JP5832015B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball by a player operating an operation means.

While playing a gaming machine, the player may temporarily leave (seize) from the gaming machine for a break such as a meal. In such a case, when leaving the seat for only a short time, a player who leaves the gaming machine places personal items such as handkerchiefs or cigarettes in the gaming machine, and the gaming machine is already occupied by a specific player and is playing. This is informed to the surroundings. Also, if the employee leaves for a long period of time, a panel indicating that will be posted by the hall employee.
Also, a gaming machine is known in which a break is displayed when a player presses a button in order to inform the surroundings that the user is away from the seat more simply (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-253384 A

  However, if the player frequently leaves the gaming machine and interrupts the game, there is a possibility that the substantial operating rate of the gaming machine may be reduced. Furthermore, since the gaming machine in which the player is away from other players cannot play other players, there are some players who leave for the purpose of simultaneously occupying a plurality of gaming machines. However, since it is difficult to distinguish such a seat from a seat for the purpose of taking a break, it is difficult to control and regulate the hall where the gaming machine is installed.

  On the other hand, by making it impossible for a player to leave a seat while occupying a gaming machine, it may be possible to prevent the gaming machine from being occupied by a specific player without operating. However, if it is impossible to leave the seat while occupying the gaming machine, there is a possibility that another player may play the game machine while leaving the seat. This makes it impossible to take a break during the game, which is inconvenient.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of suppressing a substantial decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine by effectively restricting frequent leaving from the gaming machine and unnecessary leaving. The purpose is to provide.

A gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention provides an interruption operation detecting means for detecting an operation for interrupting a game, a recording medium inlet / outlet where a predetermined recording medium is inserted and discharged, and the operation by the interruption operation detecting means. Is detected, the game interrupting means for interrupting the game by stopping a predetermined function of the gaming machine, and the recording medium for discharging the recording medium from the recording medium entrance when the game is interrupted by the game interrupting means The game is interrupted by the discharging means, the interruption measuring means for measuring the interruption time of the game by the game interruption means, the recording medium insertion detecting means for detecting the insertion of the recording medium into the recording medium entrance, and the game interruption means. The recording medium detected to be input by the recording medium input detection means when the recording medium is detected, and before the recording medium is discharged from the recording medium inlet / outlet by the interruption. If the recording medium discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the recording medium is the same, and the recording medium inserted when the game is interrupted and the recording medium discharged by the interruption are the same If determined by the recording medium determining means, the predetermined function of the gaming machine is restored on condition that the interruption time measured by the interruption measuring means does not exceed a preset interruption possible time. Game resumption means for resuming, and notification means for notifying whether or not the interruption time exceeds the interruption possible time when the game is interrupted by the game interruption means , The game restarting means is configured such that the recording medium is detected by the recording medium input detecting means after the interruption time exceeds the interruption possible time and, further, after a preset restart invalid time. The game is resumed regardless of the result of the determination by the recording medium determination means, and the recording medium entrance is the same as the recording medium discharged from the recording medium entrance due to the interruption of the game during the restart invalid time. Regardless of whether or not they are the same, it is impossible to insert any recording medium, and the notifying means informs in an identifiable manner whether or not the interruption time exceeds the restart invalid time. To do.

According to the first invention, when an operation for interrupting the game is performed, the game is interrupted, the recording medium is ejected, and the interruption time is further measured. If the discharged recording medium is inserted before the interruption time exceeds the interruption possible time, the game can be resumed.
That is, the player cannot suspend the game beyond a predetermined suspendable time. Therefore, unnecessary interruptions over a long period of time can be restricted, so that a substantial reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine can be suppressed.
Further, since the game cannot be resumed unless the same recording medium as the recording medium ejected at the time of interruption is used, it is possible to prevent other players from playing the game during the interruption.
Then, during the interruption of the game, a notification is made as to whether or not the interruptable time has been exceeded. For example, the notification may be displayed on a screen of a gaming machine or a screen provided separately, or a lamp or the like may be turned on or an alarm sound may be notified. Thereby, an employee or a player of the hall where the gaming machine is installed can easily grasp the player's leaving situation.

The game restarting means may detect that the recording medium is input by the recording medium input detecting means after the interruption time exceeds the interruption possible time and further exceeds a preset restart invalid time. The game is resumed regardless of the determination result by the recording medium determination means, and the notification means notifies the user whether or not the interruption time has exceeded the restart invalid time.

According to this , when the interruption possible time is exceeded, the game can be resumed if the resume invalid time is further exceeded. At this time, the input recording medium may not be the recording medium ejected at the time of interruption.

  That is, only the interrupted player can resume within the interruptible time. Also, if the interruptable time is exceeded, no one can resume the game. However, when the restart invalid time further elapses, any player can resume the game. As a result, if the player does not resume the game within the interruptable time, the gaming machine is automatically released to all players after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating rate of the gaming machine from being lowered due to the inability to play a game.

  Further, a notification is made as to whether or not the restart invalid time has been exceeded. Thereby, the player who wants to play a game can easily grasp whether or not a game can be played. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time during which the gaming machine is not played.

A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the notification means is configured to execute a predetermined time when the game is resumed after the interruption time exceeds the resumption invalid time. Until the time elapses, it is notified that the game has been resumed after the resumption invalid time has elapsed.

According to the second aspect , when the game is resumed after the restart invalid time has elapsed, it is notified that the game has been resumed after the restart invalid time has elapsed until the predetermined time has elapsed.

  When a player who has interrupted tries to restart the game without noticing that the interruptable time and restart invalid time have passed, trouble may occur if other players are already playing the game There is sex. However, since it is notified that the resumption invalid time has elapsed, the player who has interrupted can easily grasp that the gaming machine has been opened to other players. Therefore, even if the player who interrupted the game is different from the player who restarted the game, trouble can be prevented in advance.

The third invention is the first invention or the gaming machine according to the second inventions, including a game operating means can be operated to play a game, the game interruption means, the game operating unit When the operation is not performed continuously for a predetermined time or more, the predetermined function of the gaming machine is stopped as if the interruption operation means is operated.

According to the third invention, when the gaming machine is not operated for a predetermined time or longer, the game is interrupted in the same manner as when an operation for interrupting is performed.
Here, even if the operation for interrupting is not performed, if the game is not performed for a long time, the substantial operating rate of the gaming machine is reduced in the same manner as when the game is interrupted. However, if a game is not played for a long time, it is treated as an interruption, so that it is released to other players after an interruption possible time and a restart invalidation time. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the fall of the operating rate of a gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively limit frequent leaving from the gaming machine and unnecessary leaving, and it is possible to suppress a substantial decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

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 demo 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 the top view which looked at the upper plate from the upper 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 block diagram of a launch control part. 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 a break process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a service process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game end process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a break. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during invalidity. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a non-operation 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 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 figure which shows an example of a break determination table.

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 obtain 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 that is separated 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 pachinko machine unit PU is composed of a break lamp 361 indicating that the game is being paused, an invalid lamp 362 indicating that the restart is disabled, and a restart lamp 363 indicating that the restart invalid time has elapsed. The three-color lamp 360 is provided.
The gaming board 110, the rendering device 20, the CR unit 21, the touch panel 22, the indicator lamp 23, the three-color lamp 360, the cleaning device 30, the distribution device 40, and the like constituting the pachinko gaming machine unit PU are shown in FIG. Is attached directly or indirectly to the unit main body 11 shown in FIG.

  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 display lamp 23, the three-color lamp 360, 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 game board 110 of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. FIG.
The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, 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 the special prize opening 125 that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and the lottery starts even if the 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 unit for collecting game balls discharged from the discharge port 117 to the outside of the game area 111 and game balls won in various winning ports, and the games gathered in the ball collecting unit. The balls are discharged out of the game board 110 through a lower end 118 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. 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. 24) 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. 24) 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 in 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 launching means for launching game balls toward the game board 110, and the supply device 158 will be described later as an example of a supply path in which game balls supplied to the launching device 160 are arranged. It is an example of the supply means which supplies the game ball in the most downstream part of the launch ball guide path 153r to the launch 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 a pattern or 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. 24) 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 demonstration screen display 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 unit as functional units for executing various lottery processes. 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.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

The special symbol lottery result section 234, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the result of the lottery is "whether it is a big win", "a type of jackpot when winning a big win", "when a big win is not won 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 “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. 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 referred to as a “probability change jackpot”, and a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state does not occur (without probability change) is also referred to as a “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 process, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform the special symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation. Is called.
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 pre-determination process are the same as in step 605 described 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 holding number U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol variation is not started, and the demo setting process of another routine To end the process (step 816).

  After subtracting the reserved number U1 or the reserved number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 turns off the demo flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The demo flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the demo state, and is set in the demo 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 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 ( Steps 902, 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 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 shortness) 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 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).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), then the special symbol lottery result unit 234 indicates a symbol indicating that it is a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). Is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (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 unit 234 displays a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter, a lost symbol). The setting information is set in the RAM 203 (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.

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

  If the demo flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a demo state, and thus the process is terminated as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the demo flag is OFF, the game progress control unit 236 generates a demo command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the demo flag (step 1203). The demo 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 it is easy to win (assistant) the second starting port 122.

  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 jackpot with no positive change and 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 time 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 that in 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 / 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 the lower end 118 provided in the game board 110, a ball lifting device 52 that lifts the game balls discharged to the discharge ball receiving tray 51, A circulating ball stock 53 for receiving the game ball raised by the raising device 52 and storing the game ball before being supplied to the upper plate 153; 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 ball supplied from the lower end port 118 or the like is directed toward the ball elevating device 52 by its 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 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 this embodiment) of a plurality of game balls falling from the circulating ball stock 53 through the second guide member 55 is used. 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 a 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 151 a (see FIG. 1-2 (a)) that rotatably supports the handle lever 152 and on the front side of the handle lever 152. 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 (a). 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 has a convex portion 154c extending in the direction of the rotation axis 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 the outward direction.

  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.

  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.

Next, a mechanism for adjusting the number of game balls on the upper plate 153 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a plan view of the upper plate 153 as 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.

  In addition, the upper plate 153 is formed with a shot ball stock 153s that is disposed below the ball cutting device 58 and stores the game balls supplied from the ball cutting device 58 on the upstream side of the shot ball guiding path 153r. . The game balls supplied by the ball cutting device 58 fall into the shot ball stock 153s, and then reach the shot ball guide path 153r. If game balls already exist over the entire area of the launch ball guide path 153r, after being supplied by the ball cutting device 58, the game balls wait in the launch ball stock 153s to roll to the launch ball guide path 153r in order.

  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.

Next, the distribution device 40 will be described in detail.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the distribution device 40 obliquely from the rear right. FIG. 23 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 enclosed 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 disposed 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 feeling ball guide member 47 are formed with a receiving port for receiving a game ball below the discharge port 44ba 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. 23, 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 becomes the receiving port of the storage ball feeling 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. 23, 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 outgoing ball feeling effect production unit 60 via the outgoing ball feeling ball guide 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. 24 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 is an example of a control means for comprehensively controlling the pachinko gaming machine unit PU, such as display of the player's balance, the number of balls to be played and the number of balls to be stored. A unit control unit 500 and a ball data management unit 600 that manages data of game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine unit PU are provided. 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 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. 24, a sphere data management unit 600, a firing control unit 650, a cleaning control unit 800, a CR unit 21, a touch panel 22 and a three-color lamp 360 are connected to the unit control unit 500. 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.
25A, 25B, and 25C are diagrams illustrating examples of screens that the unit control unit 500 displays on the touch panel 22. FIG.
Unit control part 500 displays screen A of Drawing 25-1 (a), when neither a card nor cash is inserted in CR unit 21, and it is not in a break. And unit control part 500 displays screen B of Drawing 25-1 (b), when a game is started. On the screen B, selection buttons indicated as “service”, “break”, and “end”, the number of played balls (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 unused money. 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, when winning game balls are acquired due to the winning game balls winning in the winning opening, the unit control unit 500 increases the number of stored balls by the number of acquired winning 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.

  In addition, 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 “Break” on the screen B is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen D in FIG. On the screen D, a selection button indicated as “meal” and “toilet” and a selection button indicated as “cancel” are displayed.

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. 25-2 or the screen F in FIG. 25-2. To do.
On the screen E, it is displayed that a meal break or a toilet break is being performed, a time predetermined as a meal break or a toilet break (remaining rest available time), and a button indicating “Resume”. The remaining breakable time is displayed in a countdown in units of 1 second.
In addition, on the screen F, when conditions such as the number of breaks and a break waiting time are not satisfied, a display for notifying that a break is not possible is performed. Details of the conditions for taking a break will be described later. Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the screen F, the screen B of FIG.

  Further, when the screen E is displayed, the unit control unit 500 inserts a predetermined card (the same card as the card ejected at the break) into the CR unit 21 before the breakable time elapses. Screen B is displayed. On the other hand, when the screen E is displayed and the remaining breakable time has elapsed (when the display of the remaining breakable time is “0:00”), the screen G is displayed. In the screen G, it is notified that the stand cannot be used, that is, the game cannot be performed even if the card is inserted into the CR unit 21.

  Further, after the screen G is displayed, the unit controller 500 displays the screen A when a predetermined invalid time has elapsed.

  Further, when the selection button indicated as “END” on the screen B is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen A.

  In addition, when the selection button indicated as “cancel” on the screen C or the screen D is pressed, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen B again.

  Furthermore, the unit control unit 500 displays the screen H of FIG. 25-3 on the touch panel 22 when a game ball is not fired in the pachinko gaming machine 100 for a predetermined time or more after the card is inserted into the CR unit 21. On the screen H, it is notified that the gaming machine cannot be used because the game has not been performed for a predetermined time or more, and that the card inserted into the CR unit 21 cannot be taken out. The display of the screen H is switched to the display of the screen A or the screen B when the employee performs a predetermined operation using the hall card.

  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. 24, 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 for detecting a game ball passing through the lower end 118, and a foul ball detection unit (foul ball switch (SW)) 613 for detecting a foul ball (FIG. 2 ( a) see) are connected.

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.
Further, 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.
An insertion side photosensor 76e, a discharge side photosensor 76f, and a ball detection photosensor 76g are connected to the exit / storage feeling control unit 700.
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, the cleaning control unit 800 controls the cleaning device 30 based on the command acquired from the unit control unit 500 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. 26 is a block diagram of launch control unit 650. The launch control unit 650 is configured on the launch control board.
The firing control unit 650 includes a timing signal generation unit 661 that outputs a firing timing signal and a ball feed timing signal at predetermined time intervals. Further, the firing control unit 650 emits a pulse current of a level corresponding to the firing intensity based on the firing timing signal output from the timing signal generating unit 661 and the voltage signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotor shaft of the variable resistor 151ar. A firing drive unit 662 that supplies the solenoid 160a and a ball feed drive unit 663 that supplies a pulse current corresponding to the ball feed timing signal output from the timing signal generation unit 661 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 timing signal generator 661 receives a touch signal from a touch sensor 151c, which will be described later, and receives a stop signal from the stop switch 154a. Further, the timing signal generator 661 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. , Is input.
The timing signal generation unit 661 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 151c when the firing permission flag is ON, and receives a stop signal from the stop switch 154a, a game stop signal from the game control unit 200, and A firing timing signal and a ball feed timing signal are output on condition that none of the stop signals of the firing stop signal from the unit controller 500 is input. In other words, even if the firing permission flag is ON, the timing signal generation unit 661 does not output the firing timing signal and the ball feed 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 and the ball feed timing signal are not output.

[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.
FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B are flowcharts showing the contents of basic processing performed by the unit controller 500.
Referring to FIG. 27A, the unit control unit 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 4702). 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 4702), a command for the cleaning process is transmitted to the cleaning control unit 800 (Step 4703), and this basic process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the store is not closed (No in step 4702), it is determined whether or not a card has been inserted into the CR unit 21 (step 4704). When a card is inserted into the CR unit 21 (Yes in step 4704), it is determined whether or not the inserted card is a hole card (step 4705). 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 4705), the door of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opened (step 4706).

  On the other hand, if it is not a hole card (No in step 4705), it is determined whether or not it is invalid (step 4707). This is processing for determining whether or not the invalid flag is ON in the flag setting set in the RAM 503. Here, the invalid flag is a flag that is turned on until a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses after a breakable time described later elapses.

  If the invalid flag is OFF and not invalid (No in step 4707), it is determined whether or not a break is in progress (step 4708). This is a process for determining whether or not the break flag is ON in the flag setting set in the RAM 503. Here, the break flag is a flag that is turned ON in a break process described later.

  If the break flag is ON and the break is in progress (Yes in step 4708), the inserted card is the same card as when the button indicating "meal" or "toilet" is pressed. It is determined whether or not there is (step 4709). This is determined by comparing the gaming machine information recorded on the card at the start of the break with the gaming machine information held by the unit control unit 500.

  If they are the same card (Yes in step 4709), it is determined whether or not the breakable time has elapsed with reference to the breakable time timer (step 4710). This is because the elapsed time since the break flag is turned ON is the meal breakable time set in Step 4905 (30 minutes) of FIG. 28 described later (30 minutes) or the toilet breakable time set in Step 4907 (10 minutes) This is a process for determining whether or not the above has been reached.

  If the set breakable time has not elapsed (No in step 4710), the break lamp 361 is turned off (step 4711). Here, the break lamp 361 is a lamp that lights in yellow during the break, and is turned off to notify that the break has ended and the game has been resumed. Further, the break flag is turned OFF in the flag setting set in the RAM 503 (step 4712). At this time, the current time (the time at which the break is ended and the game is resumed) is recorded on the inserted card, and the set breakable time timer is canceled.

  On the other hand, if the invalid flag is ON and invalid (Yes in Step 4707), and if it is resting (Yes in Step 4708) and not the same card (No in Step 4709), or after a breakable time has elapsed If yes (Yes in step 4710), the card is ejected (step 4713).

  If a card that is not a hole card is inserted and it is neither invalid nor resting (No in steps 4707 and 4708), it is determined whether or not prohibition information is recorded on the inserted card (step 4714). If the prohibition information is not recorded on the inserted card (No in step 4714), the in-game flag set in the RAM 503 is turned ON (step 4715). If it is determined in step 4714 that the prohibition information is recorded on the card inserted, the card is ejected and the basic process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if no card has been inserted into the CR unit 21 (No in step 4704), it is determined whether or not a bill has been inserted into the CR unit 21 (step 4721). If a bill is inserted (Yes in step 4721), either the invalid flag or the break flag is turned on to determine whether the bill is invalid or resting (step 4722). If a bill is inserted and it is neither invalid nor resting (No in step 4722), the in-game flag is set to ON (step 4715). On the other hand, when a bill is inserted and is invalid or resting (Yes in step 4722), the inserted bill is discharged (step 4723), and the basic process is terminated.

  Then, after turning off the break flag in step 4712 and turning on the gaming flag in step 4715, the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4716).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a call button (not shown) provided for calling a hall employee has been pressed (step 4731). If the call button is pressed (Yes in step 4731), the indicator lamp 23 is lit in red (step 4732). If the call button has not been pressed (No in step 4731), and whether or not the button indicated as “break” on screen B displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed after the indicator lamp 23 is lit red in step 4732 Is discriminated (step 4741). Then, when the button indicated as “break” is pressed (Yes in step 4741), the screen D is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4742), and another routine of break processing is executed (step 4743). The content of the break process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the button indicated as “break” has not been pressed (No in step 4741), it is determined whether or not the button indicated as “service” on screen B displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (No). Step 4751). If the button labeled “service” is pressed (Yes in step 4751), the screen C is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4752), and another routine of service processing is executed (step 4753). The contents of the service process will be described later.

  If the button indicated as “service” is not pressed (No in 4751), it is determined whether or not the button indicated as “end” displayed on the touch panel 22 is pressed (step 4761). If the button indicated as “END” is pressed (YES in step 4761), a game end process of another routine is executed (step 4762), and the basic process ends. The contents of the game end process will be described later.

  Set in the RAM 503 when none of the button indicated as “break”, the button indicated as “service”, or the button indicated as “end” is pressed, and after the break process or the service process is executed. It is determined whether or not the break flag that has been set is ON and a break is in progress (step 4771). If the break flag is turned on (Yes in step 4771), another routine during break is executed (step 4772). The content of the break process will be described later.

  If the break flag is OFF (No in step 4771) and after execution of the break process, it is determined whether the invalid flag set in the RAM 503 is ON and invalid (step 4781). ). If the invalid flag is ON (Yes in step 4781), the invalid processing in another routine is executed (step 4782). Details of the invalid processing will be described later.

  Thereafter, information is acquired from the ball data management unit 600 and the game control unit 200 (step 4791). 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 4792). If a game ball has not been fired (No in step 4792), it is determined whether or not a non-operation timer is set (step 4793). Here, the non-operation timer is a timer that is set when the game ball is not fired and is released when the game ball is fired, and is subtracted every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms). If the non-operation timer is not set (No in step 4793), a predetermined non-operation time (for example, 10 minutes) is set and set in the non-operation timer. If the non-operation timer has been set or after the non-operation timer has been set, whether the non-operation timer has reached zero and the non-operation time has elapsed (the time during which no game ball is continuously fired is 10 minutes) (Step 4795). If the non-operation time has elapsed (Yes in step 4795), another routine non-operation processing is executed (step 4796). The contents of the non-operation process will be described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not a winning ball has been acquired based on the information acquired from the game control unit 200 (step 4797). If no winning ball has been acquired (No in step 4797), it is determined whether or not a bill has been inserted into the CR unit 21 (step 4798).
On the other hand, when a game ball is fired (Yes in step 4792), the set non-operation timer is canceled (step 4799).

  Then, after canceling the non-operation timer, and when winning a prize ball (Yes in step 4797), when a bill is inserted (Yes in step 4798), data on the balance, the number of outgoing balls, and the number of stored balls are stored. Update (step 4801). 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. Thereafter, these data are stored in the card inserted into the CR unit 21 (step 4802), and are transmitted to the pitching / pickup feeling control unit 700 (step 4803).

[Break process by unit control unit]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of the break process (step 4743 in FIG. 27-2).
In this break process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the screen D is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4901). If the screen D is being displayed (Yes in step 4901), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “meal” on the screen D displayed on the touch panel 22 has been pressed (step 4902).

  If the button labeled “meal” is pressed (Yes in step 4902), a meal break determination process is executed (step 4903). The meal break determination process determines whether or not a break is possible based on the break determination table shown in FIG. Specifically, the number of breaks recorded on the card has not reached twice, and the elapsed time from the end of the previous break (when the break flag is turned off) has exceeded 60 minutes. Further, when the number of stored balls is 1000 or more, it is determined that a break is possible (see FIG. 37).

  On the other hand, if the button labeled “meal” has not been pressed (No in step 4902), it is determined whether or not the button labeled “toilet” has been pressed (step 4906). When the button labeled “toilet” is pressed (Yes in step 4906), a toilet break determination process is executed (step 4907). The toilet break determination process determines whether or not a break is possible based on the break determination table shown in FIG. Specifically, the number of breaks recorded on the card has not reached 5, and the elapsed time from the end of the previous break (when the break flag is turned off) has exceeded 20 minutes. Furthermore, when the number of stored balls is 250 or more, it is determined that a break is possible (see FIG. 37).

  If it is determined that a meal break is possible in the meal break determination process (Yes in step 4904), 30 minutes (see FIG. 37), which is a meal break available time, is set in the break available time timer (step 4905). On the other hand, if it is determined in the toilet break determination process that the toilet break is possible (Yes in step 4908), 10 minutes (see FIG. 37), which is the toilet breakable time, is set in the breakable time timer (step 4905). The timer is released when the break is finished and the game is resumed.

  If it is determined in the break determination process that no break is possible (No in step 4904 or step 4908), the screen F is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4909). In addition, the reason (excess of the number of times that a break is possible or a shortage of the number of stored balls) is displayed on the screen F in the break determination process. Further, the display of the screen F is switched to the screen D after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed.

  Then, after setting the breakable time in step 4905, various information is recorded on the card (step 4910). The information recorded on the card includes the balance, the number of stored balls, the cumulative number of breaks, gaming machine information, and prohibition information. The gaming machine information is identification information unique to the gaming machine and is discharged at the start of the break by checking whether the gaming machine information recorded on the card matches the gaming machine information of the gaming machine. It can be determined whether the card and the card inserted into the CR unit 21 are the same (step 4709 above). Further, the card on which the prohibition information is recorded cannot be used in other gaming machines (step 4714).

  Then, the card on which various information is recorded is ejected from the CR unit 21 (step 4911), and the break flag set in the RAM 503 is turned ON (step 4912). Thereby, it switches to the break which can restart a game only by using the card | curd in which the same game machine information as the game machine information which the unit control part 500 has was recorded. Then, the screen E is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 4913), and the break process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if neither the button labeled “meal” nor the button labeled “toilet” has been pressed (No in step 4906), has the button labeled “Cancel” on screen D been pressed? It is determined whether or not (step 4914). When the button indicated as “Cancel” is pressed (Yes in Step 4914), the screen B is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 4915).

[Service processing by the unit controller]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the service process (step 4753 in FIG. 27-2).
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). ).

[Game end processing by unit control unit]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the game end process (step 4762 in FIG. 27-2).
In this game end process, the unit controller 500 first records and deletes various information on the card inserted in the CR unit 21 (step 5011). The information recorded on the card is the balance, the number of stored balls, etc., and the information to be deleted from the card recording is gaming machine information and prohibition information. In this way, by deleting the gaming machine information and the prohibition information, the card can be used in other gaming machines.

  Then, the card on which various information is recorded and deleted is ejected from the CR unit 21 (step 5012), the gaming flag is turned off (step 5013), and the screen A is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5014). Thereby, a game can be started by inserting the card | curd in which prohibition information is not recorded, or a banknote into CR unit 21. FIG.

  When the end of the game is selected, the player can visually recognize the number of his own balls through the transparent portion 10a. 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 end selection is less than the predetermined number of balls B1, the game ball is instantaneously dropped from the second drop hole H2, and the game is played from the launch ball guide path 153r through the transparent portion 10a. Since it is possible to visually recognize how the balls are reduced, it is possible to visually recognize that the remaining game balls that can be launched are small enough to fit in the downstream-side non-visible region R1.

[Processing during breaks by the unit controller]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the break process (step 4772 in FIG. 27-2).
In this break process, the unit controller 500 first checks the breakable time timer to determine whether or not the breakable time has elapsed (step 5021). The time when breakable time has passed means that 30 minutes have passed without restarting the game after starting the meal break, or 10 minutes have passed without restarting the game after starting the toilet break This is the case (see FIG. 37).

  If the breakable time has not elapsed (No in step 5021), the break process is terminated. On the other hand, when the breakable time has elapsed (Yes in Step 5021), the screen G is displayed on the touch panel 22 (Step 5022). Then, the break lamp 361 is turned off and the invalid lamp 362 is turned on (step 5023), and an invalid time timer in which a predetermined invalid time (for example, 15 minutes) is set is set (step 5024). Here, the invalid lamp 362 is a lamp for notifying that the lamp is invalid by lighting in red. When the card is invalid, it is discharged even if a card or bill is inserted into the CR unit 21, and a game cannot be performed.

  After setting the invalid time, the break flag set in the RAM 503 is turned off (step 5025), and the invalid flag is turned on (step 5026). This makes it impossible to play a game with any card from the break when the game can be resumed using a card in which the same gaming machine information as the gaming machine information of the unit control unit 500 is recorded. Switch to.

[Invalid processing by unit control unit]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of the invalid processing (step 4782 in FIG. 27-2).
In the break process, the unit controller 500 first checks the invalid time timer to determine whether or not the invalid time has elapsed (step 5041). The case where the invalid time has elapsed is the case where 15 minutes have elapsed since the switch from the break to the invalid period.

  If the invalid time has not elapsed (No in step 5041), the invalid process is terminated. On the other hand, if the invalid time has elapsed, the screen A is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5042). Then, the invalid lamp 362 is turned off (step 5043), the restart lamp 363 is turned on (step 5044), and a predetermined restart lamp lighting time (for example, 30 minutes) is set (step 5045). The restart lamp 363 lights up in blue to notify that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the period during which the gaming machine 100 cannot play (inactive) has ended. As a result, when another player has already played a game, a player who has not resumed the game even after the breakable time has elapsed will cause a trouble by trying to resume the game. Can be prevented. The restart lamp 363 is turned off when the restart lamp lighting time has elapsed.

  Then, the invalid flag is turned off (step 5046), and the in-game flag is turned off (step 5047). Thereby, the state in which a game cannot be performed is released, and a game can be performed by inserting a card or banknote in which prohibition information is not recorded into the CR unit 21. In this way, after the invalid time has elapsed, a game can be performed without having a card ejected at the time of the break, so that it is possible to suppress a reduction in the operating rate due to the inability to perform the game.

[Non-operation processing by the unit controller]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the contents of the non-operation processing (step 4796 in FIG. 27-2).
In this non-operation process, the unit controller 500 determines whether there is a balance and whether the number of stored balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 250). If there is no balance and the number of stored balls is less than the predetermined number (No in step 5031), the non-operation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if there is a balance or there is no balance, if the number of stored balls is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (Yes in step 5031), the screen H is displayed on the touch panel 22 (step 5032). As a result, the buttons indicated as “break” and “end” are not displayed on the touch panel 22, so that the break process (see FIG. 28) and the game end process (see FIG. 30) cannot be performed. Therefore, when the game ball is not fired for 10 minutes, the card cannot be discharged from the CR unit 21. Therefore, for example, even if the player leaves the seat without performing the break process, it is possible to prevent the theft of the card in which the remaining money or the stored ball of a predetermined amount or more is recorded.

  In the present embodiment, the non-operation process is performed when the game ball is not fired for a predetermined time or more. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sensor for detecting the player's seating is provided, and the sensor is seated for the predetermined time or longer. If no is detected, non-operation processing may be performed. Further, in the non-operation process, the screen H may be displayed on the touch panel 22 regardless of the balance or the number of balls stored.

  Further, when a game ball is not fired for a predetermined time or more although the break process is not performed, it may be processed as a break. In this case, when the non-operation time has elapsed (when Yes in step 4795), processing is performed in the same manner as when the “meal” button or “toilet” button on the touch panel 22 is pressed. That is, if Yes in step 4795, the process proceeds to step 4905. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a substantial decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  Thereafter, a firing prohibition process for stopping transmission of the firing stop signal to the firing control unit 650 is performed (step 5033), and information indicating that the non-operation process has been performed is sent to the host computer via the panel external information terminal board 250. Send to. This makes it impossible to eject the card and launch the game ball until the hall employee performs a resetting operation based on information input by the host computer.

FIG. 34 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 process, the unit controller 500 first determines whether or not the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1 has been specified (step 4851). The number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1 is specified based on the output value from the first remaining ball photosensor set 153f1. For example, the downstream sensor in the first remaining ball photosensor set 153f1 shields light, and the upstream sensor receives light, so that the last aligned photosphere guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1 The game balls can be identified as the game balls in the part where the downstream sensor is arranged, and the remaining n game balls are placed in the launch ball guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1. It becomes possible to specify that there is. In addition, using the fact that the downstream sensor in the first remaining ball photosensor set 153f1 is shielded from light and the upstream sensor receives light, the shot ball guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1 is used. The first remaining ball photosensor set 153f1 detects the passage of the game ball after identifying the number of game balls in the game ball, so that the number of game balls supplied after the previous identification can be grasped. 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 The number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1 can be specified again based on the output from the rail ball, the output from the rail ball detection sensor 159, and the like. If the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1 is not specified (No in step 4851), the process waits until it is specified. While both of the two sensors constituting the first remaining ball photosensor set 153f1 are shielded from light, the last game ball aligned with the launch ball guide path 153r downstream from the first suppression valve C1 is located at any location. Is unknown, and the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r cannot be specified. 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 downstream of the first suppression valve C1 is specified (Yes in step 4851), the number of game balls in the launch ball guide path 153r downstream of the first suppression valve C1 is determined. It is determined whether or not the total number of remaining game balls and the number of game balls on the launch rail 160d is less than the number of possessed balls that can be fired 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 “number of possessed balls at the time of termination selection BM−number of launched balls + 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 has decreased due to the third suppression valve C3 being closed in step 5108 of the ball data management process described later, the identification is made in step 4851. When the number of game balls is subtracted from the total number of game balls and the number of game balls on the firing rail 160d and the result of subtraction is less than zero, the number of remaining game balls is less than the number of game balls judge.

  If the number of remaining game balls is smaller than the number of possessed balls (Yes in step 4852), a third number attached to the upper plate 153 to supply an insufficient number of game balls to the launch ball guide path 153r. The suppression valve C3 is opened only for a period during which an insufficient number of game balls flow down (step 4853). That is, the third suppression valve C3 is opened for a period corresponding to the number of shortages. Note that the correlation between the shortage number and the open period of the third suppression valve C3 is derived in advance and stored in the ROM 502 as a map. In step 4853, the open period of the third suppression valve C3 is calculated based on the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the number of held balls from the number of remaining game balls calculated in step 4852 and the map. The third suppression valve C3 is opened for the calculated period.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the contents 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 5861). If the number of possessed balls is not 1 (No in step 5861), the system waits until it becomes 1. On the other hand, when the number of possessed balls becomes 1 (Yes in Step 5861), it is determined whether or not a game ball is supplied to the firing rail 160d of the launching device 160 (Step 5862). 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 5862), the process waits until a game ball is supplied.

  On the other hand, when a game ball is supplied to the launch rail 160d (Yes in step 5862), 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 5863). Since the number of game balls on the launch ball guide path 153r is adjusted, the number of possessed balls and the number of game balls downstream from the third suppression valve C3 are basically 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 5864). This is a process of determining whether or not the launch detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611 has detected a game ball. If a game ball has been fired (Yes in step 5864), it is determined whether or not the fired game ball has become a foul ball (step 5865). 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 5865), the first on-off valve G1 is closed (Step 5866), and the processing after Step 5864 is performed again.

On the other hand, if it does not become a foul ball (No in step 5865), it is determined whether or not any of the winning openings has been won (step 5867). 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 5867), the first on-off valve G1 is closed (step 5868), and the processing after step 5861 is performed again. On the other hand, if no winning is made (No in step 5867), the in-game flag is turned off (step 5870).
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a refund amount (step 5871). This is a process for determining whether or not the calculated refund amount is greater than zero. If it is greater than zero, the determination is affirmative, and if it is zero, the determination is negative. If there is a refund amount (Yes in step 5871), the calculated refund amount is recorded on the card, and the card is discharged (step 5872). Then, screen A is displayed on touch panel 22 (step 5873).

  In the shot ball adjustment process described with reference to FIG. 35, when the number of held balls is 1 (Yes in step 5861), the rail ball detection sensor 159 places a game ball on the shot rail 160d. If it is detected, the first on-off valve G1 is opened for the third drop period. However, when the number of possessed balls is 1 (Yes in step 5861), when the launch detection unit (launch switch (SW)) 611 detects a game ball launched by the launcher 160, the launch ball guide path 153r. The first on-off valve G1 may be opened in order to drop all the game balls remaining in the first drop hole H1.

[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.
36A and 36B are flowcharts showing the contents of the sphere data management process performed by the sphere data management unit 600.
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 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 number of stored balls is larger than B5 + 1 which is a value obtained by adding 1 to a predetermined number of balls B5 which is a predetermined number (Step 5104). When the number of stored balls is larger than the predetermined number of balls B5 + 1 (Yes in Step 5104), the third suppression valve C3 attached to the upper plate 153 is opened (Step 5105).

  On the other hand, if there is no storage (No in Step 5103), 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 5106). If there is a remaining amount (Yes in Step 5106), the number obtained by adding the number of game balls corresponding to the remaining amount and the number of stored balls when it is determined in Step 5103 that there is a stored amount. It is determined whether or not the number of held balls is larger than a predetermined number of balls B5 + 1 (step 5107). If the number of balls held is larger than the predetermined number of balls B5 + 1 (Yes in Step 5107), the second suppression valve C2 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 B5 + 1 (No in Step 5107), the third suppression valve C3 is closed (Step 5108).

  After the third suppression valve C3 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 third suppression valve C3 is opened, and the game ball corresponding to the service ball is placed on the launch ball guide path 153r downstream from the third suppression valve C3. (Step 5110). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a winning ball (step 5111). If there is an acquired prize ball (Yes in step 5111), the game balls upstream from the third suppression valve C3 are rolled downstream from the third suppression valve C3 by the number of acquired prize balls. In addition, the third suppression valve C3 is opened for a predetermined period (step 5112). That is, the third suppression valve C3 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 (Yes 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 raising device 52 and the ball cutting device 58 is stopped (step 5116).
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.

  As described above, when returning to a game from a meal break or a toilet break, the card ejected at the break and the card inserted into the CR unit 21 at the game return must be the same (see FIG. 27-1). Thereby, the anxiety of the player who is taking a break that another player may have taken the gaming machine can be eliminated. In addition, it is possible to prevent a trouble (which player occupies the gaming machine) due to another player playing the suspended gaming machine.

  In the present embodiment, for the resting method and the game resuming method during the game of the player, the enclosed game machine is a game machine in which the game ball enclosed in the internal space so as not to be touched from the outside is used for the game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any game machine installed in a hall may be used.

In the present embodiment, pressing the button displaying “meal” and the button displaying “toilet” on the screen D corresponds to an operation for interrupting the game, and the touch panel 22 for detecting the operation The unit controller 500 corresponds to an interruption operation detection unit. The operation for interrupting is not limited to the operation of the touch panel, but may be a mechanical button or a dial.
In the present embodiment, the unit controller 500 that turns on the break flag in the break process shown in FIG. 28 corresponds to the game interruption means.
In this embodiment, the card corresponds to the recording medium, the CR unit 21 that inserts and ejects the card corresponds to the recording medium entrance, and the unit control unit 500 that performs control to eject the card from the CR unit 21 performs recording. This corresponds to medium discharge control means. The recording medium is not limited to a card, and may be a coin or a non-contact chip, for example.
In the present embodiment, the breakable time timer that measures whether or not the breakable time has elapsed when the break flag is ON corresponds to the interruption time measuring means.
In the present embodiment, the unit control unit 500 that collates the gaming machine information recorded on the card in step 4709 with the gaming machine information held by the unit control unit 500 corresponds to a recording medium determination unit.
In the present embodiment, the break lamp 361, the invalid lamp 362, and the restart lamp 636 correspond to notification means.
In the present embodiment, the handle 151 corresponds to the game operation means.

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 (3)

An interruption operation detecting means for detecting an operation for interrupting the game;
A recording medium inlet / outlet for inputting and discharging a predetermined recording medium;
A game interruption means for interrupting a game by stopping a predetermined function of the gaming machine when the operation is detected by the interruption operation detection means;
A recording medium discharging means for discharging the recording medium from the recording medium entrance when the game is interrupted by the game interruption means;
Interruption measuring means for measuring the interruption time of the game by the game interruption means;
Recording medium input detecting means for detecting input of the recording medium into the recording medium entrance;
Whether the recording medium detected by the recording medium input detection means when the game is interrupted by the game interruption means is the same as the recording medium discharged from the recording medium entrance through the interruption Recording medium discriminating means for discriminating whether or not,
When the recording medium discriminating means determines that the recording medium inserted when the game is interrupted and the recording medium ejected by the interruption are the same, the recording medium is measured by the interrupt measuring means. A game restarting means for recovering a predetermined function of the gaming machine and restarting the game on condition that the interrupting time does not exceed a preset interruptible time;
An informing means for informing that whether or not the interruption time exceeds the interruption possible time when the game is interrupted by the game interruption means ,
The game restarting means, when the interruption time exceeds the interruption possible time, and further, when the recording medium input detection means detects the input of the recording medium after exceeding a preset restart invalid time, Regardless of the discrimination result by the recording medium discrimination means, the game is resumed,
Regardless of whether or not the recording medium entrance is the same as the recording medium discharged from the recording medium exit due to the interruption of the game during the restart invalid time, it is impossible to insert any recording medium,
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user whether or not the interruption time exceeds the restart invalid time . When the game is restarted after the interruption time exceeds the restart invalid time, the notification means notifies that the game has been resumed after the restart invalid time has elapsed until a predetermined time elapses. The gaming machine according to claim 1 . Provided with a game operation means capable of performing an operation,
The said game interruption means stops the predetermined function of a gaming machine as the said interruption operation means being operated, when operation of the said game operation means is not performed continuously for more than predetermined time. The gaming machine according to 1 or 2 .

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