JP6062846B2 - GAME MACHINE, GAME MEDIUM MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AND GAME SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine , a gaming medium management device, and a gaming system including these .

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines, in general, a game can be started when a player inserts gaming media such as game balls and medals into the gaming machine. Then, the game medium is discharged from the gaming machine according to a predetermined condition. Thus, the gaming machine has a structure in which a game medium is inserted by a player, so that the player can directly touch the game medium and can freely handle the game medium. For this reason, illegal acts such as replacing game media may be performed. For example, in a pachinko machine, an illegal act of making it easy to win a prize may be performed by replacing a game ball with one having a small diameter. In order to prevent such an illegal act, a game machine called an encapsulated type is proposed in which game media are circulated in the game machine without being discharged outside the game machine, and the increase / decrease of game balls is managed by data. (For example, Patent Document 1).

  As an example of a sealed pachinko machine, the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1 will be described. The pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1 is communicably connected to a CR unit that reads a prepaid medium, and a game system is configured by the pachinko machine and the CR unit. When the player inserts the prepaid medium into the CR unit, the prepaid medium is read by the CR unit, and if the remaining value of the prepaid medium is not zero, a game ball lending instruction signal is output to the pachinko machine. The remaining value of the prepaid medium is managed by the management computer group, and the CR unit performs a process of reducing the remaining value of the prepaid medium according to the number of balls lent with the management computer group when the ball lending is completed.

  When a game ball lending instruction signal is output to the pachinko machine, the pachinko machine can add a predetermined number of balls to the number of balls that can be fired, and the player can enjoy the game for that number of balls. Further, when a game ball is paid out due to winning or the like during the game, the amount is added to the number of balls that can be fired. With such a configuration, the pachinko machine circulates the game balls inside and does not discharge the game balls to the outside. Since the game ball is not discharged to the outside, the player cannot directly touch the game ball, and it is difficult for the player to replace the game ball, and cheating can be suppressed.

JP 2012-152448 A

  By the way, the pachinko machine has a plurality of detectors for the purpose of monitoring the operation and state of the pachinko machine, detecting the passing position of the game ball, or detecting illegal acts. And the control part controls the operation | movement of the whole pachinko machine based on the detection signal from these detectors. When the number of these detectors increases, the number of detection signals also increases, so the load on the control unit increases.

  In recent years, the effects on pachinko machines tend to be more complicated in order to suppress monotonous feelings in games and improve interests. Therefore, the number of detectors also tends to increase, and the load on the control unit tends to increase. Further, since the production becomes complicated, the amount of calculation performed in the control unit also increases, and the load on the control unit increases.

  Moreover, in the above-described sealed pachinko machine, the number of detectors is increased compared to a normal pachinko machine due to the difference in structure from the normal pachinko machine. Therefore, there has been a problem that the load on the control unit increases too much. If the burden on the control unit increases too much, a malfunction may occur in the entire gaming machine or gaming system. In addition, there is a possibility that it is necessary to take measures such as limiting the production so as not to cause such a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming system that can reduce the load on the control unit in a sealed pachinko machine.

A gaming system according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to circulate through a series of routes without discharging game media to the outside, and launching the game media that is positioned above the game region to the game region Enclosing type comprising: polishing means for polishing the game medium discharged from the game area; and transporting means for conveying the game medium polished by the polishing means from below the launching means to the launching means And a game medium management device connected to the game machine so as to be able to transmit and receive data related to increase / decrease in game media associated with consumption, lending, and payout of the game media. The gaming machine includes an increase / decrease detection means for detecting the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player and a control means for controlling the gaming machine, and the increase / decrease detection means is held by the player. Outputs count change detection signal indicating the increase or decrease in number of serial game medium, the game machine does not perform increase and decrease the number of operation management of the game medium by the player based on the previous SL count change detection signal is held, the game medium The management device calculates and manages the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player based on the increase / decrease number detection signal.
A gaming machine according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to circulate through a series of routes without being discharged to the outside, and is positioned above the gaming area and fires the gaming medium into the gaming area. Firing means for polishing, polishing means for polishing the game medium discharged from the game area, and lifting means for transporting the game medium polished by the polishing means from below the launching means to the launching means, An enclosed game machine that is connected to a game medium management device so as to be able to transmit and receive data related to increase / decrease of game media accompanying consumption, lending, and payout of the game medium, and the game possessed by a player A player based on the increase / decrease number detection signal, comprising: an increase / decrease number detection means for detecting an increase / decrease number of the medium and outputting an increase / decrease number detection signal indicating the increase / decrease number of the game medium possessed by the player; Is The game medium management device is caused to calculate and manage the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player based on the increase / decrease number detection signal without performing the calculation management of the increase / decrease number of the game medium. And
The gaming medium management device according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to circulate through a series of routes without being discharged to the outside, and is positioned above the gaming area to place the gaming medium in the gaming area. Launching means for firing the game medium, polishing means for polishing the game medium discharged from the game area, and lifting means for transporting the game medium polished by the polishing means from below the launching means to the launching means A game medium management device connected to an enclosed game machine provided so as to be able to transmit and receive data related to increase / decrease of game media accompanying consumption, lending and payout of the game media, wherein the gaming machine is a game An increase / decrease number detecting means for detecting an increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player and outputting an increase / decrease number detection signal indicating the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player; a control means for controlling the gaming machine; Be equipped Based on the increase / decrease number detection signal output from the increase / decrease number detection means of the gaming machine without performing calculation management of the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player based on the increase / decrease number detection signal It calculates and manages the number of increase / decrease of the game media possessed by.

  Thus, since the increase / decrease detection signal output from the increase / decrease detection means is not input to the control means of the gaming machine, the load on the control means is reduced accordingly. In addition, since the game medium management device manages the increase / decrease number of game media held by the player based on the increase / decrease detection signal, there is no problem in managing the increase / decrease number of game media. Thereby, the load on the control means of the gaming machine can be reduced without degrading the performance of the gaming machine by limiting the production.

  Further, in the gaming system, the gaming machine is based on a winning area formed in the gaming area through which the gaming medium can pass, and on the basis of the gaming medium passing through the winning area. A jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot lottery on whether or not to shift to an advantageous jackpot gaming state under a predetermined lottery condition, and a winning detection means for detecting that the game medium has passed through the winning area and outputting a winning detection signal The winning detection signal may be input to the control means and the game medium management device.

  Thus, the winning detection signal for instructing to perform the big hit lottery to determine whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state advantageous to the player and the payout detection signal for instructing the payout of the game medium is the control means and the game medium management device. Therefore, the big hit lottery process and the game medium payout process are promptly performed without delay.

  According to the gaming system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the load on the control unit in the enclosed pachinko machine.

It is a figure showing the whole game system composition concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating transmission / reception of the data of the game system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view of a gaming machine and a game medium management device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a flowchart of the increase / decrease number detection signal processing of the gaming machine, and FIG. 4B is a flowchart of increase / decrease detection of the game medium management device. It is a flowchart of signal processing. It is a figure which shows the network structure of the game system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the game machine and game media management apparatus in the game system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the launch device of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a top view of the launch device of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the raising apparatus of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the lifting apparatus of the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the main process in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the system timer interruption process in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the special symbol control process in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing about the state transition of the special symbol control process performed with the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of a special symbol memory check process in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the normal symbol control process in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the sub control circuit main process in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of command analysis processing in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the discharge process which concerns on this embodiment.

[Outline of the game system]
A gaming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining data transmission / reception in the gaming system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a gaming system 500 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a gaming medium management device 20 is connected to a gaming machine 10 so that data communication is possible. Data relating to the increase / decrease is transmitted / received between the gaming machine 10 and the game medium management device 20. In the gaming system 500, management of the increase / decrease number of game media is executed by the game media management device 20, not the gaming machine 10 that controls the game.

  The gaming system 500 includes a gaming machine 10 and a gaming medium management device 20 connected to the gaming machine 10 so as to be able to transmit and receive data. The gaming machine 10 and the game medium management device 20 are connected via a communication cable 30, and data communication is possible between them. Note that an optical fiber may be used for the communication cable 30 and data communication may be performed using an optical signal.

  The game machine 10 is a so-called pachinko machine and uses a game ball 11 as a game medium. The gaming machine 10 includes a launching device 110, a polishing device 120, and a lifting device 130. The launching device 110 is located above the gaming area 140 that is installed on the front surface of the gaming machine 10 and is covered with a transparent plate-shaped protective glass, and launches the game ball 11 from above the gaming area 140. . Thereby, in the gaming machine 10, a so-called return ball can be avoided. The return ball is generated in a general gaming machine having a structure in which a game ball launched from a launching device provided below the game area is discharged upward from the end of the path to the game area through the path. This is a phenomenon in which a game ball directed upward through the passage is not released from the end of the passage to the game area, passes through the passage downward from the top, and returns to the launching device again.

  The polishing device 120 polishes the game ball 11 discharged from the game area 140 after rolling the game area 140. The lifting device 130 conveys the game ball 11 polished by the polishing device 120 upward and guides it to the launching device 110. The game balls 11 are configured not to be discharged to the outside of the game machine 10, but in the game machine 10, a fixed number (for example, 50) of the game balls 11 circulates through a series of routes. Since the game ball 11 is not discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 10, the gaming machine 10 is not provided with an upper plate or a lower plate for temporarily holding the game ball 11 discharged to the outside. Here, the series of paths specifically includes the launching device 110, the game area 140, the polishing device 120, and the lifting device 130. The launching device 110, the polishing device 120, and the lifting device 130 will be described in detail later.

  Since the gaming balls 11 are not discharged to the outside in the gaming machine 10, the gaming balls 11 are not actually in the hands of the player, and the gaming balls 11 are not actually increased or decreased by playing a game. In the gaming machine 10, the player starts playing the game after obtaining a possession ball by lending from the game medium management device 20. Here, obtaining a ball means that the player obtains a game medium in terms of data management. And when the game ball 11 is launched from the launching device 110, the possessed ball is consumed, and the number of possessed balls decreases. In addition, when the game ball 11 passes through each winning opening provided in the gaming area 140, the number of balls held is increased by the number according to the conditions set according to the winning opening. Furthermore, the number of balls held also increases by lending from the game medium management device 20.

  In this specification, “consumption, lending, and paying out of game media” means that consumption, lending, and paying out of the ball are performed. Further, “increase / decrease in game media” indicates that the number of held balls increases / decreases due to consumption, lending and payout. Further, “detecting the number of increase / decrease of game media” includes detecting a phenomenon that causes the ball to increase / decrease, and is not limited to detecting the specific increase / decrease of the ball. . Further, “data relating to increase / decrease in game media due to consumption, lending and payout of game media” is data relating to a decrease in the number of balls due to the game ball 11 being launched and an increase in the number of balls due to the lending and payout. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the gaming system 500, the gaming medium management device 20 is connected to the gaming machine 10 so as to be able to transmit and receive data using optical signals via the communication cable 30. The gaming machine 10 is an increase / decrease number detector 1100 (each winning sensor 1061 and subtraction sensor 1011) as an increase / decrease number detecting means for detecting the increase / decrease number of game media held by the player, and a control means for controlling the gaming machine 10. There are provided various control boards 1099 (main control circuit 106, sub control circuit 107, and detection control circuit 101). The increase / decrease number detector 1100 outputs an increase / decrease number detection signal indicating the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player, that is, the increase / decrease number of the holding ball, to the game medium management apparatus 20. At this time, the increase / decrease number detection signal is input to the game medium management apparatus 20 without passing through the various control boards 1099. The game medium management device 20 includes a management device control unit 202 that manages the number of balls held by the player based on the increase / decrease number detection signal from the increase / decrease number detector 1100. In the present embodiment, the increase / decrease number detection signal is a signal indicating which of the winning sensors 1061 and the subtraction sensor 1011 the game ball 11 has passed, and the game medium management device 20 determines the increase / decrease number of the holding ball based on this signal. To decide. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, each winning sensor 1061 and subtraction sensor 1011 may output an increase / decrease detection signal indicating the specific increase / decrease number of the holding ball to the game medium management device 20.

  In this way, the game medium management device 20 manages the number of possessed balls. For example, when the game ball 11 passes through each prize opening, the number of game balls 11 to be paid out is determined based on the increase / decrease detection signal transmitted from each prize sensor 1061 that detects the passage of the game ball 11 at each prize opening. Add to the number of balls you have. Further, when the game ball 11 is fired, the number of held balls is subtracted based on the increase / decrease number detection signal transmitted from the subtraction sensor 1011 for detecting the game ball 11. The game medium management device 20 manages the number of balls on the basis of these increase / decrease number detection signals. Then, the game medium management device 20 transmits data relating to the current number of balls to the gaming machine 10. In addition, the game medium management device 20 executes processing based on a request for conversion from a gaming value received by the gaming machine 10 to a possessed ball (ball lending) and a count (return) of the possessed ball.

  Here, the “game value” refers to money / banknotes, prepaid media, tokens, electronic money, tickets, and the like that can be converted to possessed balls by the game media management device 20. In the present embodiment, the game medium management device 20 is a so-called CR unit, and is configured to accept bills and prepaid media. Further, the counted ball can be used for prize exchange or the like in a game hall where the game system 500 is installed.

  The game medium management device 20 has a bill insertion slot 21 into which a bill can be inserted and a prepaid medium insertion slot 22 into which a prepaid medium can be inserted. Thereby, the game medium management apparatus 20 can receive a banknote and a prepaid medium from the outside, and can manage a game value. Although not shown, the game medium management device 20 may have an insertion slot into which a member card in which information such as a member ID for specifying a player is recorded can be inserted. May also be used as the prepaid medium insertion port 22. In the present embodiment, the game value received by the game medium management device 20 is referred to as “balance”. The game medium management device 20 calculates the number of balls on the basis of data relating to the balance and data relating to lending, and transmits data relating to the balance and the number of balls held to the gaming machine 10. Then, the gaming machine 10 displays the balance and the number of balls. Further, when the player performs a counting (returning) operation of the possessed ball in the gaming machine 10, a signal notifying that is transmitted from the gaming machine 10 from the gaming medium management device 20.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the increase / decrease number detection signal output from the increase / decrease number detector 1100 is input to the game medium management device 20, the control board 1099 is not routed. However, the increase / decrease detection signal output from the increase / decrease detector 1100 may be input to the game medium management device 20 via a circuit board or device other than the various control boards 1099. For example, when the gaming machine 10 has an encryption circuit that encrypts various signals, and the encryption circuit is operated independently of the control of the gaming machine 20 by the various control boards 1099, the increase / decrease detection signal is various. It may be input to the game medium management device 20 after being encrypted in the encryption circuit of the control board 1099.

  Here, the increase / decrease number detection signal output by the increase / decrease number detector 1100 is a signal including information for calculating the increase / decrease number of the game medium. Specifically, the game balls for the winning sensors 1061 and the subtraction sensors 1011 11 is a signal output when it is detected that 11 has passed. The management device control unit 202 of the game medium management device 20 manages the number of balls held based on the increase / decrease number detection signal from the increase / decrease number detector 1100.

  Thus, in the gaming system 500, the increase / decrease number detection signal output from the increase / decrease number detector 1100 is not input to the game medium management device 20 via the various control boards 1099 of the gaming machine 10, The game media management device 20 manages the number of balls. Therefore, the number of possessed balls is not managed in the various control boards 1099 of the gaming machine 10, and the load on the various control boards 1099 is reduced accordingly. Therefore, in the gaming system 500, the number of balls can be managed without any problem without increasing the load on the various control boards 1099 of the gaming machine 10. Therefore, the performance of the gaming machine 10 does not deteriorate, such as limiting the effects on the gaming machine 10.

  Further, the main control circuit 106 of the gaming machine 10 determines whether or not to make a big hit lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a big hit gaming state that is advantageous to the player based on the fact that the game ball 11 has passed through a starting port 141 described later. Has a jackpot lottery section 1064 to be performed.

[Outline of pachinko game]
Here, the outline of the pachinko game executed in the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine and the game medium management device according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 10 includes a first liquid crystal display device 102 that is a touch panel type. The first liquid crystal display device 102 is located in the upper part of the gaming machine 10. The first liquid crystal display device 102 receives a request for conversion (ball lending) from a gaming value managed by the game medium management device 20 to a possessed ball (ball lending) or counting (returning) the possessed ball at the gaming machine 10, and lending the possessed ball The data regarding is transmitted to the game medium management device 20. Below the gaming machine 10, a game ball number display device 1024 and a counting button 1025 are provided. The game ball number display device 1024 is a liquid crystal display device, and a ball having up to 6 digits is displayed. The count button 1025 transmits a signal for counting the number of balls in response to the input to the game medium management device 20. A handle 1026 is provided on the right side of the first liquid crystal display device 102. Speakers 1075 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the upper portion of the cabinet 191.

  When the game ball 11 is launched from the launching device 110 to the game area 140, the managed holding ball is consumed. Then, when the game ball 11 passes through each winning opening in the gaming area 140, the payout set to the winning opening is performed, and the number of possessed balls is added. Each winning opening will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, a start opening 141 and a special winning opening 144 are formed in the center of the front surface of the game area 140. In addition, two (four in total) general winning ports 148 are formed on the left and right sides of the game area 140, respectively. A pair of blade members 143 that opens and closes to the left and right are provided on the entrance side of the start port 141, and a shutter 145 that can be opened and closed is provided on the entrance side of the big prize opening 144. Each winning sensor 1061 is provided in each of the start port 141, the big winning port 144, and the general winning port 148, and can detect that the game ball 11 has passed through each winning port. Note that the start opening winning sensor 1061a, which is one of the winning sensors 1061, functions as a winning detection means for detecting that the game ball 11 has passed through the starting opening 141. In this way, each winning sensor 1061 includes a start opening winning sensor 1061a, a sensor provided at the big winning opening 144, and a sensor provided at the general winning opening 148.

  When the game ball 11 passes through the start port 141, a predetermined payout is performed, and a big hit lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state is performed by the big hit lottery unit 1064 based on predetermined lottery conditions. The predetermined lottery conditions are conditions necessary for the lottery process, such as the probability of being lost or the probability of winning a jackpot. This lottery condition may be changed based on a predetermined condition (for example, a lottery lottery result). A special symbol display device 149 is provided in the upper part of the game area 140, and is operated based on this big hit lottery. Specifically, the special symbol display device 149 is a display device that can display 7 segments, and performs variable display of a special symbol (not shown) in a special symbol game that is performed for each big hit lottery. The special symbol in the special symbol display device 149 is configured by a single symbol sequence, but is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured by, for example, a plurality of symbol sequences.

  This special symbol is a symbol composed of numbers, symbols, etc., and can be displayed by appropriately combining the seven segments, and numbers from “0” to “9” or a symbol “−” can be used. it can. The special symbol game is started on condition that the game ball 11 has passed through the start port 141, and the special symbol display device 149 variably displays the special symbol.

  Here, “variable display” means that the display is variable. For example, “change display” displayed in a variable manner, “stop display” displayed after a stop, and the like are made possible. As the “variable display”, “derivative display” in which a special symbol is displayed as a result of the special symbol game can be performed.

  In this special symbol display device 149, a special symbol is derived and displayed according to the lottery result of the big hit lottery, and the special symbol thus derived is displayed in a specific display mode (for example, any one of “0” to “9”). Based on the state in which numbers are derived and displayed, so-called “hit display mode”), the gaming state is shifted to a jackpot gaming state (specific gaming state) that is advantageous to the player. When the big hit gaming state is reached, the shutter 145 is controlled to be in the open state, and the big prize opening 144 is in an open state in which the game ball 11 can be easily received.

  As described above, when the game ball 11 passes through the start port 141, the holding ball is added, and the big hit lottery unit 1064 determines whether or not to shift to the big hit game state advantageous to the player. Done. That is, the start opening winning sensor 1061a as an increase / decrease detection means included in each winning sensor 1061 detects the increase / decrease number of the ball and outputs an increase / decrease detection signal indicating the increase / decrease number of the ball to the game medium management device 20. To do. Then, the start port winning sensor 1061a as a winning detection means detects that the game ball 11 has passed through the start port 141 and outputs a winning detection signal to the main control circuit 106.

  In other words, the gaming machine 10 is based on the start opening 141 formed in the game area 140 through which the game ball 11 can pass and the game ball 11 passing through the start opening 141, which is advantageous to the player. A jackpot lottery unit 1064 that performs jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the gaming state under a predetermined lottery condition, and a start port winning sensor 1061a that detects that the game ball 11 has passed through the start port 141 and outputs a winning detection signal The winning detection signal is input to the main control circuit 106 and the game medium management device 20.

  As a result, the winning control signal for instructing the big hit lottery to determine whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state advantageous to the player, and the payout detection signal for instructing the payout of the possession ball, is sent to the main control circuit 106 and the game medium management device. Therefore, the big hit lottery process and the game medium payout process are promptly performed without delay.

[Game system operation]
In the gaming system 500, operations of the gaming machine 10 and the game medium management device 20 resulting from the detection of the game ball 11 by each winning sensor 1061 or the subtraction sensor 1011 will be specifically described with reference to flowcharts. 4 is a flowchart of the increase / decrease number detection signal processing of the present embodiment, FIG. 4 (a) is a flowchart of the increase / decrease number detection signal processing of the gaming machine, and FIG. 4 (b) is a game medium management device. It is a flowchart of an increase / decrease number detection signal processing.

  First, the increase / decrease number detection signal processing of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the gaming machine 10, it is determined whether or not the game ball 11 is detected by each winning sensor 1061 or the subtraction sensor 1011 (S101). When the game ball 11 is not detected by each winning sensor 1061 or the subtraction sensor 1011 (NO in S101), a later-described step S103 is executed. On the other hand, when the game ball 11 is detected by each winning sensor 1061 (YES in S101), an increase / decrease number detection signal is output to the game medium management device 20 (S102).

  In step S102, when the game ball 11 is detected by the sensor (start port winning sensor 1061a) provided in the start port 141 among the winning sensors 1061, it is confirmed that the game ball 11 is detected by the start port 141. The increase / decrease number detection signal shown is output from the start opening prize sensor 1061a to the game medium management device 20. In addition, when the game ball 11 is detected by a sensor provided in the big prize opening 144 among the winning sensors 1061, the increase / decrease detection signal indicating that the game ball 11 has been detected at the big prize opening 144 is large. It is output from the sensor provided at the winning opening 144 to the game medium management device 20. In addition, when the game ball 11 is detected by a sensor provided in the general winning port 148 among the winning sensors 1061, an increase / decrease detection signal indicating that the game ball 11 is detected at the general winning port 148 is generally displayed. The data is output from the sensor provided at the winning opening 148 to the game medium management device 20. When the subtraction sensor 1011 detects the game ball 11, an increase / decrease detection signal indicating that the subtraction sensor 1011 has detected the game ball 11 is output from the subtraction sensor 1011 to the game medium management device 20.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the sensor from which the game ball 11 is detected is the start opening winning sensor 1061a (S103). If the sensor in which the game ball 11 is detected is not the start opening winning sensor 1061a (NO in S103), step S105 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the sensor in which the game ball 11 is detected is the start opening prize sensor 1061a (YES in S103), a winning detection signal is transmitted from the start opening prize sensor 1061a to the main control circuit 106 (S104).

  Then, a big hit lottery process is performed (S105). The jackpot lottery process is a process of performing a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state performed by the jackpot lottery unit 1064 of the main control circuit 106 based on a predetermined lottery condition. Then, a special symbol game process is performed (S106). In the special symbol game processing, the special symbol variable display of the special symbol display device 149 is performed by the sub control circuit 107 based on the command data (information indicating the lottery result of the big hit lottery) transmitted from the main control circuit 106. Further, a normal symbol game process is performed (S107).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the result of the big hit lottery process is a big hit (shift to the big hit gaming state) (S108). If it is not a big hit (NO in S108), step S101 is re-executed. On the other hand, if it is a big hit (YES in S108), a shutter control process is performed (S109). In the shutter control process, after the shutter 145 is opened by the control of the detection control circuit 101 based on the command data transmitted from the main control circuit 106 (information indicating that the transition to the big hit gaming state is won), When the big hit gaming state is completed, the shutter 145 is closed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4B, the increase / decrease number detection signal processing of the game medium management device 20 will be described. The management device control unit 202 of the game medium management device 20 determines whether or not an increase / decrease number detection signal has been received (S201). When the increase / decrease number detection signal is not received (NO in S201), step S1 is executed again. On the other hand, when the increase / decrease number detection signal is received (YES in S201), the output source of the increase / decrease number detection signal is specified (S202). Specifically, based on the increase / decrease number detection signal, it is specified which one of the winning sensors 1061 and the subtraction sensor 1011 is transmitted.

  Then, a ball management process is performed (S203). Specifically, the starting opening 141, the big winning opening 144, and the general winning opening 148 each have a preset number of balls to be paid out, and the number of held balls is added according to the specified winning opening. . Further, the increase / decrease number detection signal output from the subtraction sensor 1011 indicates that the game ball 11 has been launched and the possessed ball has been consumed. Therefore, when this signal is output, the number of balls held is decremented by one. Then, the number of possessed balls updated according to the increase / decrease number detection signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 10 (S204). When the gaming machine 10 receives the number of possessed balls, an update display process for the displayed possessed balls is performed. The updated display of the number of balls will be described later.

[Electric configuration and operation of game system]
The network configuration, electrical configuration and operation of the gaming system will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a network configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine and the game medium management device in the gaming system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in a game hall or the like where the gaming machine 10 is installed, a plurality of gaming systems 500 including the gaming machine 10 and the game medium management device 20 can perform data communication of optical signals by packet communication. A computer (game room management device) 50 is connected. The display device (game device) 40 is associated with the gaming machine 10 and the game medium management device 20. Although not shown, the information display device 40 is installed above the gaming machine 10 and displays game information such as a winning history indicating the number of winnings in the gaming machine 10. The information display device 40 and the first liquid crystal display device 102 may be integrated. This game information is transmitted from the gaming machine 10 to the information display device 40 via the game medium management device 20. The gaming machine 10 cannot perform direct data communication with the information display device 40. The hall computer 50 is connected to each of the game game medium management device 20 and the information display device 40 so as to be capable of data communication. However, the gaming machine 10 cannot directly perform data communication with the hall computer 50.

  The gaming machine 10 transmits to the gaming medium management device 20 gaming machine specific information and gaming machine data including information related to the game such as gaming information and date / time information indicating the date / time when the information was transmitted. Here, the gaming machine specific information is identification information for identifying each gaming machine 10 and is information unique to each gaming machine 10. The gaming machine specific information is transmitted from the gaming machine 10 to the gaming medium management device 20 as a set together with gaming machine data. The gaming machine specific information is stored in advance in storage means such as a ROM and a RAM included in the gaming machine 10.

  When the gaming medium management device 20 receives the gaming machine specific information and gaming machine data transmitted from the gaming machine 10, the gaming medium management device 20 transmits the gaming machine data to the information display device 40, and transmits the gaming machine unique information and gaming machine data to the hall computer. 50. The data transmitted from the game medium management device 20 to the hall computer 50 is transmitted as an optical signal by packet communication. When the information display device 40 receives game machine data from the game medium management device 20, the information display device 40 transmits display device unique information (game device unique information) and game machine data to the hall computer 50 as an optical signal by packet communication. . Here, the display device unique information is identification information for identifying each information display device 40 and is information unique to each information display device 40. In addition, the game medium management device 20 and the information display device 40 include a signal converter that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to the hall computer 50.

  The hall computer 50 includes a receiving unit 51 that receives signals, a display unit 52 that aggregates gaming machine data received by the receiving unit 51 and displays a total result, a gaming machine 10 and an information display device 40 that are associated with each other. And a verification unit 54 that determines whether an illegal act has been performed by verifying the data received by the reception unit 51. The hall computer 50 is a so-called server and includes a CPU, a memory, various input / output devices, and the like. The above-described units of the hall computer 50 are constructed by cooperation of hardware and software in the memory.

  The receiving unit 51 includes a signal converter that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal, and can receive an optical signal by packet communication. The receiving unit 51 receives, for each gaming system 500, gaming machine specific information and gaming machine data signals from the gaming medium management apparatus 20 by packet communication, and also displays display device unique information and gaming machine data from the information display device 40. The signal is received by packet communication. The display unit 52 aggregates data related to the games of each gaming machine based on the gaming machine data received by the receiving unit 51 and displays the counting result.

  The storage unit 53 stores the gaming machine 10 and the information display device 40 corresponding to each other. That is, the gaming machine 10 and the information display device 40 corresponding to each other are stored in advance in association with the gaming machine unique information and the display device unique information. The collation unit 54 collates the display device unique information received from the information display device 40 and the gaming machine unique information received from the gaming machine 10 via the game medium management device 20 with the content stored in the storage unit 53. . As a result of the collation by the collation unit 54, when it is determined that the gaming machine specific information and the display device specific information are different from those associated in the storage unit 53, the display unit 52 displays that fact. To do. In this case, it is determined that an illegal act has been performed.

  As described above, the hall computer 50 includes the receiving unit 51 that receives data and the display unit 52 that tabulates and displays the received data. The receiving unit 51 includes gaming machine specific information, date and time information, and a game. The gaming machine data including the information is received from the gaming machine 10 through the signal converter via the information display device 40 and the game medium management device 20 as an optical signal by packet communication, and based on the display unit 52 and the received gaming machine data. The data of each gaming machine 10 is totaled and displayed.

  As a result, since the packet communication has a large transmission capacity, each gaming machine 10 sends information unique to the gaming machine such as the model ID and the serial number of the main board and information unique to the corresponding information display device 40 to the hall computer 50. Can be sent. Conventionally, the management of the gaming machine and the display device provided on the upper part of the gaming machine has been managed by associating the numbers of the gaming machine and the display device in advance. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, with the above configuration, the gaming machine 10 and the information display device 40 can be managed by identifying the gaming machine 10 and the information display device 40 based on the data transmitted from the gaming medium management device 20 and the information display device 40. Therefore, it is not necessary to set data in advance by associating the gaming machine 10 with the installation location on the hall computer 50 side that manages the gaming machine 10. Further, when the gaming machine is moved in the game hall, it is not necessary to newly associate the number of the information display device 40 of the movement destination with the gaming machine 10 and reset it. Thereby, the burden on the manager of the game hall can be reduced.

  The hall computer 50 includes a receiving unit 51, a display unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a display unit 52. The receiving unit 51 is a plurality of other gaming machines 10 different from a certain gaming machine 10. Are arranged so as to be able to receive data, and can receive signals from the information display device 40 capable of transmitting its own display device specific information, and the storage unit 53 includes the gaming machine 10 and the information display device 40. The collation unit 54 collates the display device specific information received from the information display device 40 and the gaming machine specific information received from the gaming machine 10 with the information stored in the storage unit, and displays the display unit 52. When it is determined that the received display device unique information and the received gaming machine unique information are not associated with each other as a result of the collation by the collation unit 54, the fact is displayed.

  With such a configuration, whether the gaming machine 10 and the information display device 40 are associated with each other is determined from the gaming machine specific information received from the gaming machine 10 via the gaming medium management device 20 and the information display device 40. This can be determined by comparing the received display device specific information with information stored in advance. As a result of the determination, if these pieces of information do not match, it can be determined that the gaming machine specific information is not correct. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not an illegal act such as illegally replacing the control board or the like of the gaming machine 10 has been performed. In this way, an illegal act can be detected with a simple configuration. If the collation unit 54 determines that the display device unique information and the gaming machine unique information are not associated with each other, the cheating machine 10 has not been cheated, but the information display device 40 Although there is a possibility that some kind of fraudulent act has been performed, since the person who conducts the fraud usually obtains fraudulent balls, the information display device 40 is rarely fraudulent.

  Here, it can be interpreted that the gaming machine and the external device are not permitted to be electrically connected according to the laws concerning customs business and the law concerning optimization of business. Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-173202, a conventional gaming machine includes a concentrated terminal plate having a mechanically operated electromagnetic relay, and the concentrated terminal plate is connected to an external device. It had been. The conventional terminal board of this gaming machine performs transmission / reception of signals to / from external devices using an electromagnetic relay installed for each of a plurality of signals. It was difficult to send and receive. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the gaming system 500 and the hall computer 50 which is an external device are connected so as to be capable of data communication of optical signals by packet communication. Therefore, the hall computer 50 receives the gaming machine specific information and the gaming machine data signal, the display device specific information and the gaming machine data, which are large-capacity data, in a batch by packet communication for each gaming system 500. can do. Thereby, an illegal act can be detected with a simple configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 10 includes a detection control circuit 101, a display device control board 103, a gaming machine connection board 201, a main control circuit 106, and a sub control circuit 107. These have a microcomputer as a main component. The microcomputer is configured by a storage unit (RAM, ROM, etc.) in which a CPU and a processing program are stored.

  The gaming machine 10 has a power supply 108 for supplying power. The power source 108 supplies power to each part of the gaming machine 10. The main control circuit 106 is supplied with power from the power source 108 via the detection control circuit 101. Further, power is supplied to the display device control board 103 from the power source 108 via the sub control circuit 107.

  The display device control board 103 is connected to the first liquid crystal display device 102. The display device control board 103 controls the display of the first liquid crystal display device 102. For example, an image signal transmitted to the first liquid crystal display device 102 is converted so as to be suitable for display on the first liquid crystal display device 102. For example, the display device control board 103 converts the image signal so that the image size matches the screen size of the first liquid crystal display device 102. Further, the display device control board 103 generates a transmission signal for instructing the game medium management device 20 in accordance with the input signal of the first liquid crystal display device 102.

  The main control circuit 106 is connected to each winning sensor 1061, the magnet sensor 1062, and the second radio wave sensor 1063, and receives signals from these sensors. The main control circuit 106 is connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 1064, the special prize opening solenoid 1065, and the LED 1066, and controls these operations.

  The sub-control circuit 107 is connected to the effect button 1071 and the effect sensor 1072 and receives signals from these. In addition, the second liquid crystal display device 1073, the first LED substrate 1074, the speaker 1075, the second LED substrate 1076, and the actuator 1077 are connected to control these operations.

  The detection control circuit 101 includes a first radio wave sensor 1001, a first opening sensor 1002, a second opening sensor 1003, a game ball zero sensor 1004, an appropriate number sensor 1005, an outlet sensor 1006, a handle volume, in addition to the above-described winning sensors 1061. 1007, stop switch 1008, touch sensor 1009, launch device entrance sensor 1010, subtraction sensor 1011, lift device entrance sensor 1012, lift motor sensor substrate 1013, detachable unit sensor 1014, polish motor sensor 1015, and polish device entrance sensor 1016 Connected and receives signals from them. Further, the ball feed solenoid 1017, the launch solenoid 1018, the lifting motor 1019, the detachable unit motor 1020, and the polishing motor 1021 are connected to control these operations.

  The detection control circuit 101 is connected to a display substrate 1022 having a counting switch 1023. The display substrate 1022 controls the game ball number display device 1024 (see FIG. 3).

  The gaming machine 10 also has a first connection unit 104 and a second connection unit 105. The first connection unit 104 is connected to each winning sensor 1061 and the subtraction sensor 1011. Each winning sensor 1061 and subtraction sensor 1011 are connected to the gaming machine connection board 201 of the gaming medium management apparatus 20 via the first connection unit 104. The second connection unit 105 is connected to the display device control board 103. The display device control board 103 is connected to the gaming machine connection board 201 of the game medium management apparatus 20 through the second connection unit 105.

  The first connection unit 104 includes a signal converter that converts signals from the winning sensors 1061 and the subtraction sensor 1011 into optical signals, and can communicate with the game medium management device 20 by an optical communication method. . Here, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-173202, the conventional gaming machine includes a concentrated terminal plate having a mechanically operated electromagnetic relay, and the concentrated terminal plate and an external device are connected to each other. Was connected. With respect to this conventional gaming machine, the gaming system 500 has various advantageous effects as described below.

  In the gaming system 500, it is not necessary to provide an electromagnetic relay for each type of signal to the external device between the external device and the terminal board in the conventional gaming machine. In the gaming system 500, only one signal converter needs to be provided between the first connection unit 104 and the game medium management device 20, and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, in a relay circuit using an electromagnetic relay, it is difficult to provide an empty pin due to its structure, but when using an optical communication method, for example, it is possible to provide a plurality of empty pins on the receiving side. High scalability. In addition, the electromagnetic relay is mechanically operated by an electromagnet, so failure is likely to occur. However, the optical communication system has less failure, and the average failure time is reduced and reliability is improved compared to the case of using an electromagnetic relay. be able to. Moreover, although the electromagnetic relay is likely to generate noise, the optical communication method is not easily affected by noise. Further, in the case of the optical communication system, the response speed is faster than when an electromagnetic relay is used, and a large amount of data can be transferred in one packet. Since a large amount of data can be sent by one packet communication, the number of communication is reduced and the data generation amount is reduced. For example, when a signal for increasing the number of holding balls by 15 is transmitted, in a method using an electromagnetic relay, it is necessary to transmit a signal for increasing the number of holding balls by 15 times. However, in the optical communication system, a signal for increasing 15 balls can be transmitted in a batch. Further, other signals (for example, command type, date and time data such as communication date and time, gaming machine unique number, etc.) can be transmitted simultaneously. As a result, both transmission side control and reception side control in communication can be simplified. Thereby, the CPU of each control board can be reduced in size. Note that optical communication cables from the winning sensors 1061 and the subtraction sensor 1011 may be directly connected to the game medium management device 20. Thereby, the 1st connection part 104 becomes unnecessary and it can aim at reduction of cost.

  Accordingly, the management device control unit 202 of the game medium management device 20 performs the subtraction and subtraction of each winning sensor 1061 of the game machine 10 via the game machine connection board 201 of the game medium management device 20 and the first connection unit 104 of the game machine 10. Connected to sensor 1011. The management device control unit 202 of the gaming medium management device 20 is connected to the display device control board 103 of the gaming machine 10 via the gaming machine connection substrate 201 of the gaming medium management device 20 and the second connection unit 105 of the gaming machine 10. Connected. The management device control unit 202 includes a CPU and a storage unit (RAM, ROM, etc.) that stores processing programs and the like.

Hereinafter, the gaming system 500 will be described together with the description of these configurations.
Each winning sensor 1061 of the gaming machine 10 detects the game ball 11 passing through each winning opening. As described above, the management device control unit 202 of the game medium management device 20 adds the number of balls corresponding to each winning to the number of balls based on the increase / decrease number detection signal output from each winning sensor 1061. As described above, the gaming system 500 has a function of detecting a winning ball.

  The magnet sensor 1062 detects abnormal magnetism in the gaming machine 10. Thereby, the illegal act of operating the game ball 11 using a magnet can be prevented. The second radio wave sensor 1063 detects abnormal radio waves in the gaming machine 10. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as inducing a malfunction of the gaming machine 10 by irradiating or discharging the gaming machine 10 with radio waves.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 1064 is connected to an ordinary electric accessory 142 (see FIG. 3) having a blade member 143 provided at the start port 141, and in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main control circuit 106, The blade member 143 is in an open state or a closed state. The big prize opening solenoid 1065 is connected to the big prize opening 144 having the shutter 145, and the shutter 145 is driven in accordance with the drive signal supplied from the main control circuit 106 to open the big prize opening 144. State or closed. The LED 1066 is a special symbol display device, which is a lottery result indicating whether or not to open the grand prize opening 144 based on the game ball entering the start port 141, and the normal symbol indicating whether or not to release the normal electric accessory. The state of the display device or the hold display device which is the number of the hold is displayed, and the lighting mode varies depending on the drive signal supplied from the main control circuit 106.

  For example, even if an illegal act of forcibly opening the shutter 145 of the big prize opening 144 using a wire or the like is performed, by detecting whether or not a drive signal for driving the shutter 145 is supplied, It is possible to detect fraud and to prevent fraud.

  The display board 1022 controls the game ball number display device 1024 for displaying the number of balls possessed by the player. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a game ball number display device 1024 is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the gaming machine 10. The game ball number display device 1024 is a liquid crystal display device, and displays the number of balls held up to 6 digits. The number of possessed balls is managed by the game medium management device 20 as described above. As the game is executed, the number of possessed balls increases or decreases. The game medium management device 20 performs addition and subtraction based on the increase / decrease number detection signal transmitted from each winning sensor 1061 or the subtraction sensor 1011 to manage the number of balls held. Then, the game medium management device 20 transmits a signal regarding the number of possessed balls to the display substrate 1022. The display board 1022 receives a signal related to increase / decrease of the number of balls held from the detection control circuit 101 and updates the number of balls held displayed on the game ball number display device 1024. Further, when the number of held balls is 0, the display substrate 1022 transmits a signal indicating that to the detection control circuit 101. Thereby, the detection control circuit 101 can determine whether or not the game ball 11 may be fired. Note that, if necessary in the control of the gaming machine 10, even if the number of held balls is other than 0, a signal related to the number of held balls may be transmitted to the detection control circuit 101. Further, such a signal relating to the number of possessed balls may be directly transmitted from the game medium management device 20 to the detection control circuit 101 instead of being transmitted to the detection control circuit 101 via the display substrate 1022.

  As described above, when the winning ball 106 is detected by each winning sensor 1061, the number of acquired gaming balls set for each winning is added to the number of possessed balls. That is, the increase / decrease number detection signal is transmitted to the game medium management device 20, and the game medium management device 20 adds the number of acquired game balls corresponding to each winning combination to the current number of possessed balls. Then, the game medium management device 20 transmits data relating to the number of possessed balls after the addition to the display board 1022, and updates the possessed balls displayed on the game ball number display apparatus 1024 by the display board 1022.

  The subtraction sensor 1011 is provided at the exit of the game ball 11 in the launch device 110 and detects that the game ball 11 is fired from the launch device 110 (launch ball). When the game medium management device 20 receives the increase / decrease number detection signal transmitted from the subtraction sensor 1011, it subtracts the current number of balls. Thereby, the number of possessed balls managed by the game medium management device 20 is updated. The game medium management device 20 transmits data relating to the number of possessed balls after subtraction to the detection control circuit 101. Then, when the number of possessed balls is transmitted from the detection control circuit 101 to the display substrate 1022, the display of the number of possessed balls of the game ball number display device 1024 is updated. If a return ball is generated, the subtraction sensor 1011 may erroneously detect that the game ball 11 has been fired even though the game ball 11 has not actually been fired in the game area 140. . However, as described above, since the gaming machine 10 has a structure that can avoid the return ball, the gaming medium management device 20 can correctly manage the number of balls.

  The counting switch 1023 included in the display substrate 1022 detects an input to the counting button 1025 disposed on the left side of the game ball number display device 1024 as shown in FIG. When the player presses the count button 1025, a detection signal is output from the count switch 1023. When the display board 1022 receives the detection signal from the counting switch 1023, the display board 1022 gradually decreases the number of possessed balls displayed on the game ball number display device 1024. At the same time, data regarding the decrease in the number of possessed balls displayed on the game ball number display device 1024 is transmitted to the game medium management device 20. In response to this data, the management device control unit 202 causes the display device (not shown) of the game medium management device 20 to display the decrease in the number of possessed balls displayed on the game ball number display device 1024 as the counted ball number. . That is, the holding ball is converted into a counting ball.

  Further, as the time for which the count button 1025 is pressed becomes longer, the decrease rate of the number of possessed balls displayed on the game ball number display device 1024 may be increased. In that case, the increase speed of the number of counted balls displayed on the game medium management device 20 is also increased corresponding to the decrease speed of the number of possessed balls. When the number of held balls reaches a desired value, if the pressing operation of the counting button 1025 is stopped, conversion to the counting ball is stopped. Thereby, the player can easily convert a desired number of balls among the possessed balls into counting balls.

  Further, when the player presses the count button 1025 within 10 seconds after pressing a specific area (a return display area 102b described later) in the first liquid crystal display device 102, it is displayed on the game ball number display device 1024. The number of held balls may be zero, and the number of held balls displayed on the game ball number display device 1024 may be added to the counted ball number and displayed on the game medium management device 20. Thereby, since the number of possessed balls can be counted as a batch, the player can easily operate when counting all the possessed balls. Alternatively, all the balls may be counted at once by operating the counting switch 1023 once. In the first liquid crystal display device 102, the number of holding balls to be converted into counting balls may be set. Thereby, the player can easily convert any number of possessed balls into counting balls.

  Whether the game ball 11 passes through each winning opening and reaches the polishing apparatus 120, or does it pass through the out opening 146 formed in the lower part of the gaming area 140 without passing through each winning opening and reaches the polishing apparatus 120 One of them. Therefore, it is possible to detect the number (the number of out balls) of all the game balls 11 that reach the polishing device 120 from the game area 140 and circulate based on the detection signals of the winning sensors 1061 and the out mouth sensor 1006. it can. It should be noted that the signal from each winning sensor 1061 when detecting the number of out balls indicates whether or not each winning hole has been passed, and does not indicate the number of holding balls. Further, the game medium management device 20 may have an out-ball detection function. In that case, the out port sensor 1006 may transmit the detection signal to the game medium management device 20 when the game ball 11 is detected.

  The gaming system 500 has an error detection function. For example, it is possible to compare the number of game balls 11 launched into the game area 140 and the number of game balls 11 reaching the polishing device 120 from the game area 140 based on the detection signal of the launch ball and the detection signal of the out ball. it can. That is, it is possible to detect an illegal act in which the game ball 11 is thrown into the game area 140 from the outside. As described above, the gaming system 500 can detect a game ball number overflow error. The game ball number overflow error may be an error that occurs when the number of possessed balls exceeds the recognizable number in the gaming machine 10. For example, a game ball number overflow error may be detected when the number of balls exceeds the six-digit ball that can be displayed on the game ball number display device 1024.

  Further, the number of game balls 11 fired in the game area 140 is compared with the number of game balls 11 reaching the polishing device 120 from the game area 140 based on the detection signal of the shot ball and the detection signal of the out ball. If a situation occurs in which the ball is continuously detected but the fired ball is not detected, a subtraction sensor error can be detected. That is, it is possible to detect that the game ball 11 is clogged with the launching device 110.

  Further, the number of game balls 11 launched into the game area 140 is compared with the number of game balls 11 reaching the polishing device 120 from the game area 140 based on the detection signal of the launch ball and the detection signal of the out-ball. When the ball continues to be detected while the out ball corresponding to the launch ball is not detected, a winning sensor error can be detected. That is, it is possible to detect that the game ball 11 is clogged at each winning opening or the like.

  The first liquid crystal display device 102 is an input device for accepting a player's input related to ball rental, and also functions as a display device that displays a game value balance. As shown in FIG. 3, a first liquid crystal display device 102 is provided above the gaming machine 10. On the screen of the first liquid crystal display device 102, a replay display area 102a, a return display area 102b, a ball lending display area 102c, and a balance display area 102d are formed. In the balance display area 102d, when the game medium management device 20 receives a game value such as a bill or a prepaid medium from the outside, an amount of the game value that can be converted into a possessed ball is displayed.

  The replay display area 102a, the return display area 102b, and the ball rental display area 102c are input areas for accepting player input. When the first liquid crystal display device 102 detects that the area where the player has made a touch operation is the ball rental display area 102c, the display device control board 103 sends a transmission signal for requesting ball rental to the game medium management device. 20 to send. Based on the ball lending request, the game medium management device 20 performs a lending process for subtracting the balance and adding the number of possessed balls corresponding to the subtracted amount. Then, the updated balance is transmitted from the game medium management device 20 to the first liquid crystal display device 102 via the display device control board 103, and the balance display in the balance display region 102d is updated. Further, the added number of possessed balls is transmitted from the game medium management device 20 to the display board 1022, and the display of the retained balls on the game ball number display device 1024 is updated.

  In addition, when there is no balance in the game medium management device 20 (for example, when no prepaid medium is inserted in the game medium management device 20), the input to the ball rental display area 102c is invalid. In such a state, when a player's touch operation in the ball rental display area 102c is detected, an illegal addition error is detected. If there is a balance and conversion to a holding ball is possible, the ball lending display area 102c is displayed as if it is emitting light, and if there is no balance and conversion to a holding ball is impossible, a ball lending is displayed. The display area 102c may be displayed so as to be slightly dark.

  Further, when the first liquid crystal display device 102 detects that the area where the player has made a touch operation is the return display area 102b, the display device control board 103 sends a transmission signal for requesting the end of the game to the game medium. It transmits to the management apparatus 20. Then, the game medium management device 20 transmits a transmission signal for instructing the end of the game to the display board 1022. Further, when the player presses the count button 1025 within 10 seconds after the return display area 102b is touched, the number of possessed balls is collectively converted into the counted number of balls as described above, and the game medium It is displayed on the management device 20.

  The replay display area 102a of the first liquid crystal display device 102 is valid for accepting input only when there is a replay storage ball. Replay storage means to carry over the ball that was played before the previous day. Information about the carry-on ball, such as the number of replay balls, is stored in association with information such as a member ID that can identify the player, for example, on a storage server installed in a place other than the game hall. For example, the player may insert the membership card into the game medium management device 20 during the game. When the player touches the replay display area 102a with the membership card inserted into the gaming media management device 20, the gaming media management device 20 reads the membership ID recorded on the membership card, and from the savings server Obtain information such as the number of replay balls associated with the member ID. The game medium management device 20 adds the number of replay balls to the number of balls based on this information.

  When the first liquid crystal display device 102 detects that the area where the player has made a touch operation is the replay display area 102a, a transmission signal requesting replay on the display device control board 103 is sent to the game medium management apparatus 20. Sent to. Then, the game medium management device 20 transmits information on the number of possessed balls that has been increased based on the number information on the number of replayed balls to the display board 1022, and the display of the number of possessed balls on the game ball number display device 1024 is updated. The Then, the information stored in the storage server is updated.

  Although not shown, the first liquid crystal display device 102 may display a screen switching area. When the first liquid crystal display device 102 detects that the area where the touch operation by the player is performed is a screen switching area, the content displayed on the first liquid crystal display apparatus 102 may be switched. For example, switching is performed between information from the game medium management device 20 such as the result content of the lending operation and the result content of the return operation described above, and information such as an effect image transmitted from the sub-control circuit 107. It is good.

  Although not shown, the first liquid crystal display device 102 can display card information such as a member ID recorded on a member card inserted in the game medium management device 20, game information of the gaming machine 10, and the like. It is good as well. The display of these card information and game information may be switched to the display mode as shown in FIG. 3 by a touch operation of the first liquid crystal display device 102.

  When the gaming machine 10 is turned on, the CPU unique ID provided in the main control circuit 106, the CPU unique ID provided in the detection control circuit 101, and the gaming machine manufacturer code stored in the gaming machine 10 The manufacturer code of the security chip used for realizing the above-described authentication / communication control circuit 300, the type code of the gaming machine 10, and the consistency of the game hall are determined.

  The first opening sensor 1002 detects that the glass frame is open in the main body 191. The second opening sensor 1003 detects that the inner frame is opened in the main body 191.

  The first radio wave sensor 1001 detects abnormal radio waves with respect to the main body 191 of the gaming machine 10.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 10 detects an error as described above, the gaming machine 10 performs error notification. Although the error notification depends on the board that detects the error, the game is stopped, the error information is displayed by the game medium management device 20, the error information is output by the speaker 1075, the first LED board 1074 for the main body effect and the board effect The LED connected to the second LED board 1076 may be turned on, the actuator 1077 may be driven, and error information may be displayed on the touch panel type liquid crystal display 10.

  The gaming machine 10 outputs gaming state information to the gaming medium management device 20. Specifically, the gaming machine 10 gives the game media management device 20 the number of out balls, the number of balls gained by winning, and the winning type output for each winning (starting opening, big hit, small hit, Information on big hits, big hits on small balls, big hits on big balls), big hits and short-running states, probability variation states, short-running states, fraud detection security, glass frame open state, inner frame open state, and gaming machine errors Is output.

  The power supply 108 generates a power supply necessary for the gaming machine 10 from the single-phase AC 100V. In the present embodiment, the power source 108 directly supplies power to the detection control circuit 101 and the sub control circuit 107. Then, power is supplied to the main control circuit 106 via the detection control circuit 101. In addition, power is supplied to the display device control board 103 via the sub control circuit 107. Note that power supply is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  The power source 108 has a backup power source (not shown). Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the information stored in the RAMs of the main control circuit 106 and the detection control circuit 101 can be held. The power source 108 is provided with a clear switch (not shown). By operating the clear switch, the information stored in the RAMs of the main control circuit 106 and the detection control circuit 101 can be initialized.

  Specifically, the contents held in the RAM of the main control circuit 106 are the big hit state (including the number of rounds), the high probability / short time state, the random number value of the reserved memory (special symbol, normal symbol), the error state, and the detection control. Command data that has not been sent to the circuit 101, a normal electric accessory, and a special electric accessory. Further, the contents held in the RAM of the detection control circuit 101 are inserted into the number of possessed balls, an error state, untransmitted command data to the game medium management device 20, game table information, game information, and the game medium management device 20. The card information of the membership card.

  The launch solenoid 1018 is provided in the launch device 110 and performs an operation for launching the game ball 11 in accordance with a drive control signal from the detection control circuit 101. A drive control signal for driving the firing solenoid 1018 is output when the handle 1026 (see FIG. 3) is operated by the player. The touch sensor 1009 is provided at the periphery of the handle 1026 and is disposed at a position where the touch sensor 1009 is touched when the player holds the handle 1026. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the player is holding the handle 1026 based on the detection signal from the touch sensor 1009 (touch detection).

  The handle 1026 is installed on the main body 191 so as to be rotatable. Further, the handle 1026 is installed so that a biasing force acts in the clockwise opposite direction when rotated. Therefore, when the handle 1026 is rotated and released, the handle 1026 rotates and returns to the original position.

  The handle 1026 is provided with a handle volume 1007 that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation angle in the clockwise direction. In response to a signal output from the handle volume 1007, the firing strength of the game ball 11 from the launching device 110 is changed.

  The handle 1026 is provided with a holding lever 1026a, and the rotation position of the handle 1026 is fixed when the player operates the holding lever 1026a. That is, by rotating the handle 1026 and operating the holding lever 1026a at a desired position, the handle 1026 does not rotate even if the hand is released from the handle 1026, and is held at that position. Thereby, the fatigue by the game over a long time can be reduced.

  Further, although not shown, the handle 1026 has a swing movement structure, and the handle 1026 can be swung up and down and left and right. In other words, the handle 1026 generally protrudes in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the main body 191, but since the handle 1026 has a swing movement structure, the handle 1026 can be disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the main body 191. As a result, the player can swing the handle 1026 moderately so that the player can easily operate the handle 1026.

  The stop switch 1008 is provided in the vicinity of the handle 1026, for example. When the detection control circuit 101 receives the detection signal from the stop switch 1008, the detection control circuit 101 stops the operation of the firing solenoid 1018 even when the detection signal is received from the handle volume 1007. That is, when the player operates the stop switch 1008, the game ball 11 is not fired from the launching device 110 even if the handle 1026 is rotated. Even if the handle 1026 is rotated, the detection signal from the touch sensor 1009 is not output, that is, the player is not holding the handle 1026, and the rotation angle of the handle 1026 is too small. In this case, the game ball 11 is not fired from the launching device 110.

  Here, the launching device 110 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the launching device of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the launching device for the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the launch device 110 includes a launch solenoid 1018, a launch pad 1101, a launcher 1102, and a support shaft 1103. The launcher 1102 has an upper end supported by a support shaft 1103 and is installed rotatably about the support shaft 1103. Firing solenoid 1018 is disposed in the vicinity of firing rod 1102. When the firing solenoid 1018 is driven by the detection control circuit 101, the firing rod 1102 is attracted to the firing solenoid 1018 and rotationally driven. When the launcher 1102 is attracted to the launch solenoid 1018, the game ball 11 is hit, and the game ball 11 is launched obliquely upward from the launch device 110. The launch pad 1101 is a standby position for the game ball 11 hit by the launcher 1102. In a state where the game ball 11 is arranged on the launch pad 1101, the opposite side of the launcher 1102 is the launch direction and is open.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the launcher 110 includes a ball inlet 1104, a launcher inlet sensor 1010, a ball passage 1105, a ball feed solenoid 1017, and a subtraction sensor 1011 in addition to the members described above. The game ball 11 is sent out to the launch pad 1101 by a ball feed solenoid 1017. The game ball 11 conveyed to the upper part of the gaming machine by the lifting device 130 is guided to the ball entrance 1104. Further, it passes through the ball passage 1105 and waits at the standby position. The launcher entrance sensor 1010 provided in the ball passage 1105 outputs a detection signal when the game ball 11 passes through the ball passage 1105. When the player operates the handle 1026, the ball feed solenoid 1017 is driven by the detection control circuit 101, and the ball feed rod (not shown) waits in the direction of the launch pad 1101 (downward in FIG. 8). The game ball 11 is pushed out. As a result, the game ball 11 moves to the launch pad 1101. A subtraction sensor 1011 is provided on the path from the standby position to the launch pad 1101 to detect the game ball 11 moving to the launch pad 1101. When the game ball 11 is detected by the subtraction sensor 1011, the number of held balls is decremented by 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the game area 140, the game balls 11 that have passed through the winning openings such as the start opening 141 and the big winning opening 144, or the out opening 146, are transferred to the polishing apparatus 120 via the guide path 147. Guided.

  Here, the polishing apparatus 120 will be described. Although the details of the polishing apparatus 120 are not shown, the polishing apparatus 120 includes a housing and a detachable unit that can be attached to and detached from the housing. A ball inlet for guiding the game ball 11 guided by the guide path 147 to the inside of the housing is formed in the housing. At the ball entrance, a polisher entrance sensor 1016 for detecting that the game ball 11 has been inserted is provided. A fitting recess for fitting the detachable unit is formed on the front side of the housing. In addition, a guide groove serving as a transport path for the game ball 11 is formed inside the fitting recess. In addition, an entrance guide path is formed between the ball entrance and the guide groove to guide the game ball 11. In addition, a ball outlet is formed at the end of the guide groove. A spiral screw for guiding the game ball 11 along the guide groove is installed in the guide groove. The game ball 11 guided to the guide groove is transported along the guide groove as the screw rotates, and is guided to the ball outlet.

  The detachable unit has a cloth for polishing the game ball 11. Part of the cloth is exposed to the outside of the detachable unit, and the rest is installed inside the detachable unit. When the detachable unit motor 1020 provided in the polishing apparatus 120 is driven, the cloth is fed in a certain direction, and the portion exposed to the outside changes. That is, when the detachable unit motor 1020 is driven, the exposed cloth is sent to the inside of the detachable unit, and accordingly, a new portion of the cloth is sent from the inside of the detachable unit to the outside.

  By fitting the detachable unit into the fitting recess of the housing, the exposed fabric is pressed against the open side of the guide groove 1204. That is, when the game ball 11 is conveyed along the guide groove by rotating the screw, the game ball 11 comes into contact with the cloth. The housing is provided with a detachable unit sensor 1014 that detects that the detachable unit is fitted in the fitting recess. The polishing apparatus 120 further includes a detachable unit motor 1020 and a polishing motor 1021 that are controlled by the payout control circuit 101.

  The detachable unit motor 1020 and the polishing motor 1021 are driven in a state where the detachable unit is fitted in the fitting recess of the housing. Thereby, the cloth starts to move and the screw starts to rotate. As the screw rotates, the game ball 11 is transported along the guide groove. At this time, the cloth is moved in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the game ball 11. The game ball 11 conveyed along the guide groove comes into contact with the cloth moved in the direction opposite to the direction in which the game ball 11 is conveyed, so that the game ball 11 is rubbed by the cloth and the game ball 11 is polished. . In this way, the game ball 11 is conveyed through the guide groove while being polished by the cloth, discharged from the ball outlet, and guided to the lifting device 130. The detachable unit motor 1020 and the polishing motor 1021 are driven when the game ball 11 is detected by the polishing apparatus inlet sensor 1016. Polishing motor sensor 1015 detects the driving of polishing motor 1021. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether the polishing motor 1021 is normally driven to rotate.

  The lifting device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a lifting device for a gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the operation of the gaming machine lifting device according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lifting device 130 includes a ball inlet 1301, a ball outlet 1302, a lifting portion 1303, a screw 1304, a lifting device inlet sensor 1012, and a lifting motor 1019. Further, the lifting device 130 includes a lifting motor sensor substrate 1013. The game ball 11 conveyed by the polishing device 120 is guided to the ball entrance 1301. The lifting device inlet sensor 1012 detects the game ball 11 introduced into the ball inlet 1301. The lifting motor 1019 is driven in response to the detection of the game ball 11 by the lifting device inlet sensor 1012. Power from the lifting motor 1019 is transmitted to the spiral screw 1304 provided inside the lifting unit 1303 via a gear provided at the lower part. The game ball 11 that has passed through the ball entrance 1301 further passes through a ball passage (not shown) and reaches the lower portion of the cylindrical lifting unit 1303. The screw 1304 is rotated by a lifting motor 1019, and the game ball 11 is conveyed upward by the screw 1304. The lifting motor sensor substrate 1013 detects the driving of the lifting motor 1019. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not the lifting motor 1019 is normally rotated.

  The game ball 11 that has reached the upper part of the lifting unit 1303 by the screw 1304 is discharged from a ball outlet 1302 provided on the upper side of the lifting unit 1303, and enters the ball inlet 1104 of the launching device 110 communicated with the ball outlet 1302. Led. Then, the game ball 11 is sent to the launching device 110.

  In addition, the gaming system 500 manages the number of game balls 11 in the game area 140. An appropriate number sensor 1005 connected to the detection control circuit 101 detects whether or not the number of game balls 11 in the game area 140 is an appropriate amount. Assuming that 50 gaming balls 11 are circulating in the gaming machine 10, for example, when the number of gaming balls existing in the gaming area 140 is 10 or less, an appropriate amount is set, and the gaming machine existing in the gaming area 140 When 10 exceeds 10, a detection signal is output to notify that there is an abnormality. The game ball zero sensor 1004 connected to the detection control circuit 101 outputs a detection signal when there is no game ball 11 in the game area 140.

  The detection control circuit 101 shifts to a power saving state based on various connected sensors and the like. For example, when it is detected by the touch sensor 1009 that the player does not hold the handle 1026 for a predetermined period, the state may be shifted to the power saving state. For example, various rendering devices connected to the sub control circuit 107 may be turned off. In addition, when the holding ball becomes 0, when the prepaid medium is not inserted, or when no cash is inserted, the power saving state may be entered. In this manner, the detection control circuit 101 can determine whether or not a game is being performed, and can shift the gaming machine 10 to a power saving state.

  The power supply 108 has a backup power supply (not shown). Thereby, even when the power is turned off at night or the like, data immediately before turning off can be held. Further, for example, the detection of the inner frame opening by the second opening sensor 1003 may be continuously executed by the backup power source. Thereby, it is possible to prevent cheating at night.

  In this case, information such as the number of times the inner frame has been opened may be stored. Further, when the power is turned on, information such as the number of times the inner frame is opened may be output to the first liquid crystal display device 102 of the gaming machine 10 or the like.

[Game machine operation]
Hereinafter, processing operations executed in the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU in the main control circuit 106 (hereinafter, main CPU) executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization (S10). As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 13, the main CPU executes special symbol control processing relating to the progress of the special symbol game, the liquid crystal display device, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device, and the decorative symbol (S11). ).

  As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 16, the main CPU executes normal symbol control processing relating to the progress of the normal symbol game and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display device (S12). Then, the main CPU executes a symbol display device control process for performing display control of variable display such as a special symbol and a normal symbol according to the result of the execution of the special symbol control process and the normal symbol control process (S13).

  As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process is completed, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, and the symbol display device control process are repeatedly executed.

[System timer interrupt processing]
Further, even when the main CPU is executing the main process, the main CPU may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process. The main control circuit 106 is provided with a reset clock pulse generation circuit (not shown). The reset clock pulse generation circuit generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). The main CPU executes the following system timer interrupt process according to the generated clock pulse. This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU executes a random number update process so as to increase the count values of the jackpot determination random number counter, the jackpot symbol determination random number counter, etc. by “1” (S20). Then, the main CPU executes an input detection process for detecting the winning or passing of the game ball 11 to the start port 141 or the like (S21). For example, the input detection process is executed by receiving a winning detection signal from the start opening winning sensor 1061a. The main CPU is a waiting time timer for synchronizing between control boards such as the main control circuit 106 and the sub control circuit 107, a big prize opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 144, etc. Various timer update processes are executed (S22). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor, etc. (S23).

  Then, the main CPU executes command output processing for supplying various commands to the detection control circuit 101 and the sub control circuit 107 (S24). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed. In addition, the addition of the possession ball by winning based on the passing of the game ball 11 through each winning opening is performed by the game medium management device 20 as described above. In other words, an increase / decrease detection signal is transmitted from the winning sensor 1061 including the start opening winning sensor 1061a to the game medium management device 20 without passing through the main control circuit 106, and the payout process is executed in the game medium management device 20.

[Special symbol control processing]
The special symbol control process of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 13, the numerical values described on the side of each process indicate control state flags corresponding to the respective processes, and one step corresponding to the numerical value is executed according to the numerical value of the control state flag. As a result, the special symbol game proceeds.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, the main CPU executes a process of loading a control state flag (S30).

  In each process to be described later, the main CPU determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and allows any one of the processes to be executed. In addition, the main CPU executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step.

  Before reaching this predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  Then, the main CPU executes a special symbol memory check process (S31). Although the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, the main CPU checks the number of holdings when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, and determines the big hit if there is a holding number. , Derived special symbol, variation pattern of special symbol, etc. are determined. Further, the main CPU sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management to the control state flag, and sets a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process to the waiting time timer. In other words, after the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined this time has elapsed, the special symbol variation time management process described later is set to be executed.

  On the other hand, the main CPU performs a demonstration display process for displaying a demonstration screen when there is no reserved number.

  Then, the main CPU executes a special symbol variation time management process (S32). In this process, the main CPU sets the control state flag to the value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management, and when the variation time has elapsed, the value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management to the control state flag. Set the waiting time after confirmation to the waiting time timer. In other words, after the waiting time after the determination, the special symbol display time management process described later is set to be executed.

  Then, the main CPU executes a special symbol display time management process (S33). In this process, the main CPU determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. In the case of a big hit, the main CPU sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed, the big hit start interval management process described later is set to be executed.

  On the other hand, the main CPU sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, the special symbol game end process described later is set to be executed.

  If the main CPU determines that it is a big hit, it executes a big hit start interval management process (S34). In this process, the main CPU has a value (03) indicating that the control status flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, Based on the data read from the ROM of the control circuit 106, the variables positioned in the RAM of the main control circuit 106 are updated. The main CPU sets a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened to the control state flag, and sets an opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute a process for opening a special prize opening which will be described later.

  Then, the main CPU executes a special winning opening opening process (S35). In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened, the main CPU has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is a predetermined number or more and the opening upper limit time (large It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the winning opening opening time timer is “0” is satisfied (a predetermined closing condition is satisfied).

  The main CPU updates a variable positioned in the main RAM in order to close the special winning opening 144 when any of the conditions is satisfied. Then, the main CPU sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the control state flag. The main CPU sets the remaining winning ball monitoring time in the special winning opening in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time for monitoring the remaining balls in the big prize opening has elapsed, it is set to execute the monitoring process for the residual balls in the big prize mouth described later.

  Then, the main CPU executes a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process (S36). In this processing, the main CPU has a value (05) indicating that the control state flag indicates the residual ball monitoring in the special winning opening, and when the residual winning ball residual monitoring time has elapsed, It is determined whether or not the condition that the number of times of release is equal to or greater than the maximum value (the final round) is satisfied.

  When this condition is satisfied, the main CPU sets a value (07) indicating the big hit end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the big hit end interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed, the jackpot end interval processing described later is set to be executed.

  On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied, the main CPU sets a value (06) indicating management of the special winning opening reopening waiting time in the control state flag. Further, the main CPU sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the waiting time management process before reopening the big prize opening, which will be described later, is set to be executed.

  When the main CPU determines that the special winning opening opening number counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum winning opening release number maximum value, the main CPU executes a waiting time management process before the special winning opening reopening (S37). In this process, the main CPU sets the special prize opening number counter to “0” when the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the big prize opening reopening waiting time management and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. Update the memory so that it increases by 1 ″. The main CPU sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, the above-described process for opening the special winning opening is set to be executed again.

  Then, when the main CPU determines that the big prize opening number counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value of the big opening number, the big hit end interval process is executed (S38). In this process, the main CPU sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set to flag. That is, the special symbol game end process described later is set to be executed.

  The main CPU performs control to shift to a probability variation state when the big hit symbol is a probability variation symbol, and performs control to shift to the normal gaming state when the big hit symbol is a non-probability variation symbol. Become.

  Then, the main CPU executes a special symbol game end process when the big hit gaming state is ended or is lost (S39). In this process, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU stores and updates the data indicating the number of holdings (starting storage information) so as to decrease by “1”. Then, the main CPU updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol memory check. That is, the special symbol storage check process described above is set to be executed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the main CPU sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the result of the big hit determination is lost in the case of not being the big hit gaming state. By setting “08” in order, the special symbol memory check process, special symbol change time management process, special symbol display time management process, and special symbol game end process shown in FIG. 13 are executed at a predetermined timing. Become.

  When the main CPU is not in the big hit gaming state and the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the main CPU sets the control status flags in order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, The special symbol memory check process, the special symbol variation time management process, the special symbol display time management process, and the jackpot start interval management process shown in FIG. 13 are executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the jackpot gaming state is executed. Become.

  Further, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU sets the control state flags in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby opening the big winning opening shown in FIG. The middle processing, the winning ball remaining ball monitoring process, and the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening are executed at a predetermined timing, and the big hit game is executed.

  When the big hit game is being executed and the end condition of the big hit game state is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, “08” are set in this order, so that FIG. The big winning opening opening process, the winning ball remaining ball monitoring process, the big hit end interval process, and the special symbol game end process are executed at predetermined timings, and the big hit gaming state is ended.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The special symbol memory check process in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, the main CPU determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (S40). When the main CPU determines that the control state flag is a value indicating the special symbol storage check (YES in S40), the main CPU determines whether or not the number of holds is “0” (S41). On the other hand, if the main CPU does not determine that the control state flag is a value indicating the special symbol storage check (NO in S40), the main CPU ends this subroutine.

  If the main CPU determines that the data indicating the reserved number is “0” (YES in S41), the main CPU executes a demo display process (S42). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. On the other hand, if the main CPU does not determine that the data indicating the number of holds is “0” (NO in S41), the main CPU sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management as the control state flag. Processing is executed (S43).

  Then, the main CPU executes a jackpot determination process (S44). In this process, the main CPU reads the high probability flag, and selects one jackpot determination table from a plurality of jackpot determination tables having different numbers of jackpot determination values (hit determination values) based on the read high probability flag. .

  As described above, when the high probability flag is a predetermined value, that is, when the gaming state is in a probable variation state, the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state is improved as compared with the normal time. Then, the main CPU refers to the jackpot determination random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the selected jackpot determination table. In other words, the main CPU determines whether or not to enter a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Then, the main CPU executes a special symbol determination process (S45). In this process, the main CPU reads the jackpot symbol random number value extracted at the time of winning a start, determines a special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number value and the result of the jackpot determination described above, the special symbol Data indicating symbols is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM included in the main control circuit 106. In addition, when the main CPU determines the special symbol as a special display mode (a display mode in which the jackpot symbol becomes a probable variation symbol), the main CPU performs control for shifting to the probable variation state.

  The data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device. Thus, the special symbol is derived and displayed on the special symbol display device. Further, the data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied from the main CPU of the main control circuit 106 to the CPU of the sub control circuit 107 as a derived symbol designation command. As a result, in the sub control circuit 107, the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device.

  Then, the main CPU executes a variation pattern determination process (S46). In this process, the main CPU extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU selects a variation pattern distribution table for determining a variation pattern based on the special symbol determined as described above. Then, the main CPU determines a variation pattern based on the rendering condition selection random number extracted from the rendering condition selection random number counter and the selected variation pattern distribution table, and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM. The main CPU determines the variation display mode (in particular, the variation display time) of the special symbol based on the data indicating such a variation pattern.

  Data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device. As a result, the special symbol display device variably displays the variation pattern determined by the special symbol. Further, the data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU of the main control circuit 106 to the CPU of the sub control circuit 107. The CPU of the sub-control circuit 107 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command.

  Then, the main CPU sets a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the waiting time timer (S47), and executes a process of clearing the storage area used for the current variation display (S48). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Normal symbol control processing]
The normal symbol control process of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 16, the numerical values written on the side of each process indicate the normal symbol control state flags corresponding to those steps, and the numerical values corresponding to the numerical values of the normal symbol control state flags correspond to the numerical values. One step is executed, and the normal symbol game proceeds.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, processing for loading the normal symbol control state flag is executed (S50). In this process, the main CPU reads the normal symbol control state flag.

  In the process described later, the main CPU determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the normal symbol control state flag. The normal symbol control state flag indicates the game state of the normal symbol game, and enables one of the processes to be executed. In addition, the main CPU executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step.

  Before reaching this predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  Then, the main CPU executes normal symbol memory check processing (S51). In this process, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (00) indicating the normal symbol storage check, the main CPU checks the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol, and if there is a reserved number, the main CPU performs a hit determination or the like. Do. Then, the main CPU sets the value (01) indicating the normal symbol variation time management in the normal symbol control state flag, and sets the variation time determined in the current process in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the variation time determined this time has elapsed, the normal symbol variation time monitoring process described later is set to be executed.

  Then, the main CPU executes normal symbol variation time monitoring processing (S52). In this process, the main CPU sets the normal symbol control state flag to a value (01) indicating normal symbol variation time management, and when the variation time has elapsed, the main CPU sets a value (02) indicating normal symbol display time monitoring to the normal symbol. The control state flag is set, and the waiting time after determination (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set in the waiting time timer. That is, after the waiting time after the determination, the normal symbol display time monitoring process described later is set to be executed.

  Then, the main CPU executes normal symbol display time monitoring processing (S53). In this process, the main CPU determines whether or not it is a hit when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (02) indicating normal symbol display time monitoring and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. When the main CPU is successful, the main CPU executes the normal electric accessory release setting process, and sets a value (03) indicating the normal electric accessory release to the normal symbol control state flag. That is, it sets so that the normal electric accessory release process mentioned later may be performed.

  On the other hand, the main CPU sets a value (04) indicating the end of the normal symbol game when it is not a win. That is, it sets so that the normal symbol game completion | finish process mentioned later may be performed.

  Then, the main CPU executes normal electric accessory release processing (S54). In this processing, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (03) indicating that the normal electric accessory is released, the main CPU is in a condition that a predetermined number of start prizes are received while the normal electric accessory is open, It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the electric accessory release time timer is “0” is satisfied.

  The main CPU updates a variable positioned in the main RAM in order to bring the blade member, which is a normal electric accessory, into a closed state when any of the conditions is satisfied. The main CPU sets a value (04) indicating the end of the normal symbol game in the normal symbol control state flag. That is, it sets so that the normal symbol game completion | finish process mentioned later may be performed.

  Then, the main CPU executes a normal symbol game end process (S55). In this process, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (04) indicating the end of the normal symbol game, the main CPU stores and updates data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol so as to decrease by “1”. The main CPU updates the normal symbol storage area in order to perform the next normal symbol variation display. The main CPU sets a value (00) indicating a normal symbol storage check. That is, it sets so that the process which loads the normal symbol control state flag mentioned above may be performed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Sub control circuit main processing]
On the other hand, the sub control circuit 107 executes a sub control circuit main process. The sub control circuit main process will be described with reference to FIG. The sub control circuit main process is a process that is started when the power is turned on.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, the CPU of the sub control circuit 107 (hereinafter referred to as sub CPU) executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission and work area initialization (S60). Then, the sub CPU executes random number update processing for updating random number values of various random number counters positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM (S61).

  As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 18, the sub CPU analyzes the received command and executes a command analysis process corresponding to the analyzed command (S62). Then, the sub CPU executes display control processing for performing image display control in the second liquid crystal display device 1073 provided in the game area 140 (S63). Then, the sub CPU executes a sound control process (S64) for controlling sound generated from the speaker 1075 and a lamp control process for controlling light emission of various lamps (S65). When this process ends, the process is transferred again to the random number update process (S61).

  Thus, in the sub control circuit main process, after the initial setting process is completed, the lamp control process is repeatedly executed from the random number update process.

[Command analysis processing]
The command analysis process of FIG. 17 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, the sub CPU determines whether or not there is a received command from the main control circuit 106 based on whether or not the command is stored in the command buffer (S71). In this process, if it is determined that there is a received command, the sub CPU reads command data from a command buffer located in a predetermined area of the work RAM (S72). Subsequent processing will be described in detail below. On the other hand, if the sub CPU determines that there is no received command (NO in S71), the sub CPU ends this subroutine.

  If it is determined that there is a received command (YES in S71), the sub CPU determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received based on the read command data (S73). When the sub CPU determines that the variation pattern designation command has been received (YES in S73), an effect pattern determination process for determining various effect patterns such as a decoration pattern variation pattern and an image effect pattern for displaying a background image. Is executed (S74). In determining the effect pattern, a signal from the effect sensor 1072 that detects the status of the effect currently being performed and a signal output when the player operates the effect button 1071 are also taken into consideration. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation pattern designation command has not been received (NO in S73), the sub CPU determines whether or not the derived symbol designation command has been received based on the read command data (S75). ). If the sub CPU determines that the derived symbol designation command has been received (YES in S75), the sub CPU executes a derived ornament symbol determination process for determining a decorative symbol to be derived and displayed based on the derived symbol designation command (S76). This subroutine is finished. On the other hand, if the sub CPU determines that it has not received the derived symbol designation command (NO in S75), it sets the effect control data corresponding to the received command (S77) and ends this subroutine.

[Launching process]
Next, main operations of the gaming machine 10 when the gaming ball 11 is fired in the gaming system 500 will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the launch process of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, first, it is determined whether or not the player has detected an operation on the handle 1026 (S301). When the handle 1026 is operated, a detection signal is output from the handle volume 1007 to the detection control circuit 101. That is, whether or not the player has detected an operation on the handle 1026 is determined based on whether or not the detection control circuit 101 has received a detection signal from the handle volume 1007. If an operation on the handle 1026 is not detected (NO in S301), step S301 is executed again. On the other hand, when an operation on the handle 1026 is detected (YES in S301), it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is zero. (S302). In step S302, the number of held balls is determined based on whether or not a signal indicating that the number of held balls is 0 is received from the display substrate 1022. If the number of possessed balls is 0 (YES in S302), step S301 is executed again. That is, when the number of possessed balls is 0, the game ball 11 is not sent to the launch pad 1101 by the ball feed solenoid 1017, and the game ball 11 is not launched from the launcher 110.

  On the other hand, when the number of possessed balls is not 0 (NO in S302), a game ball launch process is performed (S303). In the game ball launch process, the ball feed solenoid 1017 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) is operated to send the game ball 11 to the launch pad 1101. At this time, the game ball 11 is detected by the subtraction sensor 1011. Then, the launch solenoid 1018 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is operated with the strength corresponding to the operation on the handle 1026 detected by the handle volume 1007, and the game ball 11 is launched.

  Then, the gaming machine side increase / decrease detection signal processing described with reference to FIG. 4A is executed (S304). Specifically, the subtraction sensor 1011 detects the game ball 11 in step S303, and the game machine side increase / decrease detection signal processing is executed. Thereafter, step S301 is re-executed.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the above-described embodiment is merely a specific example, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration and the like can be appropriately changed in design. The above-described actions and effects are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiment.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the configuration includes a plurality of control boards. However, for example, all of the plurality of control boards may be configured as one board.

  In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine with a liquid crystal display device is taken as an example. However, the invention is not limited to this. Other modes may be possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game machine 11 Game ball 20 Game media management apparatus 40 Information display apparatus 50 Hall computer 51 Reception part 52 Display part 53 Memory | storage part 54 Collation part 101 Detection control circuit 102 1st liquid crystal display device 103 Display apparatus control board 104 1st connection part 105 Second connection 106 Main control circuit 107 Sub control circuit 110 Launching device 120 Polishing device 130 Lifting device 141 Start port (winning area)
202 management device control unit 500 gaming system 1011 subtraction sensor (increase / decrease detection means)
1061 Each winning sensor (increase / decrease detection means)
1061a Start opening winning sensor (winning detection means)
1061 jackpot lottery section (jackpot lottery means)
1099 Various control boards 1100 Increase / decrease number detector

Claims (4)

The game medium is configured to circulate through a series of routes without being discharged to the outside,
Launching means for launching the game medium to the game area located above the game area;
Polishing means for polishing the game medium discharged from the game area; and
An encapsulated gaming machine provided with a lifting means for transporting the game media polished by the polishing means from below the firing means to the firing means;
A game medium management device connected to the game machine so as to be able to transmit and receive data related to increase / decrease in game media associated with consumption, lending and payout of the game media;
A gaming system having
The gaming machine includes an increase / decrease number detecting means for detecting the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player, and a control means for controlling the gaming machine,
The increase / decrease detection means outputs an increase / decrease detection signal indicating the increase / decrease of the game medium held by the player,
The gaming machine, without increasing or decreasing the number of operation management of the game medium by the player based on the previous SL count change detection signal is held,
The game medium management device calculates and manages the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player based on the increase / decrease detection signal.
A gaming system characterized by that. The gaming machine is
A prize area formed in the game area through which the game medium can pass;
A jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot lottery on a predetermined lottery condition as to whether or not to shift to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to a player based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the winning area;
Winning detection means for detecting that the game medium has passed through the winning area and outputting a winning detection signal;
The winning detection signal is input to the control means and the game medium management device.
The gaming system according to claim 1. The game medium is configured to circulate through a series of routes without being discharged to the outside, and is located above the game area to launch the game medium into the game area, and the game discharged from the game area Polishing means for polishing the medium, and lifting means for transporting the game medium polished by the polishing means from below the firing means to the firing means,
An enclosed game machine that is connected to a game medium management device so as to be able to transmit and receive data related to increase / decrease in game media associated with consumption, lending and payout of the game media,
Increase / decrease detection means for detecting the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player and outputting an increase / decrease detection signal indicating the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player;
Control means,
Without calculating and managing the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player based on the increase / decrease number detection signal,
Causing the game medium management device to calculate and manage the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player based on the increase / decrease number detection signal;
A gaming machine characterized by that. The game medium is configured to circulate through a series of routes without being discharged to the outside, and is located above the game area to launch the game medium into the game area, and the game discharged from the game area The present invention relates to an enclosing game machine comprising polishing means for polishing a medium, and transporting means for transporting the game medium polished by the polishing means from below the launching means to the launching means. A game media management device connected so as to be able to send and receive data related to increase / decrease in game media accompanying consumption, lending and payout,
The gaming machine detects an increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player, outputs an increase / decrease detection signal indicating an increase / decrease detection signal indicating the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player, and the gaming machine. Control means for controlling, without performing calculation management of the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player based on the increase / decrease detection signal,
Based on the increase / decrease detection signal output from the increase / decrease detection means of the gaming machine, calculates and manages the increase / decrease number of the game medium held by the player;
A game medium management device characterized by the above.

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