JP5680944B2 - Enclosed ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an enclosed ball type gaming machine that collects game balls that have been launched into a game area and uses them again for games.

In general, a circulation channel (circulation channel) is formed inside a gaming machine, a game ball is enclosed in the circulation channel, and a game is played by repeatedly firing the enclosed game ball to the game area. Enclosed ball game machines are known.
In such an enclosed ball type gaming machine, the number of balls that can be launched by the player (number of possessed balls) is managed by the data by the gaming machine, and the number of possessed balls is subtracted every time the game ball is launched. It has come to be. This number of balls is added and updated each time a game ball wins a winning tool such as various winning mouths and variable (movable) winning devices, and the number of held balls becomes “zero”. The game ball cannot be fired.

In addition, the game balls that have been launched reach the game area, and a part of them wins and is led to the back side of the game board and collected as safe balls, and the remaining game balls that are not won are collected as out balls. Then, the collected game balls can be fired again.
Furthermore, even if the game balls have been launched, the game balls that have not reached the game area, that is, the game balls that have not been used for the game, are collected as foul balls, and the collected amount is added to the number of balls held. . As a result, the launch ball that has not been practically used in the game is not lost (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-323434

  By the way, although the game ball is fired by setting the game ball to the launch position and setting it with a hammer, the game ball may remain at the launch position at the end of the game of the player. In this case, every time the encapsulated ball type gaming machine delivers the game ball to the launch position, the number of possessed balls is subtracted and managed, so that the number of game balls remaining at the launch position is lost. It will occur.

  On the other hand, for example, if the number of possessed balls is subtracted every time a game ball is fired, loss due to remaining at the launch position is avoided, but the following new problem arises. In other words, if the game is finished with the game ball remaining at the launch position, the remaining player can launch the remaining game ball even when the number of balls is zero, and the fairness is impaired. is there. In order to detect a game ball that has been launched, it is necessary to provide a passage detection sensor that detects the passage of the game ball on a route from the launch position to the game area. It is not preferable to provide it.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an enclosed ball type gaming machine that can prevent unfairness from occurring due to the presence or absence of a game ball remaining at a launch position.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention encloses a game ball in a game machine, collects and circulates the game ball while firing it in the game area according to the operation of the launch operator, In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that manages increase / decrease in the number of balls that can be fired, an operation detecting means that detects the operation of the firing operation element, and a ball removal device that collects the game ball from the launch position of the game ball, Each time the operation detecting means no longer detects the operation of the firing operation element, the ball removal device is operated, and the number of game balls collected from the launch position is added to the number of launchable balls, and the launchable ball When the number reaches zero, the game ball launching operation to the launch position is stopped, and the game ball launch operation is continued while the launch operator is being operated. Provide gaming machines.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the encapsulated ball type gaming machine, when a certain time has passed in a state where the firing operation element is not operated, a notification is given when the unrecovered game ball does not become zero. And

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, a notification is given when the number of unrecovered game balls exceeds a predetermined number.

  In addition, the present invention provides the above-described enclosed ball type gaming machine, comprising a waiting lane in which all of the collected gaming balls can be arranged, and the gaming balls arranged in the waiting lane in a state where the firing operation element is not operated. The presence or absence of unrecovered game balls is detected based on the number.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the enclosed ball game machine, the number of balls that can be fired is settled on the condition that there is no unrecovered game ball.

  Further, the present invention provides the encapsulated ball type gaming machine, wherein when the uncollected game balls are present and the settlement request for the number of balls that can be fired is received, The number of game balls that have been collected is set to the number of balls that can be fired.

  In the encapsulated ball game machine, the present invention is characterized in that the count value of the uncollected game balls is cleared according to an instruction from the outside.

  According to the present invention, the ball removing device is operated every time the firing operation element is not operated, and the game balls remaining at the firing position are collected and added to the number of balls that can be fired. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unfairness from occurring due to the presence or absence of the game ball remaining at the launch position without stopping the game with the game ball remaining at the launch position.

1 is a perspective view of a sealed ball game machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the enclosure ball type game machine which shows the state where the glass frame was opened. It is a front view which shows the front side of an enclosed ball type game machine. It is a rear view which shows the back side of an enclosed ball type game machine. It is a mimetic diagram showing a game board of an enclosed ball type game machine. A is a top view of a launch pad. B shows the launch state of the game ball on the launch pad when the user operates the operation handle, and C shows the ball release state of the game ball on the launch pad when the user releases the hand from the operation handle. . It is a principal part schematic diagram which shows the lower back surface of an enclosed ball type game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the functional schematic structure of an enclosed ball type game machine. It is a flowchart of an automatic ball removal process. It is a flowchart of the payment process of the number of balls which can be fired. It is a flowchart of a ball clogging detection process during firing. It is a flowchart of the payment process of the number of balls which can be fired which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram at the time of the payment process of the number of balls which can be fired which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the payment process when the gap | deviation has arisen in the number of balls which can be launched, and the number of uncollected balls.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The encapsulated ball type gaming machine of the present embodiment is an application of the present invention to a pachinko gaming machine. For example, the game content can be the same as that of a conventional pachinko gaming machine, The size of the outer shape and the like is also the same, and it can be installed in the current island facilities of the pachinko parlor, but it does not use the ball supply mechanism or ball discharge mechanism of the island facilities. In other words, a pre-encapsulated game ball is used as an encapsulated ball type gaming machine, and the game ball can be launched into the game area with the maximum number of players' balls. The number of balls possessed is the number of acquired balls recorded on a recording medium such as a card or coin inserted in the gaming ball lending device (CR unit) and the number of balls that can be fired held by the enclosed ball type gaming machine. It corresponds to the total value. The number of balls acquired is the value transferred from the number of balls that can be fired by the enclosed ball type gaming machine to the recording medium of the gaming ball lending device. Under the conditions for playing with the same enclosed ball type gaming machine, Value transfer (refund) to the number of balls that can be fired is permitted. The value shift from the number of balls that can be fired to the number of balls acquired is performed at the time of the return operation of the recording medium at the end of the game. When this recording medium is reintroduced into the same game ball lending device, the value of the acquired balls can be transferred to the number of balls that can be fired. Note that it is possible to transfer the value of only a part of the number of balls that can be fired to the number of balls acquired on the recording medium of another player, and to give the ball to other players.
When a game ball is fired with an enclosed ball type gaming machine, the data of the number of balls that can be fired is subtracted corresponding to the number of game balls fired. When a prize ball (game ball) is generated by winning a prize, the number of prize balls is added to the data of the number of balls that can be fired without paying out the actual game ball. Further, when the data on the number of balls that can be fired becomes zero, the game ball cannot be fired. In this state, when the number of acquired balls recorded on a storage medium such as a card is transferred to the number of balls that can be fired and the number of balls that can be fired is replenished, the game balls can be fired again.
The prepaid residual value is recorded on the recording medium put into the game ball lending device, and when the number of acquired balls and the number of balls that can be fired is zero and there is no remaining ball, the prepaid residual value is obtained by the ball lending operation. It is possible to receive a rental ball for consideration, and the number of such rental balls is added to the number of balls held. Further, by associating a game ball (so-called “storage ball”) deposited by the player with the game store with a recording medium, the stored ball can be transferred to the number of possessed balls by an operation of paying out the storage ball.

In addition, the game balls that have been launched reach the game area, and a part of them wins and is led to the back side of the game board and collected as safe balls, and the remaining game balls that are not won are collected as out balls. Then, the collected game balls can be relaunched, and the game balls are circulated in the enclosed ball type game machine.
In other words, this enclosed ball type gaming machine launches a game ball at a launch position toward a game area formed on the front side of the game board, and wins a prize in the game area to guide it to the back side of the game board. It is an enclosed ball type gaming machine that collects each of the safe balls and the out balls that do not win the winning equipment and launches them again in the game area.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 includes a machine frame 110 configured in a rectangular frame shape, and one side of the machine frame 110 is rotated with respect to the machine frame 110. A frontal frame 120 having a rectangular frame shape is pivotally supported. The front frame 120 is rotatable to the front side with respect to the front frame main body 130 (main body frame) serving as a base for attaching various members and the like provided in the front frame 120 and the front frame main body 130. The launching unit 150 faces the lower side of the front frame body 130 when the front glass frame 140 is opened. Reference numeral 200 denotes a game ball lending device (CR unit).

  The front frame main body 130 is configured in a substantially rectangular plate shape so as to fit within the machine frame 110 having a rectangular frame shape, and accommodates the game board 1 described later in a portion extending from the center to the upper end portion. For this purpose, a rectangular opening is formed. The front surface of the game board 1 accommodated in the front frame body 130 faces the front side from the opening 121 of the front frame body 130. Further, a glass frame 140 is disposed so as to cover the entire area of the front frame main body 130, and as shown in FIG. 3 between the front surface of the game board 1 and the glass plate 141 fitted in the glass frame 140. A portion surrounded by the guide rail 2 provided on the front surface of the game board 1 is a game area 1a in which game balls are launched and flow down.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2, one side (left side) of the glass frame 140 is pivotally supported by one side of the front frame main body 130 so as to be opened and closed like a door, By opening the glass frame 140, the front side of the game area 1a on the front side of the game board 1 can be opened.
The glass frame 140 is provided with a space to be a game area 1a in which a game ball can flow down between the game board 1 fitted in the opening so as to substantially close the opening of the front frame body 130. The plate 141 is fixed. In the glass frame 140, at least a part of the game area 1 a on the front side of the game board 1 can be visually recognized from the front side of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 through the glass plate 141.

As shown in FIG. 1, a decorative lamp 11, a side lamp 12, a speaker 13, and the like are provided on the front side of the glass frame 140 at positions that do not hinder the viewing of the game area 1a.
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, the payout of the winning ball is not performed as described above, and the number of the above-mentioned balls (the number of the winning balls that the game ball has entered through the winning opening, etc.) The number of balls struck into the gaming machine), the number of difference balls (the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls entered), the number of balls held, etc. are not the actual number of game balls, but numerical values in the data. In other words, there are only a limited number of game balls that are actually used (for example, 80 to 90 shots depending on the game content and model), and the number of possessed balls is, for example, launched into the game area. Detected and counted the number of fired balls, detected the number of foul balls that were fired but returned, and detected and counted the number of game balls that were launched and collected in the game area The above-mentioned number of balls entered, number of balls out, number of balls difference, number of balls held can be obtained from the number of balls collected, the number of balls awarded when winning, the number of balls rented from an amusement store, and the like.

  Below the glass frame 140 on the front side of the front frame main body 130, a rotary operation type operation handle 153 for operating a display unit 151 having a liquid crystal display as a display device and a launch unit 150 for launching a game ball. Etc. are attached. The display unit 151 includes, for example, information on the number of balls held, amount information (remaining amount stored in a storage medium such as a card), and storage information (number of game balls stored in the game store without being exchanged for prizes). The number of balls held can be confirmed at any time without paying out the actual game balls. The operation handle 153 can adjust the firing force by rotating. In addition, the operation handle 153 is provided with a touch sensor 70 (FIG. 8), and by touching the player's hand, a signal is output to the launch control board 53 (FIG. 8), based on the control of the launch control board. The launching device 72 of the launching unit 150 (FIG. 8) is activated to launch a game ball.

In the enclosed ball type gaming machine as described above, a game is played in the game area 1a on the front side of the game board 1 fitted in the opening of the front frame body 130.
In other words, the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 is for playing a game by firing a game ball (hit ball; game medium) into the game area 1a surrounded by the guide rails 2 of the game board 1, and in the game area 1a. As shown in FIG. 1, a general diagram start gate 6, a general diagram start memory for displaying the number of unprocessed times that a game ball has passed through the general diagram start gate 6 and a general variation display game has not been processed yet. A display ball (not shown), a normal symbol variation display device 58 (FIG. 8) for displaying a variation display game of a normal symbol (ordinary symbol), a normal variation winning device 9, and a game ball wins the normal variation winning device 9 A special figure start display display (not shown) that lights up the number of unprocessed games that have not been processed in the special figure variable display game, a variable display that displays a special symbol (special figure, identification information) variable display game, etc. Device 57 (FIG. 8), special variable winning device 5, general winning opening 8,8 8 ..., hitting direction changing member (not shown) called a wind turbine, and the like are provided a number of nails (not shown).

The normal variation winning device 9 includes a pair of left and right opening / closing members, and the opening / closing members always maintain a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) at an interval that allows one game ball to flow in. However, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game of the ordinary symbol variation display becomes a predetermined stop display mode (for example, “7”), it is opened in a reverse “C” shape and the ordinary variation winning device 9 is opened. The game ball is changed to a state in which it is easy for the game ball to flow in (a state advantageous to the player). The normal variation winning device 9 also serves as a special winning start opening.
In the general figure start gate 6, a general figure start sensor for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general figure start gate 6 is provided. Then, when the game ball driven into the game area 1a passes through the normal diagram start gate 6, a normal variation display game is played on the normal symbol variation display. Here, the normal symbol variation display unit is constituted by, for example, LEDs, etc., and the variation display game of the normal symbol (for example, numbers, symbols, character symbols, etc.) displays the lighting state of the normal symbol variation indicator for a predetermined time. This is done by stopping the display. If the stop display on the normal symbol change display becomes a special result mode as a result of this normal change display game, the open / close member of the normal change winning device 9 will be a predetermined time (for example, 0). .5 seconds) released as described above. Thereby, it becomes easy to win a game ball in the normal variation winning device 9, and it becomes easy to start a special display variation display game.

  The special variable display device 57 includes a liquid crystal display (not shown) and has a display screen on which display content can be changed. The display content on this display screen is controlled by an effect control board (sub board, board effect board) serving as an effect control device having a function as display control means. A plurality of types of identification information (for example, for example, on the display screen), based on the fact that the game ball that has been driven into the game area 1a enters the normal variable winning device 9 that also serves as the start port of the special figure and the start condition is satisfied. It is possible to execute a special variable display game that displays variable numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.). As a result of this special figure variable display game, when the display mode of the display screen becomes a special result mode, it becomes a big win and a special gaming state (so-called a big hit state).

  The special variable winning device 5 has a large winning opening that is opened and closed by an attacker-type opening / closing door that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted toward the front side. A cycle game that facilitates the inflow of a game ball into the special winning opening by converting from a closed state to an open state is performed up to a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds). A count sensor for detecting a game ball that has entered the big prize opening is arranged inside the big prize opening (winning area). In each of the general winning ports 8, 8, 8,..., Winning port sensors for detecting game balls that have entered the winning ports 8, 8, 8,. Here, when a game ball that has been driven into the game area 1a flows into any of the prize winning openings such as the general prize winning opening 8, the normal variable winning prize apparatus 9, and the special winning prize winning apparatus 5, a prize is generated. The winning game balls are detected by the sensors of the respective winning mouths, and based on the detection, the predetermined number of winning balls set corresponding to each winning mouth is the data of the above-mentioned number of gaming balls (the number of possessed balls). To be added.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the game board 1 as viewed from the front.
The game board 1 includes a game area 1a surrounded by a guide rail 2, and a game ball P is launched into the game area 1a to play a game. The game area 1a of the game board 1 extends to the lower end. It is surrounded by the guide rail 2 described above. The game board 1 is provided with an out hole 10 at the lower end of the game area 1a, in addition to a prize winning port such as a general prize winning port 8, a normal variable prize winning device 9, and a special prize winning device 5. A game ball (safe ball) P1 that has flowed into one of the winning holes, or a game ball (out ball) P2 that has not won even after flowing down the game area 1a to its lower end, It passes through the out hole 10 and is guided to the back side of the game board 1 so as to move from the game area 1 a to the back side of the game board 1.

The launch unit 150 that launches the game ball is disposed below the game area 1a and slightly to the right of the center of the game board 1 when viewed from the front side, and includes a hammer 150A for playing the game ball P. ing. The hammer 150A is driven by the operation of the rotary operation handle 153 described above, and the player's hand is brought into contact with the operation handle 153, whereby a signal is sent to the firing control device (not shown) via a touch sensor (not shown). Based on the control of the launch control device, the launch device (not shown) activates the hammer 150A to launch the game ball P. Reference numeral 153A denotes a firing stop switch. The game ball P bounced by the hammer 150A is guided by the start rail 2A and is launched along the guide rail 2 into the game area 1a. An opening 155 is provided between the start rail 2 </ b> A and the guide rail 2, and a game ball that has fallen into the opening 155 without being fired into the game area 1 a among the game balls P played by the hammer 150 </ b> A. (Foul Sphere) P3 is guided downward by the foul rail 2B and falls into the passage 152A. On the other hand, a launch pad 150B is provided at the bullet position of the hammer 150A. The launch pad 150B includes a ball removal mechanism shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. FIG. 6A is a top view of launch pad 150B. A substantially arc-shaped cutout 150C is formed at the side edge of the launch pad 150B, and the cutout 150C communicates with a ball passage 152B described later. A ball removal actuator 150D is arranged adjacent to the hammer 150A, and this ball removal actuator 150D includes a ball removal pin 150E that can protrude in the axial direction. When the user operates the operation handle 153, the hammer 150A operates as shown in FIG. 6B, and the game ball P is fired by the hammer 150A. When the user releases the operation handle 153, the bullet ball by the hammer 150A stops as shown in FIG. 6C, the ball removal actuator 150D operates, the ball removal pin 150E protrudes, and the game ball P protrudes. The ball P is dropped into the ball extraction passage 152B, and the game ball P on the launch pad 150B is extracted. As shown in FIG. 5, the ball-out ball P4 is removed from the ball, and is guided obliquely downward by the ball-out rail 2C and dropped into the passage 152B. , 152B to move to the back side of the game board 1.
Note that the ball release of the launch pad 150B is not limited to the configuration in which the game ball P is projected by the ball pull pin 150E, but the launch pad 150B may be retracted or the launch pad 150B may be inclined toward the ball discharge passage 152B. good.

  Next, a collection path for the game balls P will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a recovery path of the above-described safe ball P1, out ball P2, foul ball P3, and ball-free ball P4 as viewed from the back of the game board 1. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 4, reference numeral 161 denotes an upper collection tray (upper collection unit) disposed on the back side of the game board 1, and a safe ball P <b> 1 from each winning opening on the front surface of the game board 1, a game All the out balls P2 from the out holes 10 on the front surface of the board 1 move to the back side of the game board 1 through the winning holes 5, 8, 9 and the out holes 10, and are collected in the upper collection tray 161. These balls P1 and P2 pass through the upper and lower baskets 162 arranged on the back side of the game board 1 that bends in a substantially square shape shown in FIG. 4 from the upper collection tray 161, and the same game board 1 shown in FIG. Is collected in a lower collection tray (lower collection unit) 163 arranged on the back side of the plate. Further, the foul ball P3 guided to the foul rail 2B through the passages 152A and 152B and the ball removal ball P4 guided to the ball removal rail 2C are provided on the lower collection tray 163 as the safe ball P1 and the out ball. The spheres merge with P2 and are collected, and the balls gradually fall freely on the lower collection tray 163 and are aligned one by one on the lifting lane 164. The lifting lane 164 is connected to the inlet 171A of the polishing lifting unit (ball polishing apparatus) 171. The game ball P that has flowed into the inlet 171A of the polishing lifting unit 171 lifts the polishing lifting unit 171 as described later. Then, it reaches the outlet 171B of the polishing lifting unit 171 and is sent out from the outlet 171B by free fall and aligned on the waiting lane 165. The entrance 171A is provided with an entrance sphere detection sensor 172A, and the entrance sphere detection sensor 172A is arranged on the leading side of the game balls P aligned on the rising waiting lane 164. The exit 171B is provided with an exit ball detection sensor 172B, and the exit ball detection sensor 172B is disposed on the rear end side of the game ball P aligned on the launch waiting lane 165. The height difference between the inlet 171A and the outlet 171B is set to about 7 to 8 cm in the actual machine, for example. The game balls P aligned on the launch waiting lane 165 are sent one by one to the surface side of the game board 1 through the passage 152C through the ball feeding mechanism 166, and appropriately on the launch pad 150B shown in FIG. Moving.

  Actually, as shown in FIG. 4, an upper collection dish (upper collection part) 161 having a central portion lower than both sides is arranged directly below each winning opening 5, 8, 9 and the out hole 10. The upper end of the upper and lower cage 162 is connected to the center portion of 161. The upper and lower ridges 162 are bent in a substantially square shape, and the lower ends thereof are lowered directly below and are connected to the lower collection tray (lower collection unit) 163. In this configuration, the game balls P collected on the upper collection tray 161 gather at the center of the upper collection tray 161, fall almost directly from the center and are collected on the lower collection tray 163. The clogging on the way is suppressed, and the bottom collection tray 163 is quickly collected. The passages 152A and 152B described above are connected to the lower collection tray 163, and the passages 152A and 152B extend substantially directly below the out hole 10, that is, to the substantial center of the game board 1, and from the passages 152A and 152B. Also, the lower end of the upper and lower bowl 162 bent in a substantially square shape is communicated toward the downstream of the lower collection dish 163. In this configuration, the positions of the passages 152 </ b> A and 152 </ b> B are almost limited due to the relationship with the arrangement of the firing unit 150, and the lower end of the upper and lower basket 162 is communicated downstream of the lower collection tray 163 while avoiding this position. The safe ball P1 and the out ball P2 from the upper and lower cage 162 do not collide with the foul ball P3 and the ball without ball P4 from the passages 152A and 152B, and the interference of the game ball P can be suppressed. The number of the safe balls P1 and the out balls P2 is overwhelmingly larger than the number of the foul balls P3 and the ball without balls P4, and when the interference between the game balls P is taken into consideration, the lower end of the upper and lower basket 162 has a passage 152A. , 152B, it is desirable to communicate downstream of the lower collection tray 163, but it is possible to connect the lower end of the upper and lower basket 162 upstream of the lower collection tray 163 rather than the passages 152A, 152B.

  The lower collection tray 163 functions as an ascending waiting lane 164, and the lower end of the ascending waiting lane 164 communicates with the inlet 171 A of the polishing ascending unit 171. From here, as will be described later, the game ball P lifts the polishing lifting unit 171 to the exit 171B, is sent out from the exit 171B, and communicates with the launch waiting lane 165. The launch waiting lane 165 extends three-dimensionally so as to overlap with the above-described upper and lower ridges 162 and communicates with the launch unit 150 disposed facing the polishing lifting unit 171. The launch waiting lane 165 overlaps the back side of the upper and lower cage 162 when viewed from the front side of the game board 1. In this configuration, all the game balls P are first collected in the lower collection tray 163 positioned at the lowest position, and in the lower area of the game area 1a, the polishing lifting unit 171 disposed in one space (one half). To reach the launch unit 150 located in the other space (the other half) via the exit 171B located at the top, the launch waiting lane 165, and the launch unit 150 located in the other space (the other half). It is possible to efficiently collect and arrange the collection paths of the game balls P in the narrow lower area. In addition, since the waiting lane 165 and the upper and lower cage 162 extend in a cross shape like a cross, they can be connected at the shortest distance compared to the case where these routes are not crossed, and the game balls P can be collected quickly. It becomes.

Next, a functional configuration of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional schematic configuration of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100.
The enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 includes a gaming machine main board 50 and a payout control board 51 that are classified as main boards (main control boards), an effect control board 52 that is a peripheral board to the main board, a launch control board 53, and ball control. A substrate 54 and a connection substrate 55 are provided. The main board is a board on which a circuit having a function that affects or may affect the winning lottery and the acquisition of the game ball is mounted. Each of the gaming machine main board 50 and the payout control board 51 is sealed in a case body (not shown) having a so-called caulking structure that can leave a trace of opening.

The gaming machine main board 50 is a board that is attached to the back surface of the gaming board 1 and includes a main control CPU (not shown) as a microcomputer, and performs processing such as a prize ball payout instruction and winning lottery as described above. Run.
That is, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, a winning detection sensor 56 for detecting the winning (passing) of the gaming ball is provided for each winning opening, and the gaming machine main board 50 receives a winning by a winning detection signal of each winning detection sensor 56. And a prize ball payout instruction signal for instructing the payout of the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning is output to the payout control board 51.
In addition, the gaming machine main board 50 wins a lottery in response to detection of winning in the normal variation winning apparatus 9, and displays the winning lottery result on the fluctuation display device 57 through a special control through the effect control board 52. When the special prize is won, the gaming machine main board 50 shifts the gaming state to a special gaming state (a so-called jackpot gaming state, a probability variation state, a time shortening gaming state, etc.), and a normal game according to the completion of the special gaming state termination condition. Transition to the state.
In addition, the gaming machine main board 50 performs a winning lottery in response to the passing of the game ball at the normal diagram start gate 6 and displays the lottery result on the normal symbol variation display 58 with a display symbol. Further, at the time of winning, the gaming machine main board 50 executes the opening control of the normal variation winning device 9.

  Further, the gaming machine main board 50 provides a game effect according to the winning lottery result by the above-described variable display device 57 provided in the gaming area 1a of the gaming board 1, the decoration lamp 11, the side lamps 12, 12, the speakers 13, 13, and the like. Designate what kind of effects to perform, and display instruction signals to specify the variation display time (display timing of winning lottery results), the type of reach effects, etc. At the same time, output to the effect control board 52. The production control board 52 performs display production, lamp lighting, and audio output based on the production instruction signal and the jackpot generation signal from the gaming machine main board 50, and makes the game production and the notification of the game state, etc. In the same manner.

The payout control board 51 is a board provided with a payout control CPU (not shown) for managing the payout and launch of game balls. The payout control board 51 monitors the connection state based on the energization state with the CR unit 200 and is normally connected. If not (non-conducting state), the game ball is prohibited from being launched and the game is disabled.
Since the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 is configured as an enclosed ball type gaming machine as described above, a gaming ball is not thrown from the outside of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 during the game, and the game Instead of the actual introduction of the ball, the launch of a playable game ball is performed on the digital data. That is, the payout control board 51 is provided with a launchable ball number management unit 59 that manages the above-mentioned number of launchable balls Np that can be launched by the player, and on the condition that the number of launchable balls Np is not zero, A launch permission signal for permitting launch is output to a launch control board 53 described later.

  The number Np of balls that can be fired is added when a player rents out game balls or pays out stored balls through the CR unit 200. Specifically, the payout control board 51 is communicably connected to the CR unit 200 through the connection board 55, and a lending (payout) instruction signal for instructing the lending of game balls or the payout of stored balls is input from the CR unit 200. It has come to be. The launchable ball number management unit 59 of the payout control board 51 adds a predetermined number of balls to the number of fireable balls each time such a lending (dispensing) instruction signal is input, thereby enclosing a ball game machine The holding ball managed by 100 is supplemented on the data. In addition, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, replenishment of the holding ball based on an instruction other than the CR unit 200 is not performed.

In addition, the payout control board 51 receives detection signals from the payout detection sensor 61, the foul ball detection sensor 62, and the ball removal ball detection sensor 63 in order to be able to manage the increase and decrease in the number Np of balls that can be fired during the game. Have been entered.
The feeding detection sensor 61 is a sensor that outputs a detection signal each time one game ball is fed to the launch pad 150B by the feeding mechanism 166 and set.
The foul ball detection sensor 62 detects the foul ball P3 that has returned from the guide rail 2 without returning to the game area 1a after launch from the launch pad 150B. As shown in FIG. 5, the foul ball detection sensor 62 is disposed in a drop-type passage 152A of the foul rail 2B provided on the surface side of the game board 1, and a game that passes through the passage 152A while falling. It is comprised by the passage detection sensor which detects a ball | bowl through a cyclic | annular detector.
The ball removal ball detection sensor 63 detects the ball removal ball P4 recovered as it is from the launch pad 150B. The ball removal ball detection sensor 63 is configured by a passage detection sensor having the same configuration as the foul ball detection sensor 62, and is disposed in a drop-type passage 152B connected downstream of the ball removal rail 2C as shown in FIG. ing.

  The launchable ball number management unit 59 of the payout control board 51 subtracts and updates the fireable ball number Np when a game ball is fed out, and when a foul ball P3 and a ball without ball P4 are generated. Since it is a game ball that has not been used in the game, the launchable ball number management unit 59 adds and updates the number of launchable balls Np when any one of these foul balls P3 and ball removal balls P4 is detected. By such an update process, the increase / decrease in the number of balls that can be fired during the game is managed in real time. This possible number of balls is sequentially output to the CR unit 200 and displayed on the display unit 60 provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 under the control of the CR unit 200.

  For the sphere that has flowed back from the launch pad 150B to the launch pad 150B instead of being the foul sphere P3 after the launch, the detection and addition / subtraction of the number of launchable balls Np are not performed. However, the launch pad 150B is provided with a launch pad sensor 64 that detects the presence or absence of a game ball and inputs it to the payout control board 51, and the remaining of the game ball on the launch pad 150B is detected by a backflowed ball or the like. The payout control board 51 stops the discharge permission signal so that the payout mechanism 166 does not pay out the game ball (therefore, there is no subtraction of the number Np of shotable balls). Even if a plurality of game balls accumulate on the launch pad 150B due to the backflow of the game balls, these game balls are excluded from the launch pad 150B by being guided by the hammer 150A to the game board 1 or the foul rail 2B. In addition, since the ball is removed from the launch pad 150B by the ball pulling operation accompanying the stop of the handle operation, it is not always necessary to stop the playing of the game ball when the back flow of the game ball occurs. For this reason, it is not always necessary to provide the launch pad sensor 64 for detecting the remaining game balls on the launch pad 150B.

Here, the foul ball detection sensor 62 and the ball removal ball detection sensor 63 are provided on the front surface side path of the game board 1 and before being collected on the back surface side. The foul sphere P3 and the ball removal sphere P4 are detected at an earlier timing than the configuration provided in FIG. Thereby, the time lag from generation | occurrence | production of the foul ball | bowl P3 and the ball removal ball | bowl P4 to the addition update (returning to a holding ball) of the number Nb of launchable balls can be made small.
The downstream of the foul rail 2B and the ball removal rail 2C is connected to a common passage so that the passage 152A and the passage 152B are shared, and a passing detection sensor for a game ball is provided in this passage, and the foul ball P3 and the ball removal It is good also as a structure detected without distinguishing sphere P4.

In general, in a pachinko gaming machine, there may be a clogged ball in which a game ball is clogged or stays in the game area 1a or the like. In the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, since the actual balls that can be launched are limited, there is a possibility that the ball may be broken if the balls are clogged and the collection of the game balls is delayed. Therefore, the payout control board 51 detects an unrecovered game ball management unit 76 that manages unrecovered game balls due to ball clogging or the like, and a recovered ball that detects the recovered balls collected from the game area 1a and outputs the recovered balls to the payout control board 51. And a detection sensor 65.
The recovery ball detection sensor 65 detects each of the out ball P2 and the safe ball P1 recovered from the game area 1a on the front surface of the game board 1 to the upper recovery tray 161 (FIG. 7). The collection ball detection sensor 65 is configured as a passage detection sensor having the same configuration as that of the foul ball detection sensor 62 and the like, and is disposed in a drop type upper and lower basket 162 connected downstream of the upper collection dish 161 as shown in FIG. Has been.
The unrecovered game ball management unit 76 sets the number Np of balls that can be fired to the unrecovered ball number Nx at the beginning of the game, and the unrecovered ball number every time the recovered ball detection sensor 65 detects the collection (passing) of the game ball. Nx is subtracted. If the number of uncollected balls Nx and the number of balls Np that can be fired do not match, it indicates that there is a game ball that has not yet been collected after launch, and the payout control board 51 is clogged with balls based on this mismatched state. Is detected. The specific operation of the uncollected game ball management unit 76 will be described later.
The outputs of the feeding detection sensor 61, the foul ball detection sensor 62, the ball removal ball detection sensor 63, the launch pad sensor 64, and the collected ball detection sensor 65 are input to the gaming machine main board 50, and the gaming machine main board 50 To the payout control board 51.

The launch control board 53 is a board that controls the launch of the game ball with the permission of the payout control board 51. That is, the launch control board 53 delivers a game ball to the launch pad 150B on the condition that a later-described ball feed permission signal is input from the payout control board 51, and a launch permission signal is input from the payout control board 51. If the operation handle device 68 is operated, the hammer 150A of the firing unit 150 is bulleted and fired.
Furthermore, when a ball removal instruction signal is input from the payout control substrate 51, the launch control board 53 performs ball removal control from the launch pad 150B.

  Specifically, the operation handle device 68 detects that the player is touching (operating) the operation handle 153 in addition to the above-described rotation operation type operation handle 153 to detect the launch control board. A touch sensor 70 that outputs to the payout control board 51 through 53 (a launch state signal in FIG. 8), and a rotary volume sensor 71 that detects the operation amount of the operation handle 153 and outputs it to the launch control board 53. Yes.

  The payout control board 51 has a game ball payout operation by the ball payout mechanism 166 on the condition that the number Np of balls that can be fired is not zero and the player's touch (operation) on the operation handle 153 is detected. The ball feed permission signal for permitting the above is output to the launch control board 53. At this time, even when the output condition of the ball feed permission signal is established, the payout control board 51 detects the presence of the launch ball on the launch pad 150B based on the detection signal of the launch pad sensor 64. In this case, the ball feed permission signal is stopped because a ball strike occurs on the launch pad 150B.

The payout control board 51 detects through the launch control board 53 that the operation handle 153 is touched (operated) and the launch stop switch 153A is not operated, regardless of the number of launchable balls Np. The above-mentioned launch permission signal for permitting the launch of the game ball by the launch unit 150 is output to the launch control board 53.
Further, the payout control board 51 outputs a ball removal instruction signal to the firing control board 53 every time a touch (operation) of the operation handle 153 is not detected.

The firing control board 53 has a launch unit 150 while the ball feed permission signal is input from the payout control board 51 (that is, while the number N of launchable balls is not zero and the operation handle 153 is operated). The game ball feeding device 73 is caused to perform a game ball feeding operation. As a result, game balls are drawn out and set on the launch pad 150B one by one, and are sequentially fired by the launch unit 150.
Further, the launch control board 53 is a game ball of the launch pad 150B while the launch permission signal is input from the payout control board 51 (that is, when the operation handle 153 is operated and the launch stop switch 153A is not operated). Regardless of the presence or absence of, the firing unit 150 is driven to perform the firing operation.
Furthermore, the launch control board 53 causes the launch unit 150 to perform a ball removal operation each time a ball removal instruction signal is input from the launch control board 53.

The launch unit 150 collects a launch device 72 including a hammer 150A and an actuator, a ball feed device 73 that is provided in the ball feed mechanism 166 and feeds a game ball to the launch pad 150B, and a game ball remaining on the launch pad 150B. And a ball removing device 74.
Under the control of the launch control board 53, the launch device 72 fires and launches a game ball with a hammer 150A with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the operation handle 153, and the ball delivery device 73 launches the launch control board 53. Under the control, a game ball is drawn out and set on the launch pad 150B one by one. The ball removal device 74 includes a drive device that tilts the launch pad 150B, for example, under the control of the payout control board 51 via the launch control board 53 (ball removal instruction). The ball is removed by being guided to the ball removal rail 2C (FIG. 5).

  The ball polishing control board 54 drives the above-described polishing lifting unit 171 (FIG. 7) under the control of the payout control board 51. That is, the detection signals of the inlet ball detection sensor 172A at the inlet 171A and the outlet ball detection sensor 172B of the outlet 171B of the polishing lifting unit 171 are output to the dispensing control board 51 through the ball polishing control board 54, respectively. When the entrance ball detection sensor 172A detects the game ball P, the payout control board 51 indicates that there is a game ball P to be lifted. Polishing at the same time. On the other hand, when the exit ball detection sensor 172B detects the game ball P, the payout control board 51 stops raising the game ball P to indicate that the game ball P on the launch waiting lane 165 is full. To do.

  Next, the operation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 will be described.

(Initial state (idle state))
In the idle state before the game is started with the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, the number of shootable balls Np managed by the shootable ball number management unit 59 is cleared to zero. Further, the polishing lifting unit 171 stops the lifting operation, and an appropriate number of game balls are aligned on the launch waiting lane 165, and the remaining game balls are aligned on the lifting wait lane 164. At this time, there is no game ball in any of the game area 1a, the foul path such as the foul rail 2B, and the launch pad 150B.
When a player starts a game, a recording medium 90 (FIG. 8) such as a prepaid card or a membership card in which the value that can be used for renting or the number of stored balls is recorded is inserted into the CR unit 200, and the enclosed ball type The ball lending button 81 (FIG. 1) of the gaming machine 100 is operated, or the CR unit 200 is used to perform storage operation or payout operation of the acquired game ball.

(Generable ball generation)
When a lending (dispensing) instruction signal is input from the CR unit 200 to the payout control board 51 in accordance with a ball lending operation or a storage ball payout operation, the launchable ball number management unit 59 of the payout control board 51 The number of balls lent is added to the number Np of balls that can be fired. Thereby, the number of balls that can be fired by the player is supplemented on the data. In this state, since all of the launchable ball numbers Np are in the uncollected state, the number of uncollected balls Nx = the number of fireable balls Np is set.

(During game)
When the player touches the operation handle 153, the payout control board 51 outputs a firing permission signal to the firing control board 53 on the condition that the firing stop switch 153A is not operated, and the number of balls that can be fired Np is zero. A ball feed permission signal is output on the condition that it is not. The hammer 150A of the launcher 72 is driven with the output of the launch permission signal, and the ball feeding operation to the launch pad 150B by the ball feeding device 73 is performed with the output of the ball feed permission signal. A ball is fired and a game is played.

  During a game, a game ball is launched from the launch pad 150B with a resilient force corresponding to the amount of operation of the operation handle 153. On the other hand, each time the feeding of the ball to the launch pad 150B is detected, the launchable ball count management unit 59 subtracts the launchable ball count Np, and the collection ball detection sensor 65 detects the collection of the game ball. Every time, the number of uncollected balls Nx is subtracted. When a winning ball is generated, the launchable ball number managing unit 59 adds the winning ball number to both the launchable ball number Np and the uncollected ball number Nx. When the foul ball P3 is generated, the launchable ball number managing unit 59 adds the number of launchable balls Np. Such an operation is continuously performed until the number Np of balls that can be fired is not zero.

  On the other hand, with respect to the polishing and lifting unit 171, when the game balls in the waiting lane 165 are reduced due to the release of the game balls and the exit ball detection sensor 171 B is turned OFF, the lift operation is performed when the entrance ball detection sensor 172 A is ON. , And the lifting operation is continued while the exit ball detection sensor 171B is OFF and the entrance ball detection sensor 172A is ON.

(Game interruption)
When the player releases his / her hand from the operation handle 153 (stops operation), the payout control board 51 stops (turns OFF) both the ball feed permission signal and the firing permission signal. Thereby, the delivery of the game ball to the launch pad 150B and the launch by the launch device 72 are stopped.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the player stops operating the operation handle 153 (step Sa1: Yes), the payout control board 51 outputs a ball removal instruction signal to the firing control board 53 (step Sa2). By the output of this ball removal instruction signal, the ball removal device 74 of the launch pad 150B automatically operates regardless of the player's instruction, and when the ball removal ball P4 is detected, it is added to the number Np of balls that can be fired.
Therefore, each time the player stops operating the operation handle 153, the ball removing device 74 from the launch pad 150B is automatically performed, and the player finishes the game with the game ball left on the launch pad 150B. It can be accurately reflected in the number Np of balls that can be fired by the player.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the payout control board 51 continues when the operation handle 153 is not operated (step Sa1: Yes) and when the game ball remains on the launch pad 150B (step Sa3: Yes). Then, a ball removal instruction signal is output (step Sa2). As a result, even if a certain amount or more of the game balls stagnate on the launch pad 150B due to damage or the like, all the game balls are removed when the game is stopped by releasing the hand from the operation handle 153. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently avoid the situation where the launch pad 150B is clogged with balls and cannot be launched.

(Game end)
(A. Number of launchable balls Np = number of uncollected balls Nx = zero)
When the number of shootable balls Np becomes zero by firing a game ball, the payout control board 51 immediately stops (OFF) the output of the ball feed permission signal and stops the feeding operation by the ball feeding device 73. To do. However, if the operation handle 153 is touched and the firing stop switch 153A is not operated, the dispensing control board 51 outputs the firing permission signal, so that the launching device 72 continues to operate, and finally, the launching device 150 is fed out to the launch pad 150B. All the game balls that have been released are launched. Further, even when there is no game ball on the launch pad 150B, when the operation handle 153 is operated, the hammer 150A of the launcher 72 continues to operate.

  Even when the number of balls Np that can be fired becomes zero, if the game ball that has already been fired becomes a foul ball P3 or a prize ball is generated by winning a prize, the number of balls that can be fired without renting or paying out Since Np increases by a predetermined number and the number of balls Np that can be fired is not zero, the output of the ball feed permission signal is resumed (turned ON), and the game ball feeding operation to the launch pad 150B is resumed. At this time, as long as the player operates the operation handle 153, the launching device 72 is continuously operated. Therefore, the game ball can be immediately fired almost simultaneously with the delivery of the game ball to the launch pad 150B. it can.

  As described above, when the number Np of balls that can be fired becomes zero, the feeding operation of the game balls to the launch pad 150B is stopped, while the operation handle 153 is operated for the launch device 72 regardless of the number Np of balls that can be fired. Since it continues to operate while being held, even when the number of balls that can be fired is zero after the ball is stopped, a foul ball P3 or a prize ball is generated and the number of balls that can be fired Np is When the game ball is not zero and the game ball is fed to the launch pad 150B, the game ball can be immediately launched.

When both the number of launchable balls Np and the number of unrecovered balls Nx are zero, this indicates a state in which all the number of launchable balls Np that can be launched by the player have been collected. When the player releases the operation handle 153 in this state, the payout control board 51 stops the output of the firing permission signal, and the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 can perform the ball lending operation or the payout operation simply by inserting the recording medium 90. Return to the idle state before the operation is performed.
At this time, the remaining value of the recording medium 90 is zero, and it is a medium that does not need to be returned to the player (for example, a medium that is valid on the spot, not a membership card), and a member that needs to be returned. When a card or the like is not inserted into the CR unit 200, the payout control board 51 automatically transfers the number of shootable balls Np whose residual value is zero to the recording medium 90 without any player operation. The recording medium 90 that has been settled and the value of zero has been transferred is automatically collected or discharged by the CR unit 200. Then, the state of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 returns to the idle state.
Thus, when there is no value medium to be returned to the player, the player does not have to perform a predetermined return operation of the recording medium 90 or a predetermined operation for ending the game in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100. The enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 automatically returns to the initial state (idle state). For this reason, even if the player leaves the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 without performing a predetermined operation, the next player can start the game promptly.

When both the number of balls Np that can be fired and the number Nx of uncollected balls are zero, if the residual value of the recording medium 90 is not zero, the medium that needs to be returned to the player, or the player When a medium that needs to be returned is inserted into the CR unit 200, it can be returned by operating the return button 82 (FIG. 1) of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100.
When the return button 82 is operated, the operation is temporarily output to the CR unit 200, and a settlement request for the number Np of balls that can be fired is sent from the CR unit 200 to the payout control board 51. Upon receipt of the payment request, the payout control board 51 transfers the value of the number Np of fireable balls to the recording medium 90 of the CR unit 200 (may be a membership card) on condition that there is no uncollected game ball (described later). Then, the value is recorded as the above-mentioned number of acquired balls, and a value transfer process for initializing the count value of the number of balls Np that can be fired to zero is performed for settlement. When the return of the recording medium 90 or the membership card from the CR unit 200 is completed, the encapsulated ball type gaming machine 100 shifts to the initial state (idle state).

When both the number of balls Np that can be fired and the number Nx of uncollected balls are zero, when a ball lending operation based on the remaining value of the recording medium 90 or a payout operation for the number of stored or acquired balls is performed, The operation returns to the operation described above (Generation of launchable ball).
As for the lifting operation of the polishing lifting unit 171, the exit ball detection sensor 171B is OFF and the entrance ball detection sensor 172A is ON, as described above, regardless of the number of launchable balls Np and the completion of the return of the recording medium 90. While the above condition is satisfied, the lifting operation is continued. As a result, an appropriate number of game balls can be aligned on the launch waiting lane 165, and the remaining game balls can be returned to the aligned state on the lift waiting lane 164.

(B. Number of balls that can be fired Np ≠ number of uncollected balls Nx)
In the present embodiment, the payout control board 51 prohibits the payment processing of the number Np of fireable balls even when the return button 82 is operated while the number Np of fireable balls and the number Nx of uncollected balls do not match. Do not do it.
In other words, the difference dN obtained by subtracting the number Np of fireable balls from the number Nx of uncollected balls can be regarded as the number of game balls still rolling or staying in the game area 1a. That is, when the player releases his / her hand from the operation handle 153, if the difference dN is not zero, a game ball that is rolling in the game area 1a wins a prize or a special prize is generated. There are cases where the number Np increases (the same applies when a foul ball P3 is generated). In this case, if the payment processing has already been completed, the increased amount of game balls cannot be given to the player's possession ball, resulting in a loss. Further, when a special prize is generated after the settlement process, the player must restart the game by inserting the recording medium 90 into the CR unit 200 and then performing a ball lending operation or a payout operation. I also think that I missed the opportunity for special prize games.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the payment control board 51 receives a settlement request from the CR unit 200 (step Sb1), it determines whether the operation handle 153 is operated (step Sb2). When the operation handle 153 is operated (touched) (step Sb2: No), there is a possibility that the operation of the launching device 72 continues and the presence or absence of unrecovered game balls may not be detected accurately. 51 notifies the player that the operation of the operation handle 153 is stopped (step Sb3). This notification can be made by display or sound.
When the operation handle 153 is operated (touched) (step Sb2: Yes), the payout control board 51 determines whether or not the number of balls that can be fired Np matches the number of uncollected balls Nx (that is, an uncollected game) It is determined whether or not there is a sphere (step Sb4).

When the number of launchable balls Np and the number of uncollected balls Nx match (step Sb4: Yes), there is no uncollected game ball and the number of launchable balls Np does not increase. The value transfer process (step Sb5) is performed in which the value of the number of launchable balls Np is transferred to the recording medium 90 of the CR unit 200 and the count value of the number of launchable balls Np is initialized to zero, thereby completing the settlement.
On the other hand, if the number of launchable balls Np and the number of uncollected balls Nx do not match (step Sb4: No), the number of balls that can be fired Np and the number of uncollected balls Nx match until a certain monitoring time elapses. It is monitored whether or not it has come (step Sb6). This monitoring time is at least the time required for the game ball to be collected from the game area 1 a to the back side of the game board 1 and to pass through the collected ball detection sensor 65.
When the number of balls that can be fired Np and the number of uncollected balls Nx match before the monitoring time elapses (step Sb6: No, and step Sb4: Yes), the payout control board 51 performs value transfer processing ( Step Sb5), the settlement is terminated.

Even if the monitoring time has elapsed, if the number of balls that can be fired Np and the number of uncollected balls Nx do not match (step Sb6: Yes), there is a possibility that the game balls are clogged or stayed in the game area 1a or the like. Therefore, the payout control board 51 outputs an alarm indicating occurrence of clogging (step Sb7). This alarm output is output by voice or lamp lighting, and is also output to a management terminal (for example, hall computer) provided in the store to notify the store clerk. Thereafter, the store clerk eliminates the clogging of the balls, and the value transfer process becomes possible by matching the number of balls Np that can be fired with the number of unrecovered balls Nx. It should be noted that an operator for forcibly matching the number Nx of uncollected balls with the number Np of fireable balls is provided inside the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, and the number of balls that can be fired is operated by a store clerk operating the operator. You may make it possible to eliminate the discrepancy between Np and the number of uncollected balls Nx.
It should be noted that the time until the game ball that has entered the game area 1a is collected on the back side varies depending on the role provided in the game area 1a and the content of the game (for example, a ball pool type play is provided). Etc.), and the monitoring time is also set according to such an accessory or game content.

(Detection of clogged balls during launch)
As described above, the difference dN (= the number of uncollected balls Nx−the number of balls that can be fired Np) is regarded as the number of balls in the game area 1a. When it becomes, it indicates that the ball is clogged or staying. Since the actual number of game balls is fixed in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, the number of real balls that can be fired decreases when a ball clogging or the like occurs, and the number of fireable balls Np is not zero in the data. Therefore, there is a possibility that the game ball cannot be hit due to the ball being cut. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, when the operation handle 153 is operated (step Sc1: Yes), the payout control board 51, when the difference dN exceeds a certain value (step Sc2: Yes), A ball clogging alarm is output from the speakers 13, 13 and lamps, and an alarm is output to the hall computer (step Sc3).
Thereby, occurrence of a ball clogging or the like can be detected promptly, an alarm is output and a store clerk can be notified, and a ball breakage during a game can be prevented.

  Here, in this enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, the collected game balls are placed on standby in any of the launch waiting lane 165, the polishing lifting unit 171 and the lifting waiting lane 164. In the embodiment, in the idle state, all the game balls wait for alignment in the launch waiting lane 165.

Therefore, the number of game balls enclosed in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 is F, the number of game balls aligned in the launch waiting lane 165 when the exit ball detection sensor 171B is ON is F1, and the launch pad 150B. The number of remaining game balls is F2 (in this embodiment, F2 = 1 or zero), and the game balls that are rolling in the game area 1a (that is, games that are not detected by any sensor such as the collected ball detection sensor 65) F3 (the number of balls) is F3, the number of game balls on the lifting lane 164 when the entrance ball detection sensor 172A is OFF is F4 (F4 = zero in this embodiment), and is being lifted by the polishing lifting unit 171 When the number of game balls is set to F5, the following equation is established.
F = F1 + F2 + F3 + F4 + F5

  When the operation handle 153 is not operated and the launching device 72 is stopped, the ball removing operation is performed from the launch pad 150B, so that the number of remaining game balls F2 on the launch pad 150B becomes zero, and in this state, polishing is performed. The lifting unit 171 continues the lifting operation until there is no game ball being lifted, so that all the game balls are queued for alignment in the waiting lane 165 (F1 = F), and F2, F3, F4, and F5 Each of becomes zero.

In other words, when the operation handle 153 is not operated and the launching device 72 is stopped, the remaining game ball of the launch pad 150B is removed by the ball removing operation of the launch pad 150B and the lifting operation of the polishing lifting unit 171. Even when the number F2, the number F4 of the game balls on the waiting lane 164, and the number F5 of the game balls being lifted by the polishing lifting unit 171 are set to zero, the exit ball detection sensor 171B is fired without being turned ON. When the number of game balls F1 in the waiting lane 165 does not coincide with the number of encapsulated balls F, it indicates that a ball clogging or the like has occurred and there are unrecovered game balls.
Thereby, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of ball clogging every time the engine enters an idle state.
The game balls are continuously fired in the state where the lifting operation of the polishing lifting unit 171 is stopped, and all the game balls in the waiting waiting lane 165 are discontinued, so that all the playing balls are aligned on the waiting waiting lane 164. It is also possible to wait (F4 = F) and set each of F1, F2, F3, and F5 to zero. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence of unrecovered game balls by providing a detection sensor that is turned on when all the game balls are placed in alignment waiting in the lift waiting lane 164.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each time the operation handle 153 is not operated, the ball removing device 74 is activated, and the game balls remaining on the launch pad 150B are collected and the number Np of balls that can be launched is reached. Added. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unfairness from occurring due to the presence or absence of the game ball remaining on the launch pad 150B without stopping the game with the game ball remaining on the launch pad 150B.

Further, according to the present embodiment, even when a certain monitoring time has passed without the operation handle 153 being operated, the difference dN between the unrecovered ball count Nx and the fireable ball count Np does not become zero (ie, When the number of game balls collected is not zero), an alarm is output.
As a result, it is possible to promptly notify the store clerk of the occurrence of a ball clogging or the like, and to eliminate it.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an alarm is issued when the difference dN between the number Nx of uncollected balls and the number Np of fireable balls reaches a predetermined number or more (that is, when the number of uncollected game balls exceeds the predetermined number). It was set as the structure to output.
As a result, even when a game ball is being launched, it is possible to quickly detect a clogged ball or the like and notify a store clerk or the like, thereby preventing a broken ball due to a blocked ball or the like.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the launch waiting lane 165 or the lift waiting lane 164 capable of aligning all the collected game balls is provided, and the launch waiting lane 165 or lift is provided in a state where the operation handle 153 is not operated. By detecting the number of game balls arranged in the waiting lane 164, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of unrecovered game balls.
Thereby, the presence or absence of unrecovered game balls due to ball clogging or the like can be reliably detected.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the number Np of balls that can be fired becomes zero, while the operation handle 153 is being operated, while the operation of feeding the game ball to the launch pad 150B is stopped, It was set as the structure which continues operation | movement.
As a result, even when the number of launchable balls Np becomes zero, when a foul ball P3 or a prize ball is subsequently generated and the number of launchable balls Np is not zero and the game ball is fed to the launch pad 150B, A game ball can be fired immediately.

Further, according to the present embodiment, on the condition that the difference dN between the number of uncollected balls Nx and the number of shootable balls Np is zero (that is, the number of uncollected game balls is zero), and there are no uncollected game balls. It was set as the structure which pays the number Np of balls which can be launched.
As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an award ball or a special award is generated after the settlement, resulting in a loss resulting from being unable to give an increased amount of game balls to the player's possession ball. The game can be ended in a state where there are no prize balls or special prizes.

Here, when the door of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 is opened and the game ball is directly thrown into the game area 1a of the game board 1, only the number of unrecovered balls Nx is maintained without decreasing the number of balls that can be fired Np. In this case, the difference dN is negative (negative value). Although it is usually limited to the store clerk who can unlock the key of the door of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, the game ball can be directly inserted into the game area 1a.
Therefore, even when there is no uncollected game ball, if the difference dN between the uncollected ball number Nx and the fireable ball number Np is negative, an alarm is output and settlement of the fireable ball number Np is prohibited. A configuration is preferred.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the settlement (value transfer process) of the shootable ball number Np is permitted only when the shootable ball number Np matches the uncollected ball number Nx.
However, even if the number Np of balls that can be fired and the number Nx of uncollected balls do not match, for example, the player ends the game after recognizing several losses, or is placed in another sealed ball type gaming machine 100 The case where it tries to move is assumed.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the state where the operation handle 153 is not operated, the firing is possible even when the number Np of balls that can be fired is smaller than the number Nx of uncollected balls, that is, even when there is an uncollected game ball. It is set as the structure which permits the payment of the number of possible balls Np.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the settlement process according to this embodiment. In the figure, the steps described in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, when the payment control board 51 receives a settlement request from the CR unit 200 (step Sb1), when the operation handle 153 is not operated (step Sb2: Yes), After obtaining the difference dN between the unrecovered ball count Nx and the fireable ball count Np at the time (step Sd1), the value of the fireable ball count Np is transferred to the recording medium 90 or the like (step Sd2) and settled.
Next, the payout control board 51 sets the difference dN obtained in step Sd1 to the number Np of fireable balls (step Sd4), and shifts to the above-described idle state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the fireable ball number Np is settled in response to a settlement request from the CR unit 200, and the difference dN (≧ 0) at that time is set to the fireable ball number Np after settlement. As a result, the player can finish the game by paying the shootable ball number Np at an arbitrary timing, even if the shootable ball number Np and the uncollected ball number Nx do not match, Can be done at any time. Further, by setting the game balls having the difference dN to the number Np of balls that can be fired, the game balls can be used for games without any waste even after settlement. Furthermore, if the recording medium 90 is inserted into the CR unit 200 and the return button 82 is operated again, it is possible to settle the number Np of fireable balls based on the difference dN again.

In the present embodiment, when the difference dN obtained in step Sd1 exceeds a certain number, settlement of the number of balls that can be fired Np may be prohibited.
Alternatively, when the difference dN is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the CR unit 200 side automatically or based on the player's operation, the recording medium 90 previously stored in the CR unit 200 stores the number Np of balls that can be fired based on the difference dN. It is good also as a structure which issues value by issuing.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the settlement (value transfer process) of the shootable ball number Np is permitted only when the shootable ball number Np matches the uncollected ball number Nx.
However, if the store clerk opens the door of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 and spills the game ball set on the launch pad 150B, or the store clerk opens the door of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 and launches it. When a game ball moves in and out of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, such as when an unplayed game ball is thrown into the game board 1, the number of balls that can be fired and Np are not collected. An inevitable deviation occurs in the number of balls Nx.
Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to eliminate such a deviation, the number of uncollected balls Nx is forcibly made to coincide with the number of balls that can be fired Np by the operation of a store clerk.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram during the settlement process according to the present embodiment.
The CR unit 200 intermittently outputs a status request to the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 in order to acquire the operation status of the return button 82 and the like (step Se1). When the enclosing ball game machine 100 receives the state request, it returns the difference dN, the operation state of the operation handle 153, and the return button 82 as a state response (step Se2).
On the other hand, while the player operates the operation handle 153, the player's firing operation is continuously performed. During this time, when the return button 82 is operated (step Se3), in response to the status request from the CR unit 200 (step Se4), the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 has a difference dN not zero, and the operation handle 153 and A reply that the return button 82 is being operated is included in the status response (step Se5).
When the operation handle 153 is operated, the CR unit 200 invalidates the operation of the return button 82 to indicate that the game is continued by the player (step Se6).

Further, when the player releases the operation handle 153 and the launch of the game ball is stopped, and the return button 82 is operated when the difference dN is zero (there is no uncollected game ball) (step Se7). In response to the status request from the CR unit 200 (step Se8), the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 includes a status response that the difference dN is zero, the operation handle 153 is not operated, and the return button 82 is operated. To reply (step Se9).
When the operation handle 153 is not operated and the difference dN is zero, the CR unit 200 treats the return button 82 as valid (step Se10), and makes a settlement request to the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100. (Ball transfer request) is output (step Se11).
The enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 outputs a settlement response (ball transition response) as the number of balls whose value is transferred in response to the settlement request (step Se12), and thereby, a CR unit having the number of launchable balls Np. A value transition to 200 is made.
The CR unit 200 records the value transferred from the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 on the recording medium 90, and then ejects and returns the recording medium 90 (step Se13). Thereby, the player's game in the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 is completed.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing a settlement process when there is a difference between the number Np of launchable balls and the number Nx of uncollected balls.
For example, when the store clerk opens the door of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 and spills the game ball outside, the operation handle is moved when there is a difference between the number Np of launchable balls and the number Nx of uncollected balls. When the return button 82 is operated while 153 is in the non-operation state (step Sf1), the encapsulated ball type gaming machine 100 indicates that the difference dN is not zero in response to the state request (step Sf2) from the CR unit 200. A reply is included in the status response (step Sf3).
Since the CR unit 200 has a difference dN that is not zero, the CR unit 200 treats the operation of the return button 82 as invalid (step Sf4), and prohibits settlement in a state where there is an uncollected game ball.

Further, the CR unit 200 according to the present embodiment receives an instruction to reset the difference dN to zero, for example, by a clerk operation of a store clerk or an instruction from the store management terminal (hall computer) to the CR unit 200 (step) Sf5) The difference clear request is included in the state request and is output to the payout control board 51 of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 (step Sf6).
When the payout control board 51 receives the difference clear request from the CR unit 200, the operation handle 153 is not operated, and the ball removal operation of the launch pad 150B is completed and the game remaining on the launch pad 150B. On the condition that there is no ball, the current launchable ball number Np is set to the unrecovered ball number Nx and the difference dN is cleared to zero, and the enclosed ball type gaming machine 100 has a difference dN of zero. A message indicating that there is a response is returned (step Sf7). Thereby, the difference dN is forcibly cleared to zero by the operation of the store clerk.

  Therefore, after the difference dN is forcibly cleared to zero, when the return button 82 is operated without operating the operation handle 153 (step Sf8), steps Se8 to Se13 described above with reference to FIG. Through this process, the recording medium 90 on which the value of the number Np of balls that can be fired is recorded is returned to the player, and the game ends.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the difference dN (the number of uncollected balls) managed by the payout control board 51 is forcibly reduced to zero by transmitting an instruction from the CR unit 200 communicating with the payout control board 51. Therefore, even if there is an irresolvable deviation between the number of balls Np that can be fired and the number Nx of uncollected balls, the game can be ended by paying the number Np of balls that can be fired. .

  Each embodiment described above shows only one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, the payout control board 51 manages the number Nx of uncollected balls and prohibits the settlement of the number Np of balls that can be fired while there are uncollected game balls, but this is not restrictive. That is, the CR unit 200 calculates the unrecovered game balls by receiving signals from the encapsulated ball type gaming machine 100, that is, signals such as the number of delivered balls (number of fired balls), the number of collected balls, a foul ball, and a ball without balls. If there is an uncollected game ball, even if the return button 82 is operated, a settlement request for the number of balls that can be fired is not output to the enclosed ball game machine 100, or the recording medium 90 is not returned. It is good also as a structure.

  In addition, in the above-described enclosed ball type gaming machine 100, when the number Np of balls that can be fired becomes zero, the ball feeding device 73 stops feeding the ball to the launch pad 150B and prohibits the launch (game). However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the number of balls Np that can be fired becomes zero, the ball removing device 74 may be operated to remove the game ball from the launch pad 150B, or the operation of the launching device 72 may be stopped.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the difference dN that is an index for permitting game completion is calculated by measuring the number Np of balls that can be fired and the number Nx of uncollected balls. It is good also as a structure which measures directly. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the difference dN is referred to as “temporary subtraction number dN ′”.
As with the difference dN, the temporary subtraction number dN ′ is “zero” in the initial state before the game starts, and the temporary subtraction number dN ′> 0 when there is an unrecovered ball during the game. Thus, when a game ball is directly thrown into the game area 1a from the outside, the provisional subtraction number dN ′ <0.
In the state where the temporary subtraction number dN ′ <0 has occurred, as described in the third embodiment, the temporary subtraction number dN ′ does not become zero as it is. For example, the temporary subtraction number dN ′ is compulsory by a store clerk or the like. Will be cleared to zero.

Specifically, the payout control board 51 counts up the temporary subtraction number dN ′ every time a game ball is paid out to the launch pad 150B. Thereby, in anticipation of the launch of the game ball to the game area 1a, the number of balls subtracted in advance increases.
The payout control board 51 counts down the provisional subtraction number dN ′ every time a game ball is collected from the game area 1a as an out ball or a winning ball and every time a game ball is collected as a foul ball or a ball without ball. To do. As a result, the number of balls subtracted prior to firing decreases, and when this value becomes zero (temporary subtraction number dN ′ = 0), this indicates that all the temporarily subtracted balls have been collected. .
When the above-mentioned number of uncollected balls Nx is necessary, the number of uncollected balls Nx (= Np−dN ′) is obtained by calculation based on the provisional subtraction number dN ′ and the above-mentioned number of launchable balls Np. May be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 1a Game area 50 Game machine main board 51 Discharge control board 53 Launch control board 54 Kuma control board 59 Launchable ball number management part 61 Feeding detection sensor 62 Foul ball detection sensor 63 Ball removal ball detection sensor 64 Launch pad sensor 65 Collected ball detection sensor 68 Operation handle device 70 Touch sensor (operation detection means)
72 Launching Device 73 Ball Feeding Device 74 Ball Removal Device 76 Unrecovered Game Ball Management Unit 82 Return Button 90 Recording Medium 100 Enclosed Ball Game Machine 150 Launching Unit 150A Hammer 150B Launching Platform (Launching Position)
153 Operation handle (firing operator)
171 Polishing and lifting unit 200 CR unit (game ball lending device)
Np Number of balls that can be fired Nx Number of unrecovered balls dN Difference (number of unrecovered game balls)

Claims (7)

A game ball is enclosed in a gaming machine, and the game ball is collected and recycled while being launched into the game area according to the operation of the launch operator, and the increase / decrease in the number of balls that can be fired by the player is managed. In an enclosed ball game machine,
An operation detecting means for detecting an operation of the firing operator;
A ball removing device for collecting the game ball from the launch position of the game ball,
Each time the operation of the firing operator is no longer detected by the operation detecting means, the ball removing device is activated, and the number of game balls collected from the launch position is added to the number of balls that can be fired .
When the number of balls that can be fired becomes zero, the game ball launching operation to the firing position is stopped, and the game ball launching operation is continued while the firing operator is being operated. Enclosed ball game machine.   The encapsulated ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a notification is made when an unrecovered game ball does not become zero when a predetermined time has passed in a state in which the firing operator has not been operated. .   3. The encapsulated ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a notification is made when the number of uncollected game balls exceeds a predetermined number. It has a waiting lane that can arrange all the collected game balls,
4. The presence / absence of an unrecovered game ball is detected based on the number of game balls arranged in the waiting lane in a state in which the firing operator is not operated. The enclosed ball type game machine described. The unrecovered that game balls is not of the condition, sealed and ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the settlement of the launchable counts. When a settlement request for the number of balls that can be fired is received when the uncollected game balls exist, the number of game balls that have not been collected is set as the number of balls that can be fired after the number of balls that can be fired is settled An enclosed ball type gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that: The encapsulated ball game machine according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein a count value of the uncollected game balls is cleared in accordance with an instruction from the outside.

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