JP6296415B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine, or a parrot.

  Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, is provided with a gaming area on the front side in which gaming balls flow down. The game ball is launched based on the player's launch operation, and is guided to the upper part of the game area by the rail member. When a game ball enters a variety of winning holes provided in the game area, the player can acquire a predetermined number of game balls. In such a gaming machine, since it is necessary to appropriately manage the number of game balls, the number of game balls fired by detecting a game ball passing through the rail member is measured, and a prize opening In other words, the game balls that have entered the game outlet are collected on the back side of the game board and the number thereof is measured to determine whether there is any illegal act or failure.

  Also, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-228475 “Game Machine” of Patent Document 1, the game ball is a sealed game machine that blocks the game ball from the outside and circulates inside, and the game ball launched by the launching device The game ball data is managed on the basis of information from a launch detection unit for detecting a game ball, a lower end port detection unit for detecting a game ball passing through the lower end port of the game board, and a foul ball detection unit for detecting a foul ball. A gaming machine equipped with a ball data management unit has been proposed. In such enclosed game machines, the player does not directly manage the game balls, but circulates a certain amount of game balls inside the game machine, so the number of game balls actually used in the game, etc. It is necessary to accurately measure and manage these data.

JP2012-228475A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the detection position is provided in the middle of the passage of the guide rail (the rail disposed on the game area side from the return ball collection port for collecting the return ball). The return ball that reciprocates sometimes counts twice even though only one game ball was fired. Moreover, in the “game machine” described in Patent Document 1, the detection position of the launch detection unit that detects the launched game ball is on the launching device side relative to the launch rail (the return ball collection port for collecting the return ball). The rail is disposed in the middle of the passage of the rail). Therefore, if the game ball has returned to the launching device side without exceeding the end of the return ball collection port side of the launch rail due to damage, etc., there is only one game ball that has been launched. Regardless of this, the detection at the first launch, the detection at the reversal, and the detection at the second launch are counted many times, and there is a problem that an accurate number of shot balls cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been developed to solve the above-described problems. In other words, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can accurately measure the number of game balls that are launched toward a game area by a launching device.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed on the front side;
A launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area;
A launch rail that is loaded into a launch position that is a stop position immediately before launch and guides the game ball launched by the launch device to a game area;
A ball feed mechanism that takes in one game ball stored in the tray and temporarily holds it in the holding position, then drops the game ball onto the firing rail and loads the game ball into the firing position to perform a ball feeding operation When,
A launch ball detection mechanism that detects a game ball falling on the launch rail from the holding position by a ball feed operation of the ball feed mechanism and outputs a detection signal;
A game ball management control device for managing the number of game balls used in the game,
The firing preparation ball detection mechanism includes a rocking member having a rocking piece that rocks in a pendulum shape when the game ball comes into contact with the game ball when the game ball falls on the firing rail from the holding position.
The launcher fires a game ball on the launch rail in conjunction with a ball feed operation of the ball feed mechanism,
The game balls management controller, the more the detection signal based on the oscillation of the oscillating piece cocked ball detection mechanism, counts the sphere number of the game area headed fired gaming balls, and wherein the To do.
Here, the fall is not limited to a linear movement (free fall) in the vertical direction, but may be any movement that involves a movement (altitude change) from above to below, such as rolling down a slope.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, by providing a highly reliable gaming machine capable of accurately measuring the number of game balls launched toward the gaming area, the player can be enthusiastic about the game with peace of mind. .

It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of the state where the front door was removed. It is a front view of a game board. It is a rear view of a main body base. The dish formation part is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. It is a perspective view which shows a game ball | bowl launching mechanism. It is a front view which shows a game ball | bowl launching mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which showed the game ball | bowl launching mechanism and disassembled the ball | bowl feeding mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a game ball is taken in into a holder part one ball at a time by a delivery piece, and is supplied (loaded) to a launch position. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the state visually recognized from the back side diagonally upward. It is a front view which shows the firing preparation sphere detection mechanism attached to the base part. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a base member, a base part, and a firing preparation ball | bowl detection mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a firing preparation ball detection mechanism. It is a cross-sectional view explaining the relationship between a delivery piece, a game ball, and a rocking piece, (a) is a state where the delivery piece is in the uppermost position, and (b) is between the uppermost position and the lowest position. The state, (c) shows a state where the delivery piece is at the lowest position. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine in the state where the payout control device, the launch control device, the second power supply device and each relay board are removed. (A), (b) It is a perspective view which expands and shows a part of support base body, Comprising: It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the structure for returning the game ball discharged | emitted from the game area | region to a ball tray part. . It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed in management side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in main side MPU. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the input port of main side MPU. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the winning detection process performed by main side MPU, (b) The structure of the 1st winning determination area, the 2nd winning determination area, the 1st post calculation area, and the 2nd post calculation area is demonstrated. It is explanatory drawing for doing. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination process performed in main side MPU. (A) It is a timing chart for demonstrating the timing which monitors each winning information, (B) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the calculation performed when winning determination is performed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success / failure lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure special electric power control process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the management process for ball | bowl supply performed with management side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the game ball management process performed in payout side MPU. (A)-(c) It is a front view of an operation unit. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge management process performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the launch control process performed with a launch control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of the game ball | bowl use performed by payout side MPU. It is a timing chart which shows a mode that the number of usable game balls is increased / decreased. It is a flowchart which shows the return management process performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the management process for a partial return performed in the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the management process for medium supply performed in management side MPU. (A)-(d) It is a front view of an operation unit. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the confirmation process for the hold notice performed by main side MPU, (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the kind of jackpot result, (c) In order to explain a hold storage area It is explanatory drawing of. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining ball corresponding | compatible process performed in main side MPU. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine in a 2nd embodiment. (A) It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the outlet of a ball tray part, and its vicinity, (b) It is a flowchart which shows the stabilization process of the storage ball | bowl performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the reverse ball response | compatibility process performed in the payout side MPU in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of the game ball | bowl use performed by the payout side MPU in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process for vibration detection performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of the game ball | bowl use performed by the payout side MPU in 5th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 is a so-called enclosed game machine (an enclosed ball game machine, an enclosed pachinko machine, an enclosed ball pachinko machine). Hereinafter, in the description of the enclosed game machine, in principle, the side on which the front door is arranged is the front side or the front side, the opposite side is the back side or the rear side, and the vertical and horizontal directions are basically installed in island facilities. The enclosed type gaming machine is expressed on the basis of the state of viewing it facing the front door.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11. When the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall, the outer frame 11 is fixed to the so-called island facility of the game hall with nails or the like.

  The gaming machine main body 12 includes a main body base 21 and a front door 22 disposed in front of the main body base 21. The main body base 21 of the gaming machine main body 12 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 11 with one of the left and right side portions serving as a support side. Further, the front door 22 is rotatably supported by the main body base 21 and can be rotated forward with the same side as the side on which the main body base 21 is supported with respect to the outer frame 11 as a support side. Has been.

  The gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device (not shown) at its rotating tip, and has a function of locking the gaming machine main body 12 to the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. The door 22 is locked to the main body base 21 so that it cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation on the cylinder lock 23 provided exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 using an unlocking key.

  Specifically, the locking device and the cylinder lock 23 are provided on the main body base 21. The surface of the cylinder lock 23 in which the key hole is formed is exposed to the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 through the exposure recess 24 formed in the front door 22. The front door 22 is provided with a front hook hook portion (not shown) protruding rearward. When the front door 22 is closed, the front hook hook portion is received by the front hook receiving portion of the locking device. As a result, the front door 22 is locked to the main body base 21. Then, by inserting an unlocking key into the cylinder lock 23 and rotating it in a predetermined direction, the front side hook receiving portion is displaced in the unlocking direction, and the engagement state between the front side hook receiving portion and the front side hook receiving portion is released. Is done. Thereby, the locked state of the front door 22 with respect to the main body base 21 is cancelled | released.

  On the other hand, the locking device is provided with a rear hook hook portion (not shown) protruding rearward, and when the main body base 21 is closed, the rear hook hook portion is a rear hook receiving portion of the outer frame 11. The main body base 21 is locked to the outer frame 11 by being received by the part. Then, by inserting an unlocking key into the cylinder lock 23 and rotating it in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the rear hook hook portion is displaced in the unlocking direction, and the rear hook hook portion and the rear hook receiver The engagement state with the part is released. Thereby, the locked state of the main body base 21 with respect to the outer frame 11 is cancelled | released.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10 with the front door 22 removed. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body base 21 includes a support base body 31 formed of a synthetic resin. The support base body 31 has a horizontal dimension substantially the same as the horizontal dimension of the outer frame 11, and the vertical dimension of the support base body 31 is the upper edge of the upper frame part 11 b from the upper surface of the lower frame part 11 a in the outer frame 11. It is substantially the same as the height dimension up to. Therefore, when the main body base 21 is closed to the outer frame 11, the back surface of the main body base 21 overlaps the upper frame portion 11b and the left and right side frame portions 11c and 11d of the outer frame 11 from the front.

  The support base body 31 is formed with an exposure hole 32 penetrating in the front-rear direction. A game board 33 is mounted on the support base body 31 from the back side so as to be exposed to the front surface side of the support base body 31 through the exposure hole 32. Here, the structure of the game board 33 is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 33.

  The game board 33 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction. In each opening, as shown in FIG. 4, a general winning port 41, a variable winning device 42, an upper operating port (first starting ball entering portion) 43, a lower operating port (second starting ball entering portion) 44, and a through hole. A gate 45, a variable display unit 46, a special drawing display unit 47, a universal drawing display unit 48, and the like are provided. In addition, three general winning openings 41 are provided, two through gates 45 are provided, and one other each is provided.

  The detection sensors 41a, 41b, 41c, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a, one-to-one correspondence to each general winning port 41, variable winning device 42, upper operating port 43, lower operating port 44 and each through gate 45 are provided. 45b is provided. These detection sensors 41a to 45b are all disposed on the back side of the game board 33, and the detection results are output to a main control device described later. In addition, as the detection sensors 41a to 45b, electromagnetic induction type proximity sensors that detect changes in the magnetic field are used, but any sensor can be used as long as it can individually detect the winning of the game ball, for example, An optical sensor may be used.

  When the occurrence of a ball entering the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, and the lower operating port 44 is detected, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded to the player as winning balls. Specifically, with respect to the number of winning balls, three winning balls are generated when a ball enters the upper working port 43 and when a ball enters the lower working port 44. Ten winning balls are generated when the player enters the winning ball, and fifteen winning balls are generated when the player enters the variable winning device 42. However, the number of prize balls is arbitrary. For example, the number of prize balls in the lower operation port 43 is different from the number of prize balls in the lower operation port 44, for example, the number of prize balls in both the operation holes 43, 44 is different. May be. Further, the variable winning device 42 is not limited to a configuration in which the number of winning balls is larger than the number of other winning balls, and may be configured to be smaller than the number of winning balls in the general winning slot 41, for example.

  In addition, an out port 49a is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 33, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area through the out port 49a. Here, the game area is an area defined by outer periphery forming members such as guide rails (inner rail 33a and outer rail 33b) described later on the front surface of game board 33 (see FIG. 4) described later. It is assumed that the portion where the player can visually recognize the area where the game ball flows down at 33. The game board 33 is provided with a large number of nails 49b in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball and various members such as a windmill.

  Here, the entry ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and is not only a mode of being discharged from the game area after passing through the opening, but is discharged from the game area after passing through the opening. Embodiments that are not included are also included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 49a, the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, the lower operating port 44, or the through gate 45 are inserted. The entry of a game ball is also expressed as a prize.

  The variable winning device 42 includes a large winning opening 42b that leads to the back side of the game board 33, and an open / close door 42c that opens and closes the large winning opening 42b. The open / close door 42c is connected to a variable winning drive unit 42d provided integrally as the variable winning device 42, and is driven by the variable winning drive unit 42d to be arranged in either a closed state or an open state. Specifically, the game ball is normally closed so that it cannot win, and the game ball can be switched to an open state where the game ball can win when winning the transition to the opening / closing execution mode in the internal lottery. In addition, the variable winning device 42 is provided with a big prize opening detection sensor 42a so that a detection unit exists at a position where a game ball won through the big prize opening 42b always passes. The game balls that have won the variable winning device 42 are individually detected by the special winning opening detection sensor 42a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the upper operating port 43 and the lower operating port 44 are unitized as an operating port device and installed on the game board 33. Both the upper working port 43 and the lower working port 44 are opened upward. Further, both the operation ports 43 and 44 are arranged in the vertical direction so that the upper operation port 43 is on the upper side. The lower working port 44 is provided with a pair of left and right electric accessories 44b.

  The electric combination 44b is connected to an electric combination drive unit 44c mounted on the back side of the game board 33, and is driven by the electric combination drive unit 44c to be placed in either a closed state or an open state. . In the closed state of the electric accessory 44b, the game ball cannot be won in the lower operating port 44, and when the electric accessory 44b is in the open state, it is possible to win in the lower operating port 44.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there is a motorized state in which a winning of a game ball to the lower operation port 44 is likely to occur and a state in which a winning is less likely to occur than a state in which a winning is not impossible but the above winning is likely to occur. It is good also as a structure by which the accessory 44b is switched. Further, the electric accessory 44b may be omitted, and the switching between the state where the winning is likely to occur and the state where the winning is less likely to occur than that may be performed by the displacement of the lower operation port 44 itself.

  In the special figure display unit 47, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 as a trigger, and the winning of the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 as a result of stopping the variation display. The result of the internal lottery performed based on the above is clearly displayed. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, the winning to the upper working port 43 and the winning to the lower working port 44 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and the winning is performed based on the winning to the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44. The result of the internal lottery is displayed in the special figure display section 47 which is a common display area. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, a special stop result is displayed on the special figure display unit 47. Is displayed and the variable display is stopped, and then the mode is changed to the opening / closing execution mode. In addition, since the special figure display unit 47 displays different results for each type of lottery result, the manager of the game hall can easily check the lottery result visually by checking the special figure display unit 47. be able to.

  The special figure display unit 47 is constituted by a segment display in which a plurality of segment light emitting units are arranged in a predetermined manner, but is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. A liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device , Or other types of display devices such as CRT or dot matrix display. In addition, as a pattern variably displayed on the special figure display unit 47, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, or A configuration in which a plurality of colors are switched and displayed can be considered.

  In the usual figure display section 48, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the through gate 45 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 45 is clearly shown as a result of stopping the variation display. Is done. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the through gate 45 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the open state of the electric role, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the general map display unit 48 and a change display is displayed. After it is stopped, it shifts to the electric utility release state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 44b provided in the lower operation port 44 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  The variable display unit 46 is provided with a symbol display device 46a for variably displaying a symbol which is a kind of a pattern, and a center frame 46b is disposed so as to surround the symbol display device 46a. The symbol display device 46a is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. The symbol display device 46a is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another display device having a display surface such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT, and is a dot matrix display. It may be a vessel.

  In the symbol display device 46a, the variation display of the symbol is started based on winning in the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44. That is, when the variable display is performed in the special figure display unit 47, the variable display is performed in the symbol display device 46a accordingly.

  For details of the contents of the variable display, three symbol rows of an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are set as a plurality of display areas on the display surface of the symbol display device 46a. Each symbol row is configured by arranging a main symbol and a sub symbol in a predetermined order. Specifically, nine types of main symbols with any number from “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of the numbers in the upper symbol row, and a sub symbol is 1 between each main symbol. It is arranged one by one. In the lower symbol row, nine types of main symbols with any number from “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. ing.

  That is, the upper symbol row and the lower symbol row are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and then between the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1”. “4” main symbols are additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each of the main symbols. In other words, only the middle symbol row Z2 is composed of 20 symbols by arranging 10 main symbols. On the display surface, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. In addition, five effective lines are set on the display surface.

  When a game-playing effect is performed on the display surface based on a winning at the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44, a variable display is displayed so that the symbols in each symbol row are scrolled in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Be started. Then, the display is switched from the variable display to the standby display in the order of the upper symbol row → the lower symbol row → the middle symbol row, and finally the effect for the game round is ended in a state where a predetermined symbol is statically displayed in each symbol row. .

  In addition, when the effect for the game round ends, if it is a game round corresponding to the occurrence of the most advantageous jackpot result, which will be described later, a combination of symbols in which the same odd number is attached to any active line is formed. In the game times corresponding to the occurrence of a low probability winning result to be described later, a combination of symbols in which the same even number is attached to any one of the active lines is formed. In addition, in the game times corresponding to the occurrence of a low winning and winning big hit result which will be described later, a combination of predetermined symbols (for example, “3. 4.1 ") is formed.

  In addition, based on the winning in one of the operation ports 43, 44, the variation display is started in the special symbol display unit 47 and the symbol display device 46a, until a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variation display is stopped. Corresponds to one game time.

  In addition, the variation display mode of the symbol in the symbol display device 46a is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary. The number of symbol columns, the direction of symbol variation display in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be appropriately changed. Further, the pattern that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 46a is not limited to the above-described pattern. For example, only a number may be variably displayed as the pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a first reserved lamp portion 46c corresponding to the special symbol display portion 47 and the symbol display device 46a is provided in the upper left portion on the front side of the center frame 46b. A maximum of four game balls won in the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44 are reserved, and the number of the game balls is displayed when the first reservation lamp unit 46c is turned on.

  In the upper right portion of the center frame 46b, a second holding lamp portion 46d corresponding to the general map display portion 48 is provided. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 45 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of held balls is displayed by turning on the second holding lamp portion 46d. In addition, it is good also as a structure by which the function of each holding | maintenance lamp | ramp part 46c, 46d is fulfill | performed by the display in the one part area | region of the symbol display apparatus 46a.

  An inner rail portion 33a and an outer rail portion 33b are attached to the game board 33, and the inner rail portion 33a and the outer rail portion 33b constitute a guide rail. As shown in FIG. 3, a game ball launching mechanism 80 is provided below the game board 33 on the front surface of the support base body 31, and the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 80 is formed by a guide rail. It is guided to the upper part of the game area through the formed ball guide passage.

  Details of the game ball launching mechanism 80 will be described later. The game ball launching mechanism 80 includes a launching device 8001 (see FIG. 7 and the like) composed of an electromagnetic solenoid, a launch rail 8002, and a ball feed mechanism 8003 (see FIG. 7 and the like). And a firing preparation sphere detection mechanism 8100 (see FIG. 9 and the like), which is a feature of the present invention. The output shaft (plunger 8006) of the launching device 8001 moves in the firing direction in response to the input of an electrical signal to the launching device 8001, and the game ball guided on the firing rail 8002 by the ball feed mechanism 8003 is directed to the game area. And launch. The input of an electrical signal to the launching device 8001 is generated based on an operation handle 36b described later being operated. The firing preparation ball detection mechanism 8100 detects the movement of the game ball guided from the ball feed mechanism 8003 onto the launch rail 8002 in order to measure the number of game balls supplied (loaded) onto the launch rail 8002. To play a role.

  A lower cover body 35 is provided on the lower end side of the support base body 31. The lower cover body 35 is provided so as to extend from the lower end portion of the support base body 31 over a predetermined range in the height direction, and the support base body 31 is supported by the lower cover body 35 in the range in the height direction. The front of is covered from the front. A range of the height direction in which the lower cover body 35 is provided includes a part of the game ball launching mechanism 80, and in this range, the game ball launching mechanism 80 includes the lower cover body 35, the support base body 31, and the like. It exists in the space between the front and back. The lower cover body 35 exists on the support base body 31 side regardless of whether the front door 22 is opened. That is, the lower cover body 35 constitutes the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  A launch operation device 36 is provided at the right end of the lower cover body 35 so as to protrude forward of the pachinko machine 10. The firing operation device 36 includes an operation base 36a provided to project forward, and an operation handle 36b provided to be rotatably supported by the operation base 36a. The operation handle 36b is operated to rotate. As a result, the launch intensity of the game ball from the launch device 8001 of the game ball launch mechanism 80 is adjusted. The launch operation device 36 includes a touch sensor 36c for detecting that the operation handle 36b is touched by the player, a variable resistor 36d for detecting the amount of rotation of the operation handle 36b, A stop switch 36e is provided that is operated to stop the launch of the game ball even when the operation handle 36b is being operated by the player. In the situation where the operation handle 36b is disposed at the initial position, the stop switch 36e is automatically turned on by the operation handle 36b.

  When a game ball is launched based on a launch operation by the player, both conditions that the touch sensor 36c detects that the operation handle 36b is touched and that the stop switch 36e is not turned on are both conditions. When established, the game ball is launched with a firing intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation operation detected through the variable resistor 36d.

  On the center side of the lower cover body 35, the speaker device 37 that outputs sound effects according to the game situation is covered from the front, and the sound output from the speaker device 37 can be transmitted to the front of the pachinko machine 10. A speaker cover 38 is provided. The speaker device 37 is provided on the support base body 31 (see FIG. 5).

  The front door 22 is provided so as to cover the entire area above the lower cover body 35 on the front surface of the support base body 31. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 22 is formed with a window portion 51 so that almost the entire game area can be viewed from the front. The window part 51 has a substantially elliptical shape, and the window panel 52 is fitted therein. Although the window panel 52 is formed colorless and transparent by glass, it is not limited to this and may be formed colorless and transparent by a synthetic resin. Incidentally, the display surface of the symbol display device 46a, the special figure display section 47, and the like are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 52.

  Various light emitting portions 53 and 54 are provided around the window portion 51. An abnormality notification light emitting unit 53 is provided above the window 51 as part of the various light emitting units 53 and 54. Also, a pair of left and right effect light emitting sections 54 are provided on the left and right sides of the abnormality notification light emitting section 53.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a dish forming portion 55 is provided below the window portion 51 of the front door 22 so as to bulge to the near side. The dish forming unit 55 is formed so that a large number of game balls can be stored, and the game balls stored in the dish forming unit 55 are guided to the game ball launching mechanism 80 and fired toward the game area. . The configuration of the dish forming portion 55 will be described in detail later. By the way, in addition to the dish forming portion 55, a portion for storing game balls is not provided on the front side of the front door 22.

  As described above, the front door 22 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body base 21. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the front door 22 is opened on the support base body 31 of the main body base 21. An open detection switch 39 is provided for detecting whether or not it is closed (or whether it is closed). The opening detection switch 39 has a pin that can be projected and retracted from the front surface of the support base body 31. When the front door 22 is closed in the main body base 21, the pin is pushed to detect the closing of the front door 22. When the door 22 is opened, the pin returns to the protruding position, and the opening of the front door 22 is detected.

  Incidentally, the opening detection switch 39 outputs an HI level opening detection signal to a main control device 61 described later when the front door 22 is in an open state, and the LOW level to the main control device 61 when the front door 22 is in a closed state. However, the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed.

  Next, the configuration of the back side of the main body base 21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the main body base 21.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a main control device 61 having a function of controlling the main game, a sound light emission control device 62 that performs sound output control and light emission control based on a command from the main control device 61, and sound light emission control A display control device 63 that performs display control of the symbol display device 46a based on a command from the device 62, a payout control device 64 that performs control related to lending of game balls and giving of game value, and launch control that performs launch control of game balls. The apparatus 65 includes a first power supply device 66 and a second power supply device 67 that supply power to the various control devices 61 to 65. Among these, the main control device 61, the sound emission control device 62, the display control device 63, and the first power supply device 66 are mounted on the back surface of the game board 33, and the game board 33 is removed from the support base body 31. When removed, these devices 61 to 63 and 66 follow the game board 33 side.

  On the other hand, the payout control device 64, the launch control device 65, and the second power supply device 67 are mounted on the back surface of the support base body 31, and even if the game board 33 is removed from the support base body 31, these devices 64, 65 and 67 remain on the support base body 31 side. In this case, the launch control device 65 and the payout control device 64 are mounted one after the other. Specifically, the launch control device 65 is mounted on the back surface of the support base body 31, and the payout control device 64 thereafter It is installed in the direction. Accordingly, the payout control device 64 is located on the rear side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to other control devices such as the main control device 61 and the launch control device 65.

  Here, the various control devices 61 to 65 and the power supply devices 66 and 67 are configured such that corresponding substrates are accommodated in a substrate box. The main control device 61 and the payout control device 64 will be described in detail. The main control device 61 includes a main control board (not shown), and the main control board is accommodated in the board box 61a. The payout control device 64 includes a payout control board (not shown), and the payout control board is accommodated in the board box 64a. These substrate boxes 61a and 64a are formed to be transparent so that the corresponding substrates can be visually confirmed from the outside of the substrate boxes 61a and 64a. Further, the main controller 61 is provided with a first erasing button 61b and a second erasing button 61c on the surface that faces the back of the pachinko machine 10 when the main body base 21 is closed to the outer frame 11. .

  It is preferable that the substrate boxes 61a and 64a are provided with a trace means for leaving a trace of opening or a trace structure for leaving a trace of opening. As the trace means, a plurality of case bodies constituting the board boxes 61a and 64a are joined in a non-separable manner, and a construction of a joint portion (caulking portion) that requires destruction of a predetermined part at the time of separation, or an adhesive layer is adhered at the time of peeling A configuration is conceivable in which a seal seal that leaves a trace of being peeled off by remaining on the object is pasted so as to straddle the boundaries between the plurality of case bodies. Moreover, as a trace structure, the structure which apply | coats an adhesive agent to the boundary between the some case bodies which comprise the board | substrate boxes 61a and 64a can be considered.

  On the back side of the support base body 31, a payout-side relay board 68 for relaying the electrical connection between the payout control device 64 and a management unit 131 described later is provided. Further, on the back side of the support base body 31, a relay board 69 on the power source side is provided which relays the commercial power supply of the game hall and the first power supply device 66 and relays the commercial power supply and the second power supply device 67. It has been. The relay board 69 on the power supply side is provided with a power switch 69a that can be turned on and off. When the power switch 69a is turned on, the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66 and the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the second power supply device 67 are started simultaneously, and the power switch 69a is turned off. As a result, the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66 and the supply of power from the commercial power supply to the second power supply device 67 are simultaneously stopped.

<Configuration for circulating game balls>
Next, a configuration for circulating game balls will be described. Among the configurations for circulation, first, the configuration of the dish forming portion 55 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 in addition to FIG. 6A is a plan view of the dish forming portion 55, and FIG. 6B is a longitudinal sectional view of the dish forming portion 55. In FIG. 6A, the dish cover 75 provided in the dish forming portion 55 is omitted.

  The dish forming portion 55 is formed of a colored and opaque synthetic resin, and is formed so as to protrude forward of the pachinko machine 10 and extends in the lateral direction, as shown in FIG. The left end of the dish forming portion 55 is located on the left end side of the front door 22 from the lateral center, and the right end of the dish forming portion 55 is on the right end side of the front door 22 from the lateral center. Is located.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the dish forming part 55 is formed with a ball dish part 71 extending in the horizontal direction. The ball tray 71 is formed so as to partition a space having a predetermined depth dimension, and is formed so as to open the partitioned space upward.

  On the left end side of the ball tray portion 71, a lead-out port 72 for leading the game ball B existing on the back side of the front door 22 to the ball tray portion 71 is formed. An introduction port 73 for guiding the game ball B present in the ball tray portion 71 to the game ball launching mechanism 80 is formed. The bottom surface of the ball tray portion 71 is formed so as to be inclined downward from the outlet port 72 side toward the inlet port 73 side, and the game ball B existing in the ball tray portion 71 is directed toward the inlet port 73 by its own weight. It will flow down.

  The ball tray portion 71 is formed so that the outlet 72 side is wider than the inlet 73 side, that is, the dimension in the front-rear direction is larger. Specifically, a plurality (for example, six) are provided on the outlet 72 side. The game balls B are formed so as to be aligned in the width direction. Thereby, the ball tray portion 71 can store a large number of game balls B, and specifically, the ball tray portion 71 is formed so that at least 150 game balls B can be stored.

  On the other hand, the predetermined range from the introduction port 73 toward the upstream side is formed as an alignment region (standby path) 74 in which the game balls B can be aligned in a row in the horizontal direction. In this case, the position of the rear side wall portion of the alignment region 74 is the same position in the front-rear direction as the position of the rear side wall portion in the upstream region from the alignment region 74. Incidentally, the area in front of the outlet 72 in the ball tray 71 is the widest area. Between the wide area and the alignment area 74, the front wall portion of the ball tray 71 becomes the alignment area 74. It is formed so as to be inclined toward the rear side as it goes.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the dish forming unit 55 is provided with a dish cover 75 so as to cover the ball dish part 71 from above. The dish cover 75 is formed in a plate shape, and is provided at the upper end portion of the ball dish part 71 so as to cover the ball dish part 71 from above. However, the tray cover 75 and the bottom surface of the ball tray portion 71 are separated from each other by a plurality of game balls B in the vertical direction, and a number of games are placed in the ball tray portion 71 even when the plate cover 75 is attached. The ball B can specifically store at least 150 game balls B. The dish cover 75 is transparent (specifically, colorless and transparent) by using a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate so that the game ball B stored in the ball dish part 71 can be visually confirmed through the dish cover 75. ).

  The dish cover 75 has a region that covers the ball dish part 71 from above, and a cover main body part 75 a provided so that the upper surface and the lower surface are horizontal or substantially horizontal, and a flange that exists on the back side of the dish forming part 55. The part 75b is integrally formed. The cover main body portion 75 a is formed to match the shape of the ball tray portion 71 and is formed to be slightly larger than the outer edge shape of the ball tray portion 71. The cover main body portion 75a extends from a portion forming the back wall 71a of the ball tray portion 71 in the plate forming portion 55 to a portion forming the side wall 71b and the front wall 71c.

  Specifically, the back wall 71a is formed with an insertion hole 76 that penetrates in the front-rear direction and can be inserted through the cover main body 75a. The cover main body portion 75 a is inserted above the ball tray portion 71 by being inserted into the insertion hole portion 76 from the back side of the tray forming portion 55. A fitting recess 77 is formed in the side wall 71b and the front wall 71c at the same height as the insertion hole 76 so as to be recessed inward. In the cover main body 75 a, the entire peripheral edge of the region existing in front of the insertion hole 76 enters the fitting recess 77. As a result, the upper surface opening of the ball tray part 71 is entirely covered with the dish cover 75, and a boundary surface in the direction intersecting the vertical direction is generated at the boundary between the ball dish part 71 and the dish cover 75. ing. Further, in a state where the peripheral edge of the cover main body portion 75a enters the fitting recess 77, the flange portion 75b of the plate cover 75 contacts the back surface portion of the plate forming portion 55 from the rear as shown in FIG. You will be in touch.

  In the configuration in which the peripheral edge portion of the cover main body portion 75a enters the fitting recess 77, the dish forming portion 55 and the dish cover 75 are fixed by using screws 78a as fixtures in the region where the penetration occurs. . As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality (for example, 20) of the fixing points 78 are intermittently provided along the region where the intrusion occurs. Further, in the configuration in which the flange portion 75b of the plate cover 75 is in contact with the back surface portion of the plate forming portion 55, the plate forming portion 55 and the plate cover 75 use a screw 79 as a fixture in the contact region. Is fixed. The screwing is performed from behind the dish forming portion 55.

  Due to the above configuration, since the ball tray portion 71 is covered with the plate cover 75 and the separation of the plate cover 75 is prevented, the ball tray portion 71 is stored in the state where the plate cover 75 is provided. It is impossible to touch the game ball B that is being played and to throw the game ball B into the ball tray portion 71. In addition, at the boundary between the dish forming portion 55 and the dish cover 75, there is a boundary surface in a direction intersecting the vertical direction due to the vertical overlap between the two. Thereby, even if it tries to touch the said game ball B through the boundary of both, it becomes impossible.

  On the other hand, the fixing release operation is performed on the fixing portion 78 of the cover main body 75a, and the front door 22 is opened with respect to the main body base 21, and the fixing release operation is performed on the fixing portion of the flange portion 75b from the back side of the dish forming portion 55. By performing the above, the dish cover 75 can be removed. As a result, when a ball clogging or the like occurs in the ball tray portion 71, it is possible to perform maintenance such as eliminating the ball clogging. Further, in order to remove the dish cover 75, not only the fixing release operation but also the opening operation of the front door 22 is required, so that it is possible to make it difficult to perform an act of removing the dish cover 75 illegally.

  In addition, you may make it the said fixing | fixed part 78 not expose outside by providing another cover member so that the fixing | fixed part 78 of the dish formation part 55 and the cover main-body part 75a may be covered. The dish cover 75 and the dish forming unit 55 may be fixed only on the back side of the dish forming unit 55.

  The game balls B stored in the ball tray 71 are aligned in the alignment region 74 as described above, and then guided to the game ball launching mechanism 80 side through the introduction port 73. The configuration on the derivation destination side will be described with reference to FIG.

<Structure of game ball launch mechanism 80>
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the game ball launching mechanism 80. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the game ball launching mechanism 80. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the game ball launching mechanism 80 and a state where the ball feeding mechanism 8003 is disassembled.
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the game ball launching mechanism 80 includes launching devices 8001 mainly composed of electromagnetic solenoids and launches that extend toward the guide rails (inner rail 33 a and outer rail 33 b) of the game board 33. The rail 8002, the ball feeding mechanism 8003 that takes in the game balls B stored in the ball tray unit 71 one by one and sends them onto the launch rail 8002, and the game balls B (launch preparation balls) sent onto the launch rail 8002 are detected. Positioning member 8005 for retaining the firing preparation ball detection mechanism 8100 and the game ball B (launching preparation ball) sent onto the firing rail 8002 at a predetermined position (stop position immediately before launch, hereinafter referred to as launch position as appropriate). And a base plate 8004 for supporting them. The launch preparation ball refers to the game ball B guided to the launch position on the launch rail 8002 by the ball feed mechanism 8003. Hereinafter, the game ball B fired at least once by the launch device will be referred to as a launch ball. Distinguish.

  The base plate 8004 serves as a base member that supports the launch device 8001, the launch rail 8002, the ball feed mechanism 8003, the launch preparation ball detection mechanism 8100, and the positioning member 8005, and the lower front side of the exposure hole 32 of the main body base 21 described above. (See FIG. 3). The substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped launching device 8001 is attached to the lower right portion of the base plate 8004 in an inclined state so that the longitudinal direction is lowered to the right. Further, a firing rail 8002, which is a rail member having a substantially M-shaped cross section, is attached to the base plate 8004 so as to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the firing device 8001 on the distal end side (left side in FIG. 8) of the firing device 8001. It has been. The ball feeding mechanism 8003 is provided with a part of the launching device 8001 and the firing rail 8002 from the front side so that the game balls B stored in the ball tray unit 71 are dropped and supplied (loaded) onto the firing rail 8002 one by one. It is attached to the upper right part of the base plate 8004 so as to cover it. The positioning member 8005 (see FIG. 9) is used to hold the game ball B (launch preparation ball) supplied (loaded) from the ball feed mechanism 8003 at a predetermined position (launch position) on the launch rail 8002. A base end portion of 8002 (launching device 8002 side) is attached above (substantially the central portion of the base plate 8004). The firing preparation ball detection mechanism 8100 (see FIG. 9) is attached in the ball feeding mechanism 8003 in a state in which a part thereof protrudes from the back surface of the base plate 8004 (see FIG. 13 and the like).

  As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially planar attached portion 2201 for attaching the base plate 8004 is formed on the lower front side of the main body base 21. On the other hand, the base plate 8004 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape from a metal material (for example, zinc alloy or the like), and is disposed along the vertical direction of the attached portion 2201.

  The base plate 8004 is disposed in a state in which the back side of the lower end thereof is in contact with the attached portion 2201 at a position lower than the axial center position of the operation handle 36b. In addition, it is good also as a structure by which the lower end part became the height position substantially the same as an axial center position. Further, the right end portion of the base plate 8004 is disposed so as to be substantially at the same position as the right end portion of the game area with respect to the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 10.

  On the other hand, the left end portion of the base plate 8004 (the vicinity of the tip end portion of the launch rail 8002) is substantially centered in the left-right direction of the game area (out port 49a) so as to match the position where the guide rails 33a and 33b of the game board 33 are disposed. (Below). Furthermore, the upper end portion of the base plate 8004 (the vicinity of the tip end portion of the firing rail 8002) is located in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the game board 33.

  The base plate 8004 is configured to be fixed to the front side of the main body base 21 with screws or the like as a plurality of fastening members. The base plate 8004 is formed with an insertion hole through which a screw is inserted at each fastening position. In this embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 8 and the like, the position of at least one insertion hole, that is, at least one fastening position by a screw or the like is in the lower part on the front side of the main body base 21 facing the dish forming portion 55, Furthermore, at least one of the fastening positions is located below the axial center position of the operation handle 36b and below the assembly position of the firing device 8001.

<Structure of launch rail 8002>
The launch rail 8002 is for guiding the game ball B (launch ball) immediately after being launched from the launch device 8001 to the guide rails 33a and 33b and guiding it to the game area, and has a predetermined launch angle (launch angle). It extends linearly so that A game ball B (launch ball) launched in accordance with the turning operation of the operation handle 36b is first launched obliquely upward along the launch rail 8002, and then played through the ball guide path formed by the aforementioned guide rails 33a and 33b. Guided to the area.

  For example, when the game area in the pachinko machine 10 is greatly expanded as compared with the conventional game machine, it is necessary to reduce the curvature of the guide rails 33a and 33b, and a device for stabilizing the launch ball is required. At that time, the launch position of the game ball B (launch preparation ball) is lowered and the inclination angle (launch angle) of the launch rail 8002 is made somewhat larger than the existing one (that is, the launch rail 8002 is raised). Further, the length of the firing rail 8002 is made longer than that of the existing one so as to ensure a sufficiently long ball guiding distance. Thereby, the game ball B (launch ball) launched from the launch device 8001 can be guided to the guide rails 33a and 33b in a more stable state. In this case, in particular, the firing rail 8002 is formed so as to extend from the firing position by the launching device 8001 to a position beyond the center position in the left-right direction of the game area (position of the out port 49a).

<Structure of launcher 8001>
In this embodiment, as the launching device 8001, a single unit solenoid launching device in which a linear solenoid is accommodated in the case member 8001a is employed. That is, the firing device 8001 includes a plunger 8006 (shaft member) extending in parallel with the firing rail 8002. Of course, instead of the solenoid-type launcher 8001, a combination of a motor and launcher generally employed in the past may be used.

  At the tip of this plunger 8006, a hitting portion 8007 for hitting a game ball B (launch preparation ball) is mounted. In this embodiment, a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer is used as a material constituting the hitting portion 8007. When such a launching device 8001 satisfies a certain condition, excitation / de-energization is repeatedly performed every predetermined time, whereby the plunger 8006 is repeatedly raised and retracted. When the plunger 8006 protrudes, the game ball B (launch preparation ball) positioned at a predetermined position is launched from the launch rail 8002. Note that the protrusion speed of the plunger 8006 is appropriately adjusted based on the operation amount of the operation handle 36b (the stroke amount is substantially constant), thereby adjusting the firing speed of the game ball B (launching ball) and hence the flight amount. It has become.

  The launching device 8001 is fixed to a pair of boss bolts 8008 erected on the base plate 8004 by screws or nuts 8009 as fastening members. The launcher 8001 is formed with a fastened portion 8010 having a hole through which the screw / bolt 8008 is inserted so as to correspond to the boss / bolt 8008. In the present embodiment, the height (projecting) at which the firing device 8001 is attached to the base plate 8004 by appropriately adjusting the tightening degree of the nut 8009 (adjusting the projecting amount of the bolt 8008) on the lower side of the firing device 8001. Amount), and in turn, the tip position of the plunger 8006, that is, the hitting point of the game ball can be adjusted. Further, the entire launching device 8001 is disposed inside the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 8004.

<Structure of positioning member 8005>
The positioning member 8005 is for supporting and positioning the game ball B (launch preparation ball) placed on the base end portion of the launch rail 8002, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The positioning member 8005 has a screw hole penetrating in the vertical direction, and a screw hole is also formed at a predetermined position of the base plate 8004. And the positioning member 8005 is attached by screwing a screw in the state in which both screw holes are aligned.

  In the present embodiment, the positioning member 8005 has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front. The positioning member 8005 is loosened and rotated appropriately, and then screwed in, so that the distance between the side surface of the positioning member 8005 and the base end of the firing rail 8002 can be changed slightly. It has become. That is, by rotating the positioning member 8005, the support position of the game ball B (launch preparation ball), and thus the stop position (launch position) immediately before the game ball launch can be finely adjusted. . The positioning member 8005 is not limited to a substantially inverted trapezoidal rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed from the front, and is not limited to this shape as long as it can finely adjust the launch direction of the game ball B.

<Structure of ball feed mechanism 8003>
The ball feeding mechanism 8003 is for guiding the game balls B guided from an alignment area (standby path) 74 (to be described later) of the ball tray portion 71 one by one to the firing position of the base end portion of the firing rail 8002. There are a pedestal portion 8011 and an opening / closing portion 8012 which are passage forming members for forming an alignment path for aligning the game balls B in a row, and the launch rail 8002 after taking in only the first game ball B in the row An electromagnet 8018 and a delivery piece 8019, which are ball feeding members for falling down, are provided. The pedestal portion 8011 is a resin support member, and is fixed to the upper right end portion along the front surface of the base plate 8004. The opening / closing part 8012 (see FIG. 9) is attached to the base plate 8004 through the pedestal part 8011 so as to cover the upper part of the launching device 8001.

  The opening / closing part 8012 is a resin case member, and an electromagnet 8018 and a delivery piece 8019 constituting a main mechanism for delivering the game ball B are accommodated on the back side thereof. In the present embodiment, the pedestal portion 8011 and the opening / closing portion 8012 are transparent or translucent members, and are formed of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin. For this reason, from the outside of the opening / closing part 8012, the ball feeding member housed inside and the game ball B taken inside can be visually recognized. For this reason, even when some trouble occurs in the ball feeding mechanism 8003, the state can be recognized without removing the opening / closing part 8012.

  The opening / closing portion 8012 is provided with a pair of upper and lower shaft portions 8013 on the right side surface thereof, and the pedestal portion 8011 is provided with a pair of upper and lower bearing portions 8014 into which the shaft portion 8013 is inserted on the right side of the front surface. Thereby, the opening / closing part 8012 is pivotally supported on one side (right side in the drawing) of the base part 8011 so as to be opened and closed. The shaft portion 8013 can be attached to and detached from the bearing portion 8014, and the opening / closing portion 8012 can be attached to and detached from the pedestal portion 8011.

  Further, a locking claw 8015 that protrudes rearward (on the pedestal portion 8011 side) is integrally formed on the opposite side of the opening / closing portion 8012 from the shaft portion 8013. A locking hole 8016 for receiving the locking claw 8015 is formed in the pedestal portion 8011. The opening / closing part 8012 is always in a closed state with the pedestal part 8011, and the locking claw 8015 can be operated in this closed state. In other words, when the opening / closing part 8012 is closed, the locking claw 8015 is necessarily locked in the locking hole 8016, so that the closed state is maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 8 and the like, the opening / closing portion 8012 is along a section of the launch rail 8002 at least partially corresponding to the launch position of the game ball B (position where the game ball B is stopped by the positioning member 8005). It is assembled to be arranged. As a result, at the launch position and in the vicinity thereof, the opening / closing portion 8012 is assembled so as to face the base plate 8004 with the launch rail 8002 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the game ball B (launch preparation ball) that is rolled down on the launch rail 8002 and positioned at the launch position can be restricted from falling down on the launch rail 8002 and maintained at the launch position. As a result, it is possible to regulate the spill-off of the game ball B without increasing the number of parts and to hit the hitting portion 8007 of the launching device 8001 more reliably against the game ball B. It is also possible to view the game ball B on the launch rail 8002 through the transparent (semi-transparent) open / close portion 8012 without removing the open / close portion 8012, and there are a plurality of game balls B on the launch rail 8002. It is possible to recognize problems such as being placed side by side.

  In front of the opening / closing part 8012, an introduction port 8017 for introducing the game ball B guided from the ball tray part 71 is provided. The game ball B that has entered from the introduction port 8017 is guided to the lower side of the gaming machine 10 on the back side (the pedestal portion 8011 side) by the floor portion 8017a inclined downward in the opening / closing portion 8012 and further toward the right. The floor portion 8017b inclined downward and the convex portion 8022 having a substantially triangular shape in plan view formed so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the pedestal portion 8011 are guided to the right side (the holder portion 8019b side described later) of the gaming machine 10. . Note that positioning protrusions 8017 c for restricting the introduction of the game ball B are formed in parallel to the approach direction on the upper part (ceiling) of the opening / closing part 8012.

  FIG. 10 is an open / closed state in order to explain how the game balls B entering the opening / closing part 8012 from the introduction port 8017 are taken into the holder part 8019b one by one by the delivery piece 8019 and supplied (loaded) to the firing position. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the portion 8012 and the like are cut by a plane parallel to the base plate 8004 (A-A line in FIG. 7). FIG. (B) shows the case where the electromagnet 8018 is turned off (the holder portion 8019b is at the lowest position). Note that cross-sectional lines of the electromagnet 8018 and the holder portion 8019b are omitted. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the holder portion 8019b is viewed from obliquely upward on the back side.

As shown in FIG. 10, the delivery piece 8019 has a pivotal support portion 8019a, which is a corner portion at one end thereof, pivotally supported with respect to the opening / closing portion 8012. On the opposite side of the pivotal support portion 8019a, a game ball A substantially U-shaped holder portion 8019b is provided so that only one B can be accommodated. A metal piece 8019c made of a magnetic metal is attached to the upper side portion of the connecting portion 8019d connecting the holder portion 8019b and the shaft support portion 8019a so as to face the electromagnet 8018. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the holder portion 8019b includes a plate-like bottom surface portion f that is inclined upward toward the front in the rear view (inclined downward toward the rear in the front view), and the rear left end rear portion ( It consists of an inverted J-shaped wall portion i formed so as to extend upward from the front end of the right end in front view. That is, the bottom portion f at its lower part f _1, (in the front view right) rear view left are formed in such a manner as to expand into. In addition, the wall surface of the wall portion i has a longitudinal direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine 10 so that the game ball B (launch preparation ball) guides (rolls) the bottom surface portion f in the left direction in the rear view (right direction in the front view). It is formed to be slightly inclined.

With such a configuration, when the electromagnet 8018 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 10A, the metal piece 8019c of the delivery piece 8019 is attracted by the electromagnet 8018, and the delivery piece 8019 is rotated upward. (Hereinafter, the position of the delivery piece 8019 when the electromagnet 8018 is turned on and moved upward as appropriate is referred to as the uppermost position). When the delivery piece 8019 reaches the uppermost position, the game ball B1 introduced from the introduction port 8017 is accommodated in the holder portion 8019b (hereinafter, the position of the game ball B in the state accommodated in the holder portion 8019b). Is called the holding position). The game ball B in the holding position is in contact with the lower end portion g (see FIGS. 10B and 12) of the pedestal portion 8011, and is on the inclined bottom surface portion f but downward (on the firing rail 8002 side). The flow is regulated. On the other hand, when the electromagnet 8018 is turned off, as shown in FIG. 10B, the delivery piece 8019 is rotated downward by gravity (hereinafter, the electromagnet 8018 is appropriately turned off and moved downward most). The position of the delivery piece 8019 when moved is referred to as the lowest position). Therefore, the game ball B accommodated in the holder portion 8019b moves downward together with the holder portion 8019b, disengages from the lower end portion g of the pedestal portion 8011 that has been in contact, and moves back on the bottom surface portion f along the wall portion i. When it moves to the side, moves off the wall part i and moves to the lower end part f ₁ side, it rolls further to the lower right, falls from the lower end part f ₁ , and is guided to the base end part of the firing rail 8002.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), when the electromagnet 8018 is turned off, the stream of the upper tip portion h of the holder portion 8019b of the delivery piece 8019 to the holder portion 8019b of the next game ball _{B 1} Is regulated. Therefore, the on / off operation of the electromagnet 8018 is repeatedly executed, so that the game balls B are temporarily held in the holding position one by one and then guided to the firing position. The electromagnet 8018 is turned on / off and the launching device 8001 (solenoid) is excited / de-energized. That is, based on the operation of the launch operation device 36 and when a condition for launching a game ball B, which will be described later, is satisfied, first, one game ball B is launched by the ball feed mechanism 8003. Supplied (loaded) on 8002 and held in the firing position by positioning member 8005. Thereafter, the launch device 8001 is driven and controlled, and the game ball B (launch preparation ball) is launched toward the game area.

<Structure of Launch Preparation Ball Detection Mechanism 8100>
FIG. 12 is a front view showing the firing preparation sphere detection mechanism 8100 attached to the pedestal portion 8011. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the base member 8004, the pedestal portion 8011, and the firing preparation sphere detection mechanism 8100, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the firing preparation sphere detection mechanism 8100. 12 to 14 show a state where the swinging member 8110 is in the original position.

  The firing preparation ball detection mechanism 8100 is for detecting a game ball B (preparation ball) that rolls down on the firing rail 8002 from the holder portion 8019b of the ball feeding mechanism 8003. As shown in FIG. A swinging member 8110 that is swung by the pressing of the game ball B to be played, and a firing preparation ball detection sensor (detecting means) 8120 that detects the movement of the swinging member 8110. The swing member 8110 and the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 are attached to the pedestal portion 8011 by an attachment member 8130 that supports them.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the attachment member 8130 is a resin support member, and is formed so as to protrude rearward from the right end portion of the substantially cylindrical shaft support portion 8130a attached so that the axial direction is horizontal. The projecting portion 8130b supports the swinging member 8110 so that the swinging member 8110 can swing, and the projecting portion 8130b supports the firing preparation ball detecting sensor 8120 disposed behind the base plate 8004.

As shown in FIG. 13, a storage space S is provided at the front side central portion of the pedestal portion 8011 by wall portions s _{1 to} s ₄ protruding forward. In addition, the pedestal portion 8011 and the base member 8004 are provided with openings 8011a and 8004a which are holes having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front and formed so as to be continuous in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 12 and the like, the attachment member 8130 to which the swing member 8110 is inserted is attached to the pedestal portion 8011 fixed to the base member 8004 from the front, and the shaft support portion 8130a is accommodated in the accommodation space S and screwed. It is fixed. The protrusion 8130b is inserted through the openings 8011a and 8004a and protrudes rearward from the back surface of the base member 8004, and the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is fixed by screwing to the rear end portion thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the swing member 8110 includes a swing shaft 8111 that is inserted into the shaft support portion 8130 a and is pivotally supported, and a swing piece 8112 that is fitted to the left end portion of the swing shaft 8111. , And a detection piece 8113 fitted to the right end of the swing shaft 8111. The swing piece 8112 is contacted with and pressed by the game ball B (launch preparation ball) rolling down on the launch rail 8002 from the holder portion 8019b, and presses the swing axis 8111 around the swing shaft 8111 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the right side. In the embodiment, α is rotated by about 10 degrees), and when the game ball B that has contacted falls (passes), it rotates by a predetermined angle α clockwise as viewed from the right side and returns to the original position. The reciprocating rocking of the rocking piece 8112 is transmitted to the detecting piece 8113 by the rocking shaft 8111, and the detecting piece 8113 is similarly reciprocally rocked. The swing of the detection piece 8113 is detected by a launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120 disposed behind the base plate 8004, and it is recognized that one game ball B has been sent. That is, the detection piece 8113 is detected by moving to the detection position of the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 by rotating a predetermined angle α counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, and rotating by a predetermined angle α clockwise when viewed from the right side. By doing so, it returns from the detection position to the original position.

  The swinging shaft 8111 is provided with an elastic member 8150 that is a swing restraining member that suppresses swinging of the swinging member 8110 between the shaft support portion 8130a and the detection piece 8113. The elastic member 8150 has a function of preventing the swinging member 8110 from swinging due to vibrations such as a person or an object hitting the gaming machine 10 instead of pressing the game ball B (launch preparation ball). Here, the position of the swinging member 8110 (the swinging piece 8112, the detecting piece 8113, etc.) that is not rotated by the contact (pressing) of the game ball B is hereinafter referred to as the original position, and the right side by the contact of the game ball B. The position of the swing member 8110 (the swing piece 8112, the detection piece 8113, etc.) in a state rotated by a predetermined angle α counterclockwise (rear) in a plan view is called a movement position.

  The swing shaft 8111 is a substantially cylindrical metal shaft member, and is a cylindrical column portion 8111a that is inserted into the shaft support portion 8130a of the mounting member 8130 and to which the elastic member 8150 is attached, and the right end side and the left end of the column portion 8111a. It consists of a substantially cylindrical left fitting shaft portion 8111b and a right fitting shaft portion 8111c formed so as to be continuous to the sides. The left fitting shaft portion 8111b and the right fitting shaft portion 8111c are slightly smaller in diameter than the cylindrical portion 8111a and partially cut away in the axial direction, and the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 are respectively crowned. Is done.

  The swing piece 8112 is a resin member, and has a bottomed cylindrical portion 8112a having a fitting hole j formed in the axial direction and fitted to the swing shaft 8111 (left fitting shaft portion 8111b), and a bottomed cylindrical portion. It consists of a tongue-shaped contact portion 8112b that extends downward from 8112a in parallel with the axial direction thereof, and an upper locking portion 8112c that protrudes upward from the bottomed tube portion 8112a. On the left side of the front surface of the contact portion 8112b, a recess k cut out so as to be scraped off is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the swing piece 8112 has the swing piece 8112 (swing member 8110) when the upper locking portion 8112 c comes into contact with the upper edge portion m of the storage space S of the base portion 8011. The right-handed clockwise rotation is limited within a certain range (angle α). Further, the swing piece 8112 has a contact portion 8112b that contacts the lower edge n of the pedestal portion 8011, so that the counterclockwise rotation of the swing piece 8112 (swing member 8110) when viewed from the right side is within a certain range ( Limited to angle α).

  The detection piece 8113 is a resin member and has a bottomed cylindrical portion 8113a having a fitting hole (not shown) that is formed in the axial direction and is fitted to the swing shaft 8111 (right fitting shaft portion 8111c). A plate-shaped light-shielding portion 8113b extending rearward from the bottom cylindrical portion 8113a perpendicularly to the axial direction thereof, and an arc-shaped projection formed so as to protrude rightward from the right side front portion of the bottomed cylindrical portion 8113a. And a right engaging portion 8113c which is a portion.

Detecting piece 8113 is formed as an upper end or a lower end portion of the right engaging portion 8113c comes into contact with the front surface of the wall portion s ₃ for partitioning the storage space S of the base portion 8011 when the oscillation of the oscillating member 8110 Has been. The right engaging portion 8113c plays a role of restricting the clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the detection piece 8113 (the swinging member 8110) within a certain range (angle α). That is, the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 at both ends of the swing member 8110 are each provided with a function for keeping the swing angle of the swing member 8110 within a certain range (angle α).

  The elastic member 8150 is a metal torsion coil spring, and includes a coil shaft portion 8150a inserted into the swing shaft 8111, a left arm portion 8150b that is connected to the left end portion of the coil shaft portion 8150 and bent in a square shape, and a coil shaft portion 8150. The right arm portion 8150c is connected to the right end portion and bent so as to extend rightward. The left arm portion 8150b is disposed so as to contact the lower surface of the protruding portion 8130b of the mounting member 8130 in order to lock the elastic member 8150 so as not to rotate, and the right arm portion 8150c is the base end of the light shielding portion 8113b of the detection piece 8113. It is hooked so as to contact the side upper surface. The right arm portion 8150c of the elastic member 8150 plays a role of biasing in the clockwise rotation direction in order to suppress the movement of the detection piece 8113 that attempts to rotate from the original position to the moving position. The biasing force does not suppress the swinging of the swinging member 8110 when the game ball B (launch preparation ball) is pressed, and other vibrations due to an external impact or the like (for example, the player can play the game machine 10 The vibration of the swinging member 8110 due to vibration when the front door 22 is opened or closed) is suppressed.

  The firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is an optical sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and is ready for launching in a situation where the swinging member 8110 is in the moving position and the light shielding part 8113b of the detection piece 8113 blocks light. A HI level signal is output as a ball detection signal, and in a situation where the swinging member 8110 is at the original position or between the original position and the movement position, and the light shielding portion 8113b of the detection piece 8113 is not blocking the light, the fire preparation ball detection signal As a result, a LOW level signal is output. Therefore, it is possible to specify that the game ball B1 has been supplied (loaded) on the launch rail 8002 by the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120.

  The relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. Further, the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is not limited to an optical sensor, and may be a sensor of another detection method. However, the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is close so that the detection of the sensor, the operation of the delivery piece 8019 and the launching device 8001 do not adversely affect each other, and the operation by magnetism cannot be performed from the outside of the gaming machine 10. A sensor other than the sensor is preferable.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 8) for explaining the relationship among the delivery piece 8019 (holder portion 8019b), the game ball B (launch preparation ball), and the swing piece 8112. ) Shows a state where the delivery piece 8019 is in the uppermost position, (b) shows a state where the delivery piece 8019 is between the uppermost position and the lowest position, and (c) shows a state where the delivery piece 8019 is in the lowest position. The game ball B (launch preparation ball) is taken into the holding position when the delivery piece 8019 (holder part 8019b) comes to the uppermost position, and the delivery piece 8019 (holder part 8019b) moves downward. roll down a bottom portion f of the holder portion 8019b from the holding position to the lower end _{f 1} of the bottom portion f, then falls freely onto the launching rail 8002 from the lower end _{f 1} of the bottom surface f.

FIG. 15A shows a state where the delivery piece 8019 (holder part 8019b) is at the uppermost position and the swinging piece 8112 is at the original position. At this time, the game ball B is held in the holder portion 8019b (holding position) to contact the lower end g of the pedestal portion 8011 as described above (see FIGS. 10A and 12). At this time, since the concave portion k is formed on the left side of the front surface of the contact portion 8112b of the swing piece 8112, the game ball B does not contact the swing piece 8112. Therefore, the swinging piece 8112 does not rotate even when the game ball B is taken into the holding position, and remains in the original position.
The swinging member 8110 has a structure that can be adjusted in a side view, so that the swinging member 8110 is naturally in the original position by the center of gravity of the swinging piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 and the balance of gravity related to the center of gravity. It is configured. Further, since the center of gravity of the swinging member 8110 is below the position where the swinging member 8110 is pivotally supported by the swinging shaft 8111, the light shielding portion 8113b of the detection piece 8113 does not move to the moving position with a slight vibration. It has a configuration like this.

  FIG. 15B shows a state where the delivery piece 8019 (holder part 8019b) moves downward from the uppermost position and moves to the lowermost position, and the swinging piece 8112 is rotated to the movement position. When the delivery piece 8019 (holder portion 8019b) is lowered, the game ball B is also moved downward and detached from the lower end portion g which has been in contact with the game piece B. roll over. Then, the game ball B comes into contact with the lower part of the front surface of the contact portion 8112b of the swing piece 8112, and the spherical surface moves downward while pressing the contact portion 8112b of the swing piece 8112. Due to the pressure of the game ball B, the swinging piece 8112 moves by rotating a predetermined angle α counterclockwise as viewed from the right side against the weak biasing force of the elastic member 8150 as shown in FIG. Move to position. Along with this, the detection piece 8113 also rotates and moves to the movement position, the light shielding portion 8113b is detected by the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 at the movement position, and one game ball B is supplied (loaded) onto the firing rail 8002. (See FIG. 14).

  In the present embodiment, the swing piece 8112 is configured such that the normal direction of the front surface (the surface with which the game ball B comes into contact) is substantially parallel to the falling direction of the game ball B at the original position. The swing piece 8112 is pivotally supported like a pendulum suspended from the swing shaft 8110 at its upper end side, and reciprocally swings by pressing the lower end side when the game ball B falls and passes. It is arranged like this. Further, the game ball B presses the swing piece 8112 using not only the weight of the game ball B itself but also kinetic energy due to its movement (rolling). Therefore, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the swing piece 8112 (the swing member 8110) can be reliably moved to the moving position by pressing the game ball B.

FIG. 15C shows a state where the delivery piece 8019 (holder part 8019b) is at the lowest position and the swinging piece 8112 is returned to the original position. When sending pieces 8019 (holder portion 8019B) has moved to the lowermost position (see FIG. 10 (c)), game ball B is rolled down to the lower end _{f 1} on the bottom surface portion f of the holder portion 8019B, the swing piece It also comes off from the lower end f ₁ of the contact portion 8112 b of 8112 and falls freely on the firing rail 8002. As shown in FIG. 15C, the swing member 8110 (the swing piece 8112) rotates (reversely rotates) by a predetermined angle α clockwise as viewed from the right side, as the game ball B is detached from the swing piece 8112. To return to the original position.

  This reverse rotation depends on the urging force of the elastic member 8150 described above, although it depends on the balance of the swinging member 8110 itself as described above. In the present embodiment, the elastic member 8150 is provided, but the firing preparation ball detection mechanism 8100 may be configured not to include the elastic member 8150. For example, the balance between the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 is configured to be stable at a position where the swing member 8110 is moved clockwise in a right side view from the original position in a state where no force is applied to the swing member 8110. Also good. In other words, the swinging piece 8112 is maintained in the original position by the upper locking portion 8112c provided on the swinging piece 8112 contacting the upper edge portion m of the pedestal portion 8011. With such a configuration, even if vibration is transmitted to the swinging member 8110 (swinging shaft 8111) due to the player's enthusiasm and hitting the gaming machine, the counterclockwise movement in the right side view is observed. It is limited by the balance between the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113. Therefore, regardless of the elastic member 8150, the rotation of the swing piece 8112 due to the contact of the game ball B is allowed, and the rotation of the swing piece 8112 due to an external impact or the like can be suppressed.

  As described above, the ball feeding mechanism 8003 and the firing preparation ball detecting mechanism 8100 according to this embodiment are configured so that the game ball B falling on the firing rail 8002 from the holding position of the ball feeding mechanism 8003 makes the swing piece 8112 like a pendulum. It is arranged so as to be in a positional relationship to pass by shaking. The falling game ball B presses and rotates the swing piece 8112 on one end side of the guide member 8110, whereby the detection piece 8113 on the other end side is rotated and detected to the detection position of the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120, It is recognized that one game ball has been supplied (loaded) at the launch position. A configuration in which the swing of the swing piece 8112 is transmitted by the swing shaft 8111 so that the detection piece 8113 is provided at a place with a sufficient space and is detected by the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 provided outside the ball feed mechanism 8003. It can be. Further, as described above, by restricting the swing of the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 to a predetermined angle, the swing piece 8112 causes the obstacle of the operation of the delivery piece 8019 (holder portion 8019b) of the ball feeding mechanism 8003. Can be prevented.

Next, a configuration for returning the launched game ball B to the ball tray 71 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.
FIG. 16 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10 and shows a state in which the payout control device 64, the launch control device 65, the second power supply device 67, and the relay boards 68 and 69 are removed. FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views showing a part of the support base body 31 in an enlarged manner, and the structure for returning the game ball B discharged from the game area to the ball tray 71 is disassembled. 17A is a perspective view of a part of the support base body 31 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a part of the support base body 31 as viewed from the rear. FIG.

  The game ball B (launch ball) that has been launched by the launching device 8001 and released from the guide rail of the game board 33 to the game area flows down the game area while bouncing back to the nail 49b or the windmill. Then, the game ball B that has entered the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, the lower operating port 44 or the out port 49a is guided to the back side of the gaming board 33.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a collective path forming body 91 is provided on the back surface of the game board 33, and the collective path formed by using the collective path forming body 91 and the back surface of the game board 33 is divided. The game board 33 is guided to a predetermined area at the lower end. The game ball B guided to the predetermined area is collected by a discharge collection unit 101 formed on the back surface of the support base body 31 and below the game board 33.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the discharge collection unit 101 is formed by attaching the discharge collection member 102 to the back surface of the support base body 31 from the rear. As shown in FIG. 16, the discharge collecting unit 101 extends in the lateral direction. In this case, the discharge collecting part 101 exists from the vicinity of the center in the lateral direction of the support base body 31 to the outlet 72 side of the ball tray 71, and the end on the outlet 72 side is the outlet. The whole 72 is opposed from the rear.

  The discharge collecting unit 101 is formed as a space having a predetermined depth dimension, specifically, a depth dimension equal to or larger than two game balls B, and the space is opened upward. Yes. Further, the bottom surface 103 of the discharge collecting unit 101 is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the end of the ball tray 71 on the outlet 72 side.

  The game balls B that have flowed into the collective passage are led out to the discharge collecting unit 101 at the lower end of the game board 33 and closer to the end opposite to the outlet 72 side. The game ball B led out to the discharge collecting unit 101 descends by its own weight on the bottom surface 103 of the discharge collecting unit 101 and reaches the communication port 104 formed so as to penetrate the support base body 31 back and forth (see FIG. 17 (b)).

  The communication port 104 is formed so as to communicate the outlet 72 of the ball tray 71 and the discharge collecting unit 101, and the front region thereof is directed forward from the surrounding surface on the front surface of the support base body 31. Projecting. As shown in FIG. 17A, a shutter mechanism 105 is provided at the front opening protruding forward.

  The shutter mechanism 105 is provided so as to be displaceable between a blocking position that prevents the game ball from passing through the front opening and an allowable position that allows the game ball B to flow into the outlet 72 while allowing the game ball to pass therethrough. The shutter member 106 is provided. The shutter member 106 is rotatably supported by a shutter support portion 107 with the lower end portion as a rotation axis. When the front door 22 is closed, a lead-out port forming portion (not shown) formed to protrude rearward from the surrounding surface on the back surface of the front door 22 enters, and the shutter member 106 is disposed at an allowable position. On the other hand, in the state where the front door 22 is opened, the state where the lead-out port forming portion enters is released, and the shutter member 106 is disposed at the blocking position. Thereby, even if the front door 22 is opened in a state where the game ball B is present in the discharge collection unit 101, the game ball B in the discharge collection unit 101 is suppressed from flowing out. .

  Incidentally, the outlet 72 of the ball tray 71 does not have a shutter function, and the state where the outlet 72 is opened rearward is maintained even when the front door 22 is opened. . On the other hand, the outlet 72 is inclined downward toward the storage space bulging forward of the pachinko machine 10 in the ball tray 71 and the bottom surface of the storage space is also directed toward the inlet 73 of the ball tray 71. Therefore, the game ball B stored in the ball tray 71 does not flow out when the front door 22 is opened.

  In a situation where the shutter member 106 is disposed at the allowable position, the game ball B that has reached the communication port 104 flows into the outlet 72. Since the outlet 72 is inclined downward toward the storage space of the ball tray 71 as already described, the game ball B that has reached the outlet 72 will eventually return to the storage space.

  As shown in FIG. 17 (b), the discharge collecting unit 101 is provided with a ball polishing mechanism 111. The ball polishing mechanism 111 includes a ball polishing body 112 and a polishing drive unit 113. The ball polishing body 112 is provided so as to project in a radial direction around the ball polishing shaft portion 112a, and a ball polishing shaft portion 112a having a larger dimension in the axial direction than the horizontal dimension of the discharge collecting portion 101. And a brush-like ball polishing portion 112b. The ball polishing body 112 is accommodated in the discharge collecting unit 101 so that the axial direction thereof is the horizontal direction, and both ends in the horizontal direction protrude to the side of the discharge collecting unit 101. The protruding both end portions are supported in a rotatable state by a pair of support shaft portions 114 formed on the back surface of the support base body 31, respectively. Further, one end in the horizontal direction of the ball polishing body 112, specifically, the end on the outlet 72 side is connected to the polishing drive unit 113. The polishing drive unit 113 is composed of a rotary motor, and rotates the ball polishing body 112 in a predetermined direction while a drive signal is supplied.

  In the configuration in which the ball polishing body 112 is accommodated in the discharge collecting unit 101, the ball polishing body 112 allows the game ball B flowing into the discharge collecting unit 101 to flow down to the outlet 72 side, and The size and arrangement position are set so that the ball polishing portion 112b contacts the game ball B flowing down. Therefore, the game balls B collected in the discharge collecting unit 101 are guided to the outlet 72 and polished by the ball polishing body 112 at the time of guidance.

  As described above, the game ball B that has been launched by the launching device 8001 and has reached the game area returns to the ball tray 71 through the discharge collection unit 101. However, depending on the launch strength, the game ball B may have been launched by the launching device 8001. There is also a game ball B that returns through the ball guide path formed by the guide rails 33a and 33b without reaching the game area. In order to collect the game ball B, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 17A, a return ball collection unit 121 is provided. The game balls B collected by the return ball collecting unit 121 are not limited to the game balls B that return along the guide rails 33a and 33b (ball guide passages). A game ball B that has returned to the launch position (a return ball that will be described later) is connected to a game ball B (a launch preparation ball) that is newly supplied (loaded) to the launch position after the game ball B (return ball) is launched. Thus, when a plurality of balls (reverse return ball and launch preparation ball) are launched at a time by a launch operation, a part or all of them may not be reached in the game area and may be collected from the return ball collection unit 121. Here, the reversing ball is, for example, a game that has been launched from the launch position but has returned to the launch rail 8002 by colliding with the game ball B returning through the guide rails 33a and 33b (ball guide passages). A game that has been reverted to the launch position of something that has been fired once, such as a ball B or a game ball B that has rebounded on the launch rail 8002 without reaching the launch destination side end of the launch rail 8002 Sphere B. Hereinafter, the above-described game ball B collected by the return ball collecting unit 121 without reaching the game area is referred to as a return ball.

  The return ball collecting portion 121 is partitioned and formed by a wall portion formed integrally with a forming portion for partitioning and forming a front opening projecting forward of the support base body 31 at the communication port 104. It is formed on the front side. As shown in FIG. 3, the return ball collecting unit 121 is formed in a region generated by separating the guide rails 33a and 33b and the firing rail 8002 in the lateral direction, and exists between the rails. ing.

  The return ball collecting unit 121 is formed as a space having a predetermined depth, and is formed by opening the space upward. In this case, the front wall portion 122 of the return ball collection unit 121 is formed so as to be inclined so that the firing rail 8002 side is lower than the guide rail side. The guide rail side has a depth dimension equal to or greater than two game balls B, whereas the launch rail 8002 side has a depth dimension less than one game ball B. Thereby, it is possible to reliably collect the return ball while preventing the return ball collection unit 121 from obstructing the movement of the game ball B (launch ball) launched from the launch device 8001 toward the guide rail. Is possible.

  The return ball collection unit 121 communicates with the communication port 104, and the bottom surface 123 of the return ball collection unit 121 is inclined downward toward the communication port 104. Therefore, the game ball B collected by the return ball collection unit 121 descends the bottom surface 123 of the return ball collection unit 121 by its own weight and reaches the communication port 104. And the game ball B which reached | attained the communicating port 104 is derived | led-out to the storage space of the ball tray part 71 on condition that the front door 22 is closed as already demonstrated.

  The return ball collection unit 121 is provided with a return ball detection sensor 124 for detecting the game ball B collected by the return ball collection unit 121. The return ball detection sensor 124 is an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and outputs a HI level signal as a return ball detection signal to detect the game ball B in a situation where the game ball B is detected. In a situation where it is not, a LOW level signal is output as a return ball detection signal. Further, the detection area of the return ball detection sensor 124 is set to a position where the game ball B collected by the return ball collection unit 121 always passes when the game ball B is led out to the communication port 104. Further, even when two or more game balls B are collected at a time by the return ball collecting unit 121, each game ball B can be detected in order by passing through the detection area one by one. ing. Accordingly, the game ball B collected by the return ball collecting unit 121 can be reliably detected by the return ball detection sensor 124.

  The relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. The return ball detection sensor 124 is not limited to an optical sensor, and may be another detection type sensor. However, the return ball detection sensor 124 is a sensor other than the proximity sensor and is not an optical sensor so that the detection of the sensor and the operation of the delivery piece 8019 and the launching device 8001 do not adversely affect each other. For example, a push type sensor or the like is preferable.

  By providing the discharge collecting unit 101 and the return ball collecting unit 121 as described above, a specific number of game balls B set in the pachinko machine 10 are launched by the game ball launching mechanism 80. Is also returned to the ball tray 71. In addition, as already described, since the dish cover 75 is provided in the ball tray part 71, it is impossible for the player to take out the game balls B stored in the ball dish part 71. Thereby, the specific number of game balls B circulate in the pachinko machine 10.

<Configuration for Lending Game Ball B and Giving Storage Medium M>
Next, a configuration relating to the rental of the game ball B and the provision of the storage medium M will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6A.

  In this pachinko machine 10, the actual game ball B is not lent out in response to the insertion of cash by the player, but information on the number of game balls B that can be used for the inserted cash is stored internally. The game ball B can be used within the stored number range. In addition, when a winning corresponding to the grant of the game ball B occurs, the actual game ball B is not given, but information on the number of the game balls B corresponding to the win is stored internally. The stored number of game balls B can be used. Further, when it is desired that the stored information on the number of game balls B is given as the actual game value, the storage medium M on which the stored information on the number of game balls B is stored is a game. Provided to the person.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a management unit 131 is provided on the side of the outer frame 11 as an apparatus for performing the above-described cash insertion, storage medium M insertion, and storage medium M provision. . On the front side of the management unit 131, there are a cash insertion port 132 into which banknotes are inserted as cash, a medium insertion port 133 into which the storage medium M is inserted, and a medium discharge port 134 through which the storage medium M is discharged. It is provided in this order. In the management unit 131, a process for identifying a bill inserted from the cash slot 132, a process for outputting the information to the pachinko machine 10, a process for identifying the storage medium M loaded from the medium slot 133, and the information for the pachinko machine A process of outputting the information to the machine 10, a process of writing the information to the storage medium M in response to an instruction to write information on the number of game balls B from the pachinko machine 10, and discharging the storage medium M having the information written from the medium discharge port 134 The process etc. which perform are performed. Details of these processes will be described later.

  An operation for instructing that the cash information is converted into information on the number of usable game balls B when cash is inserted into the management unit 131, and information on unused cash and available game balls The operation for instructing to discharge the information of the number B as the storage medium M is performed on the operation unit 141 provided in the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A, the operation unit 141 is provided in the dish forming portion 55. Specifically, as already described, the ball tray portion 71 formed in the dish forming portion 55 has a smaller width dimension in the alignment region 74, and accordingly, the ball tray portion 71 is sectioned in the dish forming portion 55. The upper and lower dimensions of the upper surface of the region to be performed are large in front of the alignment region 74. An operation unit 141 is provided in a region where the dimension in the front-rear direction is increased.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the operation unit 141 includes various operation buttons 142 to 146 as a ball supply button 142, a full return button 143, an increase instruction button 144, a decrease instruction button 145, and a partial return. And a determination button 146 for use. Further, as the various display units 147 and 148, a frequency display unit 147 and a remaining number display unit 148 are provided.

  The frequency display unit 147 displays information on cash that has been inserted and unused. For example, “100” is displayed when 10,000 yen is unused, and “10” is displayed when 10,000 yen is unused. In the remaining number display portion 148, information on the number of usable game balls B is displayed. For example, “10000” is displayed when the number of usable game balls B is 10,000, and “1000” is displayed when the number is 1,000.

  The ball supply button 142 is operated to convert the frequency information into information on the number of available game balls B. In this case, the frequency information that can be converted for one operation of the ball supply button 142 is limited to a predetermined frequency (that is, a predetermined amount of cash), and specifically, a game in which the frequency information for 500 yen can be used. The number of spheres B is converted into information (for example, 125).

  The all return button 143 is operated to discharge the frequency information stored in the pachinko machine 10 and the information on the number of usable game balls B as the storage medium M. The increase instruction button 144, the decrease instruction button 145, and the partial return determination button 146 are operated to discharge a part of the information as the storage medium M among the information on the number of usable game balls B. In this case, when the increase instruction button 144 is operated, information on the number of game balls B to be discharged increases, and when the decrease instruction button 145 is operated, the number of game balls B to be discharged is increased. When the information decreases and the decision button 146 for partial return is operated, the selected partial number of information is ejected as the storage medium M.

<Electric configuration of pachinko machine 10>
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

  The main control device 61 includes a main control board 151 that controls the main game, a first power failure monitoring board 155 that monitors the supply status of power from the first power supply device 66, and an outside of the board box 61a in the main control apparatus 61. Are provided with a first erasing button 61b and a second erasing button 61c which are provided so as to be pressed.

  An MPU 152 is mounted on the main control board 151. The MPU 152 includes a ROM 153 and an RWM 154.

  The ROM 153 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory (that is, a non-volatile storage unit) that does not require external power supply for storing and holding, such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The ROM 153 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 152 and fixed value data. The RWM 154 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage unit) that requires external power supply for storage and holding such as SRAM and DRAM for both reading and writing. The time required for reading is faster than that of the ROM 153 when compared with the data capacity. The RWM 154 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 153. In addition to the above elements, the MPU 152 or the main control board 151 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

  The MPU 152 is provided with an input port and an output port. Connected to the input side of the MPU 152 are a first power failure monitoring board 155, a first erase button 61b, and a second erase button 61c provided in the main controller 61.

  The first power failure monitoring board 155 relays between the main control board 151 and the first power supply device 66, and further monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts that is the maximum voltage output from the first power supply device 66. When the monitored voltage becomes less than 5 volts, a power failure signal is transmitted to the MPU 152 on the assumption that a power failure has occurred in the first power supply device 66.

  The first power supply device 66 is connected to a commercial power supply of the game hall, and supplies operating power to the electrical equipment mounted on the game board 33 in the pachinko machine 10. Specifically, the first power supply device 66 is connected to the main control device 61, the sound emission control device 62, the display control device 63, and the various drive units 42 d and 44 c and the various display units 47 and 48 mounted on the game board 33. Supply operating power.

  Even when the supply of operating power from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66 is stopped, the first power supply device 66 has backup power to the RWM 154 so that the RWM 154 can store and store data. A power supply unit for power interruption (not shown) is provided. The power supply unit for power interruption is a rechargeable type such as a capacitor, and charging is performed when operating power is supplied from the commercial power supply to the first power supply device 66. Data is stored and retained in the RWM 154 for a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days) even during a power outage due to backup power from the power supply unit for power interruption.

  In addition to the electrical equipment mounted on the game board 33, electrical equipment such as various light emitting units 53 and 54 and the operation unit 141 provided on the front door 22 are targets to which the first power supply device 66 supplies operating power. It is good also as the structure contained.

  The first erasing button 61b and the second erasing button 61c are operated when clearing the data of the RWM 154 and the data of the RWM 164 of the payout control device 64 described later.

  In addition to the above, various sensors such as various winning detection sensors 41a to 45b and the open detection switch 39 are connected to the input side of the MPU 152. Each of the various winning detection sensors 41a to 45b is provided in one-to-one correspondence with a winning-corresponding pitch portion such as a general winning port 41, a variable winning device 42, an upper operating port 43, a lower operating port 44, and a through gate 45. A detection sensor is included, and the MPU 152 makes a winning determination for each winning part. Further, the MPU 152 executes various lotteries based on winning in the upper working port 43 and various lotteries based on winning in the lower working port 44.

  A sound emission control device 62 is connected to the output side of the MPU 152. Various commands such as a change command, a type command, and an opening command are output to the sound emission control device 62. The sound emission control device 62 controls driving of the various light emitting units 53 and 54 and the speaker device 37 based on the command received from the main control device 61 and transmits the command to the display control device 63. The display control device 63 analyzes various commands received from the sound emission control device 62 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands to control the display of images on the display surface of the symbol display device 46a.

  In addition to the above, on the output side of the MPU 152, a variable winning drive unit 42d that opens and closes the open / close door 42c of the variable winning device 42, and an electric combination drive unit that opens and closes the electric combination 44b of the lower operating port 44. 44c, the special figure display part 47, and the universal figure display part 48 are connected. The main control board 151 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 152 performs drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 152 performs drive control of the variable winning drive unit 42d so that the large winning opening 42b of the variable winning device 42 is opened and closed. Further, when the support winning of the electric accessory 44b is won, drive control of the electric accessory driving unit 44c is executed in the MPU 152 so that the electric accessory 44b is opened and closed. In each game round, the display control of the special figure display unit 47 is executed in the MPU 152. In addition, when the lottery result indicating whether or not the electric accessory 44b is to be opened is clearly indicated, the display control of the general-purpose display unit 48 is executed in the MPU 152.

  A payout control device 64 is connected to both the input side and the output side of the MPU 152. The payout control device 64 includes a payout control board 161 that controls the use and grant of the game ball B, and a second power failure monitoring board 165 that monitors the supply status of power from the second power supply device 67.

  An MPU 162 is mounted on the payout control board 161. The MPU 162 includes a ROM 163 and an RWM 164. The ROM 163 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory that does not require external power supply for storing and holding, such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The ROM 163 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 162 and fixed value data. The RWM 164 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage unit) that requires external power supply for storage and holding, such as SRAM and DRAM, for both reading and writing. The time required for reading is faster than that of the ROM 163 when compared with the data capacity. The RWM 164 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 163. In addition to the above elements, the MPU 162 or the payout control board 161 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

  In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the MPU 152, ROM 153, and RWM 154 of the main control board 151 from the MPU 162, ROM 163, and RWM 164 of the payout control board 161, the former is referred to as the main MPU 152, the main ROM 153, and the main side. The RWM 154 is referred to, and the latter is referred to as a payout MPU 162, a payout ROM 163, and a payout RWM 164.

  The payout MPU 162 is provided with an input port and an output port. A second power failure monitoring board 165 provided in the payout control device 64 is connected to the input side of the payout side MPU 162.

  The second power failure monitoring board 165 relays between the payout control board 161 and the second power supply device 67, and further monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the second power supply device 67. Then, when the monitoring voltage becomes less than 5 volts, a power failure signal is transmitted to the payout MPU 162 on the assumption that a power failure has occurred in the second power supply device 67.

  The second power supply device 67 is connected to a commercial power source of the game hall, and supplies operating power to electric devices mounted on the pachinko machine 10 other than the game board 33. Specifically, the second power supply device 67 includes a payout control device 64, a launch control device 65, a game ball launch mechanism 80, a ball feed mechanism 8003, a launch device 8001, a launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120, a return ball detection sensor 124, Operating power is supplied to the polishing drive unit 113, the various light emitting units 53 and 54, the speaker device 37, and the operation unit 141. Further, the second power supply device 67 also supplies operating power to the management unit 131 provided on the side of the pachinko machine 10.

  The second power supply 67 can store and hold data in the payout-side RWM 164 and the RWM 174 of the management unit 131 even when supply of operating power from the commercial power supply to the second power supply 67 is stopped. For this purpose, a power supply unit for power interruption (not shown) for supplying backup power to the RWMs 164 and 174 is provided. The power supply unit for power interruption is a rechargeable type such as a capacitor, and charging is performed when operating power is supplied from the commercial power supply to the second power supply device 67. Data is stored and held in the RWMs 164 and 174 for a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days) even during a power outage due to backup power from the power supply unit for power interruption.

  If the first power supply device 66 includes the electric device provided on the front door 22 in addition to the electric device mounted on the game board 33 as a target to which the first power supply device 66 supplies operating power as described above, The various light emitting units 53 and 54 and the operation unit 141 are excluded from the targets to which the power supply device 67 supplies operating power.

  In addition to the above, a firing preparation sphere detection sensor 8120 and a return sphere detection sensor 124 are connected to the input side of the payout side MPU 162. The payout-side MPU 162 grasps the presence / absence of a launch preparation ball based on the detection result of the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120, and as a game ball management control device that grasps the presence / absence of a return ball based on the detection result of the return ball detection sensor 124. Take a role.

  A polishing drive unit 113 is connected to the output side of the payout side MPU 162. While operating power is supplied to the payout side MPU 162, the operating power is supplied to the polishing drive unit 113 at all times.

  In addition to the main control device 61, a launch control device 65, an operation unit 141, and a management unit 131 are connected to both the input side and the output side of the payout side MPU 162. The launch control device 65, the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120, the return ball detection sensor 124, and the polishing drive unit 113 are connected to a payout control device (payout side MPU 162) that is a sub-control device. Alternatively, for example, the main control device may be directly controlled without being connected to the main control device (main-side MPU 152) without using the sub-control device.

  The launch control device 65 is connected to a launch device 8001, a ball feed mechanism 8003, and a launch operation device 36. In the situation where the touch sensor 36c detects that the operation handle 36b of the firing operation device 36 is touched and the stop switch 36e is not turned on, the launch control device 65 is directed toward the payout MPU 162. Continues transmission of level condition satisfaction signal.

  In the situation where the transmission of the signal is continued, if the game ball can be launched, the sending-out MPU 162 continues to send the HI level launch permission signal. In this case, the launch control device 65 executes drive control in the order of the ball feed mechanism 8003 → the launch device 8001, and supplies one game ball B from the ball tray portion 71 onto the launch rail 8002 and is supplied. A game ball B (launch preparation ball) is fired toward the game area. The firing intensity at this time is determined in accordance with a signal transmitted from the variable resistor 36d of the firing operation device 36. In addition, when the transmission of the HI level launch permission signal is continued, the launch cycle of the game ball B is set to be a predetermined cycle, specifically, one game ball B in 0.6 sec. Is set to fire.

  As already described, the operation unit 141 includes a frequency display unit 147, a remaining number display unit 148, and various operation buttons 142 to 146. A signal indicating whether or not the various operation buttons 142 to 146 are operated is transmitted to the payout MPU 162. Further, display control of the frequency display unit 147 and the remaining number display unit 148 is executed based on a signal transmitted from the payout side MPU 162.

  The management unit 131 includes a management control board 171 that performs control for recognizing input cash, control for recognizing the input storage medium M, and control for discharging the storage medium M.

  An MPU 172 is mounted on the management control board 171. The MPU 172 includes a ROM 173 and an RWM 174. The ROM 173 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory that does not require external power supply for storing and holding, such as a NOR type flash memory or a NAND type flash memory (that is, a non-volatile storage unit). The ROM 173 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 172 and fixed value data. The RWM 174 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage means) that requires external power supply for storage and holding, such as SRAM and DRAM, for both reading and writing. The time required for reading is faster than that of the ROM 173 when compared with the data capacities. The RWM 174 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 173. In addition to the above elements, the MPU 172 or the management control board 171 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

  In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the MPU 172, ROM 173, and RWM 174 of the management control board 171 from those of the main control device 61 and the payout control device 64, the management side MPU 172, the management side ROM 173, and the management side RWM 174 say.

  The management side MPU 172 is provided with an input port and an output port. A banknote circuit 175 is connected to the input side of the management side MPU 172. The cash inserted into the cash slot 132 is identified by the banknote circuit 175, and the identification result is transmitted to the management side MPU 172.

  Various drive units 176a to 176c are provided on the output side of the management side MPU 172. When cash is inserted into the cash slot 132, the driving unit 176a corresponding to the cash slot 132 is driven and controlled, and the cash is taken into the management unit 131. When the storage medium M is inserted into the medium insertion port 133, the drive unit 176b corresponding to the medium insertion port 133 is driven and controlled, and the storage medium M is taken into the management unit 131. When the storage medium M is discharged, the drive unit 176c corresponding to the medium discharge port 134 is driven and controlled, whereby the storage medium M is discharged from the management unit 131.

  In addition to the payout control device 64, a medium circuit 177 is connected to both the input side and the output side of the management side MPU 172. The storage medium M inserted into the medium insertion port 133 is read from the stored information by the medium circuit 177 and the read result is transmitted to the management side MPU 172. When an instruction to eject the storage medium M is given, the medium circuit 177 performs a process of writing information to the storage medium M based on a signal transmitted from the management side MPU 172.

<Process after power recovery and power failure executed by each MPU 152, 162, 172>
Next, a description will be given of processing after power recovery and power failure executed by the MPUs 152, 162, and 172. First, the main process executed by the main MPU 152 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S101, power-on wait processing is executed. In the power-on wait process, for example, the process waits without progressing to the next process until 1 sec elapses after the main process is activated. In the subsequent step S102, access to the main RWM 154 is permitted.

  Thereafter, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the first erasure button 61b provided on the main controller 61 is manually operated. In subsequent step S104, “1” is set to the power failure flag of the main RWM 154. It is determined whether or not. In step S105, a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum is executed. In subsequent step S106, whether or not the checksum matches the checksum stored when the power is turned off, that is, whether or not the stored data is valid. Determine whether.

  In the pachinko machine 10, for example, when the data of the main RWM 154 is initialized when the power is turned on, such as when the game hall starts business, the power is turned on while pressing the first erase button 61b. Therefore, if the first erase button 61b is pressed, the process proceeds to step S107. Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shutdown is not set, or when an abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the checksum, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the main side RWM 154 is cleared as initialization of the main side RWM 154. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, it is determined whether or not the second erase button 61c provided on the main control device 61 is manually operated. When the pachinko machine 10 initializes not only the main RWM 154 but also the payout RWM 164 and the management RWM 174 when the power is turned on, the power is turned on while pressing both the first erase button 61b and the second erase button 61c. It is thrown. Therefore, if not only the first erase button 61b but the second erase button 61c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, an initialization command for instructing initialization of the payout side RWM 164 and the management side RWM 174 is output to the payout side MPU 162. On the other hand, if the second erase button 61c has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the main MPU 152 outputs a return command to the payout MPU 162 indicating that the processing related to the initialization of the main RWM 154 and other RWMs 164 and 174 has been completed. In this case, even if the main RWM 154 is initialized, the payout RWM 164 and the management RWM 174 are not initialized.

That is, in the pachinko machine 10, when the power is turned on,
(1) Do not perform initialization for all of the main RWM 154, the payout RWM 164, and the management RWM 174.
(2) The main RWM 154 is initialized, and the payout RWM 164 and the management RWM 174 are not initialized.
(3) Initialize all of the main RWM 154, the payout RWM 164, and the management RWM 174.
Either of these can be selected by the manager of the game hall. Further, in this selection, an operation corresponding to the selection may be performed.

  In the pachinko machine 10, as will be described later, in the main controller 61, the progress of the game using the special figure display unit 47, the universal figure display unit 48, the variable winning device 42 and the electric winning combination 44b is controlled, and the payout control device 64 and the number of game balls B that can be used in the management unit 131 are controlled. In this case, it is assumed that an internal abnormality occurs regarding the progress of the former game in a situation where no abnormality has occurred regarding the control of the number of usable game balls B. On the other hand, it is assumed that some kind of fraud is performed and an abnormality occurs in both the progress of the game and the control of the number of usable game balls B. On the other hand, by making it possible to selectively initialize the RWMs 154, 164, and 174 as described above, it is possible to appropriately cope with each event.

  The payout side RWM 164 and the management side RWM 174 may be initialized, and the main side RWM 154 may be operated without being initialized. For example, such initialization may be performed when the second erase button 61c is operated in a situation where the first erase button 61b is not operated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S106, a power-on setting process is executed in step S111 after executing the process in step S109 or after executing the process in step S110. In the power-on setting process, a predetermined area of the main side RWM 154 such as initialization of a power failure flag is set to an initial value, and a command corresponding to the current gaming state is set in order to recognize the current gaming state. Send to. In addition, an interrupt permission is set to permit the generation of timer interrupt processing.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to the remaining process of steps S112 to S116. That is, the main MPU 152 is configured to periodically execute timer interrupt processing as will be described later, but a remaining time is generated between one timer interrupt process and the next timer interrupt process. The remaining time varies depending on the processing completion time of each timer interrupt process, but the remaining processes in steps S112 to S116 are repeatedly executed using such irregular time. In this regard, it can be said that the remaining processes in steps S112 to S116 are non-periodic processes that are performed irregularly.

  In the remaining process, first, in step S112, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the power failure flag of the main RWM 154. The power failure flag is set to “1” when it is confirmed that a power failure signal is received from the first power failure monitoring board 155 in the power failure information storage process (step S401) in the timer interruption process of the main MPU 152 described later. Flag to be

  If “1” is not set in the power failure flag, the process proceeds to step S113. In step S113, an interrupt prohibition setting is performed to prohibit the generation of timer interrupt processing. In subsequent step S114, random number initial value update processing for updating a random number initial value counter CINI described later is executed, and in step S115, variation counter updating processing for updating a variation type counter CS described later is executed. In these update processes, the current numerical information is read from the corresponding counter of the main RWM 154, the process of adding 1 to the read numerical information is executed, and then the process of overwriting the reading source counter is executed. In this case, each counter value is cleared to “0” when it reaches the maximum value. Thereafter, in step S116, an interrupt permission setting for switching from a state in which the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited to a state in which it is permitted is performed. After performing the process of step S116, it returns to step S112 and repeats the process of step S112-step S116.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S112 that “1” is set in the power failure flag, the power failure occurrence processing in steps S117 to S120 is executed. In the process upon occurrence of a power failure, first, in step S117, an interrupt prohibition setting is performed in order to prohibit the generation of the timer interrupt process. In subsequent step S118, a power failure command is output to the payout MPU 162 in order to recognize that a power failure has occurred in the main MPU 152. Thereafter, the checksum is calculated and stored in step S119, and after prohibiting access to the main RWM 154 in step S120, the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed.

  Next, the main process executed by the payout MPU 162 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 201, it is determined whether a return command is received from the main MPU 152. Specifically, it is determined whether or not either an initialization command or a return command has been received from the main MPU 152. If a return command has not been received, the process stands by in step S201, and if a return command has been received, the process proceeds to step S202 and subsequent steps.

  The initialization command and the return command set as the return commands are transmitted when the main MPU 152 completes the processing related to the initialization of the main RWM 154 and other RWMs 164 and 174. In addition, the main MPU 152 transmits an initialization command or a return command, and then proceeds to a process after the completion of power recovery. In this case, the payout side MPU 162 waits until a return command is received as described above, so that the main MPU 152 does not complete the processing related to the initialization of the RWMs 154, 164, and 174, but pays out. The side MPU 162 is prevented from shifting to the processing after the completion of power recovery.

  In step S202, access to the payout side RWM 164 is permitted. Thereafter, in step S203, it is determined whether or not an initialization command has been received from the main MPU 152. If the initialization command has been received, the payout side RWM 164 is cleared in step S204. Thereafter, in step S205, an initialization command for instructing initialization of the management-side RWM 174 is output to the management-side MPU 172. On the other hand, if the initialization command has not been received, in step S206, the return side MPU 162 outputs a return command indicating that the processing related to the initialization of the payout side RWM 164 has been completed to the management side MPU 172.

  After executing the process of step S205 or after executing the process of step S206, initial setting of the operation unit 141 and the like is performed in step S207. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the remaining process of steps S208 to S210. That is, the payout-side MPU 162 is configured to periodically execute timer interrupt processing as described later, but a remaining time is generated between one timer interrupt process and the next timer interrupt process. The remaining time varies depending on the processing completion time of each timer interrupt process, but the remaining processes in steps S208 to S210 are repeatedly executed using such irregular time. In this regard, it can be said that the remaining processes in steps S208 to S210 are non-periodic processes that are performed irregularly.

  In the remaining process, it is determined whether or not a power failure command is received from the main MPU 152 in step S208, and it is determined whether or not a power failure signal is received from the second power failure monitoring board 165 in step S209. . If a negative determination is made in both step S208 and step S209, in step S210, an interrupt permission is set to permit generation of timer interrupt processing. After executing the process of step S210, the process returns to step S208, and the processes of step S208 to step S210 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S208 that a power failure command has been received from the main MPU 152, the power failure occurrence processing in steps S213 to S215 is executed. Even if a negative determination is made in step S208, it is determined in step S209 that a power failure signal has been received from the second power failure monitoring board 165, and thereafter, a power failure command is received from the main MPU 152 in step S211. If it is determined that the monitoring time at the time of power failure (for example, 100 msec) has elapsed since the affirmative determination is made in step S209 and the affirmative determination is made in step S212, step S213 to step S213 The process at the time of power failure occurrence of S215 is executed.

  In the process upon occurrence of a power failure, first, in step S213, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit generation of timer interrupt processing. In subsequent step S214, a power failure command is output to the management side MPU 172 in order to recognize that a power failure has occurred in the payout side MPU 162. Thereafter, after prohibiting access to the payout side RWM 164 in step S215, the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  In a configuration in which a power failure signal is output from the first power failure monitoring board 155 to the main side MPU 152 and a power failure signal is output from the second power failure monitoring board 165 to the payout side MPU 162, the power supply side relay board 69 is provided. When the power switch 69a is turned OFF or when a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply, a power failure signal is output to the main MPU 152 and a power failure signal is output to the payout MPU 162. In this case, even if the main MPU 152 receives a power failure signal in the middle of the timer interrupt process, the main MPU 152 does not immediately execute the power failure process, but performs the power failure process after the completion of the timer interrupt process of the processing time. To do. In this configuration, even if the payout side MPU 162 receives the power failure signal, the payout side MPU 162 waits for the power failure command received from the main side MPU 152 or the elapse of the monitoring time at the time of the power failure to execute the power failure process. The monitoring time at the time of the power failure is that the payout side MPU 162 receives a power failure command after the payout side MPU 162 receives a power failure signal when the power switch 69a is turned off or a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply. It is set as a time longer than the maximum expected time until completion. As a result, when a condition for executing the power failure process is satisfied in both the main MPU 152 and the payout MPU 162, the payout MPU 162 can output a command other than the power failure command to the payout MPU 162 from the main MPU 152. Thus, it is possible to prevent the processing during power failure from being executed.

  In the configuration in which operating power is supplied to the main MPU 152 from the first power supply device 66 and operating power is supplied to the payout MPU 162 from the second power supply device 67, only one of the power supply devices is supplied from the commercial power supply. It is assumed that the supply of the operating power is stopped. In this case, when the payout MPU 162 receives a power failure command from the main MPU 152, the payout side MPU 162 executes the power failure process regardless of whether or not a power failure signal is received from the second power failure monitoring board 165. When the control is stopped in the side MPU 152, the control can also be stopped in the payout side MPU 162.

  Further, even when the power failure command is not received from the main MPU 152, when the power failure signal is received from the second power failure monitoring board 165 and the monitoring time at the time of power failure has elapsed, the payout MPU 162 performs the power failure processing. Run. As a result, even if the supply of operating power from the commercial power supply is stopped only for the second power supply device 67, control is stopped at the payout side MPU 162 while preventing the data on the payout side RWM 164 from being destroyed. It becomes possible to do.

  Next, the main process executed by the management MPU 172 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S301, it is determined whether a return command is received from the payout MPU 162. Specifically, it is determined whether or not either an initialization command or a return command is received from the payout side MPU 162. If a return command has not been received, the process stands by in step S301, and if a return command has been received, the process proceeds to step S302 and subsequent steps.

  The initialization command and the return command set as the return commands are transmitted when the payout side MPU 162 completes the processing related to the initialization of the payout side RWM 164. Also, the payout MPU 162 transmits an initialization command or a return command, and then proceeds to a process after completion of power recovery. In this case, the management side MPU 172 waits until the management side MPU 172 receives a return command as described above, so that the management side MPU 172 does not complete the process on the payout side MPU 162 regarding the initialization of the payout side RWM 164. Is prevented from shifting to the process after the completion of power recovery.

  In step S302, access by the management-side RWM 174 is permitted. Thereafter, in step S303, it is determined whether or not an initialization command has been received from the payout MPU 162. If the initialization command has been received, the management-side RWM 174 is cleared in step S304. If a negative determination is made in step S303, or after execution of the processing in step S304, initial setting of the medium circuit 177, bill circuit 175, and various drive units 176a to 176c is performed in step S305.

  Thereafter, normal processing in steps S306 to S308 is performed. In the normal process, first, in step S306, it is determined whether or not a power failure command is received from the payout MPU 162. If a power failure command has not been received, the ball supply management process is executed in step S307, the medium supply management process is executed in step S308, and the process returns to step S306. Each of these management processes will be described in detail later.

  If a power failure command is received in step S306, the power failure occurrence processing in step S309 is executed. Specifically, in step S309, access to the management-side RWM 174 is prohibited. After that, the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  As described above, the main process is executed in the main MPU 152, the payout MPU 162, and the management MPU 172, so that at the time of power recovery, the main MPU 152 first proceeds to the process after the power recovery is completed, and then the payout MPU 162. Advances to processing after completion of power recovery, and finally the management-side MPU 172 proceeds to processing after completion of power recovery. When the power switch 69a is turned off or a commercial power failure occurs, the main MPU 152 first executes a power failure occurrence process, and then the payout MPU 162 executes a power failure occurrence process. The management-side MPU 172 executes processing when a power failure occurs.

<Timer interrupt processing executed by main MPU 152>
Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the main MPU 152 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed in the main MPU 152. The timer interrupt process is started at a specific cycle on the main side, specifically, at a cycle of 4 msec.

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a power failure information storage process is executed in step S401. In the power failure information storage process, it is monitored whether or not a power failure signal corresponding to the occurrence of power interruption is received from the first power failure monitoring board 155, and when the occurrence of a power failure is specified, the power failure flag of the main RWM 154 is set to “ 1 ”is set.

  In subsequent step S402, a lottery random number update process is executed. In the lottery random number update process, a big hit random number counter C1, a big hit type counter C2, a reach random number counter C3, and an electric accessory release counter C4, which will be described later, are updated. Specifically, after executing the process of sequentially reading the current numerical information from the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4, and adding 1 to each of the read numerical information Then, a process of overwriting the reading source counter is executed. In this case, each counter value is cleared to “0” when it reaches the maximum value.

  Thereafter, in step S403, random number initial value update processing is executed in the same manner as in step S114, and in step S404, variation counter update processing is executed in the same manner as in step S115. In subsequent step S405, a game stop determination process is executed. In the game stop determination process, it is monitored whether or not the progress of the game is to be stopped. If the progress of the game is to be stopped, the execution of the process for progressing the game is stopped.

  Thereafter, in step S406, it is determined whether or not the progress of the game is stopped, and the processing after step S407 is executed on the condition that the progress of the game is not stopped.

  In step S407, port output processing is executed. In the port output process, when the output information is set in the previous timer interrupt process, a process for performing output corresponding to the output information to the various drive units 42d and 44c is executed. For example, when the information for switching the special winning opening 42b to the open state is set, output of the drive signal to the variable winning drive unit 42d is started, and when the information for switching to the closed state is set. The output of the drive signal is stopped. Further, when the information for switching the electric accessory 44b of the lower working port 44 to the open state is set, the output of the drive signal to the electric accessory driving unit 44c is started, and the information to be switched to the closed state is set. If so, the output of the drive signal is stopped.

  In a succeeding step S408, a reading process is executed. In the reading process, signals other than the power failure signal and the winning signal are read, and the read information is stored for use in future processing.

  In the subsequent step S409, a signal received from each of the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b is read, and a winning detection process for performing a process corresponding to the read information is executed. The details of the winning detection process will be described later in detail. In step S410, timer update processing is executed for updating the numerical information of a predetermined timer counter provided in the main RWM 154 collectively.

  In subsequent step S411, a fraud detection process for monitoring whether or not a predetermined event set as a fraud monitoring target has occurred is performed, and in step S412, a prize ball command output setting process is performed. . Further, in step S413, as input state monitoring processing, based on the information read in the reading processing in step S408, the disconnection confirmation of each winning detection sensor 41a-45b, the opening confirmation of the gaming machine main body 12, and the front door 22 are confirmed. Confirm opening.

  In the subsequent step S414, a special figure special electric control process for performing execution control of the game times and execution control of the opening / closing execution mode is executed. The special figure special electric control process will be described later in detail.

  In the subsequent step S415, the ordinary power control process is executed. In the ordinary power control control process, when winning through the through gate 45 occurs, a process for obtaining numerical information of the electric accessory release counter C4 described later is executed, and the numerical information is stored. If there is, the release determination is performed for the numerical information, and further, the process for performing the effect for ordinary drawing is executed using the release determination as a trigger. Moreover, the process which opens and closes the electrically-driven accessory 44b of the lower working port 44 based on the result of open determination is performed.

  In the subsequent step S416, output information for updating the display content of the special figure display unit 47 is set based on the processing results of the immediately preceding steps S414 and S415, and the display content of the general map display unit 48 is updated. Set the output information for

  In the subsequent step S417, a demonstration display process is executed for setting the display content of the symbol display device 46a for standby display in a situation where both the game times and the opening / closing execution mode are not executed.

  In the subsequent step S418, a ball management state reception process is executed for grasping information on the number of usable game balls B based on the command received from the payout MPU 162. In step S419, the ball management state reception process is performed. The remaining sphere handling process is executed. Details of these processes will be described later.

  In subsequent step S420, external information setting processing is executed so as to control the start and end of output of an external signal in accordance with the processing results of various processing executed in the current timer interrupt processing. When an affirmative determination is made in step S406, or after the processing of steps S407 to S420 is executed, the timer interrupt processing is terminated.

  Next, the winning detection process executed in step S409 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22) will be described.

  In the winning detection process, a process of confirming the detection results of the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b is executed. In this confirmation, the input port of the main MPU 152 is confirmed. Here, prior to the description of the winning detection process, the configuration of the input port 152a provided in the main MPU 152 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The input port 152a is configured as an 8-bit parallel interface so that eight types of signals can be handled simultaneously. An area for storing “0” or “1” information according to the voltage of each signal is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each terminal. That is, the area includes 0th bit D0 to 7th bit D7.

  In addition, although more than eight types of signals are input to the input port 152a, in order to limit the number of simultaneously input targets to eight types, the signal group to be input to the input port 152a depends on the driver IC. It is switched through switching control. In the winning detection process, a signal group to be input to the input port 152a is set to the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b.

  In such a setting, the 0th bit D0 stores information corresponding to the winning signal from the big winning opening detection sensor 42a, and the first bit D1 is information corresponding to the winning signal from the upper working opening detection sensor 43a. The second bit D2 stores information corresponding to the winning signal from the lower operating port detection sensor 44a, and the third bit D3 stores information corresponding to the winning signal from the first winning port detection sensor 41a. The fourth bit D4 stores information corresponding to the winning signal from the second winning mouth detection sensor 41b, and the fifth bit D5 stores information corresponding to the winning signal from the third winning mouth detection sensor 41c. The 6 bits D6 store information corresponding to the winning signal from the first gate detection sensor 45a, and the seventh bit D7 stores information corresponding to the winning signal from the second gate detection sensor 45b. There are stored.

  In this case, when each of the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b has not detected the passing of the game ball, the winning detection sensor 41a to 45b outputs a HI level signal indicating that the winning ball is not detected and detects the passing of the gaming ball. If it is, a LOW level signal indicating that it is being detected is output as a winning signal. However, the main control board 151 is provided with an inverting circuit, and the state of the signal is inverted before the detection signals are input to the input port 152a. When the LOW level signal is received through the inverting circuit, the input port 152a stores "0" information (data 0 or none information) in the corresponding bit, and receives the HI level signal through the inverting circuit. If it is, information “1” (data 1 or presence information) is stored in the corresponding bit.

  That is, in a situation where the passing of the game ball is not detected by the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b, information of “0” corresponding to the information indicating non-detection is stored in the corresponding bit, and the passing of the game ball is detected. In such a situation, “1” information corresponding to information indicating that detection is in progress is stored in the corresponding bit.

  Each winning detection sensor 41a to 45b outputs a LOW level signal as a winning signal while not detecting the passing of a game ball, and outputs an HI level signal as a winning signal while detecting the passing of a gaming ball. It is good also as a structure to output. In this case, the inverting circuit may be omitted.

  In the winning detection process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24A, first, in step S501, the information currently stored in the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7 is stored in the register of the main MPU 152. A process of shifting to the first winning determination area WA1 is executed. The first winning determination area WA1 is composed of 8 bits as shown in FIG. 24 (b-1), and stores all of the information stored in the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7. It is possible data capacity. In this case, the storage source bits in the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7 and the storage destination bits in the first winning determination area WA1 are determined in a one-to-one correspondence, for example, the 0th bit D0. Is always stored in a predetermined bit in the first winning determination area WA1.

  In the subsequent step S502, a wait process for winning detection is executed. In this wait process, the main MPU 152 waits without executing any process until a predetermined wait time elapses. In this pachinko machine 10, 10 μsec is set as the wait time. However, the pachinko machine 10 sufficiently exhibits the effects described below by setting the wait process without hindering the execution of the periodic timer interrupt process. However, the specific wait time is arbitrary, but it is preferably in the range of 2 μsec to 500 μsec, more preferably in the range of 10 μsec to 100 μsec.

  Incidentally, as already explained, it takes at least 1.2 μsec to execute the process of one step. Therefore, even if the process of step S502 is not set, a forcible wait time of 1.2 μsec occurs between steps S501 and S503. In this regard, in step S502, not only the minimum time required for executing the process but also an additional wait time is set between the process of step S501 and the process of step S503.

  In subsequent step S503, a process of shifting the information currently stored in the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7 to the second winning determination area WA2 in the register of the main MPU 152 is executed. Incidentally, since the information update at the input port 152a is performed at an interval shorter than the time from the completion of step S501 to the start of step S503, the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7 in step S503. The information to be transferred from can be different from that in step S501.

  Similarly to the first winning determination area WA1, the second winning determination area WA2 is composed of 8 bits as shown in FIG. 24 (b-2), and is stored in the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7. The data capacity is sufficient to store all of the stored information. In this case, the storage source bits in the 0th to 7th bits D0 to D7 and the storage destination bits in the second winning determination area WA2 are determined in a one-to-one correspondence, and the storage source bits are further determined. And the storage destination bit are the same as in the first winning determination area WA1.

  Thereafter, in step S504, after the winning determination process is executed, the main winning detection process is terminated. The winning determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the winning determination process, first, in step S601, 8 is set in a winning determination counter provided in the main RWM 154. In subsequent step S602, each bit information corresponding to the numerical information of the current winning determination counter in the first winning determination area WA1 and the second winning determination area WA2 is grasped. Each piece of information grasped in this case is information read from the same bit in the input port 152a.

  In subsequent step S603, AND processing of each information grasped in step S602 is executed, and the AND processing result is stored in a register. In step S604, the first post-computation area WA3 and the second post-computation area WA4 are stored. Among them, the AND processing result is stored in the corresponding bit on the side different from the side on which the information on the result of the AND processing is stored in the winning detection processing in the processing time of the previous timer interrupt processing. The first post-computation area WA3 and the second post-computation area WA4 are composed of 8 bits as shown in FIGS. 25 (b-3) and 25 (b-4), and each of the first winning determination areas WA1. The data capacity is capable of storing all the information of the AND processing result of each bit and each bit of the second winning determination area WA2. In this case, the order of bits in the first winning determination area WA1 and the second winning determination area WA2 subjected to AND processing and the order of each bit in the first post-calculation area WA3 and the second post-calculation area WA4 are unambiguous. Is stipulated.

  After that, in step S605, information on the result of AND processing in the winning determination processing in the processing time of the previous timer interrupt processing in the first post-computation area WA3 and the second post-computation area WA4 is stored. Then, the bit information corresponding to the numerical information of the current winning determination counter is read. In step S606, an inversion process for inverting the read information between “0” and “1” is executed.

  Thereafter, in step S607, AND processing of the AND processing result information in step S603 and the inversion processing result information in step S606 is executed. In subsequent step S608, the AND processing result is used as winning detection start information. It is determined whether or not the corresponding value is “1”. If it is determined in step S608 that the AND processing result is “1”, the process proceeds to step S609 and subsequent steps.

  In step S609, it is determined whether or not the numerical information of the current winning determination counter is information indicating a bit corresponding to one of the upper operation port 43 and the lower operation port 44. If it corresponds to either the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44, in step S610, the operation winning flag provided in the main side RWM 154 is set to “1”, and in step S611, the main winning flag is set. 1 is added to the numerical information of the three prize ball counters provided in the side RWM 154.

  The operation winning flag is a flag for specifying in the main MPU 152 that processing corresponding to winning in the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44 is to be executed, other than execution of the winning ball. It is. Incidentally, since the winning detection sensors 43a and 44a are provided in the upper operating port 43 and the lower operating port 44, respectively, winning in the upper operating port 43 and winning in the lower operating port 44 is one of timer interruption processing. It may be grasped simultaneously within the range of processing times. Therefore, in order to cope with this, the operation winning flag is provided corresponding to the number of the operation ports 43 and 44, and specifically, two operation winning flags are provided. The three prize ball counter is a counter for specifying in the main MPU 152 the number of times to output the three prize ball commands instructing the execution of the three prize balls.

  If a negative determination is made in step S609, it is determined in step S612 whether or not the current numerical value information of the winning determination counter is information indicating a bit corresponding to the variable winning device 42. If it corresponds to the variable winning device 42, “1” is set to the large winning flag provided in the main RWM 154 in step S 613, and 15 pieces provided in the main RWM 154 in step S 614. 1 is added to the numerical information of the prize ball counter.

  The big winning flag is a flag for specifying in the main MPU 152 that processing corresponding to winning in the variable winning device 42 is in a state in which processing other than execution of the winning ball is to be executed. The 15 prize ball counter is a counter for the main MPU 152 to specify the number of times to output 15 prize ball commands instructing execution of 15 prize balls.

  If a negative determination is made in step S612, it is determined in step S615 whether the current numerical value information of the winning determination counter is information indicating a bit corresponding to the through gate 45. If it corresponds to the through gate 45, “1” is set to the through flag provided in the main RWM 154 in step S616. If a negative determination is made in step S615, it means that the current winning is corresponding to the general winning opening 41, so in step S617, the value of the ten prize ball counters provided in the main RWM 154 is obtained. Add 1 to the information.

  The through flag is a flag for the main MPU 152 to specify that the process corresponding to winning through the through gate 45 is to be executed. The 10-award ball counter is a counter for the main MPU 152 to specify the number of times to output a 10-award ball command instructing execution of 10 award balls.

  If a negative determination is made in step S608, or after any one of steps S611, S614, S616, and S617 is executed, the process proceeds to step S618. In step S618, the winning determination counter is decremented by 1, and then in step S619, it is determined whether or not the winning determination counter is “0”.

  If it is not “0”, the processing from step S602 to step S617 is executed for the bit corresponding to the numerical information of the winning determination counter updated in step S618. When the processes in steps S602 to S617 are executed for the numerical information set in step S601, an affirmative determination is made in step S619, and the main winning determination process ends.

  Next, by performing the above winning detection processing (FIG. 24), whether or not there is a winning in the general winning port 41, the variable winning device 42, the upper operating port 43, the lower operating port 44 and the through gate 45 in the game area. The manner of detection will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the timing for monitoring detection results (hereinafter also referred to as winning information) in the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26A is a timing chart for explaining the timing of monitoring each winning information.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, in the configuration in which the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22) is activated at a cycle of T1 (specifically, 4 msec), the process for monitoring the winning information is 2 times in each process of the timer interrupt process. Times (step S501, step S503). The process of monitoring each set of winning information is executed so that the timing is changed, but the process of monitoring the winning information on the preceding side (step S501) is time T2 with respect to the timing when the timer interrupt process is started. It is executed at the timing when.

  In this case, the timing at which the winning detection process is executed in the timer interrupt process is executed before the process whose processing time is likely to fluctuate, such as the special figure special electric control process and the ordinary figure ordinary electric control process, and further in the timer interrupt process The processing executed prior to the detection processing is processing in which the processing time is relatively difficult to fluctuate. Therefore, the period until the process for monitoring the winning information on the preceding side is started in the timer interrupt process for each processing time is the same, substantially the same or similar at T2. Therefore, among the processes for monitoring a set of winning information included in each processing time of the timer interrupt process, the process for monitoring the winning information on the preceding side is periodically executed.

  Among the processes for monitoring each set of winning information, between the process for monitoring the winning information on the front side (step S501) and the process for monitoring the winning information on the rear side (step S503) The wait process (step S502) is executed, but in this wait process, no processing is executed and only a wait is made until a certain wait time T3 elapses. Therefore, among the processes for monitoring a set of winning information included in each processing time of the timer interrupt process, the process for monitoring the winning information on the rear side is periodically executed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 26 (B), the contents of the calculation executed when winning determination is performed will be described. FIG. 26B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the calculation executed when the winning determination is made. Actually, various operations are performed in units of 1 bit, but in the following description, the contents of the operations will be described in units of 1 byte. However, a configuration in which an operation in units of 1 byte as described below is actually performed may be employed.

  In the case of FIG. 26B, first, in the process of monitoring the first-side winning information in the n-th timer interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 26B1, “00100000” is displayed in the first winning determination area WA1. It is set. In this case, among the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b, the winning information of the third winning opening detection sensor 41c is information indicating that the game ball is detected (hereinafter also referred to as winning information), and other sensors. The winning information is information indicating that no game ball is detected (hereinafter also referred to as no winning information).

  In the process of monitoring the winning information on the rear side in the n-th timer interrupt process, “10100000” is set in the second winning determination area WA2, as shown in FIG. In this case, among the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b, each of the second gate detection sensor 45b and the third winning opening detection sensor 41c is winning information, and the other sensors are winning information.

  When the information of the first winning determination area WA1 and the second winning determination area WA2 is set as described above, the AND processing result is “00100000” as shown in FIG. This is set in the first post-computation area WA3 as a monitoring result of the winning information in the timer interruption processing of the n-th processing time. If the winning information monitoring result is set in the first post-computation area WA3 in the (n-1) th timer interrupt processing, the winning information monitoring result in the nth timer interrupt processing is the second post-computation area. Set to WA4. Also, the winning determination process is executed using the monitoring result of the winning information at the (n-1) th time and the monitoring result of the winning information at the nth time, but the contents of the calculation of this process are omitted here.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 26 (B4), “10100110” is set in the first winning determination area WA1 in the process of monitoring the winning information on the preceding side in the (n + 1) th timer interruption process. In this case, among the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b, each of the second gate detecting sensor 45b, the third winning port detecting sensor 41c, the lower operating port detecting sensor 44a, and the upper operating port detecting sensor 43a is the winning information. Other sensors have no winning information.

  In the process of monitoring the winning information on the rear side in the (n + 1) th timer interruption process, as shown in FIG. 26 (B5), “101000110” is set in the second winning determination area WA2. In this case, among the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b, each of the second gate detecting sensor 45b, the third winning port detecting sensor 41c, and the upper operating port detecting sensor 43a is information indicating that there is a winning, and the other sensors are not winning. It is information.

  When the information of the first winning determination area WA1 and the second winning determination area WA2 is set as described above, the AND processing result is “1010001” as shown in FIG. 26 (B6), and the information is This is set in the second post-computation area WA4 as a result of monitoring the winning information in the timer interrupt processing of the (n + 1) th processing time.

  Thereafter, in the winning determination process (FIG. 25) in the n + 1-th timer interrupt process, first, the monitoring result of the winning information in the n-th timer interrupt process is read out from the first post-computation area WA3 and the monitoring that has been read out. Inversion processing is performed on the resulting information. Then, as shown in FIG. 26 (B7), “11011111” is obtained. Then, the result of the inversion process is ANDed with the monitoring result of the winning information in the (n + 1) th timer interruption process. As a result, “10000010” is obtained as shown in FIG. In this case, in the winning determination process, it is determined that the winning of the game ball is detected by the second gate detection sensor 45b, and it is determined that the winning of the game ball is detected by the upper working port detection sensor 43a.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 26 (B4), the lower operating port detection sensor 44a becomes the winning information in the process of monitoring the winning information on the front side in the (n + 1) th timer interruption process. This is caused by noise. In this case, even if it is confirmed that there is a change from information with no winning information to information with winning information, it is not immediately determined that winning has occurred, but when winning information is confirmed multiple times, it is determined that winning has occurred. It is. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26 (B5), in the process of monitoring the winning information on the rear side in the (n + 1) th timer interruption process, the lower working port detection sensor 44a is no-winning information, and electrical noise is generated. Are not treated as winning game balls.

  In the third prize opening detection sensor 41c, there is a winning information in each of the process of monitoring a set of winning information in the n-th timer interrupt process and the process of monitoring a set of winning information in the n + 1-th timer interrupt process. However, this indicates a state in which a game ball in which the occurrence of a winning is already detected is continuously detected. In this case, since the occurrence of the winning is specified on the condition that the monitoring result of the winning information in the n-th timer interrupt processing is “0”, the winning of one game ball is treated as a plurality of winnings. I will not.

  When the winning detection process is executed as described above, the detection results of the winning detection sensors 41a to 45b are monitored, and when a winning corresponding to the provision of the game ball B is generated. Depending on the winning location, an addition process to the 3 prize ball counter, 10 prize ball counter and 15 prize ball counter is executed. If any one of these counters is “1” or more, the prize ball command is set in the prize ball command output setting process (step S412) in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22). The awarded ball command is transmitted to the payout MPU 162. In this case, the output setting of the prize ball command is performed only once in one processing time of the timer interrupt processing. Therefore, for example, even if the 15 prize ball counter is “2” or more, the 15 prize ball commands are transmitted only once in one process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined plurality (for example, two or three) of prize ball commands may be transmitted in one processing time.

  In addition, there may be a case where each of the three prize ball counters, the ten prize ball counters, and the 15 prize ball counters is “1” or more. In this case, an output of a prize ball command with a large number of prize balls is output. have priority. That is, the output of 15 prize ball commands has priority over the output of 10 prize ball commands and the output of 3 prize ball commands, and the output of 10 prize ball commands has priority over the output of 3 prize ball commands. .

  When the 15 prize ball counter is set to “1” or more and the 15 prize ball command is set as an output target, 1 is subtracted from the 15 prize ball counter. Further, when the 10 prize ball counter is set to “1” or more and the 10 prize ball command is set as an output target, 1 is subtracted from the 10 prize ball counter. When the three prize ball counter is set to “1” or more and the three prize ball command is set as an output target, the three prize ball counter is decremented by one.

  Next, the special figure special power control process executed in step S414 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22) will be described.

  Prior to the description of the special figure special electric control process, an electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the main MPU 152 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main MPU 152 uses lots of counter information during the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, special display display unit 47 display setting, symbol display device 46a symbol display setting, general symbol display unit 48 display setting, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 46a are changed. The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach generation lottery, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the display duration in the special figure display unit 47 and the symbol display device 46a are determined. The fluctuation type counter CS is used. Furthermore, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for the lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 44b of the lower operating port 44 is in the electric utility open state is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the lottery counter area 154a of the main RWM 154.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals. Information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the holding storage area 154b when a winning to the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 occurs.

  The holding storage area 154b includes a holding area RE and an execution area AE. The holding area RE includes a first holding area RE1, a second holding area RE2, a third holding area RE3, and a fourth holding area RE4, and matches the winning history to the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44. The numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in one of the holding areas RE1 to RE4 as holding information.

  In this case, in the first reservation area RE1 to the fourth reservation area RE4, when a winning to the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44 is continuously generated a plurality of times, the first reservation area RE1 → the second reservation area. Each numerical information is stored in time series in the order of RE2 → third reserved area RE3 → fourth reserved area RE4. By providing the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 as described above, up to four game balls winning histories to the upper operating port 43 or the lower operating port 44 are stored and stored.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display of the special figure display section 47. At the start of one game round Is determined based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

  Each of the counters will be described in detail.

  The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 599, for example, and after reaching the maximum value, returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The big hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the holding storage area 154b at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44.

  The value of the random number for winning the big hit is stored as a success / failure table in the success / failure table storage area of the main ROM 153. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low probability mode and a success / failure table for the high probability mode are set. In other words, in the pachinko machine 10, the low probability mode and the high probability mode are set as the lottery modes in the winning lottery means.

  In the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the low probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers that win the jackpot is two. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers that will win the jackpot is 20. If the winning probability in the high probability mode is higher than that in the low probability mode, the number of random numbers to be won is arbitrary.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured so that 1 is added in order within a range of 0 to 29, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The big hit type counter C2 is periodically updated and stored in the holding storage area 154b at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44.

  In the pachinko machine 10, a plurality of jackpot results are set. The plurality of jackpot results are (1) a mode of opening / closing control of the variable winning device 42 in the opening / closing execution mode, (2) a lottery mode in the winning lottery means after completion of the opening / closing execution mode, and (3) lower after completion of the opening / closing execution mode. A plurality of jackpot results are set by providing a difference in the three conditions of the support mode in the electric accessory 44b of the operating port 44.

  As an aspect of the opening / closing control of the variable prize winning device 42 in the opening / closing execution mode, it is possible to increase the frequency of occurrence of winning in the variable prize winning device 42 between the start and end of the opening / closing execution mode relatively high. A frequency winning mode and a low frequency winning mode are set. Specifically, in any of the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode, the game is executed with a predetermined number of round games as an upper limit.

  Here, the round game is continued until either one of a predetermined upper limit continuation time elapses and a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the big winning opening 42b is satisfied. It is a game to play. In addition, the number of round games in the opening / closing execution mode triggered by the jackpot result is the same for a fixed number of rounds regardless of the type of jackpot result triggered by the transition. Specifically, the upper limit number of round games is set to 15 rounds regardless of which jackpot result is obtained.

  Further, in this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of opening modes of the variable winning device 42 are set with different opening durations from when the big winning opening 42b is opened until it is closed. Specifically, a long-time mode set to 29 sec, which is a long open duration, and a short-time mode set to 0.8 sec, which is a short duration shorter than the above long time, are set. Has been.

  In the pachinko machine 10, in a situation where the launch operation device 36 is operated by a player, the launch device 8001 is driven and controlled so that one game ball is launched toward the game area in 0.6 seconds. In the round game, the upper limit number of end conditions is set to nine. Then, in the long time mode among the above open modes, the open duration time is set longer than the product of the game ball firing period and the upper limit number of one round game. On the other hand, in the short-time mode, the opening duration is shorter than the product of the launching period of the game balls and the upper limit number of one round game, more specifically, the opening duration that is about the same as or slightly longer than the launching period of the game balls. Is set. Accordingly, when the variable winning device 42 is opened once in a long-time manner, it is expected that the maximum number of winnings in one round game will be generated at the large winning opening 42b. When the variable winning device 42 is opened once in this mode, it is expected that no winning is made to the big winning opening 42b or even if a winning is generated.

  In the high-frequency winning mode, the large winning opening 42b is opened once in each round game in a long-time manner. On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the large winning opening 42b is opened once in each round game in a short time mode.

  The number of times of opening / closing the large winning opening 42b in the high frequency winning mode and the low frequency winning mode, the number of round games, the opening duration for one open, and the upper limit number in one round game are those in the high frequency winning mode. However, the value is not limited to the above value as long as the occurrence frequency of winning to the variable winning device 42 is higher than the low-frequency winning mode until the opening / closing execution mode is started and ended. It is.

  As a support mode for the electric combination 44b of the lower working port 44, the electric combination 44b of the lower working port 44 has a unit time when compared in a situation where game balls are continuously launched in the game area. The high frequency support mode and the low frequency support mode are set so that the frequency of the open state is relatively high.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the power combination open state in the electric combination release lottery using the electric combination release counter C4 is the same (for example, both 4/5) However, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric accessory 44b is opened when the electrification open state is won is set more than in the low frequency support mode. The time is set longer. In this case, in the high-frequency support mode, when the electrified open state is won and the open state of the electric accessory 44b occurs a plurality of times, the closed state from the end of one open state until the next open state is started The time is set shorter than one opening time. Furthermore, in the high frequency support mode, a shorter time is secured as a minimum secured time after the first electric utility product opening lottery is performed than in the low frequency support mode. Is set to be selected.

  As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize to the lower operation port 44 is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize to the upper operating port 43 is higher than the lower operating port 44, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operating port 44 is connected to the lower operating port 44. The probability of winning a prize increases. When a prize is awarded to the lower operation port 44, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so that in the high-frequency support mode, the player plays a game while not reducing the number of possessed balls. be able to.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency at which the high frequency support mode is set to the power release state per unit time as compared with the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described configuration, for example, the electric component release lottery It is good also as a structure which raises the probability of becoming electrified in the electric character open state in In addition, a secured time (for example, in the general map display unit 48 based on a winning to the through gate 45) secured after the next electrification opening lottery is performed after the first electrification opening lottery is performed. In a configuration in which a plurality of types of variable display time) are prepared, the high frequency support mode is set so that a short securing time is easily selected or the average secure time is shorter than the low frequency support mode. It may be. Furthermore, the number of times of opening is increased, the opening time is lengthened, and the secured time that is secured when the next electric winning combination opening lottery is performed after the first electric winning combination opening lottery is performed (ie, Apply one of the conditions or any combination of conditions to shorten the average time of the reserved time and increase the winning probability. Thus, the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode may be increased.

  The game result distribution destination for the big hit type counter C2 is stored in the distribution table storage area of the main ROM 153 as a distribution table. And as such a distribution destination, a low probability big hit result, a low winning high probability big hit result, and the most advantageous big hit result are set.

  The low probability big hit result is a big hit result in which the open / close execution mode becomes the high-frequency winning mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning / non-winning lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the shift.

  The low-winning high-probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the open / close execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the open / close execution mode ends, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. is there. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode continue until the lottery result in the success / failure lottery results in a jackpot result and shifts to the jackpot state by that.

  The most advantageous jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode is finished, the winning lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode continue until the lottery result in the success / failure lottery results in a jackpot result and shifts to the jackpot state by that.

  The normal game state in relation to each of the above game states is not the open / close execution mode, but also the state where the winning / non-winning lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the low frequency support mode. Moreover, it is good also as a structure in which the low prize-winning high probability hit result is not set as a game result.

  In the distribution table, among the values of the big hit type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 9” corresponds to the low probability big hit result, and “10 to 14” corresponds to the low winning high probability big hit result. “15 to 29” corresponds to the most favorable jackpot result.

  As a kind of high-accuracy big hit result, the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the winning / raising lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode is maintained in the previous mode. An implicit low winning high probability jackpot result (a game result corresponding to an implicit high probability or a result of a latent probability changing state) may be included. In this case, the jackpot result can be further diversified.

  Furthermore, as a kind of losing result in the winning / losing lottery, there may be included a special losing result that shifts to the opening / closing execution mode of the low-frequency winning mode and does not cause the shifting of the winning / failing lottery mode and the support mode after the end . In the configuration in which both the above-mentioned non-explicit low winning high probability winning result and the special outlier result are set, the opening / closing execution mode shifts to the low frequency winning mode, and the support mode is changed to the previous mode. It is common to be maintained in the mode, but the transition mode of the winning / failing lottery mode is different, so that, for example, in the normal gaming state, one of the unclear low winning high probability winning result or the special outage result When it occurs, it is possible to make the player predict which result it actually corresponds to.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the holding storage area 154b at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 43 or the lower operation port 44.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10, reach display is set as a kind of display effect in the symbol display device 46a. The reach display is provided with a symbol display device 46a capable of performing variable display of symbols, and in the game times in which the opening / closing execution mode of the variable winning device 42 is the high-frequency winning mode, the stop display result after the variable display is specially displayed. In the resulting gaming machine, the player is assumed to be in a variable display state that is likely to become the special display result before the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display of the symbol on the symbol display device 46a is started. The display state for this purpose.

  In the reach display, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode is obtained by stopping and displaying the symbols for some of the symbol sequences displayed on the display surface of the symbol display device 46a. A display state is displayed in which combinations of reach symbols that may be established are displayed, and in that state, symbols in the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol columns, and a reach effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image in the background image. In addition, there are those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display surface after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols.

  The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game times that shift to the opening / closing execution mode that becomes the high-frequency winning mode. In game times that do not enter the open / close execution mode, the reach random number counter C3 acquired at a predetermined timing with reference to the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the main ROM 153 corresponds to the occurrence of reach display. It is executed when That is, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is used to determine whether or not to execute reach display. However, in determining the type of reach display, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is not used.

  The variation type counter CS is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS is used when the main MPU 152 determines the variation display time in the special symbol display unit 47 and the symbol variation display time in the symbol display device 46a. The variation type counter CS is updated in each of the main processing and timer interrupt processing described later, and the variation type is determined when the variation pattern is determined at the start of variation display in the special symbol display unit 47 and at the time of symbol variation start by the symbol display device 46a. The value of the counter CS is acquired. When determining the variable display time, a variable display time table stored in advance in the variable display time table storage area of the main ROM 153 is referred to.

  Here, when it is determined to generate a reach display based on the numerical information acquired from the reach random number counter C3, or because it is a game time to shift to an opening / closing execution mode that is a high-frequency winning mode. When it is determined to generate a display, the type of reach display is determined using numerical information acquired from the variation type counter CS. Each reach display differs in the type of character appearing in the reach display, the period during which the reach display is executed, and the like.

  The electric accessory release counter C4 is, for example, configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 250 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The electric accessory release counter C4 is periodically updated and stored in an electric accessory reservation area 154c provided in the main RWM 154 at the timing when a game ball wins the through gate 45. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the electric accessory 44b is controlled to be in an open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing special figure special electric control processing.

  In the special figure special electric control process, when a winning to the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44 occurs, a process for obtaining the holding information is executed, and when the holding information is stored, the holding is performed. A determination is made as to whether or not the information is correct, and further, a process for performing an effect for game times is executed using the determination as to whether or not the information is correct. In addition, based on the result of the determination, the processing for shifting to the opening / closing execution mode after the effect for playing the game is executed, and the processing during the opening / closing execution mode and at the end of the opening / closing execution mode is executed.

  Specifically, first, in step S701, a hold information acquisition process is executed. In the holding information acquisition process, it is determined whether or not a prize is generated in the upper working port 43 or the lower working port 44. If a winning is generated, the number of holds in the holding storage area 154b is an upper limit value ( In this embodiment, it is determined whether it is less than “4”). When the number of holds is less than the upper limit value, the number of holds is incremented by 1 and the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 updated in the previous step S402 is used for holding. Stored in the first reserved area among the empty reserved areas RE1 to RE4 of the area RE.

  In addition, when the winning to the upper working port 43 and the lower working port 44 occurs at the same time, the process for obtaining the hold information is performed a plurality of times within the range of executing the hold information obtaining process once. Run.

  After the hold information acquisition process is executed in step S701, the process proceeds to step S702. In step S702, a confirmation process for holding notice is executed. Details of the confirmation process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S703, a process for reading the information of the special figure special electricity counter provided in the main RWM 154 is executed, and in the step S704, a process for reading the special figure special electric address table from the main ROM 153 is executed. In step S705, a process of acquiring a start address corresponding to the information of the special figure special power counter from the special figure special electric address table is executed.

  Here, the processing content of step S703-step S705 is demonstrated.

  As already described, the special figure special power control process includes a process related to a game-playing effect and a process related to an opening / closing execution mode. In this case, as processing related to the effect for game times, special figure variation start processing (step S707) which is processing for starting the effect for game times and processing for proceeding the effect for game times. A special figure changing process (step S708) and a special figure finalizing process (step S709) that is a process for ending the effect for the game round are set.

  In addition, as processing related to the opening / closing execution mode, a special electricity starting process (step S710) which is a process for controlling the opening of the opening / closing execution mode and a special electricity which is a process for controlling the open state of the special winning opening 42b. Opening process (step S711), special electric power closing process (step S712) that is a process for controlling the closed state of the special winning opening 42b, opening / closing execution mode ending and gaming state at the end of the opening / closing execution mode Special electric power termination processing (step S713), which is processing for controlling the transition of, is set.

  In such a processing configuration, the special figure special power counter is a counter for the main side MPU 152 to grasp which of the above-mentioned plural types of processing should be executed. Corresponding to the numerical information of the special figure special electricity counter, the start address of the program for executing the above-mentioned plural types of processing is set.

  In this case, the start address SA0 is the start address of the program for executing the special figure change start process (step S707), and the start address SA1 is the program for executing the special figure change process (step S708). The start address SA2 is the start address of the program for executing the special figure finalizing process (step S709), and the start address SA3 is the program address for executing the special electricity start process (step S710). The start address SA4 is a start address of a program for executing the special power open process (step S711), and the start address SA5 is a program for executing the special power close process (step S712). This is the start address, and the start address SA6 A start address of a program for executing (step S713).

  The special figure special electric power counter is the special figure special electric power control in the next processing time when the condition for updating the numerical information is satisfied when the processing corresponding to the numerical information currently stored is completed. Corresponding to the processing executed in the processing, 1 addition, 1 subtraction, or “0” is cleared (initialized). Therefore, in the special figure special power control process at each processing time, a process corresponding to the numerical information set in the special figure special electric power counter may be executed.

After executing the process of step S705, in step S706, a process of jumping to the process indicated by the start address acquired in step S705 is executed. Specifically, if the acquired start address is SA0, the process jumps to the special figure change start process in step S707.

  In the special figure variation start process, on the condition that the hold information is stored and stored, the process for shifting the hold information to the execution area AE of the hold storage area 154b is executed, and the data of each of the hold areas RE1 to RE4 is also transferred. A process of shifting to the upper side (that is, the first reservation area RE1 side) is executed. After that, with respect to the hold information shifted to the execution area AE, whether or not to determine whether or not it corresponds to the jackpot winning, and if it corresponds to the jackpot winning, the hold information corresponds to any jackpot result A distribution determination process is performed to determine whether or not it is in progress. In the determination process, whether or not the numerical information acquired from the jackpot random number counter C1 in the hold information is numerical information corresponding to the jackpot winning is determined. In the distribution determination process, it is determined whether the numerical information acquired from the jackpot type counter C2 in the hold information corresponds to which jackpot result category.

  In addition to the success / failure determination process and the distribution determination process, when the hold information does not correspond to the big win, the reach determination process is performed to determine whether or not the hold information corresponds to the occurrence of reach. Then, the duration selection process for selecting the duration of the game times is executed using the numerical information of the variation type counter CS at that time. In the reach determination process, it is determined whether or not the numerical information acquired from the reach random number counter C3 in the hold information corresponds to the numerical information on the occurrence of reach.

  When the duration information is selected, the change command including the duration information and the type command including the game result information are transmitted to the voice light emission control device 62 and the pattern display unit 47 displays the pattern. Start the variable display. As a result, one game round is started, and an effect for the game round is started on the special figure display unit 47 and the symbol display device 46a.

  By the way, when the effect for the game round is started in this way, the numerical information of the special figure special electric counter is incremented by 1 so that the numerical information of the counter corresponds to the special figure variation start process. Update to the one corresponding to the changing process.

  If the acquired start address is SA1, the process jumps to the special figure changing process of step S708. In the special figure changing process, a process for determining whether or not it is during the game time duration and before the fixed display is performed. A process for regularly changing the aspect is executed.

  By the way, instead of waiting in the special figure changing process until it is the timing to display the fixed figure, if it is not the timing to make a fixed display, the process for changing the regular figure is executed and then the special figure is changing. The process ends. Therefore, after the game-turn effect is started, the special-figure changing process is started every time the special-figure special-electric control process is started until the timing for final display is reached. In addition, when it is time to confirm and display, the numerical information of the special figure special electric counter is incremented by 1, so that the numerical information of the counter corresponds to the special figure finalizing process from the one corresponding to the special figure changing process Update to what you did.

  If the acquired start address is SA2, the process jumps to the special figure determining process in step S709. In the special figure determination process, a final stop command is transmitted to the sound emission control device 62 in order to cause the symbol display device 46a to display the stop result of the current game round as a final stop display. The display mode is a display mode corresponding to the lottery result of the current game time. In the special figure confirmation process, it is determined whether or not the period during confirmation display has elapsed, and if the period has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the transition to the opening / closing execution mode occurs. When the transition to the opening / closing execution mode occurs, the mode transition process is executed.

  By the way, instead of waiting in the special figure determination process until the fixed display period elapses, this special figure determination process is terminated if the period has not elapsed. Therefore, after the fixed display is started, the special figure determination process is started each time the special figure special power control process is started until the period during the fixed display elapses. In addition, when the period during the fixed display has elapsed, in a situation where the transition to the opening / closing execution mode does not occur, the numerical information of the special figure special counter is initialized (that is, “0” is cleared) and the transition to the opening / closing execution mode is performed In such a situation, by adding 1 to the numerical information of the special figure special power counter, the numerical information of the counter is updated from the one corresponding to the special figure determination process to the one corresponding to the special electric power start process.

  If the acquired start address is SA3, the process jumps to the special electricity start process in step S710. In the special electricity start process, an opening command indicating that the opening / closing execution mode is started is transmitted to the sound emission control device 62. In the special electricity start process, it is determined whether or not the opening period of the opening / closing execution mode has elapsed. When the opening period has not elapsed, this special power start process is terminated instead of waiting in the special power start process. Therefore, after the opening effect in the opening / closing execution mode is started, the special power start process is started each time the special figure special power control process is started until the opening period elapses. In addition, when the opening period has elapsed, the numerical information of the special figure special power counter is incremented by 1, thereby updating the numerical information of the counter from the one corresponding to the special power start process to the one corresponding to the special power open process. .

  If the acquired start address is SA4, the process jumps to the special power release releasing process in step S711. In the special electric release opening process, one round game is started, and it is determined whether or not the end condition of the round game is satisfied. When the end condition is not satisfied, the process is not waited for in the special electricity release process, but the process for monitoring the establishment of the end condition is executed, and then the special electricity release process is terminated. When the above termination condition is satisfied, the numerical information of the special figure special power counter is incremented by 1, so that the numerical information of the counter is changed from the one corresponding to the special electric power open process to the one corresponding to the special electric power closed process. Update.

  If the acquired start address is SA5, the process jumps to the special electricity closing process in step S712. In the special electricity closing process, a process of ending one round game is executed. Further, in the interval period between round games, it is determined whether or not the interval period has elapsed. When the interval period has not elapsed, this special electric power closing process is terminated instead of waiting in the special electric power closing process. Therefore, when the interval period is started, the special power closing process is started each time the special figure special electric control process is started until the period elapses. In addition, when the interval period has elapsed, by subtracting 1 from the numerical information of the special figure special electricity counter, the numerical information of the counter is updated from the one corresponding to the special electric current closing process to the one corresponding to the special electric current opening process. To do.

  On the other hand, in the special power shut-off process for the last round game, after executing the process of ending one round game, the numerical information of the special figure special power counter is incremented by 1 so that the numerical information of the counter is changed to the special power shut-off process. Update from the corresponding one to the one corresponding to the special electricity termination processing.

  If the acquired start address is SA6, the process jumps to the special power end process in step S713. In the special electric power end process, an ending command indicating that the open / close execution mode is ended is transmitted to the sound emission control device 62. In the special electric power end process, it is determined whether or not the ending period of the opening / closing execution mode has elapsed. If the ending period has not elapsed, the special electric power end processing is terminated instead of waiting in the special electric power end processing. Therefore, after the ending effect in the opening / closing execution mode is started, the special electric power end process is started every time the special figure special electric control process is started until the ending period elapses. In addition, when the ending period has elapsed, after executing processing for setting the gaming state (open / close lottery mode and support mode) after the opening / closing execution mode, the numerical information of the special figure special electricity counter is initialized. The numerical information of the counter is updated from the one corresponding to the special electric power end process to the one corresponding to the special figure fluctuation start process.

<Processing for Managing the Game Ball B to be Executed by the Payout MPU 162 and the Management MPU 172>
Next, a process for managing the game ball B executed by the payout side MPU 162 and the management side MPU 172 will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed in the payout side MPU 162. The timer interrupt process is started at a specific period on the payout side, specifically at a period of 4 msec.

  In the timer interrupt process, first, in step S801, a game ball management process for managing the rental of the game ball B and the use of the game ball B is executed, and in the subsequent step S802, the launch of the game ball B is managed. In step S803, a return management process for managing the return of the game value (that is, the storage medium M) is executed. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is terminated. Hereinafter, each process of step S801 to step S803 will be described in detail.

<Game Ball Management Processing>
First, the game ball management process executed in step S801 will be described. Prior to the description of the game ball management process, the ball supply management process executed by the management MPU 172 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The management process for supplying the sphere is executed in step S307 of the main process (FIG. 21) in the management side MPU 172.

  First, in step S901, based on a signal from the banknote circuit 175, it is determined whether or not a banknote has been inserted into the cash slot 132 of the management unit 131. If a bill has been inserted, bill discrimination processing is executed in step S902. In the banknote circuit 175, the size of the inserted banknote can be identified. When a 10,000 yen bill is inserted, a corresponding banknote insertion signal is output and a 5,000 yen bill is inserted. Outputs a bill insertion signal corresponding to it, outputs a bill insertion signal corresponding to the insertion of a 2000 yen bill, and outputs a corresponding bill insertion signal when a 1000 yen bill is inserted. Is output. In the discrimination processing in step S902, it is discriminated which type of bill insertion signal is received from the bill circuit 175.

  In subsequent step S903, the frequency information corresponding to the determination result in step S902 is grasped by referring to the frequency reference table stored in advance in the management-side ROM 173. Specifically, if it is a 10,000 yen bill, the frequency information is “100”, and if it is a 5000 yen bill, the frequency information is “50”, and it is 2,000 yen. When it is a bill, it is grasped that the frequency information is “20”, and when it is a 1,000 yen bill, it is grasped that the frequency information is “10”.

  Thereafter, in step S904, the frequency information output setting corresponding to the result obtained in step S903 is executed. Specifically, the ball supply command including the frequency information grasped in step S903 is output to the payout MPU 162.

  When a negative determination is made in step S901 or after the processing of step S904 is executed, the storage medium M is inserted into the medium insertion port 133 of the management unit 131 based on the signal from the medium circuit 177 in step S905. It is determined whether or not. The storage medium M is configured so that the frequency information and the remaining sphere information can be stored individually and can be stored simultaneously. The remaining ball information is information indicating the number of game balls B that can be used by the player. The medium circuit 177 is configured to be able to individually read the frequency information and the remaining sphere information stored in the storage medium M and recognize each of them.

  If the storage medium M is loaded, it is determined in step S906 whether or not the frequency information is written in the storage medium M based on the signal from the medium circuit 177. If the frequency information has been written, the frequency information is read in step S907, and the output setting of the read frequency information is executed in step S908. Specifically, the ball supply command including the frequency information read in step S907 is output to the payout MPU 162.

  If a negative determination is made in step S906 or after the processing in step S908 is executed, it is determined in step S909 whether or not the remaining sphere information is written in the storage medium M based on the signal from the medium circuit 177. judge. If the remaining sphere information is written, the remaining sphere information is read in step S910, and the output setting of the read remaining sphere information is executed in step S911. Specifically, the ball supply command including the remaining ball information read in step S910 is output to the payout MPU 162. When a negative determination is made in step S909 or after the process of step S911 is executed, the management process for supplying the main ball is ended.

  Even when both the frequency information and the remaining sphere information are stored in the input storage medium M, the sphere supply command corresponding to the frequency information and the sphere supply command corresponding to the remaining sphere information are individually provided. Sent to.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a game ball management process executed by the payout side MPU 162. In the following description, display contents of the frequency display unit 147 and the remaining number display unit 148 of the operation unit 141 will be described with reference to FIG. 32A to 32C are front views of the operation unit 141. FIG.

  In step S1001, it is determined whether a ball supply command is received from the management side MPU 172 or not. The ball supply commands transmitted from the management side MPU 172 are sequentially stored in the ring buffer of the payout side RWM 164, and the ball supply commands stored in the ring buffer are sequentially read each time the game ball management process is activated. Therefore, in step S1001, it is determined whether an unprocessed ball supply command is stored in the ring buffer.

  If a ball supply command has been received, it is determined in step S1002 whether or not frequency information is included in the ball supply command. If the frequency information is included, in step S1003, the frequency information included in the ball supply command received this time is added to the frequency information storage area 164a provided in the payout side RWM 164. 164a is updated. In the subsequent step S1004, the display of the frequency display unit 147 is updated so that the frequency information in the frequency information storage area 164a after the update in step S1003 is displayed on the frequency display unit 147 of the operation unit 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 32A, “50” is displayed on the frequency display unit 147 in a situation where “0” is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1002, it means that the current sphere supply command includes remaining sphere information instead of frequency information. In this case, in step S1005, the storage area 164b is updated so that the remaining sphere information storage area 164b provided in the payout side RWM 164 is added with the remaining sphere information included in the currently received sphere supply command. In the following step S1006, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining ball information in the remaining ball information storage area 164b after the update in step S1005 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148 of the operation unit 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 32B, “5375” is displayed on the remaining number display portion 148 in a situation where “0” is displayed on the frequency display portion 147. Further, for example, when the storage medium M in which both the frequency information and the remaining sphere information are written is inserted into the medium insertion port 133 of the management unit 131, as shown in FIG. 32C, the frequency display unit 147 “25” is displayed at the same time, and “7243” is displayed at the remaining number display portion 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1001, if the process in step S1004 is executed, or if the process in step S1006 is executed, the process proceeds to the ball supply process in steps S1007 to S1011.

  In the ball supply process, first, in step S1007, it is determined whether or not the ball supply button 142 of the operation unit 141 is operated. If the ball supply button 142 is operated, a storage update process for subtraction of frequency information is executed in step S1008. Specifically, the storage area 164a is updated so that a predetermined number of pieces of frequency information (specifically “5”) is subtracted from the frequency information stored in the frequency information storage area 164a. In subsequent step S1009, the display of the frequency display unit 147 is updated so that the frequency information in the frequency information storage area 164a after the update in step S1008 is displayed on the frequency display unit 147.

  In the subsequent step S1010, a storage update process for adding the remaining sphere information is executed. Specifically, the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b is added with the corresponding number of remaining sphere information (specifically “125”) corresponding to the predetermined number of frequency information. Thus, the storage area 164b is updated. In the subsequent step S1011, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b after the update in step S1010 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1007 or if the process of step S1011 is executed, the process proceeds to a prize ball handling process in steps S1012 to S1015.

  In the prize ball handling process, first, in step S1012, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is received from the main MPU 152. The prize ball commands transmitted from the main MPU 152 are sequentially stored in the ring buffer of the payout RWM 164, and the prize ball commands stored in the ring buffer are sequentially read each time the game ball management process is activated. Therefore, in step S1012, it is determined whether an unprocessed prize ball command is stored in the ring buffer.

  If a prize ball command has been received, the number of prize balls is ascertained in step S1013. In the grasping process, information on the number of prize balls included in the prize ball command received this time is grasped. In the present pachinko machine 10, the prize ball command transmitted from the main MPU 152 is one of the three prize ball commands, the ten prize ball commands, and the fifteen prize ball commands. The number of balls is either 3, 10, or 15.

  In the subsequent step S1014, a storage update process for adding the remaining sphere information is executed. Specifically, the storage area 164b is updated so that the remaining ball information corresponding to the number of prize balls is added to the remaining ball information stored in the remaining ball information storage area 164b. In the subsequent step S1015, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b after the update in step S1014 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1012, or if the process of step S1015 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1016 to execute a management process for using game balls, and in step S1017, output of the frequency information and remaining ball information After executing the process, the present game ball management process is terminated. The management process of game ball use in step S1016 will be described later. In step S1017, the frequency information stored in the frequency information storage area 164a of the payout RWM 164 and the remaining ball information stored in the remaining ball information storage area 164b of the payout RWM 164 are stored in the main MPU 152 as a ball management command. Output.

<Launch management processing>
Next, the launch management process executed in step S802 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 29) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1101, it is determined whether or not the front door 22 is being opened. As described above, the opening detection switch 39 that detects whether or not the front door 22 is open is electrically connected to the main MPU 152, and the main MPU 152 indicates the detection result of the opening detection switch 39 as the payout MPU 162. Send to. The payout side MPU 162 determines whether or not the front door 22 is being opened based on the transmitted detection result.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether or not the condition satisfaction signal is at the HI level. As described above, the condition satisfaction signal is a signal output from the firing control device 65 toward the payout side MPU 162, and the touch sensor 36c detects that the operation handle 36b of the firing operation device 36 is touched. In the situation where the stop switch 36e is not ON, the transmission of the HI level condition satisfaction signal is continued. In step S1104, it is determined whether or not the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b of the payout side RWM 164 is 1 or more.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1101 and an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the output state of the firing permission signal is set to the HI level in step S1104. The launch permission signal is a signal output from the payout side MPU 162 toward the launch control device 65, and the payout side MPU 162 continues to transmit the launch permission signal at the HI level when the above condition is satisfied. When the launch control device 65 receives an HI-level launch permission signal from the payout MPU 162, the launch control device 65 uses the ball feed mechanism 8003 and the launch device 8001 to launch the game ball B. After executing the process of step S1105, the present launch management process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1101, or a negative determination is made in step S1102, the output state of the firing permission signal is set to the LOW level in step S1105. Thereby, the launch of the game ball B is stopped. After executing the process of step S1105, the present launch management process is terminated.

  Here, in the situation where the front door 22 is open as described above, the output state of the firing permission signal is set to the LOW level, so that when the front door 22 is open, the game ball B Launch is prohibited. This prevents the game ball B from being fired even when the front door 22 is open. For example, when the front door 22 is opened for maintenance of a game area or the like, Outflow from the pachinko machine 10 is prevented.

  Next, the launch control process executed by the launch controller 65 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the launch control process is periodically started at a cycle of 2 msec.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the launch permission signal output from the payout side MPU 162 is at the HI level. If the launch permission signal is at the HI level, the value of the launch cycle counter provided in the launch control device 65 is incremented by 1 in step S1202, and if the launch permission signal is at the LOW level, the process proceeds to step S1203. The value of the firing period counter is cleared to “0”. The firing cycle counter has a predetermined firing cycle of the game ball B in a situation where the game ball B should be launched using the ball feeding mechanism 8003 and the launch device 8001 based on the operation of the launch operation device 36. It is a counter used for

  When the process of step S1202 is executed or when the process of step S1203 is executed, it is determined in step S1204 whether or not the ball has been fed. In the situation where the ball has been fed, in the situation where the game ball B should be launched based on the operation of the launch operation device 36, the supply (loading) operation of one game ball B onto the launch rail 8002 by the ball feed mechanism 8003 has already been performed. It is a completed state.

  If the ball is not already fed, it is determined in step S1205 whether or not the value of the firing period counter is “300”. As already described, the firing cycle counter is incremented by 1 each time the firing control process is started in a state where the firing permission signal is at the HI level. Further, the launch control process is started every 2 msec. Therefore, the case where the value of the firing cycle counter is “300” means that the output state of the HI level continues after the firing permission signal becomes the HI level, or one game ball B Means that 0.6 sec has passed in a state where the output state of the HI level launch permission signal has continued since the launch of.

  When the value of the firing period counter is “300”, the process proceeds to step S1206 to step S1208. In step S1206, the value of the firing cycle counter is cleared to “0”. In step S1207, a ball feed drive signal is output to the ball feed mechanism 8003. In step S1208, the ball feed state is set. By outputting a driving signal for ball feeding, the ball feeding mechanism 8003 supplies (loads) one game ball B from the ball tray 71 onto the firing rail 8002.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1204, 1 is added to the value of the counter-ball feed counter provided in the firing control device 65 in step S1209. The after-ball-feeding counter drives and controls the launching device 8001 after one game ball B is supplied (loaded) onto the launching rail 8002 by the ball-feeding mechanism 8003 based on the operation of the launching operation device 36. This is a counter for specifying the timing of firing B in the firing control device 65.

  In a succeeding step S1210, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter after ball feeding is “100”. As described above, the counter after ball feeding is incremented by 1 each time the launch control process is started in the ball feeding completed state. The launch control process is started every 2 msec. Therefore, the case where the value of the counter after ball feeding is “100” means that 0.2 sec has passed after one game ball B is supplied (loaded) on the firing rail 8002.

  When the value of the counter after the ball feeding is “100”, the process proceeds to step S1211 to step S1213. In step S1211, the firing intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle 36b is grasped based on the signal transmitted from the variable resistor 36d of the firing operation device 36. In step S <b> 1212, a driving signal for launching according to the launching intensity grasped in step S <b> 1211 is output to the launching device 8001. As a result, the game ball B supplied (loaded) on the launch rail 8002 is fired with a launch intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle 36b. Thereafter, in step S1213, the ball feeding completed state is canceled.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1205, if the process of step S1208 is executed, if a negative determination is made in step S1210, or if the process of step S1213 is executed, the main emission control process is terminated.

  Next, game ball use management processing executed in the payout side MPU 162 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the management process for using the game ball is executed in step S1016 of the game ball management process (FIG. 31).

  First, in step S1301, it is determined whether the condition satisfaction signal is at the HI level. As already described, the condition satisfaction signal is a signal output from the firing control device 65 toward the payout MPU 162. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, a ball use process is executed in steps S1302 to S1307.

  In the ball use process, first, in step S1302, the game ball B is detected from the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120 for detecting one game ball B supplied (loaded) from the ball feed mechanism 8003 onto the launch rail 8002. It is determined whether or not a HI level shot ball detection signal corresponding to the detection of the signal is received. If the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is ON (reception), 1 is added to the value of the firing preparation ball detection counter provided in the payout-side RWM 164 in step S1303. In a succeeding step S1304, it is determined whether or not the value of the firing preparation sphere detection counter is “150”. If the value of the launch preparation sphere detection counter is not “150”, the sphere use process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S1308. If the value of the firing preparation ball detection counter is “150”, the value of the firing preparation ball detection counter is cleared to “0” in step S1305, and the process proceeds to step S1306.

  As described above, the ball feeding period of the game ball in the game ball launching mechanism 80 is 0.6 sec. The launch preparation ball detection counter is supplied (loaded) from the ball feed mechanism 8003 to the launch device 8001 in a situation where the game ball B is to be launched using the game ball launch mechanism 80 based on the operation of the launch operation device 36. ) Is a counter used to set a detection cycle of the game ball B to be predetermined in the payout side MPU 162. Since the timer interruption process is executed at a cycle of 4 msec, it takes 0.6 sec for the full shooting preparation ball detection counter to make one round, which is the same cycle as the ball feeding cycle in the game ball launching mechanism 80.

  In step S1306, a storage update process for subtracting the remaining sphere information is executed. Specifically, the storage area 164b is updated so that 1 is subtracted from the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b. In the subsequent step S1307, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b after the update in step S1305 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1301, a negative determination is made in step S1302, a negative determination is made in step S1304, or if the process in step S1307 is executed, the process returns from step S1308 to step S1313. Perform processing for the sphere.

  In the processing for the return ball, first, in step S1308, the game ball B is detected from the return ball detection sensor 124 for detecting one game ball B passing through the return ball collection unit 121. It is determined whether or not a corresponding HI level return ball detection signal has been received. If the return ball detection sensor 124 is not ON, the value of the return detection counter provided in the payout side RMW 164 is cleared to “0” in step S1309, and then the management process for using this game ball is ended. . The return detection counter is a counter for measuring in the payout side MPU 162 a period during which the return ball detection sensor 124 is continuously ON. The measurement period is set based on the detection time when the game ball B passes the detection position of the return ball detection sensor 124.

  If the return ball detection sensor 124 is ON, 1 is added to the value of the return detection counter in step S1310. In a succeeding step S1311, it is determined whether or not the value of the return detection counter is “2”. If the value of the return detection counter is not “2”, the game ball use management process is terminated.

  If the value of the return detection counter is “2”, a storage update process for adding the remaining sphere information is executed in step S1312. Specifically, the storage area 164b is updated so that the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b is incremented by one. In the subsequent step S1313, the display of the remaining number display unit 148 is updated so that the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b after the update in step S1312 is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148. Thereafter, the management process for using the game ball is ended. In this way, since the presence or absence of a return ball is always monitored, even when a plurality of return balls are generated, each of them can be counted individually. When a return ball (game ball B) is detected, the detection result Can be immediately displayed in the remaining number display portion 148.

  Next, how the number of usable game balls B is increased or decreased will be described. FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing how the number of usable game balls B is increased or decreased.

  In a situation where the remaining ball information in the remaining ball information storage area 164b is 1 or more, the shooting operation device 36 is fired by the player at the timing t1. As a result, one game ball B is supplied (loaded) onto the firing rail 8002 by the ball feed mechanism 8003 at the timing t2 when 0.6 sec has elapsed from the timing t1. This game ball B is detected by the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 at the timing t3 which is the timing before being launched, and 1 is subtracted from the remaining ball information in the remaining ball information storage area 164b. Then, at the timing of t4, the game ball B on the launch rail 8002 is launched by the launch device 8001.

  Thereafter, the timing of t5 when 0.6 sec has elapsed from the timing of t2, the timing of t6 when 0.6 sec has elapsed from the timing of t5, the timing of t10 when 0.6 sec has elapsed from the timing of t6, and the timing of 0 from the timing of t10. Similarly to the timing of t2, the timing of t11 when 6 sec has passed, the timing of t12 when 0.6 sec has passed from the timing of t11, and the timing of t13 when 0.6 sec has passed since the timing of t12, respectively, The game balls B are fed and the game balls B are fired. At each timing, 1 is subtracted from the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b.

  However, in the firing cycle at the timing of t6, the case where the return ball game ball B is collected by the return ball collection unit 121 without reaching the game area is shown. In this case, first, one game ball B is supplied (loaded) onto the launch rail 8002 by the ball feed mechanism 8003 at the timing of t6, and this game ball B is detected by the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120 at the timing of t7. The remaining ball information in the remaining ball information storage area 164b is detected and 1 is subtracted, and the game ball B on the launch rail 8002 is launched by the launching device 8001 at the timing t8. Thereafter, at time t9, the return ball detection sensor 124 detects the game ball B that is a return ball, thereby adding 1 to the remaining ball information in the remaining ball information storage area 164b.

  Further, the remaining sphere information is “0” in the firing period at the timing of t13. In this case, first, one game ball B is supplied (loaded) onto the launch rail 8002 by the ball feed mechanism 8003 at the timing t13, and this game ball B is detected by the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120 at the timing t14. Detected and 1 is subtracted from the remaining sphere information in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b. Thereby, the remaining sphere information becomes “0”, and the output state of the firing permission signal is switched from the HI level to the LOW level. Thereafter, at the timing of t15, the game ball B on the launch rail 8002 is launched by the launch device 8001. Thereafter, since the output state of the launch permission signal is LOW at the timing t14, the game ball B is not newly supplied (loaded) on the launch rail 8002, and the game ball B is launched. Is stopped.

<Return management processing>
Next, the return management process executed in step S803 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 29) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the condition satisfaction signal is at the HI level. When the condition establishment signal is not at the HI level, that is, when the player is not operating the firing operation device 36, processing for providing the storage medium M after step S1402 is executed. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, processing for providing the storage medium M is executed on condition that the launching device 8001 is not operated. As a result, it is prohibited to perform the process for providing the storage medium M in a situation where the remaining ball information subtraction process associated with the launch operation is being performed, and the remaining ball information can be handled accurately. .

  In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the all return button 143 of the operation unit 141 is operated. If the all return button 143 has been operated, it is determined in step S1403 whether the open / close execution mode is in effect. The payout MPU 162 receives an opening command from the main MPU 152 at the start of the opening / closing execution mode, and further receives an ending command from the main MPU 152 at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, and therefore grasps whether or not it is in the opening / closing execution mode. It is possible. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1403, that is, if the opening / closing execution mode is in effect, the return management process is terminated as it is. This makes it possible to invalidate the operation of all return buttons 143 during the opening / closing execution mode.

  In a configuration in which the game ball B cannot be replenished from the outside to the ball tray unit 71 and the release of the game ball B is allowed when the remaining ball information is 1 or more, the total return button 143 is operated. It is impossible to fire the game ball B at least between the time until the storage medium M is discharged and the time when the storage medium M or bill is inserted and a new set of remaining ball information is performed. . If such an event occurs due to an erroneous operation of the all return button 143 during the opening / closing execution mode, the round game cannot be suitably digested. On the other hand, it is difficult to think that the all return button 143 is intentionally operated during the opening / closing execution mode. On the other hand, the inconvenience as described above is prevented by invalidating the operation of the all return button 143 during the opening / closing execution mode.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1403, the process proceeds to step S1404, and it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the prize ball standby flag provided in the payout side RWM 164. The payout side MPU 162 can receive a standby start command indicating the contents when any value of each prize ball counter provided in the main side RWM 154 becomes 1 or more, and each prize ball counter When all the values are “0”, a standby end command indicating the contents can be received. The winning ball waiting flag is set to “1” when a waiting start command is received, and a process for adding to the remaining ball information for the winning ball command received simultaneously with the waiting end command is received. “0” is cleared when the process is completed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1404, that is, if the award ball processing has not been completed, the return management processing is terminated as it is. This makes it possible to invalidate the operation of the all return button 143 in a situation where the processing of the prize ball is not completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the remaining ball information from becoming “1” or more based on the winning ball immediately after the storage medium M is ejected based on the operation of the all return button 143.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1404, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, frequency information is read from the frequency information storage area 164a of the payout RWM 164, and in step S1406, remaining ball information is read from the remaining ball information storage area 164b of the payout RWM 164.

  In a succeeding step S1407, it is determined whether or not the frequency information read in the step S1405 is 1 or more. If the frequency information is 1 or more, in step S1408, a return command including the read frequency information is set as an output target to the management side MPU 172. The return command is output to the management side MPU 172 after the return management process is completed. Thereafter, in step S1409, frequency information initialization processing is executed. Specifically, the frequency information storage area 164a is cleared to “0”, and the frequency display unit 147 is controlled to display “0” on the frequency display unit 147 of the operation unit 141.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1407, or if the process of step S1409 is executed, it is determined in step S1410 whether or not the remaining sphere information read in step S1406 is 1 or more. If the remaining sphere information is “0”, the return management process is terminated as it is. If the remaining sphere information is 1 or more, in step S1411, a return command including the read remaining sphere information is set as an output target to the management side MPU 172. In this case, if a return command has already been set as an output target in step S1408, the read remaining ball information is included in the return command in a state distinguished from frequency information. As described above, the return command is output toward the management side MPU 172 after the return management process is completed. Thereafter, in step S1412, the remaining sphere information is initialized. Specifically, the remaining sphere information storage area 164b is cleared to “0” and the remaining number display unit 148 is controlled to display “0” on the remaining number display unit 148 of the operation unit 141. Thereafter, the return management process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1402, the partial return management process is terminated after executing a partial return management process in step S1413. The management process for partial return will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the increase instruction button 144 of the operation unit 141 has been operated. When the increase instruction button 144 is operated, in step S1502, the partial return ball information stored in the partial return ball information storage area 164c provided in the payout RWM 164 is the remaining ball information storage area of the payout RWM 164. It is determined whether it is less than the remaining sphere information of 164b.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, an addition process for partial return is executed in step S1503. Specifically, the storage area 164c is updated so that the value of the partial return ball information storage area 164c is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S1504, a display update process for partial return is executed. In this process, display control is performed on the remaining number display unit 148 so that the number corresponding to the partially returned ball information stored in the partially returned ball information storage area 164c is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148. That is, the remaining number display portion 148 basically displays the number corresponding to the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b, but when a partly returning operation is performed. The remaining number display unit 148 is also used as a display unit for displaying the number corresponding to the partial return ball information stored in the partial return ball information storage area 164c.

  Thereafter, in step S1505, “5000” is set in a partially returning counter provided in the payout side RWM 164. The partially returning counter is a counter for measuring the valid period of the operation when the increase instruction button 144 or the decrease instruction button 145 of the operation unit 141 is operated.

  When the value of the partially returning counter is 1 or more, the remaining number display unit 148 displays a number corresponding to the partially returned ball information stored in the partially returned ball information storage area 164c. When the value of the part returning counter becomes “0”, the number corresponding to the remaining sphere information stored in the remaining sphere information storage area 164b is displayed on the remaining number display section 148. Further, the value of the partially returning counter is cleared to “0” when the condition satisfaction signal becomes the HI level, and is also cleared to “0” when the all return button 143 is operated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1501, it is determined in step S1506 whether or not the decrease instruction button 145 of the operation unit 141 has been operated. If the decrease instruction button 145 is operated, it is determined in step S1507 whether or not the partial return ball information in the partial return ball information storage area 164c provided in the payout side RWM 164 is 1 or more. .

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1507, a partial return subtraction process is executed in step S1508. Specifically, the storage area 164c is updated so that the value of the partially returned ball information storage area 164c is decremented by 1.

  In a succeeding step S1509, a display update process for partial return is executed. In this process, display control is performed on the remaining number display unit 148 so that the number corresponding to the partially returned ball information stored in the partially returned ball information storage area 164c is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148. Thereafter, in step S1510, “5000” is set in the partially returning counter of the payout side RWM 164.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1506, it is determined in step S1511 whether or not the determination button 146 of the operation unit 141 has been operated. If the enter button 146 is operated, a return command including the partial return ball information stored in the partial return ball information storage area 164c is set as an output target to the management side MPU 172 in step S1512. As a result, the partial return ball information corresponding to the operation of the increase instruction button 144 and the decrease instruction button 145 is output to the management side MPU 172.

  In a succeeding step S1513, the partially returning counter is cleared to “0”. In step S1514, the partial return ball information stored in the partial return ball information storage area 164c is subtracted from the residual ball information stored in the residual ball information storage area 164b, and the information of the subtraction result is newly updated. The remaining sphere information storage area 164b is overwritten as the remaining sphere information. At this time, the value of the partially returned ball information storage area 164c is cleared to “0”. Thereafter, in step S1515, display control is performed on the remaining number display unit 148 so that the number corresponding to the remaining ball information stored in the remaining ball information storage area 164b is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1502, a process in step S1505 is executed, a negative determination is made in step S1507, a process in step S1510 is executed, a negative determination is made in step S1511, or a step If the process of S1515 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1516. In step S1516, it is determined whether the value of the partially returning counter is 1 or more.

  If the value of the partial return counter is “0”, the management process for partial return is terminated as it is, and if it is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S1517. In step S1517, 1 is subtracted from the value of the partially returning counter. In a succeeding step S1518, it is determined whether or not the value of the partially returning counter is “0”. If the value of the partial return counter is not “0”, the management processing for partial return is terminated as it is, and if it is “0”, the remaining ball information storage area 164b stores it in step S1519. The remaining number display unit 148 is controlled to display the number corresponding to the remaining sphere information displayed on the remaining number display unit 148. At this time, the value of the partially returned ball information storage area 164c is cleared to “0”. Thereafter, the management process for partially returning is completed.

  Here, when the increase instruction button 144 or the decrease instruction button 145 is operated, “5000” is set in the partially returning counter. Further, when the output of the LOW level condition establishment signal is continued and the all return button 143 is not operated, the value of the partly returning counter every time the return management process (FIG. 37) is activated. 1 is subtracted. The return management process is executed by a timer interrupt process (FIG. 29) activated at a cycle of 4 msec. When the value of the partial return counter becomes “0”, the partial return operation up to that point is invalidated. In other words, even if the increase instruction button 144 or the decrease instruction button 145 is operated, any of the increase instruction button 144, the decrease instruction button 145, and the decision button 146 until a predetermined period (specifically, 20 sec) elapses. If is not operated, the operation for partial return up to that point is invalidated.

  Next, management processing for medium supply executed by the management side MPU 172 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The management process for medium supply is executed in step S308 of the main process (FIG. 21) in the management-side MPU 172.

  In step S1601, it is determined whether or not it is in a returning state by determining whether or not “1” is set in a returning flag provided in the management-side RWM 174. If it is not in the returning state, it is determined in step S1602 whether or not a return command has been received from the payout side MPU 162. As described above, the return command is transmitted from the payout MPU 162 when the full return button 143 of the operation unit 141 is operated or when the decision button 146 is operated after the operation for partial return. The return command transmitted based on the operation of the decision button 146 includes only the remaining sphere information, whereas the return command transmitted based on the operation of the all return button 143 includes the frequency information and There are cases where only one of the remaining sphere information is included and cases where both of them are included.

  If the return command has not been received, the management process for supplying the medium is terminated as it is. If a return command has been received, it is determined in step S1603 whether or not frequency information is included in the current return command. If the frequency information is included, a write instruction signal is transmitted to the medium circuit 177 so that the frequency information is written to the storage medium M in step S1604. As a result, the medium circuit 177 writes the frequency information to the storage medium M. After that, in step S1605, the returning state is set.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1603, or if the process of step S1605 is executed, it is determined in step S1606 whether or not the remaining ball information is included in the current return command. If the remaining sphere information is not included, the management process for supplying the medium is terminated as it is.

  If the remaining sphere information is included, a write instruction signal is transmitted to the medium circuit 177 so that the remaining sphere information is written to the storage medium M in step S1607. As a result, the medium circuit 177 writes the remaining sphere information in the storage medium M. In this case, if the return command this time includes not only the remaining sphere information but also the frequency information, and the process of step S1604 is executed, the remaining sphere information is stored in the storage medium M in which the frequency information is written. Is written to. In the subsequent step S1608, when the return state is not yet set, the return state is set. Thereafter, the management process for supplying the medium is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is in the returning state, it is determined in step S1609 whether writing to the storage medium M is completed in the medium circuit 177. If the writing has not been completed, the management process for supplying the medium is terminated as it is. If the writing has been completed, in step S1610, the drive unit 176c provided corresponding to the medium outlet 134 in the management unit 131 is driven and controlled, so that the storage medium M that has been written is recorded as a medium. It discharges from the discharge port 134. Thereafter, in step S1611, the medium supply management process is terminated after the returning state is canceled.

  Next, the display content of the remaining number display unit 148 when a partial return of the remaining sphere information is executed will be described. 40A to 40D are front views of the operation unit 141. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 40A, in the situation where “25” corresponding to the frequency information is displayed on the frequency display unit 147 and “7243” corresponding to the remaining sphere information is displayed on the remaining number display unit 148, As shown in FIG. 40B, based on the increase instruction button 144 being operated, the remaining number display unit 148 displays the number corresponding to the partially returned ball information. In this case, the remaining number display portion 148 displays “52” corresponding to the partially returned ball information.

  Thereafter, in FIG. 40C, for example, the decrease instruction button 145 is operated so that the number of game balls B corresponding to coffee is reached, and the partial return ball information displayed on the remaining number display portion 148 is “ 50 "is adjusted. When the enter button 146 is operated in this state, the storage medium M in which the remaining ball information “50” is written is ejected. In addition, as shown in FIG. 40 (d), the remaining number display unit 148 has a number ("7193") corresponding to the remaining ball information in a state where the number of game balls B that have been partially returned is subtracted. Is displayed.

  As already explained, in this pachinko machine 10, a large number of game balls B are circulated, the player cannot touch the game balls B, and the winning ball when a winning occurs is the player information as remaining ball information. To be granted. Therefore, it is not possible to exchange for drinks or cigarettes using the actual game ball B in the game hall. On the other hand, by making it possible to return not only the remaining ball information but also a part of the remaining ball information, the remaining ball information necessary for the game remains in the pachinko machine 10 and the amount necessary for the above exchange. It becomes possible for the player to obtain the storage medium M in which only the data is written, and the above exchange can be suitably performed.

  Further, when the player performs a partial return operation on the operation unit 141, the storage medium M in which the number of remaining ball information corresponding to the operation is written is ejected from the management unit 131. . Thereby, the player can exchange the product by handing the storage medium M directly to the store clerk on the game hall side. Therefore, it becomes easy to understand the exchange operation of the product.

  In addition, in a situation where the shooting operation device 36 is operated by the player, the operation for partial return is invalidated. This prohibits the processing for providing the storage medium M in a situation where the subtraction processing of the remaining sphere information accompanying the launch operation is being performed, and allows the remaining sphere information to be handled accurately. It becomes. In addition, since the game ball B is prioritized for launch, for example, when a return operation is performed during a round game in the open / close execution mode, the launch of the game ball B is stopped accordingly. The occurrence of the situation is prevented.

  In addition, since the operation unit 141 is provided with operation buttons 144 to 146 for partial return, the player can use the dedicated operation button when exchanging for a product using a part of the remaining ball information. Since it is sufficient to operate 144 to 146, the operability for the player at the time of such exchange can be improved.

  Further, since the number of remaining sphere information to be used is designated by the operation of the operation buttons 144 to 146, it is not necessary to provide an operation button for each type of product to be exchanged. Therefore, the number of operation buttons can be reduced.

<Remaining sphere handling process executed by main MPU 152>
Next, the remaining sphere handling process executed by the main MPU 152 will be described. Prior to the description of the remaining ball handling process, the confirmation process for the reservation notice will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the confirmation process for the hold notice is executed in step S702 of the special figure special power control process (FIG. 28) in the main MPU 152.

  First, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not a new acquisition of hold information has been performed in the hold information acquisition process in the immediately preceding step S701. When a negative determination is made in step S2201, the confirmation process for the reservation notice is ended as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, in step S2202, the jackpot determination information, that is, the numerical information acquired from the jackpot random number counter C1 is read out of the newly acquired hold information.

  In the following step S2203, it is determined whether or not the current lottery mode is the low probability mode. In the case of the low probability mode, by referring to the success / failure table for the low probability mode in step S2204, it is determined whether or not the numerical information acquired from the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the jackpot winning, In the case of the high probability mode, it is determined in step S2205 whether or not the numerical information acquired from the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the jackpot winning by referring to the winning table for the high probability mode. In this case, the type of numerical information corresponding to the jackpot result set in the success table for the low probability mode is more than the type of numerical information corresponding to the jackpot result set in the success table for the high probability mode. Although there are few types, the former numerical information is all included in the latter numerical information. Therefore, the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1 that is a jackpot result in the low probability mode is a jackpot result even in the high probability mode.

  When the process of step S2204 is executed or when the process of step S2205 is executed, it is determined in step S2206 whether or not it corresponds to a big win. If a negative determination is made in step S2206, the confirmation process for this reservation notice is ended as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2206, in step S2207, the type determination information, that is, the numerical information acquired from the jackpot type counter C2 is read out of the newly acquired hold information.

  In the following step S2208, it is determined whether or not the numerical information acquired from the jackpot type counter C2 corresponds to an opening / closing execution mode that is a high-frequency winning mode. Here, in this pachinko machine 10, as already described, as the opening / closing execution mode, the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode are set so that the occurrence frequency of winning in the variable winning device 42 during the opening / closing execution mode is relatively high. Frequency winning mode is set. In addition, as shown in FIG. 41 (b), as the jackpot result, a low probability big hit result, a low winning high probability big hit result, and a most advantageous jackpot result are set. The advantageous jackpot result triggers the transition to the opening / closing execution mode, which is the high-frequency winning mode. Therefore, in step S2208, it is determined whether the numerical information acquired from the jackpot type counter C2 is either the low probability jackpot result or the most advantageous jackpot result.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2208, the confirmation process for this reservation notice is ended as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2208, after the occurrence flag corresponding to the area in which the newly acquired hold information is stored is set to “1” in step S2209, the confirmation process for the hold notice is made. Exit.

  For details on the occurrence flag, as shown in FIG. 41 (c), the reserved storage area 154b of the main RWM 154 is provided with an execution area AE and first to fourth reserved areas RE1 to RE4. In each of these areas, an occurrence flag is set in one-to-one correspondence with the area for storing the hold information. In addition, when starting a new game round, the hold information held in the first hold area RE1 is shifted to the execution area AE, and the hold information held in the second to fourth hold areas RE2 to RE4. Are shifted to the upper holding area. At this time, the data set in the generation flag is also shifted in accordance with the shift of the corresponding holding information. As described above, the occurrence flag is set to “1” when the corresponding hold information corresponds to the jackpot result that triggers the transition to the opening / closing execution mode that is the high-frequency winning mode. In other words, it is possible to grasp whether or not the corresponding holding information corresponds to the jackpot result that triggers the transition to the opening / closing execution mode that becomes the high-frequency winning mode by the occurrence flag.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the remaining sphere handling process. The remaining sphere handling process is executed in step S419 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22) in the main MPU 152.

  In the remaining sphere handling process, it is determined in step S2301 whether the frequency information is 1 or more, and in step S2302, it is determined whether the remaining sphere information is 10 or less. As described above, the frequency information and the remaining ball information are transmitted from the payout side MPU 162 to the main side MPU 152 by executing the process of step S1017 of the game ball management process (FIG. 31) in the payout side MPU 162. Is done. Further, the main-side MPU 152 grasps the frequency information and the remaining sphere information in the sphere management state reception process in step S418 in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22).

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2301 or if a negative determination is made in step S2302, the remaining ball handling process is terminated as is, a negative determination is made in step S2301, and an affirmative determination is made in step S2302 Then, the process proceeds to step S2303. In other words, when the frequency information is “0” and the remaining sphere information is 10 or less which is a predetermined reference number, the process proceeds to step S2303.

  In step S2303, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the generation flag corresponding to any of the hold information. If the total occurrence flag is “0”, the remaining sphere handling process is terminated. If “1” is set in any of the generation flags, the winning notification command is output to the sound emission control device 62 in step S2304, and then the remaining ball handling process is terminated.

  By outputting the winning notification command, at least one of the speaker device 37 and the symbol display device 46a is the high-frequency winning mode after the end of the current game round or after the end of the game round corresponding to the hold information stored on hold. In such a manner, the player is able to recognize the transition to the opening / closing execution mode.

  For example, in the case of shifting to the opening / closing execution mode that becomes the high-frequency winning mode after the end of the current game round, the symbol is displayed in the symbol display device 46a at the timing before the symbol variation display is started, in all symbol sequences. In a situation where the display is variably displayed, a situation where only a part of the symbol row is variably displayed, or after the timing when the reach variability display is started and before the reach variability display is terminated, "Please replenish." Is displayed and voice is output. In this case, in maintaining the degree of attention to the game through the prediction of whether or not the opening / closing execution mode occurs, after the timing when the reach variation display is started, as a kind of the reach effect or the reach effect and In addition, a configuration in which special notification is executed is preferable.

  In this pachinko machine 10, a specific number of game balls B1 circulate, and when the remaining ball information is not 1 or more, the game balls B1 cannot be launched based on the launch operation. In this case, in the situation where the frequency information is “0” and the remaining ball information is “0” or a small number, the player frequently inserts a banknote when the high-frequency winning mode open / close execution mode occurs. In addition, the ball supply button 142 is further operated to replenish the remaining ball information. Since the replenishment requires a predetermined period, the game ball B1 is released during this predetermined period. The opening / closing execution mode will proceed without being made. On the other hand, in the round game in the high-frequency winning mode, the upper limit time for opening the variable winning device 42 is set so as to allow the upper limit number of winnings, which is one end condition of the round game, as described above. If the game ball B1 is not fired for a predetermined period of time, the upper limit number of winnings may not be generated in a round game such as the first round. On the other hand, in the situation where the frequency information is “0” and the remaining ball information is equal to or less than the reference number as described above, the game times corresponding to the on-hold information stored after the end of the current game times or on hold. In the case of shifting to the opening / closing execution mode that becomes the high-frequency winning mode after the end of the game, a special notification corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode is executed to the player. As a result, the player can replenish the remaining ball information in advance before the opening / closing execution mode that becomes the high-frequency winning mode occurs, and the occurrence of the inconveniences described above can be prevented. .

  In addition, the timing at which the hold information is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode of the high-frequency winning mode at a timing before the determination is made that the hold information is determined to be a game start target, specifically, the hold information is acquired. It is determined whether or not. As a result, the special notification can be executed at an early stage, and for the player, the remaining ball information can be replenished with a margin before shifting to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In addition, the special notification is not executed when the hold information that is the opening / closing execution mode of the low-frequency winning mode is stored. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the frequency at which the special notification is executed, and the possibility that the execution of the special notification impairs the original game performance is reduced.

  Further, when the frequency information is stored, the special notification is not executed regardless of the value of the remaining sphere information. If the frequency information is stored, it is possible to convert to the remaining ball information at an early stage. Low. Therefore, by not performing the special notification when the frequency information is stored, the possibility that the execution of the special notification impairs the original game performance is reduced.

<Second Embodiment>
The pachinko machine 102 according to the _second embodiment is such that the player cannot touch the game ball B stored in the ball tray portion 71 because the ball cover portion 71 is provided with the plate cover 75. The game ball B cannot be replenished to the ball tray 71 without permission, the game ball B is launched based on the launch operation within the range of the remaining ball information, and the remaining ball information is stored as a storage medium M to the player. While such points to be provided is the same as the above first embodiment, the game balls B without having to circulate in the pachinko machine 10 _2, island game hall game ball B flowing down the gaming area from the pachinko machine 10 ₂ Discharged into the facility.

With the change of the configuration, in this embodiment, a back pack unit 221 is provided on the rear side of the main body base 21. Figure 43 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10 ₂ for explaining the structure of the back pack unit 221.

  The back pack unit 221 is configured by integrating a back pack 222 and a game ball payout mechanism 223. The back pack 222 is integrally formed of synthetic resin such as ABS resin. The backpack 222 is provided with a payout mechanism 223. Specifically, a tank 224 opened upward is provided at the top of the back pack 222, and the game balls B supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 224. A tank rail 225 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the lower side of the tank 224, and a case rail 226 extending in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 225. A payout device 227 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 226, and is driven and controlled by the payout control device 64 so that a necessary number of game balls B are appropriately supplied to the ball tray portion 71.

In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, on the surface which faces the support base body 31 side in the launch control apparatus 65, the game ball | bowl B which flowed down the game area and was guide | induced to the back side of the game board 33 is collect | recovered, and the collection | recovery passage for discharging the game balls B to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 ₂ is formed.

  Next, a configuration for making the specific number of game balls B stored in the ball tray 71 constant will be described. FIG. 44A is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the outlet 72 of the ball tray 71 and the vicinity thereof in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 44 (a), the communication port 104 leading to the outlet 72 of the ball tray 71 is connected to the most downstream portion of the game ball passage continuing from the payout device 227, and the return ball collecting unit. The most downstream part of 121 is connected. The communication port 104 is provided with a ball supply detection sensor 228 for detecting the game ball B passing through the communication port 104. The ball supply detection sensor 228 is electrically connected to the payout control device 64, and the payout control device 64 executes drive control of the payout device 227 while using the detection result of the ball supply detection sensor 228.

  Note that the ball supply detection sensor 228 detects not only the game ball B paid out from the payout device 227 and supplied to the ball tray unit 71 but also the game ball B collected by the return ball collection unit 121. The return ball recovery unit 121 is provided with a return ball detection sensor 124 as in the first embodiment. The detection result of the ball supply detection sensor 228 is used to make a certain number of game balls B stored in the ball tray unit 71 constant, whereas the detection result of the return ball detection sensor 124 is Similar to the first embodiment, it is used to adjust the remaining sphere information.

  Next, a process executed by the payout side MPU 162 in order to make the number of game balls B stored in the ball tray 71 constant at a specific number will be described. FIG. 44 (b) is a flowchart showing a process for stabilizing the stored ball.

  In step S2701, whether or not one game ball B is newly supplied (loaded) on the firing rail 8002 by determining whether or not the memory update process for subtraction of the remaining ball information has been executed in the payout side MPU 162. Determine whether or not. When an affirmative determination is made in step S2701, 1 is subtracted from the value of the stored ball counter provided in the payout side RWM 164 in step S2702. The stored ball counter is a counter for measuring the number of game balls B stored in the ball tray unit 71.

 In the following step S2703, it is determined whether or not the value of the stored ball counter after the subtraction is less than a specific number, that is, whether or not it is less than 100. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2703, a ball supply instruction signal is output to the payout device 227 in step S2704. As a result, the game balls B that are less than the specific number are paid out from the payout device 227 toward the ball tray 71.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2701, a negative determination is made in step S2703, or if the process of step S2704 is executed, the process proceeds to step S2705. In step S2705, it is determined whether or not one game ball B is detected by the ball supply detection sensor 228. If a negative determination is made in step S2705, the present stabilization process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2705, the value of the storage ball counter is incremented by 1 in step S2706, and then the present stabilization process. Exit.

According to the embodiment described above, while it flows down the game region as the game balls B discharged from the play area and is discharged from the pachinko machine 10 _2, game balls, which is stored in the Tamasara 71 The dispensing device 227 is driven and controlled so that the number of B is a specific number. Thus, the non-regular game balls whether thrown into the pachinko machine 10 ₂ monitoring is not required. Further, even a configuration in which game balls B flowing down the play area is discharged from the pachinko machine 10 ₂ on the island equipment game hole, it is possible to perform easily the number of management game ball B.

<Third Embodiment>
The pachinko machine 103 in the _third embodiment is substantially the same as the first and second embodiments, but further includes a return ball detection sensor 8200 and a return ball notification unit 8210. Here, the return ball refers to a game ball B that has not been collected by the return ball collecting unit 121 and has accumulated on the launch position or in the vicinity of the launch position by returning on the launch rail 8002. Such a return ball is collected by the return ball collecting unit 121 while the player operates the launch operation device 36 and the launch device 8001 repeats the launch operation, but the player ends the game. If a reversing ball is present, the player's profit is impaired. Therefore, it is provided to detect the presence of a return ball and notify the player by the return ball notification unit 8210.

  The return ball detection sensor 8200 is an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, similar to the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120, and the detection position is the game ball B so that the presence of the game ball B (return ball) can be detected. It arrange | positions so that it may become the launch position of (launch preparation ball | bowl) (not shown). The reverse ball detection sensor 8200 is a sensor that operates when the player finishes or interrupts the operation of the firing operation device 36. The return ball notification unit 8210 is a lamp member that notifies the player of the presence of a return ball by lighting, and is provided in the vicinity of the all return button 143 of the operation unit 141 (not shown).

  This reverse ball detection sensor 8200 is a situation in which the player finishes or interrupts the operation of the shooting operation device 36, that is, a shooting control process executed by the shooting control device 65 in the order of the ball feeding mechanism 8003 → the shooting device 8001. When the game ball B exists at the launch position after (see FIG. 34) is executed, the player is notified of it.

<Reverse ball handling process>
Next, the reverse ball response process executed in the payout side MPU 162 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The return ball handling process is a process executed between step S802 and step S803 of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 29) executed in the payout side MPU 162.

First, in step S3001, it is determined whether or not the condition satisfaction signal is at the HI level. When the condition satisfaction signal is not at the HI level, that is, when the player is not operating the firing operation device 36, processing for notifying the presence of the return ball after step S3002 is executed. That is, in the pachinko machine _103, the processing for notifying the presence of the back sphere condition that the firing operation of the ball feeding operation and firing device 8001 of the sphere feed mechanism 8003 is not performed is performed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S3001, HI level return ball detection corresponding to the detection of the game ball B from the return ball detection sensor 8200 for detecting the return ball in step S3002. It is determined whether a signal is received. If the return ball detection sensor 8200 is at the HI level, the return ball notification unit 8210 is turned on by the return ball notification process in step S3003 and the operation of the launch operation device 36 is validated in step S3004 (launch permission). The process of setting the signal output to the HI level) is performed, but details thereof are omitted. Note that the operation of the all return button 143 while the return ball detection sensor 8200 is lit is invalidated in the game management process (S803) as in the open / close execution mode (step S1403).

  If a negative determination is made in step S3001, a return ball notification stop process is performed in step S3005. If the return ball notification unit 8210 is lit, it is stopped.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S3001, if the process in step S3004 is executed, or if the process in step S3005 is executed, this reverse return ball handling process is terminated.

  By performing the return ball handling process, if one or more return balls (game balls B) exist at the launch position when the player finishes the game, the player is notified of it. In addition, by invalidating the operation of the all return button 143, the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

<Fourth Embodiment>
The gaming machine 10 ₄ (not shown) according to the _fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the above-described three embodiments, but an error in which the swinging member 8110 rotates due to an external impact or the like and the detection piece 8113 is detected. The difference is that the operation is set to be prevented by an electrical configuration. In the above-described three embodiments, the impact from the outside depends on the balance of the swing member 8110 itself (the gravity center of the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 and the balance of gravity related to the center of gravity) or the mechanical configuration of the elastic member 8150 or the like. preventing malfunction of the swinging member 8110 (detection strip 8113) by an equal, but configured to accurately count the ball number of balls game that was fired towards the game area, in the gaming machine 10 _4, Since this is prevented by an electrical configuration, the swinging member 8110 only needs to be configured to swing by the contact and press of the game ball B and to be detected by the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, only when a detection signal from the launch preparation ball detection mechanism 8100 is received within a predetermined period from the ball feed operation of the delivery piece 8019 by the ball feed mechanism 8003, on the launch rail 8002. It is determined that the game ball B (launch preparation ball) that has fallen into the position has caused the swing piece 8112 (swing member 8110) to swing, and the number of game balls supplied (loaded) to the launch position is counted. It is a thing. Therefore, the management process of game ball use executed in the payout side MPU 162 is different from the above-described three embodiments. In addition, the launch control device 65 outputs a ball feed drive signal (S1207 in FIG. 34) toward the ball feed mechanism 8003, and simultaneously outputs a ball feed drive processing signal toward the payout MPU 162. Hereinafter, the management processing of the game ball use in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S4001, it is determined whether a driving process signal for ball feeding has been received. As already described, the driving process signal for ball feeding is a signal that is output toward the payout MPU 162 when the firing control device 65 executes the ball feeding operation. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4001, 1 is added to the value of the ball feed signal reception counter provided in the payout side RWM 164 in step S4002. The ball feed signal reception counter is a counter for measuring the elapsed time after receiving the ball feed signal in the payout side MPU 162.

  In step S4003, it is determined whether or not an HI level shot ball detection signal corresponding to the detection of the game ball B is received from the shot preparation ball detection sensor 8120. If the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is ON (reception), 1 is added to the value of the firing preparation ball detection counter provided in the payout side RWM 164 in step S4004. In a succeeding step S4005, it is determined whether or not the value of the firing preparation sphere detection counter is “4”. If a negative determination is made in step S4003, the value of the firing preparation ball detection counter is cleared to “0” in step S4010, and the process proceeds to step S4011.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S4005, it is further determined in step S2006 whether or not the ball feed signal reception counter is 20 or less. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4005, the remaining step S4007 is determined. The storage update process for subtraction of the sphere information and the display update process of the remaining sphere information in step S4008 are executed.

  When the display update process of the remaining sphere information in step S4008 is executed, if a negative determination is made in step S4006, the value of the ball feed signal reception counter provided in the payout side RMW 164 is set to “0” in step S4009. clear.

  Here, the firing preparation sphere detection counter in the present embodiment is a counter for measuring the period in which the firing preparation sphere detection sensor 8120 is continuously ON in the payout side MPU 162. This measurement period is set based on the detection time (light-shielding time) at which the detection piece 8113 swung by the game ball B falling on the launch rail 8002 from the holding position is detected at the detection position of the launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120. Has been. The elapsed time measured by the ball feed signal reception counter described above was swung by the falling game ball B after the payout side MPU 162 received the ball feed drive processing signal output from the launch control device 65. The time until the detection of the detection piece 8113 is completed is set.

  When the process of step S4009 is executed, when a negative determination is made at step S4001, when a negative determination is made at step S4005, or when the process of step S4010 is executed, the return ball of the next step S4011 to step S4016 Execute the process. Since the processing for the return ball is the same as that of the first embodiment (steps S1308 to S1313 in FIG. 35), the description thereof is omitted.

According to the gaming machine 104 according to the _fourth embodiment, only when a detection signal from the shooting preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is received within a predetermined period after the ball feeding operation is performed by the shooting control device 65, the game area is set to the gaming area. It is configured to perform counting of the number of game balls that are fired toward. In addition, by detecting the detection time (light-shielding time) with the shooting preparation ball detection counter, the detection of the shooting preparation ball detection sensor 8120 shorter than the predetermined detection time is not the detection of the contact of the game ball B or the like. Can be excluded. By limiting the period of time for counting the game balls B in this way, it is possible to exclude counts due to malfunctions caused by external impacts such as vibrations when opening the front door, and supply to the launch position ( It is possible to accurately count the number of game balls loaded. In the present embodiment, the balance of the swing member 8110 itself (the center of gravity of the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 and the balance of gravity related to the center of gravity) as described above, or the mechanical configuration of the elastic member 8150, etc. Of course, may be added. Further, the configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as it can exclude a ball count due to a malfunction of the swinging member 8110 due to an impact from the outside using a driving process signal for ball feeding.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The gaming machine 10 ₅ (not shown) according to the fifth embodiment is also the fourth implementation in that counting due to malfunction of the swinging member 8110 (detection piece 8113) due to external impact or the like is prevented by an electrical configuration. Although it is the same as that of a form, it differs in the point using the vibration detection sensor 8500 (refer FIG. 18) attached to the game board 33. FIG. Specifically, using the vibration detection signal output by the vibration detection sensor 8500, when the swing member 8110 (detection piece 8113) malfunctions due to an external impact or the like, a game ball B (launch preparation ball) This is to eliminate the execution of counting.

The vibration detection sensor 8500 is attached to the back surface of the game board 33 and connected to the main controller 61 (main-side MPU 152). If deliberately giving vibrations is attached to prevent the winning is to fraud the game balls of varying the flow winning opening, vibration to the gaming machine _105, such as by the player it is determined to have been given, An error command indicating the vibration error is transmitted to the sound emission control device 62, the display control device 63, etc., and an alarm sound is output or an error message image is displayed, but details thereof are omitted. The vibration detection sensor 8500 may be configured not to be directly controlled by the main control device 61 but to be connected to the payout control device 64 (the payout side MPU 162) or the like and controlled by the sub control device.

The vibration detection sensor 8500, for example, a digital output with an acceleration sensor capable of detecting the vibration along the two axes, disposed so that one axis coincides with the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine _105, the other one shaft is disposed so as to coincide with the vertical direction of the gaming machine 10 _5. Therefore, it is possible to sense the vibration applied in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the gaming machine _105, respectively. In addition, it is preferable that the vibration intensity can be sensed.

<Vibration detection processing>
Next, the vibration detection process executed by the main MPU 152 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the vibration detection process, first, in step S5001, it is determined whether or not the vibration detection sensor 8500 is ON. Specifically, the vibration detection sensor 8500 outputs a vibration detection signal of a LOW level corresponding to non-detection when no vibration is detected, and HI corresponding to the detection when vibration is detected. A level vibration detection signal is output. Note that the relationship between the LOW level and the HI level may be reversed. The vibration detection signal is input to the input port 152a of the main MPU 152 when the driver IC sets the signal as an input target to the main MPU 152, and the vibration detection sensor is monitored by monitoring the input port 92a. It is determined whether 8500 is detecting vibration. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to make an input object by determining the type of vibration based on the direction, frequency, amplitude, etc. of the vibration detected by the vibration detection sensor 8500.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S5001, in step S5002, numerical information corresponding to a predetermined period (eg, 0.4 sec) is set as a vibration detection monitoring time in the vibration detection timer counter provided in the main RWM 154. To do. The numerical information set in the vibration detection timer counter is updated so that 1 is subtracted in the timer update process of the main MPU 152 (see FIG. 22). This predetermined period is a time when the swinging member 8110 (detection piece 8113) swings due to an impact from the outside and the like, and there is no risk of being detected by the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 due to factors other than the passing of the game ball B. Is set based on. Thereafter, in step S5003, the vibration detection flag of the main RWM 154 is set to “1” to set the vibration detection state. If the vibration detection sensor 8500 is in the ON state, numerical information corresponding to the vibration detection monitoring time (for example, 0.4 sec) is displayed on the vibration detection timer counter provided on the main RWM 154. It is good also as a structure set again.

  In a succeeding step S5004, it is determined whether or not the vibration detection timer counter is “0”. If it is “0”, the vibration detection state is canceled by clearing the vibration detection flag of the main RWM 154 to “0” in step S5005. If a negative determination is made in step S5001 or step S5004, the vibration detection process is terminated as it is.

  Next, the management process of game ball use executed in the payout side MPU 162 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S5101, it is determined whether or not a shot ball detection signal has been received. If the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120 is ON (reception), 1 is added to the value of the firing preparation ball detection counter provided in the payout RWM 164 in step S5102. If a negative determination is made in step S5101, the value of the firing preparation ball detection counter is cleared to “0” in step S5107.

  When the process of step S5102 is executed, it is determined in step S5103 whether or not the value of the firing preparation sphere detection counter is “4”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5103, it is determined in step S5104 whether the vibration detection flag of the main RWM 154 is set to the vibration detection state. If a negative determination is made in step S5104, a storage update process for subtracting the remaining sphere information in step S5107 and a display update process for the remaining sphere information in step S5108 are executed.

  When the process of step S5106 is executed, when a negative determination is made at step S5103, when an affirmative determination is made at step S5104, or when the process of step S5107 is executed, the return ball of the next step S5108 to step S5113 Execute the process. Since the processing for the return ball is the same as that of the first embodiment (steps S1308 to S1313 in FIG. 35), the description thereof is omitted.

According to the gaming machine 105 according to the _fifth embodiment, when the vibration detection sensor 8500 is used to detect a vibration, even if a detection signal is received from the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120, It is configured not to perform counting. Specifically, only when the vibration detection sensor 8500 detects a vibration of a predetermined value or more, the vibration detection state is set (set to “1” in the vibration detection flag of the main RWM 154) and the vibration is detected. The detection of malfunction due to an external impact is excluded from the ball count by continuing the vibration detection state for a predetermined period after the detection signal is output from the firing preparation ball detection sensor 8120. Can do. Therefore, the number of game balls supplied (loaded) to the launch position can be accurately counted without using a mechanical configuration. In this embodiment, the balance of the swing member 8110 itself (the center of gravity of the swing piece 8112 and the detection piece 8113 and the balance of gravity related to the center of gravity) as described above or the mechanical configuration of the elastic member 8150 and the like are added. Of course, it may be. The configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as the detection signal of the vibration detection sensor 8500 can be used to exclude the ball count due to the malfunction of the swinging member 8110 due to an external impact or the like.

In the enclosed game machine in which the game ball B circulates in one or more game machines, such as the game machines 10, 10 ₂ to 10 ₅ of the present invention, the number of the game balls B used in the game is It needs to be managed accurately. According to the gaming machines 10, 10 ₂ to 10 ₅ of the present invention, it is possible to accurately grasp the number of game balls B that are launched toward the game area. The game ball B launched toward the game area by the launching device 8001 (plunger 8006) may return to the guide rails 33a and 33b or reversely return the launch rail 8002; It has been difficult to detect and manage the game ball B and the game ball B on the launch rail 8002 rail. However, in the gaming machines 10, 10 ₂ to 10 _{5 of} the present invention, a configuration in which a swing piece 8112 that swings like a pendulum by contact and passage of a game ball is disposed on the route between the ball feed mechanism 8003 and the launch rail 8002 is provided. The swing piece 8112 is provided in a route where the game ball B does not flow backward. In addition, since the swing piece 8112 is configured to capture the movement of the game ball B itself, the game ball B does not swing when the game ball B is not fed due to a failure of the ball feeding mechanism 8003 or the like, or a blocked ball. Is not counted. Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the number of game balls B (launch preparation balls) launched toward the game area. In addition, the game ball B that has flowed down the game area and entered the winning opening etc. is not detected / measured behind the game board 33, but is detected immediately before launching, so the display update of the remaining number display due to the time lag is delayed. Can be prevented.

  Here, it can be configured to detect the presence or absence of the game ball B in the state of being taken into the holding position, but in that case, the game ball that has been taken in is rotated by contact and is sent out. Thus, a member (hereinafter referred to as member X) that swings so as to rotate backward to the original position is provided. However, in order to rotate the member X by the contact of the game ball, a wall surface provided so as to substantially support the contact surface of the member X and support the game ball B is required. Therefore, the game ball B is sandwiched between the member X and a member having the wall surface (hereinafter referred to as member Y), the movement of the game ball B is hindered, and there is a possibility that the ball is clogged. Further, when the member Y is a delivery piece, the movement of the delivery piece may be hindered. Further, since the game ball B is not so heavy, there is a problem that it is difficult to enter the game ball B into the take-in position while rotating the member X.

However, according to the gaming machines 10, 10 ₂ to 10 ₅ of the present embodiment, the swing piece 8112 swings with the movement of the delivery piece 8019, but the game ball B that is moving on the launch rail 8002 is removed. Since it is configured to move like a pendulum only by the game ball B that is detected and moved, the movement of the delivery piece 8019 is not hindered. In the gaming machines 10, 10 ₂ to 10 ₅ of this embodiment, the swing piece 8112 is pressed by the game ball B while rolling down the inclined bottom surface portion f (inclined surface) of the delivery piece 8019. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a swing piece 8112 may be provided at the tip of rolling down the inclined surface. The configuration uses the momentum (kinetic energy) of the game ball B falling from the holding position. I just need it.

  Since an optical sensor is used as the detection means (launch preparation ball detection sensor 8120), unlike the proximity sensor, the launch device 8001 (electromagnetic solenoid), the electromagnet 8018, the surrounding sheet metal (base plate 8004, etc.) ) To prevent the detection from becoming unstable. In addition, it is possible to use a game ball that can prevent external magnetic operation and does not conduct electricity.

Since the gaming machines 10, 10 ₂ to 10 ₅ of the present embodiment are encapsulated or circulating, it is not necessary to install a magnificent island facility, and there is no risk of the game ball B being lost, which is economical. is there. Since the player does not directly touch the game ball B, the possibility of fraud can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the game ball B falling on the launch rail 8002 from the holding position is detected, and the number of game balls launched toward the game area is counted. The configuration can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the size, shape, and the like of each part of the guide member 8110 and the elastic member 8150 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, although the rocking shaft 8111, the rocking piece 8112, the detection piece 8113 and the like are separate members, a part or all of them may be integrally formed. In addition, the gaming machines 10 ₄ and 10 ₅ are configured to prevent the execution of counting the number of balls due to malfunction caused by an external impact or the like due to an electrical configuration, but are not limited to the above embodiment. Is as described above.

  Finally, features extracted from the above-described embodiment as confirmation items will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary.

[Game machine 1]
A game board in which a game area where a game ball flows down is formed on the front side, a launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area, and a launch position that is a stop position immediately before launch, and is launched by the launcher A launch rail for guiding the game balls to the game area, a standby path for waiting for the game balls stored in the receiving tray in a line, and a single game ball waiting on the standby path are temporarily taken into the holding position. A ball feeding mechanism that performs a ball feeding operation for dropping the game ball onto the firing rail and holding the game ball at the firing position after holding, and dropping from the holding position onto the firing rail by the ball feeding operation A shooting preparation ball detection mechanism that detects a game ball to be played and outputs a detection signal; and a game ball management control device that performs a management process of the number of game balls used in the game. Ball feed movement of feed mechanism The game ball management control device launches a game ball on the launch rail in conjunction with the number of game balls launched toward the game area based on a detection signal from the launch preparation ball detection mechanism. A gaming machine characterized by counting.
The number of game balls supplied (loaded) to the launch position without counting one game ball multiple times by providing a launch preparation ball detection mechanism in the route through which the game ball passes in only one direction Can be accurately counted.

[Game machine 2]
In the gaming machine 1, the firing preparation ball detecting mechanism includes a swinging member that reciprocally swings when the game ball contacts and passes while the game ball falls on the firing rail from the holding position. And a detecting means for detecting reciprocal swinging of the swinging member and outputting a detection signal.
Since the swing of the swinging member that reciprocally swings due to the contact or passing of the falling game ball is detected, if the game ball does not actually fall, it is counted even if the ball feed mechanism performs the ball feed operation. Accurate measurement can be performed. The number of game balls supplied (loaded) to the launch position can be accurately counted.

[Game machine 3]
In the gaming machine 2, the rocking member includes a substantially tongue-shaped rocking piece that comes into contact with a falling game ball, and a rocking shaft that pivotally supports the rocking piece so as to be rockable. The moving shaft is arranged so that its axial direction extends substantially perpendicular to the falling direction of the game ball and horizontally, and the swing piece is pressed when the game ball drops and passes. A game machine characterized by reciprocatingly swinging when being played.
The swing piece can be easily moved by effectively using the weight of the game ball itself and the energy of the fall of the game ball.

[Game machine 4]
In the gaming machine 3, the firing preparation ball detection mechanism includes an elastic member that urges the swinging member in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the swinging member when the game ball presses the swinging piece. The biasing force of the member is set to a strength that allows rotation of the swing piece by pressing of the game ball and suppresses rotation of the swing piece by an external impact. Gaming machine.
A malfunction caused by an external impact can be prevented by a mechanical configuration.

[Game machine 5]
In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 4, a return ball collection unit that collects a game ball that has not reached the game area among the game balls launched by the launch device, and the return ball collection unit A return ball detection mechanism that detects the game ball collected and outputs a detection signal, and the game ball management control device includes a detection signal by the launch preparation ball detection mechanism and a detection signal by the return ball detection mechanism. Based on the above, the number of game balls that have entered the game area is counted.
The number of game balls that have entered the game area can be accurately counted.

[Game machine 6]
The gaming machine 5 includes a remaining number display unit that displays a remaining number of game balls that can be used for a game, and the gaming ball management control device displays the remaining number based on a detection signal from the shot ball detection mechanism. A remaining number subtraction display updating process for subtracting and updating the remaining number displayed on the part is performed, and a remaining number addition for updating the remaining number displayed on the remaining number display part based on a detection signal by the return ball detection mechanism A gaming machine characterized by performing display update processing.
The detection signal by the launch ball detection mechanism is received almost simultaneously with the launch of the game ball (launch preparation ball), and the detection signal by the return ball detection mechanism is almost simultaneously with the recovery to the return ball collection unit of the game ball (return ball or reverse return ball). Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with information on the number of remaining balls without time lag.

[Game machine 7]
In the gaming machines 1 to 6, the gaming ball management control device is configured such that the gaming area only when the detection signal by the firing preparation ball detection mechanism is received in a predetermined period after the ball feeding operation is performed by the ball feeding mechanism. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a count of the number of game balls fired toward the player is executed.
The counting of game balls based on the malfunction of the swing member due to an external impact can be prevented by the electrical configuration.

  As described above, in these gaming machines 1 to 7, the number of game balls launched toward the game area is counted by detecting the game balls falling on the launch rail from the holding position of the ball feed mechanism. . Since the game ball is detected in a route that moves only in one direction without returning, there is no possibility of counting the number of game balls that have been fired, and the accurate number of balls can be grasped.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a game machine of a type different from the above-described form, specifically, a ball-type game machine using a game ball as a game medium, a so-called pachinko machine. For example, a pachinko machine that unlocks a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, a pachinko machine that generates a right when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, and other roles You may make it implement this invention as game machines, such as a pachinko machine provided with a thing, an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball.
Furthermore, a non-ballistic gaming machine, for example, a gaming machine main body that is supported by an outer frame so as to be openable and closable, is provided with a storage unit and an intake device, and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are obtained by the intake device. The present invention may be implemented as a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, in which rotation of a reel is started by operating a start lever after being taken in. Specifically, it is as follows.

  The present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the gaming machines 1 to 7, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is “equipped with variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and for operating the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). As a result, the dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed. The game machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information is specific identification information. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  The present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the above gaming machines 1 to 7, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine. Above all, the basic configuration of a pachinko gaming machine is provided with an operation handle, and a ball is launched into a predetermined game area according to the operation of the operation handle, and the ball is placed in an operation port disposed at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition for winning a prize (or passing through the operating port), the identification information dynamically displayed on the display device is confirmed and stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include those to which value (including data written on a magnetic card as well as premium balls) is given.

  The present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the gaming machines 1 to 7, wherein the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the merged gaming machine includes “a variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The change of the identification information is started due to the operation of, the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation hand throw (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses, Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player, on condition that the confirmed identification information at the time of stoppage is specific identification information, and using a ball as a game medium, and the identification The game machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of dynamic display of information, and a large number of balls are paid out when a special gaming state occurs.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can be used mainly for slot machines, pachinko machines, and parrot machines, but various other types can be used as long as it is necessary to count spherical members one by one. It can also be applied to devices.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 80 ... Game ball launching mechanism, 8001 ... Launching device, 8002 ... Launching rail, 8003 ... Ball feed mechanism, 8004 ... Base plate, 8005 ... Positioning member, 8011 ... Base part, 8012 ... Opening / closing , 8018 ... electromagnet, 8019 ... delivery piece, 8100 ... launch preparation ball detection mechanism, 8110 ... swing member, 8111 ... swing shaft, 8112 ... swing piece, 8113 ... detection piece, 8130 ... mounting member, 8120 ... launch Preparation ball detection sensor (detection means), 8150 ... elastic member, 8500 ... vibration detection sensor, B ... game ball

Claims (7)

A game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed on the front side;
A launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area;
A launch rail that is loaded into a launch position that is a stop position immediately before launch and guides the game ball launched by the launch device to a game area;
A ball feed mechanism that takes in one game ball stored in the tray and temporarily holds it in the holding position, then drops the game ball onto the firing rail and loads the game ball into the firing position to perform a ball feeding operation When,
A launch ball detection mechanism that detects a game ball falling on the launch rail from the holding position by a ball feed operation of the ball feed mechanism and outputs a detection signal;
A game ball management control device for managing the number of game balls used in the game,
The firing preparation ball detection mechanism includes a rocking member having a rocking piece that rocks in a pendulum shape when the game ball comes into contact with the game ball when the game ball falls on the firing rail from the holding position.
The launcher fires a game ball on the launch rail in conjunction with a ball feed operation of the ball feed mechanism,
The game balls management controller, the more the detection signal based on the oscillation of the oscillating piece cocked ball detection mechanism, counts the sphere number of the game area headed fired gaming balls, and wherein the To play. The swing member includes a swing shaft that pivotably supports the swing piece,
Claim the swinging piece, which has a contact portion which is pivotally supported as suspended down pendulum from the oscillation axis, the game ball that falls into the contact portion is swung in contact, characterized in that The gaming machine according to 1 . The ball feeding mechanism includes a delivery piece for rolling down the game ball at the holding position to the outlet side thereof,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion of the swing piece is provided in the vicinity of the exit of the holding position. The swing piece is arranged so that a game ball rolling from the holding position can move downward while stroking the surface of the contact portion while pressing and rotating the contact portion. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the contact portion is formed with a recess for preventing a game ball accommodated in the holding position from contacting. . The swing shaft is provided with a detection piece extending from the swing shaft in order to detect the swing of the swing member,
6. The structure according to claim 2, wherein the game ball is configured to naturally return to the original position after the game ball falls due to a balance of gravity related to the center of gravity of the swing piece and the center of gravity of the detection piece. The gaming machine according to one. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the swing member is formed with a locking portion that limits a rotation range of the swing member.