JP6318397B2 - Enclosed ball game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an enclosed ball game system.

In a game hall where game machines for paying out game balls as a result of games are installed, in order to replenish and polish the game balls used for the game machines, for example, a large supply and polishing facility for circulating the game balls on an island basis is required. It is. An encapsulated ball game machine that eliminates the need for these large-scale replenishment / polishing facilities and has no real ball payout has been proposed.
For example, there is an example of the following enclosed ball type gaming machine (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-325929 A

  However, even in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, there is a possibility that the game ball may be illegally obtained by opening the frame and modifying or replacing the game control device. Therefore, it is required to be a gaming machine that is less likely to be fraudulent (for example, a gaming system that is less likely to be fraudulent).

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an enclosed ball game system that is not easily tampered with.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an encapsulated ball game machine that determines whether or not a game is possible by collating a game machine ID as individual identification information that can individually identify an encapsulated ball game machine that plays a game by circulating the enclosed game ball. A ball game system,
Enclosed ball game machine, card unit, card management device and external management device are communicably connected and configured to use encrypted communication using an encryption key when checking the gaming machine ID,
When checking the gaming machine ID for the first time, information including the gaming machine ID is used between the encapsulated ball type gaming machine, the card unit, the card management device, and the external management device using encrypted communication using the first encryption key. Transmission
If the matching result of the gaming machine ID in the external management device is normal ,
From the time of the next game machine ID verification, encrypted communication using the first encryption key is used for communication with devices higher than the card unit including the card unit,
The communication between the internal devices of the enclosed ball type gaming machine and between the enclosed ball type gaming machine and the card unit is configured to use encrypted communication using a second encryption key that is different for each unit. To do.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the enclosed ball type game system which is hard to be fraudulent can be provided.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows a game board. It is a back view of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the circulation structure of an enclosure bulb | ball. It is a system block diagram of a pachinko parlor. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram of a polisher and a feeding device. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a nighttime monitoring switch. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a drawer connector. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a drawer connector. It is a figure explaining the structure of an operation display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a package display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of encryption communication and backup power supply. It is a figure which shows the block structure which collates game machine ID. It is a figure which shows the block structure which collates game machine ID. It is a figure which shows the block structure which collates game machine ID. It is a figure which shows the block structure which collates game machine ID. It is a figure which shows the block structure which collates game machine ID. It is a figure which shows the block structure which collates game machine ID. It is a figure explaining the output conditions of gaming machine ID. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of a game control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the game state information transmission process of a game control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows main control ID transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows a checksum calculation process. It is a flowchart which shows an initial value random number update process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an input process main process. It is a flowchart which shows an output process. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process 1. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process 2. It is a flowchart which shows an error / injustice monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an unauthorized winning prize monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a radio wave fraud monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a magnet fraud monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an error check process. It is a flowchart which shows a winning opening switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows LED edit processing. It is a flowchart which shows a prize display LED edit process. It is a flowchart which shows a received command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows payout command edit processing. It is a flowchart which shows payout command edit processing. It is a flowchart which shows payout command transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows a communication abnormality monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows special figure game processing. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure start port switch common process. It is a flowchart which shows special figure pending | holding information determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure normal process transfer setting process 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit flag 1 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure 1 stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure information setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 byte distribution process. It is a flowchart which shows distribution processing. It is a flowchart which shows a change start information setting process. It is a flowchart which shows special figure 2 fluctuation start processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit flag 2 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure 2 stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure change process transition setting process (special figure 1). It is a flowchart which shows a special figure change process transition setting process (special figure 2). It is a flowchart which shows a special figure change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure display middle process transfer setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure display process. It is a flowchart which shows the fanfare / interval process transition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows production mode information check processing. It is a flowchart which shows a time shortening fluctuation frequency update process. It is a flowchart which shows a time-short end setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a fanfare / interval process. It is a flowchart which shows a fanfare / interval process. It is a flowchart which shows a solenoid information setting process. It is a flowchart which shows process transition setting process 1 during the big prize opening opening. It is a flowchart which shows the process transition setting process 2 during a big winning opening. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening residual ball process transfer setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the process transition setting process 3 during a special winning opening. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening residual ball process. It is a flowchart which shows a fanfare / interval process transition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process transfer setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a big jackpot end process. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit end setting process 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit end setting process 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure normal process transfer setting process 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows production command setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol fluctuation control process. It is a flowchart which shows a usual game process. It is a flowchart which shows a gate switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a general power prize winning switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a usual figure normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the usual figure normal process transfer setting process 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a process change setting process during a common figure change. It is a flowchart which shows a process during usual figure change. It is a flowchart which shows a process transfer setting process during a normal map display. It is a flowchart which shows a process during normal map display. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process transition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during a common figure. It is a flowchart which shows a general electric operation transfer setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a general electric power residual ball process. It is a flowchart which shows an end process shift setting process per common figure. It is a flowchart which shows an end process per common figure. It is a flowchart which shows the usual figure normal process transfer setting process 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a night monitoring information reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process of a payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a main control command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a main control ID reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a card unit command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an out ball | bowl detection switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a safe ball | bowl detection switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a launch ball detection switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an error / injustice monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an error cancellation switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an enclosing ball | bowl number monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a board surface ball number error monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize number abnormality monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a frame open | release error monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows frame switch abnormality monitoring processing. It is a flowchart which shows frame radio wave fraud monitoring processing. It is a flowchart which shows a small ball fraud monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a magnetic body ball fraud monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows nighttime monitoring fraud monitoring processing. It is a flowchart which shows a discharge control process. It is a flowchart which shows a discharge permission condition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a grinding | polishing apparatus control process. It is a flowchart which shows a feeding apparatus control process. It is a flowchart which shows a ball number management process. It is a flowchart which shows a count switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a count ball use monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a ball removal control process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment control process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment start monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows adjustment write completion monitoring processing. It is a flowchart which shows a payment end monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a break control process. It is a flowchart which shows a break start monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows a break end monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows LED edit processing. It is a flowchart which shows error LED edit processing. It is a flowchart which shows a ball number LED editing process. It is a flowchart which shows a number-of-balls display data setting process. It is a flowchart which shows count ball number LED edit processing. It is a flowchart which shows a main control command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a card unit command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a card unit command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a recovery response process. It is a flowchart which shows a recovery detailed response process. It is a flowchart which shows a communication start response process. It is a flowchart which shows a communication end response process. It is a flowchart which shows a status information response process. It is a flowchart which shows a card | curd insertion response process. It is a flowchart which shows a card return response process. It is a flowchart which shows a break confirmation response process. It is a flowchart which shows a break start response process. It is a flowchart which shows a break end response process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment confirmation response process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment start response process. It is a flowchart which shows a payment completion response process. It is a flowchart which shows a count use response process. It is a flowchart which shows game machine ID transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows a game stop signal edit process. It is a flowchart which shows payout transmission data encryption processing. It is a flowchart which shows payout reception data decoding processing. It is a flowchart which shows an authentication result corresponding | compatible process (main). It is a flowchart which shows the main received data decoding process. It is a flowchart which shows the main transmission data encryption process. It is a flowchart which shows a card unit transmission data encryption process. It is a flowchart which shows a card unit reception data decoding process. It is a flowchart which shows an authentication result corresponding | compatible process (payout). It is a flowchart which shows a game machine reception data decoding process. It is a flowchart which shows a game machine transmission data encryption process. It is a flowchart which shows a card management apparatus received data decoding process. It is a flowchart which shows a card management apparatus transmission data encryption process. It is a flowchart which shows a gaming machine ID collation process. It is a flowchart which shows an authentication result corresponding | compatible process (CU). It is a flowchart which shows a main control ID request | requirement confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows a game machine ID request | requirement confirmation process. It is a timing chart of the operation | movement with respect to an illegal winning. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the operation display apparatus 7 regarding the display of the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of a decoration ball display apparatus. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in case the display intensity | strength of a game ball is displayed. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in the case of prompting confirmation of the launch intensity | strength of a game ball at the time of payment. It is a timing chart of the operation | movement which detects an improper sphere (magnetic body sphere). It is a timing chart of the operation | movement which detects an improper sphere (small sphere). It is a figure explaining the display mode of the number of balls in a number-of-balls display. It is a figure explaining the display mode of the number-of-balls indicator at the time of payment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of a level meter. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of a display apparatus and a sub liquid crystal display device. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of a display apparatus and a sub liquid crystal display device. It is a timing chart of operation | movement of a night monitoring switch. It is a timing chart of operation | movement of a night monitoring switch. It is a timing chart of display control of a prize display LED in a collective display device. It is a figure explaining the counting method of the number of balls. It is a figure explaining the modification of the counting method of the number of balls. It is a figure which shows the modification of the circulation structure of an enclosure bulb | ball. 10 is a flowchart illustrating switch monitoring processing according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a foul ball detection switch monitoring process according to the second embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating display update control of the number of balls in Embodiment 2. It is a figure explaining the block structure of the circulating apparatus and control system of the enclosure bulb | ball of Example 5. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a launch permission signal editing process according to the fifth embodiment. 10 is a timing chart of an operation of polishing control of an encapsulated sphere of Example 5. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of a display device in polishing control of an encapsulated sphere of Example 5. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a launch permission signal editing process according to the sixth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the grinding | polishing period in the display apparatus of Example 6. FIG. 12 is a timing chart of the operation of polishing control of an encapsulated sphere of Example 6. It is a figure explaining the display of the number of balls at the time of the power failure recovery of Example 7. FIG. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the display apparatus at the time of the power failure recovery of Example 8, and a sub liquid crystal display device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific screen of a display device and a sub liquid crystal display device according to an eighth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the safe ball | bowl detection switch monitoring process of Example 9. It is a flowchart which shows the number-of-balls management process of Example 9. It is a timing chart explaining the operation | movement of the start winning prize and prize ball addition of Example 9. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the card insertion response process of Example 10. It is a flowchart which shows the card insertion notification process of Example 10. It is a flowchart which shows the card return response reception process of Example 10. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement which prevents fraud of the game card of Example 10. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the nighttime monitoring switch of Example 11. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the nighttime monitoring switch of Example 12. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power activation of the payout control apparatus of Example 13. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the game of the payout control apparatus of Example 13. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of Example 18. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of Example 19. It is a front view of the pachinko machine of Example 20. It is a figure which shows the game board of Example 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the game board of Example 22. FIG. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 23. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 24. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 25. It is a figure which shows the package display apparatus of Example 26.

Hereinafter, as a first embodiment of the present invention, a mode example in the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is an enclosed ball type gaming machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
A. Front Configuration of Pachinko Machine First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine of this example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 (enclosed ball game machine) of this example.

  This pachinko machine 1 is called a so-called encapsulated ball game machine, and includes a game control device (see FIG. 6) for managing and controlling the progress of the game, and a predetermined number (for example, 30) in the game machine body. ) Of game balls, and based on the number of possessed balls (game value) based on the valuable value information (ball rental number) input from the card unit (CR unit) 15 as a game medium lending device, The enclosed game ball is fired into the game area to play a game, and it is determined whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or other state. Circulating this enclosed game ball by increasing the number of possessed balls (game value) that is the player's profit according to the number of prize balls and collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them to the launch position It is a mechanism to use and play pachinko gamesHere, the card unit 15 corresponds to a medium control unit that reads and writes information recorded in a game storage medium (game card or the like).

Here, the material of the game ball sealed in the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
As the material of the game ball, a non-magnetic material is used, and specifically, for example, austenitic stainless steel SUS316 is used. This is because a non-magnetic sphere is used as a countermeasure against improper magnets, and it does not rust even without plating.
Typical austenitic stainless steels include SUS304 (18Cr-8Ni) and SUS316 (18Cr-12Ni-2.5Mo). By adding Ni (nickel), it becomes austenite at room temperature and becomes a non-magnetic material. SUS316 is particularly excellent in corrosion resistance.
As the number of game balls to be encapsulated, for example, 30 are encapsulated. Note that the number of enclosing balls is not limited to the predetermined number 30 as described above, and for example, 20 enclosing balls may be encapsulated.

The pachinko machine 1 has a machine frame 2 fixed to an island where the pachinko machine 1 is installed, and is pivotally supported by the machine frame 2 at a hinge portion 3 so that the machine frame 2 can be pivoted. And a front frame 4 that can be freely opened and closed. A game board 20 (shown in FIG. 2) is attached to the front frame 4.
A glass frame 5 is attached to the front frame 4 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the upper front side. Note that a game area 22 (to be described later) of the game board 20 can be viewed from the front through a glass plate (a transparent plastic board may be omitted) held by the glass frame 5. The glass frame 5 is pivotally supported by the front frame 4 at the hinge portion 3 so as to be opened and closed. That is, the glass frame 5 including the glass plate opens the front surface of the game board 20 from a normal use state (closed state) covering the front surface of the game board 20 (a front surface including a game area 22 described later) with a slight gap. It is possible to operate in a state (open state). In the open state of the glass frame 5, for example, an operator inserts a hand into the front surface of the game board 20 to release a clogged ball in the game area 22 or to insert a missing game ball. Is possible.
In addition, although the front frame 4 is called by the name of a game frame and the glass frame 5 may be called by the name of the front frame, in this embodiment, the front frame 4 and the glass frame 5 are used for explanation.

Here, the general concept of the machine frame 2, the front frame 4, and the glass frame 5 will be described.
From the large classification of frames, the machine frame 2, the front frame 4, and the glass frame 5 are included in the concept of frames. When the frame is divided into an outer frame and an inner frame, the outer frame is referred to as a “support” in the superordinate concept, and the inner frame is referred to as a “main body frame” in the superordinate concept. In this case, the machine frame 2 corresponds to an outer frame, and the front frame 4 corresponds to an inner frame.
However, the concept of “support” may include the concept of outer frame + inner frame, and may also be expressed as a concept including a casing whose rear surface is closed.
On the other hand, the concept of “main body frame” includes the concept of an inner frame + glass frame.
The glass frame 5 is referred to as a “transparent plate holding frame” in the superordinate concept. The “transparent plate holding frame” in this case may be expressed by a concept including an upper plate and an upper plate + lower plate.
Therefore, the concept of the machine frame 2, the front frame 4, and the glass frame 5 is as follows.
Machine frame 2: Outer frame: “Support”
Front frame 4: Inner frame: “Body frame”
Glass frame 5: “transparent plate holding frame”

As other fine names, the concept of the machine frame 2, the front frame 4, and the glass frame 5 may be referred to as follows.
Machine frame 2: Second machine frame, support frame Front frame 4: First machine frame, front frame, frame base, game frame,
Glass frame 5: decorative frame, transparent plate assembly In addition, Example 1 is an example of an enclosed ball type gaming machine, and the upper plate and the lower plate are not installed, but the upper plate is a “reservoir” (the lower plate is The lower plate is sometimes referred to by the concept of “receiving tray”.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the lower panel 6 is provided below the glass frame 5, and the operation display device 7, the number-of-balls display 40, and the decorative ball display device 250 are arranged on the lower panel 6. ing. The decorative ball display device 250 includes an upper decorative ball display device 250a and a lower decorative ball display device 250b. The upper decorative ball display device 250a is designed to create an image of a so-called upper plate, is arranged on the upper side of the operation display device 7, and includes a large number of LEDs. In the upper decorative ball display device 250a, for example, when the number of balls held by the player is 100 or more, all the LEDs are turned on or moved and blinked, and when the number of held balls is 50 or less, half of all the LEDs are turned off. Control of the decoration is performed.
On the other hand, the lower decorative ball display device 250b is designed to create an image of a so-called ball box and is disposed on the lower side of the ball number display 40 (further lower than the operation display device 7 described later). It consists of many LEDs. In the lower decorative ball display device 250b, for example, when the number of counted balls = 0, all the LEDs are turned off, and during the counting of the number of balls, the lower decorative ball display device that images the ball box from the upper decorative ball display device 250a. Decoration control is performed so that the LED (this part corresponds to the counting decoration unit 250c as described below) is moved and blinked so that the sphere moves toward 250b. Then, the LED is turned on sequentially from the lower part of the lower decorative ball display device 250b in the image of a ball box according to the number of counted balls, and the decoration control is performed so that the player can know the approximate number of counted balls by the number of LEDs turned on. (Details will be described later in the operation). The portion where the LED of the lower decorative ball display device 250b moves and blinks during counting of the number of balls is referred to as a counting decoration unit 250c.
The number-of-balls display 40 (number-of-balls display device) displays the number of balls possessed by the player (that is, the game value as a player's profit), and six 7-segment LEDs are arranged. 6 digits (number of balls) can be displayed.
Here, the number-of-balls display 40 constitutes first game value display means for displaying the game value of the player under the management of the game machine (specifically, the payout control device 230).

Further, the lower panel 6 is provided with a counting switch 311, a counting ball display 313, and an effect operation switch 9.
Note that the break switch is not disposed on the lower panel 6 but is disposed as a break button 708 on the operation display device 7 as described in detail later (see FIG. 11A).
Also, the counting ball use button is not arranged on the lower panel 6 and is configured to be displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 as will be described in detail later. However, the counting ball use button 710 is not displayed on the initial screen of the message / operation area 706 but is displayed on the message / operation area 706 when a counting ball is generated. In order to make the explanation easy to understand, a counting ball use button 710 is shown at a place where the counting ball use button 710 virtually appears on the initial screen of the message / operation area 706 as shown in FIG. doing.
The counting switch 311 is turned on (or alternately turned on and off) when the player presses the operation unit (button) on the surface of the switch. Further, the counting ball display 313 is configured to light up if there is a counting ball.
The count switch 311 is operated when the player desires to count the number of balls, and when the count switch 311 is pressed, the count of the number of balls is started. A count switch LED is provided inside the count switch 311, and the count switch LED is lit when urging to press the count switch 311. As described above, the counting switch 311 has a configuration in which the counting switch LED is incorporated.

The production operation switch 9 (first production operation unit) can be involved in production within a certain range and is operated by the player, and has a push button type switch (indicated as button P in FIG. 1) in the center. It has four switches arranged vertically and horizontally corresponding to a so-called cross key. The push button type switch (button P) at the center can be involved in the production within a certain range when pressed by the player, and appears on the screen of the display device 41 by pressing the four switches arranged vertically and horizontally, for example. You can select numbers and symbols.
On the other hand, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the card unit 15 (card type medium control unit). The card unit 15 inserts a game card (storage medium: game value storage medium) into the card slot 201, and the player operates the ball lending button 703 (see FIG. 11) of the operation display device 7, A predetermined number of balls can be lent (increased number of balls) within the range of valuable value information (for example, the number of balls lent) recorded on the game card.

In addition, the card unit 15 is provided with a cash slot 202. The cash input port 202 is capable of inputting cash. By inserting a predetermined banknote (for example, 1000 yen, 5000 yen, or 10,000 yen), the cash slot 202 falls within the range of the ball lending degree corresponding to the amount of the inserted banknote. A game ball is rented (ie, lending a ball; increasing the number of balls held). At this time, a prepaid card (a visitor card described later) corresponding to the inserted cash is issued inside the card unit 15.
As game cards that can be used in the card unit 15, in addition to prepaid cards (hereinafter referred to as visitor cards) that can be used by non-member general players, it is also possible to use a unique membership card called a house card. Yes, in that case, a membership card as a game card is inserted into the card slot 201. When this member card is inserted, it is possible to use a configuration in which the stored ball can be used on condition that the password of the member is input on the screen of the message / operation area unit 706 of the operation display device 7. Note that an LCD touch panel type screen is adopted as the screen of the operation display device 7, and the player can touch the touch panel with a finger and input a personal identification number.
Further, a card unit error notification LED 203 is disposed in the card unit 15, and the card unit error notification LED 203 notifies of an error that has occurred in the card unit 15.
Furthermore, the card unit 15 has the operation display device 7 as a part of the constituent members of the card unit 15 as described later. The operation display device 7 is for displaying the number of ball lending and the like and performing operations such as ball lending (see FIG. 11 for details).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 20 has game nails planted on the front surface of a plate-like base material (so-called veneer). 22 is formed. The game area 22 is an area where a game ball that has been thrown in is dropped from above and a determination of whether it is out or safe (determination of whether or not a prize has been won) is made. Is configured such that data of a predetermined number of game balls set in accordance with the type of winning opening is added to the number of balls held by the player as a prize ball.

Returning to FIG. 1, a key insertion portion 8 of a locking device (not shown) for the front frame 4 and the glass frame 5 is formed at an opening / closing side (right side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4.
The lower panel 6 is provided with a lower speaker 10 that outputs sound effects and the like, a firing operation handle 11 that performs a launching operation of a game ball, and an ashtray 12.
The launch operation handle 11 is used to perform a launch operation of the game ball, and is configured to be able to fix the launch volume 171 (see FIG. 6). This allows the player to adjust the launch intensity of the game ball by touching the launch operation handle 11 and fixing the launch volume 171 at a desired position. Although not shown, the firing volume 171 is fixed at the position when the player operates the handle lock portion. In addition, it is structured to return to the initial position by releasing the handle lock portion.
Furthermore, in FIG. 1, what is shown by the code | symbol 13 is the decoration lamp which uses LED (light emitting diode) provided in the front surface of the glass frame 5 as a light emission source, and what is shown by the codes | symbols 14a and 14b of the glass frame 5 It is a plurality of moving lights provided on the lower front surface. Although not shown, the moving lights 14a and 14b include an LED as a light source and a motor as a drive source. Here, the decoration lamp 13 and the moving lights 14a and 14b constitute a decoration display LED (frame) 141 shown in FIG.
Further, in FIG. 1, reference numerals 16 a and 16 b denote upper speakers that output sound effects and the like provided on the upper left and right sides of the glass frame 5.

The operation display device 7 is not arranged on the lower panel 6 of the pachinko machine 1 before being installed in the amusement hall, and the operation display device 7 belonging to the configuration on the card unit 15 side is attached to the installed pachinko machine 1 on the lower panel 6. It is structured to be attached to the front side of the.
In other words, the operation display device 7 is a part of the configuration of the card unit 15 and is controlled by the card unit 15 under the management of the card unit 15 and is connected to the card unit 15 via the connecting portion 7C. Connected. Then, when the pachinko machine 1 is installed, the operation display device 7 connected to the card unit 15 via the connecting portion 7C is attached to the lower side of the ball number indicator 40 with the lower panel 6 of the pachinko machine 1 from the front. It has become.
Therefore, when installing the pachinko machine 1 in the amusement store, the pachinko machine 1 is first installed, then the card unit 15 is installed, and then the operation display device on the card unit 15 side is installed in the installed pachinko machine 1. 7 is a process in which the connecting portion 7C is tilted and attached to the front side of the lower panel 6. Note that the pachinko machine 1 may be installed after the card unit 15 is installed. Also in this case, the operation display device 7 is attached after the pachinko machine 1 is installed. The connecting portion 7C may have a flexible structure or a hinge structure.

The operation display device 7 is composed of a liquid crystal display with a touch panel that can be operated by a player touching the touch panel with a finger, a ball lending rate display 701, a remaining amount display 702, a ball lending button 703, a return button 704, A storage / replay button 705, a message / operation area 706, a switching button 707, a break button 708, and a holding ball display button 709 are arranged. The counting ball use button 710 is displayed on the message / operation area 706 when there are counting balls. Details of the functions of the various buttons in the operation display device 7 will be described later (see FIG. 11).
In the message / operation area 706, a member who has a membership card inputs a password or displays a business message at the time of storing / replaying, and also displays the number of stored balls, the number of balls held and the number of counted balls In addition to displaying the details of the ball, the ball lending number is also displayed. Further, the message / operation area unit 706 is configured to be able to display the number of balls held and the number of counted balls in an analog manner (analog display using a figure that looks like a ball box). The message / operation area 706 displays a counting ball use button 710 when there are counting balls.

Further, in the first embodiment, a level meter left 17L and a level meter right 17R as variable display devices are provided on the left and right sides of the game board 20, respectively. These level meter left 17L and level meter right 17R have display portions 17a and 17b that are mechanically movable up and down, respectively, and the display portions 17a and 17b are reliability meters related to big hits in normal times. As shown above, an effect that shows the big hit reliability by moving up and down (for example, an effect that increases as the degree of expectation for the big hit increases), and if there is a counting ball, one level meter, for example, the level meter right 17R, The function of the counting display device is exhibited to produce an effect of displaying the counting ball number in an analog manner.
Here, the analog display of the number of counting balls means that the display unit 17b moves up and down according to the number of counting balls, stops at a low position when the number of counting balls is small, and moves to a high position when the number of counting balls increases. It is an effect that informs the player about the number of counted balls in analog. That is, the display unit 17b is configured to rise as the number of counting balls increases, so that the player can grasp the approximate number of counting balls sensuously.
In addition, when the operation of the pachinko machine 1 is stopped due to a power failure, the display unit 17b is configured to stop at the position of the number of counting balls at the time of the power failure and remain at that position (because of a mechanically movable mechanism), It is possible to notify the player that the acquired game ball is held.

B. 2. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a guide rail of the game board 20. As described above, a game area 22 is formed by surrounding a substantially circular area on the front face of the game board with the guide rail 21. ing.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game area 22 includes an out-ball inlet 23, a center case 24, a first start winning opening 25, a second starting winning opening 26 as a normal electric accessory (general power), and a first variation. There are provided a winning device 27, general winning openings 28 to 31, a general start gate 32, a sub liquid crystal display device 33, a second variable winning device 34, a directing device 36, a number of game nails (not shown), and the like. . A collective display device 35 is provided outside the game area 22 of the game board 20. 2 is a structure provided in a frame part. In addition, the game nails that flow into the upper part of the game area 22 flow down while hitting the game nails, and a plurality of game nails are planted in the game area 22 excluding the mounting portion such as the center case 24.
In the above description, the first variable winning device 27 may be referred to as a big winning opening 1 and the second variable winning device 34 may be referred to as a big winning opening 2 (for example, a large winning opening 1SOL in FIG. 6 to be described later). Are referred to as the first grand prize opening 27a and the second big prize opening 34a.

Here, the above-described out-ball inflow port 23 is a portion through which a ball that has passed through the game area and the game result is out (out) flows in, and has a different concept from the number of outs described later.
That is, all the balls fired to the game area 22 by the operation of the launch solenoid 173 described later will play the game in the process of flowing down the game area 22, and the ball won in any winning opening is safe (winning), A ball that does not win any winning opening results in a game result of out. In that case, the safe ball generates a prize ball, but in the case of an enclosed ball game machine, the prize ball number is only electronically added to the number of possessed balls, and no real ball is discharged. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the safe ball flows into the out passage 331 for taking in the collected ball from the board surface (game board 22).
On the other hand, an out ball that does not win any winning opening becomes a game result of out (out), and after passing through the out ball inflow port 23, it flows into an out passage 331 for taking in a collected ball from the board surface (game board 22). .
In the first embodiment, since the game ball launching device 37 is arranged on the upper side of the game board 20, the ball is fired directly from the launching device 37 toward the game area 22, and all the balls are played. There is no foul ball that generates a machine result (safe or out) and becomes a foul without being fired on the game board 22.
The number of outs to be described later is a concept including a safe (winning) ball and an out (out) ball. In short, a game result is generated by passing through the game area 22, and the outside (here, the game board 20). Out of board (out): A ball collected outside the gaming machine). For this reason, the number of balls that come out of the game board 20 after the game is ended is called the number of outs. The safe sphere is detected by a first safe sphere detection switch 162 and a second safe sphere detection switch 163 shown in FIG. 6 described later, and the out sphere is detected by an out sphere detection switch 161 shown in FIG. 6 described later. It has become.

The center case 24 is a member that surrounds the front periphery of the display unit 41a (shown in FIG. 2) of the display device 41 (shown in FIG. 6) attached to the back side of the game board 20. Although not shown in the figure, the center case 24 includes lamps that use LEDs for production or decoration as light sources, and electric accessories that enhance production effects in cooperation with production display on the display device 41 (for example, An accessory having a movable part that is operated by a driving source such as a motor or a solenoid).
Here, the center case 24 is classified into a “game board structure” from a large classification, and is represented by a superordinate concept of “game production component”. The “game production component” includes the concept of “center front frame + center back frame”.
Note that lamps for effect or decoration are also provided in portions other than the center case 24 of the game board 20 (may be outside the game area 22). Lamps for effect or decoration provided on the game board 20 (including the center case 24) correspond to the effect mechanism on the board side and constitute a decoration display LED (board) 144 (shown in FIG. 6).
Further, the decoration lamps 13 and the moving lights 14a and 14b as lamps for production or decoration provided on the frame side of the machine frame 2 or the front frame 4 correspond to the production mechanism on the frame side, as described above. Further, a decoration display LED (frame) 142 (shown in FIG. 6) is configured.

The stage effect device 36 has a mechanically movable structure, and enhances the stage effect by performing an operation such as dropping downward from the illustrated stationary position or returning to the original stationary position again. . In addition, you may add the structure which produces the effect actor apparatus 36 by vibrating. Moreover, you may make it the structure which includes a small-sized liquid crystal display device in some production | presentation actor apparatuses 36. FIG.
The launching device 37 is installed in a frame (for example, the machine casing 2) and is a device capable of launching a game ball from the upper part of the game board 20 toward the game area 22, and has a so-called upper launching type launching mechanism. is there.

The display device 41 (production means, emission intensity display means) is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and is usually referred to as a variable display device. In addition, as the name of the display device 41, there are various names such as a special figure display device, a symbol variation device, a variable symbol display device, an identification information variation device, an identification information variation display device, etc. Items with the same function are in the same category.
The display device 41 has a display unit 41a (screen) capable of displaying identification information (referred to as a special figure) such as numbers and characters, and can display a plurality of special figures. For example, special charts are displayed in three vertical columns on the left, center, and right, and special figures consisting of numbers, letters, etc. in each column are displayed in a stopped state (stop display), or in a fluctuating state (for example, vertically) Display in a scrolling state) (that is, a variable display).
Here, the display device 41 constitutes a first display device managed by the gaming machine.
In addition to the special figure, the display unit 41a can display an image for production such as a background image or a character image or an information notification image, or an image corresponding to a so-called common figure.
In addition, it is good also as a structure which can display on the display apparatus 41 the image corresponded to what is called a common figure. However, when an ordinary map is displayed on the display device 41, it is a decorative map. When the display device 41 is configured to display a general symbol, the display device 41 corresponds to a normal symbol variable display device.
Here, the special figure is identification information that is variably displayed in the variable display game related to the big hit, and the common figure is identification information that is variably displayed in the variable display game related to the common figure (not the big hit). is there.
The general map is not actually displayed on the display device 41 but is displayed on the collective display device 35. The common map displayed on the collective display device 35 is referred to as a regular map as described later.

The start winning ports 25 and 26 are winning ports functioning as special drawing start winning ports as will be described later. In this example, they are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. The upper first start winning opening 25 is always open. The lower second start winning opening 26 has opening / closing members 26a on both the left and right sides, and when these opening / closing members 26a are opened in a reverse C shape, a winning can be made. As shown in FIG. It is impossible to win if it is closed. The start winning ports 25 and 26 are arranged below the center portion of the center case 24.
The second start winning opening is also referred to as an ordinary electric accessory (general power), and corresponds to an ordinary variable winning device.
The first variable winning device 27 is a device (so-called attacker) having a first big winning opening 27a that is opened and closed by an opening and closing member 27b. The first big winning opening 27a is opened on condition that a big hit, which will be described later, is made, and a game ball can be won.

Further, the second variable winning device 34 has a piece of opening / closing member 34b. When the opening / closing member 34b is opened upward, a game ball can be won, and as shown in FIG. 2, the opening / closing member 34b is closed. It is impossible to win. The second variable winning device 34 is opened on condition that a special winning state is reached even in a big win described later, and a game ball can be won. In this case, when a big hit occurs, one of the first variable winning device 27 or the second variable winning device 34 is released. Which one is released depends on the result mode (special result) of the special figure variable display game. It is determined.
In the second variable prize-winning device 34, the opening that allows the opening / closing member 34b to open and receive a prize is referred to as a second big prize opening 34a.
Here, in this embodiment, since the two attackers of the first variable winning device 27 and the second variable winning device 34 are arranged, the first variable winning device 27 is the first attacker and the second variable winning device 34. May be referred to as a second attacker, and the winning opening of each attacker may be referred to as a first large winning opening (or lower large winning opening) 27a and a second large winning opening (or upper large winning opening) 34a. . As will be described later, the first big prize opening is opened and closed by the first big prize opening solenoid 132, and the second big prize opening is opened and closed by the second big prize opening solenoid 133.
Further, the first start winning opening 25, the second starting winning opening 26, and the usual start starting gate 32 are referred to by the concept of a game board structure from a broad classification, and these correspond to the concept of a division of a start area. Here, the concept of the starting area is a concept including a special drawing starting port and a universal gate.

The general display is displayed on the collective display device 35 in addition to the special drawing. The general drawing game will be described as follows.
When the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 32, a general display variable display game (hereinafter referred to as a general map variable display game) is performed on the collective display device 35, and the stopped general map is predetermined. If it is an aspect (specific display aspect), the privilege called per map is provided.
If the display device 41 is configured to display a general map, the variable display of the general map (decorative map) is performed on the screen of the display device 41. However, you may arrange | position an original common map display separately from the display apparatus 41. FIG.
When hitting the usual figure, a game is held in which the pair of opening and closing members 26a of the second start winning opening 26 are opened in a reverse C shape, and are temporarily held for a predetermined opening time, and the game ball is started. It becomes easier to win, and accordingly, the number of executions of the special figure variable display game increases and the possibility of winning a big game increases.
Further, during the above-described variable display game, when a game ball is further won in the general figure start gate 32, the display unit 41a or the like (even if the original general figure start memory display is arranged separately from the display device 41). (Preferably), the pending display of the usual figure start memory is executed, for example, up to four are stored, and after the usual variable display game is completed, the above-mentioned usual figure variable display game is repeated based on the memory. In addition, if the probability of a normal map is set to a high probability, it becomes easier to hit a normal map.
In addition, the hold display of the common figure start memory displayed by the indicator of the collective display device 35 is the normal figure start memory. In addition to the collective display device 35, a unique general map start memory display for displaying the decorative general map start memory may be arranged in the game area 22.

Here, the short time will be described as follows.
Abbreviation of time is an abbreviation of “time reduction”. After the big hit, the special figure and the usual figure change time is shortened more than usual, the time efficiency is increased, and the probability per ordinary figure is increased. The number of executions of the variable display game with a predetermined special figure by supporting the winning at the starting port by opening the (second starting winning port 26) (including extending the opening time of the electric train longer than usual) It is a function to change the special figure efficiently without reducing the number of balls (number of balls). Hereinafter, such a state in which the time reduction is being executed is referred to as a normal power support state or a time reduction state.

Next, the collective display device 35 displays a so-called ordinary figure display, special figure display, a special figure or general figure start-up memory hold display (sometimes referred to as a special figure hold display, a general figure hold display), a game, Display of status, for example, a plurality of indicators using LED as a light source (for example, a display composed of one small lamp, or a 7-segment display capable of displaying numbers as a special figure) Instrument). For example, among the LED segments in the collective display device 35, those that display the special figure 1 are arranged as a special figure 1 display, and those that display the special figure 2 are arranged as a special figure 2 display.
Note that the start memory hold display (in some cases, simply referred to as the start memory display) is a display for informing the number of start memories that are held in a state in which the variable display game is not executed, and generally Is displayed by lighting a lamp or the like for each start memory. That is, if there are three start memories, the three lamps are turned on or three figures are displayed.
A detailed configuration of the collective display device 35 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Note that what is displayed by the display of the collective display device 35 is the special figure or the ordinary figure (formal special figure or ordinary figure), whereas the display unit of the above-described variable display device 41 or the like. A special figure or a general figure to be performed (however, when the variable display device 41 is configured to display a common figure) is a dummy display for the player. For this reason, when referring to the special figure and the ordinary figure as viewed from the player, this dummy display is pointed out. In the following, when emphasizing this dummy display, for example, “decorative map” and “decorative map” are described.
As described above, the collective display device 35 may be difficult to be recognized by the player, but is directly controlled by the game control device 54 described later, and is used for inspection of the game board 20 and the like. For example, a special chart start memory display (special figure hold display) for a player that is more easily recognized by the player is displayed on the display unit 41 or a plurality of lamps provided on the game board 20 as described above, for example. (Light emitting unit).
In the present embodiment, as described above, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is provided, and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is provided on one side of the game area 22 and on the side of the display unit 41a in the display device 41 (almost). Near the center of the board). Note that the display device 41 is referred to as a main liquid crystal display device as necessary for convenience of explanation in comparison with the sub liquid crystal display device 33.
The sub liquid crystal display device 33 is formed smaller than the display device 41 and has a configuration capable of displaying various information on a liquid crystal screen, and is controlled by an effect control device 53 on the gaming machine side. Specifically, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the number of counting balls, and when there is no counting ball, displays an effect (for example, a model name display or an effect linked with the main liquid crystal display device). However, although the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the number of counted balls, there are cases where the effect display is prioritized over the displayed number of counted balls (for example, when a reach that has a high degree of expectation for a big hit) occurs.

C. Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the back mechanism of the pachinko machine 1 in the present embodiment.
Here, the back mechanism is called by the concept of a back surface structure from a large classification. The back surface structure corresponds to the concept of the center back frame, and the back surface structure may be represented by the concept of a back partition plate, a back decoration unit, a back structure, and a rear unit.
In FIG. 3, the main parts of the back mechanism in the pachinko machine 1 are the card unit connection terminal plate 52, the effect control device 53, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, the power supply device 58, the security plate 60, the drawer connector portion. 71 and the like.
Note that a polishing device, a lifting device, a launching device, and the like for polishing the game ball are not shown in FIG. 3, and will be described later with reference to FIG.
In addition, there is no component equivalent to a conventional storage tank (upper tank) or a safe unit (non-enclosed ball type).

The card unit connection terminal plate 52 is a board for wiring connection between the pachinko machine 1 side and the card unit 15 side, and not only transmits information from the payout control device 230 on the pachinko machine 1 side to the card unit 15 side, This is a circuit board for wiring connection that allows input from the card unit 15 side to the payout control device 230 on the pachinko machine 1 side. That is, it is a board for wiring connection that can transmit information from both the pachinko machine 1 and the card unit 15.
As described above, since the operation display device 7 is under the control of the card unit 15 and is controlled by the card unit 15, the operation display device 7 is directly connected to the card unit 15 by, for example, a harness. ing. Therefore, the card unit 15 can input and output information, signals, and the like with the operation display device 7 via a directly connected harness.
The effect control device 53 is based on the control command output from the game control device 54, the display device 41, the sub liquid crystal display device 33, the decoration display LED (board) 141, the effect agent device 36, the decoration display LED (frame) 142, The decorative ball display device 250, the level meter left 17L, the level meter right 17R, the lower speaker 10, the upper speakers 16a and 16b, and the like are driven and controlled. A circuit board for realizing this control function is housed in a predetermined case. Configured.

The game control device 54 is a main control device (main board) that manages a game such as a special drawing, and various switches, solenoids, Electric components such as lamps (electrical accessories) are electrically controlled, and control information is sent to other control devices to comprehensively manage and control the progress of the game, including a microcomputer that performs these controls A circuit board on which a circuit is formed is housed in a predetermined case 61.
The case 61 has a security structure that prevents easy opening by the two crimping portions 62a and 62b. In other words, in a state where the crimped portion is sealed, the structure cannot be opened unless the crimped portion is destroyed. Further, only the number of times corresponding to the number of crimped portions can be sealed. Note that the number of crimping portions for sealing the case 61 is not limited to two, and for example, four may be provided.
On the back side of the game control device 54, an inspection device connection terminal 63 to which a cable for the authorities to inspect the pachinko machine 1 is connected.

The payout control device 230 manages the number of encapsulated balls and the number of balls held (payout control board), and a circuit board on which a circuit including a microcomputer for performing the control is formed is housed in a predetermined case 64. It becomes the composition. The case 64 has a security structure that prevents easy opening by the two crimping portions 65a and 65b. In other words, in a state where the crimped portion is sealed, the structure cannot be opened unless the crimped portion is destroyed. Further, only the number of times corresponding to the number of crimped portions can be sealed. Note that the number of crimping portions that seal the case 64 is not limited to two, and for example, four may be provided.
On the back side of the payout control device 230, an inspection device connection terminal 66 to which a cable for the authorities to inspect the pachinko machine 1 is connected, an error display LED 67 that lights (or blinks) when a predetermined abnormality occurs, and an error is released There are arranged an error release switch 68, a RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 and a RAM clear switch 182 for clearing the RAM 113 of the game control device 54, and a ball removal switch 183 for removing the encapsulated ball to the outside.

The power supply device 58 uses a commercial AC power supply (for example, AC 100 V) as an input power supply, and supplies necessary power to each control device and each electronic component of the pachinko machine 1 from this input power supply. Note that the commercial AC power supply is not limited to AC 100 V, and for example, an AC 24 V may be supplied to each gaming machine in units of islands and the AC 24 V may be used as an input power source.
The security plate 60 is a plate-shaped metal plate that is disposed on the back side of the machine casing 2 in the pachinko machine 1 to prevent fraud. In this embodiment, a pair (that is, two plates) is provided on the left and right sides. Has been placed. As a security measure, a function such as filling a gap between the card unit 15 and the pachinko machine 1 with a security plate 60 is exhibited.
The drawer connector 71 is a department in which a main connection board 75 and a payout connection board 76 having a drawer connector structure, an effect connection board (board) 77 and an effect connection board (frame) 78 having a drawer connector structure are stored. Details of the drawer connector will be described later. For example, the drawer connector structure main connection board 75 and payout connection board 76 connect the game control device 54 on the board side (game board 20 side) and the payout control device 230 on the frame side (side of the machine frame 2 etc.). Is to do. Further, the effect connection board (board) 77 and the effect connection board (frame) 78 having a drawer connector structure are an effect control device 53 that is a frame side member, a decoration display LED (frame) 141 that is a frame side member, and a decoration. This is for connecting the ball holding display device 250, the level meter left 17L, the level meter right 17R and the like.

Next, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a circulation path and the like of the game ball in a state where the effect control device 53 and the like are removed from the back mechanism of the pachinko machine 1.
In FIG. 4, a lower passage 301, a feeding device 302, an upper passage 303, and a bypass passage 304 are provided to constitute a circulation path of game balls, and a ball removal passage 305 is provided on the lower side of the bypass passage 304. Is provided.
The lower passage 301 is inclined by a predetermined angle so that the sphere flows gently through the lower passage 301 by its own weight. A polishing device 306 is disposed below the lower passage 301. The polishing device 306 polishes the encapsulated sphere. When the lower switching valve 310 in the middle of the lower passage 301 is open, the polishing inlet passage as shown by the arrow from the lower passage 301 through the lower switching valve 310 is used. While the ball flowing in from 319 is conveyed by the conveying screw 320 by the power of the polishing motor 312, the ball is polished by a polishing member 314 (for example, a polishing cloth) disposed inside and discharged from the lower outlet 315. . Note that the sphere discharged from the lower outlet 315 goes to the inlet of the feeding device 302 through the lower passage 301.

The lower switching valve 1310 includes a lower switching solenoid 310S. When the lower switching solenoid 310S is off, the valve body of the lower switching valve 310 does not slide, and the valve body is urged by a spring to close the polishing inlet passage 319. Thus, the sphere is prevented from flowing into the polishing apparatus 306. At this time, the sphere flows from the out passage 331 or the bypass passage 304 (to be described later) through the lower passage 301, passes through the lower passage 301 as it is, toward the inlet of the feeding device 302, and does not flow into the polishing device 306.
In FIG. 4, the symbol “◯” indicates the movement of the game ball (encapsulated ball) together with the arrow.
On the other hand, when the lower switching solenoid 310S is turned on, the valve body of the lower switching valve 310 is sucked and slid by the lower switching solenoid 310S, and the ball in the lower passage 301 is opened to the polishing device 306 by gravity by opening the polishing inlet passage 319. Operates to flow in. As a result, the sphere that has flowed into the lower passage 301 from the out passage 331 or the bypass passage 304 is guided to the polishing inlet passage 319 by gravity and flows into the polishing device 306 to be polished.

The polishing apparatus 306 includes a polishing inlet switch 321, a polishing motor switch 322, a polishing cloth motor 323, and a polishing cloth unit switch 324.
The polishing inlet switch 321 detects a sphere flowing into the polishing apparatus 306, and the polishing motor switch 322 detects the operation of the polishing motor 312. The abrasive cloth motor 323 is a motor for winding up the abrasive member 314 (for example, abrasive cloth). When the abrasive cloth motor 323 is operated, the abrasive member 314 is wound around the abrasive cloth unit and the abrasive cloth unit is replaced. Thus, the polishing member 314 can be replaced. Note that the polishing member 314 is soiled by polishing the encapsulated sphere, and is therefore replaced after a certain period.
The polishing pad unit switch 324 detects attachment of the polishing pad unit.

The lower switching valve 310 described above is disposed in the middle of the lower passage 301, and an out passage 331 through which the out ball and the safe ball pass is opened at a position facing the lower switching valve 310.
A polishing inlet passage 319 is disposed at a position facing the out passage 331, and the lower switching valve 310 is disposed at a position where the polishing inlet passage 319 desires the lower passage 301. The upstream side of the lower passage 301 (the right side in FIG. 4) communicates with the bypass passage 304.
Therefore, the ball from the out passage 331 (the ball that goes out of the game board 20 after the game is finished) and the ball from the bypass passage 304 can flow into the lower passage 301.
The sphere passing through the out passage 331 is a sphere having an out number, which is a concept including a safe (winning) sphere and an out (out) ball, and the sphere having the out number passes through the game area 22 and is a game result. , And is collected from the gaming board 20 to the outside (here, outside (out): not outside the gaming machine). Therefore, the safe ball and the out ball that have been played on the game board 22 are taken into the out passage 331 as the collected balls.
In this embodiment, the game ball launching device 37 is arranged on the upper side of the game board 20, and the ball is launched directly from the launch device 37 toward the game area 22. There is no foul ball that does not fire and becomes a foul, and the foul ball does not pass through the out passage 331 as a collection ball.

Either the sphere that has passed through the lower passage 301 without flowing into the polishing device 306 or the sphere that has flowed into the polishing device 306 and finished polishing and discharged from the lower outlet 315 is directed toward the inlet of the feeding device 302 and fed. A sphere entering the device 302 is detected by a feed inlet switch 332.
The feeding device 302 operates the feeding motor 333 to feed the ball that has passed through the feeding inlet switch 332 upward as indicated by an arrow, and discharges it to the upper passage 303 via the feeding outlet switch 334. The feed outlet switch 334 detects a ball discharged from the feed device 302.
Further, the feeding device 302 includes a feeding motor switch 335, and the feeding motor switch 335 detects the operation of the feeding motor 333.

The ball discharged to the upper passage 303 through the feed outlet switch 334 flows through the upper passage 303 and is blocked by the upper switching valve 336 when the upper switching valve 336 is closed, and stays in the launching device 37. It is configured to supply spheres. The launcher 37 launches a game ball from the upper part of the game board 20 toward the game area 22.
The upper passage 303 is inclined by a predetermined angle so that the sphere flows through the upper passage 303 gently under its own weight. In the upper passage 303, an electromagnet 341, a second encapsulated sphere detection switch 165 (encapsulated sphere detection 2SW), a first encapsulated sphere detection switch 164 (encapsulated sphere detection 1SW), and a small ball sensor 342 are arranged.
The electromagnet 341 is used when detecting that the sphere flowing through the upper passage 303 is a magnetic body. If the sphere is a magnetic body, the electromagnet 341 is attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on. On the other hand, if the sphere is not a magnetic body, it is not attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on and flows down the upper passage 303 without being affected by the electromagnet 341. Therefore, when the feed outlet switch 334 detects the passage of the ball, the time until the ball passes through the second sealed ball detection switch 165 without being affected by the electromagnet 341 after the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time. The former is influenced by the electromagnet 341 by comparing the time until the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time and the sphere is attracted to the electromagnet 341 and then passed through the second enclosed ball detection switch 165. Therefore, it is determined that the sphere is a normal non-magnetic sphere.

The electromagnet 341 determines whether or not the game ball is a regular non-magnetic ball during a predetermined period when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (for example, when it is opened). During this predetermined period, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 is sucked, the end of the upper passage 303 is opened, and the ball of the upper passage 303 flows into the bypass passage 304. Yes. At this time, the ball removal solenoid 344S does not operate, and the inlet of the ball removal passage 305 is closed by the ball removal valve 344 (detailed configuration of the ball removal valve 344 will be described later). Further, when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the polishing device 306 is also operated to polish the encapsulated sphere. When polishing the encapsulated sphere, the lower switching solenoid 310S is turned on, and the lower switching valve 310 operates to open the polishing inlet passage 319 so that the sphere in the lower passage 301 flows into the polishing device 306. Sphere polishing will be performed.
Accordingly, the enclosing ball of the upper passage 303 circulates along a route that returns to the upper passage 303 again through the bypass passage 304, the lower passage 301, the polishing device 306, and the feeding device 302. In the process of the ball circulating in such a circulation path, the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD to determine whether or not the game ball is a regular non-magnetic ball.

In this case, if the game ball is a regular non-magnetic ball, it is not attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, so that the ball discharged to the upper passage 303 through the feed outlet switch 334 is not attracted. Since the time until it passes through the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 is shorter than the predetermined time TD, it can be determined that the ball is a normal non-magnetic sphere. Here, the predetermined time TD is set to be slightly longer than the time from when the normal non-magnetic sphere passes through the lifting outlet switch 334 until it passes through the second enclosed ball detection switch 165.
On the other hand, if the game ball is an illegal magnetic ball, it is attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, so that the ball discharged through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 303 is the first. Since the time until it passes through the 2-enclosed ball detection switch 165 is longer than the predetermined time TD, it can be determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic body.
Therefore, when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, the time required for the ball passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged to the upper passage 303 to pass through the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 becomes the predetermined time TD. If exceeded, the payout control device 230 determines that the ball is an illegal magnetic body, turns on the ball removal solenoid 344S, opens the end of the bypass passage 304 by the ball removal valve 344, and is in the bypass passage 304. The sphere is caused to flow into the ball removal passage 305 and collected in the collection box 345.

Further, a replenishment box portion 343 is connected to the upper passage 303 between the feed outlet switch 334 and the second enclosed ball detection switch 165, and the replenishment box portion 343 replenishes the upper passage 303 with a new game ball. Is possible.
It should be noted that when the polishing apparatus 306 is in operation, if the feed inlet switch 332 does not detect a ball passing through the feed inlet switch 332 for a certain time or more, it is determined that there is an abnormality such as a clogged ball in the polishing apparatus 306, and the polishing apparatus You may make it avoid that the grinding motor 312 of 306 continues rotating.

Here, the balls fed by the feeding device 302 and discharged to the upper passage 303 via the feeding outlet switch 334 (or the balls supplied from the supply box 343 and discharged to the upper passage 303) Since the passage 303 has a structure that is inclined by a predetermined angle, the momentum at which the sphere flows down is reduced, and the passage 303 gently flows down. Then, the first enclosing ball detection switch 164 (enclosed ball detection 1SW), the second enclosing ball detection switch 165 (enclosed ball detection 2SW), and the small ball sensor 342 are sequentially arranged by the dead weight of the sphere flowing into the upper passage 303. The upper switching valve 336 that passes through the upper passage 303 that is normally closed (except when the ball is removed) is blocked by the upper switching valve 336 and guided toward the launching device 37 from the launching device 37 to the upper part of the game board 20. Fired towards.
The upper switching valve 336 includes an upper switching solenoid 336S. When the upper switching solenoid 336S is off, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 does not slide, and the valve body is urged by a spring so that the upper passage 303 The end portion (communication portion with the bypass passage 304) is closed so that the sphere does not flow into the bypass passage 304. At this time, the sphere is guided from the upper passage 303 toward the launching device 37 and is prevented from flowing into the bypass passage 304.
On the other hand, when the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 is sucked and slid by the upper switching solenoid 336S, and the end of the upper passage 303 (the communication portion with the bypass passage 304) is opened to open the upper passage. It operates to cause the sphere at 303 to flow into the bypass passage 304 by gravity. Thereby, the sphere of the upper passage 303 is guided to the bypass passage 304 by gravity and is not supplied to the launching device 37.
The operation of the upper switching solenoid 336S is performed by operating the ball removal switch 183 of the dispensing control device 230. When the ball removal switch 183 is turned on, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on and the upper passage 303 is operated. The sphere of the upper passage 303 is made to flow into the bypass passage 304 by opening the end portion of the upper passage 303.

A ball removal valve 344 is provided below the bypass passage 304. The ball removal valve 344 includes a ball removal solenoid 344S. When the ball removal solenoid 344S is off, the valve body of the ball removal valve 344 does not slide, and the valve body is urged by a spring so that the end of the bypass passage 304 is provided. The (communication portion with the ball passage 305) is closed so that the ball does not flow into the ball passage 305. At this time, the sphere is guided from the bypass passage 304 toward the lower passage 301 and is prevented from flowing into the ball removal passage 305.
On the other hand, when the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on, the valve body of the ball removal valve 344 is sucked and slid by the ball removal solenoid 344S, and the end of the bypass passage 304 (the communication portion with the ball removal passage 305) is opened and bypassed. The sphere in the passage 304 is operated so as to flow into the sphere removal passage 305 by gravity. As a result, the sphere in the bypass passage 304 is guided to the ball removal passage 305 by gravity and does not flow into the lower passage 301.
Then, the balls guided from the bypass passage 304 to the ball removal passage 305 are collected in the collection box 345.
The bypass passage 304 is formed in a spiral shape in order to relieve the falling pressure of the game ball.

The operation of the ball removal solenoid 344S is performed by operating the ball removal switch 183 of the payout control device 230. When the ball removal switch 183 is turned on, the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on and the bypass passage 304 is operated. The end portion of the bypass passage 304 is opened and the ball of the bypass passage 304 is caused to flow into the ball removal passage 305 to be collected in the collection box 345.
As described above, when the ball removal switch 183 is turned on, the upper switching solenoid 336S is also turned on. Therefore, both the upper switching solenoid 336S and the ball removal solenoid 344S are turned on by the turning-on operation of the ball removal switch 183.
This is because, when the clerk performs the ball removal of the encapsulated ball, when the store clerk operates to turn on the ball removal switch 183, both the upper switching solenoid 336S and the ball removal solenoid 344S are turned on, and the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on. It means that the ball of 303 flows into the bypass passage 304 and the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on, whereby the ball of the bypass passage 304 flows into the ball removal passage 305 and is collected in the collection box 345 through the ball removal passage 305. doing.
For example, in the case of replacing the enclosed ball that has been used for a long time, the store clerk operates the ball removal switch 183 so that the enclosed ball passes from the upper passage 303 through the bypass passage 304 to the collection box 305 as described above. 345 will be collected. In addition, when an irregular sphere (non-magnetic sphere or small sphere smaller than a regular sphere) is detected, the ball is automatically removed and the encapsulated sphere is collected in the collection box 345.

Now, returning to the description of the small ball sensor 342 disposed in the upper passage 303, the small ball sensor 342 is provided to determine whether or not the size of the game ball is smaller than a regular one. The sphere sensor 342 detects a regular sphere (eg, diameter = 11 mm) (detection signal is on) but does not detect a small sphere smaller than the regular one (eg, diameter = 10.5 mm or less) (the detection signal is off). As it is). In addition, the small ball sensor 342 is disposed side by side immediately after the first enclosed ball detection switch 164.
The small ball sensor 342 determines whether or not the game ball is a regular ball during a predetermined period when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on (for example, when the store is opened). In addition, the polishing device 306 is also operated during a predetermined period when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to polish the encapsulated sphere. When polishing the encapsulated sphere, the lower switching solenoid 310S is turned on, and the lower switching valve 310 operates to open the polishing inlet passage 319 so that the sphere in the lower passage 301 flows into the polishing device 306. Sphere polishing will be performed.
During the predetermined period, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 is sucked, the end of the upper passage 303 is opened, and the ball of the upper passage 303 flows into the bypass passage 304. Yes. At this time, the ball removal solenoid 344S does not operate, and the inlet of the ball removal passage 305 is closed by the ball removal valve 344.
Accordingly, the enclosing ball of the upper passage 303 circulates along a route that returns to the upper passage 303 again through the bypass passage 304, the lower passage 301, the polishing device 306, and the feeding device 302. In the process of the ball circulating in such a circulation path, the small ball sensor 342 determines whether or not the game ball is a regular ball.

In this case, if the game ball is a regular ball, the small ball sensor 342 is turned on within a predetermined period (eg, T2) after the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is turned on. This is because the time until the sphere passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 303 passes through the first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 and then passes through the small ball sensor 342 is substantially constant. This is because the predetermined time T2 is reached.
On the other hand, when the game ball is an abnormal ball (small ball), the small ball sensor 342 is not turned on within a predetermined period (eg, T2) after the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is turned on. This is because even if the sphere passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 1303 passes through the first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 and then passes through the sphere sensor 342, the sphere sensor 342 is not an abnormal sphere. This is because the (small sphere) is not detected and the detection signal is not turned on. Therefore, when the game ball is flowing through the upper passage 303, if the small ball sensor 342 is not turned on within a predetermined period (eg, T2) after the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is turned on, the payout control device 230 is turned on. Is determined to be an illegal sphere (small sphere), and if it is determined to be an illegal sphere (small sphere), the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on, and the end of the bypass passage 304 is opened by the ball removal valve 344, and the ball in the bypass passage 304 Is introduced into the ball removal passage 305 and collected in the collection box 345.
The operation of turning on the ball removal solenoid 344S and opening the end of the bypass passage 304 with the ball removal valve 344 and causing the ball in the bypass passage 304 to flow into the ball removal passage 305 is referred to as “ball removal”. It may be said that the ball removal solenoid 344S of the valve 344 is switched to the ball removal side to remove the enclosed ball.

Next, the collection of the balls that have finished the game on the game board 20 will be described. In the launching device 37, the balls supplied from the upper passage 303 are sent one by one to the launch position by the ball feed solenoid 172 (see FIG. 6). The game is fired from the upper part of the board 20 toward the game area 22 by a firing solenoid 173 (see FIG. 6). In addition, since the launching device 37 directly launches a ball from the upper part of the game board 20 toward the game area 22, there is no generation of a far ball.
The ball launched toward the game area 22 passes through the game area 22 to generate a game result, and is collected from the game board 20 to the outside (here, outboard).
At this time, the ball that has won the first start winning opening is detected by the first start opening switch 120, and the ball that has won the second starting winning opening is detected by the second start opening switch 121, The ball that won the first big prize opening 27a is detected by the lower count switch 124, the ball that won the second big prize opening 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34 is detected by the upper count switch 125, and the general prize opening 28 Balls that have won in .about.31 are detected by prize opening switches 123a-123d. The switches 120 to 123a to 123d, 124, and 125 are arranged on the back side of the game board 20.
In addition, a first safe ball detection switch 162 and a second safe ball detection switch 163 are disposed on the left and right of the back side of the game board 20 in the frame part on the back side of the game board 20, and these switches 162, 163 are Only safe balls of the game board 20 are detected (out balls are not detected). However, the safe ball of which winning opening is detected depends on the behavior of the sphere because the first safe sphere detection switch 162 and the second safe sphere detection switch 163 are arranged on the left and right, but the first safe sphere detection The sum of the spheres detected by the switch 162 and the second safe sphere detection switch 163 matches the total sum of the safe spheres.

On the other hand, the game result is not safe and the ball that is out (out ball) is detected by the out ball detection switch 161 and flows into the out passage 331. Similarly, the out ball detection switch 161 is arranged on the back side of the game board 20. Then, the safe balls and the out balls that have finished the game on the game board 22 are collected in the out passage 331 as the collected balls and discharged to the lower passage 301.
Therefore, the spheres collected in the out passage 331 are spheres having an out number which is a concept including a safe (winning) sphere and an out (out) sphere, and the sphere having the out number passes through the game area 22. It is a ball (collected ball) that generates a game result and is collected from the gaming board 20 to the outside (here, outside (out): not outside the gaming machine). That is, the number of outs is calculated by the total number (recovered spheres) obtained by the three sensors “out ball detection switch 161 + first safe ball detection switch 162 + second safe ball detection switch 163”.
Then, the above-mentioned recovered balls normally flow into the polishing device 306 from the lower passage 301 and are polished, and then are fed upward by the feeding device 302 and pass through the upper passage 303 to the launching device 37. Return. In addition, when the polishing apparatus 306 is abnormal, the lower switching solenoid 310S of the lower switching valve 310 does not operate, the lower switching valve 310 closes the polishing inlet passage 319 so that the balls do not flow into the polishing apparatus 306, As it passes through the lower passage 301, it goes to the inlet of the feeding device 302 and does not flow into the polishing device 306.

Next, an appropriate range of the number of encapsulated balls will be described.
The first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 is provided so as to detect a sphere located at a position lower than the second enclosed sphere detection switch 165 on the relatively downstream side of the upper passage 303. On the other hand, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 has a higher position than the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 on the relatively upstream side of the upper passage 303 (upstream side of the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164). It is provided to detect. The first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is a sensor that detects the lower limit of the number of balls encapsulated as a game ball, and the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 detects the upper limit of the number of balls encapsulated as a game ball. It is a sensor. This is because the encapsulated balls need to be encapsulated in the pachinko machine 1 without excess or deficiency, so that the current number of encapsulated balls is more than the minimum and less than the maximum, respectively. It is provided to confirm that there are encapsulated balls.
Further, the upper passage 303 is formed in a bent structure immediately before the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164, and the upper passage 303 on the downstream side of the bent structure, that is, on the downstream side of the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164, is a ball feed. It has a function as a flow path, and the enclosing balls are arranged one by one.
In addition, the upper channel | path 303 may be provided as an integrated flow path including a ball | bowl feed flow path, and may not be so.

Of the circulation path through which the enclosing ball circulates, the upper passage 303 is inclined downward or downward toward the vicinity of the launch position as shown in FIG. 4 with the vicinity of the launch position of the launch device 37 being the lowest position. The first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is arranged so as to detect the game ball at the first position in the upper passage 303, and the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 is more than the first position in the upper passage 303. It arrange | positions so that the game ball in the 2nd position of an upstream may be detected.
Here, the first position indicates that the most upstream game ball is stored in the upper passage 303 when the number of game balls is stored in the upper passage 303 by the minimum value within the appropriate range of the number of enclosed balls (the number of enclosed game balls). The position is detected by the 1 enclosing ball detection switch 164. Further, the second position is such that when the number of game balls exceeding the appropriate range of the number of encapsulated balls is accumulated in the upper passage 303, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 detects the game ball, When a maximum number of game balls are stored in the upper passage 303, the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 is set to a position where no game ball is detected.

In addition, at least a part (preferably the whole) of the above-mentioned upper passage 303 among the flow paths of the encapsulated ball to be circulated can visually recognize the internal game ball from the outside (at least from the back side of the pachinko machine 1). It has become. Thereby, the state of the flow of the sphere in the upper passage 303, the presence or absence of the occurrence of clogging, and the state of the number of encapsulated spheres can be visually confirmed. For example, the flow path of the encapsulated sphere (upper passage 303) is made of a transparent or translucent member, or an internal viewing opening (a thin slit, a plurality of minute holes, etc.) with a size that prevents the sphere from flowing out. ) Is configured by a member formed with a predetermined number, so that the internal sphere can be visually recognized from the back side of the pachinko machine 1.
Although detailed illustration is omitted, for example, the entire back wall of the upper passage 303 may be configured with a transparent member so that the entire interior of the upper passage 303 can be visually recognized as shown in FIG. Preferably, at least in the upper passage 303, an internal sphere can be visually recognized from the outside, whereby the number of enclosed spheres can be visually confirmed. In addition, a mark may be formed in the vicinity of the upper passage 303 so that it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the number of encapsulated balls is appropriate by this visual confirmation. For example, marks (indicating signs: for example, inverted triangle marks in FIG. 4) 346 may be formed near the upper passage 303 at a predetermined number of 30 positions of the enclosing sphere. In this way, when adding a sphere when there is a shortage of encapsulated spheres, it is easy to understand because it is sufficient to add up to this mark 346. In addition, when the number of encapsulated spheres is excessive, it is easy to understand because it is sufficient to pass through the spheres up to the mark 346.

In the configuration of FIG. 4, the state where the encapsulated ball is dropped into the game area 22 and does not flow into the polishing apparatus 306 is the upper passage 303, the launching device 37, the game area 22, the out passage 331, the lower passage 301, and the feeding device. The enclosed ball circulates through the path 302 and the upper passage 303 to play a game. The state in which the encapsulated ball falls while playing a game game and circulates through the above path without polishing the encapsulated ball is called “in encapsulated ball game circulation”.
On the other hand, when the encapsulated sphere is polished during the game with the encapsulated sphere, the encapsulated sphere is dropped into the game area 22 and flows into the polishing device 56 to polish the ball. 303, the launching device 37, the game area 22, the out passage 331, the lower passage 301, the encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 306 from the lower passage 301 via the lower switching valve 310, and then the sphere is polished. The route passes through the lower passage 301 by the feeding device 302 and reaches the upper passage 303, and the game is played in a circulating manner while the encapsulated sphere is being polished. A state in which the encapsulated ball falls while playing a game game and circulates through the path while polishing the encapsulated ball is referred to as “encapsulated ball polishing game circulation”.
In this embodiment, the basic control is to polish the encapsulated ball not only when the power is turned on but also during the normal game. This is to polish the encapsulated sphere well, and the encapsulated sphere is polished while being circulated during the game.
The reason for polishing the encapsulated sphere even when the power is turned on is to polish the encapsulated sphere once a day even on a stand that is not in operation. That is, in this embodiment, when the encapsulated sphere is caused to flow into the polishing device 306 without circulating through the game area 22 and the sphere is circulated, such as when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the upper passage 303, the bypass passage 304, Through the lower passage 301, the enclosed sphere flows from the lower passage 301 through the lower switching valve 310 into the polishing device 306 to polish the sphere, and is then fed by the feeding device 302 through the lower passage 301. Then, the encapsulated sphere circulates along the path leading to the upper passage 303. The state where the encapsulated sphere does not play a game game and circulates the above path while polishing the encapsulated sphere is called “encapsulated sphere polishing / circulating”.

D. Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a game hall where a large number of pachinko machines 1 according to the present embodiment are installed.
In FIG. 5, the game hall includes a card management device 81, a card issuing machine 82, a card settlement machine 83, a prize exchange device 84, a ball management device 85, a hall computer 86, a number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n, and card units 15a to 15a. 15n is arranged.
In addition, an external management device 91 is disposed outside the game hall.
The card management device 81 is connected to a card company (not shown) via a telephone line (for example, a digital line such as ISDN), and the card company receives various information of the card management device 81 as necessary. . The amusement hall is connected to the card company via a telephone line in order to obtain or inquire about card issuance information or necessary information from the card company.

The card management device 81 is connected to the card issuing machine 82, the card settlement machine 83, the prize exchange device 84, the ball management device 85, and a large number of card units 15a to 15n via the information transmission path 87, It is connected to the hall computer 86 via an information transmission path 88.
The card management device 81 treats the card issuing machine 82, the card settlement machine 83, the gift exchange device 84, the ball management device 85, and a large number of card units 15a to 15n as terminal devices, and manages information on these terminal devices. In addition to performing control, identification information (card ID) of a game card (member card or visitor card) inserted / extracted into each terminal device, information on the number of balls lent or stored in each game card (valuable) Control processing for storing and managing value information) is performed. For example, processing for updating and storing the balance of the ball lending number for each card ID is performed by obtaining necessary information from each card unit, the card issuing machine 82, and the like.

The card issuing machine 82 issues cards (storage media) purchased from a card company to a player as a membership card, and adds, for example, 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, and 5000 yen ball lending (value). And issue the card. The card issuing machine 82 transfers information (for example, the card ID of the card, the number of balls lent or sales information, etc.) to / from the card management device 81 via the information transmission path 87 and issues the card. Perform the necessary control.
Note that the game card includes a membership card and a visitor card. The membership card is issued after registering as a member, and the number of ball lending (corresponding to a ball lending amount), the number of balls held, and the number of balls stored can be registered. The visitor card is a card for a player who is not a member, is stocked in the card unit 15, and is issued in the card unit 15 when cash is inserted into the card unit 15 as will be described later. This visitor card can register the number of balls lending and the number of balls held, but not the number of balls stored. In addition, the number of balls held is valid only on that day, and the number of balls stored can be used by changing to the number of balls held at a later date. In this specification, it is described that the number of balls held corresponds to the game value, but the number of stored balls corresponds to the same valuable value as the number of balls lent.

The card checkout machine 83 is for paying out the game card based on the ball loan balance of the game card (visitor card or member card), and returns, for example, an amount corresponding to the ball loan balance in cash. The card settlement machine 83 also has a function of transferring information (for example, information on the number of spheres) to the card management device 81 via the information transmission path 87.
The prize exchange device 84 performs processing for exchanging with a prize desired by the player based on the number of balls held by the game card. For example, a store clerk at the game hall operates the prize exchange device 84 to give the player Give away a free gift. In the gift exchange device 84, in the case of a membership card, it is also possible to perform storage processing by exchanging the number of balls held for the number of balls stored.
When exchanging a prize or storing a prize, the prize exchanging device 84 transmits the card ID of the game card and the number of balls stored in the game card to the ball management device 85 (in this example, For example, it is transmitted from the prize exchange device 84 to the ball management device 85). The holding ball management device 85 collates the received card ID and holding ball number with the card ID and holding ball number stored in the holding ball number file for each card of the holding ball management device 85 described later. If the result of collation by the holding ball management device 85 is transmitted to the prize exchange device 84 as correct / incorrect information, the received prize exchange device 84 can know whether the number of held balls stored in the game card is correct.
Note that the prize exchange device 84 transmits only the card ID of the game card to the ball management device 85, and transmits the number of balls held in the number-of-card possession number file of the ball management device 85 described later. You may request that you do. In this way, the prize exchange device 84 can know whether the number of balls stored in the game card is correct or not by collating the received number of balls with the number of balls stored in the game card. .

The ball management device 85 is connected to a card management device 81, a card issuing machine 82, a card settlement machine 83, a prize exchange device 84, and a large number of card units 15a to 15n, and a player is based on information from each of these devices. Control is performed to store and manage information on the number of balls possessed by the player (game value information). For example, control processing is performed such as storing the number of balls held in association with a card ID (card identification information) in a storage area called a number-of-balls file for each card.
The card units 15a to 15n are arranged adjacent to the pachinko machines 1a to 1n, respectively, and are connected as described above so that information can be transmitted. And it is the structure which transmits the number of balls and external information (various game information output outside from each pachinko machine 1a-1n) from many pachinko machines 1a-1n to card unit 15a-15n.
The ball management device 85 can also communicate with the hall computer 86 via the card management device 81 and has a function of performing processing according to collation of ball number data from the hall computer 86 and the like.

The card units 15a to 15n, when a game card is inserted, read the game card information (ball lending number data, etc.) and perform processing for lending the ball, or the number of balls possessed by the player ( (Which may be encrypted) is stored in a game card, and information is transferred to / from the card management device 81 via an information transmission path 87.
The card units 15a to 15n are configured to periodically receive the number of balls and external information (various game information as described above) from the pachinko machines 1a to 1n, respectively. The card units 15a to 15n transmit external information collected from a number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n (various game information output from the pachinko machines 1a to 1n) to the hall computer 86 via the information transmission path 87. To do.

The hall computer 86 is installed in the game room management room, and is connected to the card units 15a to 15n via the information transmission path 87. The pachinko machines 1a to 1n are connected to the card units 15a to 15n. And collects necessary data from the ball management device 85 via the card management device 81 and supports various game states. It organizes the data to be played and manages the business of the game hall.
Specifically, necessary data is collected from a large number of pachinko machines 1a to 1n via the card units 15a to 15n, and necessary data is collected from the holding ball management device 85 via the card management device 81. Arrange data corresponding to various game states, display the arranged data on the display, and perform calculation processing of data necessary for business. Although different from the embodiment, the external information (various game information) transmitted to the hall computer 86 through the card units 15a to 1n is transmitted directly from the pachinko machines 1a to 1n to the hall computer 86. Also good.

The external management device 91 is connected to the card management device 81 via the information transmission path 92 and is managed by a third party by being arranged outside the game hall, and is related to the game card in the game hall outside the store. It has a function to back up information.
For example, data such as the number of stored balls for each gaming card, IDs of a large number of gaming cards, and a number of gaming machine IDs are collected via the card management device 81, and the number of stored balls for each gaming card is managed. Each process (including data backup) such as management of the gaming machine ID is performed. In addition, if there is an inquiry from the game hall, the data is supplied as necessary. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1a to 1n is turned on, and the gaming machine ID (or the payout unique ID (in the embodiment described later) ( Including the unique ID of the payout control device), and the result of the verification can be transmitted to the game arcade.
The external management device 91 receives the gaming machine ID and transmits the verification result using encrypted communication using an encryption key when checking the gaming machine ID and the like. Details of this will be described later with reference to FIG. To do.
Further, when the game hall quits business and closes the store, the external management device 91 provides information on management of the number of stored balls for each game card of the customer to a trusted institution.

E. Configuration of Control System Next, a control system of the pachinko machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawings and the following description, “SW” means a switch, and “SOL” means a solenoid. Further, in the drawings, when the name of the member is long, it is difficult to show the illustration, and therefore, the drawing may be appropriately shortened (illustrated).
The pachinko machine 1 includes a game control device 54, an effect control device 53, a payout control device 230, and a power supply device 58 as main components of the control system. Necessary power is supplied from the power supply 58 to each of these devices and each electronic component shown in FIG.
In the first embodiment, a device for controlling the progress of the game (a conventional game control) is a device (payout control device) that performs the enclosed ball control (control of the number of enclosed balls, control of addition / subtraction processing of the number of balls, etc.) The apparatus is separated from the apparatus, and the program of each control apparatus is simplified and the control burden is reduced. For example, a device in which such a payout control device and a game control device are integrated may be provided as the game control device 54. In this case, signals and commands sent from the game control device to the payout control device become unnecessary, and the control burden is reduced, and space and power can be saved.

(Game control device related)
First, the configuration of the game control device 54 of the pachinko machine 1 and the equipment connected to the game control device 54 will be described.
The game control device 54 is a main control device (main board) that manages games such as special drawings, and includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a test firing test terminal 115 for an inspection device, and an inspection device connection terminal 63. Yes.
The game control device 54 constitutes a control device, a game control means, a display control means, a symbol variation control means, and an internal device of the enclosed ball type gaming machine.

The CPU 111 executes a game program for managing a game such as a special figure and performs arithmetic processing necessary for game control. The ROM 112 stores a game program, and the RAM 113 is used as a work area (work area) when executing processing based on the game program.
The RAM 113 is provided with backup power supply means (not shown, for example, composed of a large-capacitance capacitor) that supplies power even in the event of a power failure. If the power is restored from the power failure within the continued time, the data in the RAM 113 is retained.
The CPU 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 correspond to a gaming microcomputer as a gaming arithmetic processing device, and are manufactured as, for example, an IC for an amusement chip.
The amusement chip IC stores a manufacturer code and a product code in addition to a chip code as individual identification information for individually identifying the IC chip, and can output these codes as a gaming machine ID. is there.

The test fire test terminal 115 is a terminal to which a cable for transmitting various game information obtained from the CPU 111 to the inspection device is connected. Note that the test firing test terminal 115 and related parts are used in the test institution and are removed at the time of shipment, and are not mounted in the game control device 54 used in the game hall.
The inspection device connection terminal 63 is a terminal to which a cable for the authorities to inspect the pachinko machine 1 is connected after the pachinko machine 1 is installed in the game hall.

The game control device 54 includes a first start port switch 120 (start port 1SW in FIG. 6), a second start port switch 121 (start port 2SW in FIG. 6), a gate switch 122, a winning port switch 123, and a lower count switch 124. Detection signals from the upper count switch 125, the magnet sensor 142, the radio wave sensor (panel) 143, and the vibration sensor 144 are input.
The first start port switch 120 is a sensor for detecting winning balls one by one for detecting the game balls won in the first start winning port 25, and the second start port switch 121 is awarded to the second start winning port 26. This is a sensor for detecting a winning ball that detects the gaming balls one by one.
The lower count switch 124 is a similar sensor that detects a game ball won in the first big prize opening 27 a of the first variable prize winning device 27. The upper count switch 125 is a similar sensor that detects a game ball that has won the second big prize opening 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34.
In the present embodiment, two lower count switches 124 are provided, and any of the game balls that have flowed into the big winning opening of the variable winning device 27 is detected by any one of the lower count switches 124. By providing a plurality of lower count switches 124 in this way, it is possible to quickly detect a game ball that has flowed into the special winning opening.

Further, the winning port switch 123 is a similar sensor provided for the general winning ports 28 to 31, and when there are n general winning ports, one is provided for each and n is provided as a whole.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, in this embodiment, there are four general winning ports (general winning ports 28 to 31), so four sensors are provided and the general winning ports 28 to 31 are won. The ball is detected by the winning prize switch 123a-123d. These winning port switches 123a to 123d are collectively referred to as winning port switches 123 in FIG.
Instead of providing one sensor for each general winning opening, one sensor may be provided for a plurality of general winning openings. The gate switch 122 is a sensor for detecting one game ball passing through the usual starting gate 32 one by one.
Each of the sensors 120, 121, 122, 123, and 124 for detecting these game balls is a proximity switch in this example, and outputs a negative logic detection signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V. It is configured.

When there is a winning at the winning opening, the game control device 54 sends a prize ball number command corresponding to the winning to the payout control device 230. The payout control device 230 performs a process of adding the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning to the number of possessed balls based on the winning ball number command corresponding to the winning sent from the game control device 54.
Further, the game control device 54 performs a process of displaying the number of winning balls corresponding to winning on the winning display LED 355 (see FIG. 12 described later) of the collective display device 35 when there is a winning at the winning opening.

Specifically, when the game control device 54 has won a prize opening, the game control device 54 determines the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning and outputs a winning ball number command for adding the number of winning balls to the number of possessed balls. Processing to transmit to 230 is performed. The winning awards are all winning awards with a prize ball discharge (a process of actually paying out a ball or adding to the number of balls in the case of an enclosed ball type). There are a first big prize opening 27a of the first variable prize winning device 27, a second big prize winning opening 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34, and general prize winning openings 28 to 31.
In the game control device 54, the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize is set as follows.
・ First grand prize opening 27a = 13 ・ Second grand prize opening 34a = 10 ・ Starting prize opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting prize opening 26 (general power) = 1 piece ・ General prize winning openings 28-31 = 10 pieces

The magnet sensor 142 is a sensor that detects the proximity of the magnet to the pachinko machine 1, and is used to detect fraud caused by the magnet. The radio wave sensor (board) 143 is a sensor that detects the transmission of radio waves particularly with respect to the game board 20, and for example, detects radio waves transmitted to the pachinko machine 1 using a radio wave oscillator or the like. It is. The vibration sensor 144 is a sensor that detects that vibration has been applied to the pachinko machine 1, and is particularly for detecting unauthorized vibration such as shaking the table (or hitting it abnormally).
The game control device 54 determines fraud based on detection signals from the magnet sensor 142, the radio wave sensor 143, and the vibration sensor 144, and transmits a fraud occurrence command or the like to the effect control device 53 when it is determined to be fraudulent. Then, processing such as causing the display device 41 to display an error under the control of the effect control device 53 is performed. In addition, the game control device 54 transmits the fraud information to the payout control device 230, and the payout control device 230 transmits the fraud information to the hall computer 86 via the card unit 15.

Next, the game control device 54 is a device required for the progress and production of the game, such as the production control device 53, the general electric solenoid 131, the first big prize opening solenoid (the big prize opening 1SOL in FIG. 6) 132, the second big. A winning opening solenoid 133 (in FIG. 6, a large winning opening 2SOL) and a collective display device 35 are connected.
The general electric solenoid 131 is a solenoid that opens and closes the opening / closing member 26b of the second start winning opening 26, the first large winning opening solenoid 132 is a solenoid that opens and closes the opening / closing member 27b of the first variable winning apparatus 27, and the second large winning opening solenoid 133. Is a solenoid that opens and closes the opening / closing member 34b of the second variable winning device 34. The game control device 54 outputs necessary control signals to the ordinary electric solenoid 131, the first big prize opening solenoid 132, the second big prize opening solenoid 133, and the collective display device 35.
Further, data (for example, an effect command) is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53 by serial communication.
Further, the game control device 54 sequentially transmits data (for example, a command necessary for managing the enclosed ball (for example, a prize ball number command) to the payout control device 230 via the main connection board 75 and the payout connection board 76. Etc.) is transmitted.
The main connection board 75 is a board connected to the game control device 54 on the board side (game board 20 side), and is constituted by a drawer connector. The payout connection board 76 is a board connected to the payout control device 230 on the frame side (machine frame 2 side), and is constituted by a drawer connector. The main connection board 75 and the payout connection board 76 form a pair of a concave drawer connector and a convex drawer connector, and these drawer connectors can move to some extent in the surface direction of the boards 75 and 76. Therefore, the positional deviation at the time of the connection work and the positional deviation after the connection work are absorbed, the connection work can be easily performed, and the connection state is maintained well after the connection (detailed structure will be described later).

(Discharge control device related)
Next, a configuration of the payout control device 230 and devices connected to the payout control device 230 will be described.
The payout control device 230 manages the number of encapsulated balls and the number of balls held (payout control board), and includes a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, a test firing test terminal 234 for an inspection device, an inspection device connection terminal 235, A launch control circuit 236, an error release switch (error release SW) 068, an error display LED 067, a RAM clear switch 182 and a ball removal switch 183 are provided.
The payout control device 230 performs control for paying out the winning ball in accordance with a signal (payout control command) from the game control device 54 (the paying out of the winning ball is added to the number of balls held). On the other hand, from the payout control device 230, frame opening information (information indicating whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 has been detected by the night monitoring switch 126) and game control device monitoring information (main board (game control device) by the night monitoring switch 126). 54) (information indicating whether or not removal is detected) can be transmitted to the card unit 15 (details will be described later).
The payout control device 230 includes a control device, an enclosing ball control means, a counting means, a counting operation control means, an input period limiting means, a game value storage means, a game value display control means, a polishing control means, a clear control means, a display control means, and a prize. An error determination means, an illegal winning suppression control means, a payment permission means, and an internal device of the enclosed ball type gaming machine are configured.

The CPU 231 executes a predetermined program to perform necessary arithmetic processing regarding the enclosed ball control, gaming ball payout (prize ball payout or rental ball payout), management of the number of balls, frame opening information, and game control device monitoring information. . The ROM 232 stores the program, and the RAM 233 is used as a work area (work area) when executing processing based on the program.
Here, the RAM 233 constitutes a game value storage means and stores the number of possessed balls as the game value. Specifically, the RAM 233 stores a change in the game value of the player, and subtracts the fired ball to win the prize ball. By repeating the addition of the number, the player's number of balls will be updated and stored in real time. Since the subtraction of the fired ball and the addition of the number of prize balls are performed by processing based on the program, the RAM 233 (game value storage means) stores real-time changes in the number of balls held.
The RAM 233 is provided with backup power supply means (not shown, for example, comprising a large-capacitance capacitor) that supplies power even in the event of a power failure. If the power is restored from the power failure within a period during which the power can be continuously supplied, the data in the RAM 233 is retained. Note that a nonvolatile memory may be used as the RAM 233 instead of the backup power supply means.

The payout control device 230 specifically performs processing from launching to collection of the enclosed ball as a control necessary for the enclosed ball game, and the number of balls held according to the prize ball number command from the game control device 54. In addition, in the first embodiment, ball lending control (ball lending addition processing), counting of the number of balls, and the like are performed.
In addition, when the payout control device 230 receives a prize at the winning opening, a prize ball number command corresponding to the winning is sent from the game control device 54, so that a prize corresponding to the winning is based on the prize ball number command. A process of adding the number of balls to the number of balls held is performed (as described above). For example, when there is a continuous change in the number of balls held by the player (game value), The memory of the number is updated immediately. However, when the number-of-balls display 40 (game value display means) displays the number of balls of the player, the number of balls is updated for a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). ) Is controlled at intervals.
Specifically, the RAM 233 as an internal memory stores changes in the number of balls held by the player, and by subtracting the fired balls and adding the number of prize balls, the number of balls held by the player is determined. It will be updated and memorized in real time. On the other hand, the payout control device 230 subtracts the number of balls fired from the number of balls held and adds the number of prize balls by processing based on the game program, so that the RAM 233 stores real-time changes in the number of balls held. Go. On the other hand, the payout controller 230 updates the number of balls when the number-of-balls display 40 displays the number of balls of the player, and the RAM 233 updates and stores the number of balls in real time. Unlike the above, control is performed so that the updated number of balls is displayed at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds).
The test firing test terminal 234 is a terminal to which a cable for transmitting various kinds of information in the enclosed ball control and the game ball payout control obtained from the CPU 231 to the inspection device is connected. Note that the test firing test terminal 234 and related parts are used in the test institution and are removed at the time of shipment, and are not mounted on the payout control device 230 used in the game hall.
The inspection device connection terminal 235 is a terminal to which a cable for the authorities to inspect the pachinko machine 1 is connected after the pachinko machine 1 is installed in the game hall.

  The firing control circuit 236 is configured to be built in the payout control device 130, and is supplied with necessary power from the payout control device 230 and receives a fire permission signal. On condition that the firing control circuit 236 has received the on-data of the firing permission signal, the game ball at the firing position is selected according to the operation of the firing volume 171 (FIG. 1) (that is, the rotational operation of the firing operation handle 11). Controls the firing solenoid 173 to fire. In addition, signals from the touch sensor 174 and the firing stop switch 175 are input to the payout control device 230. The touch sensor 174 detects whether or not the player has touched the firing operation handle 11 that operates the firing volume 171, and the firing stop switch 175 temporarily stops the firing of the game ball. It is operated by a player.

Note that the ball feed solenoid 172 that sends the game ball to the launch position is directly controlled by the payout control device 230. For the control process, a signal from the touch sensor 174 is input to the payout control device 230.
An apparatus that includes the above-described launch solenoid 173 and launches a game ball at a launch position (not shown) into a game area is referred to as a launch device 37 (FIG. 2). This launching device 37 is controlled by a payout control device 230 including a firing control circuit 236, and a state where launching of a game ball is permitted by control processing of these control devices (a state where on data of a launch permission signal is set) ) Can only launch game balls. In the state where the launch of the game ball is prohibited (the state where the off data of the launch permission signal is set), even if the game ball is at the launch position and the player operates the launch operation handle 11, the game ball is launched. Not. Further, the launching device 37 has a member called a spear for hitting a game ball in order to launch, and the launch position is at the tip of the spear (tip).
Since the number of game balls fired by operating the firing operation handle 11 is regulated to be 100 shots per minute according to a predetermined rule, the payout control device 230 and the launch control circuit 236 control the ball feed solenoid 172. , Within a range of 100 shots / minute (approximately one shot in 0.6 seconds (s)).

The error cancel switch (error cancel SW) 68 outputs a signal for canceling the error when operated when there is an error in the payout control process and the process is stopped.
The error display LED 67 lights a specific number according to the content of the error when there is an error in the payout control process.
The RAM clear switch 182 initializes the RAM 113 inside the game control device 54, the RAM 1233 of the payout control device 230, and the like.
The ball removal switch 183 is a switch operated when the ball enclosed in the pachinko machine 1 is extracted to the outside. When the ball removal switch 183 is turned on, both the upper switching solenoid 336S and the ball removal solenoid 344S are turned on, and the upper switching valve 336 opens the upper portion of the bypass passage 304 as shown in FIG. Is introduced into the bypass passage 304, and the ball removal valve 344 opens the upper portion of the ball removal passage 305 to cause the ball in the bypass passage 304 to flow into the ball removal passage 305. 345 will be collected.

Next, the payout control device 230 is connected to the number-of-balls display 40, the counting switch 311, and the counting ball display 313 in relation to the devices arranged on the lower panel 6. The operation display device 7 is directly connected to the card unit 15 through a harness and is managed and controlled by the card unit 15, so that the operation display device 7 is not under the control of the payout control device 230. Further, the break switch and the counting ball use switch are not arranged on the lower panel 6, but are arranged on the operation display device 7 (as described in FIG. 11 described later, as a break button 708 and a counting ball use button 710). Arranged on the operation display device 7).
A detection signal from the counting switch 311 is input to the payout control device 230, and necessary control signals are output to the holding ball number display 40 and the counting ball display 313, and an LED incorporated in the counting switch 311. Necessary control signals are also output.
For example, in order to display the number of balls held, the driving signal capable of driving the six LEDs of the seven segments of the number of balls holding display 40 is output to the ball holding number display 40. When there is a counting ball, the counting ball display 313 is configured to output a signal for lighting it. Further, for the LED built in the counting switch 311, when a condition for lighting the LED is satisfied, a drive signal capable of turning on the LED is output.

Here, the concepts such as the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls are organized and described as follows.
・ Number of balls: Number of balls that can be fired ・ Number of balls to be counted: Number of stored balls moved from the number of balls held (stored balls that cannot be temporarily fired)
Specifically, the number of balls possessed is the number of balls that the player has acquired and can be fired. In the example of a gaming machine using real balls, the ball that can be fired on the upper plate or the lower plate It corresponds to a number of images, and it is a ball that has not moved to the ball box.
On the other hand, the number of counted balls is the number of stored balls moved by counting from the number of balls held by the player. In the example of a gaming machine using real balls, It corresponds to the image of the number of balls moved out of the ball box, and it is the ball in the ball box. By operating the counting switch 311, the number of balls can be moved to the number of counting balls.
Total number of balls: The total number of balls held by the player, which is represented by the number of balls held + the number of balls counted = the total number of balls held.
・ Number of updated balls: Changed number of balls from previous number of balls ・ Number of updated balls: Number of changed balls from previous number of counted balls ・ Use of counting balls: Move the ball from the number of counting balls to the number of balls In detail, “Using counting balls” is an example of a game machine that uses real balls. In the example of a game machine that uses real balls, the balls (counting balls) that have moved from the upper plate or lower plate to the ball box are moved again to the upper plate. This corresponds to the concept of moving (back) and using. In order to use the counting ball, the counting ball use button 710 (see FIG. 11) which is not displayed on the initial screen of the message / operation area 706 but is displayed on the message / operation area 706 when the counting ball is generated is operated. A predetermined amount (for example, 100) of balls can be moved from the number of counted balls to the number of balls held in one operation.
・ Number of stored balls: Number of balls that can be replayed after the game on the gaming machine has been completed and the player has stored the total number of balls stored on the membership card. It is possible to play again using the or to exchange prizes. If you move the table, you will play again using the current day's storage, but if you are a guest member, you will not be able to store the ball but simply use the stored ball data recorded on the game card to replay it on another table. Will play.
In the case of payment, the total number of balls is written in the game card. At this time, the total number of balls held is sent to the card unit 15 and the card unit 15 performs a settlement process.

In this embodiment, the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls are configured to be managed by the payout control device 230, and these data are stored and held in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230.
The data on the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls is also sent to the card unit 15 and can be displayed on the message / operation area 706 (FIG. 11) of the operation display device 7 under the control of the card unit 15. It is the composition. However, although the number of balls held and the number of balls counted are displayed on the operation display device 7, the payout control device 230 is only used to control the increase or decrease in the number of balls held or the number of counted balls stored after moving from the number of balls held. Has come to control. The card unit 15 periodically receives data from the payout control device 230, and displays details of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls on the operation display device 7 based on the received data.
The data on the number of balls held and the number of balls counted are also sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the upper part of the decorative ball display device 250 is controlled by the effect control device 53. The decoration of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls is performed using a number of LEDs of the decorative ball display device 250a and the lower decorative ball display device 250b. Furthermore, it is possible to display the number of counted balls on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 under the control of the effect control device 53, and it is possible to perform analog display of the number of counted balls on the level meter right 17R. .

Specifically, the number of balls held and the number of counting balls are displayed by the following devices.
・ Number-of-balls display 40: Digitally displays the number of balls held (managed by the payout controller 230)
Counting ball display 313: Displays the presence or absence of a counting ball (lights up when there is a counting ball) (managed by the payout controller 230)
-Decoration ball display device 250: Analog decoration display of the number of balls held and the number of counting balls with a large number of LEDs (managed by the production control device 53)
Sub liquid crystal display device 33: When there are counting balls, the number of counting balls is displayed digitally (managed by the effect control device 53)
Level meter right 17R: When there is a counting ball, the counting ball number is displayed in analog (managed by the effect control device 53)
-Operation display device 7: Displays details of the number of balls and counting balls in digital or analog (managed by card unit 15)

Here, in the present embodiment, the display of the number-of-balls indicator 40 is configured as follows under the control of the payout control device 230.
That is, the number-of-balls display 40 can display six-digit numbers (number of balls) by arranging six 7-segment LEDs and displays the number of balls acquired by the player. (Details will be described later in the flowchart and explanation of operation).
When the number of balls held is zero before the game (before the game card or cash is inserted), the ball number indicator 40 is turned off.
Further, when the number of balls possessed during the game is generated, the number of balls possessed is digitally lit and displayed.
The display data of the number-of-balls display 40 is backed up by the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 even during a power failure.
When the player starts the checkout (touching the return button 704 of the operation display device 7 to end the game), the checkout process is started and the process of recording the total number of balls in the game card is started. The display on the ball number display 40 moves and blinks. When the recording to the game card (writing of the total number of balls) is completed, the display on the number of balls display 40 flashes simultaneously, and when the game card is ejected from the card unit 15, the predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, the number-of-ball indicator 40 is turned off.

On the other hand, if a power failure occurs while writing the total number of balls to the game card, the display data of the number of balls display 40 is backed up by the RAM 233 of the payout controller 230 even during a power failure, and is backed up when the power is restored from the power failure. Based on the data that has been made, the display of the number-of-balls display 40 moves and blinks to inform the player that the game card is being written. When the writing to the game card is completed, the display on the number-of-balls display 40 flashes simultaneously, and the game card is discharged.
In addition, when the power failure occurs when the total number of balls to be written on the game card is completed and the ball number indicator 40 is flashing simultaneously, the recording on the game card is already completed. Even if it recovers from a power failure, the number-of-balls display 40 does not display the number-of-balls display 40 and the number-of-balls display 40 is turned off.

In the present embodiment, the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 are rendered as described below under the control of the performance control device 53.
In other words, during the normal game, the display device 41 produces a variation display game of a decoration special figure, and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays an auxiliary effect (model name, number of hold display, etc.).
In the event of a power failure during the game, the number-of-balls data, counting ball data, etc. are backed up by the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 even during the power failure, and the effect data by the display device 41 is also backed up by the RAM 233. ing. In the process of recovering from the power failure, an effect “currently recovering from power failure” is displayed on the display device 41, and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays a counting ball when the power failure is recovered (if there is no counting ball). Counting ball number “0” is displayed). Thereafter, when the power failure recovery is completed, both the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 return to the gaming state before the power failure based on the backup data.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payout control device 230 is configured to control illegal winnings as follows.
That is, the winning balls that have won the winning holes 25, 26, 27a, 34a, 28 to 31 of the game board 20 are the first starting port switch 120, the second starting port switch 121, the lower count switch 124, the upper count switch 125, The winning opening switches 123a to 123d are detected, and these detection outputs are managed by the game control device 54.
The first start port switch 120, the second start port switch 121, the lower count switch 124, the upper count switch 125, and the winning port switches 123a to 123d constitute a winning ball detecting means.
Further, the safe ball is detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163 arranged in the frame part on the back side of the game board 20, and these detection outputs are managed by the payout control device 230. It is a configuration.
The first safe sphere detection switch 162 and the second safe sphere detection switch 163 constitute safe sphere detection means.
Here, the total number of winning balls is the total of the winning numbers detected by the switches 120 to 123a to 123d, 124, 125, and the total number of safe balls is the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163. The total number of safes detected by.
Since the winning numbers detected by the switches 120 to 123a, 123d, 124, and 125 are included in the information of the winning ball command and transmitted to the payout control device 230, the payout control device 230 indicates the number of wins. While calculating the total, the total of the winning numbers is compared with the total of the safe numbers detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163, and the difference is a predetermined number (for example, five). If it is above, it will be set as the 1st error mode and processing corresponding to the 1st error mode will be performed.
Also, the payout control device 230 sets the second error mode when the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 5) for a predetermined period, Processing corresponding to the aspect is performed.

Here, as a basis of the error mode process, the process corresponding to the first error mode is only error notification, and the process corresponding to the second error mode is stop of error notification + prize ball addition.
More specifically, in the process corresponding to the first error mode, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the display device 41 or the decoration display LED (frame) is sent. ) 141 displays an error. In this way, the player or the store clerk is notified that there is a possibility of fraud. Further, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the hall computer 86 via the card unit 15. Note that the game machine may not perform error notification but may perform error notification that can be understood only at the game hall by the hall computer 86. As a result, when the store clerk watches the detection of an illegal prize winning by a fishing ball or the like and an error notification, the player can deal with the fraud without realizing it.
Next, in the process corresponding to the second error mode, for example, in addition to error notification, a process of stopping the prize ball addition is performed. Even if there is an illegal prize such as a fishing ball due to the stop of the prize ball addition, the prize ball is not added (that is, the number of possessed balls does not increase), thus preventing fraud. Further, in addition to the error notification process corresponding to the second error mode, that is, the error notification that can be understood only in the game hall by the hall computer 86 as described above, error notification to the player is also performed (for example, Error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error is displayed on the screen of the display device 41 under the control of the effect control device 53, or an error is displayed with the decoration display LED (frame) 141. May be performed). As a result, error notification can be performed quickly and trouble with the player can be avoided.
Further, the payout control device 230 changes the predetermined number as a reference value for determining the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes to, for example, 10 when a big hit. As a result, the number of winnings increases at the time of a big hit, and the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes tends to increase, so troubles with the player can be avoided.

Next, the payout control device 230 is connected to the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52 so that bidirectional information can be transmitted to and from the card unit 15. Therefore, the card unit connection terminal plate 52 is mainly used for input / output of information, signals, and the like between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230 on the pachinko machine 1 side.
Then, the payout control device 230 displays the number of balls on the ball count display 40, or counts the number of balls by the operation of the counting switch 311 and shifts it to the count ball number (concept to move to a so-called ball box). It is possible to do. In addition, when the number of balls held is counted and transferred to the counting ball number, the payout control device 230 performs control to turn on the counting ball display 313 by determining that there is the counting ball number.
Here, the control concept of “counting the number of balls and transferring them to the ball box of the number of balls” is an example of a game machine that pays out with real balls. This is the same as the work of physically transferring to an external ball box (details will be described later).
Also, the payout control device 230 receives a count ball use button 710 (refer to FIG. 11) displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 when the count ball is generated, from the card unit 15. Based on the counting ball use command, control is also performed to move a predetermined amount (for example, 100 balls) from the counting ball number to the holding ball number by one operation.
On the other hand, the payout control device 230 transmits the data on the number of balls held and the number of balls counted to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the effect control device 53 controls the lighting / flashing of the decorative ball display device 250. The sub liquid crystal display device 33 is configured to perform display control of the number of counted balls and analog display control of the number of counted balls at the level meter right 17R.

Here, the transmission of information will be described. As described above, the payout control device 230 is connected to the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52, and is enclosed from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. Various information in the ball game (for example, various information including the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls) is sent at predetermined intervals (for example, 200 ms). The number of balls held and the number of counting balls are configured to transmit the change, and measures against data loss are also taken.
Then, the card unit 15 manages the control of the operation display device 7 based on various information from the payout control device 230, and displays the player's number of balls (game value) and the number of counted balls in the message / operation area unit 706. To do.
In the present embodiment, as described above, various game information from the game control device 54 to the card unit 15 from the payout control device 230 and various information in the enclosed ball game (various information including the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls). Are transmitted at predetermined intervals (for example, 200 ms). Specifically, there is a request from the card unit 15 at predetermined intervals (for example, 200 ms), and the payout control device 230 transmits necessary information as a response.
Further, the various types of information may be transmitted from the game control device 54 to the card unit 15 instead of from the payout control device 230.

Further, as described above, the payout control device 230 is connected to the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52 so that bidirectional information can be transmitted to and from the card unit 15. Apart from the various information in the enclosed ball game described above, the payout control device 230 can transmit game information to the card unit 15 via the route.
In addition to the hall computer 86, the card unit 15 is connected to the card management device 81, the ball holding management device 85, the card issuing machine 82, the card settlement machine 83, and the gift exchange 84 shown in FIG. Is also connected to the external management device 91. In FIG. 6, since the illustration of the ball management device 85, the card issuing machine 82, the card settlement machine 83, the gift exchange machine 84, and the external management apparatus 91 is omitted, it is described as “card management apparatus 81, etc.”. Therefore, the card unit connection terminal board 52 is also used for transmitting game information from the payout control device 230 on the pachinko machine 1 side to the hall computer 86, the card management device 81, etc. via the card unit 15.
Therefore, specifically, from the payout control device 230 via the card unit connection terminal plate 52, via the card unit 15, to the hall computer 86, various game information from the game control device 54 and control of the enclosed ball and game ball Various information in the payout control is output. The game information includes, for example, a signal that informs the signal input to the game control device 54 to the outside, a jackpot signal that informs the jackpot that occurs in the course of the game, and a winning at the start opening that is a condition for changing the symbol. Start signal to notify, symbol change start signal to trigger symbol variation start or symbol variation stop signal to trigger symbol variation, indicating that the game state is advantageous to the player (so-called probability variation state, time-short state) There are privilege status signals.
Also, the payout control device 230 outputs information on the number of balls held (game value information) and the like to the card unit 15 via the card unit connection terminal board 52, and further, the card management device 81 and the hall computer 86 from the card unit 15. Information on the number of balls held (game value information) is output.
In addition, as will be described in detail later, the card unit 15 transmits the production assistance information such as the character introduction stored in the image input personal computer to the card unit 15 and reads the production assistance information such as the character introduction. When the switching button 707 is operated (touched), presentation assist information such as character introduction is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the operation display device 7 and displayed on the operation display device 7.

Next, as a signal from various switches necessary for encapsulated sphere control, the payout control device 230 includes a launch sphere detection switch 160, an out sphere detection switch 161, a first safe sphere detection switch (safe sphere detection in FIG. 6). 1SW) 162, a second safe sphere detection switch (safe sphere detection 2SW in FIG. 6) 163, a first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 (encapsulated sphere detection 1SW in FIG. 6), and a second enclosed sphere detection switch 165 (in FIG. 6). A detection signal from the enclosed sphere detection 2SW) is input. Note that there is no foul ball detection switch.
The launch ball detection switch 160 is a sensor that detects each of the balls that are launched into the game area 22 by operation of the launch volume 171 (details will be described later) (specifically, detects a ball that has been sent to the launch position). The out-ball detection switch 161 detects an out-ball (out) that does not win any winning opening as a result of the game in the game area 22.
As a result of the game in the game area 22, the collected balls include both out balls and safe balls.
As described above, the first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 and the second enclosed sphere detection switch 165 are arranged in the upper passage 303 (see FIG. 4), and are for checking the number of enclosed spheres.
The payout control device 230 receives the detection signals from the switches 160 to 165 and performs processing such as monitoring of the behavior of the sphere from launching to collection of the encapsulated sphere and checking the maximum and minimum encapsulated sphere numbers. At the same time, control is performed such as processing for adding to the number of balls held based on ball lending information (ball number command) sent from the card unit 15. There is no monitoring of foul balls.

Further, a glass frame opening switch (glass frame opening SW in FIG. 6) 125, a night monitoring switch 126 (night monitoring SW in FIG. 6), and a radio wave sensor (frame) 127 are connected to the payout control device 230.
The glass frame opening switch 125 is a sensor that detects that the glass frame 5 is opened.
The night monitoring switch 1126 monitors opening of the front frame 4 and monitoring removal of the game control device 54. Further, the night monitoring switch 126 is configured to hold the information that the opening of the front frame 4 is detected even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off, and at night when requested by the payout control device 230 when the main power is turned on. This is a configuration for outputting monitoring information (game control device monitoring information) to the outside, and a detailed configuration will be described later with reference to FIG.
The night monitoring switch 126 may detect that the glass frame 5 has been opened, in addition to detecting that the front frame 4 has been opened and the removal of the game control device 54. In this way, it is possible to cope with fraud by opening the glass frame while omitting the glass frame opening switch 125 to reduce the cost.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126 constitutes a front frame opening detection means and a main board monitoring means.
The radio wave sensor (frame) 127 is a sensor that detects transmission of radio waves particularly on the frame side of the pachinko machine 1, for example, a sensor that detects unauthorized radio waves to the payout control device 230 and various sensors installed in the frame. is there. The radio wave sensor (frame) 127 may detect other unauthorized radio waves.

Next, in relation to the circulation / polishing and ball removal control of the enclosed ball, the payout control device 230 has a ball removal solenoid 344S, an electromagnet 341, a small ball sensor 342, an upper switching solenoid 336S, a lower switching solenoid 310S, and a polishing inlet switch 321. , Polishing device 306, feed inlet switch 332, feed device 302, and feed outlet switch 334.
The ball removal solenoid 344S drives the valve body of the ball removal valve 344 to open and close the ball removal passage 305. The electromagnet 341 is used when detecting that the sphere flowing through the upper passage 303 is a magnetic body. If the sphere is a magnetic body, the electromagnet 341 is attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on.
The small ball sensor 342 is for determining whether or not the size of the game ball flowing through the upper passage 303 is smaller than a normal one, and detects a normal ball (for example, diameter = 11 mm). Smaller spheres (for example, diameter = 10.5 mm or less) are not detected.
The upper switching solenoid 336S drives the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 to open and close the bypass passage 304. The lower switching solenoid 310S drives the valve body of the lower switching valve 310 to perform the opening / closing operation of the polishing inlet passage 319 (that is, the switching operation of causing the polishing apparatus 306 to flow in / not flow in the sphere).
The polishing inlet switch 321 detects a sphere flowing into the polishing apparatus 306. The polishing apparatus 306 polishes the encapsulated sphere, and the detailed configuration is as described with reference to FIG. The lift inlet switch 332 detects a sphere flowing into the lift device 302. The feeding device 302 feeds the ball in the lower passage 301 upward and discharges it to the upper passage 303 via the feeding outlet switch 334. The feed outlet switch 334 is disposed on the outlet side of the feed device 302 and detects a ball discharged from the feed device 302.

(Production control device related)
Next, the configuration of the effect control device 53 and devices connected to the effect control device 53 will be described.
The effect control device 53 performs image processing for video display on the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33, a video control microcomputer that performs video control exclusively under the control of the main control microcomputer, and the main control microcomputer. It has a VDP as a graphic processor, a sound source LSI that controls the output of various melody and sound effects, etc., but its detailed configuration is omitted.
The effect control device 53 constitutes a firing intensity display control means.

For the control on the board side (game board 20 side), the production control device 53 analyzes the control command from the CPU 111 of the game control device 54, determines the production content, and controls the content of the output video of the display device 41. The sub liquid crystal display device 33 (denoted as the sub display device in FIG. 6) controls the display of the number of counting spheres and the effect display when there is no counting sphere, and the above-described decoration display LED. (Board) Processes such as drive control of 144 are executed, and the rendering operation of the rendering agent device 36 is controlled.
On the other hand, the production control device 53 controls the frame side (the front frame 4 and the like) via the production connection board (board) 77 and the production connection board (frame) 78 having a drawer connector structure. Etc.
That is, the production connection board (board) 77 is a board connected to the board side (game board 20 side) production control device 53, and is constituted by a drawer connector. The effect connection board (frame) 78 is a board connected to various devices on the frame side (the front frame 4 and the like), and is constituted by a drawer connector. The effect connection board (board) 77 and the effect connection board (frame) 78 are paired with a concave drawer connector and a convex drawer connector, and these drawer connectors are in the surface direction of at least one of the boards 77 or 78. Therefore, the position shift at the time of the connection work and the position shift after the connection work are absorbed, the connection work can be easily performed, and the connection state is maintained well after the connection. (Detailed structure will be described later).

The various devices connected to the effect connection board (frame) 78 will be described. The effect connection board (frame) 78 includes an effect operation switch 9, speakers 10, 16a and 16b, decoration display LEDs (frames) 141, and a decorative ball display device. 250, a level meter left 17L, and a level meter right 17R.
The effect control device 53 analyzes the control command from the CPU 111 of the game control device 54, determines the contents of the effect, and instructs the sound source LSI to play the reproduced sound, and the effect connection board (board) 77 and the effect connection board (frame). ) The lower speaker 10 and the upper speakers 16a and 16b are driven via 78 to produce sound effects, and the drive control of the above-described decoration display LED (frame) 141 and the drive control of the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R. In addition, the content of the effect is determined according to the signal from the effect operation switch 9 and the effect is controlled.
In this case, the effect control device 53 causes the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R to perform an effect indicating the big hit reliability by moving the display units 17a and 17b up and down as a reliability meter related to the big hit at normal times. When there is a counting ball, the display unit 17b is moved up and down as a counting display device, and control is performed to produce an effect of displaying the approximate number of counting balls in analog. On the other hand, when the operation of the pachinko machine 1 is stopped due to a power failure, the effect control device 53 is configured to stop the display unit 17b at the position of the number of counting balls at the time of the power failure and to stay at that position. Control is performed to notify the player that the approximate game ball acquired by the stop position of the unit 17b is held.
Further, the effect control device 53 is configured to transmit the data of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls from the payout control device 230 via the game control device 54, and the effect control device 53 transmits the effect connection board ( Board) 77 and stage connection board (frame) 78, the upper decorative ball display device 250a and the lower decorative ball according to the increase or decrease in the number of balls held or the number of counted balls with respect to the decorative ball display device 250 Lighting / flashing control of a large number of LEDs in the display device 250b is performed.

(Power supply)
Next, the configuration of the power supply device 58 will be described.
The power supply device 58 generates DC voltage such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V from the AC power supply, and supplies necessary power to the game control device 54, the effect control device 53, the payout control device 230, and each electronic component shown in FIG. , A power switch 181 is provided.
Here, as described above, the power supplied from the power supply device 58 in the pachinko machine 1 during normal time (when power is supplied to the pachinko machine 1) is referred to as a main power supply, and the main power supply includes the game control device 54. The power supply currently supplied to each apparatus of the machine 1, an electronic device, a sensor, etc. is pointed out.
In this embodiment, each control device 54, 230, etc. has a backup power supply, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.
The power switch 181 turns on / off the AC power supplied to the power supply device 58 and is used for starting and stopping the power supply device 58.

Next, the block configuration of the polishing apparatus 306 and the feeding apparatus 302 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a block configuration of the polishing apparatus 306. In the figure, the polishing apparatus 306 includes a polishing motor 312, a polishing motor switch 322, a polishing cloth motor 323, and a polishing cloth unit switch 324. The polishing motor 312 drives the conveying screw 320 based on a control signal from the dispensing control device 230 to convey the sphere flowing in from the polishing inlet passage 319 of the polishing device 306, while the polishing member 314 (for example, disposed inside) Polish the sphere with a polishing cloth.
The polishing motor switch 322 monitors the operation of the polishing motor 312 and outputs the monitoring result to the dispensing control device 230. The polishing cloth motor 323 moves (winds up) the polishing member 314 (for example, polishing cloth) based on the control signal from the dispensing control device 230. The polishing pad unit switch 324 monitors the attachment of the polishing pad unit and outputs the monitoring result to the dispensing control device 230.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a block configuration of the feeding device 302. In the drawing, the feeding device 302 includes a feeding motor 333 and a feeding motor switch 335. The feeding motor 333 feeds the encapsulated ball flowing in from the lower passage 301 to the upper upper passage 303 based on a control signal from the dispensing control device 230. The feed motor switch 335 monitors the operation of the feed motor 333 and outputs the monitoring result to the dispensing control device 230.

Next, a detailed configuration of the night monitoring switch 126 (denoted as night monitoring SW in FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the night monitoring switch 126 includes a backup power supply 381, a frame opening detection unit 382, a disconnection detection unit 383, a frame opening number storage unit 384, a disconnection number storage unit 385, and an output unit 386.
Main power to the night monitoring switch 126 is supplied from the payout controller 230, and the night monitoring switch 126 is normally operated by the main power. On the other hand, the night monitoring switch 126 is provided with a backup power supply 381 and is operated by the backup power supply 381 when the main power supply is cut off. As the backup power supply 381, for example, a primary battery is used. The primary battery is a battery (chemical battery) that can only discharge DC power, and is a battery other than the secondary battery. For example, a dry battery is used.
The backup power supply 381 supplies power to the frame opening detection unit 382, the disconnection detection unit 383, the frame opening number storage unit 384, and the disconnection number storage unit 385 when the main power is off.
Further, the backup power supply 381 allows a current to flow through a loop-connected route such as the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126. When the disconnection is detected by the disconnection detection means 383, it is possible to detect that the game control device 54 has been removed.

The monitoring function of the night monitoring switch 126 is as follows.
(A) Monitoring of opening of front frame 4 (main body frame) This is realized by the frame opening detection means 382. That is, the frame opening detection means 382 is a sensor that detects the opening of the front frame 4 and outputs information (frame opening information) indicating whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 has been detected.
(B) Monitoring of removal of game control device 54 This is realized by the disconnection detecting means 383. That is, as described above, the disconnection detecting means 383 is used when the current of the backup power source 381 flows through a loop-connected route such as the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126. Detects that the route is not broken and the game control device 54 is not removed. On the other hand, when the current of the backup power supply 381 does not flow through this route, it is detected that the game control device 54 is removed because the route is disconnected.
Note that the disconnection state detected by the disconnection detection means 383 includes the case where the route is disconnected (when the game control device 54 is disconnected) and the case where the game control device 54 is disconnected. There are two cases where the route is disconnected, and the disconnection detecting means 383 can detect both of these two states, but does not distinguish between them. Therefore, the disconnection information detected by the disconnection detection means 383 includes the removal state of the game control device 54.
Thus, the disconnection detecting means 383 detects whether or not the route is disconnected, thereby determining that the game control device 54 is disconnected as a disconnection, and monitoring the removal of the game control device 54. The detection information of the disconnection detecting means 383 is game control device monitoring information as described above, and this is information indicating whether or not the night monitoring switch 126 has detected removal of the main board (game control device 54). The disconnection detection means 383 can monitor the removal of the game control device 54 in both cases of supplying the main power and turning off the main power.
In FIG. 8, “open information” means the frame opening information when the main power is on (normal time), and means the information stored when the main power is off (night). The information is collectively referred to as “night monitoring information”.

The frame opening number storage means 384 stores and holds monitoring information (frame opening information) of the front frame 5 by the frame opening detection means 382. As information stored in the frame opening number storage means 384, opening information on the front frame 5 and the number of times the front frame 5 has been opened are stored. In particular, the frame opening number storage means 384 is supplied with backup power from the backup power supply 381 when the main power is off, so that the stored information can be held when the main power is off.
Further, the disconnection number storage means 385 stores and holds the disconnection information (including the removal state of the game control device 54) by the disconnection detection means 383. As stored information of the disconnection count storage means 385, disconnection information (including the removal state of the game control device 54) and disconnection count (including the number of disconnection of the game control device 54) are stored. In particular, the disconnection number storage means 385 is supplied with backup power from the backup power supply 381 when the main power is turned off, so that the stored information can be held when the main power is turned off.

The monitoring information (frame opening information) of the front frame 4 and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 by the disconnection detection means 383 are not delayed at the normal time (when the main power is supplied), and each monitoring information is immediately output by the output means 386 Is output to the payout control device 230. On the other hand, when the main power is turned off at night or the like, each monitoring information is stored and held by the frame opening number storage means 384 and the disconnection number storage means 385. When there is a request for night monitoring information from the payout control device 230, the output means 386 outputs it to the payout control device 230.
In addition, the monitoring information (frame opening information) of the front frame 4 and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 in the above are detailed. The monitoring information (frame opening information) of the front frame 4 is whether the front frame 4 is opened or not. The removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 is loop-connected so that the current of the backup power supply 381 is the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126. The concept includes the presence / absence of disconnection of the route and the number of disconnections when the route (hereinafter referred to as disconnection monitoring route) is flowing. For convenience of explanation, information including these details is displayed on the front frame 4. Monitoring information (frame opening information) and removal monitoring information of the game control device 54.

The output form of each monitoring information is as follows.
While the front frame 4 is closed, the output of the frame opening detection means 382 is on. On the other hand, while the front frame 4 is open, the output of the frame open detection means 382 is off. For example, “on” means an H level signal, and “off” means an L level signal.
When the disconnection monitoring route is not disconnected (including a state where the game control device 54 is not removed), the output of the disconnection detecting means 383 is turned on. On the other hand, when the disconnection monitoring route is disconnected (including the state where the game control device 54 is removed), the output of the disconnection detecting means 383 is turned off. For example, “on” means an H level signal, and “off” means an L level signal.
The frame opening detection means 382 detects not only the opening of the front frame 4 but also the opening of the glass frame 5, for example, and detects the opening information of the glass frame 5 (information including opening and non-opening). You may make it memorize | store in the frame open frequency memory | storage means 384. FIG.

The output means 386 outputs the information monitored by the frame opening detection means 382 and the disconnection detection means 383 in the nighttime monitoring switch 126 to the payout control device 230 without delay at normal time (when the main power is supplied).
On the other hand, for the frame opening information and disconnection information monitored by the night monitoring switch 126 at night when the main power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off, the output means 326 receives the night monitoring switch from the payout control device 230. Only when there is a request for night monitoring information to 126, the night monitoring information stored in the frame opening number storage means 384 and the disconnection number storage means 385 is output to the payout control device 230 in response to this request. .

The payout control device 230 determines an unauthorized level from the night monitoring information, and outputs the determined unauthorized level to the card unit 15. Here, the contents of the fraud level are as follows.
Unauthorized level 0: no frame open, no disconnection Frame open means that the front frame 4 is open, and therefore no frame open means that the front frame 4 is not open. Also, “no disconnection” means that the current of the backup power supply 381 flows through a loop-connected route (that is, disconnection monitoring route) such as the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126. This is a state where there is no disconnection of the route, and this includes a state where there is no disconnection due to the removal of the game control device 54 (that is, a state where the game control device 54 is not removed). The concept of frame opening and disconnection is the same hereinafter.
Unauthorized level 1: Open frame once, no disconnection This is a state where the front frame 4 is opened once and there is no disconnection of the disconnection monitoring route (including a state where the game control device 54 is not removed).
・ Unauthorized level 2: Open frame more than once, no disconnection This is a state where the front frame 4 is opened more than once and there is no disconnection of the disconnection monitoring route (including a state where the game control device 54 is not removed). .
-Unauthorized level 3: Disconnection one or more times This is a state in which the disconnection of the disconnection monitoring route (including the removal state of the game control device 54) is one or more times.

The output timing of night monitoring information is as follows.
That is, when the main power supply is turned on (on), the payout control device 230 outputs a night monitoring information request to the night monitoring switch 126, and receives night monitoring information from the night monitoring switch 126 in response to this request. The unauthorized level is determined from the received information, the determined unauthorized level is stored in the RAM 233, and then transmitted to the card unit 15.
On the other hand, when the payout control device 230 receives opening information (monitoring information on the front frame 4: frame opening information) from the nighttime monitoring switch 126 during normal time (when main power is supplied), the opening information is stored in the RAM 233, and thereafter It transmits to the card unit 15.

As described above, since the night monitoring switch 126 includes the output unit 386, the night monitoring information stored when the main power is turned off after the main power supply is started is stored in the night monitoring information from the payout control device 230. Is output to the external payout control device 230, and the payout control device 230 receives the night monitoring information at the internal input port and outputs it to the CPU 231. The CPU 231 stores the night monitoring information in the RAM 233, and then It transmits to the card unit 15.
The payout control device 230 determines the fraud level from the nighttime monitoring information and outputs it to the card unit 15. Instead of the fraud level, the number of times the front frame 4 is opened and the disconnection monitoring route of the nighttime monitoring information are displayed. You may make it output the frequency | count of disconnection to the card unit 15 from the payout control apparatus 230 as it is.
Further, both the fraud level and the nighttime monitoring information (the number of opening of the front frame 4 and the number of disconnections of the disconnection monitoring route) may be output from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.

Next, the detailed structure of the drawer connector will be described with reference to FIGS.
As described above, the main connection board 75 and the payout connection board 76, the effect connection board (board) 77, and the effect connection board (frame) 78 are all electrically connected by the drawer connector structure.
Since the two sets of drawer connectors have the same structure, as a representative example, one set of drawer connector structures of the main connection board 75 and the payout connection board 76 will be described in detail. A detailed description of a pair of drawer connector structures 77 and the production connection board (frame) 78 is omitted.
9 and 10 show a specific example of a drawer connector that realizes electrical connection with the main connection board 75 and the payout connection board 76. FIG.
Here, reference numeral 75 in the figure denotes a main connection board 75 as a game board side board, and reference numeral 76 denotes a payout connection board 76 as a frame side board. Further, FIG. 9 shows a front surface of the concave drawer connector 401 attached to the main connection board 75 as the game board side board and a front face of the convex drawer connector 411 attached to the payout connection board 76 as the frame side board. It is a figure mainly shown. FIG. 10 is a top view showing a state in which the concave drawer connector 401 and the convex drawer connector 411 are attached to the substrates 75 and 76 and face each other. For convenience of explanation, a retaining hole 402a, a guide hole 406, etc., which will be described later, are shown. (Internal structures that are not actually visible and should be illustrated by half lines) are also all indicated by solid lines.

  The main connection board 75 as a game board side board is a board that is attached to the game board 20, and the main connection board 75 is attached to the game board 20 at both ends of the main connection board 75 as shown in FIG. Mounting hole 75a (for example, a hole through which a shaft portion of a fastener such as a screw is inserted) is formed. On the other hand, the payout connection board 76 as the frame side board is a board that is attached to the game frame. As shown in FIG. 9, the payout connection board 76 is attached to both ends of the payout connection board 76 to attach the payout connection board 76 to the game frame. An attachment hole 76a (for example, a hole through which a shaft portion of a fastener such as a screw is inserted) is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a concave drawer connector 401 is disposed at a position inside the main connection board 75 (position inside the two mounting holes 75 a) in the thickness direction of the main connection board 75 (see FIG. 9). 9 is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and in FIG. 10 is provided in a state of penetrating the main connection board 75 in the vertical direction parallel to the paper surface. The concave drawer connector 401 includes a concave substrate portion 402 and a concave fitting portion 403 that protrudes forward (downward in FIG. 10) from the front surface of the concave substrate portion 402 (with a connection electrode on the inner surface). And a concave rear end portion 404 protruding rearward (upward in FIG. 10) from the rear surface of the concave substrate portion 402. The concave drawer connector 401 has a concave board portion 402 joined to the front surface of the main connection board 75, a concave fitting section 403 protruding from the main connection board 75 toward the payout connection board 76, and a concave rear end portion. 404 is attached to the main connection board 75 so as to protrude rearward. Note that an opening (not shown) through which the concave rear end portion 404 passes is formed in the main connection substrate 75, and there is play between the inner peripheral surface of this opening and the outer peripheral surface of the concave rear end portion 404. (Gap) is provided.

  In this case, the concave drawer connector 401 is attached to the main connection board 75 by two fasteners 405. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the both ends of the concave substrate portion 402 (positions on the outer side in the left-right direction with respect to the concave fitting portion 403) are inserted in the front-rear direction through the shaft portion (not shown) of the fastener 405. A fastening hole 402 a is formed, and a mounting hole 75 b in the front-rear direction for inserting the distal end side of the shaft portion of the fastener 405 is formed at a position corresponding to the fastening hole 402 a of the main connection board 75. Then, the shaft portion of the fastener 405 is inserted into the retaining hole 402a from the front surface of the concave substrate portion 402 and further inserted into the attachment hole 75b, whereby the concave drawer connector 401 is attached to the main connection substrate 75. Yes. However, a predetermined play (gap) is provided between the shaft portion of the fastener 405 and the fastening hole 402a. For this reason, even in the attached state, this play allows the concave drawer connector 401 to move to some extent in the surface direction of the main connection board 75 (up and down, left and right in FIG. 9) with respect to the main connection board 75. In addition, front and rear guide holes 406 are formed at the left and right ends of the concave fitting portion 403 in the concave drawer connector 401, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of wires 407 extend backward from the concave rear end portion 404 of the concave drawer connector 401. Each wiring 407 is a wiring that connects a predetermined terminal (not shown) of a circuit board (main board) constituting the game control device 54 and a predetermined terminal (not shown) in the concave drawer connector 401.

  On the other hand, at a position inside the payout connection board 76 (position inside the two mounting holes 76a), the convex drawer connector 411 is in the thickness direction of the payout connection board 76 (in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 9). Yes, in FIG. 10, it is provided in a state of penetrating the payout connection board 76 in the vertical direction parallel to the paper surface. The convex drawer connector 411 includes a convex substrate portion 412 and a convex fitting portion 413 that protrudes forward (upward in FIG. 10) from the front surface of the convex substrate portion 412 (with a connection electrode on the surface). And a convex rear end portion 414 that protrudes rearward (downward in FIG. 10) from the rear surface of the convex substrate portion 412. In the convex drawer connector 411, the convex substrate portion 412 is joined to the front surface of the payout connection substrate 76, the convex fitting portion 413 protrudes from the payout connection substrate 76 toward the main connection substrate 75, and the convex rear end portion. 414 is attached in a state of penetrating through the dispensing connection board 76 and projecting backward. Note that an opening (not shown) through which the convex rear end 414 passes is formed in the payout connection board 76, and there is play between the inner peripheral surface of this opening and the outer peripheral surface of the convex rear end 414. (Gap) is provided.

  In this case, the convex drawer connector 411 is attached to the payout connection board 76 by two fasteners 415. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the both ends of the convex substrate portion 412 (positions on the outer side in the left-right direction with respect to the convex fitting portion 413) are inserted in the front-rear direction through the shaft portion (not shown) of the fastener 415. A fastening hole 412a is formed, and a mounting hole 76b in the front-rear direction for inserting the distal end side of the shaft portion of the fastener 415 is formed at a position corresponding to the fastening hole 412a of the payout connection board 76. The shaft portion of the fastener 415 is inserted into the retaining hole 412a from the front surface of the convex substrate portion 412 and further inserted into the attachment hole 76b, whereby the convex drawer connector 411 is attached to the payout connection substrate 76. Yes. However, a predetermined play (gap) is provided between the shaft portion of the fastener 415 and the fastening hole 412a. For this reason, even in the mounted state, this play allows the convex drawer connector 411 to move to some extent in the surface direction of the payout connection board 76 (vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 10) with respect to the payout connection board 76. In addition, guide pins 416 (tips) that protrude forward from the front surface of the convex substrate part 412 are located on the left and right sides of the convex fitting part 413 in the convex drawer connector 411 (positions corresponding to the guide holes 406). Are each formed with a tapered pin. Each guide pin 416 can be inserted and fitted into each guide hole 406. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of wirings 417 extend backward from the convex rear end 414 of the convex drawer connector 411. Each wiring 417 is a wiring that connects a predetermined terminal of the circuit board constituting the payout control device 230 and a predetermined terminal (not shown) in the convex drawer connector 411.

The concave drawer connector 401 and the convex drawer connector 411 described above form a pair, and these constitute a so-called drawer connector. In the case of such a drawer connector, connection work (the convex side fitting part 413 and the concave side fitting part 403 can be performed even from one side to be connected, for example, in a slightly inclined state (or in a slightly misaligned state) with respect to the other. Can be easily performed). In this case, for example, when the game board 20 is attached to the game frame (front frame 4), the main connection board 75 and the payout connection board 76 are arranged to face each other as shown in FIG. The side fitting portion 413 fits into the concave side fitting portion 403 of the concave side drawer connector 401, and each electrode on the inner surface of the concave side fitting portion 403 (each electrode to which the above-described wirings 407 are electrically connected). And the electrodes on the surface of the convex fitting portion 413 (each electrode to which the above-described wirings 417 are electrically connected) are in contact with each other, whereby the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 The electrical connection is easily and accurately realized. At this time, since the tip of the guide pin 416 has a tapered shape, the guide pin 416 easily fits into the guide hole 406 even if there is a slight inclination or misalignment. And the fitting of the convex side fitting part 413 is guided smoothly. The contact structure between the electrodes on the inner surface of the concave fitting portion 403 and the electrodes on the surface of the convex fitting portion 413 is a sandwiched two-point contact structure in which contact is made on both the upper and lower surfaces of the convex fitting portion 413. And secure contact is ensured.
Further, as described above, by providing play in the retaining holes 402a, the retaining holes 412a, etc., the concave drawer connector 401 and the convex drawer connector 411 can move to some extent in the surface direction of each substrate. Therefore, the positional deviation at the time of the connection work and the positional deviation after the connection work are absorbed, and the connection work can be easily performed, and the connection state is favorably maintained after the connection. In addition, by a reverse operation to the connection work, a detachment work for removing the connection (work for separating the convex fitting part 413 and the concave fitting part 403 from each other) can be easily performed.

That is, with the configuration of the connecting portion described above, the concave side fitting portion 403 of the concave side drawer connector 401 and the convex side fitting portion 413 of the convex side drawer connector 411 are directly opposed without any inclination. Even if it is not, and it is not in a state of being opposed to each other accurately without any positional deviation, it can be connected even from a state where there is a slight inclination and positional deviation, so that the connection work is facilitated. Further, even after the connection work, even if the relative position between the boards (that is, the relative position between the game board side and the frame side) moves slightly in the above-described plane direction, this movement is absorbed by the above-mentioned play, so The contact state of the electrode in the side fitting part 403 and the convex side fitting part 413 is maintained satisfactorily. In addition, it is possible to easily remove the connection.
Moreover, the following effects are also acquired by the structure of the connection part demonstrated above. That is, by providing the concave drawer connector 401 on the main connection board 75, the exposed fitting portion becomes the concave fitting portion 403 having an electrode on the inner surface, for example, when an inspection is performed only with a game board. Therefore, there is also an effect that troubles such as an electrical short due to contact of the conductive foreign matter with the electrode hardly occur.

  The above is a configuration example in which the main connection board 75 and the payout connection board 76, the effect connection board (board) 77, and the effect connection board (frame) 78 are electrically connected by a drawer connector structure. For example, a configuration in which electrical connection is made by a floating connector structure may be adopted.

Note that the configuration of the connection unit described above is not limited to the electrical connection between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230, and the device on the frame side other than the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 (or game control). The present invention may be applied to electrical connection with a device on the game board side other than the device 54.
In addition, the electrical connection between the game board 20 and the game frame (front frame 4) has been described above. However, the same effect can be obtained by applying a configuration including the same drawer connector to other electrical connections. It can also be obtained. For example, an electrical connection between an electric element (such as an electrical component or a control device) provided in the machine frame 2 and an electric element provided in the front frame 4 or the glass frame 5 that is opened and closed with respect to the machine frame 2, or The electrical connection between the electrical element provided on the front frame 4 and the electrical element provided on the glass frame 5 that is opened and closed with respect to the front frame 4 is performed by a connection portion having the same configuration as in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case, it is also possible to automatically connect and disconnect the concave and convex sides of the drawer connector with relative movement during opening and closing.

(Operation display device)
Next, details of the operation display device 7 will be described.
As described above, the operation display device 7 is directly connected to the card unit 15 by the harness.
FIG. 11A shows the operation display device 7.
The operation display device 7 is composed of a liquid crystal display with a touch panel that can be operated by a player touching the touch panel with a finger, and displays a ball rental rate on the operation display device 7 as shown in FIG. A ball lending rate display 701, a remaining amount display 702 for displaying the remaining amount of a prepaid card (for example, a visitor card), a ball lending button 703, a return button 704, a storage / replay button 705, A message / operation area 706, a switching button 707, a break button 708, and a holding ball display button 709 are arranged. The counting ball use button 710 is not displayed on the initial screen of the message / operation area 706 but is displayed on the message / operation area 706 when a counting ball is generated. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11A, the counting ball use button 710 is shown at a place where the counting ball use button 710 appears virtually on the initial screen of the message / operation area 706.

The ball lending rate display 701 displays a ball lending rate at the time of lending a game ball from the card unit 15. For example, when lending a ball at 4 yen, a display of “ball lending: 4 yen per ball” is displayed. To do. In addition, when lending a ball for 1 yen, the display “ball lending: 1 yen per ball” is displayed. In the pachinko machine 1 of this example, it is possible to lend a ball at a rate of 4 yen per ball or 1 yen per ball.
The remaining amount display unit 702 displays the remaining amount of a prepaid card (for example, a visitor card). At this time, the remaining amount is displayed in units of 1 yen, for example, the remaining amount “5000 yen”.
The ball lending button 703 is operated when the player desires a predetermined number of ball lending.

The return button 704 is operated when the player simply returns a game card (including a prepaid card (for example, a visitor card)) before the game, and when he / she returns the card after settlement (game end) (that is, , Used for checkout). Therefore, in this embodiment, no checkout button is arranged.
In the case of adjusting the number of held balls, in this embodiment, it is started by operating the return button 704.
That is, when the player presses the return button 704, the card unit 15 transmits a payment instruction to the payout control device 230 in order to start the payment. Upon receiving the payment instruction, the payout control device 230 transmits the total number of balls (number of balls held + number of balls counted) data to the card unit 15, and the card unit 15 records the total number of balls held on the game card, Process to discharge. Next, when the card unit 15 finishes recording the total number-of-balls data for the game card, the card unit 15 notifies the payout control device 230 to that effect, and the payout control device 230 stores (for example, stores it in a predetermined area of the RAM 233). Clear the data such as the number of holding balls, the number of counting balls, etc., the settlement ends, and the game card is returned. The card unit 15 records the total number of balls data on the game card, but the payout control device 230 stores data such as the number of balls held and the number of balls counted until the game card is recorded. Therefore, the management of the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls is not transferred to the card unit 15.

Next, the store / replay button 705 stores a ball acquired by the player using a unique membership card called a house card, or stores a ball stored in the member card. In addition to the use of replaying, it is operated when using the number of balls that have moved to the table (which is handled in the same way as the number of stored balls).
In the message / operation area 706, a member who has a membership card inputs a password or displays a business message at the time of storing / replaying, and also displays the number of stored balls, the number of balls held and the number of counted balls It is a place to display details. In addition, the message / operation area 706 also displays the sphere rental number.
Further, the message / operation area unit 706 is configured to be able to display the number of balls held and the number of counted balls in an analog manner (analog display using a figure that looks like a ball box) (details will be described later in a specific example). .

Although the operation display device 7 (including the message / operation area unit 706) is arranged in the pachinko machine 1, ball rental, storage, settlement (however, recording to the card as described above), replay Play, return of game cards, and the like are controlled and managed by the card unit 15.
A switch button 707 is used to switch information displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7. When the switch button 707 is operated (touched), presentation assistance information such as character introduction is displayed in the card unit. 15 is transmitted to the operation display device 7 and displayed on the operation display device 7. When the switching button 707 is not operated (touched), a normal operation screen based on operations of the ball lending button 703, the return button 704, the store / replay button 705, and the like is displayed.
The break button 708 is operated when the player wants to take a break. When the break button 708 is pressed, the gaming machine shifts to the break mode. The break button 708 lights up when a break is possible.
The counting ball use button 710 is configured to be displayed in the message / operation area 706 when a counting ball is generated, and is operated when the player desires to move the ball from the counting ball number to the holding ball number. When the counting ball use button 710 is operated once, movement of a ball (for example, a predetermined amount = 100 balls) from the counting ball number to the holding ball number is started. In other words, the counting ball use button 710 corresponds to the concept of a switch used for starting an operation of transferring a ball from a ball box to an upper plate. The counting ball use button 710 is lit when the ball can move from the counting ball number to the holding ball number.
The held ball display button 709 is operated when the player desires to display the number of balls held. When the ball holding button 709 is pressed, the total number of balls held (number of held balls + The number of counting balls) is displayed. The holding ball display button 709 lights up when the number of holding balls can be displayed.

Next, a case controlled and managed by the card unit 15 will be described. For example, when a game is started, when a player inserts a 1000 yen banknote into the cash insertion slot 202 of the card unit 15 (at this time, the card unit 15). 15, a prepaid card of 1000 yen is issued), and the ball lending number corresponding to the amount of the inserted banknote is displayed in the message / operation area 706. When the player presses the ball lending button 703, ball lending addition processing is performed within the range of the displayed ball lending number, and the number of balls increased as a result of this ball lending addition processing is displayed on the ball number display 40. Is displayed. For example, when the ball lending button 703 is pressed once, the ball lending is performed five times, the number of balls held is increased by 125, for example, and the number of balls held displayed on the ball holding number display 40 is also increased by 125.
In this case, operation information indicating that the ball lending button 703 has been pressed is sent from the operation display device 7 to the card unit 15 via the harness, and a ball lending instruction (i.e., the game control device 54) is sent from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (i.e., the game control device 54). (Addition instruction to the number of balls held).

  On the other hand, if the player wishes to lend a ball within the range of the frequency of a game card (including a prepaid card (eg, a visitor card)), the player inserts the game card into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15. The remaining number of balls remaining in the game card is displayed in the message / operation area 706. Next, when the player operates the ball lending button 703 of the message / operation area 706, the ball lending (number of balls held) within the range of the valuable value information (ball lending number) recorded on the game card. And the number of balls lent out is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40. In this case, not only the pure ball lending number is displayed on the ball holding number display 40 but the ball lending number is added to the previous ball holding number so that the total number of balls is displayed. 40. Therefore, when the previous number of balls held = 0, only the number of balls lent is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40.

  Further, when the player desires to use the stored ball within the range of the number of stored balls recorded in the game card, the player inserts the game card into the card insertion slot 201 of the card unit 15, and the message / operation area section When the member's PIN is entered on the screen 706, the number of stored balls remaining in the game card is displayed in the message / operation area 706. Next, when the player operates the storage / replay button 705 in the message / operation area 706, the player can use the specified number of stored balls (the number of held balls) within the range of the number of stored balls recorded on the game card. Increase) and the number of used balls is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40. In this case, the total number of balls is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 so that the number of used balls from the stored ball is added to the previous number of balls.

When the game is over, the payment process is performed by touching the return button 704, and the game card in which the total number of balls is recorded is ejected from the card unit 15. Therefore, there is no settlement switch arrangement.
The player holds the ejected game card and inserts it into the card settlement machine 83, so that the card settlement machine 83 settles it (for example, a prize exchange receipt is ejected and can be exchanged for a prize at the counter in the hall).
When the break button 708 is pressed, the game card is ejected and the gaming machine is in a state where it cannot play. At this time, the break button 708 is lit to notify that a break is possible.

When the game ball is won, the payout control device 230 electronically increases the number of balls held by the player (that is, the number of balls held in the game value storage means by performing the ball addition process). And the like are displayed on the number-of-balls display 40.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation display device 7 described above is connected to the card unit 15 via a harness, and the operation signal of the ball lending button 703 disposed on the operation display device 7 is transmitted via the harness. The operation display device 7 sent to the card unit 15 displays the remaining amount of the prepaid card based on a signal output from the card unit 15 via the harness.
On the other hand, the card unit connection terminal plate 52 is a board for wiring connection between the pachinko machine 1 side and the card unit 15 side. Is controlled to be impossible to fire.

In this example, the operation display device 7 is provided with a return button 704 for performing a game card return operation. The return button 704 is operated when the player desires to return the game card before starting the game, and is operated when the card is returned after settlement (game end) as described above. As an example of the former, for example, a game card is purchased, and the game card is inserted into the card unit 15 of a certain gaming machine, but the player changes his mind and moves to another table.
It should be noted that when the game is started, a control for deleting the return button 704 from the screen of the operation display device 7 may be performed.
Further, although different from the first embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which a settlement switch is arranged, and if the settlement switch is pressed, the total number of balls is transferred to the game card, and the game card is ejected by the return button 704.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation display device 7 described above is connected to the card unit 15 via a harness, and the operation display device 7 receives a message based on a control signal output from the card unit 15 via the harness. In addition to performing detailed display and analog display (ball box display) of the number of balls held in the operation area unit 706, the number of balls held is determined according to the operation of the counting switch 311 under the management of the payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1. Detailed display of the number of balls counted by counting the moved spheres, control for analog display (ball box display), display control at the time of payment, etc. are also performed.
Further, the card unit 15 outputs a control signal necessary for display of the operation display device 7, ball lending, storage and the like to the operation display device 7, and the operation display device 7 performs various displays based on the control signal from the card unit 15. It responds to the screen configuration necessary for ball lending, storage, etc., and the operation of various buttons.
Here, the card unit 15 constitutes game value management means, return operation means, settlement means, switching control means, and display mode change control means. The operation display device 7 constitutes a second display device managed by the card unit, and constitutes a second game value display means for displaying the game value of the player by the management of the card unit 15. The counting switch 311 constitutes a counting operation means capable of operating the counting means by a player's operation. The return button 704 constitutes a return operation means capable of operating the operation of returning the game value storage medium from the card unit by the player's operation.

(Card unit control system)
Next, the control system of the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a control system of the card unit 15.
In FIG. 11B, an image input personal computer 700 is connected to the card unit 15, and the image input personal computer 700 includes a USB memory terminal and a DVD device. Production assistance information such as character introduction is stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or a DVD, and these storage media are attached to the image input personal computer 700 to be accessible, and the attached storage medium is accessed to access the character. Production assistance information such as introduction is read by the image input personal computer 700 and temporarily stored in an internal RAM or the like. When the storage of the presentation assistance information such as the character introduction is completed, the storage medium such as the USB memory or the DVD is removed from the image input personal computer 700.

Note that, as described above, using the image input personal computer 700, the operation assisting information such as character introduction is stored in the image input personal computer 700 from a storage medium such as a USB memory or a DVD. Perform when changing models.
Further, the presentation assistance information such as character introduction is not limited to being stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or a DVD, but may be another storage medium such as a CD, a hard disk device, an SSD, and the like. Anything is possible. Further, the image input personal computer 700 may be placed in an environment connected to the Internet, and presentation assistance information such as character introduction may be input to the image input personal computer 700 from a remote place through the Internet line and stored.

  Next, the production assistance information such as the character introduction stored in the image input personal computer 700 is transmitted to the card unit 15. This is because the image input personal computer 700 is connected to the card unit 15 when changing the model of the gaming machine. And the card unit 15 reads the production assistance information such as the character introduction stored in the image input personal computer 700. The read presentation assistance information such as the character introduction is stored in the card unit 15 (for example, an internal storage device, particularly a non-volatile flash memory). The card unit 15 is capable of holding the production assistance information such as the stored character introduction even when the power is turned off at the closing of the amusement store or even during a power failure. In FIG. 11 (b), for the sake of convenience, the flow of data in the case where the production assistance information such as character introduction is stored in the card unit 15 is indicated by arrows of display data.

The card unit 15 is directly connected to the operation display device 7 by a harness, and from the card unit 15 display data (ball rental relations, various data such as storage / replay, etc., as well as production assistance information such as character introductions) Is transmitted to the operation display device 7, and the switch information based on the touch information of various buttons and the operation of the switch button 707 is transmitted from the operation display device 7 to the card unit 15. The switching information is one piece of touch information, but is separately provided as switching information in order to clarify the operation of the switching button 707.
When the switching button 707 is operated (touched), presentation assist information such as character introduction is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the operation display device 7 and displayed on the operation display device 7.

  On the other hand, the production control device 53 is connected to the display device 41, and the display data is output from the production control device 53 to the display device 41. The display device 41 is based on the display data and displays a special figure (decoration special figure) game. Display the production. Therefore, in Example 1, the production control device 53 is not connected to the operation display device 7, and there is no switching circuit for switching the connection between the production control device 53 and the operation display device 7. Therefore, all the production assistance information such as character introduction is transmitted to the operation display device 7 via the card unit 15.

For example, when the player touches the switching button 707, presentation assistance information such as character introduction is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the operation display device 7 and displayed on the operation display device 7.
Specifically, when the player touches the switch button 707, the model name of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and the game description are displayed in the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7. For example, “CRXXXXX” is displayed as the model name, and “High probability until hitting 100 special charts after big hit” is displayed as the game description.
Thereby, the player can receive the model name and the game description only by a simple operation of touching the switching button 707, which is convenient.
In this state, when the switch button 707 is touched again, the switch button 707 is configured to switch only display / non-display (non-display) of the production auxiliary information on the operation display device 7, and therefore, from the display screen of the production auxiliary information Return to normal screen display again.
In addition, when switching to the screen for model name and game description, all screens may be used for introduction of model name and game description, but display of ball rental relationship may be necessary during game, Even if the screen is switched to a screen for explaining the model name or the game description, a structure related to ball rental may be left on a part of the screen.
Also, when there is no need for ball rental such as during big hits, the display of ball rental relations may be turned off.

In addition to the image input personal computer 700, a payout control device 230 is connected to the card unit 15 (in FIG. 11B, for convenience of explanation, the card unit connection terminal plate 52 is omitted). Information about the number of balls and the number of counted balls (referred to as number-of-balls information in FIG. 11B) is periodically sent to the card unit 15 from the operation unit 7 under the control of the card unit 15. In the message / operation area 706, details of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls are displayed.
As described above, the operation display device 7 is installed in the pachinko machine 1 in appearance, but is directly connected to the card unit 15 by the harness and is under the control of the card unit 15. The operation display device 7 is not controlled. That is, the operation display device 7 is not a device on the pachinko machine 1 side but a device on the card unit 15 side.

(Batch display device)
Next, a detailed configuration of the collective display device 35 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12A is an enlarged view of the collective display device 35. 12A, the collective display device 35 includes a special figure 1 display 351, a special figure 2 display 352, a special figure 1 hold LED 353, a special figure 2 hold LED 354, a winning display LED 355, a universal figure LED 356, and a general figure hold LED 357. , A round display LED 358 and a status display LED 359, and these elements are integrally formed on the substrate of the collective display device 35.
The special figure 1 indicator 351 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the special figure 1 (including fluctuation display, stop state display, etc.). Various display modes are adopted depending on which segment is lit (or blinks) among the seven-segment LEDs. The various display modes are, for example, “outside” stop, “big hit” stop, “being fluctuated”, etc., for Special Figure 1.
Similarly, the special figure 2 indicator 352 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the special figure 2 (including a change display, a stop state display, etc.). Various display modes are adopted depending on which segment is lit (or blinks) among the seven-segment LEDs. The various display modes are, for example, “outside” stop, “big hit” stop, “being changed”, etc., for the special figure 2.

  Note that, as described above, the variable display game according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is that when the game ball enters the first start winning opening 25 and a special figure start winning (first start winning) occurs, When the first variation display game by the variation display of the decoration special figure 1 is performed on the display device 41 and the game ball enters the second start prize opening 26, a special figure start prize (second start prize) occurs. The display device 41 performs the second variation display game based on the variation display of the decoration special figure 2, but displays the aspects of the variable display game of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 instead of the decoration special figure. These are the special figure 1 display 351 and the special figure 2 display 352 arranged in the collective display device 35.

The special figure 1 hold LED 353 displays the number of the special figure 1 held. The special figure 1 hold number indicates that the game ball enters the first start winning opening 25 to receive a special figure start prize (first start prize). ) Is the number of holds stored with an upper limit of four.
Similarly, the special figure 2 hold LED 354 displays the hold number of the special figure 2, and the special figure 2 hold number is the special figure start prize (first figure) when the game ball enters the second start prize opening 26. This is the number of suspensions stored with an upper limit of 4 when a (2 start winning) occurs.
As shown in FIG. 12 (c), the special figure 1 hold LED 353 and the special figure 2 hold LED 354 are configured to display 1 to 4 hold numbers with three LEDs in this example for common use. Yes. That is, as shown in FIG. 12C, 1 to 4 hold numbers are displayed in the following manner.
-Hold number = 1: One LED at the left end is lit-Hold number = 2: One second LED from the left end is lit-Hold number = 3: One third LED from the left end is lit-Hold number = 4 : All three LEDs are lit. Note that the LEDs may not be lit but may be blinking.

The winning display LED 355 displays the number of winning balls corresponding to winning in the winning opening, and corresponds to a winning display device. Here, winning a prize opening means all winning a prize outlets with a winning ball discharge (a process of actually paying out a ball or adding to the number of possessed balls in the case of an enclosed ball type). 25, 26, the 1st big winning opening 27a of the 1st variable winning apparatus 27, the 2nd big winning opening 34a of the 2nd variable winning apparatus 34, and the general winning openings 28-31.
In the case of the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is an enclosed ball type gaming machine, and therefore, a winning ball corresponding to winning in the winning opening is added to the number of balls held. On the other hand, in a normal gaming machine, the winning ball corresponding to the winning at the winning opening is actually discharged (paid out) to the upper plate.

The number of winning balls associated with winning a prize is as follows.
・ First grand prize opening 27a = 13 ・ Second grand prize opening 34a = 10 ・ Starting prize opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting prize opening 26 (general power) = 1 piece ・ General prize winning openings 28-31 = 10 pieces The winning display LED 355 includes two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls. The display time of the number of prize balls is as follows.
-Normal mode (normal gaming state) = 1 second (s)
(Small hits and medium hits are included in the normal mode)
・ Special mode (big hit, probability fluctuation, short time (under normal power support) = 0.5 seconds (s)
Note that the special mode is a concept indicating a state where there is a high possibility that a game ball will win continuously, such as during a big hit.

The general-purpose LED 356 is composed of a single LED, and performs normal-state display (including change display, stop state display, and the like). As the display mode, for example, “out of contact” stop = light-off, “hit” stop = light on, “during change” = blinking.
The multi-purpose hold LED 357 displays the number of general-purpose holds, and the general-purpose hold number indicates that when the game ball passes the general-purpose start gate 32, the general-purpose LED 356 of the collective display device 35 is activated. A normal figure state display is performed, and at the same time, the display part 41a displays a normal figure change display game by a change display of the normal figure as a decorative general figure state display. In this way, the game ball has passed the normal figure start gate 32. In this case, it is the number of holds stored with an upper limit of four.
As shown in FIG. 12 (c), the common map hold LED 357 is composed of 1 to 4 LEDs with three LEDs for common use as shown in FIG. 12 (c), similar to the special map 1 hold LED 353 and the special map 2 hold LED 354 described above. It has a structure that can display the number of holds on the map. In addition, the display mode of the usual number of hold is the same as the example of FIG. 12C, and detailed description is omitted.

The round display LED 358 displays the number of rounds when a big hit is generated in response to the start winning of the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 and the big hit game is executed. For this reason, in this example, four types of rounds can be displayed with four LEDs.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12B, three types of rounds are displayed in the following manner.
• ○ + (2) = 2 rounds displayed • ○ + (11) = 11 rounds displayed • ○ + (16) = 16 rounds displayed In the above, ○ indicates lighting of one LED. Also, (2), (11), and (16) are the stickers on which the numbers (2), (11), and (16) are drawn on the surface of the main body of the collective display device 35 on the front side of the LEDs. In addition, the display corresponding to the number of rounds is performed by three LEDs. For example, a sheet may be used instead of the seal.

As a result, if the LED corresponding to the sticker (2) is lit, it is easily understood that there are two rounds. Similarly, if the LED corresponding to the seal (11) is lit, it is known that the round is 11 rounds, and if the LED corresponding to the seal (16) is lit, it is understood that the round is 16 rounds. Become.
When two rounds of display are performed, one LED corresponding to “◯” and two LEDs corresponding to the seal (2) are lit simultaneously. This is the same when displaying 11 rounds and 16 rounds, and one LED corresponding to ○ is turned on together. Also, in other round games, only one LED corresponding to ○ is lit. Each LED may be blinking instead of lighting.
Note that the round display LED 358 has four LEDs, one of which does not correspond to the seal, but the LED may be used as a spare. That is, when the number of rounds is four, four types of rounds can be expressed by lighting the four LEDs corresponding to the number of rounds.

Also, sticking the numbers (2), (11), and (16) on the main body surface of the collective display device 35 on the front side of the LED is a big hit round, depending on the model of the pachinko machine 1 Since the number may change, it is possible to change to the difference in the number of rounds, etc., as long as the seal is changed, so that such a flexible response is possible.
In addition, the performance indication of the model is also written on the seal. The performance display includes, for example, model name, jackpot probability (including a high probability at the time of probability change and a low probability at the normal time), a probability change ratio, the maximum number of jackpots (the limit value of the number of jackpots), the number of winning balls, and the like. The performance display by the sticker may be described in a place different from the collective display device 35 (that is, the sticker may be pasted in another place).
The state display LED 359 displays the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 and is composed of two LEDs. As the display of the gaming state, for example, “probability variation state” and “time saving state” are displayed by lighting (or blinking) each one LED.

Next, the configuration of encrypted communication and backup power supply between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 and the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 13 does not represent all the circuits shown in FIG. 6 described above, but only the components related to the encrypted communication and the backup power supply.
In FIG. 13, the power supply device 58 includes a main power generation circuit 361, a power failure monitoring circuit 362, and the power switch 181 described above. The main power supply generation circuit 361 generates a main power supply. A commercial AC power supply (for example, AC100V) is used as an input power supply, DC voltages such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V are generated from the input power supply. At the same time, the main power is supplied to the game control device 54 via the payout control device 230.
On the other hand, a power supply (main power supply here) required for the effect control device 53 other than the game control device 54 and each electronic component is supplied from the power supply device 58. Note that the commercial AC power supply is not limited to AC 100 V, and for example, an AC 24 V may be supplied to each gaming machine in units of islands and the AC 24 V may be used as an input power source.
The power failure monitoring circuit 362 monitors whether or not a commercial AC power supply (for example, AC 100 V) has dropped below a predetermined voltage. Output to. The power switch 181 is as described above.

The payout control device 230 includes a backup power source 241 and a RAM clear switch 182, and the backup power source 241 is configured with a large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power source 241 is supplied to the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 so that the data stored in the RAM 233 is retained even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. In the payout control device 230, for example, a nonvolatile memory may be used as the RAM 233 instead of the backup power source 241.
In the payout control device 230, when the RAM clear switch 182 is turned on (in the actual operation, the power switch 181 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 182), the RAM 233 in the payout control device 230 is initialized, A RAM clear signal is output to the game control device 54.
The payout control device 230 is supplied with main power from the power supply device 58, and this main power supply is used for each part of the circuit of the payout control device 230 and also supplied to the game control device 54.
Furthermore, when a power failure detection signal is input from the power supply device 58, the payout control device 230 determines that a power failure has occurred and performs processing necessary for the power failure (for example, data storage). Further, the payout control device 230 outputs the input power failure monitoring signal to the game control device 54.

In addition, the payout control device 230 outputs a game stop signal to the game control device 54, which is output when communication with the game control device 54 or with the card unit 15 is abnormal. is there. The communication abnormality is, for example, a case where communication between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 is disconnected. When the game control device 54 receives a game stop signal from the payout control device 230, the game control device 54 performs a process of stopping the game. On the other hand, when the communication is restored, the payout control device 230 recovers data that could not be communicated by the recovery process.
Also, the payout control device 230 is supplied with disconnection monitoring power from the backup power supply 381 of the night monitoring switch 126, and this disconnection monitoring power is supplied to the game control device 54 via the payout control device 230. . Then, a route in which the current from the disconnection monitoring power supply supplied from the backup power supply 381 is loop-connected as in the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the nighttime monitoring switch 126 (that is, the disconnection monitoring route) If the route is flowing, it is determined that there is no disconnection of the route, the night monitoring switch 126 does not count the number of disconnections (including removal of the game control device 54), and the disconnection count storage means 385 stores the number of disconnections. Not done.
On the other hand, when the current from the disconnection monitoring power source supplied from the backup power supply 381 does not flow through the disconnection monitoring route, it is determined that the route is disconnected, and the night monitoring switch 126 is disconnected (removal of the game control device 54). The number of disconnections is stored by the disconnection count storage means 385.

The game control device 54 includes a backup power source 116, and the backup power source 116 is constituted by a large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power source 116 is supplied to the RAM 113 of the game control device 54 so that the data stored in the RAM 133 is retained even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. The backup power supply may be mounted on another board (backup power supply board) separated from the game control device 54 and connected to the game control device 54. In this case, it is desirable that the game control device 54 and the backup power supply board are housed in the same case.
When the RAM clear signal is input from the payout control device 230, the game control device 54 performs processing for initializing the RAM 113 and the like.
In addition, when a power failure detection signal is input from the payout control device 230, the game control device 54 determines that a power failure has occurred and performs processing necessary for the power failure (for example, data storage).

The card unit 15 includes a backup power supply 371 and an RTC (real-time clock) 372, and the backup power supply 371 is composed of a large capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power source 371 is supplied to a RAM or the like inside the card unit 15 so that the data stored in the RAM or the like is held even during a power failure or after the power is shut off.
The RTC 372 counts real time and provides information such as date and time. The card unit 15 records real time such as ball lending by a game card and storage processing of the number of balls based on information from the RTC 372. Process such as.

Next, encrypted communication will be described.
Encrypted communication is performed both between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 and between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15.
Here, in the encrypted communication of the present embodiment, encrypted communication using an encryption key of a common key method (method using the same encryption key at the time of encryption and decryption) is performed. In addition, although the encryption key used at the time of game machine installation is previously provided in each apparatus, what is normally used is obtained from an external management apparatus (for example, external management apparatus 91), and the structure which can be updated.
Bidirectional communication is performed periodically (for example, every 200 ms) between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 and between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54. The interval for bidirectional communication is not limited to every 200 ms, but may be another time interval. In the bidirectional communication, each of the devices 230 and 54 and the card unit 15 has a dedicated register for each information.

In the encrypted communication of information transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230, the following information is transmitted.
Authentication completion information This is information indicating a matching result of the gaming machine ID (main control ID and payout ID). For example, when all the predetermined bits of the authentication completion information are “1”, it is determined that the authentication is complete (verification is OK).
-Game information The game information includes type information and prize ball information. The type information is, for example, 1 byte and includes a data type and a data number. The data type is distinguished from, for example, types such as no information, start opening, big winning opening, winning opening, number of symbol stops, and the like. The data number is a data number designated by, for example, no information and a number from 1 to 15.
The prize ball information is, for example, 1 byte, and is composed of the number of prize balls (no information and prize ball number data of 1 to 15) and the number of winning prizes (including no information).

-Game state information As the game state information, eight registers from the game state information register 0 to the game state information register 7 are prepared. In the gaming state information register 0, jackpot information from jackpot 1 to jackpot 9 is divided and stored in bit units. For example, bit D0 = big hit 1, bit D1 = big hit 2,... Bit D7 = big hit 8 and so on.
Further, the game status information register 1 stores the game status information such as big hit + short time, probable change, short time, and change in bit units. For example, bit D0 = big hit + short time, bit D1 = probable change, bit D2 = short time, bit D3 = during change, bits D4 to D7 = reserved.
The gaming status information register 2 stores gaming status information such as radio wave detection, magnet detection, fraudulent winning detection, and vibration detection in units of bits. For example, bit D0 = radio wave detection, bit D1 = magnet detection, bit D2 = illegal prize detection, bit D3 = vibration detection, bits D4 to D7 = reserved.
The game state information register 3 stores the game state information indicating that the firing has been stopped in units of bits. For example, it is classified as bit D0 = fire stop, bits D1-D7 = reserve.
The game state information register 4 stores the game state information that the game state information setting is completed in units of bits. For example, bit D0 = gaming state information setting completion, bits D1-D7 = reserved.
The game state information registers 5 to 7 are used as spare registers.

In the encrypted communication of information transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54, the following information is transmitted.
Authentication completion information This is information indicating a matching result of the gaming machine ID (main control ID and payout ID). For example, when all the predetermined bits of the authentication completion information are “1”, it is determined that the authentication is complete (verification is OK).
-Gaming Machine Frame Information As the gaming machine frame information, eight registers from the gaming machine frame information register 0 to the gaming machine frame information register 7 are prepared. In the gaming machine frame information register 0, gaming machine frame information such as frame opening, winning number abnormality, fraudulent addition, radio wave detection, proximity SW abnormality, and night opening is divided and stored in bit units. For example, bit D0 = open frame, bit D1 = abnormal number of winnings, bit D2 = illegal addition, bit D3 = radio wave detection, bit D4 = proximity SW abnormality, bit D5 = short and short at night, bits D4 to D7 = reserved It is divided into.
In the gaming machine frame information register 1, the gaming machine frame information indicating that the count notification request and the card are waiting to be removed is stored in units of bits. For example, bit D0 = count notification request, bit D1 = waiting to remove card, bits D2-D7 = reserved.
The gaming machine frame information register 2 stores and stores gaming machine frame information called a power saving transition request in units of bits. For example, it is classified as bit D0 = power saving transition request and bits D1 to D7 = reserved.
The game machine frame information registers 3 and 4 store the number of balls held.
The gaming machine frame information registers 5 and 6 store count ball number information.
The gaming machine frame information register 7 is used as a spare.
Recovery information This is information that indicates that recovery is completed when the payout control device 1230 recovers data that could not be communicated by recovery processing when communication is restored.
In the recovery completion, it is determined that the recovery is completed when the bit D0 = 1 of the recovery communication completion flag is set. When communication is normal, recovery is complete.

Next, in communication (encrypted communication) between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230, the following information is transmitted.
First, the frame structure in communication is as follows.
(A) Data length: The following (b) to (d) Data size (b) Serial number: Message sequence number (+1 at the time of transmission)
(C) Command: Message command code (d) Data: Message data (encryption)
(E) CRC: for error detection of message (error correction code)

The commands transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 are as follows, and indicate the command name and the content of the command.
・ Communication start request: Request communication start ・ Communication end request: Request communication end ・ Status information request: Request game machine status information ・ Card insertion notification: Card insertion notification ・ Card return notification: Card return notification ・ Recovery Request: Request recovery information ・ Detail recovery request: Request detailed recovery information ・ Check break: Request break confirmation (whether break is possible) ・ Start break request: Request break start ・ Request break end: Request break end Settlement confirmation: Request settlement check (whether settlement is possible) Request for settlement start: Request settlement start Request for settlement termination: Notify settlement completion Request for use of count: Request use of counting ball

Here, among the commands transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230, the above “state information request” requests the state information of the gaming machine. The detailed contents of the “state information request” are as follows. It is as follows.
Detailed contents of "status information request", serial number, command code, CU (card unit) status (detailed contents are as follows)
Completion of counting ball reception Request for addition of number of balls CU (card unit) preparation status Card insertion / addition balls (number of balls to be added to the number of balls)
-CU (card unit) error status

The commands transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15 are as follows, and indicate the command name and the content of the command.
・ Communication start response: Notifying the start of communication of the payout control device ・ Communication end notification: Notifying the end of communication of the payout control device ・ Status information response: Notifying the game machine status information ・ Card insertion response: Receiving card insertion notification Notification / Card return response: Notification of receipt of card return notification / Recovery response: Notification of recovery information / Detailed recovery response: Notification of detailed recovery information Start response: Notify break start / Receive end response: Notify break end / Checkout confirmation response: Notify settlement check result (whether settlement is possible) / Checkout start response: Notify settlement start / Settlement end response: Notify settlement end・ Counting use response: Notification of the use of counting balls (addition to the number of balls held)

Here, among the commands transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15, the above “state information response” notifies the state information of the gaming machine, but the detailed contents of the “state information response” are as follows: It is as follows.
Detailed contents of "status information response", serial number, command code, game status information (details are as follows)
Number of balls held Number of balls launched Number of balls counted Number of fired fires Stopped / gamed Counting state Big hit 1, 2, 3, ...
During probability change, short time, ...
Error information Fraud detection information

The contents of communication between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 when the game card is inserted and returned are configured as follows.
The insertion of a game card is to insert a game card into the card insertion slot 201 of the card unit 15.
(A) When a game card is inserted The contents of communication when a game card is inserted (the same applies because the game card is issued inside the card unit 15 when cash is inserted) are as follows.
First, in the processing on the card unit 15 side, the card ID of the inserted game card and the insertion time (date and time) are transmitted to the payout control device 230.
The card insertion response process of the payout control device 230 for the above is as follows.
The payout control device 230 stores the card ID received from the card unit 15 and the insertion time (date and time) (for example, stored in the RAM 233). Further, the payout control device 230 transmits a “card insertion response” to the card unit 15.

(B) When the game card is returned Next, the communication contents when the game card is returned are as follows.
The game card return is to discharge the game card from the card slot 201 of the card unit 15 (for return to the player).
First, in the processing on the card unit 15 side, a card return notification (to confirm the card ID and insertion time before returning the card) is transmitted to the payout control device 230.
The card return response process of the payout control device 230 for the above is as follows.
The payout control device 230 transmits the card ID stored at the time of card insertion and the insertion time to the card unit 15.
The subsequent processing of the card unit 15 is as follows.
The card unit 15 collates the card ID and insertion time transmitted from the payout control device 230 with those inside the card unit 15. And if the result of collation is NG, processing, such as deferring card return and reporting an error, is performed. On the other hand, if the collation result is OK, the card is allowed to be returned and discharged.

Next, the content of the recovery response between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230 has the following configuration.
The recovery is to match data between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230 when communication is not possible.
Recovery is performed in the following two stages.
(A) First Stage The first stage is for confirming the conditions for data recovery, which includes a recovery request and a recovery response.
First, in the processing on the card unit 15 side, a recovery request is transmitted to the payout control device 230.
The response process of the payout control device 230 with respect to the above is as follows.
The payout control device 230 transmits a recovery response to the card unit 15. Here, the recovery response includes the previous last transmission serial number to the card unit 15, the stored card ID, and the insertion time.
(B) Second stage In the second stage, if the condition for data recovery is OK, data recovery is performed, which includes a recovery detail request and a recovery detail response.
First, in the processing on the card unit 15 side, a recovery detail request is transmitted to the payout control device 230. Here, the detailed recovery request includes the previous last transmission serial number to the payout control device 230 and the added ball number data to the number of held balls. The number of added balls is data to be added to the number of held balls by using a ball lending or using a counting ball, and corresponds to the amount that the payout control device cannot receive.
The response process of the payout control device 230 with respect to the above is as follows.
The payout control device 230 adds the number of added balls received from the card unit 15 to the number of held balls. Then, the payout control device 230 transmits the previously transmitted various data and the latest various data to the card unit 15.

  Thus, since encrypted communication is performed between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54, and between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15, game value information (for example, counting ball information) ), Etc., can be prevented from being illegally read or rewritten from a communication line or a communication terminal.

Next, a configuration related to the matching of the gaming machine ID will be described with reference to FIGS.
<A: When a gaming machine is installed: ID transmission>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a block configuration in the case of checking the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed. In FIG. 14, (a) to (e) show the flow of checking the gaming machine ID.
In FIG. 14, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113 in the game control device 54 correspond to a game microcomputer as a game processing unit, and are manufactured as an IC for an amusement chip, for example. In addition to a chip code as individual identification information that can individually identify the IC chip, a manufacturer code and a product code are stored, and these codes can be output as a gaming machine ID. In this case, the gaming machine ID stored in the gaming processing unit of the gaming control device 54 is referred to as a main control ID (or main board ID).
Further, the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233 in the payout control device 230 also correspond to game microcomputers as game arithmetic processing devices, and individual identification information that can individually identify this IC chip is stored. The gaming machine ID stored in the payout control device 230 is referred to as a payout ID (or payout board ID, payout unique ID).
The contents of the main control ID are composed of a chip code, a manufacturer code, a product code, and the like. Similarly, the contents of the payout ID are composed of a chip code, a manufacturer code, a product code, and the like.
Here, for convenience of explanation, the main control ID (or main board ID) is appropriately shortened to simply refer to the main ID, and the payout ID (or payout board ID, payout unique ID) is referred to as the payout ID as it is. The unique ID of the card unit 15 is called a card unit ID, and the unique ID of the card management device 81 is called a hall ID.
In the following description, the main ID and the payout ID are used as game machine IDs, which are unique information for identifying the game machines.

First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the game control device 54 transmits a main control ID to the payout control device 230 when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on. At this time, the game control device 54 transmits the main ID to the payout control device 230 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A provided in itself.
Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device (that is, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91). Each device receives an ID sent from another device by using encrypted communication with the encryption key A provided in advance, and encrypts the encryption key A provided with its own ID in advance. Similarly, it is configured to transmit to other devices using computerized communication. In each device, each ID sent from another device is stored as encrypted.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, the payout control device 230 transmits the main ID sent from the game control device 54 and its payout ID to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. To do.
Next, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), the card unit 15 stores the main ID and the payout ID sent from the payout control device 230 in an encrypted state, and also stores the main ID and the payout ID (that is, the gaming machine). ID) and its own card unit ID are transmitted to the card management device 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, as shown in FIG. 14D, the card management device 81 stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) and card unit ID sent from the card unit 15 in an encrypted state, The machine ID (main ID and payout ID), the card unit ID, and its own hole ID are transmitted to the external management device 91 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, as shown in FIG. 14 (e), the external management device 91 decrypts each of the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID), card unit ID, and hole ID sent from the card management device 81. The ID is collated using a predetermined collation list.
Here, the external management device 91 is managed by an external third-party organization, and each ID transmitted to the external management device 91 is checked against a predetermined check list (for example, authenticity verification of the ID). In the predetermined collation list of the external management device 91, the gaming machine IDs (main ID and payout ID) in a large number of gaming machines (for example, gaming machines installed in gaming stores throughout the country) are regular information for each gaming machine. In addition, the ID of the card unit 15 and the ID (hole ID) of the card management device 81 are also created and stored in advance as regular information. Therefore, in the external management device 91, each transmitted ID is authorized by collating the transmitted gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID), card unit ID and hole ID with a predetermined collation list. Or whether it is fake.
If at least one of the main ID, the payout ID, the card unit ID, and the hole ID is NG as a result of the verification, the current verification result is determined to be NG. On the other hand, only when the main ID, the payout ID, the card unit ID, and the hole ID are all OK as a result of the verification, the current verification result is determined to be OK.

Therefore, a description will be given separately for the case where the collation result is OK and NG.
<B: When a gaming machine is installed: Verification OK>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a block configuration when the matching result of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed is OK. In FIG. 15, (a) to (e) show the flow of checking the gaming machine ID.
As shown in FIG. 15 (a), the external management device 91 decrypts the main ID, the payout ID, the card unit ID, and the hole ID, and then collates using a predetermined collation list. If the payout ID, card unit ID, and hall ID are all OK, the current verification result is determined to be OK, and the verification result OK and the data for the encryption key X are encrypted using the encryption communication with the encryption key A. Transmit to the management device 81.
The data for the encryption key X is data for generating the encryption key X. As will be described later, when the data for the encryption key X is transmitted from the external management device 91 to the card management device 81, the card management device 81 uses the data for the encryption key X for each unit in the amusement store. The encryption key X is generated.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15B, the card management device 81 stores the verification result OK and the data for the encryption key X sent from the external management device 91, and also stores the data for the encryption key X. Based on this, an encryption key X for each vehicle in the game store is generated.
The encryption key X is used to generate a different ID for each machine in the game store, and inside the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) (between the gaming control device 54 (main board) and the payout control device 230 (payout control board)). In communication between the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and the card unit 15, information is transmitted / received using encrypted communication using an encryption key X different for each unit.
The contents of the collation result OK are those in which collation using the collation list is performed for all of the main ID, payout ID, card unit ID, and hall ID, and all IDs are OK. That is, it includes all verification results of main ID, payout ID, card unit ID, and hall ID.
If the collation result sent from the external management device 91 is OK, the card management device 81 decrypts each stored ID and stores it again. As a result, only the regular ID is decrypted and stored in the card management device 81.

In the case of the verification result OK, encrypted communication with the encryption key A is performed for communication higher than the card unit 15 from the time of verification of the next gaming machine ID. Encrypted communication using different encryption keys X.
Specifically, encrypted communication using the encryption key A is performed between the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91, and encryption is performed between the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. Encrypted communication using the key X is performed.
In the case of the verification result OK, the card management device 81 transmits the verification result of each unit and the encryption key X of each unit to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), the card unit 15 stores the verification result of the table and the encryption key X of the table sent from the card management device 81. When the collation result sent from the card management device 81 is OK, the card unit 15 decrypts each stored ID and stores it again. As a result, only the legitimate ID is stored in the card unit 15 in a decrypted state.
In the case of the collation result OK, the card unit 15 uses the game machine ID collation result and the encryption key X for each unit sent from the card management device 81 to the payout control device of the pachinko machine 1. 230 is transmitted using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, as shown in FIG. 15 (d), the payout control device 230 stores the verification result of the gaming machine ID sent from the card unit 15 and the encryption key X, and the gaming machine sent from the card unit 15. The ID verification result and the encryption key X are transmitted to the game control device 54.
Next, as shown in FIG. 15 (e), the game control device 54 stores the comparison result of the gaming machine ID sent from the payout control device 230 and the encryption key X.
If the match result is OK (the match result of the main ID and the payout ID is normal) from the match result of the main ID and the payout ID, the game control device 54 starts the game as usual.
If the ID verification result in the external management device 91 is OK, the encryption key X is used between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 and between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 from the next time. Information is transmitted and received by encrypted communication.

<C: When a gaming machine is installed: In the case of verification NG>
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a block configuration in the case where the matching result of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed is NG. In FIG. 16, (a) to (e) show the flow of checking the gaming machine ID.
As shown in FIG. 16A, the external management device 91 decrypts the main ID, the payout ID, the card unit ID, and the hole ID, and then collates using a predetermined collation list. If any one of the payout ID, card unit ID, and hall ID is NG, the current verification result is determined to be NG, and the verification result NG is transmitted to the card management device 81 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A.
Specifically, when the main ID, the payout ID, the card unit ID, and the hall ID are compared with the regular ID, the main ID is NG, and the other payout ID, card unit ID, and hall ID are all OK. Even if it exists, since only one main ID is NG, it is determined that the current collation result is NG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, the card management device 81 stores the verification result NG sent from the external management device 91. At this time, the ID of the collation result NG is discarded. For example, if the main ID is NG in the current collation result, the main ID is discarded (shown as deleting the main ID in FIG. 16B).
Further, the card management device 81 transmits the verification result of each unit sent from the external management device 91 to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, as shown in FIG. 16C, the card unit 15 stores the collation result of the table sent from the card management device 81. This includes information on the verification result NG. At this time, the ID of the collation result NG is discarded. For example, if the main ID is NG in the current collation result, the main ID is discarded (indicated as deleting the main ID in FIG. 16C). Further, the card unit 15 stops the game for the corresponding table of the verification result NG.
Further, the card unit 15 transmits the verification result of the table sent from the card management device 81 to the payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1 using the encrypted communication using the encryption key A.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16 (d), the payout control device 230 stores the matching result of the gaming machine ID sent from the card unit 15. At this time, for example, if the comparison result of the main ID is NG, the game is stopped. Also, the payout control device 230 transmits the verification result sent from the card unit 15 to the game control device 54 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, as shown in FIG. 16 (e), the game control device 54 stores the matching result of the gaming machine ID sent from the payout control device 230. At this time, for example, if the comparison result of the main ID is NG, the game is stopped.
Therefore, if the result of checking the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed is NG, the game is stopped. In addition, if the result of checking the gaming machine ID is NG, a command is sent to the effect control device 53 to cause the display device 41 to display an error.

Next, a description will be given of the block configuration in the case where the gaming machine ID is collated after the gaming machine is installed. In this case, the ID collation result in the external management device 91 is OK (that is, collation is OK when the gaming machine is installed: the case of FIG. 15), and between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 and the payout from the next time. Information is transmitted and received between the control device 230 and the card unit 15 by encrypted communication using the encryption key X. However, even if the ID collation result in the external management device 91 is OK when the gaming machine is installed, any ID may be replaced with a fake thereafter, so every time the gaming machine is turned on. ID collation is executed.
Here, a case will be described that is divided into a case where power is supplied to the gaming machine after the gaming machine is installed and a case where gaming is performed after the gaming machine is installed.
<D: After the game machine is installed: At power-on>
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a block configuration in the case where the gaming machine ID is collated when the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1, hereinafter the same) is turned on after the gaming machine is installed. Note that (a) to (j) in FIG. 17 show the flow of checking the gaming machine ID.
For convenience of explanation, FIG. 17 shows an example in which the card unit 15 transmits the gaming machine ID of one gaming machine to the card management device 81 for verification.
First, as shown in FIG. 17A, the game control device 54 transmits a main ID to the payout control device 230 when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. At this time, the game control device 54 transmits the main ID to the payout control device 230 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key X obtained when the game machine ID verification is OK.
Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, the payout control device 230 transmits the main ID sent from the game control device 54 and its payout ID to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. To do.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17C, the card unit 15 updates and stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) sent from the payout control device 230 over the previous one, and the gaming machine. The ID (main ID and payout ID) and its own card unit ID are transmitted to the card management apparatus 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, as shown in FIG. 17 (d), the card management device 81 overwrites and stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) and card unit ID sent from the card unit 15 over the previous ones. At the same time, the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) and the card unit ID are compared with the previously stored information (each ID stored when the gaming machine is installed as described above). If at least one of the main ID, the payout ID, and the card unit ID is NG as a result of the verification, the current verification result is determined to be NG. On the other hand, only when the main ID, the payout ID, and the card unit ID are all OK as a result of the collation, the current collation result is determined to be OK.

Here, the example shown in FIG. 17 is a configuration in which the card management device 81 collates the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is turned on after the gaming machine is installed.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17 (e), the card management device 81 transmits the verification result to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. When the collation result is NG, the card management device 81 uses the encrypted communication with the encryption key A for the gaming machine ID, card unit ID, and hole ID as shown in FIG. 91 to be transmitted.
Next, as shown in FIG. 17 (f), the card unit 15 stores the verification result sent from the card management device 81. At this time, the card unit 15 permits the game if the collation result sent from the card management device 81 is OK, and stops the game if the collation result is NG. Further, the card unit 15 transmits the collation result sent from the card management device 81 to the payout control device 230 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. Here, since the ID collation result in the external management device 91 is OK at the stage of collation of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, information is transmitted by encrypted communication using the cipher key X.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17 (g), the payout control device 230 stores the verification result sent from the card unit 15. At this time, the payout control device 230 permits the game if the collation result sent from the card unit 15 is OK, and stops the game if the collation result is NG. Also, the payout control device 230 transmits the verification result sent from the card unit 15 to the game control device 54 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. Here, since the ID collation result in the external management device 91 is OK at the stage of collation of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, information is transmitted by encrypted communication using the cipher key X.
Next, as shown in FIG. 17 (h), the game control device 54 stores the collation result sent from the payout control device 230. At this time, the game control device 54 permits the game if the collation result sent from the payout control device 230 is OK, and stops the game if the collation result is NG.

The card management device 81 overwrites and stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) and card unit ID sent from the card unit 15 over the previous ones, and the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout). ID) and card unit ID are compared with the information previously stored (each ID stored when the gaming machine is installed as described above). If the result of the verification is NG, As shown in FIG. 17 (j), the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID), the card unit ID, and its own hole ID are transmitted to the external management device 91 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A, and external management The apparatus 91 is configured to re-verify each ID.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 17 (j), the external management apparatus 91 performs re-collation of each ID, and transmits the re-collation result to the card management apparatus 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. The subsequent processing flow is the same as described above. As shown in FIG. 17E, the card management device 81 transmits the re-verification result to the card unit 15 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A. It will be.
By performing re-collation, security can be further improved.
In addition, when the external management device 91 performs re-collation of each ID and the re-collation result is NG, the external management device 91 performs collation of each ID for a predetermined period thereafter. Therefore, a high security level can be maintained.
In this way, when the gaming machine ID is collated when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID is compared with the gaming machine ID which is verified by the card management device 81 when the gaming machine is installed. Since the external management device 91 performs collation only during collation NG, the gaming machine ID can be collated efficiently.

<E: After game machine installation: During game>
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a block configuration in the case of collating the gaming machine ID during gaming of the gaming machine after the gaming machine is installed. In FIG. 18, (a) to (c) and (f) to (h) show the flow of checking the gaming machine ID.
Since the card unit only performs verification of one gaming machine (pachinko machine 1), in FIG. 18, the card unit 15 is a case for verifying the gaming machine ID of one gaming machine.
First, as shown in FIG. 18A, the game control device 54 transmits the main ID to the payout control device 230 when the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is turned on. At this time, the game control device 54 transmits the main ID to the payout control device 230 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. Thereafter, the game is started on the gaming machine. Actually, the game is not started immediately, and the main point is an example after the game machine ID is verified when the power is turned on after the game machine is installed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 18B, the payout control device 230 transmits the main ID sent from the game control device 54 and its payout ID to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. To do.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18 (c), the card unit 15 updates and stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) sent from the payout control device 230 over the previous one, and the gaming machine. The ID (main ID and payout ID) is compared with previously stored information (the gaming machine ID stored when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed as described above). If at least one of the main ID and the payout ID is NG as a result of the collation, the current collation result is determined to be NG. On the other hand, only when the main ID and the payout ID are all OK as a result of the collation, the current collation result is determined to be OK. At this time, particularly when the collation result is NG, the card unit 15 transmits information of the collation result NG to the card management apparatus 81 using the encrypted communication using the encryption key A. The card management device 81 stores the verification result NG.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 17 described above, when the matching result of the gaming machine ID and the card unit ID in the card management device 81 at power-on is NG, the external management device 91 performs re-collation. When the card unit 15 performs the matching of the gaming machine ID as shown in FIG. 18 when the card unit 15 determines that the matching result is NG, the host device (the card management device 81, the external management device 91). ), The collation result NG is determined without collating the ID. Therefore, the matching can be performed efficiently without repeating the matching process.

Here, the example shown in FIG. 18 is a configuration in which the gaming machine ID is collated by the card unit 15 during gaming after the gaming machine is installed.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18 (f), the card unit 15 transmits the verification result to the payout control device 230 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. Here, since the ID collation result in the external management device 91 is OK at the stage of collation of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, information is transmitted by encrypted communication using the cipher key X.
At this time, if the collation result is OK, the card unit 15 transmits the information (collation result OK) to the payout control device 230. On the other hand, when the verification result is NG, the card unit 15 stops the game.
Next, as shown in FIG. 18 (g), the payout control device 230 stores the verification result sent from the card unit 15. At this time, the payout control device 230 permits the game if the collation result sent from the card unit 15 is OK, and stops the game if the collation result is NG. Also, the payout control device 230 transmits the verification result sent from the card unit 15 to the game control device 54 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. Here, since the ID collation result in the external management device 91 is OK at the stage of collation of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, information is transmitted by encrypted communication using the cipher key X.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18 (h), the game control device 54 stores the collation result sent from the payout control device 230. At this time, the game control device 54 permits the game if the collation result sent from the payout control device 230 is OK, and stops the game if the collation result is NG.
In this way, when the gaming machine ID is verified during gaming of the gaming machine after the gaming machine is installed, it is compared with the gaming machine ID stored at the time of power-on after the gaming machine is installed in the card unit 15. Since the gaming machine ID is collated, the gaming machine ID can be efficiently collated.

Next, a configuration in which different encryption keys are used partially when the gaming machine is installed and after it is installed will be described with reference to FIG.
<F: When a gaming machine is installed (first ID verification)>
FIG. 19F is a diagram illustrating a block configuration in the case where ID verification is performed for the first time when a gaming machine is installed.
When ID verification is performed for the first time when a gaming machine is installed, information is transmitted using encrypted communication using the encryption key A in all cases. The encryption key A is provided in advance in each device (game control device 54, payout control device 230, card unit 15, card management device 81, external management device 91).
In the configuration shown in FIG. 19 (F), the game control device 54 transmits the main ID to the payout control device 230 when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. At this time, the game control device 54 transmits the main ID to the payout control device 230 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A provided in itself. The payout control device 230 transmits the main ID sent from the game control device 54 and its payout ID to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. The card unit 15 stores the main ID and the payout ID sent from the payout control device 230 in an encrypted state, and also encrypts the main ID and the payout ID (that is, the gaming machine ID) and its own card unit ID. The data is transmitted to the card management device 81 using the encrypted communication by A. The card management device 81 stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) and card unit ID sent from the card unit 15 in an encrypted state, and also stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) and card unit. The ID and its own hole ID are transmitted to the external management apparatus 91 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.

The external management device 91 decrypts each of the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID), card unit ID, and hole ID sent from the card management device 81 using encrypted communication with the encryption key A (encryption key A The encrypted data is decrypted), and each ID is collated using a predetermined collation list. If the external management device 91 determines that the collation result is OK, the information on the collation result OK and the data for the encryption key X are transmitted to the card management device 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. On the other hand, if the verification result is NG, the external management device 91 transmits the verification result NG to the card management device 81 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A, but does not transmit data for the encryption key X.
Thereafter, the information of the verification result OK and the data for the encryption key X or the encryption key X using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A is managed using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A in the reverse route as described above. The information is transmitted to the game control device 54 through the device 81, the card unit 15, and the payout control device 230 in order.

<G: After game machine installation (ID verification after the first time)>
FIG. 19G is a diagram illustrating a block configuration in the case where ID verification is performed after the first time after the gaming machine is installed.
When performing ID verification after the first time after the gaming machine is installed, if the external management device 91 determines that the verification is OK in the first ID verification, the encryption key X is the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, Since it has already been transmitted to the game control device 54, encrypted communication with different encryption keys X is performed between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 and between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230. It is the structure which transmits information using it. On the other hand, the communication above the card unit 15 is configured to perform encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 19G, the game control device 54 performs payout control of the main ID using encrypted communication with the encryption key X different for each machine when performing ID verification after the first time after the gaming machine is installed. To device 230. At this time, since the encryption key X has a different configuration for each unit, the security can be kept higher.
Note that what is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X is not only the main ID but also game information (including external information).

The payout control device 230 transmits the main ID sent from the game control device 54 and its payout ID to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X. Also, the payout control device 230 receives and stores game information sent from the game control device 54 using encrypted communication using the encryption key X, and the game information is sent to the card unit 15 as necessary. Send using encrypted communication.
The card unit 15 transmits the main ID and the payout ID (that is, the gaming machine ID) sent from the payout control device 230 and its own card unit ID to the card management device 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. . Further, the card unit 15 receives and stores game information sent from the payout control device 230 as necessary using encrypted communication using the encryption key X, and displays necessary game information on the operation display device 7. Or paying out balls and adjusting the number of balls held (including counting balls).
Further, the card unit 15 transmits the external information from the game information (including external information) sent from the payout control device 230 to the hall computer 86 by plaintext communication using plaintext without encryption. The reason why the card unit 15 does not perform encrypted communication with the hall computer 86 is to make the existing hall computer 86 communicable without incurring a cost increase without modification.

The card management device 81 collates the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) and card unit ID sent from the card unit 15 with the ID that is OK when the gaming machine is installed. When the collation of the ID in the card management device 81 is NG, the external management device 91 uses the encrypted communication with the encryption key A using the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID), the card unit ID, and its own hole ID. Send to.
The external management device 91 decrypts each of the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID), card unit ID and hole ID sent from the card management device 81 using encrypted communication with the encryption key A, and sets each ID. Collation is performed using a predetermined collation list. Then, the external management apparatus 91 transmits the verification result to the card management apparatus 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Thereafter, the verification result is sequentially transmitted to the card management device 81 and the card unit 15 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A in the reverse route as described above, and thereafter the encrypted communication with the encryption key X different for each unit is performed. The verification result is transmitted to the game control device 54 through the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230 in sequence.
As described above, information is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the higher-level communication using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A, but between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 and between the card unit 15 and the payout control device. Since information transmission is performed using encrypted communication with different encryption keys X for each unit, the security can be kept higher.

Next, the output conditions of the gaming machine ID will be described. Regarding the output of the gaming machine ID, it is desirable to provide the following output conditions.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the output conditions of the gaming machine ID.
<H: ID output from game control device>
FIG. 20H is a diagram showing a block configuration in the case where an ID (in this case, a main ID) is output from the game control device 54.
In the case of outputting an ID (main ID) from the game control device 54, the main ID is only requested by the payout control device 230 by a predetermined encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X). Is output.
That is, as shown in FIG. 20H, when an ID request is output from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54 by encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X), The device 54 outputs the main ID to the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X).
Here, the encryption key A is pre-installed in each device (the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230), and the encryption key X is used after the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is installed in the game hall. It is set as a different encryption key for each machine (the details are as described in FIGS. 15 and 17).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20 (H), when an ID request is output from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54 in plain text, the game control device 54 does not output the main ID to the payout control device 230. Even if the ID request is not plaintext and the ID request is made by encrypted communication using an unknown encryption key other than the specified encryption keys A and X, the game control device 54 issues the main ID. No output to 230.

  As described above, as an ID output condition from the game control device 54, the game control device 54 (main board) requests an ID from the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication using the predetermined encryption key A or encryption key X. If the ID is requested, the ID is output, but the ID is not output when requested by other communication (plaintext or the like). Therefore, security can be improved.

Next, conditions for outputting an ID from the payout control device 230 will be described.
<I: ID output from payout control device>
FIG. 20 (I) is a diagram showing a block configuration in the case of outputting an ID (in this case, a main ID and a payout ID) from the payout control device 230.
When outputting ID (main ID and payout ID) from the payout control device 230, first, it is a precondition that the payout control device 230 is connected to the game control device 54 as shown in FIG. It becomes. Next, as other conditions, as shown in FIG. 20 (I), an ID request is sent from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 by predetermined encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or encryption key X). When output, the payout control device 230 outputs the main ID and the payout ID to the card unit 15 by encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X).
Here, each device (game control device 54, payout control device 230, card unit 15) is provided in advance with the encryption key A, and the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is installed in the game hall with the encryption key X. After that, it is set as a different encryption key for each gaming machine (details are as described in FIGS. 15 and 17).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20 (I), if the payout control device 230 is not connected to the game control device 54, the ID request from the card unit 15 is encrypted communication (the encryption key A or the encryption key X). The payout control device 230 does not output the main ID and the payout ID to the card unit 15 even when it is output to the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication).
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 20 (I), even if the payout control device 230 is connected to the game control device 54, the ID request from the card unit 15 is encrypted communication (encryption key A or The payout control device 230 does not output the main ID and the payout ID to the card unit 15 even when the plaintext is used instead of the encrypted communication using the encryption key X (that is, when the ID request is in plaintext). Even if the ID request is not plaintext and the ID request is made by encrypted communication using an unknown encryption key other than the specified encryption keys A and X, the payout control device 230 sets the main ID and the payout ID. Does not output to the card unit 15.

In this way, as an ID output condition from the payout control device 230, the payout control device 230 satisfies the condition for connection with the game control device 54, and the payout control device 230 has a predetermined encryption from the card unit 15. When an ID is requested by encrypted communication using the key A or the encryption key X, an ID (main ID and payout ID) is output, but when requested by other communication (plain text or the like) And payout ID) are not output. Therefore, security can be improved.
In particular, since the payout control device 230 does not output the gaming machine ID unless it is connected to the gaming control device 54, for example, when the gaming control device 54 is illegally removed, the gaming machine ID is not output. Unauthorized removal of the device 54 can also be handled.

F. Outline of Game Next, an outline of a game performed in the pachinko machine 1 of this example and a flow of the game will be described.
At the beginning of the game (or before the game), the customer is waiting (during the demonstration), and a command for instructing the display of the customer waiting screen is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, On the display unit 41a of the display device 41, a customer waiting screen (moving image or still image) is displayed.
Then, when the player inserts, for example, a game card into the card unit 15 and performs a ball lending operation with a predetermined unit frequency (pressing the ball lending button 703 of the operation display device 7 once, for example), a predetermined number of balls (For example, 125) are added and displayed by the ball count indicator 40 of the lower panel 6. At this time, the ball lending number data (valuable value information) of the game card is reduced by the predetermined number (for example, five degrees corresponding to 500 yen). Note that the number of balls possessed corresponds to the game value that is the profit of the player as described above, and the data on the number of balls possessed is stored in, for example, the RAM 233 (game value storage means) in the payout control device 230.

When the player operates the firing operation handle 11 with the above-mentioned number of possessed balls, the game ball at the launch position is driven into the game area 22 through the guide rail 21, and the game ball that has been placed is special. When the winning winning opening 25 or 26 shown in the figure is won (that is, when there is a special drawing starting prize), the collective display device 35 displays the variation of the special drawing 1 or the special drawing 2 and the decorative special drawing. A command for instructing a variable display is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and a display (for example, scrolling) in which the decorative special figure (consisting of numbers, characters, symbols, patterns, etc.) is changed (for example, scrolled) on the display unit 41a ( A so-called fluctuation display game is performed, and a special figure fluctuation display game (hereinafter referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game) is performed. On the other hand, the sphere that has been removed without winning the prize flows into the out sphere inlet 23.
The ball that has fallen on the game area 22 becomes out or safe, passes through the game area 22, flows down to the game ball inlet 71 of the circulation device 55, is collected and circulated by the circulation device 55, and is guided to the launch position again. Will be. In this manner, the pachinko game is performed by circulating the enclosed game balls.

This inventive concept is shown as follows.
A predetermined number of game balls can be encapsulated in the gaming machine main body, and the enclosed game balls can be launched into the game area to play a game, and the game balls launched into the game area Control means for increasing the game value, which is the player's profit, according to the game result, and by collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them to the launch position, the enclosed game balls can be recycled and used. It is a concept of an enclosed ball type gaming machine that performs a game.

Here, increasing the game value, which is the player's profit, according to the game result of the game ball fired in the game area, in other words, whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or other state? In the case of a predetermined profit state, the player's profit (game value) is increased in correspondence with the predetermined number of prize balls. For example, the game ball becomes safe or out If it is determined that it is safe, for example, the number of balls held by the player is increased. “Safe” corresponds to a ball entering a winning opening (including general winning openings 28 to 31 and start winning openings 25, 26, etc.).
In addition, the game value (for example, the number of possessed balls) that is a profit of the player according to the game result is increased. In addition to the prize ball being added to the number of retained balls based on the safe ball, Including special cases where a special game condition) occurs and the big prize opening is opened, and a lot of prize balls are added to the number of possessed balls by winning a game ball in the big prize opening. This is equivalent to increasing the game value. Note that the gaming value that is the profit of the player is not necessarily limited to the number of balls corresponding to the number of game balls, and the number of points may be used instead of the number of balls held. However, in this example, unless otherwise indicated, the embodiment uses a number of balls that corresponds to the number of game balls as the game value.
Further, the game value (the number of possessed balls or the number of points) is added according to the game result as described above, while being subtracted by the number of game balls fired. For example, when the number of possessed balls corresponding to the number of game balls is used as the game value, the number of possessed balls is decremented by “1” every time the game ball is launched.

And, if the stop result mode of the above-mentioned special figure fluctuation display game (a combination of special figures derived by the fluctuation display) is a special result aspect (for example, “3, 3, 3”, etc.), it is a big hit. A privilege to be called is given to the player. In terms of control, for example, a value such as a big hit random number is extracted and stored on the condition that there has been a start prize, and this extracted and stored random number value is compared with a predetermined determination value at the time of determination. Based on the comparison determination result, whether or not to make a big hit is determined in advance, and the variable display game is started in response to this determination.
Further, if the stop result mode of the variable display game is a specific mode of the special result mode (for example, “7, 7, 7”), it will be the big hit and after the big hit game (a special prize described later) After the period), the game state shifts from the normal mode to the probability change mode. In this probability variation mode, control is performed to increase the probability that the special figure will be a big hit (hereinafter referred to as the special figure big hit probability). In some cases, the above-described time-short state control is also performed.

  When the jackpot is reached and the jackpot state is reached, a fanfare period (a period in which an output of a sound effect that produces a jackpot is executed) is passed, and the jackpot of the variable prize winning device 27 is set for a predetermined time (for example, In the range not exceeding 30 seconds), for example, an opening operation (a jackpot round) that is temporarily opened for a period of up to 10 winnings is performed. This release operation is repeated for a specified number of rounds. In this jackpot state, a command for instructing display of a jackpot screen for directing the jackpot state or informing the player of the number of rounds of jackpot is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53 for display. In the unit 41a, such a big hit display is executed.

The period in which the jackpot is in effect (the fanfare period, the period of the jackpot round in which the jackpot is open, the interval period between the jackpot round and the next jackpot round, and the ending period) are the special prize period. It corresponds to.
In addition, as the number of rounds of the big hit, for example, a big hit of 15 rounds is usually the main big hit, but a configuration that generates a 16R big hit as a premier or other configurations may be used. Further, there may be a two-round big hit or the like as a so-called abruptness (a sudden probability change in which the big hit probability changes via a big hit with few balls).

In addition, when a game ball is further won in the start winning opening 25 or 26 during the special figure variation display game or the big hit, a special display start memory hold display is performed on the display unit 41a or the like, for example, up to four. After the special figure fluctuation display game or the big hit state is stored, the special figure fluctuation display game is repeated or returned to the customer waiting state based on the start memory.
That is, if the variable display game ends with a big hit, the game shifts to a big hit state, and if the variable display game ends with a start and there is a start memory, the variable display game is executed again, and the variable display game ends with a start and no start memory is stored. If the big hit ends and there is a start memory, the variable display game is executed again. If the big hit ends and there is no start memory, the flow returns to the customer wait state.

  In this embodiment, for example, two types of special chart start memory (special map start memory) are displayed (special figure 1 hold display and special figure 2 hold display). A variation display game (a first variation display game and a second variation display game) is executed. That is, when a special figure start prize (first start prize) due to the game ball entering the first start prize opening 25 occurs, the display device 41 plays the first variation display game by the variation display of the special figure 1. When a game ball wins the first start winning opening 25 during any special figure variation display game or the like, one first start memory (start memory corresponding to the special figure 1 hold display) is stored. On the other hand, the first variation display game by the variation display of the special figure 1 is performed on the display device 41 after the special figure fluctuation display game is finished.

When a special figure start prize (second start prize) due to the game ball entering the second start prize opening 26 is generated, a second variation display game based on the variation display of the special figure 2 is performed on the display device 41. When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 26 during any special figure variation display game or the like, one second start memory (start memory corresponding to the special figure 2 hold display) is stored. On the other hand, the second variation display game by the variation display of the special figure 2 is performed on the display device 41 after the above special figure fluctuation display game ends. When both the first start memory and the second start memory are present, either the first variation display game or the second variation display game is executed first in accordance with a preset rule. For example, a mode in which the second variable display game corresponding to the second start winning opening 26 is preferentially performed (that is, a mode in which the second start memory is preferentially consumed) or two types of variable display games are alternately displayed. There may be a mode to be performed.
On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the usual figure start gate 32 during the game, the aforementioned usual figure variation display game is performed. Since this ordinary map display game has been described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

Here, when it is determined that the game ball is safe and the number of balls held by the player is increased, the ball enters the winning port (including the general winning ports 28 to 31 and the starting winning ports 25, 26, etc.). In addition, when a big hit occurs and shifts to the big win state, the bonus winning hole 27a of the variable winning device 27 is temporarily within a range not exceeding a specified time (for example, 30 seconds), for example, for a period up to ten winnings. The jackpot round to be released is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds, and the player wins a large number of winnings.
In this case, all the winning balls associated with winning are displayed by the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35. The winning here is all winnings that involve winning ball discharge (a process of actually paying out balls or adding to the number of balls in the case of an enclosed ball type). , 26, the large winning opening 27a of the variable winning apparatus 27, and the general winning openings 28-31. Regardless of which winning ball is won in any of these winning holes, a predetermined time is displayed by a winning display LED 355 consisting of two 7-segment balls (the normal mode is 1 second and the special mode is 0.5 seconds). Therefore, the player can easily know where on the board (game board 20) the prize is won and how many prize balls are obtained. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not lower the interest of the game.

Further, the number of balls possessed by the player (game value) is indicated by the number-of-balls display 40 (game value display means) that displays the number of balls possessed by the player (game value) under the management of the payout control device 230 (game machine side). ) And the message / operation area portion 706 (second game value display means) of the operation display device 7 that displays the number of players' balls (game value) by the management of the card unit 15. .
In this case, various information (various information including the number of balls) of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is sent periodically (for example, every 200 ms) from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. In the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 under the management of the card unit 15, the number of players' balls (game value) can be displayed.
The number of balls held by the player is always digitally displayed on the number-of-balls display 40. Thereby, the player can grasp | ascertain the number of balls. However, since the number-of-balls display 41 is small, it is not easy to intuitively grasp the number of balls when the number of balls is increased.

  On the other hand, the message / operation area portion 706 of the operation display device 7 is a liquid crystal display larger than the number-of-balls display 40, and the number of balls held in the message / operation area portion 706 is displayed in an analog form in the form of a ball box. . For example, if the number of balls held by the player increases as the big hits continue, the figure that looks like a ball box is displayed as an analog such as two boxes, three boxes,. As a result, when the player has a large number of balls, the number of balls held in the message / operation area 706 is displayed in an analogy with a figure that looks like a ball box. Can be done.

Next, if the player wants to count the number of balls to be counted, that is, in the case of a game machine with a method of paying out with real balls, the acquired number of balls is outside the gaming machine. If you want to do the same thing electronically as the work of physically moving to the ball box, you can do it as follows.
When the player's number of balls is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40, when the counting switch 311 arranged on the lower panel 6 of the pachinko machine 1 is pressed, the number of balls is sequentially counted to obtain the counted number of balls. The counted number of possessed balls becomes the counted number of balls, and is held and managed by the payout control device 230. However, the number of balls held and the number of counted balls are sent periodically (for example, every 200 ms) from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15, and thereby the operation display device 7 under the management of the card unit 15. On the screen of the message / operation area unit 706, a digital display (numerals) of the number of counting balls and an analog display (analog display using a figure that looks like a ball box) are displayed.
Similarly, the player's number of balls displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 is also displayed on the screen of the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 in an analog manner (analog with a figure that looks like a ball box). Display) or an explanation of the number of balls held.
The data on the number of balls held and the number of balls counted are also sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the upper part of the decorative ball display device 250 is controlled by the effect control device 53. Since decoration of the number of balls and the number of counting balls is performed using a large number of LEDs of the decorative ball display device 250a and the lower decoration ball display device 250b, the number of balls and the number of counting balls are particularly exhibited while exhibiting decorativeness. The player can easily grasp it.

By seeing the digital display (numbers) or analog display (analog display with a figure that looks like a ball box) on the screen of the message / operation area unit 706 of the operation display device 7, the player has how much It is easy to see if the number of balls has moved to the number of balls counted. That is, in an example of a gaming machine that pays out with a real ball, it is the same as knowing how much the acquired number of possessed balls is physically transferred to a ball box outside the gaming machine.
In this way, if the counting switch 311 is pressed to count the number of balls, the counted number of balls is held and managed by the dispensing control device 230 as the counted number of balls, but from the dispensing control device 230 to the card unit 15. On the other hand, since the number of balls possessed and the number of counted balls are sent periodically (for example, every 200 ms), under the control of the card unit 15, "more counting", "game end", When each button of “Continue game” appears and touch “End of game” from here, the message “Please press return button” appears and prompts the settlement. After that, when the return button 704 is pressed, the total The number of balls held (the number of balls held + the number of balls counted) is written (recorded) on the game card, and the settlement ends, and the game card is returned.

On the other hand, when the “continue game” button is touched, a message “start firing” appears, prompting the launch, and then the launch handle 11 can be operated to continue the game.
Further, when replay is desired using the number of counting balls, by operating the counting ball use button 710, for example, 100 moves to the number of possessed balls per operation, and can be fired.
In this way, even when a game is played with an enclosed ball type gaming machine, the player can count the number of possessed balls without a sense of incongruity with a feeling close to transferring the acquired game balls to the ball box. Then, the counted number of balls counted from the number of held balls is held, and thereafter, settlement or replay can be easily performed.

Next, the following display control is performed on the screen of the message / operation area unit 706 of the operation display device 7.
Normally (in the initial state), under the management and control of the card unit 15, processing such as ball rental, storage, settlement (card recording process), replay, game card return, etc. is performed, and ball rental, storage Information necessary for the ball, checkout, replay, game card return, and the like are displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7.
On the other hand, when the player touches the switching button 707 of the operation display device 7, presentation assist information such as character introduction is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the operation display device 7 and displayed on the operation display device 7. Specifically, when the switch button 707 is touched, the model name of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and the game description are displayed in the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7. For example, “CRXXXXX” is displayed as the model name, and “High probability until hitting 100 special charts after big hit” is displayed as the game description. Thereby, the player can receive the model name and the game description only by a simple operation of touching the switching button 707, which is convenient.
In this state, when the switch button 707 is touched again, the switch button 707 is configured to switch only display / non-display (non-display) of the production auxiliary information on the operation display device 7, and therefore, from the display screen of the production auxiliary information Return to normal screen display again.

Further, in this embodiment, a night monitoring switch 126 is provided, and the night monitoring switch 126 is a sensor that can detect both the opening of the front frame 4 and the removal of the game control device 54 (in detail). Frame opening detecting means 382 and disconnection detecting means 383), and information indicating that the front frame 4 has been opened is held by the frame opening number storage means 384 even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is shut off and game control is performed. Information on the removal of the device 54 is held by the disconnection count storage means 385 even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is shut off.
In this case, the frame opening number storage means 384 stores the opening information of the front frame 5 and the number of times the front frame 5 is opened, and the disconnection number storage means 385 stores the disconnection information (removal of the game control device 54) by the disconnection detection means 383. (Including state).
Therefore, especially when the game hall is closed and the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1 is opened at night, the opening information of the front frame 4 and the number of times of opening the front frame 5 are stored as the frame opening number storage means 384. Is held by. The night monitoring switch 126 can detect both the state where the front frame 4 is opened and the state where the front frame 4 is not opened. As described above, the night monitoring switch 126 monitors the front frame 4. The detection signal is referred to as frame opening information.
In addition, when the game hall is closed at night and the game control device 54 of the pachinko machine 1 is removed, the information indicating that the game control device 54 has been removed is retained by the disconnection number storage means 385 even at night. Yes. The night monitoring switch 126 can detect both the state where the game control device 54 is removed and the state where the game control device 54 is not removed. As described above, the night monitoring switch 126 controls the game control. The detection signal that monitors the removal of the device 54 is referred to as game control device monitoring information.
For convenience of explanation, the output monitored to detect both the state in which the front frame 4 is opened and the state in which the front frame 4 is not opened by the night monitoring switch 126 is referred to as frame opening information. The output monitored to detect both the state where the game control device 54 is removed and the state where it is not removed by the switch 126 is referred to as game control device monitoring information (nighttime monitoring information).

Next, when the pachinko machine 1 is activated by turning on the power (turning on the main power) in the next morning, the opening information for monitoring whether or not the front frame 4 is opened at night and the game for monitoring whether or not the game control device 54 is removed. The control device monitoring information is output to the payout control device 230 by the output means 386 of the nighttime monitoring switch 126 when there is a request for nighttime monitoring information from the payout control device 230. At this time, the payout control device 230 cannot capture the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information by issuing a request for the nighttime monitoring information to the nighttime monitoring switch 126 after the startup preparation period at the time of activation elapses. There is no fear, the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information can be surely captured, and security against fraud is improved.
Then, the payout control device 230 determines the illegal level from the night monitoring information fetched from the night monitoring switch 126, outputs the determined illegal level to the card unit 15, and notifies the card unit 15 of an error if there is an illegality. Done.
The payout control device 230 determines the fraud level from the nighttime monitoring information fetched from the nighttime monitoring switch 126, so that the number of open frames and the number of wire breaks can be grasped in detail, and security can be improved.
Further, since the payout control device 230 determines the unauthorized level from the night monitoring information fetched from the night monitoring switch 126 and outputs it to the card unit 15, priority is given to a table with a high unauthorized level (a table with a high possibility of fraud). It is possible to inspect it at high efficiency.

On the other hand, when the store clerk of the game store turns on the RAM clear switch 182 to return the pachinko machine 1 to the initial state in preparation for opening the store, the RAM 113 in the game control device 54, the RAM 233 in the payout control device 230, etc. are initialized. Will be converted.
Here, in this embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 182 is turned on, the RAM 233 in the payout control device 230 is initialized and cleared, and then the frame opening information of the night monitoring switch 126 and the game control device. The monitoring information is taken into the payout control device 230 and stored in the RAM 233. Thereafter, the payout control device 230 determines the fraud level from the frame opening information stored in the RAM 233 and the game control device monitoring information, and the determined fraud level is output to the card unit 15. Therefore, there is no problem that the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information in the RAM 233 are erased by turning on the RAM clear switch 182.
The information stored in the RAM 233 is cleared only because the information before the nighttime monitoring switch 126 frame opening information and game control device monitoring information is taken into the payout control device 230 is used.

Thus, at night when the game hall is closed, for example, when a suspicious person opens the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1 and attaches an illegal board or the like, the night monitor switch 126 causes the front frame 4 to The open state is detected, and the frame open information is retained even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is shut off. Even when the game control device 54 is removed at night, the night monitoring switch 126 detects that the game control device 54 has been removed, and the game control device monitoring information is retained even when the pachinko machine 1 is powered off. Has been.
The next morning, when the main power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the frame opening information for monitoring whether the front frame 4 is opened at night and the game control device monitoring information for monitoring whether the game control device 54 is removed are the payout control device 230. Is output to the dispensing control device 230 by the output means 386 of the night monitoring switch 126 when the night monitoring information is requested.
The payout control device 230 determines the unauthorized level from the night monitoring information fetched from the night monitoring switch 126, and the determined unauthorized level is output to the card unit 15. The card unit 15 takes measures such as notifying an error based on the fraud level, or outputting error information to the hall computer 86 (further, the ball lending may not be performed). Further, when the front frame 4 is illegally opened and frame opening information is generated, or when the game control device 54 is removed and game control device monitoring information is generated, those error states are displayed on the display device 41. The
Accordingly, the store clerk looks at the error notification of the display device 41 and the card unit 15 to check the pachinko machine 1 and take appropriate measures for the attachment of, for example, an illegal board (for example, removal of the illegal board, etc. and normal inspection). ) And security against fraud can be improved.

In addition, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the polishing device 306 operates to polish the encapsulated sphere with a predetermined period of time when the power is turned on, and the encapsulated sphere is polished. Polishing is also the basic control. This is because the encapsulated sphere is polished well, and therefore the encapsulated sphere is polished while being circulated during the game.
Specifically, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, when the encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 306 without circulating the game area 22 and circulates the ball, the upper passage 303, the bypass passage 304, the lower passage 301, The encapsulated sphere flows from the passage 301 through the lower switching valve 310 and flows into the polishing device 306 through the polishing inlet passage 319 to polish the sphere, and then is fed by the feeding device 302 through the lower passage 301. Then, the encapsulated sphere circulates along the path leading to the upper passage 303. Since the encapsulated sphere circulates while polishing the encapsulated sphere without performing a game game, this path is “in encapsulated sphere polishing and circulation”.

  On the other hand, when the encapsulated sphere is polished during the game with the encapsulated sphere, the encapsulated sphere is dropped into the game area 22 and flows into the polishing device 306 to become a path for polishing the ball. Through the launch device 37, the game area 22, the out passage 331, and the lower passage 301, the encapsulated sphere flows from the lower passage 301 through the lower switching valve 310 and flows into the polishing device 306 through the polishing inlet passage 319 to polish the sphere. After that, the route passes through the lower passage 301 and is fed by the feeding device 302 to the upper passage 303, and the game is played while circulating the encapsulated ball. This path is “being encapsulated ball polishing game circulation” because the encapsulated ball falls while playing the game game and circulates while polishing the encapsulated ball.

Further, when the number of balls is generated during the game of the pachinko machine 1, the decoration with a large number of LEDs of the upper decorative ball display device 250a and the lower decorative ball display device 250b in the decorative ball display device 250 is performed.
For example, in the upper decorative ball display device 250a, when the number of balls held by the player is 100 or more, all LEDs are lit or blinking, and when the number of balls held is 50 or less, half of all LEDs. The decoration is controlled so that is turned off.
Further, in the lower decorative ball display device 250b, for example, when the number of counted balls = 0, all the LEDs are turned off, and while counting the number of balls, the lower decorative ball display device 250a is imaged from the upper decorative ball display device 250a. The decoration is controlled so that the LED (that is, the LED of the counting decoration unit 250c) is blinked so that the sphere moves toward the sphere display device 250b. Then, the LED is turned on sequentially from the lower part of the lower decorative ball display device 250b in the image of a ball box according to the number of counted balls, and the decoration control is performed so that the player can know the approximate number of counted balls by the number of LEDs turned on. Done.
In this way, since the decoration of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls is performed using a large number of LEDs in the decorative ball display device 250, the expression of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls close to the real ball is given to the player. can do. Therefore, the player can easily understand the number of balls held and the number of balls counted.

In addition, when the number of balls held during the game of the pachinko machine 1 is generated, the number of balls held by the player is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40. When the counting switch 311 is pressed, as described above, the number of balls held is counted and becomes the number of counted balls, which is displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 (for example, digital display of the number of counted balls) (Numerical value)) and analog display (analog display with a figure that looks like a ball box). When the counting ball number is present, the counting ball display 313 is lit to notify.
In this state, when the player wants to return from the number of counted balls to the number of possessed balls, the player uses a counting ball use button 710. In other words, when the player desires to move the ball from the number of counted balls to the number of possessed balls, the counting ball use button 710 is operated. When the number of counting balls is present, the counting ball indicator 313 is lit, so that the player can know. Further, the counting ball use button 710 is displayed in the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 when the ball can be moved from the counting ball number to the possession ball number. You can see that there are numbers. Note that the case of returning from the counted number of balls to the number of balls held corresponds to the concept of moving a ball from a so-called ball box to an upper plate.
When the counting ball use button 710 is operated once, a predetermined amount (for example, 100 balls) of the counting ball moves to the number of holding balls. Thereby, the player can play again using the number of balls moved. The movement from the counted number of balls to the number of possessed balls is displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 (details will be described later).

Next, in the present embodiment, the following control is performed with respect to the display of the number of balls held in the number-of-balls display 40.
The number-of-balls display 40 can display six-digit numbers (number of balls) by arranging six 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of balls acquired by the player. The display mode is as follows: Controlled.
When the number of balls held is zero before the game (before the game card or cash is inserted), the ball number indicator 40 is turned off.
Further, when the number of balls held is 0 during the game and there is no counting ball, 0 is lit up.
On the other hand, when the number of balls held is 0 during the game and there is a counting ball, 0 is displayed blinking.
Note that the display data of the number-of-balls display 40 is backed up by the RAM 33 of the payout controller 230 even during a power failure.
Therefore, the difference in the state of the number of held balls can be produced only by the difference in the display mode of the held ball number display 40, so that the control efficiency is improved.
In addition, even if the number of balls is 0, the display mode is changed before and during the game (before the game card or the cash is inserted). Can be recognized in the card unit 15. In particular, it is convenient because the presence of a return card can be confirmed when the power is restored.
Since the display mode changes depending on whether or not there is a counting ball even if the number of balls is 0, for example, if 0 is flashing on the ball holding number display 40, the player can recognize that there is a counting ball. Can do.

Next, in this embodiment, a level meter left 17L and a level meter right 17R are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the game board 20, and these level meter left 17L and level meter right 17R are mechanically movable up and down. Display units 17a and 17b, respectively, and the display units 17a and 17b normally move up and down as a reliability meter related to big hits to produce a big hit reliability. If there is a counting ball, for example, The level meter right 17R provides an effect of displaying the number of counted balls in analog form.
Therefore, since both the effect as a reliability meter regarding the big hit and the effect of displaying the number of counted balls can be performed, the efficiency of the control is good.
Further, in this embodiment, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is arranged on one side of the game area 22, and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the number of counting balls, and when there is no counting ball, the effect display is performed. (For example, a model name display or an effect linked with the main liquid crystal display device) is performed.
Therefore, since the sub-liquid crystal display device 33 for effect display controlled by the game control device 54 of the pachinko machine 1 can display the number of counted balls, the efficiency is high. Further, since the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the number of counted balls and various effects near the center of the board surface, there is an advantage that it is easy to see.

Next, in the present embodiment, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 are used to display the number of counting balls and effect display.
That is, when there is no counting ball, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 performs an effect display (an effect linked to the model name display or the main liquid crystal display device), and when there is a counting ball, displays the counting ball number. Control giving priority to the effect display over the ball count display is performed. Further, in the display device 41 as the effect display device, an effect linked to the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is performed during a special effect such as when a reach occurs.
Therefore, the sub-liquid crystal display device 33 for effect display controlled by the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) can display the number of counted balls, which is efficient and the sub-liquid crystal display device 33 is almost in the center of the board surface of the gaming board 20. Since it is displayed on the screen, it is easy for the player to see, and the effect of production can be enhanced in conjunction with the display device 41.

Next, in this embodiment, control for illegal winning is performed.
Specifically, the winning balls that have won the winning holes 25, 26, 27a, 34a, and 28 to 31 of the game board 20 are the first starting port switch 120, the second starting port switch 121, the lower count switch 124, and the upper count. Detected by the switch 125 and winning port switches 123 a to 123 d, and these detection outputs are managed by the game control device 54.
Further, the safe ball is detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163 arranged in the frame part on the back side of the game board 20, and these detection outputs are managed by the payout control device 230. .
In addition, the safe ball in this case is when the game balls (that is, the winning balls) that have passed through the winning holes 25, 26, 27a, 34a, 28 to 31 are discharged as safe balls from the game board 20. This is a concept about a sphere detected as a safe sphere on the frame side.
Here, the total number of winning balls is the total of the winning numbers detected by the switches 120 to 123a to 123d, 124, 125, and the total number of safe balls is the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163. The total number of safes detected by.
Since the winning numbers detected by the switches 120 to 123a, 123d, 124, and 125 are included in the information of the winning ball command and transmitted to the payout control device 230, the payout control device 230 indicates the number of wins. While calculating the total, the total of the winning numbers is compared with the total of the safe numbers detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163, and the difference is a predetermined number (for example, five). If it is above, it will be set as the 1st error mode and processing corresponding to the 1st error mode will be performed.
In addition, when a state where the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is a predetermined number (for example, 5) or more continues for a predetermined period, the second error mode is set and processing corresponding to the second error mode is performed. Is done.
In this case, as a basis of the error mode processing, the processing corresponding to the first error mode is only error notification, and the processing corresponding to the second error mode is stopping error notification + prize ball addition.
Specifically, in the process corresponding to the first error mode, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the display device 41 or the decoration display LED (frame). In 141, an error is displayed to inform the player or store clerk that there is a possibility of fraud. Further, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the hall computer 86 via the card unit 15. Note that the game machine may not perform error notification but may perform error notification that can be understood only at the game hall by the hall computer 86. Thus, the fraudulent winning can be dealt with without the player being aware of the fraudulent winning detection by the fishing ball or the like, and the clerk watching the error notification.
On the other hand, in the process corresponding to the second error mode, for example, a process of stopping the prize ball addition in addition to the error notification is performed. In this way, even if there is an illegal prize such as a fishing ball due to the stop of the prize ball addition, the prize ball is not added (that is, the number of possessed balls does not increase), thus preventing fraud. In addition to error notification processing corresponding to the second error mode, that is, in addition to notifying the hall computer 86 of error notification that can be understood only at the game hall as described above, error notification to the player is also performed. As an error notification to the player, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error is displayed on the screen of the display device 41 under the control of the effect control device 53. Then, an error display is performed by the decoration display LED (frame) 141. As a result, error notification can be performed quickly and trouble with the player can be avoided. In addition, the damage to the playground can be minimized.
Further, when the predetermined number as a reference value for determining the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is a big hit, for example, it is changed to ten. As a result, the number of winnings increases at the time of a big hit, and the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes tends to increase, so troubles with the player can be avoided.

Further, as other operations, as will be described later in detail in other embodiments, the symbol variation process (both the special figure and the decorative special figure) associated with the start winning prize is immediately performed. In any of the detection switches of the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163 in a predetermined period (T111) after the start winning is detected by any of the two start port switches 121, the game board When the safe ball discharged from 20 is not detected, it is determined to be fraudulent and the award ball addition is stopped, and error notification is performed. Therefore, it is possible to quickly execute the symbol variation process associated with the start winning prize, and it is possible to prevent the winning ball addition due to the illegal winning (for example, the illegal winning with the fishing ball or the like).
As other operations, as will be described in detail later, the payout control device 230 of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) confirms the firing strength when adjusting the number of balls, and if the firing strength is not zero, A command prompting the firing strength to be 0 is transmitted to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and a display prompting the display device 41 to confirm the launch strength of the game ball is controlled by the effect control device 53 (for example, If the launch intensity is 0 or within a predetermined range close to 0, the settlement is possible. Therefore, if the firing intensity is 0 or within a predetermined range close to 0, it can be settled, so the player can settle without having to completely return the firing intensity to 0, and avoid trouble with the player. Can do.
As other operations, as will be described later in detail in other embodiments, for the first game machine ID verification at the time of game machine installation, encryption using the encryption key A with the external management device 91 is performed. Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by communication, and a matching process of the gaming machine ID is performed. After the gaming machine is installed (transmission of information including ID verification after the first time), the gaming machine ID is verified with the card management device 81. In this case, the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted between the card units 15 by encrypted communication using different encryption keys X for each unit, and the encryption key A is transmitted between the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91. The information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using the above. Further, during the game, the gaming machine ID is collated with the card unit 15, and in this case, the encryption key X different between the game control device 54, the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 is different for each unit. The information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using the above. Therefore, since the encryption key X is a different encryption key for each stand, security can be kept higher.

F. Control system operation (game control device)
Next, the control contents of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[Main processing of game control device]
First, it is as follows when the concept of the main structure used for description of the following flowcharts is clarified.
As described above, the special display and the normal map are displayed on the collective display device 35. The special figure in the following description of the control processing means this special figure (this special figure), and will be described in detail on the basis of the above. The special drawing controlled by the production control device 53 based on the command from the game control device 54 is a special drawing for production displayed on the display device 41.
(A) Special figure display device In the following flow chart, the special figure refers to the “main special figure” displayed on the collective display device 35. Further, when referring to the dummy display for the effect displayed for the player displayed on the display device 41, it is called "decorative drawing".
In this way, the device for displaying the special figure is the collective display device 35, but the names of the areas for displaying the special figure in the collective display device 35 include, for example, a special symbol display device and a special figure display device. In order to distinguish it from a general-purpose display device, it may be called a special symbol display device.
(B) General-purpose display device In the following flow chart, the general-purpose display refers to the “general-purpose map” displayed on the collective display device 35. Further, when the display device 41 is configured to display a common figure, when the player indicates a dummy display for the effect displayed for the player displayed on the display device 41, for example, it is called “decorative figure”.
In this way, the device for displaying the universal map is the collective display device 35, but the names of the areas for displaying the regular map in the collective display device 35 include, for example, a normal symbol display device and a universal map display device. In order to distinguish from a special figure display device, it may be called a normal symbol display device.
However, in the first embodiment, the display device 41 does not display such a general-purpose display. In addition, you may provide the indicator which displays a common figure (here a decoration common figure) display. In describing a gaming machine, a device that displays a “decorative map” may be described if necessary.
(C) Fudenden A device corresponding to Fudenden is the second start winning opening 26 as an ordinary electric accessory (Fudenden).
However, there are cases where ordinary electric power is referred to as an ordinary variable winning device, and in the description of the flowchart, for example, an ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 26) may be used.
In addition, for example, at the time of high probability or when the time is short, the start winning is supported by the opening / closing member 26a of the second start winning opening 26 as an ordinary electric accessory (general power). There is simply simply a public power support.
(D) Special figure storage In the following flowchart, in the case of special figure hold (sometimes simply referred to as “hold”), special figure storage, or special figure start-up storage, It points towards “Figure Memory”. In addition, when referring to the dummy display for the effect displayed for the player displayed on the display device 41, it is referred to as "decoration special figure hold" or "decoration special figure storage".
The winning winning ports that function as the starting winning ports for the special figure are the starting winning ports 25 and 26.
(E) Universal map memory In the following flowchart, the general map hold, the universal map memory, or the general chart start memory indicates the “general map memory” displayed on the collective display device 35. Further, when referring to the direction of the dummy display for the effect displayed for the player displayed on the display device 41, it is referred to as “decoration map drawing hold” or “decoration map drawing storage”.
However, in this embodiment, such a usual start-up storage display is not displayed on the display device 41. In addition, you may provide the indicator which performs the starting memory | storage (in this case, the decoration common memory) display. In the description of the gaming machine, if necessary, it may be described including a device that displays “decorative map memory”.
(F) Variable winning device The first variable winning device 27 is a device (a so-called attacker) having a first big winning port 27a opened and closed by the opening and closing member b. The first variable winning device 27 is sometimes referred to as a special variable winning device in order to be distinguished from the normal variable winning device.
In the first embodiment, in addition to the first variable winning device 27, a second variable winning device 34 is provided, and so-called two attackers are arranged.

[Main processing of game control device]
First, the main process of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
This main process is started based on the fact that the CPU 111 is forcibly reset. That is, when the power switch 181 of the power supply 58 that supplies power to the game control device 54 is turned on, a reset signal is sent from the power supply 58 at a predetermined timing (in a predetermined reset period when the power is turned on). When the reset terminal of the CPU 111 is turned on by being input to the control device 54 and this reset signal is subsequently released, the CPU 111 is activated. Similarly, when the power is restored from a power failure, the CPU 111 is activated after the reset signal is released and then released. Further, when the worker intends to initialize the RAM 113 and the like of the game control device 54, the power switch 181 is turned on while turning on the RAM clear switch 182 (initialization switch) of the payout control device 230. There is a need. Note that the RAM 113 is expressed as RAM without the part number in the flowchart.
Here, in this embodiment, the RAM refers to the RAM 113, but is not limited to the RAM, and the RAM may be used including a readable / writable storage element such as an EEPROM.

When the CPU 111 is activated, interrupts are first prohibited, the CPU peripheral circuits (including the serial port) built in the CPU 11 are initialized, and all the output ports are turned off (corresponding to the binary signal “0”). Signal), and thereafter, access to the RAM 113 is permitted (steps B1 to B4).
Here, the serial port is set to be used because the serial port is used when the gaming machine ID is output to the outside (for example, the external management device 91). Is. Moreover, since it is necessary to perform serial communication with the production | presentation control apparatus 53, it sets to the state which uses a serial port.
Since each output port is turned off (reset) by the reset signal, it is not always necessary to output the off signal to each output port in software, but step B3 is provided here just in case. .
Next, in step B5, the RAM clear switch 182 in the payout control device 230 is operated to determine whether or not the RAM clear signal is on. This is to determine whether or not the RAM clear switch 182 is turned on according to the state of the RAM clear signal. If the RAM clear switch 182 is turned on, the process proceeds to step B13. If not, the process proceeds to step B6. move on.
The process proceeds to step B13 when the RAM clear switch 182 is turned on and the CPU 111 is activated. In step B6, which will be described later, it is determined that the power failure inspection area 1 and the power failure inspection area 2 of the RAM are not all normal. Or when it is determined in step B8 described later that the checksum is not normal.

If the RAM clear signal is not turned on, the process proceeds to step B6, where it is checked whether all values in the RAM power outage inspection areas 1 and 2 are normal power outage inspection area check data. If it judges, it will jump to Step B13. On the other hand, if the check result in step B6 is normal, the process proceeds to step B7.
Thus, if the values of the power failure inspection areas 1 and 2 in the RAM are all normal, it is determined that the power failure has been restored, and the process proceeds to step B7. On the other hand, if the values of the power failure inspection areas 1 and 2 in the RAM are abnormal (if not stored normally), the process jumps to step B13.
The power failure inspection area check data 1 and 2 are set in step B34 described later. In this step B34, it is determined whether or not the power failure has been restored by using the plurality of check data 1 and 2 as described above. Therefore, it is highly reliable to determine whether or not the power failure has been restored.

In step B7, a checksum of the data in the RAM 113 is calculated, and in step B8, it is compared with the checksum at the time of power shutoff to determine whether the value is normal (match). If the checksum is not normal (that is, when the data in the RAM 113 is corrupted), the process proceeds to step B13, and if the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step B9.
In step B9, processing for power failure recovery (initial value setting for power failure recovery) is executed. In this process, for example, the initial value at the time of power failure recovery is saved in the area to be initialized.
The area to be initialized here includes the following areas.
・ Power failure recovery inspection area 1, 2
・ Game machine error status signal in test signal area ・ Checksum area at power-off ・ Error scan counter (main frame status monitor scan counter)
・ Glass frame opening monitoring area ・ Main body frame opening monitoring area ・ Overflow monitoring area ・ Payout abnormality monitoring area ・ Switch 1 and 2 abnormality monitoring area ・ Small University prize opening unauthorized entry monitoring area ・ Kami University prize opening unauthorized entry monitoring area Unauthorized winning monitoring area, magnetic fraud monitoring area, radio wave fraud monitoring area, large prize opening fraud monitoring information 1, 2
・ Fujiden fraud monitoring information

After step B9, in step B10, an area for storing the gaming state in the RAM is checked to determine whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state. If the probability is not high (step B10; NO), the process jumps to step B17. If the probability is high (step B10; YES), a high probability notification flag is set in step B11, and on (lighting) data of a high probability notification LED (not shown) provided in the batch display device 35 in step B12. Is saved in the segment area. As a result, the treatment corresponding to the current high probability state is performed. For example, the high probability notification LED provided in the collective display device 35 is turned on to display the high probability state.
After step B12, the process proceeds to step B17, and the processes after step B17 are executed.

On the other hand, when the process jumps from step B5, step B6, or step B8 to step B13, a process for canceling the protection of the access prohibited area is performed in step B13. This cancels the protection of the area where the access to the RAM 113 is prohibited, thereby enabling access to the same area. In step B14, all RAM areas are cleared to zero. As a result, the entire area of the RAM 113 (accessible area, including the area where protection is canceled) is once cleared (initialized).
Next, in step B15, protection of the access prohibited area is set. This sets protection for an area where access to the RAM 113 is prohibited, and access to the same area is thereby prohibited. Next, in step B16, an initial value is set in an area where initial value setting is necessary.
The area where the initial value needs to be set (area to be initialized) is an area having an initial value that is not the value (0) written in step B14. This corresponds to the area related to the setting of the demonstration area and the production mode. Specific information on these areas is as follows.
<Area to be initialized>
Customer waiting demo area Customer waiting demo flag ・ Produce mode command area Produce mode command ・ Next mode transition information area Next mode transition information ・ Special game mode information command In addition, as one of initial value settings in this step B16, Set the main control ID transmission request flag

After step B16, the process proceeds to step B17. In other cases, the process proceeds to step B17, as described above, in the case of NO in step B10, the process of step B12 may have been performed.
In step B17, it is determined whether authentication is completed. This is because the gaming machine ID (both the main control ID and the payout ID here) is sent to the external management device 91, which is a third party organization, via the card control unit 15 via the payout control device 230, where it is checked against the authentication list. Then, it is determined whether the verification result is found and the authentication is completed (verification OK).
If the authentication is not completed (verification is OK), the process stands by in step B17. If the authentication is completed, the process proceeds to step B18. In step B18, it is determined whether recovery is completed. This is to determine whether or not the recovery communication is completed when the communication is interrupted due to a communication error or the like. If the recovery is not completed, the process returns to step B17 to repeat the loop. When the recovery is completed, the process proceeds to step B19.
In step B19, game state information transmission processing is performed. This is to transmit game state information from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication. As described above, as the gaming state information, eight registers from the gaming state information register 0 to the gaming state information register 7 are prepared as dedicated registers, and the big hit information from the big hit 1 to the big hit 9 and the big hit + In addition to gaming state information such as short time, probability change, short time, and fluctuation, information such as radio wave detection, magnet detection, illegal winning detection, vibration detection is also stored, so these information will be transmitted .

Next, the process proceeds to step B20, and main control ID transmission processing is performed. This is to transmit the main control ID when there is a main control ID transmission request (for example, the main control ID transmission request flag is set in step B16 described above).
Next, in step B21, it is determined whether the power failure has been recovered. This is to determine whether or not the power failure is restored in the route when the RAM clear signal branched in step B5 is not on.
If it is not the power failure restoration route (that is, if the route is RAM cleared), the process proceeds to step B22, and the command at the time of RAM clear is transmitted to the effect control device 53 (effect control board). This is to transmit a command when the RAM 113 of the game control device 54 is cleared to the effect control device 53, so that the effect control device 53 can cause the display device 41 to perform an effect such as a customer waiting demonstration. It becomes possible. After step B22, the process proceeds to step B24.

On the other hand, if the power failure recovery route is determined in step B21, the process branches to step B23, and a power failure recovery command (power failure recovery command) corresponding to the state of the gaming machine is transmitted to the effect control device 53 (effect control board). After step B23, the process proceeds to step B24.
The following commands are included in the command at the time of power failure recovery.
-Model designation command indicating the type of gaming machine-Decoration special figure 1 hold number command and decoration special figure 2 hold number command indicating the number of hold of special figures 1 and 2-Probability information command indicating the status of probability If the special figure variation display game is being executed when the power is turned off according to the state when the power is turned on, the following commands are included.
・ Restoration screen command ・ Customer waiting demo command when waiting for customer at power-off ・ Power-on command when initialized at power-on ・ Direction mode information command indicating the state of rendering mode depending on the model ・ Time-saving state When the command for power failure recovery is transmitted, for example, the effect control device 53 determines the motor operating position of the frame effect device as the initial position. The display device 41 displays that the power is being restored.

The command at the time of power failure recovery (power failure recovery command) includes information notifying the state at the time of power failure (game state, rest state, settlement state). For example, if there is a power outage during a break, information indicating that it was during a break (for example, the same command as the break start command) may be included in this power outage recovery command. The received effect control device 53 resumes the display on the display device 41 for notifying the break during the power failure, for example, after the power failure is restored. In addition, when there is a power failure during settlement, information indicating that settlement is in progress is included in this power failure recovery command, and the presentation control device 53 that has received this command at the time of power recovery recovers, for example, at the time of power failure The display on the display device 41 for informing the settlement being performed is resumed as it is after the power failure recovery. Thereby, the player can clearly recognize that the state at the time of the power failure is stored in the RAM 113 and the state is resumed at the time of the power failure recovery, and the player does not feel uneasy at the time of the power failure recovery.
Further, the command at the time of power failure recovery (power failure recovery command) includes error information in the case of a frame open error state, and the presentation control device 53 that received this command at the time of power failure recovery, for example, at the time of power failure The display on the display device 41 that reports the frame open error state that has been executed is resumed after the power failure is restored.

When the process proceeds to step B24 via step B22 and step B23, in step B24, for example, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that is provided in the CPU 111 and generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal is activated. The CTC circuit is a circuit for timer interruption. Note that the CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the CPU 111. The clock generator divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator, a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the CPU 111 based on the divided signal, and And a CTC circuit that generates a signal CTC that gives a trigger for updating a random number supplied to the random number generation circuit.
After the CTC activation process of step B24, a process of starting and setting the random number generation circuit is performed in step B25. Specifically, the CPU 111 performs setting of a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit.
A random number generation circuit generates a part of each random number of special maps and ordinary maps in hardware. However, the initial values of some of these random numbers are set in software by the process of step B28 described later.
Note that the random numbers related to the special figure include jackpot random numbers (random numbers for determining whether to win or not), jackpot symbol random numbers 1, 2 (random numbers for determining jackpot stop symbol), fluctuation pattern random numbers (reach of reach) Random number for determining a variation pattern including presence / absence), stop symbol random number (random number for determining outlier stop symbol), and the like. In addition, examples of random numbers related to ordinary maps include random numbers per ordinary figure (random numbers for determining whether or not per ordinary figure). Among these, the random numbers targeted in steps B25 and B are, for example, jackpot random numbers, random numbers per common figure, jackpot symbol random numbers 1,2. Note that the random numbers related to the special figure may be common to the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 when there are two types of special figures, or may be provided separately.

In the process of step B25, a bit transposition pattern of a hard random number (here, a big hit random number) generated by the hardware of the random number generation circuit is also set. That is, in the process of step B25, a hard random number bit transposition pattern is set, and a big hit random number bit transposition is performed.
Here, the bit transposition pattern refers to, for example, replacing the bit arrangement of the extracted random numbers (the arrangement before the upper bit transposition) in a predetermined order and storing it as a different bit arrangement (the arrangement after the lower bit transposition). It is a pattern that determines how to replace the case. By replacing the bits of the random number according to this bit transposition pattern, the regularity of the random number can be broken and the confidentiality of the random number can be improved. The bit transposition pattern may be a fixed single pattern or may be selected from a plurality of patterns prepared in advance. Further, the user may arbitrarily set it.

After step B25, the value of a predetermined register (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on is extracted in the subsequent step B26, and various initial value random numbers (random numbers (determining jackpot symbols) are determined. The jackpot symbol random number 1, the jackpot symbol random number 2), and the initial value (start value) of the random number (hit random number) that determines the hit of the usual symbol is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM.
Here, the types of random numbers include the following.
-Hit initial value random number-Jackpot symbol initial value random number 1
-Big hit symbol initial value random number
(These use different soft random number register values.)

The random number generation circuit generates a part of each random number of special figures and ordinary figures in hardware. However, the initial values of these random numbers are set in software by the process of step B28 described later. The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111 used in this embodiment is configured such that the initial value of the soft random number register changes every time the power is turned on. ), It is possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to obtain illegal random numbers.
Note that the random numbers related to the special figure include jackpot random numbers (random numbers for determining whether to win or not), jackpot symbol random numbers 1, 2 (random numbers for determining jackpot stop symbol), fluctuation pattern random numbers (reach of reach) Random number for determining a variation pattern including presence / absence), stop symbol random number (random number for determining outlier stop symbol), and the like. In addition, examples of random numbers related to ordinary maps include random numbers per ordinary figure (random numbers for determining whether or not per ordinary figure). Among these, the random numbers (hard random numbers) targeted in steps B25 and B are, for example, jackpot random numbers, random numbers per common figure, and jackpot symbol random numbers 1 and 2. Note that the random numbers related to the special figure may be common to the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 when there are two types of special figures, or may be provided separately.

Next, an interruption is permitted in step B27, and an initial value random number update process is performed in the next step B28. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the initial value of the random number so that it is difficult to deliberately aim for a big hit or the like by measuring the timing of launching the game ball. This is for breaking the regularity of random numbers by updating the values of various initial value random numbers.
Note that the initial value random number update process in step B28 includes a method of performing an initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. In order to avoid execution of value random number update processing, when performing initial value random number update processing in the main processing, it is necessary to disable interrupt and then update to cancel the interrupt. In the timer interrupt process, the initial value random number update process is not performed. If it is only in the main process, there is no problem even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process, thereby simplifying the main process. There is an advantage that

  Further, although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the big hit random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the hit random number are configured to be generated using random numbers generated in a random number generation circuit. However, the big hit random number is a so-called “high-speed counter” that is updated based on a clock with a speed equal to or higher than the CPU operating clock. The big hit symbol random number and the hit random number have the same period as the timer interrupt processing that is the processing unit of the program. Is a “low-speed counter” that is updated based on the CTC output (CTC (CTC2) different from CTC (CTC0) for timer interrupt processing). In the big hit symbol random number and the hit symbol random number, a so-called “initial value changing method” is adopted in which each initial value random number (generated by software) is used to change the start value every time the random number makes a round. Each random number may be a counter update by +1 or −1, or may be a random update in which all values within the range appear without overlapping until one round is reached. That is, the big hit random number is a random number that is updated only by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number is a random number that is updated by hardware and software.

Next, the process proceeds to step B29, the power-off detection signal (power failure detection signal) input from the power supply device 58 is read via the port and the data bus, the number of times of power-off detection signal check (for example, twice) is set, and the next In step B30, it is determined whether or not the power interruption detection signal is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step B31 for final determination of power failure, and if not turned on, the process returns to step B28. During normal operation, steps B28 to B30 are repeated.
That is, when the power-off detection signal is not on (step B30; NO), the process returns to the initial value random number update process in step B28. That is, when a power failure has not occurred, the initial value random number update process and the power-off detection signal check (loop process) are repeated. By permitting an interrupt before the initial value random number update process (step B28) (step B27), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is executed preferentially. Can be avoided by waiting for the initial value random number update process.

Then, when proceeding to Step B31, it is determined whether or not the power-off detection signal is kept on for the number of checks. If the determination result is affirmative, a final determination is made that a power failure has occurred, and the process proceeds to Step B32. If the result is negative, it is determined that a power failure has occurred and the process returns to step B30.
Note that when the power-off detection signal is turned on, the power-off detection signal may be used as an NMI interrupt signal to interrupt the current process and forcibly execute the power failure process after step B32. However, in the configuration of this example, since the power-off detection signal is turned on multiple times in step B31, the power failure monitoring signal is temporarily and instantaneously caused by noise or the like even though no power failure has actually occurred. When it is turned on, there is an advantage that it is not erroneously determined that a power failure has occurred.

In step B32, interrupts are prohibited, and then all outputs are turned off in the next step B33 (off data is output to all output ports), and then a power failure information setting process is executed in step B34. In the power failure information setting process, the power failure inspection area check data 1 is saved in the power failure inspection area 1 and the power failure inspection area check data 2 is saved in the power failure inspection area 2.
After step B34, after the process of calculating the checksum when the RAM power is shut off in the next step B35, the calculated checksum is saved in a predetermined checksum area in step B36.
Next, after prohibiting access to the RAM in step B37, the process waits (reset wait state).
In this way, the check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area and the checksum at power-off is calculated to determine whether the information stored in the RAM before the power-off is correctly backed up. This can be determined when the power is turned on again.
Note that the power failure process in steps B32 to B37 described above is performed before the power supply voltage drops below the operating voltage of the CPU 1111 due to the power failure.

[Game state information transmission processing]
Next, the gaming state information transmission process (step B19) in the main process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a payout jackpot signal command is first loaded at step B51. The payout jackpot signal command is for informing the jackpot control device 230 from the game control device 54 of jackpot information (for example, information divided into jackpot 1. jackpot 2 etc.) as game state information. Next, the process proceeds to step B52, and the command loaded in step B51 (payout jackpot signal command) is written in the gaming state transmission buffer. The command written in the game state transmission buffer is encrypted by serial communication at a predetermined timing and transmitted to the payout control device 230 (the same applies to the following transmission buffers).
Next, after the payout probability information command is loaded in step B53, the process proceeds to step B54, and the command loaded in step B53 (payout probability information command) is written in the gaming state transmission buffer. The payout probability information command is information relating to the jackpot probability and time saving as gaming state information from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 (for example, information classified into big hit + short time, probability change, time reduction, change in time, etc.). It is for informing.

Next, in step B55, clear data is set as an unauthorized information command. This is because the illegal information command is first cleared to the initial state (the state where no fraud has occurred: clear data), and then when the fraud occurs, the fraud information command is set according to the fraud content.
Next, in step B56, it is determined whether or not a radio wave fraud has occurred. If a radio wave fraud has occurred, a radio wave fraud detection bit of a fraud information command is set in step B57. For example, the gaming status information register 2 stores gaming status information such as radio wave detection, magnet detection, illegal prize detection, and vibration detection in units of bits, so the bit D0 = radio wave detection bit therein Set as detection bit.
The radio wave fraud is detected by a radio wave sensor (board) 143.
After step B57, the process proceeds to step B58. On the other hand, if radio wave fraud is not occurring in step B56, the process jumps to step B57 and proceeds to step B58.

In step B58, it is determined whether or not a magnet fraud has occurred. If a magnet fraud has occurred, a magnet fraud detection bit of a fraud information command is set in step B59. For example, the game status information register 2 stores the game status information such as radio wave detection, magnet detection, illegal prize detection, and vibration detection in units of bits. Set as detection bit.
Magnet fraud is detected by the magnet sensor 142.
After step B59, the process proceeds to step B60. On the other hand, if the magnet fraud is not occurring in step B58, the process jumps to step B59 and proceeds to step B60.

In step B60, it is determined whether or not an illegal winning is occurring. If an illegal winning is occurring, an unauthorized winning detection bit of the unauthorized information command is set in step B61. For example, the gaming status information register 2 stores the gaming status information such as radio wave detection, magnet detection, illegal prize detection, and vibration detection in units of bits, so that the bit D2 = illegal prize detection is illegal. Set as a winning detection bit.
It is to be noted that the illegal winning is detected by an error / illegal winning monitoring process, for example, a process for monitoring an illegal winning other than when the first big winning opening 27a, the second big winning opening 34a, and the power train 26 are not open. Is done.
Next, the process proceeds to step B62, and a firing command for stopping firing is set. As a result, when an illegal winning is occurring, a payout firing command for stopping the firing is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230, the operation of the launching device 37 is stopped, and the launch of the game ball is stopped. It will be. After step B62, the process proceeds to step B64.
On the other hand, if an illegal winning is not occurring at step B60, the process branches to step B63, and a discharge permission payout firing command is set. As a result, when an illegal winning is not occurring, a payout launch command for launching permission is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230, the operation of the launch device 37 is permitted, and the game ball is fired. Become. After step B63, the process proceeds to step B64.

In step B64, the illegal information command is written in the gaming state transmission buffer, and in the subsequent step B65, the payout firing command is written in the gaming state transmission buffer. As a result, an unauthorized information command and a payout firing command are transmitted to the payout control device 230. Further, a game state information setting completion command is set in step B66, and the process proceeds to step B67. The command set in step B66 is written in the game state transmission buffer. Thereby, a game state information setting completion command is transmitted to the payout control device 1230. After step B67, the process returns.
In the game state information transmission process of FIG. 22, the game state information called vibration detection detected by the vibration sensor 144 is not sent to the payout control device 230, but the bit D3 in the game state information register 2 = the bit called vibration detection. May be set as a vibration detection bit and transmitted to the payout control device 230.

[Main control ID transmission process]
Next, the main control ID transmission process (step B20) in the main process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine starts, it is first determined in step B71 whether or not there is a request for transmission of the main control ID. For example, when the power is turned on, the main control ID transmission request flag is set in the initial setting in step B16 in FIG. 21. Based on this flag, it is determined whether there is a main control ID transmission request.
If there is no main control ID transmission request, the process returns. On the other hand, if there is a transmission request for the main control ID, the process proceeds to step B72 to clear the main control ID transmission request flag. This is because the main control ID transmission request flag is once cleared, so that the main control ID transmission request flag is once cleared.
In step B73, the start code is written in the payout serial transmission buffer. The start code is a code for causing the payout control device 230 on the receiving side to specify that serial communication is started. Next, in step B74, it is determined whether or not only the chip code (chip ID) is transmitted. The chip code (chip ID) is the chip code of the main control chip, and the main control chip is the CPU 111 of the game control device 54 (main board).
Therefore, the chip code (chip ID) is a part of the gaming machine ID (main control ID) of the game control device 54 (main board). Specifically, the CPU 111 in the game control device 54 (main board) This corresponds to individual identification information (unique ID) of the IC chip to be configured.

If the chip code is transmitted only in step B74, the process jumps to step B79 to write the chip identification code into the payout serial transmission buffer.
Here, the “XX identification code” is a code indicating which information (code) is to be transmitted from now on, and is not unique to a solid but a common code. After writing this code, the corresponding unique information is written.
Therefore, the chip identification code is a code indicating that a chip code is to be transmitted from now on, and after the chip identification code is written, the chip code is written in the payout serial transmission buffer.
Therefore, in the subsequent step B80, the chip code of the IC chip constituting the CPU 111 in the game control device 54 (main board) is read and written into the payout serial transmission buffer. Thereby, the chip code (chip ID) of the CPU 111 in the game control device 54 (main board) is acquired and transmitted to the payout control device 230.
At least when the main control ID is transmitted to the payout control device 1230, since it is transmitted by encrypted communication as described above, each code data constituting the main control ID is stored in the payout serial transmission buffer. After being written, it is encrypted and transmitted to the payout control device 230 (the same applies to each code described later).

  On the other hand, if the chip code is not transmitted in step B74, the process proceeds to step B75 to write the maker code identification code of the main control chip into the payout serial transmission buffer, and in step B76 the maker code of the main control chip (of the gaming machine). Read the manufacturer name code) and write it into the payout serial transmission buffer. Next, in step B77, the product code identification code of the main control chip is written in the dispensing serial transmission buffer, and in step B78, the product code (model name code) of the main control chip is read and written in the dispensing serial transmission buffer. The process proceeds to step B79. As a result, the manufacturer code (code related to the manufacturer name of the gaming machine) and the product code (code related to the model name) of the CPU 111 in the game control device 54 (main board) are acquired and transmitted to the payout control device 1230. .

When the process proceeds from step B78 to step B79 or when the process proceeds from step B74 to step B79, the chip identification code is written in the payout serial transmission buffer in step B79 and the chip code is read in step B80, as described above. Writes data to the payout serial transmission buffer.
After step B80, the process returns.
Thus, when there is a request for transmission of the main control ID (for example, when the power is turned on, when the frame is opened, when a big hit occurs, etc.), in addition to the chip code of the game control device 54 as the main control ID, Since the product code is also transmitted to the dispensing control device 230, it is possible to improve security by using even fine information including the manufacturer code and the product code.
When the power is turned on, serial transmission is performed in the order of manufacturer code, product code, and chip code, for example.
Each identification code includes information indicating the data type and data length of each code.
Furthermore, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, all the codes output at the output timing are the same. However, if the output codes differ depending on the timing, it is determined what code is output if there is no identification code. Because it is difficult, it is easy to distinguish as a configuration including an identification code in this way (for example, even if a code is suddenly output, whether the code is a main control chip or a payout control chip, Alternatively, it is difficult to determine whether it is a chip code or a manufacturer code).
Basically, in addition to the chip code of the game control device 54, all of the manufacturer code and product code are transmitted to the payout control device 230, and further from the payout control device 230 via the card unit 15 to the external management device 91. In this configuration, the main control ID and the payout ID are verified to authenticate the gaming machine ID, but during the game of the pachinko machine 1 (when the frame is opened, when a big hit occurs, etc.), only the chip code is authenticated. It may be. By doing so, it is not time-consuming to continue the game, and the user does not have to wait.

[Checksum calculation processing]
Next, the checksum calculation process (step B35) in the main process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, the start address of the RAM is set as the start value of the calculated address in step B91, and the number of repetitions is set in step B92. The number of repetitions is set corresponding to the number of bytes of the RAM being used. Next, after setting “0” as the calculated value in step B93, the content of the calculated value + the calculated address is calculated as a new calculated value in step B94. In this way, the contents of each address are added as a calculated value. Next, the calculation address is updated by “+1” in step B95, the number of repetitions is updated by “−1” in step B96, and it is checked whether the calculation is completed. In step B97, it is determined whether the calculation is completed. If the decision result in the step B97 is NO, the process returns to the step B94 to repeat the routine. When the number of repeated times is equal to the number of bytes in the RAM, it is determined that the calculation is completed, the process returns to YES from step B97, and the routine is terminated.
In this way, the checksum is calculated when the RAM is powered off.

[Initial value random number update processing]
Next, the initial value random number update process (step B28) in the main process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a process for incrementing (updating (+1)) the hit initial value random number (step B101), a process for incrementing (updating (+1)) the big hit symbol initial value random number 1 (step B102), and the big hit symbol A process (step B103) for incrementing (update (+1)) the initial value random number 2 is sequentially performed.
Here, the “big hit symbol initial value random number 1” is a random number that is an initial value of a random number for determining the big hit stop symbol of the special figure 1 and is updated in the range of 0 to 99. The “big hit symbol initial value random number 2” is an initial value random number of a random number that determines the big hit stop symbol of the special figure 2 and is updated in the range of 0 to 99. is there. The “hit initial value random number” is a random number that is an initial value of a random number that determines the hit of the usual game, and is updated in the range of 0 to 250. is there. In this way, the randomness of the random number can be increased by continuing to increment the random number as long as time permits in the main process.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt process of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
This timer interrupt process is started by the processes of steps B24 and B27 in the main process described above, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timer interrupt period.

In this timer interrupt process, first, in step B111, register saving and interrupt prohibition are executed as necessary. In register saving, for example, register saving processing is performed in which a value held in a predetermined register is transferred to the RAM. In the Z80 microcomputer used as the gaming microcomputer in this embodiment, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.
Next, input processing is executed in step B112. In this input processing, reading of detection signals of the aforementioned sensors (start port switches 120 and 121, gate switch 122, winning port switch 123, lower count switch 124, upper count switch 125, etc.) is executed. Specifically, the output value of each sensor is determined at each timer interruption period, and when the output value of the same level continues for a specified number of times (for example, twice), the level of this output value is detected by each sensor. Read as deterministic value of signal. When it is read that any one of the sensors is on, a flag (input flag) indicating that is set.

Next, in step B113, output processing for setting and outputting the output data set in each step to be described later to the corresponding output port is executed. This is a process for performing drive control of actuators such as solenoids (first big prize opening solenoid 132, second big prize opening solenoid 133, general electric solenoid 131) based on output data set in various processes. is there.
Next, random number update processes 1 and 2 are executed in steps B114 and B115, respectively. Here, the soft random number related to the special drawing and the soft random number related to the general drawing are updated. As soft random numbers related to special figures, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers 1, 2 (random numbers for determining jackpot stop symbols), variation pattern random numbers (random numbers for determining variation patterns including presence / absence of reach action), stop symbol random numbers ( Random numbers for determining outage stop symbols). Here, the update of the random number is executed by increasing the random number by, for example, “1”. Therefore, each time this timer interrupt processing routine is repeated, the random number changes, and the extracted value of the soft random number maintains at randomness.

  In this example, there are three types of variation pattern random numbers: variation pattern random numbers 1-3. Among these, the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is a random number for selecting the reach system of the second half fluctuation (the fluctuation after the start of reach), and the fluctuation pattern random number 2 is a detailed presentation distribution (for example, plus one frame) from the reach system. The special pattern stops or the special figure stops at minus one frame), and the variation pattern random number 3 is a random number for selecting the first half variation (variation before the start of reach). is there. The variation pattern random number may directly determine all of the variation modes, but in this example, the effect control device 53 determines the specific mode. For example, only the variation time and reach system (rough type of reach) are determined by the variation pattern random number 1, and the production control device 53 determines a specific variation mode based on the determined variation time and reach system.

  Next, in step B116, an error / injustice monitoring process is executed. The error / injustice monitoring process includes the undetected error of each of the above-described sensors, the excessive error of the prize ball discharge, the open state of the glass frame 5, the big prize opening 27a (first big prize opening), and the second variable prize. This is a process for monitoring an illegal winning or the like other than when the opening of the device 34 (second large winning opening 34a) and the public power supply 26 are not open.

Next, in step B117, it is determined whether or not the game is stopped. This is because if the game stop signal (not a command) output from the payout control device 230 is on, the game is stopped (the game is not advanced), so whether or not the game stop signal is on. judge.
If the game is stopped in step B117, the process jumps to step B122, and the process related to the game or the like (the process from step B118 to step B121) is not performed. On the other hand, if the game is not stopped in step B117, the process proceeds to step B108 to determine whether or not a communication abnormality has occurred. This is determined based on the communication abnormality flag because a communication abnormality flag is set (monitored on the game control device 54 (main board) side) when there is a communication abnormality in the communication abnormality monitoring process described later.
If a communication abnormality is occurring in step B108, the process jumps to step B122, and the process related to the game (the process from step B119 to step B121) is not performed. On the other hand, if no communication abnormality has occurred in step B118, the process proceeds to step B119.

In step B119, a winning opening switch monitoring process is performed. The winning opening switch monitoring process monitors input flags (start opening switches 120 and 121, winning opening switch 123, lower count switch 124 and upper count switch 125 in the special figure) set as described above, for example, a lower count switch. When the input flag 124 is set, processing such as preparation for requesting the payout control device 230 to pay out 15 prize balls is executed.
Next, special figure game processing is performed in step B120. In the special figure game process, overall control of the special figure variable display game is performed. That is, when the change start condition (start condition of the change display game) is satisfied, the determination of the big hit random number, the process of setting the combination (result form) of the special figure stop pattern, and the process of setting the change form of the special figure (Details will be described later).
Here, when the change start condition is satisfied, when the start-up prize is received in the waiting state and the change display game is started, the change display game ends and the start display is stored and the change display game is executed again. When the game is played, there are three types when the jackpot is over, the start-up memory is stored, and the variable display game is executed again.
In this special figure game process, a process of setting various output data related to the special figure variable display game is also performed. That is, the content (command data) of a command to be transmitted to, for example, the effect control device 53 is set in accordance with the game state of the special display variable display game.

Next, in step B121, processing for the usual variable display game is performed. That is, processing for setting the content of a command to be transmitted to the production control device 53 or the like in accordance with the usual variable display game state is performed.
Next, an LED editing process is executed in step B122. This is a display of the special figure on the collective display device 35, such as the special figure decided in the special figure game process in step B120, the special figure decided in the common figure game process in step B121, and other information. Display (LED, 7-segment display) display processing, winning display LED editing processing (details will be described later), and the like.
Next, if the communication control timer is not “0” in step B123, the timer is updated (−1) (decremented). Next, in step B124, it is determined whether or not the communication control timer is "0". If the communication control timer is "0", the process jumps to step B129, and processing related to command determination, editing, transmission, etc. (step B125 Through step B128). On the other hand, if the communication control timer is not “0” in step B124, the process proceeds to step B125.

In step B125, a received command determination process is performed. This is to determine a command received from another control device or the like and perform necessary processing (details will be described later). Next, in step B126, a payout command editing process is performed. This edits a command sent to the payout control device 230 (details will be described later). Next, in step B127, payout command transmission processing is performed. This is to transmit a command to be sent to the payout control device 230 (details will be described later).
Next, in step B128, an initial value is set in the communication control timer. The communication control timer controls a communication period between the game control device 54 and another control device, and is set to, for example, 200 ms as an initial value.
Next, communication abnormality monitoring processing is performed in step B129. This is to monitor an abnormality such as the communication between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 being cut off (details will be described later). Next, in order to resume the main routine in step B130, the register saved in step B111 is restored, timer interruption is permitted in step B131, and the process interrupted at the interruption is returned (returned).

[Input processing]
Next, the input process (step B112) in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the input process, first, the state of the switch detection signal taken into the input port 1 is read (step B141). If there is an unused bit in the 8-bit port, the bit state is cleared (step B142).
Here, the switches monitored at the input port 1 are, for example, a magnet sensor 142, a radio wave sensor (panel) 143, a vibration sensor 144, and the like.
Subsequently, the state of the input port 1 read in step B143 is saved (stored) in the switch control area 1 in the RAM, and unused bit data is prepared.
Here, “preparation” in this embodiment means setting a value in a register, but is not limited to this, and a value may be set in a RAM or other memory.
For those that require inversion of the detection signal, bit data to be inverted is prepared. For example, since the radio wave sensor (panel) 143 requires inversion of the detection signal, bit data such as such a sensor / switch is prepared.

Next, in step B144, the address of the input port 2 is prepared.
Here, the switches monitored at the input port 2 are, for example, the first start port switch 120, the second start port switch 121, the gate switch 122, the winning port switch 123, the lower count switch 124, the upper count switch 125, and the like.
Although not shown in FIG. 6, for example, when a plurality of winning port switches are arranged as corresponding to the winning port switch 123, the plurality of winning port switches are monitored by the input port 2. The same applies to the lower large prize opening switch 124. A plurality of the magnet sensors 142 may be arranged and monitored by the input port 1.

In step B145, the address of the switch control area 2 in the RAM is prepared. In step B146, unused bit data is prepared. In step B147, bit data to be inverted is prepared. Thereafter, a switch reading process is performed in step B148. The switch reading process performs the switch reading process twice in one interrupt process with a predetermined time difference, thereby increasing the processable amount in the interrupt by extending the timer interrupt period, and the structural design etc. It balances ease.
After step B148, the input process is terminated.

[Output processing]
Next, the output process (step B113) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the output processing, all output data of the port that outputs segment data of the collective display device (LED) 35 is first turned off (step B151). Subsequently, the data to be output to the solenoid output port having the function of outputting the data of the first big prize winning solenoid 132, the second big prize winning solenoid 133, and the general electric solenoid 131 is synthesized and outputted (step B152).
Next, the digit counter value for sequentially scanning the digit lines of the collective display device (LED) 35 is updated (updated (+1) in the range of 0 to 3) (step B153), and the LED corresponding to the digit counter value is updated. The output data of the digit line is loaded (obtained) (step B154). Next, the acquired data is output to a digit output port (for example, the fifth port) (step B155). The fifth port is an output port for outputting on / off data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 35 is connected.
Next, the segment line output data is loaded (acquired) from the segment data area in the RAM corresponding to the value of the digit counter (step B156), and the acquired segment output data is used as a segment output port (for example, the fourth port). (Step B157). The fourth port is an output port for outputting ON / OFF data of the segment line to which the anode terminal of the LED is connected according to the contents displayed on the collective display device 35.
Here, the LEDs that are dynamically lit in the collective display device 35 are, for example, as follows.
・ Special symbol display device ・ Normal symbol display device ・ Special symbol hold ・ Common figure hold ・ Round display ・ Game status display (high probability display, short time display)
・ Winning display

Subsequently, the output data 1 to 3 of the test signal to be output to the test firing test apparatus are loaded and combined, and the combined data is output to the test terminal output port 1 provided on the relay board (not shown) (step) B158). Thereafter, the test signal output data 4 to 6 to be output to the test firing test apparatus are loaded and synthesized, and the synthesized data is outputted to the test terminal output port 2 provided on the relay board (step B159).
Next, the test signal output data 7 to 8 to be output to the test firing test apparatus are loaded and combined, and the combined data is output to the test terminal output port 3 provided on the relay board (step B160). Also, the test signal output data 9 to 10 to be output to the test firing test apparatus are loaded and synthesized, and the synthesized data is outputted to the test terminal output port 4 provided on the relay board (step B161). Further, the test signal output data 11 to be output to the test firing test apparatus is loaded and synthesized, and the synthesized data is outputted to the test terminal output port 5 provided on the relay board (step B162). End the output process.

[Random number update process 1]
Next, the random number update process 1 (step B114) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
The random number update process 1 is a process for updating the initial value (start value) of the jackpot symbol random number 1, the hit random number, and the jackpot symbol random number 2 that are the targets of the initial value random number update process of FIG.
In the random number update process 1, it is first determined whether or not the normal random number is waiting for the next initial value (start value) setting (step B171).

  If the normal hit random number is not waiting for the initial value setting (step B171; NO), it is determined whether the big hit symbol random number 1 is waiting for the next initial value (start value) setting (step B174). Further, when the normal hit random number is waiting for the initial value setting (step B171; YES), the hit random number initial value random number is loaded as the next initial value (step B172), and the next normal random hit number loaded next time is loaded. The initial value is set in a register (start value setting register) that holds the start value of the corresponding random number counter (random number area) (step B173). Thereafter, it is determined whether the jackpot symbol random number 1 is waiting for the next initial value (start value) setting (step B174).

  If the jackpot symbol random number 1 is not waiting for the initial value setting (step B174; NO), it is determined whether the jackpot symbol random number 2 is waiting for the next initial value (start value) setting (step B177). If the jackpot symbol random number 1 is waiting for the initial value setting (step B174; YES), the jackpot symbol initial value random number 1 is loaded as the next initial value (step B175), and the next initial value of the loaded jackpot symbol random number 1 is loaded. The value is set in a register (start value setting register) that holds the start value of the corresponding random number counter (random number area) (step B176). Thereafter, it is determined whether the jackpot symbol random number 2 is waiting for the next initial value (start value) setting (step B177).

  If the jackpot symbol random number 2 is not waiting for the initial value setting (step B177; NO), the random number update processing 1 is terminated. If the big hit symbol random number 2 is waiting for the initial value setting (step B177; YES), the big hit symbol initial value random number 2 is loaded as the next initial value (step B178), and the next initial value of the loaded big hit symbol random number 2 is set. The value is set in the register (start value setting register) that holds the start value of the corresponding random number counter (random number area) (step B179), and the random number update process 1 is terminated.

[Random number update process 2]
Next, the random number update process 2 (step B115) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
The random number update process 2 is a process for updating the fluctuation pattern random number for determining the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation display game of the special figures 1 and 2.
In this embodiment, there are a 1-byte random number (variable pattern random numbers 2 and 3) and a 2-byte random number (variable pattern random number 1) as the variable pattern random numbers. The random number update process 2 in FIG. 30 updates both. Target and update every time an interrupt occurs. In addition, when the random number to be updated is 2 bytes, the update process is performed for different interrupts for the upper byte and the lower byte. That is, the update of the 2-byte variation pattern random number 1 (reach variation mode determination random number) by the random number update processing 2 executed in one interrupt processing for the main processing is executed for either the upper 1 byte or the lower 1 byte. It is comprised so that.

In the random number update process 2, first, a random number update scan counter for sequentially specifying which of the plurality of random numbers to be updated is targeted for the current update process is updated (step B181). Here, it is updated in the range of 0 to 3.
Note that the types of random numbers to be updated are as follows.
-When 0: Fluctuating pattern random number 1 (high order)
・ When 1: Variable pattern random number 1 (low order)
・ 2: Fluctuating pattern random number 2
・ 3: Fluctuating pattern random number 3
Next, the address of the effect random number update table corresponding to the value of the random number update scan counter is calculated (step B182). Then, the random number upper limit determination value is acquired from the table referred to based on the calculated address (step B183). The table to be referred to at this time stores an upper limit value for each type of random number, that is, a value for determining whether or not the random number has made a round.
Here, the effect random number update table has data for the types of random numbers to be updated (4 blocks), and details are as follows.
・ Upper limit judgment value ・ R register mask value ・ Random number area type information to be updated (details below)
1 byte random number 2 byte random number (upper)
2-byte random number (low order)
・ Address of update area

Subsequently, for example, a random value such as a refresh register (hereinafter referred to as an R register) used for refreshing a DRAM provided in a Z80 microcomputer used as a gaming microcomputer in this embodiment. The value of the register in which is set is read (step B184). By using the value of the R register, randomness can be given to the random number. After step B184, a mask value for masking the value of the R register is acquired, and the value of the R register is masked (step B185). Note that the mask value is different in the number of bits depending on the random number to be updated. For example, when the lower 1 byte of the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is updated, the lower 1 bit of the R register and the upper 1 byte of the fluctuation pattern random number 1 Is updated in the lower 4 bits of the R register. This is because the upper limit varies depending on the type of random number.
As a mask value, when the lower 1 byte of the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is updated, the lower 3 bits of the R register are updated. When the upper byte of the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is updated, the lower byte of the R register is updated. Although 4 bits have been exemplified, the numerical value is an example and the present invention is not limited to this.

Next, it is checked whether the random number area to be updated is higher in the 2-byte random number (step B186). If it is higher than the 2-byte random number (step B186; YES), the process proceeds to step B187, and the value remaining by masking the value of the R register with the mask value (hereinafter referred to as the masked value) is “1”. Is added value (higher order), and “0” is added value (lower order), and the process proceeds to step B188.
The reason why “1” is added to the masked value is that the masked value may be “0”, and if “0” is added later, it does not change from the value before the addition, so that it is avoided.
On the other hand, if the random number area to be updated is the lower order of the 2-byte random number or the 1-byte random number (step B186; NO), the process branches to step B189 to set “0” as the addition value (upper order) and set the mask value to “1”. The added value is regarded as an added value (lower order) and the process proceeds to step B188.

In the next step B188, it is checked whether or not the random number area (random number counter) to be updated is a 2-byte random number. If it is not a 2-byte random number, the process jumps to step B190 (step B188; NO). On the other hand, when the random number area is a 2-byte random number, the process proceeds to Step B191 (Step B188; YES). In step B190, “0” is set as a random value (higher order), and the value obtained by adding “1” to the mask value is set as the value (lower order) of the random number area to be updated, and the process proceeds to step B192.
When the random number area is a 2-byte random number, the value of the random number area (2 bytes) updated in step B191 is set as a random number value, and the process proceeds to step B192.

Next, in step B192, a value obtained by adding the addition value determined in steps B187 and B189 to the random value is calculated to obtain a new random value, and whether or not this random value exceeds the upper limit determination value acquired in step B183. Determine (step B193).
If the newly calculated random number value exceeds the upper limit determination value, the upper limit determination value is subtracted from the calculated random number value to obtain the current random number value (step B194), and then the process proceeds to step B195. On the other hand, if the newly calculated random number value does not exceed the upper limit determination value, the calculated random number value is set as the current random number value, and the process jumps to step B194 and proceeds to step B195.
In step B195, the lower order of the random number value is saved in the corresponding random number area. Here, the data is saved in either the 1-byte random number area or the lower-order area of the 2-byte random number. Subsequently, it is checked whether the updated random number is a 2-byte random number (step B196). If the updated random number is a 2-byte random number (step B196; YES), the higher order of the random number value is higher in the random number area (2-byte random number (upper)) side. (Step B197). Here, the data is saved in the upper area of the 2-byte random number. After step B197, the random number update process 2 ends.
On the other hand, if the updated random number is not a 2-byte random number (step B196; NO), the process jumps to step B197, does not perform the process, and ends the random number update process 2.

In this way, the CPU 111 updates the fluctuation pattern random number for determining the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation display game of the special figures 1 and 2. As the variation pattern, as will be described later, a variation pattern of “no reach”, “normal reach”, “special (SP) 1-A reach”, “special (SP) 1-B reach”, “special ( Fluctuation patterns (reach) in various reach states such as “SP) 2-A reach”, “Special (SP) 2-B reach”, “Special (SP) 3-A reach”, “Special (SP) 3-B reach”, etc. Variation mode).
Therefore, the CPU 111 determines the reach variation mode for determining the reach variation mode in the reach state among various random numbers extracted based on the inflow of the game balls into the start area of the start winning opening 25 and the normal variation winning device 26. It serves as a random number update means for updating random numbers for use (variation pattern random numbers).

[Error / Unauthorization monitoring processing]
Next, the error / injustice monitoring process (step B116) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
The error / injustice monitoring process is a process for monitoring whether or not there is a signal input (signal change) from a switch provided in various winning awards and for monitoring an error.

In the error / illegal monitoring process, first, the illegal prize monitoring table 1 (for example, one of the lower prize winning tables 27 corresponding to one lower count switch 124 in the first big prize winning device 27). Prepare the port number to which the detection signal from the count switch 124 is input and the data indicating the bit position in the port of the signal, etc. (Data indicating the number of the port to which the detection signal from the count switch 124 is input and the bit position of the signal in the port are stored) (step B201).
In this embodiment, two lower count switches 124 are provided, and any of the game balls that have flowed into the first big winning port 27a of the first variable winning device 27 is detected by any of the lower count switches 124. Therefore, here, the illegal prize monitoring table 1 corresponding to one lower count switch 124 and the illegal prize monitoring table 2 corresponding to the other lower count switch 124 are prepared.
If only one lower count switch 124 is provided, one unauthorized winning monitoring table is prepared.
Next, an illegal prize monitoring process (step B202) for monitoring whether there is an illegal prize at the first big prize opening 27a even though the first big prize opening 27a is not open is executed.

Next, an illegal prize monitoring table corresponding to the upper count switch 125 in the upper prize winning opening (the second big prize winning opening 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34) is prepared (step B203), and it is monitored whether there is an illegal winning prize. An illegal winning monitoring process (step B204) is executed.
In this way, there are three count switches, two lower count switches 124 arranged at the lower major prize opening (first major prize opening 27a), and arranged at the upper major prize opening (second major prize opening 34a). The upper count switch 125 is one.
Next, a fraudulent winning monitoring table of the winning switch in the ordinary electric power system is prepared (step B205). There is a second start port switch 121 for detecting a winning to the second start winning port 26 as an ordinary electric accessory (general power).
Next, an illegal winning monitoring process (step B206) for monitoring whether there is an illegal winning is performed.

Next, radio wave fraud monitoring processing is performed (step B207). This monitors radio fraud based on the output of the radio wave sensor (panel) 143 (details will be described later). Next, a magnet fraud monitoring process is performed (step B208). This is to monitor the magnet fraud based on the output of the magnet sensor 142 (details will be described later).
Next, an error scan counter for sequentially specifying which switch or signal of the plurality of switches and signals to be monitored for errors is to be monitored this time is updated ("+1" in the range of 0 to 1). Update) and prepare (step B209). Subsequently, the gaming machine error monitoring table 1 is prepared (step B210).
The types of errors monitored by the gaming machine error monitoring table 1 are as follows.
(B) When 0: Switch error error (connector disconnection, switch failure, etc.)
(B) When 1: Game stop error (communication failure, etc.)
Next, an error check process of the type defined in the gaming machine error monitoring table 1 is performed (step B211), the error / illegal monitoring process is terminated, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process.

[Unauthorized winnings monitoring process]
Next, the illegal winning monitoring process (step B202, step B204, and step B206) in the above-described error / unfair monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
The illegal prize-winning monitoring process is performed by each of the two lower count switches 124 of the lower major prize opening (first major prize winning opening 27a of the first variable prize winning apparatus 27), This is a process performed for the upper count switch 125 and the second start port switch 121 in the ordinary electric service. For the big prize opening (first variable prize winning devices 27 and 34) and the ordinary electric power (ordinary variable prize winning device 26), since it is easy to perform fraud in which the opening and closing members are forcibly opened and the game balls are inserted and the prize balls are paid out. In addition to detecting winnings, fraud is monitored.
Here, the information defined in the fraud monitoring table to be prepared for explaining the fraud winning monitoring process in the error / fraud monitoring process is as follows.
・ Data for judging whether there is an input (monitor switch bit)
・ Lower address of fraud monitoring information ・ Lower address of illegal prize amount area ・ Illegal prize error notification command ・ Unauthorized prize number upper limit (number of fraud occurrence determination)
-Winning mouth switch table address-Notification timer update information (permission / update)
In the fraud winning monitoring process, first, the fraud monitoring period flag of the winning prize switch to be monitored for error is checked to determine whether it is during the fraud monitoring period (step B211). The fraud monitoring period is a period other than during the special gaming state in which the first variable winning device 27 is opened when the error monitoring target prize-winning switch is the lower count switch 124, and the error monitoring target prize-mouthing switch is up. In the case of the count switch 125, it is a period other than during the special gaming state in which the second variable winning device 34 is opened. Further, when the winning opening switch to be monitored for error is the second start opening switch 121, it is a period other than the state in which the opening control of the normal variation winning apparatus 26 is being executed based on the usual hit.

If it is the fraud monitoring period (step B211; YES), it is determined whether or not there is an input to the target prize-winning switch (step B212). If there is no input to the target winning opening switch (step B212; NO), the process branches to step B219, and if the target notification timer is not "0", -1 is updated, and then the processing after step B220 is executed. . Note that the minimum value of the notification timer is set to zero.
On the other hand, if there is an input to the target winning opening switch (step B212; YES), the target illegal winning number is updated by 1 (step B213), and the number of illegal winnings after addition is the number of fraud occurrence determinations to be monitored (for example, 5) is determined (step B214).
The number of determinations is five. For example, when a large winning opening in an open state is converted into a closed state, a game ball is sandwiched between door members of the large winning opening, and the gaming ball is counted by a count switch (lower count switch 124). In order to prevent the situation from being judged as illegal when a prize has been passed past the effective period of time or when noise has occurred in the signal, it is not illegal. This is because an error is not easily determined.
If it is determined that the number of determinations has not been exceeded (step B214; NO), the process jumps to step B219, and if the target notification timer is not "0", -1 is updated, and then the processing after step B220 is executed. .
If the determined number is exceeded (step B214; YES), the number of fraudulent winnings is limited to the fraud occurrence determining number (step B215), and the initial value is saved in the target fraudulent winning notification timer area (step B216). Next, a target fraud occurrence command is prepared (step B217), an illegal winning flag is prepared as a fraud flag (step B218), and the prepared fraud flag is compared with the value of the target fraud flag area (step B225). ).

On the other hand, if it is not the fraud monitoring period (step B211; NO), the process jumps to step B219, and if the target notification timer is not "0", -1 is updated, and then the processing after step B220 is executed.
The update of the notification timer is permitted when the winning port switch subject to error monitoring is one lower count switch 124, and is not permitted when the winning port switch subject to error monitoring is the other lower count switch 124. As a result, it is possible to prevent the notification timer from being updated twice as much as the unauthorized notification about the first variable winning device 27 and to be up in half of the specified time (for example, 60000 ms).
That is, since the error monitoring is performed with the two lower count switches 124 for the lower major prize opening (the first variable prize winning device 27), when the timer is updated with both switches, the timer is doubled. As a result, the illegal timer times out in half of the specified time, so that the timer is updated only at the timing of the lower count switch 124 that performs the monitoring process later.
Note that when the winning port switch subject to error monitoring is the upper count switch 125 or the second start port switch 121 in the ordinary power system, the update of the notification timer is always permitted.

  After step B219, it is determined whether or not the value of the notification timer is 0 (step B220). If the value is not 0 (step B220; NO), that is, if the time is not up, the illegal winning monitoring process Exit. If the value is 0 (step B220; YES), that is, if the time has expired or has already expired, a target fraud cancel command is prepared (step B221), and an illegal win cancel flag is set as the fraud flag. Prepare (step B222). And it is determined whether it is the moment when the value of the notification timer becomes 0 (step B223).

  When it is the moment when the value of the notification timer becomes 0 (step B223; YES), that is, when the value of the notification timer becomes 0 in the current illegal winning monitoring process, the target illegal winning number is cleared (step B224), the prepared illegal flag is compared with the value of the target illegal flag area (step B225). Further, when it is not the moment when the value of the notification timer becomes 0 (step B223; NO), that is, when the value of the notification timer becomes 0 in the previous illegal winning monitoring process, The value in the flag area is compared (step B225).

When proceeding from step B218 to step B225 or proceeding from step B223 or step B224 to step B225, as described above, in step B225, the prepared fraud flag is compared with the value of the target fraud flag area, and prepared. If the illegal flag matches the value of the target illegal flag area (step B225; YES), the illegal winning monitoring process is terminated. When the prepared illegal flag and the value of the target illegal flag area do not match (step B225; NO), the prepared illegal flag is saved in the target illegal flag area (step B226), and the production command setting process is performed. (Step B227), the illegal winning monitoring process is terminated.
As a result of the above processing, an error notification command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 when an error occurs, and an illegal winning error cancel command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 when the error is canceled, so that the start and end of error notification are set. Will be.

[Radio fraud monitoring processing]
Next, the radio wave fraud monitoring process (step B207) in the above error / fraud monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
The radio wave fraud monitoring process determines the presence / absence of an abnormality based on a detection signal from the radio wave sensor (panel) 143, and sets the start and end of fraud notification.
In the radio wave fraud monitoring process, first, from the state of the detection signal output from the radio wave sensor (board) 143 and taken into the input port 1 in step B213, the radio wave sensor (board) 143 is turned on, that is, in the state where abnormal radio waves are detected. Determine if there is. When the radio wave sensor (panel) 143 is on (step B231; YES), that is, when an abnormal radio wave is detected, the radio wave fraud notification timer initial value is saved in the radio wave fraud notification timer area (step B232).

  Then, a radio fraud notification command is prepared (step B232), a radio fraud occurrence flag is prepared as a radio fraud flag (step B234), and it is determined whether the prepared radio fraud flag matches the value of the radio fraud flag area. (Step B239). That is, in the case of radio wave fraud, unlike the case of magnetic fraud, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred when an abnormal radio wave is detected.

On the other hand, when the radio wave sensor (panel) 143 is not on (step B231; NO), that is, when an abnormal radio wave is not detected, −1 unless the radio wave fraud notification timer that defines the radio wave fraud notification time is 0. Update (step B235). Note that the minimum value of the radio wave fraud notification timer is set to zero. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the radio wave unauthorized notification timer is 0 (step B236).
If the value of the radio wave fraud notification timer is not 0 (step B236; NO), that is, if the time is not up, the radio wave fraud monitoring process is terminated. In addition, when the value of the radio wave unauthorized notification timer is 0 (step B236; YES), that is, when the time has expired or when the time has already expired, and when the unauthorized notification period ends, If not, a command for terminating radio fraud notification is prepared (step B237), a radio fraud cancel flag is prepared as a radio fraud flag (step B238), and the prepared radio fraud flag is a value in the radio fraud flag area. (Step B239).

If the prepared radio fraud flag matches the value of the radio fraud flag area (step B239; YES), the radio fraud monitoring process is terminated. If the values do not match (step B239; NO), the prepared radio fraud flag is saved in the radio fraud flag area (step B240), a production command setting process is performed (step B251), and the radio fraud monitoring process is terminated. To do.
Here, the arrow in FIG. 33 indicates a processing route (normal route) when there is no radio wave fraud and is normal. That is, in the normal case, the process route of Step B231, Step B235, Step B236, Step B237, Step B238, Step B239, and RET is passed. Normally, this normal route is repeated.

[Magnetic fraud monitoring processing]
Next, the magnet fraud monitoring process (step B208) in the above-described error / fraud monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the magnet fraud monitoring process, the detection signal from the magnet sensor 142 is checked to determine whether there is an abnormality, and fraud notification is set to start or end.
In the magnet fraud monitoring process, first, from the state of the detection signal output from the magnet sensor 142 and taken into the input port 1, it is determined whether the magnet sensor 142 is on, that is, an abnormal magnetism is detected (step B251). ). Note that in step B251 in FIG. 34, since the process is for detecting magnet fraud, the notation “magnet sensor is on?” Is used.
When the magnet sensor 142 is on (step B251; YES), that is, when abnormal magnetism is detected, the magnet fraud monitoring timer for measuring the abnormal magnetism detection period is updated by +1 (step B252), and the timer Determines whether the time has expired (step B253).

When the magnet fraud monitoring timer expires (step B253; YES), that is, when abnormal magnetism is continuously detected for a certain period, the magnet fraud monitoring timer is cleared (step B254), and the magnet fraud notification timer initial value ( For example, 60000 ms) is saved in the magnet fraud notification timer area (step B255). Then, a magnet fraud notification command is prepared (step B256), a magnet fraud occurrence flag is prepared as a magnet fraud flag (step B257), and it is determined whether the prepared magnet fraud flag matches the value of the magnet fraud flag area. (Step B258). That is, when the magnet sensor 142 is continuously turned on for a certain period (for example, eight interruptions), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.
That is, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred by continuously inputting the magnet sensor detection signal 8 times. This is because the sensing of the magnet sensor 142 is 4 ms, and it is determined that the fraud has occurred in 32 ms. Therefore, if the magnet sensor detection signal is turned ON and interrupted 8 times, it can be determined to be fraudulent.

  On the other hand, when the magnet sensor 142 is not on (step B251; NO), that is, when no abnormal magnetism is detected, the magnet fraud monitoring timer is cleared (step B259), and the magnet fraud that defines the magnet fraud notification time is specified. If the notification timer is not 0, -1 is updated (step B260). The minimum value of the magnet fraud notification timer is set to zero. Next, it is determined whether the value of the magnet fraud notification timer is 0 (step B261). In addition, also when the magnet fraud monitoring timer has not expired (step B253; NO), the process proceeds to step B260.

If the value of the magnet fraud notification timer is not 0 (step B261; NO), that is, if the time is not up, the magnet fraud monitoring process is terminated.
Further, when the value of the magnet fraud notification timer is 0 (step B261; YES), that is, when the time is up or when the time has already expired, and when the time of the fraud notification ends or when the fraud notification is received from the beginning If not, a command for terminating the magnet fraud notification is prepared (step B262). Further, a magnet fraud release flag is prepared as a magnet fraud flag (step B263), and it is determined whether the prepared magnet fraud flag matches the value of the magnet fraud flag region (step B258).

If the prepared magnet fraud flag matches the value of the magnet fraud flag region (step B258; YES), the magnet fraud monitoring process is terminated. If the values do not match (step B258; NO), the prepared magnet fraud flag is saved in the magnet fraud flag area (step B264), a production command setting process is performed (step B265), and the magnet fraud monitoring process is terminated. To do.
Here, the arrow in FIG. 34 indicates a processing route (normal route) when there is no magnet fraud and is normal. That is, in the normal case, the process route of step B251, step B259, step B260, step B261, step B262, step B263, step B258, and RET is passed. Normally, this normal route is repeated.

[Error check processing]
Next, the error check process (step B211) in the error / injustice monitoring process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the error check process, first, an error monitoring table corresponding to an error scan counter for sequentially specifying which switch or signal of a plurality of switches and signals to be monitored for errors is to be monitored this time. Is acquired (step B271).
The information defined on the prepared gaming machine error monitoring table includes the following.
(A) Data for determining switch status (b) Error notification command (c) Error notification end command (d) Error occurrence monitoring timer comparison value (e) Error release monitoring timer comparison value (f) Address of switch status area ( G) Error monitoring timer area address (h) Error flag area address

Next, the state of the target switch acquired this time is checked, and it is determined whether the switch (including the signal) to be monitored is on, that is, a state indicating an error (step B272).
If the switch to be monitored is not on (step B272: NO), an error release flag is prepared as an error flag (step B273), and a target error notification end command is prepared (step B274). Thereafter, the target error cancellation monitoring timer comparison value is acquired (step B275), and the value of the target switch control area is compared with the current switch state (step B279).
On the other hand, if the switch to be monitored is ON (step B272: YES), an error occurrence flag may be prepared as an error flag because there is a possibility of an error occurrence (step B276). For example, as one of the errors defined in the gaming machine error monitoring table, when a game stop signal is turned on when communication between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 is cut off, step B272 becomes YES. If YES, an error occurrence flag is prepared in step B276.
Next, a target error notification command is prepared (step B277). Thereafter, the target error occurrence monitoring timer comparison value is acquired (step B278), and the value of the target switch control area is compared with the current switch state (step B279).

  When the process proceeds from step B275 or step B279 to step B279 and the value of the target switch control area matches the current switch state (step B279; YES), that is, if the switch state has not changed, an error The target error monitoring timer is updated by +1 in order to determine a timer for determining whether or not an action is necessary (step B282), and the value of the target error monitoring timer is a monitoring timer comparison value (a criterion for determining that an action for an error is required) Value) is reached (step B283). Also, if the value of the target switch control area does not match the current switch state (step B279; NO), that is, if the switch state has changed, it is determined that no error handling is necessary and the target switch The current switch state is saved in the control area (step B280), the target error monitoring timer is cleared (step B281), the target error monitoring timer is updated by one (step B282), and the target error monitoring timer is updated. It is determined whether the value of has reached the monitoring timer comparison value (step B283).

If the value of the target error monitoring timer has not reached the monitoring timer comparison value (step B283; NO), the error check process is terminated. When the value of the target error monitoring timer reaches the monitoring timer comparison value (step B283: YES), the error monitoring timer is updated by -1 and kept at the value of the comparison value -1 (step B284). The error flag is compared with the value of the target error flag area (step B285).
Here, when it is determined in step B283 that the target error monitoring timer has reached the monitoring timer comparison value, it is considered that the error occurrence or cancellation state has been determined. However, there may be a situation in which the occurrence of an error is confirmed when an error has already occurred, or the error cancellation is confirmed when the error is not occurring, so that the process of step B284 is followed by step B285. Then, by comparing the prepared error flag with the value of the target error flag area, it is checked whether the currently determined error state is the same as the current error flag state.

If the prepared error flag matches the value of the target error flag area (step B285; YES), the error status has not changed, and it is determined that no action is required. End the check process. If the set error flag and the value of the target error flag area do not match (if the error flag is not the same) (step B285; NO), it means that the error state has changed to a new error state. The error flag is saved in the target error flag area (step B286), and the process proceeds to step B287. That is, the value of the target error flag area is changed to that in the currently determined error state, and the process proceeds to step B287. In step B287, effect command setting processing is performed, and a command corresponding to the error state determined this time is set. As a result, a measure corresponding to the current error state is performed. For example, if communication between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 is interrupted (game stop signal is on), an error display is informed. Or canceling the notification. After step B287, the error check process is terminated.
In this way, if an error occurs, a corresponding error flag is set to prepare a treatment command, and if the error is resolved, the corresponding error flag is cleared and a resolution command is set. In particular, in this error check process, not only the occurrence of an error is monitored, but also the cancellation is monitored and the process is shared.
Note that such error check processing is the same for errors such as glass frame opening and front frame opening.

[Prize mouth switch monitoring process]
Next, the winning opening switch monitoring process (step B119) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
The winning opening switch monitoring process is a process for monitoring whether or not there is an input of a signal (a change in signal) from a switch provided at each of the various winning openings.
In the winning opening switch monitoring process, first, in step B291, a winning opening monitoring table for the winning opening switch is set. As the winning opening monitoring table, for example, the following plurality of tables are set. However, a plurality of tables may be combined into one.
・ Winning mouth monitoring table 1
It is a table corresponding to one lower count switch 124 in the lower major winning opening (first variable winning device 27), for example, the number of the port to which the detection signal from one lower count switch 124 is input and the signal The data indicating the bit position and the like in the port is stored.
・ Winning mouth monitoring table 2
It is a table corresponding to the other lower count switch 124 in the lower major prize opening (first variable winning device 27), for example, the port number to which the detection signal from the other lower count switch 124 is input and the signal. The data indicating the bit position and the like in the port is stored.
・ Winning mouth monitoring table 3
The table corresponding to the upper count switch 125 in the upper prize winning opening (second variable winning device 34), for example, in the port number to which the detection signal from the upper count switch 125 is input or in the port of the signal The data indicating the bit position and the like are stored.
A power train winning opening monitoring table is a table corresponding to the second start opening switch 121 for detecting a winning at the second start winning opening 26 as a power transmission, for example, a detection from the second start opening switch 121 Data indicating the number of a port to which a signal is input, the bit position within the port of the signal, and the like are stored.
Other hole winning opening monitoring table As the winning opening switch that does not require fraud monitoring, there are, for example, the first start opening switch 120 and the winning opening switch 123 provided for the general winning openings 28 to 31. It is a table corresponding to a switch for detecting winning in the mouth.

Next, the number of winning opening switches monitored in step B292 is acquired. This is to obtain the number of all winning opening switches. In step B293, it is determined whether the target switch is valid. Some prize-winning opening switches become invalid when an illegal winning occurs, such as a large prize-winning opening switch (a plurality of lower count switches 124 and an upper count switch 125) or a starter switch (second starter switch) in the ordinary electric train 121) becomes invalid when an illegal winning is generated. On the other hand, as the prize opening switch which does not require fraud monitoring, there are, for example, the first start opening switch 120 and the prize opening switch 123 provided for the general prize opening 28 to 31 (so-called other holes). Each prize opening switch is always enabled.
If the target switch is not valid in step B293, the process jumps to step B297. Some prize opening switches become invalid when an illegal prize is generated. For example, the above-mentioned large prize opening switch and the starter switch in the electric train are invalidated when an illegal prize occurs. If is not valid, the process jumps to step B297. On the other hand, there are the first start port switch 120 and the winning port switch 123 provided for the other holes as the winning port switches that do not require fraud monitoring. Since these winning port switches are always effective, the determination in step B293 is NO. And the process does not jump to step B297.

If the target switch is valid in step B293, the process proceeds to step B294, and it is determined whether or not there is an input to the target switch. If there is an input to the target switch, the winning number counter corresponding to the target switch is updated (incremented) by 1 in step B295. On the other hand, if there is no input to the target switch in step B294, the process jumps to step B297.
Here, the winning number counter includes the following, which are used in the payout command editing process.
・ Starting Port 1 Winning Counter: Counts the winnings to the 1st starting Winning Port 25 ・ Starting Port 2 Winning Counter: counts the winnings to Fuden (2nd Start Winning Port 26) ・ Large Winning Port 1 Winning Counter: Shimodai The winning prize is counted at the first winning prize winning device 27. ・ Large winning prize winning two winning counter: The winning prize at the upper winning prize winning port (second variable winning prize apparatus 34) is counted. Next, in step B296, the winning display counter corresponding to the target switch is updated by 1 (incremented). Thereby, the winning display LED of the collective display device 35 is lit for a predetermined period according to the winning. After step B296, the process proceeds to step B297.
The winning number counter and the winning display counter do not return to “0” after one round, but remain at the upper limit value.

  As described above, when the process proceeds from Step B293 or Step B294 to Step B297, or when the process proceeds from Step B296 to Step B297, the table address is updated to the data address of the next switch in Step B297. As a result, the winning opening switch corresponding to the data address of the next switch becomes the switch to be monitored, and the processing of this routine is performed. Next, in step B298, it is determined whether or not the monitoring of all the switches has been completed. If the monitoring has not been completed, the process returns to step B293 to repeat the loop. When all the switches have been monitored, the process exits from step B298 to YES, finishes the winning opening switch monitoring process, and returns.

[LED editing process]
Next, the LED editing process (step B122) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
The LED editing process is a process related to the segment LED provided in the collective display device 35. As described above, the collective display device 35 displays the ordinary figure, the special figure, and also the special figure and the ordinary figure. The start memory hold display (special figure hold display, general figure hold display) and the game state display are performed.
These displays are configured by, for example, a plurality of indicators (for example, one lamp or a seven-segment indicator) using LEDs as light emission sources. More specifically, for example, special figure 1 display, special figure 2 display, special figure 1 hold LED, special figure 2 hold LED, winning display LED, general figure LED, general figure hold LED, round display LED, status display The LED editing process includes the LEDs and performs settings related to their driving.

In the LED editing process, first, a general map hold number display table in which the display mode of the general map hold LED is defined is set (step B301), display data corresponding to the general map hold number is acquired, and the general map hold LED is displayed. Are saved in the segment area (for example, the segment area of the usual hold LED) (step B302). Next, a special figure 1 hold number display table in which the display form of the special figure 1 hold LED is defined is set (step B303), display data corresponding to the special figure 1 hold number is acquired, and the special figure 1 hold LED is obtained. Are saved in the segment area (for example, the segment area of the special figure 1 hold LED) (step B304).
Thereafter, a special figure 2 hold number display table in which the display mode of the special figure 2 hold LED is defined is set (step B305), display data corresponding to the special figure 2 hold number is acquired, and the special figure 2 hold LED is displayed. Save to the segment area (for example, the segment area of the special figure 2 reserved LED) (B306). Further, a round display table in which the display mode of the round display LED is defined is set (B307), the display data corresponding to the round display LED output pointer is acquired, and the segment area of the round display LED (for example, the round display LED Save to segment area (step B308).

Next, a game state display table in which the display mode of the state display LED in the collective display device 35 is defined is set (step B309), display data corresponding to the game state display number is acquired, and a segment area of the state display LED is obtained. (For example, the segment area of the status display LED) is saved (step B310). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the high probability notification flag related to notification that the probability state of jackpot is a high probability state at the time of power failure recovery (step B311). If the high-probability notification flag is on (step B311; YES), that is, if the high-probability state is being notified, the process jumps to step B313. In step B313, a winning display LED editing process is performed. This is a process of displaying the number of winning balls corresponding to winning in the winning opening by the winning display LED in the collective display device 35 (details will be described later). After step B313, the LED editing process is terminated.
If the high probability notification flag is not on (step B311; NO), the off data of the high probability notification LED is saved in the segment area of the status display LED (for example, the segment area of the status display LED) (step B312). Then, the process proceeds to step B313, where the winning display LED editing process as described above is performed, and then the LED editing process is terminated.

[Winning display LED editing process]
Next, the winning display LED editing process in step B313 of the LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, if the winning display output control timer is not “0” in step B321, the timer is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the winning display output control timer is “0” in step B322. It is determined whether or not. This is because the winning display output control timer is set to an initial value (for example, 600 ms) in step B330 described later, and "-1" is updated (decremented) from the initial value, and the timer is set to "0". It is to determine whether it has become.

If the decision result in the step B322 is YES, the process advances to the following step B323 to determine whether or not there is a count in the prize display counter area (that is, whether or not there is count data for lighting the prize display LED). If there is no count in the display counter area, the address of the winning number display counter area checked in step B324 is updated. This is to determine whether or not the count data for turning on the winning display LED corresponding to the current number of winning balls has been read out from the winning display number storing area storing the winning numbers. If there is no count, it is determined that the current number of winning balls has been read from the winning display number storage area, and the process proceeds to step B324.
After step B324, it is determined in the subsequent step B325 whether or not all areas have been checked. If all areas have not been checked, the process returns to step B323 to repeat the loop. Then, the address of the winning number display counter area is updated by repeating the loop, and when the check of all areas is completed, the process goes from step B325 to step B331.
In step B331, the unlit data is saved in the segment area. As a result of the processing in step B331, the winning ball display of the winning display LED disappears. After step B331, the process returns.

On the other hand, if there is a count in the winning display counter area in step B323, it is determined that the current winning ball number has not been read from the winning display number storage area, and the process proceeds to step B327. In step B327, the target winning number display counter is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and then LED output pattern data corresponding to the address of the winning display counter area is acquired in step B328. The LED output pattern data is data for determining which of the 7 segments is to be lit (or blinked) because the winning display LED of the collective display device 35 is composed of two 7-segment LEDs. is there. For example, when displaying the number of winning balls = 10, the lighting data of each segment is acquired so that two digits “10” are displayed by two LEDs.
Subsequently, in step B329, after the LED output pattern data acquired in step B328 is saved in the segment area of the winning display LED, the process proceeds to step B330. Thereby, the winning ball display of the winning display LED is turned on.

In step B330, the timer initial value is saved in the winning display output control timer, and the process returns.
In this case, the winning display output control timer is set to “150” as an initial value. This is because the repetition timing of this routine is every 4 ms, so “150” × 4 ms = 600 ms. From 600 ms to 500 ms (0.5 seconds) is ON, and the subsequent 100 ms (“25” × 4 ms = 100 ms) is This is because by turning OFF, the winning display can be controlled at the timing of 0.5 seconds ON (lights on) and 0.1 seconds OFF (lights off).
Therefore, while the routine is repeated “125” times from one lighting cycle 600 ms, the winning display is ON (lit) for 0.5 seconds, and thereafter, the winning display is displayed while the routine is repeated “25” times. Is controlled at a timing of 0.1 second OFF (light-off).

On the other hand, if the winning display output control timer is not “0” in step B322, the process branches to step B326 to determine whether the winning display control timer is in the lighting section. This is to determine whether or not the winning display is an ON (lighted) section (period), and the determination value of step B326 differs depending on the value of the winning display output control timer. That is, as described above, when the lighting cycle of the winning display LED is 600 ms, the winning display output control timer is turned on for 500 ms (0.5 seconds) and then turned off for 100 ms. It is determined from the value of whether or not it is in the lighting section.
If the determination result in step B326 is the ON section, the current routine is terminated and the process returns. On the other hand, if the winning display control timer is not in the lighting period in step B326, the process proceeds to step B331, the extinction data is saved in the segment area of the winning display LED, and the process returns. Thereby, the winning ball display of the winning display LED disappears.

As described above, the winning display control timer is set to the initial value and this routine is repeated, and the determination result of step B321 becomes NO until the value of the winning display control timer becomes a predetermined value (for example, “0”). From B321, the process returns to Step B326, and during that time, the processing after Step B323 is executed, and the value of the output pattern data of the winning display LED is held in the segment area while following the count in the winning display counter area (lighting data of the winning display LED). Thus, the number of winning balls is displayed on the winning display LED. When the value of the winning display control timer reaches a predetermined value (for example, “25”), the turn-off data of the winning display LED is set, and after the number of winning balls is displayed on the winning display LED, the light is turned off for a predetermined time. Further, even when winning continuously, since the off time is entered in the winning indication LED, the break becomes clear.
Here, in step B326, the winning display control timer determines whether or not it is in the lighting section. This is to check whether it is in the lighting section (500 ms section), so the turn-off period in step B331 ( The “off period” is 100 ms from the calculation result of (initial value 600 ms−500 ms = 100 ms), and the off time is entered in the winning display LED even when winning continuously.
In the first embodiment, the ON / OFF time of the prize display LED is the same in the normal mode and in the special mode (such as during a big hit). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The display LED may be turned on and off differently (for example, it is turned on for 1 second in the normal state and turned on for 0.5 second in the special mode).

[Received command judgment processing]
Next, the received command determination process (step B125) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
The received command determination process is an interrupt for receiving a command transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step B341 whether or not gaming machine frame information has been received. The gaming machine frame information is determined by reading from the gaming machine frame information receiving buffer for receiving a command transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the gaming control device 54.
This is because a command (for example, an error / unauthorized information command) may be transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the gaming control device 54, so that the gaming machine frame information received temporarily by receiving the command is received. This is to determine the presence or absence of data in the buffer.

If it is determined in step B341 that the gaming machine frame information has been received, the process proceeds to step B342, an error / unauthorized information command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer, and the process proceeds to step B343. In step B343, an effect error / incorrect information command is prepared based on the read command, and in step B344, effect command setting processing is performed. The effect command setting process is a process of writing a command to be transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53 by serial communication in the effect serial command buffer. As a result, an effect error / unauthorized information command prepared based on the command read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer is transmitted to the effect control device 53 this time.
Next, in step B345, it is determined whether or not the frame opening information (opening information on the front frame 4) has changed. The frame opening information is determined by reading from the gaming machine frame information receiving buffer. If the frame opening information has changed, the process proceeds to step B346 to save the frame opening information, and it is determined in step B347 whether or not the front frame 4 has changed to opening. If the front frame 4 has changed to open (that is, if the front frame 4 has changed to open from the previous closing this time), the main control ID transmission request flag is set in step B348. As a result, when the front frame 4 changes to open, the main control ID is transmitted to the dispensing control device 230 in accordance with the main control ID transmission request flag. After that, the main control ID is sent to the card unit 15 via the payout control device 230 and verified. After step B348, the process proceeds to step B349.

On the other hand, if the frame opening information has not changed in step B345, the process jumps to step B349. Also, if the front frame 4 has not changed to open in step B347, the process jumps to step B349.
When the process proceeds from step B348, step B345, or step B347 to step B349, the card unit information command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer in step B349. This is because a command from the card unit 15 may be transmitted to the game control device 54 via the payout control device 230, and the command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer. Next, the process proceeds to step B350, where an effect card unit information command is prepared based on the read command, and an effect command setting process is performed in subsequent step B351. As a result, the effect card unit information command prepared based on the card unit information read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer is transmitted to the effect control device 53 this time. When the effect control device 53 receives the effect card unit information command, the effect control device 53 performs an effect such as, for example, displaying the unauthorized state of the card unit 15 on the display device 41.

  Next, in step B352, the power saving information command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer. This is because a power saving information command for requesting power saving may be transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54, and the command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer. Next, the process proceeds to step B353, where an effect power-saving information command is prepared based on the read command, and an effect command setting process is performed in the subsequent step B354. As a result, the power saving information command for performance prepared based on the power saving information command read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer is transmitted to the performance control device 53 this time. When the production control device 53 receives the production power saving information command, the production control device 53 performs control such as setting the customer waiting screen of the display device 41 to the energy saving mode to darken the power saving mode.

  Next, in step B355, the number-of-balls command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer. This is because the number-of-balls command notifying the number of balls is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54, and the command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer. Next, the process proceeds to step B356, where an effect holding ball number command is prepared based on the read command, and an effect command setting process is performed in the subsequent step B357. As a result, the effect holding ball number command prepared based on the holding ball number command read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer is transmitted to the effect control device 53 this time. When the effect control device 53 receives the effect ball number command, the effect control device 53 controls the decorative ball display device 250 to light up an amount of LEDs corresponding to the number of balls.

  Next, in step B358, the counting ball number command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer. This is because a counting ball number command that informs the number of counting balls may be transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54, so that the command is read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer. Next, the process proceeds to step B359, where an effect counting ball number command is prepared based on the read command, and effect command setting processing is performed in the subsequent step B360. As a result, this time, the effect count ball number command prepared based on the count ball number command read from the gaming machine frame information reception buffer is transmitted to the effect control device 53. When the effect control device 53 receives the effect count ball number command, it performs control such as displaying the count ball on the sub liquid crystal display device 33. After step B360, the received command determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step B341 that no gaming machine frame information has been received, the process branches to step B361 to determine whether communication is being retried. The communication retry is different from the communication recovery, and is judged because the command reception from the payout control device 230 may be repeated a predetermined number of times even in the normal state.
If communication retry is not in progress at step B361 (for example, if a command is received smoothly), the process proceeds to step B362 to set a communication retry flag, and the retry count is cleared to “0” at step B363. This prepares for the next communication. After step B363, the received command determination process is terminated.
On the other hand, if communication retry is being performed in step B361, the process branches to step B364 to update (increment) the number of retries by “+1”. Determine whether. If the number of retries does not exceed the specified number, return and repeat the routine.
If the number of retries exceeds the specified number, the process proceeds to step B366, and the communication retry flag is cleared. As a result, the communication retry flag is cleared, so that the communication retry flag is set in the process of the next communication retry, and the communication retry is performed a specified number of times. After step B366, the received command determination process is terminated.

[Discard command editing process]
Next, the payout command editing process (step B126) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIGS.
The payout command editing process is a process of editing a payout command to be sent to the payout control device 230 such as adding the number of winning balls to the number of possessed balls corresponding to winning.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step B371 whether communication is being retried. If communication is being retried, the payout command editing process is terminated and the process returns. Therefore, the payout command is edited when the communication is not being retried. Since the same command is transmitted during communication retry, there is no need to edit the command.
On the other hand, if the communication retry is not being performed in step B371, the process proceeds to step B372 to clear all the game information command areas and prepare for the payout command editing. Next, in step B373, the command setting counter is cleared, and in step B374, it is determined whether or not the start port 1 winning counter is “0”.
The command setting counter is updated by “+1” every time a command is set and saved in the game information command area. Further, the start port 1 winning counter counts a winning detection signal of the first start port switch 120 that detects a winning to the first starting winning port 25 (that is, counts a winning to the first start winning port 25). To do.

If the starting port 1 winning counter is “0” in step B374, it is determined that there is no winning in the first starting port 25 and the process jumps to step B380.
On the other hand, if the starting port 1 winning counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step B375, and the type information command corresponding to the starting port 1 winning counter is set.
Here, the “type information” includes a data type and a data number. The data type is, for example, a type such as no information, start port, big winning port, winning port, symbol stop count, and the like. Further, the data number is a data number designated by, for example, no information and a number from 1 to 15. Therefore, the type information command is a command having contents related to the type as described above.
Next, in step B376, a winning ball information command corresponding to the starting port 1 winning counter is set.
Here, “prize ball information” is composed of the number of winning balls (no information and 1 to 15 winning ball data) and the number of winning balls (including no information), and information on the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls. It is. Therefore, the prize ball information command is a command having the contents relating to the number of prize balls and the number of winning prizes as described above.
Next, in step B377, the type information command and the prize ball information command (indicated as type information / prize ball information command in FIG. 40; hereinafter the same) corresponding to the start port 1 winning counter are saved in the game information command area, and step B378. Then, the command setting counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and the starting port 1 winning counter is cleared to “0” in step B379. This is because the type information command and the prize ball information command corresponding to the starting opening 1 winning counter are set, so the starting opening 1 winning counter is once cleared to “0” and the next first starting winning opening 25 is set. Prepare for winning.
After step B379, the process proceeds to step B380.

When the process jumps from step B374 to step B380 or proceeds to step B380 via step B379, the process from step B380 to step B385 performs the same process as the start port 1 winning counter described above. Run about.
That is, it is determined in step B380 whether or not the start port 2 winning counter is “0”. The starting port 2 winning counter counts a winning detection signal of the second starting port switch 121 that detects a winning at the second starting winning port 26 (that is, counts a winning at the second starting winning port 26). It is.

If the starting port 2 winning counter is “0” in step B380, it is determined that there is no winning in the second starting port 26, and the process jumps to step B386.
On the other hand, if the starting port 2 winning counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step B381, and a type information command corresponding to the starting port 2 winning counter is set. Next, in step B382, a winning ball information command corresponding to the start port 2 winning counter is set.
Next, in step B383, the type information command and the prize ball information command corresponding to the start port 2 winning counter are saved in the game information command area, the command setting counter is updated (incremented) by 1 in step B384, and further in step B385. Clear the start port 2 winning counter to “0”. This is because the type information command and the prize ball information command corresponding to the starting port 2 winning counter are set, so the starting port 2 winning counter is once cleared to “0” and the next second starting winning port 26 is set. Prepare for winning.
After step B385, the process proceeds to step B386.

When the process jumps from step B380 to step B386 or when the process proceeds to step B386 via step B385, the process from step B386 to step B391 is performed in the same manner as the start port 1 winning counter described above. Execute on the counter.
That is, in step B386, it is determined whether or not the grand prize winning 1 winning counter is “0”. The big winning mouth 1 winning counter counts the winning detection signal of the lower count switch 124 that detects the winning to the first big winning port 27a of the first variable winning device 27 (that is, to the first big winning port 27a). To win a prize).

If the grand prize winning 1 winning counter is “0” in step B386, it is determined that there is no winning in the first big winning opening 27a, and the process jumps to step B392.
On the other hand, if the winning prize opening 1 winning counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step B387, and a type information command corresponding to the winning prize opening 1 winning counter is set. Next, in step B388, a winning ball information command corresponding to the big winning mouth 1 winning counter is set.
Next, in step B389, the type information command and the winning ball information command corresponding to the big winning mouth 1 winning counter are saved in the game information command area, the command setting counter is updated (incremented) by 1 in step B390, and further, step B391 is performed. Then clear the winning prize counter 1 winning counter “0”. In this case, since the type information command and the prize ball information command corresponding to the winning prize opening 1 winning counter are set, the winning prize opening 1 winning counter is once cleared to “0”, and the next first winning prize opening 27a is set. To prepare for winning a prize.
After step B391, the process proceeds to step B392.

When the process jumps from step B386 to step B392 or proceeds to step B392 via step B391, the process from step B392 to step B397 is performed in the same manner as the start port 1 winning counter described above. Execute on the counter.
That is, in step B392, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 2 winning counter is “0”. The winning prize winning 2 winning counter counts the winning detection signal of the upper count switch 125 that detects the winning to the second winning prize opening 34a of the second variable winning prize device 34 (that is, to the second winning prize winning opening 34a). To win a prize).
If the big prize opening 2 winning counter is “0” in step B392, it is determined that there is no winning in the second big winning opening 34a, and the process jumps to step B398.
On the other hand, if the big winning opening 2 winning counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step B393, and the type information command corresponding to the big winning opening 2 winning counter is set. Next, in step B394, a winning ball information command corresponding to the big winning opening 2 winning counter is set.
Next, in step B395, the type information command and the prize ball information command corresponding to the big winning opening 2 winning counter are saved in the game information command area, the command setting counter is updated (incremented) by 1 in step B396, and further, in step B397. Then, clear the “0” in the grand prize opening 2 winning counter. This is because the type information command and the winning ball information command corresponding to the big winning opening 2 winning counter are set, so the big winning opening 2 winning counter is once cleared to “0”, and the next second big winning opening 34a. To prepare for winning a prize.
After step B397, the process proceeds to step B398 in FIG.

When the process jumps from step B392 to step B398 or when the process proceeds to step B398 through step B397, the process from step B398 to step B403 shown in FIG. Execute for hole winning counter.
That is, in step B398, it is determined whether or not the other hole winning counter is “0”. The other hole winning counter counts the winning detection signal of the winning opening switch 123 that detects the winning to the general winning openings 28 to 31 (that is, counts the winning to the general winning openings 28 to 31).
If the other hole winning counter is “0” in step B398, it is determined that there is no winning in the general winning openings 28 to 31, and the process jumps to step B404.
On the other hand, if the other hole winning counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step B399 to set a type information command corresponding to the other hole winning counter. Next, in step B400, a winning ball information command corresponding to the other hole winning counter is set.
Next, in step B401, the type information command and the prize ball information command corresponding to the other hole winning counter are saved in the game information command area, the command setting counter is updated (incremented) by 1 in step B402, and the others are further updated in step B403. Clear the hole winning counter “0”. Since the type information command and the winning ball information command corresponding to the other hole winning counter are set, the other hole winning counter is once cleared to “0”, and the next general winning opening 28 to 31 is awarded. It is to be prepared.
After step B403, the process proceeds to step B404.

When the process jumps from step B398 to step B404, or when the process proceeds to step B404 via step B403, the process related to the symbol stop count counter is executed in the processes from step B404 to step B409.
That is, in step B404, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop number counter is “0”. The symbol stop count counter counts the number of times the special figure (and the decorative special figure) starts to fluctuate and stops.
If the symbol stop count counter is “0” in step B404, it is determined that the number of times that the special figure (and the decorative special figure) starts and stops is “0”, that is, the payout command is edited. End processing and return.
On the other hand, if the symbol stop number counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step B405, and a type information command corresponding to the symbol stop number counter is set. Here, for example, information that the number of symbol stops is 1 is set. In step B406, “no information” is set as a prize ball information command corresponding to the symbol stop count counter. This is because the symbol stop count counter counts the number of times the special figure (and the decorative special figure) starts to fluctuate and stops, and does not generate a prize ball.
Next, in step B407, the type information command and prize ball information command corresponding to the symbol stop count counter are saved in the game information command area, the command setting counter is updated (incremented) by 1 in step B408, and further in step B409. Clear the stop count counter to “0”. This is because the type information command and the prize ball information command corresponding to the symbol stop count counter are set, so once the symbol stop count counter is cleared to “0”, the next special symbol (and the decorative special symbol is the same) Is prepared for counting the number of times the change starts and stops.
After step B409, the payout command editing process is terminated and the process returns.

[Payout command transmission processing]
Next, the payout command transmission process (step B127) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
The payout command transmission process is a process of sending a payout command or the like from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step B421 whether or not the command setting counter is "0". As described above, since the command setting counter is updated by “+1” every time the command is set and saved in the game information command area, if the command setting counter is “0”, There is no command setting. Therefore, at this time, the process branches to step B429 to set “no information” as a game information command, and proceeds to step B430, where the command set in step B429 (that is, the game information command set to “no information”) is set. Write to the game information transmission buffer, and then proceed to step B431.

On the other hand, if the command setting counter is not “0” in step B421, the process proceeds to step B422, and the value of the command setting counter is copied as the command transmission count. As described above, since the command setting counter is updated by “+1” every time a command is set and saved in the game information command area, the value of the command setting counter is set to the number of commands set. It corresponds.
Next, in step B423, the start address of the game information command area is set. This is because, when a plurality of commands are set and saved in the game information command area, the command saved at the head of the area is used in order to read (load) the commands from the head. Address is set.
Next, in step B424, a command is loaded from the game information command area. At this time, the command at the address set in step B423 is loaded from the game information command area. Next, the process proceeds to step B425, and the loaded command is written in the game information transmission buffer. As a result, the command written in the game information transmission buffer is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230.

Next, in step B426, the address of the game information command area is updated to the address of the next command (next command). This is because when a plurality of commands are saved in the game information command area, the command at the head address is loaded, so the command at the next address is loaded.
Next, in step B427, the command transmission count is updated (decremented) by “−1”. This is because the command transmission count is known by copying the value of the command setting counter as the command transmission count in step B422, and therefore the command transmission count is reduced by one.
Next, in step B428, it is determined whether or not the command transmission number has become “0”. If not, the process returns to step B424, and the loop from step B424 to step B428 is repeated. Then, when all of the plurality of commands saved in the game information command area are loaded and written into the game information transmission buffer, the determination result in step B428 becomes YES. If the number of command transmissions becomes “0” in the determination in step B428, the process proceeds to step B431.

When the process proceeds from step B428 to step B431 or when the process proceeds from step B430 to step B431 as described above, a gaming state information transmission process is performed at step B431. The game state information transmission process transmits the game state information from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication, and the details are as described with reference to FIG. Next, a main control ID transmission process is performed in step B432. The main control ID transmission process transmits the main control ID when there is a request for transmission of the main control ID (for example, when the power is turned on, when the frame is opened, or when the jackpot is hit). The details are as described with reference to FIG. It is.
The reason why the processing of step B431 and step B432 is performed is to transmit the game state information and the main control ID to the payout control device 1230 at the same time as the transmission of the command.
After step B432, the payout command transmission process is terminated and the process returns.

[Communication error monitoring processing]
Next, communication abnormality monitoring processing (step B129) in the above-described timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG.
The communication abnormality monitoring process is for monitoring an abnormality such as the communication between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 being cut off.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step B451 whether a communication abnormality has occurred. Whether or not a communication abnormality has occurred is determined based on the state of a communication abnormality flag (set in step B461 described later).
In the following, description will be made in five cases.
<Normal route (a)>
If communication abnormality has not occurred in step B451, the process proceeds to step B452, and it is determined whether or not the winning protection wait timer is “0”. The winning protection weight timer is provided to wait for a specified time, for example, to protect the winning of a ball that has already been fired when a communication timeout occurs. Is stopped.

If the winning protection wait timer is “0” in step B452, the process branches to step B453 to determine whether or not a communication timeout has occurred. The occurrence of a communication timeout is determined to be a communication timeout if communication between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 is interrupted for a predetermined time, for example. If it is not determined in step B453 that a communication timeout has occurred, the communication abnormality monitoring process is terminated and the process returns. Therefore, in this case, no communication abnormality or communication timeout has occurred, and the winning protection wait timer is “0”, so communication is normal.
This state is called a normal processing route, and is represented by a route (a) in FIG.
That is, the normal route (a) is routed through steps B451, B452, B453, and RET.

<Route (b) when it is recognized that a communication error has occurred (first)>
If the winning protection wait timer is “0” in step B452 and the process branches to step B453 to determine whether or not a communication timeout has occurred, if a communication timeout has occurred, the process proceeds from step B453 to step B454.
In step B454, an initial value (for example, 15 seconds) is set in the winning protection weight timer. This is because, when a communication timeout occurs, the firing of the encapsulated sphere is stopped and waited for a specified time set as an initial value in order to protect the winning of the launched ball. After step B454, the communication abnormality monitoring process is terminated and the process returns.
Therefore, in this case, a communication timeout occurs first and an initial value is set in the winning protection wait timer.
This state is called a processing route (initial) when it is recognized that a communication abnormality has occurred, and is represented by a route (b) in FIG.
That is, the route (b) at the time of recognizing that a communication abnormality has occurred (route) (b) follows the route of step B451, step B452, step B453, step B454, and RET.

<Route during winning protection weight (c)>
When the communication abnormality is not occurring in step B451 and the process proceeds to step B452, if the winning protection wait timer is not "0" in step B452, the process proceeds to step B455, and the winning protection wait timer is updated by "-1" and continued. In step B456, it is determined whether or not the winning protection weight timer has become "0". If the winning protection weight timer is not “0” in step B456, the process proceeds to step B457 to determine whether authentication is completed. This is because the gaming machine ID (both the main control ID and the payout ID here) is sent to the external management device 91, which is a third party organization, via the card control unit 15 via the payout control device 230, where it is checked against the authentication list. Then, it is determined whether the verification result OK is found and the authentication is completed.

If authentication is not completed in step B457, the process returns and the routine is repeated. On the other hand, if authentication is completed in step B457, it is determined in step B458 whether recovery is completed. This is to determine whether or not the recovery communication is completed when the communication is interrupted due to a communication error or the like. If recovery is not complete, return and repeat the routine. On the other hand, if the recovery is completed in step B458, the communication abnormality flag is cleared in step B459, the winning protection wait timer is cleared to "0" in step B460, the communication abnormality monitoring process is terminated, and the process returns.
Whether a communication timeout has occurred or authentication has been completed is determined based on the state of the internal status register of the CPU 111, for example. The completion of recovery is determined using a recovery communication completion notification flag stored in an internal register of the CPU 111, for example.
Therefore, in this case, the winning protection weight is in effect. This state is called a processing route during the winning protection weight, and is indicated by a route (c) in FIG.
That is, the route (c) in the winning protection weight is the route of step B451, step B452, step B455, step B456, step B457, step B458, step B459, step B460, RET.
Note that if the communication state returns to normal while the route (c) in the winning protection weight is being executed, the communication is returned from the communication abnormality. When returning from a communication error, the communication error flag remains clear. Also, the winning protection weight timer becomes “0”.

<Route when the winning protection weight period ends (d)>
When the communication abnormality is not occurring in step B451 and the process proceeds to step B452, if the winning protection wait timer is not "0" in step B452, the process proceeds to step B455, and the winning protection wait timer is updated by "-1" and continued. In step B456, it is determined whether or not the winning protection weight timer has become "0". At this time, if the winning protection weight timer is “0” in step B456, it is determined that the winning protection weight period has ended, and the process proceeds to step B461. In step B461, a communication abnormality flag is set. The game is stopped by setting the communication abnormality flag. After step B461, the communication abnormality monitoring process is terminated and the process is turned.
Therefore, in this case, the winning protection weight period is over. This state is referred to as a processing route when the winning protection weight period ends, and is represented by a route (d) in FIG. The winning protection weight timer remains “0” and does not change.
That is, the route (d) when the winning protection weight period ends is the route of step B451, step B452, step B455, step B456, step B461, and RET.

<Return confirmation route during communication error (e)>
If communication abnormality is occurring in step B451, the process jumps from step B451 to step B457, and in step B457, it is determined whether or not authentication is completed. If authentication is not completed in step B457, the process returns and the routine is repeated. When authentication is completed in step B457, it is determined in step B458 whether recovery is complete. If recovery is not complete, the process returns and the routine is repeated. If the recovery is completed in step B458, the communication abnormality flag is cleared in step B459, and the prize protection wait timer is cleared to "0" in step B460, and the communication abnormality monitoring process is terminated and turned.
Therefore, in this case, the determination process during the occurrence of communication abnormality in step B451 is repeated, and the return of the communication abnormality is confirmed. This state is referred to as a return confirmation processing route during communication abnormality, and is indicated by route (e) in FIG.
That is, the return confirmation route (e) during communication abnormality is the route of step B451, step B457, step B458, step B459, step B460, RET. The route (e) includes a case where the process returns from step B457 or step B458 to NO and returns.

  When it is determined in step B451 that the communication abnormality has not occurred while executing the return confirmation route (e) during the communication abnormality, the communication abnormality is recovered, and the process proceeds from step B451 to step B452. The process of the same route as the normal route (a) is executed.

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, the special game process (step B120) in the timer interruption process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the special figure game process, the input of the first start opening switch 120 and the second start opening switch 121 is monitored, the whole process related to the special figure change display game is controlled, and the special figure display is set.
In the special figure game process, first, a start port switch monitoring process for monitoring the winning of the first start port switch 120 and the second start port switch 121 is performed in step B501.
In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins in the normal variable winning device 26 that forms the start winning port 25 and the second start winning port, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, Prior to the start of the figure variation display game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which a game result based on a prize is determined in advance. The details of the start port switch monitoring process (step B501) will be described later.
Next, in step B502, a special winning opening switch monitoring process is performed. This is a process of monitoring the detection of a game ball by the lower count switch 124 provided in the first variable winning device 27 and the upper count switch 125 provided in the second variable winning device 34.

Next, in step B503, if the special figure game processing timer is not 0, -1 is updated. The minimum value of the special figure game processing timer is set to zero. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the special figure game processing timer is 0 (step B504). When the value of the special figure game process timer is 0 (step B504; YES), that is, when the time is up or has already expired, the special figure referred to branch to the process corresponding to the special figure game process number. The figure game sequence branch table is set in the register (step B505), and the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is obtained using the table (step B506). Then, the return address after the end of the branch process is saved in the stack area (step B507), and the game branch process (step B508) is performed according to the game process number.
The special figure game process timer is a timer value set to a predetermined value in each process after branching by a process number described later (steps B509 to B515: corresponding to process number = 0 to process number = 6). Yes, this special figure game processing timer is set to have a timing to execute step B509 and subsequent steps when the time is up. As a result, when it is time to execute step B505 and subsequent steps when step B503 is executed, the determination result of step B504 becomes affirmative, and step B505 and subsequent steps (including steps SB516 to B519) are executed. . And when step B503 is performed, when it is not a timing which should perform step B505-B515, the determination result of step B504 becomes negative and only step B516-B519 is performed.

  In the branch at the process number in step B508, the process number 0 goes to step B509 (special figure normal process), the process number 1 goes to step B510 (special figure changing process), the process number 2 goes to step B511 (special figure display process) ), Process number 3 goes to step B512 (fanfare / interval processing), process number 4 goes to step B513 (grand prize opening open process), process number 5 goes to step B514 (grand prize opening remaining ball process), Processing number 6 advances to step B515 (big hit end processing). The customer waiting state (during demonstration) is process number 0.

The specific contents of the branch in the process number are as follows.
In step B509 (special figure normal processing), when the special figure holding number (the number of special figure starting memory that has been put on hold because the special figure fluctuation display game has not been executed) is zero and the special figure fluctuation display game is not being executed, Processing for displaying the waiting state on the display device 41 is performed. Further, in the special figure routine process, a process for starting the next special figure change display game (special figure change start process) is performed. In this special figure fluctuation start process, the start memory of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is monitored, and if there is any special figure start memory, the corresponding fluctuation display (first or second fluctuation display) is started. (Setting of the variation pattern command transmitted to the effect control device 54, etc.) is executed, the process number is set to 1, and the process returns. If the special figure hold number is zero and the next special figure variation display game is not executed, the process returns as it is (the process number remains 0).

Next, in step B510 (special-figure changing process), a process for variably displaying the special figure is performed until the fluctuation time set in the special-figure fluctuation start process elapses. And if the said fluctuation | variation time passes, after performing the process which transmits the command (symbol stop command) which stops the symbol of a special figure to the production | presentation control apparatus 53, it returns with the process number set to 2.
In step B511 (processing during special figure display), a process for displaying the fluctuation display result of the special figure for a certain time (1 second to 2 seconds) is performed. Also, if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, fanfare command setting according to the type of jackpot, fanfare time setting according to the big winning opening opening pattern of each jackpot, processing during fanfare / interval Set the information necessary to do If it is a big hit, the process number is set to 3, and if not, the process number is set to 0 and the process returns.

Next, in step B512 (fanfare / interval processing), fanfare processing for outputting a fanfare sound or the like from the speaker 12a or the like is executed immediately after the big hit, and an interval period display or the like is realized in the big hit interval period. The interval process is executed, and the process number is set to 4 at the timing when the first prize winning device 27 starts to open the big prize opening. In addition, here, setting of the opening time of the grand prize opening (including the first big prize opening 27a and the second big prize opening 34a. The same applies hereinafter), the update of the number of times of opening, Set the information necessary to perform processing while the mouth is open.
Next, step B513 (processing during opening of the big prize opening) is processing while the first big prize opening 27a of the first variable prize winning device 27 and the second big prize opening 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34 are opened. It is. Also, here, if the big hit round is not the final round, the interval command is set, while if it is the final round, the ending command is set, and the information necessary for performing the winning ball remaining ball processing is set. . When the grand prize opening is finished, the processing number is set to 5.

Next, in step B514 (big winning opening remaining ball processing), in order to perform processing for setting the time for discharging the remaining balls in the big winning opening, and for big hit end processing if the big winning round is the final round Set necessary information. Specifically, for example, the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 27a of the first variable prize winning device 27 (the same applies to the second big prize opening 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34) at the end of the opening of the big prize opening is surely made. When the big hit round remains after this fixed time has elapsed, the processing number is set to 3, and when the big hit round does not remain, the processing number is set to 6. .
Next, in step B515 (big hit end process), after the big hit ends, a process for executing the special figure normal process B509 is performed, the process number is returned to 0, and the process returns.

Next, when one of the above processes corresponding to the process number is completed, the process proceeds to step B516, and a table (special chart) for controlling display on the collective display device 35 of the special figure 1 (display of the special figure 1). 1 fluctuation control table) is prepared, and in the next step B517, the control process (design fluctuation control process) for the fluctuation display of this special figure 1 is performed.
Next, the process proceeds to step B518 to prepare a table (special figure 2 fluctuation control table) for controlling display on the collective display device 35 of special figure 2 (display of special figure 2). The control process (symbol fluctuation control process) for fluctuation display of this special figure 2 is performed, and then the process returns.

[Starter switch monitoring process]
Next, the start port switch monitoring process (step B501) in the special figure game process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the start port switch monitoring process, first, after preparing a table for setting information on hold by the start winning port 25 (first start port) (step B521), the special start port switch common process (step B522) is performed. The details of the special figure start port switch common process in step B522 will be described later together with the special figure start port switch common process in step B526.

Next, it is checked whether or not the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variation winning device 26) is in operation, that is, whether or not the ordinary variation winning device 26 is activated and the game ball is open. (Step B523) When it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory is operating (Step B523; YES), the process proceeds to Step B525, and the subsequent processes are performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B523 that the ordinary electric accessory is not in operation (step B523; NO), it is determined whether or not a normal electric power fraud has occurred (step B524). In determining whether the electric power fraud is occurring or not, it is determined that the fraud is occurring when the number of illegal winnings to the normal variation winning device 26 is equal to or larger than the number of fraud determination (for example, 5).
The normally variable winning device 26 cannot win a game ball in the closed state, and can win a game ball only in the open state. Therefore, when the game ball wins in the closed state, it is a case where some abnormality or fraud has occurred. When there is a game ball won in such a closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal wins. Then, when the number of illegal winnings counted in this way is equal to or larger than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit value), it is determined that fraud has occurred.

If it is determined in step B524 that there is no fraud in ordinary power transmission (step B524; NO), after preparing a table for setting information on hold by the second starting port (ordinary variable winning device 26) (step B525), The start port switch common process (step B526) is performed, and the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.
If it is determined in step B524 that a normal electric power fraud has occurred (step B524; YES), the start port switch monitoring process is terminated. That is, the second start memory is not generated any more.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
Next, the special start port switch common process (steps B522 and B526) in the start port switch monitoring process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
The special figure start port switch common process is a process performed in common for each input when there is an input from the first start port switch 120 or the second start port switch 121.
In the special figure start port switch common process, first, of the first start port switch 120 and the second start port switch 121, whether or not there is an input to the monitored start port switch (for example, the first start port switch 120). If it is checked (step B531) and it is determined that there is no input to the starter switch to be monitored (step B531; NO), the special figure starter switch common process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B531 that there is an input to the monitored start port switch (step B531; YES), it is determined whether there is latch data in the target random number latch register (step B532).

  If there is no latch data in the target random number latch register (step B532; NO), that is, if no random number has been extracted, the special figure start port switch common process is terminated. If there is latch data in the target random number latch register (step B532; YES), after saving the start port winning flag of the start port switch to be monitored (step B533), the target random number latch register is monitored. The extracted jackpot random number is loaded and prepared (step B534).

Subsequently, information regarding the number of winnings to the monitored start port switch (for example, the first start port switch 120) of the first start port switch 120 and the second start port switch 121 is displayed outside the pachinko machine 1. The number of times to be output to the card management device 81 and the hall computer 86 (the number of times the start port signal is output) (the number of times that another output must be output) is loaded (step B535). Then, the loaded value (start port signal output count) is updated (+1) (step B536), and it is determined whether the output count overflows (step B537). If the output count does not overflow (step B537; NO), the updated value is saved in the start port signal output count area of the RAM (step B538), and the process proceeds to step B539. On the other hand, when the number of outputs overflows (step B537; YES), the process jumps to step B538 and proceeds to step B539.
Then, in step B539, among the first start port switch 120 and the second start port switch 121, the update target special figure hold corresponding to the monitored start port switch (for example, the first start port switch 120, etc.) A process for determining whether or not the number of (starting memory) is less than the upper limit value is performed.

If it is determined in step B539 that the number of special figure hold is less than the upper limit (step B539; YES), a process of updating (+1) the number of special figure hold (for example, special figure 1 hold number) to be updated ( After performing Step B542), a decoration special figure hold number command corresponding to the monitoring target start switch and the special figure hold number is prepared (Step B543), and an effect command setting process (Step B544) is performed.
Subsequently, the address of the random number storage area corresponding to the number of reserved special figure corresponding to the monitoring start switch to be monitored is calculated (step B545), and the big hit random number is saved in the big hit random number storage area of the RAM (step B546). Next, the jackpot symbol random number of the starter switch to be monitored is extracted and prepared (step B547), and saved in the jackpot symbol random number storage area of the RAM (step B548). Further, the fluctuation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are extracted and saved in the fluctuation pattern random number storage area of the RAM corresponding to each random number (step B549). Then, the special figure hold information determination process (step B550) is performed, and the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

  Here, the game control device 54 (RAM 113) extracts a predetermined random number based on the inflow of game balls into the start winning area of the start winning opening 25 or the normal variation winning device 26, and becomes the right to execute the variable display game. A start winning storage means for storing a predetermined number as an upper limit as a start memory is provided. In addition, the start winning memory means (game control device 54) stores various random numbers extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the first start winning port (start winning port 25) as a first start memory with a predetermined number as an upper limit. And various random numbers extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the second start winning opening (ordinary variation winning device 26) are stored as the second start storage up to a predetermined number.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step B539 that the special figure hold number is not less than the upper limit value (step B539; NO), a decorative special figure hold number command (pending overflow command) is prepared (step B540), and an effect command setting process ( Step B541) is performed, and the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

[Special figure hold information judgment processing]
Next, the special figure hold information determination process (step B550) in the above-described start port switch common process will be described with reference to FIG.
The special figure hold information determination process is a prefetching process for determining the result related information corresponding to the start memory before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on the corresponding start memory.
In the special figure hold information determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the conditions for executing the prefetch effect are satisfied (step B561). If not satisfied (step B561; NO), the special figure hold information determination process is terminated. To do. Moreover, when satisfy | filling (step B561; YES), the process regarding the following prefetch effect is performed.
Here, the conditions for executing the prefetching effect are as follows.
・ Special figure 1: Normal variable winning device 26 is not supported (normal power support is supported) and other than big hit ・ Special figure 2: No condition (can be executed all the time)
When such a condition is satisfied, a prefetch process for determining the result related information corresponding to the start-up storage is performed.

In the process related to the prefetch effect performed when the conditions for executing the prefetch effect are satisfied (step B561; YES), first, whether or not the big hit random number value matches the big hit determination value or not is a big hit. A big hit determination process (step B562) is performed to determine. The big hit determination process determines a big hit based on whether or not the random number extracted at the timing of the start winning prize is within the big hit range. When the big hit is determined, the big hit information is saved in the big hit flag area.
If the determination result is a big hit (step B563; YES), a big hit symbol random number check table corresponding to the target starter switch is set (step B564).
Here, the information defined on the jackpot symbol random number check table includes the following.
・ Random number judgment value (represents distribution rate)
Stop symbol pattern corresponding to the determination value Next, the big hit symbol random number is checked to obtain the corresponding big hit symbol pattern (step B565), and the stop symbol pattern is saved in the pre-read stop symbol pattern area (step B567). On the other hand, if the determination result is not a big hit (step B563; NO), a stop symbol pattern is set (step B566), and the stop symbol pattern is saved in the pre-read stop symbol pattern area (step B567).

  Thereafter, a pre-read symbol command corresponding to the target start port switch and stop symbol pattern is prepared (step B568), and an effect command setting process is performed (step B569). Next, special figure information setting processing (step B570) for setting special figure information, which is a parameter for setting a fluctuation pattern, is performed to prepare a latter half fluctuation pattern setting information table corresponding to the target start-up switch (step B570). B571), a variation pattern setting process for setting a variation mode of the special figure variation display game is performed (step B572).

  Then, a prefetch variation pattern command corresponding to the first half variation number indicating the first half variation pattern and the second half variation number representing the second half variation pattern in the variation mode of the special figure variation display game is prepared (step B573), and an effect command setting process is performed. (Step B574), the special figure hold information determination process is terminated. The special figure information setting process in step B570 and the fluctuation pattern setting process in step B572 are the same as the processes executed at the start of the special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure ordinary process.

  Through the above processing, a prefetch symbol command including the result of the special figure variation display game based on the start memory to be prefetched and a prefetch variation pattern command including information on the variation pattern in the special figure variation display game based on the start memory are prepared. And transmitted to the effect control device 53. As a result, the determination result (prefetch result) of the result related information corresponding to the start memory (whether it is a big hit or the type of the fluctuation pattern) is controlled before the start timing of the special figure change display game based on the corresponding start memory. The device 53 can be notified, and in particular, by changing the decoration special figure start memory display displayed on the display device 41, the result related information is given to the player before the start timing of the special figure variable display game. It is possible to notify.

  That is, the game control device 53 determines a random number stored as the start memory in the start winning storage means (game control device 54) before the execution of the variable display game based on the start memory (for example, whether or not a special result is obtained). It is a pre-determination means. Note that the time when the random number value stored in correspondence with the start memory is determined in advance is not only at the start winning time when the start memory is generated, but any time before the variable display game based on the start memory is performed. Good.

[Big prize opening switch monitoring process]
Next, the special winning opening switch monitoring process (step B502) in the special figure game process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the big prize opening switch monitoring process, first, it is determined whether or not the big prize opening (the first big prize opening 27a of the first variable prize winning device 27 or the second big prize winning port 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34) is in operation. Determine. The fact that the big prize opening is in operation includes the period during which the big prize opening is open and the remaining balls are being processed after the big prize opening is closed. If the big prize opening is not in operation (step B581; NO), the big prize opening switch monitoring process is terminated.
On the other hand, if the big prize opening is in operation (step B581; YES), the process proceeds to step B582 to determine whether or not the big prize opening 1 (the first big prize opening 27a; hereinafter the same) is open. To do. If the big winning opening 1 is open, it is determined in step B583 whether or not the big winning opening remaining ball processing is being performed at the end of one round. This is to determine whether or not the winning ball remaining ball processing is being performed in order not to monitor the winning in the winning ball 1 during the remaining ball processing. If the winning prize remaining ball processing is in progress, the winning prize switch monitoring process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the winning ball remaining ball processing is not being processed in step B583, the process proceeds to step B584, and it is determined whether or not there is an input to the big winning port 1 switch (the lower count switch 124, the same applies hereinafter). If there is no input to the big winning opening 1 switch, the big winning opening switch monitoring process is terminated.
If there is an input to the big prize opening 1 switch, the number of big prize mouth counts is updated by "+1" in step B585. Here, since there is an input to the grand prize opening 1 switch, the number of big prize winning counts counts the number of winning prizes to the big prize opening 1. The number of winning prizes is for counting the number of balls entered in the opening of one round of the winning prize.
Next, in step B586, a winning prize 1 count command is prepared, and in step B587, an effect command setting process is performed. This is because when the prize winning opening 1 is opened and there is a prize, an effect by the prize winning 1 winning is performed. As a result, the grand prize opening 1 count command is transmitted to the effect control device 53, and the production of the big prize opening 1 winning is performed on the screen of the display device 41.
After step B587, the process proceeds to step B593.

On the other hand, if the big prize opening 1 is not open in step B582, the process branches to step B588, and it is determined whether or not there is an input to the big prize opening 2 switch (the upper count switch 125, the same applies hereinafter). If there is no input to the big prize opening 2 switch, the big prize opening switch monitoring process is terminated. If there is an input to the big winning opening 2 switch, the process proceeds to step B589 to determine whether or not the big winning opening remaining ball processing is in progress.
If the winning prize remaining ball processing is in progress, the process jumps to Step B591. On the other hand, if the winning ball remaining ball processing is not being processed in step B589, the process proceeds to step B590, and the number of the winning winning mouth count is updated by “+1”. Here, since there is an input to the big winning opening 2 switch, the number of big winning openings counts the number of winning in the big winning opening 2. Next, in step B591, a special winning opening 2 count command is prepared, and in step B592, effect command setting processing is performed. This is because when the prize winning opening 2 is opened and there is a prize, an effect by the prize winning slot 2 winning is performed. As a result, the special winning opening 2 count command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 and the special winning opening 2 winning effect is performed on the screen of the display device 41.
Note that when there is an input to the special winning opening 2 switch, the special winning opening switch monitoring process is not terminated even during the remaining ball processing, and the route proceeds to step B590, which is different from the case where there is an input to the special winning opening 1 switch. Yes. In other words, in the case of the special winning opening 2, in order to perform the effect by winning, the special winning opening 2 count command is transmitted even during the large winning opening remaining ball processing. However, the number of winning prizes will not be updated.
After step B592, the process proceeds to step B593.

When the process proceeds to step B593 through step B587 or step B592, it is determined in step B593 whether or not the number of big winning mouth counts has reached an upper limit (the number of game balls that can be won in one round: for example, 10) or more.
When the number of the big prize winning count is not equal to or greater than the upper limit (step B593; NO), the special winning prize mouth switch monitoring process is terminated. Further, when the number of the winning prize count exceeds the upper limit (step B593; YES), the winning prize count is kept at the upper limit (step B594), and the special figure game processing timer area is cleared to 0 (step B594). B595). Then, a pointer is loaded from the big hit control pointer upper limit value area (step B596), the loaded pointer is saved in the big hit midpoint control pointer area (step B597), and the big winning opening switch monitoring process is terminated. The processing of Step B596 and Step B597 is to perform processing for closing the big prize opening based on the fact that the number of big prize winning counts exceeds the upper limit. As a result, the special winning opening is closed and one round is completed.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, details of the special figure routine process (step B509) in the special figure game process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the special figure routine processing, first, it is checked whether or not the second special figure holding number (second starting memory number) is 0 (step B601).
If it is determined that the special figure 2 hold number is 0 (step B601; YES), it is determined whether the special figure 1 hold number (first start memory number) is 0 (step B606). Then, if it is determined that the special figure 1 holding number is 0 (step B606; YES), it is determined whether the customer waiting demonstration has been started (step B611), and if the customer waiting demonstration has not been started (step B611; NO) saves the customer waiting demo flag in the customer waiting demo flag area (step B612).

Subsequently, a customer waiting demonstration command is prepared (step B613), an effect command setting process (step B614) is performed, a special figure normal process transition setting process 1 (step B615) is performed, and the special figure normal process is terminated. .
On the other hand, if the customer waiting demonstration has already started in step B611 (step B611; YES), the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 (step B615) is performed, and the special figure normal process is terminated. Details of the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 (step B615) will be described later with reference to FIG.
On the other hand, when the special figure 2 hold number is not 0 in step B601 (step B601; NO), a special special figure hold number command corresponding to the special figure 2 hold number is prepared (step B602), and an effect command setting process is performed. (Step B603) is performed. Next, a special figure 2 fluctuation start process (step B604) is performed, a special figure fluctuation mid-process transition setting process (step B605) of special figure 2 is performed, and the special figure ordinary process is terminated.
In step B606, when the special figure 1 hold number is not 0 (step B606; NO), a special special figure hold number command corresponding to the special figure 1 hold number is prepared (step B607), and an effect command setting process is performed. (Step B608) is performed. Next, the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (step B609) is performed, the special figure fluctuation mid-process transition setting process (step B610) of special figure 1 is performed, and the special figure normal process is terminated.
At the time of performing the process for preparing the decoration special figure hold number command (steps B607 and B602), the subtraction number is not subtracted based on the start of the special figure variation display game, and the current special figure 1 hold number or A hold number command corresponding to the special figure 1 hold number or the special figure 2 hold number minus -1 from the special figure 2 hold number is prepared. The process of actually updating the special figure 1 hold number or the special figure 2 hold number by -1 is the fluctuation start information setting process (FIG. 59) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (step B609) or the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (step B604). Step B751).

In this way, the special figure 2 hold count is checked before the special figure 1 hold count check, and if the special figure 2 hold count is not 0, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (step B604) is executed. Will be. That is, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game. In other words, when the game control device 54 has the second start memory in the second start memory means (game control device 54), the variable display game based on the second start memory is displayed as the variable display based on the first start memory. Priority control means for executing with priority over the game.
Further, in the first embodiment, the transmission order when the command is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53 at the start of symbol variation is the order of the number of holds, the stop symbol, and the variation pattern.

[Special figure transition setting process 1]
Next, details of the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 (step B615) in the special figure normal process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, “0” is set as the process number in step B621 (for example, a table for shifting to the special figure normal process is prepared and the process number “0” related to the special figure normal process is set in the table. "" Is set), and in step B622, the process number is saved in the special figure game process number area.
Next, in step B623, the fluctuating symbol discrimination flag area is cleared, in step B624, the fraud monitoring period flag is saved in the big prize opening 1 fraud monitoring period flag area, and in step B625, fraudulent in the big prize opening 2 fraud monitoring period flag area. Save the flag during the monitoring period. In this case, since there are large winning mouths (the first variable winning device 27 and the second variable winning device 34) at the top and bottom, the fraud monitoring period flag is saved in the fraud monitoring period flag area corresponding to each large winning mouth. Is. After step B625, the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 ends.
As a result, various data for shifting to the special figure normal processing, for example, the process number “0” related to the special figure normal processing is set, and the respective flags (each big prize illegal (Monitoring information) is set.

[Special Figure 1 Change Start Processing 1]
Next, the details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 (step B609) in the above-described special figure ordinary process will be described with reference to FIG.
The special figure 1 fluctuation start process is a process performed at the start of the first special figure fluctuation display game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 51, first, as shown in FIG. 1) is saved in the fluctuation symbol discrimination flag area (step B631), and the big hit flag 1 for judging whether or not the first special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit is shifted information or A jackpot flag 1 setting process (step B632) for setting jackpot information is performed. Details of the big hit flag 1 setting process in step B632 will be described later.

Next, after the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process (step B633) relating to the setting of the special figure 1 stop symbol (symbol information) is performed, the special symbol which is a parameter for setting the variation pattern is set. An information setting process (step B634) is performed to prepare a special figure 1 fluctuation pattern setting information table, which is a table in which information for referring to various information regarding the setting of the fluctuation pattern of the first special figure fluctuation display game is set. (Step B635). Thereafter, a variation pattern setting process (step B636) for setting a variation pattern which is a variation mode in the first special figure variation display game is performed, and a variation start information setting process for setting variation start information of the first special figure variation display game. (Step B637) is performed, and the changing information of the payout gaming state command area is set (Step B638), and the special figure 1 change start process is terminated. As a result of the processing in step B638, the game state information indicating that the special figure 1 is changing is sent to the payout control device 230.
Details of the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process in step B633, the special figure information setting process in step B634, the fluctuation pattern setting process in step B636, and the fluctuation start information setting process in step B637 will be described later.

[Big hit flag 1 setting process]
Next, details of the big hit flag 1 setting process (step B632) in the above-described special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, the deviation information is saved in the big hit flag 1 area in step B641. This is because information on the deviation is set in advance before the big hit determination. Next, in step B642, a big hit random number is loaded from the special figure 1 big hit random number storage area (for holding number 1) in the RAM and prepared. Note that for the number of holdings 1 is an area for storing information (random numbers or the like) about the special figure starting storage whose digestion order is the earliest (here, the earliest in the special figure 1). Thereafter, a jackpot determination process (step B643) is performed to determine whether or not the jackpot random number value matches the jackpot determination value. This is to check whether the jackpot random number corresponding to the special figure 1 extracted this time is in the jackpot range (a value between the jackpot lower limit judgment value and the upper limit judgment value: matching the jackpot judgment value). If it is within the range of the big hit, it can be judged as a big hit (detailed routine will be described later).

The check result of step B643 is determined in step B644, and if the determination result is a big hit (YES), the process proceeds to step B645, and the big hit information is overwritten in the big hit flag 1 area where the lost information is saved in step B641 and saved. Then, the big hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.
On the other hand, when NO in step B644 (when there is a loss), the big hit flag 1 setting process is terminated. Therefore, at this time, the processing ends in a state in which the shift information is saved in the jackpot flag 1, and the jackpot flag 1 is not set.

[Big hit judgment processing]
Next, the details of the jackpot determination process (step B643) in the above jackpot flag 1 setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, processing for setting a lower limit judgment value for jackpot judgment is performed in step B651. Thereafter, in step B652, it is checked whether or not the value of the target big hit random number is less than the lower limit judgment value, that is, the big hit random number value read in step B642 in FIG. Check if it is less than
The big hit means that the big hit random number matches the big hit determination value. The big hit judgment value is a plurality of consecutive values, and the big hit random number is greater than or equal to the lower limit judgment value that is the lower limit value of the big hit judgment value and less than or equal to the upper limit judgment value that is the upper limit value of the big hit judgment value It is determined that it is a big hit.
If it is determined in step B652 that the value of the big hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value, the process branches to step B657, sets a deviation as the determination result, and returns.

On the other hand, if the value of the big hit random number is not less than the lower limit determination value in step B652, the process proceeds to step B653 to determine whether or not the probability is high. This is to determine whether or not the jackpot probability is high due to the probability variation, that is, whether or not the probability of the hit result in the special figure variation display game is a high probability state (probability variation state). Judgment. If the probability is high, in step B654, processing for setting the upper limit determination value for jackpot determination in the high probability is performed, and then the process proceeds to step B656.
If it is determined in step B653 that the probability is not high, the process branches to step B655 to perform processing for setting an upper limit determination value for jackpot determination in the low probability, and then proceeds to step B656.
In this way, when the upper limit judgment value during the high probability and the low probability is set, if the value of the target big hit random number is between the lower limit judgment value and the upper limit judgment value (zone), You will be able to judge.
Therefore, in step B656, it is checked whether or not the value of the target big hit random number is larger than the upper limit determination value (exceeded the upper limit determination value), and in step B656 it is determined that the big hit random number value is larger than the upper limit determination value (step B656). YES), since it can be determined that it is not a big hit, the process proceeds to step B657 to set a deviation as the determination result and return.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step B656 that the value of the target big hit random number is equal to or less than the upper limit determination value (not exceeding the upper limit determination value) (step B656; NO), the target big hit random number value becomes the lower limit determination value and the upper limit determination. From the time between the values (zone), it is determined that the game is a big hit, and a big win is set as the determination result in step B658, and the process returns.

[Special figure 1 stop symbol setting process]
Next, the details of the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process (step B633) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, it is checked in step B661 whether the big hit flag 1 is a big hit (whether the big hit information is saved). The jackpot symbol random number is loaded from (for formula 1) (step B662). Next, a special figure 1 big hit symbol table is set (step B663).
Here, the information defined on the special figure 1 big hit symbol table includes the following.
・ Random number judgment value (indicating distribution rate)
Stop symbol number corresponding to the judgment value Subsequently, the process proceeds to step B664 where a stop symbol number corresponding to the loaded jackpot symbol random number is acquired and saved in the special symbol 1 stop symbol number area. By this process, the type of special result is selected. The stop symbol number is used to set a stop symbol on a special symbol display (here, the seven-segment special symbol 1 display in the collective display device 35).

  Thereafter, the big hit stop symbol information table is set (step B665), the stop symbol pattern corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved in the stop symbol pattern area (step B666). The stop symbol pattern is for setting a stop symbol type (disconnected, 16R probability variation, 11R probability variation, 2R probability variation, 11R normal variation, etc.) on the display device 41. Next, a probability variation determination flag corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved in the probability variation determination flag area (step B667). The probability variation determination flag is for setting a probability state after the end of the special gaming state.

  Further, the round number upper limit value information corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved in the round number upper limit information area (step B668), and the big prize opening information corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and the big prize opening is released. The information is saved in the information area (step B669). These pieces of information are for setting the execution mode of the special gaming state. Then, a special decoration figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared (step B672).

On the other hand, when the big hit flag 1 is not big hit in step B661 (step B661; NO), the stop symbol number at the time of loss is saved in the special symbol 1 stop symbol number area (step B670), and the loss stop symbol pattern is set as the stop symbol pattern. The area is saved (step B671), and a decorative special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared (step B672).
There are, for example, 11 types of decoration special figure commands, and the special figure type in the effect control device 53 can be determined based on the difference in type.
Through the above processing, a stop symbol corresponding to the result of the special figure variation display game is set.

  Thereafter, the decoration special figure command is saved in the decoration special figure command area (step B673), and an effect command setting process (step B674) is performed. This decoration special drawing command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 later. Then, the symbol data corresponding to the stopped symbol number is saved in the test signal output data area (step B675), and the special figure 1 big hit symbol random number storage area (for holding number 1) is cleared to 0 (step B676). The stop symbol setting process in FIG.

[Special figure information setting process]
Next, details of the special figure information setting process (step B634) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the special figure information setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the special figure is in a short time (short time state) (step B681).
Here, for example, after the jackpot is over, the time for the special figure and the usual figure is shortened from the normal time, the time efficiency is increased, and the probability per ordinary figure is increased to increase the ordinary electric utility (general power) (No. 2). The opening of the winning prize opening 26) (including the extension of the opening time of ordinary electric trains) includes support for winning the starting opening (that is, the electric utility support), of which This is related to the special figure, which is a state in which the fluctuation time of the special figure is shortened and the public power support is provided.
If it is not in the special drawing time (step B681; NO), a normal variation pattern selection group information table is set (step B682). If the special drawing time is short (step B681; YES), the time variation variable pattern selection group information table is set (step B683). After step B682, the process proceeds to step B684. Also, after step B683, the process proceeds to step B684.

Then, when proceeding to Step B684, the special figure holding number corresponding to the fluctuation symbol discrimination flag is loaded, and thereafter, the fluctuation pattern selection group information corresponding to the special figure holding number is acquired and saved in the fluctuation distribution information 1 area. (Step B685). Thereby, in the fluctuation distribution information 1 area, the type of special figure (special figure 1 or special figure 2) for starting the fluctuation, and the number-of-holds information that is information on the number of starting memories for the type of special figure, The variable distribution information 1 obtained from the game state information including information on whether or not the time is short is saved. This fluctuation distribution information 1 is used to select a fluctuation group later.
A variation group includes a plurality of variation patterns. When determining a variation pattern, the variation group is first selected, and then one variation pattern is selected from the variation group. ing.

Next, a distribution base pointer table is set (step B686), and a distribution base pointer corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is acquired (step B687). Further, the effect mode number is added to the acquired pointer (step B688), the value after the addition is saved in the variable distribution information 2 area (step B689), and the special figure information setting process is terminated.
Thereby, the variable distribution information 2 obtained from the stop symbol pattern information and the effect mode information is saved in the variable distribution information 2 area. This fluctuation distribution information 2 is used to select a fluctuation group later. In addition, as for the production mode, one production mode is set from a plurality of production modes according to the probability state, the presence / absence of the short-time state, the progress status of the special figure variation display game, and the like.

[Variation pattern setting process]
Next, details of the variation pattern setting process (step B636) in the above-described special figure 1 variation start process will be described with reference to FIG.
Note that the fluctuation patterns are the first half fluctuation pattern that is a fluctuation mode from the start of the special figure fluctuation display game to the reach state, and the second half fluctuation that is a fluctuation aspect from the reach state to the end of the special figure fluctuation display game. First, the second half variation pattern is set first, and then the first half variation pattern is set.

In the variation pattern setting process, first, a variation group selection address table is set (step B701), and the address of the latter half variation group table corresponding to the variation distribution information 2 is acquired and prepared (step B702). Then, it is determined whether the effect mode number is less than 2 (either 0 or 1) (step B703).
When the production mode number is not less than 2 (step B703; NO), it is determined whether the stop symbol pattern is a discontinuation stop symbol pattern (step B704). This is to determine whether or not the distribution (pattern) is different depending on the number of holds.
Next, when the stop symbol pattern is not an outlier stop symbol pattern (step B704; NO), the variable pattern random number 1 is loaded and prepared from the target variable pattern random number 1 storage area (for holding number 1) (step B707).

On the other hand, when the production mode number is less than 2 (step B703; YES), or when the stop symbol pattern is an outlier stop symbol pattern (step B704; YES), the variable distribution information 1 from the table prepared in step B702. The address of the table corresponding to is acquired (step B705). The process of step B705 is performed when the distribution (pattern) differs according to the number of holds.
Next, the acquired address is prepared as the address of the latter-half variation group (step B706), and the variation pattern random number 1 is loaded from the target variation pattern random number 1 storage area (for holding number 1) and prepared (step B707).
When the production mode number is less than 2 or when the stop symbol pattern is an outlier stop symbol pattern, the address is obtained by taking into account the variable distribution information 1 obtained from the hold number information that is information related to the start memory number. Thus, the variation pattern selection mode is made different depending on the number of starting memories.

  Thereafter, 2-byte distribution processing (step B708) is performed, the address of the latter half variation selection table obtained as a result of the distribution is acquired and prepared (step B709), and the target variation pattern random number 2 storage area (holding number 1) The fluctuation pattern random number 2 is loaded and prepared (Step B710). Then, a sorting process (step B711) is performed, the latter half variation number obtained as a result of the sorting is acquired and saved in the latter half variation number area (step B712). By this process, the latter half fluctuation pattern is set.

  Next, a first half variation group table is set (step B713), and a table selection pointer is calculated based on the variation distribution information 1 and 2 (including the determined second half variation number) (step B714). Then, the address of the first half variation selection table corresponding to the calculated pointer is acquired and prepared (step B715), and a random number is loaded from the target variation pattern random number 3 storage area (for holding number 1) and prepared (step B716). ). Thereafter, a sorting process (step B717) is performed, the first half variation number obtained as a result of the sorting is acquired and saved in the first half variation number area (step B718), and the variation pattern setting process is terminated. By this processing, the first half variation pattern is set, and the variation pattern of the special figure variation display game is set.

[2-byte sort processing]
Next, details of the 2-byte sorting process (step B708) in the above-described variation pattern setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
The 2-byte distribution process is a process for selecting the latter half variation selection table of the special figure variation display game from the latter half variation group table based on the variation pattern random number 1.

  In this 2-byte distribution process, first, it is checked whether or not the leading data of the latter half variation group table (selection table) prepared in the variation pattern setting process is a code without distribution (ie, “0”) (step B721). ). Here, the latter half fluctuation group table stores a predetermined distribution value in association with at least one latter half fluctuation pattern group, but defines only the latter half fluctuation pattern group in which the latter half fluctuation pattern is “no reach”. In the case of a variation group table (for example, a part of the variation group table when the result is out of order), since there is no need for distribution, a distribution value “0”, that is, a code without distribution is defined at the top. ing.

  If the first data of the latter-half variation group table is a code without distribution (step B722; YES), the data is updated to the address of the data corresponding to the distribution result (step B727), and the 2-byte distribution process is completed. To do. On the other hand, if the first data in the latter-half variation group table is not a code without distribution (step B722; NO), the first distribution value specified in the latter-half variation group table is acquired (step B723).

  Subsequently, a new random value is calculated by subtracting the distribution value acquired in Step B723 from the random value (the value of the fluctuation pattern random number 1) loaded in B707 of the fluctuation pattern setting process (Step B724). It is determined whether or not the calculated new random value is smaller than “0” (step B725). If the new random value is not smaller than “0” (step B725; NO), after updating to the address of the next distribution value (step B726), the process proceeds to step B723, and the subsequent processes are performed. Do. That is, in step B723, after the distribution value specified next in the variation group selection table is acquired, the distribution value is subtracted with the random number determined in step B725 as a new random value, and a new random value is further subtracted. A numerical value is calculated (step B724). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated new random value is smaller than “0” (step B725).

  The above processing is executed until it is determined in step B725 that the new random value is smaller than “0” (step B72; YES). As a result, any one of the latter-half variation selection tables is selected from at least one latter-half variation selection table defined in the latter-half variation group table. If it is determined in step B725 that the new random number value is smaller than “0” (step B725; YES), the data address corresponding to the result of distribution is updated (step B727), and the 2-byte distribution process is performed. Exit.

[Distribution processing]
Next, details of the sorting process (steps B711 and B717) in the above-described variation pattern setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
The sorting process is based on the fluctuation pattern random number 2 to select the latter half fluctuation pattern of the special figure fluctuation display game from the latter half fluctuation selection table (second half fluctuation pattern group), or based on the fluctuation pattern random number 3, the first half fluctuation selection table ( This is a process for selecting the first half variation pattern of the special figure variation display game from the first half variation pattern group).

  In this distribution process, first, it is checked whether or not the top data of the prepared latter half variation selection table (selection table) and first half variation selection table (selection table) is a code without distribution (ie, “0”). (Step B731). Here, like the latter half fluctuation group table, the latter half fluctuation selection table and the first half fluctuation selection table store a predetermined distribution value in association with at least one latter half fluctuation pattern or first half fluctuation pattern. In the case of a selection table having no distribution, a distribution value “0”, that is, a code without distribution is defined at the top.

  If the first data in the latter half variation selection table or the first half variation selection table is a code without sorting (step B732; YES), the data is updated to the address of the data corresponding to the sorting result (step B737), and the sorting is performed. End the process. On the other hand, if the first data of the second half variation selection table or the first half variation selection table is not a code without distribution (step B732; NO), one distribution value first defined in the second half variation selection table or the first half variation selection table. Is acquired (step B733).

  Subsequently, a new random value is obtained by subtracting the distribution value acquired in step B733 from the random value (the value of the fluctuation pattern random number 2 or the fluctuation pattern random number 3) loaded in step B710 or B716 of the fluctuation pattern setting process. (Step B734), it is determined whether the calculated new random number value is smaller than “0” (step B735). If the new random value is not smaller than “0” (step B735; NO), after updating to the address of the next distribution value (step B736), the process proceeds to step B733, and thereafter Process.

  That is, in step B733, after the distribution value specified next in the latter half variation selection table or the first half variation selection table is acquired, the distribution value is subtracted using the determined random number value as a new random number value in step B735. Further, a new random value is calculated (step B734). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated new random value is smaller than “0” (step B735). The above processing is executed until it is determined in step B735 that the new random value is smaller than “0” (step B735; YES). As a result, any one of the latter-half variation number or the first-half variation number is selected from at least one latter-half variation pattern or first-half variation pattern defined in the latter-half variation selection table or the first-half variation selection table. If it is determined in step B735 that the new random number value is smaller than “0” (step B735; YES), it is updated to the address of the data corresponding to the result of distribution (step B737), and the distribution process is terminated. To do.

[Variation start information setting process]
Next, details of the variation start information setting process (step B637) in the above-described special figure 1 variation start process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the variation start information setting process, first, after clearing the random number storage area of the target variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 (step B741), the first half variation corresponding to the first variation number acquired in the variation pattern setting process. A process of acquiring the value of the time value table (step B742) is performed, and subsequently, a process of acquiring the first half fluctuation time value corresponding to the first half fluctuation number (step B743) is performed, and further obtained by the second half fluctuation pattern setting process. The process (step B744) of setting the latter half fluctuation time value table corresponding to the latter half fluctuation number is performed.

Next, a process of obtaining the latter half fluctuation time value corresponding to the latter half fluctuation number (step B745) is performed, and then a process of adding the acquired first half fluctuation time value and the latter half fluctuation time value (step B746) is performed. After that, the added value is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step B747).
Subsequently, after the fluctuation command (MODE) corresponding to the first half fluctuation number is calculated and prepared (step B748), the value of the second half fluctuation number is prepared as a fluctuation command (ACTION) (step B749), and the production command setting process (Step B750) is performed.

Next, the special symbol hold number corresponding to the variation symbol determination flag is updated by −1 (step B751), the address of the random number storage area corresponding to the variation symbol determination flag is set (step B752), and the random number storage region is shifted. (Step B753), and clears the free area after the shift to 0 (step B754).
Thereafter, as a process related to the extension of the stop time for displaying the result of the special figure variation display game, first, the stop extension information area is cleared (step B755). Then, the stop symbol pattern is a discontinuation stop symbol pattern (step B756; YES), the effect mode number is 3 (step B757; YES), and the remaining number of rotations (game number) in the effect mode is 1. (Step B758; YES) determines whether or not a special figure high probability (high probability state) is in progress (Step B759).

If the special figure is not in high probability (step B759; NO), the stop extension information 1 is saved in the stop extension information area (step B760), and a stop information command corresponding to the stop extension information is prepared (step B762). An effect command setting process (step B763) is performed, and the variation start information setting process is terminated. Thereby, the stop time is set to the special figure extension display time 1 (first extension stop time) that is longer than the normal special figure display time (normal stop time).
If the special figure high probability is present (step B759; YES), the stop extension information 2 is saved in the stop extension information area (step B761), and a stop information command corresponding to the stop extension information is prepared (step B761). B76), an effect command setting process (step B763) is performed, and the variation start information setting process is terminated. Thereby, the special time extension display time 2 (second extended stop time) in which the stop time is longer than the normal special figure display time is set.

On the other hand, when the stop symbol pattern is not an outlier stop symbol pattern (step B756; NO), the effect mode number is not 3 (step B757; NO), or the remaining number of rotations (game number) in effect mode 3 is not 1. (Step B758; NO) ends the variation start information setting process. In this case, the extension of the stop time is not set, and the normal stop time is set.
In this way, the stop time of the special figure fluctuation display game is set at the start of the special figure fluctuation display game based on the result of the special figure fluctuation display game, the specific rotation speed, and the state of the production mode. To be done. Thereby, for example, it is possible to set an effect that is continuous between the variation time and the stop time, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  Through the above processing, information related to the start of the special figure variation display game is set. In other words, the game control device 54 serves as determination means for determining various random values stored in the start storage means (game control device 54). Further, the game control device 54 serves as a variation pattern determining means capable of determining the variation pattern of the identification information executed in the variation display game based on the determination information of the start memory.

  Information regarding the start of the special figure variation display game is transmitted to the effect control device 53 later, and the effect control device 53 responds to the determined variation pattern based on the reception of the information regarding the start of the special figure variation display game. To set the detailed contents of the decoration special map change display game. The information related to the start of the special figure variation display game includes a decoration special figure hold number command including information related to the start memory number (holding number), a decoration special figure command including information related to the stop symbol, and a fluctuation of the special figure variation display game. A variation command including information related to the pattern and a stop information command including information related to the extension of the stop time are listed, and the commands are transmitted to the effect control device 53 in this order. In particular, by transmitting the decoration special drawing command before the variation command, the processing in the effect control device 53 can be efficiently advanced.

[Special Figure 2 Variation Start Processing]
Next, the details of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (step B604) in the special figure usual process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
The special figure 2 fluctuation start process is a process performed at the start of the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the same process as the special figure 1 fluctuation start process shown in FIG. Is what you do.
When the routine starts, a special figure 2 fluctuation flag indicating the type of special figure fluctuation display game to be executed (here, special figure 2) is saved in the fluctuation symbol discrimination flag area (step B771), and the second special figure fluctuation display is performed. A jackpot flag 2 setting process (step B772) is performed for setting the shift information and jackpot information to the jackpot flag 2 for determining whether or not the game is a jackpot. Details of the big hit flag 2 setting process in step B772 will be described later.

  Next, after performing the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process (step B773) related to the setting of the special figure 2 stop symbol (symbol information), the special figure which sets the special symbol information which is a parameter for setting the variation pattern Special figure 2 fluctuation pattern setting information which is a table in which information is set for performing various information setting processing (step B774, see FIG. 55) and referring to various information regarding the fluctuation pattern setting of the second special figure fluctuation display game. A table is prepared (step B775). Thereafter, a variation pattern setting process (see step B776, see FIG. 56) for setting a variation pattern for the second special figure variation display game is performed, and a variation start information setting process for setting variation start information for the second special figure variation display game. (Refer to Step B777, FIG. 59), and information for changing in the gaming state command area for payout is set (Step B778), and the special figure 2 change start process is terminated. As a result of the process in step B778, game state information indicating that the special figure 2 is changing is sent to the payout control device 1230.

[Big hit flag 2 setting process]
Next, details of the big hit flag 2 setting process (step B772) in the above-described special figure 2 fluctuation start process will be described with reference to FIG.
In this process, the same process as that in the big hit flag 1 setting process shown in FIG. 52 is performed on the second start-up memory. In this big hit flag 2 setting process, first, shift information is saved in the big hit flag 2 area (step B781). This is because information on the deviation is set in advance before the big hit determination. Next, a big hit random number is loaded from the special figure 2 big hit random number storage area (for holding number 1) in the RAM and prepared (step B782). Note that for the number of reservations 1 is an area for storing information (random number or the like) about the special figure starting storage whose digestion order is the earliest (here, the earliest in the special figure 2). Thereafter, a jackpot determination process (see step B783, see FIG. 53) is performed to determine whether or not the jackpot random number value matches the jackpot determination value. This is to check whether the jackpot random number corresponding to the special figure 2 extracted this time is in the jackpot range (a value between the jackpot lower limit judgment value and the upper limit judgment value: matching the jackpot judgment value) If it is within the range of the big hit, it can be judged as a big hit.

  If the determination result of the big hit determination process (step B783) is a big hit (step B784; YES), the big hit information is overwritten and saved in the big hit flag 2 area where the loss information is saved in step B781 (step B785). ), The big hit flag 2 setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination result of the big hit determination process (step B783) is not a big hit (step B784; NO), the big hit flag 2 setting process is terminated while the deviation information is saved in the big hit flag 2. Therefore, at this time, the processing ends in a state where the shift information is saved in the jackpot flag 2, and the jackpot flag 2 is not set.

[Special figure 2 stop symbol setting process]
Next, details of the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process (step B773) in the special figure 2 fluctuation start process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In this process, the same process as the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process shown in FIG. 54 is performed on the second start memory.
When the routine starts, it is checked in step B801 whether the big hit flag 2 is a big hit (whether the big hit information is saved). The jackpot symbol random number is loaded from (for formula 1) (step B802). Next, a special figure 2 big hit symbol table is set (step B803).
Here, the information defined on the special figure 2 jackpot symbol table includes the following.
・ Random number judgment value (indicating distribution rate)
Stop symbol number corresponding to determination value Subsequently, the process proceeds to step B804, where a stop symbol number corresponding to the loaded jackpot symbol random number is acquired and saved in the special symbol 2 stop symbol number area. By this process, the type of special result is selected. The stop symbol number is used to set a stop symbol in a special symbol display (here, a seven-segment special symbol 2 display in the collective display device 35).

  Thereafter, the big hit stop symbol information table is set (step B805), the stop symbol pattern corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved in the stop symbol pattern area (step B806). The stop symbol pattern is for setting a stop symbol type (disconnected, 16R probability variation, 11R probability variation, 2R probability variation, 11R normal variation, etc.) on the display device 41. Next, a probability variation determination flag corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved in the probability variation determination flag area (step B807). The probability variation determination flag is for setting a probability state after the end of the special gaming state.

  Further, the round number upper limit information corresponding to the stop symbol number is acquired and saved in the round number upper limit information area (step B808), and the big winning opening release information corresponding to the stopped symbol number is acquired and the big winning opening is released. Save in the information area (step B809). These pieces of information are for setting the execution mode of the special gaming state. Then, a special decoration figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared (step B812).

On the other hand, if the big hit flag 2 is not big hit in step B801 (step B801; NO), the stop symbol number at the time of loss is saved in the special symbol 2 stop symbol number area (step B810), and the loss stop symbol pattern is set as the stop symbol pattern. The area is saved (step B811), and a special decoration command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared (step B812).
There are, for example, 11 types of decoration special figure commands, and the special figure type in the effect control device 53 can be determined based on the difference in type.
Through the above processing, a stop symbol corresponding to the result of the special figure variation display game is set.

  Thereafter, the decoration special figure command is saved in the decoration special figure command area (step B813), and an effect command setting process (step B814) is performed. This decoration special drawing command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 later. Then, the symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol number is saved in the test signal output data area (step B815), and the special figure 2 big hit symbol random number storage area (for holding number 1) is cleared to 0 (step B816). The stop symbol setting process in FIG.

  Through the above-described special figure 1 stop symbol setting process and special figure 2 stop symbol setting process, the game control device 54 becomes the first variable display game based on the detection of the game ball at the first start winning opening (start winning opening 25). One variation display game is executed, and variation display game execution means for executing the second variation display game as the variation display game based on the detection of the game ball at the second start winning opening (ordinary variation winning device 26). Further, the game control device 54 serves as a variable display game execution control means for controlling the execution of the variable display game based on the determination result by the determination means (game control device 54).

[Special figure changing process transition setting process (Special figure 1)]
Next, the details of the special-fluctuation variability process transition setting process (special figure 1) (step B610) in the special figure usual process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, “1” (corresponding to the process number related to the special figure changing process) is set in step B821, and the process number (here, “1”) is set in the special figure game process number area in step B822. Save. Next, in step B823, the customer waiting demo flag area is cleared, and in step B824, a signal related to the start of fluctuation in FIG. 1 is saved in the test signal output data area.
Next, in step B825, the changing flag is saved in the special figure 1 fluctuation control flag area, and in step B826, the blinking control timer (the special figure 1 display which is the LED segment in the collective display device 35) is displayed in the special figure 1 blinking control timer area. The initial value (for example, 200 ms) of the flashing cycle timer) is saved and the routine is terminated.
In this way, the process for shifting to the special figure changing process for the special figure 1 is performed.

[Special figure changing process transition setting process (Special figure 2)]
Next, the details of the special-fluctuation changing process transition setting process (special figure 2) (step B605) in the special figure usual process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, “1” (corresponding to the process number related to the special figure changing process) is set as the process number in step B831, and the process number (here, “1”) is set in the special figure game process number area in step B832. Save. Next, in step B833, the customer waiting demo flag area is cleared, and in step B834, a signal related to the start of special figure 2 fluctuation is saved in the test signal output data area.
Next, in step B835, the changing flag is saved in the special figure 2 fluctuation control flag area, and in step B836, the blinking control timer (the special figure 2 display which is the LED segment in the collective display device 35) is displayed in the special figure 2 blinking control timer area. The initial value (for example, 200 ms) of the flashing cycle timer) is saved and the routine is terminated.
In this way, the process for shifting to the special figure changing process with respect to the special figure 2 is performed.

[Special figure changing process]
Next, the details of the special figure changing process (step B510) in the special figure game process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the special figure changing process, first, a symbol stop command corresponding to the changing symbol discrimination flag is prepared (step B841), and an effect command setting process (step B842) is performed. As a result, a symbol stop command is sent to the effect control device 53.
Next, it is determined whether there is stop extension information (stop extension information 1 or 2) (step B843). When there is no stop extension information (step B843; NO), the normal special figure display time (for example, 600 ms) is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step B844), and the symbol stop number counter is updated by “+1” (step B843). B847). The symbol stop count counter does not return to “0” even if it makes a round, but remains at the upper limit. Subsequently, the special figure display process transition setting process (step B848) is performed, and the special figure display process is terminated.

If there is stop extension information (step B843; YES), it is determined whether the stop extension information is 1 (step B845). If it is the stop extension information 1 (step B845; YES), the special figure extension display time 1 (for example, 3500 ms) is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step B846), and the symbol stop number counter is updated by “+1” ( After step B847), the special figure display processing transition setting process (step B848) is performed, and the special figure display processing is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is not stop extension information 1 (step B845; NO), that is, if it is stop extension information 2, special figure extension display time 2 (for example, 14300 ms) is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step B849). After updating the symbol stop count counter by “+1” (step B847), the special figure display process transition setting process (step B848) is performed, and the special figure display process is terminated. That is, the game control device 54 serves as a stop time setting means for setting a stop time for displaying the stop result mode of the variable display game.
As described above, the special figure display time is controlled as follows, for example.
・ Normal special drawing display time: 600 ms
・ Special figure extension display time 1: 3500ms
・ Special figure extension display time 2: 14300ms
In this way, in the special figure fluctuation processing, it is not based on whether or not the jackpot is won or the latter half fluctuation number, but is set based on the stop extension information set at the start of the fluctuation of the special figure (whether the game is true, the specific rotation speed, the production mode state, etc. ) To determine the display time after stopping.
65 shows a method of sending a symbol stop command to the effect control device 53, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method of not sending a symbol stop command to the effect control device 53 may be used. This is because the symbol variation time is determined by the variation pattern, so that the symbol can be controlled to stop when the time determined by the effect control device 53 has elapsed.

[Special map display process transition setting process]
Next, the details of the special figure display process transition setting process (step B847) in the special figure changing process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, “2” (corresponding to the process number related to the special figure display process) is set in step B851, and the process number (here “2”) is set in the special figure game process number area in step B852. Save. Next, in step B853, a signal related to the special figure 1 variation end process is saved in the test signal output data area, and in step B854, a signal related to the special figure 2 fluctuation end process is saved in the test signal output data area.
Next, in step B 855, special information as control information for the special figure 1 variable display game in the special figure 1 display (the special figure 1 display which is an LED segment in the collective display device 35) is displayed in the special figure 1 fluctuation control flag area. The stop flag related to the change stop on the display in FIG. 1 is saved, the stop flag is saved in the special view 2 change control flag area in step B856, and the routine is terminated.
In this way, a process for shifting to the special figure display process is performed.

[Special figure display processing]
Next, details of the special figure display process (step B511) in the special figure game process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the special figure display process, first, the big hit flag 2 set in the big hit flag 2 setting process in the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 is loaded (step B861), and the big hit flag 2 area of the RAM is cleared (step B861). Step B862) is performed.
Next, it is checked whether or not the loaded big hit flag 2 is a big hit (step B863). Then, in step B869, a signal related to the start of the special figure 2 jackpot is saved in the test signal output data area, and the process proceeds to step B870.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step B863 that the big hit flag 2 is not a big hit (step B863; NO), the big hit flag 1 set in the big hit flag 1 setting process in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process is loaded. (Step B864), a process of clearing the RAM big hit flag 1 area (Step B865) is performed.
Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the loaded big hit flag 1 is a big hit (step B866). (Step B867), and the process proceeds to Step B870.
If it is determined in step B866 that there is no big hit (NO), the process proceeds to step B887. At this time, the processing is advanced after determining whether there is a short time.

Now, after saving the test signal related to the special figure 1 big hit in step B867 or saving the test signal related to the special figure 2 big hit in step B869, the processing for setting the round number upper limit value table (step B870) is performed.
Next, the round number upper limit value corresponding to the round number upper limit information is acquired, and the round number upper limit value is saved in the round number upper limit area (step B871). Subsequently, a round LED pointer corresponding to the round number upper limit value information is acquired, and the round LED pointer is saved in the round LED pointer area (step B872).
Next, a decoration special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is loaded and prepared from the decoration special figure command area of the RAM (step B873), and an effect command setting process (step B874) is performed. After that, a probability information command at the time of low probability related to information that sets the probability of the hit result in the normal map variation display game and the special map variation display game as the normal probability state (low probability state) is prepared (step B875), An effect command setting process (step B876) is performed. Subsequently, a fanfare command corresponding to the symbol information (stop symbol number or stop symbol pattern) set in the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 stop symbol setting process is prepared (step B877), and an effect command setting process (step B878).

Next, the command corresponding to the special winning opening information is saved in the payout gaming state command area (step B879). As a result, the game state information that the special winning opening is opened is transmitted to the payout control device 230. Subsequently, a command related to the big hit start is saved in the game state command area for payout (step B880). As a result, game state information indicating that the big hit has started is transmitted to the payout control device 230.
At this time, with regard to the game state information, information regarding probability change, time reduction, information regarding symbol variation disappears, and information indicating that it is a big hit is turned on.
Next, the big hit fanfare time (for example, 6000 ms or 48 ms) corresponding to the special winning opening information is saved in the special game process timer area (step B881). Then, the big prize mouth illegal prize number area of the big prize opening (the first variable prize winning device 27 or the second variable prize winning device 34) corresponding to the big prize opening information is cleared (step B882), and the big prize opening information is obtained. The fraud monitoring period outside flag is saved in the special prize opening fraud monitoring period flag area of the corresponding special winning opening (step B883).
Next, the special figure game mode flag is loaded (step B884), and the loaded flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag saving area (step B885). Thereby, information on the probability state when the special result occurs is stored. Then, the effect mode after the end of the special gaming state is determined based on the information stored later.

Thereafter, a transition setting process 1 (fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1) (step B886) for setting various data for transition to the fanfare / interval process is performed, and the special figure display process is terminated.
Specifically, the process number “3” relating to the fanfare / interval process, the process of setting information relating to switching of various states, and the like are performed, and the special-fluctuating process is terminated.
Here, as information for switching various states, for example, a signal indicating that the gaming state is a special gaming state (a big hit state), a probability that a hit result is obtained in a normal variation display game and a special variation display game Test signal indicating that the game is in a normal probability state (low probability state), information related to clearing the number of winnings in the big winning mouth during the illegal winning port fraud monitoring period, information related to clearing the number of rounds in the special gaming state, high Information to turn off the game state display LED related to the display of the probability state, information to set the probability of hitting result in the normal fluctuation display game as a normal probability state (low probability state), display of the high probability state that is turned on at the time of power failure recovery Information for turning off the gaming state display LED (high probability notification LED), information for controlling the special figure variation display game (for example, the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is normally confirmed) Information indicating the state (low probability state), and the probability of the hit result in the ordinary map variation display game or the special diagram variation display game output to the effect control device 53 at the time of power failure recovery is the normal probability state (low probability state) For example, information on clearing the number of remaining time reduction fluctuations after a big hit), and the like.

  On the other hand, if the big hit flag 1 is not big hit at step B866 (step B866; NO), the process jumps to the production mode information check process (step B887) regarding the production mode setting. Next, a time-reduced variation number update process (step B888) for managing the number of times of execution of the special figure variation display game to be in a short time state is performed. Thereafter, the changing information in the game state command area for payout is cleared (step B889). At this time, with regard to the game state information, the information related to the symbol variation disappears, and the information corresponding to the current probability state is retained as the information regarding the probability variation and the short time. Next, special figure normal process transfer setting process 1 (see step B890, see FIG. 50) for setting various data for transferring to the special figure normal process. Specifically, the process number “ The process of setting “0” or the like is performed, and the special figure displaying process is terminated.

[Fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1]
Next, details of the fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1 (step B886) in the above-described special figure display process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, “3” (corresponding to the processing number related to fanfare / interval processing) is set in step B901, and the processing number (here, “3”) is set in the special figure game processing number area in step B902. Save. Next, in step B903, a signal relating to the end of high probability & short time is saved in the test signal output data area.

Next, the process proceeds to step B904, where the number of rounds area for managing the number of rounds executed in the special game state is cleared, and in the subsequent step B905, the number at the low probability is saved in the game state display number area. Save the usual figure low probability & no ordinary power support flag in the figure game mode flag area.
Next, in step B907, the variable symbol determination flag area is cleared, in step B908, the high probability notification flag area is cleared to turn off the gaming state display LED related to the display of the high probability state, and in step B909, the special figure game mode flag is cleared. The special figure low probability & short timeless flag is saved in the area, and the probability information command (low probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery which saves the command output to the effect control device 54 at the time of power failure recovery in step B910. Next, in step B911, the time-varying variation number area for managing the number of special figure variation display games that can be executed in the time-shortening state is cleared. As a result, the high-probability state and the short-time state are terminated, and a normal probability state and a normal operation state are obtained.

Next, a main control ID transmission request flag is set in step B912. This sets a main control ID transmission request flag in response to a request from the payout control device 1230 during a big hit.
Thereafter, the number of effect mode 1 is saved in the effect mode number area (step B913), and the effect remaining rotation speed area is cleared (step B914). This is once cleared because the game control device 54 (main board) manages the production mode.
Next, the non-updated code is saved in the next mode transition information area (step B915), the effect mode 1 command is saved in the effect mode command area (step B916), and the fanfare / interval process transition setting process 1 ends. . As a result, the information on the effect mode is once cleared (that is, the initial value in the default state) with the occurrence of the special gaming state.

[Direction mode information check processing]
Next, the details of the effect mode information check process (step B887) in the above special figure display process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the effect mode information check process, first, it is determined whether the next mode transition information is a no-update code (step B921). If the next mode transition information is a no-update code (step B921; YES), the effect mode information check process is terminated. In this case, the effect mode is not changed according to the number of executed special figure variation display games, and for example, in the high probability state, the effect mode that continues until the next big hit is selected. is there.

  If the next mode transition information is not a no-update code (step B921; NO), the effect remaining number of revolutions, which is the number of executions of the special figure variable display game until the change of the effect mode, is updated by -1 (step B922). Then, it is determined whether or not the remaining rotational speed of the effect is 0 (step B923). When the effect remaining rotation number becomes 0 (step B923; YES), that is, when the effect mode is changed from the next special figure variation display game, the effect mode information address table is set (step B924), and the next mode transition is made. The address of the table corresponding to the information is acquired (step B925).

  Then, the effect mode number of the effect mode to be transferred is acquired and saved in the effect mode number area (step B926), the remaining effect rotation speed of the effect mode to be transferred is acquired and saved in the effect remaining speed area (step S926). B927), the next mode transition information of the effect mode to be transitioned is acquired and saved in the next mode transition information area (step B928). Thereafter, a command corresponding to the new effect mode number is prepared (step B929), the command is saved in the effect mode command area (step B930), an effect command setting process (step B931) is performed, and an effect mode information check process is performed. Exit.

On the other hand, when the remaining effect rotation speed is not 0 (step B923; NO), that is, when the current effect mode continues even in the next special figure variation display game, the remaining effect rotation speed is the specified rotation speed (for example, 8 times). It is determined whether or not there is (step B932). If the remaining effect rotation speed is not the specified rotation speed (step B932; NO), the effect mode information check process is terminated.
If the remaining effect rotation speed is the specified rotation speed (step B932; YES), an effect mode switching preparation command is prepared (step B933), an effect command setting process (step B934) is performed, and an effect mode information check process is performed. Exit. As a result, it is possible to perform an effect of notifying the switching before the specified rotational speed for switching the effect mode.
As described above, the game control device 54 manages the production mode, so that, for example, a specific reach can be generated only in the specific production mode, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Time shortening fluctuation count update processing]
Next, the details of the time shortening variation number update process (step B888) in the above special figure display process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the time shortening fluctuation number update process, first, it is determined whether or not the special figure has a high probability (high probability state) (step B941). If it is during the special figure high probability (step B941; YES), the time shortening variation frequency update process is terminated. If it is not in the special figure high probability (step B941; NO), it is determined whether the special figure is short (short time state) (step B942).

If it is not during the special drawing time reduction (step B942; NO), the time shortening variation number update process is terminated. If the special figure time is short (step B942; YES), the time shortening fluctuation number for managing the number of executions of the special figure variation display game to be in the short time state is updated by -1 (step B943), and the time shortening fluctuation number is updated. Is determined to be 0 (step B944). If the time shortening variation count is not 0 (step B944; NO), that is, if the time-short state continues in the next special figure variation display game, the time shortening variation count updating process is terminated.
When the time shortening variation count is 0 (step B944; YES), that is, when the time-short state is terminated in the current special figure variation display game, a probability information command (time-short end) is prepared (step B945). As the probability information command (short time end), the same command as that at the low probability is used.
Next, an effect command setting process (step B946) is performed, and in a subsequent step B947, the time and medium information in the game state command area for payout is cleared. As a result, the game state information indicating a short time end is transmitted to the payout control device 230. Thereafter, a time reduction end setting process is performed (step B948), and the time shortening variation number update process is ended.

[Time-saving end setting processing]
Next, details of the time reduction end setting process (step B948) in the above-described time reduction variation number update process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the time-short end setting process, first, a signal related to the time-short end is saved in the test signal output data area (step B951), and a low probability number is saved in the game state display number area (step B952).
Next, the ordinary-game low-probability & ordinary-telephone-support-less flag is saved in the ordinary game mode flag area (step B953). Further, a special figure low probability & no short time flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag area (step B954), a probability information command (low probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (step B955), and the short time ends. The setting process ends.
In this manner, the number of time reductions is managed by the game control device 54, and necessary information (state) is set when the time reduction ends.

[Fanfare / In-interval processing]
Next, the details of the fanfare / interval process (step B512) in the above-described special figure game process will be described with reference to FIGS. 72 and 73. FIG.
In the fanfare / interval process, first, the process of updating (+1) the number of rounds in the special gaming state (step B961) is performed, and then the special prize opening information is opened / closed by the special prize opening 2 (second variable winning device 34). It is determined whether the pattern is 1-3 (step B962).
Here, since there are five types of opening / closing patterns from the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing pattern 1 to the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing pattern 5 as opening / closing patterns of the winning prize opening 2 (second variable winning apparatus 34), in step B962 It is determined whether the open / close patterns 1 to 3 are present.

When the winning prize opening information is the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing patterns 1 to 3 (step B962; YES), control pointers (S (start value), E (end) corresponding to the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing patterns 1 to 3 are determined. Value)) is set (step B969), and the process proceeds to step B980 in FIG. By setting the start value and the end value of the control pointer, it is possible to set the opening / closing and closing time of the big winning opening in one round based on the big winning opening control table.
In the case of the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing patterns 1 to 3, since the execution time of one round is short, a series of images are displayed from the start to the end of the special game state instead of every round. A round command corresponding to the number of rounds is not transmitted.
If the winning opening information is not the winning opening 2 opening / closing patterns 1 to 3 (step B962; NO), a round command corresponding to the number of rounds in the special gaming state is prepared (step B963), and an effect command is set. Processing (step B964) is performed.

Thereafter, it is determined whether the starting round is the first round (1R) (step B965). If it is the first round (step B965; YES), the big prize opening information is the big prize opening 1 (first variation). Winning device 27) It is determined whether the pattern is an open / close pattern (step B966).
Here, since there are three types of opening / closing patterns from the winning prize opening 1 opening / closing pattern 1 to the winning prize opening 1 opening / closing pattern 3 as opening / closing patterns of the winning prize opening 1 (first variable winning apparatus 27), in step B966 It is determined whether the winning prize opening 1 is one of the open / close patterns 1 to 3.
When the winning prize opening information is the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern (step B966; YES), the control pointer (S, E) corresponding to the first round (1R) of the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern is set (step S970), the process proceeds to step B980 in FIG.
Note that the same operation is performed in the first round for each of the winning prize opening 1 opening / closing patterns 1 to 3.
If the big prize opening information is not the big winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern (step B966; NO), it is determined whether the big winning opening open information is the big winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern 4 (step B967).

  If the winning opening information is the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern 4 (step B967; YES), the control pointer (S, E) corresponding to the first round (1R) of the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern 4 is set. (Step B968), the process proceeds to Step B980 in FIG. Further, when the winning opening 2 information is not the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern 4 (step B967; NO), the control pointer (S, E) corresponding to the first round (1R) of the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern 5 is set. (Step B971), and then the process proceeds to Step B980 in FIG.

On the other hand, when the started round is not the first round (1R) (step B965; NO), it is determined whether the started round is 2 to 11 rounds (step B972), and the started round is 2 to 11 rounds. If it is round (step B972; YES), it is determined whether or not the special prize opening information is a special prize opening 2 opening / closing pattern (step B973). If the winning opening information is not the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern (step B973; NO), the control pointers (S, E) corresponding to 2 to 11 rounds of the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern are set (step S97). B974), and then the process proceeds to step B980 in FIG.
If the winning opening information is the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern (step B973; YES), the control pointers (S, E) corresponding to the second and subsequent rounds of the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern are set (step S97). B975), and then the process proceeds to step B980 in FIG.

  If the started round is not 2 to 11 rounds (step B972; NO), it is determined whether or not the big prize opening information is a big prize opening 2 opening / closing pattern (step B976). When the winning opening information is the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern (step B976; YES), the control pointers (S, E) corresponding to the second and subsequent rounds of the winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern are set (step S976). B975), and then the process proceeds to step B980 in FIG. Further, when the special winning opening information is not the special winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern (step B976; NO), it is determined whether the special winning opening 1 is the special winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern 2 (step B977).

When the winning prize opening information is the winning prize opening 1 opening / closing pattern 2 (step B977; YES), the control pointers (S, E) corresponding to the 12th round and after of the winning prize opening 1 opening / closing pattern 2 are set (step S97). B978), and then the process proceeds to step B980 in FIG.
If the winning opening 1 is not the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern 2 (step B977; NO), the control pointers (S, E) corresponding to the 12th and subsequent rounds of the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern 3 are set ( Step B979), and then the process proceeds to Step B980 in FIG.

  In step B980 of FIG. 73, the start value (S) of the set control pointer is saved in the jackpot control pointer area (step B980), and the set control pointer end value (E) is set in the jackpot control pointer upper limit area. Save (step B981). Then, solenoid information setting processing (step B982) is performed, and it is determined whether or not the special winning opening opening information is the special winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern (step B983).

When the winning opening opening information is the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern (step B983; YES), the winning opening opening process transition setting process 1 is performed (step B9824), and the fanfare / interval process is terminated.
If the winning opening information is not the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern (step B983; NO), the process for setting the winning opening opening process transition process 2 is performed (step B984), and the fanfare / interval processing is ended.
As a result of the above processing, there are three types of opening / closing patterns from the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern 1 to the winning opening 1 opening / closing pattern 3 as opening / closing patterns of the winning opening 1 (first variable winning apparatus 27). As the opening / closing patterns of the mouth 2 (second variable winning device 34), there are five types of opening / closing patterns from the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing pattern 1 to the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing pattern 5, and any one of these opening / closing patterns. Will be set.

[Solenoid information setting process]
Next, details of the solenoid information setting process (step B982) in the above-described fanfare / interval process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the solenoid information setting process, first, a big winning opening control address table is set (step B991), and an address of the big winning opening control table corresponding to the big hit control pointer is acquired (step B992). After that, the output data is acquired and saved in the special winning opening solenoid output data area (step B993), the opening / closing time value is acquired and saved in the special figure game process timer area (step B994), and the solenoid information setting process is performed. finish.
With this process, the opening and closing of the special winning opening and its time are set.

[Large winning opening open process transition setting process 1]
Next, the details of the process for setting the process for setting a special winning opening during the opening of the fanfare / interval described above (step B984) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the process for setting a process for opening a special prize opening, first, the process number is set to “4” relating to the process for opening a special prize opening (step B1001), and the process number is saved in the special game process number area (step B1001). Step B1002). Thereafter, a signal related to the start of opening of the special winning opening 1 is saved in the test signal output data area (step B1003), and information on the special winning opening count number area for storing the number of winning entries to the special winning opening is cleared (step B1004). . Then, a special winning opening 1 controlling flag is saved in the special winning opening discrimination flag area (step B1005), and the special winning opening open process transition setting process 1 is ended.

[Large winning opening open process transition setting process 2]
Next, the details of the process for setting a process for setting a special winning opening during the above-described fanfare / interval process 2 (step B985) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the process for setting a process for opening a special prize opening, first, the process number is set to “4” relating to the process for opening a special prize opening (step B1011), and the process number is saved in the special game process number area (step B1011). Step B1012). Thereafter, a signal related to the opening of the special winning opening 2 is saved in the test signal output data area (step B1013), and the information of the special winning opening count number area for storing the number of winning entries to the special winning opening is cleared (step B1014). . Then, the special winning opening 2 controlling flag is saved in the special winning opening discrimination flag area (step B1015), and the special winning opening open process transition setting process 2 is ended.

[Processing during the grand prize opening]
Next, the details of the special winning opening opening process (step B513) in the above-described special figure game process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the big prize opening opening process, first, the big hit control pointer is updated by +1 (step B1021), and it is determined whether the value of the control pointer has reached the value of the control pointer upper limit area (step B1022).
When the value of the control pointer does not reach the value of the control pointer upper limit value area (step B1022; NO), solenoid information setting processing (step B1029, see FIG. 74) is performed. Thereby, the opening / closing mode of the big prize opening according to the updated control pointer is set. Then, the process for setting a process for opening a special prize opening is performed (step B1030), and the process for opening a special prize opening is ended.
As shown in FIG. 79, in the special winning opening opening process transition setting process 3, the process number is set to “4” related to the special winning opening open process (step B1041), and the processing number is set in the special game process number area. Save (step B1042), and finish the process of setting the process for setting the special winning opening open process 3.

  Returning to FIG. 77, when the value of the control pointer reaches the value of the control pointer upper limit value area (step B1022; YES), the big winning opening release information is the big winning opening 2 short opening pattern (large winning opening 2 opening pattern 1). ~ 3) is determined (step B1023). If the winning prize opening information is a winning opening 2 short opening pattern (step B1023; YES), a winning prize remaining ball processing transition setting process (step B1028) is performed, and the process of opening the winning opening is ended. In this case, a series of images are displayed from the start to the end of the special game state, and an interval command and an ending command are not transmitted.

If the special winning opening release information is not the special winning opening 2 short opening pattern (step B1023; NO), the current round number in the special game state being executed and the round number upper limit value in the round number upper limit area of the RAM Are compared to determine whether the current round is the final round (step B1024). If it is not the final round (step B1024; NO), an interval command relating to the interval between rounds is prepared (step B1025), an effect command setting process (step B1027) is performed, and a winning prize remaining ball processing transition setting process is performed. (Step B1028) is performed, and the process for opening the special winning opening is completed.
If it is the final round (step B1024; YES), an ending command relating to display control of the ending display screen at the end of the special game state is prepared (step B1026), and an effect command setting process (step B1027) Is performed, and a special winning opening remaining ball processing transition setting process (step B1028) is performed, and the special winning opening open process is terminated.

[Large winning ball remaining ball processing transition setting processing]
Next, details of the big winning opening remaining ball processing shift setting process (step B1028) in the above-described big winning opening opening process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the winning prize remaining ball processing transition setting process, first, the processing number is set to “5” related to the winning ball remaining ball processing (step B1051), and the processing number is saved in the special game processing number area (step B1051). B1052). Thereafter, the winning prize remaining ball processing time (for example, 1380 ms), which is the time required for the remaining ball processing, is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step B1053). Then, in order to close the opening / closing member 27b of the first variable winning device 27 or the opening / closing member 34a of the second variable winning device 34, the first large winning port solenoid 132 or the second large winning port 2 solenoid 133 is turned off. The off data is saved in the large winning opening solenoid output data area (step B1054), and the large winning opening remaining ball processing transition setting processing is ended.

[Large winning ball remaining ball processing]
Next, details of the big winning opening remaining ball process (step B514) in the special figure game process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the winning ball remaining ball processing, first, the current round number reaches the upper limit value by comparing the current round number in the special game state being executed with the round number upper limit value in the RAM round number upper limit area (final). Round)) is checked (step B1061).
If the current round in the special gaming state is not the final round (step B1061; NO), the current round number and the interval time corresponding to the special winning opening information are saved in the special game processing timer area (step B1062). ), The fanfare / inter-interval process transition setting process 2 (step B1063) is performed, and the winning prize remaining ball process is terminated.
The interval time is set to the time corresponding to the current round number and the special winning opening opening information (for example, 68 ms for the special winning opening 2 opening / closing patterns 1 to 3). The interval period between rounds is a period from the end of the round to the time that the winning ball remaining ball processing time (for example, 1380 ms) elapses, and further from the elapse of the winning ball remaining ball processing time until the interval time elapses. For example, if the winning prize opening 2 opening / closing patterns 1 to 3 are used, the time is 1448 ms.

On the other hand, when the current round in the special gaming state is the final round (step B1061; YES), the game mode flag is loaded from the special-purpose game mode flag saving area that stores the probability state when the special result is derived. (Step B1064). Then, the ending time corresponding to the loaded flag and the special winning opening release information is saved in the special game processing timer area (step B1065), and the big hit ending process transition setting process (step B1066) is performed, and the big winning prize remaining ball The process ends.
As described above, the ending period (ending time) is set based on the big prize opening information and the game mode flag at the time of the big hit instead of the symbol information.
The ending period (ending time) is not limited to the above, and may be set based on symbol information, for example.

The ending period from the end of the final round to the end of the special gaming state is that the winning ball remaining ball processing time (for example, 1380 ms) elapses from the end of the final round, and the ending time from the elapse of the winning ball remaining ball processing time. This is the period until elapses. For example, the special winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern that is selected when the special result is 2R probability variation and the special result is not in the short-time state at the time of deriving the special result, that is, in the production mode that is selected in a mode other than the short-time state at the time of deriving the special result. If it is 1, the ending time is 21020 ms. Therefore, the length of the ending period is 22400 ms, including 1380 ms that is spent as the extra winning ball remaining ball processing time before this ending time, and the ending effect is executed on the display device 41 and the like in this ending period.
Also, the special winning opening 2 opening / closing pattern selected when the special result is 2R probability change and the time is short when the special result is derived, that is, when the special mode is the effect mode selected in the short time when the special result is derived. If it is 2, the ending time is 20 ms. Therefore, the length of the ending period is 1400 ms, including 1380 ms that is spent as the winning ball remaining ball processing time before this ending time.

[Fanfare / interval process transition setting process 2]
Next, details of the fanfare / inter-interval process transition setting process 2 (step B1063) in the above-described winning prize remaining ball process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the fanfare / interval process transition setting process 2, first, “3”, which is a process number related to the fanfare / interval process, is set (step B1071), and the process number is saved in the special game process number area (step B1072). ).
Next, a signal related to the end of opening of the big winning opening 1 (first variable winning apparatus 27) is saved in the test signal output data area (step B1073), and the opening end of the big winning opening 1 (second variable winning apparatus 34) is saved. The signal is saved in the test signal output data area (step B1074). Then, the special winning opening determination flag area is cleared (step B1075), and the fanfare / interval process transition setting process 2 is ended.

[Big jackpot end process transition setting process]
Next, details of the jackpot end process transition setting process (step B1066) in the above-described winning prize remaining ball process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the jackpot end process transition setting process, first, “6” is set as the process number related to the jackpot end process (step B1081), and the process number is saved in the special figure game process number area (step B1082). Thereafter, a signal relating to the end of opening of the special winning opening 1 (first variable winning apparatus 27) is saved in the test signal output data area (step B1083), and a signal relating to the completion of opening of the special winning opening 2 (second variable winning apparatus 34). Is saved in the test signal output data area (step B1084).

Next, information on the special winning count area for storing the number of winning prizes is cleared (step B1085), and information on the round number area for storing the number of rounds in the special gaming state is cleared (step B1086). ), Information on the round number upper limit area for storing the upper limit value of the round number in the special gaming state is cleared (step B1087).
Then, the information of the round number upper limit information area for storing the flag for determining the upper limit value of the round number is cleared (step B1088), and the big winning opening opening information area for storing the flag for determining the opening information of the big winning opening is stored. The information is cleared (step B1089), and the information in the big hit control pointer area for setting the opening / closing mode of the big prize opening is cleared (step B1090). Thereafter, the big hit control pointer upper limit value area for storing the end value of the big hit control pointer is cleared (step B1091), the big winning prize discrimination flag area is cleared (step B1092), and the big hit end process transition setting process is ended. To do.

[Big hits end processing]
Next, details of the jackpot end process (step B515) in the above-described special figure game process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the jackpot end process, first, the probability variation determination flag set based on the type of special result that triggered the current special gaming state is set when the high probability state is set after the special gaming state ends. It is determined whether the data is high probability (step B1101).
If it is not high probability data (step B1101; NO), jackpot end setting processing 1 is performed (step B1012). Since this is a state that is not a high-probability rush, a process for shifting to a mode that shortens the time after the big hit ends is set.
On the other hand, when the data is high probability data (step B1101; YES), jackpot end setting processing 2 is performed (step B1103). Since this is a state of high probability rushing, it sets processing for shifting to a mode in which probability fluctuation (high probability start) occurs after the big hit.
Next, a probability information command corresponding to the special figure game mode flag is prepared (step B1104), and an effect command setting process (step B1105) is performed.

Next, as a process of saving information necessary for managing the effect mode in the game control device 54, first, an effect mode information setting table corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is set (step B1106). Then, with reference to the set production mode information setting table, the production mode number of the production mode set after the end of the special gaming state is acquired and saved in the production mode number area (step B1107). Further, the effect remaining speed of the effect mode set after the end of the special gaming state is acquired and saved in the effect remaining speed region (step B1108), and the next mode transition to the effect mode set after the end of the special gaming state is performed. Information is acquired and saved in the next mode transition information area (step B1109).
Thereafter, a command corresponding to the new effect mode number is prepared (step B1110), the command is saved in the effect mode command area (step B1111), and an effect command setting process (step B1112) is performed.
Next, the payout jackpot signal command area is cleared (step B1113). Since this is the big hit end, the signal during the big hit is cleared. Next, the command corresponding to the probability state to be transferred is saved in the payout gaming state command area (step B1114). If you enter the probability fluctuation, turn on the information of “Big hit + short time” and “During probability change”, and if you enter the short time instead of the probability change, “Big hit + short time” and “Short time” Information is turned on. All information that is not turned on is turned off. In addition, all models that do not have probability fluctuations / shortening of time are turned off. Next, special figure normal process transition setting process 3 is performed (step B1115), and the big hit end process is terminated.

[Big jackpot end setting 1]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 1 (step B1102) in the above jackpot end process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, a signal related to the start of time reduction is saved in the test signal output data area in step B1121. The signals related to the start of a short time in this area are as follows.
・ Turn on special symbol 1 fluctuation time reduction status signal
・ Turn on special symbol 2 fluctuation time reduction status signal
-Normal symbol 1 high probability state signal ON
・ Turn on the normal signal 1 fluctuation time reduction state signal
・ Turn on the normal extension 1 signal

Next, in step B1122, the ordinary figure high probability & ordinary power support flag is saved in the ordinary figure game mode flag area, and in step B1123, the special figure low probability & hourly flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag area.
Next, in step B1124, the probability information command (short time) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery, and in step B1125, the initial value (for example, 70) of the time shortening fluctuation count is saved in the time shortening fluctuation count area and the process returns.
By the above processing, after the special gaming state is ended, the probability state of the special figure variation display game becomes the normal probability state and the time shortened state. In addition, by setting an initial value (eg, 70) of the time variation number in the time variation region, the time reduction state ends when the special figure variation display game is executed a predetermined number of times (eg, 70 times).

[Big hit end setting process 2]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 2 (step B1103) in the above jackpot end process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, a signal relating to the start of high probability is saved in the test signal output data area in step B1131. The signals for the high probability start in this region include:
・ Turn on special symbol 1 high probability state signal
・ Turn on special symbol 2 high probability state signal
・ Turn on special symbol 1 fluctuation time reduction status signal
・ Turn on special symbol 2 fluctuation time reduction status signal
-Normal symbol 1 high probability state signal ON
・ Turn on the normal signal 1 fluctuation time reduction state signal
・ Turn on the normal extension 1 signal

Next, in step B1132, the ordinary figure high probability & ordinary power support flag is saved in the ordinary figure game mode flag area, and in step B1133, the special figure high probability & hourly flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag area. Thereafter, the probability information command (high probability) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery in step B1134, the time shortening variation frequency area is cleared in step B1135, and the jackpot end setting process 2 is ended.
With the above processing, after the special gaming state is ended, the probability state of the special figure variation display game becomes a high probability state and the time is reduced until the next special result mode is derived.
That is, the specific game in which the game control device 54 can generate a specific game state (short-time state) that extends the period during which the normal variation prize-winning device 26 is open for a predetermined period after the special game state ends. It serves as state generation control means.

[Special Figure Normal Process Transition Setting Process 3]
Next, details of the special figure normal process transition setting process 3 (step B1115) in the above jackpot end process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, “0” (corresponding to the process number related to the special figure normal process) is set in step B1141, and the process number (here, “0”) is set in the special figure game process number area in step B1142. Save. Next, in step B1143, a signal relating to the end of the jackpot is saved in the test signal output data area.

Here, the signals relating to the end of the jackpot are as follows.
・ Turn off the condition device operating signal
・ Off signal during continuous operation of equipment
・ Off signal per special symbol or signal per special symbol 2
Next, in step B1144, the probability variation determination flag area is cleared, in step B1145, the pointer area of the round LED indicating the number of rounds of the big hit is cleared, and in step B1146, the number in the short time is saved in the game state display number area. Then, in step B1147, the fraud monitoring period flag is saved in the big prize opening 1 fraud monitoring period flag area, and in step B1148, the fraud monitoring period flag is saved in the big prize opening 2 fraud monitoring period flag area. The process transition setting process 3 ends.

[Direction command setting processing]
Next, details of the effect command setting process (step B1112) in the above-described jackpot end process will be described with reference to FIG. The effect command setting process is a process common to the command setting process in other processes.
In the production command setting process, first, in step B1151, the status of the production serial transmission buffer is read. This is to read the state of a buffer that temporarily holds a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 53. Next, in step B1152, it is determined whether or not the effect serial transmission buffer is full. If it is full, no more commands can be transmitted to the effect control device 53, and the process returns to step B1151 and waits.
On the other hand, if the effect serial transmission buffer is not full in step B1152, the process proceeds to step B1153, and command data (MODE (upper byte)) is written in the effect serial transmission buffer.

After step B1153, the process proceeds to step B1154 to read the status of the effect serial transmission buffer. In step B1155, it is determined whether or not the effect serial transmission buffer is full. If the effect serial transmission buffer is full, the process returns to step B1154 and waits.
On the other hand, if the effect serial transmission buffer is not full in step B1155, the process proceeds to step B1156, and command data (ACTION (lower byte)) is written in the effect serial transmission buffer. After step B1156, the effect command setting process is terminated.
Thus, by transmitting the command to the effect control device 53 by serial communication, it is possible to reduce the burden on the game control device 54 and make it difficult to analyze the command. Further, the command transmission timing is advanced and the number of data lines can be reduced. Furthermore, in the effect control device 54, it is not necessary to take in commands within the strobe, and the burden can be reduced. A command is also transmitted to the payout control device 230 by serial communication (details will be described later).

[Design variation control processing]
Next, the details of the symbol variation control process (steps B517 and B519) in the above-described special figure game process will be described with reference to FIG.
The symbol variation control process is a process for controlling the variation of special symbols such as the first special symbol and the second special symbol and setting the display data of the special symbols. In the symbol fluctuation control process, first, it is checked whether the special figure fluctuation control flag relating to the special figure to be controlled (for example, the first special figure) is changing among the first special figure and the second special figure ( Step B1161).
If the special figure changing flag is changing (step B1162; YES), a symbol display table (for fluctuation) corresponding to the special figure (for example, the first special figure) to be controlled is acquired (step B1162). B1163).
Here, the information defined on the variation control table prepared in the special figure game process is as follows.
・ Lower address of the fluctuation control area ・ Pointer of the display table 2 (for stoppage) ・ Pointer of the display table 1 (for fluctuation) Next, of the first special figure and the second special figure, the special figure (e.g. The blinking control timer according to 1 special figure) is updated by “−1” (step B1164), and it is determined whether the value of the timer is 0, that is, the time is up (step B1165).

  When the value of the blinking control timer is not 0 (step B1165; NO), display data corresponding to the value of the target variation symbol number area is acquired (step B1168). When the value of the blinking control timer is 0 (step B1165; YES), the blinking control timer initial value is saved in the blinking control timer area to be controlled (step B1166), and the first and second special figures are saved. Among them, the fluctuation symbol number related to the control target special figure (for example, the first special figure) is updated by “+1” (step B1167), and the display data corresponding to the value of the target fluctuation symbol number area is acquired ( Step B1168). Thereafter, the acquired display data is saved in the target segment area (step B1169), and the symbol variation control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the special figure changing flag is not changing (step B1162; NO), the symbol display table (for stopping) corresponding to the special figure to be controlled (for example, the first special figure) is acquired (step B1170). . Then, display data corresponding to the value of the target variation symbol number area is acquired (step B1171), the acquired display data is saved in the target segment area (step B1169), and the symbol variation control process is terminated. As a result, among the special figure 1 display and special figure 2 display that are LED segments in the collective display device 35, the special figure display (for example, the special figure 1 display) to be controlled corresponds to the symbol number. Will be displayed.

Next, a description will be given of a flowchart relating to the usual game processing. Here, “step C” is used as a step number.
[Normal game processing]
First, the details of the usual game process (step B121) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the usual game process, the input of the gate switch 122 is monitored, the whole process related to the usual figure change display game is controlled, the display of the usual figure is set, and the like.
First, the gate switch monitoring process (step C1) for monitoring the input from the gate switch 122 is performed. The details of the gate switch monitoring process (step C1) will be described later.
Next, a public power prize winning switch monitoring process (step C2) for monitoring the input from the second start port switch 121 is performed. The details of the general power prize winning switch monitoring process (step C2) will be described later.

Next, if the usual game process timer is not 0, "-1" is updated (step C3). Note that the minimum value of the normal game processing timer is set to zero. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the normal game process timer has become 0 (step C4).
If the value of the usual game process timer is 0 (step C4; YES), that is, if it is determined that the time has expired or has already expired, the ordinary figure referred to branch to the process corresponding to the ordinary game process number. A process of setting the game sequence branch table in the register (step C5) is performed, and a process of acquiring the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the usual game process number is performed using the table (step C6).
Then, after performing the process of saving the return address after the branch process to the stack area (step C7), the game branch process (step C8) is performed according to the game process number.

In step C8, if the game process number is “0”, the start of fluctuation of the normal fluctuation display game is monitored, the start of fluctuation of the normal fluctuation display game, the setting of effects, A usual figure process (step C9) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.
Note that details of the normal map routine process (step C9) will be described later.
If the game process number is “1” in step C8, a process for changing the normal map (step C10) for setting information necessary for performing the process for displaying the normal map is performed.
The details of the normal map changing process (step C10) will be described later.
If the game process number is “2” in step C8, if the result of the normal variation display game is a win, it is determined whether or not the normal variation winning device 26 is being supported (during the short-time state). In response to the setting of the opening time of the corresponding electric train and the setting of information necessary for performing the processing during the normal map, a normal map display process (step C11) is performed.
Details of the normal map display process (step C11) will be described later.

In step C8, if the game process number is “3”, the process during the normal map processing for setting the information necessary to continue the process during the normal map or to perform the general electric ball remaining ball process ( Step C12) is performed.
The details of the normal processing (step C12) will be described later.
If the game process number is "4" at step C8, the ordinary electric ball remaining ball process (step C13) for setting information necessary for performing the end process for the normal map is performed.
The details of the ordinary electric ball remaining ball process (step C13) will be described later.
If the game process number is “5” in step C8, a normal figure end process (step C14) for setting information necessary for performing the normal figure normal process (step C9) is performed.
The details of the normal hit end process (step C14) will be described later.
Then, after preparing various tables for controlling the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the general symbol display (collective display device 35) (step C15), the control of the variation of the normal symbol by the general symbol display (collective display device 35) is prepared. The symbol variation control process (step C16) is performed, and the regular game process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step C4 that the value of the usual game process timer is not 0 (step C4; NO), that is, the time is not up, the process proceeds to step C15 and the subsequent processes are performed.

[Gate switch monitoring processing]
Next, details of the gate switch monitoring process (step C1) in the above-described ordinary game process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the gate switch monitoring process, first, it is checked whether or not there is an input to the gate switch 122 (step C21). Then, if it is determined that there is an input to the gate switch 122 (step C21; YES), the number of common map holds is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the number of common map holds is less than an upper limit (for example, 4) (step C22). ). If it is determined that the number of reserved maps is less than the upper limit (step C22; YES), a process of updating (+1) the number of reserved maps is performed (step C23).

Then, after performing the process (step C24) of calculating the address of the random number storage area corresponding to the updated number of pending reservations (step C24), the process of extracting the winning random number and saving it in the random number storage area of the RAM (step C25) To complete the gate switch monitoring process.
Further, when it is determined in Step C21 that there is no input to the gate switch 122 (Step C21; NO), or when it is determined in Step C22 that the number of reserved maps is not less than the upper limit value ( Step C22; NO) The gate switch monitoring process is terminated.

[Penden winning switch monitoring process]
Next, details of the general power winning switch monitoring process (step C2) in the above-mentioned general game process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the general power prize winning switch monitoring process, first, whether or not the normal figure changing display game is in a hit state and the normal fluctuation winning device 26 is performing a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) of opening operation (whether the normal figure winning figure is being hit) It is checked whether or not (step C31). If it is determined that the normal map is being reached (step C32; YES), it is determined whether or not there is an input to the second start port switch 121 (denoted as the start port 2 switch in the flowchart, hereinafter the same). C32) If it is determined that there is an input to the second start port switch 121 (step C32; YES), a process (step C33) of updating (+1) the count number of the utility counter is performed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the count number of the updated utility counter has reached an upper limit value (for example, 9) (step C34), and it is determined that the count number has reached the upper limit value (step C34; YES). Then, a pointer (a hit end value) is loaded from the normal control pointer upper limit value area during hitting (step C35). Then, the loaded pointer is saved in the normal control pointer area per ordinary figure (step C36), the ordinary figure game processing timer is cleared (step C37), and the ordinary power prize winning switch monitoring process is terminated.
In other words, if there is a pay-per-use prize exceeding the upper limit value during the normal hit state, the hit end value is saved in the middle control processing pointer area at that time, and the normal hit state is not complete. Let it finish.

  In step C31, it is determined that the map is not being hit (step C31; NO), or in step C32, it is determined that there is no input to the second start port switch 121 (step C32; NO). ) Alternatively, when it is determined in step C34 that the count number has not reached the upper limit value (step C34; NO), the general power prize winning switch monitoring process is terminated.

[Usually normal processing]
Next, details of the usual figure routine process (step C9) in the above-mentioned usual figure game process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the ordinary map routine processing, first, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved drawings is “0” (step C41). If the number of reserved drawings is “0” (step C41; YES), After shifting to C62 and performing the normal chart normal process shift setting process 1, the normal chart normal process is terminated. The usual figure normal process transition setting process 1 performs a process for repeating the usual figure usual process next time, and will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step C41 that the number of reserved maps is not 0 (step C42; NO), a random number is loaded from the random number storage area (for reserved number 1) in the RAM (step C42). It is determined whether the probability of the hit result in the variable display game is higher than usual (that is, at the time of high probability of usual figure), that is, whether the time is short (step C43).
If it is not the time of normal probability (step C43; NO), it is determined whether the value of the hit random number matches the low probability determination value that is the determination value at the time of normal probability (step C44). If the value of the hit random number does not match the low probability determination value (step C44; NO), the shift information is saved in the hit flag area (step C45), and the shift stop symbol number is set in the normal stop symbol (step C45). C46), the random number storage area (for holding number 1) per common map is cleared to 0 (step C51).
On the other hand, if the value of the hit random number matches the low probability determination value (step C44; YES), the hit information is saved in the hit flag area (step C49), and the hit stop symbol number is set to the normal stop symbol. (Step C50), the random number storage area (for holding number 1) per common map is cleared to 0 (Step C51).

  In step C43, when the normal probability is high (step C43; YES), the high probability lower limit determination value in which the value of the hit random number is the lower limit value among a plurality of consecutive determination values used when the normal probability is high. If the value of the hit random number is not less than the high probability lower limit decision value (step C47; NO), a plurality of consecutive decision values used when the value of the hit random number is normally high It is determined whether it is larger than the high probability upper limit determination value that is the upper limit value in (C48).

If the value of the hit random number is not larger than the high probability upper limit determination value (step C48; NO), that is, if it is a win, the hit information is saved in the hit flag area (step C49), and the normal stop symbol is hit. A number is set (step C50), and the random number storage area (for holding number 1) per common map is cleared to 0 (step C51).
In step C47, when the value of the hit random number is less than the high probability lower limit determination value (step C47; YES), or in step C48, the value of the hit random number is larger than the upper limit determination value (step C48; YES). ), That is, in the case of an error, the error information is saved in the hit flag area (step C45), the error stop symbol number is set in the normal symbol stop symbol (step C46), and the random number storage area per universal symbol (holding number 1) Is cleared to 0 (step C51). That is, the determination value that determines that the hit of the normal figure is the same when the values of the hit random numbers coincide with each other is a single value when the normal figure has a low probability, and a plurality of continuous values when the normal figure has a high probability.

After clearing the random number storage area (for holding number 1) per ordinary figure to 0 (step C51), the stop symbol number is saved in the test signal output data area (step C52). Then, a decorative common pattern variation pattern command corresponding to the stop symbol is prepared (step C53), and an effect command setting process (step C54) is performed. As a result, it is possible to perform an effect corresponding to the common map display game on the display device 41 or the like.
After that, the random number storage area per usual figure is shifted (step C55), the free area after the shift is cleared to 0 (step C56), and the usual figure holding number is updated by "-1" (step C57). That is, in accordance with the execution of the usual map change display game related to the oldest number of reserved maps 1, the process of moving up the ranks of the numbers 2 to 4 of the reserved maps after the reserved number 1 I do. As a result of this processing, the value for the number of reserved maps in the random number storage area from 2 to 4 is shifted from the value for the number of reserved maps in the random number storage area to 1 for the number of reserved maps in the random number storage area. Will be. Then, the value for the usual figure reservation number 4 in the random number storage area per ordinary figure is cleared, and the usual figure reservation number is decremented by one.

  Next, it is determined whether the power transmission support is in progress (during a short time state) (step C58). If the power transmission support is not in progress (step C58; NO), the fluctuation time when there is no power transmission support (for example, 10 seconds) ) Is set (step C59). If the power transmission support is in progress (step C58; YES), a normal map change time (for example, 1 second) during the power transmission support is set (step C61). Then, the normal chart process transition setting process (step C60) is performed, and the normal chart routine process is terminated.

[Usual map transition process 1]
Next, the details of the normal figure normal process transition setting process 1 (step C62) in the above normal figure normal process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, “0” (corresponding to the process number related to the normal map normal process) is set as the process number for shifting to the normal map normal process in step C71, and the normal game process number area is processed in step C72. Save the number (here "0"). Next, in step C73, the fraud monitoring period flag is saved in the normal power fraud monitoring period flag area, and the process returns. As a result, the normal process is shifted to the normal processing next time.

[Process transition setting process during normal map change]
Next, details of the process transition setting process (step C60) during the normal map change in the above normal map normal process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, “1” (corresponding to the process number related to the process of changing the normal map) is set in step C81, and the process number (here, “1”) is set in the normal game process number area in step C82. Save. Next, in step C83, a signal related to the start of normal diagram change (for example, the normal symbol 1 change signal is ON) is saved in the test signal output data area, and in step C84, the changing flag is saved in the normal figure change control flag area. Next, in step C85, the flashing control timer initial value (for example, 200 ms), which is the initial value of the timer of the flashing cycle of the general display (the general display LED of the collective display device 35), is saved in the general flashing control timer area. Then, the process transition setting process during normal map change is terminated. As a result, the process shifts to the normal map change process next time.

[Processing during normal map changes]
Next, details of the process for changing the normal map (step C10) in the above-described normal game process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, a process for setting transition to a normal map display process is performed in step C91. This is a setting for shifting to the normal map display processing, and details will be described later. After this processing, it returns.

[Transition setting process during normal map display]
Next, the details of the normal map display process transition setting process (step C91) in the normal map changing process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, “2” (corresponding to the processing number related to the processing for displaying the normal map) is set in step C101, and the processing number (here “2”) is set in the general game processing number area in step C102. Save. Next, a normal map display time is set (for example, 600 ms) in step C103. Next, in step C104, the normal figure display time is saved in the normal figure game processing timer area, and in step C105, a signal related to the end of the normal figure change (for example, the normal symbol 1 fluctuation signal is OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area. . Next, in step C106, the stop flag is saved in the usual figure fluctuation control flag area and the process returns. As a result, the process moves to the normal map display process next time.

[Processing during normal map display]
Next, the details of the normal map display process (step C11) in the above-described normal game process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the process of displaying a normal map, first, a process of loading a hit flag (hit information or out-of-game information) set in the normal process of normal map (step C111) and clearing a hit flag area in the RAM (step C112) is performed. Do.
Next, it is determined whether or not the loaded hit flag is hit (step C113). If it is determined that the hit flag is not hit (step C113; NO), the process branches to step C122, and the normal processing transition setting process 1 is performed. (Description with FIG. 93) is performed, and the process of displaying a normal map is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step C113 that the hit flag is a win (step C113; YES), a process (step C114) is performed to determine whether the power transmission is being supported (during time reduction).
If the normal power support is not in progress (step C114; NO), the normal power open time (for example, 100 ms) when there is no general power support is saved in the normal game processing timer area (step C115). Further, the hit start pointer value (control pointer value) when there is no ordinary power support is saved in the control pointer area during the normal figure (step C116), and the hit end pointer value (control pointer value) when there is no ordinary power support is saved. Save in the upper limit area of the control pointer per drawing (step C117). Thereby, the opening mode of the normal variation winning device 26 in the normal operation state is set, and for example, it is possible to open twice. Thereafter, a normal process transition setting process (step C121) is performed. This is a setting for shifting to the normal processing during the normal map, and details will be described later. After this processing, it returns.
The hit start pointer value (control pointer value) when there is no ordinary power support is set to “0”, the hit end pointer value is set to “2”, and the hit start pointer value (control pointer value) at the time of ordinary power support is “ 3 ”and the hit end pointer value is set to“ 9 ”.

  On the other hand, when the ordinary power support is in progress (step C114; YES), the ordinary power release time (for example, 1352 ms) at the time of the ordinary power support is saved in the ordinary game processing timer area (step C118). Further, the hit start pointer value (control pointer value) at the time of normal power support is saved in the control pointer area during the normal call (step C119), and the hit end pointer value (control pointer value) at the time of normal power support is saved to the normal map. Save in the middle control pointer upper limit value area (step C120). As a result, an opening mode of the normal variation winning device 26 in the short-time state is set, and for example, it is possible to open four times. After that, a normal process transition setting process (step C121) is performed, and the normal chart display process is terminated.

[Normal processing transition setting process per ordinary figure]
Next, the details of the process for setting the transition to the normal map process (step C121) in the process for displaying the normal map will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, a process number “3” (corresponding to a process number related to the normal process per ordinary figure) is set in step C131, and a process number (here, “3”) is set in the ordinary game process number area in step C132. Save. Next, in step C133, a signal related to the start of the normal signal (for example, the signal per normal symbol is turned ON) and a signal related to the start of the normal electric operation (for example, the normal electric accessory 1 in-operation signal is turned ON) are output in the test signal output data area. To save. Next, in step C134, ON data is saved in the ordinary power solenoid output data area, and in step C135, the ordinary power count number area for storing the number of winnings to the normal variation winning device 26 is cleared. In the monitoring period, the normal power fraud winning number area for storing the number of winnings in the normal variation winning apparatus 26 is cleared, and in step C137, a fraud monitoring period flag (unfair monitoring of the normal fluctuation winning apparatus 26 is displayed in the general power fraud monitoring period flag area). Save outside the period) and return. As a result, the next time, the routine shifts to the normal processing.

[Usual processing per map]
Next, the details of the normal hit processing (step C12) in the above-described normal game processing will be described with reference to FIG.
In the middle processing per map, first, the processing control pointer per base map is loaded and prepared (step C141), and then the value of the loaded control pointer per base map is set in the middle control pointer upper limit value area per base map. It is determined whether or not a value (value of hit end: for example, “4” or the like) has been reached (step C142).
If the value of the control pointer during the normal map does not reach the value of the control pointer upper limit value area during the normal map (step C142; NO), the control pointer during the normal map is updated by +1 (step C143), The normal electric operation transition setting process (step C144) is performed, and the process during the normal map is terminated.
Further, when the value of the control pointer during normal maps reaches the value of the control pointer upper limit value area during normal map (step C142; YES), the process control pointer during normal maps in step C143 is determined. Without performing the process of updating (+1) the area, the normal power operation transition setting process (step C144) is performed, and the normal process is terminated.

[Normal electric operation transition setting process]
Next, details of the normal power operation transition setting process (step C144) in the above-described normal process will be described with reference to FIG.
The normal power operation transition setting process is a process for performing drive control of the normal power solenoid 131 for opening and closing the normal variation winning device 26, and the process branches according to the value of the control pointer.
When the routine starts, branching is performed using the control pointer in step C151. Here, the process branches according to the value of the control pointer loaded and prepared in step C141. Specifically, if the value of the control pointer is any of 0, 3, 5, and 7 in step C151, the process moves to step C152 to control the blockage of the normal variation winning device 26. The waiting time (eg, 2800 ms or 1000 ms) after closing of the corresponding normal variation winning device 26 is saved in the normal game processing timer area, and in the normal power solenoid output data area in order to turn off the general power solenoid 1131 in step C153. Set off-data and end the normal operation transition setting process. As a result, the closing time after the normal variation winning device 26 is opened becomes the above-mentioned wait time, and the normal variation winning device 26 is blocked during this period.

  On the other hand, if the value of the control pointer is any one of 1, 4, 6, and 8 in step C151, the process proceeds to step C154 to control the release of the normal variation winning device 26, and therefore the normal corresponding to the control pointer is used. The normal power open time (for example, any one of 100 ms, 5200 ms, and 1352 ms), which is the open time of the variable winning device 26, is saved in the normal game processing timer area, and the normal power solenoid 1131 is turned on in step C155. The ON data is set in the solenoid output data area, and the normal power operation transition setting process is terminated. As a result, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 26 becomes the above-mentioned normal power opening time, and the normal variable winning device 26 is opened during this period.

  If the value of the control pointer is either 2 or 9 in step C151, the process proceeds to step C156, where the release control of the normal variation winning device 26 is terminated and the ordinary electric ball remaining ball process (step C13) is performed. In order to do this, “4” is set as the process number. Next, in step C157, the process number (here, “4”) is saved in the usual game process number area. Next, in Step C158, the ordinary power remaining ball processing time (for example, 600 ms) is saved in the ordinary game processing timer area, and then in Step C159, the off data is set in the ordinary power solenoid output data area in order to turn off the ordinary power solenoid 1131. Save and end the normal operation transition setting process.

[Penden residual ball processing]
Next, details of the ordinary electric ball remaining ball process (step C13) in the above-described ordinary game process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine starts, in step C161, a normal process end process transition setting process is performed. This is a setting for shifting to a normal hit end process, which will be described in detail later. After this processing, it returns.

[Usual map end process transition setting process]
Next, the details of the normal call end process transition setting process (step C161) in the above-described ordinary electric power remaining ball process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, “5” (corresponding to the process number related to the end process per ordinary figure) is set in step C171, and the process number (here, “5”) is set in the ordinary game process number area in step C172. Save. Next, in step C173, the normal game ending time (for example, 100 ms) is saved in the normal game processing timer area, and in step C174, a signal related to the operation end of the normal variable winning device 26 (for example, the normal electric accessory 1 active signal is output). OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area. Next, in step C175, the normal power count number area for counting the number of winnings to the normal variation winning device 26 is cleared. Then, in step C176, the normal control pointer area per normal map is cleared, in step C177, the normal control pointer upper limit value area per normal map is cleared, and the normal chart end process transition setting process ends. As a result, next time, the process shifts to the end process for each figure.

[End processing per regular map]
Next, the details of the normal game end process (step C14) in the above-described normal game process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, a normal process transition setting process 2 is performed in step C181. This is a setting for shifting to normal processing, which will be described in detail later. After this processing, it returns.

[Usuzu usual process transition setting process 2]
Next, details of the normal figure normal process transition setting process 2 (step C181) in the above-mentioned normal figure end process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the routine is started, “0” (corresponding to the processing number related to the normal routine process) is set in step C191, and the processing number (here, “0”) is set in the general game processing number area in step C192. Save. Next, in step C193, a signal related to the end of the normal symbol (for example, the signal per normal symbol is OFF) is saved in the test signal output data area. Next, in Step C194, a fraud monitoring period flag (a flag defining the fraud monitoring period of the normal variation winning device 26) is saved in the normal power fraud monitoring period flag area, and the process returns. As a result, next time, the routine shifts to normal processing.

G. Control system operation (dispensing control device)
Next, control contents of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIGS. 105 to 164.
[Main processing of payout control device]
First, the main process of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, the flowchart of the payout control device 230 will be described using “step D” as the step number.
This main process is started based on the fact that the CPU 231 is forcibly reset. That is, when the power switch 181 of the power supply 58 that supplies power to the payout controller 230 is turned on, a reset signal is issued from the power supply 58 at a predetermined timing (in a predetermined reset period when the power is turned on). When input to the control device 230 and the reset terminal of the CPU 231 is turned on, and then the reset signal is released, the CPU 231 is activated. Similarly, when the power is restored from a power failure, the reset signal is turned on and then released and the CPU 231 is activated. Further, when the worker wants to initialize the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230, the power switch 181 is turned on while the RAM clear switch 182 (initialization switch) of the payout control device 230 is turned on. There is a need. Note that the RAM 233 is denoted as RAM in FIG.

When the CPU 231 is activated, interrupts are first prohibited, the CPU peripheral circuits (including the serial port) built in the CPU 231 are initialized, and off data (corresponding to “0” of the binary signal) is output to all output ports. Signal) and access to the RAM 233 is permitted (steps D1 to D4).
Since each output port is turned off (reset) by the reset signal, it is not always necessary to output the off signal to each output port in software, but step D3 is provided here just in case. .

After step D4, it is then determined in step D5 whether the RAM clear signal is on. This is to determine whether the power is turned on by turning on the power switch 181 while turning on the RAM clear switch 182 (initialization switch) of the payout control device 230. That is, it is determined whether the RAM clear signal is on by turning on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 182. If the RAM clear signal is not on, the process proceeds to step D6. If the RAM clear signal is on, the process jumps to step D10.
The determination in step D5 is performed when the RAM clear switch 182 is pressed, because all data such as the RAM 233 and CPU 231 registers are cleared and initialized. Is not taken into the payout control device 230. For this purpose, the operation of the RAM clear switch 182 is determined in step D5.

  First, when the RAM clear signal is not on (when the power is not turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 182), whether all the values in the power failure inspection areas 1 and 2 of the RAM 233 are normal power failure inspection area check data in step D6. If it is normal, the process proceeds to step D7 assuming that the power is restored (when the power is restored), and if abnormal (if not stored normally), the process proceeds to step D10. The power failure inspection area check data is set in step D22 described later. In this step D6, since it is determined whether or not the power failure has been restored by using a plurality of check data in this way, the determination of whether or not the power failure has been restored is made with high reliability.

Next, in step D7, a checksum of the data in the RAM 233 is calculated, and in step D8, it is compared with the checksum at the time of power-off, and it is determined whether or not the value is normal (match). If the checksum is not normal (that is, when the data in the RAM 233 is corrupted), the process proceeds to step D10, and if the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step D9.
In step D9, a process for power failure recovery (initial value setting) is executed. That is, all the power failure inspection areas are cleared, the checksum area is cleared, and the areas related to error and fraud monitoring are reset. Next, the process proceeds to step D13.
The command at the time of power failure recovery (power failure recovery command) includes information notifying the state at the time of power failure (game state, rest state, settlement state). For example, when there is a power outage during a break, information indicating that the user is taking a break (for example, the same as the break start flag in FIG. 139 described later) may be included in the power failure recovery command. The presentation control device 53 that has received the command via the game control measure 54 at the time of power failure recovery, for example, resumes the display on the display device 41 that informs that the break is being performed at the time of the power failure after the power failure recovery. In addition, when there is a power failure during the settlement, the information indicating that the settlement is in progress is included in the command at the time of power failure recovery, and the effect control device 53 that received this command at the time of power failure recovery via the game control measure 54. For example, the display on the display device 41 for notifying the settlement being executed at the time of a power failure is resumed after the power failure is restored. Thereby, the player can clearly recognize that the state at the time of the power failure is stored in the RAM 233 and the state is resumed at the time of the power failure recovery, and the player does not feel uneasy at the time of the power failure recovery.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is ON in step D5 (when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 182), the process jumps to step D10, and the processes after step D10 including this step D10 are performed. .
When processing proceeds to step D10 and subsequent steps, processing such as initialization of data in the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 is performed. That is, in step D10 and step D11, all RAM 233 areas to be used are cleared. Specifically, in step D10, all work areas in the RAM 233 are cleared, and in step D11, all stack areas are cleared. Next, in step D12, initial values are set in areas where initial values need to be set. This is a process for setting an initial value upon power-on in an area to be initialized. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step D13.
As described above, since the RAM 233 is initialized before the nighttime monitoring information is taken into the payout control device 230, the nighttime monitoring information at the time of power-off is not lost, and the security is high.

Next, when the process proceeds from step D9 to step D13, or when the process proceeds from step D12 to step D13, the processes after step D13 are performed including this step D13.
When processing proceeds to step D13 and subsequent steps, it is first determined in step D13 whether or not authentication is completed. This is because the gaming machine ID (both the main control ID and the payout ID here) is sent to the external management device 91, which is a third party organization, via the card control unit 15 via the payout control device 230, where it is checked against the authentication list. Then, it is determined whether the verification result OK is found and the authentication is completed. Note that the authentication completion is determined based on, for example, the state of the internal status register of the CPU 231. This is because the authentication completion information from the external management device 91 is transmitted to the payout control device 230 via the card unit 15 and stored in the internal status register of the CPU 231, for example. If the authentication is not completed in step D13, the process stands by in step D13. If the authentication is completed, the process proceeds to step D14. In step D14, night monitoring information reception processing is performed. In this process, the output signal of the night monitoring switch 126 is taken into the payout control device 230 (details will be described later).
The night monitoring information from the night monitoring switch 126 is output to the payout control device 230 in response to a request from the payout control device 230. The night monitoring information may be stored in the RAM 233 or a register of the CPU 231.

After step D14, the process proceeds to step D15, where, for example, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit provided in the CPU 231 is activated. The CTC circuit is a circuit for timer interruption.
Next, in step D16, an interrupt is permitted, and when proceeding to the next step D17, the number of times of power-off detection signal check (for example, twice) is set, and whether or not the power-off detection signal is turned on in next step D18. If it is determined to be on, the process proceeds to step D19 for final determination of power failure, and if it is not on, the process returns to step D17. During normal operation, steps D18 to D17 are repeated.

Then, when proceeding to step D19, it is determined whether or not the power-off detection signal is kept on for the number of checks. If the determination result is affirmative, a final determination is made that a power failure has occurred, and the process proceeds to step D20. If negative, it is determined that a power failure has not occurred, and the process returns to step D18.
When the power-off detection signal is turned on, this power-off detection signal may be used as an NMI interrupt signal to interrupt the current process and forcibly execute the power failure process after step D20. However, in the configuration of this example, since the power-off detection signal is turned on multiple times at step D19, the power-off detection signal is temporarily and instantaneously caused by noise or the like even though no power failure has actually occurred. There is an advantage that it is not erroneously determined that a power failure has occurred when the power is turned on.

In step D20, after interrupting is prohibited, all outputs are turned off in the next step D21 (off data is output to all output ports), and then a power failure information setting process is executed in step D22. In the power failure information setting process, the power failure inspection area check data 1 is saved in the power failure inspection area 1 and the power failure inspection area check data 2 is saved in the power failure inspection area 2. That is, check data for restoration confirmation is saved in the power failure inspection areas 1 and 2.
After step D22, the checksum of the data in RAM 233 is calculated in the next step D23, and the calculated checksum is saved in a predetermined checksum area in step D24, and then access to the RAM 233 is prohibited in step D25. Then wait.
In addition, the power failure process of the above steps D20-D25 is performed before a power supply voltage falls below the operating voltage of CPU231 by a power failure (a normal power supply interruption is included).

[Night monitoring information reception processing]
Next, the night monitoring information reception process (step D14) in the main process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, information on whether or not the nighttime frame is open is received from the nighttime monitoring switch 126 and stored in step D31. The night frame opening / closing information includes information (frame opening information) indicating whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 is detected at night, and monitoring information on the removal of the game control device 54. The reception of the night frame opening / closing information corresponding to the presence / absence of the detection of opening is determined. The night frame opening / closing information is information indicating whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 is detected at night, and the number of times of opening the night frame described later is how many times the opening of the front frame 4 is detected at night. It is information which shows.
Next, in step D32, the information on the number of times of opening the night frame is received from the night monitoring switch 126 and stored. Next, in step D33, the board removal information is received from the nighttime monitoring switch 126 and stored. The board removal information is removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 (corresponding to a board), and is information indicating whether or not the game control device 54 has been removed at night. The above information is stored in the RAM 233, for example. After step D33, the night monitoring information reception process is terminated.

[Timer interrupt processing (payout) of the payout controller]
Next, timer interruption processing (payout) of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
This timer interrupt process (payout) is started by the processes of steps D15 and D16 in the main process described above, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timer interrupt period.
In this timer interrupt process, first, in step D41, register saving and interrupt prohibition are executed as necessary, and then the input process in step D42 is executed. In this input process, each of the above-described sensors (launching ball detection switch 160, out-ball detection switch 161, first safe ball detection switch 162, second safe ball detection switch 163, first sealed ball detection switch 164, second sealed ball) The detection signal is read from the ball detection switch 65, the glass frame opening switch 1125, the nighttime monitoring switch 126, the radio wave sensor (frame) 127, and the like.
Specifically, the output value of each sensor is determined at each timer interruption period, and when the output value of the same level continues for a specified number of times (for example, twice), the level of this output value is detected by each sensor. Read as deterministic value of signal. Specifically, the state of each sensor is read and level data and edge data are generated. Further, when it is read that any one of the sensors is on, a flag (input flag) indicating that is set.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126 detects opening of the front frame 4 and removal of the game control device 54 at night (when the main power is not supplied to the gaming machine), but in a normal state (main power is supplied to the gaming machine). Even when the front frame 4 is released or the game control device 54 is removed.

Next, output processing is executed in step D43. This is to collectively output data to ports other than communication. Communication (for example, communication with the game control device 54) is performed using a transmission buffer or the like.
Next, switch monitoring processing is performed in step D44. This monitors the input flags set as described above (input flags such as the launch ball detection switch 160, the out ball detection switch 161, the first safe ball detection switch 162, the second safe ball detection switch 163), It performs processing for enclosing ball control such as subtraction of the number of balls that accompanies the launch and increase / decrease of the number of board surfaces.
The details of each processing of Step D44 to Step D59 including Step D44 will be described later in a subroutine.

Next, in step D45, an error / fraud monitoring process is executed. This is a process for monitoring an undetected error of each sensor, small ball fraud monitoring, magnetic ball fraud monitoring, nighttime monitoring fraud monitoring, and the like.
For example, the types of error and fraud monitored in this error / fraud monitoring process are as follows.
・ Glass frame open (Glass frame 5 open)
-Front frame open (front frame 4 open)
・ Switch abnormality (connector disconnection, switch failure, etc.)
・ Board ball number error ・ Encapsulated ball number error ・ Frame radio wave fraud ・ Small ball fraud monitoring ・ Magnetic ball fraud monitoring ・ Night monitoring fraud monitoring

The enclosing ball number error includes the following.
(A) Enclosed ball number shortage error (b) Enclosed ball number excessive error (c) Enclosed path error

Next, the process proceeds to step D46 to perform main control command reception processing. This is to receive a command (main control command) from the game control device 54 (details will be described later).
Next, a main control ID reception process is performed in step D47. This is to receive the main control ID from the game control device 54.
Next, card unit command reception processing is performed in step D48. This is for receiving a command from the card unit 15.
Next, a launch control process is performed in step D49. This controls the launch of the game ball, and controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 172, the launch solenoid 173, and the like.
Next, a polishing apparatus control process is performed in step D50. This controls the operation of the polishing apparatus 306 and the like that polish the encapsulated sphere.
Next, a feeding device control process is performed in step D51. This controls the operation of the feeding device 302 for feeding the encapsulated ball.
Next, in step D52, the number-of-balls management process is performed. This is to manage the number of balls held for winning and the use of counting balls.
Next, a ball removal control process is performed in step D53. This is to perform control when the enclosing ball is pulled out.
Next, a settlement control process is performed in step D54. This is to monitor a payment instruction from the card unit 15 and perform processing related to payment (details will be described later).
Next, a break control process is performed in step D55. This performs processing necessary for the start and end of a break.
Next, LED editing processing is performed in step D56. This is a process for displaying various LEDs (for example, an error display LED 67, a ball count indicator 40, an LED built in the counting switch 311).

Next, main control command transmission processing is performed in step D57. This is because a command is generated based on information from various sensors input to the payout control device 230 and information such as the pressing state of the counting switch 311, and the main control command is sent from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54. The transmission process is performed.
Next, card unit command transmission processing is performed in step D58. This is based on a command received from the card unit 15 and performs a necessary process such as a recovery response or a card insertion response or a process of transmitting the gaming machine ID to the card unit 15.
Next, a game stop signal editing process is performed in step D59. This is to edit the game stop signal such as turning on the game stop signal to stop the game during the settlement process or communication abnormality, or turning off the game stop signal when the game is possible. , Processing of instructions taking the form of signals instead of commands.
Thereafter, in order to resume the main routine, the register saved at step D60 is restored, the interrupt is permitted at step D61, and the process interrupted at the interruption is restored (returned).

[Main control command reception processing]
Next, the main control command reception process D46 in the timer interrupt process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this process, a command transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 is received and saved.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D71 whether or not there is game information reception. In a broader sense, game information is one command, and game state information is also included in one command. The type information and the prize ball information are also one of the commands. However, the type information, the prize ball information, etc. are not described like the type information command with a command attached, but are simply described as the type information.
If no game information is received in step D71, the main control command reception process is terminated and the process returns. On the other hand, if game information is received in step D71, the process proceeds to step D72, and the type information and prize ball information are read from the game information reception buffer.

Here, as described above, the type information is composed of a data type and a data number, and the prize ball information is composed of the number of prize balls and the number of winning prizes. The more detailed configuration is as follows. .
The data type of the type information distinguishes the types of no information, start opening, big winning opening, winning opening, symbol stop count, and the data type is represented by the upper 4 bits as follows.
-0: No information-1: Start port (including the first and first start ports)
・ 2: Grand prize opening (including 1st big prize opening and 1st big prize opening)
・ 3: Prize winning opening (General winning opening)
* 4: Symbol stop count The lower 4 bits indicate the data number for each data type.
-0: No information-1-15: Data number On the other hand, the prize ball information represents the number of prize balls for each data type in the upper 4 bits as follows.
-0: No information-1-15: Number of winning balls In addition, the lower 4 bit data represents the number of winnings for each type.
-0: No information-1-15: Number of winnings Next, the game state information represents various game states as follows.
・ Signal status of external information system ・ Illegal information such as radio wave and magnet fraud ・ Launch stop information

After step D72, it is determined whether or not the type information and prize ball information read from the game information reception buffer in step D73 is “no information”. As described above, since the type information and the prize ball information include a bit indicating “no information”, the determination is made based on the value of the bit.
If it is determined in step D73 that “no information”, the process jumps to step D83 to determine whether or not all commands have been received. If all the commands have not been received in step D83, the process returns to step D72 to repeat the loop. If it is determined in step D83 that all commands have been received, the process proceeds to step D84.

On the other hand, if it is not “no information” in step D73 (if there is information), the process proceeds to step D74 to determine whether or not the type information = winning system. This determines whether or not the type information read out from the game information reception buffer and the type information of the prize ball information is information indicating winning at the start opening, the big winning opening, and the winning opening that are winning information. Is. The information other than the winning system includes, for example, the number of symbol stops.
If the type information = winning system in step D74, the process proceeds to step D75, and a winning ball number area corresponding to the type of winning hole is set. In the prize ball number area, for example, the type area assigns an address such as setting the type indicated by the command (starting opening, big prize opening, winning prize opening) in the prize ball number area. Therefore, the address of the winning ball number area corresponding to the command received from the game control device 54 this time is acquired.
For example, if the command received from the game control device 54 this time is type information and prize ball information, by acquiring the address of the prize ball number area assigned to the type of prize ball represented by the type information, The number of prize balls represented by the prize ball information is read out, and the “number of prize balls” is decoded and saved as a value meant by the command (see step D77).
Next, the process proceeds to step D76, where it is determined whether or not the number of winning balls is zero. If the number of winning balls = 0, there is no current winning ball number, so the process jumps to step D83. If the number of winning balls is not 0 in step D76, a new value indicating the number of winning balls is written in the winning ball area in step D77. Here, by overwriting the previous data, the value indicating the current number of winning balls is written in the winning ball number area.

Next, in step D78, a winning number area corresponding to the type of winning opening is set. In the winning number area, for example, the type area is set by assigning an address to the type information such as setting the type indicated by the command (start opening, big winning opening, winning opening) in the winning number area. Therefore, the address of the winning number area corresponding to the command received from the game control device 54 this time is acquired.
For example, if the command received from the game control device 54 this time is type information or prize ball information, by acquiring the address of the winning number area assigned to the type of the winning mouth in the type information, The number of winning prizes in the winning ball information is read out, and the “winning quantity” is decoded and saved as a value that the command means (see step D80).
Next, the process proceeds to step D79, and it is determined whether or not the number of winning prizes = 0. If the number of winnings = 0, there is no current winning number, and the process jumps to step D83. If the winning number is not 0 in step D79, the value of the current winning number is added to the previous winning number area value in step D80 to obtain a new winning number area value. That is, the current data is added to the previous data so that “the value of the previous winning number area + the value indicating the current winning number” = the value of the new winning number area.
This is because the number of winnings is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 during the reception interval of every 200 ms, so that there is a possibility that a plurality of commands may be received during 200 ms. Is to add the number of winnings. For example, there is a possibility that the game ball may continuously win the winning prize opening while the big winning opening is open during the big hit.

After step D80, it is then determined in step D83 whether all commands have been received. If all the commands have not been received in step D83, the process returns to step D72 to repeat the loop. If it is determined in step D83 that all commands have been received, the process proceeds to step D84.
On the other hand, if the type information is not a winning system in step D74, the process branches to step D81 to determine whether the type information is the number of symbol stops. This is because, if the type information of the type information read from the game information reception buffer and the prize ball information is not winning information, the information other than the winning type includes, for example, the number of symbol stops. It is to judge whether there is. If the type information is the number of symbol stops in step D81, the process proceeds to step D82, and the value indicated by the data number corresponding to the number of symbol stops in the type information is written in the symbol stop number area. Here, by overwriting the previous data, the value indicated by the data number (current symbol stop count) is written in the symbol stop count area. Thereby, it is updated to the latest number of symbol stops. After step D82, the process proceeds to step D83. Further, if it is determined in step D81 that the type information is not equal to the number of symbol stops, the process proceeds to step D83.
In step D83, it is determined whether or not all commands have been received. If all commands have not been received in step D83, the process returns to step D72 to repeat the loop. If it is determined in step D83 that all commands have been received, the process proceeds to step D84.

If it is determined in step D83 that all commands have been received and the process proceeds to step D84, it is determined whether or not gaming state information has been received. This is to determine whether or not the reception of the game state information is stored in the game information reception buffer since the processing related to the type information and the prize ball information among the information read from the game information reception buffer is completed.
If no gaming state information is received in step D84, the main control command receiving process is terminated. On the other hand, if the game state information is received in step D84, the process proceeds to step D85, and the start address of the game state information storage area is set. Since the game state information storage area is configured so that a plurality of information can be stored, the area can be divided by address, so that a plurality of game state information read from the game information reception buffer is sequentially stored in the game state information storage area Address is set from the top.
Next, at step D86, the game state information is read from the game information reception buffer, and at step D87, the read game state information is saved at the start address of the game state information storage area.
Next, in step D88, the address of the game state information storage area is updated to the next address. Thereby, preparation for storing the next game state information is completed. Next, in step D89, it is determined whether or not reception of all gaming state information has been completed. If reception of all gaming state information has not been completed in step D89, the process returns to step D86 to repeat the loop. In this manner, the next information of the plurality of pieces of game state information is read from the game information reception buffer and stored in the game state information storage area designated by the next address (updated address). . By repeating such a loop, all the game state information is read from the game information reception buffer and saved at a plurality of addresses in the game state information storage area. As a result, the payout control device 230 knows the latest gaming state (for example, external information system signal state, radio wave, illegal information such as magnet fraud, launch stop information).
If it is determined in step D89 that all the game state information (all the plurality of game state information) has been received, the process proceeds to step D90, and the main control command received flag is set. Thereby, by referring to the set of the main control command received flag, it is possible to confirm that the reception of all the game state information is completed in other processes. After step D90, the main control command reception process is terminated.

[Main control ID reception processing]
Next, the main control ID reception process D47 in the timer interruption process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this process, the main control ID transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 is received and saved.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D101 whether or not a main control ID has been received. If no main control ID is received in step D101, the main control ID receiving process is terminated. On the other hand, if the main control ID is received in step D101, the process proceeds to step D102, and the head address of the main control ID storage area is set. The main control ID storage area is configured so that a plurality of data (for example, chip code, manufacturer code, model code, etc.) of the main control ID can be stored so that the area can be divided by address. Addresses for sequentially storing a plurality of data of the main control ID read from the main control ID storage area are set from the top.

Next, in step D103, one of the plurality of data of the main control ID is read from the main control ID reception buffer, and the read data is saved in the head address of the main control ID storage area in step D104. Next, in step D105, the address of the main control ID storage area is updated to the next address. Thereby, preparation for storing the next main control ID is completed. Next, in step D106, it is determined whether or not reception of all data (a plurality of data of the main control ID) has been completed. If reception of all data has not been completed in step D106, the process returns to step D103. Repeat. As a result, the next data among the plurality of data of the main control ID is read from the main control ID reception buffer and stored in the main control ID storage area specified by the next address (updated address). By repeating such a loop, all data of the main control ID is read from the main control ID reception buffer and saved at a plurality of addresses in the main control ID storage area.
If it is determined in step D106 that reception of all data of the main control ID has been completed, the process proceeds to step 107, and an ID transmission flag is set. Thereby, by referring to the set of the ID transmission flag, it can be confirmed in other processes that the main control ID may be transmitted. After step D107, the main control ID reception process is terminated.

[Card unit command reception processing]
Next, the card unit command reception process D48 in the timer interrupt process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this process, a command (card unit command) transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is received and saved.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D111 whether or not a card unit command has been received. This is determined by whether there is a card unit command in the card unit command reception buffer.
If no card unit command is received in step D101, the card unit command receiving process is terminated. On the other hand, if a card unit command is received in step D111, the process proceeds to step D112 to set the top address of the card unit command storage area. The card unit command storage area is configured so that multiple card unit commands can be stored by address so that multiple card unit commands to be read from the card unit command reception buffer can be sequentially stored in the card unit command storage area. The address for storing is set from the top.

Next, in step D113, a command (card unit command; hereinafter the same in this flowchart) is read from the card unit command reception buffer, and the read command is saved in the head address of the card unit command storage area in step D114. In step D115, the address of the card unit command storage area is updated to the next address. This prepares you to save the next command. Next, in step D116, it is determined whether or not reception of all commands (all of the plurality of commands existing in the card unit command reception buffer) has been completed. If reception of all commands has not been completed in step D116, step D113 is performed. Return to and repeat the loop. As a result, the next command is read from the card unit command reception buffer and stored in the card unit command storage area designated by the next address (updated address). By repeating such a loop, all commands existing in the card unit command reception buffer are read from the card unit command reception buffer and saved at a plurality of addresses in the card unit command storage area.
If it is determined in step D116 that all card unit commands have been received, the process proceeds to step 117, where a card unit command received flag is set. As a result, by referring to the set of the card unit command received flag, it is possible to confirm that all card unit commands have been received in other processes. After step D117, the card unit command reception process is terminated.

[Switch monitoring processing]
Next, the switch monitoring process D44 in the timer interrupt process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this process, the input flags of various switches are monitored, and a process for enclosing ball control such as subtraction of the number of balls and the increase / decrease of the number of balls on the board are performed.
When this routine is started, an out-sphere detection switch monitoring process is performed in step D121. This is a process for monitoring the out-ball detection switch 161, which is a non-winning sensor, and details will be described later in a subroutine.
Next, a safe sphere detection switch monitoring process is performed in step D122. This is a process for monitoring the first safety ball detection switch 162 and the second safety ball detection switch 163, which are winning sensors, and details will be described later in a subroutine.
Next, in step D123, a shot ball detection switch monitoring process is performed. This is a process for monitoring the firing ball detection switch 160 as a subtraction sensor, and details will be described later in a subroutine.
After step D123, the switch monitoring process is terminated.

[Out ball detection switch monitoring process]
Next, the out-sphere detection switch monitoring process D121 in the switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D131 whether or not the out sphere detection switch 161 has been turned on (ie, whether or not an out sphere has been detected). If not, the routine returns. If the out sphere detection switch 161 is on, the process proceeds to step D132 and the value of the out number is updated (incremented) by “+1”.
Next, the routine proceeds to step D133, where it is determined whether or not a board surface ball number error is in progress. If a board surface ball number error is in progress (specifically, if the board surface ball number error flag of FIG. The process proceeds to D134, and if the board ball number error is not in progress (specifically, the board ball number error flag in FIG. 118 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step D135.
In step D134, it is determined whether or not a glass frame open error is in progress. If a glass frame open error is in progress (specifically, if a glass frame open error flag in FIG. If the glass frame opening error is not in progress (specifically, if a glass frame opening error flag in FIG. 120 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step D135.
In step D135, the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process returns.

  According to this routine, every time one out ball is collected, one board ball number is subtracted. However, if there is a board surface ball number error and a glass frame opening error, it is considered that the glass frame 5 is opened and the board surface ball number error (such as ball clogging in the game area) is being solved. The subtraction of the number of surface balls of D135 is not executed. When the operation for eliminating the board surface ball number error (ball jam in the game area, etc.) is completed and the glass frame 5 is closed, the board surface ball number is cleared by an error release switch monitoring process of FIG. D193).

Note that the out balls detected in step H131 include both game balls that have been fired and have become safe (winning) and game balls that have been out (no winning). That is, the number of outs means the number of all game balls that are discharged and collected from the game area.
Further, even if a board surface ball number error occurs due to the steps D133 and D134, if the glass frame 5 is not opened, step D135 is executed and the board surface ball number is updated. When the player hits the front surface of the glass frame 5 or when the game ball is resolved by the collision of the game balls, the error is released without operating the error release switch 68. Troublesome for both shoppers and shop assistants.

[Safe ball detection switch monitoring process]
Next, the safe ball detection switch monitoring process D122 in the switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
A first safe ball detection switch 162 and a second safe ball detection switch 163 are arranged in the frame portion on the back side of the game board 20, and these switches 162 and 163 detect only the safe ball of the game board 20. Therefore, in the safe sphere detection switch monitoring process, processing related to the first safe sphere detection switch 162 and the second safe sphere detection switch 163 is performed.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D141 whether or not the first safe ball detection switch 162 is turned on. If not, the routine jumps to step D147 and relates to the second safe ball detection switch 163. Transition to processing.
On the other hand, if the 1st safe ball | bowl detection switch 162 is ON, it will progress to step D142 and will update the value of a safe number only by "+1". Next, in step D143, the value of the out number is updated (incremented) by “+1”.
Next, the process proceeds to step D144 to determine whether or not a board surface ball number error is in progress. If the board surface ball number error is in progress (specifically, if the board surface ball number error flag of FIG. Proceeding to step D145, if the board ball number error is not in progress (specifically, if the board ball number error flag of FIG. 118 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step D146.
Proceeding to step D145, it is determined whether or not a glass frame opening error is occurring. If a glass frame opening error is occurring (specifically, if a glass frame opening error flag in FIG. The process jumps to D147, and if the glass frame opening error is not in progress (specifically, if the glass frame opening error flag in FIG. 120 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step D146.
In step D146, the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process proceeds to step D147.

  According to the processing from step D141 to step D146, every time one safe sphere is detected by the first safe sphere detection switch 162, the safe number is updated by "+1" and the out number is also "+1". Updated. Each time one safe number is detected, one board ball number is subtracted. However, if there is a board surface ball number error and a glass frame opening error, it is considered that the glass frame 5 is opened and the board surface ball number error (such as ball clogging in the game area) is being solved. The subtraction of the board sphere number of D146 is not executed. When the operation for eliminating the board surface ball number error (ball jam in the game area, etc.) is completed and the glass frame 5 is closed, the board surface ball number is cleared by an error release switch monitoring process of FIG. D193).

Note that the safe ball detected in step H141 is a game ball that has been fired and becomes safe (wins), and does not include a game ball that is out (no wins).
However, since the number of outs means the number of all game balls that are discharged and collected from the game area, the game balls that have been fired and become safe (winning) are also included in the balls that are discharged and collected from the game area Therefore, in step D143, the value of the number of outs is updated by “+1”.
In addition, even if a board surface ball number error occurs due to the steps D144 and D145, if the glass frame 5 is not opened, step D146 is executed and the board surface ball number is updated. When the player hits the front surface of the glass frame 5 or when the game ball is resolved by the collision of the game balls, the error is released without operating the error release switch 68. Troublesome for both shoppers and shop assistants.

When the process proceeds to step D147 through step D146, the process proceeds to a process related to the second safe ball detection switch 163.
That is, it is determined in step D147 whether or not the second safe ball detection switch 163 is turned on. On the other hand, if the second safe ball detection switch 163 is turned on, the process proceeds to step D148 to update (increment) the value of the safe number by “+1” and update the value of the out number by “+1” in step D149. (Increment).
Next, the routine proceeds to step D150, where it is determined whether or not a board ball number error is in progress. If the board ball number error is in progress (specifically, if a board ball number error flag in FIG. 118 described later is set), step The process proceeds to D151, and if the board ball number error is not in progress (specifically, the board ball number error flag in FIG. 118 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step D152.
In step D151, it is determined whether or not a glass frame opening error is in progress. If the glass frame opening error is in progress (specifically, if a glass frame opening error flag in FIG. 120 described later is set), the process returns. To do. On the other hand, if the glass frame open error is not in progress (specifically, if a glass frame open error flag in FIG. 120 described later is cleared), the process proceeds to step D152.
In step D152, the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process returns.

  According to the processing from step D147 to step D152, every time one safe sphere is detected by the second safe sphere detection switch 163, the safe number is updated by "+1" and the out number is also "+1". Updated. Each time one safe number is detected, one board ball number is subtracted. However, if there is a board surface ball number error and a glass frame opening error, it is considered that the glass frame 5 is opened and the board surface ball number error (such as ball clogging in the game area) is being solved. The subtraction of the board sphere number of D146 is not executed. When the operation for eliminating the board surface ball number error (ball jam in the game area, etc.) is completed and the glass frame 5 is closed, the board surface ball number is cleared by an error release switch monitoring process of FIG. D193).

Note that the safe ball detected in step D147 is a game ball that has been fired and becomes safe (wins), and does not include a game ball that has been out (no win).
However, since the number of outs means the number of all game balls that are discharged and collected from the game area, the game balls that have been fired and become safe (winning) are also included in the balls that are discharged and collected from the game area Therefore, in step D149, the value of the number of outs is updated by “+1”.
Further, even if a board surface ball number error occurs due to steps D150 and D151, if the glass frame 5 is not opened, step D152 is executed and the board surface ball number is updated. When the player hits the front surface of the glass frame 5 or when the game ball is resolved by the collision of the game balls, the error is released without operating the error release switch 68. Troublesome for both shoppers and shop assistants.

[Launching ball detection switch monitoring process]
Next, the shot ball detection switch monitoring process D123 in the switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D161 whether or not the shot ball detection switch 160 has been turned on (that is, whether or not a game ball to be fired has been detected). If the shot ball detection switch 160 is on, the process proceeds to step D162 to update (decrement) the value of the number of held balls by “−1”. The number of balls held here is the number of balls held managed inside the payout control device 230 (payout control board). The process of step D162 is performed because it is necessary to decrement the number of balls held by one with the launch of the ball.
Next, in step D163, the value of the board ball number is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and the process proceeds to step D164.

According to the routine from step D161 to step D163, each time one game ball is fired, the number of board balls is incremented by 1, and the number of possessed balls is decremented by one. The number of board balls is the number of game balls that have been fired and not collected, that is, the number of game balls that are falling mainly on the game board surface (in the game area). Here, the process of step D162 constitutes a firing subtraction process for reducing the number of possessed balls (game value) in response to the game balls being launched into the game area.
Next, in step D164, the number-of-balls display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and in step D165, “−1” is saved in the display-based updated ball number storage area corresponding to the light counter. This is because it is necessary to display the change in the number of balls that accompanies the launch of the ball on the ball number indicator 40, so that the value of the ball number display light counter is updated (incremented) by "+1" and advanced, “−1” accompanying the launch of the ball is stored in the display updated possession ball number storage area corresponding to the advanced light counter, and the stored “−1” is subtracted from the display possession ball number to display the updated possession ball It is a number.
That is, the amount of change for displaying the number of balls to be displayed for each change event on the number-of-balls display 40 (six LEDs of 7 segments can be arranged to display a 6-digit value (number of balls)). Although it is stored in the display updated possession ball number storage area, here, the number of possession balls is reduced by one due to the launch of the ball, so “−1” is stored in the display update possession ball number storage area. .
After step D165, the process returns. As a result, the number of balls held is subtracted by “1” and the display of the ball holding number display 40 is updated.

[Error / Unauthorization monitoring processing]
Next, the error / injustice monitoring process D45 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, the error release switch monitoring process in step D171, the enclosed ball number monitoring process in step D172, the winning number abnormality monitoring process in step D173, the frame opening error monitoring process in step D174, and the frame switch abnormality in step D175 Monitoring process, board surface ball number error monitoring process in step D176, frame radio wave fraud monitoring process in step D177, small ball fraud monitoring process in step D178, magnetic ball fraud monitoring process in step D179, and night monitoring fraud monitoring process in step D180. Returns after executing sequentially.
Details of the monitoring processes in steps D171 to D180 will be described later.

[Error release switch monitoring process]
Next, the error release switch monitoring process D171 in the error / injustice monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, at step D191, it is determined whether or not the error release switch 68 is turned on. If it is turned on, the routine proceeds to step D192, and if it is not turned on, the routine returns. Proceeding to step D192, it is determined whether or not a board surface ball number error is in progress. If the board surface ball number error is in progress (specifically, if a board surface ball number error flag in FIG. 118 described later is set), step The process proceeds to D193, and if the board ball number error is not in progress (specifically, if the board ball number error flag in FIG. 118 described later is cleared), the process returns.
In step D193, the number of board balls is cleared (that is, the data on the number of board balls is returned to the zero state), and in step D194, the enclosed ball number confirmation request flag is set. Next, in step D195, an initial value is set in the enclosing ball number confirmation wait timer, and the process returns.

  Here, if the board ball number is cleared to zero by the process of step D193, the determination result of step D201 of FIG. 117 described later becomes negative, and the enclosed ball number excess error flag is cleared in step D202. In this case, the determination result in step D221 in FIG. 118, which will be described later, also becomes negative, and the board ball number error flag is cleared in step D223. However, an encapsulated ball number excess error described later has occurred, and this encapsulated ball number excess error has not actually been resolved (for example, the glass frame 5 is opened to release the clogged ball in the game area and the glass frame 5 , And the error release switch 68 is turned on, but if the number of encapsulated balls continues to be excessive as a whole), the encapsulated ball number confirmation determination process executed as described later (step D207 and after in FIG. 117) ), For example, step D210 is executed, and the error flag of the excessive number of encapsulated balls is set again.

  Therefore, according to the routine of FIG. 116, when the error release switch 68 is turned on, the number of board balls is cleared and the above-mentioned board ball number error flag is released. As a result, there is an abnormality that causes the number of board balls to exceed the specified number due to clogging of game balls (board board ball number error), or an enclosed ball number error (enclosed ball number excess error, enclosed ball number insufficient error, enclosure path error error). When this occurs, when a store clerk or the like of the amusement hall opens the glass frame 5 and manually closes the glass frame 5 after solving the clogging (or shortage of balls), and then turns on the error release switch 68, This error detection state (the state where the error flag is set) is automatically canceled. Therefore, there is an effect that the error can be canceled accurately and smoothly.

In other words, the error detection state cannot be canceled simply by turning on the error cancel switch 68, and it cannot be canceled unless the ball clogging is actually resolved (since it is confirmed in step D192 that there is no board ball number error). ), The accuracy of error cancellation increases. Moreover, in order to improve this accuracy, no further operation is essential, so that smooth error cancellation can be realized. In the process of FIG. 116, the error flag (for example, the excessive number of encapsulated balls error flag or the board surface ball number error flag) is not cleared, but the condition for clearing the number of board balls in step D193 is substantially set. The various error detection states described above related to the encapsulated sphere are canceled. For this reason, the error detection status cancellation process for a large number of error flags (enclosed ball count error, encapsulated ball count error, encapsulated path error error, board ball count error flags) is substantially realized with a small number of steps. As a result, the processing is simplified.
In addition, after the error is released, the number of encapsulated spheres is confirmed and the number of encapsulated spheres is normal. Since the error flag is canceled after confirming (FIG. 117), the accuracy of error cancellation can be further improved.

  In addition, if a board ball number error occurs and the glass frame 5 is opened to try to resolve it manually, the game ball that has been clogged will collide with a game nail in the game area and jump out of the game area. May end up. Thus, even when the game ball is lost without being collected from the out-ball inlet 23, the number of board balls is cleared in step D193, so that the number of board balls is determined to be greater than or equal to the specified number in step D221 described later. Since the game can be resumed unless it is determined that there is an insufficient number of encapsulated balls in Step D208, Step D212, and Step D214, which will be described later, problems such as the player feeling dissatisfied are avoided. It should be noted that the number of board balls is not updated even if the glass ball 5 is opened in steps D134 and D135 even if the glass ball 5 is opened, so that the error release switch 68 is set when the glass frame 5 is opened. It is necessary to operate and clear the error. Further, by clearing the board ball number in step D193, the board ball number error is eliminated, so the board ball number is in a positive state even though there is no game ball on the board. Therefore, it does not develop into a problem that a board ball number error occurs frequently even though it is in a normal state.

In addition, the operation | work for eliminating the factor (ball clogging, a ball shortage, a ball excess) of a board surface ball number error or an enclosed ball number error can be performed as follows, for example. First, for example, a clogged ball (a so-called grape or the like) on the board surface (the front surface of the game board 20 including the game area 22) applies a shock by pushing, pulling or impacting the ball clogged manually by opening the glass frame 5. It can be resolved by letting it flow down.
If the number of encapsulated balls is excessive, the front frame 4 is opened in addition to the glass frame 5 as necessary, the above-mentioned ball feeding device is manually operated to send the ball to the launch position, and the ball sent to the launch position. The ball can be removed by discharging the balls one by one out of the machine. Also, when the number of encapsulated balls is insufficient, the glass frame 5 is opened, and a ball from the outside of the machine (supplemented ball) is inserted into the game area 22 from the board side to flow down (for example, flow into the out ball inlet 23). Can be resolved.
Further, in the first embodiment, when the number of encapsulated balls is excessive, the store clerk operates the deball switch 183 to remove the encapsulated balls from the upper passage 303 via the bypass passage 304 as in the case of replacing the enclosed balls. A mechanism that collects in the collection box 345 through the passage 305 may be used. In addition, when the number of encapsulated balls is insufficient, a new game ball may be supplied from the supply box unit 343 to the upper passage 303.

[Encapsulated ball number monitoring process]
Next, the enclosed ball number monitoring process D172 in the error / injustice monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D201 whether or not the number of board balls is less than zero. If less than zero, the process proceeds to step D203, and if not less than zero, the process proceeds to step D202. In step D202, since the number of balls on the board is not less than zero, the enclosed ball number excess error flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step D204. On the other hand, in step D203, since there is an abnormal state in which the number of balls on the board is less than zero and a ball has been illegally thrown into the board, an excessive ball number error flag is set, and the process proceeds to step D204.

In step D204, it is determined whether or not there is a confirmation request for the number of encapsulated balls (that is, whether or not a flag for confirming the number of encapsulated balls is set). If there is, the process proceeds to step D205. The process jumps (ie, does not execute) and returns.
The enclosed ball number confirmation request flag is set, for example, when the power is turned on (including when the power failure is restored), when the error release switch 68 is pressed, or when the frame opening error returns to normal.
In step D205, if the enclosed ball number confirmation wait timer is not "0", "-1" is updated. Since the enclosing ball number confirmation weight timer is set to the initial value in step D195 described above, it is decremented.
Next, in step D206, it is determined whether or not the enclosing ball number confirmation wait timer is “0”. When the routine is repeated and the enclosing ball number confirmation wait timer becomes “0”, the process goes to step D207 to clear the enclosing ball number confirmation request flag. Next, in step D208, it is determined whether or not the minimum enclosed ball number detection switch (that is, the first enclosed ball detection switch 164) is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step D209, and if not, the process proceeds to step D212. move on.

Then, when proceeding to Step D209, it is determined whether or not the maximum encapsulated ball number detection switch (ie, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165) is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to Step D210. Proceed to step D211. When the routine proceeds to step 210, since both the switches 164 and 165 are ON and it is an enclosed ball number excess error, the enclosed ball number excess error flag is set, and then the process returns.
On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step D211, the number of encapsulated spheres is in the normal range (that is, the minimum and maximum and less than or equal to the maximum). Here, error flags other than the encapsulated ball number excess error flag (that is, an encapsulated ball number insufficient error flag and an encapsulated path abnormality error flag described later) are cleared, and the process returns.

Setting the flag means setting the flag, and clearing the flag means setting the flag not set (not set).
Also, in order to cancel the state in which the enclosed ball number excess error flag is set (error detection state of the enclosed ball number excess error), as described in FIG. 116, the glass frame 5 is opened to eliminate the cause of the error. However, it is necessary to close the glass frame 5 and press the error release switch 68 after that (for example, removing an extra ball). The same applies to other enclosing ball number errors (encapsulated ball number shortage error and enclosing path error error). Note that even if the glass frame 5 is simply opened and closed and the error cancel switch 68 is pressed, the excess ball error flag is cleared by steps D201 and D202 of this routine (FIG. 117), but the cause of the error has been eliminated. If there is no excess (the number of encapsulated balls is excessive), then the processing after step D207 of this routine (FIG. 117) is executed, and the encapsulated ball number excess error flag is set again by step D210 of them. become.

On the other hand, if the determination in step D208 is NO and the process proceeds to step D212, it is determined whether or not the maximum enclosing ball number detection switch (that is, the second enclosing ball detection switch 165) is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step D214. When the process proceeds to step D213, the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 is turned on even though the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is not turned on. For example, the above-mentioned upper passage 303 is clogged with a ball. Since it is considered abnormal, the enclosed path abnormality error flag is set, and then the process returns.
If the process proceeds to step D214, the number of encapsulated spheres is insufficient (that is, less than the minimum), so the encapsulated sphere number insufficient error flag is set and the process returns.

[Panel ball number error monitoring processing]
Next, the board ball number error monitoring process D176 in the error / injustice monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D221 whether or not the number of board balls is equal to or greater than the specified number. If it is equal to or greater than the specified number, the process proceeds to step D222. Here, the specified number is a value of 1 or more, for example, ten. This is because, if there are generally 10 or more board balls, there is a game problem, and it is considered that the flow of game balls is stagnant to some extent. The prescribed number is not limited to 10, and the optimum value varies depending on the gaming machine.
In step D222, the board ball number error flag is set and the process returns. On the other hand, when the process proceeds to Step D223, the board ball number error flag is cleared and the process returns.
According to this routine, when the number of board balls increases abnormally due to a ball jam in the game area or the like, the determination result of step D221 becomes affirmative, and a board board ball number error flag is set in step D222. An error occurs. When the ball clogging is resolved and the board ball number returns to normal, the determination result of step D221 becomes negative, and the board ball number error flag is cleared in step D223, and the error detection state of the board ball number error is set. Canceled.

  When a board surface ball number error occurs, error information is output to the hall computer 86 or the like via the card unit 15, but even if a board surface ball number error occurs, it is not impossible to fire a game ball (see FIG. 127 described later). ). Thereby, it becomes impossible to fire the game ball (that is, the game) due to mere clogging of the ball in the game area (when the number of encapsulated balls is normal), and a problem such as dissatisfaction by the player is avoided. However, when another error that should not continue the game (for example, an insufficient number of encapsulated balls) occurs along with the board ball number error, the game ball cannot be fired (see FIG. 127 described later).

[Winning number abnormality monitoring process]
Next, the winning number abnormality monitoring process D173 in the error / injustice monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D231 whether or not a main control command has been received. If no main control command has been received, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the main control command is received, the process proceeds to step D232, and it is determined whether or not the difference between the winning number and the safe number is equal to or larger than a predetermined number (for example, five). This is because the number of winnings determined on the game control device 54 side is read from the main control command received in the previous step D231, and the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the number of winning winnings input to the payout control device 230 are read. The total number of safe numbers detected by the two safe ball detection switch 163 is compared, and the winning number and the safe number (here, each safe number detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163). The total number) is checked, and if the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, it is determined that there is an abnormality.
That is, the number of winnings sent from the game control device 54 is compared with the safe number counted on the payout control device 123 side to monitor whether there is an abnormality.

If the difference between the winning number and the safe number is greater than or equal to the predetermined number in step D232, the process proceeds to step D233, and the winning number abnormality flag is set. A state where the difference between the number of winnings and the number of safes is a predetermined number or more is, for example, a so-called winning port of the game board 20 (for example, the first starting winning port 25, the second starting winning port 26, the general winning ports 28 to 31). Incorrect acts such as fishing balls and other illegal acts such as picking a ball and then pulling out the ball (actually, there is no winning of the ball at the prize opening, just turning on the winning sensor) or illegal winning sensors using radio waves On the other hand, the number of winnings increases due to fraud to turn on, but the actual number of safes is small.
This can be determined by increasing the difference between the number of winnings determined on the game board 20 side and the safe number detected on the payout control device 230 side (5 or more in this embodiment).

After step D233, it is determined in step D234 whether or not the winning number abnormality monitoring timer has become “0”. Even if the difference between the winning number and the safe number becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the winning ball addition is not stopped immediately, but is counted by a winning number abnormality monitoring timer (set to an initial value in step D235 described later). Monitoring is continued until “0” is reached. During a big hit, there may be a case where game balls are temporarily won in the first variable winning device 27 temporarily, so that even if the winning number abnormality flag is set, the winning ball addition is not stopped immediately.
If the winning number abnormality monitoring timer is not “0” in step D234. Proceeding to step D236, the winning number abnormality monitoring timer is updated by "-1." On the other hand, if the prize number abnormality monitoring timer is “0” in step D234. Proceeding to step D235, an initial value (for example, 15 seconds) is set in the winning number abnormality monitoring timer, and at step S236, the winning number abnormality monitoring timer is updated by "-1."

  After step D236, it is then determined in step D237 whether or not the prize number abnormality monitoring timer has reached “0”. If the timer has not reached “0”, the process returns and the routine is repeated. If it is determined in step D237 that the prize number abnormality monitoring timer has become “0” by repeating the routine, the process proceeds to step D238, where a prize ball addition stop flag is set. This is because the difference between the winning number and the safe number is equal to or larger than the predetermined number, and the difference between the winning number and the safe number is equal to or larger than the predetermined number only for the period set to the initial value (for example, 15 seconds) of the winning number abnormality monitoring timer. Since the abnormal period of continuation has continued, it is determined that there is a high possibility of fraud, and a prize ball addition stop flag is set to stop the process of adding the number of winning prizes to the number of possessed balls. After step D238, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the difference between the winning number and the safe number is not equal to or larger than a predetermined number (for example, 5) in step D232, the process branches to step D239 to clear the winning number abnormality flag, and the winning number abnormality monitoring timer is set in step D240. Clear “0” and return.
This is because the difference between the winning number and the safe number is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number, so it is determined that it is within the normal gaming state range and the winning number abnormality flag is cleared, and the winning number abnormality monitoring timer is also cleared to “0”. Is.

[Frame open error monitoring processing]
Next, the frame opening error monitoring process D174 in the error / injustice monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D251 whether or not the state of the glass frame opening switch 125 for detecting the opening of the glass frame 5 (front frame) is the same as in the previous process. If not the same, in step D252, the glass frame opening monitoring timer initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 100 msec) is set in the glass frame opening monitoring timer, and then the processing proceeds to step D253.
Proceeding to step D253, if the glass frame open monitoring timer is not zero, an update process ("-1" update) is performed to reduce the value of the glass frame open monitor timer by one cycle of the timer processing period, and then to step D254. The process proceeds to determine whether the value of the glass frame open monitoring timer has become zero. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step D255, and if not, the process jumps from step D255 to D257 and proceeds to step D258.

  In these steps D255 to D257, the open / close state of the glass frame 5 is monitored by the state of the glass frame open switch 125, and the same state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 100 msec) corresponding to the initial value of the glass frame open monitor timer. For the first time, the open / closed state of the glass frame 5 is determined by the processing after step D255. Thereby, the open / closed state of the glass frame 5 is determined with high reliability. That is, for example, even if the signal of the glass frame opening switch 125 fluctuates instantaneously due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the open / closed state of the glass frame 5.

In step D255, it is determined whether the state of the glass frame open switch 125 corresponds to the open state of the glass frame 5. If the glass frame open switch 125 is in the open state, the glass frame open error flag is set in step D256. If it is not in the open state (that is, if it is in the closed state), the glass frame open error flag is cleared in step D257, and then the process proceeds to step D258.
Next, when proceeding to Step D258, the front frame 4 is subjected to the same processing as Steps D251 to D257, and then returns.
Here, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 120, for convenience of explanation, the front frame 4 is represented as a main body frame, and the night monitoring switch 126 that detects the opening of the front frame 4 is represented as a main body frame open detection switch. This is because it is easier to understand that the detection of the opening of the front frame 4 is performed by the body frame opening detection switch in contrast to the detection of the opening of the glass frame 5 by the glass frame opening switch 125. Further, since the glass frame 5 is sometimes referred to as a front frame, the front frame 4 is also referred to as a main body frame.

Returning to the description of the flowchart, in step D258, it is determined whether or not the state of the night monitoring switch 126 that detects the opening of the front frame 4 is the same as in the previous process. If not, in step D259, the main body frame opening monitoring timer initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 100 msec) is set in the main body frame opening monitoring timer, and then the process proceeds to step D260.
Proceeding to step D260, if the body frame release monitoring timer is not zero, an update process ("-1" update) is executed to decrease the value of the body frame release monitoring timer by one cycle of the timer processing period, and then to step D261. It proceeds to determine whether the value of the main body frame opening monitoring timer has become zero. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step D262, and if not, the process proceeds to step D265.
In these steps D258 to D261, the open / close state of the front frame 4 is monitored according to the state of the night monitoring switch 126, and when the same state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 100 msec) corresponding to the initial value of the main body frame open monitoring timer. For the first time, the open / closed state of the front frame 4 is determined by the processing after step D262. Thereby, the open / closed state of the front frame 4 is determined with high reliability.

Proceeding to step D262, it is determined whether the state of the body frame open detection switch (night monitoring switch 126) corresponds to the open state of the front frame 4. If the state is open, the body frame open error flag is set in step D263. The process proceeds to step D265 later, and if it is not in the open state (that is, if it is in the closed state), the main body frame open error flag is cleared in step D264, and then the process proceeds to step D265.
In step D265, it is determined whether or not it is the moment of normal return from the frame open error state. The frame open error here refers to an open error of both the glass frame 5 and the front frame 4, and therefore the determination in step D265 is a state in which any one frame or both frames are open. From this, it is determined whether both are in the closed state.
If it is not the moment of normal return from the frame open error state in step D265, the frame open error monitoring process is terminated and the process returns. Then, the routine is repeated, and if it is determined in step D265 that it is the moment when the frame has returned to normal from the frame opening error state, the process proceeds to step D266, and the enclosing ball number confirmation request flag is set. As described above, the enclosing ball number confirmation request flag is set when the power is turned on (including when the power failure is restored), when the error release switch 68 is pressed, or when the frame opening error returns to normal. This corresponds to the case where the frame opening error is set when it returns to normal. When the enclosing ball number confirmation request flag is set, it is determined in the enclosing ball monitoring process (FIG. 117) whether there is a confirmation request for the enclosing ball number, and the number of encapsulated balls is confirmed.
Next, in step D267, an initial value is set in the enclosing ball number confirmation wait timer. This is the same as the processing in step D195 (FIG. 116) described above. After step D267, the frame opening error monitoring process is terminated.

[Frame switch error monitoring processing]
Next, the frame switch abnormality monitoring process D175 in the error / injustice monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
The frame switch abnormality monitoring process is a process for monitoring abnormalities such as connector disconnection, disconnection, short circuit, etc., of various switches connected to the payout control apparatus 230 as in the case of the game control apparatus 54 (main control board). The target switch is, for example, a proximity switch as shown below.
First enclosing ball detection switch 164, second enclosing ball detection switch 165
-Out ball detection switch 161
First safe ball detection switch 162, second safe ball detection switch 163
-Launch ball detection switch 160
・ Polishing entrance switch 321
-Lifting entrance switch 332
-Lifting outlet switch 334

When this routine is started, first, in step D271, it is determined whether or not the state of the switch abnormality signal is the same as in the previous process. This determination is made based on, for example, a signal output from the proximity interface IC in the peripheral circuit of the CPU 231 in the payout control device 230.
If the determination result in step D271 is YES (same as in the previous processing), the process proceeds to step D273. ) Is set, the process proceeds to step D273.
When the process proceeds to step D273, if the switch abnormality monitoring timer is not zero, an update process ("-1" update) is performed to decrease the value of the switch abnormality monitoring timer by one cycle of the timer processing period, and then the process proceeds to step D274. It is determined whether the value of the switch abnormality monitoring timer has become zero. If it is zero, the process proceeds to step D275, and if it is not zero, the process returns.

In step D275, it is determined whether the switch abnormality signal is in an abnormal state. This is to determine whether an abnormality such as connector disconnection, disconnection, or short circuit has occurred in the various switches described above. If it is determined in step D275 that the switch abnormality signal is in an abnormal state, the process proceeds to step D276 where the frame switch abnormality flag is set and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the switch abnormality signal is not in an abnormal state in step D275, the process proceeds to step D277 to clear the frame switch abnormality flag, and then returns.
The frame switch abnormality flag generates a command based on various error flags in a main control command transmission process shown in FIG. 146 described later, and sends the command to the game control device 54. The game control device 54 sends the command to the effect control device. 53, and the presentation control device 53 receives this command and uses it, for example, to notify the display device 41 that it is in an error state (for example, an error state that the frame switch is abnormal).

[Frame radio fraud monitoring processing]
Next, the frame radio wave fraud monitoring process D177 in the error / fraud monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D281 whether the radio wave sensor (frame) 127 is on. If the radio wave sensor (frame) 127 is on, the payout control device 230 determines that an illegal radio wave for the frame has been detected, and proceeds to step D282 to set the wait timer initial value (for example, 60 seconds) to the radio wave illegal wait timer. Save to area. The reason why the initial value is set in the radio wave improper weight timer is that even if the radio wave sensor (frame) 127 no longer detects the illegal radio wave, it is treated as illegal while the timer value is present.
Next, in step D283, the frame radio wave fraud flag is set, and the process returns. As a result, when the radio wave sensor (frame) 127 is turned on, according to the main control command transmission process shown in FIG. An error notification is made on the display device 41.

  On the other hand, if the radio wave sensor (frame) 127 is not turned on in step D281, the process branches to step D284, and if the radio wave illegal wait timer is not zero, the value of the radio wave illegal wait timer is decreased by one cycle of the timer processing cycle. (Update "-1") After executing the process, the process proceeds to step D285, where it is determined whether the value of the notification timer has become zero. If it is not zero, the process returns. If it is zero, the frame radio wave is invalid in step D286. Clear the flag and return. The notification timer counts a period during which error notification is continued.

[Small ball fraud monitoring processing]
Next, the small ball fraud monitoring process D178 in the error / fraud monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, in step D291, it is determined whether or not the minimum enclosed ball number detection switch (first enclosed ball detection switch 164) is on. Since the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 164 is a sensor that detects the minimum number of encapsulated spheres, in step D291, the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 164 is set as the minimum encapsulated sphere detection switch.
If the minimum enclosing ball number detection switch is turned on in step D291, the process proceeds to step D292, and the timer initial value (the initial value of the small ball detection timer) is saved in the small ball detection timer area. The timer initial value is set to 20 ms, for example.

Next, the process proceeds to step D293, where a small ball passage monitoring flag is set. In step D294, it is determined whether the small ball passage is being monitored. If the small ball passage monitoring flag is set, it is determined that the small ball passage monitoring is in progress. If small ball passing is being monitored in step D294, it is determined in step D295 whether the small ball sensor 342 is on. The small ball sensor 342 is turned on when the game ball is a regular ball. However, when the game ball is an abnormal ball (small ball), the small ball sensor 342 is abnormal ball (small ball) even if it passes through the small ball sensor 342. ) Is not detected and the detection signal does not turn on.
If the small ball sensor 342 is on, it is determined that the game ball is a regular ball. Therefore, the small ball detection timer is cleared in step D296, the small ball passage monitoring flag is cleared in the following step D297, and then the return. To do.
As described above, when the small ball sensor 342 is turned on when the minimum enclosed ball number detection switch (first enclosed ball detection switch 164) is turned on, it is determined that the game ball is a regular ball, and the small ball detection timer is cleared. The small ball passage monitoring flag is also cleared.

On the other hand, if the minimum enclosed ball number detection switch is not turned on in step D291, the process jumps to step D294. Accordingly, at this time, the small ball passage monitoring flag is not set.
If the small ball passage monitoring is not in progress in step D294, the small ball fraud monitoring process is terminated and the process returns.
Furthermore, if the small ball sensor 342 is not turned on in step D295, it is determined that the game ball is an abnormal ball (small ball), and the process branches to step D298, where the small ball detection timer is updated by “−1”. Next, in step D299, it is determined whether or not the value of the small ball detection timer has become zero. If it is determined in step D299 that the value of the small ball detection timer has become zero by repeating the routine, a small ball incorrect flag is set in step D300, a ball removal request flag is set in step D301, and then the process returns. .
In this manner, the small ball sensor 342 must be turned on while the small ball passage monitoring flag is set even though the minimum enclosed ball number detection switch (first enclosed ball detection switch 164) is turned on. For example, it is determined that the game ball is an abnormal ball (small ball), and when it is determined that the game ball is an abnormal ball (small ball), a small ball illegal flag is set and a ball removal request flag is set.
That is, when an abnormal sphere (small sphere) is detected, the small sphere fraud flag is not cleared. Further, when the ball removal request flag is set, the ball removal of the encapsulated ball is performed.

[Magnetic sphere fraud monitoring process]
Next, the magnetic sphere fraud monitoring process D179 in the error / fraud monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D311 whether or not the feed outlet switch 334 is on. Since the feed outlet switch 334 is arranged on the outlet side of the feed device 302 and detects a ball discharged from the feed device 302, when the feed outlet switch 334 is turned on, the feed device 302 turns the ball from the feed device 302. Is discharged to the upper passage 303 and passes above the electromagnet 341.
If the feed outlet switch 334 is turned on in step D311, the process proceeds to step D312 and the initial value of the magnetic sphere detection timer (for example, 200 ms) is saved in the magnetic sphere detection timer area. Next, a magnetic ball passage monitoring flag is set in step D313, and an initial value (for example, 500 ms) is set in the electromagnet operation timer in step D314.

Next, in step D315, it is determined whether the magnetic ball passing is being monitored. If the magnetic sphere passage monitoring flag is set, it is determined that the magnetic sphere passage is being monitored. If the magnetic ball passing monitoring is being performed in step D315, it is determined in step D316 whether or not the maximum enclosed ball number detection switch (second enclosed ball detection switch 165) is on. Since the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 165 is a sensor that detects the maximum number of encapsulated spheres, the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 165 is the maximum encapsulated sphere number detection switch in step D316.
If the maximum enclosed ball number detection switch is turned on in step D316, the process proceeds to step D317, where the magnetic ball detection timer is cleared, and in step D318, the magnetic ball passing monitoring flag is cleared.
Next, if the electromagnet operation timer is not zero in step D319, the value of the electromagnet operation timer is updated by “−1”, and it is determined in step D320 whether or not the electromagnet operation timer has become zero. If the electromagnet operation timer is not zero in step D320, the electromagnet-on output data (electromagnet 341 is turned on) is set in step D321, and the process returns. On the other hand, if the electromagnet operation timer is zero in step D320, output data for setting electromagnet off (electromagnet 341 turns off) is set in step D321, and then the process returns.

On the other hand, if the feed outlet switch 334 is not turned on at step D311, the routine jumps to step D315. Therefore, at this time, the magnetic ball passage monitoring flag is not set.
On the other hand, if the passing of the magnetic sphere is not being monitored in step D315, the process jumps to step D319. Therefore, at this time, it is not determined that the maximum enclosing ball number detection switch is ON, and fraud monitoring of the magnetic sphere is not determined.
Further, if the maximum enclosing ball number detection switch is not turned on in step D316, it is determined that there is a possibility of abnormality, and the process branches to step D323 to update the magnetic sphere detection timer by “−1”, and in step D324. It is determined whether the value of the magnetic sphere detection timer has become zero. If not, the routine jumps to step D319 and repeats the routine. If it is determined in step D324 that the value of the magnetic sphere detection timer has become zero by repeating the routine, a magnetic sphere illegal flag is set in step D325, a sphere removal request flag is set in step D326, and then The process proceeds to step D319. The processes after step D319 are as described above.

In this way, when the feed outlet switch 334 is turned on and the ball is discharged from the feed device 302 to the upper passage 303 and can pass through the upper side of the electromagnet 341, the game ball is a regular non-magnetic ball. Then, since the electromagnet 341 is not attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD (for example, 500 ms), the ball passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 303 is the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 ( Since the time until it passes through the maximum enclosing ball number detection switch) is shorter than the predetermined time TD, it is determined as a regular non-magnetic sphere.
On the other hand, if the game ball is an illegal magnetic ball, it is attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, so that the ball discharged through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 303 is the first. Since the time until the two enclosing ball detection switch 165 (the maximum enclosing ball number detection switch) passes is longer than the predetermined time TD, it is determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic body.
Therefore, when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, the ball passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 303 passes through the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 (maximum enclosed ball number detection switch). If the time until the time exceeds the predetermined time TD, it is determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic ball, and the magnetic ball illegal flag is set in step D325, and the ball removal request flag is set in step D326. Become.
Further, if it is determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic sphere, the magnetic sphere illegal flag is not released (cleared). Furthermore, it is determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic body and the ball removal request flag is set, so that the enclosed ball is removed.

[Night monitoring fraud monitoring processing]
Next, the nighttime monitoring fraud monitoring process D180 in the error / fraud monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D331 whether or not night monitoring information has been set. If the result of the night monitoring information has already been determined and set based on the output of the night monitoring switch 126, it is not necessary to perform the same processing twice after the power is turned on. In order to perform the nighttime monitoring fraud monitoring process only, the determination in step D331 is performed.
If the night monitoring information has been set in step D331, the night monitoring fraud monitoring process is terminated and the process returns. On the other hand, if the night monitoring information has not been set, the process proceeds to step D332 to determine whether or not the night frame is open.
Here, in step D31 of the night monitoring information reception process shown in FIG. 106 described above, the night frame opening / closing information is received from the night monitoring switch 126 and stored. The night frame opening / closing information includes information (frame opening information) indicating whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 has been detected at night, and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54. Therefore, the night frame opening means a case where the opening of the front frame 4 is detected at night.

Therefore, in step D332, it is determined whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 is detected at night. If it is determined in step D332 that the night frame is open (if the front frame 4 is detected open at night), the process proceeds to step D333, and the timer initial value (for example, 60 seconds) of the night illegal notification timer is notified. Save to the timer area. The nighttime fraud notification timer counts a period during which nighttime fraud is reported. Next, the nighttime illegal flag is set in step D334, and the process proceeds to step D335.
When the nighttime fraud flag is set, according to the main control command transmission process shown in FIG. 146 to be described later, the display control device 53 finally controls the display device 41, for example, as described in the frame switch abnormality monitoring process. Error notification (for example, notification of a nighttime frame opening error).
On the other hand, if there is no nighttime frame release in step D332, the process proceeds to step D336, the nighttime illegal flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step D335.

Proceeding to step D335, it is determined whether or not there is board removal.
Here, in step D33 of the night monitoring information receiving process shown in FIG. 106 described above, the board removal information is received from the night monitoring switch 126 and stored. The board removal information is removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 (corresponding to the board), and is information indicating whether or not the game control device 54 has been removed at night. Therefore, the board removal is a case where it is detected that the game control device 54 is removed at night.
Therefore, in step D335, it is determined whether or not removal of the game control device 54 is detected at night.
The night monitoring switch 126 is provided with a disconnection detecting means 383, and the disconnection detecting means 383 is configured such that the current of the backup power supply 381 is a loop such that the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night time monitoring switch 126. When it is flowing through a connected route (disconnection monitoring route), it is detected that the route is not disconnected and the game control device 54 is not removed, and the current of the backup power supply 381 is detected through this route. If it is not flowing, it is detected that the game control device 54 has been removed because the route is broken. In this case, the state in which the disconnection is detected can be detected not only by the removal of the game control device 54 but also by detecting the disconnection state of the route even when the payout control device 230 is removed, for example. become.
Therefore, in the process of step D335, not only the removal of the game control device 54 but also the removal of the payout control device 230 may be determined.
By doing so, it is possible to monitor the unauthorized removal of the payout control device 230 at night and perform processing such as error notification.

If it is determined in step D335 that there is board removal, the process proceeds to step D337, and the timer initial value (for example, 60 seconds) of the nighttime fraud notification timer is saved in the nighttime fraud notification timer area. Next, the nighttime illegal flag is set in step D338, and the process proceeds to step D339.
When the nighttime fraud flag is set, as in the case of step D334 described above, an error notification (for example, notification of a removal error of the game control device 54) is finally performed on the display device 41 under the control of the effect control device 53, for example. Will be.
On the other hand, if there is no substrate removal in step D335, the process jumps to step D339. Therefore, the nighttime illegal flag is not set at this time.
In step D339, fraud level information is generated from whether or not the nighttime frame is opened, the number of times the frame is opened, and the board removal information. This is performed in order for the payout control device 230 to determine the unauthorized level from the night monitoring information received from the night monitoring switch 126 and to output the determined unauthorized level to the card unit 15. There are 0 to 3 fraud levels (described above in the description of the configuration of the payout control device 230).
Next, the process proceeds to step D340, where the generated information is saved in the night monitoring fraud level area, the night monitoring information set flag is set in step D341, and the process returns. By setting the night monitoring information set flag, it is not necessary to perform the same process twice after the power is turned on.

(Launch control process)
Next, the firing control process D49 in the timer interrupt process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a firing permission condition setting process is performed in step D351. This sets conditions for enabling the launch of a sphere, details of which will be described later (FIG. 127). Next, in step D352, it is determined whether or not the firing is permitted. The firing permission state is determined based on a later-described firing permission state flag (FIG. 127). If the firing permission state flag is set, it is determined that the state is in the firing permission state, and the process proceeds to step D354 to update the firing control timer by “−1”. Next, in step D355, it is determined whether or not the firing control timer is equal to or greater than an upper limit value (for example, 600 ms). On the other hand, if the launch control timer is not greater than or equal to the upper limit value in step D355, the process jumps to step D357.
In step D357, the firing control timer determines whether it is the ball feed timing.

Here, in the launch control, the launch control is performed at intervals of one cycle of 600 ms (that is, the launch is limited to 100 shots per minute) at intervals of 600 ms. The operation timings of the feed solenoid 172 and the firing solenoid 173 are set as follows. The firing control timer counts a period of one cycle (600 ms) and is repeated every time the upper limit value (600 ms) is reached.
It is set so that the ball feed solenoid 172 is turned on for 100 ms from the starting point of one cycle (600 ms), and then the ball feed solenoid 172 is turned off for 500 ms. In addition, when 300 ms elapses from the starting point of one cycle (600 ms), the firing solenoid 173 is turned on for 200 ms. Accordingly, the firing solenoid 173 is turned off at a timing of 500 ms from the starting point in one cycle (600 ms). Accordingly, the on-operations of the ball feed solenoid 172 and the firing solenoid 173 are all completed by the timing of 500 ms from the start point in one cycle (600 ms), and for the remaining 100 ms (100 ms before the end point). During the period, the ball feed solenoid 172 and the firing solenoid 173 are off.
Therefore, when the ball is in the firing stop state (at the end of one cycle), the launch solenoid 173 does not stop immediately at this timing (at the end of one cycle), but is 100 ms before that. It is a setting for controlling the firing solenoid 173 to be turned off at the timing.
Thus, the period of 100 ms before the end of one cycle is the period when both the ball feeding solenoid 172 and the firing solenoid 173 are off, and this is neither the ball firing nor the ball feeding. It becomes a state. This is to prevent the ball from passing through the fired ball detection switch 1160 and subtracting the number of balls held when the ball is fed in a period of 100 ms before the end of one cycle. is there.

In step D357, it is determined whether or not the launch control timer is at the ball feed timing. As described above, this is only 100 ms from the start point of one cycle (600 ms) in one cycle (600 ms) of launch control. Since the ball feed solenoid 172 is set to be turned on, it is determined whether or not the timing (launch control timer is 1 ms to 100 ms).
If the firing control timer is not the ball feed timing in step D357, the process proceeds to step D358, the off data of the ball feed solenoid 172 is set, and then the process proceeds to step D359. On the other hand, if the launch control timer is at the ball feed timing in step D357, the process proceeds to step D360, the on-data of the ball feed solenoid 172 is set, and then the process proceeds to step D359.

In step D359, the firing control timer determines whether or not it is the firing on timing. As described above, when 300 ms elapses from the starting point of one cycle (600 ms), the firing solenoid 173 is set to be turned on for 200 ms. 500 ms) is determined by the firing control timer.
If the firing control timer is not the firing timing in step D359, the process proceeds to step D361, where the off data of the firing solenoid 173 is set, and then the process returns. On the other hand, if the firing control timer is the firing timing in step D359, the process proceeds to step D362, the on-data of the firing solenoid 173 is set, and then the process returns.
On the other hand, if the firing is not permitted in step D352, the process proceeds to step D533, where it is determined whether or not the firing control timer is “0”. If the firing control timer is not “0”, the process proceeds to step D354, and the processes after step D354 are executed as described above. If the firing control timer is “0” in step D533, the process branches to step D363 to set the off data of the ball feed solenoid 172, and the off data of the firing solenoid 173 is set in step D364, and then the process returns. .

[Launch permission condition setting process]
Next, the launch permission condition setting process D351 in the launch control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D371 whether or not the card unit connection is OK. If OK, the process proceeds to step D372, and if not OK, the process proceeds to step D384. In step D371, the card unit 15 and the dispensing control device 230 communicate regularly (for example, every 200 ms) from when the power is turned on via the card unit connection terminal plate 52. If the communication is normal, the card unit 15 If the card unit connection confirmation flag indicating that the card unit 15 is turned on and connected to the payout control device 230 is set, for example, the card unit connection confirmation OK and Determined.
If the process proceeds to step D384, since the card unit connection is not OK, the firing permission state flag is cleared and the routine is terminated. Therefore, at this time, the launch of the ball is not permitted.
On the other hand, if the card unit connection is OK in step D371, each condition from step D372 to step D382 is determined. If all the conditions are satisfied, the firing permission state flag is set in step S383 and the routine is executed. Exit. Therefore, at this time, the launch of the sphere is permitted.

The conditions from Step D372 to Step D382 will be described. First, when proceeding to Step D372, it is determined whether or not a firing stop instruction has been received. If the firing stop instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step D384, where the firing permission state flag is cleared and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the firing stop instruction has not been received in step D372, the process proceeds to the determination processing in steps D373 to D382.
In the determination process of steps D373 to D382, if the determination result is affirmative in each determination, the process proceeds to step D384 without executing the subsequent determination process, and the determination result is negative in each determination of steps D373 to D382. The next determination process is sequentially executed, and when the determination result of the last step D382 is negative, the process proceeds to step D383.

  In step D373, whether the number of held balls is zero, in step D374, counting, in step D375, in settlement, in step D376, in rest, in step D377, in an insufficient number of encapsulated balls, or in step D378 Whether there is an excessive error in the number of encapsulated balls, whether an encapsulated path abnormality error has occurred in step D379, whether the frame is being opened (front frame 4 is being opened) in step D380, whether a fraudulent act is occurring in step D381, Whether or not confirmation is in progress is determined.

Here, the determination as to whether the account is being settled is made based on a later-described settlement control process number and a settlement in progress flag. For example, when the checkout flag is set, it is determined that the checkout is in progress. If the settlement control process number is 0, it is determined that settlement is not in progress. Further, whether or not a break is occurring is determined by a break control process number and a break flag which will be described later. For example, when a break flag is set, it is determined that a break is in progress. If the break control process number is 0, it is determined that the break is not being performed.
Next, the determination whether the enclosing ball number shortage error is occurring is set in the above-mentioned step D214, and the determination whether the enclosing ball number excessive error is occurring is set in the above-mentioned steps D203 and D210. Whether the enclosing ball number excess error flag and the enclosing path abnormality error are occurring is determined based on the enclosing path abnormality error flag set in step D213 described above.

The determination of whether the frame is open (front frame 4 is open) is based on the nighttime fraud flag set in step D334. In this determination, if the flag is set, it is determined that the frame is open, and if it is cleared, it is determined that the frame is not open.
In addition, for example, whether or not the illegal act is occurring is determined by the error monitoring process of the game control device 54, and it is determined that the illegal action has occurred because the magnet command is determined to be illegal, vibration is illegal, and radio wave is illegal. Determined.
Whether the enclosing ball number is being checked is determined based on whether or not the enclosing ball number confirmation request flag is set.

In step D384, the emission permission state flag is cleared, and then the process returns. When the firing permission state flag is cleared, the firing control circuit 236 is prohibited from operating the firing solenoid 173, and a state in which the ball cannot be fired (launch not permitted state) is set. In this firing disallowed state, even if there is a proper firing operation (the touch sensor 174 is turned on and the firing volume 171 is operated), the firing solenoid 173 is not activated and the ball is not fired.
On the other hand, in step D383, after setting the firing permission state flag, the process returns. When the firing permission state flag is set, the firing control circuit 236 is permitted to actuate the firing solenoid 173, and is in a state where the ball can be fired (launching permitted state).

  According to the above-described firing permission condition confirmation process, if the card unit 15 is not connected because the card unit 15 is not connected (or the power of the card unit 15 is not turned on) or the like, it is unconditionally fired. The permission state flag is cleared and the launch is not permitted. When the firing stop instruction has not been received, the conditions of steps D373 to D382 (the number of held balls is zero, the counting, the settlement, the rest, the error of any of the encapsulated balls is occurring, the front frame If any one of opening, fraudulent behavior, and confirmation of the number of encapsulated spheres is established, the launch permission state flag is cleared and the launch is not permitted. Further, even when a firing stop instruction is received, the firing permission state flag is cleared and the firing is not permitted.

[Polishing device control processing]
Next, the polishing apparatus control process D50 in the timer interruption process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D401 whether or not the power-on polishing timer = 0. The power-on polishing timer is a timer that counts the polishing period because the encapsulated sphere is polished by operating the polishing device 306 for a certain period of time when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on.
When the power is turned on, the polishing apparatus 306 is initialized. In this initial setting, the upper switching solenoid 336S is operated so that the upper switching valve 336 opens the bypass passage 304, and the lower switching valve 310 is moved to the polishing inlet passage. The lower switching solenoid 310S is operated so as to open 319 (the enclosing ball flows into the polishing apparatus 306).

If the polishing timer at power-on is not 0 in step D401, the process proceeds to step D402, and it is determined whether there is an input of the polishing inlet switch 321 or not. The polishing inlet switch 321 detects the inflow of the sphere into the polishing apparatus 306. In step D402, it is determined that there is an input at the rising edge of the detection signal. If there is an input of the polishing inlet switch 321 in step D402, the number of polishing balls is updated by "+1" in step D403, and the process proceeds to step D404. Since the number of balls to be polished represents the total number of balls to be polished from now on, the count is incremented each time the balls pass through the polishing inlet switch 321.
On the other hand, if there is no input of the polishing inlet switch 321 in step D402, the process jumps to step D403 and proceeds to step D404.
In step D404, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the feed inlet switch 332. The feed inlet switch 332 detects the inflow of the sphere into the feed device 302. In step D404, it is determined that there is an input at the rising edge of the detection signal. If there is an input of the feed inlet switch 332 in step D404, the number of polishing balls is updated by "-1" in step D403, and then the process proceeds to step D406. Since the number of balls to be polished represents the total number of balls to be polished from now on, the number of balls that have been polished is decremented each time the balls pass through the feed inlet switch 332.
On the other hand, if there is no input of the feed inlet switch 332 in step D404, the process jumps to step D405 and proceeds to step D406.
If the power-on polishing timer = 0 in step D401, the process jumps to step D406.

In step D406, stop data for the polishing pad motor 323 is set. As a result, the polishing pad motor 323 is stopped. Next, in step D407, it is determined whether the polishing pad unit switch 324 is in an on state. The abrasive cloth unit switch 324 detects the attachment of the abrasive cloth unit. If the abrasive cloth unit switch 324 is not in the ON state, it is determined that the abrasive cloth unit is not attached to the polishing apparatus 306, and the process jumps to Step D426. To do. The polishing cloth unit winds up the polishing member 314 for polishing the encapsulated sphere, and the polishing member 314 can be replaced by replacing the polishing cloth unit.
On the other hand, if the polishing pad unit switch 324 is in the ON state in step D407, the process proceeds to step D408 to determine whether or not the power-on polishing timer = 0. If the power-on polishing timer is not 0, the power-on polishing timer is updated by “−1” in step D409. As a result, the power-on polishing timer is counted down. Next, at step D410, it is determined whether or not the polishing pad motor timer = 0. The polishing cloth motor timer is for counting the period during which the polishing cloth motor 323 winds up the polishing member 314.

If the polishing pad motor timer = 0 in step D410, the process jumps to step D415, and if not, the polishing pad motor timer is updated by “−1” in step D411. As a result, the polishing cloth motor timer is counted down.
In step D412, rotation data of the polishing pad motor is set. As a result, the polishing pad motor 323 rotates. After step D412, the process proceeds to step D415.
On the other hand, if the power-on polishing timer = 0 in step D408, the process branches to step D413 to set the off data of the upper switching solenoid 336S. As a result, the upper switching solenoid 336S stops operating, and the upper switching valve 336 closes the bypass passage 304. Therefore, the sphere flowing down the upper passage 303 does not flow into the bypass passage 304 but is guided toward the launching device 37 so that it can be fired. After step D413, the process proceeds to step D414.
In step D414, it is determined whether the number of polishing balls = 0. This is detected by the polishing inlet switch 321 to determine whether or not the number of polishing balls indicating the total number of balls to be polished by the polishing apparatus 306 has become zero. It progresses to D415 and the process after step D415 is performed. If the number of polishing balls = 0, the process jumps to step D426.

In step D415, it is determined whether the polishing apparatus 306 is operating. If the polishing apparatus 306 is not operating, the polishing apparatus operating flag is set in step D416, and the polishing motor monitoring timer is cleared to 0 in step D417, and then the process proceeds to step D418. The process of step D416 is performed only once when the polishing apparatus 306 starts to move, and is an initial setting when the operation of the polishing apparatus 306 is started. On the other hand, if the polishing apparatus 306 is operating in step D415, the process jumps to step D418.
In step D418, rotation data of the polishing motor 312 is set. As a result, the polishing motor 312 rotates. In step D418, the rotation data of the polishing motor 312 is set. However, when the polishing motor 312 is abnormal, the stop data is overwritten on the rotation data.

Next, in step D419, it is determined whether or not there is an input to the polishing motor switch 322. The polishing motor switch 322 detects the operation of the polishing motor 312. If there is an input to the polishing motor switch 322 in step D419, the polishing motor monitoring timer is cleared to 0 in step D420. The polishing motor monitoring timer is for monitoring an abnormality of the polishing motor 312.
Next, in step D421, the lower switching solenoid 310S is switched to the polishing side. This is to operate the lower switching solenoid 310S so that the lower switching valve 310 opens the polishing inlet passage 319 (the enclosed ball flows into the polishing apparatus 306). To switch to ". As a result, the polishing inlet passage 319 is opened and the sphere in the lower passage 301 flows into the polishing device 306 by gravity. As a result, the sphere that has flowed into the lower passage 301 from the out passage 331 or the bypass passage 304 is guided to the polishing inlet passage 319 by gravity and flows into the polishing device 306 to be polished. However, in the state in which the off data of the upper switching solenoid 336S is set in step D413, the sphere flowing down the upper passage 303 does not flow into the bypass passage 304, but is guided toward the launching device 37 and is ready for launching. Therefore, it flows down the game area 20 and flows into the lower passage 301 from the out passage 331, is guided to the polishing inlet passage 319, and flows into the polishing apparatus 306.

After step D421, the process proceeds to step D422. On the other hand, if there is no input to the polishing motor switch 322 in step D419, the process jumps to step D422. In step D422, the polishing motor monitoring timer is updated by “+1”. Thereby, the polishing motor monitoring timer is counted up. The polishing motor monitoring timer stops updating at a specified value described later.
Next, in step D423, it is determined whether or not the polishing motor monitoring timer has reached a specified value (reference value for determining abnormality of the polishing motor 312) or more. If the polishing motor monitoring timer is not greater than the specified value, the polishing apparatus control process is terminated and the process returns. As a result, the polishing of the encapsulated sphere is continued.
On the other hand, if the polishing motor monitoring timer is equal to or greater than the specified value in step D423, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the polishing device 306 (eg, clogged balls, etc.), and the process proceeds to step D424 to set stop data for the polishing motor 312. . As a result, the rotation of the polishing motor 312 is stopped. Even if a time longer than the specified value has elapsed since the start of rotation of the polishing motor 312, if there is no input to the polishing motor switch 322, it is determined that there is an abnormality such as a ball clogging and the polishing motor 312 is stopped. .
Next, in step D425, the lower switching solenoid 310S is switched to the non-polishing side. This is to operate the lower switching solenoid 310S so that the lower switching valve 310 closes the polishing inlet passage 319 (blocks the enclosing ball from flowing into the polishing apparatus 306). "310S is switched to the non-polishing side". As a result, the polishing inlet passage 319 is closed, and the balls in the lower passage 301 do not flow into the polishing apparatus 306, and the ball polishing ends. After step D425, the polishing apparatus control process is terminated and the process returns.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step D407 that the polishing pad unit switch 324 is not in the on state and the process jumps to step D426, or when it is determined in step D414 that the number of polishing balls is 0 and the process jumps to step D426, step D426 is performed. To clear the polishing device operating flag. Next, the process proceeds to step D424, the stop data of the polishing motor 312 is set, and after the lower switching solenoid 310S is switched to the non-polishing side in step D425, the polishing apparatus control process is terminated and the process returns. Therefore, when the polishing cloth unit is not attached to the polishing apparatus 306 (the polishing cloth unit switch 324 is in the OFF state) or when the number of polishing balls becomes zero, the polishing motor 312 is stopped and the enclosing balls are put into the polishing apparatus 306. No longer flows.

[Feeding device control processing]
Next, the feeding device control process D51 in the timer interruption process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D431 whether or not there is an input from the feed inlet switch 332. The feed inlet switch 332 detects the inflow of the sphere into the feed device 302. In step D431, it is determined that there is an input at the rising edge of the detection signal. If there is an input from the feeding inlet switch 332 in step D431, the number of feeding balls is updated by “+1” in step D432, and the process proceeds to step D433. Since the number of balls to be transported represents the total number of balls to be transported from now on, the count is incremented every time the balls pass through the material transport switch 332.
On the other hand, if there is no input of the feed inlet switch 332 in step D432, the process jumps to step D432 and proceeds to step D433.
Proceeding to step D433, it is determined whether or not the feed inlet switch 332 remains on for a predetermined time. Here, the continuation of the ON state is determined based on the level of the detection signal at the feed inlet switch 332. For example, if a ball remains at the feed inlet switch 332, there is a possibility that the ball is clogged. For this reason, if the ON state of the feed inlet switch 332 continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is an abnormality (for example, a ball clogging or the like), and the process branches to step D447. When branched to step D447, as will be described later, stop data for the feed motor 333 is finally set (step D446), and the feed motor 333 is stopped.

On the other hand, if the on state of the feed inlet switch 332 does not continue for a predetermined time in step D433, the process proceeds to step D434, and it is determined whether there is an input of the feed outlet switch 334. The feed outlet switch 334 detects the outflow of the ball from the feed device 302. In step D434, it is determined that there is an input at the rising edge of the detection signal. If there is an input from the feed outlet switch 334 in step D434, the number of feed balls is updated by "-1" in step D435, and the process proceeds to step D436. Since the number of balls to be transported represents the total number of balls to be transported from now on, the count of the balls that have been transported is decremented each time the balls pass through the transporting outlet switch 334.
On the other hand, if there is no input of the feed outlet switch 334 in step D434, the process jumps to step D435 and proceeds to step D436.

  Proceeding to step D436, it is determined whether or not the feed outlet switch 334 remains on for a predetermined time. Here, continuation of the ON state is determined based on the level of the detection signal at the feed outlet switch 334. For example, if a ball remains at the feed outlet switch 334, there is a possibility that the ball is clogged. Therefore, if the feed outlet switch 334 remains on for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is an abnormality (for example, clogged balls, etc.), and the process branches to step D447. When branched to step D447, as will be described later, stop data for the feed motor 333 is finally set (step D446), and the feed motor 333 is stopped.

On the other hand, if the ON state of the feed outlet switch 334 does not continue for a predetermined time in step D436, the process proceeds to step D437, and it is determined whether the number of fed balls = 0. This is to determine whether or not the number of balls to be fed, which is detected by the feed inlet switch 332 and represents the total number of balls to be fed by the feeding device 302, has been lost. For example, the process proceeds to step D438, and the processes after step D438 are executed. If the number of thrown balls = 0, the process jumps to step D447. When branching to step D447, the feed motor 333 is finally stopped.
Proceeding to step D438, it is determined whether or not the feeding device 302 is operating. If the feeding device 302 is not in operation, the feeding device in-operation flag is set in step D439, and the feeding motor monitoring timer is cleared to 0 in step D440, and then the process proceeds to step D441. The process of step D439 is performed only once when the feeding device 302 starts to move, and is an initial setting at the start of operation of the feeding device 302. On the other hand, if the feeding device 302 is operating in step D438, the process jumps to step D441.
In step D441, rotation data of the feed motor 333 is set. As a result, the feed motor 333 rotates. In step D441, the rotation data of the feed motor 333 is set. However, when the feed motor 333 is abnormal, the stop data is overwritten on the rotation data.

Next, in step D442, it is determined whether or not there is an input to the feed motor switch 335. The feed motor switch 335 detects the operation of the feed motor 333. If there is an input to the feed motor switch 335 in step D442, the feed motor monitoring timer is cleared to 0 in step D443. The feed motor monitoring timer is for monitoring an abnormality of the feed motor 333.
Next, in step D444, the feed motor monitoring timer is updated by “+1”. Thereby, the feed motor monitoring timer is counted up. The feed motor monitoring timer stops updating at a specified value described later.
Next, in step D445, it is determined whether or not the feed motor monitoring timer is equal to or greater than a specified value (reference value for judging abnormality of the feed motor 333). If the feed motor monitoring timer is not greater than the specified value, the feed device control process is terminated and the process returns. As a result, the encapsulated ball is continuously fed.

  On the other hand, if the feed motor monitoring timer is equal to or greater than the specified value in step D445, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the feed device 302 (for example, ball clogging, etc.), and the process proceeds to step D446 to stop data for the feed motor 333. Set. As a result, the rotation of the feed motor 333 is stopped. This is because if there is no input to the feed motor switch 335 even if a time longer than a specified value has elapsed since the start of rotation of the feed motor 333, it is determined that there is an abnormality such as a ball clogging and the feed motor 333 is stopped. Is. After step D446, the feeding device control process is terminated and the process returns.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step D433 that the feed-in switch 332 is on for a predetermined time, in step D436, it is determined that the feed-out switch 334 is on for a predetermined time, step D437. When it is determined that the number of transported balls is 0, in any case, the process jumps to step D447, and in step D447, after clearing the transport device operating flag, the process proceeds to step D446, and the stop data of the transport motor 333 is obtained. Set.
Therefore, when the feed inlet switch 332 has been on for a predetermined time, when the feed outlet switch 334 has been on for a predetermined time, or when the number of fed balls = 0, in any case The rotation of the feeding motor 333 stops and the encapsulated ball does not flow into the feeding device 302.

[Number of balls management processing]
Next, the number-of-balls management process D52 in the timer interruption process (payout) will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D451 whether or not a prize ball addition stop flag is set. If the prize ball addition stop flag is not set, the process proceeds to step D452, and if the prize ball addition stop flag is set, the process jumps to step D462. In step D452, the top address of the winning area is set. The winning number area is configured so that the area can be divided by address so that a plurality of winning numbers can be stored, so that the winning number received from the game control device 54 (that is, according to the winning ball command from the game control device 54). Address for storing the number of winning balls corresponding to the number of winning balls acquired in this way) in the winning number area is sequentially set from the top.
Next, at step D453, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number area is “0”. If it is not “0”, the value of the winning ball number area corresponding to the winning number area is loaded at step D454.

Here, the number of winning balls associated with winning is as follows, and how much the winning opening (the number of winning) is sent from the game control device 54 as a winning ball command, so in step D454 The process reads out the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of winning opening.
・ First grand prize opening 27a = 13 ・ Second grand prize opening 34a = 10 ・ Starting prize opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting prize opening 26 (general power) = 1 piece ・ General prize winning openings 28-31 = 10 pieces Note that the processing in step D454 is performed when the number of balls held is not updated at once (see step D455 described later) when there are a plurality of winnings, but the number of balls held increases in units of winning. This is to display the number of balls held. In this way, the number of balls held per winning unit increases, so there is an advantage that it is easy to understand for gaming machines.
Next, the process proceeds to step D455, where the value loaded in step D454 (current winning ball number) is added to the number of balls held to obtain a new number of balls, and in step D456, the ball number display light counter is updated by "+1". . Next, in step D457, the number of winning balls is saved in the display updated holding ball number storage area corresponding to the light counter. This is because the change in the number of balls needs to be displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 when there is a prize ball associated with winning, so the value of the number-of-ball display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”. ), The number of prize balls for winning is stored in the display updated number-of-balls storage area corresponding to the advanced light counter, and the stored number of prize balls is added to the number of balls for display for display. This is the number of updated balls.
That is, the amount of change for displaying the number of balls to be displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 for each change event is stored in the display updated number of balls to be stored. For example, the number of possessed balls increases accordingly, so that the number of winning balls is stored in the display updated possessed ball number storage area. As a result, the number of winning balls is added to the number of holding balls, and the display of the holding ball number display 40 is updated.

It should be noted that the display updated number-of-balls storage area is configured by a multi-byte area like a command reception buffer, and the number of balls held is increased or decreased in the order of writing. That is, data (number of winning balls) added to the number of holding balls displayed on the holding ball number display 40 is stored in the ring buffer format area in the order of winning. The size of the storage area in the ring buffer format is set to a size corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls per unit time (for example, the number of prize balls per unit time in the big hit round). For example, the size is set to about 32 bytes.
Next, the process proceeds to step D458, where it is determined whether the number of balls updated in step D455 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (for example, 250,000), and if it is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, it is determined in step D459. The number of balls upper limit (250,000) is updated and registered as a new number of balls, and the process proceeds to step D460. If it is not equal to or greater than the number of balls held, the process proceeds to step D460 without executing step D459.

Proceeding to step D460, the address of the winning number area is updated to the next area. Thus, preparation for reading the value of the next winning number area is completed. Next, in step D461, it is determined whether or not all the winning number areas have been checked. If all the winning number areas have not been checked in step D461, the process returns to step D453 to repeat the loop. In this way, the next winning number out of the plurality of winning numbers is read from the winning number area and stored in the winning ball number area corresponding to the winning number specified by the next address (updated address). The value is loaded and added to the number of balls held. By repeating such a loop, the check of all areas of the winning number area is completed, and the value stored in the winning ball number area corresponding to all the winning numbers is loaded to the number of balls held. Will be added.
On the other hand, if the value of the winning number area is “0” in step D453, there is no value to be added to the number of balls held, so the process jumps to step D460 to update the address of the winning number area to the next area. Thereafter, the process of step D461 is performed.
Then, when it is determined in step D461 that all the winning number areas have been checked, the process goes to step D462 to perform a count switch monitoring process, and in a subsequent step D463, a count ball use monitoring process is performed. These steps D462 and D463 perform processing for monitoring the counting switch 1311 and monitoring the use of the counting ball, and will be described in detail later.

Next, in step D464, data corresponding to the number of held balls is saved in the test signal output data area, and in step D465, data corresponding to the counted number of balls is saved in the test signal output data area, and the number of held balls management process is completed. To do.
According to the number-of-balls management process, the number of balls and the number of display balls increase by the number of prize balls as long as the number of balls does not exceed the upper limit of the number of balls by the processing of steps D455 to D458. . The number of balls for display is data in a storage area of the RAM 1233 for storing the number of balls to be displayed on the ball number display 40.

[Counting switch monitoring process]
Next, the count switch monitoring process D462 in the number-of-balls management process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D471 whether or not the counting switch 311 is on. If the counting switch 311 is in the on state, it is determined that the player intends to count the number of balls held by pressing the counting switch 311 and the process proceeds to step D472, and the initial value (for example, 2 seconds) is set in the counting stop timer during counting. Set. This is to set the firing stop period in order to stop the launch of the ball while counting the number of balls.
Note that, during the launch of the ball, for example, it is assumed that the launch control by the payout control device 230 and the touch sensor 174 are turned on.

Next, in step D473, the count switch-on timer is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and in step D474, it is determined whether the count switch-on timer is greater than or equal to the upper limit value. The counting switch-on timer counts the elapsed time from when the player presses the counting switch 311.
The upper limit value in step D474 corresponds to a time during which all the number of balls can be counted, and is set to 6 seconds, for example. If the count switch-on timer is greater than or equal to the upper limit value in step D474, the process proceeds to step D475 and the count switch-on timer is kept at the upper limit value. This means that if the counting switch-on timer is set to a value larger than the time value (for example, 6 seconds) at which the total number of balls can be counted, the upper limit value is kept so that the timer does not loop. It is.
After step D475, the process proceeds to step D476. On the other hand, if the count switch-on timer is less than the upper limit value in step D474, the process jumps to step D475 and proceeds to step D476.

In step D476, it is determined whether or not the count switch-on timer is equal to 1 second. If the count switch-on timer is equal to 1 second, the process proceeds to step D477. Step D476 is a determination for setting the number of units of counting in the processing after step D477 when the count switch-on timer is 1 second. The time of counting switch-on timer = 1 second corresponds to the minimum time for counting the number of balls held by pressing the counting switch 311. Therefore, the operation of the counting switch 311 in a time shorter than 1 second is invalid, and the counting of the number of balls is not started. Since less than 1 second may cause the player to touch the counting switch 311 by mistake, it is invalidated to prevent malfunction.
If it is determined in step D476 that the count switch-on timer is not 1 second, this time jumps to step D480 without setting the number of units for counting. On the other hand, if the count switch-on timer is 1 second, the process proceeds to step D477 to set the number of units for counting.

In the processing after step D477, the number of units for counting is determined as follows. The unit number of counting is a numerical value (hereinafter referred to as a unit count value) indicating how many balls are counted in units of one second, for example.
Proceeding to step D477, it is determined whether or not the number of balls is “1000” or less. If the number of balls is “1000” or less, the process branches to step D491 to set “50” as the unit count value, and then proceeds to step D480. On the other hand, if the number of held balls exceeds “1000” in step D477, the process proceeds to step D478 to determine whether the number of held balls is “10000” or less. If the number of held balls is equal to or less than “10000”, the process branches to step D492 to set “100” as the unit count value, and then proceeds to step D480.
On the other hand, if the number of held balls exceeds “10000” in step D478, “1000” is set as the unit count value in step D479, and the process proceeds to step D480.
Next, in the case of proceeding to Step D480, it is determined whether or not the number of possessed balls is “0”. If it is not “0”, the process proceeds to Step D481 and the subsequent steps to count the number of retained balls. If the number of balls held is “0” in step D480, the process returns (no counting is performed).

When the processing proceeds to step D481 and subsequent steps, it is first determined in step D481 whether or not the count switch-on timer has a timing value for performing unit counting.
The value of the timing for performing the unit counting is that the operation of the counting switch 311 is invalidated because the operation of the counting switch 311 is invalidated when the minimum time for counting the number of balls held by pressing the counting switch 311 is less than 1 second. It is a time of 1 second or more and a timing with 0.5 second as a unit break after 1 second. Specifically, the timing corresponds to a timer value indicating 1.0 seconds, 1.5 seconds, 2.0 seconds, 2.5 seconds,.
Therefore, the processing of step D481 is performed at the timing of 0.5 sec as a unit break, that is, 1.0 sec, 1.5 sec, 2.0 sec, 2.5 sec,. Value of timing for performing unit counting).

Here, the number of units of counting described above will be described. Since the counting method of the number of balls in Example 1 is the same as that in FIG. 196 described later, it will be described with reference to FIG.
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 196, “pressing time” indicates the operation time (pressing time) of the counting switch 311. FIG. 196 shows how this is done.
Specifically, it is as follows. The following unit count value corresponds to “count unit”.
・ Pressing time of the counting switch 1311 = less than 1 second: invalid regardless of the range of the number of balls held: 1.0 second:
(A) Counting 50 balls when the number of balls is 1000 or less (meaning unit count value = 50, the same applies hereinafter)
(B) Counting 100 balls from 1001 to 10,000 balls. (C) Counting 1000 balls from 10001 balls. After that, every 0.5 seconds:
(B) Count 50 balls when the number of balls is 1000 or less. (B) Count 100 balls when the number of balls is between 1001 and 10,000. .0 seconds:
(B) Count all balls with 1,000 or less balls (b) Count all balls with 1001 to 10,000 balls (c) Count all balls with 10001 balls or more

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the time of unit counting is determined by dividing the pressing time of the count switch 1311 every 0.5 seconds. As described above, the operation of the counting switch 311 is invalidated for less than 1 second to prevent the counting switch 311 from malfunctioning. Regardless of how many balls are held, the count time of the count switch 311 is all counted in 6.0 seconds.

Now, returning to the flow, if the count switch-on timer is the value at which the unit count is performed in step D481, it is determined that the number of balls possessed by the operation of the count switch 311 is determined, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step D482, where It is determined whether the number is less than the unit count value. If the number of held balls is less than the unit count value, the number of held balls at that time is replaced with the unit count value in step D483. This is to simplify the counting process by replacing the remaining number of balls at that time with the unit count value when the number of balls remaining is less than the unit count value.
After step D483, the process proceeds to step D484. On the other hand, if the number of possessed balls is not less than the unit count value in step D482, the process jumps to step D483 and proceeds to step D484.

In step D 484, “counting ball number + unit count value” is set as the counting ball number, and this is stored in the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230. In this way, the counting ball number is updated when the counting switch 311 is operated.
Next, in step D485, “number of balls held−unit count value” is set as the number of balls held this time, and this is stored in the RAM 233 of the payout controller 230. In this way, the number of balls held when the counting switch 311 is operated is updated.
Thus, in this example, both the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls are managed by the payout control device 230 (the card unit 15 is simply transmitted with data of the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls. Only to let you know).
Next, the process proceeds to step D486, and the number of possessed balls display light counter is updated by “+1”. Next, in step D487, the "-unit count value" is saved in the display updated possession ball number storage area corresponding to the light counter, and then the process returns. This is because when there is a subtraction of the number of balls that accompanies the count, it is necessary to display the change in the number of balls in the number-of-balls display 40, so that the value of the number-of-balls display light counter is only “+1”. Update (increment) and advance, store the updated number of possessed balls for display corresponding to the advanced light counter, store the subtracted number of the number of balls with the count (in this case, the unit count value), and store the stored unit count value This is subtracted from the number of holding balls for display to obtain the updated number of holding balls for display.
In this case, the amount of change for displaying the number of balls for display on the number-of-balls display 40 for each change event is stored in the display updated ball number storage area. Therefore, the number of balls held is subtracted by that amount, and the subtraction number (here, the unit count value) is stored in the display updated ball number storage area. Thereby, the number of balls held is subtracted by the unit count value, and the display of the ball holding number display 40 is updated.
That is, each time the number of balls is counted, it is subtracted from the unit count value and stored as a display ball number in the storage area of the RAM 233 that stores the number of balls held, and also for the display stored in the storage area of the RAM 233 Based on the number of balls (data), the number of balls after counting is displayed on the ball number display 40.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the determination at each step branches to a route different from that described above.
If the count switch 311 is not in the ON state in step D471, it is determined that the player has not pressed the count switch 311 or has pressed the count switch 311 but released for a moment, and the process branches to step D488. If it is not “0”, the timer is updated (decremented) by “−1”.
This is when the player has not pressed the counting switch 311 at all. Since the process returns through steps D489 and D490 described later, the counting of the number of held balls is not started, but if the player intends to start counting the number of held balls by pressing the counting switch 311, something is being counted. Since a grace period (for example, 2 seconds) is provided so that the counting of the number of balls can be continued even if the counting switch 311 is turned off for a moment, the counting is performed to count the grace period. The medium firing stop timer is updated (decremented) by “−1”.
On the other hand, if the firing stop timer during counting is “0”, it is determined that the player has not pressed the counting switch 311.

After step D488, it is determined in subsequent step D489 whether or not the counting stop timer is “0”. If the firing stop timer is not “0” during counting, the process returns and the routine is repeated. As described above, when the player intends to start counting the number of balls held by pressing the count switch 311, even if the count switch 311 is turned off for a moment during the count, the count switch 311 is held. Although a grace period is provided so that the counting of the number of balls can be continued, NO in step D489 is a case where the grace period is counted.
On the other hand, if the counting stop timer is “0” in step D489, the process proceeds to step D490, the count switch-on timer is cleared to “0”, and the process returns. In this case, the player has not pressed the counting switch 311 at all, and the counting of the number of balls is not started.

  Next, when it is determined in step D481 that the count switch-on timer is not the timing value for performing the unit count, the process branches to step D493, where it is determined whether the count switch-on timer is the timing value for performing the total count. judge. As shown in FIG. 196, the timing of total counting means that when the count switch 311 is pressed for 6.0 seconds, all balls are counted regardless of the number of balls held. Therefore, the timing (that is, 6.0 seconds). Therefore, if it is not the value of the timing when the pressing time of the counting switch 311 becomes 6.0 seconds in step D493, the routine is ended and the process returns, and the timing when the pressing time of the counting switch 311 becomes 6.0 seconds. If it is a value, the process proceeds to step D494, where “counted ball number + number of held balls” is set as the counted ball number and stored in the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230.

If it is a case where the total number of balls is counted and the game is to be ended and settled, the count switch 311 is pressed to count the number of balls to be counted, and then the operation display device 7 By touching the return button 704 on the screen of the message / operation area 706, the recorded game cards of all the number of possessed balls (here, all of the counted number of balls) are ejected from the card unit 15. . Accordingly, since this time corresponds to the time of payment, the payout control device 230 transmits data of the total number of balls (the number of balls held + the number of balls counted) to the card unit 15 at the time of payment.
Therefore, when performing the total counting of the number of balls, it is determined in step D493 that the count switch-on timer has a timing value for performing the total counting, and the process proceeds to the following step D494. “Number of balls + number of balls held” is set as the number of balls counted and stored in the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230. After the number of held balls is cleared to “0” in step D495, the process returns.
By the processing from step D493 to step D495, all the number of balls held is counted and saved in the counting ball number area, and thereafter, the number of balls held is cleared to “0”.

[Counting ball use monitoring process]
Next, the counting ball use monitoring process D463 in the held ball number management process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D501 whether a counting ball use command has been received. The counting ball use command is sent from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230. When the counting ball use button 710 (see FIG. 11A) arranged on the operation display device 7 is operated. This is a request command for moving a predetermined amount (for example, 100) of balls from the counted number of balls to the number of held balls in one operation. For this reason, in step D501, the counting ball use button 710 is pressed, and it is determined whether or not the player has requested the movement of the ball from the counting ball number to the number of possessed balls and whether or not the counting ball use command has been received. .
If the counting ball use command has not been received in step D501, the counting ball use monitoring process is terminated and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the counting ball use command has been received in step D501, the process proceeds to step D502, and the counting ball use command received flag is cleared.
Next, in step D503, it is determined whether or not the counted ball number is “0”. If “NO” in the determination in step D503, since the counted ball number is “0”, it is determined that the movement to the number of held balls cannot be performed, and the routine is ended and the process returns.

If YES in step D503, it is determined that there is a counting ball and it is possible to move to the number of possessed balls, the process proceeds to step D504, and whether the counting ball number is “100” or more. Determine. If the number of counting balls is “100” or more, “100” (that is, 100 counting balls) out of the number of counting balls is set as the number of counting balls used in step D505. As a result, 100 balls out of the number of counted balls move to the number of possessed balls. After step D505, the process proceeds to step D506.
On the other hand, when the counting ball number is less than “100” in step D504, the process branches to step D512, and all the counting ball numbers are set as the counting ball use number. As a result, all the counted balls move to the number of balls held.
This is because when a counting ball use button 710 is operated once, a predetermined amount (for example, 100 balls) is moved from the counting ball number to the number of possessed balls. This is because the ball may be moved to the number of balls possessed.
After step D512, the process proceeds to step D506.

In the case of proceeding from step D505 to step D506 or proceeding from step D512 to step D506, in step D506, the sum of the “number of balls held + the number of counting balls used” is the upper limit value of the number of balls held (for example, 250,000) ) Is exceeded, and if it exceeds the upper limit value of the number of balls, in step D507, “the upper limit value of the number of balls—the number of balls” is updated and registered as a new count ball use number. Proceed to D508. In practice, it is considered that the number of balls held + the number of counting balls used does not exceed the upper limit of the number of balls (for example, 250,000). This is to prevent the number from disappearing.
On the other hand, if the sum of “the number of balls held + the number of counting balls used” is less than the designed upper limit value (for example, 250,000) in step D506, the process jumps to step D508.

When the process proceeds from step D506 or step D507 to step D508, “number of balls held + number of counting balls used” is updated as a new number of balls in step D508, and “number of counting balls−counting balls used” is subsequently updated in step D509. "Number" is updated as a new number of counting balls. This is because the ball is moved from the counting ball number to the holding ball number by operating the counting ball use switch, so that the values of the holding ball number and the counting ball number are updated in accordance with the situation.
After step D509, the ball number display light counter is updated by "+1" in step D510. Next, after the “counting ball use number” is saved in the display updated ball number storage area corresponding to the light counter in step D511, the process returns. This is because the change in the number of balls needs to be displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 when there is an addition of the number of balls due to the operation of the counting ball use switch. Is updated (incremented) by "+1", and the updated number of balls to be stored corresponding to the advanced light counter is added to the number of balls held by the operation of the counting ball use switch (here, the number of counting balls used) ) And the stored number of used counting balls is added to the number of holding balls for display to obtain the updated number of holding balls for display.
In this case, the amount of change for displaying the number of balls for display on the number-of-balls display 40 for each change event is stored in the display updated number of balls to be stored. If the number of possessed balls is added, the number of possessed balls increases by that amount, and the added number (the number of counted balls used here) is stored in the display updated possessed ball number storage area. As a result, the number of balls held is added by the number of counting balls used, and the display of the ball holding number display 40 is updated.

According to the counting ball use monitoring process, when the counting ball use button 710 is operated once, a predetermined amount (for example, 100) of balls moves from the counting ball number to the holding ball number. Further, if the number of counted balls is less than a predetermined amount (for example, 100), all the counted balls move to the number of possessed balls.
Therefore, the player can taste the game sensation of the concept of moving the ball from the ball box to the upper plate as well as increasing the number of balls that can be fired by returning from the counted ball number to the number of balls held. is there.

[Ball removal control processing]
Next, the ball removal control process D53 in the timer interruption process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D521 whether or not the ball removal control timer is “0”. The ball removal control timer is for counting the time for removing the ball of the encapsulated ball. If the ball removal control timer is “0”, the process proceeds to step D522 to determine whether or not there is a ball removal request. The ball removal request is issued when the ball removal switch 183 is turned on or when an error occurs such that an abnormal ball (for example, an incorrect magnetic ball or an illegal small-diameter ball) is detected as the enclosed ball.
If there is a ball removal request, the ball removal request flag is cleared in step D523, and the initial value of the ball removal control timer is set in subsequent step D524. The initial value here is set to the time required to remove the encapsulated sphere.
Next, on output data of the ball removal solenoid 344S is set in step D525, and on output data of the upper switching solenoid 336S is set in step D526, and the process returns.

By the processing in step D525, the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on, the end of the bypass passage 304 is opened by the ball removal valve 344, and the balls in the bypass passage 304 are caused to flow into the ball removal passage 305 and collected in the collection box 345. It will be. Further, by the processing of step D526, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on, and the upper switching valve 336 opens the end portion of the upper passage 303 (the communication portion with the bypass passage 304), and the sphere in the upper passage 303 is removed from the bypass passage 304. It will be allowed to flow into.
Therefore, the sphere of the upper passage 303 is guided to the bypass passage 304, passes through the bypass passage 304, flows into the ball removal passage 305, and is finally collected in the collection box 345 (that is, the sphere of the enclosed sphere). Is removed).
When the ball removal of the encapsulated ball is performed as described above, if the determination in step D521 is NO (that is, if the ball removal control timer is not “0”), the process branches to step D527 and the ball removal control is performed. The timer is updated by “−1”. Thereby, the ball removal control timer is counted down. Next, in step D528, it is determined whether or not the ball removal control timer is “0”. If the ball removal control timer is not “0”, the routine is terminated and the ball removal control process is repeated.

By repeating the ball removal control process, when the ball removal control timer becomes “0” in step D528, the process proceeds to step D529, where the OFF output data of the ball removal solenoid 344S is set, and the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned off in step D530. Set the output data and return.
As a result of the processing in step D529, the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned off and the end of the bypass passage 304 is closed by the ball removal valve 344 so that the balls in the bypass passage 304 do not flow into the ball removal passage 305. The inflow of the sphere will be blocked. Further, by the process of step D530, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned off, the upper switching valve 336 closes the end portion of the upper passage 303 (the communication portion with the bypass passage 304), and the ball in the upper passage 303 becomes the bypass passage 304. It will not flow into. Thereby, the ball removal of the encapsulated sphere is completed.
On the other hand, if there is no ball removal request in step D522, the process jumps from step D522 to step D529, sequentially executes the processes of step D529 and step D530, and returns. Therefore, in this case, the encapsulated sphere is not removed.

[Settlement control processing]
Next, the settlement control process D54 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, branching is performed based on the adjustment control process number in step D541. In this case, if the settlement control process number is 0, the settlement start monitoring process (details will be described later) in step D542, and if the settlement control process number is 1, the settlement write completion monitoring process (details will be described later) in step D543. If the control process number is 2, a payment completion monitoring process (details will be described later) is executed in step D544, and then the process returns. The initial value of the settlement control process number is set to 0, for example, in step D9 of the main process.
The settlement control process number may be 0, 1, 2,..., But may be 1, 2, 3,..., And if this is done, when the area of RAM 233 is cleared The process of setting 0 as the initial value can be omitted.

[Checkout start monitoring process]
Next, the settlement start monitoring process D542 in the settlement control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D551 whether or not a settlement start flag is set. The settlement start flag is set when a “settlement start request” command is received from the card unit 15. If the settlement start flag is not set in step D551, the settlement start monitoring process is terminated and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the settlement start flag is set in step D551, the process proceeds to step D552, and the settlement start flag is cleared. The settlement start flag is cleared because the settlement starts because the settlement start flag is set, so that the settlement start flag is cleared in preparation for the next settlement. Next, in the step D553, a settlement in progress flag is set.

Next, in step D554, “the number of held balls + the number of counted balls” is set as the number of held balls for display. The number of balls held for display here is the total number of balls held by the player. This is to count all the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls that the player has acquired to make the number of possessed balls for display. This is because of the settlement. That is, when the return button 704 is pressed to request the return of the game card, it is necessary to automatically perform payment. This is because the number of balls for display is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Further, the reason why “the number of holding balls + the number of counting balls” is used as the number of holding balls is to display the number of holding balls on the holding ball number display unit 40 until the settlement is completed. The number of balls for display is stored in a storage area of the RAM 233 for storing the number of balls to be displayed on the ball number display 40.

  Next, in step D555, a timer initial value (for example, 2 seconds) of the settlement writing completion monitoring timer is set. The settlement write completion monitoring timer is a timer for setting a timeout in the response from the card unit 15. Next, in step D556, the settlement write completion monitoring process number is set in the settlement control process number, and then the process returns. Therefore, in the settlement control process, the next time, the routine proceeds to the settlement write completion monitoring process routine.

[Checkout completion monitoring process]
Next, the settlement write completion monitoring process D543 in the settlement control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, the settlement write completion monitoring timer is updated (decremented) by “−1” in step D561, and it is determined whether or not the timer has become “0” in step D562. If the settlement write completion monitoring timer is not “0”, the process proceeds to step D563, where it is determined whether settlement settlement completion has been received from the card unit 15. The receipt of the payment writing completion is determined by whether or not a payment writing completion command is received from the card unit 15, for example. If payment completion is not received from the card unit 15, the process returns and the routine is repeated.
If it is determined in step D563 that the completion of payment writing has been received from the card unit 15, the process goes to step D564 to clear the number of held balls to “0”, and to clear the counted number of balls to “0” in step D565. This is because the card unit 15 side completes the payment writing (that is, the total number of balls held (the number of balls held and the number of balls counted) has been recorded on the game card), and the record is held on the game card. This is because the number of held balls and the number of counted balls may be cleared to “0”.
Next, in step D566, the settlement completion monitoring process number is set in the settlement control process number, and the process returns. Therefore, in the settlement control process, the next time, the routine proceeds to the settlement completion monitoring process routine.

  On the other hand, if the settlement write completion monitoring timer is “0” in step D562, the settlement write completion cannot be received from the card unit 15 within the predetermined time counted by the settlement write completion monitoring timer. Therefore, the process branches to step D567 and the settlement write failure flag is set. Next, in the step D568, the settlement in progress flag is cleared. Next, in step D569, the settlement start monitoring process number is set in the settlement control process number, and the process returns. Therefore, in the settlement control process, the next time, the routine proceeds to the settlement start monitoring process routine.

[Checkout completion monitoring process]
Next, the settlement completion monitoring process D544 in the settlement control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D571 whether a settlement end flag is set. The settlement end flag is set when a “settlement end request” command is received from the card unit 15. If the settlement end flag is not set in step D571, the settlement end monitoring process is terminated and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the settlement end flag is set in step D571, the process proceeds to step D572, and the settlement end flag is cleared. The settlement end flag is cleared because the settlement ends because the settlement end flag is set, so that the settlement end flag is cleared in preparation for the next settlement end. Next, in the step D573, the adjusting flag is cleared.

In step D574, the card removal waiting flag is cleared. The card removal waiting flag is set in the “card return response process” described later, and is set in the process of paying out the game and returning the game card from the card unit 15, but when the checkout is completed It is something to clear.
Next, in step D575, a timer initial value (for example, 2 seconds) is set in the number-of-balls display timer. The number-of-balls display timer is a timer for providing a time for displaying the number of balls on the number-of-balls display 40 at the time of payment. That is, the number-of-balls display timer is configured to end a blinking display of the number of balls held on the ball number display 40 when the time is up (to be described later “ball number LED editing process”). reference). Then, the initial value is set in the number-of-balls display timer is settled in the LED of the number-of-balls display 40 for a short time after the game card is ejected from the card unit 15 (the initial value of the timer). This is to prepare for flashing the number of balls held.
Next, in step D576, the settlement start monitoring process number is set in the settlement control process number, and then the process returns. Therefore, in the settlement control process, the next time, the routine proceeds to the settlement start monitoring process routine.

[Break control process]
Next, the break control process D55 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, branching by the break control process number is performed in step D581. In this case, if the break control process number is 0, a break start monitoring process (described later in detail) in step D582 is executed, and if the break control process number is 1, a break end monitoring process (described in detail later) is executed in step D583. Then return. The initial value of the break control process number is set to 0, for example, in step D9 of the main process.
The break control processing number may be 0, 1, 2,..., But may be 1, 2, 3,..., And if this is done, when the area of RAM 233 is cleared The process of setting 0 as the initial value can be omitted.

[Break start monitoring process]
Next, the break start monitoring process D582 in the break control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D591 whether or not a break start flag is set. The break start flag is set when a “break start request” command is received from the card unit 15. If the break start flag is not set in step D591, the break start monitoring process is terminated and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the break start flag is set in step D591, the process proceeds to step D592, and the break start flag is cleared. Clearing the break start flag starts the break because the break start flag has been set, so that the break start flag is cleared to prepare for the next break. Next, a break flag is set in step D593.
When the break flag is set, control for displaying “breaking” on the screen of the operation display device 7 is executed by a process not shown in the figure, and the player or the store clerk is notified that the break is in progress. The On the other hand, when the break flag is cleared, the indication “breaking” disappears, and it is notified that the break has ended.
Next, after setting the break end monitoring process number in the break control process number in step D594, the process returns. Therefore, in the break control process, the next time is a shift to a break end monitoring process routine.

[Break end monitoring process]
Next, the break end monitoring process D583 in the break control process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D601 whether or not a break end flag is set. The break end flag is set when a “break end request” command is received from the card unit 15. If the break end flag is not set in step D601, the break end monitoring process is terminated and the process returns.
On the other hand, if the break end flag is set in step D601, the process proceeds to step D602 to clear the break end flag. The break end flag is cleared because the break ends because the break end flag is set, so that the break end flag is cleared in preparation for the next break end. Next, the break flag is cleared in step D603.
Next, after setting the break start monitoring process number in the break control process number in step D604, the process returns. Therefore, in the break control process, the next time is shifted to a break start monitoring process routine.

[LED editing process]
Next, the LED editing process D56 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, an error display LED editing process (step D611), a ball count LED editing process (step D612), and a count ball count LED editing process (step D613) are sequentially executed, and then the process returns.
Here, in the error display LED editing process, setting of display data for turning on or blinking the error display LED 67 arranged in the payout control device 230 when a predetermined error occurs is executed.
In the ball number LED editing process, setting of display data for performing various displays on the ball number indicator 40 is executed (details will be described later).
In the counting ball number LED editing process, setting of display data for performing various displays on the counting ball display 313 is executed.

[Error LED editing process]
Next, the error LED editing process D611 in the LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, at step D621, it is determined whether any error is occurring. Some error is any of various errors such as opening of the front frame 4, removal of the main board (game control device 54), fraudulent radio wave, encapsulated ball abnormality, and the like.
If any error is occurring in step D621, the process proceeds to step D622, and the display data of the error having the highest display priority among the generated errors is set. For example, if errors such as opening of the front frame 4, removal of the main board (game control device 54), and an enclosed ball abnormality occur as errors, the error about removal of the main board (game control device 54) is the most. Since it is considered that the error needs to be dealt with, this main board (game control device 54) removal error is set as the display data of the highest display priority error. As a result, the error display LED 67 arranged in the payout control device 230 blinks (or may be lit) as a substrate (game control device 54) removal error has occurred. After step D622, the process returns.
On the other hand, if any error is not occurring at step D621, the process branches to step D623 to set display data at normal time. This notifies that it is normal, that is, no error has occurred. After step D623, the process returns.

[Number of balls LED editing process]
Next, the ball number LED editing process D612 in the LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D631 whether a card unit unconnected error has occurred. If it has occurred, the process proceeds to step D638, and if not, the process proceeds to step D632. The determination of the card unit unconnected error is performed based on, for example, a card unit connection confirmation flag, as in step D371 described above.
When the process proceeds to step D632, it is determined whether an enclosure system switch error is occurring. If it is occurring, the process proceeds to step D638, and if not, the process proceeds to step D633. The enclosed system switch error is a switch abnormality with respect to the enclosed system switch (launched ball detection switch 160, out-ball detection switch 161, first enclosed ball number detection switch 164, second enclosed ball number detection switch 165).
In step D638, display data for performing display for notifying the enclosed system switch error or the card unit unconnected error is set by the ball number indicator 40, and the process returns.

When the process proceeds to step D633, it is determined whether the account is being settled (including a settlement or waiting to be taken out of a game card). If the settlement is in progress, the process proceeds to step D639. If the settlement is not in progress, the process proceeds to step D634. Whether or not payment is in progress is determined based on, for example, the above-described payment flag.
In step D639, it is determined whether or not payment writing completion is waiting. If payment payment completion is waiting, the process proceeds to step D640, and a display for moving and blinking the number of balls on the ball number display 40 is displayed. Set data (ball number display movement blinking data) and return. As a result, the waiting ball number display on the holding ball number display 40 moves and blinks while waiting for the completion of payment writing.
If it is not waiting for the completion of payment writing in step D639, the process branches to step D641, and display data (ball number display blinking data) for causing the ball number display unit 40 to blink display in step D641. Set and return. As a result, even when the payment is in progress, when the payment writing is not waiting for completion (that is, when the writing to the game card is completed), the number of balls held on the number-of-balls display 40 flashes. become.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step D634, it is determined whether the value of the number-of-balls display timer is not zero. If it is not zero (when time is not up), the process proceeds to step D642, and if it is zero (time is up). In the case), the process proceeds to Step D635. The number-of-balls display timer is a timer that is set at the end of settlement in step D575 (FIG. 137) in the settlement completion monitoring process described above.
If it is determined in step D634 that the value of the number-of-balls display timer is not zero (the time has not expired) and the process proceeds to step D642, the number of balls to be blinked is displayed by the number-of-balls display 40 in step D642. The number-of-balls display blinking data is set, and in the subsequent step D643, the number-of-balls display timer is updated (decrement) by “−1”. Thereby, the number-of-balls display timer is counted. Next, at step D644, it is determined whether or not the value of the number-of-balls display timer has become zero. If not, the routine returns and the routine is repeated. If the value of the number-of-balls display timer becomes zero (counts up), the process proceeds to step D645 to clear the number of balls for display, and then proceeds to step D647, and the number-of-balls display 40 as described later. Set the turn-off data to turn off the light, and then return.
The processing from the above steps D633, D634, D639 to D645 until the checkout process is started by pressing the return button 704 of the operation display device 7 until the game card is removed and the number-of-balls display timer counts up. During the period from the start of payment to waiting for the completion of payment writing, the number of balls held on the number-of-balls display 40 moves and blinks. When the payment is completed, the number of balls held on the number-of-balls display 40 flashes. Become.

On the other hand, if it progresses to step D635, it will be determined and determined whether it is during a break, and if it is during a break, it will progress to step D646, and if it is not during a break, it will progress to step D636. The determination as to whether or not the user is taking a break is made based on the above-described break flag, for example.
In step D646, break display data for displaying that the player is on the ball with the number-of-balls display 40 is set, and the process returns.
When the process proceeds to step D636, it is determined whether the game is in progress (the player is seated). If the game is being played, the process proceeds to step D647, and if not, the process proceeds to step D637. Whether or not a game is in progress is determined by determining that a game is in progress if a game card is inserted in the card unit 15 and determining that a game is not in progress if it is not inserted.
In step D647, the number-of-balls display data setting process is performed, and then the process returns. This is a process for displaying the number of balls held on the number-of-balls display 40 and will be described in detail later.
In Step D637, the turn-off data of the number-of-balls display 40 is set and the process returns. In addition, you may make it perform a demonstration display with the number-of-balls display 40 instead of light extinction.

According to this routine, the number of balls held is basically displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 during the game, but when a card unit non-connection error or an encapsulated system switch error occurs, an error display is displayed. A display indicating that the payment is being performed during the checkout and a display indicating that the break is being performed during the break are respectively performed on the number-of-balls display 40. And when it is not in any of these states, the number-of-balls display 40 executes a turn-off display.
In addition, while waiting for completion of payment writing from the start of payment, the number of balls held on the number-of-balls display 40 moves and blinks, and when payment is completed, the number of balls held on the number-of-balls display 40 flashes. Control is performed.
In the present embodiment, the data setting processing for the display on the number-of-balls display 40 is collectively processed in this routine for all displays other than the number-of-balls display. For this reason, there exists an effect which can simplify a process and can reduce cost.

[Number of balls display data setting processing]
Next, the number-of-balls display data setting process D647 in the number-of-balls LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, if the number-of-balls display update timer is not “0” in step D651, the timer is updated (decrement) by “−1”, and in step D652, the number-of-balls display update timer is “ Whether or not “0” is determined. This is because the number-of-balls display update timer is set to an initial value (for example, 300 ms) in step D658, which will be described later, and "-1" is updated (decremented) from the initial value. It is determined whether or not.

If the decision result in the step D652 is YES, the process advances to a succeeding step D653 to judge whether or not the number-of-ball display lead counter is equal to the number-of-ball display light counter. This is to determine whether or not the current number of balls has been read from the number-of-balls display number storage area in which the number of balls is stored. If the result of determination in step D653 is NO, it is determined that the number-of-balls display read counter is not equal to the number-of-balls display light counter, and that the current number of balls has not been read from the number-of-balls display number storage area. The process proceeds to step D654.
Next, in step D654, the number-of-balls-displaying lead counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”. Load it. Next, in step D656, the number of updated balls loaded in step D655 is added to the number of holding balls for display to be updated to the current number of holding balls for display. That is, “the number of holding balls for display + the number of updates” is updated to the number of holding balls for display this time.

In step D657, data corresponding to the number of updates is saved in the test signal output data area. The number of updates here corresponds to the number of prize balls, and the process of step D657 corresponds to a process of outputting a test signal relating to the addition of the number of prize balls to the number of balls held to the outside. This is to output a test signal relating to the addition of the number of winning balls to the number of balls held, in accordance with the update of the number of balls held on the ball holding number display 40. As a result, the external test apparatus can more reliably capture data relating to the addition of the number of prize balls to the number of balls held.
Next, the process proceeds to step D658, and the initial value of the number-of-balls display update timer (for example, 300 ms) is saved in the number-of-balls display update timer area. For example, 300 ms is set as the initial value here.
Here, the initial value = 300 m is an interval for updating the number of balls (in a predetermined period (0.3 seconds)) when the number-of-balls display 40 (game value display means) displays the number of balls held by the player. (Interval).

This is because the RAM 233 as an internal memory stores changes in the player's number of balls, and subtracts the fired ball and repeats the addition of the number of prize balls to determine how much the player has In contrast to this, updating the number of balls held in the number-of-balls display 40 is different from the case where the RAM 233 updates and stores the number of balls in real time. This is because control is performed so that the updated number of balls is displayed at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds).
That is, the payout controller 230 subtracts the number of balls fired from the number of balls held and adds the number of prize balls by processing based on the game program, so that the RAM 233 stores real-time changes in the number of balls held. However, the update of the number of balls when the number-of-balls display 40 displays the number of balls of the player is that the RAM 233 updates and stores the number of balls in real time. In contrast, control is performed so that the updated number of balls is displayed at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds).

Next, the process proceeds to step D659, and it is determined whether or not the number of balls for display is “0”. If the number of holding balls is not “0”, the process proceeds to step D660, and LED display data corresponding to the number of holding balls updated in step D656 is set. This sets data to be displayed on the LED of the ball holding number display 40 capable of displaying six digits of numbers (the number of balls held) by arranging six 7-segment LEDs. Therefore, if there are 6 LEDs to be displayed, data for 6 digits is set. After step D660, the process returns. Thereby, the current number of balls (the updated number of balls) is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40.
On the other hand, if the number of holding balls for display is “0” in step D659, the process branches to step D663 to determine whether or not the number of counted balls is “0”. If the number of counted balls is not “0”, the process proceeds to step D664, the blinking display data of the number of held balls “0” is set, and the process returns. Thereby, when the number of counted balls is not “0”, the display of the number-of-balls display 40 blinks.
On the other hand, if the counted ball number is “0” in step D663, the process proceeds to step D665, the lighting display data of the holding ball number display “0” is set, and the process returns. Thereby, when the number of counted balls is “0”, the display of the number-of-balls indicator 40 is turned on.

  On the other hand, if the number-of-balls display update timer is not “0” in step D652, the process jumps to step D659. Accordingly, at this time, the processing after step D659 is executed. In this case, the display of the previous number of balls is continued by the number-of-balls display 40. However, since the processing of steps D659 and D663-D665 is performed, even if the number of balls is “0”, it depends on the presence / absence of the number of balls. The display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 is different. When the number of counting balls is not “0”, the display of the number-of-balls display 40 flashes “0”, and when the number of counting balls is “0”, the number of balls held The “0” display on the display 40 is lit.

Returning to step D653, if the determination result in step D653 is YES, the number-of-ball display lead counter is equal to the number-of-ball display light counter, and the current number of balls held from the number-of-balls display number storage area. Branching to step D661, where the current number of balls is updated to the number of balls for display in step D661, and then the data without prize balls is saved in the test signal output data area in step D662. .
When the processing of step D661 is performed, in order to prevent a shift between the display data regarding the number of balls and the internal data, when there is no data to be added (the number of balls to be added), it is periodically performed. The process to match the number of balls held inside.
The process of step D662 corresponds to a process of outputting a test signal relating to the number of prize balls to the outside, and in particular, a test signal relating to the number of prize balls when there is no prize ball. This is to output a test signal regarding the number of winning balls in accordance with the update of the number of holding balls on the holding ball number display 40, but also output data without winning balls to an external test device. It is possible. As a result, the external test apparatus can more reliably capture data relating to the number of prize balls. After step D662, the process proceeds to step D658, and the processes after step D658 are executed.

[Counting ball LED editing process]
Next, the counting ball number LED editing process D613 in the LED editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D671 whether or not the counting ball number is "0". If the counting ball number is not "0", the process proceeds to step D672 and the counting ball number LED is turned on. Data is set, and then the process proceeds to step D674. As a result, the counting ball display 313 is turned on. Since the counting ball display 313 displays whether or not there is a counting ball, it is understood that there is a counting ball (is present) by lighting.
On the other hand, if the counting ball number is “0” in step D671, the process proceeds to step D673 to set off data of the counting ball number LED, and then proceeds to step D674. As a result, the counting ball display 313 is turned off. Thereby, it turns out that there is no counting ball.

In step D674, the output data of the counting LED corresponding to the counting status is set, and then the process returns. This sets data for controlling the lighting mode (including blinking) of the counting LED built in the counting ball display 313 according to the status of the number of counting balls (including presence / absence).
Specifically, data setting is performed as follows.
・ Counting not possible: Red lighting ・ Counting possible: Blue lighting (or blinking)
・ Counting: Blinking green No counting is possible when there is no counting ball, and counting is possible when there is a counting ball. By performing the process of step D674, the lighting mode (including blinking) of the counting LED built in the counting ball display 313 is finely changed according to the status of the counting ball, which is advantageous to the player.
In this manner, the counting ball display 313 is turned on (including blinking) and turned off according to the presence / absence of the counting ball, notifying the player of the presence / absence of the counting ball and counting, and displaying the operation. Using the counting ball use button 710 on the screen of the device 7, it is notified whether or not the movement from the counting ball number to the holding ball number is possible (for example, counting is possible and the blue light is lit). Here, the counting ball indicator 313 performs simple display regarding the counting ball number to the player by turning on (including blinking) and turning off, and the operation display device managed by the card unit 15 for details of the counting ball number. 7 is displayed. Note that the counting ball display 313 may be configured by several LEDs (for example, six) to notify the approximate counting ball number.

[Main control command transmission processing]
Next, the main control command transmission process D57 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D681 whether or not a main control command has been received. If no main control command has been received, the process branches to step D703.
Here, in the first embodiment, the communication between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 (main board) is configured to perform bidirectional communication with the game control device 54 serving as a primary station. In other words, the payout control device 230 transmits to the game control device 54 based on the command received from the game control device 54. In addition, since the two-way communication is performed periodically (for example, every 200 ms), for example, if a command from the game control device 54 does not come to the payout control device 230 for 1 second, In step D681, the reception of the main control command is confirmed.
In the communication between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230, the card unit 15 becomes the primary station.
On the other hand, if a main control command is received in step D681, the process proceeds to step D682, where a command is generated based on various errors and illegal flags and stored (for example, stored in the RAM 233). Examples of various errors and illegal flags include the following.
・ Glass frame 5 open ・ Front frame 4 open ・ Prize number abnormal ・ Incorrect addition detection ・ Radio fraud ・ Switch abnormal

Next, the process proceeds to step D683, and the command generated in step D682 is written in the gaming machine frame information transmission buffer. The gaming machine frame information transmission buffer is a buffer for temporarily storing commands to be transmitted from the payout control device 230 arranged in the gaming machine frame to the gaming control device 54.
In step D684, a command is generated and stored based on the pressed state of the counting switch 311 and the card removal waiting flag. Waiting for card removal refers to a period of waiting for a player to remove a game card when the game card is discharged from the card slot 201 of the card unit 15 at the time of payment.
Next, the process proceeds to step D685, and the command generated in step D684 is written in the gaming machine frame information transmission buffer.

Next, it is determined in step D686 whether the touch sensor 174 is off, whether the number of held balls = 0 in step D687, or whether the number of counted balls = 0 in step D688. If YES in D686 to D688, that is, if the touch sensor 174 is OFF in step D686, the number of held balls = 0 in step D687, and the number of counted balls = 0 in step D688, the process proceeds to step D689. .
This is because when the touch sensor 174 is off because the player is not touching the launch handle 11, the number of balls held is zero, and the number of counted balls is zero, the gaming machine is not operating. Therefore, it is determined that energy saving (energy saving; hereinafter the same) is necessary, and the process proceeds to step D689.
Therefore, in step D689, a command with a power saving transition request is generated and stored. Thereby, when a command with a power saving transition request is sent to the game control device 54, the command is sent from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and, for example, the display device 41 is controlled by the control of the effect control device 53. The screen becomes the energy saving mode and power consumption is suppressed.

After step D689, the process proceeds to step D690.
On the other hand, if any one of Step D686 to Step D688 is NO, that is, it is determined that the touch sensor 174 is turned on at Step D686, the number of balls held is at Step D687, and the number of counted balls is at Step D688. If there is one, there is a possibility that the gaming machine is operating, so it is determined that energy saving is not necessary, and the process branches to step D691. In step D691, a command without a power saving transition request is generated and stored, and then the process proceeds to step D690. As a result, a command without a power saving transition request is sent to the game control device 54, and for example, control such that the screen of the display device 41 is in the energy saving mode is not performed.

When the process proceeds from step D689 or step D691 to step D690, in step D690, the command set in step D689 or step D691 is written in the gaming machine frame information transmission buffer. Thereby, the command set in step D689 or step D691 is sent to the game control device 54.
Next, the process proceeds to step D692, where a command is generated based on the break-related flag and the settlement-related flag, and stored. As the checkout related flag, for example, there is a card removal waiting flag, and a command is generated based on this card removal waiting flag. For example, a message such as "Please be careful not to forget to remove a card" There is an instruction command to be displayed on the display device 41. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the player not to forget to take the game card.
Next, the process proceeds to step D693, and the command generated in step D692 is written in the gaming machine frame information transmission buffer.

Next, the process proceeds to step D694, where a command is generated based on the number of balls possessed and stored. This is a command to inform the number of balls held. Next, the process proceeds to step D695, and the command generated in step D694 is written in the gaming machine frame information transmission buffer.
Next, the process proceeds to step D696, where a command is generated based on the number of counted balls and stored. This is a command that informs the number of counted balls. Next, the process proceeds to step D697, and the command generated in step D696 is written into the gaming machine frame information transmission buffer.
Next, the process proceeds to step D698, where a command is generated and stored based on the firing intensity information. This is because the player can adjust the launch intensity of the game ball by touching the launch operation handle 11 and fixing the launch volume 171 at a desired position, and the game ball can be adjusted from the position of the launch volume 171. Therefore, the command is generated based on the emission intensity information (position of the emission volume 171). As a command to be generated, there is a command for displaying the launch intensity of the game ball. By sending the command to the game control device 54, the effect control device 53 finally displays the launch strength of the game ball on the display device 41. The production will be performed. By doing in this way, the present launch intensity can be notified to a player, for example. Further, at the time of payment, a notification is made to prompt the user to return the firing volume 171 to the initial position.
Next, the process proceeds to step D699, and the command generated in step D698 is written in the gaming machine frame information transmission buffer.

Next, in step D700, an initial value (for example, 1 second) is set in the main control command reception monitoring timer. The main control command reception monitoring timer is used to determine whether the main control command has been received. If no command is received within the range of the initial value set in the main control command reception monitoring timer, the main control command reception monitoring timer The command is judged to be abnormal.
Next, in step D701, the main control command reception abnormality flag is cleared. In step D702, the main control command received flag is cleared, and then the process returns.
On the other hand, if the main control command is not received in step D681, the process branches to step D703 as described above. If the main control command reception monitoring timer is not "0" in step D703, "-1" is updated. As a result, the main control command reception monitoring timer is counted. Next, at step D704, it is determined whether or not the value of the main control command reception monitoring timer has become zero. If not, the routine returns and the routine is repeated. If the value of the main control command reception monitoring timer becomes zero (counts up) in a state where no main control command is received (if the determination in step D704 is YES), the main control command reception abnormality flag is determined in step D705. Set. As a result, when the main control command is not received within the range of the initial value set in the main control command reception monitoring timer, the main control command reception abnormality flag is set. In the process of returning to NO in the determination of step D704 and returning and repeating the routine, when the main control command has been received, the determination of step D681 is YES and the process proceeds to step D682, so the main control command reception abnormality flag is Not set.

  In the present embodiment, the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 are separately configured. However, when the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 are integrally configured with one main control board. A command (for example, a command during error recovery) is transmitted from the main control board to the effect control device 53, and the effect control device 53 that receives the command receives a predetermined display based on the received command (for example, as described above). The display device 41 performs control to execute “displaying error recovery confirmation”. Similarly, when the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 are separately configured as in the present embodiment, commands from the payout control device 230 are sent via the game control device 54 to the effect control device. 53, the production control device 53 receives the same command, and controls the display of the display device 41 based on the command. That is, a command transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54 (main control board) is transmitted to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the display control device 53 based on the command is transmitted by the effect control device 53. Display control is performed.

[Card unit command transmission processing]
Next, the card unit command transmission process D58 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIGS. 147 and 148. FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D711 whether or not a card unit command has been received. If no card unit command has been received, the process branches to step D730. The card unit command is a command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230.
If a card unit command is received in step D711, the process proceeds to step D712, and the command is loaded from the card unit request command area.
The commands transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 include, for example, a communication start request, a communication end request, and a status information request as described above. The process of step D712 reads (loads) what kind of request the command received from the card unit 15 is from the card unit request command area. Next, the command loaded from the card unit request command area in step D712 is determined in each processing of step D713 to step D726.

Specifically, it is determined in step D713 whether the command is a recovery request. Note that the recovery request means a recovery request command, and the same applies to the following commands.
In step D714, it is determined whether the command is a recovery detail request. Similarly, in step D715, the command is a communication start request, in step D716, the command is a communication end request, in step D717, the command is a status information request, in step D718, the command is a card insertion notification, or in step D719, the command is In card return notification, in step D720, the command is a break confirmation, in step D721, the command is a break start request, in step D722, the command is a break end request, in step D723, the command is checkout, or in step D724, the command is checkout In step D725, it is determined whether the command is a settlement end request, and in step D726, the command is a count use request.

As a result of determining the command loaded from the card unit request command area in each processing of step D713 to step D726, if the determination is NO in all steps, the process goes from step D726 to step D727. In step D727, it is determined whether or not the ID transmission flag is set. If the ID transmission flag is set, a gaming machine ID transmission process is performed in step D728. Thereby, the main control ID and the payout ID are transmitted to the card unit 15. After step D728, the process proceeds to step D729.
On the other hand, if the ID transmission flag is not set in step D727, the process jumps to step D728 and proceeds to step D729. In step D729, after the card unit received flag is cleared, the process returns.

  If no card unit command is received in step D711, the process branches to step D730 as described above. If the card unit command reception monitoring timer is not "0" in step D730, "-1" is updated. As a result, the card unit command reception monitoring timer is counted. Next, at step D731, it is determined whether or not the value of the card unit command reception monitoring timer has become zero. If not, the routine returns and the routine is repeated. If no card unit command is received and the value of the card unit command reception monitoring timer becomes zero (counts up) (if the determination in step D731 is YES), the card unit command is received in step D732. Set an error flag and return. Thereby, when the card unit command is not received within the range of the initial value (set in step D747) set in the card unit command reception monitoring timer, the card unit command reception abnormality flag is set. . Note that if the determination in step D731 is NO and the card unit command has been received in the process of repeating the routine, the determination in step D711 is YES and the process proceeds to step D712, so the card unit command reception abnormality flag is not set.

Next, a case where the determination result is YES in each processing of step D713 to step D726 will be described.
First, if the command is a recovery request in step D713, the process branches to step D733 to perform recovery response processing (processing for notifying recovery information: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a recovery detail request in step D714, the process branches to step D734 to perform recovery detail response processing (processing for notifying detailed recovery information: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a communication start request in step D715, the process branches to step D735 to perform communication start response processing (processing for notifying communication start of the payout control device 230: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a communication end request in step D716, the process branches to step D736 to perform communication end response processing (processing for notifying the end of communication of the payout control device 230: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a status information request in step D717, the process branches to step D737 to perform a status information response process (a process for notifying the status information of the gaming machine: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a card insertion notification in step D718, the process branches to step D738 to perform card insertion response processing (processing for notifying receipt of card insertion notification: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a card return notification in step D719, the process branches to step D739 to perform a card return response process (a process for notifying reception of a card return notification: details will be described later), and then the process proceeds to step D747.

If the command is a break confirmation in step D720, the process branches to step D740 to perform a break confirmation response process (a process for notifying a break confirmation result (whether break is possible): details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a break start request in step D721, the process branches to step D741 to perform a break start response process (a process for notifying break start: details will be described later), and then the process proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a break end request in step D722, the process branches to step D742 to perform a break end response process (a process for notifying the end of the break: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a payment confirmation in step D723, the process branches to step D743 to perform a payment confirmation response process (processing for notifying a payment confirmation result (whether payment is possible): details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a settlement start request in step D724, the process branches to step D744 to perform settlement settlement response processing (processing for notifying settlement start: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a settlement end request in step D725, the process branches to step D745 to perform settlement settlement response processing (processing for notifying settlement settlement: details will be described later), and then proceeds to step D747.
If the command is a count use request in step D726, the process branches to step D746 to perform a count use response process (a process for notifying the use of count balls (addition to the number of balls held): details will be described later), Proceed to D747.

When the process proceeds from step D733 to step D746 to step D747, an initial value (for example, 3 seconds) is set in the card unit command reception monitoring timer in step D747. The card unit command reception monitoring timer is used to determine whether or not a card unit command has been received. If a command is not received within the range of the initial value set in the card unit command reception monitoring timer, the card unit command reception monitoring timer The command is judged to be abnormal.
Next, in step D748, the card unit command reception abnormality flag is cleared, and then the process proceeds to step D727.

[Recovery response processing]
Next, the recovery response process D733 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, in the first embodiment, when the communication between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 is cut off, the game state information (the number of held balls, the number of counted balls, the big hit, the probability change, the short time) In other words, the recovery process is performed in order to achieve the matching of the middle,. The recovery process includes a recovery response process (step D733) of the dispensing control device 230 corresponding to the recovery request from the card unit 15, a process (not shown) of the card unit 15 corresponding to the recovery response, a recovery detail request, and a recovery detail request. The recovery detailed response process (step D734) of the corresponding payout control device 230 and the process (not shown) of the card unit 15 corresponding to the recovery detailed response are performed. Below, the detail of a recovery response process is demonstrated first.
When this routine is started, first, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D761, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D762. The serial number is a serial number in response to a command received from the card unit 15 and is added (incremented) every time a command is transmitted to the card unit 15. Similarly, the serial number is updated by “+1” at the time of transmission on the card unit 15 side as well. If you check the serial number, you can see if there is a missing transmission or reception. The serial number is composed of, for example, 1 byte (256 bits).
Next, the process proceeds to step D763, and the serial number updated in step D762 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. In step D764, a recovery response code command is set. This is a response to the recovery request and is a code meaning “notify recovery information”.
Next, the process proceeds to step D765, and the command set in step D764 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a recovery response command is transmitted to the card unit 15.

In step D766, the card ID is loaded from the card ID storage area. This is because the unique ID of the game card transmitted from the card unit 15 at the start of the game (when the card is inserted) is stored as a card ID in the card ID storage area in the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230. The card ID is read out from. In addition, when a game result (the number of balls, etc.) is written in a game card and settled, the card ID stored in the payout controller 230 is sent to the card unit 15 so that the card unit 15 is inserting the card ID. This is in order to prevent fraud by collating with the game card ID.
Next, the process proceeds to step D767, and the data loaded in step D766 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the card ID stored at the payout control device 230 at the start of the game (at the time of card insertion) is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.
In step D768, the card insertion time is loaded from the card insertion time storage area. This is because the time when the game card is inserted into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15 is stored in the card insertion time storage area in the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230, so that the card insertion time is read from the card insertion time storage area. It is.
Next, the process proceeds to step D769, and the data loaded at step D768 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the card insertion time is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.

Next, in step D770, the previous last transmission serial number is loaded from the transmission command storage area. This is because the serial number of the “status information response” last transmitted to the card unit 15 when the previous dispensing control device 230 and the card unit 15 are connected is stored in the transmission command storage area. Is read out. Next, the process proceeds to step D771, and the data loaded in step D770 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the previous last transmission serial number is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.
In this way, in the recovery response process, in response to the recovery request from the card unit 15, the card ID stored at the start of the game, the card insertion time, and the last serial number of the “status information response” transmitted to the previous card unit 15 are Processing to transmit to the unit 15 is performed.
Upon receiving this recovery response, the card unit 15 compares the card ID and the card insertion time with its own, and if it is OK, checks the status information stored by itself from the last serial number of the “status information response”. If they do not match, a detailed recovery request is made. If they match, a detailed recovery request is not made.
Further, when the card ID and the insertion time are different from the own one, there is a possibility that the player is different or illegal, so that the recovery detail request is not made. In the detailed recovery request, the final serial number transmitted to the payout control device 230 and the number added to the number of balls not received by the payout control device 230 are sent.

[Detailed recovery processing]
Next, the detailed recovery response process D734 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. This processing is performed in response to the detailed recovery request from the card unit 15 as described above.
When this routine is started, first, in step D781, the number of added balls is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D782, “number of held balls + number of added balls” is set as a new “number of held balls”. The number of added balls is data to be added to the number of balls held by lending or using counting balls, and corresponds to the amount that the payout control device 230 could not receive.
Next, in step D783, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D784, the serial number is updated by "+1". The serial number is a serial number in response to a command received from the card unit 15 and is added each time a command is transmitted to the card unit 15.

Next, the process proceeds to step D785, and the serial number updated in step D784 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15. Next, a recovery detail response code command is set in step D786. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is a “recovery detail request”, a recovery detail response command meaning “notify detailed recovery information” is set as a response. Become.
Next, the process proceeds to step D787, and the command set in step D786 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a recovery detail response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.
Next, the process proceeds to step D788, where various recovery information stored as previous gaming machine information is loaded and written to the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, various recovery information stored as the previous gaming machine information is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.
Next, the process proceeds to step D789, where various recovery information is generated as the latest gaming machine information and written to the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, various types of recovery information generated as the latest gaming machine information is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D789, the process returns. The card unit 15 receives this recovery detail response and updates the information stored in the card unit 15 to the latest gaming machine information.

As described above, by executing the recovery response process of FIG. 149 and the recovery detailed response process of FIG. 150, the card can be used when communication cannot be normally performed between the dispensing control device 230 and the card unit 15 due to a communication abnormality or the like. A recovery process for matching data between the unit 15 and the payout control device 230 is performed.
Recovery is performed in two stages. The first stage is the recovery response process of FIG. 149, and the conditions for data recovery are confirmed by the process in the first stage. This includes a recovery request and a recovery response.
Then, in the processing on the card unit 15 side, a recovery request is transmitted to the payout control device 230. As a response process of the payout control device 230 to the above, the payout control device 230 transmits a recovery response to the card unit 15, and the recovery response here is the last last transmission serial number to the card unit 15, the stored card ID, and the insertion time. Is included.
The second stage is the recovery detail response process of FIG. 150. In this second stage process, if the condition for data recovery is OK, data recovery is performed. This includes a recovery detail request and a recovery detail response.
In the processing on the card unit 15 side, a recovery detail request is transmitted to the payout control device 230. The detailed recovery request includes the previous last transmission serial number to the payout control device 230 and the added ball number data to the number of held balls. Then, as a response process of the payout control device 230 to the above, the payout control device 230 adds the number of added balls received from the card unit 15 to the number of held balls, and also sends the previously transmitted various data and the latest various data to the card unit 15. Send to. In this way, data consistency between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230 is taken.

Further, between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54, and between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15, in addition to the above-described recovery response processing and recovery detailed response processing, the flowchart shown in FIG. Encrypted communication is performed on both sides including this process.
Therefore, by encrypting and transmitting / receiving information targeted for fraud such as game value information (for example, counting ball information), this information can be illegally read or rewritten from a communication line or a communication terminal. Can be prevented.

[Communication start response processing]
Next, the communication start response process D735 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D801, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D802. The function of the serial number is as described above. In the other flowcharts, the serial number function is the same.
Next, the process proceeds to step D803, and the serial number updated in step D802 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D804, a communication start response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is a “communication start request”, a communication start response command that means “notify start of communication of payout control device” is set as the response. It will be.
Next, the process proceeds to step D805, and the command set in step D804 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a communication start response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D805, the process returns.

[Communication end response processing]
Next, the communication end response process D736 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D811, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D812. The function of the serial number is as described above.
Next, the process proceeds to step D813, and the serial number updated in step D812 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D814, a communication end response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is a “communication end request”, a communication end response command meaning “notify the end of communication of the payout control device” is sent as the response. Will be set.
Next, the process proceeds to step D815, and the command set in step D814 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a communication end response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D815, the process returns.

[Status information response processing]
Next, the status information response process D737 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, CU (card unit) state information is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D821, and then the process proceeds to step D822. The data loaded in step D811 is loaded into the CU (card unit) state information area. Save. In step D823, the number of added balls is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D824, “number of held balls + number of added balls” is set as a new “number of held balls”. The number of added balls is data to be added to the number of held balls by lending or using counting balls.
In step D825, CU (card unit) error status information is loaded from the card unit command storage area. Next, the process proceeds to step D826, and the data loaded in step D825 is saved in the CU (card unit) error state information area.
In step D827, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D828, the serial number is updated by "+1". The function of the serial number is as described above.

Next, the process proceeds to step D829, and the serial number updated in step D828 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15. In step D830, a status information response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “status information request”, a status information response command that means “notify game machine status information” is set as the response. become.
Next, the process proceeds to step D831, and the command set in step D830 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a status information response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.
Next, the process proceeds to step D832, where various game machine state information is generated as a response command and written to the card unit transmission buffer. Thereby, various gaming machine state information generated as a response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. Next, the process proceeds to step D833, and all the transmitted response commands are saved. After step D833, the process returns.

[Card insertion response processing]
Next, the card insertion response process D738 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, after loading the card ID from the card unit command storage area in step D841, the process proceeds to step D842, and the data loaded in step D841 is saved in the card ID storage area. Next, after loading the card insertion time from the card unit command storage area in step D843, the process proceeds to step D844, and the loaded data is saved in the card insertion time storage area in step D843.
In step D845, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D846, the serial number is updated by "+1". The function of the serial number is as described above.

Next, the process proceeds to step D847, and the serial number updated in step D846 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15. In step D848, a card insertion response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “card insertion notification”, a card insertion response command meaning “notification of receipt of card insertion notification” is set as the response. become.
Next, the process proceeds to step D849, and the command set in step D848 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a card insertion response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15 to the card unit 15. After step D849, the process returns.

[Card return response processing]
Next, the card return response process D739 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D861, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D862. The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D863, and the serial number updated in step D862 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, a command for a card return response code is set in step D864. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “card return notification”, a card return response command that means “notify receipt of card return notification” is set as the response. become.
Next, the process proceeds to step D865, and the command set in step D864 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a card return response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.

Next, after loading the card ID from the card unit command storage area in step D866, the process proceeds to step D867, and the loaded data is written in the card unit transmission buffer in step D866. As a result, the loaded card ID is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, after loading the card insertion time from the card insertion time storage area in step D868, the process proceeds to step D869, and the loaded data is written in the card unit transmission buffer in step D868. As a result, the loaded card insertion time is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, in step D870, a card removal waiting flag is set, and then the process returns.

[Break confirmation response processing]
Next, the break confirmation response process D740 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D881, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D882. The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D883, and the serial number updated in step D882 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D884, a break confirmation response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “break confirmation”, as a response, a break confirmation response command meaning “notify break confirmation result (whether break is possible)” is sent. Will be set.
Next, the process proceeds to step D885, and the command set in step D884 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a break confirmation response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.

Next, the following determination is performed in each processing of Step D886 to Step D892.
That is, whether the checkout process is being performed in step D886, whether the count switch-on timer is not 0 in step D887, or whether an error / injustice has occurred in step D888. It is determined whether there is a ball on the board in step D889, whether the touch sensor 174 is on in step D890, a customer waiting demonstration in step D891, or whether the number of balls held is 0 in step D892.
If all the processes in steps D886 to D890 are NO, YES in step D891, and NO in step D892, it is determined that a breakable condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step D893, where a breakable code command is set. .
Next, the process proceeds to step D894, and the breakable code command set in step D893 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a breakable code command is transmitted to the card unit 15. After step D894, the process returns.

On the other hand, if any one of the processes in steps D886 to D890 is determined to be YES, it is determined that a breakable condition is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step D894. If even one of the determinations of NO in step D891 and YES in step D892 is satisfied, it is determined that a breakable condition is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step D895.
When the process proceeds to step D895, a command for a non-breakable code is set. Next, the process proceeds to step D894, and the command of the non-breakable code set in step D895 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a command of a break impossible code is transmitted to the card unit 15. After step D894, the process returns.

[Break start response processing]
Next, the break start response process D741 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a break start flag is set in step D901. Next, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D902, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D903. The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D904, and the serial number updated in step D903 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, a break start response code command is set in step D905. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is a “break start request”, a break start response command meaning “notify break start” is set as the response.
Next, the process proceeds to step D906, and the command set in step D905 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a break start response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D906, the process returns.

[Break end response processing]
Next, the break end response process D742 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a break end flag is set in step D911. Next, in step D912, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D913, the serial number is updated by "+1". The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D914, and the serial number updated in step D913 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D915, a break end response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is a “break end request”, a break end response command that means “notify the end of break” is set as the response.
Next, the process proceeds to step D916, and the command set in step D915 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a break end response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D916, the process returns.

[Checkout confirmation response processing]
Next, the settlement confirmation response process D743 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D921, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D922. The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D923, and the serial number updated in step D922 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D924, a settlement confirmation response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “checkout check”, a checkout confirmation response command meaning “notify the checkout check result (whether or not checkout is possible)” is sent as the response. Will be set.
Next, the process proceeds to step D925, and the command set in step D924 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a payment confirmation response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.

Next, the following determination is performed in each processing of Step D926 to Step D934.
That is, whether rest processing is being performed in step D926, whether the count switch-on timer is not 0 in step D927, or whether an error / injustice has occurred in step D928. Whether there is a ball on the board in step D929, whether the touch sensor 174 is turned on in step D930, whether the launch intensity of the ball is a predetermined value or more in step D931, whether the customer is waiting for a demonstration in step D932, or whether the number of balls held is 0 in step D933 In step D934, it is determined whether the number of counted balls = 0.
If NO is determined in each process from step D926 to step D931, YES is determined in step D932, YES is determined in step D933, and NO is determined in step D934, it is determined that a condition that can be settled is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step D935. Set the command.
In order to satisfy the conditions that can be settled, it is sufficient that the number of possessed balls or the number of counted balls remains. For example, the number of held balls may be zero and the number of counted balls may not be zero. This is to cope with such a situation because the player may count all the number of possessed balls acquired in the game game and move to the counted number of balls. In addition, one of the conditions under which it is possible to settle that the firing strength of the ball is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value in step D931 is that the settlement is possible when the player returns the firing volume 171 to the initial position after the game is over. Because it is.
Next, the process proceeds to step D936, and the command of the accountable code set in step D935 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a command for a payable code is transmitted to the card unit 15. After step D936, the process returns.

On the other hand, if any one of the processes in steps D926 to D931 is YES, it is determined that a condition that can be settled is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step D937. If even one of the determinations NO in step D932 and YES in step D934 is satisfied, it is determined that a condition that can be settled is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step D937.
In step D937, a non-adjustable code command is set. Next, the process proceeds to step D936, and the command of the non-adjustable code set in step D937 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a command with an unaccountable code is transmitted to the card unit 15. After step D936, the process returns.
If the number of held balls is not 0 in step D933, the process jumps to step D934 and proceeds to step D935 to set a command for a payable code. Therefore, when the number of held balls is not 0, that is, when there is a number of held balls, it is possible to settle.

[Settlement start response processing]
Next, the settlement start response process D744 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a settlement start flag is set in step D941. Next, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D942, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D943. The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D944, and the serial number updated in step D943 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, in step D945, a settlement start response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is a “settlement start request”, a settlement start response command meaning “notification of settlement start” is set as the response.
Next, the process proceeds to step D946, and the command set in step D945 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a settlement start response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D946, the process returns.

[Checkout completion response processing]
Next, the settlement completion response process D745 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a settlement end flag is set in step D951. Next, in step D952, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D953, the serial number is updated by "+1". The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D954, and the serial number updated in step D953 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, in step D955, a settlement end response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is a “payment end request”, a payment end response command that means “notify the end of payment” is set as the response.
Next, the process proceeds to step D956, and the command set in step D945 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a payment completion response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D956, the process returns.

[Counting response processing]
Next, the count use response process D746 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, a count use command received flag is set in step D961. Since this is a response when a count use request command is received from the card unit 15, the count use command received flag is set.
Next, in step D962, a serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D963, the serial number is updated by "+1". The function of the serial number is as described above. Next, the process proceeds to step D964, and the serial number updated in step D963 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, in step D965, a count use response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “count usage request”, the response means “notification of use of counting ball (addition to number of balls)”. Use response commands will be set.
Next, the process proceeds to step D966, and the command set in step D965 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a count use response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D966, the process returns.

[Game machine ID transmission processing]
Next, the gaming machine ID transmission process D728 in the card unit command transmission process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, an ID transmission start code is written in the card unit transmission buffer in step D971. The ID transmission start code is start (start) information for indicating that information to be transmitted is an ID. As a result, the ID transmission start code is transmitted to the card unit 15. In addition, the card unit 15 receives the ID transmission start code, so that the information to be sent is the ID.
In step D972, the chip identification code of the main control chip is written in the card unit transmission buffer. The chip identification code of the main control chip is a code indicating that the next command group is a division of information on the main control chip in the game control device 54. As a result, the chip identification code of the main control chip is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D973, the head address of the main control ID storage area is set. The main control ID storage area is configured so that a plurality of data in the main control ID (for example, data such as chip ID, manufacturer code, product code, etc.) can be stored, and the area can be divided by address. Since the plurality of data of the main control ID received from is sequentially stored in the main control ID storage area, the address for loading these data is set from the top.

Next, the process proceeds to Step D974, and one data of the main control ID stored in the main control ID storage area corresponding to the head address set in Step D973 is loaded. For example, if a plurality of data of the main control ID is composed of a chip ID, a manufacturer code, a product code, etc., and these data are stored for each address in the main control ID storage area, for example, the chip ID at the head address When the storage area is designated, the chip ID is loaded.
Next, the process proceeds to step D975, and the data (eg, chip ID) loaded in step D974 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. Thereby, the loaded data (for example, chip ID) is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, in step D976, the address of the main control ID storage area is updated to the next address. As a result, the data of the next address among the plurality of data of the main control ID is designated.

Next, in step D977, it is determined whether or not transmission of all data has been completed. This is because the main control ID is composed of a plurality of data (for example, chip ID, manufacturer code, product code, etc.), and it is determined whether or not all of the plurality of data has been transmitted to the card unit 15. is there. If transmission of all data is not completed in step D977, the process returns to step D974 to repeat the loop, and when transmission of all data is completed, that is, a plurality of data of the main control ID (for example, chip ID, manufacturer code) , Product code, etc.) is completely transmitted, the process returns to step D978.
In this way, the main control ID transmission process is performed. When the process proceeds to step D978 and subsequent steps, a payout control ID transmission process is performed.
Here, in the first embodiment, the information of the main control ID has a variable length depending on the situation. Therefore, the above steps D974 to D977 are looped. As the main control ID information, for example, when only the chip ID is sent to the card unit 15 or when the chip ID, manufacturer code, and product code are sent, the number of data to be sent differs depending on the situation. Since it becomes a variable length depending on the situation, such a structure is adopted.
Note that, in the gaming machine ID transmission process, all information of the main control ID (for example, all data such as chip ID, manufacturer code, product code, etc.) may be transmitted to the card unit 15 each time.

When the process proceeds to step D978, a process of sending a payout control ID is executed in the processes of steps D978 to D983.
First, in step D978, the chip identification code of the payout control chip is written in the card unit transmission buffer. The chip identification code of the payout control chip is a code indicating that the following command group is a division of information on the payout control chip in the payout control device 230.
The part having the identification code indicates not a piece of information read from a chip (for example, a payout control chip) but a fixed value command indicating a classification. As a result, the chip identification code of the payout control chip is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, in step D979, the chip code (chip ID) of the payout control chip is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the chip code (chip ID) of the payout control chip is transmitted to the card unit 15.
Next, in step D980, the manufacturer identification code of the payout control chip is written into the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the manufacturer identification code of the payout control chip is transmitted to the card unit 15.

Next, in step D981, the manufacturer code of the payout control chip is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the manufacturer code of the payout control chip is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D982, the product identification code of the payout control chip is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the product identification code of the payout control chip is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D983, the product code of the payout control chip is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the product code of the payout control chip is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In this way, the payout control ID transmission process is performed.
In the first embodiment, processing for sending all information (chip ID, manufacturer code, product code) to the card unit 15 each time is executed for the payout control chip information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing may be such that only the chip ID can be sent in the same manner as the main control ID described above. Further, in this embodiment, since the information of the payout control chip has a fixed length, the processing may be performed so that each identification code is not sent to the card unit 15.
After step D983, the process proceeds to step D984, the ID transmission flag is cleared, and the process returns.

[Game stop signal editing process]
Next, the game stop signal editing process D59 in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is to edit the game stop signal such as turning on the game stop signal or turning off the game stop signal. This process is not a command but an instruction that takes the form of a signal. When started, first, in steps D991 to D996, a process for determining whether or not a condition for stopping the game (game stop condition) is satisfied. If all the game stop conditions are not satisfied, that is, steps D991 to D996 are executed. If all the determination results in the process are NO, it is determined that the game cannot be stopped by stopping the game, and the output data of game stop signal OFF is set in step D997. As a result, the game is not stopped. After step D997, the process returns.
On the other hand, if at least one game stop condition is satisfied, that is, if the determination in steps D991 to D996 shows a YES determination result that prevents the game from continuing, the process branches to step D998. To set the game stop signal ON output data. As a result, the game is stopped. After step D998, the process returns.

Here, the game stop conditions include the following six conditions. That is, the checkout process is not being performed (determined in step D991), the break process is not being performed (determined in step D992), the authentication error is not occurring (determined in step D993), and the communication abnormality is not occurring (determined in step D994). ), The glass frame 5 is not open (determined in step D995), and the main body frame (front frame 4) is not open (determined in step D996).
Note that whether or not the adjustment process is being performed may be determined by referring to the adjustment-in-progress flag set in step D553 described above, for example. Further, whether or not an authentication error is occurring is determined by, for example, receiving a verification result in the external management device 91 after transmitting the gaming machine ID to the card unit 15, and determining whether or not the verification result is OK or NG.

H. Process of Encrypted Communication and Game Machine ID Verification Next, the process of encrypted communication and game machine ID verification will be described with reference to FIGS.
In this embodiment, encrypted communication is performed between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230, and between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15, and the gaming machine ID is set. The external management device 91 performs collation, and these processes will be described below.
Note that encrypted communication and gaming machine ID verification processing are set in advance as functions of the CPU in each device (for example, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, the external management device 91, etc.). Is different from the user program such as the processing of the game control device (FIGS. 21 to 104) and the processing of the payout control device 230 (FIGS. 105 to 164) as described above. It is.
Here, the flowchart for executing the encrypted communication and gaming machine ID collation processing will be described using “step E” as the step number.

[Transmission data encryption processing]
First, payout transmission data encryption processing of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
This payout transmission data encryption process is a process of encrypting transmission data to the payout control device 230 and transmitting it.
When the routine starts, transmission data is loaded from the payout transmission buffer in step E1. In the payout transmission buffer, for example, the following specific transmission data is stored in advance by other processing.
Here, the transmission data includes, for example, a main ID, authentication completion information, game information (type information and prize ball information), and game state information.
Next, in step E2, it is determined whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to determine whether the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 has already been verified by the external management device 91 and is verified as being verified. In the present embodiment, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the external management device 91 collates the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 through the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, and the card management device 81 sequentially. Since the gaming control device 54 receives the matching result through the reverse route, if the gaming control device 54 has already received the gaming machine ID matching result OK, the determination result in step E2 is YES, If the matching result OK of the gaming machine ID has not been received or the matching result is NG, the determination result in step E2 is NO.

If the main board is not authenticated in step E2, the process proceeds to step E3, and the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A. Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device (that is, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91). Each device receives an ID sent from another device using encrypted communication using the encryption key A provided in advance, and uses the encryption key A provided in advance with its own ID. In this configuration, encrypted communication is used to transmit to another device.
Next, the process proceeds to step E4, and the data encrypted with the encryption key A is transmitted to the payout control board (payout control device 230). Here, data encrypted with the encryption key A by serial communication using a serial port is transmitted to the dispensing control device 230. After step E4, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E2, the process proceeds to step E5, where the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X. Here, a different encryption key is generated for each player in the game store, and the encryption key X is generated in the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) (game control device 54 (main board) and payout control device 230 (payout control board). )), And between the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and the card unit 15, information is transmitted and received using encrypted communication using different encryption keys X for each unit. Also, the encryption key X is given to the card management device 81 as encryption key X data from the external management device 91 when the matching result of the gaming machine ID is OK, and each of the encryption keys X is determined by the card management device 81 based on the encryption key X data. An encryption key X for each table is generated and sent to each table. The encryption / decryption algorithm for the encryption key X is basically the same as that for the encryption key A.
Accordingly, in step E5, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X using a predetermined algorithm.
Next, the process proceeds to step E6, and the data encrypted with the encryption key X is transmitted to the payout control board (payout control device 230). Here, data encrypted with the encryption key X by serial communication using a serial port is transmitted to the payout control device 230. After step E6, the process returns.

Thus, if the main board is not authenticated, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A and transmitted to the payout control device 230. If the main board is authenticated, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X. It is transmitted to the payout control device 230.
Therefore, when the main board has been authenticated, the transmission data is encrypted with a different encryption key X for each unit and transmitted to the dispensing control device 230, so that higher security can be maintained.

[Payout received data decryption processing]
Next, the payout received data decoding process of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
This payout received data decryption process is a process in which the game control device 54 decrypts data received from the payout control device 230 (for example, encrypted ID verification result, encryption key X, gaming machine frame information, etc.). is there.
When the routine starts, the reception data is loaded from the payout reception buffer in step E11. In the payout reception buffer, for example, data received from the payout control device 230 in other processing is stored.
Here, the received data includes, for example, authentication completion information, gaming machine frame information, and recovery information.
Next, in step E12, it is determined whether or not the main board has been authenticated. If the main board is not authenticated in step E12, the process proceeds to step E13, and the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A.
Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device (that is, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91). In each apparatus, the received data is decrypted using the encryption key A provided in advance.
Next, the process proceeds to step E14, and the data decrypted with the encryption key A is saved in a predetermined area (a predetermined area in the RAM 113; the same applies hereinafter). After step E14, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E12, the process proceeds to step E15, and the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X. Here, a different encryption key is generated for each player in the game store, and the encryption key X is generated in the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) (game control device 54 (main board) and payout control device 230 (payout control board). )) And between the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and the card unit 15, information is transmitted and received using encrypted communication with different encryption keys X for each unit. When the matching result of the gaming machine ID is OK, the external management device 91 gives the data to the card management device 81 as the encryption key X data. Is sent to each unit. The encryption / decryption algorithm for the encryption key X is basically the same as that for the encryption key A.
Accordingly, in step E15, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X using a predetermined algorithm.
Next, the process proceeds to step E16, and the data decrypted with the encryption key X is saved in a predetermined area (a predetermined area of the RAM 113). After step E16, the process returns.

As described above, if the main board is not authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A and saved in a predetermined area. If the main board is authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X and the predetermined data is stored. Is saved in the area.
Therefore, when the main board has been authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X that is different for each unit and saved in a predetermined area, so that higher security can be maintained.

[Authentication result handling process (main)]
Next, the authentication result handling processing (main) of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
This authentication result handling process (main) is a process in which the game control device 54 performs necessary processes according to the authentication result of the gaming machine ID.
When the routine starts, it is determined in step E21 whether the authentication result is OK.
Here, in the present embodiment, for example, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the external management device 91 sequentially receives the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 through the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, and the card management device 81. Since the game control device 54 receives the verification result through the reverse route, the game control device 54 has received the authentication result of the gaming machine ID from the payout control device 230 in the process of step E21. , It is determined whether or not the authentication result is OK.
In addition, the case of authenticating the gaming machine ID is summarized as follows.
(A) At power-on of the pachinko machine 1 Authentication at the time of power-on of the pachinko machine 1 that is the first authentication is performed by the external management device 91 by checking whether or not the gaming machine ID is legitimate.
(B) After the power-on authentication (first authentication) is OK, the card management device 81 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.
(C) During the game authentication, the card unit 15 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.
Here, to supplement the authentication of the gaming machine ID, in the present embodiment, the external management device 91 collates the card unit ID and the card management device ID (Hall ID) in addition to the gaming machine ID. And when all these IDs are OK, it becomes a collation result OK. The above-mentioned authentication of the gaming machine ID is OK when the matching results of all the gaming machine ID, card unit ID, and card management device ID (hall ID) are OK. In addition, when the gaming machine ID authentication is NG, any one of the gaming machine ID, the card unit ID, and the card management device ID (hole ID) is NG (this concept is the same hereinafter).
In addition, the system which collates only game machine ID with the external management apparatus 91 may be sufficient. Even in such a system, it is possible to determine that the gaming machine is genuine, so that predetermined security is maintained.

The determination in step E21 includes all cases (a) to (c). If the authentication result is OK in step E21, the process proceeds to step E22, and the authentication result (OK) is saved in an authentication result storage area (for example, a predetermined area of the RAM 113).
Next, in step E23, it is determined whether a new encryption key has been received. In the case of the first authentication of the gaming machine ID, the encryption key X is given as the encryption key X data from the external management device 91 to the card management device 81, and the card management device 81 uses each encryption key X based on the data for the encryption key X. An encryption key X for each table is generated and sent to each table. The encryption / decryption algorithm for the encryption key X is basically the same as that for the encryption key A. Since the pachinko machine 1 acquires the encryption key X as described above, a new encryption key is received in such a case.
In step E23, the above case is determined. Further, since the new encryption key X is transmitted from the payout control device 230 during the authentication of the gaming machine ID when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on thereafter, the determination in that case is also performed in step E23.

If a new encryption key has been received in step E23, the process proceeds to step E24, where the acquired encryption key X is saved in the updated encryption key storage area (a predetermined area in the RAM 113), and then the process proceeds to step E25. The updated encryption key storage area is an area different from the area where the encryption key A is stored.
On the other hand, if a new encryption key has not been received in step E23, the process jumps to step E24 and proceeds to step E25. In this case, since the authentication result (OK) has already been saved in the authentication result storage area, the encryption key is already held.
When the process proceeds from step E24 to step E25, or when the process jumps from step E23 to step E24 and proceeds to step E25, the authentication result (OK) is written in the payout transmission buffer at step E25. As a result, the authentication result (OK) is transmitted to the payout control device 230. Next, a game possible flag is set in step E26. Thereby, a game becomes possible. After step E26, the process returns.

  On the other hand, if the authentication result is not OK in step E21, the process branches to step E27, and the authentication result (NG) is saved in the authentication result storage area. Next, in step E28, the authentication result (NG) is written in the payout transmission buffer. As a result, the authentication result (NG) is transmitted to the payout control device 230. Next, at step E29, a game stop flag is set. As a result, the game is stopped. After step E29, the process returns.

[Main received data decoding process]
Next, the main received data decoding process of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
This main received data decoding process is a process in which the payout control device 230 decodes the data received from the game control device 54.
When the routine starts, reception data is loaded from the main reception buffer in step E31. The main reception buffer stores data received from the game control device 54 in other processes. Next, the process proceeds to step E32, in which it is determined whether or not the received data is a main control ID (that is, main ID).
Here, for convenience of explanation, the main control ID may be abbreviated as the main ID. In the following description, the case where the reception data is the main control ID and the case where the reception data is not the main control ID will be described separately.

<When the received data is the main control ID>
If the received data is the main control ID in step E32, the process proceeds to step E33 to determine whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check the authentication completion information from the main board (game control device 54).
If the main board is not authenticated in step E33, the process proceeds to step E34, and the received data is written in the card unit transmission buffer as encrypted. Thereby, the data written in the card unit transmission buffer is transmitted to the card unit 15. Since the main board (game control device 54) is not authenticated, there is a risk of fraud, so the data received from the game control device 54 is not decrypted and transmitted to the card unit 15 without being decrypted. Is. After step E34, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E33, the process jumps to step E38, where the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X, and the data decrypted in step E39 is stored in a predetermined area (a predetermined area in the RAM 233). Save. The encryption key X is acquired after the authentication of the gaming machine ID and is different for each machine, but since the main board has been authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X in step E38. This is because the main board (game control device 54) has already been authenticated, so there is no risk of fraud and it is safe to decrypt the received data. However, security is maintained by decrypting the received data with a different encryption key X for each unit. After step E39, the process returns.

<When the received data is not the main control ID>
On the other hand, if the received data is not the main control ID in step E32, the process jumps to step E35 to determine whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check the authentication completion information from the main board (game control device 54) as in step E33.
If the main board is not authenticated in step E35, the process proceeds to step E36, where the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A and the data decrypted in step E37 is saved in a predetermined area (a predetermined area in the RAM 233). Since the encryption key A is provided in each apparatus in advance and the main board has not been authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A in step E36. This is because the main board (game control device 54) is not authenticated, but the data received from the game control device 54 is not the main ID but information other than the main ID such as game information. Decryption is performed using the encryption key A. Although the encryption key A is not different for each unit, predetermined security is maintained. After step E37, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E35, the process proceeds to step E38, where the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X, and the data decrypted in step E39 is saved in a predetermined area. The encryption key X is acquired after authentication of the gaming machine ID and is different for each machine. However, since the main board has been authenticated, there is no risk of fraud and it is safe to decrypt the received data. However, security is maintained by decrypting the received data with a different encryption key X for each unit. After step E39, the process returns.
As described above, when the received data is not the main control ID, for example, a prize ball command, game information, and the like are stored, and the payout control device 230 stores the decrypted data.

[Main transmission data encryption processing]
Next, the main transmission data encryption processing of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
This main transmission data encryption processing is processing for encrypting transmission data to the game control device 54 and transmitting it.
When the routine starts, transmission data is loaded from the main transmission buffer in step E41. In the main transmission buffer, the following specific transmission data is stored in advance by other processing, for example.
Here, the transmission data includes, for example, authentication completion information, gaming machine frame information, and recovery information.
Next, in step E42, it is determined whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to determine whether the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 has already been verified by the external management device 91 and is verified as being verified. In the present embodiment, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the external management device 91 collates the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 through the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, and the card management device 81 sequentially. Since the gaming control device 54 receives the matching result through the reverse route, if the gaming control device 54 has already received the gaming machine ID matching result OK, the determination result in step E42 is YES, If the match result OK of the gaming machine ID has not been received or the check result is NG, the determination result of step E42 is NO.

If the main board is not authenticated in step E42, the process proceeds to step E43 and the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A. Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device.
Next, the process proceeds to step E44, and the data encrypted with the encryption key A is transmitted to the main board (game control device 54). Here, the data encrypted with the encryption key A by serial communication using the serial port is transmitted to the main board (game control device 54). After step E44, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E42, the process proceeds to step E45, where the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X. Here, as the encryption key X, a different encryption key is generated for each vehicle in the game store.
Next, the process proceeds to step E46, and the data encrypted with the encryption key X is transmitted to the main board (game control device 54). Here, data encrypted with the encryption key X by serial communication using a serial port is transmitted to the main board (game control device 54). After step E46, the process returns.

Thus, if the main board is not authenticated, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A and transmitted to the main board (game control device 54). If the main board is authenticated, the transmission data is the encryption key X. It is encrypted and transmitted to the main board (game control device 54).
Therefore, when the main board has been authenticated, the transmission data is encrypted with a different encryption key X for each unit and transmitted to the main board (game control device 54), so that higher security can be maintained.

[Card unit transmission data encryption processing]
Next, the card unit transmission data encryption processing of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
This card unit transmission data encryption processing is processing for encrypting data and transmitting it to the card unit 15.
When the routine starts, transmission data is loaded from the card unit transmission buffer in step E51. The card unit transmission buffer stores data to be transmitted to the card unit 15 in other processes. Next, the process proceeds to step E52, and it is determined whether or not the transmission data is a gaming machine ID (that is, main control ID and payout ID).
Hereinafter, the case where the transmission data is a gaming machine ID and the case where the transmission data is not a gaming machine ID will be described separately.

<When the transmission data is a gaming machine ID>
If the transmission data is the gaming machine ID in step E52, the process proceeds to step E53, and it is determined whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check the authentication completion information from the main board (game control device 54).
If the main board authentication is not completed in step E53, the process proceeds to step E54, and the main board authentication incomplete information is transmitted to the card unit 15. Since the card unit 15 cannot recognize whether or not the game control device 54 has received the authentication OK / NG, the card unit 15 transmits the main board authentication incomplete information to the card unit 15.
Next, in step E55, the main control ID is transmitted to the card unit 15 while being encrypted. Next, the process proceeds to step E56 where the payout ID of the payout control device 230 is encrypted with the encryption key A and transmitted to the card unit 15. After step E56, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E53, the process branches to step E61, where main board authentication completion information is transmitted to the card unit 15, and the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X in step E62. Here, since the main control ID has been authenticated once, the payout control device 230 holds the encryption key X as a different encryption key for each vehicle, and therefore encrypts the transmission data with the encryption key X. Is.
Next, the process proceeds to step E63, and the data encrypted with the encryption key X is transmitted to the card unit 15. After step E63, the process returns.

<When the transmission data is not a gaming machine ID>
On the other hand, when the transmission data is not the gaming machine ID in step E52, the process jumps to step E57 to determine whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check the authentication completion information from the main board (game control device 54), as in step E53.
If the main board authentication is not completed in step E57, the process proceeds to step E58, and the main board authentication incomplete information is transmitted to the card unit 15. Since the card unit 15 cannot recognize whether or not the game control device 54 has received the authentication OK / NG, the card unit 15 transmits the main board authentication incomplete information to the card unit 15.
Next, in step E59, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A, and the data encrypted in step E60 is transmitted to the card unit 15. After step E60, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E57, the process branches to step E61, where main board authentication completion information is transmitted to the card unit 15, and transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X in step E62. Here, since the main control ID has been authenticated once, the payout control device 230 holds the encryption key X as a different encryption key for each vehicle, and therefore encrypts the transmission data with the encryption key X. Is.
Next, the process proceeds to step E63, and the data encrypted with the encryption key X is transmitted to the card unit 15. After step E63, the process returns.

[Card unit received data decoding process]
Next, the card unit received data decoding process of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
This card unit received data decoding process is a process in which the payout control device 230 decodes the data received from the card unit 15.
When the routine starts, reception data is loaded from the card unit reception buffer in step E71. In the card unit reception buffer, for example, the following specific received data is stored in advance by other processing.
Here, the received data includes, for example, authentication completion information and various commands (for example, communication start request and status information request).
Next, in step E72, it is determined whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to determine whether the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 has already been verified by the external management device 91 and is verified as being verified. In the present embodiment, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the external management device 91 collates the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 through the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, and the card management device 81 sequentially. Since the gaming control device 54 receives the matching result through the reverse route, the gaming control device 54 has already received the matching result OK of the gaming machine ID including the main ID, and the game control device 54 If the payout control device 230 has received the authentication completion information, the determination result in step E72 is YES, and if the authentication completion information has not been received, the determination result in step E72 is NO.

If the main board is not authenticated in step E72, the process proceeds to step E73, and the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A. Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device.
Next, the process proceeds to step E74, and the data decrypted with the encryption key A is saved in a predetermined area (a predetermined area in the RAM 233, the same applies hereinafter). After step E74, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E72, the process proceeds to step E75, and the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X. Here, a different encryption key is generated for each player in the game store, and the encryption key X is generated in the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) (game control device 54 (main board) and payout control device 230 (payout control board). )) And between the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and the card unit 15, information is transmitted and received using encrypted communication with different encryption keys X for each unit. When the matching result of the gaming machine ID is OK, the external management device 91 gives the data to the card management device 81 as the encryption key X data. Is sent to each unit. The encryption / decryption algorithm for the encryption key X is basically the same as that for the encryption key A.
Accordingly, in step E75, the transmission data is decrypted with the encryption key X using a predetermined algorithm.
Next, the process proceeds to step E76, and the data decrypted with the encryption key X is saved in a predetermined area (a predetermined area of the RAM 233). After step E76, the process returns.

As described above, if the main board is not authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A and saved in a predetermined area. If the main board is authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X and the predetermined data is stored. Is saved in the area.
Therefore, when the main board has been authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X that is different for each unit and saved in a predetermined area, so that higher security can be maintained.

[Authentication result handling process (withdrawal)]
Next, authentication result handling processing (payout) of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
This authentication result handling process (payout) is a process in which the payout control device 230 performs necessary processing according to the authentication result from the card unit 15.
When the routine starts, it is determined in step E81 whether or not the authentication result is OK.
Here, in the present embodiment, for example, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the external management device 91 sequentially receives the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 through the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, and the card management device 81. Since the gaming control device 54 receives the matching result through the reverse route, the payout control device 230 receives the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) from the card unit 15 in step E81. It is determined whether the authentication result has been received and the authentication result is OK.
In addition, the case of authenticating the gaming machine ID is summarized as follows.
(A) At power-on of the pachinko machine 1 Authentication at the time of power-on of the pachinko machine 1 that is the first authentication is performed by the external management device 91 by checking whether or not the gaming machine ID is legitimate.
(B) After the power-on authentication (first authentication) is OK, the card management device 81 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.
(C) During the game authentication, the card unit 15 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.

The determination in step E81 includes all cases (a) to (c). If the authentication result is OK in step E81, the process proceeds to step E82, and the authentication result (OK) is saved in an authentication result storage area (for example, a predetermined area in the RAM 233).
Next, in step E83, it is determined whether a new encryption key has been received. In the case of the first authentication of the gaming machine ID (in this case, the main ID and the payout ID), the encryption key X is given from the external management device 91 to the card management device 81 as the encryption key X data. Based on the encryption key X data, an encryption key X for each unit is generated and sent to each unit. The encryption / decryption algorithm for the encryption key X is basically the same as that for the encryption key A. Since the pachinko machine 1 acquires the encryption key X as described above, a new encryption key is received in such a case. In step E83, the above case is determined. Further, since the new encryption key X is transmitted from the card unit 15 at the time of authentication of the gaming machine ID when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on thereafter, the determination in that case is also performed in step E83.

If a new encryption key has been received in step E83, the process proceeds to step E84, the acquired encryption key X is saved in the updated encryption key storage area (a predetermined area in the RAM 233), and then the process proceeds to step E85. The updated encryption key storage area is an area different from the area where the encryption key A is stored. Next, the process proceeds to step E85, and the acquired encryption key X is written into the main transmission buffer. Thereby, the acquired encryption key X is transmitted to the game control device 54. After step E85, the process proceeds to step E86.
On the other hand, if a new encryption key has not been received in step E83, the process jumps to step E84 and step E85 and proceeds to step E86. In this case, since the authentication result (OK) is already saved in the authentication result storage area, the encryption key (apart from the new encryption key) is already held.
When the process proceeds from step E85 to step E86, or when the process jumps from step E83 to step E84 or step E85 to proceed to step E86, the authentication result (OK) is written in the main transmission buffer at step E86. As a result, the authentication result (OK) is transmitted to the game control device 54. Next, a game possible flag is set in step E87. Thereby, a game becomes possible. After step E87, the process returns.

  On the other hand, if the authentication result is not OK in step E81, the process branches to step E88, and the authentication result (NG) is saved in the authentication result storage area. Next, in step E89, the authentication result (NG) is written into the main transmission buffer. As a result, the authentication result (NG) is transmitted to the game control device 54. Next, a game stop flag is set in step E90. As a result, the game is stopped. After step E90, the process returns.

[Game machine received data decoding process]
Next, the main received data decoding process of the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
This gaming machine reception data decoding process is a process in which the card unit 15 decrypts data received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1).
When the routine starts, received data is loaded from the gaming machine reception buffer in step E101. Note that the data received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) by other processing is stored in the gaming machine reception buffer. Next, the process proceeds to step E102, and it is determined whether or not the received data is a gaming machine ID (that is, a main ID and a payout ID).
Here, the case where the received data is a gaming machine ID and the case where the received data is not a gaming machine ID will be described separately.

<When the received data is a gaming machine ID>
If the received data is a gaming machine ID in step E102, the process proceeds to step E103 to determine whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check authentication completion (authentication incomplete) information from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1). Authentication completion (authentication incomplete) information includes information on both main board authentication completion and main board authentication incomplete.
If the main board is not authenticated in step E103, the process proceeds to step E104, and the gaming machine ID that is the current reception data is encrypted and stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1 (the first predetermined area of the RAM in the card unit 15). Save. Since the main board (game control device 54) is not authenticated, there is a risk of fraud, so the data received from the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is not decrypted, and the card unit 15 remains encrypted. Are stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1. After step E104, the process returns.
Here, the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is an area for storing an ID (data that remains encrypted) received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and not authenticated.
On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E103, the process branches to step E105, where the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X, and the gaming machine ID decrypted in step E106 is stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 2 (card unit 15 in the second predetermined area of the RAM.
Here, the gaming machine ID storage area 2 is an area for storing the authenticated ID received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and decrypted.
The encryption key X is acquired after authentication of the gaming machine ID and is different for each machine. However, since the main board has been authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X in step E105 and decrypted. The converted gaming machine ID is stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 2 of the card unit 15. This is because the main board (game control device 54) has already been authenticated, so there is no risk of fraud and it is safe to decrypt the received data. However, security is maintained by decrypting the received data with a different encryption key X for each unit. After step E106, the process returns.

<When the received data is not a gaming machine ID>
On the other hand, if the received data is not a gaming machine ID in step E102, the process jumps to step E107 to determine whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check the authentication completion (authentication incomplete) information from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) as in step E103.
If the main board has not been authenticated in step E107, the process proceeds to step E108 where the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A and the data decrypted in step E109 is a predetermined area (a predetermined area in the RAM of the card unit 15). To save. Since the encryption key A is provided in each apparatus in advance and the main board has not been authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A in step E109. This is because the main board (game control device 54) is not authenticated, and the data received from the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is not a game machine ID but information other than the game machine ID such as game information. Therefore, decryption is performed using the encryption key A provided in advance in each device. Although the encryption key A is not different for each unit, predetermined security is maintained. After step E109, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E107, the process proceeds to step E110, where the received data is decrypted with the encryption key X and the decrypted data in step E111 is stored in a predetermined area (predetermined in the RAM of the card unit 15). Save to area. This is because the encryption key X is obtained after authentication of the gaming machine ID and is different for each machine, and since the main board has been authenticated, there is no risk of fraud and it is safe to decrypt the received data. Therefore, security is maintained by decrypting the received data with a different encryption key X for each unit. After step E111, the process returns.
As described above, when the received data is not a gaming machine ID, for example, gaming information or the like, the card unit 15 is decrypted and stored.

[Game machine transmission data encryption processing]
Next, the gaming machine transmission data encryption processing of the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
This gaming machine transmission data encryption process is a process in which transmission data is encrypted and transmitted to the payout control device 230 of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1).
When the routine starts, transmission data is loaded from the gaming machine transmission buffer in step E121. The game machine transmission buffer stores, for example, the following specific transmission data in advance by other processing.
Here, the transmission data includes, for example, authentication completion information and various commands (for example, a communication start request and a status information request).
Next, in step E122, it is determined whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check authentication completion (authentication incomplete) information from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1). The authentication completion (authentication incomplete) information includes information on both main board authentication completion and main board authentication incomplete.
If the main board is not authenticated in step E122, the process proceeds to step E123, and the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A. Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device.
Next, the process proceeds to step E124, and the data encrypted with the encryption key A is transmitted to the gaming machine (here, the payout control device 230). As a result, the data encrypted with the encryption key A is transmitted to the payout control device 230. After step E124, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the main board has been authenticated in step E122, the process proceeds to step E125, and the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X. Here, as the encryption key X, a different encryption key is generated for each vehicle in the game store.
Next, the process proceeds to step E126, and the data encrypted with the encryption key X is transmitted to the gaming machine (payout control device 230). As a result, data encrypted with the encryption key X is transmitted to the payout control device 230. After step E126, the process returns.

Thus, if the main board is not authenticated, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A and transmitted to the gaming machine (payout control device 230). If the main board is authenticated, the transmission data is the encryption key X. It is encrypted and transmitted to the gaming machine (payout control device 230).
Therefore, when the main board has been authenticated, the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key X that is different for each unit and transmitted to the gaming machine (payout control device 230), so that higher security can be maintained.

[Card management device received data decryption processing]
Next, the card management device received data decoding process of the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
This card management device received data decryption processing is processing for decrypting data received from the card management device 81 by the card unit 15.
When the routine starts, received data is loaded from the card management device reception buffer in step E131. In the card management device reception buffer, for example, the following specific received data (data encrypted with the encryption key A) is stored in advance by other processing.
Here, the received data includes, for example, authentication completion information and encryption information (for example, data of the encryption key X).
Next, the process proceeds to step E132, and the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A. Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device.
Next, the process proceeds to step E133, and the data decrypted with the encryption key A is saved in the card management device reception data storage area (the card management device reception data storage area of the RAM of the card unit 15). After step E133, the process returns.

Thus, since the data received from the card management device 81 is encrypted with the encryption key A, the received data is obtained using the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm that the card management device 81 has in advance. Is stored in the card management device reception data storage area of the card unit 15.
Therefore, the data transmitted from the card management device 81 to the card unit 15 is encrypted with the encryption key A, and the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A in the card unit 15, so that the security can be kept high.

[Card management device transmission data encryption processing]
Next, the card management device transmission data encryption processing of the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
This card management device transmission data encryption processing is processing for encrypting transmission data to the card management device 81 and transmitting it.
When the routine starts, transmission data is loaded from the card management apparatus transmission buffer in step E141. In the card management device transmission buffer, for example, the following specific transmission data is stored in advance by other processing.
Here, examples of the transmission data include a gaming machine ID and a card unit ID.
Next, in step E142, it is determined whether or not the transmission data (transmission data loaded from the card management device transmission buffer) has been encrypted. If the transmission data is not encrypted in step E142, the process proceeds to step E143, where the transmission data is encrypted with the encryption key A. Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device, and are also held in the card management device 81.

Next, the process proceeds to step E144, and the data encrypted with the encryption key A is transmitted to the card management apparatus 81. As a result, data encrypted with the encryption key A is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the card management device 81, and security is maintained. After step E144, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the transmission data has been encrypted in step E142, the process proceeds to step E145, and the data (transmission data as encrypted) is transmitted to the card management device 81. In this case, for example, when the card management device 81 receives data from the card unit 15, the received data is already encrypted, for example, with the encryption key A, and the card management device 81 uses this as transmission data. This is a case of transmitting to 81. Specifically, for example, there is a gaming machine ID that is authenticated for the first time. Thereby, the encrypted data is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the card management device 81, and security is maintained. After step E145, the process returns.

[Machine ID verification process]
Next, the gaming machine ID collation process of the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
In this gaming machine ID collation process, the gaming machine ID is collated by the card unit 15.
When the routine starts, it is determined in step E151 whether or not the main board has been authenticated. This is to check authentication completion (authentication incomplete) information from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1). Authentication completion (authentication incomplete) information includes information on both main board authentication completion and main board authentication incomplete.
If the main board has been authenticated in step E151, the process proceeds to step E152 to determine whether or not a game is in progress. If a game is being played in step E152, the process proceeds to step E153, and a required gaming machine ID is loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2. In the gaming machine ID storage area 2, an authenticated ID received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and decrypted is stored.
Next, in step E154, a required gaming machine ID is loaded from the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area. In the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area, the decrypted ID (gaming machine ID, card unit ID) that has been authenticated by the external management device 91 is stored.

In this embodiment, for example, when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control apparatus 54 is transferred to the external management apparatus 91 via the payout control apparatus 230, the card unit 15, and the card management apparatus 81 in this order. The gaming control device 54 receives the matching result through the reverse route, and the gaming machine ID is authenticated by the card unit 15 during the gaming after the gaming machine ID is authenticated. Since the authentication is performed by checking whether or not, the gaming machine ID to be authenticated this time is read from the gaming machine ID storage area 2 for the authentication, and the external management device is read from the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area. The ID (gaming machine ID) for which authentication is successful at 91 is read out.
Next, the process proceeds to step E155, and the gaming machine ID is collated. Here, the gaming machine ID loaded in step E153 (the gaming machine ID to be authenticated this time loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2) and the gaming machine ID loaded in step E154 (the external loaded from the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area) Compared with the gaming machine ID that has been authenticated by the management device 91, a verification is performed to determine whether or not the gaming machine ID to be authenticated this time loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2 is a regular ID. is there. In the verification of the gaming machine ID during the game after the authentication of the gaming machine ID, the card unit 15 performs ID verification using only the chip ID of the main ID.

  Next, the process proceeds to step E156, where it is determined whether or not the result of the game machine ID verification process executed in step E155 is verification OK. If the result is verification OK, the gaming machine ID loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2 is determined. Since it is determined that (the gaming machine ID to be authenticated at this time) is legitimate as described above, the process proceeds to step E157, and the verification OK information is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. Thereby, the verification OK information is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1). Next, in a step E158, a game possible flag is set. Thereby, a game becomes possible. After step E158, the process returns.

  On the other hand, if the matching result of the gaming machine ID is NG in step E156, that is, if the matching is NG, the gaming machine ID loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2 (the gaming machine ID to be authenticated this time) is not valid. Since it is determined, the process branches to step E159 and the verification NG information is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. As a result, the verification NG information is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1). Next, a game stop flag is set in step E160. As a result, the game is stopped. After step E160, the process returns.

Next, if the main board is not authenticated in step E151, the process branches to step E161, and the ID of the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is written in the card management device transmission buffer. As a result, the ID of the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the card management device 81.
Here, in the gaming machine ID storage area 1, the gaming machine ID received by the card unit 15 from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) this time is saved as encrypted. Since the main board (game control device 54) is not authenticated, there is a risk of fraud, so the data received from the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is not decrypted, and the card unit 15 remains encrypted. Are stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1. Then, the ID of the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the card management device 81, and the card management device 81 transmits the received ID to the external management device 91. After step E161, the process returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step E152 that the game is not being played, the process branches to step E162 to load the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine ID storage area 2, and in the subsequent step E163, the gaming machine ID is stored from the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area. To load.
Here, the ID that is received and decrypted from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 2 and is authenticated by the external management device 91 in the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area. The data decrypted with the OK ID (game machine ID, card unit ID) is stored. Therefore, this time, if the ID received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and decrypted is compared with the ID that has been authenticated by the external management device 91 loaded from the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area, It can be determined whether or not the ID received and decrypted from the (pachinko machine 1) is legitimate. For example, if the board of the game control device 54 has been exchanged due to fraud, the ID received and decrypted from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 2 is the normal gaming control. That is not the substrate of the device 54. Therefore, authenticity determination of the gaming machine ID in such a case is also required. For example, although rare, the board of the game control device 54 may be replaced by fraud during the opening of a game store.

Then, it progresses to step E164 and collates game machine ID. Here, the gaming machine ID loaded at Step E163 (the gaming machine ID loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2) and the gaming machine ID loaded at Step E164 (the external management device 91 loaded from the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area). Is compared with the gaming machine ID that has been authenticated in step S3, and collation is performed to determine whether or not the gaming machine ID loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2 is a regular ID.
Next, the process proceeds to step E165, where it is determined whether or not the result of the matching process of the gaming machine ID executed in step E164 is a matching OK. Is determined to be legitimate, the process proceeds to step E157, and the verification OK information is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. Thereby, the verification OK information is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1). Next, in a step E158, a game possible flag is set. Thereby, a game becomes possible. After step E158, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step E165 is NO, that is, if the result of the gaming machine ID matching process executed in step E164 is matching NG, the process proceeds to step E166, and this time the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1). And the decrypted gaming machine ID (the gaming machine ID loaded from the gaming machine ID storage area 2) is written in the card management device transmission buffer. Thereby, the gaming machine ID in the gaming machine ID storage area 2 is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the card management device 81, and the card management device 81 collates the gaming machine ID. After step E166, the process returns.
If NO in step 152 (when the power is turned on), the card unit 15 transmits the gaming machine ID to the card management device 81 without checking the gaming machine ID (in the card management device 81). Collation).
As described above, when the gaming machine ID is verified during the gaming of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) after the gaming machine is installed, the game stored at the time of power-on after the gaming machine is installed by the card unit 15. Since the gaming machine ID is compared with the machine ID, the gaming machine ID can be efficiently verified.
Further, in the verification of the gaming machine ID during the game after the authentication of the gaming machine ID, the card unit 15 performs ID verification using only the chip ID of the main ID, so that the ID verification processing during the game is quick. The game can be performed without any problem.

[Authentication result handling processing (CU)]
Next, the authentication result handling process (CU) of the card unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
This authentication result handling process (CU) is a process in which the card unit 15 performs a necessary process according to the authentication result from the card management device 81.
When the routine starts, it is determined in step E171 whether the authentication result is OK.
Here, in the present embodiment, for example, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the external management device 91 sequentially receives the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 through the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, and the card management device 81. Since the game control device 54 receives the result of the verification through the reverse route, the processing of step E171 is performed by the card unit 15 from the card management device 81 with the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID, card). (Unit ID) authentication result has been received, and it is determined whether or not the authentication result is OK.
In addition, the case of authenticating the gaming machine ID is summarized as follows.
(A) At power-on of the pachinko machine 1 Authentication at the time of power-on of the pachinko machine 1 that is the first authentication is performed by the external management device 91 by checking whether or not the gaming machine ID is legitimate.
(B) After the power-on authentication (first authentication) is OK, the card management device 81 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.
(C) During the game authentication, the card unit 15 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.

The determination in step E171 includes the cases (a) and (b). If the authentication result is OK in step E171, the process proceeds to step E172, and the authentication result (OK) is saved in an authentication result storage area (for example, a predetermined area in the card unit RAM).
Next, the process proceeds to step E173, and the gaming machine ID stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is decrypted with the encryption key A.
Here, the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is an area in which an ID (data that remains encrypted) received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and not authenticated is stored. Since the main board (game control device 54) is not authenticated, there is a risk of fraud, so the data received from the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is not decrypted, and the card unit 15 remains encrypted. Are stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1.
Next, the process proceeds to step E174, and the ID decrypted in step E173 is saved in the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area.
Here, in the authenticated gaming machine ID storage area, the decrypted ID (gaming machine ID, card unit ID) authenticated by the external management apparatus 91 is stored.
This is because the authentication result is OK in step E171 this time, the gaming machine ID stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is determined to be legitimate, and the authenticated gaming machine ID is stored. The one to save in the area.

Next, in step E175, it is determined whether a new encryption key has been received. In the case of the first authentication of the gaming machine ID (in this case, the main ID and the payout ID), the encryption key X is given from the external management device 91 to the card management device 81 as the encryption key X data. Based on the encryption key X data, an encryption key X for each unit is generated and sent to each unit. The encryption / decryption algorithm for the encryption key X is basically the same as that for the encryption key A. Since the pachinko machine 1 acquires the encryption key X as described above, a new encryption key is received in such a case.
In step E175, the above case is determined by the department of the card unit 15. Further, since the new encryption key X is transmitted from the higher-level card management device 81 to the card unit 15 at the time of authentication of the gaming machine ID when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on thereafter, the determination in that case is also made in step E175. Do.

If a new encryption key has been received in step E175, the process proceeds to step E176, where the acquired encryption key X is saved in an updated encryption key storage area (a predetermined area in the RAM of the card unit 15). The updated encryption key storage area is an area different from the area where the encryption key A is stored. Next, the process proceeds to step E177, and the acquired encryption key X is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. Thereby, the acquired encryption key X is transmitted to the gaming machine (payout control device 230). Next, the process proceeds to step E178, and the authentication result OK determined in step E171 is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. Thereby, the information on the authentication result OK is transmitted to the gaming machine (payout control device 230).
Next, a game enable flag is set in step E179. Thereby, a game becomes possible. After step E179, the process returns.

On the other hand, if a new encryption key has not been received at step E175, the process jumps to step E176 and step E177 and proceeds to step E178. In this case, since the authentication result (OK) has already been saved in the authentication result storage area, the encryption key X (apart from the new encryption key) is already held. Next, when the process proceeds to step E178, as described above, the authentication result OK is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer, and the game possible flag is set in step E179, and then the process returns.
Therefore, even if a new encryption key has not been received in step E175, if the authentication result is OK in step E171, the game possible flag is set and the game becomes possible.

On the other hand, if the authentication result is not OK in step E171, the process branches to step E180, and the authentication result (NG) is saved in the authentication result storage area. Next, the gaming machine ID stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is discarded in step E181.
Here, the gaming machine ID storage area 1 is an area for storing an unauthenticated ID (data that remains encrypted) received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1), and the main board (game control device 54). Is not authenticated, there is a risk of fraud, so the data received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is not decrypted and stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1 of the card unit 15 without being decrypted. Yes. However, since the determination result of the authentication result (NG) is obtained at step E171 this time, the gaming machine ID stored in the gaming machine ID storage area 1 may be fake and is discarded. .
Next, the process proceeds to step E182, and the authentication result (NG) is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. As a result, authentication result (NG) information is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (payout control device 230). Next, a game stop flag is set in step E183. As a result, the game is stopped. After step E183, the process returns.

Next, the flowchart regarding the output condition of the gaming machine ID shown in FIG. 20 will be described. This is a flowchart corresponding to the description of FIG. 20 because it is described that it is desirable to provide a predetermined output condition for the output of the gaming machine ID.
[Main control ID request confirmation processing]
First, the main control ID request confirmation processing of the game control device 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the main control ID request confirmation process, when there is an ID request to the game control device 54 by predetermined encrypted communication, the main control ID is output from the game control device 54, but there is an ID request in plain text. In some cases, the main control ID is not output.
When the routine starts, received data is loaded from a predetermined data storage area in step E201. The predetermined data storage area is an area in which the game control device 54 receives data from the outside and temporarily stores it. For example, the game control device 54 stores data received from the payout control device 230. is there. Further, not only encrypted data but also plaintext data can be stored in the predetermined data storage area.

Next, the process proceeds to step E202, where it is determined whether the data is normal. This is to determine whether or not the received data loaded from the predetermined data storage area is normal, and is determined as follows.
(A) If the data is transmitted to the game control device 54 in a ciphertext using a normal encryption key (for example, encryption key A, encryption key X), the encryption / decryption algorithm of the encryption key can be used. Therefore, the data is normally decrypted. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the data is normal.
(B) If the data is transmitted to the game control device 54 in a ciphertext that does not use a normal encryption key, the normal encryption key encryption / decryption algorithm cannot be used. Become. Also, if the data is plain text, the data becomes abnormal data when decrypted using a normal encryption key encryption / decryption algorithm. Therefore, in this case, the data is determined to be abnormal.

If it is determined in step E202 that the data is normal, the process proceeds to step E203, where it is determined whether there is a main control ID request. This is to determine whether or not there is a main control ID request in the received data loaded from the predetermined data storage area. If there is a main control ID request in step E203, a main control ID transmission request flag is set in step E204, and a main control ID transmission process (FIG. 23) is performed in the following step E205. Thereby, the main control ID is transmitted (encrypted and transmitted) from the game control device 54 to the outside (for example, the payout control device 230). After step E205, the process returns.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step E202 that the data is abnormal, the process branches to step E206, and a reception data abnormality flag is set. Therefore, in this case, the main control ID is not transmitted to the outside (for example, the payout control device 230), and security is maintained. After step E206, the process returns.

[Payout received data decryption processing]
Next, the payout received data decoding process of the game control device 54 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 166 described above, and a duplicate description is omitted.
This payout received data decryption process is a process of decrypting data received from the payout control device 230 with the encryption key A or the encryption key X according to the presence or absence of main board authentication.
According to this payout received data decryption process, if the main board is not authenticated, the received data is decrypted with the encryption key A to ensure security. If the main board is authenticated, the received data is By decrypting with a different encryption key X, security can be kept higher.

[Game machine ID request confirmation process]
Next, the gaming machine ID request confirmation process of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
This gaming machine ID request confirmation process is a process of confirming conditions such as whether the ID request to the payout control device 230 is an encrypted communication and outputting an ID.
When the routine starts, received data is loaded from a predetermined data storage area in step E221. The predetermined data storage area is an area in which the payout control device 230 receives data from the outside and temporarily stores it. For example, the payout control device 230 stores data received from the game control device 54 or the card unit 15. This is a predetermined area. Further, not only encrypted data but also plaintext data can be stored in the predetermined data storage area.
Next, the process proceeds to step E222, and it is determined whether or not the data is normal. This is to determine whether or not the received data loaded from the predetermined data storage area is normal, and is determined as follows.
(A) If the data is transmitted to the payout control device 230 in a ciphertext using a regular encryption key (for example, encryption key A, encryption key X), the encryption / decryption algorithm of the encryption key can be used. Therefore, the data is normally decrypted. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the data is normal.
(B) If the data is transmitted to the payout control device 230 in a ciphertext that does not use a normal encryption key, the normal encryption key encryption / decryption algorithm cannot be used. Become. Also, if the data is plain text, the data becomes abnormal data when decrypted using a normal encryption key encryption / decryption algorithm. Therefore, in this case, the data is determined to be abnormal.

If it is determined in step E222 that the data is normal, the process proceeds to step E223, where it is determined whether there is a gaming machine ID request. This is to determine whether or not there is a gaming machine ID request in the received data loaded from a predetermined data storage area. If there is a gaming machine ID request in step E223, it is determined in step E224 whether or not the main board is disconnected. This is to determine whether or not the payout control device 230 satisfies the condition for connection with the game control device 54. If the payout control device 230 is not connected to the game control device 54, the payout control device 230 may request a gaming machine ID from the card unit 15 through encrypted communication using the predetermined encryption key A or X. Since the game machine ID is not output, the connection between the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 is determined.
Here, if the payout control device 230 is connected to the game control device 54, it is determined that there is no main board disconnection, and if the payout control device 230 is not connected to the game control device 54, it is determined that there is a main board disconnection. When the main board is disconnected, for example, the main board (game control device 54) is illegally removed.

If there is no disconnection of the main board in step E224, it is determined that the payout control device 230 satisfies the condition for connection with the game control device 54, and the process proceeds to step E225 to perform main control ID request processing. This is to request the main control ID from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54.
Next, main control ID reception processing (FIG. 109) is performed at step E226. In this case, the payout control device 230 receives the main control ID from the game control device 54.
Next, a gaming machine ID transmission process (FIG. 163) is performed at step E227. This is to transmit (encrypt and transmit) the gaming machine ID (main control ID and payout ID) of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) to the card unit 15. After step E227, the process returns.
On the other hand, if there is no gaming machine ID request at step E223 or if there is a break in the main board at step E224, the process branches to NO in both cases, and the current routine is terminated and returned. Therefore, in these cases, the gaming machine ID is transmitted to the card unit 15, and security is maintained.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step E222 that the data is abnormal, the process branches to step E228, and a reception data abnormality flag is set. Therefore, in this case, the gaming machine ID is not transmitted to the outside (for example, the card unit 15), and security is maintained. After step E228, the process returns.

In this way, as an ID output condition from the payout control device 230, the payout control device 230 satisfies the condition for connection with the game control device 54, and the payout control device 230 has a predetermined encryption from the card unit 15. When an ID is requested by encrypted communication using the key A or the encryption key X, an ID (main ID and payout ID) is output, but when requested by other communication (plain text or the like) And payout ID) are not output. Therefore, security can be improved.
In particular, since the payout control device 230 does not output the gaming machine ID unless it is connected to the gaming control device 54, for example, when the gaming control device 54 is illegally removed, the gaming machine ID is not output. Unauthorized removal of the device 54 can also be handled.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
First, the control operation for illegal winning will be described.
FIG. 181 is a timing chart of operations for illegal winning.
For fraudulent winnings, the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is monitored, and if the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 5), the first error mode is set. Processing corresponding to the aspect is performed.
Therefore, in order to monitor the illegal winning, the winning balls that are won in each of the winning holes 25, 26, 27a, 34a, 28 to 31 of the game board 20 are the first starting port switch 120, the second starting port switch 121, the lower count. These are detected by the switch 124, the upper count switch 125, and the prize opening switches 123a to 123d, and these detected outputs are managed by the game control device 54.
On the other hand, the safe ball is detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163 arranged in the frame on the back side of the game board 20, and these detection outputs are managed by the payout control device 230. .
In addition, the safe ball in this case is when the game balls (that is, the winning balls) that have passed through the winning holes 25, 26, 27a, 34a, 28 to 31 are discharged as safe balls from the game board 20. This is a concept about a sphere detected as a safe sphere on the frame side.

Here, the total number of winning balls is the total of the winning numbers detected by the switches 120 to 123a to 123d, 124, 125, and the total number of safe balls is the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163. The total number of safes detected by.
Since the winning numbers detected by the switches 120 to 123a, 123d, 124, and 125 are included in the information of the winning ball command and transmitted to the payout control device 230, the payout control device 230 indicates the number of wins. While calculating the total, the total of the winning numbers is compared with the total of the safe numbers detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163, and the difference is a predetermined number (for example, five). If it is above, it will be set as the 1st error mode and processing corresponding to the 1st error mode will be performed.
In addition, when a state where the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is a predetermined number (for example, 5) or more continues for a predetermined period, the second error mode is set and processing corresponding to the second error mode is performed. Is done.

A specific operation will be described with reference to FIG. 181. When a game ball wins any one of the winning holes 25, 26, 27a, 34a, 28 to 31 of the game board 20, a prize ball is added to the number of balls held ( (Addition of the number of prize balls set in advance according to the winning at the winning opening) is performed. In FIG. 181, a state where the prize ball can be added is indicated as “prize ball addition (possible)”, and a state where the prize ball addition is impossible is indicated as “prize ball addition (impossible)”. Before the timing t1, no error has occurred, and the prize ball can be added. In this case, no error notification is performed.
Next, when the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 5) at timing t1 in FIG. 181, a first error occurs (determined as the first error mode), Error notification is started at the same timing t1. In FIG. 181, error occurrence is indicated by H level, and the start of error notification is also indicated by H level.
However, although the error notification is started at the timing t1, the control of “prize ball addition (possible)” in which the prize ball can be added is continued, and any of the winning openings 25, 26, 27a, 34a, 28 is continued. When a game ball wins at ~ 31, a prize ball can be added to the number of balls held.
Here, the first safe ball disposed in the frame on the back side of the game board 20 after the game ball passes through any of the winning openings 25, 26, 27a, 34a, 28 to 31 of the game board 20. Since it takes some time to pass either the detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163, the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is a predetermined number (for example, five) or more. Whether or not the first error mode is present is determined.
If the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 5), the first error mode is set and processing corresponding to the first error mode is performed. In addition, when a state where the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is a predetermined number (for example, 5) or more continues for a predetermined period, the second error mode is set and processing corresponding to the second error mode is performed. Is done.
In this case, as a basis of the error mode processing, the processing corresponding to the first error mode is only error notification, and the processing corresponding to the second error mode is stopping error notification + prize ball addition.

When the first error mode is determined at timing t1, error notification is started, and processing corresponding to the first error mode is performed. In the processing corresponding to the first error mode, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error display is displayed on the display device 41 or the decoration display LED (frame) 141. This is done to inform the player and the store clerk that there is a possibility of fraud.
Further, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the hall computer 86 via the card unit 15. Note that the game machine may not perform error notification but may perform error notification that can be understood only at the game hall by the hall computer 86. Thus, the fraudulent winning can be dealt with without the player being aware of the fraudulent winning detection by the fishing ball or the like, and the clerk watching the error notification.

Next, when the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes continues at a timing t2 for a predetermined period (for example, 5) or more for a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds), the second error is Occurring (determined as the second error mode) and processing corresponding to the second error mode is performed. In the process corresponding to the second error mode, the prize ball addition is stopped in addition to the error notification from the timing t2 (that is, “the prize ball addition (impossible)” in which the prize ball addition is impossible) becomes impossible. .
Specifically, in the process corresponding to the second error mode, in addition to the error notification, a process for stopping the prize ball addition is performed. Therefore, even if there is an illegal prize such as a fishing ball due to the stoppage of the prize ball addition, the prize ball is not added (that is, the number of possessed balls does not increase), thus preventing fraud.
In addition to error notification processing corresponding to the second error mode, that is, in addition to notifying the hall computer 86 of error notification that can be understood only at the game hall as described above, error notification to the player is also performed. As an error notification to the player, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error is displayed on the screen of the display device 41 under the control of the effect control device 53. In addition, an error display is performed with the decoration display LED (frame) 141. Therefore, error notification is performed quickly and troubles with the player can be avoided. In addition, the damage to the playground can be minimized.

Further, when the predetermined number as a reference value for determining the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is a big hit, for example, it is changed to ten. For example, when a big win occurs after timing t2, the payout control device 230 changes the predetermined number as a reference value for determining the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes from 5 to 10. To determine the error state. As a result, even if the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes exceeds 5, for example, if it is less than 10, the error notification is continued but the control of “prize ball addition (possible)” is continued. . Therefore, even if there is a tendency for the number of winnings to increase and the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes tends to increase, it will not be judged illegal and stop adding the winning ball. Can avoid troubles.
If the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes exceeds 10, for example, the addition of the winning ball is stopped in addition to the error notification. Thereby, fraud can be effectively prevented.
Next, when the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes becomes less than a predetermined number (for example, 5) at timing t3, it is determined that neither the first error mode nor the second error mode is detected, and an error occurs. When the notification is finished, the control returns to “Prize ball addition (possible)”.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes exceeds a predetermined number (for example, five), it is determined as the first error mode, thereby allowing illegal winnings by fishing balls or the like. Can be detected. In addition, since error notification is performed as processing corresponding to the first error mode, an illegal winning can be promptly dealt with by the store clerk of the game hall recognizing the error notification.
If the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes continues for a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds) or more for a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds) or more, it is determined as the second error mode, As processing corresponding to the second error mode, the award ball addition is stopped in addition to the error notification, so that error notification can be performed quickly and trouble with the player can be avoided. Moreover, the damage on the game hall side can be minimized.
When an illegal prize is detected, an error notification is given only to the game hall as a process corresponding to the first error mode, and an error notification is also provided to the player as a process corresponding to the second error mode. The store clerk can quickly confirm whether or not it is being performed, and can also prompt the player to suppress fraud.
By changing the above-mentioned predetermined number as a reference value for judging the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes to a large value (for example, 10) at the time of the big hit, the number of winnings at the big hit increases and the total number of winnings Even if the difference between the total number of safes and the total of the safe numbers tends to increase, it is determined as illegal and the prize ball addition is not stopped, so that trouble with the player can be avoided.
As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide an enclosed ball game machine that is not easily tampered with.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A game control device that circulates and uses the enclosed game ball and manages the progress of the game, and a payout control device that controls the payout of the ball based on a command from the game control device. In an enclosed ball game machine,
Winning ball detecting means for detecting winnings to a plurality of winning holes arranged on the game board and whose detection output is managed by the game control device;
A safe ball when the game ball that has passed through each winning opening becomes a safe ball and is discharged from the game board, and a safe ball detection means whose detection output is managed by the payout control device,
Compare the number of winnings detected by the winning ball detection means and the safe balls detected by the safe ball detection means, and if the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the first error mode,
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized in that a winning error determination means is provided as a second error mode when the difference exceeds a predetermined number for a predetermined period.
Here, the first start port switch 120, the second start port switch 121, the lower count switch 124, the upper count switch 125 and the winning port switches 123a to 123d constitute a winning ball detecting means, and the first safe ball detecting switch 162 and The second safe ball detection switch 163 constitutes safe ball detection means, and the payout control device 230 constitutes a winning error determination means.

The inventive concept of the above configuration including the specific contents of the first and second error modes is expressed as follows.
An enclosed ball type gaming machine characterized in that the first error mode is provided with error notification, and the second error mode is provided with unauthorized winning control means for controlling not to add a prize ball in addition to error notification.
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes an illegal winning control means.

The inventive concept of the above configuration including specific notification destinations of the first and second error modes is expressed as follows.
The first error mode is provided only for a game hall, and the second error mode is provided with an illegal winning notification control means for controlling so as to notify a player in addition to the game hall. Ball game machine.
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes an illegal winning notification control means.

Further, the inventive concept of the above configuration including the specific contents of the error mode at the time of occurrence of the special gaming state is expressed as follows.
The winning error determination means is
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized in that when the special gaming state occurs, the predetermined number is changed to at least a large value.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-104576, the number of winning balls and the number of discharged balls are detected at a large winning opening. The operation process for winning a prize is not executed.
However, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, when an illegal winning with a fishing ball or the like is performed, since there is no real ball payout, there is a drawback that it is difficult to understand fraud.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the total number of winnings managed by the game control device 54 is compared with the total number of safes managed by the payout control device 230, and when the difference becomes a predetermined number (for example, five) or more, Since the error notification is performed as a process corresponding to the first error mode, the game store clerk recognizes the error notification so that an illegal winning by a fishing ball or the like can be detected. I made it.

As a modification of the present embodiment, the following configuration may be used.
(1) In the present embodiment, in the process corresponding to the second error mode, the award ball addition is stopped in addition to the error notification, but it is also possible to add a stop of game ball firing. This makes it possible to deal with illegal winnings more effectively.
(2) If the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 5) for a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds) or longer, the second error mode However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the addition of the difference between the total number of winnings and the total number of safes is canceled.

Next, FIG. 182 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the operation display device 7 regarding the display of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls.
In the description of FIG. 182, the concept of scene is used in the progress of the game, and scenes A1 to A3 shown in FIG. 182 are the number of balls displayed on the operation display device 7 and the number of balls held display 40 and the effect screen during the game. This is a concept representing a scene of the entire production operation including a button screen and the like.
First, a scene A1 in FIG. 182 shows the operations of the operation display device 7 and the number-of-balls display 40 at the normal time. In particular, the scene A1 is a case where there is no counting ball, for example, there is a small number of balls, but the game is stopped and a screen waiting for the customer is once displayed.
That is, in the scene A1, the operation display device 7 includes a ball lending rate display 701, a remaining amount display 702, a ball lending button 703, a return button 704, a storage / replay button 705, a message / operation area 706, and a switching button. 707, a break button 708, and a ball display button 709 are shown, and a ball count indicator 40 is disposed above the operation display device 7.
182 shows a state in which a counting switch 311 and a counting ball display 313 are arranged on the side (left side) of the holding ball number display 40.
The counting ball use button 710 is configured to be displayed on the message / operation area 706 when a counting ball is generated, as shown in a scene A2 to be described later.
In addition, in the description after the scene A2, the above-described encoding becomes complicated, so only a necessary part is given and the others are omitted.

In the scene A1, the remaining amount display unit 702 displays “5000 yen” as the remaining amount as an example at the normal time, whereby the player knows that the balance of the gaming card is “5000 yen”. . In addition, the number of balls possessed 40 displayed above the operation display device 7 is digitally displayed with the number “125” as the number of balls possessed. Thereby, the player knows that the current number of balls is 125.
On the other hand, a message “I welcome you” is displayed in the message / operation area 706, and a message “Number of balls to be raised” is displayed above the message, It informs that a game based on the number of balls is possible. Thereby, it can be seen that the player has 125 balls and can play a pachinko game by firing the number of balls.
In the state of scene A1, there is no counting ball number and there is no display of the counting ball number. Therefore, the counting ball display 313 is not lit.

Next, scene A2 shows a case where there is a counting ball.
That is, the scene A2 is a case where the number of balls possessed is 500 and the number of counted balls is 6000, and the state is displayed as 500 on the possession ball number display 40, and the message / operation area 706 is displayed. The player is notified by digitally displaying “6000 counting balls”.
In addition, the same number of counting balls as the counting balls (6000) digitally displayed in the message / operation area 706 is displayed in an analog form with a figure that looks like a ball box T in the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7. Is done. In addition, since the code | symbol T attached | subjected to a ball box becomes complicated, it is attached | subjected when it thinks that it is required on account of description.
In the scene A2, four ball boxes T are displayed, and are displayed in an analog form with a figure deceiving that there are 6000 counting balls in the four ball boxes T. Since there are 6000 counting balls, the figure is such that counting balls are collected in all four ball boxes T.

In the case where the number of spheres is displayed in an analog form in a message / operation area portion 7306 with a ball box T as a figure, the following display mode is used in this embodiment.
・ Tama box full display: Number of balls = 1500 ・ Twin box half display: Number of balls = 750 to less than 1500 ・ Slightly in a box: Number of balls = less than 750 Therefore, the ball rental rate display 701 always displays a rate of “ball rental: 4 yen per ball”. Also, the remaining amount display 702 always displays the remaining amount (for example, “5000 yen”).

Further, since there is a counting ball number in the scene A2, the counting ball display 313 is lit. Thereby, the player can easily recognize the presence of the counting ball number. Further, since a counting ball is generated in the scene A2, a counting ball use button 710 appears in the message / operation area 706 and is displayed. Thus, the player can move the ball from the number of counted balls to the number of possessed balls by pressing the counting ball use button 710. At this time, 100 counting balls move to the number of possessed balls by one operation of the counting ball use button 710.
In addition, when moving the number of held balls to the counting ball, the number of held balls moves to the counting ball when the player presses the counting switch 311. Thereby, the player can easily count the number of balls and move it to the counting ball by a simple operation of pressing the counting switch 311, which is convenient. In addition, since the counting sphere moved from the number of possessed balls is analog-displayed in a message / operation area unit 706 with a shape like a ball box, intuitive counting of the counting sphere can be performed smoothly. In particular, since the message / operation area 706 is larger than the number-of-balls indicator 40, the number of counted balls can be grasped more easily.
When the player presses the counting switch 311 to move the number of balls to the counting ball, the counting ball indicator 313 is turned on (LED lighting) by the generation of the counting ball as shown in the scene A2, and the above-mentioned As described above, the counting ball use button 710 appears in the message / operation area 706.

Next, scene A3 shows the case where the total number of balls (number of balls held + counted balls) is displayed.
That is, the scene A3 is a scene where the number of balls held is 500 and the number of balls counted is 6000, and the ball holding button 709 is pressed. The state is displayed as 500 on the number-of-balls display 40 and the message / operation area 706 digitally displays “total number of balls (number of balls held + counted balls) = 6500”. To inform the player. Thereby, the player can easily know the total number of balls, which is convenient.
In addition, when the total number of balls is present, the ball holding button 709 is lit. Thereby, the player can easily recognize that both the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls exist and the total number of possessed balls is reached. For example, it is convenient because the total number of balls can be used as a guide for checkout.

As described above, when the number of balls held during the game of the pachinko machine 1 is generated, the number of balls held by the player is displayed on the ball number display 40. At this time, the lower panel 6 of the pachinko machine 1 is displayed. When the counting switch 311 arranged in the position is pressed, the number of balls held is counted and becomes the number of counted balls, and displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 (for example, digital display (number) of the number of counted balls) ) And an analog display (analog display with a figure that looks like a ball box) is displayed. When the counting ball number is present, the counting ball display 313 is lit to notify.
In addition, when the holding ball display button 709 is pressed in a state where both the holding ball number and the counting ball number exist, the total holding ball number (the holding ball number + the counting ball number) is digitally displayed in the message / operation area unit 706. The ball holding button 709 is turned on. Thereby, the player can easily know the total number of balls, which is convenient. If the ball holding button 709 is pressed again, the total ball count display in the message / operation area 706 returns to the count ball count display.

In this state, when the player wants to return from the counting ball to the number of possessed balls, the player uses the counting ball use button 710 displayed in the message / operation area 706 to operate the counting ball use button 710 once. , 100 counting balls move to the number of holding balls. When the number of counting balls is present, the counting ball indicator 313 is lit, so that the player can know. The counting ball use button 710 is lit when the ball can move from the counting ball number to the holding ball number, so that the player can also know that the counting ball number exists. The case of returning from the counting ball to the number of balls held corresponds to the concept of moving the ball from the so-called ball box to the upper plate.
Thereby, the player can play again using the number of balls moved. Further, the movement from the counting ball to the number of possessed balls is displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7.
Therefore, the player can move from the counting ball to the number of possessed balls by a simple operation of pressing the counting ball use button 710, which is convenient. Further, since the explanation of the number of balls held, the display of the number of counted balls, and the usage explanation are performed by the operation display device 7 managed by the card unit 15, the burden on the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1 is reduced, Efficiency is good.

Next, the operation of the decorative ball display device 250 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the number of balls is generated during the game of the pachinko machine 1, the decoration with the many LEDs of the upper decoration ball display device 250a and the lower decoration ball display device 250b in the decoration ball display device 250 is performed.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 183, the decorative ball display device 250 is divided into an upper decorative ball display device 250a, a lower decorative ball display device 250b, and a counting decoration unit 250c. Is performed as follows.
<Upper decorative ball display device 250a>
The upper decorative ball display device 250a is designed to create an image of a so-called upper plate, and is disposed on the upper side of the operation display device 7 and further on the upper side of the ball holding number display 40. It is configured. In the upper decorative ball display device 250a, for example, when the number of balls held by the player is zero, all LEDs are turned off. All the LEDs move and blink during the ball launch game. When the number of balls held by the player is 100 or more, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 183, all the LEDs are lit or blinking, and when the number of held balls is 50 or less, half of all the LEDs are The decoration is controlled so that it is turned off.
The example of FIG. 183 shows that the number of balls held by the player is 100 or more and all LEDs of the upper decorative ball display device 250a are lit. As a result, the player can instantly and easily know the approximate number of balls by simply looking at the lighting state of all the LEDs in the upper decorative ball display device 250a.
In particular, since the upper decorative ball display device 250a is an image of an upper plate and is arranged on the upper side of the operation display device 7, it matches the sense of the number of balls that can be fired and enhances the interest of the player's game. be able to.

<Lower decorative ball display device 250b>
The lower decorative ball display device 250b is designed to create an image of a so-called ball box, and is located on the lower side of the operation display device 7 (the number of balls display 40 is between the upper decorative ball display device 250a and the operation display device 7). The LED is lit up according to the number of counting balls.
That is, in the lower decorative ball display device 250b, for example, when the number of counted balls = 0, all the LEDs are turned off. In the lower decorative ball display device 250b, the LEDs are lit in order from the lower part of the lower decorative ball display device 250b which is an image of a ball box according to the number of counted balls. Decoration control that is understood by the person is performed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 183, the lower decorative ball display device 250b is configured such that all the LEDs are stacked in six stages, and the ball counting the number of balls is turned on in order from the lower part while turning on the LEDs in order. The image that accumulates in is coming out.
In the example of FIG. 183, the number of counted balls accumulates from the lower side of the lower decorative ball display device 250b to the position of the second stage LED, and as shown by the arrow in FIG. It shows how they are doing. Thereby, the player can see the approximate count ball number instantly only by seeing to which part all the LEDs of the lower decorative ball display device 250b are lit (that is, depending on the number of LEDs lit). is there.

<Counting decoration part 250c>
The counting decoration unit 250c is disposed at a portion that connects the upper decorative ball display device 250a and the lower decorative ball display device 250b, and is held from the upper decorative ball display device 250a toward the lower decorative ball display device 250b. Designed to create an image of flowing spheres counting the number of balls. At this time, when the player operates the counting switch 311, the ball having counted the number of balls is directed from the upper decorative ball display device 250 a toward the lower decorative ball display device 250 b that looks like a ball box. The decoration control is performed so that the LED of the counting decoration unit 250c is moved and blinked so as to move. Therefore, the player feels as if the number of balls is counted and the counting ball moves from the upper decorative ball display device 250a, which is an image of an upper plate, to the lower decorative ball display device 250b, which is an image of a ball box. Can have fun and play games.
In this way, since the decoration of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls is performed using a large number of LEDs in the decorative ball display device 250, the expression of the number of balls held and the number of counted balls close to the real ball is given to the player. can do. Therefore, the player can easily understand the number of balls held and the number of balls counted.
The decorative ball display device 250 is not limited to the decorative control as described above. For example, the decorative control that changes the color of the LED to be lit or changes from lighting to blinking according to the number of counting balls. May be performed. Further, since the decorative ball display device 250 is controlled by the effect control device 53, the burden on the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 is reduced (simply transmitting the number of balls and counting balls) and efficiency. Is good.

Next, an operation for displaying the launch intensity of the game ball will be described.
In the first embodiment, it is possible to adjust the launch intensity of the game ball. Specifically, the player can fix the launch volume 171 at an arbitrary position by operating the handle lock portion of the launch volume 171. It is a structure that returns to the initial position by releasing the handle lock portion.
FIG. 184 is a diagram for explaining the operation when displaying the launch intensity of the game ball on the display device 41.
Here, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 constitute an effect display device, but the main liquid crystal display device (display device 41) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 as the effect display device are used. Liquid crystal devices capable of displaying images not only in 2D (2D) display but also in 3D (3D) display are used.
As a configuration capable of 3D display, for example, a naked-eye 3D display is used. The autostereoscopic 3D display is designed to display different images on the right and left eyes on a single screen by overlapping a normal lens with a plate-like lens called a lenticular lens and a vertical stripe filter (aperture grill) called a parallax barrier. It is.
The main liquid crystal display device (display device 41) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 as the display device for presentation use a liquid crystal device that displays only 2D (two-dimensional) display and does not display 3D (three-dimensional). It may be. In this case, the 3D display character appears on the liquid crystal screen as a normal 2D display. Further, stereoscopic display (3D computer graphics) may be performed on a 2D display. A three-dimensional display in this case, for example, a three-dimensional character is also expressed as a 3D character.

In FIG. 184, FIG. 184 (a) shows the game start time, there is no counting ball, and the display device 41 displays a special drawing (here, a decorative special drawing) “7, 5, 3”. In addition, the fourth symbol Z is displayed on the display device 41, but the number of holdings HR is not displayed.
Further, at this time, “fired intensity... 5” is displayed near the center of the display device 41 on the front side of the special chart “7, 5, 3”. This is because when the game is started, the player adjusts the launch intensity of the game ball by operating the handle lock portion of the launch volume 171, and an operation for displaying the launch intensity of the game ball on the display device 41 is performed. Is. Thereby, the player can easily know the launch intensity of the game ball, which is convenient for the game.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 184 (a), on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 arranged on the side of the display device 41, the model name is displayed as “CRXXX” and the reserved number display is “special”. “FIG. 1: 0” and “Special Figure 2: 0” are displayed. “Special figure 1: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 1 is 0, and “Special figure 2: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 2 is 0.
When there is no counting ball, not only the display of the model name but also an effect display linked with, for example, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) is performed. As such an effect display, for example, when there is no counting ball, “2D child character” is displayed on the display device 41 or the sub liquid crystal display device 33.

Next, when the game progresses, a counting ball is generated during the symbol variation shown in FIG. 184 (b), and when the number of reserves is generated, a reach occurs (during a special effect), for example, “7 , 6 (during change), 7 ”, the special figure (decorative special figure) is displayed in a variable manner, and the display device 41 displays the fourth symbol Z and four pending numbers HR. .
In this case, since there is a counting ball, the model name disappears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33, information on the counting ball is displayed such as “2000 counting balls”, and “special” “FIG. 1: 4” and “Special Figure 2: 0” are displayed. “Special figure 1: 4” indicates that the number of reserved figures in special figure 1 is four.
Further, during this reach, the dragon K1 appears on the upper part of the display device 41, and the state of the effect of attacking the decorative pattern “6” being changed is drawn. The sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the counting sphere when there is a counting sphere, but even if there is a counting sphere, control is given to give priority to the use for the production.
Further, during the symbol variation shown in FIG. 184 (b), the display of “firing intensity... 10” is displayed at one corner of the display device 41 on the oblique upper side of the special diagram “7, 6, 7”. At this time, priority is given to the special drawing effect and the display of the number of holds, so that the display of the firing intensity of “launch intensity... 10” is smaller than that in the case of FIG. Therefore, since the special drawing effect is displayed with priority during the reach effect, the player's willingness to play is not impaired, and the player can easily increase the launch strength of the game ball even during the reach effect. Can know.

Next, when the game progresses and the number of held balls = 0 as shown in FIG. 184 (c), a display indicating the launch strength of the game ball (here, a display of “launch strength... 10”) is displayed again. An effect (an effect of displaying the firing intensity at the same position as in FIG. 184 (a)) is performed to return the device 41 to approximately the center. When the number of balls is 0, the display device 41 displays a message “Number of balls is 0. Return the firing strength to 0 when the game ends.” Further, on the sub liquid crystal display device 33, the model name is again displayed as “CRXXX” and the number of hold is displayed. In this case, the display device 41 displays a display showing the launch intensity of the game ball on the forefront of the changing special chart, and a message that “the number of balls is 0. When the game ends, please return the launch intensity to 0” Is displayed and the player is preferentially alerted. If the player sees this message and releases the handle lock portion of the firing volume 171, the firing volume 171 returns to the initial position and the firing strength becomes zero.
When the number of held balls becomes 0, a message prompting the player to return the game ball's firing strength and the firing strength to 0 for a predetermined period is displayed on the forefront of the display device 41 even if the symbol is changing. Production is performed.

In this way, the launch intensity of the game ball is displayed on the display device 41 that displays a special figure (decorative special figure) from the start of the game, and during the fluctuation of the symbol, the symbol and the hold display are given priority over the firing strength display. At the same time, when the number of possessed balls becomes zero, an operation for displaying the firing intensity display and a display (the above message) prompting the firing intensity to be zero on the front surface of the display device 41 for a predetermined period is performed.
Therefore, since the launch intensity of the game ball can be displayed on the display device 41 from the start of the game, for example, even when the previous player ends the game without returning the launch volume 171 to the initial position (launch intensity = 0 position). This is convenient because the next player can check the current launch intensity.
In addition, during the symbol variation, the symbol and the hold display are displayed with priority over the firing intensity display, so that the interest of the game is not impaired.
Further, when the number of held balls becomes 0, the firing intensity display and the display prompting to set the firing intensity to 0 are displayed on the foreground of the display device 41 only for a predetermined period. Even when it becomes 0, it is possible to make the player recognize that the firing volume 171 is returned to the initial position (launch strength = 0 position).

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that performs a game by circulating the enclosed game ball,
A launch volume for electronically adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball, and a volume fixing means capable of fixing the launch volume;
Launch intensity display means capable of displaying the launch intensity of a game ball;
Firing intensity display control means for controlling the display of the firing intensity display means,
The firing intensity display control means includes
The launch intensity display means is controlled so that the launch intensity of the game ball is displayed from the start of the game, and when the number of balls held by the player becomes zero, a display prompting to return the launch volume to the initial position is displayed. An enclosed ball type gaming machine characterized by controlling the firing intensity display means as described above.
Here, the launch volume 171 corresponds to the launch volume, the handle lock portion of the launch volume 171 constitutes a volume fixing means, the display device 41 constitutes a launch intensity display means, and the effect control device 53 is a launch intensity display control means. Configure.

The inventive concept of the above configuration including specific contents is expressed as follows.
The firing intensity display control means includes
From the start of the game, the display device that displays the decorative pattern for production is controlled so that the firing intensity of the game ball can be displayed. (The priority display of the hold display may be included.) When the number of possessed balls becomes zero, the game ball launch strength display and the game ball launch strength are returned to zero. An encapsulated ball game machine that controls to display a prompting display on the foreground of a display device for a predetermined period.
Here, the effect control device 53 constitutes a firing intensity display control means, and the display device 41 corresponds to a display device.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in JP-A-8-24410, the number corresponding to the numerical value of the hit ball strength information based on the hit ball strength information corresponding to the rebound force of the return spring measured by the pressure sensor. The distance of the game ball is displayed by turning on the indicator light.
However, in a gaming machine in which the firing volume can be fixed, if the game is terminated without returning the firing volume to 0, there is a problem that it is annoying to the next player. If the firing volume has not returned to 0, for example, there is a risk of suddenly turning right.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the display device 41 displays the launch intensity of the game ball from the start of the game, and when the number of possessed balls becomes 0, the display device prompts the launch intensity to be 0 for a predetermined period. By displaying in 41, the player can recognize that the firing volume 171 is returned to the initial position (position 0), and the next player can also confirm the firing strength.

Next, an operation for prompting confirmation of the launch intensity of the game ball at the time of payment will be described.
FIG. 185 is a diagram for explaining the operation in the case of prompting confirmation of the launch intensity of the game ball at the time of payment.
As shown in FIG. 185 (e) (details of this modification will be described later), when the number of balls held is 125 and displayed on the ball number display 40 (no counting balls), the player pays out. When the operation for starting the game is performed, specifically, when the return button 704 of the operation display device 7 is touched for the end of the game, the payout control device 230 of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) settles the number of balls. If the firing strength is not 0 before, a command for urging the firing strength to 0 is transmitted to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the effect control device 53 sets the display of the launch strength and the launch strength to 0. An operation for controlling the display device to display a message prompting the user to perform the operation is performed.
That is, when the player touches the return button 704, if the firing strength is not 0, as shown in FIG. 185 (d), a display indicating the firing strength of the game ball (here, “launch strength... 5”). Display) is displayed in the vicinity of the center of the display device 41, and a message “Settlement. Return the firing strength to 0” is displayed on the display device 41. Further, in the sub liquid crystal display device 33, the model name is displayed as “CRXXX” and the number of holdings is displayed. In this case, the display device 41 displays a display indicating the launch intensity of the game ball on the foreground of the special figure that is stopped and a message “I will settle. Return the launch intensity to 0”. Priority is given to attention.
In this case, if the launching intensity of the game ball is 0 or a predetermined range close to 0 (for example, the launching intensity to the extent that the game ball is not fired on the board surface), the settlement is possible. On the other hand, when the game ball launch intensity is not 0 or is outside a predetermined range close to 0, the payment is not allowed.
When the player sees the above message and releases the handle lock portion of the firing volume 171, the firing volume 171 returns to the initial position, and the firing strength becomes zero.

Next, when the launch intensity of the game ball returns to 0 or a predetermined range close to 0, it is determined that the settlement is possible and the settlement process is started, and the total number of balls (here, the number of possessed balls = 125) is stored in the game card. The recording process is started. Specifically, after the player presses the return button 704, information that can be settled is sent from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15 when the firing intensity of the game ball falls within a predetermined range of 0 or close to 0. In response to this, the card unit 15 transmits a payment instruction to the payout control device 230 in order to start payment, and when the payout control device 230 receives the payment instruction, the total number of balls (number of balls held + count balls) The data is transmitted to the card unit 15, and the card unit 15 starts the process of recording the total number of balls data on the game card.
Next, when the writing of the total number of balls to the game card is completed, the game card is ejected from the card unit 15 and the settlement is completed.
In addition, at the start of the checkout, the firing strength is less than the predetermined value and the checkout is started. However, if the launch strength changes to the predetermined value or more during the checkout, the checkout process (settlement and discharging the game card) is interrupted. Then, if the display prompting the launch intensity to be 0 is displayed and the launch intensity becomes less than a predetermined value, the settlement process may be resumed.

In this way, the payout control device 230 of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) confirms the firing strength when adjusting the number of balls, and prompts the firing strength to be zero if the firing strength is not zero. The command is transmitted to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the display device 41 is caused to display the display device 41 under the control of the effect control device 53, so that the launch strength is 0 or a predetermined value close to 0. If it is within the range, it can be settled.
Therefore, if the firing intensity is 0 or within a predetermined range close to 0, it can be settled, so the player can settle without having to completely return the firing intensity to 0, and avoid trouble with the player. Can do.
Further, since the payment cannot be made unless the firing strength is 0 or a predetermined range close to 0, the next player can start the game from the predetermined range where the firing strength is 0 or 0 and the next player is not inconvenienced. .
A device for forcibly returning the firing volume 171 to 0 becomes unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced and the settlement efficiency is good.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that performs a game by circulating the enclosed game ball,
A launch volume for electronically adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball, and a volume fixing means capable of fixing the launch volume;
Launch intensity display means capable of displaying the launch intensity of a game ball;
Firing intensity display control means for controlling the display of the firing intensity display means,
The firing intensity display control means includes
When an operation for adjusting the number of balls held by a player is performed, an encapsulated sphere that controls a firing intensity display means to display to prompt the player to return the firing intensity to zero before the settlement Type game machine.
Here, the launch volume 171 corresponds to the launch volume, the handle lock portion of the launch volume 171 constitutes a volume fixing means, the display device 41 constitutes a launch intensity display means, and the effect control device 53 is a launch intensity display control means. Configure.

In addition, the inventive concept of the above configuration including specific contents (a configuration to perform up to the adjustment processing of the number of balls) is expressed as follows.
A checkout permission means is provided,
The settlement allowance means permits the settlement of the number of balls when the launching intensity of the game ball becomes zero or a predetermined range close to zero before the number of balls of the player is settled,
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized in that when the payment of the number of balls held is issued from the payment adjustment means, the payment means performs the payment of the number of balls held.
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes a settlement allowance means, and the card unit 15 constitutes a settlement means.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in JP-A-8-24410, the number corresponding to the numerical value of the hit ball strength information based on the hit ball strength information corresponding to the rebound force of the return spring measured by the pressure sensor. The distance of the game ball is displayed by turning on the indicator light.
However, in a gaming machine in which the firing volume can be fixed, if the game is terminated without returning the firing volume to 0, there is a problem that it is annoying to the next player. If the firing volume has not returned to 0, for example, there is a risk of suddenly turning right.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the number of balls is settled, the firing strength is confirmed. If the firing strength is not 0, a display prompting the firing strength to be 0 is performed, and the firing strength is set to 0 or 0. By allowing the account to be settled within a close predetermined range, the next player can start the game from a predetermined range where the firing strength is 0 or close to 0, and the next player is not inconvenienced.

As a modification of the present embodiment, the following configuration may be used.
(1) The game ball launch intensity at the time of payment may be transmitted to the card unit 15, and the operation display device 7 managed by the card unit 15 may be prompted to confirm the launch intensity.
A specific configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 185 (e) shows the number-of-balls display 40 and the operation display device 7 at the time of payment. When the player touches the return button 704 of the operation display device 7 at the time of payment, the payout control device 230 confirms the firing strength. If the firing strength is not 0, the firing strength of the game ball is transmitted to the card unit 15, and the card unit In 15, control is performed so that the operation display device 7 is prompted to return the firing intensity to zero. The operation display device 7 is managed by the card unit 15.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 185 (e), a message “Settlement. Return the firing strength to 0” is displayed in the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7. Although not shown in FIG. 185 (e), when the player touches the return button 704, a message indicating the strength of the game ball is displayed on the message / operation area 706 of the operation display device 7 (for example, “launch” Strength ... 5 ").

At this time, as shown in FIG. 185 (f), the message / operation area portion 706 of the operation display device 7 is displayed so that the level of the game ball firing intensity at the time of payment is expressed in a graphic form (analog). Also good. In FIG. 185 (f), the firing intensity level can be displayed in a graphic form from 0 to MAX (maximum value: 20). For example, the range within which payment can be made is from 0 to 1.5. . The range of the firing strength from 0 to 1.5 is the firing strength at which the game ball is not fired onto the board surface (the surface of the game area of the game board 20). With the configuration shown in FIG. 185 (f), there is an effect that the player can intuitively confirm the launch intensity of the game ball and is easy to understand.
In this way, in the modified example, the operation display device 7 managed by the card unit 15 performs a display prompting the game ball launch intensity to be zero, so that there is an advantage that the control burden on the pachinko machine 1 side can be reduced. .
In addition, a return button 704 that is operated at the time of settlement is arranged on the operation display device 7 and a display prompting the game ball launch intensity to be 0 is also displayed in the message / operation area portion 706 of the operation display device 7. The person's line of sight becomes the same department (operation display device 7), and there is an advantage that it is easy to understand.

Next, an operation for detecting an illegal sphere (magnetic sphere) will be described.
FIG. 186 shows a timing chart of the operation for detecting the illegal sphere (magnetic sphere).
When the pachinko machine 1 is started and the power supply device 58 starts supplying power when the amusement store is opened, the payout control device 230 (payout substrate) operates the polishing device 306 for a predetermined period when the power is turned on to polish the encapsulated sphere. Is executed.
That is, the dispensing control device 230 performs initial setting of the polishing device 306 at the power-on timing t11. In this initial setting, the upper switching solenoid 336S is operated so that the upper switching valve 336 opens the bypass passage 304, and the lower switching solenoid 336S is operated. The lower switching solenoid 310S is operated so that the switching valve 310 opens the polishing inlet passage 319 (the enclosed ball flows into the polishing apparatus 306).
In FIG. 186, the state in which the upper switching valve 336 opens the bypass passage 304 and the encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 306 is denoted as the upper switching valve 336 switching to the bypass side (however, abbreviated as bypass side). . Further, the operation in which the upper switching valve 336 closes the bypass passage 304 is in a normal state in which the enclosed sphere does not flow into the polishing apparatus 306, so this is indicated as the normal side.
At this timing t11, the polishing motor 312 is activated (ON) and the feeding motor 333 of the feeding device 302 is activated (ON). In FIG. 186, the start of the motor is indicated as ON and the stop is indicated as OFF. Moreover, the notation of ON / OFF is the same also about the below-mentioned switch and electromagnet. As a result, the encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 306 and polishing of the encapsulated sphere is started, and the polished sphere is fed to the upper passage 303 by the feeding device 302. Thereafter, the encapsulated sphere again flows from the upper passage 303 through the bypass passage 304 and the polishing inlet passage 319 into the polishing apparatus 306, and circulates in the polishing circulation path without firing the encapsulated sphere.

That is, the encapsulated sphere in the upper passage 303 circulates in the path of returning to the upper passage 303 again through the bypass passage 304, the lower passage 301, the polishing device 306, and the feeding device 302 without firing the encapsulated sphere. In the process of the ball circulating in such a circulation path, the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD to determine whether or not the game ball is a regular non-magnetic ball.
Therefore, the electromagnet 341 is turned on at the same time as the feed outlet switch 334 is turned on at timing t12, and the electromagnet 341 is kept on for a predetermined time TD (eg, 500 ms). The predetermined time TD corresponds to the fraud determination period.
Here, if the game ball (encapsulated ball) is a normal non-magnetic ball, it is not attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, so that it passes through the feed outlet switch 334 and is discharged to the upper passage 303. Since the time until the passed sphere passes through the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 165 is shorter than the predetermined time TD, it can be determined that the sphere is a normal non-magnetic sphere. The predetermined time TD is set to be slightly longer than the time from when a normal non-magnetic sphere passes through the lifting / outlet switch 334 until it passes through the second enclosed ball detection switch 165.
In FIG. 186, a case where the ball is determined to be a normal non-magnetic sphere is described as an enclosed sphere detection 2SW (normal).
When a regular non-magnetic sphere passes through the feed outlet switch 334 of the feeding device 302 and is discharged to the upper passage 303, the first non-magnetic ball is discharged at a timing t13 at which a predetermined time T11 has elapsed from the timing t12 when the electromagnet 341 is turned on. 2 Enclosed ball detection switch 165 is turned on. The timing t13 when the second enclosing ball detection switch 165 is turned on is in the area of a predetermined time TD when the electromagnet 341 is turned on. Accordingly, the period from the timing t12 when the electromagnet 341 is turned on to the timing t13 when the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 is turned on (predetermined time T11) is shorter than the predetermined time TD. Determined.

On the other hand, if the game ball is an illegal magnetic ball, it is attracted when the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, so that the ball discharged through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 303 is the first. Since the time until it passes through the 2-enclosed ball detection switch 165 is longer than the predetermined time TD, it can be determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic body.
In FIG. 186, the case where the ball is determined to be an illegal sphere of magnetic material is described as encapsulated sphere detection 2SW (abnormal).
When an illegal magnetic ball passes through the feed outlet switch 334 of the feed device 302 and is discharged into the upper passage 303, the time elapses from the timing t14 when the electromagnet 341 is turned on to the predetermined time TD from the timing t12. At the timing t15 when the time elapses, the second enclosed ball detection switch 165 is finally turned on. The timing t15 at which the second enclosing ball detection switch 165 is turned on is not in the area of the predetermined time TD at which the electromagnet 341 is turned on, and is at the time when the predetermined time TD has been exceeded.
Therefore, the period from the timing t12 when the electromagnet 341 is turned on to the timing t15 when the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 is turned on (the period from the timing t12 to the timing t15 is referred to as the predetermined time T12) far exceeds the predetermined time TD. Therefore, it is determined as an illegal magnetic sphere.

If it is determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic body, the ball removal solenoid 344S is immediately turned on at the same timing as the timing t15 when the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 is turned on. The operation of collecting the illegal magnetic sphere that has opened the portion and flowed down to the bypass passage 304 into the ball removal passage 305 and is collected in the collection box 345 is performed. Thereby, an illegal magnetic sphere can be automatically discharged to the outside of the enclosed sphere circulation path.
In FIG. 186, the ball removal valve 344 opens the end of the bypass passage 304 and switches the state in which the ball flows into the ball removal passage 305 to the ball removal side (however, abbreviated as the ball removal side). It is written. Further, the state in which the ball removal valve 344 closes the end of the bypass passage 304 and does not allow the ball to flow into the ball removal passage 305 is a normal state in which the ball does not flow into the ball removal passage 305. It is written.

Next, at timing t16, the polishing motor 312 is turned off and the feed motor 333 is also turned off. Thereby, the polishing of the encapsulated sphere is completed. Next, at timing t17, the ball removal valve 344 operates so as to close the end of the bypass passage 304 and prevent the ball from flowing into the ball removal passage 305. That is, the ball removal valve 344 switches the path of the enclosed sphere to the normal side so that the enclosed sphere does not flow into the sphere removal passage 305. Thereby, the ball removing operation of the enclosing ball is completed.
Next, at the timing t18, the upper switching valve 336 closes the bypass passage 304, so that the sealed ball does not flow into the polishing apparatus 306 via the bypass passage 304. At this time, since the bypass passage 304 is closed, the encapsulated ball is guided from the upper passage 303 toward the launching device 37, and is in a playable state.
In other words, the upper switching valve 336 passes through the path of the encapsulated sphere so that the encapsulated sphere does not flow from the upper passage 303 into the bypass passage 304 but is guided to the launching device 37 so that the sphere can be launched. Switch to the normal side.

In this way, when the feed outlet switch 334 detects the encapsulated sphere, the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time (TD), and the time until the encapsulated sphere is detected by the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 165 is determined to be fraudulent. If TD) is exceeded, it is determined that the enclosed sphere is an illegal magnetic sphere, and the illegal magnetic sphere flows into the sphere extraction passage 305 by the operation of the sphere extraction valve 344 and is recovered in the recovery box 345. The
Therefore, there are the following effects.
It does not require a special detection device for detecting illegal magnetic spheres and is efficient.
In other words, since an illegal ball is detected by using the feed outlet switch 334 and the second sealed ball detection switch 165, which are sensors for detecting the blocked ball and confirming the number of the enclosed balls, no special detection device is required. It is low cost and efficient.
In addition, when an illegal sphere (magnetic sphere) is detected, the encapsulated sphere is removed, so that even if a magnetic sphere is mixed, the illegal magnetic sphere can be quickly eliminated and the magnet illegal It can be effectively prevented.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that plays a game using a non-magnetic ball as a sealed ball,
A first encapsulated sphere detecting means arranged in a path through which the encapsulated sphere flows and capable of detecting the encapsulated sphere;
A second encapsulated sphere detecting means arranged in a path through which the encapsulated sphere flows and capable of detecting the enclosed sphere at a position separated from the first enclosed sphere detecting means by a predetermined distance;
An electromagnet is disposed between the first encapsulated sphere detecting means and the second encapsulated sphere detecting means,
The electromagnet is configured to attract a magnetic sphere,
When the first encapsulated sphere detecting means detects the encapsulated sphere, the electromagnet is turned on for a predetermined time, and if the time until the enclosed sphere is detected by the second enclosed sphere detecting means exceeds the fraud determination period, the encapsulated sphere Illegal sphere determination means for determining that is an unauthorized magnetic sphere;
An enclosed ball game machine characterized by comprising:
Here, the feed outlet switch 334 constitutes a first enclosed sphere detection means, the second enclosed sphere detection switch 165 constitutes a second enclosed sphere detection means, and the payout control device 230 constitutes an illegal sphere determination means. To do.

Further, the concept of the invention for removing a ball when an illegal sphere is detected is expressed as follows.
When it is determined by the illegal sphere determining means that the encapsulated sphere is an illegal magnetic sphere,
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized by comprising ball removal path switching means for switching a path so that a ball of a path through which an encapsulated ball flows flows into the ball removal path.
Here, the ball removal valve 344 and the ball removal solenoid 344S constitute a ball removal path switching means.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-284217, a magnetic sphere detection device (a magnetic sphere magnetized by an electromagnet) is used when a non-magnetic sphere is enclosed. To detect).
However, in the conventional gaming machine described in the above publication, if a sealed ball is made of a non-magnetic material as a countermeasure against fraud with a magnet, a magnet fraud can be prevented, but a special detection device is required. Moreover, when a magnetic ball is mixed, security is lowered and there is a risk of fraud.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the feed outlet switch 334 detects the encapsulated ball, the electromagnet 341 is turned on for a predetermined time (TD), and the time until the encapsulated ball is detected by the second encapsulated ball detection switch 165 is illegally determined. If the period (TD) is exceeded, it is determined that the encapsulated sphere is an illegal magnetic sphere, and the illegal magnetic sphere is removed and collected. Therefore, even if a magnetic ball is mixed, it is easily discharged, so security is improved and fraud can be prevented.

Next, an operation for detecting an illegal sphere (small sphere) will be described.
FIG. 187 shows a timing chart of the operation for detecting the illegal sphere (small sphere).
As in the case of FIG. 186, when the pachinko machine 1 is activated and the power supply device 58 starts supplying power, the payout control device 230 (payout substrate) operates the polishing device 306 for a predetermined period when the power is turned on, thereby To perform polishing.
That is, at the timing t21 when the power is turned on, the dispensing control device 230 performs initial setting of the polishing device 306. In this initial setting, the upper switching solenoid 336S is operated so that the upper switching valve 336 opens the bypass passage 304, and The lower switching solenoid 310S is operated so that the switching valve 310 opens the polishing inlet passage 319 (the enclosed ball flows into the polishing apparatus 306).
In the operation of the upper switching valve 336 in FIG. 187, the meanings of “bypass side” and “normal side” are the same as those in FIG.
At this timing t21, the polishing motor 312 is activated, and the feeding motor 333 of the feeding device 302 is activated. Thus, as in the case of FIG. 186, the encapsulated sphere is polished by the polishing device 306 and transferred to the upper passage 303 by the feeding device 302, and then passes through the bypass passage 304 and the polishing inlet passage 319 from the upper passage 303. By flowing into the polishing apparatus 306, the enclosing sphere is circulated without firing the encapsulated sphere.

In the process of the ball circulating in such a circulation path, the small ball sensor 342 determines whether or not the game ball is a regular ball.
The small ball sensor 342 is provided to determine whether or not the size of the game ball is smaller than the normal one, and detects the normal ball (for example, diameter = 11 mm), but is smaller than the normal one. A small sphere (for example, a diameter = 10.5 mm or less) is not detected.
Next, when the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is turned on at timing t22 and the passage of the ball is detected, if the game ball is a regular sphere, the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is turned on and within a predetermined period T22. The small ball sensor 342 is turned on at timing t23.
That is, if the game ball is a regular ball, the small ball sensor 342 is turned on at the timing t13 when the period T21 has elapsed after the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is turned on, and this period T21 is longer than the predetermined period T22. It is getting shorter.
This is because the time until the sphere passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged into the upper passage 303 passes through the first enclosed sphere detection switch 164 and then passes through the small ball sensor 342 is substantially constant. This is because time T21 is reached.
In FIG. 187, the case where the game ball is determined to be a regular ball is described as a small ball sensor (normal).

On the other hand, when the game ball is an abnormal ball (small ball), the small ball sensor 342 is not turned on within a predetermined period T22 after the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 is turned on. This is because the small ball sensor 342 is an abnormal ball even if the ball passed through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged to the upper passage 303 passes through the first enclosed ball detection switch 164 and then passes through the small ball sensor 342. This is because the (small sphere) is not detected and the detection signal is not turned on.
Therefore, when the game ball is flowing through the upper passage 303, if the small ball sensor 342 is not turned on within a predetermined period T22 after the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is turned on, the game ball is an illegal ball (small ball). ) Can be determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 187, the small ball sensor 342 does not turn on even when the timing t27 elapses, and remains off.
In FIG. 187, a case where the ball is determined to be an illegal sphere (small sphere) is described as a small sphere sensor (abnormal).

If it is determined that the ball is an illegal ball (small ball), the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on at the timing t24 when the predetermined period T22 has elapsed, and the end of the bypass passage 304 is opened by the ball removal valve 344 to bypass the bypass passage 304. The illegal sphere (small sphere) that has flowed down to the sphere is caused to flow into the ball removal passage 305 and is collected in the collection box 345. Thereby, the illegal sphere (small sphere) can be automatically discharged to the outside of the encapsulated sphere circulation path.
In FIG. 187, the state in which the ball removal valve 344 opens the end of the bypass passage 304 and causes the ball to flow into the ball removal passage 305 is switched to the ball removal side (however, abbreviated as the ball removal side). It is written. Further, the state in which the ball removal valve 344 closes the end of the bypass passage 304 and does not allow the ball to flow into the ball removal passage 305 is a normal state in which the ball does not flow into the ball removal passage 305. It is written.

Next, at timing t25, the polishing motor 312 is turned off and the feed motor 333 is also turned off. Thereby, the polishing of the encapsulated sphere is completed. Next, at timing t26, the ball removal valve 344 operates so as to close the end of the bypass passage 304 and prevent the ball from flowing into the ball removal passage 305. That is, the ball removal valve 344 switches the path of the enclosed sphere to the normal side so that the enclosed sphere does not flow into the sphere removal passage 305. Thereby, the ball removing operation of the enclosing ball is completed.
Next, at timing t <b> 27, the upper switching valve 336 closes the bypass passage 304 so that the sealed ball does not flow into the polishing apparatus 306 via the bypass passage 304. At this time, since the bypass passage 304 is closed, the encapsulated ball is guided from the upper passage 303 toward the launching device 37, and is in a playable state.
In other words, the upper switching valve 336 passes through the path of the encapsulated sphere so that the encapsulated sphere does not flow from the upper passage 303 into the bypass passage 304 but is guided to the launching device 37 so that the sphere can be launched. Switch to the normal side.

In this way, even if the sphere passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged to the upper passage 303 passes through the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 164 and then passes through the small sphere sensor 342, the encapsulated sphere is an abnormal sphere ( Small ball), the small ball sensor 342 does not detect the abnormal ball (small ball), and the detection signal is not turned on. Therefore, when the game ball is flowing through the upper passage 303, if the small ball sensor 342 is not turned on within a predetermined period T22 after the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is turned on, the game ball is an illegal ball (small ball). ) And the illegal ball (small ball) flows into the ball removal passage 305 and is collected in the collection box 345 by the operation of the ball removal valve 344.
Therefore, there are the following effects.
The detection of illegal spheres (small spheres) using the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 164, which is a sensor for detecting the clogging of encapsulated spheres and confirming the number of encapsulated spheres, eliminates the need for a special detection device and reduces costs. And efficient.
In addition, when an illegal sphere (small sphere) is detected, the encapsulated sphere is removed, so even if an illegal sphere (small sphere) is mixed, It is possible to effectively prevent fraud due to illegal spheres (small spheres).

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that circulates and uses an enclosed ball,
A first encapsulated sphere detecting means arranged in a path through which the encapsulated sphere flows and capable of detecting the encapsulated sphere;
A small sphere detecting means arranged in a path through which the enclosed sphere flows and capable of detecting an enclosed sphere having a regular diameter at a position separated by a predetermined distance downstream of the first enclosed sphere detecting means;
If the small sphere detection means does not detect the passage of the sphere even after a predetermined period has elapsed after the first encapsulated sphere detection means detects the encapsulated sphere, the incorrect sphere is smaller than the regular diameter. An illegal sphere determination means for determining that
An enclosed ball game machine characterized by comprising:
Here, the first enclosing ball detection switch 164 constitutes a first enclosing ball detection means, the small ball sensor 342 constitutes a small ball detection means, and the payout control device 230 constitutes an illegal ball determination means.

Further, the concept of the invention for removing a sphere when an illegal sphere (small sphere) is detected is expressed as follows.
When it is determined by the illegal sphere determining means that the enclosed sphere is an illegal small sphere smaller than a regular diameter,
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized by comprising ball removal path switching means for switching a path so that a ball of a path through which an encapsulated ball flows flows into the ball removal path.
Here, the ball removal valve 344 and the ball removal solenoid 344S constitute a ball removal path switching means.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-284217, a magnetic sphere detection device (a magnetic sphere magnetized by an electromagnet) is used when a non-magnetic sphere is enclosed. To detect).
However, in the conventional gaming machine described in the above publication, if the encapsulated ball is made of a non-magnetic material as a countermeasure against improper use of the magnet, it is possible to prevent magnet fraud. If it is mixed, the security will be lowered and there is a risk of fraud.
Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the ball passing through the feed outlet switch 334 and discharged to the upper passage 303 passes through the first sealed ball detection switch 164 and then passes through the small ball sensor 342, the sealed ball is abnormal. In the case of a sphere (small sphere), the small sphere sensor 342 does not detect an abnormal sphere (small sphere) and the detection signal does not turn on. If the small ball sensor 342 is not turned on within a predetermined period T22 after the first encapsulated ball detection switch 164 is turned on, the game ball is determined to be an illegal ball (small ball), and the illegal ball (small ball) is removed. To collect. Therefore, even if illegal spheres (small spheres) are mixed, since they are easily discharged, security is improved and fraud can be prevented.

Next, the operation of the display mode of the number of balls will be described.
FIG. 188 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of the number of balls in the number-of-balls display 40.
In FIG. 188, timing t31 indicates the start of the game. Now, before the game start timing t31 (before the game starts), the number-of-balls display 40 is turned off, and the number of balls is not displayed (the number of balls is “0”). In addition, you may make it perform a demonstration display with the number-of-balls display 40 before the game start.
Further, in FIG. 188, the ball holding number memory is realized by the storage area of the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230, and similarly, the counting ball number memory is also realized by the storage area of the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230. ) Side controlled. On the other hand, the card unit 15 is controlled on the card unit 15 side separately from the gaming machine.
Next, when the player inserts a game card into the card insertion slot 201 of the card unit 15 or inserts a banknote into the cash insertion slot 202 at timing t31 (FIG. 188 shows the game card or cash insertion operation in H level). At the timing of the game start, the pachinko machine 1 side also determines that the game is started based on the signal from the card unit 15, and the number-of-balls display 40 lights up. At this time, since the number of held balls is 0 immediately after the game card or cash is inserted, the data in the held ball number memory and the counted ball number memory are both “0”, and the held ball number display 40 has a plurality of LEDs. “0” is turned on.

Next, after the game is started, the number of balls held is generated at timing t32. For example, when the number of balls held is 1000, the data in the ball holding memory is 1000, and the ball holding number display 40 is “1000”. Turn on the number of balls. Further, when the number of balls held increases or decreases as a result of the game, the data in the ball holding memory changes accordingly, and the ball holding number display 40 lights and displays the changed number of balls. In other words, during the game, the number of balls possessed is displayed by the number-of-balls display 40. Therefore, for example, when the number of balls held in the game is zero, the number of balls held display 40 displays “0” in a lit state. When the number of held balls 40 becomes 0 (the number of counted balls is also 0), “0” is lit up, but the number of held balls = 0 (the number of counted balls is also 0) after a predetermined time has elapsed. If there is no game card to return (the ball lending amount is also 0, that is, the game is over), the light is turned off.
After that, the game continues and the number of balls held becomes “0” at timing t33. At this time, if there are counting balls, for example, when counting balls = 1000, the data in the holding ball number memory becomes 0, The data in the counting ball number memory is “1000”. In this case, the number of held balls = 0, but since there are counting balls, the display mode of the held ball number display device 40 changes compared to the case where the number of held balls = 0, The number of balls held “0” is displayed blinking.
Note that since the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 is backed up by a backup power source, even if a power failure occurs, the data in the holding ball number memory and the counting ball number memory are retained during the power failure.

Thus, in this embodiment, the number of balls held is 0 before the game (before the game card or the cash is inserted), the number of balls held is 0 during the game and there is no counting ball, and the number of balls held during the game. Is changed to 0 and there is a counting ball, and the control to change the display mode of the number of balls held by the ball number display 40 is performed.
Specifically, when the number of balls held is 0 before the game (before the game card or cash is inserted), the display of the ball number display 40 is turned off, the number of balls held is 0 during the game, and there is no counting ball. In this case, the number-of-balls display 40 lights up 0, and when the number of balls held is 0 and there is a counting ball during the game, the number-of-balls display 40 performs an operation of blinking 0.
Therefore, since the difference in the state of the number of held balls 0 can be expressed only by the difference in the display mode of the held ball number display 40, there is an effect that the control efficiency is good.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A game control device that can enclose a predetermined number of game balls in a gaming machine main body and launch the enclosed game balls into a gaming area to perform a game and manage the progress of the gaming machine With
The game control device determines whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or any other state, and in the case of a predetermined profit state, the player's profit is increased in correspondence with a predetermined number of prize balls. Let
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine that plays the game by circulating the enclosed game ball by collecting the game ball that has passed through the game area and guiding it to the launch position,
A ball number display device capable of displaying the number of balls of the player;
Display control means for controlling the display of the number-of-balls display device,
The display control means includes
An enclosed ball type gaming machine characterized in that a display mode of a ball holding number display device is changed according to the number of balls held.
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes display control means, and the number-of-balls display 40 constitutes a number-of-balls display device.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The display control means
Before the game, if the player has 0 balls,
When the player has 0 balls and no counting balls,
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized in that the display mode of the number-of-balls display device is changed when the number of balls held by the player is 0 and there is a counting ball during the game.

Furthermore, the specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The display control means
If the number of balls held by the player is 0 before the game, the display on the number-of-balls display is turned off,
If the player's number of balls is 0 and there is no counting ball during the game, 0 is lit on the number-of-balls display.
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized in that when a player has a ball count of 0 during a game and there is a counting ball, 0 is flashed on the ball count display device.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-325929, the number of balls that can be fired (stored in a gaming machine) and the number of balls held (stored in a card unit) are stored separately. Is displayed.
However, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, when managing the number of balls held (number of balls that can be fired) and the number of balls (stored balls that cannot be temporarily fired), even if the number of balls held is zero, There is a case where there is no ball and a case where there is a counting ball.
Moreover, the above differences were not easily controlled only by the number-of-balls display. In order to inform the player of the above differences, complicated controls and devices are required.
Therefore, in this embodiment, by performing control such that the difference in the number of balls held is expressed only by the difference in the display mode of the ball number indicator 40, the control efficiency is high and the player has the control. Since the display mode of the ball number display device 40 is different, it is possible to display the number of held balls in an easy-to-understand manner.

Further, the present embodiment has the following effects.
Even if the number of balls is the same as 0, the display mode of the number of balls held in the number-of-balls display 40 is changed between before the game (before the game card or cash is inserted) and during the game. Specifically, before the game (game card or cash) If the number of balls held is zero before the start), the number of balls held display 40 is turned off. If the number of balls held is zero and there are no counting balls in the game, the number of balls held indicator 40 lights up. Since it is displayed, for example, if 0 is lit on the number-of-balls display 40, it is possible to recognize the possibility that a game card to be returned to the player is in the card unit 15. In particular, it is convenient because the presence or absence of a game card to be returned at the time of power failure recovery can be confirmed.
In addition, since the display mode of the number-of-balls indicator 40 is changed depending on whether or not there is a counting ball even when the number of balls is zero, specifically, when the number of balls held is zero and there is no counting ball in the game. The number-of-balls display 40 lights up 0, and if the number of balls held is 0 and there is a counting ball during the game, the number-of-balls display 40 flashes 0, so for example, the number-of-balls display 40 If 0 is blinking on the display, the player can recognize that there is a counting ball.
Furthermore, since the payout control device 230 backs up the display data on the number-of-balls display 40 even during a power failure, the reliability of the display on the number-of-balls display 40 can be improved.

Next, as a modification, the following configuration may be used.
(1) During the game, the number of balls possessed is lit and displayed by the number-of-balls display 40. For example, when the number of balls in the game is zero, the number of balls possessed 40 is lit and displayed as “0”. At this time, when the game card has a balance (valuable data), 0 lighting may be continued, and when there is no gaming card, 0 lighting may be stopped and extinguished for a predetermined period.
This makes it possible for the player to recognize that there is a balance on the game card even if the number of possessed balls becomes 0, and to easily recognize that the game will continue using the game card. It is possible and convenient. Further, it can be easily known that the game card has no balance by turning off 0 of the number-of-balls display 40.

Next, the operation at the time of payment with a game card will be described.
FIG. 189 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 at the time of payment.
In FIG. 189, the timing t41 indicates the start of the game. Now, before the game start timing t41 (before the game starts), the number-of-balls display 40 is off, and the number of balls is not displayed (the number of balls is “0”). Also, before the game starts, the value of the number of balls held in the number of balls held memory (RAM 233) is also “0”.
Next, when the player inserts a game card into the card insertion slot 201 of the card unit 15 or inserts a banknote into the cash insertion slot 202 at timing t41 (FIG. 189 shows the operation of the game card or cash insertion in H level. At the timing of the game start, the pachinko machine 1 side also determines that the game is started based on the signal from the card unit 15, and the number-of-balls display 40 lights up. At this time, since the number of held balls is 0 immediately after the game card or cash is inserted, the data in the held ball number memory and the counted ball number memory are both “0”, and the held ball number display 40 has a plurality of LEDs. “0” is turned on.

Next, after the game is started, the number of balls held is generated. For example, when the number of balls held is 125, the data in the ball holding memory becomes 125, and the ball holding number display 40 displays the number of balls held “125”. Lights up. Further, when the number of balls held increases or decreases as a result of the game, the data in the ball holding memory changes accordingly, and the ball holding number display 40 lights and displays the changed number of balls. For example, when the number of held balls becomes 5000, the data in the held ball number memory becomes 5000, and the held ball number display unit 40 lights the number of held balls of “5000”.
Next, when the player starts the checkout at timing t42, specifically, when the return button 704 of the operation display device 7 is touched to end the game, the checkout process is started and the total number of balls (here, the number of balls held = 5000) is recorded on the game card. Specifically, when the player presses the return button 704, the card unit 15 transmits a payment instruction to the payout control device 230 so as to start the checkout, and when the payout control device 230 receives the payment instruction, the total number of balls held The (number of balls held + number of balls counted) data is transmitted to the card unit 15, and the card unit 15 starts a process of recording the total number of balls data on the game card.

When such a settlement is started, the number-of-balls display 40 changes the display mode from the lighting display to the movement blinking. The moving blink display of the number of balls is continued until the writing (recording) of the total number of balls on the game card is completed.
Next, when the writing of the total number of balls to the game card is completed at timing t43, the number-of-balls display 40 changes the display mode from the moving blinking to the simultaneous blinking, for example, “5000” is displayed. It will flash simultaneously. However, the number of balls held in the internal memory is cleared to “0”.
Thereafter, the game card is ejected from the card unit 15 when a predetermined period T41 elapses from the timing t43 at which the writing of the total number of balls to the game card is completed.
Specifically, when the card unit 15 finishes recording the total number-of-balls data for the game card, the card unit 15 notifies the payout control device 230 to that effect, and the payout control device 230 stores it (for example, stores it in a predetermined area of the RAM 233). ) Clearing the data such as the number of possessed balls, the number of counted balls, and the like, the payment is completed, and the game card is returned at timing t44. At this time, the number-of-balls indicator 40 blinks “5000” simultaneously.
Next, when a predetermined period T42 elapses from the timing t44 at which the game card is discharged and the timing t45 is reached, the number-of-balls display 40 turns off the “5000” display that was flashing simultaneously.
Note that since the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 is backed up by a backup power source, even if a power failure occurs, the data in the holding ball number memory and the counting ball number memory are retained during the power failure.

In this way, when the adjustment of the number of balls is started at the time of payment with the game card, the display of the number of balls on the number-of-ball display 40 is changed from lighting display to moving blinking display, When the number recording is completed, the number-of-balls data is cleared and the display of the number-of-balls display 40 is changed to flashing simultaneously, and then the game card is ejected after a predetermined period T41 has elapsed from completion of writing to the game card. In addition, the simultaneous flashing continues until the predetermined period T42 elapses after the game card is discharged, and thereafter, the number-of-balls display 40 is turned off.
Therefore, when recording of the number of balls held on the game card is completed, the display mode of the ball number indicator 40 is changed (change from moving blinking to simultaneous blinking), so the number of balls held is recorded on the game card even from the outside. It is convenient for the player because it can recognize that the game has been performed.
In addition, since the number of balls held in the changed mode (simultaneously flashing) is continued for a predetermined period (T42) after the game card is discharged, it is convenient for the player to check the adjusted number of balls during that time.
Since the difference in the processing state at the time of payment as described above can be expressed only by changing the display mode of the ball number display 40. Control efficiency is good.
Furthermore, since the number-of-balls data of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is cleared when recording of the number of balls on the gaming card is completed, the number-of-balls data is not duplicated and the security is high.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that performs a game by circulating the enclosed game ball,
A ball number display device capable of displaying the number of balls of the player;
Display control means for controlling the display of the number-of-balls display device,
The display control means includes
When the game card is recorded and discharged to settle the number of balls held,
When the recording of the number of balls held on the game card is completed, the display mode of the number of balls held in the ball number display device is changed,
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized by continuing display of a changed mode until a predetermined period after the gaming card is discharged.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The display control means
When the adjustment of the number of balls is started, the display of the number of balls on the ball number display device is changed from lighting display to moving blinking display.
When recording of the number of balls on the game card is completed, the display on the ball number display device is changed to flashing simultaneously,
The enclosed ball type gaming machine characterized in that the simultaneous flashing is continued until a predetermined period elapses after the gaming card is discharged.

This background will be described.
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine, the number of balls held is settled by operating a return button or the like, and the number of balls held is recorded on the game card.
However, when the game is ended in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, it may be difficult for the player to adjust the number of balls held.
In addition, the number of balls possessed is recorded on the game card, but the player may be anxious about whether or not the number of balls possessed is recorded on the game card.
In order to notify the player of the record on the game card as described above, complicated controls and devices are required.
Therefore, in this embodiment, by performing control such that the completion of recording of the number of balls held on the game card is expressed only by the difference in the display mode of the ball number display 40, the control efficiency is high and the player Can make it easy to understand how to adjust the number of balls.

Next, operations of the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R (variable display device) will be described.
FIG. 190 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R.
In FIG. 190, FIG. 190 (a) shows initial states of the display device 41, the level meter left 17L, the level meter right 17R, the display units 17a and 17b, and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 arranged on the game board 20 in the pachinko machine 1. For example, a state before the game is started. At this time, the display device 41 displays a special figure “7, 5, 3” (here, a decoration special figure), a level meter left 17L disposed on the left and right sides of the game board 20, and a level meter. In the right 17R, the display portions 17a and 17b are both at the lowermost positions. Note that the reference numerals of the constituent members are shown in FIG. 190 (a), and are complicated in FIGS. 190 (b) and 190 (c), and are therefore minimized.
Next, when the game is started, the process shifts to FIG. 190 (b). While there is no counting ball, a reach is generated on the display device 41 during the production of the variable display game, for example, "7", and the middle symbol fluctuates. It is in a state. At this time, both the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R are used as effects, and the display units 17a and 17b operate as a reliability meter indicating the reliability of the big hit, for example. In this example, the display units 17a and 17b move up and down as indicated by arrows while operating simultaneously and moving to a relatively high position to indicate that the reliability of the big hit is high due to the occurrence of reach. Thereby, the player can know that the reliability of the jackpot is high because the positions of the display units 17a and 17b are relatively high.

  Next, when a counting ball is generated, as shown in FIG. 190 (c), the level meter left 17L is used for production, but the level meter right 17R is operated to be used for counting ball display. In the example shown in FIG. 190 (c), the level meter left 17L is used for production, and the display unit 17a is not a big hit by the end of reach, and the special figure of the display device 41 stops at “7, 8, 7”. Thus, the vehicle stops at the lowest position where the big hit reliability is low. On the other hand, since the level meter right 17R is used for counting ball display, the display unit 17b stops at a position slightly below the center and displays the approximate number of counting balls in an analog manner. Even if a power failure occurs, the display unit 17b of the level meter right 17R maintains the position before the power failure.

As described above, the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R normally perform presentation display as a reliability meter for jackpots, but when there is a counting ball, the level meter right 17R switches to the counting display device and the counting ball Since analog display is performed, control is simple and efficient.
Further, the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R are configured such that the display units 17a and 17b can move up and down, and the one display unit 17b maintains the display position even if a power failure occurs. Since the part 17b rises, it is easy to grasp the number of counted balls sensuously.
Furthermore, even if a power failure occurs, the display unit 17b of the level meter right 17R maintains the position before the power failure, so that the display unit 17b remains in that position at the time of the power failure. It is possible to give a sense of security that the acquired game ball is held.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Performing a game by circulating the enclosed game ball and controlling the game control device for managing the progress of the game and the display device based on the command from the game control device to perform the game In a sealed ball game machine equipped with a production control device capable of
The display unit is movable up and down, and the display unit includes a variable display device configured to maintain a display position even if a power failure occurs,
The production control device
During normal times, the effect display is performed as a reliability meter for jackpots,
When there is a counting ball, the encapsulated ball game machine is characterized in that the variable display device is controlled so as to switch to a counting display device and perform an analog display effect of the counting ball.
The level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R constitute a variable display device.

This background will be described.
In conventional gaming machines such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-325929, the number of balls that can be fired and the number of balls that can be fired (corresponding to the number of balls counted in this publication) Display on a liquid crystal display).
However, when the counting ball is displayed on the liquid crystal display in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, since it is a flat display, there is no real feeling that the real balls are put in a ball box and stacked. Further, in the event of a power failure, the display of the counting sphere displayed on the liquid crystal display disappears, so there is a sense of anxiety for the player.
Therefore, in this embodiment, a level meter left 17L and a level meter right 17R are provided as variable display devices, and in the normal state, the level meter left 17L and the level meter right 17R provide an effect as a reliability meter for the big hit, and there is a counting ball. When the level meter right 17R produces an effect of displaying the counted number of balls, the control efficiency is high, and even if a power failure occurs, the level meter right 17R maintains the display position of the display unit 17b. It can give a sense of security that the ball is held.

Next, the operation of the sub liquid crystal display device 33 will be described.
FIG. 191 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33.
Here, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 constitute an effect display device, and as described above, the main liquid crystal display device (display device 41) and the sub liquid crystal as the effect display device. As the display device 33, a liquid crystal device capable of displaying an image not only in 2D (2D) display but also in 3D (3D) display is used.
In FIG. 191, FIG. 191 (a) shows a state where there is no counting ball. For example, while a game is in progress, no counting ball is generated, and the display device 41 has a special figure of “7, 5, 3” (here, A special decoration) is displayed. In addition, the fourth symbol Z is displayed on the display device 41, but the number of holdings HR is not displayed.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 191 (a), on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 arranged on the side of the display device 41, the model name is displayed as “CRXX” and the reserved number display is “special”. “FIG. 1: 0” and “Special Figure 2: 0” are displayed. “Special figure 1: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 1 is 0, and “Special figure 2: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 2 is 0.
When there is no counting ball, not only the display of the model name but also an effect display linked with, for example, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) is performed. As such an effect display, for example, as described in the flowchart of FIG. 67, “2D child character” is displayed on the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 when there is no counting ball.

Next, when the game progresses and a counting ball is generated as shown in FIG. 191 (b), and the number of reserves is generated, a special figure (decoration) is displayed on the display device 41 with a symbol of “1, 2, 3”, for example. Special figure) is displayed in a stopped state, and the display device 41 displays the fourth symbol Z and the four holding numbers HR. In this case, since there is a counting ball, the model name disappears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33, information on the counting ball is displayed such as “2000 counting balls”, and “special” “FIG. 1: 4” and “Special Figure 2: 0” are displayed. “Special figure 1: 4” indicates that the number of reserved figures in special figure 1 is four.
Next, when the game progresses and a reach occurs with a counting ball as shown in FIG. 191 (c) (during special production), for example, “7, 6 (during change), 7” is displayed on the display device 41. A special figure (decorative special figure) is variably displayed as a design. The display device 41 displays the fourth symbol Z and displays the number of holdings HR four.
At the time of the reach, the counting ball number display displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 disappears and the dragon K1 appears, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 moves toward the center, and the fluctuating decorative pattern “6” is displayed. An attacking performance is performed. The dotted line indicates the sub liquid crystal display device 33 before movement, and the solid line indicates the sub liquid crystal display device 33 after movement.
In FIG. 191 (c), the dragon K1 also appears at the top of the display device 41, and the state of attacking the decorative pattern “6” that is changing is depicted. When the reach effect is completed, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 returns to the original position, and information related to the counting sphere such as “the number of counting spheres” is continuously displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33.
Therefore, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the counting sphere when there is a counting sphere, but even if there is a counting sphere, control is given to give priority to the use for the production.

As described above, when there is no counting ball, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 performs an effect display (an effect linked with the model name display or the main liquid crystal display device), and when there is a counting ball, displays the counting ball number. Then, control for giving priority to the effect display is performed over the counted ball number display. Further, in the display device 41 as the effect display device, an effect linked to the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is performed during a special effect such as when a reach occurs.
Therefore, the number of counted balls can be displayed on the sub-liquid crystal display device 33 for effect display controlled by the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1), which is efficient. In the sub liquid crystal display device 33, the counting ball number is displayed when there is a counting ball, but in the case of special effects, the effect display is only given priority over the counting ball number display, so the display position of the counting ball number is changed. The efficiency of control is good.
Further, since the display is made on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 in the vicinity of the center of the board surface of the game board 20, it is easy for the player to see, and the effect of production can be enhanced in conjunction with the display device 41.
Also, in the display device 41, an effect linked to the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is performed during the special effect, so that the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
It is possible to play the game by circulating the enclosed game balls and to control the game control device for managing the progress of the game and the display device for the effect based on the command from the game control device. In a sealed ball game machine equipped with a production control device,
A main liquid crystal display device and a sub liquid crystal display device as the display device for presentation,
The production control device
Control the effect of the main liquid crystal display device so that a variable display game including the occurrence of a special game state can be executed by variably displaying decorative symbols for effects set in multiple types and stopping.
For the sub liquid crystal display device, when there is no counting ball, a predetermined effect display is performed,
Enclosed ball type characterized in that when there is a counting ball, the effect is controlled so that the effect display related to the effect of the main liquid crystal display device is prioritized over the counting ball number display while allowing the counting ball number to be displayed. Gaming machine.
Here, the display device 41 constitutes a main liquid crystal display device, and the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 constitute an effect display device.

This background will be described.
In conventional gaming machines such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-325929, the number of balls that can be fired and the number of balls that can be fired (corresponding to the number of balls counted in this publication) Display on a liquid crystal display).
However, when displaying the number of counted balls on a card unit management operation display device (touch panel) that has functions such as displaying the remaining amount of a prepaid card, a ball lending switch, and a card return switch in an enclosed ball type gaming machine, from the gaming machine side It is necessary to transmit the ball number data periodically, and there is a risk of malfunction and fraud in communication between the gaming machine / card unit.
Therefore, it is more efficient to manage the counting ball with the gaming machine, and fraud is also reduced.
Therefore, in this embodiment, by enabling the display of the counted number of balls on the sub-liquid crystal display device 33 for effect display controlled by the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1), the security is higher than that displayed by the control of the card unit, It also improves efficiency.

Further, the present embodiment has the following effects.
Since the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is arranged in the game board 20, it is easy for the player to watch, the eyes are less tired, and the burden is small.
Since the effect display linked with the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) is prioritized over the counting ball number display, the effect linked with the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) is not disturbed, and the interest of the game is enhanced. be able to.
Next, as a modification, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 may not only display the number of counted balls, but also may display the number of balls, for example. This is convenient because the player knows the number of balls held in addition to the number of counted balls.
As another modified example, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) may display the number of counted balls. In this way, the number of counted balls can be displayed even in a gaming machine that does not have a sub liquid crystal display device, and the cost can be reduced efficiently.

Next, of the operations of the sub liquid crystal display device 33, the control operation for changing the effect according to the number of counted balls will be described.
FIG. 192 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33.
In FIG. 192, FIG. 192 (a) shows a state in which there is no counting ball. For example, a game is being played, but no counting ball is generated, and the display device 41 has a special figure of “7, 5, 3” (here, A special decoration) is displayed. In addition, the fourth symbol Z is displayed on the display device 41, but the number of holdings HR is not displayed.
The display device 41 displays a 2D child giraffe character K11. This indicates that when there is no counting ball, a 2D child character (for example, a 2D child Giraud character K11 shown in the figure) appears to produce an effect. The sub liquid crystal display device 33 may also display a 2D child's giraffe character for presentation. However, for convenience of explanation, the display of the 2D child's giraffe character on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is omitted. When there is no counting ball in this way, an effect of causing a 2D child character to appear on the display device 41 or the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 192 (a), the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the model name “CROOXX”, and also displays “Special figure 1: 0”, “Special figure 2: “0” is displayed. “Special figure 1: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 1 is 0, and “Special figure 2: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 2 is 0.
When there is no counting ball, not only the display of the model name but also an effect display linked with, for example, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) is performed. As such an effect display, for example, when there is no counting ball, a 2D child's giraffe character is displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33. In this case, since the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) also displays the 2D child's Giraud character K11, it is related to the 2D child's Giraud character displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33. Linked to the production.

Next, when the game progresses, 1000 counting balls are generated as shown in FIG. 192 (b), and when the number of reserves is generated, the display device 41 has a special symbol “1, 2, 3”. The figure (decorative special figure) is stopped and displayed, and further, the display device 41 displays the fourth symbol Z and the four hold numbers HR.
Further, when 1000 counting balls are generated, the model name disappears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33, information on the counting balls such as “1000 counting balls” is displayed, and the holding number display is “ “Special figure 1: 4” and “Special figure 2: 0” are displayed. “Special figure 1: 4” indicates that the number of reserved figures in special figure 1 is four. In addition, a 2D adult Giraud character K12 appears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33. This shows the effect that the counting ball has increased by performing the effect that the character has grown and become an adult rather than the 2D child's Jiro character displayed without the counting ball.

Next, the 2D adult jiro character K12 that appears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 pops out at a certain timing and moves toward the display device 41 as indicated by an arrow, and the 2D adult jirow character K12 is displayed on the display device. A large number are displayed on the screen 41, and an effect such as a group notice of the so-called Giro character K12 is performed. In FIG. 192 (b), for convenience of explanation, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 also draws a 2D adult jiro character K12 immediately before popping out.
Thereby, the player can enjoy the effect (here, the group notice) related to the new character (2D adult Giraud character K12) on the display device 41. That is, from the performance of the 2D child's Giraud character K11 displayed in the absence of the counting ball, a new character (2D adult Giraud character that has grown into an adult with the increase of the counting ball as the counting ball increases) By performing the group notice effect in which a large number of K12) appear, the effect that the counting ball has increased is shown, and the player will be able to enjoy the game by increasing the counting ball and enjoy the game. improves.

Next, when the game progresses and a reach occurs with a counting ball as shown in FIG. 192 (c) (during special production), the display device 41 displays, for example, “7, 6 (during change), 7”. A special figure (decorative special figure) is variably displayed as a design. The display device 41 displays the fourth symbol Z and displays the number of holdings HR four.
In this scene, since the number of counting balls is 2000, another new 2D monster (dragon) character K13 appears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33, and the 2D monster (dragon) character K13 pops out. As indicated by the arrow, the display device 41 moves and the 2D monster character K13 is displayed on the display device 41.
In FIG. 192 (c), the character K13 of the 2D monster (dragon) is initially displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33. Thereafter, the character K13 moves to the display device 41 and disappears, and then disappears. ) Is displayed on the display device 41. Then, an effect is produced in which the 2D monster (dragon) character K13 crosses the screen of the display device 41 and collides with the changing symbol “6” and moves upward.
Therefore, when the number of counting balls increases from 1000, for example, to 2000, another new 2D monster character K13 appears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 in place of the 2D adult Jiro character K12. As a result, the player can enjoy a new performance as the number of counting balls increases.
The sub liquid crystal display device 33 continues to display information relating to the counting sphere such as “the number of counting spheres is 2,000”.

Thus, in the sub liquid crystal display device 33, when there is no counting ball, the effect display (the model name display and the effect linked with the main liquid crystal display device) is performed, and the display device 41 as the effect display device and the sub display. In the liquid crystal display device 33, the presence of the counting ball or the effect of changing the effect content (the appearance of the character and the growth of the character) is controlled according to the number of counting balls.
Further, in the display device 41 as the effect display device, an effect linked to the sub liquid crystal display device 33 is performed during a special effect such as when a reach occurs.
Therefore, since the sub liquid crystal display device 33 has a counting ball or the content of the effect is changed depending on the number of counting balls, the player tries to increase the number of counting balls, leading to an improvement in the operation of the gaming machine.
Also, there is a sub liquid crystal display device 33 in the vicinity of the display device 41 as the main liquid crystal display device, and the number of counting balls is displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 and the contents of the effect are changed depending on the number of counting balls. Is easy to recognize the increase or decrease of the counting ball.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
It is possible to play the game by circulating the enclosed game balls and to control the game control device for managing the progress of the game and the display device for the effect based on the command from the game control device. In a sealed ball game machine equipped with a production control device,
A main liquid crystal display device and a sub liquid crystal display device as the display device for presentation,
The sub liquid crystal display device is disposed in the vicinity of the main liquid crystal display device,
The production control device
The effect is controlled so that the sub liquid crystal display device displays the counting ball number, and the main liquid crystal display device or the sub liquid crystal display device is controlled based on the presence of the counting ball number or at least one of the counting ball number. An enclosed ball type gaming machine characterized by performing control to change at least one effect among them.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-182848, the jackpot reliability is notified by displaying the character so as to change according to the reach variation period.
However, it seems that it is necessary to differentiate the enclosed ball type gaming machine from the actual ball type gaming machine in order to popularize it. In addition, since there is no real feeling that the actual ball comes out on the upper plate in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, it is necessary to enhance the effect on the game, and the number of balls held (number of balls that can be launched) and counting balls (temporarily launched It is also necessary to devise ways to make it easier to understand the number of storage balls that cannot be stored, and to link the effects, and to improve the operation of gaming machines.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the display device 41 as the display device for display and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 have a counting ball, or by controlling the effect of changing the effect content according to the number of counting balls, it is possible for the player. This makes it easier to recognize the increase and decrease of the counting ball, which leads to improved operation of the gaming machine.

Next, as a modification, the following configuration may be used.
(1) Using the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 as an effect display device, when the number of counted balls is reduced, an effect that creates a special reach and creates an atmosphere to continue the game. You may make it the structure to perform. If it does so, a player will continue a game and will try to increase the number of count balls, and it will also lead to the improvement of operation of a game machine.
(2) The display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 as the display device for effects may be used to display the number of balls, for example. This is convenient because the number of balls held is also known.
Further, the control may be made to change the contents of the effects of the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 as the effect display devices depending on the number of balls.
(3) Depending on the number of firings (or the number of outs), control of changing the effect contents of the display device 41 as the effect display device and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 may be performed.
(4) The sub liquid crystal display device 33 may be omitted, and the display control may be performed using the display device 41 as the display device for effect.

Next, an operation for polishing the encapsulated sphere will be described.
In the present embodiment, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the polishing device 306 is operated with a predetermined period when the power is turned on as a polishing period to polish the encapsulated sphere. In this case, polishing of the encapsulated sphere is basically controlled not only when the power is turned on, but also during normal games. This is because the encapsulated sphere is polished well, and therefore the encapsulated sphere is polished while being circulated during the game.
Specifically, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, when the encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 306 without circulating the game area 22 and circulates the ball, the upper sphere 303, the bypass passage 304, and the lower lane 301 are used. The encapsulated sphere flows from the lower passage 301 through the lower switching valve 310 and flows into the polishing device 306 through the polishing inlet passage 319 to polish the sphere. Then, the sphere is polished by the feeding device 302 through the lower passage 301. The encapsulated sphere circulates along the route that is sent to the upper passage 303. Since the encapsulated sphere circulates while polishing the encapsulated sphere without performing a game game, this path is “in encapsulated sphere polishing and circulation”.

On the other hand, when the encapsulated sphere is polished during the game with the encapsulated sphere, the encapsulated sphere is dropped into the game area 22 and flows into the polishing device 306 to become a path for polishing the ball. Through the launch device 37, the game area 22, the out passage 331, and the lower passage 301, the encapsulated sphere flows from the lower passage 301 through the lower switching valve 310 and flows into the polishing device 306 through the polishing inlet passage 319 to polish the sphere. After that, the route passes through the lower passage 301 and is fed by the feeding device 302 to the upper passage 303, and the game is played while circulating the encapsulated ball. This path becomes “being encapsulated ball polishing game circulation” because the encapsulated ball falls while playing the game game and circulates while polishing the encapsulated ball.
As described above, since the encapsulated ball is polished with the predetermined period when the power is turned on as the polishing period, the game ball can be effectively used even when the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is not operating due to regular polishing. The polishing quality of the game ball can be maintained.
In addition, during the normal game, the polishing is performed while circulating the encapsulated sphere, so that the dirt on the sphere in the game can be quickly removed, and the quality of the encapsulated sphere can be constantly maintained.

Next, the operation of the night monitoring switch 126 will be described.
In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a night monitoring switch 126, and the night monitoring switch 126 can detect both that the front frame 4 is opened and that the game control device 54 is removed ( Specifically, it includes a frame opening detection means 382 and a disconnection detection means 383), and holds information that detects the opening of the front frame 4 even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is shut off by the frame opening number storage means 384, Information on the removal of the game control device 54 is held by the disconnection number storage means 385 even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is shut off.
In this case, the frame opening number storage means 384 stores the opening information of the front frame 4 and the number of times the front frame 4 is opened, and the disconnection number storage means 385 stores the disconnection information (removal of the game control device 54) by the disconnection detection means 383. (Including state).
Therefore, especially when the game hall is closed and the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1 is opened at night, the opening information of the front frame 4 and the number of opening of the front frame 4 are stored as the frame opening number storage means 384. Is held by. The night monitoring switch 126 can detect both the state where the front frame 4 is opened and the state where the front frame 4 is not opened. As described above, the night monitoring switch 126 monitors the front frame 4. The detection signal is referred to as frame opening information.

In addition, when the game hall is closed at night and the game control device 54 of the pachinko machine 1 is removed, the information indicating that the game control device 54 has been removed is retained by the disconnection number storage means 385 even at night. Yes. The night monitoring switch 126 can detect both the state where the game control device 54 is removed and the state where the game control device 54 is not removed. As described above, the night monitoring switch 126 controls the game control. The detection signal that monitors the removal of the device 54 is referred to as game control device monitoring information.
For convenience of explanation, the output monitored to detect both the state in which the front frame 4 is opened and the state in which the front frame 4 is not opened by the night monitoring switch 126 is referred to as frame opening information. The output monitored to detect both the state where the game control device 54 is removed and the state where it is not removed by the switch 126 is referred to as game control device monitoring information (nighttime monitoring information).

Next, when the pachinko machine 1 is activated by turning on the power (turning on the main power) in the next morning, the opening information for monitoring whether or not the front frame 4 is opened at night and the game for monitoring whether or not the game control device 54 is removed. The control device monitoring information is output to the payout control device 230 by the output means 386 of the nighttime monitoring switch 126 when there is a request for nighttime monitoring information from the payout control device 230. At this time, the payout control device 230 cannot capture the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information by issuing a request for the nighttime monitoring information to the nighttime monitoring switch 126 after the startup preparation period at the time of activation elapses. There is no fear, the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information can be surely captured, and security against fraud is improved.
Then, the payout control device 230 determines the illegal level from the night monitoring information fetched from the night monitoring switch 126, outputs the determined illegal level to the card unit 15, and notifies the card unit 15 of an error if there is an illegality. Done.

FIG. 193 shows a timing chart of an operation for dealing with an illegal use using such a night monitoring switch 126.
In FIG. 193, the operation will be described using timings t51 to t54.
In FIG. 193, the main power source is a power source supplied from the power source device 58 (see FIG. 6) in the pachinko machine 1 at a normal time (when power is supplied to the pachinko machine 1). 230 indicates a power source that supplies power to each device, electronic device, sensor, and the like. Each device 54, 53, and 230 also includes a backup power source. The night monitoring switch 126 includes a backup power supply 381 inside.
When the main power supply is turned on, the pachinko machine 1 is activated.
FIG. 193 shows a flow of time from a state before the main power source is turned on. For example, the game store before the main power source is turned on is also shown at night.

Normally, at game stores around 11:00 pm (or even before), the business is stopped due to the operation of the gaming machines, the power supply of each gaming machine is shut off and the store is closed, and then the inside of the store and the table are cleaned and cleaned up. Prepare for the next business day.
However, a suspicious person enters at night when the game store is closed, and for example, the fraud such as opening the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1 and attaching an illegal board or the like, or removing the game control device 54. Sometimes done. If the game control device 54 is removed, there is a risk of unauthorized modification.
As shown in FIG. 193, at the timing t51 at night before the timing t52 at which the main power is turned on (for example, when the game store preparation for opening the store is started), a suspicious person enters, for example, the front frame of the pachinko machine 1 When the act of attaching the unauthorized substrate or the like by opening 4 is performed, the night monitoring switch 126 detects the opening of the front frame 4. The opening information of the front frame 4 is held by the night monitoring switch 126 (held by the frame opening number storage means 384) even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is shut off.
In the example of FIG. 193, the front frame 4 is opened by a suspicious person, but is thereafter closed.
On the other hand, even at night, the disconnection detecting means 383 of the night monitoring switch 126 does not detect the disconnection state (the disconnection monitoring result maintains the ON level), and therefore the removal of the game control device 54 is not detected.

Next, when the main power supply is turned on at timing t52 to prepare for the opening of the game store, the power supply device 58 supplies the payout control device 230, the game control device 54, the effect control device 53, and power supplies necessary for each electronic component shown in FIG. Supply is started (Note that the power supply to each part of the circuit has a slight time difference between the devices, but the description is complicated, so the details are omitted).
After the main power supply is started, the payout control device 230 outputs a request for night monitoring information to the night monitoring switch 126 at a timing t53 delayed by a predetermined time Ta (for example, 5 seconds) from the timing t52 when the main power is turned on. To do. This means that the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information cannot be taken in by issuing the night monitoring information request to the night monitoring switch 126 after the start-up preparation period at the start-up of the payout control device 230. This is because there is no danger and the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information are surely captured.
When the night monitoring switch 126 receives a request for night monitoring information from the payout control device 230 at timing t53, the night monitoring switch 126 outputs the night monitoring information to the payout control device 230.
At this time, since the payout control device 230 receives the night monitoring information from the night monitoring switch 126 after the startup preparation period at the time of activation, there is no possibility that the frame opening information cannot be taken in, and the frame opening is surely performed. Information can be captured.
Here, at the timing t53, the night monitoring switch 126 outputs an output signal corresponding to the frame opening information and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 for a predetermined time Tb from that time. The predetermined time Tb is a time necessary for outputting the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information.

In the normal state (when the main power is turned on), the night monitoring switch 126 has an OFF level output when the front frame 4 is opened and an ON level when the front frame 4 is closed as shown in FIG. When the removal of the game control device 54 is detected, the output of the disconnection detecting means 383 is OFF level. When the removal of the game control device 54 is not detected, the output is ON level. Of the output signals output to the outside, the output signal corresponding to the night monitoring information stored when the main power supply is turned off is the output of data corresponding to the request command from the payout control device 230 (the number of times the frame is opened and the number of disconnections). . The nighttime monitoring SW (nighttime monitoring information) in FIGS. 193 and 194 indicates that data output is ON.
On the other hand, if it is detected not at night but when the front frame 4 is opened in the daytime, the output signal output from the night monitoring switch 126 is an OFF level signal.
As described above, the night monitoring switch 126 has two types of output: normal frame opening information output and night monitoring information (night frame opening information and gaming control device 54 removal monitoring information) output. This is because there is an output line.

In FIG. 193, as described above, the case where the opening of the front frame 4 is detected by the nighttime monitoring switch 126 at the timing t51 and the opening information is held is described as an example, and this information is included in the frame opening information. However, the frame opening information itself is a concept including both when the opening of the front frame 4 is detected and when the opening of the front frame 4 is not detected.
Even if the payout control device 230 determines the output signal of the night monitoring switch 126, the opening of the front frame 4 may not be detected. Even at that time, the payout control device 230 outputs the output from the night monitoring switch 126. Read the signal.
If the night monitoring switch 126 holds the information that the opening of the front frame 4 is detected at the timing t52 when the main power is turned on, if there is a request from the payout control device 230 as described above, the predetermined time Tb from the timing t53. Until the time elapses, the night monitoring information is output to the outside (payout control device 230).
Then, the payout control device 230 determines the illegal level from the night monitoring information fetched from the night monitoring switch 126, outputs the determined illegal level to the card unit 15, and notifies the card unit 15 of an error if there is an illegality. Done.
The payout control device 230 determines the fraud level from the nighttime monitoring information fetched from the nighttime monitoring switch 126, so that the number of open frames and the number of wire breaks can be grasped in detail, and security can be improved.
Further, since the payout control device 230 determines the unauthorized level from the night monitoring information fetched from the night monitoring switch 126 and outputs it to the card unit 15, priority is given to a table with a high unauthorized level (a table with a high possibility of fraud). It is possible to inspect it at high efficiency.

Now, returning to the explanation of FIG. 193 again, for a normal gaming machine whose front frame 4 is not opened illegally, normal monitoring processing is performed after a predetermined time Ta has elapsed since the main power supply was turned on. Provided.
Further, when the front frame 4 is opened at normal time, for example, at timing t54, the opening of the front frame 4 is detected by the night monitoring switch 126, and the frame opening information (only during the period Tc during which the front frame 4 is opened). The frame opening information at normal time, not the frame opening information at night, is output from the night monitoring switch 126 (a signal that is OFF level during the normal frame opening period) and input to the dispensing control device 230 for error monitoring. Monitoring is performed as a front frame open (front frame 4 open error) in the processing frame open error monitoring process routine.
As described above, as shown in FIG. 193, when the night monitoring switch 126 detects the opening of the front frame 4 at night (specifically when the main power is off), the removal of the game control device 54 is not detected at night. In addition to the operation of the night monitoring information, the operation when the opening of the front frame 4 is detected by the night monitoring switch 126 during the daytime (specifically when the main power is turned on) is described.

Next, the operation when the removal of the game control device 54 is detected when the main power is turned off (off) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 194 shows an operation timing chart when the removal of the game control device 54 is detected when the main power is turned off.
As shown in FIG. 194, at the timing t61 at night before the timing t62 at which the main power is turned on (for example, at the start of preparation for opening a game shop), a suspicious person enters, for example, game control of the pachinko machine 1 When the act of removing the device 54 is performed, the disconnection detecting means 383 in the nighttime monitoring switch 126 detects the disconnection state (the disconnection monitoring result becomes OFF level), and the information is held by the disconnection number storage means 385. . Since the front frame 4 is not opened, there is no change in the frame opening information by the night monitoring switch 126, and the frame opening information is in a state where the opening of the front frame 4 is not detected.
This is a case where a suspicious person does not open the front frame 4 at night and only performs an action of removing the game control device 54.

Next, when the main power supply is turned on at timing t62 in preparation for opening a game store, supply of the main power supply to the payout control device 230 is started. As a result, the program of the payout control device 230 is activated to perform initial setting, etc., and each component starts to operate and is ready for operation to gradually turn on. After that, a little time passes. The timing t63 is reached.
In this case, after the supply of the main power supply is started, the payout control device 230 sends a request for night monitoring information at a timing t63 delayed by a predetermined time Ta (for example, 5 seconds) from the timing t62 when the main power is turned on. It outputs to 126. This means that the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information cannot be taken in by issuing the night monitoring information request to the night monitoring switch 126 after the start-up preparation period at the start-up of the payout control device 230. This is because there is no danger and the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information are surely captured.
When the night monitoring switch 126 receives a request for night monitoring information from the payout control device 230 at timing t63, the night monitoring switch 126 outputs the night monitoring information to the payout control device 230.
At this time, since the payout control device 230 receives the nighttime monitoring information from the nighttime monitoring switch 126 after the startup preparation period at the time of activation has passed, there is no possibility that the nighttime monitoring information cannot be taken in, and the nighttime monitoring is reliably performed. Information can be captured.
Here, at the timing t63, the night monitoring switch 126 outputs an output signal corresponding to the frame opening information and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230 for a predetermined time Tb from that time. The predetermined time Tb is a time necessary for outputting the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information.

The night monitoring information here is information in which the front frame 4 is not opened at night and only the removal of the game control device 54 is detected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 194, even when only the removal of the game control device 54 is detected when the main power is turned off, the night monitoring information is reliably taken into the payout control device 230 as in the case of FIG. be able to.
Note that the operations and effects of the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 after the nighttime monitoring information is taken into the payout control device 230 are the same as in the case of the description of FIG.

On the other hand, when the store clerk of the game store turns on the RAM clear switch 182 to return the pachinko machine 1 to the initial state in preparation for opening the store, the RAM 113 in the game control device 54, the RAM 233 in the payout control device 230, etc. are initialized. Will be converted.
Here, in this embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 182 is turned on, the RAM 233 in the payout control device 230 is initialized and cleared, and then the frame opening information of the night monitoring switch 126 and the game control device. The monitoring information is taken into the payout control device 230 and stored in the RAM 233. Thereafter, the payout control device 230 determines the fraud level from the frame opening information stored in the RAM 233 and the game control device monitoring information, and the determined fraud level is output to the card unit 15. Therefore, there is no problem that the frame opening information and the game control device monitoring information in the RAM 233 are erased by turning on the RAM clear switch 182.
The information stored in the RAM 233 is cleared only because the information before the nighttime monitoring switch 126 frame opening information and game control device monitoring information is taken into the payout control device 230 is used.

Thus, at night when the game hall is closed, for example, when a suspicious person opens the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1 and attaches an illegal board or the like, the night monitor switch 126 causes the front frame 4 to The open state is detected, and the frame open information is retained even when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is shut off. Even when the game control device 54 is removed at night, the night monitoring switch 126 detects that the game control device 54 has been removed, and the game control device monitoring information is retained even when the pachinko machine 1 is powered off. Has been.
The next morning, when the main power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the frame opening information for monitoring whether the front frame 4 is opened at night and the game control device monitoring information for monitoring whether the game control device 54 is removed are the payout control device 230. Is output to the dispensing control device 230 by the output means 386 of the night monitoring switch 126 when the night monitoring information is requested.
The payout control device 230 determines the unauthorized level from the night monitoring information fetched from the night monitoring switch 126, and the determined unauthorized level is output to the card unit 15. The card unit 15 takes measures such as notifying an error based on the fraud level, or outputting error information to the hall computer 86 (further, the ball lending may not be performed). Further, when the front frame 4 is illegally opened and frame opening information is generated, or when the game control device 54 is removed and game control device monitoring information is generated, those error states are displayed on the display device 41. The
Accordingly, the store clerk looks at the error notification of the display device 41 and the card unit 15 to check the pachinko machine 1 and take appropriate measures for the attachment of, for example, an illegal board (for example, removal of the illegal board, etc. and normal inspection). ) And security against fraud can be improved.

Next, the operation of the game game of the pachinko machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described.
In the game game of the pachinko machine 1, by executing each program described above, a command is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and the effect control device 53 that receives the command uses the display device 41 based on the program. A variable display game is executed.
Specifically, when the player operates the firing operation handle 11 to throw a game ball into the game area 22 and the game ball that has been placed wins the start winning opening 25 or 26 of the special figure (see the special figure). When there is a start winning prize), a command for instructing the variable display of the decoration special drawing is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and display (so-called variable display) is performed on the display unit 41a. Then, a decorative display variation display game is performed. On the other hand, the sphere that has been removed without winning the prize flows into the out sphere inlet 23. The ball that has fallen through the game area 22 becomes out or safe, and after passing through the game area 22, the enclosed ball passes through the out passage 331 and the lower passage 301, and passes through the lower switching valve 310 from the lower passage 301 to the polishing inlet passage 319. Then, the sphere is polished by flowing into the polishing device 306 through the lower passage 301 and then fed by the feeding device 302 to the upper passage 303 to polish the encapsulated sphere. In spite of this, the game is circulated.
In this way, the enclosed game ball is circulated and used to perform a pachinko game with the enclosed ball.
In addition, the game control device 54 controls the collective display device 35 such as a variable display of the special figure, the ordinary figure, and the like.

Here, when it is determined that the game ball is safe and the number of balls held by the player is increased, the ball enters the winning port (including the general winning ports 28 to 31 and the starting winning ports 25, 26, etc.). In addition, when a big hit occurs and shifts to the big win state, the bonus winning hole 27a of the variable winning device 27 is temporarily within a range not exceeding a specified time (for example, 30 seconds), for example, for a period up to ten winnings. The jackpot round to be released is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds, and the player wins a large number of winnings.
In this case, the number of winning balls associated with winning is all displayed by the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35.

FIG. 195 is a timing chart of display control of the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35.
In FIG. 195, the number of winning balls accompanying winning is as follows.
・ First grand prize opening 27a = 13 ・ Second grand prize opening 34a = 10 ・ Starting prize opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting prize opening 26 (general power) = 1 piece ・ General prize winning openings 28-31 = 10 pieces In FIG. 195, these winnings are indicated as “winning (prize ball 13)”, for example, and the same applies to other winning modes.
In FIG. 195, in order to avoid complication of the explanation, the winning (13 pieces) to the first big winning opening 27a is shown as a representative example of winning the big winning opening. Explaining without winning.

Now, in the normal mode (displayed as normal in FIG. 195), if there is a winning at the start winning opening 25, the number of winning balls is 3, so the game control device 54 displays the winning display LED 355 of the collective display device 35. On the other hand, a drive signal is output (hereinafter, the control is the same), and the winning ball display LED 355 displays the winning ball 3 (the number of winning balls = 3). As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “3” in one digit.
At this time, the winning display of “3” is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 1 second and then turning off (turned off) for 0.5 seconds.
Similarly, in the normal mode, if there is a winning in any of the general winning openings 28 to 31, the number of winning balls is 10, so that the winning display LED 355 receives 10 winning balls (the number of winning balls = 10). Meaning) is displayed. As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “10” in two digits.
At this time, the winning display of “10” is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 1 second and then turning off (turned off) for 0.5 seconds.

Next, when a big hit was generated from the normal mode and a transition was made to the special mode (during the big hit), winning (number of winning balls = 13) to the big winning opening 27a occurred four times in succession. At this time, if there is a prize at the big prize opening 27a, since the number of prize balls is 13, the game control device 54 outputs a drive signal to the prize display LED 355 of the collective display device 35, and the prize display LED 355 is displayed. The prize ball 13 (the number of prize balls = 13 meanings) is displayed. As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “13” in two digits. In this case, the winning display of “13” is controlled for 0.5 seconds ON (lights on) and then 0.1 seconds OFF (lights off), and the winning prize opening 27a is continuously generated four times. This is done four times in succession.
In addition, during the special mode, a winning (number of winning balls = 3) to the start winning opening 25 occurred once.
At this time, if there is a winning at the start winning opening 25, the number of winning balls is 3, so that the winning display LED 355 displays the winning ball 3 (meaning the number of winning balls = 3). As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “3” in one digit. In this case, the winning display of “3” is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 0.5 seconds and then turning off (turned off) for 0.1 seconds.

Then, the big hit round ends, and the transition is made to the probability fluctuation. Since the probability variation is also in the special mode, the control in the special mode is continued for the winning display by the winning display LED 355. Then, during the probability fluctuation, the winning (the number of winning balls = 1) to the start winning opening 26 (Fuden) occurred three times in succession. At this time, if there is a winning at the start winning opening 26 (Fuden), the number of winning balls is 1, so that the winning ball 1 (the number of winning balls = 1) is displayed on the winning display LED 355. Is called. As a result, the winning display LED 355 displays “1” in one digit. In this case, the winning display of “1” is controlled for 0.5 seconds ON (lights on) and then off for 0.1 seconds (lights off), and the winning winning opening 26 (Fuden) continues to win. This occurs three times in succession.
In this way, the number of winning balls associated with winning is all displayed by the winning display LED 355 in the collective display device 35. Even if a game ball wins in any winning opening, a predetermined time is displayed by a winning display LED 355 consisting of two 7-segment LEDs (the normal mode is 1 second and the special mode is 0.5 second). Therefore, the player can easily know where on the board (game board 20) the prize is won and how many prize balls are obtained.

Next, since the display mode of the number of balls and the effects of the sub liquid crystal display device 33 and the like have been described above, other effects related to the display of the number of balls and the management of the card unit 15 will be described.
(1) In the first embodiment, the decorative ball display device 250 displays the number of held balls and the number of counted balls under the control of the effect control device 53 (sub-board). The number and the number of counting balls can be expressed. In other words, the decorative ball display device 250 can express the holding ball close to a real ball type by decorative control with a large number of LEDs, and is easy to understand sensuously. Therefore, the player can easily understand the number of balls held and the number of balls counted.
In particular, the number of balls held is controlled by a large number of LEDs so as to be controlled by the upper decorative ball display device 250a of the decorative ball display device 250. The effect is that the approximate number of balls is easy to understand.
On the other hand, the number of counted balls is designed to create an image of a so-called ball box by the lower decorative ball display device 250c of the decorative ball display device 250, and is decorated and controlled by a large number of LEDs. There is an effect that the approximate number of counting balls is easy to understand.
Furthermore, since the decorative ball display device 250 is controlled by the effect control device 53 which is a sub-board, the control burden on the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 can be reduced.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A decorative ball display device that displays the number of balls held is provided.
The game machine characterized in that the decorative ball display device is controlled by an effect control device as a sub-board.

Further, during counting of the number of balls, the LED of the counting decoration unit 250c is moved and blinked so that the ball moves from the upper decorative ball display device 250a to the lower decorative ball display device 250b which is an image of a ball box. Since the decoration is controlled, there is an effect that it is easy for the player to understand that the counting is in progress.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A decorative ball display device that displays the number of balls held is provided.
The production control device
A game in which decoration control is performed on the decorative ball display device so that when the number of balls held is counted, the decoration ball display device displays an effect of moving the number of balls held to the counting ball. Machine.

(2) In the first embodiment, the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is a ball holding number display 40 as a first display device capable of displaying the number of balls held, and a second display device capable of simply displaying a counting ball. Since the card unit 15 includes the operation display device 7 as a third display device that can manage the card unit 15, the card unit 15 can display the number of balls and details of the counting ball. The number of balls and counting balls can be simply displayed on the machine (pachinko machine 1) side, and the details of the number of balls and counting balls can be displayed on the card unit 15 side, and the number of balls and counting balls are notified to the player. In doing so, the control burden on the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 is reduced, and efficiency is improved.
Further, the player can grasp the number of balls possessed and the number of counted balls with the first to third devices, which is convenient and easy to understand.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A first display device capable of displaying the number of balls held;
A second display device capable of simply displaying a counting ball;
A third display device capable of displaying details of the number of balls and counting balls;
With
The first display device can digitally display the number of balls held,
The second display device can display at least the presence or absence of a counting ball,
The third display device is under the management of the card unit, and displays information sent from the gaming machine under the control of the card unit.

(3) In the first embodiment, the player has a counting switch 311 for moving the number of balls to the counting ball and a counting ball use button 710 for moving the counting ball to the number of balls. The number of balls that can be fired can be counted and moved to a storage ball. Conversely, it can be moved (returned) from the storage ball to the number of balls that can be launched by a simple operation.
In particular, in the case of gaming machines using real balls, the number of balls held is equivalent to the image of the number of balls that can be fired on the upper and lower plates, and the counting ball moves counting from the number of balls held. Since it is a storage ball and corresponds to the image of the ball moved from the upper plate or the lower plate to the ball box, the number of balls can be easily moved to the counting ball simply by operating the counting switch 311. Similarly, by simply operating the counting ball use button 710, it is possible to easily move the counting ball to the number of possessed balls, and it is possible to perform an enclosed ball game with a feeling close to that of a gaming machine that uses a real ball.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A counting switch for moving the number of balls to the counting ball;
A counting ball use switch for moving the counting ball to the number of balls held,
The payout control device
When the counting switch is operated, control is performed to move the number of balls to the counting ball,
A gaming machine characterized in that when a counting ball use switch is operated, control is performed to move the counting ball to the number of possessed balls.
Further, in the first embodiment, the counting ball indicator 313 that is turned on when there is a counting ball is arranged, so that the player can easily know the presence of the counting ball.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Provide a counting ball indicator to notify the presence of the counting ball,
The payout control device
A gaming machine characterized in that when a counting ball is present, control is performed to notify (for example, turn on) the presence of the counting ball using a counting ball display.

(4) In the first embodiment, both the number of balls held and the counting balls are managed by the payout control device 230 to store data, and the number of balls held and the number are counted regularly (for example, 200 ms) for the card unit 15. Since the ball information is transmitted and displayed on the operation display device 7 as the third display device under the control of the card unit 15, the gaming machine manages the number of balls held, and the counting ball is stored in the card unit. The security can be increased as compared with the method managed by 15.
That is, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, since the payout control device 230 manages the data of both the number of balls and the counting balls, for example, There is no risk of loss of each data of the counting ball number.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A control device is provided to manage both the number of balls and counting balls,
A gaming machine configured to transmit information on the number of balls and counting balls to a card unit and display the information on a third display device under the control of the card unit.

(5) In the first embodiment, the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) has a number-of-balls display 40 as a first display device capable of displaying the number of balls, and a second that can display the number of balls and counting balls in a decorative manner. Since the decorative ball display device 250 is provided as the display device, the number of balls held is digitally displayed on the ball holding number display 40, and the number of balls held and the number of counted balls are displayed in analog on the decorative ball display device 250. Thus, the player can know the number of balls held in detail, and the number of balls held and the number of counted balls can be grasped instantaneously by analog display, which is convenient.
In this case, the payout control device 230 performs control so that the number of balls held is digitally displayed on the ball number display 40 serving as the first display device, and the effect control device 53 performs decoration holding as the second display device. Since the ball display device 250 is controlled to display the number of held balls and the number of counted balls in an analog manner, a part of the display control is shared by the effect control device 53 as a sub-board, and the control load of the payout control device 230 is reduced. It is reduced.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The payout control device (or game control device)
Control the digital display of the number of balls held by the first display device,
The production control device
A game machine characterized by controlling an ornamental ball display device for effect display of the number of balls held, and causing the ornamental ball display device to perform analog display of the number of balls held and a counting ball.

(6) In the first embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 182 is turned on, the payout control device 230 initializes and clears the RAM 233 in the payout control device 230 and then sets the night monitoring switch 126 at night. The monitoring information is taken into the payout control device 230 and stored in the RAM 233. Thereafter, the night monitoring information stored in the RAM 233 is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.
Therefore, there is an effect that the trouble that the night monitoring information in the RAM 233 is erased by the turning-on operation of the RAM clear switch 182 does not occur.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The payout control device
When the RAM clear switch is pushed, after clearing the RAM of the payout control device, the night monitoring information from the night monitoring means is fetched and stored in the RAM,
Thereafter, the gaming machine is configured to transmit the night monitoring information stored in the RAM to the card unit.

(7) Since the payout control device 230 is provided separately from the game control device 54 and the night monitoring switch 126 is managed by the payout control device 230, even if the game control device 54 is illegally modified and does not function normally, the payout The controller 230 can reliably monitor the removal of the main board (game controller 54). For example, the gaming control device 54 can be illegally removed and an illegally modified main board can be attached.
(8) Although the night monitoring switch 126 is arranged, since the payout control device 230 is provided separately from the game control device 54, the control relating to the game progress, the monitoring of the number of encapsulated balls and the addition / Controls such as subtraction processing and ball count processing can be separated, and the program is simple.
In addition, the processing load on the CPUs 231 and 111 of the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 can be reduced.

(9) Distributing the frame opening information regarding whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 is detected at night and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 regarding whether or not the main board (game control device 54) is removed at night The card is read by the control device 230, the abnormality is monitored by the payout control device 230, and in the case of an abnormality, error information is output to the card unit 15 and error processing is performed by the card unit 15. Error processing is performed by the unit 15 and security against fraud can be improved with high reliability.
This background will be described.
As a result of determining the detection signal of the night monitoring switch 126, if there is a possibility that the main board (game control device 54) has been removed at night, there is a high possibility that it has been replaced with an illegal board. Then, even if the main board exists, it is an illegal board and the main board cannot be trusted.
Therefore, even if the presentation control device 53 displays an indication such as no error on the display device 41 (or even in a display state where there is no error notification) in response to an instruction from the main board (game control device), there is a possibility that it cannot be trusted. Further, since the main board (game control device) 54 and the payout control device 230 are connected, the error notification output from the illegal main board (game control device) to the payout control device 230 is also stopped. There is a risk of fraud.
Then, the payout control device 230 may not be trusted.
Therefore, in the first embodiment, the payout control device 230 issues an interrupt from the main board (game control device) 54 in view of an untrustworthy state in which the main board (game control device 54) or the payout control device 230 has been cheated. Before the permission, the night monitoring information from the night monitoring switch 126 is transmitted to the card unit 15, and the card unit 15 performs error processing.
For this reason, since error processing is performed by the device called the card unit 15 that is remote from the pachinko machine 1, security against fraud can be improved with high reliability.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Separated from the game control device, a payout control device for controlling the payout of the ball is arranged,
Detection information of the night monitoring means is input to the payout control device,
The payout control device
Monitor the abnormality based on the detection information of the night monitoring means, and output error information to the card unit in the case of abnormality,
A gaming machine, wherein the card unit is configured to perform predetermined error processing upon receiving error information.

(10) Further, when the front frame 4 is illegally opened to generate frame opening information or the removal of the game control device 54 is detected, the error state is displayed on the display device 41. The store clerk can check the pachinko machine 1 and take appropriate measures (for example, removal and normal inspection of the illegal substrate etc.) for attachment of the illegal substrate, for example.
Even when the store clerk does not look at the display device 41, the card unit 15 receives the unauthorized frame opening information of the front frame 4 and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 as described above. 15, an error notification or error information is output to the hall computer 86 is taken, so that the store clerk can easily notice and security against fraud is improved. Further, if measures such as not lending the ball in the card unit 15 are taken, even if the player performs a ball lending operation on the card unit 15, the ball lending is not performed, and the player tells this to the store clerk. Thus, while the clerk notices the malfunction of the card unit 15 and inspects it, the clerk notices that the front frame 4 has been illegally opened or the game control device 54 has been removed. It is possible to take appropriate measures such as, and security against fraud is improved.

Moreover, according to Example 1, there exist the following incidental effects.
(1) The pachinko machine 1 (enclosed ball game machine) of this embodiment stores the number of balls held in the RAM 233 as an internal memory when the number of balls held by the player (game value) changes continuously. Is updated immediately, but when the number-of-balls display 40 displays the number of balls of the player, the number of balls is updated at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). .
Therefore, even when there are consecutive winnings, the player can easily recognize that the number of balls held has been updated in response to winnings.

This background will be described.
During the game, the display of the number-of-balls indicator needs to be updated because there is an increase in the number of winning balls due to winning and a subtraction due to firing.
However, if there are consecutive wins and the number indicator on the ball is displayed immediately, the player will know if the number of balls actually updated in response to the win. Difficult to do.
That is, when there is a change in the player's number of balls (game value), the storage of the number of balls in the RAM 233 as an internal memory is immediately updated, and at the same time, the number of balls held in the number-of-balls display 40. The display of the number-of-balls display 40 is updated instantaneously, especially when winning continuously, so that the player can recognize whether the winning has been reliably reflected in the number of balls held. There is a problem that it is difficult.

Therefore, in this embodiment, paying attention to how to update the number of balls possessed, a solution was made by providing a time difference between the storage update of the internal memory and the display update of the ball count indicator 40.
Specifically, even if there are consecutive wins and the number of balls (game value) changes continuously, the memory of the number of balls in the internal memory (RAM 233) is immediately updated, The number of balls held in the number display 40 is updated at intervals (time difference) of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds), so that the display content of the number of balls holding display 40 can be sufficiently recognized. And the player can easily recognize that the number of balls has been updated in response to winning.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not lower the interest of the game.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A game control device that can enclose a predetermined number of game balls in a gaming machine main body and launch the enclosed game balls into a gaming area to perform a game and manage the progress of the gaming machine With
The game control device determines whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or any other state, and in the case of a predetermined profit state, the player's profit is increased in correspondence with a predetermined number of prize balls. Let
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine that plays the game by circulating the enclosed game ball by collecting the game ball that has passed through the game area and guiding it to the launch position,
The game control device includes:
A game value storage means for storing changes in the player's game value;
A game value display control means for controlling a game value display means for displaying a player's game value, and
The game value display control means includes
If there is a continuous change in the game value of the player, control of updating the game value in the game value storage means is performed immediately,
The gaming machine is controlled so that the gaming value is updated at intervals of a predetermined period when the gaming value display means displays the gaming value of the player.

(2) If the player's number of balls (game value) changes continuously, the number of balls held in the internal memory (RAM 233) is immediately updated, but the number of balls held in the ball number indicator 40 The number is updated at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). In this case, the time of 0.3 seconds corresponds to half of the time required for launching a game ball to the game area 22 at a rate of 100 shots per minute. The display of the ball number display 40 can be updated, and the recognition of the number of balls held by the player and the launch of the ball can be adjusted well.
That is, since a game ball cannot be launched into the game area 22 at a pace of 100 or more per minute, if the display of the number-of-balls display 40 is updated at a maximum interval of 0.3 seconds from the launch, the player However, it is possible to secure a sufficient time for sufficiently recognizing the display contents of the ball number indicator 40.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The game value display control means
The gaming machine is characterized in that when the gaming value display means displays the player's gaming value, the updating interval of the gaming value is set to a time shorter than at least half of the continuous firing interval of gaming balls.

(3) The display of the number of winning balls by the winning display LED 355 is controlled at a timing of turning on (lit) for 1 second in the normal mode and then turning off (turned off) for 0.5 seconds, and on for 0.5 seconds in the special mode ( Is controlled) at a timing of turning off (turning off) and then turning off (turning off) for 0.1 second.
Therefore, even if the winning is continuous in the special mode such as the big hit and the winning balls are continuously generated, the winning display time by the winning display LED 355 is shorter than that in the normal mode, and the number of winning balls is increased. The display is not delayed and the player can easily know how many prize balls have been obtained.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A prize display device that displays a corresponding number of prize balls for a predetermined time when there is a prize at the prize opening;
The game control device includes:
In the normal mode, the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning is displayed on the winning display device for a predetermined time, and when the special mode is entered, the display time control means for shortening the display time of the winning ball number on the winning display device from the normal mode. A gaming machine characterized by having

(4) In the case of winning continuously in a special mode such as a big hit, the display time of the number of winning balls by the winning display LED 355 is set to the game ball firing interval (0.6 seconds) (100 shots / minute (0.6 1 shot per second) is shortened to 0.5 seconds, so that the display of the number of prize balls by the prize display LED 355 is not delayed, and how many prize balls the player has obtained Can be easily known.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The display time control means is
A gaming machine, wherein a display time of the number of prize balls in a special mode on a winning display device is set to be shorter than a continuous launch interval of game balls.

(5) Since the winning display LED 355 is configured integrally with the collective display device 35 that collectively performs various displays including special drawings and ordinary drawings, it is easy to control the game control device 54 regarding the display of the number of prize balls. In addition, the arrangement space is small.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
A gaming machine characterized by being configured integrally with a collective display device that collectively displays various displays including special drawings and ordinary drawings.

(6) Since the game control device 54 controls the winning display LED 355, the control efficiency is good. Further, a special control device for controlling the winning display LED 355 is unnecessary, control is easy, and the cost is reduced.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
It has a game control device that manages the progress of the gaming machine,
The game control device includes:
A gaming machine comprising winning display control means for controlling a winning display device for displaying a number of winning balls for a predetermined time.

Next, various modifications of the first embodiment will be described.
<Modification 1 of Example 1>
In the first embodiment, the number of held balls and the number of counted balls are periodically transmitted in the order of the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the effect control device 53, and the decoration control or the like by the decorative ball display device 250 is performed. Not limited to this, for example, a display instruction command (for example, an instruction command for decoration control) is directly transmitted from the payout control device (payout board) 230 to the effect control device 53 to the decoration ball number display device 250. Also good.
Specifically, the following command is sent.
(1) Launch start, stop firing, winning (prize ball), no number of balls, number of balls, etc. (2) number of balls A (100 to 500), number of balls B ( (3) Commands related to counting such as counting start, counting stop, etc. In this way, the payout control device 230 changes to the effect control device 53. By directly sending a command, the burden on the game control device 54 can be reduced.
In addition, the payout control device 230 does not send a command to the game control device 54, thereby facilitating the control, and accordingly, the display instruction command to the decorative ball number display device 250 can be made fine, and the decoration control instruction As for commands, as described above, firing start, firing stop, winning (prize ball), no ball holding, ball holding, ball holding A (100 to 500), ball holding B (500) It is also possible to finely control the decorative ball number display device 250 based on information such as the number of balls held, counting start, counting stop, and the like.

Next, a variation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
<Variation 1 of counting method>
In the first modification, the player can smoothly grasp the number of balls held.
The method for counting the number of balls in the first modification will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 196, “pressing time” indicates the operation time (pressing time) of the counting switch 311, and FIG. 196 shows how to count the “pressing time” and the range of the number of balls. ing.

Specifically, it is as follows. The following unit count value corresponds to “count unit”.
・ Pressing time of the counting switch 311 = less than 1 second: Invalid regardless of the range of the number of balls held.
(A) Counting 50 balls when the number of balls is 1000 or less (meaning unit count value = 50, the same applies hereinafter)
(B) Counting 100 balls from 1001 to 10,000 balls. (C) Counting 1000 balls from 10001 balls. After that, every 0.5 seconds:
(B) Count 50 balls when the number of balls is 1000 or less. (B) Count 100 balls when the number of balls is between 1001 and 10,000. .0 seconds:
(B) Count all balls with 1,000 or less balls (b) Count all balls with 1001 to 10,000 balls (c) Count all balls with 10001 balls or more

  As described above, in the first modification, the time for performing unit counting is set by dividing the pressing time of the counting switch 311 every 0.5 seconds. As described above, the operation of the counting switch 311 is invalidated for less than 1 second to prevent the counting switch 311 from malfunctioning. Regardless of how many balls are held, the count time of the count switch 311 is all counted in 6.0 seconds.

  As described above, in Modification 1, the count switch 311 is pressed every 0.5 seconds to set a timing value for performing unit counting, and less than 1 second is used to prevent the count switch 311 from malfunctioning. The operation of is invalidated. Further, no matter how many balls are held, the counting time of the counting switch 311 is all counted in 6.0 seconds.

Next, the effect of the method for counting the number of balls in the first modification will be described as follows. In the first embodiment, it is described that the counting method shown in FIG. 196 is used. However, since the effect is not specifically described, the common effect will be described here.
(1) In Modification 1, for example, when the number of balls held is 1000 or less, 50 are counted in 1.0 second depending on the operation time (pressing time) of the counting switch 311, and thereafter 50 every 0.5 seconds. Counting the pieces and counting all in 6.0 seconds, so the count amount of the number of balls will be changed according to the operation time of the counting switch 311, the counting time of the number of balls will be an appropriate time, The counting switch 311 has a good feeling of use, is not slow, and does not cause a sense of incongruity such as troublesomeness, so that the number of balls can be counted. Therefore, it is possible to realize an enclosed ball type gaming machine that allows the player to count the number of balls possessed without a sense of incongruity.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A counting operation means capable of operating the counting means by a player's operation is provided,
The counting means includes
A gaming machine, wherein a counting unit (counting amount) of a player's gaming value is changed according to an operation time of the counting operation means.
Here, the counting switch 311 corresponds to a counting operation means capable of operating the counting means by a player's operation.

(2) In the first modification, the number of balls to be held is changed according to the number of balls to be held. That is, when the number of balls is large, the number is counted in a large unit, and when the number of balls is small. Since counting is performed in small units, it is possible to count the number of balls in an appropriate time regardless of whether the number of balls is large or small, and the usability of the counting switch 311 is good, not slow, and troublesome. There is no risk of discomfort, and the number of balls can be counted. Therefore, it is possible to realize an enclosed ball type gaming machine that allows the player to count the number of balls possessed without a sense of incongruity.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A counting operation means capable of operating the counting means by a player's operation is provided,
The counting means includes
A gaming machine characterized by changing a counting unit (counting amount) of a player's gaming value in accordance with the player's gaming value.

(3) In the first modification, the counting amount of the number of held balls is changed according to the operation time (pressing time) of the counting switch 311 and the number of held balls. Specifically, in FIG. As shown, for example, when the number of balls is 1000 or less, 50 is counted in 1.0 second, and then 50 is counted every 0.5 seconds, depending on the operation time of the counting switch 311, and then 6.0 seconds. However, if the number of balls is 1001 to 10,000, 100 is counted every 0.5 seconds, and if the number of balls is 10001 or more, 1000 is counted every 0.5 seconds. The counting time of the number of balls can be an appropriate time, the feeling of use of the counting switch 311 is good, it is not slow, and there is no fear of troublesomeness, and the number of balls can be counted. Therefore, it is possible to realize an enclosed ball type gaming machine that allows the player to count the number of balls possessed without a sense of incongruity.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A counting operation means capable of operating the counting means by a player's operation is provided,
The counting means includes
A gaming machine, wherein a counting unit (counting amount) of a player's game value is changed in accordance with an operation time of the counting operation means and a game value of the player.

(4) In the first modification, the timing of performing unit counting by dividing the pressing time of the counting switch 311 every 0.5 seconds is set as a timing value, and the operation of the counting switch 311 is performed for less than 1 second from the start of the operation of the counting switch 311. Since it is invalid, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the counting switch 311 such as when the counting switch 311 is touched by mistake.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Providing a counting operation control means for controlling the operation of the counting means;
The counting operation control means is
The gaming machine is controlled so as to invalidate the operation of the counting operation means for a predetermined period from the start of operation of the counting operation means.

(5) While the number of balls held is counted by the counting switch 311, the game balls are stopped from being fired. Can be done.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Providing a counting operation control means for controlling the operation of the counting means;
The counting operation control means includes
A gaming machine, wherein the counting operation means is operated and the game value of the player is counted by the counting means, and control is performed so as to stop the firing of the game ball.

(6) In addition, no matter how many balls are held, counting of the number of balls is completed when the pressing time of the counting switch 311 reaches 6.0 seconds. However, the counting time of the number of held balls does not become long, and the player can count the number of held balls without feeling uncomfortable.

Next, various other modified examples of the method for counting the number of balls will be described.
<Modification 2 of the counting method>
In the counting method of the number of balls shown in FIG. 196, the timing value for performing the unit counting by dividing the pressing time of the counting switch 311 every 0.5 seconds is used, but the present invention is not limited to this.
Therefore, as a second modification, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which half of the number of balls is counted 3.0 seconds after the start of the operation of the counting switch 311 and all the numbers of balls are counted after 6.0 seconds.
In this way, the overall balance when counting the number of balls possessed is improved compared to the case of Modification 1, and the player can easily understand the counting.

FIG. 197 (a) is a diagram showing a second modification of the counting method, and particularly shows a counting method of the number of balls.
In FIG. 197 (a), in the second modification, the number of balls held is counted as follows according to the “pressing time” of the count switch 311 and the number of balls held.
・ Pressing time of the counting switch 311 = less than 1 second: Invalid regardless of the range of the number of balls held.
(B) Count less than 1000 balls, count half of the number of balls held (b) Count the number of balls held from 1001 to 10,000, (c) Count the number of balls held (c) 10001 Above, count half of the number of balls held, then every 0.5 seconds:
(B) Counting 3/4 of the number of balls when the number of balls is 1000 or less (b) Counting 3/4 of the number of balls when the number of balls is 1001 to 10,000 (c) If the number is 10001 or more, 3/4 of the number of balls is counted. 6.0 seconds:
(B) Count all balls with 1,000 or less balls (b) Count all balls with 1001 to 10,000 balls (c) Count all balls with 10001 balls or more

As described above, in the second modification, when the operation of the counting switch 311 is started, the counting method is such that the number of held balls is first counted more and the last is easier to leave the number of held balls. However, in order to leave the number of balls held, it is necessary to stop counting the number of balls held 6.0 seconds before.
Modification 2 has the following effects.
(1) In the modified example 2, the number of balls held is counted first, and the last is counted so that the number of balls can be easily left. Therefore, if the counting of balls held is stopped 6.0 seconds before. The game can be played with a small number of balls, which is convenient for the player.
(2) Regardless of whether the number of balls is large or small, the counting method of the number of balls is the same, so that the player can easily understand the counting progress.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Providing a counting operation control means for controlling the operation of the counting means;
The counting operation control means includes
A gaming machine, wherein a predetermined period of operation start of the counting operation means is controlled to count a player's gaming value in a large amount.

<Modification 3 of the counting method>
FIG. 197 (b) is a diagram showing a third modification of the counting method, and particularly shows a counting method of the number of balls.
In FIG. 197 (b), in the third modification, the number of balls held is counted as follows according to the “pressing time” of the count switch 311 and the number of balls held.
・ Pressing time of the counting switch 311 = less than 1 second: invalid regardless of the range of the number of balls possessed.
(B) Counting in units of 100 when the number of balls held is 1,000 or less (b) Counting in units of 1/10 of the number of balls held from 1001 to 10,000 (c) Number of balls held is 10001 The number of balls is counted in units of 1/10 of the number of balls. 6.0 seconds:
(B) Count all balls with 1,000 or less balls (b) Count all balls with 1001 to 10,000 balls (c) Count all balls with 10001 balls or more

As described above, in the third modification, when the operation of the counting switch 311 is started, 1.0 seconds is included, and thereafter, a fixed number of balls corresponding to the number of balls held is counted every 1.0 second as a counting unit. The counting method is such that everything is counted after 6.0 seconds.
Modification 3 has the following effects.
(1) In the modified example 3, since a certain number of balls according to the number of balls is counted as a unit of counting, the flow of counting the number of balls is started little by little. Proceeding at the same rate, the player has the advantage of easy counting.
(2) Since the number of balls is counted little by little, when it is desired to keep the number of balls, a count switch 311 for leaving the number of balls regardless of the number of balls Can be operated easily.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Providing a counting operation control means for controlling the operation of the counting means;
The counting operation control means includes
A gaming machine, wherein a predetermined period of the operation start of the counting operation means is controlled to count a player's gaming value with a small amount.
"Variation of polishing mechanism of embodiment 1"

Next, a modified example of the enclosing ball circulation structure of Example 1 will be described.
FIG. 198 is a diagram showing a modified example of the enclosing ball circulation structure of the first embodiment, and this modified example is obtained by changing the location of the feeding device. .
FIG. 198 is a cross-sectional view showing a circulation path and the like of the game ball in a state where the effect control device 53 and the like are removed from the back mechanism of the pachinko machine 2001.
In FIG. 198, a lower passage 2301, a feeding device 2302, an upper passage 2303, and a bypass passage 304 are provided to constitute a circulation path of game balls, and a ball removal passage 305 is provided on the lower side of the bypass passage 304. Is provided.
For convenience of explanation, the same constituent members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description is omitted. Different constituent members are denoted by the numbers in the 2000s.
The lower passage 2301 has a structure that is inclined by a predetermined angle so that a sphere gently flows through the lower passage 2301 by its own weight, and is bent in the middle and connected to the inlet of the feeding device 2302.
A polishing device 306 is disposed below the lower passage 2301. The polishing device 306 polishes the encapsulated sphere. When the lower switching valve 310 in the middle of the lower passage 2301 is open, the polishing inlet passage as shown by the arrow from the lower passage 2301 through the lower switching valve 310 is used. While the ball flowing in from 319 is conveyed by the conveying screw 320 by the power of the polishing motor 312, the ball is polished by the polishing member 314 (for example, polishing cloth) disposed inside and discharged from the lower outlet 2315. . Note that the sphere discharged from the lower outlet 2315 passes through the lower passage 2301 toward the inlet of the feeding device 2302.

The lower switching valve 310 includes a lower switching solenoid 310S. When the lower switching solenoid 310S is off, the valve body of the lower switching valve 310 does not slide, and the valve body is urged by a spring to close the polishing inlet passage 319. Thus, the sphere is prevented from flowing into the polishing apparatus 306. At this time, the sphere flows from the out passage 331 or the bypass passage 304 through the lower passage 2301, passes through the lower passage 2301 as it is, toward the inlet of the feeding device 2302, and does not flow into the polishing device 306.
In FIG. 198, the symbol “◯” indicates the movement of a game ball (encapsulated ball) together with an arrow.
On the other hand, when the lower switching solenoid 310S is turned on, the valve body of the lower switching valve 310 is sucked and slid by the lower switching solenoid 310S, and the ball in the lower passage 2301 is opened to the polishing device 306 by gravity by opening the polishing inlet passage 319. Operates to flow in. As a result, the sphere that has flowed into the lower passage 2301 from the out passage 331 or the bypass passage 304 is guided to the polishing inlet passage 319 by gravity and flows into the polishing device 306, and the sphere polishing is performed.

The polishing apparatus 306 is provided with a polishing inlet switch 321, a polishing motor switch 322, a polishing cloth motor 323, and a polishing cloth unit switch 324, and these configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
The lower switching valve 310 described above is disposed in the middle of the lower passage 2301, and an out passage 331 through which the out ball and the safe ball pass is opened at a position facing the lower switching valve 310.
A polishing inlet passage 319 is disposed at a position facing the out passage 331, and the lower switching valve 310 is disposed at a position where the polishing inlet passage 319 desires the lower passage 2301. The upstream side of the lower passage 2301 (the right side in FIG. 198) communicates with the bypass passage 304.
Therefore, the ball from the out passage 331 (the ball that goes out of the game board 20 after the game is finished) and the ball from the bypass passage 304 can flow into the lower passage 2301.

Either the sphere that has passed through the lower passage 2301 without flowing into the polishing device 306 or the sphere that has flowed into the polishing device 306 and finished polishing and discharged from the lower outlet 2315 is directed toward the inlet of the feeding device 2302 and fed. The sphere flowing into the device 2302 is detected by the feed inlet switch 2332.
The feeding device 2302 operates the feeding motor 2333 to feed the ball that has passed through the feeding inlet switch 2332, as shown by the arrow, and discharges it to the upper passage 2303 via the feeding outlet switch 2334. The feed outlet switch 2334 detects a ball discharged from the feed device 2302.
In addition, the feeding device 2302 includes a feeding motor switch 2335, and the feeding motor switch 2335 detects the operation of the feeding motor 2333.

The ball discharged to the upper passage 2303 through the feed outlet switch 2334 flows through the upper passage 2303 and is blocked by the upper switching valve 336 when the upper switching valve 336 is closed, and stays in the launching device 37. It is configured to supply spheres. The launcher 37 launches a game ball from the upper part of the game board 20 toward the game area 22.
The upper passage 2303 has a structure that is inclined by a predetermined angle so that the sphere gently flows through the upper passage 2303 by its own weight. In the upper passage 2303, an electromagnet 2341, a second enclosed sphere detection switch 2165 (encapsulated sphere detection 2SW), a first enclosed sphere detection switch 2164 (encapsulated sphere detection 1SW), and a small ball sensor 2342 are arranged.
Here, the functions of the electromagnet 2341, the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 2165, the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 2164, and the small sphere sensor 2342 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, when the feed outlet switch 2334 detects the passage of the ball, the time until the ball passes through the second sealed ball detection switch 2165 without being affected by the electromagnet 2341 after the electromagnet 2341 is turned on for a predetermined time. The former is influenced by the electromagnet 2341 by comparing the time until the electromagnet 2341 is turned on for a predetermined time and the sphere is attracted to the electromagnet 2341 and then passes through the second enclosed sphere detection switch 2165. Therefore, it is determined that the sphere of the normal non-magnetic material, and the latter is an illegal sphere of magnetic material because it is affected by the electromagnet 2341.

Whether the game ball is a regular non-magnetic ball or not is determined by the electromagnet 2341 during a predetermined period when the pachinko machine 2001 is turned on (for example, when the store is opened), as in the first embodiment. . During this predetermined period, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 is sucked, the end of the upper passage 2303 is opened, and the ball of the upper passage 2303 flows into the bypass passage 304. Yes. At this time, the ball removal solenoid 344S does not operate, and the inlet of the ball removal passage 305 is closed by the ball removal valve 344. Further, when the pachinko machine 2001 is turned on, the polishing device 306 is also operated to polish the encapsulated sphere.
Therefore, the enclosing sphere of the upper passage 2303 circulates along a route that returns to the upper passage 2303 again via the bypass passage 304, the lower passage 2301, the polishing device 306, and the feeding device 2302. In the process of the ball circulating in such a circulation path, the electromagnet 2341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD to determine whether or not the game ball is a normal non-magnetic ball.

In this case, if the game ball is a regular non-magnetic ball, it is not attracted when the electromagnet 2341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, so that the ball discharged through the feed outlet switch 2334 and discharged into the upper passage 2303 Since the time until it passes through the second enclosed ball detection switch 2165 is shorter than the predetermined time TD, it can be determined that the ball is a normal non-magnetic sphere. Here, the predetermined time TD is set to be slightly longer than the time from when the normal non-magnetic sphere passes through the lifting outlet switch 2334 until it passes through the second enclosed ball detection switch 2165.
On the other hand, if the game ball is an illegal magnetic ball, it is attracted when the electromagnet 2341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, so that the ball passed through the feed outlet switch 2334 and discharged into the upper passage 2303 is the first. Since the time until it passes through the 2-enclosed ball detection switch 2165 becomes longer than the predetermined time TD, it can be determined that the ball is an illegal magnetic body.
Therefore, when the electromagnet 2341 is turned on for a predetermined time TD, the time until the ball passing through the feed outlet switch 2334 and discharged to the upper passage 2303 passes the second enclosed ball detection switch 2165 is set to the predetermined time TD. If exceeded, the payout control device 230 determines that the ball is an illegal magnetic body, turns on the ball removal solenoid 344S, opens the end of the bypass passage 304 by the ball removal valve 344, and is in the bypass passage 304. The sphere is caused to flow into the ball removal passage 305 and collected in the collection box 345.

In addition, a replenishment box portion 2343 is connected to the upper passage 2303 between the feed outlet switch 2334 and the second enclosed ball detection switch 2165, and the replenishment box portion 2343 replenishes the upper passage 2303 with a new game ball. Is possible.
It should be noted that if the ball feeding inlet switch 2332 does not detect a ball passing through the rod feeding inlet switch 2332 for a certain period of time or more when the polishing apparatus 306 is operating, it is determined that there is an abnormality such as a clogged ball in the polishing apparatus 306. You may make it avoid that the grinding motor 312 of 306 continues rotating.

Here, the balls fed by the feeding device 2302 and discharged to the upper passage 2303 through the feeding outlet switch 2334 (or the balls supplied from the supply box portion 2343 and discharged to the upper passage 2303) Since the passage 2303 has a structure that is inclined by a predetermined angle, the momentum of the sphere flowing down is reduced, and the sphere slowly flows down. Then, the first enclosing ball detection switch 2164 (enclosed sphere detection 1SW), the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 2165 (encapsulated sphere detection 2SW), and the small ball sensor 2342 are sequentially arranged by the dead weight of the sphere flowing into the upper passage 2303. The upper switching valve 336 that passes through the upper passage 2303 that is normally closed (when the ball is not removed) is blocked by the upper switching valve 336 and guided toward the launching device 37 from the launching device 37 to the upper part of the game board 20. Fired towards.
The upper switching valve 336 includes an upper switching solenoid 336S. When the upper switching solenoid 336S is off, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 does not slide, and the valve body is urged by a spring so that the upper passage 2303 The end portion (communication portion with the bypass passage 304) is closed so that the sphere does not flow into the bypass passage 304. At this time, the sphere is guided from the upper passage 2303 toward the launching device 37 and is prevented from flowing into the bypass passage 304.
On the other hand, when the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 is sucked and slid by the upper switching solenoid 336S, and an end portion (communication portion with the bypass passage 304) of the upper passage 2303 is opened to open the upper passage. The sphere at 2303 is operated to flow into the bypass passage 304 by gravity. Thereby, the sphere of the upper passage 2303 is guided to the bypass passage 304 by gravity and is not supplied to the launching device 37.
The operation of the upper switching solenoid 336S is performed by operating the ball removal switch 183 of the dispensing control device 230. When the ball removal switch 183 is turned on, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on and the upper passage 303 is operated. The sphere of the upper passage 2303 is made to flow into the bypass passage 304.

A ball removal valve 344 is provided below the bypass passage 304. The ball removal valve 344 includes a ball removal solenoid 344S. When the ball removal solenoid 344S is off, the valve body of the ball removal valve 344 does not slide, and the valve body is urged by a spring so that the end of the bypass passage 304 is provided. The (communication portion with the ball passage 305) is closed so that the ball does not flow into the ball passage 305. At this time, the sphere is guided from the bypass passage 304 toward the lower passage 2301 and is prevented from flowing into the ball removal passage 305.
On the other hand, when the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on, the valve body of the ball removal valve 344 is sucked and slid by the ball removal solenoid 344S, and the end of the bypass passage 304 (the communication portion with the ball removal passage 305) is opened and bypassed. The sphere in the passage 304 is operated so as to flow into the sphere removal passage 305 by gravity. As a result, the sphere in the bypass passage 304 is guided to the ball removal passage 305 by gravity and does not flow into the lower passage 2301.
Then, the balls guided from the bypass passage 304 to the ball removal passage 305 are collected in the collection box 345.
The bypass passage 304 is formed in a spiral shape in order to relieve the falling pressure of the game ball.

The operation of the ball removal solenoid 344S is performed by operating the ball removal switch 183 of the payout control device 230. When the ball removal switch 183 is turned on, the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on and the bypass passage 304 is operated. The end portion of the bypass passage 304 is opened and the ball of the bypass passage 304 is caused to flow into the ball removal passage 305 to be collected in the collection box 345.
As described above, when the ball removal switch 183 is turned on, the upper switching solenoid 336S is also turned on. Therefore, both the upper switching solenoid 336S and the ball removal solenoid 344S are turned on by the turning-on operation of the ball removal switch 183.
This is because, when the clerk performs the ball removal of the encapsulated ball, when the store clerk turns on the ball removal switch 183, both the upper switching solenoid 336S and the ball removal solenoid 344S are turned on, and the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on to turn on the upper passage. The ball 2303 flows into the bypass passage 304, and the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on, whereby the ball in the bypass passage 304 flows into the ball removal passage 305 and is collected in the collection box 345 through the ball removal passage 305. doing.
For example, in the case of replacing the enclosed ball that has been used for a long time, the store clerk operates the ball removal switch 183 so that the enclosed ball passes from the upper passage 2303 through the bypass passage 304 and passes through the ball removal passage 305 as described above. 345 will be collected. In addition, when an irregular sphere (non-magnetic sphere or small sphere smaller than a regular sphere) is detected, the ball is automatically removed and the encapsulated sphere is collected in the collection box 345.

Now, returning to the description of the small ball sensor 2342 arranged in the upper passage 2303, the small ball sensor 2342 is provided to determine whether or not the size of the game ball is smaller than the regular one. The sphere sensor 2342 detects a regular sphere (eg, diameter = 11 mm) (detection signal is on), but does not detect a small sphere smaller than the regular one (eg, diameter = 10.5 mm or less) (the detection signal is off). As it is). In addition, the small ball sensor 2342 is disposed adjacent to the first enclosed ball detection switch 2164.
The small ball sensor 2342 determines whether or not the game ball is a regular ball during a predetermined period when the pachinko machine 2001 is turned on (for example, when the store is opened). Further, when the pachinko machine 2001 is turned on, the polishing device 306 is also operated to polish the encapsulated sphere.
During the predetermined period, the upper switching solenoid 336S is turned on, the valve body of the upper switching valve 336 is sucked, the end of the upper passage 2303 is opened, and the ball of the upper passage 2303 flows into the bypass passage 304. Yes. At this time, the ball removal solenoid 344S does not operate, and the inlet of the ball removal passage 305 is closed by the ball removal valve 344.
Therefore, the encapsulated sphere of the upper passage 2303 circulates along a path in which the upper passage 2303 returns through the bypass passage 304, the lower passage 2301, and the feeding device 2302. In the process of the ball circulating in such a circulation path, the small ball sensor 2342 determines whether or not the game ball is a regular ball.

In this case, if the game ball is a regular ball, the small ball sensor 2342 is turned on within a predetermined period (for example, see FIG. 187 (T22)) after the first enclosed ball detection switch 2164 is turned on. This is because the time until the sphere passing through the feed outlet switch 2334 and discharged into the upper passage 2303 passes through the first enclosed sphere detection switch 2164 and then passes through the small ball sensor 2342 is substantially constant. This is because the predetermined time T21 (see, for example, FIG. 187) is reached.
On the other hand, when the game ball is an abnormal ball (small ball), the small ball sensor 2342 is not turned on within a predetermined period (for example, see FIG. 187 (T22)) after the first enclosed ball detection switch 2164 is turned on. This is because the small ball sensor 2342 is an abnormal ball even if the ball passed through the feed outlet switch 2334 and discharged to the upper passage 2303 passes through the first enclosed ball detection switch 2164 and then passes through the small ball sensor 2342. This is because the (small sphere) is not detected and the detection signal is not turned on. Therefore, when a game ball is flowing through the upper passage 2303, the small ball sensor 2342 is not turned on within a predetermined period (for example, see FIG. 187 (T22)) after the first enclosed ball detection switch 2164 is turned on. When the payout control device 230 determines that the ball is a wrong ball (small ball), and determines that the ball is a wrong ball (small ball), the ball removal solenoid 344S is turned on, and the end of the bypass passage 304 is opened by the ball removal valve 344 and bypassed. The balls in the passage 304 are caused to flow into the ball removal passage 305 and collected in the collection box 345.
The operation of turning on the ball removal solenoid 344S and opening the end of the bypass passage 304 with the ball removal valve 344 and causing the ball in the bypass passage 304 to flow into the ball removal passage 305 is referred to as “ball removal”. It may be said that the ball removal solenoid 344S of the valve 344 is switched to the ball removal side to remove the enclosed ball.

Next, the collection of the balls that have been played on the game board 20 will be described. In the launching device 37, the balls supplied from the upper passage 2303 are sent one by one to the launch position by the ball feed solenoid 172 (see FIG. 6). The game is fired from the upper part of the board 20 toward the game area 22 by a firing solenoid 173 (see FIG. 6). In addition, since the launching device 37 directly launches a ball from the upper part of the game board 20 toward the game area 22, there is no generation of a foul ball.
The ball launched toward the game area 22 passes through the game area 22 to generate a game result, and is collected from the game board 20 to the outside (here, outboard).
At this time, the ball that won the first start winning opening is detected by the first start opening switch 120, and the ball that won the first starting winning opening is detected by the second start opening switch 121, The ball that won the first big prize opening 27a is detected by the lower count switch 124, the ball that won the second big prize opening 34a of the second variable prize winning device 34 is detected by the upper count switch 125, and the general prize opening 28 Balls that have won in .about.31 are detected by prize opening switches 123a-123d. The switches 120 to 123a to 123d, 124, and 125 are arranged on the back side of the game board 20.
In addition, a first safe ball detection switch 162 and a second safe ball detection switch 163 are disposed on the left and right of the back side of the game board 20 in the frame part on the back side of the game board 20, and these switches 162, 163 are Only safe balls of the game board 20 are detected (out balls are not detected). However, the safe ball of which winning opening is detected depends on the behavior of the sphere because the first safe sphere detection switch 162 and the second safe sphere detection switch 163 are arranged on the left and right, but the first safe sphere detection The sum of the spheres detected by the switch 162 and the second safe sphere detection switch 163 matches the total sum of the safe spheres.

On the other hand, the game result is not safe and the ball that is out (out ball) is detected by the out ball detection switch 161 and flows into the out passage 331. Similarly, the out ball detection switch 161 is arranged on the back side of the game board 20. Then, the safe balls and the out balls that have finished the game on the game board 22 are collected in the out passage 331 as the collected balls and discharged to the lower passage 2301.
Therefore, the spheres collected in the out passage 331 are spheres having an out number which is a concept including a safe (winning) sphere and an out (out) sphere, and the sphere having the out number passes through the game area 22. It is a ball (collected ball) that generates a game result and is collected from the gaming board 20 to the outside (here, outside (out): not outside the gaming machine). That is, the number of outs is calculated by the total number (recovered spheres) obtained by the three sensors “out ball detection switch 161 + first safe ball detection switch 162 + second safe ball detection switch 163”.
Then, the above-mentioned recovered balls normally flow into the polishing device 306 from the lower passage 2301 and are polished, and are then fed up by the feeding device 2302 and pass through the upper passage 2303 to the launching device 37. Return. In addition, when the polishing apparatus 306 is abnormal, the lower switching solenoid 310S of the lower switching valve 310 does not operate, the lower switching valve 310 closes the polishing inlet passage 319 so that the balls do not flow into the polishing apparatus 306, As it is, it passes through the lower passage 2301 toward the inlet of the feeding device 2302 and does not flow into the polishing device 306.

Next, an appropriate range of the number of encapsulated balls will be described.
The first enclosed sphere detection switch 2164 is provided to detect a sphere located at a position lower than the second enclosed sphere detection switch 2165 on the relatively downstream side of the upper passage 2303. On the other hand, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 2165 is a sphere located higher than the first encapsulated ball detection switch 2164 on the relatively upstream side of the upper passage 2303 (upstream side of the first encapsulated ball detection switch 2164). It is provided to detect. The first enclosed ball detection switch 2164 is a sensor that detects the lower limit of the number of balls enclosed as a game ball, and the second enclosed ball detection switch 2165 detects the upper limit of the number of balls enclosed as a game ball. It is a sensor. This is because it is necessary to encapsulate the balls in the pachinko machine 2001 without excess or deficiency, and check that the current number of encapsulated balls is more than the minimum and less than the maximum, respectively. It is provided to confirm that there are encapsulated balls.
The upper passage 2303 is formed in a structure bent at the front side of the first enclosed ball detection switch 2164, and the upper passage 2303 at the downstream side of the bent structure, that is, the downstream side of the first enclosed ball detection switch 2164 is a sphere. It has a function as a feed channel, and the enclosing balls are arranged one by one.
The upper passage 2303 may or may not be provided as an integral flow path including the ball feed flow path.

Of the circulation path through which the enclosing sphere circulates, the upper passage 2303 is inclined downward or downward toward the vicinity of the launch position as shown in FIG. 198 with the vicinity of the launch position of the launch device 37 being the lowest position. The first enclosed ball detection switch 2164 is arranged so as to detect the game ball at the first position in the upper passage 2303, and the second enclosed ball detection switch 2165 is more than the first position in the upper passage 2303. It arrange | positions so that the game ball in the 2nd position of an upstream may be detected.
Here, the first position indicates that the most upstream game ball is stored in the upper passage 2303 when the number of game balls is stored in the upper passage 2303 by the minimum value within the appropriate range of the number of enclosed balls (the number of enclosed game balls). The position is detected by the 1 enclosing ball detection switch 2164. In addition, the second position is such that when a number of game balls exceeding the appropriate range of the number of encapsulated balls are accumulated in the upper passage 2303, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 2165 detects the game ball, When a maximum number of game balls are stored in the upper passage 2303, the second enclosing ball detection switch 2165 is set to a position where no game ball is detected.

In addition, at least a part (preferably the whole) of the above-mentioned upper passage 2303 among the flow path of the encapsulated ball to be circulated can visually recognize the game ball inside from the outside (at least from the back side of the pachinko machine 2001). It has become. Thereby, the state of the flow of the sphere in the upper passage 2303, the presence or absence of the occurrence of clogging, and the state of the number of encapsulated spheres can be visually confirmed. For example, the flow path of the encapsulated sphere (upper passage 2303) is made of a transparent or translucent member, or an internal viewing opening (a thin slit, a plurality of minute holes, etc.) with a size that prevents the sphere from flowing out. ) Is formed of a predetermined number of members, so that the internal sphere can be visually recognized from the back side of the pachinko machine 2001.
Although detailed illustration is omitted, for example, by configuring the entire back wall of the upper passage 2303 with a transparent member, the entire interior of the upper passage 2303 may be visible as shown in FIG. Preferably, at least in the upper passage 2303, an internal sphere can be visually recognized from the outside, whereby the number of enclosed spheres can be visually confirmed. In addition, a mark may be formed near the upper passage 2303 so that an accurate determination as to whether or not the number of encapsulated balls is appropriate can be made by this visual check. For example, marks (indicating signs: for example, inverted triangular marks in FIG. 198) 2346 may be formed near the upper passage 2303 at a predetermined number of 30 positions of the enclosing sphere. In this way, when a sphere is added when the encapsulated sphere is insufficient, it is easy to understand because it is sufficient to add up to the mark 2346. Also, in the case of an excessive number of encapsulated spheres, it is easy to understand because it is sufficient to pass through the sphere to this mark 2346.

In the configuration of FIG. 198 described above, the state where the encapsulated ball is dropped into the game area 1022 and does not flow into the polishing apparatus 306 is the upper passage 2303, the firing device 37, the game area 22, the out passage 331, the lower passage 2301, and the feeding device. The enclosed ball circulates through a path 2302 and an upper passage 2303, and a game is played. The state in which the encapsulated ball falls while playing a game game and circulates through the above path without polishing the encapsulated ball is called “in encapsulated ball game circulation”.
On the other hand, if the encapsulated ball is polished during the game with the encapsulated ball, the encapsulated ball is dropped into the game area 22 and flows into the polishing device 306 to polish the ball, and the route is an upper passage. 2303, the launching device 37, the game area 22, the out passage 331, the lower passage 2301, and the encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 306 from the lower passage 2301 through the lower switching valve 310, and then the sphere is polished. The route passes through the lower passage 2301 by the feeding device 2302 and reaches the upper passage 2303, and the game is played while circulating the encapsulated ball. A state in which the encapsulated ball falls while playing a game game and circulates through the path while polishing the encapsulated ball is referred to as “encapsulated ball polishing game circulation”.
In the modification of the first embodiment, as in the first embodiment, polishing of the encapsulated sphere is based on polishing not only during power-on but also during normal games. This is to polish the encapsulated sphere well, and the encapsulated sphere is polished while being circulated during the game.
The reason for polishing the encapsulated sphere even when the power is turned on is to polish the encapsulated sphere once a day even on a stand that is not in operation. That is, in the modified example of the first embodiment, when the encapsulated sphere is caused to flow into the polishing apparatus 306 without passing through the game area 22 and the sphere is circulated, such as when the power of the pachinko machine 2001 is turned on, the upper passage 2303 is bypassed. The encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 306 from the lower passage 2301 through the lower switching valve 310 through the passage 304 and the lower passage 2301, and the sphere is polished, and then passes through the lower passage 2301 and is fed by the feeding device 2302. The encapsulated sphere circulates along a route that is sent to the upper passage 2303. The state where the encapsulated sphere does not play a game game and circulates the above path while polishing the encapsulated sphere is called “encapsulated sphere polishing / circulating”.

As described above, in the modified example of the first embodiment, the arrangement location of the feeding device 2302 is changed. As in the first embodiment, the encapsulated sphere is polished during a predetermined period when the power is turned on. During the game game, the encapsulated sphere is also polished.
Similarly to the first embodiment, small spheres and magnetic spheres smaller than regular spheres are detected as illegal spheres. When an illegal sphere is detected, the spheres can be automatically removed and collected. Security can be improved in the same manner as in the first example.
Furthermore, according to the modification of the first embodiment, when selecting the placement location of the feeding device 2302, the degree of freedom of the selection location can be increased. Moreover, according to the structure of FIG. 198, the upper part and left side part of the back surface of a pachinko machine can be utilized effectively.
"Example 2"

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The second embodiment relates to the operation of the number-of-balls display mode in the number-of-balls display 40, and corresponds to an operation example when a foul ball is generated.
The flowchart of the second embodiment will be described using “step H” as the step number.
Here, the configuration of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the following parts, and the other parts are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the member numbers are the same as those in the first embodiment.
(A) The game ball launching device is arranged below the game board 20 on the frame side.
Here, in the first embodiment, since the game ball launching device 37 is arranged on the upper side of the game board 20, the ball is launched directly from the launching device 37 toward the game area 22 and all the balls are placed. There is no foul ball that generates a gaming machine result (safe or out) and becomes a foul without being fired on the game board 22.
On the other hand, in Example 2, a foul sphere exists. That is, in the second embodiment, the game ball launched toward the game area 22 by the operation of the firing solenoid (not shown) in the launching device (not shown) arranged below the game board 20 is dropped while being dropped from above. Alternatively, a safe judgment (determination of whether or not a prize has been won) is made, and the ball that has been fouled has not reached the gaming area 22 although it has been launched into the gaming area 22, and therefore, without causing a game result, circulation It is configured to return to the device. The foul sphere is detected by a foul sphere detection switch (not shown).
(B) In the flowchart of the payout control device 230, the contents of the switch monitoring process and the foul ball detection switch monitoring process are different.

Next, the flowchart presented in (b) above will be described.
[Switch monitoring processing]
First, the switch monitoring process in the timer interrupt process of the payout control device 230 will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, first, the launch ball detection switch monitoring process is performed in step H101, then the foul ball detection switch monitoring process is performed in step H102, and then the out ball detection switch monitoring process is performed in step H103. Next, a count switch monitoring process is executed in step H104, and further, a count ball use switch monitoring process is executed in step H105, and then the process returns.

[Foul ball detection switch monitoring process]
Next, the foul ball detection switch monitoring process H102 in the switch monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step H121 whether or not an input has been made to the foul ball detection switch (that is, a foul ball has been detected). If there is an input, the process proceeds to step H122, where the value of the number of possessed balls is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and the updated number of retained balls is updated (incremented) by “+1” in the next step H123. Here, since it is a foul sphere, one sphere is collected and one is added to the updated number of possessed balls. As a result, the number of updated possessed balls is incremented by “1” corresponding to the foul ball.

Next, the process proceeds to step H124, and the value of the number of board balls is updated (decremented) by “−1”.
According to the routine from step H121 to step H124, each time one foul ball (a game ball that has been launched but has not reached the game area) is collected, the number of board balls is decremented by one, and the number of balls held Is added. The reason for adding the number of balls is because it was a foul, so that there was no fire so as not to lose the player.
Next, the process proceeds to step H125, and the number-of-balls-displaying light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”. In step H126, “+1” is saved in the display-based updated number-of-balls storage area corresponding to the light counter. This is because it is necessary to display the change in the number of balls that accompanies the foul of the ball on the ball number display 40, so that the value of the ball number display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1” and advanced. “+1” associated with the foul of the sphere is stored in the display updated possession ball number storage area corresponding to the advanced light counter, and the stored “+1” is added to the display possession ball number to display the updated possession ball number To do.
That is, every time one foul ball is collected, it is necessary to increment the number of possessed balls. Therefore, the value of the display updated retained ball number storage area is updated (incremented) by “+1”, and the number of retained balls This is because one display 40 is added and displayed. As a result, the number of held balls is incremented by “1” corresponding to the foul ball, and the display of the held ball number display 40 is updated.
In the second embodiment, the above-described switch monitoring process and foul ball detection switch monitoring process are executed, and others are executed by executing related flowcharts (similar to the first embodiment) such as the timer interruption process of the payout control device 230. Then, display update control of the number-of-balls display 40 is performed.

Next, the display update control operation of the number-of-balls display 40 in the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 201 is a timing chart illustrating display update control of the number of balls in the second embodiment.
In FIG. 201, the number of balls held changes in the following cases.
(A) The number of possessed balls decreases by 1 when the game ball is launched. (B) When the foul ball is reached, the number of possessed balls is incremented by 1 (that is, when the foul ball is decremented by 1 but when it becomes a foul ball, 1 is added, After all, return to the original)
(C) If there is a number of winning balls associated with winning a prize, it is added to the number of balls held. The number of winning balls associated with winning a prize is as follows. In the second embodiment, the case where there is one large winning opening is taken as an example. However, as in the first embodiment, there may be two large winning openings.
・ Large prize opening 27a = 13 ・ Starting prize opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting prize opening 26 (Fuden) = 1 piece ・ General prize opening 28-31 = 10 pieces

Now, when a game ball is being fired to the game area 22 at a rate of approximately 100 shots per minute, this situation is shown in FIG.
Now, when one game ball is fired when the number of held balls = 11 and the display of the held ball number display 40 is “11” under the control of the payout control device 230, Although the number of balls held is reduced by one when the game ball is launched, the number of balls held in the internal memory (RAM 233 of the payout controller 230) is updated (more precisely, the memory of the number of balls held is updated, but here In this case, the number of balls held is immediately updated (in real time), and the number of balls held immediately becomes “10” (in FIG. 201, the internal memory (RAM 233) is almost simultaneously with the launch of the ball. Since the number of possessed balls has been updated, the memory number “10” is displayed).
On the other hand, display update of the number-of-balls display 40 (the update control of the number of balls when the player's number of balls is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 by the payout controller 230. Hereinafter, the number of balls held is simply This is called display update of the display 40). Is not performed immediately, but at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 201, the display on the number-of-balls display 40 is updated to “10” 0.3 seconds after the game ball is launched.

The time of 0.3 seconds corresponds to half of the time required for launching a game ball into the game area 22 at a rate of 100 shots per minute. As described above, since the number of game balls fired by operating the firing operation handle 11 is defined as 100 shots per minute according to a predetermined rule, the firing control circuit 236 controls the ball feed solenoid 172. Therefore, it is derived from the fact that it is within the range of 100 shots / minute (approximately one ball fired in 0.6 seconds (s)).
Here, for example, when a big hit has occurred, with the launch of one game ball as described above, one wins the big winning opening 27a and the number of winning balls = 13 occurs, and more continuously. When one game ball is fired and one wins continuously to the big prize opening 27a and the number of winning balls = 13 occurs, the number of balls held in the internal memory (RAM 233) is immediately updated. The stored number of balls is immediately “9” (in FIG. 201, “subtract one shot” is displayed).
Then, when the above-mentioned two fired balls continuously win the big prize opening 27a and the number of winning balls = 13 occurs twice, the number of balls having 13 winning balls is stored in the internal memory (RAM 233). Immediately add to the stored number “9” and immediately update the number of possessed balls as “22”. Immediately thereafter, the number of 13 winning balls is immediately added to the retained number of stored balls “22” to obtain “35”. ”Immediately update the number of balls.

On the other hand, the display update of the number-of-balls display 40 is not immediately performed even when two shot balls continuously win the big winning opening 27a and the number of winning balls = 13 occurs twice. The update timing is an interval of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 201, the display on the number-of-balls display 40 is updated to “9” 0.3 seconds after the second game ball is fired.
Thereafter, the number of winning balls = 13 accompanying the winning at the first big winning opening 27a is added to the number of balls held, the display of the number of balls holding display 40 is updated, and the display of the number of balls holding display 40 is displayed. Is updated to “22” (9 + 13).
Next, 0.3 seconds later, the number of winning balls = 13 accompanying the winning at the second big winning opening 27a is added to the number of holding balls, and the display of the holding ball number display 40 is updated. The display on the ball number display 40 is updated to “35” (22 + 13).

Next, when one game ball is fired, the number of balls held is reduced by one when the game ball is fired, so the number of balls held in the internal memory (RAM 233) is updated immediately, and the number of balls held Is immediately stored as “34” (35-1). On the other hand, the display update of the number-of-balls indicator 40 is not performed immediately, but is performed at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). The display on the display 40 is updated to “34”.
Next, when one more game ball is fired, the number of balls held is reduced by one when the game ball is fired, so the number of balls held in the internal memory (RAM 233) is updated immediately, The number is immediately stored as “33” (34-1). On the other hand, the display update of the number-of-balls indicator 40 is not performed immediately, but is performed at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). The display on the display 40 is updated to “33”.

By the way, when the above-mentioned launch ball has become a foul ball, it is necessary to return to the number of balls held, but one is added to the number of balls held, since one has been subtracted by firing, After all, it will return to the original number of balls. Therefore, the number of balls held in the internal memory (RAM 233) for dealing with the foul ball is immediately updated when it is determined that the ball is a foul ball, and the number of held balls is immediately stored as “34” (33 + 1). . On the other hand, the display update of the number-of-balls indicator 40 is performed at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds), but the time point at which it is determined that the ball is a foul ball has already increased by 0.3 from the previous update interval. Since the second has passed, only in this case, the display of the number of possessed balls is immediately performed, so that the display of the number of possessed balls display 40 is updated to “34” (33 + 1).
Next, when the number of balls held becomes 34 by fouling, when the next game ball is fired, it is necessary to subtract one by the number of balls held, so the number of balls held in the internal memory (RAM 233) The number is updated immediately, and the number of balls held is immediately “33” (34-1). On the other hand, the display update of the number-of-balls indicator 40 is 0.3 seconds after the number of balls held becomes 34 due to the foul, so it is held corresponding to one subtraction (“−1”) by firing. The display on the ball number display 40 is updated to “33”. Note that the next display of “33” on the number-of-balls display 40 has no change in the number of balls held, so there is no need to update after 0.3 seconds, so the display of “33” is maintained as it is. It shows the state of being.

Thus, during the progress of the game game, the RAM 233 as the internal memory of the payout control device 230 stores the change in the number of balls of the player, and subtracts the fired ball, adds the number of prize balls, In the case where the number of balls held by the player is updated and stored in real time by repeatedly adding the foul balls, while the number-of-balls display 40 displays the number of balls held by the player The update of the number of balls is different from the case where the RAM 233 updates and stores the number of balls in real time, and the updated number of balls is displayed at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). To be controlled. This predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds) is approximately half the time of the continuous launch interval (0.6 seconds) of game balls.
Therefore, even if there are consecutive wins, the updated number of balls on the number-of-balls display 40 is updated at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 0.3 seconds). A margin for sufficiently recognizing the display content of the ball number display 40 is created, and the player can easily recognize that the number of balls held has been updated in response to winning.
"Example 3"

Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, both the number of balls held and the counting balls are managed by the payout control device 230 and data is stored, and the card unit 15 is periodically (for example, 200 ms) information on the number of balls held and the counting balls. And a recovery process for matching data between the card unit 15 and the payout control device 230 when a communication error occurs.
On the other hand, the third embodiment is not configured to perform recovery processing, but has the following configuration.
That is, in the third embodiment, various types of game information including the number of balls held and the number of counted balls are periodically transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15 (for example, every 200 ms). As for the number of spheres, the real number at that time is transmitted instead of the change amount.
Therefore, with such a configuration, it is not necessary to take measures against data loss, and the number of balls possessed and the number of counted balls can be accurately transmitted to the card unit 15 and the reliability of data can be improved.
By the way, with respect to the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls, when these changes (that is, the updated number of possessed balls and the updated counted number of balls) are transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15, the data is lost. In this case, the number of balls held and the number of balls counted on the card unit 15 side are not accurately updated, and the reliability of data is lowered. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures against data loss, and the control becomes complicated.
On the other hand, the third embodiment has an advantage that it is not necessary to take measures against data loss because the actual number at that time is transmitted for the number of balls held and the number of balls counted.
Example 4

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Although different from the first embodiment, the operation display device 7 managed by the card unit 15 may be connected to the effect control device 53 of the pachinko machine 1 so that the effect control device 53 controls partly. For example, model information is displayed using the message / operation area unit 706 of the operation display device 7 or buttons for effects are displayed at a predetermined timing, and this operation information is input to the effect control device 53 to produce effects ( It may be used for character selection).
Therefore, a configuration example of the above modification will be described below as a fourth embodiment.
In the fourth embodiment, the operation display device 7 is connected to the effect control device 53 of the pachinko machine 1 as described above, and the effect control device 53 partially controls the operation display device 7. Therefore, the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the part related to the operation of the operation display device 7, and has the following configuration and a specific effect. For convenience of explanation, the member numbers are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the explanation is advanced.

The pachinko machine 1 (enclosed ball game machine) according to the fourth embodiment includes a display device 41 (first display device) managed by the production control device 53 (game machine: pachinko machine 1) and at least the card unit 15 manages. The operation display device 7 (second display device) that controls a part of the operation display device 7 that is managed by the card unit 15 is connected to the effect control device 53 of the pachinko machine 1, and the effect control device 53 operates. In this configuration, part of the operation of the display device 7 is controlled.
Therefore, the switch button 707 is arranged on the operation display device 7, and the operation display device 7 displays other information such as a special game in addition to displaying information related to the ball rental controlled by the card unit 15 by operating the switch button 707. It is configured to be able to be displayed on the operation display device 7 by obtaining from the effect control device 53 the effect assisting information such as the character introduction that appears.
Further, similarly to the first embodiment, a push button type effect operation switch 9 operated by the player and a touch type operation display device 7 (touch panel) are provided.
Therefore, there are the following effects regarding the game game.
(1) While the special device game is produced on the display device 41, other information (eg, production assistance information such as character introductions appearing in the special game) is sent to the information sent from the production control device 53. Based on this, it can be displayed on the operation display device 7, and a variety of effects that are easy to understand for the player can be displayed, thereby enhancing the interest of the game.

This background will be described.
For gaming machines that display with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, for example, display symbol variation and display game descriptions, display various characters, and select effects for the player using push buttons. The screen to be displayed is displayed.
However, when various displays as described above are performed on one display device, symbol variation display, game description, character appearance, and the like are mixed and the display is difficult for the player to understand.

A specific example is as follows.
For example, there is a gaming machine in which a plurality of operation buttons for performance are provided to change the performance.
However, in such a case, if the roles and operation methods of the plurality of operation buttons are difficult to understand, there is a risk that the interest of the game may be reduced.
In another gaming machine, for example, there are a plurality of push buttons for production, or a combination with a cross key is used for production to cope with various productions.
However, in such a case, the operation is complicated and difficult to understand for the player. Therefore, countermeasures are necessary.

In addition, there is a gaming machine in which a touch panel (a configuration in which a touch sensor is arranged) is provided in an area corresponding to the center of the gaming board (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-16292).
However, in the case of such a gaming machine, the player touches the glass part with a finger, so that there is a problem that the glass part is conspicuous. On the amusement hall side, the conspicuous part of the gaming machine is dirty, so it is necessary to clean the glass part frequently and is troublesome.
The present embodiment can solve the above problems.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A first display device managed by the gaming machine;
A second display device that controls at least a part managed by the card unit, and a gaming machine comprising:
The second display device is configured to be capable of displaying production assistance information in addition to displaying information related to ball rental controlled by the card unit.

The inventive concept of the above configuration when applied to an enclosed ball type gaming machine is expressed as follows.
A game control device that can enclose a predetermined number of game balls in a gaming machine main body and launch the enclosed game balls into a gaming area to perform a game and manage the progress of the gaming machine With
The game control device determines whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or any other state, and in the case of a predetermined profit state, the player's profit is increased in correspondence with a predetermined number of prize balls. Let
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine that plays the game by circulating the enclosed game ball by collecting the game ball that has passed through the game area and guiding it to the launch position,
A first display device managed by the gaming machine;
A second display device that controls at least a part managed by the card unit,
The second display device is configured to be capable of displaying production assistance information in addition to displaying information related to ball rental controlled by the card unit.

(2) Since the push button type operation switch 9 operated by the player and the touch type operation display device 7 (touch panel) are provided, and the switching button 707 is arranged on the operation display device 7, an effect for the player is provided. Can be widened.
For example, the effect operation switch 9 displays on the display device 41 a display that prompts the player to make repeated hits in accordance with the contents of the effect screen of the display device 41, so that the player repeatedly presses the effect operation switch 9 to play the game. On the other hand, the switch button 707 arranged on the operation display device 7 is used to select the display of the model name, the game description, etc., so that it can be switched between the production operation switch 9 for continuous hitting and selection. The buttons 707 can be used separately, and the range of production is expanded.
Further, the use of the effect operation switch 9 and the switch button 707 and the various buttons for effect on the operation display device 7 are differently used for continuous hitting and selection, thereby expanding the degree of freedom of the effect.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A first production operation unit and a second production operation unit operated by a player;
The gaming machine, wherein the second performance operation unit is arranged on the second display device.
Here, the production operation switch 9 constitutes a first production operation unit, and the operation display device 7 (including various touch panel buttons) constitutes a second production operation unit.
Further, focusing on the structure, the inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The first performance operation unit is composed of a mechanical push button that can be pressed by the player,
The gaming machine characterized in that the second performance operation unit is configured by a liquid crystal display with a touch panel that can be operated by a player touching with a finger.

(3) The operation display device 7 that can be operated by the player and also used as a production operation unit (touch panel) is disposed on the lower panel 6 below the glass frame 5. That is, if it is a normal gaming machine other than the enclosed ball type gaming machine, the operation display device 7 is arranged on the same member as the member provided with the upper plate of the front frame, and the operation display device 7 is not arranged on the glass frame. It is a configuration. Therefore, there are the following effects.
Since the operation display device 7 that is also used as a production operation unit (touch panel) is not provided in the vicinity of the display device 41 (this corresponds to the department of the glass frame 5), it is usually in a prominent place like the glass frame 5. Is not touched by the player, so that the glass frame 5 is not soiled and the cleaning work on the game hall side can be reduced.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A gaming machine characterized in that the second performance operating unit operated by the player is provided on a lower panel below the glass frame.
Here, the operation display device 7 constitutes a second effect operation unit.
"Example 5"

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fifth embodiment, the polishing control device 3059 inputs information to the game control device 3054 (main board) and the payout control device 3230 (for example, information input such as signal input, data input, command input). A configuration (so-called “sub-configuration”) in which the polishing device 3056 is operated by simply instructing from the game control device 3054 (main board) or the payout control device 3230 to polish the encapsulated sphere without performing anything at all. This is an example (see FIGS. 202A and 202B for details).
The flowchart of the fifth embodiment will be described using “step H” as the step number.

Here, the configuration of the fifth embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the following parts, and the other parts are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same member numbers are the same as those in the first embodiment. .
(A) The polishing control device 3059 is separated from the payout control device 3230 and is sub-configured.
(B) Unlike the first embodiment, the configuration of the encapsulated sphere polishing mechanism is as shown in FIG.
(C) The polishing control of the encapsulated sphere is different from the first embodiment, and a part of the flowchart is different from the first embodiment.
(D) Similar to the second embodiment described above, the game ball launching device is arranged below the game board 20 on the frame side.
In the first embodiment, since the game ball launching device 37 is arranged on the upper side of the game board 20, the ball is fired directly from the launching device 37 toward the game area 22, and all the balls are the results of the gaming machine. There is no foul ball that generates (safe or out) and does not fire on the game board 22 and becomes a foul.
On the other hand, in Example 5, a foul sphere exists. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the game ball launched toward the game area 22 by the operation of the launch solenoid (not shown) in the launch device disposed below the game board 20 is dropped from above, and it is determined whether it is out or safe. (Determining whether or not a prize has been won) and launched into the game area 22, but the ball that became a foul did not reach the game area 22, so that the game ball entrance 3071 (without generating a game result) 202 (a)) and return to the launch position again. The foul sphere is detected by a foul sphere detection switch (not shown).
(E) Since the foul sphere exists in the fifth embodiment, the contents of the switch monitoring process and the foul sphere detection switch monitoring process in the flowchart of the payout control device 3230 are different. The contents of these flowcharts are the same as those in the second embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.
The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the effects derived therefrom are also the same, and redundant description is omitted.

First, the enclosing ball circulation device 3055 according to the fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 202A is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the circulation device 3055 of the pachinko machine 3001 according to the fifth embodiment, and the circulation device 3055 is disposed on the lower side on the back side of the frame portion of the pachinko machine 3001.
The circulation device 3055 is for circulating the encapsulated spheres enclosed in the pachinko machine 3001 of the fifth embodiment, and a polishing device 3056 is disposed in the circulation path portion.
In FIG. 202 (a), the circulation device 3055 is formed in a flat plate structure having a predetermined thickness, and a flow path (described later) for circulating an encapsulated ball (enclosed game ball) is formed inside. . Further, a polishing device 3056 is disposed in the flow path portion of the circulation device 3055. The flow path in the circulation device 3055 constitutes a circulation path of the encapsulated sphere. Note that an upper portion of the circulation device 3055 in FIG. 202A is opened with a game ball inlet 3071 for taking in the collected balls from the board surface (the game board 22: the same as in the first embodiment).
As described above, the safe ball and the out ball that have been played on the game board 22 are taken in the game ball entrance 3071 as the collected balls, and the foul balls that are not fired on the game board 22 and become fouls are also collected balls. Is taken in as. Since the foul ball has not reached the game area 22, no game result is generated, but it flows into the game ball inlet 3071 and returns to the launch position again.

The polishing device 3056 polishes the encapsulated sphere. The sphere flowing in from the lower inlet 3072 is lifted by the lifting screw 3073 by the power of the polishing motor 3070, and a polishing member 3074 (for example, a polishing cloth) disposed therein is used. ) And the ball is discharged from the upper outlet 3075 via the polishing outlet switch 3076. The polishing outlet switch 3076 detects a sphere discharged from the upper outlet 3075. If the polishing outlet switch 3076 does not detect the discharge of the sphere from the upper outlet 3075 for a certain time or more, an abnormality such as a sphere clogging in the polishing apparatus 3056 is detected. Thus, the polishing motor 3070 of the polishing apparatus 3056 is prevented from continuing to rotate (details will be described later).
The sphere flows into the polishing device 3056 in the direction of the polishing inflow guiding path 3080 in which the sphere is switched by the switching valve 3079 through the ball feed channel 3078 provided subsequent to the sensor channel 3077 in the circulation device 3055. In other cases, the switching valve 3079 blocks the inflow of the sphere into the polishing inflow guide path 3080.

That is, in a state where the encapsulated sphere does not flow into the polishing device 3056 (hereinafter referred to as encapsulated sphere circulation), the circulator 3055 is connected to an out sphere (including a safe sphere) and a foul from a game sphere inlet 3071 opened at the top of the circulator 3055. The sphere is caused to flow into the sensor flow path 3077, and the sphere is moved downward by gravity. Thus, the sphere that has flowed down from the game sphere inlet 3071 by its own weight causes the first enclosed sphere detection switch 3164 (encapsulated sphere detection 1SW) and the second Ball feed for firing a ball through a ball feed channel 3078 provided after the sensor channel 3077 after passing through the sensor channel 3077 in which the enclosed ball detection switch 3165 (encapsulated ball detection 2SW) is arranged. It is configured to be sent to the device (the device provided on the left end side of FIG. 202 (a)). Note that a switching valve 3079 is provided in front of the ball feeding device (the device provided on the left end side of FIG. 202 (a)) in the ball feeding flow path 3078. The switching valve 3079 includes a switching solenoid 3079S (see FIG. 202 (b)). During the enclosed ball circulation, a part of the ball feed flow path 3078 is slid by the switching solenoid 3079S to open the polishing guide port 3080a. The structure is such that it remains in the blocking position and does not move the encapsulated sphere type to the lower polishing inflow guide path 3080.
Therefore, during the enclosing ball circulation, the enclosing ball, which is a recovered ball from the board surface (game board 20), flows from the game ball inlet 3071, passes through the sensor flow path 3077, passes through the ball feed flow path 3078, and passes through the ball. The ball sent to the ball feeding device for launching and is sent to the launch position is launched toward the game area 22 along the rail 21 by the power of the launch solenoid (not shown) of the launch device, and the out ball ( A safe ball is included) or a foul ball is recirculated as a collection ball and flows from the game ball inlet 3071 repeatedly.

  Here, as described above, the switching valve 3079 does not slide the switching solenoid 3079S, and the switching valve 3079 urges the valve body by the spring to close the polishing guide port 3080a so that the enclosing ball does not flow into the polishing device 3056. (Encapsulated ball circulation) corresponds to a normal state in which the game ball is circulated through the game board 20 inside the pachinko machine 3001 without using the polishing device 3056, and this route is referred to as a game circulation route. Accordingly, the enclosed ball, which is a collection ball from the board surface, is the game ball inlet 3071, the sensor flow path 3077, the ball feed flow path 3078, the ball feed device, and the launch solenoid of the launch device launches the ball to the board surface. The flow passes again through the game ball entrance 71 as a collected ball.

On the other hand, when the ball is polished by flowing the sealed ball into the polishing device 3056 instead of circulating the sealed ball, the ball feeding device in the ball feeding channel 3078 (device provided on the left end side of FIG. 202 (a)). A switching valve 3079 provided in front of the nozzle slides a part of the ball feed flow path 3078 by the switching solenoid 3079S to open the polishing guide port 3080a, and the encapsulated sphere is guided to the lower polishing inflow through the polishing guide port 3080a by gravity. Actuate to move to path 3080. As a result, the encapsulated sphere present in the sensor flow path 3077 and the ball feed flow path 3078 passes through the polishing guide opening 3080a by gravity and is guided to the lower polishing inflow guide path 3080, flows through the polishing inflow guide path 3080, and flows into the lower inlet. From 3072, it flows into the polishing apparatus 3056, and ball polishing is performed. When the polishing by the polishing apparatus 3056 is finished, the sphere is discharged from the upper outlet 3075 to the sensor flow path 3077 via the polishing outlet switch 3076 and flows again into the polishing apparatus 3056 from the lower inlet 3072 through the above-described path. The ball will be polished. Therefore, during the ball polishing, the ball polishing by the polishing apparatus 3056 is performed by circulating through the above-described path.
Here, as described above, the switching valve 3079 slides a part of the ball feed flow path 3078 by the switching solenoid 3079S to open the polishing guide port 3080a, and the encapsulated sphere flows into the lower polishing through the polishing guide port 3080a by gravity. The state where the encapsulated sphere is moved to the guide path 3080 and the encapsulated sphere flows into the polishing device 3056 (during the encapsulated sphere polishing) corresponds to a sphere polishing state in which the encapsulated sphere is guided to the polishing device 3056 and polishing is performed. That's it. Therefore, as for the polishing circulation path, the enclosed sphere is the sensor flow path 3077, the ball feed flow path 3078, the polishing guide port 3080a, the polishing inflow guide path 3080, the lower inlet 3072, the polishing device 3056, the upper outlet 3075, the polishing outlet switch 3076, and the sensor again. The flow path 3077 becomes a path of discharge.
The switching valve 3079 constitutes a path switching unit that switches to either the polishing circulation path or the game circulation path.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 202 (a), a sensor flow path 3077 into which a ball that has flowed in from the game ball inlet 3071 and a ball discharged from the upper outlet 3075 of the polishing apparatus 3056 flows reduces the momentum of the ball flowing down. It has a gently sloping shape. Then, the sphere that has flowed into the sensor flow path 3077 is caused by its own weight, and the sensor flow path 3077 in which the first enclosed sphere detection switch 3164 (encapsulated sphere detection 1SW) and the second enclosed sphere detection switch 3165 (encapsulated sphere detection 2SW) are arranged. After passing through the sensor flow path 3077, the ball flow path 3078 provided subsequent to the sensor flow path 3078 is sent to a ball feed device (device provided on the left end side of FIG. 202 (a)) for launching a sphere. It is done.
Here, the first enclosed sphere detection switch 3164 is provided so as to detect a sphere located at a position lower than the second enclosed sphere detection switch 3165 on the relatively downstream side of the sensor flow path 3077. On the other hand, the second encapsulated sphere detection switch 3165 is positioned higher than the first encapsulated sphere detection switch 3164 on the relatively upstream side of the sensor flow path 3077 (upstream side of the first enclosed sphere detection switch 3164). It is provided to detect a sphere. The first enclosed ball detection switch 3164 is a sensor that detects the lower limit of the number of balls enclosed as a game ball, and the second enclosed ball detection switch 3165 detects the upper limit of the number of balls enclosed as a game ball. It is a sensor. This is because the encapsulated spheres need to be encapsulated in the pachinko machine 3001 without excess or deficiency, and the current number of encapsulated spheres is checked to be within the appropriate range by checking whether it is the minimum or maximum. It is provided to confirm that there are encapsulated balls. The sensor flow path 3077 and the ball feed flow path 3078 may or may not be provided as an integral flow path.

  Of the circulation path through which the encapsulated sphere circulates, the downstream flow path (the flow path consisting of the sensor flow path 3077 and the ball feed flow path 3078) through which the game balls collected from the game area flow toward the launch position is: As shown in FIG. 202 (a), the vicinity of the launch position (the vicinity of the leftmost ball feeder in FIG. 202 (a)) is the lowest position, and is inclined downward or downward toward the vicinity of the launch position. The first encapsulated ball detection switch 3164 is arranged to detect the game ball at the first position in the downstream channel, and the second encapsulated ball detection switch 3165 is the first encapsulated ball detection switch 3165 in the downstream channel. It arrange | positions so that the game ball in the 2nd position upstream from a position may be detected. Here, the first position is the most upstream game ball when the game balls are accumulated in the downstream flow path by the minimum number within the appropriate range of the number of enclosed balls (the number of enclosed game balls). Is set to a position where the first enclosed ball detection switch 3164 detects. In addition, the second position is such that when a number of game balls exceeding the proper range of the number of encapsulated balls are accumulated in the downstream flow path, the second encapsulated ball detection switch 3165 detects the game ball, and the proper range of the number of encapsulated balls The second enclosing ball detection switch 3165 is set to a position where the game ball is not detected when the game balls are accumulated in the downstream flow path by the maximum number of the game balls.

In addition, at least a part (preferably the whole) of the encapsulated sphere flow path (the flow path including the sensor flow path 3077, the ball feed flow path 3078 and the polishing inflow guide path 3080 described above) in the circulation device 3055 is contained inside. The game ball is visible from the outside (at least from the back side of the pachinko machine 3001). Thereby, the state of the flow of the sphere in the circulation device 3055, the presence or absence of the occurrence of clogging, and the state of the number of encapsulated spheres can be visually confirmed. For example, the flow path of the encapsulated sphere is made of a transparent or semi-transparent member, or a predetermined number of internal viewing openings (thin slits, a plurality of minute holes, etc.) large enough to prevent the sphere from flowing out are formed. By configuring with the formed member, the internal ball can be visually recognized from the back side of the pachinko machine 3001.
Although detailed illustration is omitted, for example, by forming the entire back wall of the circulation device 3055 with a transparent member, as shown in FIG. 202 (a), the sensor flow path 3077, the ball feed flow path 3078, and the polishing inflow It is good also as a structure which can visually recognize the whole inside of the guidance path 3080. FIG. Preferably, at least in the downstream flow path (sensor flow path 3077 and ball feed flow path 3078), internal spheres can be visually recognized from the outside, whereby the number of enclosed spheres can be visually confirmed. ing. Although not shown, a mark may be formed on the circulation device 3055 so as to enable accurate determination as to whether or not the number of encapsulated balls is appropriate by this visual check. For example, marks (indicating signs) may be formed on the back surface side of the circulation device 3055 at a predetermined number of 30 positions of the enclosed sphere. In this way, when adding a sphere when the encapsulated sphere is insufficient, it is easy to understand because it is sufficient to add up to this mark. Also, if there is an excess of encapsulated spheres, it is easy to understand because it is only necessary to pass the sphere to this mark.

  In addition, the ball feeding device is a device that sends the balls that have flowed down the ball feeding flow path 3078 one by one to the firing position of the launching device, using the ball feeding solenoid 3172 shown in FIGS. 202 (a) and 202 (b) as a drive source. . Note that the ball sent to the launch position can be launched toward the game area 22 along the rail 21 by the power of the launch solenoid (not shown) of the launch device. As shown in FIG. 202 (a), this ball feeding device is provided with a shot ball detection SW 3161. The fire ball detection SW 3161 is a sensor that detects the balls to be fired one by one.

Next, the configuration of the effect control device 3053 in Example 5 and the equipment connected to the effect control device 3053 will be described with reference to FIG. 202 (b).
In FIG. 202 (b), an effect control device 3053 performs a main control microcomputer, a video control microcomputer that performs video control exclusively under the control of the main control microcomputer, and image processing for video display on the display device 41. Although it has a VDP as a graphic processor to perform, a sound source LSI that controls the output of various melody and sound effects, etc., the detailed configuration is omitted.

The effect control device 3053 analyzes the control command from the game control device 3054, determines the content of the effect and controls the content of the output video of the display device 41, or instructs the sound source LSI to play the reproduced sound. 10 and the upper speakers 16a and 16b are driven to produce sound effects, etc., and the processing such as the drive control of the decoration display LED 141 described above is executed, and the production contents are determined according to the signal from the production operation switch 9. Control the production.
Further, the effect control device 3053 is configured to transmit the data on the number of balls held and the number of counted balls from the payout control device 3230 via the game control device 3054. The effect control device 3053 displays the decorative ball display. The same effect control as in the first embodiment is performed on the device 250, the sub liquid crystal display device 33, the level meter left 17L, and the level meter right 17R.

Next, the effect control device 3053 is connected to the polishing control device 3059 as equipment necessary for the processing of the game ball polishing. The polishing control device 3059 includes an RTC (real time clock) 3060 inside, and performs processing necessary for polishing the game ball by controlling the operation of the polishing device 3056 based on an instruction from the effect control device 3053. The RTC 3060 is provided to enable control based on information such as date and time. For example, the production control device 3053 can read the information of the RTC 3060 to make a special production appear, or to freely set a time zone for polishing the game ball.
The effect control device 3053 exchanges signals with the polishing control device 3059, and the polishing control device 3059 sends a control signal (for example, forward rotation data) to the polishing motor 3070 based on an instruction from the effect control device 3053. (Or a signal corresponding to the reverse rotation data) is output as appropriate, and upon receiving this control signal, the polishing motor 3070 operates the polishing device 3056 for polishing the encapsulated sphere enclosed in the pachinko machine 3001 (forward or reverse). Actuated in the direction).
Specifically, the payout control device 3230 sets a predetermined period when the power is turned on as a polishing period, transmits a polishing start command to the game control device 3054 when polishing is started, and sends a polishing stop command to the game control device 3054 when polishing is stopped. Control to send. During the polishing period, game balls cannot be launched.
The payout control device 3230 includes a launch control circuit 3236 that controls the launch of the game ball.
When the game control device 3054 receives a polishing start command from the payout control device 3230, the game control device 3054 transmits a polishing start command to the effect control device 3053, and when receiving a polishing stop command, the game control device 3054 transmits a polishing stop command to the effect control device 3053. Do.
When the production control device 3053 receives the polishing start command from the game control device 3054, it instructs the polishing control device 3059 to start polishing, and displays on the screen of the display device 41 from the reception of the polishing start command to the reception of the polishing stop command. Control to do.

The polishing control device 3059 controls the polishing device 3056 so as to perform polishing only for a predetermined period in accordance with a polishing instruction from the effect control device 3053. In this case, the polishing control device 3059 executes processing necessary for polishing the encapsulated sphere such as driving of the polishing motor 3070 and operation of the switching solenoid 3079S in accordance with a predetermined polishing device program.
That is, a polishing motor 3070, a switching solenoid 3079S and a polishing outlet switch 3076 are connected to the polishing control device 3059, and the polishing motor 3070 is sealed inside the pachinko machine 3001 based on a control signal from the polishing control device 3059. The polishing apparatus 3056 for polishing the encapsulated sphere is operated (operated in the forward direction or the reverse direction). The switching solenoid 3079S opens the polishing guide port 3080a when polishing the encapsulated sphere. Normally (when the encapsulated sphere is not polished), the switching solenoid 3079S is guided by the valve body (details not shown) of the switching valve 3079. When the port 3080a is closed (for example, the valve body is biased by a spring and displaced to a position where the polishing guide port 3080a is closed), and the valve operation signal is received from the polishing control device 3059, the switching is in the closed position. The valve body of the valve 3079 is sucked and displaced to a position where the polishing guide port 3080a is opened. As a result, the polishing guide port 3080a that closes the movement of the sphere from the ball feed flow path 3078 to the polishing inflow guide path 3080 is opened, and the enclosed sphere in the ball feed flow path 3078 moves downward through the polishing guide port 3080a by gravity. It moves to the polishing inflow guide path 3080.
The polishing outlet switch 3076 detects the sphere discharged from the upper outlet 3075 as described above, and outputs a sphere discharge detection signal to the polishing control device 3059 when the discharge of the sphere from the upper outlet 3075 is detected. If the polishing control device 3059 cannot receive a ball discharge detection signal from the polishing outlet switch 3076 for a certain time or more even though the ball polishing control is in progress, it is determined that the polishing device 3056 is abnormal such as a clogged ball and is necessary. (For example, the polishing motor 3070 is stopped).

In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the polishing control device 3059 exchanges signals with the effect control device 3053, but inputs signals to the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230. Not. Similarly, the polishing apparatus 3056 does not input signals to the game control apparatus 3054 or the payout control apparatus 3230, and the polishing motor 3070 of the polishing apparatus 3056 only operates in response to a control signal from the polishing control apparatus 3059. . That is, no information is input from the polishing control device 3059 and the polishing device 3056 to the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230, and from the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 to the polishing control device 3059 and the polishing device 3056 in one direction. It is configured to transmit information.
In this manner, the polishing control device 3059 does not input any information (for example, input of information such as signal input, data input, command input) to the game control device 3054 (main board) or the payout control device 3230. The configuration is not performed, and the configuration is such that the encapsulated sphere is polished by an instruction (polishing start command) from the game control device 3054 (main substrate) or the payout control device 3230. For short, it will be referred to as “subification”. Here, information is input including signal input and data input.
The game control device 3054 (main board) and the payout control device 3230 are devices that are directly related to the center of the game such as the progress and management of the game, whereas the effect control device 3053 is generally a game control device 3054. Since it is a device that operates passively in response to an instruction from the (main board) or the payout control device 3230, it is generally referred to as a sub board.
In the fifth embodiment, the polishing control device 3059 is merely configured to send and receive signals to and from the effect control device 3053 (sub-board), and also falls within the category of the sub-board. In the fifth embodiment, for operation, the operation of the polishing control device 3059 does not directly affect the game control device 3054 (main board) or the payout control device 3230, and the polishing control device 3059 has a game control device 3054 ( The configuration is such that no information is input to the main board) or the payout control device 3230, and the encapsulated sphere is polished by an instruction (polishing start command) from the game control device 3054 (main board) or the payout control device 3230. With this configuration, the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) is configured to be “sub-configured”. Therefore, the game control device 3054 (main board) and the payout control device 3230 are not directly affected by the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056).

Thus, by substituting the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056), the control burden on the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 is reduced. Specifically, it is only necessary to send a polishing start command from the game control device 3054 or the payout control device 3230 to the effect control device 3053, and when the effect control device 3053 receives the polishing start command, the polishing control device 3059 starts polishing. In response to a polishing instruction from the effect control device 3053, the polishing control device 3059 executes processing necessary for polishing the encapsulated sphere, such as driving the polishing motor 3070 and operating the switching solenoid 3079S, for a predetermined period. The game ball is polished.
As described above, the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 can operate the “sub-configured” polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) only by sending a polishing start command to the effect control device 3053. Since the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 need only perform a simple process of sending a command to polish the encapsulated ball, the control burden on the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 is remarkably reduced.
Moreover, since there is no direct influence on the game for the sub-device, there are few restrictions on the components to be mounted. That is, there is a merit that the limitation of ROM capacity and the limitation of parts are relaxed. Therefore, the design can be performed without worrying about the ROM capacity, and for example, the choice of parts can be expanded, and an RTC (real time clock) can be mounted, thereby expanding the range of production. In addition, options for parts such as sensors are widened, leading to cost reduction. Furthermore, “sub-substituting” has an advantage that the inspection is simplified because there is no direct influence on the game.
In the fifth embodiment, the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 are configured separately. However, a device in which such a game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 are integrated as a game control device. In this case, the game control device including the payout control device 3230 becomes the main board. Therefore, there is a concept that the payout control device 3230 itself of the fifth embodiment is also handled as a main board and included in the main board. Even if the payout control device 3230 itself of the fifth embodiment is included in the main substrate in accordance with this concept, in the fifth embodiment, the polishing control device 3059 has a configuration in which no information is input to the payout control device 3230. The control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) is “sub-configured”. Therefore, the above-mentioned merit can be exhibited.

Next, as described above, in Example 5, the polishing control of the encapsulated sphere is different from that in Example 1, and therefore, a part of the flowchart is different from that in Example 1 and is shown below.
[Launch permission signal editing process]
Next, the firing permission signal editing process in the timer interruption process of the payout control device 3230 in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step H271 whether the card unit is connected. If OK, the process proceeds to step H272, and if not OK, the process proceeds to step H285. This determination is made based on the confirmation result of the card unit connection confirmation process (not shown). That is, in the card unit connection confirmation process, the card unit 15 and the payout control device 3230 communicate with each other periodically (for example, every 200 ms) through the card unit connection terminal plate 52, but the communication is normal. If it is, it is determined that the card unit 15 is connected. For example, a card unit connection confirmation flag indicating that the card unit 15 is powered on and connected to the payout control device 3230 is set. It is determined that the card unit connection confirmation is OK.

  When the process proceeds to step H272, a process for updating the power-on forced firing timer (that is, a process for reducing the value of the power-on forced firing timer by one cycle of the timer interrupt cycle) is executed, and the process proceeds to step H273. In addition, the forced launch timer at power-on is a forced launch to force the ball remaining at the tip of the launcher (not shown) at the time of a power failure to fire at power-on (automatic launch without player operation). This is a timer for measuring time. Note that the forced launch is a blank shot that does not affect the game result.

In step H273, if the power-on forced firing timer value is not zero, the process jumps to step H284.
In the determination process in steps H274 to H283, if the determination result is positive in each determination, the process proceeds to step H285 without executing the subsequent determination process, and the determination result is negative in each determination in steps H274 to H283. The next determination process is sequentially executed, and if the determination result of the last step H283 is negative, the process proceeds to step H284.

  In step H274, the number of balls held is zero, in step H275 it is being settled, in step H276 it is resting, in step H277, there is an insufficient number of encapsulated balls, or in step H278, there is an excessive number of encapsulated balls In step H279, an enclosure path abnormality error is occurring, in step H280, the glass frame is being opened (the glass frame 5 is being opened), or in step H281, the frame is being opened or disconnected (ie, the front frame 4 is being opened or the game control device) In step H282, whether or not fraudulent acts are being detected, or whether or not the enclosing ball polishing flag is set is determined in step H282.

Here, whether the payment is in progress is determined based on the payment control process number and the payment in progress flag. For example, if a settlement in progress flag is set, it is determined that settlement is in progress. If the settlement control process number is 0, it is determined that settlement is not in progress. Further, whether or not a break is occurring is determined by a break control process number and a break flag which will be described later. For example, when a break flag is set, it is determined that a break is in progress. If the break control process number is 0, it is determined that the break is not being performed.
Next, whether the enclosing ball number shortage error has occurred is determined by another process, the enclosing ball number deficiency error flag is set. The determination of whether the error flag and the enclosed path abnormality error are occurring is made based on the enclosed path abnormality error flag set in other processing.

Also, the determination of whether or not at least one of the determination of whether the glass frame is being opened (the glass frame 5 is being opened) and the front frame 4 being opened or the game control device 3054 is being removed is performed by another process, respectively. Based on the glass frame open error flag and the frame open disconnection error flag set in. These determinations are determined to be occurring if the flag is set, and not occurring if the flag is cleared.
In addition, for example, whether or not the illegal act is occurring is determined by the error monitoring process of the game control device 3054, and it is determined that the illegal action is being performed by determining that the magnet is illegal, the vibration is illegal, or the radio wave is illegal. Determined.
Whether the enclosing ball is being polished is determined based on whether the polishing flag is set in the polishing apparatus control process.

In step H285, after setting the firing permission signal off data, the process returns. When the firing permission signal off data is set, the firing control circuit 3236 is prohibited from operating the firing solenoid 173 and is in a state where the ball cannot be fired (launch non-permitted state). In this firing disallowed state, even if there is a proper firing operation (the touch sensor 174 is turned on and the firing volume 171 is operated), the firing solenoid 173 is not activated and the ball is not fired.
On the other hand, in step H284, after setting the firing permission signal ON data, the process returns. When the firing permission signal ON data is set, the firing control circuit 3236 is permitted to actuate the firing solenoid 173, and is in a state where the ball can be fired (launching permitted state).

According to the firing permission signal editing process described above, if the card unit 15 is not connected because the card unit 15 is not connected (or the power of the card unit 15 is not turned on) or the like, it is unconditionally fired. It becomes a disallowed state. In addition, after the pachinko machine 3001 is turned on and the forced firing time has elapsed, each of the conditions in steps H274 to H283 (the number of held balls is zero, during settlement, during a break, or an error in the number of encapsulated balls occurs. Any one of the following: middle, opening of glass frame, opening of front frame, or removal of game control device 3054, occurrence of fraud, and setting of polishing flag) The ball is not allowed to fire. However, during the period from when the pachinko machine 3001 is turned on until the forced firing time elapses, a ball can be fired by the processing of steps H273 and H284 even if any of the conditions of steps H274 to H283 is satisfied. Launch allowed. This is to perform the aforementioned forced firing.
In addition, during counting (while moving from the number of holding balls to the number of counting balls), it may be controlled not to permit the firing of the encapsulated ball.

Next, the operation of controlling the polishing of the encapsulated sphere in Example 5 will be described.
FIG. 204 shows a timing chart of the operation of controlling the polishing of the encapsulated sphere when the pachinko machine 3001 is activated. Note that the same member numbers as those in the first embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Normally, at game stores around 11:00 pm (or even before), the business is stopped due to the operation of the gaming machines, the power supply of each gaming machine is shut off and the store is closed, and then the inside of the store and the table are cleaned and cleaned up. Prepare for the next business day.
Now, when the game store is opened, when the pachinko machine 3001 is activated and the power supply device 58 starts supplying power, the payout control device 3230 (payout substrate) transmits a polishing start command to the game control device 3054 when the power is turned on. When the game control device 3054 (main board) receives the polishing start command from the payout control device 3230, it transmits a polishing start command (indicated by a single pulse in FIG. 204) to the effect control device 3053 at timing t71. When the production control device 3053 receives the polishing start command from the game control device 3054, it instructs the polishing control device 3059 to start polishing, and displays on the screen of the display device 41 from the reception of the polishing start command to the reception of the polishing stop command. Control to do.
On the other hand, the dispensing control device 3230 stops the firing of the encapsulated sphere at the time when the polishing start command is transmitted when the power is turned on, and the sphere cannot be fired as shown in FIG. The ball cannot be fired until the polishing control command is transmitted from the game control device 3054 to the effect control device 3053.

Next, when the weight of the predetermined time T70 has elapsed from the timing t71 and the timing t72 is reached, as shown in FIG. 204, the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 changes the circulation path of the enclosed sphere from “normal side” to “polishing side”. Switch to. As a result, the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 slides a part of the ball feed channel 3078 to open the polishing guide port 3080a, and the encapsulated spheres present in the sensor channel 3077 and the ball feed channel 3078 are polished by gravity. It moves to the lower polishing inflow guide path 3080 through the guide port 3080a, is guided to the polishing apparatus 3056 through the polishing inflow guide path 3080, and the enclosing ball starts to flow into the polishing apparatus 3056.
Further, at the same timing t72, the polishing motor 3070 is activated (turned from OFF to ON). Thus, the ball that has flowed into the polishing apparatus 3056 is polished by the polishing member 3074 disposed inside while being lifted by the lifting screw 3073 by the power of the polishing motor 3070, and is passed from the upper outlet 3075 via the polishing outlet switch 3076. The encapsulated spheres are sequentially polished.

On the other hand, as described above, when the production control device 3053 receives the polishing start command from the game control device 3054, in addition to instructing the polishing control device 3059 to start polishing, the display device from receiving the polishing start command to receiving the polishing stop command is displayed. Control is performed so that the screen 41 is displayed during polishing. As a result, as shown in FIG. 205 (a), the message “Encapsulated sphere is being polished. Please wait” is displayed on the display device 41 and notified to the store clerk. Further, as shown in FIG. 205 (a), a progress indicator SJ indicating the progress of polishing of the encapsulated sphere (the hatched portion indicates completion of polishing and the rest indicates the state of polishing) is shown below the message. Done. Therefore, the store clerk can easily grasp the progress of polishing of the encapsulated sphere.
Note that the notification of the progress of the encapsulated sphere or the progress of the polishing is not limited to the display effect by the display device 41, but may be configured to be notified by, for example, a decorative lamp other than the display device 41. Or the structure which alert | reports with an audio | voice or a sound effect may be sufficient.

In response to a polishing instruction from the production control device 3053, the polishing control device 3059 executes processing necessary for polishing the encapsulated sphere, such as driving the polishing motor 3070 and operating the switching solenoid 3079S, for a predetermined period T71. Polishing is performed.
That is, polishing of the encapsulated sphere is executed until a predetermined time T71 elapses from the timing t72. Meanwhile, the sphere discharged from the upper outlet 3075 of the polishing apparatus 3056 to the sensor flow path 3077 is detected by the polishing outlet switch 3076. Since the polishing outlet switch 3076 turns from OFF to ON every time a ball discharged from the upper outlet 3075 to the sensor flow path 3077 is detected, it is input to the polishing controller 3059 in the form of a pulse signal as shown in FIG. Is done.
If the polishing outlet switch 3076 does not detect the discharge of the sphere from the upper outlet 3075 for a certain time or more, the polishing motor 3070 is stopped because there is an abnormality such as a clogged ball in the polishing apparatus 3056, and the polishing motor 3070 is stopped. To prevent abnormal heating of FIG. 204 shows a case where the polishing outlet switch 3076 detects a sphere normally discharged from the upper outlet 3075.
Next, when the predetermined time T71 elapses from the timing t72 and reaches the timing t73, it is determined that the encapsulated sphere has been sufficiently polished, and the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 changes the circulation path of the encapsulated sphere from the “polishing side”. Switch to “Normal”. As a result, the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 is turned off, the switching valve 3059 is displaced to a position where the polishing guide port 3080a is closed by urging the valve body by the spring, and the enclosed sphere present in the ball feed flow path 3078 is Since the polishing guide port 3080a is closed, the encapsulated sphere does not flow into the polishing apparatus 3056 without moving to the lower polishing inflow guide path 3080. During this time, the polishing motor 3070 is operating.

In other words, the polishing motor 3070 is operating even after the timing t73 has elapsed, and thus, the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 is switched from the “polishing side” to the “normal side” so that it remains inside the polishing apparatus 3056. A period is secured until all balls being polished are discharged.
When all the balls being polished inside the polishing apparatus 3056 are discharged, the detection signal of the polishing outlet switch 3076 is turned off, and thereafter the detection signal remains off.
Next, when a predetermined time T72 elapses from timing t73 and timing t74 is reached, the polishing motor 3070 stops operating (OFF). The timing t74 is a predetermined period after the predetermined period T72 has elapsed since the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 was switched from the “polishing side” to the “normal side” and the detection signal of the polishing outlet switch 3076 was finally turned off. It is the time when T73 has elapsed. In this way, when the predetermined period T73 has elapsed since the detection signal of the polishing outlet switch 3076 was last turned off (timing t74), the operation of the polishing motor 3070 is stopped, whereby the ball inside the polishing apparatus 3056 is stopped. After confirming that all the balls being polished have been discharged, the polishing motor 3070 is stopped, so that no enclosing balls remain in the polishing apparatus 3056.

On the other hand, the payout control device 3230 transmits a polishing end command to the game control device 3054 at the timing when the predetermined period T71 + T72 elapses. An end command (indicated by a single pulse in FIG. 204) is transmitted. When the production control device 3053 receives the polishing end command from the game control device 3054, the production control device 3053 controls to display the completion of polishing on the screen of the display device 41. This timing is t74.
That is, at timing t74, as shown in FIG. 205 (b), a message “polishing of the encapsulated sphere has been completed” is displayed on the display device 41 and notified to the store clerk. Further, as shown in FIG. 205 (b), below the message, a progress display SJ indicating the progress of polishing of the encapsulated sphere is displayed in a state where the polishing is completed. Here, as the progress state, the progress display SJ is all hatched so that the hatched portion indicates the completion of polishing, and the state where the polishing is completed is displayed. Therefore, the store clerk can easily grasp that the polishing of the encapsulated sphere has been completed.

The fifth embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Thus, when the pachinko machine 3001 is powered on, the path of the encapsulated sphere is switched to the “polishing side” for a predetermined time T71, and the encapsulated sphere is polished by the polishing apparatus 3056. While the game ball is being polished, the ball is stopped from firing and the game cannot be played. Next, when the polishing of the encapsulated sphere is completed, the game is ready, and the encapsulated sphere is circulated without going through the polishing device 3056 during the game.
The game control device 3054 (main board) and the payout control device 3230 simply issue a polishing start command and a polishing stop command to the effect control device 3053. Under the control of the effect control device 3053, the polishing control device 3059 (also the polishing device 3056). Control) is performed and polishing of the encapsulated sphere is executed, so that the control burden of the game control device 3054 (main board) and the payout control device 3230 can be reduced, and the efficiency is improved.
Further, the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) inputs information to the game control device 3054 (main board) and the payout control device 3230 (for example, information such as signal input, data input, command input). The polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) is “sub-configured”. Therefore, by substituting it, there is a merit that the limitation of ROM capacity and the limitation of parts are relaxed.

This background will be described.
Generally, when a polishing device is installed in an encapsulated ball type gaming machine, the testing apparatus inspects the polishing device. However, since the polishing device is a device that is not found in conventional gaming machines, the test may take a long time. There is.
Conventionally, a game ball polishing apparatus falls within the category of replenishment facilities, and is installed as a replenishment facility. Since the replenishment facility does not directly affect the game result of the gaming machine, the test is omitted from the viewpoint of the gaming machine inspection.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the polishing apparatus is incorporated in the gaming machine, but by substituting it, the advantage of eliminating the direct influence on the game and simplifying the inspection is obtained.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A polishing apparatus for polishing a sphere;
In a gaming machine comprising a polishing control device for controlling a polishing device,
A configuration in which a signal cannot be input to at least the game control device and the payout control device from equipment necessary for polishing the game ball including the polishing device and the polishing control device,
A gaming machine characterized in that the polishing control device controls the polishing device according to an instruction from the game control device or the payout control device to polish the sphere.

The inventive concept of the above configuration when applied to an enclosed ball type gaming machine is expressed as follows.
A game control device that can enclose a predetermined number of game balls in a gaming machine main body and launch the enclosed game balls into a gaming area to perform a game and manage the progress of the gaming machine With
The game control device determines whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or any other state, and in the case of a predetermined profit state, the player's profit is increased in correspondence with a predetermined number of prize balls. Let
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine that plays the game by circulating the enclosed game ball by collecting the game ball that has passed through the game area and guiding it to the launch position,
A polishing apparatus for polishing the encapsulated sphere;
A polishing control device for controlling the polishing device,
A configuration in which a signal cannot be input to at least the game control device and the payout control device from equipment necessary for polishing the game ball including the polishing device and the polishing control device,
The polishing control device controls the polishing device according to an instruction from the game control device or the payout control device to cause the ball to be polished.

(2) When the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the payout control device 3230 transmits a polishing start command to the game control device 3054. When the game control device 3054 receives the polishing start command from the payout control device 3230, the effect control device 3053 When the polishing control command 3053 is received, and the production control device 3053 receives the polishing start command from the game control device 3054, the polishing control device 3059 instructs the polishing control device 3059 to start polishing. According to the polishing instruction, the encapsulated sphere is polished for a predetermined period.
Therefore, the payout control device 3230 simply issues a polishing start command to the effect control device 3053 via the game control device 3054, and the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) under the control of the effect control device 3053. Since the encapsulated sphere is further polished, the control burden of the payout control device 3230 (payout substrate) and the game control device 3054 (main substrate) can be reduced, and the efficiency is improved.
The control burden can be reduced both on the hardware side and the software side.
Further, since the polishing control device 3059 is equipped with the RTC 3060, there is an advantage that the RTC 3060 can be used for the production of the production control device 3053. In such a case, since it is not necessary to mount an RTC in the production control device in particular, the cost when changing the model of the gaming machine is reduced.
Further, since the polishing control device 3059 is sub-configured, it is possible to share parts as so-called frame elements.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The polishing control device comprises:
A gaming machine, wherein when a polishing start instruction is given, the polishing apparatus is controlled so as to polish a sphere only for a predetermined period.
Here, the predetermined period is, for example, a certain period when the gaming machine is turned on.

Also, the payout control device 3230 transmits a polishing start command to the game control device 3054 at the start of polishing when the power is turned on, and the game control device 3054 receives the polishing start command from the payout control device 3230 and polishes to the effect control device 3053. When the start command is transmitted and the production control device 3053 receives the polishing start command from the game control device 3054, control is performed so that the display of the display device 41 is displayed during the polishing start command reception. Conveniently, it is easy to know that the encapsulated sphere is being polished by simply looking at the screen of the display device 41.
On the other hand, the payout control device 3230 transmits a polishing stop command to the effect control device 3053 via the game control device 3054 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of polishing, and when the effect control device 3053 receives the polishing stop command, Since the display during the polishing in the apparatus 41 is controlled to be stopped, the store clerk can easily know that the polishing of the encapsulated sphere has been completed simply by looking at the screen of the display apparatus 41, which is convenient.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The payout control device
A gaming machine characterized by instructing the display control device to perform control to display on the display device while the polishing device is polishing a sphere.
When the game control device controls the effect control device, the payout control device may be changed to the game control device in the above configuration.
In addition, when the game control device and the payout control device are integrated into a single game control device, the configuration requirement of the payout control device in the above inventive concept is changed to the game control device. Good (this also applies to the following inventive concept).

(3) During the polishing of the encapsulated sphere, that is, until the payout control device 3230 transmits a polishing start command to the game control device 3054 and then transmits a polishing stop command after a predetermined period of time, the enclosing sphere is being polished. Therefore, since the control for stopping the launch of the game ball is performed, the trouble to the game can be eliminated. In other words, since the polishing apparatus 3056 is not operated during the game, the game can be prevented from being affected by the operation of the polishing apparatus 3056.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The payout control device
A game machine characterized by performing control to stop the game while the polishing apparatus is polishing the ball.
In the case where the game control device controls the launch of the ball, the payout control device in the above configuration may be changed to the game control device.

(4) When the power of the pachinko machine 3001 is turned on, the polishing apparatus 3056 switches the path of the encapsulated sphere to “polishing side” for a predetermined time T71 according to an instruction from the polishing control apparatus 3059 and the encapsulated sphere is polished by the polishing apparatus 3056. Next, when the polishing of the encapsulated sphere is completed, the game is ready, and the encapsulated sphere is circulated without going through the polishing device 3056 during the game.
Therefore, the encapsulated sphere can be polished by a simple control of switching the path.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A gaming machine comprising path switching means capable of switching between a ball polishing state in which a game ball is guided to a polishing apparatus for polishing and a normal state in which the game ball is circulated without passing through the polishing apparatus.

(5) During a game (when the table is in operation, including a big hit), the enclosing ball is controlled to circulate without passing through the polishing device 3056 under the control of the polishing control device 3059. Therefore, the game does not pass through the polishing apparatus 3056, so that the game can be prevented from being influenced by the operation of the polishing apparatus 3056.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A gaming machine configured to be in a normal state in which a game ball is circulated by the path switching means without going through a polishing device during a game.

As a modification of the fifth embodiment, the polishing control device 3059 may be configured to perform the polishing control of the encapsulated sphere based solely on the information of the internal RTC 3060.
This is because there is no instruction input from the outside to the polishing control device 3059, and there is no input to the game control device 3054 (main board) or the payout control device 3230 from the production control device 3053 or the polishing control device 3059. The polishing control device 3059 controls the operation of the polishing device 3056 based on the information of the internal RTC 3060 to polish the encapsulated sphere. A configuration in which no input from the effect control device 3053 or the polishing control device 3059 to the game control device 3054 (main board) or the payout control device 3230 corresponds to sub-configuration.
In the above, polishing of the encapsulated sphere can be realized by supplying power to the polishing control device 3059 or the polishing device 3056 with a battery or the like after the store is closed.
In this way, the control burden on the game control device 3054 (main board) and the payout control device 3230 can be reduced, and the efficiency is improved and the effect of “sub-setting” is also obtained.
"Example 6"

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Example 6 is an example in which the polishing period of the encapsulated sphere can be set according to the circumstances of the amusement hall.
Since the configuration of the sixth embodiment is basically the same as that of the fifth embodiment (FIG. 202B), the member numbers are the same as those of the fifth embodiment for the convenience of explanation. However, in the sixth embodiment, the content of the firing permission signal editing process is different from that of the fifth embodiment in the flowchart of the encapsulation ball polishing control. Different.
First, the contents of the firing permission signal editing process will be described.
FIG. 206 is a flowchart showing the launch permission signal editing process of the payout control device 3230 in the sixth embodiment.
When this routine is started, each process from step H271 to step H285 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, and the same step numbers are given. The processing different from the fifth embodiment is the processing from Step H701 to Step H710.

That is, when the firing permission signal ON data is set in step H284, the firing control circuit 3236 is permitted to actuate the firing solenoid 173, and the ball can be fired (launching permitted state). If it will be in this state, it will progress to step H701 next and it will be determined whether the polishing impossible command has been transmitted.
The non-polishing command is a command for informing the game control device 3054 from the payout control device 3230 that polishing of the enclosed ball type is impossible during the game, and corresponds to non-polishing information. The non-polishing command (non-polishing information) is sent from the payout control device 3230 to the effect control device 3053 via the game control device 3054. When the non-polishing command is received by the effect control device 3053, the polishing control device 3059 In addition to sending a non-polishing command, display is not performed on the display device 41, and other information (for example, a setting screen for polishing as shown in FIG. 207) is displayed. In addition, when the polishing control device 3059 receives a non-polishing command, it recognizes that the enclosed sphere type polishing is impossible, and when receiving this non-polishing command, the encapsulated sphere is not polished.
If the polishing impossibility command has not been transmitted in step H701, a polishing impossibility command is prepared in step H702, and main control command setting processing is performed in the subsequent step H703. As a result, the non-polishing command is transmitted from the payout control device 3230 to the game control device 3054 by serial communication.
Next, in step H704, the polishing impossible command transmission flag is set, and in step H705, the polishing impossible command transmission flag is cleared. This is because a non-polishing command is prepared in step H702, and the non-polishing command is transmitted to the game control device 3054 in the main control command setting process in step H703, so the non-polishing command is cleared in order not to repeat the same routine. Is. The process returns after step H705.
On the other hand, if the polishing impossibility command has already been transmitted in step H701, the routine is terminated and the process returns.

Next, when the firing permission signal off data is set in step H285, the firing control circuit 3236 is prohibited from operating the firing solenoid 173, and the ball cannot be fired (launching disallowed state). Even if a proper firing operation (touch sensor 174 is turned on and firing volume 171 is operated), firing solenoid 173 does not operate and the ball is not fired. If it will be in this state, it will progress to step H706 next and it will be determined whether the polishable command has been transmitted.
The grindable command is a command for notifying the game control device 3054 from the payout control device 3230 that the game is not in a gameable state (when the ball cannot be fired), and that the enclosed ball type can be ground. Equivalent to. The polishable command (polishing possible information) is sent from the payout control device 3230 to the effect control device 3053 via the game control device 3054. When the effect control device 3053 receives the polishable command, the polish control device 3059 receives the polishable command. In addition to sending a polishable command, the display device 41 is controlled to display that it is being polished when a polishing signal from the polishing control device 3059 is received. In addition, when the polishing control device 3059 receives a polishable command, the polishing control device 3059 recognizes that the enclosed sphere type polishing is possible, and only receives the polishable command and is within the set polishing period. Polishing will be performed. At this time, the polishing control device 3059 transmits a polishing signal to the effect control device 3053.
If the polishable command has not been transmitted, a polishable command is prepared in step H707, and main control command setting processing is performed in subsequent step H708. As a result, a polishable command is transmitted from the payout control device 3230 to the game control device 3054 by serial communication.
Next, in step H709, the polishable command transmission completion flag is set, and in step H710, the polishable command transmission completion flag is cleared. This is because a polishable command is prepared in step H707, and the polishable command is transmitted to the game control device 3054 in the main control command setting process in step H708. Therefore, the polishable command is cleared so as not to repeat the same routine. Is. The process returns after step H710.
On the other hand, if the polishable command has been transmitted in step H706, the routine is terminated and the process returns.

According to the launch permission signal editing process described above, during the game (ball launch is possible), a non-polishing command (non-polishing information) is transmitted from the payout control device 3230 to the game control device 3054, and the game control device 3054 performs payout control. An unpolished command (unpolished information) from the device 3230 is transmitted to the effect control device 3053, an unpolished command (unpolished information) is transmitted to the polishing control device 3059, and the unpolished device 3059 cannot be polished. When the command is received, the polishing apparatus 3056 is not operated and the enclosed sphere type polishing is not performed.
On the other hand, when the game is not in progress (cannot be fired), a polishable command (polishing permission information) is transmitted from the payout control device 3230 to the game control device 3054, and the game control device 3054 receives a polishable command (polishing permission) from the payout control device 3230. Information) is transmitted to the production control device 3053, the production control device 3053 transmits a polishable command (polishing permission information) to the polishing control device 3059, and the polishing control device 3059 receives the grindable command (polishing permission information). Only when the polishing period is set, the polishing apparatus 3056 is controlled to polish the encapsulated sphere for a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes).
That is, if the polishing control device 3059 is a set polishing period (for example, a specified period between the closing of the store and the opening of the next day), and a polishing enable command (polishing permission information) is received. The polishing apparatus 3056 is controlled so as to perform polishing only for a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes).
In addition, the effect control device 3053 controls the display device 41 to display that the polishing is being performed when the polishing signal from the polishing control device 3059 is received.

Next, FIG. 207 is a diagram showing a setting example of the polishing period in the display device 41.
The polishing period setting screen on the display device 41 is controlled by the effect control device 3053, and the result of the setting operation of the polishing period by the operator (for example, a store clerk) is transmitted from the effect control device 3053 to the polishing control device 3059, and the polishing control device. In 3059, if a polishable command (polishing permission information) is received from the effect control device 3053 based on the set polishing period, the polishing apparatus performs polishing for a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes). 3056 is controlled.
FIG. 207 (a) is a setting screen for the polishing period on the display device 41, in particular, a screen for setting a password. In the example of FIG. 207 (a), on the screen of the display device 41, the message “Amusement hall setting screen” and “Please set password” are displayed, and numbers from 0 to 9 are displayed. ing.

Here, the setting of the polishing period is set by, for example, a game hall (for example, a store clerk) using the display device 41 and the effect operation switch 9 when the gaming machine is turned on. In addition, it may be set using the number-of-balls display 40 instead of the display device 41.
Next, the operator (store clerk) presses four switches arranged on the top, bottom, left and right of the production operation switch 9 to select, for example, the message “Please set password” on the screen of the display device 41. When the push button type switch at the center of the production operation switch 9 is pressed, a password input screen shown in FIG. 207 (b) appears. For example, when the input of a four-digit password is finished, the effect control device 3053 accepts a password setting. A password is provided to prevent a player or the like from setting the polishing period without permission.
Next, when the screen shown in FIG. 207 (c) is displayed, a screen for setting the polishing period is displayed. Here, the polishing period is set according to the circumstances of the amusement hall. For example, in the example of FIG. 207 (c), “10:30 pm to 11:30 pm (that is, a specific one hour) is set as the polishing period.
Since the polishing control device 3059 is equipped with an RTC 3060, the real-time information is obtained from the RTC 3060 and the calendar function is performed every day, while “10:30 pm to 11:30 pm” is set as the polishing period. It is possible to control the polishing of the encapsulated sphere.
The polishing period is a period in which the game hall determines that the encapsulated sphere can be polished during this period, and corresponds to a “set polishing period”. If the polishing apparatus 3056 is not in play during the set polishing period, the polishing apparatus 3056 can operate. However, polishing is actually performed only for a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes). The predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes) is set to a period in which a ball enclosed in one gaming machine is sufficiently polished so that it is not necessary to polish the ball during the business day of the next day. The predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes) is set in advance by the program of the polishing control device 3059.

Next, FIG. 208 shows a timing chart of the operation of polishing control of the encapsulated sphere in the sixth embodiment.
Normally, at game shops around 10:30 pm (or even before), the business is stopped due to the operation of the game machines, the power of each game machine is shut off and the store is closed, and then the inside of the store and the table are cleaned, cleaned, etc. To prepare for the next business day.
Now, when opening a game shop, if the business due to the operation of the pachinko machine 3001 is stopped at timing t81 (for example, 10:30 pm), the polishing period (that is, the “set polishing period”) starts from this point. enter.
Next, the payout control device 3230 controls the launch control circuit 3236 so that the ball cannot be launched. This timing is assumed to be t82. As a result, the operation of the firing solenoid 173 by the launch control circuit 3236 is prohibited, and a state where the ball cannot be launched (launch non-permitted state) is entered.

Also, at this timing t82, a command that can be polished (polishing permission information) is sent from the payout control device 3230 to the game control device 3054. When the game control device 3054 receives a command that can be polished (polishing permission information), the command is effect-controlled. Send to device 3053. When the production control device 3053 receives a polishable command (polishing permission information), the command is transmitted to the polishing control device 3059. When the polishing control device 3059 receives a polishable command (polishing permission information), a set polishing period is received. Only in this case, the polishing apparatus 3056 is controlled so as to polish the encapsulated sphere only for a predetermined period. Therefore, when a predetermined time T80 waits from timing t82 and timing t83 is reached, as shown in FIG. 208, the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 changes the circulation path of the enclosed sphere from the “normal side” to the “polishing side”. By switching, the encapsulated sphere starts to flow into the polishing apparatus 3056, and the polishing motor 3070 is activated to start polishing of the encapsulated sphere. In addition, a polishing signal is transmitted from the polishing control device 3059 to the effect control device 3053 when polishing of the encapsulated sphere starts.
On the other hand, when the effect control device 3053 receives the polishing signal from the polishing control device 3059, the effect control device 3053 controls the display device 41 to display the signal being polished. Therefore, display during polishing by the display device 41 is started from timing t83.

The polishing control device 3059 executes processing necessary for polishing the encapsulated sphere such as driving of the polishing motor 3070 and operation of the switching solenoid 3079S for a predetermined period T81 + T82, and the game ball is polished.
That is, the polishing of the encapsulated sphere is executed until a predetermined time T81 elapses from the timing t83. Meanwhile, the sphere discharged from the upper outlet 3075 of the polishing apparatus 3056 to the sensor flow path 3077 is detected by the polishing outlet switch 3076. Since the polishing outlet switch 3076 is turned from OFF to ON every time a ball discharged from the upper outlet 3075 to the sensor flow path 3077 is detected, it is input to the polishing controller 2059 in the form of a pulse signal as shown in FIG. Is done.
Next, when the predetermined time T81 elapses from the timing t83 and reaches the timing t84, it is determined that the encapsulated sphere has been sufficiently polished, and the switching solenoid 2079S of the switching valve 2079 changes the circulation path of the encapsulated sphere from the “polishing side”. Switch to “Normal”. As a result, the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 is turned off, and the sealed ball does not flow into the polishing device 3056. During this time, the polishing motor 3070 is operating.
That is, the polishing motor 3070 is operating even after the timing t84 elapses, so that the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 is switched to the “normal side” from the “polishing side” and remains in the polishing apparatus 3056. A period is secured until all balls being polished are discharged.
When all the balls being polished inside the polishing apparatus 3056 are discharged, the detection signal of the polishing outlet switch 3076 is turned off, and thereafter the detection signal remains off.
Next, when a predetermined time T82 elapses from timing t84 and timing t85 is reached, the polishing motor 3070 stops operating (OFF). The timing t84 is a predetermined period after the predetermined period T82 has elapsed since the switching solenoid 3079S of the switching valve 3079 is switched from the “polishing side” to the “normal side” and the detection signal of the polishing outlet switch 3076 is finally turned off. It is the time when T83 has elapsed. In this way, when the predetermined period T83 has elapsed since the detection signal of the polishing outlet switch 3076 was last turned off (timing t85), the operation of the polishing motor 3070 is stopped, so that the ball inside the polishing apparatus 3056 is stopped. After confirming that all the balls being polished have been discharged, the polishing motor 3070 is stopped, so that no enclosing balls remain in the polishing apparatus 3056.

On the other hand, the production control device 3053 does not transmit the polishing signal from the polishing control device 3059 at the timing t85 when the polishing motor 3070 stops, so that the production control device 3053 displayed the display device 41 during the polishing. finish. Therefore, the display during polishing on the display device 41 ends at the timing t85.
Thereafter, at timing t86, the “set polishing period” ends. Next, the timing t87 represents the timing at which the payout control device 3230 changes from the state where polishing is possible to the state where polishing is not possible. At this time, the payout control device 3230 permits the firing control circuit 3236 to actuate the firing solenoid 173 so that the ball can be fired (launch permitted state). Further, at timing t87, the payout control device 3230 transmits a non-polishing command (non-polishing information) to the game control device 3054. When the game control device 3054 receives an unpolished command (unpolished information), the game control device 3054 transmits an unpolished command (unpolished information) to the effect control device 3053. When the production control device 3053 receives a non-polishing command (non-polishing information), it sends a non-polishing command (unpolishing information) to the polishing control device 3059.

  As described above, the encapsulated sphere is polished only for a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes) only during the set polishing period when the game is not in progress (cannot be fired). That is, if the polishing period is a set period (for example, a specified period between the closing of the store and the opening of the next day), and the polishing control device 3059 receives a polishing enable command (polishing permission information). The encapsulated sphere is polished for a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes).

Example 6 has the following effects.
(1) Since the setting of the polishing period is performed by the production control device 3053 and the polishing control device 3059 by the operation of the game shop clerk, the game control device 3054 (main control board) and the payout control device 3230 (payout control board) The burden is reduced and the efficiency is improved.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A polishing apparatus for polishing a sphere;
In a gaming machine comprising a polishing control device for controlling a polishing device,
A configuration in which a signal cannot be input to at least the game control device and the payout control device from equipment necessary for polishing the game ball including the polishing device and the polishing control device,
A gaming machine characterized in that the polishing control device controls the polishing device to perform polishing of the sphere within a set polishing period.
Further, the inventive concept of setting the polishing period on the screen of the display device 41 is expressed as follows.
A polishing period setting means for setting a polishing period in which the sphere can be polished is provided,
The polishing control device
A gaming machine characterized in that a polishing apparatus is controlled to polish a sphere within a polishing period set by a polishing period setting means.
Here, the effect control device 3053 and the polishing control device 3059 of the sixth embodiment constitute a polishing period setting unit.

(2) Even if an RTC 3060 for setting a polishing period is mounted on the polishing control device 3059 or information regarding polishing of the encapsulated sphere is input, the game control device 3054 (main control board) and the payout control device 3230 (payout) Since there is no input to the control board), fraud is not easily made and security is high.
That is, the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) inputs information (for example, signal input, data input, etc.) to the game control device 3054 (main control board) and the payout control device 3230 (payout control board). (Input of information such as command input) is not performed at all, and since it is “sub-configured”, it is difficult to be fraudulent and security is high.

(3) Also, since the enclosing ball polishing period can be set in accordance with the circumstances of the amusement hall, the polishing period can be set flexibly in accordance with different business hours for each amusement hall, which is convenient.
This background will be described.
When an encapsulated ball polishing device is installed in an encapsulated ball game machine, it may be desired that the amusement hall requests polishing of the encapsulated ball before or after the start of business so as not to affect the game. .
In this case, since the business hours of the game hall are different for each region and game hall, it is convenient if the polishing period can be set according to the actual situation of the game hall.
However, in the configuration in which the polishing apparatus is controlled by the main control board or the payout control board, information for setting the mounting of the RTC that counts the real time and the business hours of the game hall (for example, time information from the outside, etc.) There is a security problem. That is, there is a risk of unauthorized use.
Therefore, in the present invention, the countermeasures have been devised, and the problem can be solved by “substituting” the polishing apparatus.

In particular, by substituting the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056), the RTC 3060 is mounted and information is input to the polishing control device 3059 (including the polishing device 3056) (for example, input of signals, data) (Input of information such as input of command, input of command, etc.), there is no security problem, the period during which the polishing apparatus 3056 is operated can be freely set, and the actual situation of the playground can be met. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to polish the encapsulated sphere after the end of business, it is possible to cope with a difference in business hours for each game hall.
The other effects of “substituting” are the same as in the fifth embodiment.
(4) Since the polishing controller 3059 is equipped with an RTC 3060, the RTC 3060 can obtain real-time information and set the polishing period while demonstrating the calendar function every day. You can specify the date and time.

Next, modified examples of the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention will be described.
<Modification of Example 5 and Example 6>
As a modification, for example, a configuration in which the enclosed ball is constantly circulated through the polishing device (a configuration different from FIG. 202A), the polishing control device 3059 is based on instructions from the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230. Instead, the polishing apparatus 3056 may be controlled (that is, the encapsulated sphere is polished).
In this way, the game control device 3054 and the payout control device 3230 do nothing (no control) with respect to the polishing of the encapsulated sphere, which further reduces the burden.
"Example 7"

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Example 7 relates to the operation of the display mode of the number of balls held at the time of power failure recovery. In Example 7, the member numbers are the same as in Example 1 and are the same.
Example 7 controls the display mode of the number of balls held at the time of a power failure recovery.
FIG. 209 is a diagram for explaining the display of the number of balls held at the time of power failure recovery according to the seventh embodiment, in particular, including the display mode of the number of balls held display 40 at the time of settlement.
Here, the operation of the display mode of the number of balls shown in FIG. 209 is the same as the operation shown in FIG. 189 described above, but FIG. 189 shows the display mode of the number of balls display 40 at the time of payment. 209 explains the operation of the display mode of the number of balls at the time of power failure recovery, in which case FIG. 209 is at the time of payment and at the time of power failure recovery. In this example, the operation of the display mode of the number of balls is explained.
Each is an operation at the time of settlement. However, in FIG. 209, the operation of the display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 is different when the timing of the occurrence of a power outage is the sections a to c as described later. Uses different timing numbers to explain the behavior of the number-of-balls display mode at the time of payment and at the time of power failure recovery.
In FIG. 209, timing t91 indicates the start of the game. Now, before the game start timing t91 (before the game starts), the number-of-balls display 40 is turned off, and the number of balls is not displayed (the number of balls is “0”). Also, before the game starts, the value of the number of balls held in the number of balls held memory (RAM 233) is also “0”.
Next, when the player inserts a game card into the card insertion slot 201 of the card unit 15 or inserts a bill into the cash insertion slot 202 at timing t91 (FIG. 209 shows the game card or cash insertion operation in H level). At the timing of the game start, the pachinko machine 1 side also determines that the game is started based on the signal from the card unit 15, and the number-of-balls display 40 lights up. At this time, since the number of held balls is 0 immediately after the game card or cash is inserted, the data in the held ball number memory and the counted ball number memory are both “0”, and the held ball number indicator 40 has the LED “0”. "" Lights up.

Next, after the game is started, the number of balls held is generated. For example, when the number of balls held is 125, the data in the ball holding memory becomes 125, and the ball holding number display 40 displays the number of balls held “125”. Lights up. Further, when the number of balls held increases or decreases as a result of the game, the data in the ball holding memory changes accordingly, and the ball holding number display 40 lights and displays the changed number of balls. For example, when the number of held balls becomes 5000, the data in the held ball number memory becomes 5000, and the held ball number display unit 40 lights the number of held balls of “5000”.
Next, when the player starts the checkout at timing t92, specifically, when the player touches the return button 704 of the operation display device 7 to end the game, the checkout process is started and the total number of balls (here, the number of balls held = 5000) is recorded on the game card. Specifically, when the player presses the return button 704, the card unit 15 transmits a payment instruction to the payout control device 230 so as to start the checkout, and when the payout control device 230 receives the payment instruction, the total number of balls held The (number of balls held + number of balls counted) data is transmitted to the card unit 15, and the card unit 15 starts a process of recording the total number of balls data on the game card.

When such a settlement is started, the number-of-balls display 40 changes the display mode from the lighting display to the movement blinking. The moving blink display of the number of balls is continued until the writing (recording) of the total number of balls on the game card is completed.
Here, the adjustment processing operation and the operation of the display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 when a power failure occurs in the section a from the timing t91 to the timing 92 will be described in detail later.
Next, when the writing of the total number of balls to the game card is completed at timing t93, the number-of-balls display 40 changes the display mode from moving blinking to simultaneous blinking. For example, “5000” blinks. However, the number of balls held in the internal memory is cleared to “0”.
Here, the adjustment processing operation and the operation of the display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 when a power failure occurs in the section b from the timing t92 to the timing 93 will be described in detail later.
Thereafter, the game card is ejected from the card unit 15 when a predetermined period T91 elapses from the timing t93 when the writing of the total number of balls to the game card is completed.
Specifically, when the card unit 15 finishes recording the total number-of-balls data for the game card, the card unit 15 notifies the payout control device 230 to that effect, and the payout control device 230 stores it (for example, stores it in a predetermined area of the RAM 233). ) Clearing the data such as the number of possessed balls, the number of counted balls, etc., the payment is completed, and the game card is returned at timing t94. At this time, the number-of-balls indicator 40 blinks “5000” simultaneously.
Here, the adjustment processing operation and the operation of the display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 when a power failure occurs in the section c from the timing t93 to the timing 94 will be described in detail later.
Next, when a predetermined period T92 elapses from the timing t94 at which the game card is discharged and the timing t95 is reached, the number-of-balls display 40 turns off the “5000” display that was flashing simultaneously.
Note that since the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 is backed up by a backup power source, even if a power failure occurs, the data in the holding ball number memory and the counting ball number memory are retained during the power failure.

In this way, when the adjustment of the number of balls is started at the time of payment with the game card, the display of the number of balls on the number-of-ball display 40 is changed from lighting display to moving blinking display, When the number recording is completed, the number-of-balls data is cleared and the display of the number-of-balls display 40 is changed to flashing simultaneously. Then, when a predetermined period T91 has elapsed from completion of writing to the game card, the game card is discharged. In addition, the simultaneous flashing continues until the predetermined period T92 elapses after the game card is discharged, and thereafter, the number-of-balls display 40 is turned off.
Therefore, when recording of the number of balls held on the game card is completed, the display mode of the ball number indicator 40 is changed (change from moving blinking to simultaneous blinking), so the number of balls held is recorded on the game card even from the outside. It is convenient for the player because it can recognize that the game has been performed.
In addition, when a power failure occurs at each time before the game is settled, after the settlement is started, and after the settlement is completed (after the completion of data writing to the card), the display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 is used when recovering from the power failure. Are different operations (for example, moving blinking, simultaneous blinking, etc.), so that the player can recognize the situation at the time of settlement, which is convenient (details of the settlement processing operation will be described later).
Further, since the number of balls held in the changed mode (simultaneous blinking) is continued for a predetermined period (T92) after the game card is discharged, the player can check the number of balls settled during that period, which is convenient.
Since the difference in the processing state at the time of payment as described above can be expressed only by changing the display mode of the ball number display 40. Control efficiency is good.
Furthermore, since the number-of-balls data of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) is cleared when recording of the number of balls on the gaming card is completed, the number-of-balls data is not duplicated and the security is high.

Next, the operation of the display mode of the number of balls at the time of power failure recovery will be described by dividing into section a, section b, section c, and section d in FIG.
<Display when power failure is restored in case of power failure in section a>
The section a is a period from the game start timing t91 to the payment start timing t92. In this section a, the number of balls held increases or decreases depending on the game result, the data in the ball holding number memory changes accordingly, and the ball holding number display 40 lights and displays the changed number of balls. For example, when the number of balls is 5000, the data in the ball number memory becomes 5000, and the ball number display 40 lights the number of balls “5000”. If a power failure occurs in this state, the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 is backed up by a backup power source during the power failure. Therefore, even if a power failure occurs, the data in the holding ball count memory and the counting ball count memory are retained during the power failure. Yes.
Next, when recovering from the power failure during the period a, the data of the holding ball number memory and the counting ball number memory are retained even during the power failure, so if the data of the holding ball number memory is “5000” at the time of power failure recovery, Based on the data, the number-of-balls display 40 immediately displays “5000” and lights up.
Therefore, the number of balls held before the power outage is maintained, and the number of balls held before the power outage is immediately displayed by the lighting of the number-of-balls indicator 40 at the time of recovery from the power outage. You can resume with confidence.

<Display when power failure is restored in case of power failure in section b>
The section b is a period from the payment start timing t92 to the completion of writing data (total number of balls) to the game card t93. In this section b, for example, a power failure occurs when the number of balls held is 5000, so the settlement process is interrupted. However, the data in the holding ball number memory is 5000, and if a power failure occurs in this state, the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 is backed up by a backup power source during the power failure. The data of the number memory and the counting ball number memory are retained. Therefore, 5000 of the data of the holding ball number memory is retained.
Next, when recovering from the power failure during the period of section b, the payout control device 230 reads the data (5000 pieces) of the number-of-balls memory from the RAM 233 and displays the number of balls on the number-of-balls display 40. The number-of-balls display 40 displays the number of balls held “5000” in a moving and blinking manner. In addition, due to the recovery from the power failure, the checkout process is resumed, and when the total number of balls has been written to the game card, the number-of-balls indicator 40 changes the display mode from moving blinking to blinking simultaneously. change. For example, “5000” is displayed blinking simultaneously. However, the number of balls held is cleared to “0” in the internal memory. Thereafter, when the writing of the total number of balls to the game card is completed, the game card is discharged from the card unit 15 (specifically, the card slot 201).

<Display when power failure is restored in case of power failure in sections c to d>
In the sections c to d, the payment is finished and the timing t94 at which the game card is ejected from the timing t93 when the writing of the data (total number of balls) to the game card is completed and the timing at which the number-of-balls display 40 is completely turned off. This is the period up to t95.
In these sections c to d, for example, when the writing of data to the game card is completed and the number of balls held is 0, the power failure occurs, so the settlement process is completed. In addition, the number-of-balls data is cleared (the number-of-balls data in the RAM 233 is cleared) when the recording of the number-of-balls data to the game card is completed.
Next, when recovering from the power failure during the period from cd to d, the payout control device 230 determines that the writing of data to the game card is completed, turns off the number-of-balls display 40, and displays the number of balls held. Control not to display. Therefore, when a power failure occurs after the number of balls held on the game card is completed, the number-of-balls display 40 operates so as not to display the number of balls (turned off) at the time of recovery.
In addition, when recovering from a power failure during the period of section c, the game card was not ejected at the time of the power outage (it must be ejected from the card slot 201 of the card unit 15; the same applies hereinafter), so it was recovered from the power failure. Later, the payout controller 230 operates to eject the game card.
On the other hand, when recovering from a power failure during the period d, since the game card has already been discharged at the time of the power failure, the payout control device 230 does not perform the operation of discharging the game card after recovery from the power failure. Note that the ball count indicator 40 operates so as to be extinguished at the time of recovery from a power failure in any of the periods c and d.

In this way, at the normal time when a power failure does not occur during the settlement process, the number-of-balls display 40 changes the display mode from lighting display to moving blinking at the start of the settlement, and the number of balls moved The blinking display continues until writing (recording) of the total number of balls to the game card is completed (that is, settlement is completed), and when the number of balls to be recorded on the game card is completed, the number-of-ball display 40 moves and blinks. The display mode is changed from display to simultaneous flashing display, and the number-of-balls display 40 continues the changed display mode (simultaneous flashing display: simultaneous flashing of “0” display, for example) until a predetermined period after the game card is discharged. To do.
On the other hand, if a power failure occurs after recording of the number of balls held on the game card is completed, even if the power is restored from the power failure, the number-of-balls display 40 does not display the number of balls and is turned off at the time of recovery.
Therefore, during normal times, the number-of-balls display 40 continues the display while changing the display mode from moving blinking to simultaneous blinking for a predetermined period after the completion of payment, so that the player records the number of balls held on the game card. When the power failure occurs after recording the number of balls on the game card is completed, the ball number indicator 40 turns off without displaying the number of balls at the time of recovery. Although the player has taken the card home, it is possible to avoid a state in which the number of balls held is displayed by the number-of-balls display 40, and confusion can be prevented.
In addition, since the above operation can be handled only by changing the display mode of the number-of-balls display 40 and its backup (backup of the number-of-balls data), the process becomes simple and the control efficiency is good.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that performs a game by circulating the enclosed game ball,
A ball number display device capable of displaying the number of balls of the player;
Display control means for controlling the display of the number-of-balls display device,
The display control means includes
When the game card is recorded and discharged to settle the number of balls held,
When the recording of the number of balls held on the game card is completed, the display mode of the number of balls held in the ball number display device is changed,
While continuing to display the changed mode until the predetermined period after the game card is discharged,
Enclosed ball type characterized in that when a power failure occurs after recording of the number of balls held on the game card is completed, control is performed so that the number of balls held in the ball number display device is not displayed at the time of recovery from the power failure, but is turned off. Gaming machine.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-215608, updating of common information (for example, the display mode of the ball number indicator, the ball number data, etc.) at the time of settlement by the card unit is a series. After completing the communication procedure.
However, in a sealed ball game machine, if there is a power failure while the number of balls is being settled, the number of balls held (stored in internal memory (for example, RAM)) and the number of balls held will not be displayed depending on the timing of the power failure. There was a risk of alignment.
Therefore, in this embodiment, during normal times (except during a power failure), the display of the number of balls is changed from lighting display to moving blinking at the start of payment, and when the number of balls held on the game card is completed, The display is changed from moving blinking to simultaneous blinking, and the number-of-balls display 40 keeps the changed display mode (simultaneous blinking) until a predetermined period after the game card is discharged, so that the player holds the game card on the game card. Recognize that the number of balls was recorded, making it convenient.
In addition, when the power failure is recovered after the number of balls held on the game card has been recorded, the number of balls held display is not performed and the number of balls held display 40 is turned off. It is possible to avoid the situation where the number of balls held is displayed even though the player is taking home, and to prevent confusion.
"Example 8"

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Example 8 relates to the display operation of the number of counted balls when the power failure is restored.
In the eighth embodiment, the member numbers are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 are rendered as described below under the control of the rendering control device 53.
In other words, during the normal game, the display device 41 produces a variation display game of a decoration special figure, and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays an auxiliary effect (model name, number of hold display, etc.).
In the event of a power failure during the game, the number-of-balls data, the counting ball data, etc. are backed up by the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 even during the power outage. Backed up by the RAM of the control device 53. In the process of recovering from a power failure, a display “currently recovering from power failure” is displayed on the display device 41, and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays a counting ball when the power failure is restored (if there is no counting ball). Counting ball number “0” is displayed). Thereafter, when the power failure recovery is completed, both the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 return to the gaming state before the power failure based on the backup data.

FIG. 210 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 when the power failure is restored in the eighth embodiment.
Here, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 constitute an effect display device, but the main liquid crystal display device (display device 41) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 as the effect display device are used. Liquid crystal devices capable of displaying images not only in 2D (2D) display but also in 3D (3D) display are used.
As a configuration capable of 3D display, for example, a naked-eye 3D display is used. The autostereoscopic 3D display is designed to display different images on the right and left eyes on a single screen by overlapping a normal lens with a plate-like lens called a lenticular lens and a vertical stripe filter (aperture grill) called a parallax barrier. It is.
The main liquid crystal display device (display device 41) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 as the display device for presentation use a liquid crystal device that displays only 2D (two-dimensional) display and does not display 3D (three-dimensional). It may be. In this case, the 3D display character appears on the liquid crystal screen as a normal 2D display. Further, stereoscopic display (3D computer graphics) may be performed on a 2D display. A three-dimensional display in this case, for example, a three-dimensional character is also expressed as a 3D character.

In FIG. 210, timing t101 indicates a point in time when the main power supply is turned on upon recovery from a power failure. That is, when the main power is turned on at the time of recovery from the power failure at timing t101, supply of power to the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, the effect control device 53, etc. and each electronic component is started, Processing such as conversion is performed.
When a predetermined period T101 elapses from the timing t101, the initialization of the CPU in the effect control device 53 ends, and the screen of the sub liquid crystal display device 33 can be displayed.
Next, at time t102, a power failure recovery command is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53.
The display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) has a black screen during the period from the power-on timing t101 to the timing t102 at which the power failure recovery command is received.
Next, in response to an instruction from the effect control device 53 at the timing t102, the display device 41 displays “Now recovering from power failure” on the screen.
Next, when the initialization of the accessory device (for example, the production accessory device 36) is completed at the timing t103, the display device 41 stops the display of “currently recovering from power failure” and displays a normal display screen (for example, a demo display). Screen).

On the other hand, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 operates as follows.
When the main power supply is turned on at the timing t101 along with the restoration of the power failure, since the initialization of the CPU in the effect control device 53 is not completed during the period from the timing t101 until the predetermined period T101 elapses, the sub liquid crystal display device A black screen 33 is a so-called black screen.
Next, when the predetermined period T101 elapses, the initialization of the CPU in the effect control device 53 is finished, and the screen of the sub liquid crystal display device 33 can be displayed, and is stored in the sub liquid crystal display device 33 by the effect control device 53. The number of counted balls is displayed. On the other hand, when the counting ball number is zero, the counting ball number 0 (zero) is displayed.
The number of counting balls is stored in the counting ball number memory of the RAM 233 in the payout control device 230 with a backup power source, but is also stored in the game control device (main board) 54 and the effect control device 53 with a backup power source. Yes. The game control device (main board) 54 and the effect control device 53 are configured to include, for example, a RAM with a backup power source.
Here, even if the sub liquid crystal display device 33 does not receive the power failure recovery command from the game control device 54, the number of counted balls can be displayed. That is, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 can display the number of counting balls regardless of whether or not a power failure recovery command is received.
Next, at timing t102, the effect control device 53 receives the power failure recovery command and instructs the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) to display during power failure recovery. Since the sub liquid crystal display device 33 can display the number of counted balls without receiving the power failure recovery command, the display of the number of counted balls is continued even at timing t102.
Next, when the initialization of the accessory device or the like is completed at timing t103, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the normal display screen (for example, the counting ball is displayed when there is a counting ball number, and the model name when there is no counting ball number). And the screen that displays the number of special figure hold.

Next, an example of specific screens of the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 211, FIG. 211 (a) is a normal time and shows a state in which there is no counting ball. For example, although a game is in progress, no counting ball is generated, and the display device 41 has “7, 5, 3”. A special figure (here, a decorative special figure) is displayed. In addition, the fourth symbol Z is displayed on the display device 41, but the number of holdings HR is not displayed.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 211 (a), the sub liquid crystal display device 33 arranged on the side of the display device 41 displays the model name “CRXXX” and also displays “special number” as the hold number display. “FIG. 1: 0” and “Special Figure 2: 0” are displayed. “Special figure 1: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 1 is 0, and “Special figure 2: 0” means that the number of holdings of special figure 2 is 0.
When there is no counting ball, not only the display of the model name but also an effect display linked with, for example, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) is performed. As such an effect display, for example, when there is no counting ball, “2D child character” is displayed on the display device 41 or the sub liquid crystal display device 33.

  Next, when the game progresses, a counting ball is generated as shown in FIG. 211 (b), and when the number of reserves is generated, the display device 41 has a special figure (decoration) with a symbol of “1, 2, 3”, for example. Special figure) is displayed in a stopped state, and the display device 41 displays the fourth symbol Z and the four holding numbers HR. In this case, since there is a counting ball, the model name disappears on the sub liquid crystal display device 33, information on the counting ball such as “5000 counting balls” is displayed, and “reservation number display” “FIG. 1: 4” and “Special Figure 2: 0” are displayed. “Special figure 1: 4” indicates that the number of reserved figures in special figure 1 is four.

Thereafter, when a power failure occurs, the screens of both the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 disappear and the operation is stopped. However, since the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 is backed up by a backup power source even during a power failure, the data of the holding ball number memory and the counting ball number memory are retained during the power failure. Therefore, the data 5000 in the counting ball number memory is retained. As described above, the number of counted balls is also stored in the game control device (main board) 54 and the effect control device 53 with a backup power source.
Next, when the main power is turned on along with the restoration of the power failure, when a predetermined period T101 has elapsed from the main power on timing t101 as shown in FIG. 210, in the effect control device 53 as shown in FIG. 211 (c). After the initialization of the CPU is completed, the screen of the sub liquid crystal display device 33 can be displayed, and the number of counting balls stored in the counting ball number memory is displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33. In this case, since the count ball number was 5000 before the power failure, the display of the count ball number “5000 count balls” is resumed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33. When there is no counting ball number, the counting ball number 0 is displayed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 210, at timing t102, a power failure recovery command is sent from the game control device 54 to the effect control device 53, and the display device 41 displays “Recovering power failure” on the screen. Thereby, the player can easily know that the power failure is being restored.
After that, when the initialization of the accessory device or the like is completed at timing t103, the display device 41 stops displaying “Now recovering from power failure” and shifts to a normal display screen (for example, a demonstration display screen).

In this way, the effect control device 53 controls the effects of the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) and the sub liquid crystal display device 33, and includes a RAM with a backup power source, and further includes a game control device (main board) 54 and The payout control device 230 also includes a RAM with a backup power source, and when the power failure is restored, the display device 41 (main liquid crystal display device) receives “power failure” according to the control of the effect control device 54 according to an instruction from the game control device (main board) 54. The sub liquid crystal display device 33 displays the number of counted balls stored (stored in the effect control device 53) even if there is no instruction from the game control device (main board) 54. Since (including the display of counting ball number 0) is performed, the following effects are obtained.
Since the number of counted balls is stored in the game control device (main board) 54 and the effect control device 53, the security is high.
In addition, even if there is an abnormality in the game control device (main board) 54 during a power failure, the number of counted balls stored in the effect control device 53 can be displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33, so the number of counted balls disappears. I know that there is no, and I am safe.
In particular, when the number of counted balls is managed by the game control device 54 or the payout control device 230, if there is a malfunction in the game control device 54 or the payout control device 230 at the time of a power failure, Data) may be lost, but in this embodiment, even if there is a malfunction in the game control device 54 or the payout control device 230 at the time of a power failure, the effect control device 53 stores the counted number of balls, so the power failure is restored. Since the number of counted balls is displayed on the sub liquid crystal display device 33 promptly at times, a great sense of security can be given to the player, and the reliability can be improved.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
It is possible to play the game by circulating the enclosed game balls and to control the game control device for managing the progress of the game and the display device for the effect based on the command from the game control device. In a sealed ball game machine equipped with a production control device,
A main liquid crystal display device, a sub liquid crystal display device, and a RAM having backup means as the display device for presentation,
The production control device
In response to an instruction from the game control device, the main liquid crystal display device is controlled to perform a display during restoration from a power failure at the time of restoration from the power failure,
The sub liquid crystal display device is controlled so as to display the number of counted balls stored in the RAM at the time of recovery from a power failure even if there is no instruction from the game control device. Type game machine.
Here, the display device 41 constitutes a main liquid crystal display device, and the display device 41 and the sub liquid crystal display device 33 constitute an effect display device.
Note that the number of counting balls stored in the RAM of the display device for effect is stored, including the state where the number of counting balls is zero.

This background will be described.
In conventional gaming machines such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-325929, the number of balls that can be fired and the number of balls that can be fired (corresponding to the number of balls counted in this publication) Display on a liquid crystal display).
However, in the conventional gaming machine described in the above publication, there is a possibility that an unexpected situation may occur during a power failure.
That is, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, when the counting ball is managed by the main board (game control apparatus) or the payout board (payout control apparatus), the main board (game control apparatus) or the payout board (payout control apparatus) at the time of power failure If there is a problem, the number of counted balls may be lost, which may cause anxiety to the player.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 stores the number of counted balls stored (stored in the effect control device 53) even when there is no instruction from the game control device (main board) 54 when the power failure is restored. The display (including the display of the counting ball number 0) is performed to eliminate the possibility that the counting ball number disappears, and to give the player a sense of security.
Next, as a modification of the eighth embodiment, the sub liquid crystal display device 33 may display not only the number of counted balls but also the number of held balls, for example. This is convenient because the player knows the number of balls held in addition to the number of counted balls.
"Example 9"

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The ninth embodiment relates to an operation for suppressing an illegal winning of the enclosed ball game.
In the ninth embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the member numbers are the same as those in the first embodiment, the flowchart common to the first embodiment is omitted, and the following three flowcharts related to the implementation of the ninth embodiment are as follows. It is.
That is, the flowcharts related to the implementation of the ninth embodiment are [main control command reception processing], [safe ball detection switch monitoring processing], and [number of possessed balls management processing]. Among these, since [main control command reception processing] is the same as that in the first embodiment, the redundant description will be omitted, and the remaining two flowcharts will be described.
The main control command receiving process is to receive and save a command transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230. As described above, game information is also one command in a broader sense, and game state information is also included in one command. The type information and the prize ball information are also one of the commands.

[Safe ball detection switch monitoring process]
FIG. 212 is a flowchart illustrating details of the safe ball detection switch monitoring process D122 in the switch monitoring process of the ninth embodiment. In the following description, the reference destination of the flag set (for example, the board ball number error flag of FIG. 118) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and is described as the same, and if there is a different one, it is described separately. To do.
In the description of this flowchart, the same step numbers are used for steps that perform the same processing as in the first embodiment, and different step numbers are used for steps that perform different processing.
A first safe ball detection switch 162 and a second safe ball detection switch 163 are arranged in the frame portion on the back side of the game board 20, and these switches 162 and 163 detect only the safe ball of the game board 20. Therefore, in the safe sphere detection switch monitoring process, processing related to the first safe sphere detection switch 162 and the second safe sphere detection switch 163 is performed.
When this routine is started, it is first determined in step D141 whether or not the first safe ball detection switch 162 is turned on. If not, the routine jumps to step D147 and relates to the second safe ball detection switch 163. Transition to processing.
On the other hand, if the 1st safe ball | bowl detection switch 162 is ON, it will progress to step D142 and will update the value of a safe number only by "+1". Next, in step D143, the value of the out number is updated (incremented) by “+1”.
Next, the process proceeds to step D144 to determine whether or not a board surface ball number error is in progress. If the board surface ball number error is in progress (specifically, if the board surface ball number error flag in FIG. 118 is set), step D145 is performed. If the board surface ball number error is not in progress (specifically, if the board surface ball number error flag in FIG. 118 is cleared), the process proceeds to step D146.
Proceeding to step D145, it is determined whether or not a glass frame opening error is in progress. If the glass frame opening error is in progress (specifically, if the glass frame opening error flag in FIG. 120 is set), the process proceeds to step D147. If it is determined that the glass frame open error is not in progress (specifically, if the glass frame open error flag in FIG. 120 is cleared), the process proceeds to step D146.
In step D146, the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process advances to step D1001.

  According to the processing from step D141 to step D146, every time one safe sphere is detected by the first safe sphere detection switch 162, the safe number is updated by "+1" and the out number is also "+1". Updated. Each time one safe number is detected, one board ball number is subtracted. However, if there is a board surface ball number error and a glass frame opening error, it is considered that the glass frame 5 is opened and the board surface ball number error (such as ball clogging in the game area) is being solved. The subtraction of the board sphere number of D146 is not executed. When the operation for eliminating the board surface ball number error (ball jam in the game area, etc.) is completed and the glass frame 5 is closed, the board surface ball number is cleared by the error release switch monitoring process of FIG. 116 (step D193). .

Note that the safe ball detected in step H141 is a game ball that has been fired and becomes safe (wins), and does not include a game ball that is out (no wins).
However, since the number of outs means the number of all game balls that are discharged and collected from the game area, the game balls that have been fired and become safe (winning) are also included in the balls that are discharged and collected from the game area Therefore, in step D143, the value of the number of outs is updated by “+1”.
In addition, even if a board surface ball number error occurs due to the steps D144 and D145, if the glass frame 5 is not opened, step D146 is executed and the board surface ball number is updated. When the player hits the front surface of the glass frame 5 or when the game ball is resolved by the collision of the game balls, the error is released without operating the error release switch 68. Troublesome for both shoppers and shop assistants.

When the process proceeds to step D1001 via step D146, the process shifts to a process of sequentially storing the number of winnings corresponding to the number of winning balls acquired according to the winning ball command from the game control device 54 in the winning number area.
That is, the top address of the winning number area is set in step D1001. In addition, if the glass frame 5 is open, even if any winning opening (for example, the starting winning opening 25, the starting winning opening 26, the general winning openings 28 to 31 etc.) is won, it will not be treated as a winning prize. And
Here, the winning number area is configured such that the area can be divided by address so that a plurality of winning numbers can be stored. Therefore, the winning number received from the game control device 54 (that is, the winning ball from the game control device 54). An address for storing the number of winning balls corresponding to the current number of winning balls acquired according to the command) in the winning number area is set from the top. The winning number area is composed of a multi-byte area like a command reception buffer, and the winning number increases or decreases in the order of writing. When the upper limit is reached, it does not return to “0” but remains at the upper limit value. (The upper limit is, for example, 255).
Next, in step D1002, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number area is “0”.
Here, the number of winning balls associated with winning is as follows, and how much has been won in which winning opening (the number of winning) is sent from the game control device 54 as a winning ball command, so in step D1002 The process determines whether there is a number of winning balls corresponding to the type of winning prize opening.
・ First grand prize opening 27a = 13 ・ Second grand prize opening 34a = 10 ・ Starting prize opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting prize opening 26 (general power) = 1 piece ・ General prize winning openings 28-31 = 10 pieces

If the value of the winning number area is not “0” in step D1002, the process branches to step D1005 to set the address of the determined winning number area corresponding to the winning number area. The winning confirmed number area is composed of a multi-byte area like a command reception buffer, and the winning confirmed number increases or decreases in the order of writing, and when it reaches the upper limit, it does not return to “0” but the upper limit value. (The upper limit value is, for example, 255).
Next, the process proceeds to Step D1006, and the value of the winning confirmed number area designated by the address set in Step D1005 is updated by (+1). Thereby, the number of winnings corresponding to the current number of winning balls acquired in response to the winning ball command from the game control device 54 is updated.
Here, the winning number area is an area for storing the number of winning balls acquired according to the winning ball command from the game control device 54, and the winning confirmed number area is paid out upon receiving the winning ball command from the gaming control device 54. This is an area for storing the number of award balls whose payout is confirmed on the control device 230 side.
Next, in step D1007, the value of the winning number area is updated by (-1). After step D1007, the process proceeds to step D147.

On the other hand, if the value of the winning number area is “0” in step D1002, the process proceeds to step D1003, and the address of the winning number area is updated to the next area. Thus, preparation for reading the value of the next winning number area is completed. Next, in step D1004, it is determined whether or not all the winning number areas have been checked. If all the winning number areas have not been checked in step D1004, the process returns to step D1002 to repeat the loop. In this way, the next winning number of the plurality of winning numbers is read from the winning number area, and the value of the winning number area corresponding to the winning number specified by the next address (updated address) is read. It will be put out. By repeating such a loop, the check of all the areas in the winning number area is completed, and the values stored in the winning area corresponding to all the winning numbers are read out.
If it is determined in step D1004 that all the number-of-winning areas have been checked, the process goes to step D147, and the processes after step D147 are executed.

When the processing proceeds to step D147 and subsequent steps, the processing proceeds to processing related to the second safe ball detection switch 163.
That is, it is determined in step D147 whether or not the second safe ball detection switch 163 is turned on. On the other hand, if the second safe ball detection switch 163 is turned on, the process proceeds to step D148 to update (increment) the value of the safe number by “+1” and update the value of the out number by “+1” in step D149. (Increment).
Next, the process proceeds to step D150 to determine whether or not a board surface ball number error is in progress. If the board surface ball number error is in progress (specifically, if the board surface ball number error flag in FIG. 118 is set), the process proceeds to step D151. If the board ball number error is not in progress (specifically, if the board ball number error flag in FIG. 118 is cleared), the process proceeds to step D152.
In step D151, it is determined whether or not a glass frame open error is in progress. If the glass frame open error is in progress (specifically, if the glass frame open error flag in FIG. 120 is set), the process returns. On the other hand, if the glass frame open error is not in progress (specifically, if the glass frame open error flag in FIG. 120 is cleared), the process proceeds to step D152.
When the process proceeds to step D152, the value of the board ball number is updated (decremented) by “−1”, and the process proceeds to step D1008.

  According to the processing from step D147 to step D152, every time one safe sphere is detected by the second safe sphere detection switch 163, the safe number is updated by "+1" and the out number is also "+1". Updated. Each time one safe number is detected, one board ball number is subtracted. However, if there is a board surface ball number error and a glass frame opening error, it is considered that the glass frame 5 is opened and the board surface ball number error (such as ball clogging in the game area) is being solved. The subtraction of the board sphere number of D146 is not executed. When the operation for eliminating the board surface ball number error (ball jam in the game area, etc.) is completed and the glass frame 5 is closed, the board surface ball number is cleared by the error release switch monitoring process of FIG. 116 (step D193). .

Note that the safe ball detected in step D147 is a game ball that has been fired and becomes safe (wins), and does not include a game ball that has been out (no win).
However, since the number of outs means the number of all game balls that are discharged and collected from the game area, the game balls that have been fired and become safe (winning) are also included in the balls that are discharged and collected from the game area Therefore, in step D149, the value of the number of outs is updated by “+1”.
Further, even if a board surface ball number error occurs due to steps D150 and D151, if the glass frame 5 is not opened, step D152 is executed and the board surface ball number is updated. When the player hits the front surface of the glass frame 5 or when the game ball is resolved by the collision of the game balls, the error is released without operating the error release switch 68. Troublesome for both shoppers and shop assistants.

When the process proceeds to step D1008 via step D152, the process proceeds to a process of sequentially storing the number of winnings corresponding to the number of winning balls acquired according to the winning ball command from the game control device 54 in the winning number area.
That is, the top address of the winning number area is set in step D1008. In addition, if the glass frame 5 is open, even if any winning opening (for example, the starting winning opening 25, the starting winning opening 26, the general winning openings 28 to 31 etc.) is won, it will not be treated as a winning prize. And
Here, the winning number area is configured such that the area can be divided by address so that a plurality of winning numbers can be stored. Therefore, the winning number received from the game control device 54 (that is, the winning ball from the game control device 54). An address for storing the number of winning balls corresponding to the current number of winning balls acquired according to the command) in the winning number area is set from the top.
Next, in step D1009, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number area is “0”.
Here, the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize is as described above, and how much has been won in which winning opening (number of winning prizes) is sent from the game control device 54 as a winning ball command, so the processing of step D1009 is It is determined whether or not there is a number of winning balls corresponding to the type of winning opening.

If the value of the winning number area is not “0” in step D1009, the process branches to step D1012 to set the address of the winning determined number area corresponding to the winning number area. The winning confirmed number area is composed of a multi-byte area like a command reception buffer, and the winning confirmed number increases or decreases in the order of writing, and when it reaches the upper limit, it does not return to “0” but the upper limit value. (The upper limit value is, for example, 255).
Next, the process proceeds to step D1013, and the value of the winning confirmed number area specified by the address set in step D1012 is updated by (+1). Thereby, the number of winnings corresponding to the current number of winning balls acquired in response to the winning ball command from the game control device 54 is updated.
Here, the winning number area is an area for storing the number of winning balls acquired according to the winning ball command from the game control device 54, and the winning confirmed number area is paid out upon receiving the winning ball command from the gaming control device 54. This is an area for storing the number of award balls whose payout is confirmed on the control device 230 side.
Next, in step D1014, the value of the winning number area is updated by (-1). After step D1014, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the value of the winning number area is “0” in step D1009, the process proceeds to step D1010, and the address of the winning number area is updated to the next area. Thus, preparation for reading the value of the next winning number area is completed. Next, in step D1011, it is determined whether or not all the winning number areas have been checked. If all the winning number areas have not been checked in step D1011, the process returns to step D1009 to repeat the loop. In this way, the next winning number of the plurality of winning numbers is read from the winning number area, and the value of the winning number area corresponding to the winning number specified by the next address (updated address) is read. It will be put out. By repeating such a loop, the check of all the areas in the winning number area is completed, and the values stored in the winning area corresponding to all the winning numbers are read out.
Then, if it is determined in step D1011 that all the winning number areas have been checked, the process returns.

  In this way, the winning number corresponding to the number of winning balls acquired in accordance with the winning ball command from the game control device 54 is sequentially stored in the winning number area as being not paid to the player, When a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163, it is determined that payment to the player corresponding to the winning number is permitted. If the value of the area is updated by (+1) for each input, and then the value of the confirmed winning number area is updated by (+1) for each input, it is determined that the winning number has been paid to the player. The value of the number area is updated by (−1).

Here, in the ninth embodiment, when a prize ball command is received from the game control device 54, the number of prize balls is written in a prize ball number area (for example, a predetermined area in the RAM 233). It is divided into a mouth, a big winning opening, a normal winning opening (general winning opening), etc., and the number of winning balls is stored corresponding to each winning opening.
In addition, when adding the winning number based on the winning ball command from the game control device 54, the adding is performed in the winning number region. It is divided into a start opening, a big winning opening, a normal winning opening (general winning opening), etc., and the number of winning is added separately for each winning opening.
The winning number area is an area where the number of winning prizes to which a player has not paid a winning ball is added, and this winning number area corresponds to the winning ball number area on a one-to-one basis. The winning number area can store values from 0 to 255, and 255 is the upper limit value. .

On the other hand, when a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is detected by the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163, it is determined that payment to the player corresponding to the number of winnings is permitted. The value of the confirmed number area is updated by (+1) for each input. As for the winning confirmed number area, the winning confirmed number area is, for example, a start opening, a large winning opening, a normal winning opening (general winning opening). ) Etc., and the number of confirmed winning prizes is updated separately for each winning opening.
In addition, when the safe ball is detected, the value of the winning confirmed number area is updated by (+1) for each input, and in response to this (+1) updating, the winning number is paid to the player by other processing (that is, , The number of winning balls in the winning confirmed number area is paid to the player based on the corresponding number of winning balls), so that the winning number has been paid to the player, The value of the winning number area is updated by (-1).
Note that the above-described configuration for dividing the prize ball number area, the winning number area, and the winning confirmed number area is merely an example, and other structures may be adopted. For example, the start ports may be divided into a start port 1, a start port 2, and a start port 3, and the number of prize balls may be different for each start port. The same applies to the other winning awards.

Here, in Example 9, in order to suppress an illegal winning of the enclosed ball game, the following configuration is adopted.
That is, when a winning at the first starting winning port 25 or the second starting winning port 26 as the starting port is detected by the first starting port switch 120 or the second starting port switch 121, the symbol variation process (this special figure and decorative feature) is performed. (Both in the figure) and the start winning storage process are performed immediately, and a prize ball command (the number of winning balls and the number of prize balls) is transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230. If a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is detected by at least one of the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163 during a predetermined period after reception, the prize ball command A process of adding the corresponding number of winning balls to the number of possessed balls is performed. The above processing is executed by other processing instead of the flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, the safe discharged from the game board 20 by the detection switch of at least one of the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163 in a predetermined period after the prize ball command is received by the payout control device 230. If no ball is detected, the process of adding the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command to the number of balls held is not performed, and an error notification is made.

[Number of balls management processing]
FIG. 213 is a flowchart illustrating details of the number-of-balls management process D52 in the timer interrupt process (payout) according to the ninth embodiment.
In the description of this flowchart, the same step numbers are used for steps that perform the same processing as in the first embodiment, and different step numbers are used for steps that perform different processing.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D451 whether or not a prize ball addition stop flag is set. If the prize ball addition stop flag is not set, the process proceeds to step D452, and if the prize ball addition stop flag is set, the process jumps to step D462. In step D452, the head address of the winning confirmed number area is set. The winning confirmed number area is configured such that the area can be divided by address so that a plurality of confirmed winning numbers can be stored, so that the winning number received from the game control device 54 (that is, a winning ball command from the game control device 54). The number of winning balls determined to be paid out on the payout control device 230 side is sequentially set from the top in order to store the number of winning balls determined in accordance with It is something to do.
Next, in step D1021, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning determined number area is “0”. If not, the value of the winning ball number area corresponding to the winning determined number area is loaded in step D1022. To do.

Here, the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize is as follows, and when a winning ball (the number of winning prizes) is sent as a winning ball command from the game control device 54, the payout control is performed. The number of winning balls whose payout has been determined on the device 230 side is sequentially stored in the winning determined number area. The winning determined number area is also stored separately for each winning slot as shown below. The process of step D1022 reads out the number of winning balls according to the type of winning opening corresponding to the winning determined number area.
・ First grand prize opening 27a = 13 ・ Second grand prize opening 34a = 10 ・ Starting prize opening 25 = 3 ・ Starting prize opening 26 (general power) = 1 piece ・ General prize winning openings 28-31 = 10 pieces Note that the processing of step D1022 is performed when the number of balls held is not updated at once (see step D455 described later) when there are a plurality of winnings, but the number of balls held increases in units of winning. This is to display the number of balls held. In this way, the number of balls held per winning unit increases, so there is an advantage that it is easy to understand for gaming machines.
Next, the process proceeds to step D455, where the value loaded in step D1022 (the number of winning balls corresponding to the current winning confirmed number area) is added to the number of held balls to obtain a new number of held balls, and the number of held balls is displayed in step D456. Update the write counter by “+1”. Next, in step D457, the number of winning balls is saved in the display updated holding ball number storage area corresponding to the light counter. This is because the change in the number of balls needs to be displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 when there is a prize ball associated with winning, so the value of the number-of-ball display light counter is updated (incremented) by “+1”. ), The number of prize balls for winning is stored in the display updated number-of-balls storage area corresponding to the advanced light counter, and the stored number of prize balls is added to the number of balls for display for display. This is the number of updated balls.
That is, the amount of change for displaying the number of balls to be displayed on the number-of-balls display 40 for each change event is stored in the display updated number of balls to be stored. For example, the number of possessed balls increases accordingly, so that the number of winning balls is stored in the display updated possessed ball number storage area. As a result, the number of winning balls is added to the number of winning balls by the number of winning balls corresponding to the current winning determined number area, and the display of the holding ball number display 40 is updated.

It should be noted that the display updated number-of-balls storage area is configured by a multi-byte area like a command reception buffer, and the number of balls held is increased or decreased in the order of writing. That is, data (number of winning balls) added to the number of holding balls displayed on the holding ball number display 40 is stored in the ring buffer format area in the order of winning. The size of the storage area in the ring buffer format is set to a size corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls per unit time (for example, the number of prize balls per unit time in the big hit round). For example, the size is set to about 32 bytes.
Next, the process proceeds to step D458, where it is determined whether the number of balls updated in step D455 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (for example, 250,000), and if it is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, it is determined in step D459. The number of balls upper limit (250,000) is updated and registered as a new number of balls, and the process proceeds to step D460. If it is not equal to or greater than the number of balls held, the process proceeds to step D1023 without executing step D459.

In step D1023, the address of the winning determination number area is updated to the next area. Thus, preparation for reading the value of the next winning confirmed number area is completed. Next, in step D1024, it is determined whether or not all the winning confirmed number areas have been checked. If all the winning confirmed number areas have not been checked in step D1024, the process returns to step D1021 to repeat the loop. In this way, the next winning determined number of the plurality of winning determined numbers is read from the winning determined number area, and the winning ball corresponding to the winning determined number specified by the next address (updated address) Values stored in several areas are loaded and added to the number of balls held. By repeating such a loop, the check of all areas in the winning confirmed number area is completed, and the value stored in the winning ball number area corresponding to all the winning confirmed number areas is loaded and held. Will be added to the number.
On the other hand, if the value of the winning determined number area is “0” in step D1021, there is no value to be added to the number of balls held, so the process jumps to step D1023 to update the address of the winning determined number area to the next area. Thereafter, the process of step D1024 is performed.
Then, if it is determined in step D1024 that all the confirmed winning number areas have been checked, the process goes to step D462 to perform count switch monitoring processing, and in subsequent step D463, count ball use monitoring processing is performed. These steps D462 and D463 perform processing for monitoring the counting switch 311 and monitoring the use of the counting ball.

Next, in step D464, data corresponding to the number of held balls is saved in the test signal output data area, and in step D465, data corresponding to the counted number of balls is saved in the test signal output data area, and the number of held balls management process is completed. To do.
According to the number-of-balls management process, the number of balls and the number of display balls increase by the number of prize balls as long as the number of balls does not exceed the upper limit of the number of balls by the processing of steps D455 to D458. . The number of balls for display is data in a storage area of the RAM 233 for storing the number of balls to be displayed on the ball number display 40.

Next, FIG. 214 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of starting winning and winning ball addition.
This operation is an example in the case where three prize balls are generated with the start winning.
In the process of the enclosed ball game, the start memory is “1” before the timing t111, and the number of balls held is 100.
Next, when one game ball is won at the start opening at timing t111, that is, one game ball wins at either the first start winning opening 25 or the second start winning opening 26 is the first start opening. When detected by the switch 120 or the second start port switch 121 (the detection output is turned ON), “3” is generated as the number of prize balls for one start winning prize, that is, three prize balls are played. Need to be Since it is an enclosed ball game, in reality, three prize balls are electronically added to the number of possessed balls. This addition process is performed by the payout control device 230 to receive a prize ball command as will be described later. This is the time when either the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163 detects a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 within a later predetermined period (T111 described later).

On the other hand, if there is a winning at the start at timing t111, the symbol variation process (both the special symbol and the decorative special symbol) is immediately performed, and the symbol variation (the symbol variation of both the special symbol and the decorative special symbol) is performed. Start. However, in this example, since the start memory is already present and the symbol is changing, the start winning storage process is immediately performed and the start memory is updated from “1” to “2” as shown in FIG. . Since the start memory is “1” before the timing t111, the start memory is updated from “1” to “2” in accordance with the current start winning.
Further, when there is a start winning at timing t111, a prize ball command (number of winning balls and number of winning balls) is immediately transmitted from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230. In this case, since there is one start winning prize, the number of winning balls = 1 and the number of winning balls = 3 are transmitted as the winning ball command.

Next, at timing t112, a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is detected (detection output is ON) by any one of the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163. . When the safe ball is detected, there is actually a winning at the start port at timing t111, and the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch at the stage where the winning game ball is discharged from the game board 20 Since it is actually detected by any one of the detection switches 163, it can be determined that it is not illegal. Therefore, at time t112, a process of adding the current number of prize balls (three) to the number of possessed balls is performed. The number of balls changes from 100 to 103 and is displayed on the number-of-balls display 40.
On the other hand, when there is fraud due to a fishing ball, for example, after making a fishing ball with a thread fixed to the ball and inserting it into either the first starting winning port 25 or the second starting winning port 26, a starting winning is generated. If there is an injustice such as lifting the fishing ball from the winning opening, the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch even if the timing t112 elapses after the payout control device 230 receives the prize ball command. In any of the detection switches 163, the safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is not detected.

In other words, even when the predetermined period T111 has elapsed from the timing t111, the safe that should be discharged from the game board 20 in accordance with the start winning prize, even though the payout control device 230 has received the prize ball command. A sphere is not detected. Therefore, it is determined that the fishing ball is fraudulent or the like, and the prize ball addition is stopped.
Therefore, if a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is not detected even after the predetermined period T111 has elapsed after receiving the prize ball command by the payout control device 230, it is determined to be illegal and no prize ball is added. . Further, not only the addition of the prize ball is stopped, but also error notification is performed because it is illegal. As the error notification, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error is displayed on the display device 41 or the decoration display LED (frame) 141. In this way, the player or the store clerk is notified that there is a possibility of fraud. Further, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the hall computer 86 via the card unit 15. Therefore, it becomes an illegal deterrent by fishing balls or the like.
Note that the game machine may not perform error notification but may perform error notification that can be understood only at the game hall by the hall computer 86. As a result, when the store clerk watches the detection of an illegal prize winning by a fishing ball or the like and an error notification, the player can deal with the fraud without realizing it.
In addition, since the flow path of the game ball after the start winning prize is not constant during the predetermined period T111, the safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is not always detected when the predetermined period T111 elapses. It is expected to be at least within the vicinity of the predetermined period T111. Alternatively, if an encapsulated ball game is executed by a preliminary experiment to grasp the behavior of the game ball, and the correlation between the predetermined period T111 and the detection of the safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is grasped, It becomes possible to determine fraud etc. with fishing balls almost accurately.

As described above, in the ninth embodiment, the symbol variation process (both the special figure and the decoration special figure) associated with the start winning is immediately performed, and a prize ball command (the number of winning balls and the prize ball is sent from the game control device 54 to the payout control device 230. The first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe during a predetermined period (T111) after the start winning is detected by either the first start port switch 120 or the second start port switch 121. When a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is detected by any one of the ball detection switches 163, a prize ball is added.
On the other hand, of the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163 during a predetermined period (T111) after the start winning is detected by either the first start port switch 120 or the second start port switch 121. In any of the detection switches, if a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is not detected, it is determined to be illegal, and the award ball addition is stopped, and an error notification is performed.
Therefore, it is possible to quickly execute the symbol variation process associated with the start winning prize, and it is possible to prevent the winning ball addition due to the illegal winning (for example, the illegal winning with the fishing ball or the like). In this case, since the winning ball addition is stopped, the display on the number-of-balls display 40 does not change and is easily understood by the player.
Further, when there is an illegal winning such as a fishing ball, the winning ball is not added (that is, the number of held balls does not increase), so that fraud is prevented.
Further, of the first safe ball detection switch 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163 during a predetermined period (T111) after the start winning is detected by either the first start port switch 120 or the second start port switch 121. In any of the detection switches, when a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is not detected, an error notification is performed, which serves as a deterrent to illegal winning by a fishing ball or the like.
The above-described operation example is an example in the case where a game ball is won at the first start prize opening 25 or the second start prize opening 26, but to other prize winning openings (large prize winning opening or general winning opening). It can also be applied when there is a winning game ball. The first safe ball detection switch for a certain period of time (for example, a period substantially similar to the predetermined period (T111)) even when a game ball has been won in other winning holes (large winning hole or general winning hole) In any of the detection switches 162 or the second safe ball detection switch 163, if a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is not detected, it is determined to be illegal and the addition of the prize ball is stopped and an error notification is performed. What is necessary is just composition.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A game control device that circulates and uses the enclosed game ball and manages the progress of the game, and a payout control device that controls the payout of the ball based on a command from the game control device. In an enclosed ball game machine,
Winning ball detecting means for detecting winnings to a plurality of winning holes arranged on the game board and whose detection output is managed by the game control device;
A safe ball when the game ball that has passed through each winning opening becomes a safe ball and is discharged from the game board, and a safe ball detection means whose detection output is managed by the payout control device,
After the winning ball detecting means detects the winning of the game ball, when the safe ball detecting means detects the safe ball for a predetermined period, a process of adding the winning ball accompanying the winning to the winning opening to the number of possessed balls On the other hand, if the safe ball detection means does not detect a safe ball before the predetermined period elapses, the process of adding the winning ball associated with winning a prize to the winning opening is not executed. An enclosed ball type gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with illegal winnings suppression control means for controlling the prize.
Here, the first start port switch 120, the second start port switch 121, the lower count switch 124, the upper count switch 125 and the winning port switches 123a to 123d constitute a winning ball detecting means, and the first safe ball detecting switch 162 and The second safe ball detection switch 163 constitutes a safe ball detection means, and the payout control device 230 constitutes an unauthorized winning suppression control means.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The illegal winnings suppression control means
After the winning ball detecting means detects the winning of the game ball, if the safe ball detecting means does not detect the safe ball until the predetermined period elapses, the enclosure is controlled to perform error notification Ball game machine.
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes an unauthorized winning suppression control means.

The specific inventive concept of the configuration in which the winning prize opening is a start winning opening is expressed as follows.
A game control device that circulates and uses the enclosed game ball and manages the progress of the game, and a payout control device that controls the payout of the ball based on a command from the game control device. In an enclosed ball game machine,
A start winning ball detection means for detecting a winning at a start winning opening associated with a symbol variation arranged on the game board and whose detection output is managed by the game control device;
A safe ball when the game ball that has passed through the start winning opening becomes a safe ball and discharged from the game board, and a safe ball detection means whose detection output is managed by the payout control device,
When the start winning ball detection means detects winning of the game ball at the start winning opening, the symbol variation control means for immediately executing the processing related to the start memory and the processing related to symbol variation;
If the safe ball detecting means detects a safe ball for a predetermined period after the start winning ball detecting means detects a winning of the game ball at the start winning opening, the winning ball is not included in the start winning opening. When the process for adding to the number of balls is performed after a predetermined period, and the safe ball detection means does not detect a safe ball before the predetermined period elapses, Unauthorized winning suppression control means for controlling so as not to execute the process of adding to,
Enclosed ball game machine characterized by providing
Here, the first start port switch 120 and the second start port switch 121 constitute a start winning ball detection means, the first safe ball detection switch 162 and the second safe ball detection switch 163 constitute a safe ball detection means, The game control device 54 constitutes a symbol variation control means, and the payout control device 230 constitutes an unauthorized winning suppression control means.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-104576, the number of winning balls and the number of discharged balls of the big winning mouth are detected. Do not run.
However, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, there is a problem that it is difficult to understand because there is no real ball payout when fraud is performed by a fishing ball or the like.
Also, in the above prior art, once the above inconsistency occurs, the service to the player is reduced because the operation process of the big prize opening is not executed until, for example, the inconsistency error state is artificially canceled by the store clerk. .
Therefore, in this embodiment, if a safe ball discharged from the game board 20 is not detected during a predetermined period (T111) after the detection of the start winning prize, it is determined to be illegal and the addition of the prize ball is stopped and an error notification is performed. I am doing so. Therefore, the award ball addition is stopped, so that the display on the number-of-balls display 40 does not change and is easily understood by the player. Further, the prize ball addition is automatically stopped only when the safe ball is not detected, and the prize ball addition is performed when the safe ball is detected, so that the service to the player does not deteriorate.
"Example 10"

Next, Example 10 of the present invention will be described.
215 to 218 are diagrams showing the tenth embodiment.
The tenth embodiment relates to an operation for preventing fraud using a card ID of a game card.
In the tenth embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the member numbers are the same as those in the first embodiment. The flowchart common to the first embodiment is omitted, and the following three flowcharts related to the implementation of the tenth embodiment are as follows. It is.
That is, the flowchart relating to the implementation of the tenth embodiment is [card insertion response processing] executed by the payout control device 230, [card insertion notification processing] and [card return response reception processing] executed by the card unit 15.

[Card insertion response processing]
FIG. 215 is a flowchart showing a card insertion response process D738 in the card unit command transmission process of the tenth embodiment, and is a process executed by the payout control device 230.
In the description of this flowchart, the same step numbers are used for steps that perform the same processing as in the first embodiment, and different step numbers are used for steps that perform different processing.
When this routine is started, the current card insertion time is loaded from the card unit command storage area in step D1031.
Here, at the start of the game, the valuable information recorded on the game card is inserted by inserting the game card into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15 and operating the ball lending button 703 of the operation display device 7. The ball lending is performed at a predetermined frequency within a range of (for example, the ball lending number). At this time, the card unit 15 stores the card ID and the insertion time (date and time) of the game card.
The card ID and card insertion time (including date and time) of the game card at the start of the game are referred to as game start information.
In addition, the card unit 15 is provided with a cash insertion slot 202. By inserting a predetermined banknote (for example, 1000 yen, 5000 yen, 10,000 yen), the card unit 15 corresponds to the amount of the inserted banknote. The gaming balls are lent out within the range of the number of balls lent (ie, lending the ball; increasing the number of balls held). At this time, a prepaid card (visitor card) corresponding to the inserted cash is issued inside the card unit 15. In this case, the card unit 15 stores the card ID and the insertion time (date and time) for the prepaid card corresponding to the inserted cash.
The card unit 15 transmits the card ID and the insertion time (date and time) to the payout control device 230 by regular communication with the payout control device 230 (for example, 200 ms). The card ID and the insertion time (date and time) received this time are stored in the card unit command storage area. At this time, the payout control device 230 transmits a “card insertion response” to the card unit 15.

Therefore, the process of step D1031 stores the card ID and the insertion time (date and time) of the game card transmitted from the card unit 15 at the start of the game and stored in the card unit command storage area of the payout control device 230. Read from the area.
Next, the process proceeds to step D1032, and the previous card insertion time is loaded from the card insertion time storage area. The card insertion time storage area is an area where the payout control device 230 stores the card ID and insertion time (date and time) of the game card at the start of the previous game, for example, a predetermined area of the RAM 233 (step D1035 described later). reference).
Next, the process proceeds to step D1033, where the previous card insertion time (date and time) is compared with the current card insertion time (date and time), and in step D1034, it is determined whether or not the card insertion time is normal including the date and time. This is to determine whether the previous card insertion time is consistent with the current card insertion time. For example, the previous card insertion time is earlier than the current card insertion time, and the date and time If there is no time contradiction in both, it is determined as normal. On the other hand, if the previous card insertion time is later than the current card insertion time and one of the date or time is inconsistent, it is determined that the card is not normal.

If the card insertion time is normal in step D1034, the process proceeds to step D1035, and the current card insertion time data is saved in the card insertion time storage area. As a result, the current card insertion time (date and time) is stored as the previous card insertion time (date and time).
Next, the process proceeds to step D841, and the card ID is loaded from the card unit command storage area. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step D842, and the data loaded in step D841 is saved in the card ID storage area.
In step D845, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and in step D846, the serial number is updated by "+1". The serial number is a serial number in response to a command received from the card unit 15 and is added (incremented) every time a command is transmitted to the card unit 15. Similarly, the serial number is updated by “+1” at the time of transmission on the card unit 15 side as well. If you check the serial number, you can tell if there is a missing transmission or reception. The serial number is composed of, for example, 1 byte (256 bits).
Next, the serial number is updated by “+1” in step D846. Next, the process proceeds to step D847, and the serial number updated in step D846 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.

In step D848, a card insertion response code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “card insertion notification”, a card insertion response command meaning “notification of receipt of card insertion notification” is set as the response. become.
Next, the process proceeds to step D849, and the command set in step D848 is written into the card unit transmission buffer. Thereby, a card insertion response command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15. After step D849, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the card insertion time is not normal in step D1034, the process branches to step D1036, the serial number is loaded from the card unit command storage area, and the serial number is updated by "+1" in step D1037. The function of the serial number is as described above.
Next, the process proceeds to step D1038, and the serial number updated in step D1037 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the card unit 15.
In step D1039, a card insertion time error command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 is “card insertion time” and it is not normal, the response is “notification that the current card insertion time is not normal”. The command of the card insertion time error that means is set.
Next, the process proceeds to step D1040, and the command set in step D1039 is written in the card unit transmission buffer. As a result, a card insertion time error command is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.
Further, in step D1040, as described above, if the determination in step D1034 is NO (the card insertion time is not normal), the verification is NG. Is returned to the card unit 15.
Further, an error notification is performed corresponding to the verification NG in the process not shown. As the error notification, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error is displayed on the display device 41 or the decoration display LED (frame) 141. In this way, the player or the store clerk is notified that there is a possibility of fraud with respect to the game card.
Note that the game machine may not perform error notification but may perform error notification that can be understood only at the game hall by the hall computer 86. As a result, the store clerk sees an illegal error notification related to the game card, so that it is possible to deal with the fraud without being recognized by the player.
After step D1040, the process returns.

[Card insertion notification process]
FIG. 216 is a flowchart illustrating the card insertion notification process according to the tenth embodiment, which is a process executed by the card unit 15.
Of the flowcharts of the tenth embodiment, the flowchart executed by the card unit 15 will be described using “step A” as the step number.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step A101 whether or not a game card has been inserted. This is to determine whether or not a game card has been inserted into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15.
The card unit 15 is provided with a cash insertion slot 202. By inserting a predetermined banknote into the card unit 15, a game ball can be lent (that is, a ball lending) within a range of a ball lending number corresponding to the amount of the inserted banknote. ; Increase the number of balls held), but at this time, a prepaid card (visitor card) corresponding to the inserted cash is issued inside the card unit 15, so in that case, the inserted cash is also the same Step A101 is determined for the prepaid card corresponding to.
If a game card is not inserted in step A101, the process stands by in step A101. If a game card is inserted, the process proceeds to step A102.

In step A102, the card insertion time is saved in a card insertion time storage area (for example, a predetermined area in the RAM of the card unit 15). Next, in step A103, the card insertion time is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. As a result, the card insertion time of the game card inserted this time (including a prepaid card in the case of a ball lending by cash). ) Will be sent to.
Next, in step A104, the card ID of the game card inserted this time is read and saved in a card ID storage area (for example, a predetermined area in the RAM of the card unit 15). Next, in step A105, the card ID is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. Thereby, the card ID of the game card inserted this time is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1).

Next, in step A106, the serial number is loaded from the gaming machine command storage area, and in step A107, the serial number is updated by "+1". The serial number is a serial number when responding to a command received from the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1 payout control device 230), and every time a command is transmitted to the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1 payout control device 230). In addition, they are added (incremented). The serial number is also updated by “+1” at the time of transmission in the same manner on the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1) side. If you check the serial number, you can tell if there is a missing transmission or reception. The serial number is composed of, for example, 1 byte (256 bits).
Next, the process proceeds to step A108, and the serial number updated in step A107 is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. As a result, the updated serial number is transmitted to the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1).

In step A109, a card insertion notification code command is set. Here, since the command transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1 is “card insertion notification”, a command of a card insertion notification code that means “notification of transmission of card insertion notification” is set. It will be.
Next, the process proceeds to step A110, and the command set in step A109 is written in the gaming machine transmission buffer. Thereby, the command of the card insertion notification code is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1). After step A110, the process returns.
In this way, when a game card (including a prepaid card in the case of ball lending corresponding to cash) is inserted into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15, the card insertion time (date and time) and the card ID are displayed in the card unit 15. And is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1).

[Card return response reception processing]
FIG. 217 is a flowchart illustrating a card return response reception process according to the tenth embodiment, which is a process executed by the card unit 15.
When this routine is started, the card insertion time is loaded from the gaming machine command storage area in step A121. This is because the time when the game card is inserted into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15 is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 at the start of the current game, and the card insertion time storage area in the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230 Since the card insertion time of the gaming card is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15 and stored in the gaming machine command saving area at the time of payment (when the card is returned), the gaming machine command saving is performed. The card insertion time (card insertion time stored on the payout control device 230 side at the start of the current game) is read from the area.

Next, the process proceeds to step A122, where the card insertion time loaded in step A121 is compared with the saved card insertion time. This is because the card insertion time stored on the payout control device 230 side at the start of the current game (the card insertion time loaded in step A121) and the card insertion time stored on the card unit 15 side at the start of the current game. It is determined whether or not the card insertion times (including the date and time) of the two are the same.
Next, the process proceeds to step A123, and it is determined whether or not the collation in step A122 is OK. In this case, if the card insertion time loaded in step A121 and the current card insertion time stored are the same including the date and time, it is determined that the verification is OK, and the process proceeds to step A124, where both include the date and time. If they are not the same, it is determined as collation NG, and the process branches to step A130.

If it is determined in step A123 that the verification is OK and the process proceeds to step A124, the card ID is loaded from the gaming machine command storage area in step A124. This is because the card ID of the game card is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 when the game card is inserted into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15 at the start of the current game, and the RAM 233 of the payout control device 230. Since the card ID of the gaming card is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15 at the time of payment (when the card is returned) and stored in the gaming machine command saving area. The card ID (card ID stored on the payout control device 230 side at the start of the current game) is read from the gaming machine command storage area.
Next, the process proceeds to step A125, where the card ID loaded in step A124 is compared with the current card ID stored. This is because the card ID stored on the payout control device 230 side at the start of the current game (the card ID loaded in step A124) and the card ID stored on the card unit 15 side at the start of the current game (stored). The current card ID) is checked to determine whether or not the card IDs are the same.
Next, the process proceeds to step A126, and it is determined whether or not the collation in step A125 is OK. In this case, if the card ID loaded in step A124 is the same as the current card ID stored, it is determined that the verification is OK, and the process proceeds to step A127. Branches to step A130.

  If it is determined in step A126 that the verification is OK and the process proceeds to step A127, the card ID loaded in step A127 (the card ID stored on the payout control device 230 side at the start of the current game (the card ID loaded in step A124)) And the currently inserted card ID are collated. This is the processing of step A125, and the card ID stored on the payout control device 230 side at the start of the current game and the card ID stored on the card unit 15 side at the start of the current game (saved Compared with the current card ID), the result is OK, but there is a possibility that the game card has been changed to a different one after the start of the game, so it will be paid out at the start of the current game By comparing the card ID stored on the control device 230 side with the card ID of the game card that is actually inserted when the card is returned this time (that is, at the time of payment), the game card is made different. It is determined whether or not they are the same and are not changed.

Next, the process proceeds to step A128, and it is determined whether or not the collation in step A127 is OK. In this case, if the card ID loaded in step A124 and the currently inserted card ID are the same, it is determined that the verification is OK, and the process proceeds to step A129. If they are not the same, it is determined that the verification is NG, and step A130. Branch to
If the determination in step A128 is YES and the process proceeds to step A129, the card insertion time / card ID verification OK flag is set. As a result, the current payment process (that is, the card return process) can be performed. After step A129, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the determination in step A128 is NO and the process proceeds to step A130, the card insertion time / card ID verification NG flag is set. As a result, the current payment process (that is, the card return process) is suspended, and an error notification is performed. After step A130, the process returns.

Next, FIG. 218 is a diagram illustrating an operation for preventing fraud using the card insertion time and the card ID.
FIG. 218 (a) shows information at the start of the game stored in the card unit 15. FIG. In FIG. 218 (a), when a game card is inserted into the card slot 201 of the card unit 15 at the start of the game, the card unit 15 stores the card ID and insertion time (date and time) of the game card.
Here, “previous” corresponds to the time when the game immediately before this time is started. At this time, the information at the time when the previous game is started is stored as follows.
<Previous>
・ Card ID: B000A00001
Date and time information: 1007001000
The card ID may have any number of digits, but in this embodiment, 10-digit alphanumeric characters are used to distinguish the game cards. The date / time information corresponds to the insertion time (including the date / time) of the game card. In the above example, the date / time information represents 10:00 on June 10, 2010.
This time corresponds to the start of the current game, and at this time, the information at the start of the game is stored as follows.
<This time>
・ Card ID: B000A00002
Date information: 1006101230
The card ID this time is different from the previous one, and another game card is used.
The current date / time information represents 12:30 on June 10, 2010 in the above example. When the current date / time information is compared with the previous time information, it can be determined that the flow of time corresponds to the temporal change, is in a normal state, and is consistent.
Here, the card unit 15 transmits the card ID and insertion time (date and time) of the game card to the payout control device 230 at the start of the game, and the payout control device 230 receives the card ID and the insert time received from the card unit 15 at the time of the game. (Date) is stored in the card unit command storage area.

FIG. 218 (b) shows information at the start of the game stored in the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1). In FIG. 218 (b), when a game card is inserted into the card unit 15 at the start of the game and the game starts, the card unit 15 stores the card ID of the game card and the insertion time (date and time) and information about them. Is sent from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 and stored in the payout control device 230.
Here, the last time corresponds to the time when the game immediately before this time is started. At this time, the information at the time of the previous game start is sent from the card unit 15 and stored in the payout control device 230 as follows. Has been.
<Previous>
・ Card ID: B000A00001
Date and time information: 1007001000
These pieces of information are the same as the information stored in the card unit 15.
This time corresponds to the start of the current game, and at this time, information at the start of the game is sent from the card unit 15 and stored as follows.
<This time>
・ Card ID: B000A00002
Date information: 1006101230
The card ID this time is different from the previous one, and another game card is used.
The current date / time information represents 12:30 on June 10, 2010 in the above example. When the current date / time information is compared with the previous time information, it can be determined that the flow of time corresponds to the temporal change, is in a normal state, and is consistent.

FIG. 218 (c) is a diagram for explaining the state of communication (encrypted communication) between the card unit 15 and the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1) at the start of the game.
<At the start of the game>
When the game card is inserted into the card unit 15 at the start of the game (the same is true since the game card is issued inside the card unit 15 when the cash is inserted), the card unit 15 inserts the game card The card ID and the insertion time (date and time) are stored and transmitted to the payout control device 230.
The payout control device 230 (pachinko machine 1) checks the current card ID and insertion time (date and time) sent from the card unit 15 with the previous one, and if the check is OK, it is sent from the card unit 15. The current card ID and the insertion time (date) are stored (saved). On the other hand, if the current card ID sent from the card unit 15 and the insertion time (date and time) are collated with the previous one, if the collation is NG, the current card ID and the insertion sent from the card unit 15 are inserted. Without storing the time (date and time), error information is returned to the card unit 15, and an error is notified if verification is NG.
For example, as a result of checking the current card ID and insertion time (date and time) sent from the card unit 15 with the previous one, the date and time of the card insertion time of the current information is older than the previous time (the previous time In the case of the date and time earlier than the date and time), it is determined that the flow of time does not correspond to the temporal change, is in an abnormal state, and is not matched, and the result is NG.
As the error notification, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error is displayed on the display device 41 or the decoration display LED (frame) 141. In this way, the player or the store clerk is notified that there is a possibility of fraud with respect to the game card.
Note that the game machine may not perform error notification but may perform error notification that can be understood only at the game hall by the hall computer 86. As a result, the store clerk sees an illegal error notification related to the game card, so that it is possible to deal with the fraud without being recognized by the player.

FIG. 218 (d) is a diagram for explaining the state of communication (encrypted communication) between the card unit 15 and the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1) at the time of game settlement.
<At game settlement>
When the return button 704 of the operation display device 7 is pressed during the checkout of the game, the card unit 15 determines whether the checkout process can be started or not, and confirms the card return notification (card ID and insertion time before returning the card) To the payout control device 230. In response to this, the payout control device 230 transmits the card ID and the card insertion time stored when the card is inserted to the card unit 15. Next, the card unit 15 collates the card ID and the card insertion time transmitted from the payout control device 230 with those inside the card unit 15. If the result of the verification is NG, it is determined that payment is impossible, the card return is suspended, and an error notification is performed (for example, a process of performing error notification on the operation display device 7 managed by the card unit 15) The card unit error notification LED 203 is turned on). On the other hand, if the result of the collation is OK, it is determined that the payment can be made, and the payment process is started. And then return it to the player.

The tenth embodiment has the following effects.
(1) When the gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1) receives the game start information (card ID and card insertion time) from the card unit 15 at the start of the game, it collates with the previous game start information. If the game start information is stored and verification NG, error notification is performed without storing the game start information and error information is transmitted to the card unit 15. Therefore, the verification NG can be notified to the player by error notification, Unauthorized use of game cards can be prevented. For example, it is possible to prevent fraud such as replacement with a fraudulent game card in which fictitious ball count data is input.
(2) The game machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1) at the time of game settlement transmits the game start information stored at the start of the game to the card unit 15, and the card unit 15 When the game start information is received from the one payout control device 230), the game start information stored in the card unit 15 is collated. If the collation is OK, the account can be settled. In addition, it is possible to notify the player of the verification NG by error notification, and to prevent illegal use of the game card. In other words, illegal input to the card unit 15 can be prevented by illegally using the game card. For example, it is possible to prevent fraud such as once the game is started, the game card is removed and replaced with an illegal game card in which the fictitious ball count data is input.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that performs a game by circulating the enclosed game ball,
When the game start information is received from the card unit, it is checked against the previous game start information. If the check is normal, control is performed to store the game start information. If the check is abnormal, error information is sent to the card unit. Collation determination control means for controlling to return and notify an error;
A game start information storage means for storing the game start information when the game start information is received from the card unit at the start of the game, and when matching with the previous game start information is normal;
An enclosed ball game machine characterized by comprising:
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes a collation determination control means and a game start information storage means.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The game start information is
An encapsulated ball type game machine including a card ID of a game card and a card insertion time of the game card when the game card is inserted into the card unit.

Further, the inventive concept when a card unit is provided is expressed as follows.
In a gaming apparatus comprising an encapsulated ball game machine that circulates and uses an enclosed game ball, and a card unit,
The enclosed ball type gaming machine is
A game start information transmitting means for transmitting game start information to the card unit at the time of game settlement,
The card unit is
When the game start information is received from the encapsulated ball game machine at the time of game settlement, it is checked against the game start information stored at the start of the game.
A gaming apparatus comprising a settlement determination control means for controlling so as to notify an error without permitting settlement if the collation is abnormal.
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes a game start information transmitting means, and the card unit 15 constitutes a payment determination control means.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-224255, mutual authentication is performed between the gaming machine and a card unit (between machines) using authentication key information and unique information of each communication chip. Is going.
However, in the enclosed ball type gaming machine, fraudulent operations such as inputting fictitious ball count data to the game card or inputting fictitious data to the gaming machine are performed using communication between the card unit and the gaming machine. There is a fear, but the technique of the above-mentioned gazette has not been sufficient for countermeasures against fraud.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gaming machine receives the game start information from the card unit at the start of the game, the game machine compares it with the previous game start information. To prevent unauthorized use.

The tenth embodiment may be modified as follows.
(1) The gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1) sends the game start information (card ID and card insertion time) to the card unit 15 when the remaining amount of the gaming card and the number of held balls are both “0”. You may make it transmit to.
If it does in this way, the same processing as the time of game settlement will be performed, and illegal use of a game card can be prevented. For example, when both the remaining amount of the game card and the number of possessed balls become “0”, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as temporarily removing the game card and replacing it with an unauthorized game card in which fictitious possession number data is input. .
(2) The gaming machine (payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1) may be configured such that the date / time information (card insertion date / time) related to the gaming card received from the card unit 15 can be used for production. For example, the date / time information related to the game card is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and the effect control device 53 uses the date / time information of the game card for the effect.
With such a configuration, for example, even if the gaming machine does not have an RTC or the like, it is possible to perform a novel effect based on the date and time information of the gaming card, and it is not necessary to use the RTC or the like. Efficiency is good.
"Example 11"

Next, Example 11 of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the night monitoring switch 126 detects the opening of the front frame 4 and the removal of the game control device 54. In addition to this, for example, the frame opening time (opening time of the front frame 4) is monitored. You may make it memorize | store. Therefore, the configuration will be described as Example 11 with reference to FIG.
FIG. 219 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the nighttime monitoring switch 126A according to the eleventh embodiment.
In FIG. 219 (a), the configuration of the nighttime monitoring switch 126A of the eleventh embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and there are few different members. Therefore, the same members as those of the first embodiment have the same member numbers. A different member number is attached | subjected to a different member, and a structure is demonstrated.

As shown in FIG. 219 (a), the night monitoring switch 126A (shown as night monitoring SW in FIG. 219 (a)) has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and includes a backup power supply 381, a frame open detection means 382, and a disconnection detection means 383. , A frame opening number storage unit 384, a disconnection number storage unit 385, and an output unit 386, and a frame opening time detection unit 387 and a frame opening time storage unit 388, which are different from the first embodiment.
Main power to the night monitoring switch 126A is supplied from the payout controller 230, and the night monitoring switch 126A is normally operated by the main power. On the other hand, the night monitoring switch 126A is provided with a backup power supply 381 and is operated by the backup power supply 381 when the main power supply is cut off. As the backup power source 381, for example, a primary battery is used as in the first embodiment.
The backup power supply 381 supplies power to the frame opening detection unit 382, the disconnection detection unit 383, the frame opening number storage unit 384, the disconnection number storage unit 385, the frame opening time detection unit 387, and the frame opening time storage unit 388 when the main power is off. .
Further, the backup power supply 381 allows a current to flow in a loop-connected route such as the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126A. When the disconnection is detected by the disconnection detection means 383, it is possible to detect that the game control device 54 has been removed.

The monitoring function of the night monitoring switch 126A is as follows.
(A) Monitoring of opening of front frame 4 (main body frame) This is realized by the frame opening detection means 382. That is, the frame opening detection means 382 is a sensor that detects the opening of the front frame 4 and detects information (frame opening information) indicating whether or not the opening of the front frame 4 has been detected.
(B) Monitoring and Storage of Opening Time of Front Frame 4 (Main Body Frame) This is realized by frame opening time detection means 387 and frame opening time storage means 388. That is, the frame opening time detection means 387 detects the opening time of the front frame 4.
The frame opening time storage unit 388 stores the opening time of the front frame 4 detected by the frame opening time detection unit 387.
(C) Monitoring of the removal of the game control device 54 This is realized by the disconnection detecting means 383. That is, as described above, the disconnection detecting means 383 is used when the current of the backup power supply 381 flows through a loop-connected route such as the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126A. Detects that the route is not broken and the game control device 54 is not removed. On the other hand, when the current of the backup power supply 381 does not flow through this route, it is detected that the game control device 54 is removed because the route is disconnected.

Note that the disconnection state detected by the disconnection detection means 383 includes the case where the route is disconnected (when the game control device 54 is disconnected) and the case where the game control device 54 is disconnected. There are two cases where the route is disconnected, and the disconnection detecting means 383 can detect both of these two states, but does not distinguish between them. Therefore, the disconnection information detected by the disconnection detection means 383 includes the removal state of the game control device 54.
Thus, the disconnection detecting means 383 detects whether or not the route is disconnected, thereby determining that the game control device 54 is disconnected as a disconnection, and monitoring the removal of the game control device 54. The detection information of the disconnection detecting means 383 is the game control device monitoring information as described above, and this is information indicating whether or not removal of the main board (game control device 54) is detected by the night monitoring switch 126A. The disconnection detection means 383 can monitor the removal of the game control device 54 in both cases of supplying the main power and turning off the main power.
In FIG. 219 (a), “open information” means the frame opening information when the main power is on (normal time), and means that the information is stored when the main power is off (night). The information, frame opening time and disconnection information are collectively referred to as “night monitoring information”.

The frame opening number storage means 384 stores and holds monitoring information (frame opening information) of the front frame 4 by the frame opening detection means 382. As stored information of the frame opening number storage means 384, opening information of the front frame 4 and the number of times the front frame 4 is opened are stored. In particular, the frame opening number storage means 384 is supplied with backup power from the backup power supply 381 when the main power is off, so that the stored information can be held when the main power is off.
The frame opening time detection means 387 detects the opening time of the front frame 4, and the frame opening time storage means 388 stores and holds the opening time of the front frame 4 detected by the frame opening time detection means 387.
Further, the disconnection number storage means 385 stores and holds the disconnection information (including the removal state of the game control device 54) by the disconnection detection means 383. As stored information of the disconnection count storage means 385, disconnection information (including the removal state of the game control device 54) and disconnection count (including the number of disconnection of the game control device 54) are stored. In particular, the disconnection number storage means 385 is supplied with backup power from the backup power supply 381 when the main power is turned off, so that the stored information can be held when the main power is turned off.

The frame opening information of the front frame 4, the opening time information of the front frame 4, and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 by the disconnection detection means 383 are immediately monitored without delay at the normal time (when main power is supplied). The information is output to the payout control device 230 by the output means 386. On the other hand, when the main power is turned off at night or the like, each monitoring information is stored and held by the frame opening number storage means 384, the frame opening time detection means 387, and the disconnection number storage means 385, and stored when the main power is turned on such as when opening a game shop. The monitoring information is output to the payout control device 230 by the output means 386 when the payout control device 230 requests nighttime monitoring information.
The frame opening information of the front frame 4 and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 in the above are detailed. The frame opening information of the front frame 4 is the presence / absence of the opening of the front frame 4, the number of times of opening, and the front frame 4 information. The game monitoring device 54 removal monitoring information includes a route in which the current of the backup power supply 381 is connected in a loop such that the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126A. (Hereinafter referred to as disconnection monitoring route) is a concept including the presence or absence of disconnection of the route and the number of disconnections, but for convenience of explanation, information including these details is displayed on the front frame 4 The monitoring information (frame opening information, opening time information) and the removal monitoring information of the game control device 54 will be referred to.

The output form of each monitoring information is as follows.
While the front frame 4 is closed, the output of the frame opening detection means 382 is on. On the other hand, while the front frame 4 is open, the output of the frame open detection means 382 is off. For example, “on” means an H level signal and “off” means an L level signal (the output here means the inside of the night monitoring switch 126A).
The frame opening time detecting means 387 detects the opening time when the front frame 4 is opened when the main power is cut off (for example, detected in units of seconds). The detected opening time of the front frame 4 is stored and held in units of seconds, for example.
When the disconnection monitoring route is not disconnected (including a state where the game control device 54 is not removed), the output of the disconnection detecting means 383 is turned on. On the other hand, when the disconnection monitoring route is disconnected (including the state where the game control device 54 is removed), the output of the disconnection detecting means 383 is turned off. For example, “on” means an H level signal and “off” means an L level signal (the output here means the inside of the night monitoring switch 126A).
The frame opening detection means 382 detects not only the opening of the front frame 4 but also the opening of the glass frame 5, for example, and detects the opening information of the glass frame 5 (information including opening and non-opening). You may make it memorize | store in the frame open frequency memory | storage means 384. FIG.

The output means 386 outputs the information monitored by the frame opening detection means 382 and the disconnection detection means 383 in the nighttime monitoring switch 126A to the payout control device 230 without delay at the normal time (when the main power is supplied).
On the other hand, the output means 386 provides the payout control device 230 for the frame opening information, the frame opening time and the disconnection information monitored by the night monitoring switch 126A at night when the main power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off, that is, the night monitoring information. Only when there is a request for night monitoring information from the night monitoring switch 126A, the frame opening number storage means 384, the frame opening time storage means 388, and the disconnection number storage means 385 are stored in response to this request. The night monitoring information is output to the payout control device 230.

The payout control device 230 determines an unauthorized level from the night monitoring information, and outputs the determined unauthorized level to the card unit 15. Here, as shown in FIG. 219 (b), the contents of the fraud level are as follows.
Unauthorized level 0: no frame open, no disconnection Frame open means that the front frame 4 is open, and therefore no frame open means that the front frame 4 is not open. Also, “no disconnection” means that the current of the backup power supply 381 flows through a loop-connected route (that is, disconnection monitoring route) such as the payout control device 230 → the game control device 54 → the payout control device 230 → the night monitoring switch 126A. This is a state where there is no disconnection of the route, and this includes a state where there is no disconnection due to the removal of the game control device 54 (that is, a state where the game control device 54 is not removed). The concept of frame opening and disconnection is the same hereinafter.
・ Unauthorized level 1: Frame open once, no wire break, frame open less than 30 seconds This is a state where the front frame 4 is opened once and the wire break monitoring route is not broken (the game control device 54 is not removed). And the opening time of the front frame 4 is less than 30 seconds.
・ Unauthorized level 2: Frame open once, no wire break, frame open over 30 seconds This is a state where the front frame 4 is open once and the wire break monitoring route is not broken (the game control device 54 is not removed) And the opening time of the front frame 4 is in a state of 30 seconds or longer.
・ Unauthorized level 3: Frame open 2 times or more, no disconnection, frame open 30 seconds or more This is a state in which the front frame 4 is open 2 times or more and there is no disconnection of the disconnection monitoring route (the game control device 54 is not removed) And the opening time of the front frame 4 is 30 seconds or longer.
-Unauthorized level 4: Disconnection one or more times This is a state where the disconnection of the disconnection monitoring route (including the removal state of the game control device 54) is one or more times. The number of disconnections is a concept including the number of removals of the game control device 54.
The payout control device 230 creates an unauthorized level from the night monitoring information as described above, and outputs the created unauthorized level to the card unit 15. The card unit 15 performs an error notification corresponding to the unauthorized level (for example, an unauthorized level = 1 is displayed on the operation display device 7 as an error notification). As a result, the store clerk can respond illegally by looking at the error notification. For example, it is possible to preferentially check from a table with a high level of fraud and respond quickly to fraud. The card unit 15 may change the mode of error notification according to the unauthorized level.

The output timing of night monitoring information is as follows.
That is, when the main power is turned on (on), the payout control device 230 outputs a night monitoring information request to the night monitoring switch 126A, and receives the night monitoring information from the night monitoring switch 126A in response to this request. .
Here, when there is a night monitoring information output request from the payout control device 230, the night monitoring switch 126A divides the night monitoring information into a plurality of types of monitoring data and outputs it to the payout control device 230 from the output means 386. In this case, the plurality of types of monitoring data are information including the opening of the front frame 4, the number of times of opening the frame, the frame opening time, the removal (disconnection) of the game control device 54, and the number of removals (disconnection number).
When the payout control device 230 receives the night monitoring information from the output means 386 of the night monitoring switch 126A by dividing it into a plurality of types of monitoring data, it creates fraud level data as shown in FIG. 219 (b) from the received information. The illegal level data is stored in the RAM 233 and then transmitted to the card unit 15.
Also, the payout control device 230 performs an error notification process based on the created fraud level data. As the error notification, for example, error information is sent from the payout control device 230 to the effect control device 53 via the game control device 54, and an error is displayed on the display device 41 or the decoration display LED (frame) 141. In this way, the player or the store clerk is notified that there is a possibility of fraud. Therefore, it becomes an illegal deterrent against the opening of the front frame 4 and the removal of the game control device 54.
Note that the game machine may not perform error notification but may perform error notification that can be understood only at the game hall by the hall computer 86. As a result, the store clerk sees an incorrect error notification regarding the opening of the front frame 4 and the removal of the game control device 54, so that the player can deal with the injustice without realizing it.
Further, the payout control device 230 transmits the created illegal level data to the card unit 15, so that the card unit 15 performs error notification as described above based on the illegal level data.
On the other hand, when the payout control device 230 receives the frame opening information (monitoring information of the front frame 4) from the nighttime monitoring switch 126A at the normal time (main power supply), the monitoring information is stored in the RAM 233, and then the card unit 15 To send to.

As described above, since the night monitoring switch 126A includes the output unit 386, the night monitoring information stored when the main power is turned off after the main power supply is started is stored in the night monitoring information from the payout control device 230. Is output to the external payout control device 230. The payout control device 230 receives the night monitoring information at the internal input port and outputs it to the CPU 231. The CPU 231 stores the night monitoring information in the RAM 233, and then It transmits to the card unit 15.
The payout control device 230 determines the fraud level from the nighttime monitoring information and outputs it to the card unit 15, but instead of the fraud level, the number of times the front frame 4 is opened, the frame opening time, and the nighttime monitoring information. You may make it output the frequency | count of disconnection of a disconnection monitoring route from the payout control apparatus 230 to the card unit 15 as it is.
Further, both the fraud level and the nighttime monitoring information (the number of times the front frame 4 has been opened, the frame opening time, and the number of times the disconnection monitoring route has been disconnected) may be output from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15.

Example 11 has the following effects.
(1) The nighttime monitoring switch 126A refers to the nighttime monitoring information detected when the main power is cut off as the number of times the front frame 4 is opened, the frame opening time, and the number of times the disconnection monitoring route is disconnected (removal monitoring information of the game control device 54). Since the data is output to the external device (for example, the payout control device 230) in detail, the external device (for example, the payout control device 230) can easily create the fraud level from the night monitoring information and easily determine the fraud level. it can. In addition, the possibility of fraud can be confirmed more efficiently. Therefore, it is possible to preferentially check from a table with a high fraud level (a table with a high possibility of fraud), and it is possible to efficiently deal with fraud.
For example, when a game room is not illegal at night and a lot of frames are opened (for example, open at the same time), or when a person who performs unauthorized modification at night is intentionally many If the game floor is intentionally opened to disrupt the game hall and it is difficult to find fraud, the frame opening information will be output from many machines, and there will be many machines in the game hall. Must be inspected, which is cumbersome and delays the discovery of fraud.
On the other hand, in this embodiment, the night monitoring information from the night monitoring switch 126A is divided into a plurality of types of monitoring data and output to the payout control device 230, and the payout control device 230 outputs an illegal level based on the plurality of types of monitoring data. It is possible to preferentially check from a high level of fraud simply by monitoring the fraud level by creating the, and can efficiently deal with fraud.
In addition, when the fraud level created by the payout control device 230 is transmitted from the payout control device 230 to the card unit 15, it is possible to preferentially check from a table with a high fraud level. Can cope well.
(2) Compared to Example 1, in Example 11, the frame opening time of the front frame 4 is detected, so if the frame opening time of the front frame 4 is short (for example, less than 30 seconds), inspection of the gaming machine, etc. If the frame opening time of the front frame 4 is long (for example, 30 seconds or more), it can be determined that there is a possibility of fraud against the gaming machine. Can respond.
(3) A single night monitoring switch 126A can detect a plurality of types of data related to the opening of the front frame 4 and the removal of the game control device 54 (for example, the number of times of opening the frame, the time of opening the frame, the number of times of disconnection, etc.). It becomes possible to detect fraud efficiently.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A game control device for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine comprising a power supply device for supplying power,
Even when the main power is shut off, it is possible to monitor the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device, and keep monitoring information monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device even when the main power is shut off.
Provided night monitoring means for outputting monitoring information to the external device that monitors the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device when there is a request to output monitoring information from the external device after the start of the main power supply. A featured gaming machine.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes a night monitoring means, the payout control device 230 constitutes an external device, the power supply device 58 corresponds to a power supply device, the game control device 54 corresponds to a game control device, and the front frame. 4 corresponds to the front frame.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A game control device for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine comprising a power supply device for supplying power,
Even when the main power is cut off, it is possible to monitor the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device, and the monitoring of the monitoring of the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device is maintained even when the main power is cut off. Means,
When monitoring information output is requested from the external device after the main power supply is started, monitoring information monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device detected by the nighttime abnormality detecting means is output to the external device. Output means for
A gaming machine characterized by having
Here, the frame opening detection means 382 and the disconnection detection means 383 constitute a nighttime abnormality detection means, the output means 386 corresponds to an output means, the payout control device 230 constitutes an external device, and the power supply device 58 serves as a power supply device. The game control device 54 corresponds to a game control device, and the front frame 4 corresponds to a front frame.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A gaming machine, wherein the nighttime abnormality detecting means and the output means are integrated into a single sensor.
Here, the frame opening detection means 382 and the disconnection detection means 383 constitute nighttime abnormality detection means, the output means 386 corresponds to output means, and the nighttime monitoring switch 126A constitutes one sensor.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A game control device for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine comprising a power supply device for supplying power,
Even when the main power supply is shut off, it is possible to monitor the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device by dividing them into multiple types of monitoring data, and the monitoring information monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device is the main power supply. Hold even when shut off,
When there is a monitoring information output request from the external device after the main power supply starts, the monitoring information monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device can be divided into multiple types of monitoring data and output to the external device A gaming machine characterized by having a night monitoring means.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes a night monitoring means, the payout control device 230 constitutes an external device, the power supply device 58 corresponds to a power supply device, the game control device 54 corresponds to a game control device, and the front frame. 4 corresponds to the front frame.
The plural types of monitoring data are concepts including the opening of the front frame 4, the number of times the frame is opened, the frame opening time, the removal (disconnection) of the game control device 54, and the number of removals (disconnection number).

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The structure of the night monitoring means for monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device divided into a plurality of types of monitoring data is as follows:
Frame opening detection means for detecting the opening of the front frame;
A frame opening time detecting means for detecting the opening time of the front frame;
A frame opening number detecting means for detecting the number of times of opening the front frame;
A removal detecting means for detecting the removal of the game control device;
A gaming machine, characterized in that the gaming machine is realized by a removal number detecting means for detecting the number of removals of the game control device.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes night monitoring means, the frame opening detection means 382 corresponds to frame opening detection means, the disconnection detection means 383 constitutes removal detection means, and the frame opening number storage means 384 opens the frame. The disconnection count storage means 385 constitutes the removal count detection means, the frame opening time detection means 387 corresponds to the frame opening time detection means, the game control device 54 corresponds to the game control device, and the front surface. The frame 4 corresponds to the front frame.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Night monitoring means
A gaming machine comprising output means for dividing the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device into a plurality of types of monitoring data and outputting them to the outside.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes night monitoring means, and the output means 386 corresponds to the output means.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The external device is
When receiving the monitoring information for monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device from the night monitoring means divided into a plurality of types of monitoring data,
A gaming machine that creates fraud level data that is classified into a plurality of types based on a plurality of types of monitoring data.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes a night monitoring means, and the payout control device 230 constitutes an external device.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The external device is
If you create fraud level data that is differentiated into multiple types based on multiple types of monitoring data received from night monitoring means,
A gaming machine that transmits the created illegal level data to a card unit.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes a night monitoring means, the payout control device 230 constitutes an external device, and the card unit 15 corresponds to a card unit.

Further, the specific inventive concept of the above configuration when the removal control device monitors the removal of the game control device (main board) is expressed as follows.
Separated from the game control device, a payout control device for controlling the payout of the ball is arranged,
It is possible to detect that the removal of the game control device is monitored even when the main power supply is cut off, and a main board monitoring means is provided for holding information that detected the removal of the game control device even when the main power supply is cut off,
The main board monitoring means includes
A gaming machine that outputs monitoring information for monitoring removal of a game control device to a payout control device when there is a monitoring information output request from the payout control device after the supply of main power is started.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes a main board monitoring means, the game control device 54 corresponds to a game control device, and the payout control device 230 corresponds to a payout control device.

The inventive concept of the above configuration when applied to an enclosed ball type gaming machine is expressed as follows.
A game control device capable of enclosing a predetermined number of game balls in a gaming machine main body, launching the enclosed game balls into a gaming area and playing a game, and managing the progress of the gaming machine And a power supply device for supplying power,
The game control device determines whether the game result is in a predetermined profit state or any other state, and in the case of a predetermined profit state, the player's profit is increased in correspondence with a predetermined number of prize balls. Let
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine that plays the game by circulating the enclosed game ball by collecting the game ball that has passed through the game area and guiding it to the launch position,
Even when the main power is shut off, it is possible to monitor the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device, and keep monitoring information monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device even when the main power is shut off.
Provided night monitoring means for outputting monitoring information to the external device that monitors the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device when there is a request to output monitoring information from the external device after the start of the main power supply. A featured gaming machine.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126A constitutes a night monitoring means, the payout control device 230 constitutes an external device, the power supply device 58 corresponds to a power supply device, the game control device 54 corresponds to a game control device, and the front frame. 4 corresponds to the front frame.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-142135, the frame opening information is stored while the power supply from the power supply circuit is stopped, and the power supply from the power supply circuit is started. The frame opening information is output.
However, even for gaming machines that can monitor the opening of the frame at night, if the amusement hall is not fraudulent and a lot of frames are opened (for example, it is opened by simultaneous inspection), or unauthorized modification If the performer intentionally opens the frame of many machines intentionally, including those that do not cheat, the game hall is confused and it is difficult to find fraud. As information is output, there are problems that a lot of tables have to be inspected at the amusement hall, which is troublesome and that the discovery of fraud is also delayed.
Therefore, it cannot be said that the technology disclosed in the above publication has sufficient countermeasures against fraud.
Therefore, in this embodiment, night monitoring information is divided into a plurality of types of monitoring data and output to an external device, and the external device only creates a fraud level based on a plurality of types of monitoring data, thereby monitoring the fraud level. It is possible to preferentially check from a high fraud table, so that fraud can be handled efficiently and efficiently.
"Example 12"

Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the eleventh embodiment, fraud level data is created by the payout control device 230, but in the twelfth embodiment, the fraud level data is created by the nighttime monitoring switch 126B.
FIG. 220 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the nighttime monitoring switch 126B according to the twelfth embodiment.
In FIG. 220, the configuration of the night monitoring switch 126B of the twelfth embodiment is the same as that of the eleventh embodiment, and there are few different members. The different members are given different member numbers to explain the configuration.

As shown in FIG. 220, the night monitoring switch 126B (shown as night monitoring SW in FIG. 220) has the same configuration as that of the eleventh embodiment, and includes a backup power source 381, a frame opening detection unit 382, a disconnection detection unit 383, and a frame opening number storage unit. 384, disconnection number storage means 385, output means 386, frame open time detection means 387, and frame open time storage means 388, and an illegal level data creation means 389 is provided as a configuration different from that of the eleventh embodiment. Further, the configuration of the payout control device 230B is different from that of the eleventh embodiment.
The fraud level data creation means 389 has a plurality of types of monitoring data (that is, outputs from the frame opening detection means 382, the disconnection detection means 383, the frame opening number storage means 384, the disconnection number storage means 385, and the frame opening time detection means 387). Based on the above, fraud level data as shown in FIG. 219 (b) is created.
When there is a night monitoring information output request from the payout control device 230B, the night monitoring switch 126B outputs the night monitoring information from the output means 386 to the payout control device 230B as illegal level data.
The payout control device 230B is configured to store the illegal level data in the RAM 233 when it receives illegal level data as night monitoring information from the output means 386 of the night monitoring switch 126B, and then transmit it to the card unit 15.
Also, the payout control device 230B performs error notification processing based on the received illegal level data (error notification processing is the same as in the eleventh embodiment). Further, the payout control device 230B transmits the received illegal level data to the card unit 15, so that the card unit 15 performs error notification based on the illegal level data in the same manner as in the eleventh embodiment.

Example 12 has the following effects.
(1) Since unauthorized level data is created by the unauthorized level data creating means 389 of the nighttime monitoring switch 126B, the dispensing control device 230B does not need to create unauthorized level data, and the processing load on the dispensing control device 230B can be reduced. .
(2) One night monitoring switch 126B creates fraud level data from a plurality of types of monitoring data (for example, the number of times of opening the frame, the time of opening the frame, the number of times of disconnection, etc.) regarding the opening of the front frame 4 and the removal of the game control device 54. Therefore, it is possible to realize a sensor that can efficiently determine an unauthorized level externally with few parts.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Night monitoring means
While monitoring the opening of the front frame and the removal of the game control device divided into multiple types of monitoring data,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising fraud level data creating means for creating fraud level data classified into a plurality of types based on a plurality of types of monitoring data.
Here, the night monitoring switch 126B constitutes a night monitoring unit, and the unauthorized level data creating unit 389 corresponds to the unauthorized level data creating unit.
The plural types of monitoring data are concepts including the opening of the front frame 4, the number of times the frame is opened, the frame opening time, the removal (disconnection) of the game control device 54, and the number of removals (disconnection number).
"Example 13"

Next, Embodiment 13 of the present invention will be described.
In the thirteenth embodiment, priority is assigned between the gaming machine ID and the frame opening information for control.
In the thirteenth embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the member numbers are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the flowcharts common to the first embodiment are omitted, and the flowcharts related to the realization of the thirteenth embodiment will be described.
[Processing at power-on]
FIG. 221 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the power is turned on according to the thirteenth embodiment, and is processing executed by the payout control device 230.
When this routine is started, in step D1201, the dispensing control device 230 is powered on. As a result, the payout control device 230 is activated. Next, the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID here) is transmitted to the card unit 15 in step D1202. This is to transmit the gaming machine ID to the card unit 15 with priority over the opening information (frame opening information) of the front frame 4 when the power is turned on.
Next, in step D1203, it is determined whether authentication is OK. This is to determine whether the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 has already been verified by the external management device 91 and is verified as being verified. In the present embodiment, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the external management device 91 collates the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 through the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, and the card management device 81 sequentially. Since the check result is received in the order of the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 in the reverse route, if the payout control device 230 has already received the check result OK of the gaming machine ID, step D1203 The determination result is YES, and if the matching result OK of the gaming machine ID is not received or the matching result is NG, the determination result in step D1203 is NO.

In addition, the case of authenticating the gaming machine ID is summarized as follows.
(A) At power-on of the pachinko machine 1 Authentication at the time of power-on of the pachinko machine 1 that is the first authentication is performed by the external management device 91 by checking whether or not the gaming machine ID is legitimate.
(B) After the power-on authentication (first authentication) is OK, the card management device 81 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.
(C) During the game authentication, the card unit 15 verifies whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not.
Here, to supplement the authentication of the gaming machine ID, in the present embodiment, the external management device 91 collates the card unit ID and the card management device ID (Hall ID) in addition to the gaming machine ID. And when all these IDs are OK, it becomes a collation result OK. The above-mentioned authentication of the gaming machine ID is OK when the matching results of all the gaming machine ID, card unit ID, and card management device ID (hall ID) are OK. In addition, when the gaming machine ID authentication is NG, any one of the gaming machine ID, card unit ID, and card management device ID (hall ID) is NG.
The determination in step D1203 includes all cases (a) to (c). If authentication is OK in step D1203, the process proceeds to step D1204, and authentication OK information is transmitted to the main board (game control device 54). The payout control device 230 saves the authentication OK information in an authentication result storage area (for example, a predetermined area of the RAM 113).

Next, night monitoring information (including frame opening information) is transmitted to the card unit 15 in step D1205. This transmits night monitoring information received from the night monitoring switch 126 to the card unit 15, and includes frame opening information for monitoring the opening of the front frame 4. When the card unit 15 receives the frame opening information, the card unit 15 transmits the frame opening information to the hall computer 86 in the game hall. Thereby, by looking at the hall computer 86, the frame opening information is confirmed by the store clerk. After step D1205, the process returns.
On the other hand, if authentication is NG in step D1203, the process branches to step D1206, and a game stop flag is set. As a result, the game is stopped. After step D1206, the process returns. In this case, since the process of step D1205 is not executed, the frame opening information is not transmitted to the card unit 15, and the game is stopped.
In this manner, when the power is turned on, the payout control device 230 transmits the gaming machine ID to the card unit 15 with priority over the frame opening information for monitoring the opening of the front frame 4. The gaming machine ID transmitted to the card unit 15 is transmitted from the card unit 15 to the external management device 91 via the card management device 81, and verified with the regular ID in the external management device 91, and the verification result is the reverse route. Are transmitted in the order of the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, and the payout control device 230. If the authentication is OK in step D1203 as described above, the authentication OK information is transmitted to the game control device 54 and the game is enabled. On the other hand, the frame opening information is transmitted after the gaming machine ID is transmitted to the card unit 15.

[In-game processing]
FIG. 222 is a flowchart showing the processing in the game according to the thirteenth embodiment, which is executed by the payout control device 230.
When this routine is started, it is determined in step D1211 whether or not a big hit is being made. If it is a big hit, it is determined in step D1212 whether or not the front frame 4 has been opened. To do. When the card unit 15 receives the frame opening information, the card unit 15 transmits the frame opening information to the hall computer 86 in the game hall. Accordingly, by looking at the hall computer 86, the frame opening information is confirmed by the store clerk, and it can be immediately grasped that the front frame 4 is opened during the big hit. If it is illegal to open the front frame 4, it becomes possible to deal with the illegality immediately. After step D1213, the process proceeds to step D1214.
On the other hand, if the big hit is not in step D1211, the process branches to step D1217, and it is determined whether or not the front frame 4 is open. If there is a frame open in step D1217, the process proceeds to step D1213, and the frame open information is transmitted to the card unit 15. Therefore, even when the game is not a big hit and during a normal game, by looking at the hall computer 86, the frame opening information is notified to the store clerk, and the possibility of fraud can be efficiently confirmed.
If there is no frame opening in step D1217, the process returns. Accordingly, the frame opening information is not transmitted to the card unit 15 at this time.
On the other hand, if there is no frame opening in step D1212, the process jumps to step D1213 and proceeds to step D1214.

When the process proceeds from step D1212 to step D1214, the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID here) is transmitted to the card unit 15 in step D1214. This is because, when a big hit occurs during a game, if there is opening information (frame opening information) of the front frame 4, the frame opening information is transmitted to the card unit 15 after being transmitted to the card unit 15. Is. The gaming machine ID is transmitted because an important event such as a big hit has occurred, so that the gaming machine ID is checked again to prevent fraud.
Next, in step D1215, it is determined whether authentication is OK. As described above, authentication during a game is performed by checking whether or not the gaming machine ID is legitimate in the card unit 15. If the result of authentication by the card unit 15 is authentication OK, the process proceeds to step D1216, and authentication OK information is transmitted to the main board (game control device 54). The payout control device 230 saves the authentication OK information in an authentication result storage area (for example, a predetermined area of the RAM 113). At this time, the game is continued. After step D1216, the process returns.
On the other hand, if authentication is NG in step D1215, the process branches to step D1218, and a game stop flag is set. Thereby, even if it is a big hit, since the gaming machine ID is illegal, the game is stopped. After step D1218, the process returns.

  In this way, when a game is in progress (when a big hit occurs or when the front frame is opened), the payout control device 230 transmits the frame opening information of the front frame 4 to the card unit 15 with priority over the gaming machine ID, and the card. It is transmitted from the unit 15 to the hall computer 86. Therefore, by looking at the hall computer 86, the store clerk immediately knows that the front frame 4 has been opened during the game, and if the front frame 4 has been opened, it is possible to respond immediately. it can. Thereafter, the gaming machine ID is transmitted to the card unit 15 and collated. If the authentication is OK, the game is continued, and if the authentication is NG, the game is stopped. Therefore, during the game, the possibility of fraud can be efficiently confirmed by transmitting the frame opening information of the front frame 4 to the card unit 15 with priority over the gaming machine ID.

Example 13 has the following effects.
(1) When power is turned on, the gaming machine ID is prioritized over the frame opening information and transmitted to the outside to confirm the authentication, but during gaming, the frame opening information is prioritized and transmitted to the outside over the gaming machine ID. Thus, the store clerk is notified that the front frame 4 has been opened during the game, and the store clerk can efficiently confirm the possibility of fraud.
(2) When the gaming machine ID authentication by the device outside the gaming machine (for example, the external management device 91) is NG when the power is turned on, the frame opening information is not transmitted to the card unit 15, so the gaming machine (payout control) The control burden on the device 230) is reduced.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine that includes a game control device that manages the progress of a game and performs a game by circulating and using the enclosed game ball,
Frame opening detection means for detecting the opening of the body frame (including the front frame, the wooden frame, and the game frame);
When the power is turned on, the unique ID of the game control device is preferentially transmitted to the external device as the gaming machine ID over the output of the frame opening detection means,
During the game, rather than transmitting the unique ID of the game control device as the gaming machine ID, transmission information priority means for prioritizing the output of the frame opening detection means and transmitting to the external device;
An enclosed ball game machine characterized by comprising:
Here, the front frame 4 constitutes the main body frame, the night monitoring switch 126 constitutes the frame opening detection means, the card unit 15 constitutes the external device, the payout control device 230 constitutes the transmission information priority means, and the game The control device 54 corresponds to a game control device.
Further, when a payout control device that controls the payout of a ball is arranged separately from the game control device, the gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the game control device and a unique ID of the payout control device (payout). ID).

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Transmission information priority means
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine characterized in that, when the game machine ID collation result by the external device is NG when the power is turned on, the frame opening information is not transmitted to the external device.

This background will be described.
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-139325, a gaming machine status signal (for example, a security signal when power is turned on or a door / frame opening signal when a glass frame is opened) is used. Thus, control for outputting the unique ID of the main board to the external device side is performed.
However, in order to prevent fraud, in the case of control for transmitting the gaming machine ID (for example, the unique ID of the main board) and the frame opening information to the outside of the gaming machine, the transmission timings of the two information are often the same. . For this reason, there is a problem of communication congestion and the control processing in each device (for example, a game control device or a payout control device) may be duplicated, resulting in poor efficiency.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the power is turned on, the gaming machine ID is prioritized over the frame opening information and transmitted to the outside to confirm the authentication. However, during gaming, the frame opening information is prioritized over the gaming machine ID. By transmitting, the store clerk is informed that the front frame 4 has been opened during the game, and the possibility of fraud is efficiently confirmed.
"Example 14"

Next, Example 14 of the present invention will be described.
First, the drawings related to the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments of the present invention are the basic parts of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 20 in the first embodiment. The technical content disclosed in FIG. 1 has detailed and specific effects, and therefore, it is easier to understand separately in the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments, so that the detailed description including the specific effects will be given.
The configurations of the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments are the same as those shown in FIGS. 14 to 20 described in the first embodiment, but are partially different. However, for convenience of explanation, in the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments, the same member numbers as those in the first embodiment will be used as the member numbers.

The fourteenth embodiment is an example of improving the efficiency of matching the gaming machine ID.
First, the background is explained.
In order to improve the security of the gaming machine, a system is conceivable in which the ID of each gaming machine installed in the gaming hall is collated by an external management device outside the gaming hall.
However, although the system that matches the gaming machine ID with an external management device outside the game hall has high security, communication with the outside is necessary, and if the number of gaming machines is large, the ID matching is performed due to communication congestion. May take a long time. There is also a risk of system down. Therefore, there is a need for a system that efficiently collates IDs.
Therefore, in the fourteenth embodiment, ID collation can be efficiently performed by changing the ID collation upper-level device according to the situation of the gaming machine.

Next, a specific configuration of Example 14 will be described.
The fourteenth embodiment has a configuration in which the higher-level device to which the gaming machine ID is compared is changed in three situations during gaming when the gaming machine is installed, when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed.
Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted between the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91 by encrypted communication. For convenience of explanation, encrypted communication is omitted.
<At the time of game machine installation: first authentication>
That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when the pachinko machine 1 is installed for the first time, the game machine ID including the main ID of the game control device 54 is turned on when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. 15. The external management device 91 collates sequentially via the card management device 81, and the collation result is the reverse route, the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. In this order, the game control device 54 receives.
In other words, when the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID is collated by the highest external management device 91.
In the fourteenth embodiment, the external management device 91 collates not only the gaming machine ID but also the card unit ID and the card management device ID (hole ID). And when all these IDs are OK, it becomes a collation result OK. Therefore, the authentication of the gaming machine ID is OK when the matching results of all the gaming machine ID, card unit ID, and card management device ID (hole ID) are OK. In addition, when the gaming machine ID authentication is NG, any one of the gaming machine ID, the card unit ID, and the card management device ID (hole ID) is NG (this concept is the same hereinafter).
In addition, the system which collates only game machine ID with the external management apparatus 91 may be sufficient. Even in such a system, it is possible to determine that the gaming machine is genuine, so that predetermined security is maintained.

Next, if the result of collation of the gaming machine ID in the external management device 91 is collation OK, the collation result is used as the route of the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. The game control device 54 receives the game machine ID and stores the match result of the gaming machine ID. If the check result is OK, the game is enabled.
On the other hand, if the result of collation of the gaming machine ID in the external management device 91 is collation NG, the collation result is the route of the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. The game control device 54 receives the game machine ID and stores the matching result of the gaming machine ID. If the matching result is NG, the game is stopped.

<When the power is turned on after installing the game machine>
Next, the collation of the gaming machine ID when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed is a configuration in which the gaming machine ID is collated by the card management device 81 as shown in FIG.
That is, when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control apparatus 54 is collated by the card management apparatus 81 via the payout control apparatus 230 and the card unit 15 sequentially, and the collation result is reversed. The game control device 54 receives the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54 in this order.
In other words, when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID is collated not by the highest-level external management device 91 but by the lower-level card management device 81. However, when the collation result in the card management apparatus 81 is NG, the external management apparatus 91 performs recollation.
Next, if the result of collation of the gaming machine ID in the card management device 81 is collation OK, the result of the collation is the route of the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. Is received, and the verification result of the gaming machine ID is stored, and if the verification result is OK, the game is enabled.

On the other hand, if the result of the matching of the gaming machine ID in the card management device 81 is a matching NG, the card management device 81 transmits the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID), card unit ID, and hole ID to the external management device 91. In this configuration, the external management device 91 performs re-collation of each ID. Thereafter, the IDs are collated by the external management device 91 for a predetermined period.
The external management device 91 performs re-collation of each ID and transmits the re-collation result to the card management device 81. If the result of the rematching of the gaming machine ID or the like in the external management device 91 is OK, the matching result is used as the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. The game control device 54 receives the route of No. 1 and stores the result of checking the gaming machine ID and enables the game.
If the re-match result is NG, the match control result is received by the game control device 54 through the route of the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. The result of checking the machine ID is stored and the game is stopped.
By performing re-collation, security can be further improved.

<During game>
Next, the collation of the gaming machine ID in the gaming machine after the gaming machine is installed is a configuration in which the gaming machine ID is collated by the card unit 15 as shown in FIG.
That is, during the game after the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the gaming control device 54 is collated by the card unit 15 via the payout control device 230, and the collation result is the card unit by the reverse route. 15, the game control device 54 receives the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54 in this order.
In other words, when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID is not collated by the uppermost external management device 91 or the upper card management device 81, but by the lower card unit 15 than that. .
Next, if the result of collation of the gaming machine ID in the card unit 15 is collation OK, the game control device 54 receives the collation result through the route of the payout control device 230 and the game control device 54, and the result of collation of the gaming machine ID Is stored, and if the result of checking the main ID is OK, the game is enabled.

On the other hand, if the result of the matching of the gaming machine ID in the card unit 15 is a matching NG, the matching result is received by the gaming control device 54 through the route of the payout control device 230 and the gaming control device 54, and the matching result of the gaming machine ID And the game is stopped if the result of checking the main ID is NG.
Further, in the case of verification NG, the card unit 15 transmits information called verification result NG to the card management device 81. The card management device 81 stores the verification result NG.
As described above, when the matching result of the gaming machine ID and card unit ID in the card management device 81 at the time of power-on is NG, the external management device 91 re-collates the ID. When the card unit 15 executes the matching of the gaming machine ID, if the card unit 15 determines that the matching result is NG, the ID check by the host device (the card management device 81, the external management device 91) is not performed. The collation result NG is confirmed. Therefore, the matching can be performed efficiently without repeating the matching process.

  As described above, in the fourteenth embodiment, when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on when the gaming machine is installed for the first time, the external management device 91 uses the gaming machine ID (the gaming machine ID, the card unit ID, and the hall ID). The same applies to the following, and authentication is performed by verifying whether or not it is legitimate, and after the power-on authentication at the time of installing the gaming machine (first authentication) is OK, the card management device 81 uses the gaming machine Authentication is performed by checking whether the ID is normal or not. Further, during the game, authentication is performed by checking whether the gaming machine ID is normal at the card unit 15. That is, the higher-level device that is the collation destination of the gaming machine ID is changed according to the above three situations.

Example 14 has the following effects.
(1) The game machine ID is not collated by the external management device 91 every time, but as described above, the first collation at the time of installing the gaming machine, the collation at the time of turning on the power after installing the gaming machine, Since the configuration is such that the higher-order device to which the gaming machine ID is collated is changed according to the three situations of the matching in the gaming machine ID, the gaming machine ID can be efficiently collated.
Specifically, the first time when the gaming machine is installed, the external management device 91 collates the gaming machine ID. If the gaming machine has been verified, when the power is turned on, the card management device 81 in the gaming hall is checked. Since the gaming machine ID is collated and the gaming machine ID is collated by the card unit 15 during the game, the gaming machine ID can be efficiently collated. That is, it is possible to increase the efficiency of matching the gaming machine ID.
For example, a system that performs game machine ID collation using an external management device outside the game hall has high security, but communication with the outside is necessary. However, in the fourteenth embodiment, the external management device 91 outside the game arcade checks the gaming machine ID only for the first time when the gaming machine is installed. It is possible to eliminate as much as possible the fear and the time required for ID verification.
In addition, although the system that performs the matching of the gaming machine ID with the external management device outside the game hall every time may cause a system down, in the fourteenth embodiment, the matching of the gaming machine ID with the external management device 91 outside the gaming hall Only the initial verification at the time of installing the gaming machine is performed, and thereafter, the gaming machine ID is verified internally in the amusement hall, thereby eliminating the possibility of system down as much as possible.
It can be eliminated as much as possible.
(2) When the matching result of the gaming machine ID in the card management device 81 when the power is turned on after the gaming machine is installed is NG, the external management device 91 performs the matching again, but the matching in the card unit 15 in the game If the result is NG, the verification by the host device (for example, the card management device 81) is not performed and the verification NG is confirmed, so that the verification of the gaming machine ID is not time-consuming and the verification is performed efficiently. Can do.
For example, a table with a matching result of the card unit 15 that is being played is ready for a game, and the verification NG is confirmed only for the table with the verification NG, so that the efficiency of matching the gaming machine ID is improved as a whole.
(3) If the collation result in the card management device 81 is NG, since the collation is performed in the external management device 91 in the subsequent predetermined period, it is a collation process in the external management device 91 with higher reliability. Security can be maintained.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A gaming system that verifies gaming machine IDs and determines whether gaming is possible,
A game machine, a card unit, a card management device and an external management device are connected so as to be communicable,
When installing a gaming machine, check the gaming machine ID in the external management device,
If the gaming machine ID has already been verified at the time of gaming machine installation, when the gaming machine is turned on, the gaming machine ID is verified by the card management device in the game hall,
A gaming system characterized in that a gaming machine ID is collated by a card unit during gaming after the gaming machine is installed.
Here, the pachinko machine 1 constitutes a gaming machine, the card unit 15 corresponds to a card unit, the card management device 81 corresponds to a card management device, and the external management device 91 corresponds to an external management device.
The gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the gaming control device.
Further, when a payout control device that controls the payout of a ball is arranged separately from the game control device, the gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the game control device and a unique ID of the payout control device (payout). ID).

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Card management device
If the gaming machine ID verification result in the card management device when the gaming machine is turned on is NG, the gaming machine ID is re-verified by transmitting the gaming machine ID to the external management device,
Card unit
A gaming system characterized in that, when a matching result of a gaming machine ID in a card unit during a game is NG, matching of the gaming machine ID is not performed in a host device higher than the card unit, and the matching NG is determined.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
Card management device
A gaming system characterized in that, when the result of checking the gaming machine ID in the card management device is NG, the matching is performed in the external management device for a predetermined period thereafter.
"Example 15"

Next, Example 15 of the present invention will be described.
In the fifteenth embodiment, information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using the encryption key A at the first authentication of the gaming machine ID.
First, the background is explained.
In order to improve the security of the gaming machine, a system using encrypted communication is conceivable when the ID of each gaming machine installed in the gaming hall is collated by an external management device outside the gaming hall.
However, in a system in which the game machine ID is collated by an external management device outside the game hall, if encrypted communication is used, security is high, but it takes time for encryption / decryption, and if the number of game machines is large, There is a risk of hindering ID verification.
Therefore, in the fifteenth embodiment, when the gaming machine ID is transmitted to the external management device, the card unit and the card management device transmit the gaming machine ID as they are without being encrypted so that the ID can be efficiently verified. (Details will be described later).

Next, a specific configuration of Example 15 will be described.
<At the time of game machine installation: first authentication>
As shown in FIG. 14, when the pachinko machine 1 is installed for the first time, the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the game control device 54 is turned on when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. The external management device 91 collates sequentially through the card management device 81, and the collation result is in the reverse order of the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. In this configuration, the game control device 54 receives.
In other words, when the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID is collated by the highest external management device 91.
However, in the fifteenth embodiment, only the gaming machine ID is collated by the external management device 91. Even in such a system, it is possible to determine that the gaming machine is genuine, so that predetermined security is maintained.
As a configuration different from the above, for example, the external management device 91 may collate together with the card unit ID and the card management device ID (hole ID) in addition to the gaming machine ID. And when all these IDs are OK, it becomes a collation result OK. Therefore, the authentication of the gaming machine ID is OK when the matching results of all the gaming machine ID, card unit ID, and card management device ID (hole ID) are OK. In addition, when the gaming machine ID authentication is NG, any one of the gaming machine ID, the card unit ID, and the card management device ID (hole ID) is NG (this concept is the same hereinafter).

The matching route of the gaming machine ID is as described above, but when the gaming machine ID is transmitted, encrypted communication is performed, and the encrypted communication is detailed as follows.
That is, in the fifteenth embodiment, the gaming machine ID is exchanged between the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91 by encrypted communication using a single encryption key A. It is the structure by which the information containing is transmitted.
Specifically, the game control device 54 transmits the main control ID to the payout control device 230 when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. At this time, the game control device 54 encrypts with the encryption key A provided to itself. The main ID is transmitted to the payout control device 230 using communication.
Here, the encryption key A and the encryption / decryption algorithm are provided in advance in each device (that is, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91). Each device is configured to receive an ID sent from another device using encrypted communication using the encryption key A provided in advance, or to transmit to another device, and an external management device Until the verification at 91, the card unit 15 and the card management device 81 store the gaming machine ID sent from the other device in an encrypted state. However, the external management device 91 decrypts and stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) sent from the card management device 81.
Next, the payout control device 230 transmits the main ID sent from the game control device 54 and its payout ID to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, the card unit 15 stores the main ID and the payout ID sent from the payout control device 230 in an encrypted form, and encrypts the main ID and the payout ID (that is, the gaming machine ID) using the encryption key A. To the card management device 81.
Next, the card management device 81 stores the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) sent from the card unit 15 while being encrypted, and uses the encryption key A to store the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID). The data is transmitted to the external management device 91 using encrypted communication.
Next, the external management device 91 decrypts the gaming machine ID (main ID and payout ID) sent from the card management device 81 and collates the gaming machine ID using a predetermined matching list.
As described above, in the fifteenth embodiment, information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using the encryption key A at the first authentication of the gaming machine ID.

<In case of collation with external management device 91>
The basic configuration of the fifteenth embodiment in this case is shown in FIG.
If the result of collation of the gaming machine ID in the external management device 91 is collation OK, the collation result is transmitted from the external management device 91 to the card management device 81 using encrypted communication with the encryption key A. Next, when the card management device 81 receives the verification OK, the card management device 81 decrypts and stores the gaming machine ID that has been stored encrypted with the encryption key A, and encrypts the verification OK information with the encryption key A. It transmits to the card unit 15 using communication. As a result, only the authorized gaming machine ID is stored in the card management device 81 in a decrypted state.
Next, when the card unit 15 receives the verification OK, it decrypts and stores the gaming machine ID that has been stored as encrypted by the encryption key A, and encrypts the verification OK information using the encryption key A. To the payout control device 230. As a result, only the legitimate gaming machine ID is stored in the card unit 15 in a decrypted state.
Next, when the payout control device 230 receives the verification OK, the payout control device 230 stores the verification OK information and transmits the verification OK information to the game control device 54 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. Also, the payout control device 230 enables the game by receiving the verification OK.
Next, the game control device 54 stores the verification OK information sent from the payout control device 230 and enables the game.

<In the case of collation NG with the external management device 91>
The basic configuration of the fifteenth embodiment in this case is shown in FIG.
If the result of collation of the gaming machine ID in the external management apparatus 91 is collation NG, the collation result is transmitted from the external management apparatus 91 to the card management apparatus 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, when receiving the verification NG, the card management device 81 stores the verification result NG and discards the gaming machine ID that is still encrypted without decrypting the gaming machine ID of the verification result NG. Further, the card management device 81 transmits the verification NG information to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, when the card unit 15 receives the verification NG, the card unit 15 stores the verification result NG, and discards the gaming machine ID that remains encrypted without decrypting the gaming machine ID of the verification result NG. Further, the card unit 15 stops the game for the corresponding table of the verification result NG. Further, the card unit 15 transmits the verification NG information to the payout control device 230 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, when the payout control device 230 receives the verification NG, the payout control device 230 stores the verification result NG and stops the game. In addition, the payout control device 230 transmits the verification NG information to the game control device 54 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, when the game control device 54 receives the verification NG, the game control device 54 stores the verification result NG and stops the game. In addition, if the result of checking the gaming machine ID is NG, a command is sent to the effect control device 53 to cause the display device 41 to display an error.

In addition, although the above-mentioned description is a case where the collation is performed for the first time for the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, after the gaming machine is installed (ID collation after the first time), as in the case of the previous embodiment 14, The host device for ID verification is changed according to the situation of the gaming machine.
That is, after the power-on authentication at the time of installing the gaming machine (first authentication) is OK, the card management device 81 verifies whether or not the gaming machine ID is legitimate and further authenticates the game. The authentication is performed by checking whether or not the gaming machine ID is legitimate in the card unit 15.

As described above, in the fifteenth embodiment, for the first matching of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91 are not connected. Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using the encryption key A, and the matching process of the gaming machine ID is performed.
Further, after the gaming machine is installed (ID verification after the first time), after the power-on authentication at the time of installing the gaming machine (first authentication) is OK, the card management device 81 determines whether the gaming machine ID is valid or not. Further, authentication is performed by checking whether the game machine ID is normal or not in the card unit 15.

The fifteenth embodiment has the following effects.
(1) When the gaming machine ID is transmitted to the external management device 91 for verification, the card unit 15 and the card management device 81 store the gaming machine ID as it is (without being decrypted). In addition, since the gaming machine ID is transmitted as it is encrypted, there is no need for processing such as decryption every time, no extra time is required, and high efficiency.
For example, a system that performs game machine ID collation using an external management device outside the game hall has high security, but communication with the outside is necessary. However, in the fifteenth embodiment, the external management device 91 outside the game hall checks the gaming machine ID only for the first time when the gaming machine is installed, and the card unit 15 and The card management device 81 stores the gaming machine ID as it is without decrypting it, and transmits the gaming machine ID as it is encrypted, thereby eliminating as much as possible the risk of communication congestion and the time required for ID verification. be able to.
In addition, since the gaming machine ID is transmitted with encryption, the safety is high.
(2) The game machine ID is collated by the external management device 91. If the result is OK, the card management device 81 and the card unit 15 decrypt and store the game machine ID that has been stored. When the collation result is NG, the encrypted gaming machine ID is discarded, so there is no extra data and the efficiency is high.
(3) The card management device 81 or the card unit 15 does not transmit the gaming machine ID to the external management device 91 when the gaming machine ID is verified from the next time after the gaming machine is installed (the first ID has been verified). Since the gaming machine ID is collated, the gaming machine ID can be efficiently collated.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A gaming system that verifies gaming machine IDs and determines whether gaming is possible,
A game machine, a card unit, a card management device, and an external management device are connected to be communicable, and configured to use encrypted communication using an encryption key when collating a gaming machine ID,
When sending the gaming machine ID to the external management device,
The card unit stores the gaming machine ID received from the gaming machine as it is without being decrypted, and transmits it to the card management device.
Similarly, the card management device stores the game machine ID as it is without decryption, and transmits it to the external management device.
Check the gaming machine ID on the external management device, and if the result is OK,
The card management device decrypts and stores the gaming machine ID, and the card unit also decrypts and stores the gaming machine ID in the same manner, and the card unit transmits information on the matching result OK of the gaming machine ID to the gaming machine. And
When the matching result of the gaming machine ID is NG, the card management device and the card unit discard the gaming machine ID, and the card unit is configured to transmit information on the matching result NG of the gaming machine ID to the gaming machine. A gaming system characterized by that.
Here, the pachinko machine 1 constitutes a gaming machine, the card unit 15 corresponds to a card unit, the card management device 81 corresponds to a card management device, and the external management device 91 corresponds to an external management device.
The gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the gaming control device.
Further, when a payout control device that controls the payout of a ball is arranged separately from the game control device, the gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the game control device and a unique ID of the payout control device (payout). ID).
"Example 16"

Next, a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the sixteenth embodiment, information including a gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using a plurality of encryption keys (encryption key A and encryption key X).
First, the background is explained.
In order to improve the security of the gaming machine, a system that uses encrypted communication with an encryption key for communication between the gaming machine and each device inside and outside the game hall can be considered.
However, in a system that uses encrypted communication with one encryption key, once decrypted, the meaning of encryption disappears and security cannot be said to be high.
For example, even if the card unit of the game hall stores the encryption key after installation, it uses one encryption unit after installation (all the same key) to communicate with the gaming machine, so any one card unit If it is suitable for plagiarism, the security of communication may be reduced.
Therefore, in the sixteenth embodiment, information including a gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using a plurality of encryption keys (encryption key A and encryption key X) to check the gaming machine ID. Since each unit has a different encryption key, security is kept higher.

Next, a specific configuration of Example 16 will be described.
<At the time of game machine installation: first authentication>
As shown in FIG. 14, when the pachinko machine 1 is installed for the first time, the gaming machine ID including the main ID of the game control device 54 is turned on when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. The external management device 91 collates sequentially through the card management device 81, and the collation result is in the reverse order of the external management device 91, the card management device 81, the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. In this configuration, the game control device 54 receives.
In other words, when the gaming machine is installed, the gaming machine ID is collated by the highest external management device 91.
However, in the sixteenth embodiment, only the gaming machine ID is collated by the external management device 91. Even in such a system, it is possible to determine that the gaming machine is genuine, so that predetermined security is maintained.
As a configuration different from the above, for example, the external management device 91 may collate together with the card unit ID and the card management device ID (hole ID) in addition to the gaming machine ID. And when all these IDs are OK, it becomes a collation result OK. Therefore, the authentication of the gaming machine ID is OK when the matching results of all the gaming machine ID, card unit ID, and card management device ID (hole ID) are OK. In addition, when the gaming machine ID authentication is NG, any one of the gaming machine ID, the card unit ID, and the card management device ID (hole ID) is NG (this concept is the same hereinafter).

The matching route of the gaming machine ID is as described above, but when the gaming machine ID is transmitted, encrypted communication is performed, and the encrypted communication is detailed as follows.
That is, in the sixteenth embodiment, when the gaming machine is installed (at the first authentication), the encryption key A is set between the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91. The information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by the encrypted communication used, and the process of transmitting the information including the gaming machine ID from the gaming control device 54 to the external management device 91 is the same as in the fifteenth embodiment. Since it is transmitted by encrypted communication using the encryption key A, duplicate explanation is omitted.
Next, as a result of the matching of the gaming machine ID in the external management device 91, the case of matching OK and the case of matching NG will be described separately.

<When a gaming machine is installed: In the case of verification with the external management device 91>
The basic configuration of the fifteenth embodiment in this case is shown in FIG.
If the result of verification of the gaming machine ID in the external management device 91 is verification OK, the verification result OK and data for the encryption key X are transmitted to the card management device 81 using encrypted communication with the encryption key A.
The data for the encryption key X is data for generating the encryption key X. As will be described later, when the data for the encryption key X is transmitted from the external management device 91 to the card management device 81, the card management device 81 uses the data for the encryption key X for each unit in the amusement store. The encryption key X is generated.
Next, the card management device 81 stores the verification result OK sent from the external management device 91 and the data for the encryption key X, and the encryption for each unit in the amusement store based on the data for the encryption key X. A key X is generated.
The encryption key X is used to generate a different ID for each machine in the game store, and inside the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) (between the gaming control device 54 (main board) and the payout control device 230 (payout control board)). In communication between the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) and the card unit 15, information is transmitted / received using encrypted communication using an encryption key X different for each unit.
If the collation result sent from the external management device 91 is OK, the card management device 81 decrypts and stores the stored gaming machine ID (encrypted with the encryption key A). cure. As a result, only the authorized gaming machine ID is stored in the card management device 81 in a decrypted state.

Here, in the case of the matching result of the gaming machine ID, the encrypted communication with the encryption key A is performed for the communication above the card unit 15 from the time of the matching of the next gaming machine ID. For communication, encrypted communication using a different encryption key X is performed for each unit.
Specifically, encrypted communication using the encryption key A is performed between the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91, and encryption is performed between the card unit 15, the payout control device 230, and the game control device 54. Encrypted communication using the key X is performed.
In the case of the verification result OK, the card management device 81 transmits the verification result of each unit and the encryption key X of each unit to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, the card unit 15 stores the verification result of the table sent from the card management device 81 and the encryption key X of the table. When the collation result sent from the card management device 81 is OK, the card unit 15 decrypts and stores the stored gaming machine ID (the one encrypted with the encryption key A). cure. As a result, only the legitimate gaming machine ID is stored in the card unit 15 in a decrypted state.
In the case of the collation result OK, the card unit 15 uses the game machine ID collation result and the encryption key X for each unit sent from the card management device 81 to the payout control device of the pachinko machine 1. 230 is transmitted using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.

Next, the payout control device 230 stores the matching result of the gaming machine ID sent from the card unit 15 and the encryption key X, and also stores the matching result of the gaming machine ID sent from the card unit 15 and the encryption key X. It transmits to the game control device 54.
Next, the game control device 54 stores the match result of the gaming machine ID sent from the payout control device 230 and the encryption key X.
If the match result is OK (the match result of the main ID and the payout ID is normal) from the match result of the main ID and the payout ID, the game control device 54 starts the game as usual.
If the ID verification result in the external management device 91 is OK, the encryption key X is used between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230 and between the payout control device 230 and the card unit 15 from the next time. Information is transmitted and received by encrypted communication.

<When a gaming machine is installed: In the case of collation NG with the external management device 91>
The basic configuration of the fifteenth embodiment in this case is shown in FIG.
If the result of collation of the gaming machine ID in the external management device 91 is collation NG, the collation result NG is transmitted to the card management device 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. Since the verification is NG, the data for the encryption key X is not transmitted.
Next, the card management device 81 stores the verification result NG sent from the external management device 91 and discards the gaming machine ID for the gaming machine ID of the verification result NG.
Further, the card management device 81 transmits the verification result NG sent from the external management device 91 to the card unit 15 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A.
Next, the card unit 15 stores the matching result NG of the table sent from the card management device 81 and discards the gaming machine ID (main ID) for the gaming machine ID of the matching result NG. Further, the card unit 15 stops the game for the corresponding table of the verification result NG.
Further, the card unit 15 transmits the verification result NG of the table sent from the card management device 81 to the payout control device 230 of the pachinko machine 1 using the encrypted communication using the encryption key A.

Next, the payout control device 230 stores the matching result NG of the gaming machine ID sent from the card unit 15, and stops the game if the matching result of the gaming machine ID is NG. Also, the payout control device 230 transmits the verification result NG sent from the card unit 15 to the game control device 54 using the encrypted communication with the encryption key A.
Next, the game control device 54 stores the game machine ID collation result NG sent from the payout control device 230, and if the game machine ID collation result is NG, the game is stopped.
In addition, if the result of checking the gaming machine ID is NG, a command is sent to the effect control device 53 to cause the display device 41 to display an error.

In addition, the above-mentioned description is a case where it collates for the first time about gaming machine ID at the time of gaming machine installation.
On the other hand, after the gaming machine is installed (ID verification after the first time), the host device of the gaming machine ID verification is changed according to the situation of the gaming machine as in the case of the previous embodiment 15.
That is, in Example 16, after the power-on authentication at the time of installing the gaming machine (first authentication) is OK, as shown in FIG. 17, the card management device 81 determines whether or not the gaming machine ID is valid. Verify and authenticate. In this case, information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted between the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, and the card unit 15 by encrypted communication using different encryption keys X for each unit, and the card unit 15, Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted between the card management device 81 and the external management device 91 by encrypted communication using the encryption key A (details are omitted because they are described in FIG. 17).
Note that after the gaming machine is installed (ID verification after the first time), when the gaming board 20 is replaced (at the time of replacement), the payout control device 230 receives information (gaming machine ID, gaming machine ID) transmitted from other devices. If the decryption cannot be decrypted even with the encryption key X, the decryption is decrypted with the encryption key A and decrypted. This process is the same for the card unit 15.
Further, the matching of the gaming machine ID during the game is performed by checking whether or not the gaming machine ID is authorized by the card unit 15. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted between the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, and the card unit 15 by encrypted communication using different encryption keys X for each unit. (Details are described in FIG. 18 and are omitted). At this time, when the matching result of the gaming machine ID is NG, the card unit 15 transmits information called the matching result NG to the card management device 81 using encrypted communication using the encryption key A. The card management device 81 stores the verification result NG.

As described above, in the sixteenth embodiment, with respect to the first matching of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91 are not connected. Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication using the encryption key A, and the matching process of the gaming machine ID is performed.
In addition, after installing the gaming machine (transmission of information including ID verification after the first time), the card management device 81 checks the gaming machine ID. In this case, the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, and the card Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted between the units 15 by encrypted communication using a different encryption key X for each unit, and the encryption key A is used between the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91. Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by encrypted communication.
Further, during gaming, the card unit 15 checks the gaming machine ID, and in this case, the game controller 54, the payout controller 230, and the card unit 15 are encrypted with different encryption keys X for each unit. Information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by communication.

Example 16 has the following effects.
(1) For the first matching of the gaming machine ID when the gaming machine is installed, the encryption key A is all used between the gaming control device 54, the payout control device 230, the card unit 15, the card management device 81, and the external management device 91. The information including the gaming machine ID is transmitted by the encrypted communication used to check the gaming machine ID. If the matching result of the gaming machine ID is OK, the card unit is used from the next matching of the gaming machine ID. Although communication using the encryption key A is used for communication with a higher-level device than 15, the game machine (between the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230), the game machine (payout control device 230), and the card unit 15. Since the encrypted communication using the encryption key X different for each unit is used for communication between the two devices, higher security can be maintained.
For example, even if the card unit of the game hall stores the encryption key after installation, any one card unit is used because it communicates with the gaming machine using the encryption key after installation (all the same key) However, in the sixteenth embodiment, since the encryption key X is a different encryption key for each unit, even if one card unit is stolen, the communication security may be reduced. The other card units use different encryption keys, so that higher security can be maintained. Furthermore, since the encryption key X for each unit can be updated with data from the external management device 91, the security is higher.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
An encapsulated ball game system that determines whether or not a game is possible by checking a game machine ID of an encapsulated ball game machine that performs a game by circulating the enclosed game ball,
Enclosed ball game machine, card unit, card management device and external management device are communicably connected and configured to use encrypted communication using an encryption key when checking the gaming machine ID,
When checking the gaming machine ID for the first time, information including the gaming machine ID is used between the encapsulated ball type gaming machine, the card unit, the card management device, and the external management device using encrypted communication using the first encryption key. Transmission
If the match result of the gaming machine ID in the external management device is OK,
From the time of the next game machine ID verification, encrypted communication using the first encryption key is used for communication with devices higher than the card unit including the card unit,
The communication between the internal devices of the enclosed ball type gaming machine and between the enclosed ball type gaming machine and the card unit is configured to use encrypted communication using a second encryption key that is different for each unit. Game system to play.
Here, the pachinko machine 1 constitutes an enclosed ball game machine, the card unit 15 corresponds to a card unit, the card management device 81 corresponds to a card management device, and the external management device 91 corresponds to an external management device.
The internal devices of the enclosed ball type gaming machine correspond to the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230.
The encryption key A constitutes a first encryption key, and the encryption key X constitutes a second encryption key.
The gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the gaming control device.
Further, when a payout control device that controls the payout of a ball is arranged separately from the game control device, the gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the game control device and a unique ID of the payout control device (payout). ID).
"Example 17"

Next, Example 17 of the present invention will be described.
Example 17 relates to a condition for outputting a gaming machine ID.
First, the background is explained.
In order to improve the security of the gaming machine, a system that uses the ID of each gaming machine installed in the gaming hall with an external management device outside the gaming hall can be considered.
However, in a system in which a game machine ID is collated by an external management device outside the game hall, security cannot be maintained if the game machine ID is obtained illegally. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures against illegally acquiring the gaming machine ID.
Therefore, in the seventeenth embodiment, when a gaming machine ID is requested by encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption key, the gaming machine ID is output (for example, the gaming machine ID is output from the gaming control device). When requested by communication (for example, plain text or the like), the gaming machine ID is not output so that the security is kept high.

Next, a specific configuration of Example 17 will be described.
The basic configuration of the seventeenth embodiment is shown in FIG.
In the seventeenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, a gaming machine ID is output under the following conditions.
<ID output from game control device>
In the case of outputting an ID (main ID) from the game control device 54, the main ID is only requested by the payout control device 230 by a predetermined encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X). Is output.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20H, when an ID request is output from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54 by encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X). The game control device 54 outputs the main ID to the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X).
Here, the encryption key A is pre-installed in each device (the game control device 54 and the payout control device 230), and the encryption key X is used after the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is installed in the game hall. It is set as a different encryption key for each machine.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20 (H), when an ID request is output from the payout control device 230 to the game control device 54 in plain text, the game control device 54 does not output the main ID to the payout control device 230. Even if the ID request is not plaintext and the ID request is made by encrypted communication using an unknown encryption key other than the specified encryption keys A and X, the game control device 54 issues the main ID. No output to 230.

  As described above, in the seventeenth embodiment, as an output condition of the ID from the game control device 54, the game control device 54 (main board) performs encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X determined in advance from the payout control device 230. The ID is output when the ID is requested by, but the ID is not output when requested by other communication (plaintext or the like). Therefore, security can be improved.

<ID output from payout control device>
Next, when outputting the ID (in this case, the main ID and the payout ID) from the payout control device 230, it is a case where it is connected to the game control device 54, and the predetermined encrypted communication (encryption key A or The ID is output only when requested by the card unit 15 by encrypted communication using the encryption key X).
Specifically, when outputting an ID (main ID and payout ID) from the payout control device 230, first, as shown in FIG. 20 (I), the payout control device 230 is connected to the game control device 54. It is a prerequisite. Next, as other conditions, as shown in FIG. 20 (I), an ID request is sent from the card unit 15 to the payout control device 230 by predetermined encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or encryption key X). When output, the payout control device 230 outputs the main ID and the payout ID to the card unit 15 by encrypted communication (encrypted communication using the encryption key A or the encryption key X).
Here, each device (game control device 54, payout control device 230, card unit 15) is provided in advance with the encryption key A, and the game machine (pachinko machine 1) is installed in the game hall with the encryption key X. After that, it is set as a different encryption key for each gaming machine.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20 (I), if the payout control device 230 is not connected to the game control device 54, the ID request from the card unit 15 is encrypted communication (the encryption key A or the encryption key X). The payout control device 230 does not output the main ID and the payout ID to the card unit 15 even when it is output to the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication).
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 20 (I), even if the payout control device 230 is connected to the game control device 54, the ID request from the card unit 15 is encrypted communication (encryption key A or The payout control device 230 does not output the main ID and the payout ID to the card unit 15 even when the plaintext is used instead of the encrypted communication using the encryption key X (that is, when the ID request is in plaintext). Even if the ID request is not plaintext and the ID request is made by encrypted communication using an unknown encryption key other than the specified encryption keys A and X, the payout control device 230 sets the main ID and the payout ID. Does not output to the card unit 15.

Thus, in the seventeenth embodiment, as a condition for outputting the ID from the payout control device 230, the payout control device 230 satisfies the condition for connection with the game control device 54, and the payout control device 230 is preliminarily received from the card unit 15. When an ID is requested by encrypted communication using the specified encryption key A or encryption key X, an ID (main ID and payout ID) is output, but when requested by other communication (plain text, etc.) ID (main ID and payout ID) is not output. Therefore, security can be improved.
In particular, since the payout control device 230 does not output the gaming machine ID unless it is connected to the gaming control device 54, for example, when the gaming control device 54 is illegally removed, the gaming machine ID is not output. Unauthorized removal of the device 54 can also be handled.

Example 17 has the following effects.
(1) The game control device (main board) 54 outputs an ID when requested by the payout control device 230 by encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption key, but other communication (plaintext or the like) Since the ID is not output when requested by the above, it becomes difficult to illegally acquire the gaming machine ID, and the security can be improved.
(2) The payout control device 230 outputs an ID when requested by the card unit 15 by an encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption key (here, the main ID and the payout ID), but other communication ( Since ID is not output when requested in plain text or the like, it becomes difficult to illegally acquire the gaming machine ID, and security can be improved.
(3) If the payout control device 230 is not connected to the game control device 54, the gaming machine ID (in this case, the main ID and the payout ID) is not output, so that security can be improved.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
In the enclosed ball type gaming machine capable of performing the game by circulating the enclosed game ball and outputting the unique ID of the game control device,
The game control device
An ID that outputs a unique ID when requested by another device by encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption key, but controls not to output a unique ID when requested by other communication An encapsulated ball game machine comprising an output limiting means.
Here, the pachinko machine 1 constitutes an enclosed ball type gaming machine, the game control device 54 constitutes an ID output limiting means, and the game control device 54 corresponds to a game control device.
The encryption key A and the encryption key X constitute a predetermined encryption key.
The main ID of the game control device corresponds to a unique ID.

The inventive concept when the payout control device is arranged separately from the game control device is expressed as follows.
Separated from the game control device, a payout control device for controlling the payout of the ball is arranged,
The payout control device is configured to output a payout ID as a unique ID,
The payout control device
When a gaming machine ID is requested from the card unit by encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption key from the card unit, the main ID of the gaming control apparatus and the payout ID of the payout control apparatus are output as the gaming machine ID. However, the enclosed ball type gaming machine is provided with a gaming machine ID output restricting means which does not output the gaming machine ID when requested by other communication.
Here, the pachinko machine 1 constitutes an enclosed ball type gaming machine, the game control device 54 corresponds to a game control device, the payout control device 230 constitutes a gaming machine ID output limiting means, and the payout control device 230 is a payout control. It corresponds to a device, and the card unit 15 corresponds to a card unit.
The encryption key A and the encryption key X constitute a predetermined encryption key.
When a payout control device that controls the payout of a ball is arranged separately from the game control device, the gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the game control device and a unique ID (payout ID) of the payout control device. It will include both.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The predetermined encryption key is
A first encryption key provided in advance in the game control device, the payout control device and the card unit;
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine comprising: a second encryption key that is set as an encryption key different for each gaming machine after the enclosing ball type gaming machine is installed in the game hall.
Here, the encryption key A constitutes a first encryption key, and the encryption key X constitutes a second encryption key.

The specific inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The payout control device
An encapsulated ball type gaming machine comprising connection monitoring / ID output restriction means for controlling so as not to output a gaming machine ID when not connected to a gaming control device.
Here, the payout control device 230 constitutes connection monitoring / ID output limiting means.
When a payout control device that controls the payout of a ball is arranged separately from the game control device, the gaming machine ID is a unique ID (main ID) of the game control device and a unique ID (payout ID) of the payout control device. It will include both.
"Example 18"

Next, an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the eighteenth embodiment, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, and the card unit 15 have basically the same configuration as the first embodiment, and therefore, for convenience of explanation, the same member numbers as those in the first embodiment are attached. Yes.
Example 18 is an example in which the number of possessed balls and the number of counted balls are simply displayed by control on the gaming machine side.
FIG. 223 is a front view of a pachinko machine 4001 (enclosed ball game machine) according to the eighteenth embodiment. In FIG. 223, the pachinko machine 4001 is provided with a ball count display 4002 and a counting ball display 4003 above the operation display device 7. The holding ball number display 4002 and the counting ball display 4003 are smaller than the holding ball number display 40 of the first embodiment, and each includes six LEDs.
Each LED of the holding ball number display 4002 and the counting ball display 4003 is, for example, a small rectangle, and six LEDs are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction. Each LED can be turned off, turned on, and blinked. Note that the lighting control of the number-of-balls display 4002 and the counting ball display 4003 is managed by the payout controller 230. Therefore, the control of the number-of-balls display 4002 and the counting ball display 4003 is performed on the gaming machine (payout control device 230) side.
The number-of-balls display 4002 has a configuration that can roughly display the number of balls held by the player up to a maximum of six digits by lighting six LEDs. For example, when the number of balls is in the range of 100 to 999, the three LEDs from the right side to the third LED are turned on, indicating that the number of balls is about three digits. Displayed as approximate number of balls. Similarly, when the number of balls held is in the range of 1000 to 9999 balls, the four LEDs from the right side to the fourth LED are turned on, indicating that the number of balls held is about four digits. Displayed as approximate number of balls.

On the other hand, the counting ball display 4003 is configured so that the number of counting balls counted from the number of balls held can be roughly displayed up to a maximum of six digits by turning on six LEDs. For example, when the number of counting balls = 10 to the number of counting balls = 99, the two LEDs from the right side to the second are turned on, so that the number of counting balls is approximately two digits. Displayed as approximate number of balls. Similarly, when the number of counting balls = 10000 to the number of counting balls = 999,999, the five LEDs from the right to the fifth are turned on, indicating that the number of counting balls is approximately five digits. It is displayed as an approximate count ball number.
The holding ball number display 4002 constitutes a first display that simply displays the number of holding balls, and the counting ball display 4003 constitutes a second display that simply displays the counting ball number.
On the other hand, the operation display device 7 (configured by a liquid crystal display) is managed by the card unit 15 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the operation display device 7 digitally displays the number of held balls and the number of counted balls in detail ( For example, it is displayed with numbers) and is displayed in analog form with a figure imitating a ball box.
The operation display device 7 constitutes a third display that is managed by the card unit 15 that displays details of the number of balls held and the number of balls counted.

Here, the number-of-balls display 4002 as the first display can display at least the presence / absence of the number of balls, and the counting-ball display 4003 as the second display displays at least the presence / absence of the number of counting balls. It shall be possible. In particular, in Example 18, the number-of-balls display 4002 as the first display can display the approximate number of balls, and the counting-ball display 4003 as the second display counts the number of counting balls Approximate quantity can be displayed.
Further, among other configurations of the pachinko machine 4001, the counting ball display 313 is different from the first embodiment in that the counting ball display 313 is not arranged in the eighteenth embodiment, but the other configurations are the same as those in FIG. The same number is attached | subjected to the same member. This is because the counting ball display 4003 is disposed instead of the counting ball display 313 in the eighteenth embodiment.
Note that the pachinko machine 4001 is provided with a card unit 15, and the configuration of each part of the card unit 15 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is given the same number.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 4001 of the eighteenth embodiment, the number of balls held is simply displayed by the number-of-balls display 4002, and the number of counted balls is simply displayed by the counting ball display 4003. Further, the operation display device 7 displays the number of balls and counting balls in detail in a digital display (for example, numbers) and displays them in an analog form with a figure imitating a ball box.

Example 18 has the following effects.
(1) The number-of-balls display 4002 and the number-of-balls display 4003 are smaller than the number-of-balls display 40 of the first embodiment, and each has six LEDs, The display is simply displayed by turning on the LED to inform the approximate quantity, and the number of balls and counting balls are digitally displayed in detail by the operation display device 7 under the management of the card unit 15, so that the game control device 54 ( The burden on the main control board) and the payout control device 230 (payout control board) is reduced.

This background will be described.
In enclosed ball game machines, the number of balls and counting balls obtained as a result of the game (stored balls that cannot be temporarily fired) should be managed by the gaming machine. If an easy-to-understand display is made on a machine, there is a problem that the burden of controlling the gaming machine is large.
For example, in order to display the number of balls in an easy-to-understand manner, it is conceivable to arrange 6 rows of 7-segment LEDs on the display and display the number of balls held up to 6 digits in digital numbers. When the LED is finely controlled to display numbers, the control burden is large. Display control of this using both the number of balls and the counting ball is a burden whether executed by either the game control device (main control board) or the payout control device (payout control board). In particular, since the number of balls to be held changes with the progress of the game, it is particularly a burden of control.
Therefore, in Example 18, the gaming machine side does not employ the 7-segment LED, but simply notifies the number of balls held and the counting ball by simply displaying a plurality of LEDs on / off, and the detailed notification of the card unit 15 The above problem was solved by leaving it to management.
Specifically, on the gaming machine side, by controlling the number-of-balls display 4002 and the counting ball display 4003 by the payout control device 230, the number of balls and the number of counting balls can be simply displayed by simply turning on / off a plurality of LEDs. Since the approximate quantity is reported and the number of balls and counting balls are digitally displayed in detail by the operation display device 7 under the management of the card unit 15, the burden on the payout control device 230 (payout control board) can be reduced. In addition, if it is the structure which controls the number-of-balls display 4002 and the count ball display 4003 by the game control apparatus 54 (main control board), the burden of the game control apparatus 54 (main control board) can be reduced.
That is, when managing the number of balls and counting balls with a gaming machine, the gaming machine (for example, the payout control device 230) simply displays the number of balls and counting balls, so the gaming machine (for example, the payout control device 230). And the details of the number of possessed balls and the counting balls are displayed by the control of the card unit 15, so that it is possible for the player to display easily.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
A first display device capable of simply displaying the number of balls held;
A second display device capable of simply displaying a counting ball;
A third display device capable of displaying details of the number of balls and counting balls;
With
The first display device can display at least the presence or absence of the number of balls,
The second display device can display at least the presence or absence of a counting ball,
The third display device displays the number of balls and counting balls under the control of the card unit.
Here, the number-of-balls display 4002 constitutes a first indicator, the counting ball indicator 4003 constitutes a second indicator, and the operation display device 7 constitutes a third indicator.
"Example 19"

Next, a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 19 is an example in which the arrangement of the winning display LEDs (winning display device) is changed.
In the nineteenth embodiment, the game control device 54, the payout control device 230, and the card unit 15 have basically the same configurations as those in the first embodiment. Yes.
In FIG. 224, reference numeral 4011 denotes a pachinko machine, which is configured as an enclosed ball type gaming machine as in the first embodiment. The difference between the pachinko machine 4011 and the first embodiment is that the winning display LEDs 4012 arranged in the collective display device in the first embodiment are separated and arranged in the frame portion of the pachinko machine 4011. 1 and the same number is attached.
Specifically, the winning display LED 4012 (winning display device) is arranged at the lower part of the front frame 4 (game frame) slightly to the left of the center. The function of the winning display LED 4012 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and displays the number of winning balls corresponding to winning in the winning opening. The winning display LED 4012 includes two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls.

The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
A gaming machine that is separated from a collective display device that collectively performs various displays including special drawings and general drawings, and is arranged on a frame member.

In the above configuration, the nineteenth embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Since the winning display LED 4012 is arranged at the lower part of the front frame 4, the display of the number of winning balls associated with winning is performed near the game board 20, so that it is easy to understand and easy to see.
In general, a player often looks at the game board 20 and follows the behavior of the ball with his eyes. If there is a prize display LED 4012 on the lower part of the game board 20, the line of sight does not move much and the prize is accompanied. The number of prize balls can be easily recognized.
(2) Since the number-of-balls display 40 is also arranged in the vicinity of the winning display LED 4012, it is easy to recognize that the winning ball due to winning is added to the number of held balls.
(3) Furthermore, since the prize display LED 4012 is arranged on the front frame 4 (that is, the frame portion), there is an effect that leads to cost reduction of the game board 20.

(4) When the area where the game ball is launched into the game area is at the upper left of the game board 20, in the lower left place of the game board 20, that is, the front frame 4 (game frame), the front frame 4 (game frame) It is possible to secure a place slightly on the left side (close to the lower left place of the game board 20) at the lower part of the center. Furthermore, since the lower left area of the front frame is close to the place where the game control device 54, which is the main board, is arranged, a winning display LED 4012 controlled by the main board (game control apparatus 54) is arranged here. In addition, there is an advantage that the wiring process between them is not complicated and can be shortened.
This advantage can also be obtained when the winning display device is integrated with the collective display device 35. This is because the location of the collective display device 35 controlled by the main board (game control device 54) may be any place near the main board.
"Example 20"

Next, a twentieth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 20 is an example in which the configuration of the winning display LED (winning display device) is changed.
In FIG. 225, reference numeral 4021 denotes a pachinko machine, which is configured as an enclosed ball type gaming machine as in the nineteenth embodiment. The pachinko machine 4021 is provided with a winning display LED 4022 (winning display device), and the winning display LED 4022 is different in configuration from the nineteenth embodiment.
That is, an opening 4023 is formed in the lower part of the front frame 4 (game frame) of the pachinko machine 4021 and slightly to the left of the center. It is fixed to the game board 20 (that is, arranged on the game board 20). Therefore, the prize display LED 4022 is installed on the game board 20 and the front side of the prize display LED 4022 can be seen from the front side of the pachinko machine 4021 through the opening 4023.

The winning display LED 4022 is composed of four small dot type LEDs, and a sticker for displaying “1, 3, 10, 15” is pasted on the top of the four LEDs. The numbers “1, 3, 10, 15” displayed on the sticker indicate the number of prize balls. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is equal to 1, the LED corresponding to “1” on the sticker is lit. Similarly, when the number of winning balls associated with winning is 3, the LED corresponding to “3” is displayed on the sticker. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is 10, the display of the sticker is “10”. LED corresponding to “15” is lit, and when the number of prize balls associated with winning is = 15, the LED corresponding to “15” on the sticker is lit. Example 20 is an example in which the number of winning balls associated with winning in the big winning opening 27a = 15.
In Example 20, the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize at the second grand prize opening 34a is 10. In this case, if there is a prize at the second big prize opening 34a, the display of the sticker is "10". The corresponding LED lights up.
In the twentieth embodiment, when the number of prize balls is different depending on the model, the number of the stickers is changed.
The pachinko machine 4021 of the twentieth embodiment is the same as the nineteenth embodiment except that the configuration of the winning display LED 4022 is different from that of the nineteenth embodiment. Is abbreviated.

Example 20 has the following effects.
(1) Since the winning display LED 4022 is arranged at the lower part of the front frame 4, the display of the number of winning balls accompanying winning is easy to see.
(2) Since the winning display LED 4022 is composed of four LEDs, the cost is lower than that of the 7-segment type.
(3) Since the number of prize balls can be notified only by sticking a sticker indicating “1, 3, 10, 15” on top of the four LEDs of the winning display LED 4022, the cost is low.
(4) The winning display LED 4022 is composed of four small dot-type LEDs, and has a structure in which a sticker for displaying “1, 3, 10, 15” is pasted on the top of the four LEDs. When the number of balls is changed, it is only necessary to change the sticker for displaying the number of winning balls, so that a highly versatile winning display device can be realized.
"Example 21"

Next, Embodiment 21 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 21 is an example in which the placement location of the winning display LED (winning display device) is changed.
FIG. 226 is a diagram showing a gaming board 4031 according to the twenty-first embodiment, and a pachinko machine equipped with the gaming board 4031 is also configured as an enclosed ball type gaming machine as in the first embodiment. The game board 4031 is provided with a collective display device 4032, and in the vicinity of the right side of the collective display device 4032, a winning display LED 4033 (winning display device) is arranged alone.
The collective display device 4032 according to the twenty-first embodiment has a configuration in which only the winning display LED 4033 is removed from the configuration according to the first embodiment and is moved to the outside. The function of the winning display LED 4033 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The winning display LED 4033 includes two 7-segment LEDs and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
A gaming machine characterized in that it is separated from a collective display device that collectively performs various displays including special drawings and general drawings, and is arranged on a game board.

Example 21 has the following effects.
(1) Since only the prize display LED 4033 is removed from the collective display device 4032 and no other changes are made, the collective display device 4032 can be easily controlled despite the change and can be used without greatly changing the configuration. .
(2) Since the winning display LED 4033 is separately provided outside, it is separated from the collective display device 4032 and the number of winning balls can be easily recognized.
(3) Since the winning display LED 4033 is separated from the collective display device 4032, the degree of freedom of the space for mounting the winning display LED 4033 is increased. For example, the winning display LED 4033 may be arranged in the lower left part of the game board 4031.
"Example 22"

Next, a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 22 is an example in which the placement location of the winning display LED (winning display device) is changed.
FIG. 227 is a diagram showing a gaming board 4041 according to the twenty-second embodiment, and a pachinko machine equipped with the gaming board 4041 is also configured as an enclosed ball type gaming machine as in the first embodiment. The game board 4041 is provided with a collective display device 4042, and unlike the twenty-first embodiment, a prize display LED 4043 (a prize display device) is independently arranged on the surface of the game board 4041 away from the collective display device 4042. Yes.
In other words, a winning display LED 4043 is independently arranged in the center case 4044 of the game board 4041, and the winning display LED 4043 is provided inside a band 4045 surrounding the gaming area 22 (particularly, on the lower right side).
Also in the twenty-second embodiment, as in the twenty-first embodiment, the collective display device 4042 has a configuration in which the collective display device 4042 is moved and arranged outside the configuration of the first embodiment except only the winning display LED 4043. The function of the winning display LED 4043 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The winning display LED 4043 includes two 7-segment LEDs and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

Example 22 has the following effects.
(1) Since the prize display LED 4043 is installed inside the band 4045 surrounding the game area 22, when there is no installation space outside the band 4045, the degree of freedom of the installation space for the prize display LED 4043 is increased.
Note that the prize display LED 4043 is not limited to an example in which the winning display LED 4043 is installed on the lower right side inside the band 4045 surrounding the gaming area 22, and may be installed on the lower left side inside the band 045, for example.
"Example 23"

Next, Embodiment 23 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 23 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 228 (a) is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 6001 according to the twenty-third embodiment. The collective display device 6001 includes the same components as those in the first embodiment. Round display LEDs 358 are provided, which are numbered identically.
On the other hand, the configuration of the winning display LED 6002 (winning display) is different from the first embodiment. The winning display LED 6002 includes two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a 2-digit number as the number of winning balls. Two 7-segment LEDs are denoted by reference numerals 6002A and 6002B.

In order to explain the details, an enlarged view of the prize display LED 6002 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 228 (b), among the configurations of the winning display LED 6002, the LED 6002B that displays a one-digit number has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the LED 6002A that displays a ten-digit number is the first embodiment. However, the segments a and b of the seven segments are used as segments for displaying 10-digit numbers, while the other segments c to f are used for status display and the like.
That is, the status display LED shown in the first embodiment is not necessary in the twenty-third embodiment (shown as “unnecessary” in FIG. 228 (a)), and instead of the segment of the LED 6002A displaying a ten-digit number. A segment other than segments a and b is used so as to have a function of a status display LED. For example, it is as follows.
-Segment a: Illuminates to display one piece of 10-digit numbers-Segment b: Illuminates to display one piece of 10-digit numbers-Segment c: Illuminates to display "probability change state"-Segment d: Illuminates “Time-short state” is displayed. ・ Segment e: For example, normal probability fluctuation is displayed. ・ Segment f: For example, accuracy is displayed.

Note that the two segments e and f need not be used. However, when they are used, they may be used, for example, to display a normal probability fluctuation or a sudden (abrupt probability fluctuation) display.
In order to explain these displays, for example, a sticker may be attached to the collective display device 6001 to make it easy to understand.
In addition, for the LED 6002A that displays a 10-digit number, the central segment g or dot h may also be used for some display. For example, it can be used for “right-handed display” in addition to status display. The “right-handed display” is a display that prompts the player to launch a ball in the right direction of the game board 20 as the game progresses depending on the model, and is displayed under the control of the effect control device 53 on the game board 20, for example. When displaying the message “Please make a right turn” on the device 41 (liquid crystal display), it is necessary to display it under the control of the game control device 54 (main board). Therefore, it is preferable to display somewhere on the collective display device 35 or the like controlled by the game control device 54. Therefore, a configuration in which “right-handed display” is performed in the segment g may be adopted.

Example 23 has the following effects.
(1) All the segments can be effectively used for the winning display LED 6002 in the collective display device 6001.
(2) Since the status display LED is not required from the collective display device 6001, the cost is reduced accordingly.
"Example 24"

Next, Embodiment 24 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 24 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 229 is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 6011 according to the twenty-fourth embodiment. The collective display device 6011 includes, as components similar to those in the first embodiment, a special figure 1 display 351, a special figure 2 display 352, a special figure 1 hold LED 353, a special figure 2 hold LED 354, a universal figure LED 356, and a universal figure hold LED 357. These are provided with the same number.

On the other hand, the configuration of the winning display LED 6012 (winning display) is different from the first embodiment. The winning display LED 6012 is not a 7-segment type LED, but is composed of four small dot-type single LEDs. A sticker for displaying “1, 3, 10, 15” is pasted on top of the four small dot type LEDs in the winning display LED 6012. The numbers “1, 3, 10, 15” displayed on the sticker indicate the number of prize balls. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is equal to 1, the LED corresponding to “1” on the sticker is lit. Similarly, when the number of winning balls associated with winning is 3, the LED corresponding to “3” is displayed on the sticker. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is 10, the display of the sticker is “10”. LED corresponding to “15” is lit, and when the number of prize balls associated with winning is = 15, the LED corresponding to “15” on the sticker is lit. In the twenty-fourth embodiment, the number of winning balls associated with winning in the big winning opening 27a = 15.
In Example 24, the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize at the second grand prize opening 34a is 10. In this case, if there is a prize at the second big prize opening 34a, the display of the sticker is "10". The corresponding LED lights up.
In the twenty-fourth embodiment, when the number of prize balls is different depending on the model, the number of the stickers is changed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 229, the round display LED 6013 and the status display LED 6014 are slightly different from each other as shown in FIG. However, the configurations and functions of the round display LED 6013 and the status display LED 6014 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Example 24 has the following effects.
(1) Since the winning display LED 6012 is composed of four small dot type LEDs, the cost can be reduced as compared with the 7 segment type LED.
"Example 25"

Next, Embodiment 25 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 25 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 230 is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 6050 according to the twenty-fifth embodiment. The collective display device 6050 includes a special figure 1 display 6051, a special figure 2 display 6052, a special figure 1 hold LED 6053, a special figure 2 hold LED 6054, a general figure LED 6055, a general figure hold LED 6056, a round display LED 6057, a status display LED 6058, and a winning display. An LED 6059 is provided.

Among the indicators and LEDs in the collective display device 6050, the special figure 1 hold LED 6053, the special figure 2 hold LED 6054, the universal figure LED 6055, the universal figure hold LED 6056, and the status display LED 6058 have the same functions and configurations as in the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 230, the arrangement location is slightly different from that of the first embodiment (the same components are not described repeatedly).
On the other hand, there are a special figure 1 display 6051, a special figure 2 display 6052, a winning display LED 6059, and a round display LED 6057 as configurations different from the first embodiment. The round display LED 6057 displays the number of rounds when a big hit is generated due to the start winning in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and the big hit game is executed. In this example, as shown in FIG. It is configured to display four types of rounds. The round display LED 6057 represents the number of rounds (2), (4), (11), and (16) on the main body surface of the collective display device 6050 on the front side of each LED (for example, the number (2) is 2). A sticker depicting numbers is attached and a display corresponding to the number of rounds is performed by four LEDs. For example, a sheet may be used instead of the seal.

The special figure 1 display 6051 is not a 7-segment type LED, but is composed of 7 small dot-type single LEDs. The special figure 1 indicator 6051 performs the display of the special figure 1 (including fluctuation display, stop state display, etc.), and depending on which of the seven dot type LEDs is lit (or flashes). Various display modes are taken. For various types of display, refer to Special Figure 1, for example, “Out of” stop, “Big hit” stop, “During change”, etc. One or two or more lighting (or blinking) of 7 LEDs Can be displayed.
Similarly, the special figure 2 display 6052 is not a 7-segment type LED, but is composed of 7 small dot type single LEDs. The special figure 2 display 6052 performs the display of the special figure 2 (including fluctuation display, stop state display, etc.), and depending on which of the seven dot type LEDs is lit (or flashes). Various display modes are taken. For various types of display, refer to special figure 2, for example, “out of” stop, “big hit” stop, “during change”, etc., combination of one or more of 7 LEDs (or flashing) Can be displayed.

Also, the winning display LED 6059 (winning display device) is configured integrally with the collective display device 6050. The winning display LED 659 is not a 7-segment type LED but a single small dot type LED. A sticker for displaying “1, 3, 10, 15” is pasted on top of the four small dot-type LEDs in the winning display LED 6059. The numbers “1, 3, 10, 15” displayed on the sticker indicate the number of prize balls. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is equal to 1, the LED corresponding to “1” on the sticker is lit. Similarly, when the number of winning balls associated with winning is 3, the LED corresponding to “3” is displayed on the sticker. When the number of winning balls associated with winning is 10, the display of the sticker is “10”. LED corresponding to “15” is lit, and when the number of prize balls associated with winning is = 15, the LED corresponding to “15” on the sticker is lit. The twenty-fifth embodiment is an example in which the number of winning balls accompanying the winning in the big winning opening 27a = 15.
In Example 25, the number of winning balls associated with winning a prize at the second grand prize opening 34a = 10. In this case, if there is a prize at the second big prize opening 34a, the display of the sticker is “10”. The corresponding LED lights up.
In the twenty-fifth embodiment, when the number of prize balls is different depending on the model, the number of the stickers is changed.

In the twenty-fifth embodiment, the winning display LED 6059 and the special figure 1 display 6051 are arranged close to each other, and the configuration is like an LED group in which both perform decorative effects integrally. That is, four dot type single LEDs of the prize display LED 6059 and seven dot type single LEDs of the special display 1 display 6051 are closely integrated to form a group of eleven dot LEDs. Arranged and each LED is turned on (or flashes), making it difficult to understand the special figure 1 and the like, so that the game can be diversified.
Similarly, the round display LED 6057 and the special figure 2 display 6052 are arranged close to each other, and are configured to take a form like an LED group in which both perform decorative effects integrally. That is, the four dot type single LEDs of the round display LED 6057 and the seven dot type single LEDs of the special figure 2 display 6053 are closely integrated to form a group of eleven dot LEDs. Arranged and each LED is turned on (or blinks), making it difficult to understand the special figure 2 and the like, so that the game can be diversified.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The winning display device
It is constructed integrally with a collective display device that collectively displays various displays including special drawings and general drawings, and is arranged close to the special display device that displays special drawings, and the special view display device and the winning display device are integrated. A gaming machine that is configured to take an aspect similar to a group of LEDs that perform decorative effects.

Example 25 has the following effects.
(1) Since the prize display LED 6059 is integrally arranged close to the special figure 1 display 6051, a decorative effect can be created.
(2) Since the winning display LED 6059 is integrally arranged close to the special figure 1 indicator 6051, the special figure 1 is discriminated by lighting (or blinking) as a group of eleven dot LEDs. It is possible to diversify the game.
Here, the background will be described.
Recently, with the diversification of game characteristics in gaming machines, special figure result modes tend to be as difficult as possible for players to discriminate. This is because it will feel boring if the figure result form is easily understood at a glance.
Therefore, in Example 25, a winning display LED 6059 with a high lighting frequency is integrally disposed in the vicinity of the special figure 1 display 6051, and the winning display LED 6059 is turned on as a group of eleven dot LEDs. Thus, in addition to notifying the number of acquired game balls set for each winning opening, it is possible to make it difficult to discriminate the derived special figure result mode, and it is possible to diversify the game characteristics. It is what I did.
Even if it is difficult to discriminate the special figure result mode, a player who has some knowledge can determine whether or not the round display LED 6057 is lit. By making the winning display LED 6059 with a sticker indicating “1, 3, 10, 15” close to the round display LED 6057 and almost integrated, it becomes more difficult to distinguish the special figure result mode. This makes it possible to contribute to the diversification of game characteristics.

(3) Since the round display LED 6057 is integrally arranged close to the special figure 2 indicator 6052, a decorative effect can be created.
(4) Since the round display LED 6057 is integrally disposed close to the special figure 2 indicator 6052, it is turned on (or blinks) as a group of eleven dot LEDs to determine round display, etc. It is possible to diversify the game.
(5) The prize display LED 6059 is integrally arranged close to the special figure 1 display 6051, and the prize display LED 6059 is configured as a group of four dot LEDs. Space saving can be achieved compared with the case where a winning display device is realized. Therefore, the winning display device can be installed without securing a new arrangement space for installing the winning display device.
"Example 26"

Next, Embodiment 26 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 26 is an example in which the configuration of the collective display device is changed.
FIG. 213 is a diagram illustrating a collective display device 6080 according to the twenty-sixth embodiment. The collective display device 6080 has a special figure 1 display 6081, a special figure 2 display 6082, a special figure 1 hold LED 6083, a special figure 2 hold LED 6084, a universal figure LED 6085, a universal figure hold LED 6086, a round display LED 6087, a status display LED 6088, and a winning display. An LED 6089 is provided.

Among each indicator and LED in the collective display device 6080, the special figure 1 hold LED 6083, the special figure 2 hold LED 6084, the universal figure LED 6085, and the status display LED 6088 have the same functions and configurations as those in the embodiment 25, but are arranged. However, as shown in FIG. 231, it is slightly different from Example 25 (the same components are not described repeatedly).
The special figure 1 display 6081 and the special figure 2 display 6082 are both composed of 7-segment LEDs as in the first embodiment, and display the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, respectively. It takes a display mode. The various display modes are, for example, “out of position” stop, “big hit” stop, “during change”, etc. for Special Figure 1 and Special Figure 2, respectively.

On the other hand, among the indicators and LEDs in the collective display device 6080, the winning display LED 6089 (winning display device) has the same configuration as that of the embodiment 25, and is configured integrally with the collective display device 6080. The winning display LED 6089 is composed of four small dot type LEDs, and a sticker indicating “1, 3, 10, 15” is provided above the four small dot type LEDs in the winning display LED 6089. It is pasted.
Further, the round display LED 6087 displays the number of rounds when a big hit is generated in accordance with the start winning in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and the big hit game is executed. The LED can display four types of rounds. Then, a sticker depicting numbers representing the number of rounds (2), (4), (11), and (16) is pasted on the surface of the main body of the collective display device 6080 on the front side of each LED of the round display LED 6087. The display corresponding to the number of rounds is performed by one LED. For example, a sheet may be used instead of the seal.

Further, the universal map LED 6086 has the same function and configuration as in the first embodiment, but the arrangement location is slightly different from that in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 231 (the same components are not described repeatedly). ).
And about said general figure hold LED6086, round display LED6087, and prize display LED6089, these LED are arrange | positioned adjacently and it takes an aspect like the LED group which all perform a decorative effect integrally. It is configured. That is, there are a total of 11 dot-type single LEDs of the general-purpose hold LED 6086, four dot-type single LEDs of the round display LED 6087, and four dot-type single LEDs of the prize display LED 6089. The LEDs are almost integrated in close proximity to each other, arranged as a group of 11 dot LEDs, and each LED lights up (or flashes) to make it difficult to determine the number of rounds and the decision to hold a normal map. Thus, the game can be diversified.

Example 26 has the following effects.
(1) Since the winning display LED 6089 is integrally disposed in the vicinity of the ordinary figure holding LED 6086 and the round display LED 6087, a decorative effect can be created.
(2) Since the round display LED 6087, the general-purpose hold LED 6086, and the winning display LED 6089 are integrally arranged close to each other, they are lit (or blinked) as a group of 11 dot LEDs. This makes it difficult to understand the number of rounds, whether to hold the usual map, etc., and can diversify the game.

Next, a modification of the present invention will be described.
The present invention may be modified as follows.
(1) In some of the above embodiments, the winning display device is separated from the collective display device. However, the installation place where the winning display device is separated is limited to the lower part of the game board and the center case. For example, you may attach to the upper part of a game board, or a big prize opening.
In the case of a model with a small installation space, it may be advantageous to separate in this way.
(2) Alternatively, the winning display device may be separated from the collective display device and installed in a frame of a gaming machine other than the place disclosed in the above embodiment. In this case, the winning display device becomes a frame element, As a board, the cost is reduced.

(3) Variations in the display method of the winning display device are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments.
For example, in each of the above embodiments, when the game ball is won at the winning opening, the number of winning balls is displayed on the winning display device only for a predetermined period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Control may be made so that the winning display (displaying the number of winning balls) on the display device is not turned off (if it is an LED, the lighting is continued). For example, when a ball jam error at a winning opening is detected, control is performed to keep the winning display on the prize display device lit until the ball jam is eliminated.
In this way, you can easily recognize where the ball jam error at the prize opening occurred at the prize winning number display (lit) on the prize display device, and you can quickly respond to the ball jam error. Convenient.
The inventive concept of the above configuration is expressed as follows.
The display time control means is
A gaming machine, wherein when an error relating to winning occurs, the display of the number of winning balls on a winning display device is controlled so as not to be erased for a certain period of time.

(4) In the above embodiments, the medium control unit (for example, the card unit 15) is attached to the gaming machine (for example, the pachinko machine 1), but the medium control unit may be built in the gaming machine. Good (ie, a media control unit may be provided as part of the gaming machine). For example, in the first embodiment, the game card is inserted into the card unit. However, a mode in which the game card is inserted into the gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) (a mode in which the gaming machine also functions as a card unit) may be used.
(5) The storage medium may be a card (such as a magnetic card or an IC card) as in the above embodiment, but is not limited to a card type. For example, it may be a USB memory. Alternatively, it can be read and written without contact.

(6) Moreover, even if it says an enclosed ball type, it does not need to be the structure which a game ball does not come out of a game machine main body at all. For example, a mode in which the game ball once goes out of the pachinko machine, is polished by an external polishing apparatus, and is then returned to the pachinko machine again.

(7) Further, even if the game ball is used in a circulating manner, it does not have to be a complete circulation in the gaming machine. There is a function to manage the number of balls held by electronic data and supply game balls to the launch position inside the game machine, so that even if the player does not throw in the actual game balls or pays out as rental balls, The present invention can be applied to any gaming machine that can play a game by launching.
(8) Further, the number of possessed balls as the game value that is a profit of the player does not necessarily have to be treated as the number of game balls. For example, 1 point, 2 points, etc. are treated as points, and for example, “100 points” may be displayed. In this case, the relationship between the number of prize balls and the number of points is not limited to the relationship of 1 point for each prize ball. There can be aspects. Instead of “point”, another unit name such as “point” may be used.

(9) The firing subtraction process for reducing the game value in response to the game ball being fired may not necessarily be executed. For example, there may be a mode in which a game ball can be launched without reducing the number of balls during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied.
(10) The polishing apparatus for polishing the game ball may polish the game ball by a pellet method using pellets instead of the polishing cloth. In the pellet system, a large number of pellets as an abrasive smaller than the game ball are put in a polishing apparatus and polished while being transported together with the game ball.

Next, the scope of application of the present invention will be described.
(1) The present invention can be applied not only to an enclosed ball type gaming machine but also to a normal (current) gaming machine.
The second display device (touch panel type liquid crystal display) is disposed in a so-called saucer portion of a gaming machine and can be applied to the one managed by the card unit.
(2) Similarly, the present invention can be applied not only to the enclosed ball type gaming machine but also to a normal (current) gaming machine, but may have the following configuration.
In other words, the second display device (touch panel liquid crystal display) may be arranged in the tray portion of the gaming machine and managed by a gaming machine (for example, an effect control device) instead of the card unit.
In this case, the operation display for performing operation / display related to the ball lending is managed by the card unit, and is provided as a separate device from the second display device (corresponding to the operation display device in the embodiment).

(3) The present invention can be applied to all enclosed ball type gaming machines as long as the gaming machine includes the first display device and the second display device. For example, as long as the enclosed ball type gaming machine uses a pachinko ball to play a game, it is not limited to the example of the enclosed ball type gaming machine as in each of the above embodiments, and each of the above embodiments includes the internal configuration and control. Even if the configuration of the substrate is different, it can be applied to any enclosed ball type gaming machine.
Moreover, if it is an enclosed ball type gaming machine, the present invention can be applied to the following modes (4) to (6).
(4) The present invention can also be applied to an enclosed ball type gaming machine equipped with a display device capable of displaying a decorative special figure different from the collective display device for displaying the special figure as an enclosed ball type gaming machine. The present invention can be widely applied to encapsulated ball game machines provided with a video device such as a liquid crystal display as a display device.
(5) The display device for the decorative special drawing only needs to be able to change the display content, and the image may be configured to change the screen content by character display, video display, or the like.
(6) The display device for the decorative special figure is not limited to a display device using liquid crystal, but can change the display contents such as an organic EL, a cathode ray tube, a dot LED, a 7-segment LED, a device using a bending material such as electronic paper. Any material can be used as long as it can be produced.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1, 1a to 1n, 2001, 3001, 4001, 4011, 4021 Pachinko machine (enclosed ball game machine)
15, 15a to 15n Card unit 54, 3054 Game control device (inner device of enclosed ball type game machine)
81 Card management device 91 External management device 230, 230B, 3230 Dispensing control device (internal device of enclosed ball type gaming machine)

Claims (1)

An encapsulated ball game system that determines whether or not a game is possible by checking a game machine ID as individual identification information that can individually identify an enclosed ball game machine that performs a game by circulating the enclosed game ball,
Enclosed ball game machine, card unit, card management device and external management device are communicably connected and configured to use encrypted communication using an encryption key when checking the gaming machine ID,
When checking the gaming machine ID for the first time, information including the gaming machine ID is used between the encapsulated ball type gaming machine, the card unit, the card management device, and the external management device using encrypted communication using the first encryption key. Transmission
If the matching result of the gaming machine ID in the external management device is normal ,
From the time of the next game machine ID verification, encrypted communication using the first encryption key is used for communication with devices higher than the card unit including the card unit,
The communication between the internal devices of the enclosed ball type gaming machine and between the enclosed ball type gaming machine and the card unit is configured to use encrypted communication using a second encryption key that is different for each unit. Enclosed ball game system.

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