post-cleaning ball switch (SW)) 812 that detects a game ball to be played is connected.
Further, the cleaning control unit 800 includes a vertical movement device and a rotation device that are provided in the cleaning device 30 to move the inner case 38 up and down, a stepping motor 33am that drives the ball feeding device 33a, a rotation motor that rotates the nozzle 33b, and the like. Are connected to each other.
Then, based on the command acquired from the unit control unit 500, the cleaning control unit 800 controls the cleaning device 30 so as to clean all the game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU.

[Configuration and function of distribution control unit]
The distribution control unit 900 includes a CPU 901 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the distribution of game balls, a ROM 902 that stores programs executed by the CPU 901, various data, and the like, a work memory of the CPU 901, and the like. And a RAM 903 used as the above.
The above-described nozzle position detection sensor 49 is connected to the distribution control unit 900. Further, the distribution control unit 900 is connected to each drive unit provided in the distribution device 40 such as a ball cutting device 43 and a rotation motor that rotationally drives the distribution nozzle 44.
Then, the distribution control unit 900 controls the distribution device 40 based on a command from the unit control unit 500. In other words, the distribution control unit 900 controls the distribution device 40 so that all the game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU are circulated in the pachinko gaming machine 100 for the game, The effect part 60 distributes the effect ball used for the ball feeling effect and the effect ball used for the ball feeling effect by the storage ball feeling effect unit 70.

[Configuration and function of launch control unit]
The launch control unit 650 includes a CPU 651 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launch of the game ball, a ROM 652 that stores programs executed by the CPU 651, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 651, and the like. And a RAM 653 used as the above.
FIG. 46-5 is a block diagram of the launch control unit 650. The launch control unit 650 is configured on the launch control board.
The launch control unit 650 includes a launch timing signal generation unit 661a that outputs a launch timing signal at a predetermined time interval, and a ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b that outputs a ball feed timing signal at a predetermined time interval. And a timing signal generation unit 661 having the same. Further, the firing control unit 650 generates a pulse current of a level corresponding to the firing intensity based on the firing timing signal output from the firing timing signal generation unit 661a and the voltage signal according to the rotation angle of the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar. A firing drive unit 662 that supplies the firing solenoid 160a is provided. The firing control unit 650 includes a ball feed driving unit 663 that supplies a pulse current corresponding to the ball feed timing signal output from the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b to the ball feed solenoid 158b.
In addition, a launch permission flag is set in the RAM 653 of the launch control unit 650. This launch permission flag is a flag that is turned ON when a game flag, which will be described later, is ON in the RAM 503 of the unit control unit 500, and is turned OFF when the game flag is OFF. The launch control unit 650 turns on the launch permission flag when receiving information from the unit control unit 500 that the in-game flag has been turned on, and receives information from the unit control unit 500 that the in-game flag has been turned off. The fire permission flag is turned OFF.

The firing signal generation unit 661a of the timing signal generation unit 661 receives a touch signal from a touch sensor 151c described later and a stop signal from the stop switch 154a. In addition, the launch timing signal generation unit 661a includes a game stop signal that is a signal indicating that the game has been stopped from the game control unit 200 and a launch stop signal that is a signal indicating that the unit control unit 500 is to stop firing. And are input.
The firing timing signal generation unit 661a receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 151c when the firing permission flag is ON, and also receives a stop signal from the stop switch 154a and a game stop signal from the game control unit 200. And a firing timing signal is output on condition that none of the firing stop signals from the unit controller 500 is input. In other words, the firing timing signal generation unit 661a does not output a firing timing signal unless the firing permission flag is ON. Moreover, even if the firing permission flag is ON, the firing timing signal generation unit 661a does not output the firing timing signal unless the touch signal from the touch sensor 151c is input. Even if the launch permission flag is ON and a touch signal from the touch sensor 151c is input, at least one stop signal of the stop signal, the game stop signal, and the launch stop signal from the stop switch 154a is input. If so, the firing timing signal is not output.

In addition, a touch signal from the touch sensor 151c is input to the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b of the timing signal generation unit 661 and a stop signal is input from the stop switch 154a. In addition, the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b includes a game stop signal that is a signal indicating that the game has been stopped from the game control unit 200 and a launch stop that is a signal that indicates that the unit control unit 500 is to stop firing. A signal and a ball feed stop signal that is a signal indicating that the ball feed should be stopped are input from the unit controller 500.
Then, the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 151c when the firing permission flag is ON, and a stop signal from the stop switch 154a and a game stop from the game control unit 200. The ball feed timing signal is output on condition that none of the signal, the stop signal from the unit controller 500 and the ball feed stop signal from the unit controller 500 are input. In other words, the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b does not output a ball feed timing signal unless the firing permission flag is ON. Further, even when the launch permission flag is ON, the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b does not output the ball feed timing signal unless the touch signal from the touch sensor 151c is input. Further, even if the launch permission flag is ON and a touch signal is input from the touch sensor 151c, at least one stop of a stop signal, a game stop signal, a launch stop signal, and a ball feed stop signal from the stop switch 154a is stopped. If the signal is input, the ball feed timing signal is not output.

46-6 is a diagram illustrating a launch timing signal and a ball feed timing signal that are generated and output by the launch timing signal generator 661a and the ball feed timing signal generator 661b of the timing signal generator 661.
The firing timing signal generation unit 661a receives a touch signal when the launch permission flag is ON, and also receives any stop signal from the stop switch 154a, a game stop signal, and a launch stop signal. If the launch condition is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 46-4, after the launch condition is established, a launch timing signal with a time interval Tc (for example, 0.6 second interval) is generated and output after the launch time Tb. . Further, the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b receives a touch signal when the launch permission flag is ON, and receives a stop signal, a game stop signal, a launch stop signal, and a ball feed stop signal from the stop switch 154a. When the ball feed condition that no stop signal is input is established, as shown in FIG. 46-4, after the ball feed condition is established, a ball feed timing signal having a time interval Tc with a time width Tf is generated. Output.

  The firing drive unit 662 receives a firing timing signal from the firing timing signal generation unit 661a and a voltage signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar. Then, the firing drive unit 662 combines the firing timing signal and the voltage signal, has a level corresponding to the firing intensity, obtains a pulse signal of the time interval Tc with the time width Tb as the firing drive signal, and sets the firing solenoid 160a. A drive current is supplied so as to drive with a torque corresponding to the firing drive signal. In other words, the firing drive unit 662 is proportional to the level of the voltage signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar for Tb time after the firing condition is established based on the firing timing signal from the firing timing signal generation unit 661a. The drive current is supplied to the firing solenoid 511, and the drive current proportional to the voltage signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar at that time is Tb time every time interval Tc elapses after the firing condition is established. Repeat the supply.

  The ball feed drive unit 663 combines the ball feed timing signal from the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b and a signal having a level corresponding to a predetermined drive current, has this level, and has a time interval Tf and a time interval. A pulse signal of Tc is obtained as a ball feed drive signal, and a drive current is supplied so as to drive the ball feed solenoid 158b with a torque corresponding to the ball feed drive signal. In other words, the ball feed drive unit 663 supplies a predetermined drive current to the ball feed solenoid 158b only for Tf time after the firing condition is established based on the ball feed timing signal from the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b. The supply of the same drive current is repeated for the time Tf every time interval Tc elapses after the firing condition is satisfied.

[Basic operation of pachinko machine unit]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU configured as described above will be described.
Basic operations of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU are performed by the unit controller 500. Then, under the control of the unit control unit 500, the game data is managed by the ball data management unit 600, and the ball feeling / ballistic feeling control unit 700 performs the ball feeling effect producing unit 60 and the ball feeling feeling producing unit. 70 is controlled. In addition, under the control of the unit control unit 500, the cleaning control unit 800 controls the cleaning device 30, and the distribution control unit 900 controls the distribution device 40.

[Initial processing of the unit controller]
The unit controller 500 reads and displays a number set in advance as the number of the pachinko gaming machine unit PU as an initial process when the power is turned on. In addition, the unit controller 500 reads an amount per game ball (for example, 1 yen / 1 ball, 4 yen / 1 ball) preset for the pachinko gaming machine 100. Further, the unit controller 500 displays the screen A on the touch panel 22.

[Basic processing by the unit controller]
The unit controller 500 repeatedly executes basic processing at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off.
47-1, FIG. 47-2, and FIG. 47-3 are flowcharts showing the contents of basic processing performed by the unit controller 500.
Referring to FIG. 47-1, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the in-game flag is OFF in the flag setting set in the RAM 503 (step 4701). Here, as described later, the in-game flag is a flag that is turned on when a bill is inserted into the CR unit 21 or when a card storing a stored number of balls greater than zero is inserted.

  If the in-game flag is OFF (Yes in step 4701), it is determined whether or not the store is closed (step 4703). This is a process for determining whether or not the current time has reached a predetermined time as the closing time. If the store is closed (Yes in Step 4703), a command for the cleaning process is transmitted to the cleaning control unit 800 (Step 4704), and the basic process ends. On the other hand, if the store is not closed (No in Step 4703), it is determined whether or not a card has been inserted into the CR unit 21 (Step 4705). If a card is inserted into the CR unit 21 (Yes in step 4705), it is determined whether or not a card error has occurred (step 4706). This is a process of determining whether or not the identification information of the inserted card is readable, and determining a card error if it is not readable. Alternatively, it is determined whether the inserted card can be used in the hall where the pachinko gaming machine unit PU is arranged, that is, whether the identification information of the card matches the identification information stored in the ROM 502 in advance. In this case, the card error is determined as unusable if they do not match. The card identification information can be exemplified by the card manufacturing number.

If it is a card error (Yes in step 4706), a message indicating a card error is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4707). On the other hand, if it is not a card error (No in step 4706), it is determined whether or not the inserted card is a hole card (step 4708). This is a process for determining whether or not the identification information of the inserted card matches the identification information stored in advance in the ROM 502 as a card for the employee of the hall. If the inserted card is a hole card (Yes in step 4708), the door of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opened (step 4709). On the other hand, if the card is not a hole card (No in step 4708), it is determined whether or not the card inserted into the CR unit 21 stores more than zero stored balls, that is, whether or not there are stored balls ( Step 4712). If there is a stored ball in the card (Yes in step 4712), the in-game flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 503 is turned ON (step 4713). Thereafter, the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4710).
On the other hand, if no card is inserted in the CR unit 21 (No in step 4705), it is determined whether or not a bill is inserted in the CR unit 21 (step 4711). When a bill is inserted (Yes in Step 4711), the game-in-progress flag is turned ON (Step 4713), and the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 4710).

  Then, after the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 and when it is determined in step 4701 that the in-game flag is not OFF (No in step 4701), a call button (not set) provided for calling the hall employee. It is determined whether or not (shown) has been pressed (step 4714). If the call button is pressed (Yes in step 4714), the indicator lamp 23 is lit in red (step 4715). When the call button is not pressed (No in Step 4714), and after the indicator lamp 23 is lit in red in Step 4715, the button indicated as “Seating” on screen B displayed on the touch panel 22 is pressed. It is determined whether or not (step 4716). If the button labeled “seating” is pressed (Yes in step 4716), screen D is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4717), and another routine of leaving is executed (step 4718). The contents of the away process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the button labeled “separate” has not been pressed (No in step 4716), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “service” on screen B displayed on touch panel 22 has been pressed. (Step 4719). If the button labeled “service” is pressed (Yes in step 4719), the screen C is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4720), and another routine of service processing is executed (step 4721). The contents of the service process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the button indicated as “service” has not been pressed (No in step 4719), it is determined whether or not the button indicated as “end condition setting” on screen B displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed. (Step 4731). When the button indicating “end condition setting” is pressed (Yes in step 4731), the screen G is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4732), and an end condition setting process of another routine is executed (step 4733). ). Details of the end condition setting process will be described later.

Thereafter, information is acquired from the ball data management unit 600 and the game control unit 200 (step 4722). The information acquired from the game control unit 200 includes the number of winning balls acquired and the gaming state, as well as the determination result determined by the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 that the jackpot has been finally won ( The number of times of the determination of the lottery result of the accumulated special symbol (after the start of business of the hall) when the jackpot winning of No. is zero is included. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been launched based on the information acquired from the ball data management unit 600 (step 4723). If the game ball has not been fired (No in step 4723), it is determined whether or not a prize ball has been acquired based on the information acquired from the game control unit 200 (step 4724). If no winning ball has been acquired (No in step 4724), it is determined whether or not a bill has been inserted into the CR unit 21 (step 4725).
When a game ball is fired (Yes in step 4723), a winning ball is obtained (Yes in step 4724), and a bill is inserted (Yes in step 4725), Data regarding the number of stored balls is updated (step 4726). The update of the number of balls to be played is a process of adding the number of prize balls acquired this time to the cumulative number of balls to be played so far. The update of the number of stored balls is a process of subtracting the number of game balls launched from the number of stored balls in the previous flow, or a process of adding the number of prize balls acquired this time to the number of stored balls in the previous flow. The balance update is a process of adding the amount of money inserted this time to the balance in the previous flow. After that, these data are stored in the card inserted into the CR unit 21 (step 4727), and transmitted to the exit / pickup feeling control unit 700 (step 4728).

  If no banknote is inserted in the CR unit 21 (No in Step 4725) and after data is transmitted to the pitching / pickup feeling control unit 700 in Step 4728, it is determined whether or not a game end condition is set. A determination is made (step 4735). Here, it is determined whether or not any end condition is set through an end time setting process, an end determination number setting process, an end remaining amount setting process, or an end remaining ball number setting process, which will be described later. It is processing to do. If a game end condition is set (Yes in step 4735), it is determined whether or not the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a gaming state advantageous to the player (step 4736). The gaming state advantageous to the player can be exemplified by the above-mentioned jackpot game, small jackpot game, probability variation gaming state, and short-time gaming state. Then, as the processing of step 4736, it is determined whether or not the winning game flag set in the RAM 503 is ON based on the information acquired from the game control unit 200. It is possible to exemplify that the processing is determined to determine that the game state is advantageous to the player, and when the winning game flag is OFF, it is determined that the game state is not advantageous to the player. Further, based on the information acquired from the game control unit 200, it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag set in the RAM 503 is ON. If any of the flags is ON, a game advantageous to the player It is possible to exemplify that it is a process for determining that the game state is not advantageous to the player when it is determined that the state is in the state and all the flags are OFF. If the game state is advantageous to the player (Yes in step 4736), the set end condition is canceled (step 4737). On the other hand, if the gaming state is not advantageous to the player (No in step 4736), it is determined whether or not the game end time is set (step 4761). If the end time has been set (Yes in step 4761), it is determined whether or not the set end time has been reached (step 4762). The end time is set by an end time setting process described later. When the set end time is reached (Yes in step 4762), an end process is executed when a set condition of another routine is satisfied (step 4863). Details of the termination process when the set condition is satisfied will be described later. On the other hand, when the end time is not set (No in step 4761) and when the set end time is not reached (No in step 4762), it is determined whether or not the end determination count is set (step 4764). ). The number of end determinations is set by an end determination number setting process described later. If the end determination count is set (Yes in step 4762), the determination result of the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 is the last big win based on the information acquired from the game control unit 200. The number of determinations of the lottery result of the accumulated special symbol after the determination (after the opening of the hall if the big win of the day is zero) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “accumulated lottery result determination number”). It is determined whether or not the set number of determinations has been reached (step 4765). When the set number of determinations has been reached (Yes in step 4765), an end process when the set condition is satisfied is executed (step 4863). On the other hand, if the end determination count is not set (No in step 4762) and if the set determination count is not reached (No in step 4765), it is determined whether or not the remaining amount at the end is set. (Step 4766). The end remaining amount is set by an end remaining amount setting process described later. Then, when the end remaining amount is set (Yes in step 4766), it is determined whether or not the remaining amount becomes the end remaining amount (step 4767). If the set remaining balance amount is reached (Yes in step 4767), an end process is executed when the set condition is satisfied (step 4863). On the other hand, when the remaining balance at the end is not set (No in step 4766) and when the remaining balance at the end is not set (No in step 4767), whether or not the number of remaining balls at the end is set. Is discriminated (step 4768). The number of remaining stored balls at the end is set by an end remaining number of stored balls setting process described later. If the remaining number of stored balls is set (Yes in step 4768), it is determined whether or not the remaining number of stored balls has reached the number of remaining stored balls at the end (step 4769). Then, when the set number of remaining balls at the end time is reached (Yes in step 4769), an end process is executed when the set condition is satisfied (step 4863). On the other hand, when the number of remaining balls at the end is not set (No at step 4768) and when the number of remaining balls at the end is not set (No at step 4769), the processing after step 4701 is performed again. .

FIG. 47-4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the termination process when the set condition is satisfied.
In the termination process when the set condition is satisfied, the unit controller 500 first starts transmitting a firing stop signal to the firing controller 650 (step 4741). Then, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount is greater than 0 yen, in other words, whether or not there is a remaining amount (step 4742). If there is a balance (Yes in step 4742), the amount to be paid back to the player and the number of balls held by the player when the set condition is satisfied are calculated (step 4743). Here, in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, when there is a balance, when the game ends due to the set termination condition being established, the remaining amount is determined in advance. Further, an amount that is an integral multiple of a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) is set as a refund amount, and a number of game balls corresponding to an amount less than the predetermined amount is set as a player's possession ball. In other words, if the termination condition is met when there is a remaining balance, the amount of the quotient when the remaining amount is divided by the predetermined amount is used as the refund amount, and a number of game balls equivalent to the surplus amount are played to the player Suppose you have a ball. In step 4743, the refund amount and the number of balls held when the set condition is satisfied are calculated.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number of stored balls is greater than zero, in other words, whether or not there are stored balls (step 4744). If there is a stored ball (Yes in step 4744), the refund amount and the stored ball information are recorded on the card, and the card is discharged (step 4745). This is because the refund amount calculated in step 4743 is stored in the card, and the number obtained by adding the number of held balls and the number of stored balls at the end when the set condition calculated in step 4743 is satisfied is newly added. This is a process of storing and discharging the number of balls stored in the card. On the other hand, if there is no stored ball (No in step 4744), the refund amount calculated in step 4743 is stored in the card, and the number of balls held when the set condition is satisfied calculated in step 4743 is set as the number of stored balls. The data is recorded on the card and the card is ejected (step 4746).

On the other hand, if there is no balance (No in step 4742), it is determined whether or not there is a stored ball (step 4747). If there is a stored ball (Yes in step 4747), the number of stored balls is recorded on the card, and the card is discharged (step 4748).
Then, after the cards are ejected in step 4745, step 4746, and step 4748, and if it is determined in step 4747 that there is no storage, the game-in-progress flag is turned off (step 4749), and the screen A is displayed on the touch panel 22. Is displayed (step 4750), and the transmission of the firing stop signal to the firing control unit 650 is stopped (step 4751).
If multiple end conditions are set through the above-described processing through the end time setting processing, end determination number setting processing, end remaining amount setting processing, or end remaining ball number setting processing, When such an end condition is satisfied, the supply of game balls to the game area 111 of the game board 110 is not performed, so that the player cannot continue the game.

  In this flowchart, in order to stop the launch of the game ball by the launching device 160, a transmission stop signal is started to be sent to the launch control unit 650 in step 4741, and the step 4751 after turning off the in-game flag. The transmission of the firing stop signal is stopped at, but this is not a limitation. For example, the following modes may be used. Unit controller 500 transmits a firing stop signal to launch controller 650 in step 4741, and launch controller 650 that has received this launch stop signal sets a launch stop flag set in RAM 653 to ON. Unit controller 500 transmits a firing permission signal to firing controller 650 in step 4751, and firing controller 650 that has received this firing permission signal sets the firing stop flag to OFF. The timing signal generation unit 661 of the firing control unit 650 receives the touch signal from the touch sensor 151c when the firing permission flag is ON and the firing stop flag is OFF, and the stop switch 154a. The launch timing signal and the ball feed timing signal are output on condition that neither the stop signal from the game stop signal nor the game stop signal from the game control unit 200 is input.

Further, in the set time end process, the transmission stop signal is started to be transmitted in step 4741 so as not to supply the game ball to the game area 111 of the game board 110, but the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the game ball may not be supplied to the game area 111 of the game board 110 in the following manner. That is, the unit control unit 500 starts transmitting a ball feed stop signal to the launch control unit 650 in step 4741 and plays the game ball launched by the launch device 160 to the launch drive unit 662. A signal for causing the firing solenoid 160a to supply a pulse current of a level corresponding to the firing intensity so as not to reach the region 111 is transmitted. Thereby, in the launch control unit 650 that has received the ball feed stop signal from the unit control unit 500, the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b does not output the ball feed timing signal, so that the game from the supply device 158 to the launch rail 160d is performed. The supply of the ball stops. In addition, the game ball that has already been supplied to the launch rail 160d before the ball feed stop signal is transmitted is fired at a launch intensity that does not reach the game area 111, and thus becomes a foul ball. In such a case, transmission of the ball feed stop signal may be stopped in step 4751.
Further, the game balls may not be supplied to the game area 111 of the game board 110 in the following manner. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided with a restricting means for restricting the game ball fired by the launching device 160 from reaching the game area 111, and the unit control unit 500 controls the launch control unit 650 in step 4741. On the other hand, the ball feeding stop signal is started to be transmitted, and the restricting means controls to restrict the arrival of the game ball fired by the launching device 160 to the game area 111. Here, the restriction means is a restriction valve that protrudes from the back side of the board surface of the game board 110 to the near side between the two rail members 112 and a restriction valve that is disposed on the back side of the game board 110 and drives the restriction valve. It is possible to exemplify that it is a thing constituted by a valve solenoid, for example, a thing that functions like a suppression valve 153b and a suppression valve solenoid 153bs. In this manner, in the launch control unit 650 that has received the ball feed stop signal from the unit control unit 500, the ball feed timing signal generation unit 661b does not output the ball feed timing signal. The supply of game balls to will stop. In addition, the game ball that has already been supplied to the firing rail 160d before the ball feed stop signal is transmitted is restricted from reaching the game area 111 by the restricting means, and thus becomes a foul ball. In such a case, the transmission of the ball feed stop signal may be stopped in step 4751.

[Seating processing by unit control section]
FIG. 48A is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the away process (step 4718 in FIG. 47).
In this away process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen D is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4801). If the screen D is being displayed (Yes in step 4801), it is determined whether or not the button indicated as “game end” on the screen D displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 4802). Then, when the “game end” button is pressed (Yes in step 4802), a game end process described later is executed (step 4820), and the present leaving process ends.

  On the other hand, if the “game end” button has not been pressed (No in step 4802), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “meal” on screen D displayed on touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 4807). ). If the button labeled “meal” is pressed (Yes in step 4807), a predetermined time as a meal break time is read from the ROM 502 and set in the RAM 503 (step 4808). On the other hand, if the button labeled “meal” has not been pressed (No in step 4807), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “toilet” on screen D displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (No). Step 4809). When the button labeled “toilet” is pressed (Yes in step 4809), a predetermined time as a rest time is read from the ROM 502 and set in the RAM 503 (step 4810).

  If the meal break time is set in step 4808 or the toilet break time is set in step 4810, it is determined whether there is a balance or a stored ball (step 4811). When there is a balance or a stored ball (Yes in step 4811), the information is recorded on the card, and the card is discharged (step 4812). Thereafter, the break flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 503 is turned ON (step 4813), and the screen E is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4814). After that, another break process is executed (step 4815). The content of the break process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the “toilet” button has not been pressed (No in step 4809), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “cancel” on screen D displayed on touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 4816). . When the button indicated as “Cancel” is pressed (Yes in Step 4816), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 4817).

[Game end processing by unit control unit]
FIG. 48-2 is a flowchart showing the contents of the game end process (step 4820 in FIG. 48-1).
In this game end process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the number of stored balls is greater than zero, in other words, whether or not there are stored balls (step 4821). If there is a storage ball (Yes in step 4821), transmission of a firing stop signal is started to the firing control unit 650 (step 4822). Then, the stored ball information is recorded on the card, and the card is discharged (step 4823). Thereafter, the in-game flag is turned off (step 4824), the screen A is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4825), and transmission of the firing stop signal to the firing control unit 650 is stopped (step 4828).

If there is no stored ball (No in step 4821), it is determined whether or not the remaining amount is greater than 0 yen, in other words, whether or not there is a remaining amount (step 4826). If there is a balance (Yes in step 4826), a later-described firing ball guide path ball number adjusting process is executed (step 4827).
In this flowchart, in order to stop the launching of the game ball by the launching device 160, a transmission stop signal is started to be sent to the launch control unit 650 in step 4822, and the step 4828 after the game flag is turned OFF. The transmission of the firing stop signal is stopped at, but this is not a limitation. For example, the following modes may be used. Unit controller 500 transmits a firing stop signal to launch controller 650 in step 4822, and launch controller 650 that has received this launch stop signal sets a launch stop flag set in RAM 653 to ON. Unit control unit 500 transmits a firing permission signal to firing control unit 650 in step 4828, and launch control unit 650 that has received this firing permission signal sets the firing stop flag to OFF. The timing signal generation unit 661 of the firing control unit 650 receives the touch signal from the touch sensor 151c when the firing permission flag is ON and the firing stop flag is OFF, and the stop switch 154a. The launch timing signal and the ball feed timing signal are output on condition that neither the stop signal from the game stop signal nor the game stop signal from the game control unit 200 is input.

[Units to adjust the number of balls in the guide ball guide path]
Next, the process of adjusting the number of shot ball guide paths by the unit controller 500 (step 4827 in FIG. 48-2) will be described.
FIG. 48-3 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the visual recognition process that is performed as part of the process for adjusting the number of shot ball guide paths.
In the visual recognition process, the unit controller 500 first calculates the amount to be paid back to the player and the number of balls held by the player when the game end is selected (step 4831). Here, in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, when the game end is selected when there is a balance, an integer of a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) determined in advance among the balance. The double amount is used as the refund amount, and the number of game balls corresponding to the amount less than the predetermined amount is set as the player's possession ball. In other words, if the end of the game is selected when there is a remaining amount, the amount of the quotient when the remaining amount is divided by the predetermined amount is used as the refund amount, and the number of game balls corresponding to the surplus amount is determined by the player. A holding ball. In step 4831, the payout amount and the number of balls held at the end of the game are calculated.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls at the end selection calculated in step 4831 is equal to or less than B0 + 1 which is a value obtained by adding 1 to a predetermined number of balls B0 (for example, 49) which is a predetermined number (step 4832). ). Here, the reason why 1 is added to the predetermined number of balls B0 in the process of step 4832 is to consider the number of game balls supplied to the firing rail 160d of the launching device 160. For example, when the suppression valve 153b is closed when a game ball exists over the entire area of the launch ball guide path 153r, the game in the launch ball guide path 153r downstream of the suppression valve 153b is not opened unless the suppression valve 153b is opened thereafter. This is because B0 + 1 game balls, which is the total number of the number B0 of balls and the number of game balls 1 supplied to the launch rail 160d, can be launched.
If the number of held balls at the end selection is less than or equal to the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1 (Yes at step 4832), the number of held balls at the end selection calculated at step 4831 is a value obtained by adding 1 to the above-mentioned predetermined number of balls B4. It is determined whether or not B4 + 1 or less (step 4833). If the number of held balls at the end selection is greater than the predetermined number of balls B4 + 1 (No at step 4833), the number of game balls exceeding the number of held balls at the end selection (excess number) is discharged from the launch ball guide path 153r. Accordingly, the third on-off valve G3 is opened (step 4834). In other words, if the number of held balls at the end selection is BM, the excess number is “(B0 + 1) −BM”. In step 4834, the third on-off valve G3 is opened only during the period in which the excess number of game balls fall. That is, the third on-off valve G3 is opened for a period corresponding to the excess number. A correlation between the excess number and the opening period of the third on-off valve G3 is derived in advance and stored in the ROM 502 as a map. In step 4834, after calculating the number of held balls BM at the end selection in step 4831, an excess number (B0 + 1−BM) is calculated based on B0 stored in the ROM 502, and this excess number (B0 + 1−BM) is calculated. ) And the map, the opening period of the third on-off valve G3 is calculated, and the third on-off valve G3 is opened for the calculated period.

  On the other hand, if the number of held balls at the end selection is less than or equal to the predetermined number of balls B4 + 1 (Yes in step 4833), the number of held balls at the end selection calculated in step 4831 is a value obtained by adding 1 to the above-mentioned predetermined number of balls B3. It is determined whether or not B3 + 1 or less (step 4835). If the number of held balls at the end selection is greater than the predetermined number of balls B3 + 1 (No in step 4835), the number of held balls at the end selection BM is greater than the predetermined number of balls B3 and equal to or less than the predetermined number of balls B4 + 1. The following processing is performed in order to discharge the number of game balls exceeding the number of possessed balls BM (excess number) at the end selection from the path 153r. That is, first, since the number of possessed balls BM at the time of completion selection is equal to or less than the predetermined number of balls B4 + 1, the game balls on the third on-off valve G3 and the third game balls on the launch ball guide path 153r Since the game ball upstream of the open / close valve G3 is a game ball to be discharged from the upper plate 153, the third open / close valve G3 is determined in advance to drop all of these game balls from the third drop hole H3. The first drop period is opened (step 4836). During the first fall period, when game balls exist over the entire area of the launch ball guide path 153r, all of the game balls exceeding the predetermined number of balls B4 + 1 fall from the third drop hole H3 under their own weight. It is set to a sufficient period. Thereafter, the second on-off valve is used to discharge a number of game balls exceeding the number of possessed balls at the time of termination selection (excess number) among the game balls between the second on-off valve G2 and the third on-off valve G3. G2 is opened (step 4837). That is, since the excess number is “(B4 + 1) −BM”, in step 4837, the second on-off valve G2 is opened only during a period in which the excess number of game balls fall. That is, the second on-off valve G2 is opened for a period corresponding to the excess number. The correlation between the excess number and the opening period of the second on-off valve G2 is derived in advance and stored in the ROM 502 as a map. In step 4837, the excess number (B4 + 1−BM) is calculated based on the number of held balls BM selected in step 4831 and B4 stored in the ROM 502, and this excess number (B4 + 1−BM) is calculated. ) And the map, the opening period of the second on-off valve G2 is calculated, and the second on-off valve G2 is opened for the calculated period.

  On the other hand, if the number of held balls at the end selection is less than or equal to the predetermined number of balls B3 + 1 (Yes in step 4835), the number of game balls exceeding the number BM at the time of end selection (excess number) from the launch ball guide path 153r. In order to discharge, the following processing is performed. In other words, since the number of held balls BM at the time of end selection is equal to or less than the predetermined number of balls B3 + 1, among the game balls on the launch ball guide path 153r, the game ball mounted on the second on-off valve G2 and the second open / close The game ball upstream of the valve G2 is a game ball to be discharged from the launch ball guide path 153r. Therefore, the third on-off valve G3 is opened for the first drop period, and the game ball mounted on the second on-off valve G2 and the second on-off valve G2 are upstream and the third on-off valve G3 is downstream. The second on-off valve G2 is opened for a predetermined second drop period in order to drop all the game balls in the second drop hole H2 (step 4838). In the second fall period, when there are game balls in the entire area downstream from the third on-off valve G3 in the launch ball guide path 153r, all of the game balls exceeding the predetermined number B3 + 1 have their own weight. 2 is set to a period sufficient to fall from the second drop hole H2. Thereafter, the first on-off valve for discharging the number of game balls exceeding the number of possessed balls at the time of termination selection (excess number) out of the game balls between the first on-off valve G1 and the second on-off valve G2. G1 is opened (step 4839). That is, if the number of possessed balls at the end selection is BM, the excess number is “(B3 + 1) −BM”. In step 4839, the first on-off valve G1 is opened only during the period when the excess number of game balls fall. That is, the first on-off valve G1 is opened for a period corresponding to the excess number. The correlation between the excess number and the opening period of the first on-off valve G1 is derived in advance and stored in the ROM 502 as a map. In step 4839, the excess number (B3 + 1−BM) is calculated based on the number of held balls BM at the end selection calculated in step 4831 and B3 stored in the ROM 502, and this excess number (B3 + 1−BM) is calculated. ) And the map, the opening period of the first on-off valve G1 is calculated, and the first on-off valve G1 is opened for the calculated period.

  When the end of the game is selected, the unit control unit 500 executes the visual recognition process so that the player can visually recognize the number of his own balls through the transparent portion 10a. It becomes. For example, when the number of held balls BM when the end of the game is selected is greater than the predetermined number of balls B1, the ball is on the shot ball guide path 153r as the game ball is launched through the transparent portion 10a. It is possible to visually recognize how the game balls are decreasing, and it is possible to visually recognize how much can be fired. In addition, for example, when the number of held balls BM at the time of completion selection is equal to or less than the predetermined number of balls B1 + 1, the game ball falls instantaneously from the second drop hole H2 and the third drop hole H3, and passes through the transparent portion 10a. Since it is possible to visually recognize how the game balls decrease from the firing ball guide path 153r, it is possible to visually recognize that the remaining game balls that can be fired are small enough to fit in the downstream-side unrecognizable region R1.

FIG. 48-4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the missing ball processing.
The unit control unit 500 repeatedly executes this deficient sphere process every certain time (for example, 4 milliseconds).
In this shortage ball processing, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r has been specified (step 4851). The number of game balls in the shot ball guide path 153r is specified based on the output values from the two remaining ball photosensors 153f. For example, the downstream sensor of the two remaining ball photosensors 153f shields the light and the upstream sensor receives the light, so that the last game ball aligned with the launch ball guide path 153r is disposed on the downstream sensor. Therefore, it is possible to specify that the game ball is in the part, and to specify that the remaining n game balls are in the launch ball guide path 153r. Further, once the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r is specified using the fact that the downstream sensor of the two remaining ball photosensors 153f is shielded from light and the upstream sensor receives light, the remaining ball is detected. By detecting the passage of the game ball by the ball photosensor 153f, it is possible to grasp the number of game balls supplied after being specified earlier. Therefore, even if the game ball is supplied after being specified first, the output from the launch detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611 after being specified first, the foul ball detection unit (foul ball switch (SW)) 613 Based on the output from the rail ball, the output from the rail ball detection sensor 159, etc., the number of game balls on the firing ball guide path 153r can be specified again. If the number of game balls on the launch ball guide path 153r is not specified (No in step 4851), the process waits until it is specified. While the two remaining ball photosensors 153f are both shielded, it is unclear where the last game ball aligned with the launch ball guide path 153r is, and the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r is specified. Can not. In such a case, the system waits until it can be identified.

  On the other hand, when the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r is specified (Yes in step 4851), the total number of game balls remaining in the launch ball guide path 153r and the number of game balls in the launch rail 160d is Then, it is determined whether or not the number is less than the number of possessed balls that can be launched by the player (step 4852). The number of balls held by the player includes the number BM at the time of selection when the end of the game is selected, the number of game balls fired thereafter (number of shot balls), and the number of game balls turned into foul balls (foul balls) Number) and the number of winning balls (acquired winning balls) acquired thereafter can be determined. In this step, from the total number of game balls specified in step 4851 and the number of game balls on the launch rail 160d, the number of possessed balls is “the number of possessed balls at the time of termination selection BM−the number of launched balls + the number of foul balls + The number of winning prize balls is subtracted, and when the subtraction result is smaller than zero, it is determined that the number of remaining game balls is less than the number of possessed balls. If the end of the game is not selected and the number of possessed balls is decreased by closing the suppression valve 153b in step 5108 of the ball data management process described later, the game ball specified in step 4851 And the total number of game balls on the firing rail 160d are subtracted from the total number of game balls. When the result of subtraction is less than zero, it is determined that the number of remaining game balls is smaller than the number of game balls.

  If the number of remaining game balls is smaller than the number of possessed balls (Yes in step 4852), the suppression valve 153b attached to the upper plate 153 is supplied to supply the insufficient number of game balls to the launch ball guide path 153r. Is opened only for a period during which an insufficient number of game balls flow down (step 4853). That is, the suppression valve 153b is opened only for a period corresponding to the shortage number. Note that the correlation between the shortage and the open period of the suppression valve 153b is derived in advance and stored in the ROM 502 as a map. In step 4853, the open period of the suppression valve 153b is calculated based on the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the number of possessed balls from the remaining ball number n calculated in step 4852 and the map, and only the calculated period is calculated. The suppression valve 153b is opened.

FIG. 48-5 is a flowchart illustrating the content of the shot ball adjustment process.
In this shot ball adjustment process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the number of possessed balls, which is the number of game balls that can be launched by the player, has become 1 (step 4861). If the number of possessed balls is not 1 (No in step 4861), it waits until it becomes 1. On the other hand, if the number of possessed balls is 1 (Yes in step 4861), it is determined whether or not a game ball is supplied to the firing rail 160d of the launching device 160 (step 4862). This is determined by whether or not the rail ball detection sensor 159 has detected that a game ball is placed on the firing rail 160d. If no game ball is supplied to the launch rail 160d (No in step 4862), the process waits until a game ball is supplied.

  On the other hand, when the game ball is supplied to the launch rail 160d (Yes in step 4862), the first on-off valve G1 is used to drop all the game balls remaining in the launch ball guide path 153r from the first drop hole H1. Is opened for a predetermined third drop period (step 4863). As described above, the number of game balls on the firing ball guide path 153r is adjusted based on the processing of FIGS. 48-2 to 48-4. The number of game balls on the path 153r is the same. Therefore, the third fall period can be exemplified as a period during which a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls fall under their own weight.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been launched by the launching device 160 (step 4864). This is a process of determining whether or not the launch detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611 has detected a game ball. When a game ball is fired (Yes in step 4864), it is determined whether or not the fired game ball is a foul ball (step 4865). This is a process for determining whether or not the foul ball detection unit (foul ball switch (SW)) 613 has detected a game ball within a predetermined period after the launch detection unit 611 detects the game ball. When it is detected, it is determined that a foul sphere has been formed, and when it is not detected, it is determined that the foul sphere has not been formed. If a foul ball is formed (Yes in step 4865), the first on-off valve G1 is closed (step 4866), and the processing after step 4864 is performed again.

On the other hand, if it does not become a foul ball (No in step 4865), it is determined whether or not any of the winning openings has been won (step 4867). This is because the first start port detection unit 211, the second start port detection unit 212, the big winning port detection unit 215 or the normal winning port detection is performed within a predetermined period after the launch detection unit 611 detects the game ball. This is a process for determining whether or not the game sphere has been detected by the unit 217. If it is detected, it is determined that a prize has been won. When winning (Yes in step 4867), the first on-off valve G1 is closed (step 4868), and the processing after step 4861 is performed again. On the other hand, if no winning is made (No in step 4867), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the lower end port 118 (step 4869). This is a process of determining whether or not the lower end detection unit (lower end switch (SW)) 612 has detected a game ball. If it is detected, it is determined that it has passed, and if it has not been detected, it has passed. This is a process for determining that there has not been. If it does not pass (No in step 4869), the processing after step 4865 is performed again. On the other hand, if it passes (Yes in step 4869), the in-game flag is turned OFF (step 4870).
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a refund amount (step 4871). This is a process for determining whether or not the refund amount calculated in step 4831 is greater than zero. If it is greater than zero, an affirmative determination is made, and if it is zero, a negative determination is made. If there is a refund amount (Yes in step 4871), the refund amount calculated in step 4831 is recorded on the card, and the card is discharged (step 4872). Thereafter, the screen A is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4873).

  In the shot ball adjustment process described with reference to FIG. 48-5, when the number of balls that can be fired is 1 (Yes in step 4861), the rail ball detection sensor 159 causes the game ball to be placed on the fire rail 160d. When it is detected that it is placed, the first on-off valve G1 is opened for the third drop period. However, when the number of balls that can be fired is 1 (Yes in step 4861), if the fire detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611 detects a game ball fired by the launch device 160, the launch ball guide path The first on-off valve G1 may be opened to drop all the game balls remaining in the 153r from the first drop hole H1.

[Processing during breaks by the unit controller]
FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the contents of the break process (step 4815 in FIG. 48).
In the break process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the break flag is ON (step 4901). If the break flag is ON (Yes in step 4901), it is determined whether or not a card has been inserted into the CR unit 21 (step 4902). If a card is inserted (Yes in step 4902), it is determined whether or not the inserted card is the same card as when the button labeled "meal" or "toilet" is pressed. A determination is made (step 4903). This is a process of determining by collating the identification information of the card. If they are the same card (Yes in step 4903), the break flag is turned off (step 4904), and the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4905). On the other hand, if they are the same card (No in step 4903), the touch panel 22 is displayed to indicate that a card error has occurred (step 4906).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4902 that a card is not inserted into the CR unit 21 (No in step 4902), it is determined whether or not a timeout has occurred (step 4907). This is a process for determining whether or not the elapsed time since the break flag is ON is equal to or longer than the break time set in step 4808 or step 4810 in FIG. If it is timed out (Yes in step 4907), the screen F is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4908).

[Service processing by the unit controller]
FIG. 50A is a flowchart showing the contents of the service process (step 4721 in FIG. 47-2).
In this service process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen C is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5001). If the screen C is being displayed (Yes in step 5001), it is determined whether or not the service content is confirmed (step 5002). This is a process for determining whether or not the selection button for the item to receive the service and the selection button for the payment method displayed on the screen C are pressed. If both selection buttons are pressed, the service contents are displayed. If any selection button is not pressed, it is determined that the service content has not been confirmed. If the service content is confirmed (Yes in step 5002), information about the confirmed service content is transmitted to the host computer via the unit external information terminal board 450 (step 5003). On the other hand, if the service content has not been confirmed (No in Step 5002), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “Cancel” on the screen C displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (Step 5004).

  Then, after transmitting the service content determined in Step 5003 or when the button indicated as “Cancel” on the screen C is pressed (Yes in Step 5004), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5005). ).

[End condition setting process by unit control unit]
FIG. 50-2 is a flowchart showing the contents of the end condition setting process (step 4733 in FIG. 47-2).
In this end condition setting process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen G is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5011). If the screen G is displayed (Yes in step 5011), it is determined whether or not the button indicated as “end time” of the screen G displayed on the touch panel 22 is pressed (step 5012). When the button indicated as “end time” is pressed (Yes in step 5012), the screen H is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5013), and the end time setting process of another routine is executed (step 5014). . The contents of the end time setting process will be described later. On the other hand, if the button indicated as “end time” has not been pressed (No in step 5012), it is determined whether or not the button indicated as “number of end times” on the screen G displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed. (Step 5015). If the button labeled “End count” is pressed (Yes in Step 5015), the screen I is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5016), and an end determination count setting process of another routine is executed (Step 5017). ). Details of the end determination number setting process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the button indicated as “end count” has not been pressed (No in step 5015), whether or not the button indicated as “remaining amount at end” on screen G displayed on touch panel 22 has been pressed. Is discriminated (step 5018). Then, when the button labeled “Remaining amount at end” is pressed (Yes in Step 5018), the screen J is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5019), and the remaining amount setting process at the end of another routine is executed. (Step 5020). The details of the remaining amount setting process at the end will be described later. On the other hand, if the button indicated as “remaining amount at end” is not pressed (No in step 5018), the button indicated as “remaining number of balls at end” on screen G displayed on touch panel 22 is not pressed. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step 5021). When the button indicating “remaining number of stored balls at the end” is pressed (Yes in step 5021), the screen K is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5022), and the remaining number of stored balls at the end of another routine is set. Processing is executed (step 5023). The content of the remaining number of stored balls setting process at the end will be described later. On the other hand, if the button indicated as “the number of remaining balls at the end” has not been pressed (No in step 5021), whether or not the button indicated as “cancel” on the screen G displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed. Is determined (step 5024). When the button indicated as “Cancel” is pressed (Yes in Step 5024), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5025).

[End time setting process by unit control unit]
FIG. 50-3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the end time setting process (step 5014 in FIG. 50-2).
In this end time setting process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen H is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5031). If the screen H is displayed (Yes in step 5031), it is determined whether or not a 4-digit number has been input (step 5032). This is a process of determining whether or not a 4-digit number is input on the screen H and a button indicated as “confirmed” is pressed. If a 4-digit number is input (Yes in step 5032), it is determined whether or not the input 4-digit number corresponds to the time (step 5033). This is to determine whether the last two digits of the input 4-digit number are numbers from “00” to “59” and the upper two digits are numbers from “00” to “23”. It is processing. For example, if the input four-digit number is “1910”, it is determined that the time corresponds, and if the lower two digits are “70” or the upper two digits are “25”, the time is set. This is a process for determining that it is not supported. If the 4-digit number corresponds to the time (Yes in step 5033), the input 4-digit number is set as the end time (step 5034), and the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5035). ). On the other hand, if the 4-digit number does not correspond to the time (No in step 5033), the input 4-digit number is deleted (step 5036).
On the other hand, if a 4-digit number has not been input (No in step 5032), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “Cancel” on the screen H displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 5037). When the button indicated as “Cancel” is pressed (Yes in Step 5037), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5035).

  In the screen H and end time setting process of the touch panel 22 described above, time input is received from the player and the received time is set as the end time. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this mode. For example, an input of a game play time (for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) may be received from the player, and the time when the received time has elapsed from the current time may be set as the game end time. That is, the selection button indicated as “end time setting” is displayed on the screen G, and on the screen H transitioning from there, an input of a four-digit number relating to the game playing time is accepted. In step 5033 of the end time setting process, it is determined whether or not the input four-digit number corresponds to time. In step 5034, the time when the input time has elapsed from the present time. May be set as the end time.

[End determination count setting process by unit control unit]
FIG. 50-4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the end determination number setting process (step 5017 in FIG. 50-2).
In this end determination number setting process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen I is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5041). If the screen I is displayed (Yes in step 5041), it is determined whether or not a 4-digit number has been input (step 5042). This is a process for determining whether or not a four-digit number has been input on the screen I and a button labeled “OK” has been pressed. If a 4-digit number is input (Yes in step 5042), it is determined whether or not the input 4-digit number corresponds to the number of determinations (step 5043). This is because it is determined whether or not the input 4-digit number is larger than the current cumulative lottery result determination number, and the 4-digit number is larger than the current cumulative lottery result determination number. In some cases, it is determined that it corresponds, and when it is a small number, it is determined that it does not correspond. If the four-digit number corresponds to the number of determinations (Yes in step 5043), the input four-digit number is set as the number of end determinations that is the number of determinations to end the game (step 5044). Then, the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5045). On the other hand, if the 4-digit number does not correspond to the number of determinations (No in step 5043), the input 4-digit number is deleted (step 5046).
On the other hand, if a four-digit number has not been input (No in step 5042), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “Cancel” on screen I displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 5047). When the button indicated as “Cancel” is pressed (Yes in Step 5047), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5045).

[Processing of remaining balance at end by unit control unit]
FIG. 50-5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the end-time remaining amount setting process (step 5020 in FIG. 50-2).
In the termination remaining amount setting process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen J is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5051). When the screen J is displayed (Yes in Step 5051), it is determined whether or not a 4-digit number has been input (Step 5052). This is a process for determining whether or not a four-digit number has been input on the screen J and a button labeled “OK” has been pressed. If a 4-digit number is input (Yes in step 5052), it is determined whether or not the input 4-digit number corresponds to the remaining amount (step 5053). This is a process for determining whether or not the input 4-digit number is an integral multiple of a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen). For example, when the predetermined amount is set to 100 yen, if the input 4-digit number is “1500”, it is determined that it corresponds to the remaining amount, and if it is “1450”, it corresponds to the remaining amount. This is a process for determining that it has not been performed. If the 4-digit number corresponds to the remaining amount (Yes in step 5053), the input 4-digit number is set as the amount to be left at the end (remaining amount at the end) (step 5054). Screen B is displayed (step 5055). On the other hand, if the 4-digit number does not correspond to the remaining amount (No in step 5053), the input 4-digit number is deleted (step 5056).
On the other hand, if a four-digit number has not been input (No in step 5052), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “Cancel” on the screen J displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 5057). When the button indicated as “Cancel” is pressed (Yes in Step 5057), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5055).

  In the above-described screen J on the touch panel 22 and the remaining amount setting process at the end, the input of the amount to be left at the end of the game is accepted from the player, and the received amount is set as the amount left at the end (remaining amount at the end). However, it is not particularly limited to such an embodiment. For example, an input of an amount of money used for a game (for example, 3000 yen, 3500 yen, etc.) may be received from a player, and the case where the received amount is used for purchase of a game ball may be set. In other words, a selection button labeled “Purchase amount setting” is displayed on the screen G, and a screen J that transitions from that button accepts input of a four-digit number related to the amount used to purchase game balls. In step 5053 of the remaining amount setting process at the end, it is determined whether or not the input four-digit number corresponds to the amount of money. In step 5054, the input amount is used for the purchase of the game ball. It can be set as the amount of money to be paid.

[Processing for setting remaining number of balls at end by unit control unit]
FIG. 50-6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the remaining number-of-stored-balls setting process (step 5023 in FIG. 50-2).
In this end remaining ball number setting process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen K is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5061). When the screen K is displayed (Yes in step 5061), it is determined whether or not a 5-digit number (zero (0) is also regarded as one digit) is input (step 5062). This is a process for determining whether or not a five-digit number is input on the screen K and a button indicated as “confirmed” is pressed. If a 5-digit number is input (Yes in step 5062), it is determined whether or not the input 5-digit number corresponds to the remaining number of stored balls (step 5063). This can be exemplified as a process for determining whether or not the inputted 5-digit number is a number smaller than the number of stored balls owned by the player. If the 5-digit number corresponds to the remaining number of stored balls (Yes in step 5063), the input 5-digit number is set as the number of stored balls to be left at the end (step 5064). Screen B is displayed (step 5065). On the other hand, if the 5-digit number does not correspond to the remaining number of stored balls (No in step 5063), the input 5-digit number is deleted (step 5066).
On the other hand, if a five-digit number has not been input (No in step 5062), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “Cancel” on the screen K displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 5067). If the button labeled “Cancel” is pressed (Yes in Step 5067), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5065).

  In addition, in the screen K of the touch panel 22 and the remaining number-of-remaining-balls setting process described above, the player receives an input of the number of stored balls to be left at the end of the game, Although set, it is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the number of stored balls used for a game (for example, 250 (the first two digits are zero), 5000 (the first one digit is zero), etc.) is input, and the number corresponding to the received number of stored balls You may set as a number which uses a game ball for a game. In other words, a selection button labeled “number of used storage balls” is displayed on the screen G, and a five-digit number related to the number of stored balls used in the game is accepted on the screen K that transitions from there. In step 5063 of the remaining number-of-stored-balls setting process, it is determined whether or not the inputted five-digit number corresponds to the number of stored balls (for example, the number of stored balls owned by the player). In step 5064, the number of game balls corresponding to the input number of stored balls is used as the number of stored balls used in the game. You only have to set it.

[Sphere data management processing by the sphere data manager]
The sphere data management unit 600 repeatedly executes the sphere data management process at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off.
51A and 51B are flowcharts showing the contents of the sphere data management process performed by the sphere data management unit 600. FIG.
Referring to the figure, the ball data management unit 600 determines whether or not the in-game flag is ON (step 5101). If the in-game flag is ON (Yes in step 5101), the ball raising device 52 and the ball cutting device 58 are driven (step 5102). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the game end time is set (step 5116). This is a process of determining whether or not the game end time is set through step 5034 in the flowchart shown in FIG. If the end time is set (Yes in step 5116), it is determined whether or not the end time is within a predetermined period before the set end time (step 5117). When the game end time is set, this predetermined period is a period set in advance so that there is no game ball downstream from the suppression valve 153b at the set time. In other words, when the suppression valve 153b is closed for a predetermined period before the set end time and the supply of the game ball to the firing ball guide path 153r downstream from the suppression valve 153b is cut off, the downstream is already downstream of the suppression valve 153b. This is a predetermined period after the game balls in the game are all fired by the launcher 160 or at the end time set simultaneously with the launch. For example, when the launching device 160 is a device that launches 100 game balls per minute and B0 is 49, it can be exemplified that the predetermined period is set to 30 seconds. If it is within a predetermined period before the set game end time (Yes in Step 5117), the suppression valve 153b is closed (Step 5118). When the predetermined period is 30 seconds, the suppression valve 153b is closed 30 seconds before the set game end time, and remains closed for 30 seconds before the game end time. Then, after the suppression valve 153b is closed at step 5118, the processing after step 5113 is executed.

  On the other hand, if the game end time is not set (No in step 5116), and if it is not within the predetermined period before the set game end time (No in step 5117), whether or not the end determination count is set Is discriminated (step 5119). This is processing for determining whether or not the number of end determinations is set through step 5044 in the flowchart shown in FIG. If the end determination count is set (Yes in step 5119), it is determined whether or not a sufficient number of game balls already exist downstream from the suppression valve 153b to reach the set end determination count. (Step 5120). Here, whether or not a sufficient number of game balls already exist to reach the set end determination number is determined based on the value of the predetermined number of balls B0, the first start port of the game board 110, or not. It depends on the number of game balls (hereinafter also referred to as “necessary number of balls”) Bx supplied to the game area 111 necessary for winning one game ball at 121 or the second starting port 122. That is, after the suppression valve 153b is closed, there are B0 + 1 game balls downstream from the suppression valve 153b. With this B0 + 1 game balls, (B0 + 1) / Bx game balls are the first start port 121. Alternatively, a prize is won at the second start port 122, and a special symbol lottery result is determined (B0 + 1) / Bx times with B0 + 1 game balls. In view of such matters, in step 5120, first, the current accumulated lottery result determination times and the holding numbers U1 and U2 obtained from the unit control unit 500 are read and the necessary balls determined in the necessary number of balls determination process described later. Read the number Bx. Then, a value (= (B0 + 1) / Bx + X) obtained by adding the number X obtained by adding the holding numbers U1 and U2 to the cumulative lottery result determination number to the value obtained by dividing (B0 + 1) by the required number of balls Bx is set. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or more than the set end determination number, and if the determination is affirmative, it is assumed that a sufficient number of game balls already exist downstream from the suppression valve 153b to reach the set end determination number. If it is determined and a negative determination is made, it is determined that it does not exist. For example, when the predetermined number of balls B0 is 49, Bx is 12.5, the cumulative lottery result determination count is 394, the hold count U1 is 2, the hold count U2 is zero, and the set end determination count is 400 (B0 + 1) /Bx+X=50/12.5+ (394 + 2) = 400, which is equal to or greater than the set number of end determinations, so that a sufficient number of game balls are already suppressed to reach the set end determination number It is determined that the valve exists downstream from the valve 153b. If a sufficient number of game balls are present downstream of the suppression valve 153b (Yes in Step 5120), the suppression valve 153b is closed (Step 5118), and the processing after Step 5113 described later is executed.

  On the other hand, when the number of end determinations is not set (No in step 5119), and when there are not enough game balls downstream from the suppression valve 153b to reach the set end determination number (in step 5120). No), it is determined whether or not the number of stored balls is greater than zero, in other words, whether or not there are stored balls (step 5103). If there is a stored ball (Yes in Step 5103), it is determined whether or not the remaining number of stored balls is set (Step 5125). This is a process of determining whether or not the number of stored balls to be left at the end of the game is set via step 5064 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 50-6. If the number of remaining balls at the end is set (Yes in step 5125), a value obtained by subtracting the number of stored balls to be left at the end of the game from the number of stored balls currently owned by the player ( It is determined whether or not (the number of stored balls−the set number of stored balls) is equal to or less than B0 + 1, which is a value obtained by adding 1 to the predetermined number of balls B0 (step 5126). When the value obtained by subtracting the set number of balls from the number of stored balls is equal to or less than B0 + 1 (Yes in step 5126), it is used for the game in consideration of the set number of stored balls to be left at the end of the game. Since there are already a number of game balls that are allowed to be present downstream of the suppression valve 153b, the suppression valve 153b is closed (step 5118). On the other hand, when the value obtained by subtracting the set number of stored balls from the number of stored balls is larger than B0 + 1 (No in step 5126), the suppression valve 153b is opened (step 5105). On the other hand, if the number of remaining balls at the end is not set (No in step 5125), whether or not the number of stored balls is greater than B0 + 1 which is a value obtained by adding 1 to a predetermined number of balls B0 which is a predetermined number. A determination is made (step 5104). If the number of stored balls is greater than the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1 (Yes in step 5104), the suppression valve 153b attached to the upper plate 153 is opened (step 5105).

  On the other hand, if there is no storage (No in step 5103), and if the number of stored balls is equal to or less than the predetermined number B0 + 1 (No in step 5104), whether or not the remaining amount is more than 0 yen, in other words, the remaining amount It is determined whether or not there is (step 5106). If there is a balance (Yes in Step 5106), it is determined whether or not a balance at the end is set (Step 5121). This is a process for determining whether or not the ending balance is set through step 5054 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 50-5. If the end balance is set (Yes in step 5121), an allowable amount allowed to be used for purchasing game balls is subtracted from the set end balance. The amount is determined (step 5122). On the other hand, when the end remaining amount is not set (No in step 5121), the allowable amount allowed to be used for purchasing the game ball is determined as the remaining amount (step 5123). Thereafter, the number obtained by adding the number of game balls corresponding to the allowable amount determined in step 5122 or step 5123 and the number of stored balls if it is determined in step 5103 that there is a stored ball is obtained. It is determined whether or not the number of possessed balls is greater than a predetermined number of balls B0 + 1 (step 5107). If the number of held balls is larger than the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1 (Yes in step 5107), the suppression valve 153b attached to the upper plate 153 is opened (step 5105). On the other hand, if there is no balance (No in step 5106), if the number of held balls is equal to or less than the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1 (No in step 5107), the suppression valve 153b is closed (step 5108).

  After the suppression valve 153b is closed in step 5108, it is determined whether or not the service ball button has been pressed (step 5109). This service ball button is a button pressed by a hall employee as a game ball to be given to a player, and here is a process of determining whether or not this service ball button has been pressed. If the service ball button is pressed (Yes in step 5109), the suppression valve 153b is opened, and a game ball corresponding to the service ball is supplied from the shot ball stock 153s to the shot ball guide path 153r (step 5110). . Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a winning ball (step 5111). And when there is an acquired prize ball (Yes in Step 5111), it is determined in advance that the game ball upstream from the suppression valve 153b rolls downstream from the suppression valve 153b by the number of acquisition prize balls. The suppression valve 153b is opened only for a period (step 5112). That is, the suppression valve 153b is opened for a period that is predetermined according to the number of winning prize balls and stored in the ROM 602 (step 5112).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been launched (step 5113). If it is determined that a game ball has been fired (Yes in step 5113), it is determined whether there is a foul ball (step 5114). This is processing for determining whether or not a signal indicating that a foul sphere has been detected is received from the foul sphere detection unit 613. If there is no foul ball (No in Step 5114), the fact that the game ball has been launched is transmitted to the unit controller 500 (Step 5115).
On the other hand, when the game flag is OFF (No in step 5101), the driving of the ball lifting device 52 and the ball cutting device 58 is stopped (step 5127).

  By executing such ball data management processing, the player sees the state in which the number of game balls in the firing ball guide path 153r decreases as the number of balls held by the player approaches zero through the transparent portion 10a. Can be made. Further, the processing of step 5116, step 5117, and step 5118 allows the player to visually recognize how the game balls in the firing ball guide path 153r decrease toward the set game end time. Further, the processing of step 5119, step 5120, and step 5118 allows the player to visually recognize how the game balls on the shooting ball guide path 153r decrease toward the set number of end determinations. Also, by the processing of step 5121, step 5122, etc., the remaining amount at the end is subtracted from the amount of money that has not been used for purchasing game balls, in other words, the amount that can be used for gaming. Only the number of game balls corresponding to the amount of money will be supplied to the launch ball guide path 153r downstream of the suppression valve 153b.

  In addition, in the screen J of the touch panel 22 described above, when an input of the amount used for the game is received from the player and the received amount is set as the amount used for purchase of the game ball in the end remaining amount setting process. May be as follows. That is, in step 5121 in this ball data management process, it is determined whether or not an amount used for purchasing a game ball is set. If the determination is affirmative, an allowable amount is set in step 5122. It is determined as the amount obtained by subtracting the amount already used in the game from the amount paid. Thereby, even if a large amount of money is inserted to play a game, only a number of game balls corresponding to the set amount of money are supplied to the launching device 160.

[Necessary ball number determination process by the ball data management department]
The sphere data management unit 600 repeatedly executes the required sphere number determination process at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off.
FIG. 51-3 is a flowchart showing the content of the required number-of-spheres determination process performed by the sphere data management unit 600.
Referring to FIG. 51-3, the ball data management unit 600 first determines whether or not the in-game flag is ON (step 5131). If the in-game flag is ON (Yes in Step 5131), it is determined whether or not the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short-time gaming state (Step 5132). This is based on the information acquired from the game control unit 200, and it is determined whether or not the time flag set in the RAM 603 is ON. If the time flag is ON, it is determined that the game is in the time-saving gaming state. When the flag is OFF, it is a process for determining that the game is not in the time-saving gaming state. If it is not the short-time gaming state (No in step 5132), the game ball is continuously fired by the launching device 160 for a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute), and the fired game ball becomes a foul ball. The monitoring process of whether or not the game area 111 has been reached is started (step 5133). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a game ball has continuously reached the game area 111 (step 5134). This is determined whether or not the game ball is being fired by the launching device 160 continuously (every time interval Tc) based on the output from the launch detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611 and fired. This is a process of determining whether or not the game ball is a foul ball based on the output from the foul ball detection unit (foul ball switch (SW)) 613. That is, in step 5134, when the detection interval of the game ball of the firing detection unit 611 is equal to or greater than a predetermined interval determined to exceed the time interval Tc, or when there is an output from the foul ball detection unit 613 It is determined that the game ball has not reached the game area 111 continuously, and an affirmative determination is made otherwise.

  When the game ball has continuously reached the game area 111 (Yes in step 5134), it is determined whether or not a predetermined period to be monitored has passed (step 5135). If the predetermined period has not elapsed (No in step 5135), the processing after step 5134 is performed again. On the other hand, if the predetermined period has elapsed (Yes in step 5135), the predetermined period from the start of the monitoring process in step 5133 based on the information acquired from the game control unit 200 via the unit control unit 500 The number of game balls won in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 is grasped (step 5136). After that, the number of game balls supplied to the game area 111 within a predetermined period (= predetermined period / Tc), and the number of game balls won in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 within the predetermined period (Hereinafter, it may be referred to as “By.”) The required number of balls Bx described above is calculated (step 5137) (Bx = predetermined period / Tc / By).

After that, the average value of the required number of balls Bx calculated so far on the day is calculated (step 5138). When the required number of balls Bx has been calculated n times so far on the day and the average value is stored as Bx, the value obtained by multiplying Bx by n is newly calculated in step 5137. In this process, the value obtained by adding the required number of balls Bx (n + 1) is divided by n + 1. Thereafter, the average value calculated in step 5138 is determined as the new required number of balls Bx and stored in the RAM 603 (step 5139) (Bx ← ((Bx × n) + Bx (n + 1)) / (n + 1)). .
On the other hand, when the game ball has not reached the game area 111 continuously (No in Step 5134), the monitoring process started in Step 5133 is ended (Step 5140).

[Departure feeling control processing by the exit / storage feeling control section 700]
The pitching and storage feeling control unit 700 repeatedly executes the ball data management process at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off.
FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the content of the ball feeling control process performed by the ball throwing / storage feeling control unit 700.
Referring to FIG. 52, the ball-out / pick-up feeling control unit 700 first determines whether or not the in-game flag is ON (step 5201). If the in-game flag is ON (Yes in Step 5201), it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls acquired within a predetermined period is increased (Step 5202). This is a process of determining based on the number of winning prize balls acquired from the unit control unit 500. For example, the total number of winning balls within 30 minutes from the current time is 30 minutes from one minute before the current time. This is a process for determining whether or not there is more than the total number of winning prize balls paid out within a minute.

  If the number of winning prize balls in the predetermined period has increased (Yes in step 5202), whether or not the number of winning prize balls in the predetermined period is equal to or greater than a predetermined first increase number. Is determined (step 5203). This is, for example, processing for determining whether or not the number of prize balls acquired so far from the time of the previous jackpot occurrence is equal to or greater than the first increase number. Then, when the increase in the number of winning prize balls is less than the first increase (No in Step 5203), the level of the effect performed in the exit ball feeling effect production unit 60 is maintained at the current level (Step 5204). . On the other hand, if the increase in the number of winning prize balls is equal to or greater than the first increase (Yes in step 5203), it is determined whether or not the increase in the number of winning prize balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined second increase. (Step 5205). Then, if the increase in the number of winning prize balls is less than the second increase (No in step 5205), the level of the effect performed by the ball appearance effect producing unit 60 is set to level 1 (step 5206). On the other hand, if the increase in the number of winning prize balls is equal to or greater than the second increase (Yes in step 5205), it is determined whether or not the increase in the number of winning prize balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined third increase. (Step 5207). If the increase in the number of winning prize balls is less than a predetermined third increase (No in step 5207), the level of the effect performed by the ball appearance effect producing unit 60 is set to level 2 (step 5208). . On the other hand, when the increase in the number of winning prize balls is equal to or greater than the third increase (Yes in step 5207), the level of the effect performed by the ball appearance effect production unit 60 is set to level 3 (step 5209).

  On the other hand, if the number of winning prize balls in the predetermined period has not increased (No in step 5202), whether or not the reduction number of the winning prize balls in the predetermined reference period is equal to or greater than the predetermined decrease number. Is determined (step 5210). For example, the difference between the total number of awarded balls within 30 minutes retroactive from the present time and the total number of awarded balls paid out within 30 minutes from one minute before the current time is determined in advance. This is a process of determining whether or not the number of reductions is greater than or equal to. If the number of reductions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of reductions (Yes in step 5210), a setting is made to reduce the level of the effect performed by the ball-ball feeling effect production unit 60 by 1 (step 5211). On the other hand, when the number of reductions is less than the predetermined number of reductions (No in step 5210), the level of the performance performed by the ball appearance effect production unit 60 is maintained (step 5212).

  Then, the number of game balls in the rotating body cover 66 of the ball rotating unit 61 is set to the number of game balls according to the level set as described above (step 5213), and the rotation speed of the rotating body 61a is set as follows. The rotation speed is set according to the set level (step 5214). That is, when changing the setting level, the number of game balls in the rotator cover 66 is changed and / or the rotation speed of the rotator 61a is changed to match the level. On the other hand, when the set level is maintained, the number of game balls in the rotator cover 66 and the rotation speed of the rotator 61a are maintained.

On the other hand, if the in-game flag is not ON (No in step 5201), it is determined whether or not the production is in progress (step 5215). If the production is in progress (Yes in Step 5215), the game ball is removed from the rotating body cover 66 (Step 5216), and the rotation of the rotating body 61a is stopped (Step 5217).
The predetermined first increase number, second increase number, and third increase number described above may be, for example, 1000, 5000, and 10,000, respectively. Moreover, it can be illustrated that the predetermined reduction number is 2000, for example.

[Storing feeling control process by the starting and storing feeling control section 700]
The pitching and storage feeling control unit 700 repeatedly executes the ball data management process at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off.
FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the content of the stored ball feeling control process performed by the outgoing ball / stored ball feeling control unit 700.
Referring to FIG. 53, the pitching / pickup feeling control unit 700 first determines whether or not the in-game flag is ON (step 5301). If the in-game flag is ON (Yes in step 5301), a number corresponding to the number of stored balls is set as the number of game balls displayed on the ball display unit 71 (step 5302). This is a process of reading out a predetermined number as the number of displays (the number predetermined as the number of display shelves 71b to be displayed) from the ROM 702 and setting it in the RAM 703 based on the number of stored balls acquired from the unit controller 500. It is. Then, the insertion side cylinder 81 and the discharge side cylinder 86 are rotated so that the set number of game balls are displayed (step 5303). In addition, as a relation between the number of stored balls and the number of display shelves 71b to be displayed, for example, when the number of stored balls is 1000, the display shelves 71b in the first row from the bottom are displayed so that they are full, When the number of stored balls is 2000, the display shelves 71b that are displayed every time the number of stored balls increases by 1000, such as displaying so that the display shelves in the first and second rows from the bottom become full are displayed. Can be exemplified by increasing the number of each by one column from the bottom.

On the other hand, if the in-game flag is not ON (No in step 5301), it is determined whether or not the production is in progress (step 5304). If the production is in progress (Yes in step 5304), the insertion side cylinder 81 and the discharge side cylinder 86 are rotated so as to discharge the game balls from the ball display unit 71 at once (step 5305).
In the above description, when the game balls are displayed on the ball display unit 71, the display is controlled to display on the display shelves 71b corresponding to the number of stored balls. You may display the number of game balls according to the number of balls. For example, when the number of stored balls is 1000, the number of displayed is 15, and when the number of stored balls is 2000, the number of displayed is 30. May increase.

[Cleaning management processing by the cleaning control unit 800]
The cleaning control unit 800 executes the cleaning management process when receiving a command from the unit control unit 500 to execute the cleaning management process.
FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the contents of the cleaning management process performed by the cleaning control unit 800.
Referring to FIG. 54, the cleaning control unit 800 first collects all game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU in the pre-cleaning stock 32a (step 5401). This is a process of controlling various valves and driving devices that control the path of the game ball in order to collect the circulation ball and the production ball in the pre-cleaning stock 32a. For example, the first guide path of the circulation mechanism of the pachinko gaming machine 100 A switching valve 57 provided at a connection portion between 54a and the third guide path 54b is switched so that the game ball rolls toward the pre-cleaning stock 32a. Further, the switching valve 65c of the guide member 65 of the ball appearance effect producing unit 60 is switched so that the game ball rolls toward the pre-cleaning stock 32a, and the ball raising device 64 is driven. Further, the switching valve 76c of the upper tray 76 of the storage ball feeling effect production unit 70 is switched so that the game ball rolls toward the pre-cleaning stock 32a, and the ball lifting device 75 is driven.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not all the game balls in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU have been washed (step 5402). This is a process of determining whether or not the number of game balls detected by the post-cleaning ball detection unit 812 matches the number of game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU. If all the game balls have not been cleaned (No in step 5402), it is determined whether or not a cleaning process described later is being executed (step 5403). If the cleaning process is being executed (Yes in step 5403), the process waits until the cleaning process ends. On the other hand, if the cleaning process is not being executed (No in step 5403), it is determined whether or not there is a game ball in the pre-cleaning stock 32a (step 5404). If there is a game ball in the pre-cleaning stock 32a (Yes in step 5404), the game ball is supplied from the pre-cleaning stock 32a to the inner case 38 (step 5405). This can be exemplified by supplying a predetermined number of game balls from the pre-cleaning stock 32a. At that time, the pre-cleaning ball detection unit 811 counts the number of game balls supplied from the pre-cleaning stock 32a to the inner case 38, and the supply may be stopped when a predetermined number is counted. Thereafter, another routine cleaning process is executed (step 5406). The details of the cleaning process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when all the game balls have been washed (Yes in Step 5402), an end process is executed (Step 5407). In the end process, all the washed game balls stored in the stock 35 after the cleaning are sent to the main stock 41 of the distribution device 40 by the ball transport device 36 and switched to collect in the pre-cleaning stock 32a in step 5401. In this process, the switching valves 65c and 76c are returned to their original positions and the driving of the ball lifting devices 64 and 75 is stopped.

[Cleaning process by cleaning control unit 800]
FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the contents of the cleaning process of the cleaning control unit 800.
In this cleaning process, the cleaning control unit 800 rotates the inner case 38 at a predetermined rotational speed in order to wash the game balls in the inner case 38 with water (step 5501). Then, it is determined whether or not the cleaning has timed out (step 5502). This is a process for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation of the inner case 38 for water washing. If it is not a timeout (No in step 5502), the process waits until a timeout occurs. On the other hand, if it is time-out (Yes in Step 5502), the inner case 38 is raised to the draining position (Step 5503). Then, the inner case 38 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed (step 5504). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a draining timeout has occurred (step 5505). This is a process for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation of the inner case 38 for draining water. If it is not the draining timeout (No in step 5505), the process waits until the draining timeout is reached. On the other hand, if it is timed out (Yes in step 5505), the inner case 38 is raised to the discharge position in order to discharge the game ball (step 5506). Then, it is determined whether or not a discharge timeout has occurred (step 5507). This is a process for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the inner case 38 was raised to discharge the game ball. If it is not the discharge timeout (No in step 5507), the process waits until the discharge timeout is reached. On the other hand, if it is the discharge time-out (Yes in Step 5507), the inner case 38 is lowered to the cleaning position (Step 5508).

  In the pachinko gaming machine unit PU configured as described above, the ball pitch feeling production unit 60 visually senses the feeling of the number of game balls acquired by the player who is playing on the pachinko gaming machine 100. Since it is directed, it is possible to experience the feeling of winning a prize ball. And since the effect is performed using an actual game ball used in the game, a sense of reality is further increased as compared with a case where an actual game ball is not used. In addition, the storage ball feeling production unit 70 visually recognizes the feeling of the number of prize balls acquired by the player, in other words, the feeling of the number of game balls that can be used for the game possessed by the player. Since the performance is directed, it is possible to enjoy a sense of superiority due to the number of prize balls acquired. And since the effect is performed using an actual game ball used in the game, a sense of reality is further increased as compared with a case where an actual game ball is not used. In addition, in the storage ball feeling production portion 70 according to the present embodiment, when the game is ended in the state of being displayed on the ball display portion 71, the second discharge hole 87b formed in the discharge side cylinder 86 is used. Since the displayed game balls are discharged at once, it is possible to quickly prepare for the next player's game.

  In addition, the game balls used for the production in the ball feeling feeling production unit 60 and the storage ball feeling production unit 70 are collected together with the game balls used for the game in the pachinko gaming machine 100 in the pre-washing stock 32, and the washing unit. Washed at 31. Thereafter, the game balls cleaned by the cleaning unit 31 are distributed again by the distribution device 40 to the pachinko gaming machine 100, the exiting ball feeling effect unit 60, and the stored ball feeling effect unit 70. Therefore, it is suppressed that the circulating sphere used in the game that circulates in the pachinko gaming machine 100 is repeatedly used as the circulating sphere. For example, as in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, in a configuration in which all enclosed game balls are collected and cleaned after the hall is closed and distributed again until the next store opening, there are several specific game balls. It can suppress using as a circulation sphere continuously every day. Therefore, according to the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the dirt on the game balls as compared to the enclosed game machines used for the game by circulating all the enclosed game balls. it can. In addition, like the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, the number of game balls circulating in the pachinko gaming machine 100 is 150, and the number of game balls used for production in the ballistic feeling production unit 60 is as follows. The number of game balls used for production in the storage ball feeling production unit 70 is 600, and the number of game balls larger than the number of circulation balls is used as a production ball, so that it can be used repeatedly as a circulation ball. Probability can be reduced. Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, the ball polishing member 59 is provided on the circulation path in the pachinko gaming machine 100, so that even if dust adheres to the circulation ball, the attached dust is removed. can do. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging due to dust adhering to the circulating sphere.

According to the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, when a player is playing a game by inserting money, the remaining amount corresponding to the number of game balls corresponding to the remaining amount is set as the number of possessed balls. While the number of held balls is larger than the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1, the ball raising device 52 and the ball cutting device 58 are driven and the suppression valve 153b attached to the upper plate 153 is opened (step 5105). Therefore, for example, if the amount of money per game ball is 4 yen and the predetermined number of balls B0 is set to 50 (equivalent to 200 yen), when the player inserts 10,000 yen, what button A game ball equivalent to 10,000 yen can be launched without pressing. As a result, when the player inserts 10,000 yen, the game can be continued for 10,000 yen, so the “lending” button is not pressed every predetermined amount (for example, every 500 yen). Compared with a gaming machine that cannot continue the game, the convenience of the player can be improved.
Further, even if an amount exceeding the amount corresponding to the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1 is input and the game is started, the suppression valve 153b is closed when the number of held balls becomes equal to or less than the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1 (step 5108). The supply of game balls to the launch ball guide path 153r is cut off. Therefore, when it is assumed that there is no winning prize ball thereafter, the number of game balls on the shot ball guide path 153r decreases every time the game ball is shot. Thereby, the player can grasp the decrease degree of the game ball through the transparent portion 10a.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, when the game end is selected when there is a balance, an integral multiple of a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) determined in advance among the balance. Is stored in the card as a refund amount and discharged (step 4872). As a result, even if it is configured so that the game can be continued for the amount of money inserted without pressing any button, a game ball for a predetermined amount is supplied each time the “lending” button is pressed. It is possible to make a refund amount similar to that of the device. In other words, if the amount of one rented ball is 4 yen, 4 yen will be subtracted every time one ball is fired, so if the end of the game is selected when there is a remaining amount, the remaining amount will be refunded as it is If it is an amount, the refund amount will be in units of 1 yen. However, by setting the predetermined amount to, for example, 500 yen, it is possible to make the same situation as the transaction situation currently being performed in the hall.
Furthermore, when the game end is selected when there is a balance, the number of game balls corresponding to the amount less than the predetermined amount among the remaining amount is set as the player's possession ball. While the number of possessed balls is larger than the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1, the suppression valve 153b is opened, and when the number of balls is equal to or less than the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1, the suppression valve 153b is closed (step 5108). As a result, even if it is configured so that the game can be continued for the amount of money inserted without pressing any button, a game ball for a predetermined amount is supplied each time the “lending” button is pressed. Similarly to the device, it is possible to make it possible to visually recognize how the game balls in the shot ball guide path 153r decrease each time a game ball is shot through the transparent portion 10a. Further, when the number of balls held when the game end is selected when there is a balance is less than or equal to the predetermined number of balls B0 + 1, the first on-off valve G1 to the third on-off valve according to the number of balls held at the time of end selection The opening and closing of the valve G3 is controlled, and adjustment is made so that the number of game balls possessed at the time of termination selection is present in the firing ball guide path 153r. This allows the player to visually grasp how many remaining game balls can be fired.

Further, when the game end is selected when there is a balance, there is only one remaining game ball that can be fired by the player (Yes in step 4861), and a game ball is placed on the firing rail 160d (step) Since the first on-off valve G1 is opened (step 4863), even if there are game balls exceeding the number of possessed balls in the launch ball guide path 153r, the first on-off valve G1 is opened via the first drop hole H1. The game ball is discharged from the launch ball guide path 153r. Thereby, it can suppress with high precision that the number of game balls exceeding the number of possession balls are launched. Moreover, since this is implement | achieved, without stopping the drive of the launching device 160, it can be made to taste a player's sense of empty-running.
On the other hand, when the number of game balls is smaller than the number of possessed balls in the launch ball guide path 153r (Yes in step 4852), the suppression valve 153b is opened only for a period corresponding to the insufficient number (step 4853). Thereby, it can suppress giving a disadvantage to a player.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, the player can set the end time, the number of end determinations or the remaining amount at the end, and when the set condition is satisfied, Stop driving to prevent launching. As a result, the player's allegiance can be eliminated so that the game cannot be continued, the game is too enthusiastic, the return time is too late, the appointment time is late, and the game is too hot. Can limit spending money without limit. In addition, when the end time is set, the player visually recognizes that the game balls on the shooting ball guide path 153r decrease toward the set game end time through the transparent portion 10a. Therefore, the player can recognize that the game end time is approaching. Further, when the end determination number is set, the player visually recognizes that the game balls on the launch ball guide path 153r decrease toward the set end determination number through the transparent portion 10a. Therefore, the player can recognize that the number of end determinations is approaching.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the circulation mechanism of the pachinko gaming machine 100, particularly the configuration of the upper plate 153 and the adjustment of the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r of the upper plate 153 are adjusted together with the effect device 20 and the like. Although the case where it applied to the pachinko machine 100 which comprises the pachinko game machine unit PU was described, it does not specifically limit. For example, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed pachinko gaming machine that does not include the rendering device 20 and circulates only a plurality of game balls enclosed in an internal space so as not to be touched from outside. In such a case, the pachinko gaming machine 100 may include a control unit including the unit control unit 500, the ball data management unit 600, the launch control unit 650, and the like.
In addition, in the configuration of the circulation mechanism of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of gaming balls enclosed in the internal space so as not to be touched from the outside are circulated only by one pachinko gaming machine. Instead, the present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine in a group of pachinko gaming machines configured to be circulated by a plurality of pachinko gaming machines housed in one housing. In addition, a plurality of pachinko gaming machines are connected to form an island facility, which is configured so that game balls are circulated in this island facility, so that the player cannot touch the game balls from the outside, For example, the employee of the hall may be applied to a pachinko machine in an island facility configured to be able to touch a game ball from the outside.
In other words, the configuration of the upper plate 153 according to the present embodiment and the adjustment of the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r of the upper plate 153 are enclosed in an internal space so that they cannot be touched from the outside. It can be applied to all gaming machines that have been used. In the pachinko gaming machine unit PU according to the present embodiment, the internal space in which the game balls are enclosed indicates a space surrounded by the housing 10, and a plurality of pachinko gaming machines are provided in one housing. In the stored pachinko gaming machine group, a space surrounded by the one housing is shown. In addition, in an enclosed pachinko gaming machine that does not include the rendering device 20 and circulates a plurality of enclosed game balls only for gaming, a space surrounded by a casing of the pachinko gaming machine is shown. In addition, in an island facility composed of a plurality of pachinko machines connected in series, a space that cannot be touched from the outside by a player is shown.

PU ... Pachinko machine unit, 10 ... Housing, 20 ... Production device, 30 ... Cleaning device, 40 ... Distributing device, 60 ... Out ball feeling production unit, 70 ... Storage ball production production unit, 100 ... Pachinko game machine, 110 ... game board, 153 ... top plate

Claims (10)

A gaming machine in which a plurality of game balls are enclosed in an internal space so that they cannot be touched from the outside, and a prize ball for winning can be stored electrically without being paid out,
An accepting means capable of accepting a plurality of information related to the end of the game by the player;
Setting means for setting a game end condition for each of a plurality of pieces of information related to the game end received by the receiving means;
Stop means for stopping the supply of the game ball to the game area of the game board when any of the plurality of game end conditions set by the setting means is satisfied;
Equipped with a,
The stop means is set by the setting means before the supply of the game ball to the game area is stopped when the setting means enters a game state advantageous to the player after setting the game end condition. If the game end condition is canceled and the setting means does not enter the advantageous game state after setting the game end condition, the game is completed when any of the game end conditions set by the setting means is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized in that supply of gaming balls to an area is stopped . The plurality of pieces of information that can be received by the receiving unit include information about time,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a game end condition based on information about the time received by the receiving unit. The accepting means accepts an input of a time at which the game is to be ended,
The setting means sets the time received by the receiving means as the game end time as the game end condition,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the stop means stops the supply of the game ball to the game area when the game end time set by the setting means is reached. Launching means for launching a game ball toward the game area;
The lottery result for determining whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol performed based on the winning of the game ball to the specific winning opening provided on the game board of the game ball launched by the launching unit has won the jackpot And a determination means,
The plurality of information that can be received by the receiving unit includes information on the number of determinations by the lottery result determination unit,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting unit sets a game end condition based on the number of determinations of the lottery result determination unit received by the reception unit. The accepting means accepts an input of the number of determinations of the lottery result determining means for ending the game,
The setting means sets, as the game end condition, the number of times received by the receiving means as the end determination number of times,
The stop means stops supply of a game ball to the game area when the number of times of determination by the lottery result determination means reaches the number of times of end determination set by the setting means. 4. The gaming machine according to 4. The plurality of information that can be received by the receiving means includes information on the amount of money,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the setting unit sets a game end condition based on information about the amount received by the receiving unit. The accepting means accepts an input of an amount of money to be left at the end of the game,
The setting means sets, as the game end condition, the amount received by the reception means as the amount left at the end of the game,
The said stop means stops supply of the game ball | bowl to the said game area, when the remaining money amount becomes the money left at the time of the said game which the setting means set. Gaming machine. The plurality of information that can be received by the receiving means includes information on the number of stored balls,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the setting means sets a game end condition based on information relating to the number of stored balls accepted by the accepting means. The accepting means accepts an input of the number of stored balls to be left at the end of the game,
The setting means sets the number of stored balls received by the receiving means as the number of stored balls to be left at the end of the game as the game end condition,
The stop means stops supply of game balls to the game area when the remaining number of stored balls reaches the number of stored balls set at the end of the game set by the setting means. Item 9. The gaming machine according to Item 8. It further comprises launching means for launching a game ball toward the game area,
The said stopping means controls the said launching means to stop launching of a game ball when the end condition set by the setting means is satisfied. Game machines.

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