JP6175611B2 - Circulating game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a circulating game machine that collects launched game balls in a game machine and guides them to a launch position again.

  In the conventional gaming machine, according to the player's launch operation, one game ball is sent to the launch position, and the launch device launches the game ball at the launch position into the game area. Immediately after delivery, the player turns off the switch of the launch operation unit (for example, the touch sensor detection is turned off when the player releases the hand from the launch operation unit), so that the game ball remains at the launch position. The problem is that normal firing is impossible.

  To solve this problem, a ball feeding device that supplies a ball to be used for a game by driving a ball feeding drive source to a discharge position, a ball count sensor that detects a ball sent out by the ball feeding device, and a launch position. A striking ball launching device for launching the supplied ball by actuating a driving source for launching, a hitting ball launching operation unit having a launching operation detecting unit for sending a firing operation signal for operating the hitting ball launching device when operated by a player, Upon receiving a firing operation signal from the launching operation detection unit of the hitting ball launching operation unit, the ball feeding drive source of the ball feeding device is intermittently operated every predetermined time, and upon receiving a ball supply signal from the ball counting sensor, A gaming machine <Patent Document 1> is developed that includes a launch control means for performing a series of controls to operate the launch drive source for a predetermined time regardless of the stop of the launch operation signal within a predetermined time from the start of operation, At the launch position So as to prevent the skill sphere remains.

  Also, in recent years, a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in the aircraft, the enclosed game balls are circulated, the number of shot balls is counted as the IN number, the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls are counted as the OUT number, and the IN number and OUT Attention has been focused on circulation-type gaming machines that appropriately manage whether normal games are being played based on the relationship with numbers (hereinafter also referred to as IN / OUT management) from the standpoint of fraud countermeasures.

  IN / OUT management is determined to be normal if there is a relationship of the number of INs−the number of OUTs <a predetermined number, during launch or within a predetermined period from the stop of firing, and the number of INs = after a predetermined period after the stop of firing = If the relationship is the number of OUTs, it is determined to be normal, and if they are not related, it is determined to be abnormal.

  Therefore, the game ball remains on the launch rail and the above-mentioned relationship is disturbed and determined to be abnormal, so that an abnormality notification by the gaming machine or an output of an abnormal signal to the hall computer is performed without causing fraud. There is a problem that a good player who has played a game may make the player feel unpleasant.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-134085

  In a circulating game machine that performs IN / OUT management, it is possible to prevent a game ball from remaining on the launch rail by using the configuration of <Patent Document 1>, but a series of controls that operate the launch drive source for a predetermined time. It is unclear how the firing strength in (the firing strength when the player releases his hand from the firing control unit) is set, and depending on the firing strength, the game area cannot be reached and it returns to the firing rail. It is difficult to say that the problem can be solved completely.

  Therefore, the present invention prevents the ball from remaining on the firing rail by turning off the switch (touch sensor) when the player releases his hand from the firing operation unit immediately after the operation of the ball feeding device. In a state in which a game ball is present at the launch position, a circulation game that launches the game ball on the launch rail with a suitable launch intensity even when the launch operation unit is switched off when the game ball is launched. It was made for the purpose of providing the machine.

The gaming machine according to claim 1 is:
In a circulation type gaming machine that encloses a predetermined number of game balls inside and performs a game while managing the number of game balls launched and the number of game balls collected,
Launching means for launching a game ball at the launch position into the game area;
And the ball feeding means for feeding one by one the game ball to the firing position,
A launch ball detecting means for detecting a game ball sent to the launch position ;
A launch intensity adjusting means for adjusting a launch intensity when launching a game ball by the launch means;
An operation detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the origination morphism operation,
When the detection state by the operation detection unit changes from detection to non-detection, the launching memorizes the launch intensity at the time of the change on condition that the game ball detected by the launching ball detection unit has not yet been launched. Strength storage means,
The launching unit is configured to launch the game ball regardless of the detection state of the operation detection unit if there is a game ball at the launch position, and the detection state by the operation detection unit is not detected at the time of the launch. In some cases, the game machine is configured to fire a game ball according to the firing strength stored in the firing strength storage means.

  The ball feeding means may be configured to send out one gaming ball one by one to the launch position where the gaming ball is launched, and may send out an electrically operated actuator as a driving source, or using the weight of the gaming ball. You may send it out. The launching means is preferably configured to launch a game ball using an actuator, and by matching the timing with the ball feeding means, a predetermined number of game balls can be launched at regular intervals per unit time. It is preferable to operate.

  The launching means is preferably carried out after the time required for the movement of the delivered game ball to the launching position to end with certainty has elapsed since the implementation of the ball feeding means. A configuration in which the game ball is fired at regular intervals is preferable when the firing operation is continuously performed by making the time from the implementation of the means to the implementation of the ball feeding means constant. In addition, since the launching unit is implemented a predetermined time after the ball feeding unit is implemented, there is no gaming ball at the launching position after a predetermined time after the ball feeding unit is implemented.

  The fired ball detecting means may be configured so that the game ball sent out by the ball feeding means can be detected, and may be detected at the time when it is sent out, or while the sent game ball rolls to the launch position. Or may be detected when moving to the launch position. Further, the sent game balls may be always fired, and the game balls detected by the shot ball detecting means may be regarded as the launched game balls and counted.

  The launch intensity adjusting means may be configured so that the strength of the launch intensity can be adjusted by the player's operation, and it is sufficient if the strength of the launch intensity can be adjusted by the operation amount, operation time, and operation direction of the operation unit for adjusting the launch intensity. For example, handle rotation (rotation direction), number of button presses, dial rotation (rotation direction), lever operation time (operation direction), sliding switch sliding amount (sliding direction) It may be adjusted accordingly.

  The operation detection means may be configured so as to be able to detect that the player is playing the game machine, that is, performing a launch operation (during operation of the operation unit for adjusting the launch intensity). It may be a sensor that detects whether or not the player is touching the operation unit that adjusts (whether or not the player is operating), and detection of the operation detection means is a process that is always performed (every interrupt). . Also, the ball feeding means is executed on the condition that the operation detecting means detects the player's operation, but in the state where the firing strength is adjusted to 0 (adjusted not to fire the game ball) Even if the detecting means detects the player's operation, the ball feeding is not performed.

  Since the firing intensity storage means stores the firing intensity according to a change in the detection state of the operation detection means (change from detection to non-detection), it may be determined whether or not to store the firing intensity for each interrupt. The firing intensity when the detection changes from detection to non-detection is, for example, a general handle-type launch operation unit that adjusts the launch intensity by rotating the handle. It returns to the state of 0, but the firing intensity does not return to 0 at the moment of releasing the hand, but at the moment of releasing the hand (for example, 2 ms after releasing the hand if the interrupt processing was 2 ms) The firing strength is the same as when the handle is held by hand. Therefore, the firing intensity to be stored may be the firing intensity at the time of interruption when the operation detecting means detects the player's operation last time, or may be the firing intensity at the time when it is not detected.

  Further, in a launch operation unit (for example, a sliding switch type) whose launch intensity does not return to 0, it changes between the launch intensity at the time when the detection of the operation detection means is not detected and the launch intensity at the previous detection. Therefore, either firing intensity may be stored.

  Also, the memorized launch intensity may be the launch intensity used for launching the immediately preceding game ball. In that case, the launch intensity storing means is configured to release the launch when the detection state by the operation detecting means changes from detected to undetected. On the condition that the game ball detected by the ball detection means has not yet been fired, the launch intensity used for the previous launch of the game ball is stored. The firing strength storage means stores the firing strength at the time of change on the condition that the game ball detected by the shot ball detection means has not yet been launched when the detection state changes from detection to undetected. This “the game ball detected by the shot ball detecting means has not been fired yet” may be replaced with “the game ball sent by the ball feed means has not been fired yet”.

  In the circulating game machine according to the first aspect, when the ball is present at the launch position due to the implementation of the ball feeding means, the game ball is fired regardless of the detection state of the operation detection means. This prevents the game ball from remaining at the launch position (on the launch rail) and keeps the relationship between the number of INs and the number of OUTs normal in a recirculating game machine, and an unnecessary abnormality notification that occurs unintentionally Is avoided and does not make the player feel uncomfortable.

  Furthermore, when the operation detecting means has not detected the player's operation when the game ball is launched (the ball feeding means has been implemented according to the player's operation, but the game ball is launched after the ball feeding means has been implemented. Even if the player's operation has not been detected in the period until the game is performed), the game ball is fired according to the launch intensity that the player has operated and adjusted until the player has not been detected. Thus, it is possible to reliably launch the game ball to the game area with the strength according to the player's launch operation.

The front view of the circulation type game machine 50. FIG. An explanatory view schematically showing the mechanism of circulation of game balls in the circulation type gaming machine 50 from the back side. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a circulating game machine 50. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the circulation type gaming machine 50. The figure which shows the ball | bowl feeding and launching mechanism of the launcher 87 7 is a flowchart showing a ball addition / subtraction process executed by the payout / release control device 84; The flowchart which shows the IN / OUT management process which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of the front frame open | release performed by the discharge | emission discharge control apparatus 84. FIG. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of front frame closure which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs. 7 is a flowchart showing a firing intensity storage process executed by the payout launch control device 84 in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a game ball launch process 1 executed by the payout launch control device 84 in the first embodiment. Timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feeding timing and the game ball firing timing in the launching device 87 in the first embodiment. In Example 2, the flowchart which shows the game ball | bowl launch process 2 which the payout launch control apparatus 84 performs. Timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feeding timing and the game ball firing timing in the launching device 87 in the second embodiment In Example 3, the flowchart which shows the game ball | bowl launch process 3 which the payout launch control apparatus 84 performs. Timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feeding timing and the game ball firing timing in the launching device 87 in the third embodiment

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms belonging to the technical scope of the present invention, and the contents described in the respective examples are appropriately combined. It goes without saying that it is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a circulation type gaming machine 50 that is a circulation type gaming machine (a game ball is enclosed in a machine and played without being paid out). As shown in FIG. 1, the circulation type gaming machine 50 is arranged adjacent to the connected inter-unit unit 100. The inter-unit unit 100 is provided with a card insertion slot 100a and a cash insertion slot 100b. By inserting an IC card into the card insertion slot 100a or inserting cash into the cash insertion slot 100b, a circulation game The ball lending button 102a provided on the machine 50 can be operated.

  The circulating game machine 50 has a structure in which each part is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame. A hinge 53 is provided on the upper left and right sides of the outer frame 51, and an inner frame 70 is attached to the hinge 53. The inner frame 70 can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 51. .

  A front frame 52 is attached to the inner frame 70 by a hinge 53 or the like so that it can be opened and closed. A plate glass 61 is detachably provided on the front frame 52. A game board 1 attached to the inner frame 70 is arranged.

  Speakers (not shown) are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the front frame 52, and game sounds generated from the circulating gaming machine 50 are output to improve the player's preference. Further, in order to improve the player's preference, a plurality of frame side decorative lamps (not shown) that emit light according to the gaming state are provided in the front frame 52. In addition, a winning display device 20 is arranged at the lower right portion of the front frame 52, and when a game ball wins a winning slot described later, the number of acquired gaming balls set for each winning slot is displayed.

  On the lower right side of the front frame 52, a launch operation unit 107 for performing a launch operation of a game ball is arranged, and below that is a hand stand 71 to which a hand stand 71 is attached. It becomes a stand to put your hand on.

  The firing operation unit 107 includes a firing strength adjustment switch unit 108, a sliding operation unit 107a that a player operates to launch a game ball, a firing stop switch 111 disposed on the upper part of the sliding operation unit 107a, It includes a firing intensity display unit 107b that indicates the intensity by a numerical value.

  In this embodiment, the firing strength can be adjusted by changing the resistance value of the sliding switch provided in the firing strength adjustment switch unit 108 according to the player's operation of the sliding operation unit 107a (the present invention). Corresponds to the firing intensity adjustment means). When the sliding operation unit 107a is in the leftmost position, the firing strength is 0, and the ball feeding and firing to the shooting position of the game ball is stopped, and the sliding operation unit 107a is in the rightmost 40 position. Performs the ball feeding to the launch position of the game ball and the launch of the game ball having the strongest launch strength. Therefore, the game ball is fired with higher strength as the sliding operation unit 107a is operated to the right. The ball feeding to the launch position is performed at a constant interval (600 ms in this embodiment) regardless of the strength of the launch intensity.

  The firing strength display unit 107b always displays a numerical value (launch strength display) corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a. Further, the sliding operation unit 107a is provided with a touch sensor 112 (corresponding to a part of the operation detecting means of the present invention). In this embodiment, when the player touches the sliding operation unit 107a at a position where the firing intensity is other than 0, the touch sensor 112 is in a detection state, and the game ball to the launch standby part (launch position) in the launch device 87 (The operation of the ball feed solenoid 130) is performed, and the sent game ball is fired at a firing intensity corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a. Note that the touch sensor 112 may not be provided in the sliding operation unit 107a, but may be provided at a position where other players can touch.

  In this embodiment, the slide switch is used for adjusting the firing strength. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and any configuration can be used as long as the strength of the firing strength can be adjusted by the player's operation. The firing intensity may be adjusted according to the operation of the amount of movement (rotation direction), the number of times the button is pressed, the amount of rotation of the dial (rotation direction), and the operation time of the lever (operation direction).

  In addition, a device for fixing the firing strength may be provided, and a button (switch) for fixing the firing strength may be provided, or when the same firing strength is held for a predetermined time by the player, the strength is fixed. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the firing strength is fixed by fixing the firing strength adjusting section as a mechanical type. In the case of the mechanical type, if the adjustment unit for the launch intensity is operated from a fixed position, the fixation of the launch intensity is released. However, in the case of the electronic type, the adjustment unit for the launch intensity (sliding operation unit 107a in this embodiment). However, even when operated at a non-fixed launch intensity, it may be configured to maintain the launch intensity (the release release operation is performed to release the launch intensity), or the launch intensity is released as in the mechanical type. It is good also as a structure.

  A cylinder lock 36 for operating a slide lock that can regulate the opening of both the inner frame 70 and the front frame 52 is arranged at the upper right of the firing operation unit 107 (the right end of the circulating game machine 50), and a key can be inserted. It has become. The cylinder lock 36 is a variable lock that can freely change the type of key for unlocking. By using such a variable lock in the circulating game machine 50, the game store can All the gaming machines arranged in the store can be set as a store-specific key (one type).

  On the left side of the firing operation unit 107, a control unit 8 serving as an interface with the player is provided. The control unit 8 includes an operation unit device 102 that is a touch panel type liquid crystal display, a counting switch 105, and a game ball number display device 106. On the touch panel of the operation unit device 102, a ball lending button 102a, a return button 102b, a screen switching button 102c, and an operation result display unit 102d indicating operation results of the ball lending button 102a and the return button 102b are provided. Yes.

  The front plate portion provided with the control unit 8 can also be opened and closed from the inner frame 70 by the hinge 53 or the like, but since the front frame 52 is installed so as to cover the front plate portion, only when the front frame 52 is opened. The front plate part can be opened.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the state of the game area 3 of the game board 1 located in the back of the glass plate 61. The game area 3 is a substantially circular area surrounded by the guide rails 16, and a large number of game nails are planted. A game ball launched from a launching device arranged at the upper left of the game board 1 Immediately after that, the game area 3 is made to flow down.

  A center case and a window in which a warp passage, a stage, and the like are formed are provided in a substantially central portion of the game area 3, and a liquid crystal screen of the effect symbol display device 6 is disposed behind the window. In addition to these, the game area 3 includes a first start opening 11 that can be always won, a second start opening 12 configured as a normal electric accessory, a general winning opening 13, an attacker-type large winning opening. 14 and the like (winning entrance), an out mouth 15, a special figure display device, a special figure reservation number display device, and the like are provided. Both the first and second special symbols are only displayed small in the corners of the game area, and the lottery results corresponding to the special symbols are notified by the effect symbol display device 6 provided in the center of the game area. A special design pseudo-effect is performed, and the player gives a sense of expectation to the lottery result.

  By configuring the game board 1 as described above, when a game ball enters the normal symbol operation gate 17 (the normal symbol operation switch 17a (see FIG. 3) detects the game ball), the normal symbol display device displays the normal symbol. Starts a variable display and drives a normal electric solenoid 12b (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, according to the mode of the normal symbol stopped after a predetermined time. When the normal electric combination solenoid 12b is driven, the blade member of the normal electric combination opens almost synchronously, and the ball enters the second start port 12 (detection of the second start port switch 12a (see FIG. 3)). It is configured to be possible. In the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the opening time during which the blade member of the ordinary electric accessory is driven is normally 0.2 seconds (once), and in the short time state (open extended state), 1.8 seconds (2 Times). In addition, the second start port 12 has a configuration in which a game ball cannot enter unless the blade member of the ordinary electric accessory is driven, but is not limited to this configuration.

  Next, the mechanism of circulation of game balls of the circulation type gaming machine 50 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the circulation mechanism from the back. FIG. 2 shows a main device for circulating the game ball, a path for lifting the game ball, and a main control device. The flow that circulates after the game ball is fired will be explained in order.

  If the sliding operation unit 107a is operated in a state where the recirculating gaming machine 50 (specifically, the payout launch control device 84) manages (stores) the game balls that can be launched, the ball feed solenoid 130 is activated. Then, the game ball is sent to the launch position (corresponding to the ball feeding means of the present invention). At that time, the subtraction sensor 131 provided in the launching device 87 detects the sent game ball as a launch ball (corresponding to the launch ball detection means of the present invention), and subtracts 1 from the number of game balls that can be launched. The number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the game ball number display device 106, and is displayed by subtracting 1 in accordance with the detection of the game ball by the subtraction sensor 131.

  The game ball sent out to the launch position (corresponding to the launch position of the present invention) has a launch intensity according to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a (position when the launch solenoid 129 is actuated or immediately before the ball feed solenoid 130 is actuated). It is fired into the game area 3 by the operation of the firing solenoid 129. In the circulation type gaming machine 50, since the position of the launching device 87 (position for launching the game ball) is the upper left when the game area 3 is viewed from the front, the game ball that has been launched is a guide rail as in the conventional machine. The game ball that is not launched by the formed launch path and is bulleted by the launch solenoid 129 reaches the game area 3 immediately after the bullet.

  The game ball that has reached the game area 3 flows down the game area 3 and enters a winning opening such as the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or enters the out port 15. A game ball that has won a prize opening is detected by a winning detection sensor 124 that flows down the back surface of the game board 1 and is arranged in the guidance path, and a game ball that has entered the out slot 15 is detected by a non-winning detection sensor 125. Detected. When the winning detection sensor 124 or the non-winning sensor 125 detects a game ball, it is added as the number of out balls, and the game ball circulation is managed by the number of out balls and the number of shot balls (the number of detected subtraction sensors 131). Since each sensor described above is connected to the payout launch control device 84, the ball circulation according to the detection of each sensor is managed by the payout launch control device 84.

  The game balls detected by the winning detection sensor 124 or the non-winning sensor 125 flow down the guiding path connected to the ball polishing device 85. The ball polishing device 85 includes a cassette motor 114, a polishing motor 115, a cassette switch 116, and a polishing motor sensor 117, and uses a cassette equipped with a polishing cloth to polish a game ball. Also, the cassette loaded with the polishing cloth is detected.

  The polishing of the game ball is performed by operating the polishing motor 115 and moving the game ball to press against the polishing cloth. The polishing cloth can be replaced by a structure mounted on the cassette, and is operated so as to wind up the cloth at a constant cycle by using the cassette motor 114. Further, the cassette switch 116 detects the presence / absence of a cassette equipped with a polishing pad.

  The ground game ball is guided from the ball polishing device 85 to the lifting device 86 through a guide path. The lifting device 85 includes a lifting and launching motor 119, a lifting and launching motor monitoring sensor 121, and a lifting and lowering entrance sensor 120. Raise to launch ball tank 40).

  In the circulating game machine 50 of the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 is launched to the launching ball tank 40 disposed on the upper part of the circulating game machine 50 by using the lifting launch motor 119. It has a configuration. In the lifting device 86, whether or not a game ball exists at the game ball launch position of the lift launch motor 119 and the exit of the lift path (the entrance of the launch ball tank 40) by the lift inlet sensor 120 and the launch inlet sensor 131. Whether or not is detected, the lifting and firing motor 119 is driven in accordance with the detection result. The game ball fired by driving the lifting and launching motor 119 changes the flying ball path by contacting the uppermost curved surface of the encapsulated ball launching lifting path shown in the figure, and the flying ball speed is reduced and launched. The ball tank 40 is reached. The lift motor monitoring sensor 121 detects whether the lift motor 119 is performing a normal launch operation.

  With the above-described configuration, in the circulating gaming machine 50 according to the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 waits for the launch ball immediately after the lift operation (launching the ball by the lift launch motor 119). Move to the launch ball tank 40. Therefore, since there are not a plurality of game balls on the lifting path unlike a spiral lifting device or a belt lifting device, the number of game balls that have to wait for the game is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of encapsulated balls to be circulated in the circulation type gaming machine 50.

  The game ball that has been lifted up to the launch ball tank 40 rolls to the launch device 87, and is fully loaded with the appropriate amount sensor 123 disposed in the encapsulated ball count path that also serves as the launch ball guide path to the launch device 87. A game ball is detected by the tongue sensor 126, and the number of game balls necessary for circulation is managed to notify when an excess or deficiency is detected. In this case, the notification outputs a signal to the management device outside the machine via the inter-unit unit 100, and the game ball is displayed on the display device (the effect symbol display device 6 and the touch panel type liquid crystal display) provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50. Display the excess or deficiency.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the circulation type gaming machine 50 will be described with reference to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the main control device 80, the payout launch control device 84, the production symbol control device 82 (corresponding to the display control means of the present invention), and the sub integrated control device 83 are all CPU, ROM, RAM, An input port, an output port, etc. are provided.

  In the block centering on the main controller 80 shown in FIG. 3, the main controller 80 has a first start port for detecting a game ball that has entered the first start port 11 via the game board relay terminal plate 74. A switch 11a, a second start port switch 12a for detecting a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal symbol operation switch 17a for detecting a game ball that has entered the normal symbol operation gate 17, and a ball entering the big winning port 14 A count switch 14a for detecting a game ball, a general prize port switch 13a for detecting a game ball that has entered the general prize slot 13, a magnetic sensor 91 for detecting a magnetic force that affects the flow direction of the game ball, and the like Detection signals such as a vibration sensor 92 that detects a vibration that affects the flow direction of the game ball and a radio wave sensor 93 that detects a radio wave that causes the detection switch of the winning prize to malfunction are input.

  The main controller 80 operates in accordance with the installed program, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-described detection signals, and outputs them to the sub integrated controller 83. In addition, the main control device 80 displays the first special figure display device 9, the second special figure display device 10 and the normal symbol display device 7 connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 90, the first special figure. The lighting of the hold number display device 9a, the second special figure hold number display device 10a, and the universal figure hold number display device 8 is controlled.

  Further, the main controller 80 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 14 by controlling the special winning opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening / closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 12b, When winning at the winning opening is detected, the number of acquired game balls set for each winning opening is displayed on the winning display device 20. A configuration may be adopted in which the number of game balls won in each winning opening and the number of acquired game balls set in each winning opening are transmitted to the payout and launch control device 84 by serial signals (command format) at regular intervals.

  The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands transmitted from the main control device 80, distributes them to data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, and so on. Is transmitted to the production symbol control device 82, and the sound control and lamp control are distributed to each control part (function unit as a sound control device and a lamp control device) included in itself. The function unit as the sound control device controls the sound output from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, and the function unit as the lamp control device is the data for lamp control. Various LEDs and the lamp 26 are controlled by operating the lamp driver based on the above.

  The effect symbol control device 82 receives the data and commands received from the sub integrated control device 83 (both those transmitted from the main control device 80 and those generated by the sub integrated control device 83 based on the input from the main control device 80). And effect images such as pseudo symbols are displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6. The sub integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are configured as a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub integrated control device 83 via the production relay terminal board 65. The effect symbol control device 82 is configured as a one-way communication circuit from the sub integrated control device 83 to the effect symbol control device 82.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, a block centering on the dispensing control device 84 connected to the main control device 80 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication will be described. The payout launch control device 84 operates in accordance with the installed program and receives the command indicating the number of acquired game balls described above from the main control device 80. The number of game balls that can fire the requested number of acquired game balls. And the added value is displayed on the game ball number display device 106. Further, based on a signal according to an operation to be described later or a signal according to the detection of the sensor, the addition of a rental ball, the launch of a game ball, the polishing of the game ball, the circulation of the game ball (encapsulated ball), and the like are controlled. .

  As described above, the touch panel type liquid crystal display serving as the operation unit device 102 connected to the pay-out and launch control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 includes a ball lending button 102a and a return button 102b. A screen switching button 102c, and an operation result display section 102d indicating the operation results of the ball lending button 102a and the return button 102b. The power supply of the touch panel type liquid crystal display provided in the circulating game machine 50 is supplied from the inter-unit unit 100.

  In addition, the touch panel type liquid crystal display has a function of displaying card information recorded on an IC card (or membership card) inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 and game information (game history, etc.) of the circulation type gaming machine 50. It also has.

  When the ball lending button 102a of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal requesting addition of the number of balls to be lapped as touch panel operation information is input to the payout launch control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100, and the payout launch control device 84 is The number of rented balls requested by the input is added to the number of game balls that can be fired, and the added value is displayed on the game ball number display device 106. At this time, the result of the lending operation is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d according to the addition status of the game ball number display device 106. For a single operation of the lending button 102a, the number of lending balls (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) is requested.

  When the return button 102b of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal for requesting a return operation of the IC card is input to the inter-unit unit 100 as touch panel operation information, and is input from the inter-unit unit 100 to the payout and emission control device 84. Depending on whether the state of the circulating gaming machine 50 at that time is a state where the IC card can be returned or not, the return result and the return result are displayed on the operation result display unit 102d. If it can be returned, it is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d that it can be returned, and the IC card is ejected from the inter-unit unit 100.

  When the screen switching button 102c of the operation unit device 102 is operated, the switching circuit 101a is activated, and the information to be displayed on the touch panel type liquid crystal display is changed from the information received from the inter-unit unit 100 to the effect symbol control device 82 of the circulation type gaming machine 50. Switch to information (including images) received from. In response to this switching, information from the inter-unit unit 100 is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6.

  The inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the effect symbol control device 82 and the operation unit apparatus 102 are connected to each other so as to be capable of mutual communication with the operation unit connection board 101. Since all output from the enclosed game machine 50 to the hall computer 88 is performed via the inter-unit unit 100, the inter-unit unit 100 can also manage the enclosed game machine 50. Yes. However, not only this structure but the structure which outputs to the hall computer 88 not through the inter-unit unit 100 is also considered, and the control content of the inter-unit unit 100 may be limited to management of game media.

  In the circulation type gaming machine 50, the operation unit relay board 103 is connected to the payout and launch control device 84 so as to be capable of mutual communication, and the game ball number display board 104 is connected to the operation unit relay board 103 so as to be capable of mutual communication. Yes. On the game ball number display board 104, a count switch 105 and a game ball number display device 106 are arranged, and an operation signal of the count switch 105 is input to the payout launch control device 84, and a game is played according to the output of the payout launch control device 84. The number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the ball number display device 106.

  When the counting switch 105 is operated, the predetermined number of balls is subtracted from the number of game balls that can be fired, and the predetermined number of balls is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100 (the predetermined number is stored in the IC card). At this time, the numerical value displayed on the game ball number display device 106 is also subtracted according to the operation of the counting switch 105. When the number of game balls that can be launched by the operation of the counting switch 105 becomes 0, the IC card inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 can be returned. In addition, it is good also as a structure which transmits all the number of game balls which can be launched to the inter-unit unit 100 (the number of game balls which can be launched is 0) by one operation of the count switch 105.

  In addition, detection signals from the front frame closing switch 18 and the inner frame closing switch 19 are input to the payout discharge control device 84 via the back wiring relay terminal board 75, and the discharge operation is performed via the operation unit relay board 103. The units 107 are connected to be able to communicate with each other, and in the launch operation unit 107, as described above, signals from the launch intensity adjustment switch 108, the launch stop switch 111, and the touch sensor 112 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84, and launching is performed. The display on the intensity display device 109 is controlled by the payout / discharge control device 84. In the present embodiment, the detection signals from the front frame closing switch 18 and the inner frame closing switch 19 are input to the payout / release control device 84, but may be input to the main control device 80.

  Further, detection signals of the cassette switch 116 and the polishing motor sensor 117 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the polishing relay substrate 113 connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The driving of the cassette motor 114 and the polishing motor 115 is controlled via

  In addition, detection signals from the lifting inlet sensor 120 and the lifting motor monitoring sensor 121 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the lifting relay board 118 connected to the polishing relay board 113 so as to communicate with each other. The payout launch control device 84 controls the driving of the lifting launch motor 119 described above.

  The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the inner frame relay board 122 from the inner frame relay board 122 so as to enable one-way communication. The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the appropriate amount sensor 123 and the winning detection sensor 124 described above. The non-winning detection sensor 125, the full sensor 126, and the night monitoring switch 127 are connected, and a signal from each sensor or switch is input to the payout launch control device 84.

  The night monitoring switch 127 is a device for judging fraud that involves opening the door at night (out of business hours). The backup power supply mounted on the power supply board is used to turn off the inner frame 70 even when the power is off. Opening can be monitored, and the payout / release control device 84 stores the number-of-opening information of the inner frame 70 at night, and outputs the number-of-opening information to the outside through the main control device 80 when the power is turned on.

  Further, detection signals of the subtraction sensor 131 and the launch inlet sensor 132 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the launch relay substrate 128 that is connected to the polishing relay substrate so as to be able to communicate with each other. The dispensing discharge control device 84 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 130 via 128.

  Next, the ball feeding and launching mechanism in the launching device 87 will be described with reference to FIG. The ball feeding is performed by moving the ball feeding piece a by driving the ball feeding solenoid 130, and the game ball is fired by operating the firing hammer by driving the firing solenoid 129 (rotary solenoid) indicated by a broken line. From the launch standby section (launch position), the game area 3 is fired. In this case, even if it is adjusted to the lowest firing strength, it is bulleted with the strength to jump out from the firing rail.

  FIG. 5A shows a state where the ball feed solenoid 130 is not activated and the game ball is waiting for ball feed. When the ball feed solenoid 130 is not actuated, the ball feed piece a is lowered to the lower part centering on the axis, and the upper right end of the ball feed piece a serves as a wall to stop the game ball from the launch ball guiding path It will be in the state that was let.

  FIG. 5 (2) shows a state in which the ball feed solenoid 130 is actuated and the right end of the ball feed piece a is raised around the axis in accordance with the operation. In this state, one game ball is stored in the recess of the ball feed piece a from the launch ball guide path. (3) shows a state in which the operation of the ball feed solenoid 130 of (2) has been completed, and the right end of the ball feed piece a descends again with the completion of the operation of the ball feed solenoid 130, but descends to the bottom. At that time, the game ball stored in the recess rolls on the rear side of the figure to ride on the launch rail, and further rolls to the launch standby part (corresponding to the launch position of the present invention) according to the inclination of the launch rail. Stop. Accordingly, when the ball feed solenoid 130 performs one operation, one game ball on the launch ball guide path rolls on the rolling path of the game ball (hereinafter also referred to as “ball feed path”). It becomes the structure which reaches the launch position.

  Further, when the game ball rolls from the inside of the recess of the ball feed piece a to the back side of the drawing and gets on the launch rail, the subtraction sensor 131 detects the game ball as the launch ball. The firing solenoid 129 is activated 400 ms after the ball feed solenoid 130 is actuated by a game ball launching process, which will be described later, and the firing hammer launches the game ball in the launch standby section to the game area 3 in accordance with the actuation.

  Next, the ball addition / subtraction process executed by the payout / release control device 84 will be described with reference to FIG. The holding ball addition / subtraction processing is processing for managing the number of game balls that can be fired stored in the enclosed game machine 50. When the holding ball addition / subtraction process is started, it is determined whether or not the subtraction sensor 131 has detected a game ball, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected on the ball feed path by the operation of the ball feed solenoid 130. Then, since the game ball sent to the launch standby unit is always fired to the game area 3 by the operation of the launch solenoid 129, this determination is made as to whether or not the game ball has been fired (S10). If the determination is affirmative (S10: yes), 1 is subtracted from the ball holding counter (S15). The ball counter is a device that stores the number of game balls that can be fired. The value of the ball counter (the number of game balls that can be fired) is displayed on the game ball number display device 106, and the value of the ball counter is changed. The display content (numerical value) changes accordingly.

  Following the negative determination in S15 or S10 (S10: no), the main control device 80 detects the game ball of the first start port switch 11a, the second start port switch 12a, the count switch 14a, or the general winning port switch 13a. It is determined whether or not an addition instruction signal to the ball counter corresponding to is received (S20). If the determination is negative (S20), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S20: yes), the number of prize balls indicated by the received instruction signal is added to the holding ball counter (S25), and the process returns.

  In the present embodiment, the main control device 80 is configured to transmit an instruction signal indicating the number of prize balls to the payout / release control device 84, but only a signal indicating which winning port has been won from the main control device 80. It is good also as a structure which transmits to the control apparatus 84 and determines the number of prize balls corresponding to each winning opening in the payout launch control apparatus 84.

  In addition, every time the value of the ball counter is decremented by 10 in the process of S105, the payout control device 84 sends a ball count signal (100 ms Hi signal) to the hall computer 88 outside the machine via the inter-unit 100. Is output. In addition, the payout launch control device 84 sends an award ball number signal (100 ms) to the hall computer 88 outside the machine via the inter-unit unit 100 every time 10 is added to the value of the ball counter added by the processing of S25. (Hi signal) is output (in the case of continuous output, since it is output after passing through 100 ms Low, the output count is stored according to the addition speed of the holding counter).

  In the present embodiment, the prize ball number signal is output to the outside every time the value of the ball counter is increased by 10, but each time the addition process to the ball counter (S25) is performed, A signal (command) indicating the added value may be transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100. Further, every time a predetermined time elapses, the value of the ball holding counter increased during that time may be transmitted to the inter-unit 100, and any value may be transmitted at any timing. A format in accordance with the specifications of the hall computer 88 installed in is preferable.

  Next, the IN / OUT management process executed by the payout / release control device 84 will be described with reference to FIG. When the IN / OUT management process is started, it is determined whether or not the subtraction sensor 131 has detected a game ball (S50). If the determination is affirmative (S50: yes), the management counter is incremented by 1 (S55), and the determination is negative (S50: no), or following S55, it is determined whether the winning detection sensor 124 has detected a game ball (S60). ). If an affirmative determination is made (S60: yes), the management counter is decremented by 1 (S65), a negative determination (S60: no), or following S65, it is determined whether or not the non-winning detection sensor 125 has detected a game ball. (S70). If the determination is affirmative (S70: yes), the management counter is decremented by -1 (S75), and the negative determination of S70 (S70: no), or following S75, it is determined whether the value of the management counter is 0 (S80). . If the determination is affirmative (S80: yes), the management flag is set to 0 (S85) and the process returns. If the determination is negative (S80: no), the management flag is set to 1 (S90) and the process returns.

  The management counter is a device provided in the payout launch control device 84, and manages the status of game ball launch and collection according to the value of the management counter. If the value of the management counter is 0, the game balls that have been launched are all collected.

  The management flag is also a value stored by the payout launch control device 84. If the value is 0, it is determined that all of the launched game balls have been collected. Is determined to be in a state where all the items are not collected. Therefore, if the management flag is 0, it takes at least a time from when the game ball is stopped to the end of the flow of the game area 3 to the end of the flow of the game area 3. The payout and launch control device 84 can determine that there is no ball, and if the management flag is 1, it can be determined that all of the launched game balls have not been collected. Therefore, when the value of the management flag is 1 in spite of the state where the detection of the subtraction sensor 131 is not performed for a predetermined time, the abnormality notification is performed using the effect device provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50 and the table is displayed. A signal indicating an abnormal state is transmitted to the hall computer via the inter-unit 100.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the front frame opening process executed by the payout launch control device 84 will be described. The process at the time of opening the front frame is a process for determining whether or not the game ball is to be fired according to the open / closed state of the front frame 52. When the front frame opening process is started, it is determined whether or not the signal from the front frame closing switch 18 has changed from the closed state HI (1) to the open state LOW (0), that is, whether or not the front frame 52 has been opened. (S100). If the determination is negative (S100: no), the process returns, and if the determination is affirmative (S100: yes), the front frame 52 is opened to the sub integrated control device 84 via the main control device 80 to the sub integrated control device 84 as the front frame release notification processing. An instruction signal for performing notification indicating that the front frame 52 is open is output to the hall computer via the inter-unit unit 100 (S105). Subsequently, a firing prohibition process for prohibiting the operation of the ball feed solenoid 130 and the firing solenoid 129 is performed (S110), the front frame release flag is set to 1 (S115), and the process returns.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the front frame closing process executed by the payout launch control device 84 will be described. This process at the time of closing the front frame is also a process for determining whether or not the game ball is fired according to the open / close state of the front frame 52. When the front frame closing process is started, whether the signal from the front frame closing switch 18 has changed from the open state LOW (0) to the closed state HI (1), that is, whether the front frame 52 has been closed from the open state. (S150). If the determination is negative (S150: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative, a front frame release notification end process is performed (S155). By performing the firing prohibition end process, the game ball can be fired (S160), the front frame release flag is set to 0 (S165), and the process returns.

  In the present embodiment, the dispensing launch control device 84 executes the front frame opening process and the front frame closing process, but there is no problem even if the main control device 80 executes the configuration.

  Next, the firing intensity storage process executed by the payout launch control device 84 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process corresponding to the firing intensity storage means of the present invention. When the firing intensity storage means is started, whether or not the detection state of the touch sensor 112 has changed from detected HI (1) to undetected LOW (0), that is, whether or not the player has released his / her hand from the sliding operation unit 107a. (S200). If the determination is negative (S200: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S200: yes), it is determined whether the ball feed flag is 1 (S205).

  The ball feed flag is a value stored in the payout firing control device 84. If the value is 1, a ball feed operation (the ball feed solenoid 130 is activated) is performed in the launch device 87, and then the launch standby is performed by the ball feed operation. The game ball sent to the part (launch position) has not yet been launched (the period from the start of the ball feed operation to the launch, that is, the ball on the ball feed path or the launch standby part If the value is 0, the payout launch control device 84 determines that the ball feeding operation has not been performed since the game ball was fired.

  If S205 is a negative determination (S205: no), the process returns and an affirmative determination is made, that is, the game ball remains at the launch position or the ball feed path regardless of the state where the player has released his / her hand from the sliding operation unit 107a. If it is in a state (S205: yes), a process for storing the firing intensity corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a at the time of the process in the firing intensity storage area is performed (S210), and the process returns.

  In this embodiment, even if the detection state of the touch sensor 112 changes from detection to non-detection, the firing intensity corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a is maintained. If the launch intensity is cleared when it becomes undetected, the launch intensity may be stored and then cleared.

  In this embodiment, the time from when the ball feed solenoid 130 is actuated until the firing solenoid 129 is actuated is set to a constant time of 400 ms. Accordingly, when the player releases his / her hand from the sliding operation unit 107a within 400 ms after the ball feeding operation is performed, the above-described firing intensity storing process S210 is performed.

  In the case of a ball game machine configured to pay out a game ball to the outside, even if the game ball remains on the launch rail, the player only loses one game ball, which may hinder subsequent games. In the case of a recirculating game machine, if a situation occurs in which a game ball remains on the launch rail, it is determined that the state is abnormal based on the IN / OUT management process described with reference to FIG. End up. Since it is difficult for the player to consciously leave the game ball on the rail, the circulation type game machine needs to have a configuration for suitably launching the game ball even when the player accidentally releases the hand at the timing described above.

  Next, the game ball launch process 1 executed by the payout launch controller 84 will be described with reference to FIG. This process corresponds to the launching means of the present invention and includes a launching strength storage means for ball feeding. When the game ball launch process 1 is started, it is determined whether or not the ball feed operation timer is 0 (S400).

  If the player's firing operation is continuously performed, specifically, if the detection of the touch sensor 112 in the sliding operation unit 107a is continuously performed, the ball feeding to the firing standby unit (launching position) The configuration is repeated every time a certain time (600 ms in this embodiment, but not limited to this time) elapses. The determination in S400 is a determination as to whether or not the above-described fixed time has elapsed.

  If S400 is affirmative, that is, if 600 ms (or more) has elapsed since the previous ball feed and the next ball feed operation may be started (S400: yes), whether or not the front frame release flag is 0 (S405). ), Whether the value of the ball holding counter is greater than 0 (S410), whether the touch sensor 112 detects the firing operation (S415), and the adjustment position of the sliding operation unit 107a is greater than the firing strength 0 It is determined whether the firing intensity is adjusted to be high (S420), and whether the value of the ball feed flag is 0 (S425).

  If any of S405 to S425 is negative determination (S405: no, S410: no, S415: no, S420: no, S425: no), if all are positive determinations, specifically, the front frame 52 is Closed (S405: yes), there is a game ball that can be fired in the ball counter (S410: yes), the firing operation is detected by the touch sensor 112 (S415: yes), and the sliding operation unit 107a is more than 0 If it is adjusted to a high firing strength (S420: yes) and there is no game ball in the firing standby part due to the actuation of the launching solenoid 129 (S425: yes), a ball feed solenoid actuating process is performed (S430). The operation of sending out one game ball from the game ball is started.

  Following S430, 1 is set in the ball feed flag (S435), and a value corresponding to 600 ms is set in the ball feed operation timer (in this embodiment, the value to be set is 299 because an interruption is performed every 2 ms). (S440), and the firing intensity corresponding to the adjustment position of the sliding operation unit 107a at the time of the processing is stored in a dedicated storage area as the firing strength at the time of ball feeding (S445) (launching at the time of ball feeding according to the present invention) Corresponds to strength storage means) Return.

  If S400 is negative, that is, if the next ball feed timing has not yet arrived since the previous ball feed operation was performed (S400: no), the decrement process is decremented by -1 from the ball feed operation timer set in S440. Is performed (S450), and it is determined whether or not the value of the decremented ball feed operation timer is a predetermined value (S455).

  The determination in S455 is a determination as to whether or not the time has elapsed from when the ball feeding operation is performed until the timing of launching the game ball. In this embodiment, when 400 ms has elapsed since the ball feeding operation was performed, the firing is performed. The solenoid 129 is actuated, and the game ball sent to the launch standby unit by the ball feeding operation is fired.

  If S455 is a negative determination (S455: no), the process returns and affirmative determination is made, that is, if it is the timing to release a game ball (S455: yes), it is determined whether the front frame release flag is 0 (S460), and if it is a negative determination. (S460: no) It returns and if it is affirmation determination (S460: yes), it will be determined whether a ball | bowl detection flag is 1 (S465).

  The ball detection flag is a value stored in the payout launch control device 84. If the value is 1, the subtraction sensor 131 detects a game ball and the firing solenoid 129 has not been actuated. After the solenoid 129 is actuated, the payout launch control device 84 determines that the subtraction sensor 131 has not detected a game ball.

  Therefore, if S465 is negative (S465: no), the subtraction sensor 131 cannot detect the game ball even though the ball feeding operation is performed, and reaches the launching device 87 or the launching device 87. Since it is possible that the ball is clogged on the ball path or the subtraction sensor 131 is faulty, it is determined that the ball feed error has occurred, the progress of the game is stopped, and the error notification is performed using the staging device provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50. Then, a signal indicating a ball feeding error state is output to the hall computer 88 via the inter-unit unit 100 (S470).

  If S465 is affirmative (S465: yes), it is determined whether or not the touch sensor 112 has detected an operation of the sliding operation unit 107a (S475). If the determination is affirmative (S475: yes), it is determined whether or not the sliding operation unit 107a has been adjusted to a firing intensity greater than 0 (S480). If the determination is affirmative (S480: yes), the firing intensity being processed is referred to (S485), the firing solenoid 129 is operated according to the referenced firing strength (S490), and 0 is set to the ball feed flag and the ball detection flag. Set (S495, S500) and return. The flow of processing from the positive determination of S475 to the positive determination of S480 described above is normal (a state in which the firing strength is adjusted to a value greater than 0 while the sliding operation unit 107a is constantly held by the player's hand). This is the game ball launch process.

  On the other hand, if S475 is a negative determination, this situation means that the player has somehow controlled the sliding operation unit at the time of launching the game ball, even though the game ball has already been fed to the launch standby unit. 107a (launching operation unit) is released. In the circulation type gaming machine 50 of this embodiment, in order not to disturb the IN / OUT relationship described with reference to FIG. 7, when there is a game ball in the launch standby unit, in other words, in the launch standby unit Is sent out, the firing solenoid 129 operates at the same timing as described above even if the operation of the sliding operation unit 107a by the touch sensor 112 is not detected while the firing solenoid 129 is activated after the delivery. The game ball of the launch standby unit is fired.

  Specifically, if S475 is negative (S475: no), the firing intensity memory stored in S210 of FIG. 10 is referred to (S510), and the firing solenoid 129 is operated according to the firing strength confirmed by the reference to play the game. A ball is fired (S490). After launching, the firing intensity memory stored in S210 is erased (S515), and the process proceeds to S495. However, the firing intensity may not be erased, and the previous stored value may be updated when storing in S210.

  In this embodiment, a sliding operation unit is adopted as the firing operation unit, and even if the player releases his / her hand from the sliding operation unit 107a, the sliding operation unit 107a automatically moves to a position where the firing intensity is 0. It is not configured to do. In this way, even if the player releases his hand from the launch operation unit during adjustment of the launch intensity, if the launch operation unit is a launch operation unit configured to not automatically return to the position of launch intensity 0, FIG. The launch solenoid 129 may be activated with reference to the launch intensity indicated by the launch operation unit in a state where the hand is released without performing the launch intensity storing process. In this case, the game ball is sent to the launch standby unit. In such a situation, it is only necessary to refer to the adjustment position of the firing operation unit without performing the detection determination of the touch sensor 112, and the processing can be simplified.

  Returning to the explanation of the flowchart, if S480 is negative, this situation means that after the game ball is sent out to the launch standby unit, the sliding operation unit 107a is set to the firing strength 0 before the sent game ball is launched. The position is adjusted. Even in this situation, in order not to disturb the IN / OUT relationship in the circulation type gaming machine, the firing solenoid 129 is operated at the same timing as when the above normal and touch sensor 112 is not detected, and the game ball of the firing standby unit Is configured to fire.

  Specifically, if S480 is negative (S480: no), reference is made to the launch strength memory stored at the time of sending the game ball to the launch standby section stored in S445 (S505). The firing solenoid 129 is activated in accordance with the confirmed firing strength to launch a game ball (S490), the firing strength memory stored in S445 is erased (S515), and the process proceeds to S495. Here, however, the firing strength is erased. Instead, the previous stored value may be updated at the time of storage in S445.

  The above is the game ball launch process 1 executed by the payout launch controller 84 in the first embodiment. In a conventional machine that pays out a game ball to the outside of the machine, the operation of the launch operation unit becomes undetected or the launch strength is from the time when the game ball is sent to the launch standby unit until the game ball is launched. If the value is adjusted to 0, the launching operation is stopped and the game ball remains in the launch standby unit. However, in the circulation type gaming machine, if the ball remains in the launch standby unit, IN / OUT management is performed. Since it causes trouble and obstructs the progress of the game, it is desirable that the sent game ball be surely fired when the ball is fed to the launch standby section.

  Therefore, in the circulation type gaming machine of the present embodiment, the ball feeding operation is performed, and the game ball launching operation is performed on the condition that the game ball actually sent out is detected. In the case of detection, the firing intensity at the time when the touch sensor 112 changes to undetected, and when the firing intensity is 0, the firing at the time when the ball feeding solenoid 130 is activated and the ball feeding of the game ball is started. By launching the game ball using the strength, it is possible to reliably launch the game ball up to the game area 3 with the launch strength according to the player's intention until immediately before.

  If the determination in S460 is negative, the front frame 52 is opened before the game ball sent to the launch standby unit is launched, and the game ball remains in the launch standby unit. When the release flag becomes 0 (when the front frame 52 when the signal from the front frame closing switch 18 changes from 0 to 1 is closed), the firing solenoid 129 is operated once and then a new ball feeding operation is performed. It is configured to start, and one firing solenoid 129 is actuated at the firing intensity stored in S445.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the front frame opening flag is 1, the game ball is prohibited from being released by the processing at the time of opening the front frame in FIG. 8, but the signal from the front frame closing switch 18 is 1. If the ball feed flag is 1 when it changes from 0 to 0, the firing solenoid 129 may be operated once. In this case, the firing intensity that activates the firing solenoid 129 may be the firing intensity stored in S445 or may be an extremely weak launch intensity that is far from the launch rail, but the weak launch intensity opens the front frame 52. In this case, the possibility that the game ball jumps out of the machine is reduced, and the time for the hall staff to return the game ball jumped out to the enclosed game machine 50 can be saved.

  Further, as a process in the case where S460 is a negative determination, a configuration in which the subtraction process of the ball feed operation timer is stopped (interrupted) at that time is also conceivable. In this configuration, the front frame 52 is closed, so that In order to resume the suspended game ball launch process, the game ball does not remain in the launch standby section.

  Next, the relationship between the ball feed timing to the launch standby unit and the game ball launch timing will be described using the timing chart of FIG. When the operation of the sliding operation unit 107a is continuously performed in a state where a game ball can be launched, a ball feeding operation is performed every 600 ms. In this case, when the ball feed solenoid 130 is turned on, in order to perform the ball feed operation at a constant interval of 600 ms, the ball feed operation timer 299 corresponding to 600 ms (interrupt is performed every 2 ms in this embodiment). It is set (S440), 1 is set to the ball feed flag (S435), and the launch intensity at this time (T1) is stored as the launch intensity at the time of ball feed (S445). These processes are performed on the condition of affirmative determination from S405 to S425 in FIG. 11 including that the touch sensor 112 detects the operation of the sliding operation unit 107a.

  When one game ball starts rolling to the launch standby section by the operation of the ball feed solenoid 130, the subtraction sensor 131 detects the rolling game ball, and 1 is set in the ball detection flag in response to the detection. Is set. After 299 is set in the ball feed operation timer, the timer is decremented every 2 ms interrupt. When the timer value reaches 99, that is, when 400 ms has elapsed since the ball feed solenoid 130 was activated, If the touch sensor 112 detects the operation of the sliding operation unit 107a at this point (A), the firing solenoid 129 is activated with the firing intensity corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a (S490), and the standby for firing is performed. Part game balls are launched into the game area 3. In response to the fact that the game ball no longer exists in the firing standby section by the operation of the firing solenoid 129, 0 is set to the values of the ball feed flag and the ball detection flag (S495, S500).

  Even after the firing solenoid 129 is actuated, the decrement of the ball feed operation timer continues every interruption processing (S450). When the ball feed operation timer becomes 0, if the ball feed operation condition is satisfied at this point (B). When the ball feed solenoid 130 is operated, the ball feeding of the game ball to the launch standby unit and the launch of the game ball of the launch standby unit are alternately repeated every 600 ms.

  If the touch sensor 112 does not detect the operation of the sliding operation unit 107a at the time of (A) in the state where the game ball is sent to the launch standby unit by the operation of the ball feed solenoid 130, for example, within the lowermost dotted line When the detection state of the touch sensor 112 changes from detection to non-detection during the period t1, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 10, the launch intensity memory stored at the time (T2) of the change is used (FIG. 10, S210). Then, at time (A), the firing solenoid 129 is operated to launch a game ball.

  In the present embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is as described above. In the present embodiment, the detection state of the touch sensor 112 changes to undetected or the sliding operation unit after the ball feed solenoid 130 is activated and before the firing solenoid 130 is activated. Even if the launch intensity at the time of game ball launch is indeterminate because the launch intensity changes to 0 due to the change in the adjustment position of 107a, With respect to the firing strength at the time of change to undetected and the firing strength of 0, the game ball is fired using the launch strength at the time of the latest ball feed solenoid 130 operation.

  As a result, disturbance of the IN / OUT management in the circulation type gaming machine 50 is prevented, and the game ball remains at the launch standby position without causing the player to feel uncomfortable by the error notification performed in accordance with the disturbance. In the situation, it is possible to reliably launch the game ball to the game area 3 with the launch intensity according to the adjustment operation according to the intention to launch the previous game ball.

  Next, Example 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the electrical connection is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the parts constituting the gaming machine are also the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the overlapping part will be described with reference to the first embodiment.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the first embodiment in which two game balls remain in the launch standby section (the launch operation becomes undetected immediately after the game balls are sent to the launch standby section, or In order to avoid the launch intensity being adjusted to 0), the launch intensity is memorized at two locations (two timings), and the launch intensity at the launch is uncertain. Is stored only when the ball-feeding solenoid 130 that operates the sliding operation unit 107 with certainty for the purpose of launching the game ball is operated.

  Accordingly, in the second embodiment, the firing intensity storing process of FIG. 10 is not performed, and a part of the processing of the game ball firing process 1 described with reference to FIG. Is described below.

  The game ball launching process 2 shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the game ball launching process 1 described in the first embodiment because most of the processing configuration is the same, and only different points will be described. In the game ball launch process 1, there are different timings when the touch sensor 112 has not detected a launch operation at the timing when the launch solenoid 129 is activated (S475: no), and when the launch intensity is 0 (S480: no). The firing solenoid 129 was activated with reference to the stored firing intensity (S505 and S510).

  On the other hand, in the game ball launch process 2 of this embodiment, when the touch sensor 112 has not detected a launch operation when the launch solenoid 129 is actuated, that is, S675 of the game ball launch process 2 corresponding to S475 of FIG. Both in the case of negative determination (S675: no) and in the case where the firing intensity is adjusted to 0, that is, in the case of S680 of game ball launch processing 2 corresponding to S480 in FIG. 11 being negative determination (S680: no) Thus, the firing solenoid 129 is actuated with reference to the firing strength stored in the ball feeding firing strength storage processing performed in S645 of the game ball launch processing 2 corresponding to S445 of FIG.

  With this processing configuration, in both cases of negative determinations of S675 and S680, the game ball is launched using the launch intensity adjusted at the time when the game ball to be launched is fed.

  FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feed timing to the launch standby unit and the game ball launch timing in the second embodiment. The basic timing is also the same as FIG. The timing of storing the intensity is only at the time (T1) when the ball feed solenoid 130 is activated, and the timing is stored at (T1) regardless of the case where the firing intensity of the sliding operation unit 107a is uncertain at the time of launch. It becomes a point to refer to the fired strength (launch strength at the time of ball feeding).

  The above is the description of the second embodiment, and also in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent an afterimage of the game ball from being left on the launch standby unit and prevent an error notification that is unpleasant for the player from occurring, On the premise that all the game balls are fired, it is possible to reliably fire the game balls to the game area 3 with the firing strength corresponding to the launch operation performed immediately before. In addition, the processing load is reduced by setting the timing for storing the firing intensity to one place.

  Next, Example 3 will be described. In this embodiment, the electrical connection is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, and the parts constituting the gaming machine are also the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the overlapping part will be described with reference to Example 1 or Example 2.

  This embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the sliding operation unit 107a is activated when the firing solenoid 129 is operated in response to the presence of the game ball in the firing standby unit. The firing solenoid 129 was activated using the memorized firing strength only when the firing solenoid was not operated or when the firing strength was 0. In this embodiment, each time the firing solenoid 129 is fired, This is implemented with reference to the firing intensity at the time when the game ball to be started starts to feed the ball to the launch standby section (when the ball feed solenoid 130 is activated).

  The specific contents will be described using the game ball launch process 3 in FIG. The game ball launching process 3 is also the same as the game ball launching process 1 described in the first embodiment because most of the processing configuration is the same, and only different points will be described. From the affirmative determination in S800 of the game ball launch process 3 to the process of S850, the contents are the same as the processes from the positive determination in S400 of the game ball launch process 1 to S445. At other times, in other words, when the game ball is sent to the launch standby section, a process of storing and updating the launch intensity at the time of operation is performed (S850).

  The processing from S855 to S875 executed after the negative determination of S800 is the same as the processing from S450 to S470 executed after the negative determination of S400 of the game ball launch process 1, but is executed after the positive determination of S870. Processing is different. Specifically, if S870 is an affirmative determination (S870: yes), the ball feeding firing strength memory stored in S850 is referred to (S880), and the firing solenoid 129 is activated using the referenced firing strength to play the game. The ball is fired from the launch standby unit (S885), the ball feed flag and the ball detection flag are set to 0 (S890, S895), and the process returns.

  In the processing after S870 described above, when the firing solenoid 129 is activated, the detection status of the touch sensor 112 and the firing intensity adjustment of the sliding operation unit 107a are not determined as the conditions for operating the firing solenoid 129, and the ball feed solenoid When the operation timing of the firing solenoid 129 arrives after the ball feeding to the firing standby unit is performed by the operation of 130, the front frame 52 is in a closed state, and is rolled by the operation of the ball feeding solenoid 130 by the subtraction sensor 131. If a game ball is detected and there is no doubt that there is a game ball in the launch standby section, the launch solenoid 129 is activated using the launch intensity stored when the ball feed solenoid 130 is actuated in each launch of the game ball. .

  Even in the timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feed timing to the launch standby section and the game ball launch timing in Example 3 of FIG. 16, the timing for storing the launch intensity is only when the ball feed solenoid 130 is activated (T1). As shown, when the firing solenoid 129 is actuated, the firing solenoid 129 is actuated based on the firing intensity stored at (T1) in each actuation of the firing solenoid 129.

  The above is the description of the third embodiment. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to prevent an afterimage of the game ball from being generated in the launch standby unit, thereby preventing an error notification that is unpleasant for the player, and to fire all game balls. On the premise of this, it is possible to reliably launch the game ball to the game area 3 with the launch intensity corresponding to the launch operation performed immediately before. Further, since the firing intensity at the time of activation of the launch solenoid 129 can be made constant as the launch intensity at the time of operation of the ball feed solenoid 130, it is possible to simplify the game ball launch process including the ball feed control to the launch standby section. Become.

  The above is the description of the embodiment. In the gaming machine configured to pay out the prize ball outside the machine, when the game ball is launched, the number of game balls at hand decreases by one, so the game progressed while recognizing the timing when this ball was released as it is, In the circulation type gaming machine 50 of the first, second, and third embodiments, when the game ball before the game ball is launched is sent to the launch standby unit (specifically, the game ball rolls on the rolling path to the launch standby unit). When the subtraction sensor 131 detects a game ball during movement), the number of possessed balls decreases, and in a game in which a game ball is continuously fired every 600 ms, the last ball is actually the launch solenoid 129. Prior to being fired upon actuation, the display indicating the number of balls will display zero.

  Therefore, even when the player performs a launch operation with the intention of firing up to the last ball, the launch operation unit (sliding operation unit 107a in this embodiment) is matched with the change of the ball display to 0. ) (To release the hand from the sliding operation unit 107a), it is assumed that there is a game ball remaining in the launch standby unit, but the remaining game is not performed. The present invention in which a ball is fired at a game area with a suitable firing strength is effective in a circulating game machine.

  As described above, according to the circulation type gaming machine of the present invention, even if a launch operation is not performed in a situation where a game ball is present in the launch standby unit, the game ball is placed in the game area with a suitable launch strength. It is configured to be able to fire. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a circulating game ball in which a game ball enclosed in the machine is circulated to play a game.

80 Main controller 84 Dispensing launch controller 107a Sliding operation part 112 Touch sensor 129 Launch solenoid 130 Ball feed solenoid 131 Subtraction sensor

Claims (1)

In a circulation type gaming machine that encloses a predetermined number of game balls inside and performs a game while managing the number of game balls launched and the number of game balls collected,
Launching means for launching a game ball at the launch position into the game area;
And the ball feeding means for feeding one by one the game ball to the firing position,
A launch ball detecting means for detecting a game ball sent to the launch position ;
A launch intensity adjusting means for adjusting a launch intensity when launching a game ball by the launch means;
An operation detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the origination morphism operation,
When the detection state by the operation detection unit changes from detection to non-detection, the launching memorizes the launch intensity at the time of the change on condition that the game ball detected by the launching ball detection unit has not yet been launched. Strength storage means,
The launching unit is configured to launch the game ball regardless of the detection state of the operation detection unit if there is a game ball at the launch position, and the detection state by the operation detection unit is not detected at the time of the launch. some cases, circulation type gaming machine, which comprises firing a game ball according to the radiation strength which the radiation strength storing means stores.

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